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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Malcolm and Me: A Novel
Author: Robin Farmer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black MC and characters
Recommended For...: anti-racist reading
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (race and racism, some discussion about divorce, religion, racist remarks made at the MC)
Publisher: SparkPress
Pages: 229
Synopsis: Philly native Roberta Forest is a precocious rebel with the soul of a poet. The thirteen-year-old is young, gifted, black, and Catholic—although she’s uncertain about the Catholic part after she calls Thomas Jefferson a hypocrite for enslaving people and her nun responds with a racist insult. Their ensuing fight makes Roberta question God and the important adults in her life, all of whom seem to see truth as gray when Roberta believes it’s black or white.
An upcoming essay contest, writing poetry, and reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X all help Roberta cope with the various difficulties she’s experiencing in her life, including her parent’s troubled marriage. But when she’s told she’s ineligible to compete in the school’s essay contest, her explosive reaction to the news leads to a confrontation with her mother, who shares some family truths Roberta isn’t ready for.
Set against the backdrop of Watergate and the post-civil rights movement era, Angel Dressed in Black is a gritty yet graceful examination of the anguish teens experience when their growing awareness of themselves and the world around them unravels their sense of security—a coming-of-age tale of truth-telling, faith, family, forgiveness, and social activism.
Review: I really liked this book overall. The book did well with the story and it was compelling and gripping from page one. The book talks about the 70s where we saw a lot of human rights change, but we can draw parallels between that time period and now. The book raised a lot of important questions and topics dealing with race and racism, and I definitely recommend it especially for younger teens and middle graders!
The only things I didn’t like are that the writing was clearly middle grade, but it kinda marketed to be young adult. I think the writing could have been matured a bit, but I do like that the book is MG because every age group needs to learn about racism and how to be anti-racist.
Verdict: Highly recommend.
Book: Malcolm and Me: A Novel
Author: Robin Farmer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black MC and characters
Recommended For...: anti-racist reading
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (race and racism, some discussion about divorce, religion, racist remarks made at the MC)
Publisher: SparkPress
Pages: 229
Synopsis: Philly native Roberta Forest is a precocious rebel with the soul of a poet. The thirteen-year-old is young, gifted, black, and Catholic—although she’s uncertain about the Catholic part after she calls Thomas Jefferson a hypocrite for enslaving people and her nun responds with a racist insult. Their ensuing fight makes Roberta question God and the important adults in her life, all of whom seem to see truth as gray when Roberta believes it’s black or white.
An upcoming essay contest, writing poetry, and reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X all help Roberta cope with the various difficulties she’s experiencing in her life, including her parent’s troubled marriage. But when she’s told she’s ineligible to compete in the school’s essay contest, her explosive reaction to the news leads to a confrontation with her mother, who shares some family truths Roberta isn’t ready for.
Set against the backdrop of Watergate and the post-civil rights movement era, Angel Dressed in Black is a gritty yet graceful examination of the anguish teens experience when their growing awareness of themselves and the world around them unravels their sense of security—a coming-of-age tale of truth-telling, faith, family, forgiveness, and social activism.
Review: I really liked this book overall. The book did well with the story and it was compelling and gripping from page one. The book talks about the 70s where we saw a lot of human rights change, but we can draw parallels between that time period and now. The book raised a lot of important questions and topics dealing with race and racism, and I definitely recommend it especially for younger teens and middle graders!
The only things I didn’t like are that the writing was clearly middle grade, but it kinda marketed to be young adult. I think the writing could have been matured a bit, but I do like that the book is MG because every age group needs to learn about racism and how to be anti-racist.
Verdict: Highly recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Ghosters
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Theresa Martinez's mom dies, money problems force her family to move into her dead grandmother's creepy old mansion. Immediately, strange things start to happen. The powdered sugar she's been searching the kitchen for suddenly falls out of a cupboard. Closed curtains are mysteriously open-all fun stuff for Theresa's new ghost-obsessed friend Kerry. When they find out the reality show, Ghosters, is hosting a contest for the best paranormal recording, Theresa remembers Dad's money problems and vows to win the contest. Along with Joey, her little brother who has Asperger's, the girls use Kerry's ghost-chasing equipment to hopefully capture prizewinning evidence. They soon discover that ghosts are just the tip of the stunning mysteries the old house holds.
Review: Overall, I thought the story was really good. The book had a lot of character development and world building. The story line was interesting and the plot kept me going from beginning to end. The book would do well with middle graders who love the spooks!
The only thing I didn’t like is that the story itself, while good, is pretty basic. It’s a little cliché and I felt that some of the side characters weren’t as well developed as they could have been. But for a middle grade novel, this was a fun read and it would definitely be something great for the fall season!
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Ghosters
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Theresa Martinez's mom dies, money problems force her family to move into her dead grandmother's creepy old mansion. Immediately, strange things start to happen. The powdered sugar she's been searching the kitchen for suddenly falls out of a cupboard. Closed curtains are mysteriously open-all fun stuff for Theresa's new ghost-obsessed friend Kerry. When they find out the reality show, Ghosters, is hosting a contest for the best paranormal recording, Theresa remembers Dad's money problems and vows to win the contest. Along with Joey, her little brother who has Asperger's, the girls use Kerry's ghost-chasing equipment to hopefully capture prizewinning evidence. They soon discover that ghosts are just the tip of the stunning mysteries the old house holds.
Review: Overall, I thought the story was really good. The book had a lot of character development and world building. The story line was interesting and the plot kept me going from beginning to end. The book would do well with middle graders who love the spooks!
The only thing I didn’t like is that the story itself, while good, is pretty basic. It’s a little cliché and I felt that some of the side characters weren’t as well developed as they could have been. But for a middle grade novel, this was a fun read and it would definitely be something great for the fall season!
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Revenge of the Library Ghost
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: November 15, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: It’s been a year since Theresa and her English friend, Kerry, won the Ghosters contest. Now her little brother, Joey, has stumbled on a mystery in the school library. Blasts of cold air, lights that flicker, and books flying off the shelves start Joey and his friend, Elbie, searching for the reason. Elbie lives above his family’s mortuary and is very comfortable around the ghosts that troop through its halls. He’s a prankster and doesn’t mind Joey’s Asperger’s behaviors. When the boys discover a ghost holding Joey’s bug book hostage, they team up with Theresa and Kerry to decode the ghostly messages found in the titles of the books thrown by the library ghost.
Review: Again, this book does well for me and I liked it more than the first one. I thought the author did well to improve the character development and the world building was still well done. The book had a great story with it and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end.
However, I did think the ending was a bit predictable and the book did have some slower moments in it.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Revenge of the Library Ghost
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: November 15, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: It’s been a year since Theresa and her English friend, Kerry, won the Ghosters contest. Now her little brother, Joey, has stumbled on a mystery in the school library. Blasts of cold air, lights that flicker, and books flying off the shelves start Joey and his friend, Elbie, searching for the reason. Elbie lives above his family’s mortuary and is very comfortable around the ghosts that troop through its halls. He’s a prankster and doesn’t mind Joey’s Asperger’s behaviors. When the boys discover a ghost holding Joey’s bug book hostage, they team up with Theresa and Kerry to decode the ghostly messages found in the titles of the books thrown by the library ghost.
Review: Again, this book does well for me and I liked it more than the first one. I thought the author did well to improve the character development and the world building was still well done. The book had a great story with it and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end.
However, I did think the ending was a bit predictable and the book did have some slower moments in it.
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Secrets of the Bloody Tower
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: A few weeks later, Stanley’s words come true, and Theresa, her brother Joey, and her friend Kerry find themselves in London, England. Of course, they expect to spot one or two ghosts as they tour the Tower of London, but they don't expect to meet the ghosts of two young murdered princes with an urgent request: find their hidden five-hundred-year-old remains.
The princes want their bones to be buried at Westminster Abbey, where they belong, but something doesn’t want that to happen. The kids find a lot of spirit helpers along the way. Who knew England had so many ghosts? Can three kids and their ghostly friends solve a centuries-old unsolved crime that rocked England?
Review: Again, this book does well for me! I really liked this story and I loved how the author incorporated the historical parts of Europe into the story. The book was well done, the characters are even more developed and the author doesn’t disappoint with the world building. I also thought the pacing issue I had with the last one was much better in this one!
The only small issue I had with it is that I need more in this series! It’s so cute and good! Definitely a must read if you have a little spooky lover in your family or if you like middle grade paranormals yourself!
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Secrets of the Bloody Tower
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: A few weeks later, Stanley’s words come true, and Theresa, her brother Joey, and her friend Kerry find themselves in London, England. Of course, they expect to spot one or two ghosts as they tour the Tower of London, but they don't expect to meet the ghosts of two young murdered princes with an urgent request: find their hidden five-hundred-year-old remains.
The princes want their bones to be buried at Westminster Abbey, where they belong, but something doesn’t want that to happen. The kids find a lot of spirit helpers along the way. Who knew England had so many ghosts? Can three kids and their ghostly friends solve a centuries-old unsolved crime that rocked England?
Review: Again, this book does well for me! I really liked this story and I loved how the author incorporated the historical parts of Europe into the story. The book was well done, the characters are even more developed and the author doesn’t disappoint with the world building. I also thought the pacing issue I had with the last one was much better in this one!
The only small issue I had with it is that I need more in this series! It’s so cute and good! Definitely a must read if you have a little spooky lover in your family or if you like middle grade paranormals yourself!
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
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Disclaimer: I received this book from my husband. Get you a partner that buys books for you!
Book: Into The Pit
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: December 26, 2019
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, violence, scary moments, evil robots who will come to kill us all)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 195
Synopsis: What do you wish for most? It's a question that Oswald, Sarah, and Millie think they know the answer to. Oswald wishes his summer wasn't so boring, Sarah wishes to be beautiful, and Millie wishes she could just disappear from the face of the earth. But in the twisted world of Five Nights at Freddy's, their hearts' deepest desires have an unexpected cost.
Review: I didn't know going into this book that it was actually 3 tales in one but man I'm so blown away by it! I loved each story and I thought it did well to make the stories short, sweet, and to the point without sacrificing world building, character development, and plot.
My only issue is the ambiguity of the last story. What happened and what was she trapped in and what was the point?? But I'm sure Scott Cawthorn has the answer and will show it somewhere 5 installments down the line.
Verdict: I loved it!
Book: Into The Pit
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, FNAF fans
Publication Date: December 26, 2019
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, violence, scary moments, evil robots who will come to kill us all)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 195
Synopsis: What do you wish for most? It's a question that Oswald, Sarah, and Millie think they know the answer to. Oswald wishes his summer wasn't so boring, Sarah wishes to be beautiful, and Millie wishes she could just disappear from the face of the earth. But in the twisted world of Five Nights at Freddy's, their hearts' deepest desires have an unexpected cost.
Review: I didn't know going into this book that it was actually 3 tales in one but man I'm so blown away by it! I loved each story and I thought it did well to make the stories short, sweet, and to the point without sacrificing world building, character development, and plot.
My only issue is the ambiguity of the last story. What happened and what was she trapped in and what was the point?? But I'm sure Scott Cawthorn has the answer and will show it somewhere 5 installments down the line.
Verdict: I loved it!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spark and the League of Ursus
Author: Robert Repino
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: fantasy fans, middle grade readers
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (some scary and creepy moments)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 192
Synopsis: Spark is not your average teddy bear. She’s soft and cuddly, sure, but she’s also a fierce warrior. At night she fulfills her sacred duty: to protect the household from monsters. But Spark’s owner Loretta is growing up and thinks she doesn’t need her old teddy anymore.
When a monster unlike any other descends on the quiet home, everything changes. Children are going missing, and the monster wants Loretta next. Only Spark can stop it. She must call upon the ancient League of Ursus—a secret alliance of teddy bears who are pledged to protect their human friends. Together with an Amazon-princess doll and a timid sock monkey, the bears are all that stands between our world and the one that lies beneath. It will be a heroic chapter in the history of the League . . . if the bears live to tell the tale.
Review: Overall this was a good horror book for littles who like stories that go bump in the night. The story was intriguing and kept me hooked. The whole book has a "Among The Sleep" feel to it and I liked the cheesy teddy bear we had as a companion.
However, I did feel like the book had underdeveloped characters and world building. Additionally, it also felt too cheesy for me and a bit too scary for the target demographic.
Verdict: It’s great!
Book: Spark and the League of Ursus
Author: Robert Repino
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: fantasy fans, middle grade readers
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (some scary and creepy moments)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 192
Synopsis: Spark is not your average teddy bear. She’s soft and cuddly, sure, but she’s also a fierce warrior. At night she fulfills her sacred duty: to protect the household from monsters. But Spark’s owner Loretta is growing up and thinks she doesn’t need her old teddy anymore.
When a monster unlike any other descends on the quiet home, everything changes. Children are going missing, and the monster wants Loretta next. Only Spark can stop it. She must call upon the ancient League of Ursus—a secret alliance of teddy bears who are pledged to protect their human friends. Together with an Amazon-princess doll and a timid sock monkey, the bears are all that stands between our world and the one that lies beneath. It will be a heroic chapter in the history of the League . . . if the bears live to tell the tale.
Review: Overall this was a good horror book for littles who like stories that go bump in the night. The story was intriguing and kept me hooked. The whole book has a "Among The Sleep" feel to it and I liked the cheesy teddy bear we had as a companion.
However, I did feel like the book had underdeveloped characters and world building. Additionally, it also felt too cheesy for me and a bit too scary for the target demographic.
Verdict: It’s great!
Disclaimer: I received this book from my husband. Get you a partner that supports your reading habits!
Book: The Fourth Closet
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, ya readers
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: YA Horror
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, death, child death, violence)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 352
Synopsis: What really happened to Charlie? It's the question that John can't seem to shake, along with the nightmares of Charlie's seeming death and miraculous reappearance. John just wants to forget the whole terrifying saga of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, but the past isn't so easily buried.
Meanwhile, there's a new animatronic pizzeria opening in Hurricane, along with a new rash of kidnappings that feel all too familiar. Bound together by their childhood loss, John reluctantly teams up with Jessica, Marla, and Carlton to solve the case and find the missing children. Along the way, they'll unravel the twisted mystery of what really happened to Charlie, and the haunting legacy of her father's creations.
Review: Overall, it was a good conclusion to the series. Not my fave but it did the job. The characters were together once again and were good, the world building was good, and the plot kept me intrigued from start to finish.
However, I felt like the pacing of the book was kinda slow and the book left me with more questions than answers. I wanted more in this series but I'm left without definite answers.
Verdict: It was really good!
Book: The Fourth Closet
Author: Scott Cawthon
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, ya readers
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: YA Horror
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, death, child death, violence)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 352
Synopsis: What really happened to Charlie? It's the question that John can't seem to shake, along with the nightmares of Charlie's seeming death and miraculous reappearance. John just wants to forget the whole terrifying saga of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, but the past isn't so easily buried.
Meanwhile, there's a new animatronic pizzeria opening in Hurricane, along with a new rash of kidnappings that feel all too familiar. Bound together by their childhood loss, John reluctantly teams up with Jessica, Marla, and Carlton to solve the case and find the missing children. Along the way, they'll unravel the twisted mystery of what really happened to Charlie, and the haunting legacy of her father's creations.
Review: Overall, it was a good conclusion to the series. Not my fave but it did the job. The characters were together once again and were good, the world building was good, and the plot kept me intrigued from start to finish.
However, I felt like the pacing of the book was kinda slow and the book left me with more questions than answers. I wanted more in this series but I'm left without definite answers.
Verdict: It was really good!
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Disclaimer: I received this book from my husband. Get you a partner that buys you books!
Book: The Twisted Ones
Author: Scott Cawthon, Kira Breed-Wrisley
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, ya readers
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
Genre: YA Horror
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, violence, child death, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 297
Synopsis: It's been a year since the horrific events at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, and Charlie is just trying to move on. Even with the excitement of a new school and a fresh start, she's still haunted by nightmares of a masked murderer and four gruesome animatronic puppets. Charlie thinks her ordeal is over, but when a series of bodies are discovered near her school bearing wounds that are disturbingly familiar she finds herself drawn back into the world of her father's frightening creations. Something twisted is hunting Charlie, and this time if it finds her, it's not letting her go.
Review: I thought this was a solid sequel. It had really good character development for our main character and a few of the sides and the book had a very fast pacing, which fit with the book. The book also did well on the background details and the animatronics detailing. The plot also kept me intrigued.
However I did feel like the book was too fast and that I didn't fully understand the story. The book did well to get me from book 1 to book 3 but it's just a bit unclear what the reason behind it was.
Verdict: I really liked this!
Book: The Twisted Ones
Author: Scott Cawthon, Kira Breed-Wrisley
Book Series: Five Nights at Freddy’s Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror fans, ya readers
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
Genre: YA Horror
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, violence, child death, death)
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 297
Synopsis: It's been a year since the horrific events at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, and Charlie is just trying to move on. Even with the excitement of a new school and a fresh start, she's still haunted by nightmares of a masked murderer and four gruesome animatronic puppets. Charlie thinks her ordeal is over, but when a series of bodies are discovered near her school bearing wounds that are disturbingly familiar she finds herself drawn back into the world of her father's frightening creations. Something twisted is hunting Charlie, and this time if it finds her, it's not letting her go.
Review: I thought this was a solid sequel. It had really good character development for our main character and a few of the sides and the book had a very fast pacing, which fit with the book. The book also did well on the background details and the animatronics detailing. The plot also kept me intrigued.
However I did feel like the book was too fast and that I didn't fully understand the story. The book did well to get me from book 1 to book 3 but it's just a bit unclear what the reason behind it was.
Verdict: I really liked this!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher for Rockstar Book Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Love & Olives
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Book Series: Love & Gelato Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, ya readers, contemporary lovers
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, some language, mental illness)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 500
Synopsis: Liv Varanakis doesn’t have a lot of fond memories of her father, which makes sense—he fled to Greece when she was only eight. What Liv does remember, though, is their shared love for Greek myths and the lost city of Atlantis. So when Liv suddenly receives a postcard from her father explaining that National Geographic is funding a documentary about his theories on Atlantis—and will she fly out to Greece and help?—Liv jumps at the opportunity.
But when she arrives to gorgeous Santorini, things are a little…awkward. There are so many questions, so many emotions that flood to the surface after seeing her father for the first time in years. And yet Liv doesn’t want their past to get in the way of a possible reconciliation. She also definitely doesn’t want Theo—her father’s charismatic so-called “protégé”—to witness her struggle.
And that means diving into all that Santorini has to offer—the beautiful sunsets, the turquoise water, the hidden caves, and the delicious cuisine. But not everything on the Greek island is as perfect as it seems. Because as Liv slowly begins to discover, her father may not have invited her to Greece for Atlantis, but for something much more important.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a fun book. The book did well to tackle anxiety and mental health, but also did great with the romance. I even enjoyed it in my seasonal gloom and doom! The characters were well developed, the world building was amazing, and I’m a fan now!
The only issue I had was that the book was a bit too slow at some parts and I felt like the book could have done better with the plot, but overall I really enjoyed it.
Verdict: I liked it!
Book: Love & Olives
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Book Series: Love & Gelato Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, ya readers, contemporary lovers
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, some language, mental illness)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 500
Synopsis: Liv Varanakis doesn’t have a lot of fond memories of her father, which makes sense—he fled to Greece when she was only eight. What Liv does remember, though, is their shared love for Greek myths and the lost city of Atlantis. So when Liv suddenly receives a postcard from her father explaining that National Geographic is funding a documentary about his theories on Atlantis—and will she fly out to Greece and help?—Liv jumps at the opportunity.
But when she arrives to gorgeous Santorini, things are a little…awkward. There are so many questions, so many emotions that flood to the surface after seeing her father for the first time in years. And yet Liv doesn’t want their past to get in the way of a possible reconciliation. She also definitely doesn’t want Theo—her father’s charismatic so-called “protégé”—to witness her struggle.
And that means diving into all that Santorini has to offer—the beautiful sunsets, the turquoise water, the hidden caves, and the delicious cuisine. But not everything on the Greek island is as perfect as it seems. Because as Liv slowly begins to discover, her father may not have invited her to Greece for Atlantis, but for something much more important.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a fun book. The book did well to tackle anxiety and mental health, but also did great with the romance. I even enjoyed it in my seasonal gloom and doom! The characters were well developed, the world building was amazing, and I’m a fan now!
The only issue I had was that the book was a bit too slow at some parts and I felt like the book could have done better with the plot, but overall I really enjoyed it.
Verdict: I liked it!