This was fun! The start of a middle grades series, with superheroes/powers, family secrets, friendships, betrayal, and plenty of action. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which makes the reader want to read the next book. 

I think the book had some pacing issues - some scenes felt very rushed - but, overall, this was solid.

Archaeology is a fascinating topic that I cannot get enough of, so I was thrilled that Xiomara, the main character, is leading a dig in order to preserve artifacts. As the story progresses and her relationship with Cal develops, I was struck by the respect they had for one another, the thoughtfulness and care they both put into the relationship. I do have to say that I was glad when

it was revealed that Chief Thomas was Xiomara's cousin. I was starting to get nervous something horrible was going to happen, and I am very glad that that story line played out like it did (and when it did)

. I really look forward to reading future books by Dani Trujillo.

This was an interesting look into the life of Simu Liu. I was hoping for more about his being a superhero, but this was aptly subtitled as an origin story. This was enjoyable. 

Take one of my least favorite tropes, miscommunication, and couple it with an unlikeable main character. Add in tons of random references, many of which felt forced and incongruent to the conversation at hand, and some (but not as much as one would think) serial killer talk. That is this book. That being said, it was hard to put this book down. 

I am not really sure how to review this one. There were things I liked about it, such as the writing, Ana's aunt Yaltha, Ana (at times), the desire Ana had to be more than a wife. That being said, this book was too long. Or too slow. Or too long and too slow. A lot of the time, it didn't seem like much was happening even though things were happening. I wonder how much I "missed" not being a theologian or historian.

Despite being a high interest topic, this book didn't hold my interest. It read as gossipy (which maybe was a stylistic choice, but it didn't really work for me) and felt like an info dump. Parts were rushed, parts were full of facts without any interpretation. I know this was written for a younger audience, so maybe that is part of it. Although, I could see younger readers feeling frustrated by this one.

The art was the best thing about this book for sure.

I would never have read this book if not for it being recommended to me for a reading challenge. I am SO GLAD it was, though. 

This is one of those slow, atmospheric books that captivates. 

Things I particularly liked:

1. The world building
2. The magic system
3. The characters

Interesting premise, but something just felt off about this. We Lie Here has family drama, mystery, secrets - all things I enjoy. And yet, the characters were...frustrating. I'm not really sure how to describe it. That being said, about a third of the way in I was hooked. This seems to be on trend for Rachel Howzell Hall (this is the third book of hers I have read).

1. Charlie's growth as a character.
2. The friendship with Amir.
3. The setting.
4. The illustrations.
5. The overall plot.

Things that bothered me:

1. The narrator regularly referring to the reader.
2. The pacing was slow, which usually doesn't bother me, but for some reason was challenging for this book.

I think I was supposed to read this and feel sympathetic towards Harry. And I guess I did in some respects (especially regarding his mother and when he and/or his family are being harassed). Mostly, though, I just felt...bewildered? 

Things that I found myself questioning as I listened:

1. Why was this book so long? It really could have benefited from some editing...especially in part two.

2. How much of this is true? So, I am not saying Harry is lying. I'm really not. I often have this question when reading memoir, because relying on an individual's memory is tricky. I have plenty of memories that apparently "didn't happen that way" according to my mom/sister/etc. 

3. Similarly, what would other people involved have to say about the events described in the book? I don't follow the royal family enough to know if I am supposed to believe Harry. Like, are they all really that awful? I don't know what he would gain from lying about things, or how he could even write this without being able to substantiate his claims. 

4. Are any of my feelings about this even fair? Harry was born into this family. Into royalty. He didn't have a choice about any of this (versus, say, a celebrity). 

At the end of the day, I just hope Harry and Meghan are happy. Genuinely. And that the damn paparazzi leave them alone.