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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher for Rockstar Book Tours! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Scoprion
Author: Jeff Sweat
Book Series: Mayfly Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: dystopian, sci-fi, apocalypse.
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, nudity/sexual content, drugs, violence, death)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 432
Synopsis: In Scorpion, the sequel to Jeff Sweat's YA futuristic thriller Mayfly, Jemma, Lady, and Pico all left the Holy Wood to seek answers to the End, and when they find the Old Guys--the only adults to have survived the original wipeout of everyone over the age of seventeen--they think they've found help at last.
But there's a lot the Old Guys aren't telling them. In fact, some of them don't seem interested in solving the End at all and just want Jemma and her friends to leave. Meanwhile, war is brewing among the tribes of the rest of the Children. Jemma's old home has fallen into disorder, and is far from prepared for battle. It won't be long before the fighting reaches Jemma and the Old Guys, if they even live to see it.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The world building continued to be well done as well as the character development. I liked seeing our main character continuing growing and I thought the author built upon them well/ The book also had better pacing overall.
However, I did think this book got a bit wonky. Things took a sharp right turn about halfway through and it kinda threw me for a loop. The book also had some clunky fighting scenes that were a bit hard to get through.
Verdict: Overall, a well done ending to this duology.
Book: Scoprion
Author: Jeff Sweat
Book Series: Mayfly Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: dystopian, sci-fi, apocalypse.
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, nudity/sexual content, drugs, violence, death)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 432
Synopsis: In Scorpion, the sequel to Jeff Sweat's YA futuristic thriller Mayfly, Jemma, Lady, and Pico all left the Holy Wood to seek answers to the End, and when they find the Old Guys--the only adults to have survived the original wipeout of everyone over the age of seventeen--they think they've found help at last.
But there's a lot the Old Guys aren't telling them. In fact, some of them don't seem interested in solving the End at all and just want Jemma and her friends to leave. Meanwhile, war is brewing among the tribes of the rest of the Children. Jemma's old home has fallen into disorder, and is far from prepared for battle. It won't be long before the fighting reaches Jemma and the Old Guys, if they even live to see it.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The world building continued to be well done as well as the character development. I liked seeing our main character continuing growing and I thought the author built upon them well/ The book also had better pacing overall.
However, I did think this book got a bit wonky. Things took a sharp right turn about halfway through and it kinda threw me for a loop. The book also had some clunky fighting scenes that were a bit hard to get through.
Verdict: Overall, a well done ending to this duology.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and the e-arc as well. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Orphan Eleven
Author: Gennifer Choldenko
Book Series: Standalone? Should be a series
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: (selective?) mute character and a stuttering character. Also a little person character
Recommended For...: running away to the circus, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary events, child labor)
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.
The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done novel! I loved to see these children’s journey and their character development was very well done. The world building was marvelous and to my knowledge this book was well researched. The book also has an authentic voice, sounding like it is from the prospective of a middle grader.
My only issue is that I felt that the book didn’t have a lot of backstory for all of the characters and I would have liked some more. I also felt like in some spots the book was too slow and while I didn’t like how Jabo is referred to, it is historically accurate (but probably should have a blurb about so kids don’t use that to be unintentionally cruel to another little person).
Verdict: A well done middle grade novel! I highly recommend it!
Book: Orphan Eleven
Author: Gennifer Choldenko
Book Series: Standalone? Should be a series
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: (selective?) mute character and a stuttering character. Also a little person character
Recommended For...: running away to the circus, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary events, child labor)
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.
The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done novel! I loved to see these children’s journey and their character development was very well done. The world building was marvelous and to my knowledge this book was well researched. The book also has an authentic voice, sounding like it is from the prospective of a middle grader.
My only issue is that I felt that the book didn’t have a lot of backstory for all of the characters and I would have liked some more. I also felt like in some spots the book was too slow and while I didn’t like how Jabo is referred to, it is historically accurate (but probably should have a blurb about so kids don’t use that to be unintentionally cruel to another little person).
Verdict: A well done middle grade novel! I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: I received this book from pdf access provided by the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Splinters of Scarlet
Author: Emily Bain Murphy
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: mystery, historical fiction, ya
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (death, violence, gore)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Synopsis: For Marit Olsen, magic is all about strategy: it flows freely through her blood, but every use leaves behind a deadly, ice-like build-up within her veins called the Firn. Marit knows how dangerous it is to let too much Firn build up—after all, it killed her sister—and she has vowed never to use her thread magic. But when Eve, a fellow orphan whom Marit views like a little sister, is adopted by the wealthy Helene Vestergaard, Marit will do anything to stay by Eve’s side. She decides to risk the Firn and uses magic to secure a job as a seamstress in the Vestergaard household.
But Marit has a second, hidden agenda: her father died while working in the Vestergaards’ jewel mines—and it might not have been an accident. The closer Marit gets to the truth about the Vestergaard family, the more she realizes she and everyone she’s come to love are in danger. When she finds herself in the middle of a treacherous deception that goes all the way up to the king of Denmark, magic may be the only thing that can save her—if it doesn’t kill her first.
Review: Overall, this was a good book! I loved the amazing detail that went into this book and its ability to not bog down the story. The book was also filled with a lot of dance terms. The book also had well developed characters and the magic system was well explained.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing was really slow for me. The mystery took a long time to unravel and I easily guessed the ending at 25% in.
Verdict: It was a well done book!
Book: Splinters of Scarlet
Author: Emily Bain Murphy
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: mystery, historical fiction, ya
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (death, violence, gore)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Synopsis: For Marit Olsen, magic is all about strategy: it flows freely through her blood, but every use leaves behind a deadly, ice-like build-up within her veins called the Firn. Marit knows how dangerous it is to let too much Firn build up—after all, it killed her sister—and she has vowed never to use her thread magic. But when Eve, a fellow orphan whom Marit views like a little sister, is adopted by the wealthy Helene Vestergaard, Marit will do anything to stay by Eve’s side. She decides to risk the Firn and uses magic to secure a job as a seamstress in the Vestergaard household.
But Marit has a second, hidden agenda: her father died while working in the Vestergaards’ jewel mines—and it might not have been an accident. The closer Marit gets to the truth about the Vestergaard family, the more she realizes she and everyone she’s come to love are in danger. When she finds herself in the middle of a treacherous deception that goes all the way up to the king of Denmark, magic may be the only thing that can save her—if it doesn’t kill her first.
Review: Overall, this was a good book! I loved the amazing detail that went into this book and its ability to not bog down the story. The book was also filled with a lot of dance terms. The book also had well developed characters and the magic system was well explained.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing was really slow for me. The mystery took a long time to unravel and I easily guessed the ending at 25% in.
Verdict: It was a well done book!
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher for a tour that is no longer happening. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Brother’s Keeper
Author: Julie Lee
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean characters!
Recommended For...: Korean characters, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (war, scary scenes, starvation, death, violence, slight gore, sexism)
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 304
Synopsis: North Korea. December, 1950.
Twelve-year-old Sora and her family live under an iron set of rules: No travel without a permit. No criticism of the government. No absences from Communist meetings. Wear red. Hang pictures of the Great Leader. Don't trust your neighbors. Don't speak your mind. You are being watched.
But war is coming, war between North and South Korea, between the Soviets and the Americans. War causes chaos--and war is the perfect time to escape. The plan is simple: Sora and her family will walk hundreds of miles to the South Korean city of Busan from their tiny mountain village. They just need to avoid napalm, frostbite, border guards, and enemy soldiers.
But they can't. And when an incendiary bombing changes everything, Sora and her little brother Young will have to get to Busan on their own. Can a twelve-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother survive three hundred miles of warzone in winter?
Haunting, timely, and beautiful, this harrowing novel from a searing new talent offers readers a glimpse into a vanished time and a closed nation.
Review: Overall, I thought this was an incredible novel! I loved the character development and world building. I didn’t know a lot about the Korean War (which I should have learned because my grandfather fought in it) but I loved seeing the events unfold here. The book is also well paced and I loved that the books journey is based on the route the author’s mother took during that same time.
However, this book is a very hard read, which is why I upped the age range. I think this is an important read and should be considered for required reading for middle grade classes, but it’s a very hard book to read at some parts.
Verdict: A very important read!
Book: Brother’s Keeper
Author: Julie Lee
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean characters!
Recommended For...: Korean characters, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (war, scary scenes, starvation, death, violence, slight gore, sexism)
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 304
Synopsis: North Korea. December, 1950.
Twelve-year-old Sora and her family live under an iron set of rules: No travel without a permit. No criticism of the government. No absences from Communist meetings. Wear red. Hang pictures of the Great Leader. Don't trust your neighbors. Don't speak your mind. You are being watched.
But war is coming, war between North and South Korea, between the Soviets and the Americans. War causes chaos--and war is the perfect time to escape. The plan is simple: Sora and her family will walk hundreds of miles to the South Korean city of Busan from their tiny mountain village. They just need to avoid napalm, frostbite, border guards, and enemy soldiers.
But they can't. And when an incendiary bombing changes everything, Sora and her little brother Young will have to get to Busan on their own. Can a twelve-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother survive three hundred miles of warzone in winter?
Haunting, timely, and beautiful, this harrowing novel from a searing new talent offers readers a glimpse into a vanished time and a closed nation.
Review: Overall, I thought this was an incredible novel! I loved the character development and world building. I didn’t know a lot about the Korean War (which I should have learned because my grandfather fought in it) but I loved seeing the events unfold here. The book is also well paced and I loved that the books journey is based on the route the author’s mother took during that same time.
However, this book is a very hard read, which is why I upped the age range. I think this is an important read and should be considered for required reading for middle grade classes, but it’s a very hard book to read at some parts.
Verdict: A very important read!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Donut Disturb
Author: Melissa Williams
Book Series: Donut Disturb Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, romcom
Publication Date: October 2, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, some slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 151
Synopsis: It was a donut emergency. A dough or die moment.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. It would explain why, from the moment Baxter DeCavhalo comes crashing into my kitchen, I’ve been acting out of character.
Why I’m sharing secret donut recipes, licking frosting off fingers that aren’t mine, and falling for the off-limits neighbor. I know better, I need to be focusing on my bakery and my next donut creation…but there’s just something about Bax that keeps me coming back for more.
It’s not the heat of the kitchen that’s getting to me, it’s Bax. And this slow burn is about to combust.
Review: Overall, this was a cute read. The book was sweet and will make you crave doughnuts. The book had a lot of well done world building. The book was also evenly paced and it was a quick read.
However, the character development was underwhelming in the book. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters because the development felt like it was outside of the book. The plot was also a bit weak in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s a cute read! Perfect for summer!
Book: Donut Disturb
Author: Melissa Williams
Book Series: Donut Disturb Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, romcom
Publication Date: October 2, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, some slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 151
Synopsis: It was a donut emergency. A dough or die moment.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. It would explain why, from the moment Baxter DeCavhalo comes crashing into my kitchen, I’ve been acting out of character.
Why I’m sharing secret donut recipes, licking frosting off fingers that aren’t mine, and falling for the off-limits neighbor. I know better, I need to be focusing on my bakery and my next donut creation…but there’s just something about Bax that keeps me coming back for more.
It’s not the heat of the kitchen that’s getting to me, it’s Bax. And this slow burn is about to combust.
Review: Overall, this was a cute read. The book was sweet and will make you crave doughnuts. The book had a lot of well done world building. The book was also evenly paced and it was a quick read.
However, the character development was underwhelming in the book. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters because the development felt like it was outside of the book. The plot was also a bit weak in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s a cute read! Perfect for summer!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Worth The Whisk
Author: Melissa Williams
Book Series: Donut Disturb Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, romcom
Publication Date: February 26, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 217
Synopsis: Oh, you know a phallic pipe joke? Cool. I’ve heard them all. Trust me, they don’t make me blush anymore.
As the only female plumber in the family business and the newest member of an all-male construction crew, I’ve developed a thick skin. Usually I’m ready for anything.
Doing my cousin a favor, I take a late-night plumbing call thinking it’ll be an easy fix. What I’m not prepared for is to be mistaken for a homeless man or to find a soaking wet hunk glaring at me.
I have to work fast not only to fix his perception of me, but also the burst pipe that is flooding the Bake, Rattle & Roll bakery.
Working around pastry chef Harrison Daniels throws a wrench in my plans. I’m going to have to use every tool in my arsenal to resist falling for him and his sweet, tempting words.
He’s out to prove he’s worth the risk and I’m starting to agree.
Review: This book was pretty good. The world building continued to be fun and I loved the theme of the donut series. The book is a cute read like its predecessor and it’s the perfect series for the summer if you’re into romance.
However, the character development and plot continue to be an issue for the author. Both are not very well developed and there are even some slight plot inconsistencies.
Verdict: It’s a cute read, but needs some development.
Book: Worth The Whisk
Author: Melissa Williams
Book Series: Donut Disturb Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, romcom
Publication Date: February 26, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 217
Synopsis: Oh, you know a phallic pipe joke? Cool. I’ve heard them all. Trust me, they don’t make me blush anymore.
As the only female plumber in the family business and the newest member of an all-male construction crew, I’ve developed a thick skin. Usually I’m ready for anything.
Doing my cousin a favor, I take a late-night plumbing call thinking it’ll be an easy fix. What I’m not prepared for is to be mistaken for a homeless man or to find a soaking wet hunk glaring at me.
I have to work fast not only to fix his perception of me, but also the burst pipe that is flooding the Bake, Rattle & Roll bakery.
Working around pastry chef Harrison Daniels throws a wrench in my plans. I’m going to have to use every tool in my arsenal to resist falling for him and his sweet, tempting words.
He’s out to prove he’s worth the risk and I’m starting to agree.
Review: This book was pretty good. The world building continued to be fun and I loved the theme of the donut series. The book is a cute read like its predecessor and it’s the perfect series for the summer if you’re into romance.
However, the character development and plot continue to be an issue for the author. Both are not very well developed and there are even some slight plot inconsistencies.
Verdict: It’s a cute read, but needs some development.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Woman Before Wallis
Author: Bryn Turnbull
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: romance, political intrigue, historical fiction, royal scandals
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Historical Ficiton
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, slight sexual content, affairs, and political intrigue)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: This novel is the fictionalised story of the American divorcée who captured Prince Edward’s heart before he abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson.
In the summer of 1926, when Thelma Morgan marries Viscount Duke Furness after a whirlwind romance, she’s immersed in a gilded world of extraordinary wealth and privilege. For Thelma, the daughter of an American diplomat, her new life as a member of the British aristocracy is like a fairy tale—even more so when her husband introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales.
In a twist of fate, her marriage to Duke leads her to fall headlong into a love affair with Edward. But happiness is fleeting, and their love is threatened when Thelma’s sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, becomes embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching implications. As Thelma sails to New York to support Gloria, she leaves Edward in the hands of her trusted friend Wallis, never imagining the consequences that will follow.
Review: Overall, this was a well done novel and it seems like it was well researched. The book is intriguing and it felt like reading someone’s private diaries. The book had a lot of well done world building and it’s the perfect book if you’re a fan of the royal family of England.
However, this book had a lot of characters and it became confusing for me to keep them straight. I also felt that the characters weren’t well developed and they just became a name.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Book: The Woman Before Wallis
Author: Bryn Turnbull
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: romance, political intrigue, historical fiction, royal scandals
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Historical Ficiton
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance, slight sexual content, affairs, and political intrigue)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: This novel is the fictionalised story of the American divorcée who captured Prince Edward’s heart before he abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson.
In the summer of 1926, when Thelma Morgan marries Viscount Duke Furness after a whirlwind romance, she’s immersed in a gilded world of extraordinary wealth and privilege. For Thelma, the daughter of an American diplomat, her new life as a member of the British aristocracy is like a fairy tale—even more so when her husband introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales.
In a twist of fate, her marriage to Duke leads her to fall headlong into a love affair with Edward. But happiness is fleeting, and their love is threatened when Thelma’s sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, becomes embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching implications. As Thelma sails to New York to support Gloria, she leaves Edward in the hands of her trusted friend Wallis, never imagining the consequences that will follow.
Review: Overall, this was a well done novel and it seems like it was well researched. The book is intriguing and it felt like reading someone’s private diaries. The book had a lot of well done world building and it’s the perfect book if you’re a fan of the royal family of England.
However, this book had a lot of characters and it became confusing for me to keep them straight. I also felt that the characters weren’t well developed and they just became a name.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Year of the Witching
Author: Alexis Henderson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Mixed race main character (it’s a bit fuzzy on what she’s mixed with but it does describe her as having darker skin)
Recommended For...: witches, historical fiction, paranormal, fantasy, horror
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: YA Paranormal
Recommended Age: 17+ (menstrual cycles, gore, animal death/slaughter, torture, death, sex mentions, domestic abuse, child sex abuse)
Publisher: Ace
Pages: 368
Synopsis: In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet’s word is law, Immanuelle Moore’s very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.
But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.
Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.
Review: I really loved this book! The story was intriguing and kept me hooked from the first page. The character development was well done for most of the characters, and I loved message behind the book. The book is basically commentary on how toxic communities can become if there is a leader left with unchecked power (sound like something familiar? Good). The book was also very open about the slight racism the main character faced (without calling it racism) and was open about menstrual cycles (win!). The book also touches slightly on whitewashing history, but it’s more like “hiding that our history comes from the very thing we are trying to kill”. The book also is very feminist!
However, I did feel like the pacing was a bit too slow for me and I wish that there was a bit more world building in the book. The book also didn’t paint either side as good or evil, which works for the book but leaves the reader a bit weird on siding with either side.
Verdict: It was a well done book! Highly recommend.
Book: The Year of the Witching
Author: Alexis Henderson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Mixed race main character (it’s a bit fuzzy on what she’s mixed with but it does describe her as having darker skin)
Recommended For...: witches, historical fiction, paranormal, fantasy, horror
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: YA Paranormal
Recommended Age: 17+ (menstrual cycles, gore, animal death/slaughter, torture, death, sex mentions, domestic abuse, child sex abuse)
Publisher: Ace
Pages: 368
Synopsis: In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet’s word is law, Immanuelle Moore’s very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.
But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.
Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.
Review: I really loved this book! The story was intriguing and kept me hooked from the first page. The character development was well done for most of the characters, and I loved message behind the book. The book is basically commentary on how toxic communities can become if there is a leader left with unchecked power (sound like something familiar? Good). The book was also very open about the slight racism the main character faced (without calling it racism) and was open about menstrual cycles (win!). The book also touches slightly on whitewashing history, but it’s more like “hiding that our history comes from the very thing we are trying to kill”. The book also is very feminist!
However, I did feel like the pacing was a bit too slow for me and I wish that there was a bit more world building in the book. The book also didn’t paint either side as good or evil, which works for the book but leaves the reader a bit weird on siding with either side.
Verdict: It was a well done book! Highly recommend.
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Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: LifeL1k3
Author: Jay Kristoff
Book Series: Lifelike Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, dystopian, ya
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, violence, animal death and violence, dog attack human TW, gore, language, sex)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 402
Synopsis: It's just another day on the Scrap: lose the last of your credits at the WarDome, dodge the gangs and religious fanatics, discover you can destroy electronics with your mind, stumble upon the deadliest robot ever built When Eve finds the ruins of an android boy named Ezekiel in the scrap pile she calls home, her entire world comes crashing down. With her best friend and her robotic sidekick in tow, she and Ezekiel will trek across deserts of irradiated glass, battle cyborg assassins, and scour abandoned megacities to save the ones she lovesand learn the dark secrets of her past.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done book! I loved the robotics aspect of the book and I’ve always loved books that incorporate the Three Laws of Robotics. The book has well done characters and all of them are compelling. The book is also a retelling of Anastasia’s story, which really threw me for a loop cause I didn’t see that coming (like really, I didn’t read the blurb before I read this book lol). The book also has well done world building and the pacing is on point.
The only issue I had with this book is that the slang used by the characters takes a bit to get used to. It’s confusing and discombobulating sometimes.
Verdict: A well done start to a new series!
Book: LifeL1k3
Author: Jay Kristoff
Book Series: Lifelike Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, dystopian, ya
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, violence, animal death and violence, dog attack human TW, gore, language, sex)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 402
Synopsis: It's just another day on the Scrap: lose the last of your credits at the WarDome, dodge the gangs and religious fanatics, discover you can destroy electronics with your mind, stumble upon the deadliest robot ever built When Eve finds the ruins of an android boy named Ezekiel in the scrap pile she calls home, her entire world comes crashing down. With her best friend and her robotic sidekick in tow, she and Ezekiel will trek across deserts of irradiated glass, battle cyborg assassins, and scour abandoned megacities to save the ones she lovesand learn the dark secrets of her past.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done book! I loved the robotics aspect of the book and I’ve always loved books that incorporate the Three Laws of Robotics. The book has well done characters and all of them are compelling. The book is also a retelling of Anastasia’s story, which really threw me for a loop cause I didn’t see that coming (like really, I didn’t read the blurb before I read this book lol). The book also has well done world building and the pacing is on point.
The only issue I had with this book is that the slang used by the characters takes a bit to get used to. It’s confusing and discombobulating sometimes.
Verdict: A well done start to a new series!
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Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Dev1at3
Author: Jay Kristoff
Book Series: Lifelike Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robotics, dystopian
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex mention, language, death, cults, gore, violence)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 448
Synopsis: Lemon Fresh has seen better days.
After the climactic battle in Babel, she finds herself separated from Ezekiel and Cricket in the wastelands. Lemon’s abilities to manipulate electricity mark her as a deviate, and deadly corporate operatives are hunting her to use as a weapon in the war between BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies. Instead, Lemon finds herself falling in with a group of fellow deviates—a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities, led by an enigmatic figure known as the Major, who may hold the secrets to Lemon’s past.
Meanwhile, Cricket finds himself in possession of the puritanical Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with the Major and his band. Searching for Lemon, Ezekiel finds a strange ally in an old enemy, and uncovers a plot that may see him reunited with his beloved Ana.
And inside Babel, a remade Eve hatches a plan to bring an end to the world.
Review: The second book did well to continue the momentum through the first book and in my opinion is much better than the first book. We have POV switches throughout the book, which helps the reader see what’s going on with the fractured group. The book has a lot of character development, especially for Eve, and the world building continued to be marvelous as the group edged further from The Dregs and Babel.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in a few places and the twist was a bit predictable.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Book: Dev1at3
Author: Jay Kristoff
Book Series: Lifelike Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robotics, dystopian
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex mention, language, death, cults, gore, violence)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 448
Synopsis: Lemon Fresh has seen better days.
After the climactic battle in Babel, she finds herself separated from Ezekiel and Cricket in the wastelands. Lemon’s abilities to manipulate electricity mark her as a deviate, and deadly corporate operatives are hunting her to use as a weapon in the war between BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies. Instead, Lemon finds herself falling in with a group of fellow deviates—a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities, led by an enigmatic figure known as the Major, who may hold the secrets to Lemon’s past.
Meanwhile, Cricket finds himself in possession of the puritanical Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with the Major and his band. Searching for Lemon, Ezekiel finds a strange ally in an old enemy, and uncovers a plot that may see him reunited with his beloved Ana.
And inside Babel, a remade Eve hatches a plan to bring an end to the world.
Review: The second book did well to continue the momentum through the first book and in my opinion is much better than the first book. We have POV switches throughout the book, which helps the reader see what’s going on with the fractured group. The book has a lot of character development, especially for Eve, and the world building continued to be marvelous as the group edged further from The Dregs and Babel.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in a few places and the twist was a bit predictable.
Verdict: Worth the read!