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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Real Pigeons Fight Crime
Author: Andrew McDonald
Illustrator: Ben Wood
Book Series: Real Pigeons Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: Children’s Comic/Mystery
Recommended Age: 10+ (mysteries and crime stopping pigeons)
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 208
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ever wonder why pigeons always act so weird? It’s because they’re out there chasing the bad guys and saving your butts!
Did you know your city is protected by a secret squad of crime-fighting pigeons? It's true! With master of disguise Rock Pigeon, bendy Tumbler, strong Frillback and super-finder Homey, the REAL PIGEONS will solve any mystery and fight any bad guy to keep the city safe!
Perfect for fans of Aaron Blabey's Bad Guys and Dav Pilkey's Dog Man books, the Real Pigeons series is a hilariously silly and highly visual introduction to the joys of reading and crime-fighting for readers 6+.
In Real Pigeons Fight Crime, Rock and his mystery-solving friends will tackle their first caseload: Why have all the breadcrumbs disappeared? Who on earth is kidnapping bats? And can the pigeons avert a dinner disaster??
Review: Oh my goodness this book is such a fun read! It’s great for younger kids and it’s so clever with the little mysteries! Definitely a great starter read if your little one is inquisitive and intuitive. The book is very graphic heavy, which is great for beginning chapter readers and reluctant ones too. This book is also hilarious and it has a great conclusion to it as well.
Verdict: Definitely a must read for younger mystery lovers!
Book: Real Pigeons Fight Crime
Author: Andrew McDonald
Illustrator: Ben Wood
Book Series: Real Pigeons Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: Children’s Comic/Mystery
Recommended Age: 10+ (mysteries and crime stopping pigeons)
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 208
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ever wonder why pigeons always act so weird? It’s because they’re out there chasing the bad guys and saving your butts!
Did you know your city is protected by a secret squad of crime-fighting pigeons? It's true! With master of disguise Rock Pigeon, bendy Tumbler, strong Frillback and super-finder Homey, the REAL PIGEONS will solve any mystery and fight any bad guy to keep the city safe!
Perfect for fans of Aaron Blabey's Bad Guys and Dav Pilkey's Dog Man books, the Real Pigeons series is a hilariously silly and highly visual introduction to the joys of reading and crime-fighting for readers 6+.
In Real Pigeons Fight Crime, Rock and his mystery-solving friends will tackle their first caseload: Why have all the breadcrumbs disappeared? Who on earth is kidnapping bats? And can the pigeons avert a dinner disaster??
Review: Oh my goodness this book is such a fun read! It’s great for younger kids and it’s so clever with the little mysteries! Definitely a great starter read if your little one is inquisitive and intuitive. The book is very graphic heavy, which is great for beginning chapter readers and reluctant ones too. This book is also hilarious and it has a great conclusion to it as well.
Verdict: Definitely a must read for younger mystery lovers!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Five Dark Fates
Author: Kendare Blake
Book Series: Three Dark Crowns Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Some small f/f relationship will she won’t she moments
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, mentions of cutting, suicide TW, mature scenes, backstabbing, sisterly quarrels, and the chance to change the world as you know it)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 452
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.
Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.
In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.
The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.
Review: This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I went from loving Katherine to hating her to loving her and back to hating her. Jules remained my favorite, but even her managed to frustrate me at certain times. Arsinoe and Mirabella also made me waiver in my like for them, but this wasn’t because of a negative reaction I had to the book. In fact, the exact opposite. I think the writing in this book is very strong, the author is definitely talented and Kendare is able to make you feel so many things. The development is still so present and powerful in this book, even though this is the fourth in the series. The world building was also very powerful and Kendare was able to effortlessly paint the picture of this story in my head.
The only negatives I had about the book is that there are a lot of characters. I am grateful for the character list in the beginning but damn it gets confusing when people start switching sides and people die. Thus is the difficult life of a reader who likes epic fantasy. I also didn’t like how Jules didn’t pull the trigger on a specific person and I think that this would have been great to show in the book, but I did like that she didn’t as well… I’m all for rep but I feel that Jules still has a lot of depression and feelings to work through with the death of her lover. I’m conflicted but I think I am supposed to feel that way. Also, this leaves room for more stories in the future that feature just Jules… right Kendare? ;)
Verdict: Overall, a well crafted and satisfying ending to a saga that all of bookstagram was obsessed about for over a year.
Book: Five Dark Fates
Author: Kendare Blake
Book Series: Three Dark Crowns Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Some small f/f relationship will she won’t she moments
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, mentions of cutting, suicide TW, mature scenes, backstabbing, sisterly quarrels, and the chance to change the world as you know it)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 452
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.
Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.
In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.
The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.
Review: This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I went from loving Katherine to hating her to loving her and back to hating her. Jules remained my favorite, but even her managed to frustrate me at certain times. Arsinoe and Mirabella also made me waiver in my like for them, but this wasn’t because of a negative reaction I had to the book. In fact, the exact opposite. I think the writing in this book is very strong, the author is definitely talented and Kendare is able to make you feel so many things. The development is still so present and powerful in this book, even though this is the fourth in the series. The world building was also very powerful and Kendare was able to effortlessly paint the picture of this story in my head.
The only negatives I had about the book is that there are a lot of characters. I am grateful for the character list in the beginning but damn it gets confusing when people start switching sides and people die. Thus is the difficult life of a reader who likes epic fantasy. I also didn’t like how Jules didn’t pull the trigger on a specific person and I think that this would have been great to show in the book, but I did like that she didn’t as well… I’m all for rep but I feel that Jules still has a lot of depression and feelings to work through with the death of her lover. I’m conflicted but I think I am supposed to feel that way. Also, this leaves room for more stories in the future that feature just Jules… right Kendare? ;)
Verdict: Overall, a well crafted and satisfying ending to a saga that all of bookstagram was obsessed about for over a year.
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
Disclaimer: I received a netgalley e-arc from the publisher and then pre-ordered my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: All the Stars and Teeth
Author: Adalyn Grace
Book Series: All the Stars and Teeth Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some sexual content)
Synopsis: She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.
I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.
Review: This book was absolutely amazing! It fulfilled all my pirate wants and dreams! The characters were absolutely amazing, the world building was fantastic and I can't get over how well the magic system was built. It was also very well written and I very much enjoyed this book!
My only issue is that at one point towards the end it felt like it could have ended well for this book since I suspect there will be more but then it continued for another 20 pages. A little discombobulating for me but I won't complain about the extra pages!
Verdict: A well done pirate adventure!
Book: All the Stars and Teeth
Author: Adalyn Grace
Book Series: All the Stars and Teeth Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some sexual content)
Synopsis: She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.
I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.
Review: This book was absolutely amazing! It fulfilled all my pirate wants and dreams! The characters were absolutely amazing, the world building was fantastic and I can't get over how well the magic system was built. It was also very well written and I very much enjoyed this book!
My only issue is that at one point towards the end it felt like it could have ended well for this book since I suspect there will be more but then it continued for another 20 pages. A little discombobulating for me but I won't complain about the extra pages!
Verdict: A well done pirate adventure!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Book Series: The Jumbies Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Diversity: Yes! Caribbean!
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments with a huge hurricane, might frighten those who aren’t used to them)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Synopsis: In book three of the popular Jumbies series, Corinne must use her emerging supernatural powers to battle the angry god who would destroy her Caribbean island home.
When an out-of-season hurricane sweeps through Corinne’s seaside village, Corinne knows it’s not a typical storm. At first Corinne believes Mama D’Leau—the powerful and cruel jumbie who rules the ocean—has caused the hurricane. Then a second, even more ferocious storm wrecks the island, sending villagers fleeing their houses for shelter in the mountains, and Corinne discovers the storms weren’t caused by a jumbie, but by the angry god Huracan.
Now Corinne, with the help of her friends and even some of her enemies, must race against time to find out what has angered Huracan and try to fix it before her island home is destroyed forever.
Review: For me not reading the other books in this series (totally my fault, bad time management) I thought this book was incredibly well written. The book flowed well, the characters were amazing, and I love the world building. This book was amazing and I want to go back and read the first two one day.
The only thing I will say is that this book was a bit hard for me to get into but that’s more than likely because I didn’t read the first two in the series.
Verdict: Definitely check this one out!
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Book Series: The Jumbies Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Diversity: Yes! Caribbean!
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments with a huge hurricane, might frighten those who aren’t used to them)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Synopsis: In book three of the popular Jumbies series, Corinne must use her emerging supernatural powers to battle the angry god who would destroy her Caribbean island home.
When an out-of-season hurricane sweeps through Corinne’s seaside village, Corinne knows it’s not a typical storm. At first Corinne believes Mama D’Leau—the powerful and cruel jumbie who rules the ocean—has caused the hurricane. Then a second, even more ferocious storm wrecks the island, sending villagers fleeing their houses for shelter in the mountains, and Corinne discovers the storms weren’t caused by a jumbie, but by the angry god Huracan.
Now Corinne, with the help of her friends and even some of her enemies, must race against time to find out what has angered Huracan and try to fix it before her island home is destroyed forever.
Review: For me not reading the other books in this series (totally my fault, bad time management) I thought this book was incredibly well written. The book flowed well, the characters were amazing, and I love the world building. This book was amazing and I want to go back and read the first two one day.
The only thing I will say is that this book was a bit hard for me to get into but that’s more than likely because I didn’t read the first two in the series.
Verdict: Definitely check this one out!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: 10 Days Gone
Author: A. L. McKittridge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 18, 2020
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Recommended Age: 18+ (some language, violence, gore, murder)
Synopsis: They know exactly when he'll strike... They just have to find him first.
In all their years working for the Baywood police department, detectives A.L. McKittridge and Rena Morgan have never seen anything like it. Four women dead in forty days, each killed ten days apart. With nothing connecting the victims and very little evidence, the clock is already counting down to when the next body drops. A.L. and Rena will have to act fast if they're going to find the killer's next victim before he does.
But identifying the killer's next likely target is only half the battle. With pressure pushing in from all sides, a promising breakthrough leads the detectives to Tess Lyons, a woman whose past trauma has left her too damaged to appreciate the danger she's in. Unwilling to let another woman die, A.L. and Rena will put everything on the line to keep Tess safe and end the killer's deadly spree once and for all--before time runs out again.
Review: I thought this book was very fast paced and well written. The book was intriguing and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end.
However, I did feel like the characters were a bit flat and I just wasn't drawn to any of them. It was probably just personal taste but I just couldn't get along with them. I also predicted the ending, but again I'm really good at that.
Verdict: it was a decent suspense novel!
Book: 10 Days Gone
Author: A. L. McKittridge
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 18, 2020
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Recommended Age: 18+ (some language, violence, gore, murder)
Synopsis: They know exactly when he'll strike... They just have to find him first.
In all their years working for the Baywood police department, detectives A.L. McKittridge and Rena Morgan have never seen anything like it. Four women dead in forty days, each killed ten days apart. With nothing connecting the victims and very little evidence, the clock is already counting down to when the next body drops. A.L. and Rena will have to act fast if they're going to find the killer's next victim before he does.
But identifying the killer's next likely target is only half the battle. With pressure pushing in from all sides, a promising breakthrough leads the detectives to Tess Lyons, a woman whose past trauma has left her too damaged to appreciate the danger she's in. Unwilling to let another woman die, A.L. and Rena will put everything on the line to keep Tess safe and end the killer's deadly spree once and for all--before time runs out again.
Review: I thought this book was very fast paced and well written. The book was intriguing and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end.
However, I did feel like the characters were a bit flat and I just wasn't drawn to any of them. It was probably just personal taste but I just couldn't get along with them. I also predicted the ending, but again I'm really good at that.
Verdict: it was a decent suspense novel!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Odriels Heir
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Book Series: Odriels Heirs Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 23, 2020
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 197
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, some mature scenes)
Synopsis: The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon's Rage....
As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.
But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.
With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.
And time is running out.
Review: For the most part this is a great fantasy. The story is intriguing, the world building is fantastic, and the writing was well done.
However, the character development lacked a bit for me. The main character wasn't very likable and while that can be done amazingly in some book I felt it lacked in this one.
Verdict: An excellent fantasy read!
Book: Odriels Heir
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Book Series: Odriels Heirs Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 23, 2020
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 197
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, some mature scenes)
Synopsis: The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon's Rage....
As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.
But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.
With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.
And time is running out.
Review: For the most part this is a great fantasy. The story is intriguing, the world building is fantastic, and the writing was well done.
However, the character development lacked a bit for me. The main character wasn't very likable and while that can be done amazingly in some book I felt it lacked in this one.
Verdict: An excellent fantasy read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Song of the Abyss
Author: Makiia Lucier
Book Series: Tower of Winds Book 2
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some gore)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They came in the night as she dreamt, in her berth, on a ship sailing home to del Mar. After, they would be all Reyna thought about: two carracks painted scorpion black. No emblem on either forecastle, no pennants flying above the mainmasts to hint at a kingdom of origin.
Never a good sign.
As the granddaughter of a famed navigator, seventeen-year-old Reyna has always lived life on her own terms, despite those who say a girl could never be an explorer for the royal house of St. John del Mar. She is determined to prove them wrong, and as she returns home after a year-long expedition, she knows her dream is within reach. No longer an apprentice, instead: Reyna, Master Explorer.
But when menacing raiders attack her ship, those dreams are pushed aside. Reyna's escape is both desperate and dangerous, and when next she sees her ship, a mystery rises from the deep. The sailors--her captain, her countrymen--have vanished. To find them, Reyna must use every resource at her disposal . . . including placing her trust in a handsome prince from a rival kingdom.
Together they uncover a disturbing truth. The attack was no isolated incident. Troubling signs point to a shadowy kingdom in the north, and for once, the rulers of the Sea of Magdalen agree: something must be done. But can Reyna be brave enough to find a way?
Review: This book was a gorgeous read. The world building was very well done and the plot was what drew me to this book.
However, this book just fell flat for me. The story was very flat, it had almost a textbook reading to it. The book actually kind of reads like a historical fiction, which doesn’t do well for the genre it is (YA Fantasy). The characters are also very flat and uninteresting in my opinion and the pacing was very discombobulated. The book felt so slow throughout the majority of it, and then at the end it felt super rushed and disjointed. It really could have used some more depth and more development, with the story leaning away from the historical aspects of the book and into the story at hand.
Verdict: Not for me, but gorgeous at least!
Book: Song of the Abyss
Author: Makiia Lucier
Book Series: Tower of Winds Book 2
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some gore)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They came in the night as she dreamt, in her berth, on a ship sailing home to del Mar. After, they would be all Reyna thought about: two carracks painted scorpion black. No emblem on either forecastle, no pennants flying above the mainmasts to hint at a kingdom of origin.
Never a good sign.
As the granddaughter of a famed navigator, seventeen-year-old Reyna has always lived life on her own terms, despite those who say a girl could never be an explorer for the royal house of St. John del Mar. She is determined to prove them wrong, and as she returns home after a year-long expedition, she knows her dream is within reach. No longer an apprentice, instead: Reyna, Master Explorer.
But when menacing raiders attack her ship, those dreams are pushed aside. Reyna's escape is both desperate and dangerous, and when next she sees her ship, a mystery rises from the deep. The sailors--her captain, her countrymen--have vanished. To find them, Reyna must use every resource at her disposal . . . including placing her trust in a handsome prince from a rival kingdom.
Together they uncover a disturbing truth. The attack was no isolated incident. Troubling signs point to a shadowy kingdom in the north, and for once, the rulers of the Sea of Magdalen agree: something must be done. But can Reyna be brave enough to find a way?
Review: This book was a gorgeous read. The world building was very well done and the plot was what drew me to this book.
However, this book just fell flat for me. The story was very flat, it had almost a textbook reading to it. The book actually kind of reads like a historical fiction, which doesn’t do well for the genre it is (YA Fantasy). The characters are also very flat and uninteresting in my opinion and the pacing was very discombobulated. The book felt so slow throughout the majority of it, and then at the end it felt super rushed and disjointed. It really could have used some more depth and more development, with the story leaning away from the historical aspects of the book and into the story at hand.
Verdict: Not for me, but gorgeous at least!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Forgotten Murder
Author: Jude Deveraux
Book Series: Medlar Mystery Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention , alcohol, drugs mention, violence, gore, language)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: An English manor home, an unsolved mystery, too many suspects to count… It’s the perfect holiday for romance novelist Sara Medlar.
After solving two murder cases in their hometown of Lachlan, Florida, Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery. Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend of hers in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate that has been converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize that Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them at Oxley.
When everyone assembles, Sara lets them know why they are there. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event.
In reenacting the events of that night, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and no one is safe, especially when the discovery of a body makes it clear that at least one of the people who disappeared was murdered.
Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe.
New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux has crafted another irresistible case in her bestselling Medlar Mystery series.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this mystery book. It was a fun read and it was very fast paced for me. The characters were well developed and the story really kept me intrigued.
However, this book was kind of hard to get into. The book just starts in the middle of the action and while some readers really enjoy that and I do on occasion, it didn’t help me here. The book was kind of chaotic as well and sometimes really hard to follow along with. It also took some time for me to get into the book.
Verdict: A good mystery, but pay attention to it.
Book: A Forgotten Murder
Author: Jude Deveraux
Book Series: Medlar Mystery Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention , alcohol, drugs mention, violence, gore, language)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: An English manor home, an unsolved mystery, too many suspects to count… It’s the perfect holiday for romance novelist Sara Medlar.
After solving two murder cases in their hometown of Lachlan, Florida, Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery. Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend of hers in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate that has been converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize that Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them at Oxley.
When everyone assembles, Sara lets them know why they are there. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event.
In reenacting the events of that night, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and no one is safe, especially when the discovery of a body makes it clear that at least one of the people who disappeared was murdered.
Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe.
New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux has crafted another irresistible case in her bestselling Medlar Mystery series.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this mystery book. It was a fun read and it was very fast paced for me. The characters were well developed and the story really kept me intrigued.
However, this book was kind of hard to get into. The book just starts in the middle of the action and while some readers really enjoy that and I do on occasion, it didn’t help me here. The book was kind of chaotic as well and sometimes really hard to follow along with. It also took some time for me to get into the book.
Verdict: A good mystery, but pay attention to it.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the publisher and then I bought my own copy for the pre-order swag and to support the author! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Good Luck Girls
Author: Charlotte Nicole Davis
Book Series: The Good Luck Girls Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: A diverse cast of black girls and there is a bit of LGBTQA+, but not a lot.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention, TW attempted rape, TW drug use and withdrawal, some small language, gore, and violence)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aster, the protector
Violet, the favorite
Tansy, the medic
Mallow, the fighter
Clementine, the catalyst
THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS
The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a "welcome house" as children and branded with cursed markings. Trapped in a life they would never have chosen.
When Clementine accidentally murders a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape and harrowing journey to find freedom, justice, and revenge in a country that wants them to have none of those things. Pursued by Arketta's most vicious and powerful forces, both human and inhuman, their only hope lies in a bedtime story passed from one Good Luck Girl to another, a story that only the youngest or most desperate would ever believe.
It's going to take more than luck for them all to survive.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I felt that the book was unique and I loved the west-world feel of it. The world building was very interesting and the writing was well done. The book was also very fast paced.
However, I did feel like the book had some faults. The book starts in Clementine’s POV and that lasts for one chapter. After that it’s strictly in Aster’s POV. I think the book could have benefitted from a POV switch between Aster and Clementine or between some of the other girls, as I also felt that the characters weren’t very well developed. They went from these victims to these badasses who knew how to knock people out, shoot people, tie them up, ride horses, etc. It felt weird and I didn’t feel connected with any of them. There was also the problem with the love interest. The synopsis is very pro-female power but in the book the girls heavily rely on the love interest of the book. That didn’t sit well with me, because it felt like the pro-female book I wanted to read was not all that it seemed. I wanted to see the girls make it on their own without the help of others. Lastly, the synopsis is almost written to imply that there is some magic to this book, which there is, but not about the girls themselves which is disappointing.
Verdict: It’s a great book but I had different expectations which ruined it for me.
Book: The Good Luck Girls
Author: Charlotte Nicole Davis
Book Series: The Good Luck Girls Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: A diverse cast of black girls and there is a bit of LGBTQA+, but not a lot.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention, TW attempted rape, TW drug use and withdrawal, some small language, gore, and violence)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aster, the protector
Violet, the favorite
Tansy, the medic
Mallow, the fighter
Clementine, the catalyst
THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS
The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a "welcome house" as children and branded with cursed markings. Trapped in a life they would never have chosen.
When Clementine accidentally murders a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape and harrowing journey to find freedom, justice, and revenge in a country that wants them to have none of those things. Pursued by Arketta's most vicious and powerful forces, both human and inhuman, their only hope lies in a bedtime story passed from one Good Luck Girl to another, a story that only the youngest or most desperate would ever believe.
It's going to take more than luck for them all to survive.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I felt that the book was unique and I loved the west-world feel of it. The world building was very interesting and the writing was well done. The book was also very fast paced.
However, I did feel like the book had some faults. The book starts in Clementine’s POV and that lasts for one chapter. After that it’s strictly in Aster’s POV. I think the book could have benefitted from a POV switch between Aster and Clementine or between some of the other girls, as I also felt that the characters weren’t very well developed. They went from these victims to these badasses who knew how to knock people out, shoot people, tie them up, ride horses, etc. It felt weird and I didn’t feel connected with any of them. There was also the problem with the love interest. The synopsis is very pro-female power but in the book the girls heavily rely on the love interest of the book. That didn’t sit well with me, because it felt like the pro-female book I wanted to read was not all that it seemed. I wanted to see the girls make it on their own without the help of others. Lastly, the synopsis is almost written to imply that there is some magic to this book, which there is, but not about the girls themselves which is disappointing.
Verdict: It’s a great book but I had different expectations which ruined it for me.