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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Book of Secrets
Author: M.L. Little
Book Series: Seventh Realm Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (death, slight gore, some trauma, and war mentioned)
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 232
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After Gabriel Draven smuggles home the Stone of the Seven Realms, his fear of facing consequences launches him and his oddball family on a rollicking run for their lives across the world they only thought they knew. As his journey takes him out of his realm and into another, Gabriel discovers that the deepest mystery lies at the heart of his own family, and he must do whatever it takes to find his way back home.
Strong and unapologetic, full of vivid, well-timed simile and lilting rhythm, bright with humor, at times bursting into a depth of pure simplistic beauty, The Book of Secrets looks far beyond the typical medieval swords-and-sorcery and, instead, introduces mystical creatures, absurd new worlds, and, at its heart, a hymn of praise to the complicated bond of siblinghood.
Review: I thought this was a well done read! The book did well with the world building and the character development. The book is well suited for younger readers and the writing is very engaging and simplistic, but all-consuming.
The only issues I had with the book is that sometimes the world building became too much, like there was too much detail in some areas. The pacing was also fairly slow in my opinion. The book also alludes to Christianity teachings and while I didn’t really care I did want to point it out for readers who don’t want their kids or themselves to read that.
Verdict: A very well done read!
Book: The Book of Secrets
Author: M.L. Little
Book Series: Seventh Realm Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (death, slight gore, some trauma, and war mentioned)
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 232
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After Gabriel Draven smuggles home the Stone of the Seven Realms, his fear of facing consequences launches him and his oddball family on a rollicking run for their lives across the world they only thought they knew. As his journey takes him out of his realm and into another, Gabriel discovers that the deepest mystery lies at the heart of his own family, and he must do whatever it takes to find his way back home.
Strong and unapologetic, full of vivid, well-timed simile and lilting rhythm, bright with humor, at times bursting into a depth of pure simplistic beauty, The Book of Secrets looks far beyond the typical medieval swords-and-sorcery and, instead, introduces mystical creatures, absurd new worlds, and, at its heart, a hymn of praise to the complicated bond of siblinghood.
Review: I thought this was a well done read! The book did well with the world building and the character development. The book is well suited for younger readers and the writing is very engaging and simplistic, but all-consuming.
The only issues I had with the book is that sometimes the world building became too much, like there was too much detail in some areas. The pacing was also fairly slow in my opinion. The book also alludes to Christianity teachings and while I didn’t really care I did want to point it out for readers who don’t want their kids or themselves to read that.
Verdict: A very well done read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Raven and the Dove
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Book Series: The Raven and the Dove Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Amazon Services
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess longing to be free...
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong...
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like I had read this same story before. I am NOT saying that this book is plagiarizing another work but I feel like this book is just a rehashing of the same plot points in a different manner. I’m aware it’s a Tristian and Isolde retelling, but for some reason this book just feels so old to me. The characters aren’t appealing to me and the world building is everywhere. Stuff just feels like it’s thrown into your face without warning. It’s a bit of a chaotic read and it was really slow. I made it about 38% through before I had to quit reading.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
Book: The Raven and the Dove
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Book Series: The Raven and the Dove Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Amazon Services
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess longing to be free...
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong...
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like I had read this same story before. I am NOT saying that this book is plagiarizing another work but I feel like this book is just a rehashing of the same plot points in a different manner. I’m aware it’s a Tristian and Isolde retelling, but for some reason this book just feels so old to me. The characters aren’t appealing to me and the world building is everywhere. Stuff just feels like it’s thrown into your face without warning. It’s a bit of a chaotic read and it was really slow. I made it about 38% through before I had to quit reading.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Mountains Sing
Author: Nguyen Phan Que Mai (I can’t do the accent marks to properly spell their name, so sorry!)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Vietnamese Main Family!
Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (war, violence, slight gore, family conflict)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: With the epic sweep of Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko or Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing and the lyrical beauty of Vaddey Ratner’s In the Shadow of the Banyan, The Mountains Sing tells an enveloping, multigenerational tale of the Trần family, set against the backdrop of the Việt Nam War. Trần Diệu Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà Nội, her young granddaughter, Hương, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that tore not just her beloved country, but her family apart.
Vivid, gripping, and steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam, The Mountains Sing brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope.
The Mountains Sing is celebrated Vietnamese poet Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s first novel in English.
Review: I thought this book was very well written and almost lyrical in how it was written. The book is a multi-generational book (kind of like Roots) where this family weaves their story together. It’s a wonderful tale that describes the absolute horrors, but absolute strength of people in war time.
However, I did feel like the characters didn’t connect with me. I’m not sure if it was because we were just forced into each character or if it was just the slow pacing that didn’t make me connect with the book, but I kind of want to reread it to try and connect with them again.
Verdict: Definitely recommend!
Book: The Mountains Sing
Author: Nguyen Phan Que Mai (I can’t do the accent marks to properly spell their name, so sorry!)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Vietnamese Main Family!
Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (war, violence, slight gore, family conflict)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: With the epic sweep of Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko or Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing and the lyrical beauty of Vaddey Ratner’s In the Shadow of the Banyan, The Mountains Sing tells an enveloping, multigenerational tale of the Trần family, set against the backdrop of the Việt Nam War. Trần Diệu Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà Nội, her young granddaughter, Hương, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that tore not just her beloved country, but her family apart.
Vivid, gripping, and steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam, The Mountains Sing brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope.
The Mountains Sing is celebrated Vietnamese poet Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s first novel in English.
Review: I thought this book was very well written and almost lyrical in how it was written. The book is a multi-generational book (kind of like Roots) where this family weaves their story together. It’s a wonderful tale that describes the absolute horrors, but absolute strength of people in war time.
However, I did feel like the characters didn’t connect with me. I’m not sure if it was because we were just forced into each character or if it was just the slow pacing that didn’t make me connect with the book, but I kind of want to reread it to try and connect with them again.
Verdict: Definitely recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: One monsoon in Mumbai
Author: Anitha Perinchery
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Indian characters!
Publication Date: September 15, 2019
Genre: Romantic Political Thriller
Recommended Age: 16+ (politics, some mature love scenes)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 344
Amazon Link
Synopsis: One Nerdy Hero, One Dashing Villain, One Interfering Auntie...
Life's complicated for Seema Rawat, cyberspy.
From the files of the Intelligence Bureau:
Name: Seema Rawat
Job: Child pickpocket-turned-cyberspy
Mission: Infiltrate the suspect's place of work and extract information from his computer.
Target: Adhith Verma, son of India's finance minister. Handsome, charming, well-dressed.
Threat: Vikram Joshi, suspect's boss and BFF, cybersecurity prodigy hot on the trail of the spy in their systems. Always says the wrong thing at the wrong time but has pecs and abs which can send Seema's hormones into a Bollywood group dance.
Complication: Seema's auntie who is determined to protect her virtue from both men.
Operation: ONE MONSOON IN MUMBAI.
Review: I thought this was a pretty good book. The plot is intriguing and kept me hooked throughout the book, the characters were all well developed, and the writing was pretty good.
However, I didn’t like how each character got a back story. I felt like it was too much development and I would have rather had the time put into the setting and bigger plot points, as there is a lot of information in this book and some of it did go over my head. This also focuses heavily on the romance, which isn’t for me.
Verdict: If you like political romance thrillers, this is for you!
Book: One monsoon in Mumbai
Author: Anitha Perinchery
Book Series: Standalone?
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Indian characters!
Publication Date: September 15, 2019
Genre: Romantic Political Thriller
Recommended Age: 16+ (politics, some mature love scenes)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 344
Amazon Link
Synopsis: One Nerdy Hero, One Dashing Villain, One Interfering Auntie...
Life's complicated for Seema Rawat, cyberspy.
From the files of the Intelligence Bureau:
Name: Seema Rawat
Job: Child pickpocket-turned-cyberspy
Mission: Infiltrate the suspect's place of work and extract information from his computer.
Target: Adhith Verma, son of India's finance minister. Handsome, charming, well-dressed.
Threat: Vikram Joshi, suspect's boss and BFF, cybersecurity prodigy hot on the trail of the spy in their systems. Always says the wrong thing at the wrong time but has pecs and abs which can send Seema's hormones into a Bollywood group dance.
Complication: Seema's auntie who is determined to protect her virtue from both men.
Operation: ONE MONSOON IN MUMBAI.
Review: I thought this was a pretty good book. The plot is intriguing and kept me hooked throughout the book, the characters were all well developed, and the writing was pretty good.
However, I didn’t like how each character got a back story. I felt like it was too much development and I would have rather had the time put into the setting and bigger plot points, as there is a lot of information in this book and some of it did go over my head. This also focuses heavily on the romance, which isn’t for me.
Verdict: If you like political romance thrillers, this is for you!
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sparrow
Author: Mary Cecilia Jackson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (bullying, homophobic comments, psychological/mental illness, abuse)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There are two kinds of people on the planet. Hunters and prey
I thought I would be safe after my mother died. I thought I could stop searching for new places to hide. But you can’t escape what you are, what you’ve always been.
My name is Savannah Darcy Rose.
And I am still prey.
Though Savannah Rose―Sparrow to her friends and family―is a gifted ballerina, her real talent is keeping secrets. Schooled in silence by her long-dead mother, Sparrow has always believed that her lifelong creed―“I’m not the kind of girl who tells”―will make her just like everyone else: Normal. Happy. Safe. But in the aftermath of a brutal assault by her seemingly perfect boyfriend Tristan, Sparrow must finally find the courage to confront the ghosts of her past, or lose herself forever….
Review: Holy cow this book was a complete 180 from what I thought it was going to be! I thought this would be more boarding school ballet but this book was very grounded in very real and serious real-world issues. I loved the character development and I loved how the story flowed. It was almost like a ballet itself in how it was written.
However, I did think that the book was a bit slow and it did take a bit to get into.
Verdict: Add this to your online cart while you practice ballet in the safety of your own home.
Book: Sparrow
Author: Mary Cecilia Jackson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 17, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (bullying, homophobic comments, psychological/mental illness, abuse)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There are two kinds of people on the planet. Hunters and prey
I thought I would be safe after my mother died. I thought I could stop searching for new places to hide. But you can’t escape what you are, what you’ve always been.
My name is Savannah Darcy Rose.
And I am still prey.
Though Savannah Rose―Sparrow to her friends and family―is a gifted ballerina, her real talent is keeping secrets. Schooled in silence by her long-dead mother, Sparrow has always believed that her lifelong creed―“I’m not the kind of girl who tells”―will make her just like everyone else: Normal. Happy. Safe. But in the aftermath of a brutal assault by her seemingly perfect boyfriend Tristan, Sparrow must finally find the courage to confront the ghosts of her past, or lose herself forever….
Review: Holy cow this book was a complete 180 from what I thought it was going to be! I thought this would be more boarding school ballet but this book was very grounded in very real and serious real-world issues. I loved the character development and I loved how the story flowed. It was almost like a ballet itself in how it was written.
However, I did think that the book was a bit slow and it did take a bit to get into.
Verdict: Add this to your online cart while you practice ballet in the safety of your own home.
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Witches of Ash and Ruin
Author: E. Latimer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT friendly! Bi main character!
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, being outed, family issues, violence, some gore)
Publisher: Freeform
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Dayna Walsh is struggling to cope with her somatic OCD; the aftermath of being outed as bisexual in her conservative Irish town; and the return of her long-absent mother, who barely seems like a parent. But all that really matters to her is ascending and finally, finally becoming a full witch-plans that are complicated when another coven, rumored to have a sordid history with black magic, arrives in town with premonitions of death. Dayna immediately finds herself at odds with the bewitchingly frustrating Meiner King, the granddaughter of their coven leader.
And then a witch turns up murdered at a local sacred site, along with the blood symbol of the Butcher of Manchester-an infamous serial killer whose trail has long gone cold. The killer's motives are enmeshed in a complex web of witches and gods, and Dayna and Meiner soon find themselves at the center of it all. If they don't stop the Butcher, one of them will be next.
With razor-sharp prose and achingly real characters, E. Latimer crafts a sweeping, mesmerizing story of dark magic and brutal mythology set against a backdrop of contemporary Ireland that's impossible to put down.
Review: I really liked this book for the most part. The book did well to have excellent LGBT representation, and it was based on Celtic folklore. The setting was well detailed and the family dynamics were amazing!
However, there are 5 POVs and it was a lot to take in. The book was hard to get into and it was hard to connect with the characters. The book almost felt forced to tell a story.
Verdict: It was a good book, but not for me.
Book: Witches of Ash and Ruin
Author: E. Latimer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT friendly! Bi main character!
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, being outed, family issues, violence, some gore)
Publisher: Freeform
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Dayna Walsh is struggling to cope with her somatic OCD; the aftermath of being outed as bisexual in her conservative Irish town; and the return of her long-absent mother, who barely seems like a parent. But all that really matters to her is ascending and finally, finally becoming a full witch-plans that are complicated when another coven, rumored to have a sordid history with black magic, arrives in town with premonitions of death. Dayna immediately finds herself at odds with the bewitchingly frustrating Meiner King, the granddaughter of their coven leader.
And then a witch turns up murdered at a local sacred site, along with the blood symbol of the Butcher of Manchester-an infamous serial killer whose trail has long gone cold. The killer's motives are enmeshed in a complex web of witches and gods, and Dayna and Meiner soon find themselves at the center of it all. If they don't stop the Butcher, one of them will be next.
With razor-sharp prose and achingly real characters, E. Latimer crafts a sweeping, mesmerizing story of dark magic and brutal mythology set against a backdrop of contemporary Ireland that's impossible to put down.
Review: I really liked this book for the most part. The book did well to have excellent LGBT representation, and it was based on Celtic folklore. The setting was well detailed and the family dynamics were amazing!
However, there are 5 POVs and it was a lot to take in. The book was hard to get into and it was hard to connect with the characters. The book almost felt forced to tell a story.
Verdict: It was a good book, but not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Parliament House. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Stolen #1
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (mental illness, some scary moments, kidnapping, forced servitude)
Publisher: Parliament House
Pages: 258
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s difficult taking care of a delusional father by yourself. Sixteen-year-old Shaleigh Mallet would rather explore and photograph dilapidated buildings than cater to her father’s dark episodes. But when she’s kidnapped by a creature who carries her atop a flying bicycle into another world, she realizes this wasn’t the escape she wanted.
In a kingdom known as the Garden, where minotaurs pull carriages and parties are held in hot air balloons, Madam Cloom and her faerie servant, Teagan, rule over the land with incredible but terrifying magic. Shaleigh must prove that she is the reincarnation of a long-dead ruler, not because she believes it, but because it’s her only chance to survive. With the help of a trespassing faerie, a stoatling, and a living statue, Shaleigh hopes to outwit everyone. She aims to break the bonds of servitude and finally make her way home. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that she’s playing right into the hands of a far worse enemy...
Review: Holy cow this book was magical! The characters were so well written and I just loved Shaleigh. I really connected with them and the book just drug me in! The world building was fantastic, the plot was amazingly well done, and the writing was magnificent.
However, I did feel that there were some slow, pace breaking moments but they were few and far between. I feel like realistically someone would have stepped in to help Shaleigh with her father, especially since it was known, but it seemed like it feel into the realm of “the system failed”, which is sadly becoming a cliché in the YA community.
Verdict: Beautiful and unique. Definite must buy.
Book Series: Stolen #1
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (mental illness, some scary moments, kidnapping, forced servitude)
Publisher: Parliament House
Pages: 258
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s difficult taking care of a delusional father by yourself. Sixteen-year-old Shaleigh Mallet would rather explore and photograph dilapidated buildings than cater to her father’s dark episodes. But when she’s kidnapped by a creature who carries her atop a flying bicycle into another world, she realizes this wasn’t the escape she wanted.
In a kingdom known as the Garden, where minotaurs pull carriages and parties are held in hot air balloons, Madam Cloom and her faerie servant, Teagan, rule over the land with incredible but terrifying magic. Shaleigh must prove that she is the reincarnation of a long-dead ruler, not because she believes it, but because it’s her only chance to survive. With the help of a trespassing faerie, a stoatling, and a living statue, Shaleigh hopes to outwit everyone. She aims to break the bonds of servitude and finally make her way home. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that she’s playing right into the hands of a far worse enemy...
Review: Holy cow this book was magical! The characters were so well written and I just loved Shaleigh. I really connected with them and the book just drug me in! The world building was fantastic, the plot was amazingly well done, and the writing was magnificent.
However, I did feel that there were some slow, pace breaking moments but they were few and far between. I feel like realistically someone would have stepped in to help Shaleigh with her father, especially since it was known, but it seemed like it feel into the realm of “the system failed”, which is sadly becoming a cliché in the YA community.
Verdict: Beautiful and unique. Definite must buy.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Station Zero
Author: Philip Reeve
Book Series: Railhead Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 3, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Great Network is changing. New worlds, new alliances, new enmities. For Threnody the changes have brought great power. For Zen and Nova they have brought separation. For the trains that run from world to world, they have brought questions. Now all of them must find out what really matters to them and who they really are . . .
Review: I had to DNF this one because I was, once again, duped by netgalley into getting it. I get advertised an array of books by netgalley and some of them are sequels. I didn’t realize this one was a sequel until I started reading it. Because I want to read this series later when I have time I don’t want to review this one right away (but I won’t get around to these books for years so I’m leaving a 3/5 review because this book does sound amazing, but I’m utterly confused without the other books lol.
Verdict: Read books 1 and 2 first.
Book: Station Zero
Author: Philip Reeve
Book Series: Railhead Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 3, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Great Network is changing. New worlds, new alliances, new enmities. For Threnody the changes have brought great power. For Zen and Nova they have brought separation. For the trains that run from world to world, they have brought questions. Now all of them must find out what really matters to them and who they really are . . .
Review: I had to DNF this one because I was, once again, duped by netgalley into getting it. I get advertised an array of books by netgalley and some of them are sequels. I didn’t realize this one was a sequel until I started reading it. Because I want to read this series later when I have time I don’t want to review this one right away (but I won’t get around to these books for years so I’m leaving a 3/5 review because this book does sound amazing, but I’m utterly confused without the other books lol.
Verdict: Read books 1 and 2 first.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Twin
Author: Natasha Preston
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Delacrote Press
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In this twisty psychological thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE CELLAR, Ivy finds out that her twin sister, Iris, is trying to push her out of her own life--and might be responsible for their mother's death.
After their parents divorced, 10-year-old twins Ivy and Iris were split up--Ivy lived with Dad, Iris with Mom. Now, after a tragic accident takes their mom's life, the twins are reunited and Iris moves in with Ivy and their dad. Devastated over Mom's death, Iris spends the first few weeks in almost total silence--the only person she will speak to is Ivy. Iris feels her life is over and she doesn't know what to do. Ivy promises her twin that she can share her life now. After all, they're sisters. Twins.
It's a promise that Iris takes seriously. And before long, Ivy's friends, her life at school, and her boyfriend, Tyler, fall under Iris's spell. Slowly, Ivy realizes she's being pushed out of her own life. But she's just being paranoid, right? And Mom's accident was . . . just an accident. Right? It's not like she--or Dad--or Tyler--are in any danger. . . .
Review: I had to DNF this book, but I was sad to do it. The book is beautiful and the plot is super intriguing. I’ve always wanted to read a Natasha Preston book but I’ve not been able to connect with the characters in this book. Maybe it was the mood I was in overall (aka super tired), but I just couldn’t get into the writing and the story. But I’m passing this on to my friend who loves Natasha Preston because I know she’ll love it.
Verdict: Not for me, but I wanted it to be.
Book: The Twin
Author: Natasha Preston
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Delacrote Press
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In this twisty psychological thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE CELLAR, Ivy finds out that her twin sister, Iris, is trying to push her out of her own life--and might be responsible for their mother's death.
After their parents divorced, 10-year-old twins Ivy and Iris were split up--Ivy lived with Dad, Iris with Mom. Now, after a tragic accident takes their mom's life, the twins are reunited and Iris moves in with Ivy and their dad. Devastated over Mom's death, Iris spends the first few weeks in almost total silence--the only person she will speak to is Ivy. Iris feels her life is over and she doesn't know what to do. Ivy promises her twin that she can share her life now. After all, they're sisters. Twins.
It's a promise that Iris takes seriously. And before long, Ivy's friends, her life at school, and her boyfriend, Tyler, fall under Iris's spell. Slowly, Ivy realizes she's being pushed out of her own life. But she's just being paranoid, right? And Mom's accident was . . . just an accident. Right? It's not like she--or Dad--or Tyler--are in any danger. . . .
Review: I had to DNF this book, but I was sad to do it. The book is beautiful and the plot is super intriguing. I’ve always wanted to read a Natasha Preston book but I’ve not been able to connect with the characters in this book. Maybe it was the mood I was in overall (aka super tired), but I just couldn’t get into the writing and the story. But I’m passing this on to my friend who loves Natasha Preston because I know she’ll love it.
Verdict: Not for me, but I wanted it to be.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Music From Another World
Author: Robin Talley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (love, some language, forced outings TW, some abusive language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay political campaigns. Tammy’s only outlet is writing secret letters in her diary to gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk…until she’s matched with a real-life pen pal who changes everything.
Sharon Hawkins bonds with Tammy over punk music and carefully shared secrets, and soon their letters become the one place she can be honest. The rest of her life in San Francisco is full of lies. The kind she tells for others—like helping her gay brother hide the truth from their mom—and the kind she tells herself. But as antigay fervor in America reaches a frightening new pitch, Sharon and Tammy must rely on their long-distance friendship to discover their deeply personal truths, what they’ll stand for…and who they’ll rise against.
A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. I loved how the story was told and I thought all of the characters were compelling. The world building was divine and overall I really enjoyed it.
The only issue is that I felt like there were multiple occurrences of forced outings, which can be triggering, and the letters and diary entries did get a bit stale after a bit.
Verdict: It’s pretty good! Definitely recommend!
Book: Music From Another World
Author: Robin Talley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (love, some language, forced outings TW, some abusive language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay political campaigns. Tammy’s only outlet is writing secret letters in her diary to gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk…until she’s matched with a real-life pen pal who changes everything.
Sharon Hawkins bonds with Tammy over punk music and carefully shared secrets, and soon their letters become the one place she can be honest. The rest of her life in San Francisco is full of lies. The kind she tells for others—like helping her gay brother hide the truth from their mom—and the kind she tells herself. But as antigay fervor in America reaches a frightening new pitch, Sharon and Tammy must rely on their long-distance friendship to discover their deeply personal truths, what they’ll stand for…and who they’ll rise against.
A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. I loved how the story was told and I thought all of the characters were compelling. The world building was divine and overall I really enjoyed it.
The only issue is that I felt like there were multiple occurrences of forced outings, which can be triggering, and the letters and diary entries did get a bit stale after a bit.
Verdict: It’s pretty good! Definitely recommend!