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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Her Dark Lies
Author: J.T. Ellison
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: thriller lovers
Publication Date: March 9, 2021
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: Can't reccomend, DNFed
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Jutting from sparkling turquoise waters off the Italian coast, Isle Isola is an idyllic setting for a wedding. In the majestic cliff-top villa owned by the wealthy Compton family, up-and-coming artist Claire Hunter will marry handsome, charming Jack Compton, surrounded by close family, intimate friends…and a host of dark secrets.
From the moment Claire sets foot on the island, something seems amiss. Skeletal remains have just been found. There are other, newer disturbances, too. Menacing texts. A ruined wedding dress. And one troubling shadow hanging over Claire’s otherwise blissful relationship—the strange mystery surrounding Jack’s first wife.
Then a raging storm descends, the power goes out—and the real terror begins…
Review: Had to DNF this read at 23%. The book didn't connect with me and it was really boring at the beginning of the read. When it started to pick up a little, the pace slowed back down again and I didn't have the energy to deal with this book.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you.
Book: Her Dark Lies
Author: J.T. Ellison
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: thriller lovers
Publication Date: March 9, 2021
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: Can't reccomend, DNFed
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Jutting from sparkling turquoise waters off the Italian coast, Isle Isola is an idyllic setting for a wedding. In the majestic cliff-top villa owned by the wealthy Compton family, up-and-coming artist Claire Hunter will marry handsome, charming Jack Compton, surrounded by close family, intimate friends…and a host of dark secrets.
From the moment Claire sets foot on the island, something seems amiss. Skeletal remains have just been found. There are other, newer disturbances, too. Menacing texts. A ruined wedding dress. And one troubling shadow hanging over Claire’s otherwise blissful relationship—the strange mystery surrounding Jack’s first wife.
Then a raging storm descends, the power goes out—and the real terror begins…
Review: Had to DNF this read at 23%. The book didn't connect with me and it was really boring at the beginning of the read. When it started to pick up a little, the pace slowed back down again and I didn't have the energy to deal with this book.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Home Front Lines
Author: Brenda Sparks Prescott
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main characters, Hispanic main characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, racism, sexism)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company
Pages: 236
Synopsis:
It's 1962. Betty Ann Johnson is an African American military spouse on an Air Force base outside Washington, DC. Sisters Lola, Chita, and Rosita are the proud keepers of the Montero name in Matanzas, Cuba.
Betty Ann gets wind that military preparations are ramping up for something more than just practice drills. Fearing that the Soviet presence in Cuba has become a tangible threat, she and a small band of military spouses, without telling their husbands, put together an evacuation plan for their children. At the same time in Cuba, Lola is asked to cook for the Soviet soldiers amassing there and accidentally witnesses a Soviet missile installation. She tells her sisters, and they devise a way to send their children to Florida on a boat, while keeping this plan from their husbands.
Betty Ann Johnson and the Montero sisters may be on opposite sides of a life-threatening conflict, but they share the same heart when it comes to protecting their children.
Home Front Lines is a story of strong and determined women. Women that you know, grew up with, interact with every day, only these women are adorned with different cultural robes and live elsewhere in a different time.
Review: I really liked the way this book was told. The writing was well done, the characters were well developed and the world building was amazingly well done. The story itself grips you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end.
The only issue I had is that the pacing was slow and that some of the events felt like they could have been better explained.
Verdict: It was a good book.!
Book: Home Front Lines
Author: Brenda Sparks Prescott
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main characters, Hispanic main characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, racism, sexism)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company
Pages: 236
Synopsis:
It's 1962. Betty Ann Johnson is an African American military spouse on an Air Force base outside Washington, DC. Sisters Lola, Chita, and Rosita are the proud keepers of the Montero name in Matanzas, Cuba.
Betty Ann gets wind that military preparations are ramping up for something more than just practice drills. Fearing that the Soviet presence in Cuba has become a tangible threat, she and a small band of military spouses, without telling their husbands, put together an evacuation plan for their children. At the same time in Cuba, Lola is asked to cook for the Soviet soldiers amassing there and accidentally witnesses a Soviet missile installation. She tells her sisters, and they devise a way to send their children to Florida on a boat, while keeping this plan from their husbands.
Betty Ann Johnson and the Montero sisters may be on opposite sides of a life-threatening conflict, but they share the same heart when it comes to protecting their children.
Home Front Lines is a story of strong and determined women. Women that you know, grew up with, interact with every day, only these women are adorned with different cultural robes and live elsewhere in a different time.
Review: I really liked the way this book was told. The writing was well done, the characters were well developed and the world building was amazingly well done. The story itself grips you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end.
The only issue I had is that the pacing was slow and that some of the events felt like they could have been better explained.
Verdict: It was a good book.!
Disclaimer: I received the arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Libertie: A Novel
Author: Kaitlyn Greenridge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Publication Date: March 30, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (racism, violence, gore, sexism)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Coming of age as a freeborn Black girl in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson is all too aware that her purposeful mother, a practicing physician, has a vision for their future together: Libertie is to go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mother’s choices and is hungry for something else—is there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her mother, who can pass, Libertie has skin that is too dark. When a young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men. As she tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman, Libertie struggles with where she might find it—for herself and for generations to come.
Review: I really loved this book! The book is so well written and extremely well paced. The story is compelling and I fell in love with the main character. The world building and character interaction was also well done. This is the type of book that should be widely available in schools for literature and history classes. While the book is a hard read at times during it, I highly recommend this book.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the chapters didn't flow well together.
Verdict: I highly recommend this one!
Book: Libertie: A Novel
Author: Kaitlyn Greenridge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Publication Date: March 30, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (racism, violence, gore, sexism)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Coming of age as a freeborn Black girl in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson is all too aware that her purposeful mother, a practicing physician, has a vision for their future together: Libertie is to go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mother’s choices and is hungry for something else—is there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her mother, who can pass, Libertie has skin that is too dark. When a young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men. As she tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman, Libertie struggles with where she might find it—for herself and for generations to come.
Review: I really loved this book! The book is so well written and extremely well paced. The story is compelling and I fell in love with the main character. The world building and character interaction was also well done. This is the type of book that should be widely available in schools for literature and history classes. While the book is a hard read at times during it, I highly recommend this book.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the chapters didn't flow well together.
Verdict: I highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the tour company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Aofie’s Quest
Author: Angela J. Ford
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance, fantasy
Publication Date: March 26, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, war)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 586
Synopsis: A warrior princess with a dire future embarks on a perilous quest to regain her fallen kingdom.
Eighteen-year-old Aofie’s Mor is an outcast princess, hiding in the sacred forest of the centaurs. She’s spent her life training for one purpose: to take back her kingdom from the angel of death.
When she comes of age, the centaurs prepare her to reunite with the humans. However, on the morning of her departure, she learns a horrific truth that leaves her questioning her true identity.
Frustrated, but taught not to question the will of the gods, Aofie travels deep into perilous lands in search of her birth mother. Along the way she accidentally frees a dangerous goddess, befriends a mysterious iceman, and meets a magic-wielding nymph.
But threads of betrayal and corruption run deeper than Aofie imagined. As she faces trials and tribulations, she begins to question everything she’s assumed to be true. Caught in the ultimate war between good and evil, Aofie must make a choice about her future.
Will she have the strength and courage to take back her kingdom? Or will she turn her back on fate and choose her own destiny?
Welcome to the land of Labraid, a war-torn world where demons rise and the gods and goddesses toy with the desires of humans.
Review: This was an okay book for me. The characters are good and fairly well written with the exception of the main character and the world building is very well done. I felt like the story was great if you’re looking for something romance based and the plot was decent.
However, I was expecting else from the book and it ended up being that romance was the main component of this read. While romance isn’t bad, I just wanted a book with more action and less romance. The book was also a bit too slow paced for me.
Verdict: it was good, just surprised me.
Book: Aofie’s Quest
Author: Angela J. Ford
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance, fantasy
Publication Date: March 26, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, war)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 586
Synopsis: A warrior princess with a dire future embarks on a perilous quest to regain her fallen kingdom.
Eighteen-year-old Aofie’s Mor is an outcast princess, hiding in the sacred forest of the centaurs. She’s spent her life training for one purpose: to take back her kingdom from the angel of death.
When she comes of age, the centaurs prepare her to reunite with the humans. However, on the morning of her departure, she learns a horrific truth that leaves her questioning her true identity.
Frustrated, but taught not to question the will of the gods, Aofie travels deep into perilous lands in search of her birth mother. Along the way she accidentally frees a dangerous goddess, befriends a mysterious iceman, and meets a magic-wielding nymph.
But threads of betrayal and corruption run deeper than Aofie imagined. As she faces trials and tribulations, she begins to question everything she’s assumed to be true. Caught in the ultimate war between good and evil, Aofie must make a choice about her future.
Will she have the strength and courage to take back her kingdom? Or will she turn her back on fate and choose her own destiny?
Welcome to the land of Labraid, a war-torn world where demons rise and the gods and goddesses toy with the desires of humans.
Review: This was an okay book for me. The characters are good and fairly well written with the exception of the main character and the world building is very well done. I felt like the story was great if you’re looking for something romance based and the plot was decent.
However, I was expecting else from the book and it ended up being that romance was the main component of this read. While romance isn’t bad, I just wanted a book with more action and less romance. The book was also a bit too slow paced for me.
Verdict: it was good, just surprised me.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Kingdom of Ink and Paper
Author: Matthew Newman
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, ya
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, murder, death)
Publisher: Sandcrest Publishing
Pages: 322
Synopsis: Every book you’ve ever read. Every story you’ve ever heard. What if they were all true?
When high school student Will Morgan goes on a school trip to Boston, he doesn’t expect to witness a murder. But when best-selling novelist Arthur O’Neill is found dead, Will realizes there’s more to this writer’s books than just words.
After O’Neill’s death, Will receives a mysterious package: a copy of The Redstone Keep, one of O’Neill’s famous novels. Upon reading the book, Will passes out and is introduced to a man named Tam Desmond, The Redstone Keep’s protagonist. Tam explains that he is a resident of the World of the Written, a universe parallel to our own where everything ever published by humans comes to life.
Through his conversations with Tam, Will learns that something was targeting Arthur, and that same force is now after him. Armed with his new powers and a magical sword, Will sets out on a journey to solve the mysteries surrounding the murder; however, all the while, Arthur’s death may have just been the start of something much more sinister.
Review: For the most part the book was okay. It had some good world building and this would be great for a younger audience. The book also flows well and has a solid story. The book is kinda reminiscent of Inkspell and if you’re a fan of that then I recommend this read!
However, I just didn’t feel like the characters were well developed and I felt like the pacing was a bit too slow for me. The book also was really cliché.
Verdict: It’s good!
Book: Kingdom of Ink and Paper
Author: Matthew Newman
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, ya
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, murder, death)
Publisher: Sandcrest Publishing
Pages: 322
Synopsis: Every book you’ve ever read. Every story you’ve ever heard. What if they were all true?
When high school student Will Morgan goes on a school trip to Boston, he doesn’t expect to witness a murder. But when best-selling novelist Arthur O’Neill is found dead, Will realizes there’s more to this writer’s books than just words.
After O’Neill’s death, Will receives a mysterious package: a copy of The Redstone Keep, one of O’Neill’s famous novels. Upon reading the book, Will passes out and is introduced to a man named Tam Desmond, The Redstone Keep’s protagonist. Tam explains that he is a resident of the World of the Written, a universe parallel to our own where everything ever published by humans comes to life.
Through his conversations with Tam, Will learns that something was targeting Arthur, and that same force is now after him. Armed with his new powers and a magical sword, Will sets out on a journey to solve the mysteries surrounding the murder; however, all the while, Arthur’s death may have just been the start of something much more sinister.
Review: For the most part the book was okay. It had some good world building and this would be great for a younger audience. The book also flows well and has a solid story. The book is kinda reminiscent of Inkspell and if you’re a fan of that then I recommend this read!
However, I just didn’t feel like the characters were well developed and I felt like the pacing was a bit too slow for me. The book also was really cliché.
Verdict: It’s good!
Disclaimer: I received this book in a sub box from once upon a book club. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Happily Ever Afters
Author: Elise Bryant
Book Series: Happily Ever Afters Book 1
Diversity: Mixed couples, Mixed main character, disabled brother, gay couple
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: romance readers, ya readers, contemporary fans
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Publisher: Blazer and Bray
Pages: 384
Recommended Age: 14+ (romance, microaggressions, racism, HP talk)
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. She’s rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place she’s a true leading lady is in her own writing—in the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader.
When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, she’s excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just...gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And she’s ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessa’s stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming.
But as Tessa checks off each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about—including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the story and I thought that even though it was more of a romance book than what I would have usually read that it was very well grounded and didn't get as crazy as some romance contemporary ya books do. The characters were well developed and made very sound decisions throughout the book. The book also did well in talking about the experience a Black girl has in this world and with love. The book wove in talk about racism and microaggressions. It also talked about Black hair and styling, which was really cool. The main characters parents are a mixed couple and she has a disabled brother and I loved the inclusion of those characters because even today we don't see a lot of mixed couples in different media formats and we don't see a lot of children with disabilities either. The book also did well with the world building and the pacing.
The only issue I had with the book is that I am definitely left wanting more and while I don't like the Harry Potter talk in the books I loved how the author wrote them and included their problematic nature and the main characters disapproval and confused feelings about it and she who must not be named.
Verdict: highly recommend!!
Book: Happily Ever Afters
Author: Elise Bryant
Book Series: Happily Ever Afters Book 1
Diversity: Mixed couples, Mixed main character, disabled brother, gay couple
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: romance readers, ya readers, contemporary fans
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Publisher: Blazer and Bray
Pages: 384
Recommended Age: 14+ (romance, microaggressions, racism, HP talk)
Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. She’s rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place she’s a true leading lady is in her own writing—in the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader.
When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, she’s excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just...gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And she’s ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessa’s stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming.
But as Tessa checks off each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about—including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the story and I thought that even though it was more of a romance book than what I would have usually read that it was very well grounded and didn't get as crazy as some romance contemporary ya books do. The characters were well developed and made very sound decisions throughout the book. The book also did well in talking about the experience a Black girl has in this world and with love. The book wove in talk about racism and microaggressions. It also talked about Black hair and styling, which was really cool. The main characters parents are a mixed couple and she has a disabled brother and I loved the inclusion of those characters because even today we don't see a lot of mixed couples in different media formats and we don't see a lot of children with disabilities either. The book also did well with the world building and the pacing.
The only issue I had with the book is that I am definitely left wanting more and while I don't like the Harry Potter talk in the books I loved how the author wrote them and included their problematic nature and the main characters disapproval and confused feelings about it and she who must not be named.
Verdict: highly recommend!!
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: DownWorld
Author: Rebecca Phelps
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Half hispanic main character
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi readers, ya readers
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: March 31, 2021
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, suicide mentioned, gore, child death, romance)
Synopsis: As the site of a former military base, there have always been rumors that East Township High School was the site of experiments with space and time. For years, students have whispered in the hallways of a doorway created within the school, one that can access multiple timelines and realities, a place known as the Down World.
As the new kid in school and still reeling from the unexplained death of her brother Robbie, Marina O'Connell is only interested in one thing: leaving the past behind. But a chance encounter with handsome Brady Picelli changes everything. He will lead Marina to a startling discovery. The Down World is real and the past, present, and future are falling out of balance.
Brady is determined to help Marina discover what really happened to her brother. However, what is taken from one world, must be repaid by another. And Marina is about to discover that even a realm of infinite possibilities has rules that must be obeyed.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. It has an interesting premise which kept me motivated to read it and it had unique world building. I really liked the different universe theory and I'm a strong believer in parallel worlds.
However, the characters weren't strongly developed, the writing was a bit too jumbled and confusing, and the author didn't clearly distinguish the differences we were supposed to see throughout the novel of the changing world. It was a lot of telling and not showing as well. The ending was also confusing.
Verdict: It's cool but confusing.
Book: DownWorld
Author: Rebecca Phelps
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Half hispanic main character
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi readers, ya readers
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: March 31, 2021
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, suicide mentioned, gore, child death, romance)
Synopsis: As the site of a former military base, there have always been rumors that East Township High School was the site of experiments with space and time. For years, students have whispered in the hallways of a doorway created within the school, one that can access multiple timelines and realities, a place known as the Down World.
As the new kid in school and still reeling from the unexplained death of her brother Robbie, Marina O'Connell is only interested in one thing: leaving the past behind. But a chance encounter with handsome Brady Picelli changes everything. He will lead Marina to a startling discovery. The Down World is real and the past, present, and future are falling out of balance.
Brady is determined to help Marina discover what really happened to her brother. However, what is taken from one world, must be repaid by another. And Marina is about to discover that even a realm of infinite possibilities has rules that must be obeyed.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. It has an interesting premise which kept me motivated to read it and it had unique world building. I really liked the different universe theory and I'm a strong believer in parallel worlds.
However, the characters weren't strongly developed, the writing was a bit too jumbled and confusing, and the author didn't clearly distinguish the differences we were supposed to see throughout the novel of the changing world. It was a lot of telling and not showing as well. The ending was also confusing.
Verdict: It's cool but confusing.
Disclaimer: I got this book for my book club! Support your authors!
Book: House of Dragons
Author: Jessica Cluess
Book Series: House of Dragons Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: f/f romance
Recommended For...: dragons, thrones, medieval style
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, dragon harming, romance, heartbreak, TW sexual violence mention, TW rape mention)
Publisher: Random House for Young Readers
Pages: 470
Synopsis: When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....
THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.
THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.
THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.
THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.
THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great read. The book was thrilling and it had a definite Game of Thrones feel to it (although not inspired by it, but along the same feel ala medieval times with dragons and throne stealing). I thought that the character development of not only the kids, but the dragons as well, were well developed. I thought that the author did well to write extremely strong female characters. The writing was extremely well done and the pacing was on point. The book also did amazing with world building and while it had a “set in the medieval” theme, the feminism in this book was amazing and I loved how the author had LGBT+ characters.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I thought that 5 POVs made the book a bit of a difficult read. The book jumped around a lot in the beginning and the repetition at the beginning was also a bit of a struggle. I also didn’t really understand the “game” the kids played and I think that the backstory/explanation of the events was a bit to convoluted. However, despite my early struggle with the book, I did extremely enjoy the book from about page 100 onward. The book really did pick up pacing at the end, even though I think that momentum could have been executed earlier.
Verdict: A great read!
Book: House of Dragons
Author: Jessica Cluess
Book Series: House of Dragons Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: f/f romance
Recommended For...: dragons, thrones, medieval style
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, dragon harming, romance, heartbreak, TW sexual violence mention, TW rape mention)
Publisher: Random House for Young Readers
Pages: 470
Synopsis: When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....
THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.
THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.
THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.
THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.
THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great read. The book was thrilling and it had a definite Game of Thrones feel to it (although not inspired by it, but along the same feel ala medieval times with dragons and throne stealing). I thought that the character development of not only the kids, but the dragons as well, were well developed. I thought that the author did well to write extremely strong female characters. The writing was extremely well done and the pacing was on point. The book also did amazing with world building and while it had a “set in the medieval” theme, the feminism in this book was amazing and I loved how the author had LGBT+ characters.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I thought that 5 POVs made the book a bit of a difficult read. The book jumped around a lot in the beginning and the repetition at the beginning was also a bit of a struggle. I also didn’t really understand the “game” the kids played and I think that the backstory/explanation of the events was a bit to convoluted. However, despite my early struggle with the book, I did extremely enjoy the book from about page 100 onward. The book really did pick up pacing at the end, even though I think that momentum could have been executed earlier.
Verdict: A great read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley and Titan Books. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: First in the Devouring Grey Series
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, magic, darkness)
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: On the edge of town a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds loosening…
Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she’s descended from one of the town’s founders doesn’t help much, either—her new neighbours treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder if the townsfolk are right to be afraid.
When bodies start to appear in the woods, the locals become downright hostile. Can the teenagers solve the mystery of Four Paths, and their own part in it, before another calamity strikes?
Review: Okay, so I’m probably going to get hate for this but I didn’t enjoy the book as much as everyone else is. I did like the premise, it’s dark and mysterious like my soul. I also liked the writing, I thought it was perfect and the author has a talent for dark writing. I felt like this book could have been great and is a great book for many people that are not me lol.
However, I just didn’t mesh well with this book. The constant POV switches mid chapters and even otherwise made this book confusing for me. There were breaks and stuff, but on the kindle it just looked like regular paragraph breaks. The magic isn’t explained in this book. We’re thrown into this world with little explanation. I’m really picky on how I like this done in books, so this is a hard criteria for any book to feel. The book had very little world building, in terms of location, and too much in terms of history… like A LOT, and I feel like I have to read the synopsis of this book to understand the book, which shouldn’t be the case for any book in my opinion. It feels like you need to notetake while reading this book. The pacing was also really slow and there were underdeveloped characters all throughout this book.
Verdict: If you can get into this book you’ll love it.
Book Series: First in the Devouring Grey Series
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, magic, darkness)
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: On the edge of town a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds loosening…
Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she’s descended from one of the town’s founders doesn’t help much, either—her new neighbours treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder if the townsfolk are right to be afraid.
When bodies start to appear in the woods, the locals become downright hostile. Can the teenagers solve the mystery of Four Paths, and their own part in it, before another calamity strikes?
Review: Okay, so I’m probably going to get hate for this but I didn’t enjoy the book as much as everyone else is. I did like the premise, it’s dark and mysterious like my soul. I also liked the writing, I thought it was perfect and the author has a talent for dark writing. I felt like this book could have been great and is a great book for many people that are not me lol.
However, I just didn’t mesh well with this book. The constant POV switches mid chapters and even otherwise made this book confusing for me. There were breaks and stuff, but on the kindle it just looked like regular paragraph breaks. The magic isn’t explained in this book. We’re thrown into this world with little explanation. I’m really picky on how I like this done in books, so this is a hard criteria for any book to feel. The book had very little world building, in terms of location, and too much in terms of history… like A LOT, and I feel like I have to read the synopsis of this book to understand the book, which shouldn’t be the case for any book in my opinion. It feels like you need to notetake while reading this book. The pacing was also really slow and there were underdeveloped characters all throughout this book.
Verdict: If you can get into this book you’ll love it.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Pride and Premeditation
Author: Tirzah Price
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, ya, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, gore, violence, romance)
Synopsis: When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.
Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.
Review: For the most part this was a fun book. The murder mystery added a cool twist to the original tale and I felt like the characters were well translated from the original to this story. The world building was also well done.
However, I had issue maintaining concentration in this book. There was a lot going on at any given time and it made it a little hard to follow the book plot. The characters were also a little flat and the way the mystery was handled wasn't well done in my opinion. I also guessed the ending about 40% into the book.
Verdict: It's good
Book: Pride and Premeditation
Author: Tirzah Price
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, ya, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, gore, violence, romance)
Synopsis: When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.
Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.
Review: For the most part this was a fun book. The murder mystery added a cool twist to the original tale and I felt like the characters were well translated from the original to this story. The world building was also well done.
However, I had issue maintaining concentration in this book. There was a lot going on at any given time and it made it a little hard to follow the book plot. The characters were also a little flat and the way the mystery was handled wasn't well done in my opinion. I also guessed the ending about 40% into the book.
Verdict: It's good