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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I bought this book because of the spooky season! Support your authors and indie game developers!
Book: The Silver Eyes
Author: Scott Cawthon and Kira Breed-Wrisley
Book Series: Five Nights At Freddy’s Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: five nights at freddy’s fans, fantasy, animatronics
Publication Date: December 16, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, child murder, kidnapping, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 330
Synopsis: Based on the bestselling horror video game series, Five Nights at Freddy’s follows a young woman named Charlotte, who reunites with her childhood friends on the anniversary of the tragedy that ripped their town apart. It’s been exactly ten years since the murders at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, and Charlotte, who goes by the name Charlie, has spent the last ten years trying to forget. Her father had owned Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and had built its four adult-sized animatronic animals. After meeting up with her friends, curiosity leads them back to the old pizza place, and they find it hidden, but still standing. They discover a way inside, but things are not as they used to be: the four mascots that delighted and entertained them as children have changed. The animatronic animals have a dark secret and a murderous agenda.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! There were so many easter eggs to the games and to the other books in the fnaf lore that makes me excited to continue with the series! The characters were well developed, the world building was greatly detailed, and I loved the attention to detail, especially in the similar ways to "defeat" the animatronics as you would do in the game.
My only criticisms are that the book was a bit slow in places and that the action scenes were a bit wonky and needed a bit more polishing. The book also changed POVs quite suddenly and that can confuse some readers.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: The Silver Eyes
Author: Scott Cawthon and Kira Breed-Wrisley
Book Series: Five Nights At Freddy’s Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: five nights at freddy’s fans, fantasy, animatronics
Publication Date: December 16, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, child murder, kidnapping, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 330
Synopsis: Based on the bestselling horror video game series, Five Nights at Freddy’s follows a young woman named Charlotte, who reunites with her childhood friends on the anniversary of the tragedy that ripped their town apart. It’s been exactly ten years since the murders at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, and Charlotte, who goes by the name Charlie, has spent the last ten years trying to forget. Her father had owned Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and had built its four adult-sized animatronic animals. After meeting up with her friends, curiosity leads them back to the old pizza place, and they find it hidden, but still standing. They discover a way inside, but things are not as they used to be: the four mascots that delighted and entertained them as children have changed. The animatronic animals have a dark secret and a murderous agenda.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! There were so many easter eggs to the games and to the other books in the fnaf lore that makes me excited to continue with the series! The characters were well developed, the world building was greatly detailed, and I loved the attention to detail, especially in the similar ways to "defeat" the animatronics as you would do in the game.
My only criticisms are that the book was a bit slow in places and that the action scenes were a bit wonky and needed a bit more polishing. The book also changed POVs quite suddenly and that can confuse some readers.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Iron Heart
Author: Nina Varela
Book Series: Crier’s War Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Sapphic romance! LGBT+ characters aplenty!
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, romance, war
Publication Date: September 8, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, sexual content, romance, violence, gore, PTSD)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Synopsis: For too long the cruel, beautiful Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing the humans who live there. But the human revolution is on the rise, and at its heart is Ayla. Once handmaiden, now fugitive, Ayla escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl Ayla had planned to kill . . . but instead fell in love with. Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, whom she believes can accomplish the ultimate goal of the human rebellion: destroy the Iron Heart. Without it, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction.
But playing at Ayla’s memory are the powerful feelings she developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among travelling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla.
As their paths collide, neither are prepared for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart.
In this stunning sequel to acclaimed author Nina Varela’s Crier’s War, the love that launched a revolution must now pave the way for a whole new era . . . and the ultimate change of heart.
Review: For the most part I really liked this story. I liked the plot and I really think this series is great if binged. The characters are well developed and the world building is great as well.
However, I did think that this book suffered from second book syndrome. The story didn't feel as captivating as the first and since you're reading the book from the POV of Crier and Ayla, you don't get a lot of action in this book. The romance was also kinda short.
Verdict: A great duology!
Book: Iron Heart
Author: Nina Varela
Book Series: Crier’s War Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Sapphic romance! LGBT+ characters aplenty!
Recommended For...: sci-fi, robots, romance, war
Publication Date: September 8, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, sexual content, romance, violence, gore, PTSD)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Synopsis: For too long the cruel, beautiful Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing the humans who live there. But the human revolution is on the rise, and at its heart is Ayla. Once handmaiden, now fugitive, Ayla escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl Ayla had planned to kill . . . but instead fell in love with. Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, whom she believes can accomplish the ultimate goal of the human rebellion: destroy the Iron Heart. Without it, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction.
But playing at Ayla’s memory are the powerful feelings she developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among travelling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla.
As their paths collide, neither are prepared for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart.
In this stunning sequel to acclaimed author Nina Varela’s Crier’s War, the love that launched a revolution must now pave the way for a whole new era . . . and the ultimate change of heart.
Review: For the most part I really liked this story. I liked the plot and I really think this series is great if binged. The characters are well developed and the world building is great as well.
However, I did think that this book suffered from second book syndrome. The story didn't feel as captivating as the first and since you're reading the book from the POV of Crier and Ayla, you don't get a lot of action in this book. The romance was also kinda short.
Verdict: A great duology!
Disclaimer: I bought this book to buddy read with my friend Rachael! Check out her twitch streams (chaelcodes) and support your authors. All opinions are my own.
Book: Only Ashes Remain
Author: Rebecca Schaeffer
Book Series: Market of Monsters Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Latinx Iranian Heritage Main Character, Thai side character
Recommended For...: young adult readers, urban fantasy, horror, thriller, paranormal, supernatural
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Horror
Recommended Age: 17+ (kidnapping mentioned, torture, gore, violence, parent death mentioned, grief, racism, language, abusive parent, PTSD, police brutality mentioned, rape mentioned, narcissist parent figure, prejudice, some romance)
Explanation of CWs: Some events of the previous book are mentioned including the main character’s kidnapping and torture. There are also mentioned of police brutality, parental death, and rape, but those are not shown. There is a lot of torture, gore, and violence in this book. Grief is a heavy topic of the book, as is prejudice and racism. There are curse words in the book. There are abusive/narcissist parental figures in the book. PTSD is shown in the book. There is also some romance shown in this book.
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 432
Synopsis: After escaping her kidnappers and destroying the black market where she was held captive, all Nita wants is to find a way to live her life without looking over her shoulder. But with a video of her ability to self-heal all over the dark web, Nita knows she’s still a prime target on the black market.
There’s only one way to keep herself safe.
Nita must make herself so feared that no one would ever dare come after her again. And the best way to start building her reputation? Take her revenge on the person who sold Nita to her kidnappers. But doing that is harder than Nita thought it would be, even with Kovit by her side. Now caught in a game of kill or be killed, Nita will do whatever it takes to win.
Review: I really loved this book! Picking up from where the last book left off, even though it had been over a year since I had read the first one. The book was well plotted and it stood it’s own in the series. The book had well developed characters and the plot was well done. The writing is absolutely fantastic and this is probably one of my favorite authors now.
The only issue I really had with the book is that the main character was wrote a bit differently than in the first book, but that’s because of the trauma she had faced. I was fine with her growth, but others might not be.
Verdict: Loved it! Highly recommend this series.
Book: Only Ashes Remain
Author: Rebecca Schaeffer
Book Series: Market of Monsters Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Latinx Iranian Heritage Main Character, Thai side character
Recommended For...: young adult readers, urban fantasy, horror, thriller, paranormal, supernatural
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Horror
Recommended Age: 17+ (kidnapping mentioned, torture, gore, violence, parent death mentioned, grief, racism, language, abusive parent, PTSD, police brutality mentioned, rape mentioned, narcissist parent figure, prejudice, some romance)
Explanation of CWs: Some events of the previous book are mentioned including the main character’s kidnapping and torture. There are also mentioned of police brutality, parental death, and rape, but those are not shown. There is a lot of torture, gore, and violence in this book. Grief is a heavy topic of the book, as is prejudice and racism. There are curse words in the book. There are abusive/narcissist parental figures in the book. PTSD is shown in the book. There is also some romance shown in this book.
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 432
Synopsis: After escaping her kidnappers and destroying the black market where she was held captive, all Nita wants is to find a way to live her life without looking over her shoulder. But with a video of her ability to self-heal all over the dark web, Nita knows she’s still a prime target on the black market.
There’s only one way to keep herself safe.
Nita must make herself so feared that no one would ever dare come after her again. And the best way to start building her reputation? Take her revenge on the person who sold Nita to her kidnappers. But doing that is harder than Nita thought it would be, even with Kovit by her side. Now caught in a game of kill or be killed, Nita will do whatever it takes to win.
Review: I really loved this book! Picking up from where the last book left off, even though it had been over a year since I had read the first one. The book was well plotted and it stood it’s own in the series. The book had well developed characters and the plot was well done. The writing is absolutely fantastic and this is probably one of my favorite authors now.
The only issue I really had with the book is that the main character was wrote a bit differently than in the first book, but that’s because of the trauma she had faced. I was fine with her growth, but others might not be.
Verdict: Loved it! Highly recommend this series.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Dust of the Red Rose Knight
Author: James Bennett
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Queer MC and characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, retelling, Arthurian retellings, queer romance, historical fiction
Publication Date: in Kickstarter to be publisher
Genre: Fantasy Retelling
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, cursing, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: There is some romance and sexual content in this book. There is a fair use of cursing in the book. There is some violence and gore in the book as well.
Publisher: BOTH Press
Pages: 120
Synopsis: It befell in the days of Arthur Pendragon that there lived a thief and a lover of men called Tomas, the Red Rose Knight...
When Tomas O’Lincoln, half-fairy and outlaw, learns that knights from Camelot hunt him in the forest, he fears he must pay for his crimes. Desperate for shelter, the Enchantress sends him on a reluctant quest to find his way to the Fortress Impenetrable, deep in the darkling heartwood.
Only behind the high black walls of the Archimago’s castle will Tomas learn a Truth Most Vital and come face-to-face with his destiny… But is it a destiny he wants?
Bawdy, humorous and magical, The Dust of the Red Rose Knight is a queer Arthurian romance from the acclaimed author of The Ben Garston Novels, in the finest tradition that never was.
Review: I really liked this short read! I thought the book did well to promise what it was: a dyslexia friendly read. I immediately noticed there was a difference in how the words were presented in the book and the spacing in the e-book. The story was quick and fast paced. The story is funny and has a great plot overall.
However, I did feel like the quickness of the book and how short it is didn’t give the characters a chance to fully develop. I also feel like the book could have been a little bit better with the world building.
Verdict: It was great! Highly recommend, especially for those who need a bit of a different format to read in.
Merged review:
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Dust of the Red Rose Knight
Author: James Bennett
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Queer MC and characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, retelling, Arthurian retellings, queer romance, historical fiction
Publication Date: in Kickstarter to be publisher
Genre: Fantasy Retelling
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, cursing, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: There is some romance and sexual content in this book. There is a fair use of cursing in the book. There is some violence and gore in the book as well.
Publisher: BOTH Press
Pages: 120
Synopsis: It befell in the days of Arthur Pendragon that there lived a thief and a lover of men called Tomas, the Red Rose Knight...
When Tomas O’Lincoln, half-fairy and outlaw, learns that knights from Camelot hunt him in the forest, he fears he must pay for his crimes. Desperate for shelter, the Enchantress sends him on a reluctant quest to find his way to the Fortress Impenetrable, deep in the darkling heartwood.
Only behind the high black walls of the Archimago’s castle will Tomas learn a Truth Most Vital and come face-to-face with his destiny… But is it a destiny he wants?
Bawdy, humorous and magical, The Dust of the Red Rose Knight is a queer Arthurian romance from the acclaimed author of The Ben Garston Novels, in the finest tradition that never was.
Review: I really liked this short read! I thought the book did well to promise what it was: a dyslexia friendly read. I immediately noticed there was a difference in how the words were presented in the book and the spacing in the e-book. The story was quick and fast paced. The story is funny and has a great plot overall.
However, I did feel like the quickness of the book and how short it is didn’t give the characters a chance to fully develop. I also feel like the book could have been a little bit better with the world building.
Verdict: It was great! Highly recommend, especially for those who need a bit of a different format to read in.
Book: The Dust of the Red Rose Knight
Author: James Bennett
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Queer MC and characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, retelling, Arthurian retellings, queer romance, historical fiction
Publication Date: in Kickstarter to be publisher
Genre: Fantasy Retelling
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, cursing, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: There is some romance and sexual content in this book. There is a fair use of cursing in the book. There is some violence and gore in the book as well.
Publisher: BOTH Press
Pages: 120
Synopsis: It befell in the days of Arthur Pendragon that there lived a thief and a lover of men called Tomas, the Red Rose Knight...
When Tomas O’Lincoln, half-fairy and outlaw, learns that knights from Camelot hunt him in the forest, he fears he must pay for his crimes. Desperate for shelter, the Enchantress sends him on a reluctant quest to find his way to the Fortress Impenetrable, deep in the darkling heartwood.
Only behind the high black walls of the Archimago’s castle will Tomas learn a Truth Most Vital and come face-to-face with his destiny… But is it a destiny he wants?
Bawdy, humorous and magical, The Dust of the Red Rose Knight is a queer Arthurian romance from the acclaimed author of The Ben Garston Novels, in the finest tradition that never was.
Review: I really liked this short read! I thought the book did well to promise what it was: a dyslexia friendly read. I immediately noticed there was a difference in how the words were presented in the book and the spacing in the e-book. The story was quick and fast paced. The story is funny and has a great plot overall.
However, I did feel like the quickness of the book and how short it is didn’t give the characters a chance to fully develop. I also feel like the book could have been a little bit better with the world building.
Verdict: It was great! Highly recommend, especially for those who need a bit of a different format to read in.
Merged review:
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Dust of the Red Rose Knight
Author: James Bennett
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Queer MC and characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, retelling, Arthurian retellings, queer romance, historical fiction
Publication Date: in Kickstarter to be publisher
Genre: Fantasy Retelling
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, cursing, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: There is some romance and sexual content in this book. There is a fair use of cursing in the book. There is some violence and gore in the book as well.
Publisher: BOTH Press
Pages: 120
Synopsis: It befell in the days of Arthur Pendragon that there lived a thief and a lover of men called Tomas, the Red Rose Knight...
When Tomas O’Lincoln, half-fairy and outlaw, learns that knights from Camelot hunt him in the forest, he fears he must pay for his crimes. Desperate for shelter, the Enchantress sends him on a reluctant quest to find his way to the Fortress Impenetrable, deep in the darkling heartwood.
Only behind the high black walls of the Archimago’s castle will Tomas learn a Truth Most Vital and come face-to-face with his destiny… But is it a destiny he wants?
Bawdy, humorous and magical, The Dust of the Red Rose Knight is a queer Arthurian romance from the acclaimed author of The Ben Garston Novels, in the finest tradition that never was.
Review: I really liked this short read! I thought the book did well to promise what it was: a dyslexia friendly read. I immediately noticed there was a difference in how the words were presented in the book and the spacing in the e-book. The story was quick and fast paced. The story is funny and has a great plot overall.
However, I did feel like the quickness of the book and how short it is didn’t give the characters a chance to fully develop. I also feel like the book could have been a little bit better with the world building.
Verdict: It was great! Highly recommend, especially for those who need a bit of a different format to read in.
Disclaimer: I received the physical copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Beulah has a Hunch!
Author: Katie Mazeika
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: MC has hyperphantasia and synesthesia
Recommended For...: children’s readers, picture book, nonfiction, biography
Publication Date: October 17, 2023
Genre: Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
Age Relevance: 0+ (sexism in historical context)
Explanation of Above: This is a children’s nonfiction picture book. There might be some questions as to why the MC, who is female, couldn’t participate in certain activities because of her gender status, but the core of the issue is handled good in the book.
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Pages: 40
Synopsis: Meet Beulah Louise Henry, a girl with a knack for problem-solving who grew up to be a world-famous inventor, in this captivating picture book biography for fans of Just Like Rube Goldberg and The Girl Who Thought in Pictures.
Growing up in the 1890s, when Beulah Louise Henry spotted a problem, she had to find a solution, turning it around and around in her mind until…aha! She had a hunch—what she called the inventions she came up with to solve the puzzles she saw all around her.
Beulah’s brain worked differently. She had hyperphantasia, which meant she saw things in extreme detail in her mind, as well as synesthesia, which caused words and numbers and even music notes to show up as different colors in her brain. Beulah’s unique way of seeing the world helped her think up vivid solutions to problems—her hunches came to her fully formed with gears whirring and wheels spinning. She invented everything from a new and improved parasol to cuddly stuffed animals and from ice cream makers to factory machinery. Beulah’s inventions improved daily life in lots of ways, earning her the nickname “Lady Edison,” and she became one of the most prolific inventors in American history.
Review: I really liked this little nonfiction book. The book was illustrated well and I loved learning about Beulah. I never knew her inventions existed and learning about her and her inventions was amazing. The story is well detailed, but in a manner that children can understand it, and Beulah could serve as a great inspiration to a child who also has big ideas for how to make our world a little better.
Verdict: It was great! Loved it.
Book: Beulah has a Hunch!
Author: Katie Mazeika
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: MC has hyperphantasia and synesthesia
Recommended For...: children’s readers, picture book, nonfiction, biography
Publication Date: October 17, 2023
Genre: Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
Age Relevance: 0+ (sexism in historical context)
Explanation of Above: This is a children’s nonfiction picture book. There might be some questions as to why the MC, who is female, couldn’t participate in certain activities because of her gender status, but the core of the issue is handled good in the book.
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Pages: 40
Synopsis: Meet Beulah Louise Henry, a girl with a knack for problem-solving who grew up to be a world-famous inventor, in this captivating picture book biography for fans of Just Like Rube Goldberg and The Girl Who Thought in Pictures.
Growing up in the 1890s, when Beulah Louise Henry spotted a problem, she had to find a solution, turning it around and around in her mind until…aha! She had a hunch—what she called the inventions she came up with to solve the puzzles she saw all around her.
Beulah’s brain worked differently. She had hyperphantasia, which meant she saw things in extreme detail in her mind, as well as synesthesia, which caused words and numbers and even music notes to show up as different colors in her brain. Beulah’s unique way of seeing the world helped her think up vivid solutions to problems—her hunches came to her fully formed with gears whirring and wheels spinning. She invented everything from a new and improved parasol to cuddly stuffed animals and from ice cream makers to factory machinery. Beulah’s inventions improved daily life in lots of ways, earning her the nickname “Lady Edison,” and she became one of the most prolific inventors in American history.
Review: I really liked this little nonfiction book. The book was illustrated well and I loved learning about Beulah. I never knew her inventions existed and learning about her and her inventions was amazing. The story is well detailed, but in a manner that children can understand it, and Beulah could serve as a great inspiration to a child who also has big ideas for how to make our world a little better.
Verdict: It was great! Loved it.
Rating: 5/5
Genre: MG/YA Psychological Horror
Recommended Age: 13+ (some scary moments)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not sway my opinion.
A Dark Game is a romantic thriller about a high school boy being plagued by the sinister vendetta of Shamara Ringwood - his best friend's girlfriend. Prologue “I don’t know!” he shouted through gritted teeth. The big man at the other side of the table winced, exhaling through his nose. The light hanging from the middle of the room was bright. Rick could feel the man’s glare piercing through his own and the dried blood on his upper lip became exceedingly bothersome. “Mr. October, you have a record. This has been going on since 10th grade at school. Breaking and entering, harassment, damage to property, invasion of priva –“ “Yeah, I get it!” “Some of these aren’t taken lightly. Not only that but you want me to believe that it was all in self-defence… all because of this one person -” “Girl.” “-this girl that is making your life hell?” “Well, I’m sitting here, am I not?” “This is hardly similar to hell, Mr October. Now, do you mind starting from the very beginning?” “I don’t feel like telling stories.” The man sighed again. “I can’t help you if you don’t make me understand…” “It’s not like you’ll believe me,” Rick sighed. “Try me,” The man said slowly and leaned forward in his chair. The sound of the metal chair’s feet screeched and echoed in the tiny room and the light seemed to sway as the man moved. Suddenly, it seemed as if a staring competition was about to ensue; and not a friendly one at that. The pressure started swelling. “It all started the day I met Shamara Ringwood.” – Amazon.com
Ever since I’ve watched Secret Window (yea that one with Johnny Depp in a random cabin in the woods) I’ve been hooked on psychological horrors. I have always loved being scared and this book scared me. The plot and pacing are excellent in this book. The main key in any horror or psychological horror book is the pacing and the plot. If either fail then in my opinion the book isn’t as good as it could be. The plot and pacing work well together and make for an unbelievably amazing book. The book is very well written and is very easy to understand as well. The characters are also very realistic and charming for the most part. While there is a wide array of characters in the book, the writer did an awesome job of keeping each personality unique. The twist in the book is a real twist and it makes the reader want to read the book a second time through!
The only issues I had with the book was that in the first read-through the reader can find the main character Rick to be a bit off and the amount of women drawn to him a bit unrealistic. It’s only when you successfully complete the book that you realize why it seemed the way it did and that you were supposed to feel that way towards. The only other issues I could possibly point out are that there is some formatting error in the book copy I have but that could be because of the way my nook read the file.
Verdict: HOLY COW I LOVE THIS BOOK! Seriously it is so good and it put me in the mood for Halloween! Not only was the book amazing, but it was inspirational in teaching the reader in how to deal with grief or traumatic events. The book is also from a guy’s perspective, which I have to give credit for because not a lot of books are from a guys perspective nowadays. Definitely one of my 2017 favorites and definitely a book you should check out if you want to be scared this Halloween season. I’ve already added the paperback copy of this book to my wishlist and I can’t wait to reread it at some point!
Genre: MG/YA Psychological Horror
Recommended Age: 13+ (some scary moments)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not sway my opinion.
A Dark Game is a romantic thriller about a high school boy being plagued by the sinister vendetta of Shamara Ringwood - his best friend's girlfriend. Prologue “I don’t know!” he shouted through gritted teeth. The big man at the other side of the table winced, exhaling through his nose. The light hanging from the middle of the room was bright. Rick could feel the man’s glare piercing through his own and the dried blood on his upper lip became exceedingly bothersome. “Mr. October, you have a record. This has been going on since 10th grade at school. Breaking and entering, harassment, damage to property, invasion of priva –“ “Yeah, I get it!” “Some of these aren’t taken lightly. Not only that but you want me to believe that it was all in self-defence… all because of this one person -” “Girl.” “-this girl that is making your life hell?” “Well, I’m sitting here, am I not?” “This is hardly similar to hell, Mr October. Now, do you mind starting from the very beginning?” “I don’t feel like telling stories.” The man sighed again. “I can’t help you if you don’t make me understand…” “It’s not like you’ll believe me,” Rick sighed. “Try me,” The man said slowly and leaned forward in his chair. The sound of the metal chair’s feet screeched and echoed in the tiny room and the light seemed to sway as the man moved. Suddenly, it seemed as if a staring competition was about to ensue; and not a friendly one at that. The pressure started swelling. “It all started the day I met Shamara Ringwood.” – Amazon.com
Ever since I’ve watched Secret Window (yea that one with Johnny Depp in a random cabin in the woods) I’ve been hooked on psychological horrors. I have always loved being scared and this book scared me. The plot and pacing are excellent in this book. The main key in any horror or psychological horror book is the pacing and the plot. If either fail then in my opinion the book isn’t as good as it could be. The plot and pacing work well together and make for an unbelievably amazing book. The book is very well written and is very easy to understand as well. The characters are also very realistic and charming for the most part. While there is a wide array of characters in the book, the writer did an awesome job of keeping each personality unique. The twist in the book is a real twist and it makes the reader want to read the book a second time through!
The only issues I had with the book was that in the first read-through the reader can find the main character Rick to be a bit off and the amount of women drawn to him a bit unrealistic. It’s only when you successfully complete the book that you realize why it seemed the way it did and that you were supposed to feel that way towards. The only other issues I could possibly point out are that there is some formatting error in the book copy I have but that could be because of the way my nook read the file.
Verdict: HOLY COW I LOVE THIS BOOK! Seriously it is so good and it put me in the mood for Halloween! Not only was the book amazing, but it was inspirational in teaching the reader in how to deal with grief or traumatic events. The book is also from a guy’s perspective, which I have to give credit for because not a lot of books are from a guys perspective nowadays. Definitely one of my 2017 favorites and definitely a book you should check out if you want to be scared this Halloween season. I’ve already added the paperback copy of this book to my wishlist and I can’t wait to reread it at some point!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: November 13, 2017
Genre: Urban Paranormal
Recommended Age: 15+ (powers and civilization)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 357
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Eight isolated nomads with matter altering powers - the Cardinals - battle the accusation suggesting they are byproducts of a man responsible for the death of thousands.
One man alone, titled the Hummingbird, kept an entire nomadic civilization clinging to shadows with the power to burn any material, including their own bodies, into a rosy vapor capable of shifting into any element - Blush.
Following the protection of the eight Cardinals and their remote Colonies, the Hummingbird unexpectedly disappears.
Although they outnumber him, it becomes evident to the Cardinals that the Hummingbird's ability to create Blush far exceeds their own, and soon humanity begins to question why they are so similar to begin with.
With every passing day, the Hummingbird's absence makes less and less sense, and soon the Cardinals begin to oppose each other with their own interpretations as to why he chooses to remain hidden when he is so much stronger than them.
As Michael and Ira gain a rapid following of fanatics, their assaults on each other begin to force the rest of the Cardinals to choose sides, until one of the two makes a sacrifice to resolve their conflict for good.
Review: I didn’t think this book was going to be as great as it was, but I’m shocked! The book was really well written and enjoyable. The book is a nice urban paranormal book and the setting was absolutely amazing. The world building was done well and the cast of characters were diverse.
However, I do feel that the pacing was really slow in parts and I feel the characters could have been more developed and I feel we could have spent more time with them if the book was a bit longer.
Verdict: An enjoyable read!
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: November 13, 2017
Genre: Urban Paranormal
Recommended Age: 15+ (powers and civilization)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 357
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Eight isolated nomads with matter altering powers - the Cardinals - battle the accusation suggesting they are byproducts of a man responsible for the death of thousands.
One man alone, titled the Hummingbird, kept an entire nomadic civilization clinging to shadows with the power to burn any material, including their own bodies, into a rosy vapor capable of shifting into any element - Blush.
Following the protection of the eight Cardinals and their remote Colonies, the Hummingbird unexpectedly disappears.
Although they outnumber him, it becomes evident to the Cardinals that the Hummingbird's ability to create Blush far exceeds their own, and soon humanity begins to question why they are so similar to begin with.
With every passing day, the Hummingbird's absence makes less and less sense, and soon the Cardinals begin to oppose each other with their own interpretations as to why he chooses to remain hidden when he is so much stronger than them.
As Michael and Ira gain a rapid following of fanatics, their assaults on each other begin to force the rest of the Cardinals to choose sides, until one of the two makes a sacrifice to resolve their conflict for good.
Review: I didn’t think this book was going to be as great as it was, but I’m shocked! The book was really well written and enjoyable. The book is a nice urban paranormal book and the setting was absolutely amazing. The world building was done well and the cast of characters were diverse.
However, I do feel that the pacing was really slow in parts and I feel the characters could have been more developed and I feel we could have spent more time with them if the book was a bit longer.
Verdict: An enjoyable read!
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this book from my library. Support your local libraries! All opinions are my own.
Book: From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawai’i
Author: Haunani-Kay Trask
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Hawaiin MC and characters
Recommended For...: non-fiction readers, history readers, social justice readers, memoir readers
Publication Date: April 1, 1999
Genre: Non-Fiction Historical Memoir
Age Relevance: 15+ (racism, colonization, disease)
Explanation of Above: Racism and the colonization history of Hawaii is discussed and talked about in detail throughout the book. There are a couple of mentions of disease.
Publisher: Latitude 20
Pages: 272
Synopsis: Since its publication in 1993, From a Native Daughter, a provocative, well-reasoned attack against the rampant abuse of Native Hawaiian rights, institutional racism, and gender discrimination, has generated heated debates in Hawai'i and throughout the world. This 1999 revised work includes material that builds on issues and concerns raised in the first edition: Native Hawaiian student organizing at the University of Hawai'i; the master plan of the Native Hawaiian self-governing organization Ka Lahui Hawai'i and its platform on the four political arenas of sovereignty; the 1989 Hawai'i declaration of the Hawai'i ecumenical coalition on tourism; and a typology on racism and imperialism. Brief introductions to each of the previously published essays brings them up to date and situates them in the current Native Hawaiian rights discussion.
Review: I really liked this book overall. I loved that it read like a textbook, but it did so well with the personal history that it kept me entertained throughout the book. The book did really good to discuss the hurt colonization brings and there are multiple examples throughout the history of Hawaii that have been rewritten to paint colonizers in a good light, so I liked that this book was so brutally honest with the history and it didn’t sugarcoat anything. The book also mentioned the use of Christian schools to further keep native children away from their heritage, which I didn’t know happened. I knew that it happened to Canandian and mainland America indigenous persons, but I didn’t know that the practice was continued to the islands as well and that breaks my heart. The book was so informative and it did good to show how the continued colonization continues to hurt Hawaiian persons.
The only issue I had was that it felt a bit rushed in places. I’d love a longer text about the history of Hawaii by this author.
Verdict: I loved it so much! Definitely recommend it for your non-fiction reads.
Book: From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawai’i
Author: Haunani-Kay Trask
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Hawaiin MC and characters
Recommended For...: non-fiction readers, history readers, social justice readers, memoir readers
Publication Date: April 1, 1999
Genre: Non-Fiction Historical Memoir
Age Relevance: 15+ (racism, colonization, disease)
Explanation of Above: Racism and the colonization history of Hawaii is discussed and talked about in detail throughout the book. There are a couple of mentions of disease.
Publisher: Latitude 20
Pages: 272
Synopsis: Since its publication in 1993, From a Native Daughter, a provocative, well-reasoned attack against the rampant abuse of Native Hawaiian rights, institutional racism, and gender discrimination, has generated heated debates in Hawai'i and throughout the world. This 1999 revised work includes material that builds on issues and concerns raised in the first edition: Native Hawaiian student organizing at the University of Hawai'i; the master plan of the Native Hawaiian self-governing organization Ka Lahui Hawai'i and its platform on the four political arenas of sovereignty; the 1989 Hawai'i declaration of the Hawai'i ecumenical coalition on tourism; and a typology on racism and imperialism. Brief introductions to each of the previously published essays brings them up to date and situates them in the current Native Hawaiian rights discussion.
Review: I really liked this book overall. I loved that it read like a textbook, but it did so well with the personal history that it kept me entertained throughout the book. The book did really good to discuss the hurt colonization brings and there are multiple examples throughout the history of Hawaii that have been rewritten to paint colonizers in a good light, so I liked that this book was so brutally honest with the history and it didn’t sugarcoat anything. The book also mentioned the use of Christian schools to further keep native children away from their heritage, which I didn’t know happened. I knew that it happened to Canandian and mainland America indigenous persons, but I didn’t know that the practice was continued to the islands as well and that breaks my heart. The book was so informative and it did good to show how the continued colonization continues to hurt Hawaiian persons.
The only issue I had was that it felt a bit rushed in places. I’d love a longer text about the history of Hawaii by this author.
Verdict: I loved it so much! Definitely recommend it for your non-fiction reads.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received this book from my library. Support your local library! All opinions are my own.
Book: Shark Dialogues
Author: Kiana Davenport
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Hawaiian MC and characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction, magical realism
Publication Date: August 1, 1995
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Relevance: 17+ (sexual content slight, DNFed read)
Explanation of Above: There is some slight sexual content in this book. I also had to DNF this read so not all content and relevance items are here.
Publisher: Plume
Pages: 512
Synopsis: Beginning with the fateful meeting of a nineteenth-century Yankee sailor and the runaway daughter of a Tahitian chief, and sweeping over a century and a half of passionate, turbulent Hawaiian history, Shark Dialogues takes its place as the first novel to do justice to the rich heritage and cruel conflicts of the beautiful and beleaguered islands and their people. Surreal, provocative, erotic, magical, meaningful, and supremely wise, it is a tale of islanders and invaders, of victors and victims, of queens and whores, of lepers and healers. And at its center are Pono, the magnificent pure-blooded matriarch and seer, and her four mixed-blood granddaughters seeking to come to terms with the contradictions of their ancestries and the hungers of their hearts. Their loves, their hates, the bonds joining them, and the furies possessing them are interwoven with ancient legends and lore of the islands whose past offers their salvation and whose future is their fate. Kiana Davenport has written a major contribution to the literature of the Pacific Rim—a great reading experience both brilliantly contemporary in its form and timeless in its illumination.
Review: I had to DNF this read at about 15% into it. I couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted to. The world building was amazing and the details were so beautiful, but a bit hard for me to understand. There was a lot going on in the book and it was just a little overwhelming for me.
Verdict: I couldn’t get into this one and it wasn’t for me, but maybe it’ll be for you!
Book: Shark Dialogues
Author: Kiana Davenport
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Hawaiian MC and characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction, magical realism
Publication Date: August 1, 1995
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Relevance: 17+ (sexual content slight, DNFed read)
Explanation of Above: There is some slight sexual content in this book. I also had to DNF this read so not all content and relevance items are here.
Publisher: Plume
Pages: 512
Synopsis: Beginning with the fateful meeting of a nineteenth-century Yankee sailor and the runaway daughter of a Tahitian chief, and sweeping over a century and a half of passionate, turbulent Hawaiian history, Shark Dialogues takes its place as the first novel to do justice to the rich heritage and cruel conflicts of the beautiful and beleaguered islands and their people. Surreal, provocative, erotic, magical, meaningful, and supremely wise, it is a tale of islanders and invaders, of victors and victims, of queens and whores, of lepers and healers. And at its center are Pono, the magnificent pure-blooded matriarch and seer, and her four mixed-blood granddaughters seeking to come to terms with the contradictions of their ancestries and the hungers of their hearts. Their loves, their hates, the bonds joining them, and the furies possessing them are interwoven with ancient legends and lore of the islands whose past offers their salvation and whose future is their fate. Kiana Davenport has written a major contribution to the literature of the Pacific Rim—a great reading experience both brilliantly contemporary in its form and timeless in its illumination.
Review: I had to DNF this read at about 15% into it. I couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted to. The world building was amazing and the details were so beautiful, but a bit hard for me to understand. There was a lot going on in the book and it was just a little overwhelming for me.
Verdict: I couldn’t get into this one and it wasn’t for me, but maybe it’ll be for you!
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this book from my library. Support your local library! All opinions are my own.
Book: Breadfruit
Author: Celestine Vaite
Book Series: Materena Mahi Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Diversity: Tahitian MC and characters
Recommended For...: romance readers, contemporary readers, chick lit readers
Publication Date: September 4, 2006
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (alcohol consumption, romance, Catholicism, slight homophobia, sexual content, DNFed read)
Explanation of Above: There are a couple of scenes mentioning alcohol consumption. There is sexual content slightly shown and mentioned. There is some romance. There are Catholicism mentions and showings of the religion. There is one slight homophobic remark (being a fairy in reference to manhood) but it might be a cultural thing so I’m not sure if it is meant to be homophobic or not. This is also a DNF read, so not all the content warnings and relevance items are included.
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Pages: 367
Synopsis: When a drunken Pito proposes to Materena, she initially thinks it's just the booze talking. As she nevertheless starts planning, she juggles everyday life only to have Pito act as though he's forgotten his proposal.
Review: I had to DNF this read. The writing was choppy and for a good portion of the book I thought that it was the second in a series. The book had fabulous descriptions and details, but I really hated every characters but the MC. I really hated the love interest too and I just kept thinking that the MC could do better. I kept getting really mad about the situation that the MC is in. I want her to do better and it’s hard to read a romance book where you can’t get into the story at all.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me, but it might be for you!
Book: Breadfruit
Author: Celestine Vaite
Book Series: Materena Mahi Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Diversity: Tahitian MC and characters
Recommended For...: romance readers, contemporary readers, chick lit readers
Publication Date: September 4, 2006
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (alcohol consumption, romance, Catholicism, slight homophobia, sexual content, DNFed read)
Explanation of Above: There are a couple of scenes mentioning alcohol consumption. There is sexual content slightly shown and mentioned. There is some romance. There are Catholicism mentions and showings of the religion. There is one slight homophobic remark (being a fairy in reference to manhood) but it might be a cultural thing so I’m not sure if it is meant to be homophobic or not. This is also a DNF read, so not all the content warnings and relevance items are included.
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Pages: 367
Synopsis: When a drunken Pito proposes to Materena, she initially thinks it's just the booze talking. As she nevertheless starts planning, she juggles everyday life only to have Pito act as though he's forgotten his proposal.
Review: I had to DNF this read. The writing was choppy and for a good portion of the book I thought that it was the second in a series. The book had fabulous descriptions and details, but I really hated every characters but the MC. I really hated the love interest too and I just kept thinking that the MC could do better. I kept getting really mad about the situation that the MC is in. I want her to do better and it’s hard to read a romance book where you can’t get into the story at all.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me, but it might be for you!