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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spells Trouble
Author: P.C. and Kristen Cast
Book Series: Sisters of Salam Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy, witches
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: May 25, 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 16+ (Alcohol usage, Sex scene, Language, Violence, Gore)
Synopsis: Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.
When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.
Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.
Review: For the most part this was an ok book. It did well with the world building and that prologue was absolutely amazing. I also felt like the plot, as far as the prologue and what's advertised on the back, was a good promise.
However, this book is a mess. The book definitely doesn't know where it's going and the plot is all over the place. If I had a book with just Sarah Goode I'd be in love because the prologue was amazing. The rest of it? Mediocre at best. The world building was non-existent, the characters were strangers, and I felt so confused by some of the random stuff thrown into this book, like a sex scene in the middle for... Laughs? The teen rating? I don't know for sure.
Verdict: It wasn't for me and there's better witch books.
Book: Spells Trouble
Author: P.C. and Kristen Cast
Book Series: Sisters of Salam Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy, witches
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: May 25, 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 16+ (Alcohol usage, Sex scene, Language, Violence, Gore)
Synopsis: Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.
When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.
Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.
Review: For the most part this was an ok book. It did well with the world building and that prologue was absolutely amazing. I also felt like the plot, as far as the prologue and what's advertised on the back, was a good promise.
However, this book is a mess. The book definitely doesn't know where it's going and the plot is all over the place. If I had a book with just Sarah Goode I'd be in love because the prologue was amazing. The rest of it? Mediocre at best. The world building was non-existent, the characters were strangers, and I felt so confused by some of the random stuff thrown into this book, like a sex scene in the middle for... Laughs? The teen rating? I don't know for sure.
Verdict: It wasn't for me and there's better witch books.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.
Book: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc for this book from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own and support your authors!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I bought this book after I met the author and they signed it for me. Thank you Mason! All opinions are my own.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Deepest, Darkest
Author: William Ritter
Book Series: The Oddmire Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Graders, adventure
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (adventure, violence, war, scary moments, )
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
Review: This was an enjoyable book! I really liked story, even more than I did in the first book, and I liked that this book was darker than the others. I loved the character development and the book also did great with the world building yet again. I also really liked the writing.
My only complaint about the novel is, again, the pacing in some places.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Deepest, Darkest
Author: William Ritter
Book Series: The Oddmire Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Graders, adventure
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (adventure, violence, war, scary moments, )
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
Review: This was an enjoyable book! I really liked story, even more than I did in the first book, and I liked that this book was darker than the others. I loved the character development and the book also did great with the world building yet again. I also really liked the writing.
My only complaint about the novel is, again, the pacing in some places.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Temple House Vanishing
Author: Rachel Donohue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Mystery lovers
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: February 6, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Publisher
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, TW suicide, slight gore, child abuse TW)
Explanation of CWs: Suicide at the beginning of the novel and child abuse is present throughout the novel.
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl and her charismatic teacher disappeared without trace...
In an elite Catholic girls' boarding-school the pupils live under the repressive, watchful gaze of the nuns. Seeking to break from the cloistered atmosphere two of the students - Louisa and Victoria - quickly become infatuated with their young, bohemian art teacher, and act out passionately as a result. That is, until he and Louisa suddenly disappear.
Years later, a journalist uncovers the troubled past of the school and determines to resolve the mystery of the missing pair. The search for the truth will uncover a tragic, mercurial tale of suppressed desire and long-buried secrets. It will shatter lives and lay a lost soul to rest.
The Temple House Vanishing is a stunning, intensely atmospheric novel of unrequited longing, dark obsession and uneasy consequences.
Review: This book was pretty good. I liked the plot and I thought the writing was well done. I also liked the character development overall.
However, I did think that the opening was rather off-putting. It was really similar to other books like it. I also felt like the world building wasn't as well done as possible. The pacing was also a little too slow for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: The Temple House Vanishing
Author: Rachel Donohue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Mystery lovers
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: February 6, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Publisher
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, TW suicide, slight gore, child abuse TW)
Explanation of CWs: Suicide at the beginning of the novel and child abuse is present throughout the novel.
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl and her charismatic teacher disappeared without trace...
In an elite Catholic girls' boarding-school the pupils live under the repressive, watchful gaze of the nuns. Seeking to break from the cloistered atmosphere two of the students - Louisa and Victoria - quickly become infatuated with their young, bohemian art teacher, and act out passionately as a result. That is, until he and Louisa suddenly disappear.
Years later, a journalist uncovers the troubled past of the school and determines to resolve the mystery of the missing pair. The search for the truth will uncover a tragic, mercurial tale of suppressed desire and long-buried secrets. It will shatter lives and lay a lost soul to rest.
The Temple House Vanishing is a stunning, intensely atmospheric novel of unrequited longing, dark obsession and uneasy consequences.
Review: This book was pretty good. I liked the plot and I thought the writing was well done. I also liked the character development overall.
However, I did think that the opening was rather off-putting. It was really similar to other books like it. I also felt like the world building wasn't as well done as possible. The pacing was also a little too slow for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I received the ebook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Book of Uriel: A Novel of WWII
Author: Elyse Hoffman
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Jewish MC and characters, Mute MC
Recommended For...: historical fiction, Jewish literature
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (Holocaust, genocide, death, violence, gore, near-death)
Explanation of CWs: The book is set during the Holocaust/WW2 era and the main character witnesses his whole village being massacred. Death is present in the book, as is violence and the horrors of WW2, and the main character nearly dies in a terrible manner.
Publisher: Project 613 Publishing
Pages: 317
Synopsis: In the fires of World War II, a child must save his people from darkness…
Ten-year-old Uriel has always been an outcast. Born mute in a Jewish village known for its choir, he escapes into old stories of his people, stories of angels and monsters. But when the fires of the Holocaust consume his village, he learns that the stories he writes in his golden notebook are terrifyingly real.
In the aftermath of the attack, Uriel is taken in by Uwe, a kind-hearted linguist forced to work for the commander of the local Nazi Police, the affably brutal Major Brandt. Uwe wants to keep Uriel safe, but Uriel can’t stay hidden. The angels of his tales have come to him with a dire message: Michael, guardian angel of the Jewish people, is missing. Without their angel, the Jewish people are doomed, and Michael’s angelic brethren cannot search for him in the lands corrupted by Nazi evil.
With the lives of millions at stake, Uriel must find Michael and free him from the clutches of the Angel of Death...even if that means putting Uwe in mortal danger.
The Book of Uriel is a heartbreaking blend of historical fiction and Jewish folklore that will enthrall fans of The Book Thief and The World That We Knew.
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I really loved the story and I loved seeing the Jewish folklore and Judaism woven into this story. I don’t believe I’ve read a book with a Jewish main character before (correct me if I’m wrong) and I LOVED it. I loved the rep and I loved that the main character was also mute and that the end of the book shows that this character accepts himself as perfect the way he is. I also loved the world building and the pacing. The plot was also fantastic.
My main issue with the book is that this book is wrote in a middle grade character, but it has a lot of mature content. If your child is fine with that and can come to you with questions about this time period, then that’s absolutely fine, but the content of the book is definitely for a young adult audience.
Verdict: It’s great!
Book: The Book of Uriel: A Novel of WWII
Author: Elyse Hoffman
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Jewish MC and characters, Mute MC
Recommended For...: historical fiction, Jewish literature
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (Holocaust, genocide, death, violence, gore, near-death)
Explanation of CWs: The book is set during the Holocaust/WW2 era and the main character witnesses his whole village being massacred. Death is present in the book, as is violence and the horrors of WW2, and the main character nearly dies in a terrible manner.
Publisher: Project 613 Publishing
Pages: 317
Synopsis: In the fires of World War II, a child must save his people from darkness…
Ten-year-old Uriel has always been an outcast. Born mute in a Jewish village known for its choir, he escapes into old stories of his people, stories of angels and monsters. But when the fires of the Holocaust consume his village, he learns that the stories he writes in his golden notebook are terrifyingly real.
In the aftermath of the attack, Uriel is taken in by Uwe, a kind-hearted linguist forced to work for the commander of the local Nazi Police, the affably brutal Major Brandt. Uwe wants to keep Uriel safe, but Uriel can’t stay hidden. The angels of his tales have come to him with a dire message: Michael, guardian angel of the Jewish people, is missing. Without their angel, the Jewish people are doomed, and Michael’s angelic brethren cannot search for him in the lands corrupted by Nazi evil.
With the lives of millions at stake, Uriel must find Michael and free him from the clutches of the Angel of Death...even if that means putting Uwe in mortal danger.
The Book of Uriel is a heartbreaking blend of historical fiction and Jewish folklore that will enthrall fans of The Book Thief and The World That We Knew.
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I really loved the story and I loved seeing the Jewish folklore and Judaism woven into this story. I don’t believe I’ve read a book with a Jewish main character before (correct me if I’m wrong) and I LOVED it. I loved the rep and I loved that the main character was also mute and that the end of the book shows that this character accepts himself as perfect the way he is. I also loved the world building and the pacing. The plot was also fantastic.
My main issue with the book is that this book is wrote in a middle grade character, but it has a lot of mature content. If your child is fine with that and can come to you with questions about this time period, then that’s absolutely fine, but the content of the book is definitely for a young adult audience.
Verdict: It’s great!
Disclaimer: I received an early access audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: My Contrary Mary
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Book Series: Mary Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Sapphic romance with one of the MCs, Ace side character
Recommended For...: historical fiction, young adult readers, The Lady Janies lovers
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (some violence, some language, death, misogyny)
Explanation of CWs: There is some slight violence in this book and the book does have the occasional curse. The book also has some death involved with the plot and because it’s from the Renaissance Period there are some misogynistic views on our MCs and the side characters which reduce them, even a powerful queen, to just a womb on legs. This is quickly thwarted by the kickass MCs though.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 512
Synopsis: Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?⠀
⠀
Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she's a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It's a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.⠀
⠀
Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But after the king meets a suspicious end, things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis are forced to navigate a viper's nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary's secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll.
Review: As my first book into The Lady Janies universe I am absolutely floored at how great this book is! I immediately loved this book from the first chapter. The book is well done, it’s funny, and it’s the right kind of historical fiction for me. It doesn’t take history too seriously and really shows that those of the past were just like us. I really liked the character and how well done they were. I also really liked the world building and the pacing was on par as well. The book’s plot was well written and I was immediately invested in this read. I also thought the romance was well done.
The only issue I really had with this book is that the ending leaves me wanting more and the finale was a bit too quick in my opinion.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: My Contrary Mary
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Book Series: Mary Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Sapphic romance with one of the MCs, Ace side character
Recommended For...: historical fiction, young adult readers, The Lady Janies lovers
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (some violence, some language, death, misogyny)
Explanation of CWs: There is some slight violence in this book and the book does have the occasional curse. The book also has some death involved with the plot and because it’s from the Renaissance Period there are some misogynistic views on our MCs and the side characters which reduce them, even a powerful queen, to just a womb on legs. This is quickly thwarted by the kickass MCs though.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 512
Synopsis: Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?⠀
⠀
Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she's a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It's a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.⠀
⠀
Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But after the king meets a suspicious end, things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis are forced to navigate a viper's nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary's secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll.
Review: As my first book into The Lady Janies universe I am absolutely floored at how great this book is! I immediately loved this book from the first chapter. The book is well done, it’s funny, and it’s the right kind of historical fiction for me. It doesn’t take history too seriously and really shows that those of the past were just like us. I really liked the character and how well done they were. I also really liked the world building and the pacing was on par as well. The book’s plot was well written and I was immediately invested in this read. I also thought the romance was well done.
The only issue I really had with this book is that the ending leaves me wanting more and the finale was a bit too quick in my opinion.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Last Shadow Warrior
Author: Sam Subity
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: fantasy readers, Viking lovers, MG readers
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (violence, grief, some scary moments)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Abby Beckett is proud to come from a long line of elite Viking warriors known as the Aesir. She's spent her entire life training to hunt the horrific creatures known as Grendels - the ancient foe of the Aesir - just like her mother did before she died. But there's just one, small problem: No one has seen a Grendel in centuries, and the Viking Council wants to disband the Aesir . . . forever.
When her father is injured in an attack that leaves him in a coma, Abby is forced to take refuge at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota where nothing is quite as it seems. She soon discovers the tables have turned and a Grendel is hunting her, but when she tries to alert the Viking Council, they accuse her of making up stories for attention . . . just like her mother did.
Desperate to protect her father and clear her mother's name, Abby goes on a dangerous quest to discover the truth--a journey that brings her face-to-face with some unlikely foes, including a Ping-Pong-playing sea monster with a wicked backhand, and a dark Valkyrie with a fondness for bingo. Abby quickly realizes that someone at the school is trying to stop her progress and destroy the Aesir for good. And only she can unravel the sinister plot before it's too late.
Review: I really liked this book! It was funny but also had my favorite: Viking folklore! I thought the characters were very well developed and played off each other well. The world building was amazing and the plot kept me interested from beginning to end.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing did slow down a bit throughout the book and it broke up the flow of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: The Last Shadow Warrior
Author: Sam Subity
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: fantasy readers, Viking lovers, MG readers
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (violence, grief, some scary moments)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Abby Beckett is proud to come from a long line of elite Viking warriors known as the Aesir. She's spent her entire life training to hunt the horrific creatures known as Grendels - the ancient foe of the Aesir - just like her mother did before she died. But there's just one, small problem: No one has seen a Grendel in centuries, and the Viking Council wants to disband the Aesir . . . forever.
When her father is injured in an attack that leaves him in a coma, Abby is forced to take refuge at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota where nothing is quite as it seems. She soon discovers the tables have turned and a Grendel is hunting her, but when she tries to alert the Viking Council, they accuse her of making up stories for attention . . . just like her mother did.
Desperate to protect her father and clear her mother's name, Abby goes on a dangerous quest to discover the truth--a journey that brings her face-to-face with some unlikely foes, including a Ping-Pong-playing sea monster with a wicked backhand, and a dark Valkyrie with a fondness for bingo. Abby quickly realizes that someone at the school is trying to stop her progress and destroy the Aesir for good. And only she can unravel the sinister plot before it's too late.
Review: I really liked this book! It was funny but also had my favorite: Viking folklore! I thought the characters were very well developed and played off each other well. The world building was amazing and the plot kept me interested from beginning to end.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing did slow down a bit throughout the book and it broke up the flow of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!