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popthebutterfly
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some language and sexual content, not graphic)
Favorite Quote: "Calling all supernatural's from the Abyssal Realm. The princess is here in Macy's. Assistance from all divisions are needed. Beware her guardian angel is here. Have a nice day!"
I received this book as a gift from the author. This did not influence my decision in any way.
Have you ever watched movies like Rosemary's Baby? Movies that explore what would happen if the antichrist was born? Have you ever watched movies about angels, like Dogma or Legion? Whether you believe in that or not, it's an interesting topic to explore to say the least. This is the topic that Waiting for the Beast explores, except the antichrist is not what the seers claim it to be. The antichrist is a bubbly 16 year old girl who loves to go to school and loves life. When her aunt mysteriously falls ill, she becomes telepathic, and begins seeing strange supernatural beings, she learns the truth about her existence and must deal with her supernatural life and her teenage life.
This is becoming a very bad trend, but I find myself not reading the back cover blurb before I read the books. I'm enjoying this bad habit I'm developing because I feel if I read the back cover blurb of this book I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did. I enjoyed the twists and turns the book offered. I generally found the book to be a great and easy read. The book was also very insightful, in that the message was your birth does not define you. You can be who you want to be as long as you make the decision.
However, this book did have a lot of downfalls. The pacing was very weird throughout the book. Sometimes the book jumped months or years at a time and sometimes the book slowed down to give a day-by-day account. The plot was decent, but because of the pacing the development of the plot was a bit wonky. The book was very dialogue heavy and, because of that, some of the characters were not very developed until later in the book. I'm also not sure if it was my NOOK acting up or not (because it is 6 years old and getting replaced soon) but there was a lot of missing quotation marks at the beginning of quotes. It made the story hard to follow because I would have to stop and reread a lot of the text. Besides that error, the quality of writing was decent.
Overall, this would be an enjoyable read. It's a refreshing read in a book world full of fairytale retellings and an interesting read on angels and demons. This will be a series I will wait with baited breath to finish!
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some language and sexual content, not graphic)
Favorite Quote: "Calling all supernatural's from the Abyssal Realm. The princess is here in Macy's. Assistance from all divisions are needed. Beware her guardian angel is here. Have a nice day!"
I received this book as a gift from the author. This did not influence my decision in any way.
Have you ever watched movies like Rosemary's Baby? Movies that explore what would happen if the antichrist was born? Have you ever watched movies about angels, like Dogma or Legion? Whether you believe in that or not, it's an interesting topic to explore to say the least. This is the topic that Waiting for the Beast explores, except the antichrist is not what the seers claim it to be. The antichrist is a bubbly 16 year old girl who loves to go to school and loves life. When her aunt mysteriously falls ill, she becomes telepathic, and begins seeing strange supernatural beings, she learns the truth about her existence and must deal with her supernatural life and her teenage life.
This is becoming a very bad trend, but I find myself not reading the back cover blurb before I read the books. I'm enjoying this bad habit I'm developing because I feel if I read the back cover blurb of this book I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did. I enjoyed the twists and turns the book offered. I generally found the book to be a great and easy read. The book was also very insightful, in that the message was your birth does not define you. You can be who you want to be as long as you make the decision.
However, this book did have a lot of downfalls. The pacing was very weird throughout the book. Sometimes the book jumped months or years at a time and sometimes the book slowed down to give a day-by-day account. The plot was decent, but because of the pacing the development of the plot was a bit wonky. The book was very dialogue heavy and, because of that, some of the characters were not very developed until later in the book. I'm also not sure if it was my NOOK acting up or not (because it is 6 years old and getting replaced soon) but there was a lot of missing quotation marks at the beginning of quotes. It made the story hard to follow because I would have to stop and reread a lot of the text. Besides that error, the quality of writing was decent.
Overall, this would be an enjoyable read. It's a refreshing read in a book world full of fairytale retellings and an interesting read on angels and demons. This will be a series I will wait with baited breath to finish!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and Just Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (80s tropes, romance)
Publisher: Blink
Pages: 299
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A mashup of Groundhog Day and Pretty in Pink, the book stars a senior who is forced to relive the first day at her new school in an endless loop. Andie is convinced she needs true love's kiss to break the curse, but instead discovers how a high school filled with cliques and misfits can find common ground despite everyone's differences.
Review: I felt like for an adult who has lived with and through the classic 80s films this would be a cute book to read. It definitely possess the feel those classic films had and it has a ton of throwbacks. For the most part the characters were well developed and the plot was interesting.
However, there’s an issue with this book. There’s a seriously lack of diversity in this book. This is something that has been complained about the classic films for decades now and to see it replicated in a book that isn’t even published yet is sad. The book’s primary target seems to be adults that read YA rather than YA themselves. The messages and tropes are completely outdated compared to how teenhood is now and I just feel that this book really needed to consult with some actual teens on what is considered pressing issues in their daily lives.
Verdict: Good book, but outdated for today’s youth.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (80s tropes, romance)
Publisher: Blink
Pages: 299
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A mashup of Groundhog Day and Pretty in Pink, the book stars a senior who is forced to relive the first day at her new school in an endless loop. Andie is convinced she needs true love's kiss to break the curse, but instead discovers how a high school filled with cliques and misfits can find common ground despite everyone's differences.
Review: I felt like for an adult who has lived with and through the classic 80s films this would be a cute book to read. It definitely possess the feel those classic films had and it has a ton of throwbacks. For the most part the characters were well developed and the plot was interesting.
However, there’s an issue with this book. There’s a seriously lack of diversity in this book. This is something that has been complained about the classic films for decades now and to see it replicated in a book that isn’t even published yet is sad. The book’s primary target seems to be adults that read YA rather than YA themselves. The messages and tropes are completely outdated compared to how teenhood is now and I just feel that this book really needed to consult with some actual teens on what is considered pressing issues in their daily lives.
Verdict: Good book, but outdated for today’s youth.
Disclaimer: I received this book through KidLitExchange and the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: MG Mystery
Recommended Age: 12+ (mystery, some spooky moments)
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Denise Farber has just moved back to New Orleans with her mom and step-dad. They left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and have finally returned, wagering the last of their family's money on fixing up an old, rundown house and converting it to a bed and breakfast.Nothing seems to work around the place, which doesn't seem too weird to Denise. The unexplained noises are a little more out of the ordinary, but again, nothing too unusual. But when floors collapse, deadly objects rain down, and she hears creepy voices, it's clear to Denise that something more sinister lurks hidden here.Answers may lie in an old comic book Denise finds concealed in the attic: the lost, final project of a famous artist who disappeared in the 1950s. Denise isn't budging from her new home, so she must unravel the mystery-on the pages and off-if she and her family are to survive...
Review: For the most part this book was cute and enjoyable. The book had a good mystery in it and the characters are fairly well developed. The story is engaging as well and it would be a cute mystery for younger readers.
However, I didn’t like how the book brought up the topic of white people coming in to “white up” the neighborhood but didn’t go anywhere with it. It seemed like the book could have done better on some of the more social conscious issues but it failed to push those. Instead the book pushed random/unimportant aspects to the point where I felt that it was just trying to fill the book.
Verdict: A cute mystery.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: MG Mystery
Recommended Age: 12+ (mystery, some spooky moments)
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Denise Farber has just moved back to New Orleans with her mom and step-dad. They left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and have finally returned, wagering the last of their family's money on fixing up an old, rundown house and converting it to a bed and breakfast.Nothing seems to work around the place, which doesn't seem too weird to Denise. The unexplained noises are a little more out of the ordinary, but again, nothing too unusual. But when floors collapse, deadly objects rain down, and she hears creepy voices, it's clear to Denise that something more sinister lurks hidden here.Answers may lie in an old comic book Denise finds concealed in the attic: the lost, final project of a famous artist who disappeared in the 1950s. Denise isn't budging from her new home, so she must unravel the mystery-on the pages and off-if she and her family are to survive...
Review: For the most part this book was cute and enjoyable. The book had a good mystery in it and the characters are fairly well developed. The story is engaging as well and it would be a cute mystery for younger readers.
However, I didn’t like how the book brought up the topic of white people coming in to “white up” the neighborhood but didn’t go anywhere with it. It seemed like the book could have done better on some of the more social conscious issues but it failed to push those. Instead the book pushed random/unimportant aspects to the point where I felt that it was just trying to fill the book.
Verdict: A cute mystery.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Indiegram Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 1, 2018
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (sexual content, some language, some violence and trigger warnings for rape)
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 103
Amazon Link
Synopsis: If you could go back in time and redo one thing in your life, what would it be?
The Watchmaker’s Doctor is the first novella in Erase and Rewind, a collection for new adults that delves into the biggest regrets of the dying, and follows their stories of what might have been.
10% of G. M. T. Schuilling's proceeds from The Watchmaker’s Doctor will go to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding scientific research grants to improve treatment. Their vision is to ultimately develop cures and methods of prevention to enable people with mental health issues to live full, happy, and productive lives.
To learn more about them, visit: https://www.bbrfoundation.org
#KnowScience
"With the pace of a thriller and ideas from science fiction, The Watchmaker’s Doctor takes us on Anaya’s journey of discovery through shifts in time. In doing so, it has things to say about the choices we make and how we might live our life differently."
- Roisin Heycock, Director of YA and Children's list at Oneworld, winner of the Booker Prize 2015 and 2016.
"The Watchmaker’s Doctor is a thought-provoking look at the nature of free will, at the same time as an intimate picture of one girl’s growth to adulthood. I’d also highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing an unsensationalised depiction of life with bipolar disorder."
- Anna Bowles, former Commissioning Editor at Hachette UK.
Anaya, a disillusioned, thirty-five-year-old doctor, has been looking after Gregory, a retired watchmaker and resident of an aged care facility. On her last visit, he gifts her his final creation, an exquisitely-crafted watch, knowing she will die tragically that very day. It will turn back time.
With one condition: she must choose the time and place to reset the clock, and redo just one thing in her life. Regrets, it seems, are easy to realise when you’re dying. Hers was dropping out of school at seventeen.
But what if, after one small change, her life would become much worse than it was? Or unthinkable disasters result from a single step off her path? When the alternative is die now, her choice makes itself. And so, Anaya’s story begins with her last thought. Would I have done this if I had any option but the grave?
Would you?
Review: I am a lover of time travel theories and books. I love Doctor Who and I think that parallel dimensions exist. I think time travelers live among us and that one day we’ll be taking vacations back in time. So this book was pretty perfect for me! I really loved that the plot revolved around time travel and the book didn’t divert much from the main theory of time travel. I think the book did well to develop all of the characters and the pacing was well done as well.
My only complaint is that the book kind of ended suddenly, but this is a novella and the book is already out, so maybe more of the story is in the novel. I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Verdict: Time travel yasssss
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 1, 2018
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (sexual content, some language, some violence and trigger warnings for rape)
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 103
Amazon Link
Synopsis: If you could go back in time and redo one thing in your life, what would it be?
The Watchmaker’s Doctor is the first novella in Erase and Rewind, a collection for new adults that delves into the biggest regrets of the dying, and follows their stories of what might have been.
10% of G. M. T. Schuilling's proceeds from The Watchmaker’s Doctor will go to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. The Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding scientific research grants to improve treatment. Their vision is to ultimately develop cures and methods of prevention to enable people with mental health issues to live full, happy, and productive lives.
To learn more about them, visit: https://www.bbrfoundation.org
#KnowScience
"With the pace of a thriller and ideas from science fiction, The Watchmaker’s Doctor takes us on Anaya’s journey of discovery through shifts in time. In doing so, it has things to say about the choices we make and how we might live our life differently."
- Roisin Heycock, Director of YA and Children's list at Oneworld, winner of the Booker Prize 2015 and 2016.
"The Watchmaker’s Doctor is a thought-provoking look at the nature of free will, at the same time as an intimate picture of one girl’s growth to adulthood. I’d also highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing an unsensationalised depiction of life with bipolar disorder."
- Anna Bowles, former Commissioning Editor at Hachette UK.
Anaya, a disillusioned, thirty-five-year-old doctor, has been looking after Gregory, a retired watchmaker and resident of an aged care facility. On her last visit, he gifts her his final creation, an exquisitely-crafted watch, knowing she will die tragically that very day. It will turn back time.
With one condition: she must choose the time and place to reset the clock, and redo just one thing in her life. Regrets, it seems, are easy to realise when you’re dying. Hers was dropping out of school at seventeen.
But what if, after one small change, her life would become much worse than it was? Or unthinkable disasters result from a single step off her path? When the alternative is die now, her choice makes itself. And so, Anaya’s story begins with her last thought. Would I have done this if I had any option but the grave?
Would you?
Review: I am a lover of time travel theories and books. I love Doctor Who and I think that parallel dimensions exist. I think time travelers live among us and that one day we’ll be taking vacations back in time. So this book was pretty perfect for me! I really loved that the plot revolved around time travel and the book didn’t divert much from the main theory of time travel. I think the book did well to develop all of the characters and the pacing was well done as well.
My only complaint is that the book kind of ended suddenly, but this is a novella and the book is already out, so maybe more of the story is in the novel. I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Verdict: Time travel yasssss
Review 2:
Disclaimer: I own this book! Love it! It’s also signed by the author. Off-topic, sorry!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, scares, romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 394
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.
But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
Review: Oh wow this book was just as fantastic as the first time I read it! I loved the world building and how Donne thought up how life would work in a world where we’re in space because of an Ice Age (it’s a very real threat still). I love the characters and how she took the original plot from Jane Eyre and somehow transformed it into a modern (futuristic?) tale for today’s generation. I also love the writing! I would definitely have loved a continuation of the tale ala 100 Days, but from how the author left it off is fine with me. I also thought the commentary on class and the different socio-economic impacts of certain factors was great.
My only issues are that, from my watch-through of a quick summary of Jane Eyre, that there wasn’t a lot about the Red Room and they changed some things from the original tale, but the changes, in my opinion, were well done and made for a fantastic retelling of a piece of classic literature.
Verdict: A must read if you like Jane Eyre or if you like Space (or BOTH!)
Review 1:
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Romance/Dystopian/Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, sexual references, dystopian like horrors, and ice age)
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Author Website
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as an e-arc on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Stella Ainsley leaves poverty behind when she quits her engineering job aboard the Stalwart to become a governess on a private ship. On the Rochester, there’s no water ration, more books than one person could devour in a lifetime, and an AI who seems more friend than robot.
But no one warned Stella that the ship seems to be haunted, nor that it may be involved in a conspiracy that could topple the entire interstellar fleet. Surrounded by mysteries, Stella finds her equal in the brooding but kind, nineteen-year-old Captain Hugo. When several attempts on his life spark more questions than answers, and the beautiful Bianca Ingram appears at Hugo’s request, his unpredictable behavior causes Stella’s suspicions to mount. Without knowing who to trust, Stella must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Alexa Donne’s lush and enthralling reimagining of the classic Jane Eyre, set among the stars, will seduce and beguile you
So… I don’t read synopses and I shortly found out after I started reading this book that it was a Jane Eyre retelling. I’m one of those horrible people that hasn’t read many classics (well, I’ve not read the popular classics) but since I was somewhat familiar with Jane Eyre from a YouTube video explaining the highlights of it, I felt I was in a good position to read it. Surprisingly though I didn’t need my limited knowledge of the book to understand what was going on. The book was written so well and so unique given its retelling status. The book didn’t feel like a retelling and unless you were either familiar with the book you wouldn’t notice it was a retelling. The book also expanded from the original story so much and it really made the story its own. The characters in the book were very well developed and what you think is going to happen is completely the opposite of what does. The book did well at doing away at some of the tired old YA clichés. The book also had so many twists and turns that you can’t tell where the book is going. Hands down, one of my favorite Sci-Fi’s to date.
However, I did think that the book could have expanded more on the world building a bit, but once again what we got in the book was really well done and adequate. I need more though and I really hope we get a companion novel to this book. Maybe a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Little Women? White Fang? Wait…
Verdict: Jane Eyre in space is cool. If only Charlotte Bronte thought of it.
Disclaimer: I own this book! Love it! It’s also signed by the author. Off-topic, sorry!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, scares, romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 394
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.
But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
Review: Oh wow this book was just as fantastic as the first time I read it! I loved the world building and how Donne thought up how life would work in a world where we’re in space because of an Ice Age (it’s a very real threat still). I love the characters and how she took the original plot from Jane Eyre and somehow transformed it into a modern (futuristic?) tale for today’s generation. I also love the writing! I would definitely have loved a continuation of the tale ala 100 Days, but from how the author left it off is fine with me. I also thought the commentary on class and the different socio-economic impacts of certain factors was great.
My only issues are that, from my watch-through of a quick summary of Jane Eyre, that there wasn’t a lot about the Red Room and they changed some things from the original tale, but the changes, in my opinion, were well done and made for a fantastic retelling of a piece of classic literature.
Verdict: A must read if you like Jane Eyre or if you like Space (or BOTH!)
Review 1:
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Romance/Dystopian/Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, sexual references, dystopian like horrors, and ice age)
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Author Website
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as an e-arc on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Stella Ainsley leaves poverty behind when she quits her engineering job aboard the Stalwart to become a governess on a private ship. On the Rochester, there’s no water ration, more books than one person could devour in a lifetime, and an AI who seems more friend than robot.
But no one warned Stella that the ship seems to be haunted, nor that it may be involved in a conspiracy that could topple the entire interstellar fleet. Surrounded by mysteries, Stella finds her equal in the brooding but kind, nineteen-year-old Captain Hugo. When several attempts on his life spark more questions than answers, and the beautiful Bianca Ingram appears at Hugo’s request, his unpredictable behavior causes Stella’s suspicions to mount. Without knowing who to trust, Stella must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Alexa Donne’s lush and enthralling reimagining of the classic Jane Eyre, set among the stars, will seduce and beguile you
So… I don’t read synopses and I shortly found out after I started reading this book that it was a Jane Eyre retelling. I’m one of those horrible people that hasn’t read many classics (well, I’ve not read the popular classics) but since I was somewhat familiar with Jane Eyre from a YouTube video explaining the highlights of it, I felt I was in a good position to read it. Surprisingly though I didn’t need my limited knowledge of the book to understand what was going on. The book was written so well and so unique given its retelling status. The book didn’t feel like a retelling and unless you were either familiar with the book you wouldn’t notice it was a retelling. The book also expanded from the original story so much and it really made the story its own. The characters in the book were very well developed and what you think is going to happen is completely the opposite of what does. The book did well at doing away at some of the tired old YA clichés. The book also had so many twists and turns that you can’t tell where the book is going. Hands down, one of my favorite Sci-Fi’s to date.
However, I did think that the book could have expanded more on the world building a bit, but once again what we got in the book was really well done and adequate. I need more though and I really hope we get a companion novel to this book. Maybe a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Little Women? White Fang? Wait…
Verdict: Jane Eyre in space is cool. If only Charlotte Bronte thought of it.
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Yay me!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (dead bodies, autopsy, violence, murder, stealing kisses in back alleyways, and "unbecoming activity")
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Pages: 337
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
Review: Holy shit why have I waited so long to read this book?! It's absolutely marvelous! I loved every second of this mystery thriller! The main character was all I ever wanted to be, the character development was amazing, the book was well written, the pacing wasn't too fast or too slow, and I loved the twists and turns. I was guessing the killer, and while I got it right it wasn't without several doubts.
My only complaint is that the book wrapped up a bit too quickly in the end and the aftermath wasn't really discussed. How everything was handled at the end is a mystery.
Verdict: A thriller worth the read!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (dead bodies, autopsy, violence, murder, stealing kisses in back alleyways, and "unbecoming activity")
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Pages: 337
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
Review: Holy shit why have I waited so long to read this book?! It's absolutely marvelous! I loved every second of this mystery thriller! The main character was all I ever wanted to be, the character development was amazing, the book was well written, the pacing wasn't too fast or too slow, and I loved the twists and turns. I was guessing the killer, and while I got it right it wasn't without several doubts.
My only complaint is that the book wrapped up a bit too quickly in the end and the aftermath wasn't really discussed. How everything was handled at the end is a mystery.
Verdict: A thriller worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: September 9, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, death, gore)
Publisher: None
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The first of a series of dystopian thrillers - Set in a 22nd century London, after the fall of the internet; the division of society; the decimation of culture; the destruction of history. After the Great Cyber War and the rise of the White Arrow Party. London has changed.
Arthur cleans the streets of Whitechapel by day and reads illegal journals by night. After discovering the remains of a woman's mutilated body he notices the similarities between this new killer and the infamous Jack The Ripper. But how will a pacifist deal with a violent psychopath?
Tina, an eighteen-year-old assassin of the famous Ruh Guild, moves to Whitechapel with the hopes of enjoying a quiet time away from her disturbing past. But as her path intertwines with Arthur's, her duty as a Peacekeeper is forced into the fray.
Together can they stop history from repeating itself?
Review: I really liked this book. I thought it was a good mix of fantasy and dystopian. I liked the world building and the character development. I thought that the book was really well written! The author has a great talent with writing, he even breathes life into the minor characters!
However, I do feel that the pacing was a bit wonky in some parts. It felt like it was fast and slow a lot.
Verdict: I need the paperback!
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: September 9, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, death, gore)
Publisher: None
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The first of a series of dystopian thrillers - Set in a 22nd century London, after the fall of the internet; the division of society; the decimation of culture; the destruction of history. After the Great Cyber War and the rise of the White Arrow Party. London has changed.
Arthur cleans the streets of Whitechapel by day and reads illegal journals by night. After discovering the remains of a woman's mutilated body he notices the similarities between this new killer and the infamous Jack The Ripper. But how will a pacifist deal with a violent psychopath?
Tina, an eighteen-year-old assassin of the famous Ruh Guild, moves to Whitechapel with the hopes of enjoying a quiet time away from her disturbing past. But as her path intertwines with Arthur's, her duty as a Peacekeeper is forced into the fray.
Together can they stop history from repeating itself?
Review: I really liked this book. I thought it was a good mix of fantasy and dystopian. I liked the world building and the character development. I thought that the book was really well written! The author has a great talent with writing, he even breathes life into the minor characters!
However, I do feel that the pacing was a bit wonky in some parts. It felt like it was fast and slow a lot.
Verdict: I need the paperback!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: --- unedited production
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (fantasy, good v evil)
Publisher: ---
Pages: 354
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Dublin Ireland 2050.
Cursed as a boy, now dreaded as the Devil. Join Haze O’Hagan on his quest for justice and redemption as he battles against forces he cannot understand or explain.
God, no longer a necessity to prosperity became a hindrance in the eyes of many, causing Haze to grow up in a world where men through science could perform their own miracles.
As technology became almost indistinguishable to magic, a new god was born: “Patrick Lynch” the father of neo-micronisation.
The Devil of Dublin is an epic tale of good vs evil, but within our telling, good and evil are not always what it seems.
What defines good?
What defines evil?
Why does evil seem to prosper while the good perish?
One man’s search for immortality awakens an ancient evil, forcing Haze to fight for freedom, identity, faith and love in this thought-provoking tale.
As darkness plagues across the Emerald Isle, a light will rise to meet it.
Review: This book was good! I thought the character development was great and the story was interesting. I was really invested in the story and I thought that it was really enjoyable.
I did think the pacing was a bit slow though and the book definitely needs a good editor, but it’s pretty good!
Verdict: I’d love to see a part 2.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: --- unedited production
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (fantasy, good v evil)
Publisher: ---
Pages: 354
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Dublin Ireland 2050.
Cursed as a boy, now dreaded as the Devil. Join Haze O’Hagan on his quest for justice and redemption as he battles against forces he cannot understand or explain.
God, no longer a necessity to prosperity became a hindrance in the eyes of many, causing Haze to grow up in a world where men through science could perform their own miracles.
As technology became almost indistinguishable to magic, a new god was born: “Patrick Lynch” the father of neo-micronisation.
The Devil of Dublin is an epic tale of good vs evil, but within our telling, good and evil are not always what it seems.
What defines good?
What defines evil?
Why does evil seem to prosper while the good perish?
One man’s search for immortality awakens an ancient evil, forcing Haze to fight for freedom, identity, faith and love in this thought-provoking tale.
As darkness plagues across the Emerald Isle, a light will rise to meet it.
Review: This book was good! I thought the character development was great and the story was interesting. I was really invested in the story and I thought that it was really enjoyable.
I did think the pacing was a bit slow though and the book definitely needs a good editor, but it’s pretty good!
Verdict: I’d love to see a part 2.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Little, Brown and Company/Jimmy Patterson Presents. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1 of Once & Future
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, language, magic, sassy swords, and sarcastic main characters)
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Presents
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.
Now I’m done hiding.
My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.
When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.
No pressure.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I’ve never read a King Arthur retelling and I loved the girl power take on the classic tale. The book was highly imaginative and amazing. The cast was diverse (non-binary, lesbian, bi, ace, gay, and the main character is Arab). The book was well written and the world building was amazingly well done. The plot was intriguing and entertaining throughout the novel. I could just go on and on about how amazing this book was. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
However, I do feel that the book focused a bit too much on the romance and I wish the magic was a bit more explained. I also feel that the book was a bit confusing towards the end and it felt a bit ex machina. Still can’t wait to read the next book though!
Verdict: Queer and loving it!
Book Series: Book 1 of Once & Future
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, language, magic, sassy swords, and sarcastic main characters)
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Presents
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.
Now I’m done hiding.
My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.
When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.
No pressure.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I’ve never read a King Arthur retelling and I loved the girl power take on the classic tale. The book was highly imaginative and amazing. The cast was diverse (non-binary, lesbian, bi, ace, gay, and the main character is Arab). The book was well written and the world building was amazingly well done. The plot was intriguing and entertaining throughout the novel. I could just go on and on about how amazing this book was. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
However, I do feel that the book focused a bit too much on the romance and I wish the magic was a bit more explained. I also feel that the book was a bit confusing towards the end and it felt a bit ex machina. Still can’t wait to read the next book though!
Verdict: Queer and loving it!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (infertility, lying, mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 289
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Caroline has a one track mind. She wants a baby, and she’s willing to do anything to get what she wants. Her husband promised her she’d have her wish. When a secret from his past threatens to ruin Caroline’s plans, she takes matters into her own hands. His lies soon become her own web of lies and deceit.
Reese is desperate for a child too, but years of infertility and loss have jaded her. Secrets and lies have become second nature. The secrets she’s kept from her daughter. The lies to her husband about pregnancy tests. Reese hides behind these lies, protecting her family from truths that could hurt them and her.
Their lives are woven together in a way neither women understand. An unlikely, fragile friendship is born. Can it withstand the secrets and lies?
Review: I felt that this book was really emotional. It’s a great book to read if you want to cry, cause dangit you’re gonna cry during it. The characters are well developed, the plot is interesting, and the writing was really well done. I felt really well connected to the characters even though I haven’t gone through what they have before.
However, I do feel that the book was a bit uneven in pacing. It was slow then fast and then a normal speed. I also feel that readers might not connect as much to the characters unless they have also experienced what they have or are empathetic like I am. I also became really really irked with all the lying, but I feel that was the purpose of the book.
Verdict: A great read!
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (infertility, lying, mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 289
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Caroline has a one track mind. She wants a baby, and she’s willing to do anything to get what she wants. Her husband promised her she’d have her wish. When a secret from his past threatens to ruin Caroline’s plans, she takes matters into her own hands. His lies soon become her own web of lies and deceit.
Reese is desperate for a child too, but years of infertility and loss have jaded her. Secrets and lies have become second nature. The secrets she’s kept from her daughter. The lies to her husband about pregnancy tests. Reese hides behind these lies, protecting her family from truths that could hurt them and her.
Their lives are woven together in a way neither women understand. An unlikely, fragile friendship is born. Can it withstand the secrets and lies?
Review: I felt that this book was really emotional. It’s a great book to read if you want to cry, cause dangit you’re gonna cry during it. The characters are well developed, the plot is interesting, and the writing was really well done. I felt really well connected to the characters even though I haven’t gone through what they have before.
However, I do feel that the book was a bit uneven in pacing. It was slow then fast and then a normal speed. I also feel that readers might not connect as much to the characters unless they have also experienced what they have or are empathetic like I am. I also became really really irked with all the lying, but I feel that was the purpose of the book.
Verdict: A great read!