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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Thousand Faces of Demon
Author: Henry Taba
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, demons
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Amazon
Pages: 331
Synopsis: A demon is turning souls evil. Humans are losing their humanity.
Keira Kenchuro, an orphan and well-known surgeon, has always occupied herself with saving lives. But when an unknown disease takes her sight, a once-promising career is suddenly in free-fall.
Things get worse when her best friend betrays her. She is alone, terrified, and desperate to cure her vision - to gain back everything she has lost. Until she sees things science can't explain and starts to doubt the evidence of her own eyes.
In her journey to find an explanation for the mystery, she walks straight into a trap. A trap which could take her life. Can Keira survive and walk out alive?
Review: For the most part this was a good read, but I had to DNF at 58%. I liked the concept and the characters were compelling, but the story didn’t grab me and the pacing was really slow.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
Book: Thousand Faces of Demon
Author: Henry Taba
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, demons
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Amazon
Pages: 331
Synopsis: A demon is turning souls evil. Humans are losing their humanity.
Keira Kenchuro, an orphan and well-known surgeon, has always occupied herself with saving lives. But when an unknown disease takes her sight, a once-promising career is suddenly in free-fall.
Things get worse when her best friend betrays her. She is alone, terrified, and desperate to cure her vision - to gain back everything she has lost. Until she sees things science can't explain and starts to doubt the evidence of her own eyes.
In her journey to find an explanation for the mystery, she walks straight into a trap. A trap which could take her life. Can Keira survive and walk out alive?
Review: For the most part this was a good read, but I had to DNF at 58%. I liked the concept and the characters were compelling, but the story didn’t grab me and the pacing was really slow.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Miracle Country
Author: Kendra Atleework
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: autobiography, non-fiction, California history, memoir, environment
Publication Date: June 16. 2020
Genre: Autobiography Memoir
Recommended Age: (death, TW self-harm, TW sexual assault, TW suicide idealations)
Publisher:
Pages:
Synopsis: Kendra Atleework grew up in Swall Meadows, in the Owens Valley of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, where annual rainfall averages five inches and in drought years measures closer to zero.
Kendra’s family raised their children to thrive in this harsh landscape, forever at the mercy of wildfires, blizzards, and gale-force winds. Most of all, the Atleework children were raised on unconditional love and delight in the natural world. But it came at a price. When Kendra was six, her mother was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and she died when Kendra was sixteen. Her family fell apart, even as her father tried to keep them together. Kendra took flight from her bereft family, escaping to the enemy city of Los Angeles, and then Minneapolis, land of all trees, no deserts, no droughts, full lakes, water everywhere you look.
But after years of avoiding the pain of her hometown, she realized that she had to go back, that the desert was the only place she could live. Like Wild, Miracle Country is a story of flight and return, bounty and emptiness, and the true meaning of home. But it also speaks to the ravages of climate change and its permanent destruction of the way of life in one particular town.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this book! The book did really good dancing back and forth between the past and the present and I really liked how the duel POVs did. The characters were really compelling and the world building was also really well done.
The only thing that really didn’t do well for me was the pacing. It was really slow in the beginning and the book didn’t have a fast pace throughout the book, which might not do well for some readers.
Verdict: A very well done novel!
Book: Miracle Country
Author: Kendra Atleework
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: autobiography, non-fiction, California history, memoir, environment
Publication Date: June 16. 2020
Genre: Autobiography Memoir
Recommended Age: (death, TW self-harm, TW sexual assault, TW suicide idealations)
Publisher:
Pages:
Synopsis: Kendra Atleework grew up in Swall Meadows, in the Owens Valley of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, where annual rainfall averages five inches and in drought years measures closer to zero.
Kendra’s family raised their children to thrive in this harsh landscape, forever at the mercy of wildfires, blizzards, and gale-force winds. Most of all, the Atleework children were raised on unconditional love and delight in the natural world. But it came at a price. When Kendra was six, her mother was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and she died when Kendra was sixteen. Her family fell apart, even as her father tried to keep them together. Kendra took flight from her bereft family, escaping to the enemy city of Los Angeles, and then Minneapolis, land of all trees, no deserts, no droughts, full lakes, water everywhere you look.
But after years of avoiding the pain of her hometown, she realized that she had to go back, that the desert was the only place she could live. Like Wild, Miracle Country is a story of flight and return, bounty and emptiness, and the true meaning of home. But it also speaks to the ravages of climate change and its permanent destruction of the way of life in one particular town.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this book! The book did really good dancing back and forth between the past and the present and I really liked how the duel POVs did. The characters were really compelling and the world building was also really well done.
The only thing that really didn’t do well for me was the pacing. It was really slow in the beginning and the book didn’t have a fast pace throughout the book, which might not do well for some readers.
Verdict: A very well done novel!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Rebel Spy
Author: Veronica Rossi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: spy novels, historical fiction, American Revolution novels, swapping identities.
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, TW mentions of sexual assault, TW kidnapping, romance)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.
Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.
Review: I really loved this book! I loved it so much I went out mid read and bought a physical copy! The story is very compelling and I really loved how Frannie developed. The history in this book was also very well done and the writing was engaging.
However, I did think that the book has an expectation that you know so much about American Revolutionary Period and if you don’t have that foundation then you will be lost for a little bit in the novel. I also felt like the other characters in this book weren’t that well developed and the timeline of the story could have been slowed down a bit to build up the story and to give the audience more time to learn about the period. I also think the book would have been good as a series because there is so much history after the period as well as during that I would like to see more of it with Frannie.
Verdict: A very well done novel!
Book: Rebel Spy
Author: Veronica Rossi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: spy novels, historical fiction, American Revolution novels, swapping identities.
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, TW mentions of sexual assault, TW kidnapping, romance)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.
Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.
Review: I really loved this book! I loved it so much I went out mid read and bought a physical copy! The story is very compelling and I really loved how Frannie developed. The history in this book was also very well done and the writing was engaging.
However, I did think that the book has an expectation that you know so much about American Revolutionary Period and if you don’t have that foundation then you will be lost for a little bit in the novel. I also felt like the other characters in this book weren’t that well developed and the timeline of the story could have been slowed down a bit to build up the story and to give the audience more time to learn about the period. I also think the book would have been good as a series because there is so much history after the period as well as during that I would like to see more of it with Frannie.
Verdict: A very well done novel!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Lives of Edie Pritchard
Author: Larry Watson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: multigenerational novel, feminism
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, TW domestic violence, TW sexual harassment)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Edie—smart, self assured, beautiful—always worked hard. She worked as a teller at a bank, she worked to save her first marriage, and later, she worked to raise her daughter even as her second marriage came apart. Really, Edie just wanted a good life, but everywhere she turned, her looks defined her. Two brothers fought over her. Her second husband became unreasonably possessive and jealous. Her daughter resented her. And now, as a grandmother, Edie finds herself harassed by a younger man. It’s been a lifetime of proving that she is allowed to exist in her own sphere. The Lives of Edie Pritchard tells the story of one woman just trying to be herself, even as multiple men attempt to categorize and own her.
Review: Overall, I thought the book was really well done. The book had a lot of good writing and the world building was very well done. I also liked the concept of the story and the plot was intriguing to me.
However, I didn’t like that the book had a lot of holes in Edie’s story. I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities to give us more history on her. I also am not a fan of the “will they won’t they” and the tease of the romance wasn’t good for me. The book expected you to have this knowledge of this character that was a mystery throughout the whole novel. I also feel weird about this slight feminist novel being wrote by a male author.
Verdict: It was a good book!
Book: The Lives of Edie Pritchard
Author: Larry Watson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: multigenerational novel, feminism
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, TW domestic violence, TW sexual harassment)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Edie—smart, self assured, beautiful—always worked hard. She worked as a teller at a bank, she worked to save her first marriage, and later, she worked to raise her daughter even as her second marriage came apart. Really, Edie just wanted a good life, but everywhere she turned, her looks defined her. Two brothers fought over her. Her second husband became unreasonably possessive and jealous. Her daughter resented her. And now, as a grandmother, Edie finds herself harassed by a younger man. It’s been a lifetime of proving that she is allowed to exist in her own sphere. The Lives of Edie Pritchard tells the story of one woman just trying to be herself, even as multiple men attempt to categorize and own her.
Review: Overall, I thought the book was really well done. The book had a lot of good writing and the world building was very well done. I also liked the concept of the story and the plot was intriguing to me.
However, I didn’t like that the book had a lot of holes in Edie’s story. I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities to give us more history on her. I also am not a fan of the “will they won’t they” and the tease of the romance wasn’t good for me. The book expected you to have this knowledge of this character that was a mystery throughout the whole novel. I also feel weird about this slight feminist novel being wrote by a male author.
Verdict: It was a good book!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: No One Saw
Author: Beverly Long
Book Series: A.L. McKittridge Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thrillers
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, death, TW kidnapping)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Synopsis: Nobody saw a thing. Or so they say…
Baywood police department detective A.L. McKittridge is no stranger to tough cases, but when five-year-old Emma Whitman disappears from her day care, there isn’t a single shred of evidence to go on. Neither the grandmother who dropped her off, nor the teacher whose care she was supposed to be in, can account for the missing child. There are no witnesses. No trace of where she might have gone. There’s only one thing A.L. and his partner, Rena Morgan, are sure of—somebody is lying.
With the clock ticking, A.L. and Rena are under extreme pressure as they discover their instincts are correct: all is not as it seems. The Whitmans are a family with many secrets, and A.L. and Rena will have to race to untangle a growing web of lies if they’re going to find the thread that leads them to Emma…before it’s too late.
Review: For the most part I felt like this was a well done novel. The plot was well done and it kept me intrigued throughout the novel and the characters were also very well developed. I also liked how the world building was done and writing wise it was solid.
However, I did feel confused when the novel began. I was dropped into the middle of a timeline and it took me awhile to orient myself. This is also the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Verdict: It was a good book!
Book: No One Saw
Author: Beverly Long
Book Series: A.L. McKittridge Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thrillers
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, death, TW kidnapping)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Synopsis: Nobody saw a thing. Or so they say…
Baywood police department detective A.L. McKittridge is no stranger to tough cases, but when five-year-old Emma Whitman disappears from her day care, there isn’t a single shred of evidence to go on. Neither the grandmother who dropped her off, nor the teacher whose care she was supposed to be in, can account for the missing child. There are no witnesses. No trace of where she might have gone. There’s only one thing A.L. and his partner, Rena Morgan, are sure of—somebody is lying.
With the clock ticking, A.L. and Rena are under extreme pressure as they discover their instincts are correct: all is not as it seems. The Whitmans are a family with many secrets, and A.L. and Rena will have to race to untangle a growing web of lies if they’re going to find the thread that leads them to Emma…before it’s too late.
Review: For the most part I felt like this was a well done novel. The plot was well done and it kept me intrigued throughout the novel and the characters were also very well developed. I also liked how the world building was done and writing wise it was solid.
However, I did feel confused when the novel began. I was dropped into the middle of a timeline and it took me awhile to orient myself. This is also the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Verdict: It was a good book!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Subway Girl
Author: Lisa Becker
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, some language)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 276
Synopsis: "You don't find love, it finds you. It's got a little bit to do with destiny, fate and what's written in the stars." Anais Nin
A hopeless romantic.
A cynical web show producer.
An unscrupulous cameraman.
A sleazy businessman.
An aspiring actress.
A womanizing best friend.
A scheming ex-girlfriend.
A commitment-phobic roommate.
An unlucky-in-love buddy.
These lives intersect when an average guy is awed by a gorgeous mystery woman on a New York subway and vows to meet her.
Review: Overall this book was so cute! I loved the romance and the story line was adorable. I felt the character development was well done and the history they had before they meant was really well done. I also felt like the pacing was also well done.
However, I did think that the world building could have been better done and the character development of background characters could have been done a bit more too.
Verdict: A sweet romance!
Book: The Subway Girl
Author: Lisa Becker
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, some language)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 276
Synopsis: "You don't find love, it finds you. It's got a little bit to do with destiny, fate and what's written in the stars." Anais Nin
A hopeless romantic.
A cynical web show producer.
An unscrupulous cameraman.
A sleazy businessman.
An aspiring actress.
A womanizing best friend.
A scheming ex-girlfriend.
A commitment-phobic roommate.
An unlucky-in-love buddy.
These lives intersect when an average guy is awed by a gorgeous mystery woman on a New York subway and vows to meet her.
Review: Overall this book was so cute! I loved the romance and the story line was adorable. I felt the character development was well done and the history they had before they meant was really well done. I also felt like the pacing was also well done.
However, I did think that the world building could have been better done and the character development of background characters could have been done a bit more too.
Verdict: A sweet romance!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Tales of Sorcery and Silicone
Author: Terence MacManus
Book Series: Short Stories
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: short stories, fantasy, sci-fi
Publication Date: December 30, 2019
Genre: Short Stories, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Recommended Age: cant’ recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Terry Talks Fiction
Pages: 269
Synopsis: A magical researcher having to—literally—defend her thesis in front of the academic board; a sentient toaster whose morning is just *ruined* when its owner inconsiderately decides to have a heart attack; sorcerers who can't sleep for fear of losing their magic—and their life; an artificial archaeologist searching for his ancestor on the barren plains of Mars; and behind it all, an Advanced Virtual Intelligence strengthens her grip over humanity.
Together for the first time, these are the thirteen short stories that appeared on www.terrytalksfiction.com throughout 2019. Written by Terence MacManus, these tales not only explore bold new fantasy and science fiction, but they also draw on the author's decade of experience as an archaeologist to showcase his innovative method of building imaginary worlds through the archaeological process.
This must-have SFF collection comes with author notes, and the combined presentation highlights the deep connections between multiple stories set within shared universes—in particular, the stories of the Silicone Universe—and reveals the full scope of the meta-narratives like never before.
You'll never look at fiction (or your toaster) the same way again.
Review: This book sounds really good, but I just couldn’t get into it. The book was really slow in the beginning and by 23% I couldn’t read anymore. I might try to come back to this later as the concept sounds interesting, but I can’t at the moment.
Verdict: Not for me right now but maybe for you!
Book: Tales of Sorcery and Silicone
Author: Terence MacManus
Book Series: Short Stories
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: short stories, fantasy, sci-fi
Publication Date: December 30, 2019
Genre: Short Stories, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Recommended Age: cant’ recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Terry Talks Fiction
Pages: 269
Synopsis: A magical researcher having to—literally—defend her thesis in front of the academic board; a sentient toaster whose morning is just *ruined* when its owner inconsiderately decides to have a heart attack; sorcerers who can't sleep for fear of losing their magic—and their life; an artificial archaeologist searching for his ancestor on the barren plains of Mars; and behind it all, an Advanced Virtual Intelligence strengthens her grip over humanity.
Together for the first time, these are the thirteen short stories that appeared on www.terrytalksfiction.com throughout 2019. Written by Terence MacManus, these tales not only explore bold new fantasy and science fiction, but they also draw on the author's decade of experience as an archaeologist to showcase his innovative method of building imaginary worlds through the archaeological process.
This must-have SFF collection comes with author notes, and the combined presentation highlights the deep connections between multiple stories set within shared universes—in particular, the stories of the Silicone Universe—and reveals the full scope of the meta-narratives like never before.
You'll never look at fiction (or your toaster) the same way again.
Review: This book sounds really good, but I just couldn’t get into it. The book was really slow in the beginning and by 23% I couldn’t read anymore. I might try to come back to this later as the concept sounds interesting, but I can’t at the moment.
Verdict: Not for me right now but maybe for you!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Accidental
Author: Alex Richards
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: gun violence, contemporary, part trauma
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (gun violence TW, blame, death, gore)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Johanna has had more than enough trauma in her life. She lost her mom in a car accident, and her father went AWOL when Johanna was just a baby. At sixteen, life is steady, boring . . . maybe even stifling, since she's being raised by her grandparents who never talk about their daughter, her mother Mandy.
Then he comes back: Robert Newsome, Johanna's father, bringing memories and pictures of Mandy. But that's not all he shares. A tragic car accident didn't kill Mandy--it was Johanna, who at two years old, accidentally shot her own mother with an unsecured gun.
Now Johanna has to sort through it all--the return of her absentee father, her grandparents' lies, her part in her mother's death. But no one, neither her loyal best friends nor her sweet new boyfriend, can help her forgive them. Most of all, can she ever find a way to forgive herself?
Review: Overall, the book was amazing! The book had some great writing and the characters were compelling. The world building was also done well and I think the author, for the most part, handled the issue of gun violence very well in her book.
However, I felt really weird about the second half of the book. It felt like the author was taking a political stance and using this book to vent about the issue than to let the story develop naturally. It book was great and I loved the message about gun safety, but it just felt like a political debate at the end of the book. Of course, there are no easy answers when it comes to gun violence, but for the sake of the book and putting aside my own beliefs it didn’t feel natural.
Verdict: It’s a great read!
Book: Accidental
Author: Alex Richards
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: gun violence, contemporary, part trauma
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (gun violence TW, blame, death, gore)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Johanna has had more than enough trauma in her life. She lost her mom in a car accident, and her father went AWOL when Johanna was just a baby. At sixteen, life is steady, boring . . . maybe even stifling, since she's being raised by her grandparents who never talk about their daughter, her mother Mandy.
Then he comes back: Robert Newsome, Johanna's father, bringing memories and pictures of Mandy. But that's not all he shares. A tragic car accident didn't kill Mandy--it was Johanna, who at two years old, accidentally shot her own mother with an unsecured gun.
Now Johanna has to sort through it all--the return of her absentee father, her grandparents' lies, her part in her mother's death. But no one, neither her loyal best friends nor her sweet new boyfriend, can help her forgive them. Most of all, can she ever find a way to forgive herself?
Review: Overall, the book was amazing! The book had some great writing and the characters were compelling. The world building was also done well and I think the author, for the most part, handled the issue of gun violence very well in her book.
However, I felt really weird about the second half of the book. It felt like the author was taking a political stance and using this book to vent about the issue than to let the story develop naturally. It book was great and I loved the message about gun safety, but it just felt like a political debate at the end of the book. Of course, there are no easy answers when it comes to gun violence, but for the sake of the book and putting aside my own beliefs it didn’t feel natural.
Verdict: It’s a great read!
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: After the Worst Thing Happens
Author: Audrey Vernick
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: autistic child/ friend
Recommended For...: pet death books, overcoming grief, MG
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Comtemporary
Recommended Age: 12+ (pet loss, death)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Synopsis: Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.
But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.
Review: I thought this book was very well done. The story is compelling and the characters are very well developed. I loved the inclusion of an autistic child. The book is also extremely well written and evenly paced from the beginning.
However, I do wish that the world building was done a bit better. It was ok, but I think it could have been better. I also want to say that the pet death was heart wrenching it almost made me stop reading the book.
Verdict: It was a well done novel!
Book: After the Worst Thing Happens
Author: Audrey Vernick
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: autistic child/ friend
Recommended For...: pet death books, overcoming grief, MG
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Comtemporary
Recommended Age: 12+ (pet loss, death)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Synopsis: Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.
But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.
Review: I thought this book was very well done. The story is compelling and the characters are very well developed. I loved the inclusion of an autistic child. The book is also extremely well written and evenly paced from the beginning.
However, I do wish that the world building was done a bit better. It was ok, but I think it could have been better. I also want to say that the pet death was heart wrenching it almost made me stop reading the book.
Verdict: It was a well done novel!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Hieroglyphics
Author: Jill McCorkle
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: contemporary reads
Publication Date: June 9, 2020
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, grief, heartbreak, and stalkerish behaviors)
Publisher: Algonquin
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Lil and Frank married young, launched into courtship when they bonded over how they both—suddenly, tragically—lost a parent when they were children. Over time, their marriage grew and strengthened, with each still wishing for so much more understanding of the parents they’d lost prematurely.
Now, after many years in Boston, they have retired in North Carolina. There, Lil, determined to leave a history for their children, sifts through letters and notes and diary entries—perhaps revealing more secrets than Frank wants their children to know. Meanwhile, Frank has become obsessed with what might have been left behind at the house he lived in as a boy on the outskirts of town, where a young single mother, Shelley, is just trying to raise her son with some sense of normalcy. Frank’s repeated visits to Shelley’s house begin to trigger memories of her own family, memories that she’d rather forget. Because, after all, not all parents are ones you wish to remember.
Review: Oveall, this book was good. The characters were well developed and the plot was intriguing enough to keep my attention throughout the novel. The book also has good world building.
However, I felt like the story telling was really fragmented and all over the place and the use of 4 POVs didn’t do well for this book. The book was good, but it really takes a lot of thinking to keep the pieces together and at the end you’re mentally exhausted. Also, Frank is very creepy and it just creeps me out how he stalks Shelley.
Verdict: It was ok, but confusing.
Book: Hieroglyphics
Author: Jill McCorkle
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: contemporary reads
Publication Date: June 9, 2020
Genre: Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, grief, heartbreak, and stalkerish behaviors)
Publisher: Algonquin
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Lil and Frank married young, launched into courtship when they bonded over how they both—suddenly, tragically—lost a parent when they were children. Over time, their marriage grew and strengthened, with each still wishing for so much more understanding of the parents they’d lost prematurely.
Now, after many years in Boston, they have retired in North Carolina. There, Lil, determined to leave a history for their children, sifts through letters and notes and diary entries—perhaps revealing more secrets than Frank wants their children to know. Meanwhile, Frank has become obsessed with what might have been left behind at the house he lived in as a boy on the outskirts of town, where a young single mother, Shelley, is just trying to raise her son with some sense of normalcy. Frank’s repeated visits to Shelley’s house begin to trigger memories of her own family, memories that she’d rather forget. Because, after all, not all parents are ones you wish to remember.
Review: Oveall, this book was good. The characters were well developed and the plot was intriguing enough to keep my attention throughout the novel. The book also has good world building.
However, I felt like the story telling was really fragmented and all over the place and the use of 4 POVs didn’t do well for this book. The book was good, but it really takes a lot of thinking to keep the pieces together and at the end you’re mentally exhausted. Also, Frank is very creepy and it just creeps me out how he stalks Shelley.
Verdict: It was ok, but confusing.