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pagebypaigebks's reviews
206 reviews
Control Freaks by J.E. Thomas
3.0
“Sometimes, being good humans is all we can do.”
I'd like to thank Angela Melamud PR for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: grief, death of a parent (past)
This book was filled with an interesting cast of characters! At first, it took some time to keep them all straight, but once that was established, it was smooth sailing. The STEAMS competition was fun to read about, and each challenge brought together science and creativity. I enjoyed how each character developed and grew as they progressed throughout the competition. However, I would have liked more time to get to know each of the side characters, as there were a lot of them. There was a wide array of family dynamics as well, which was great to see. I’d recommend this to fans of younger middle-grade books who enjoy competitions!
I'd like to thank Angela Melamud PR for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: grief, death of a parent (past)
This book was filled with an interesting cast of characters! At first, it took some time to keep them all straight, but once that was established, it was smooth sailing. The STEAMS competition was fun to read about, and each challenge brought together science and creativity. I enjoyed how each character developed and grew as they progressed throughout the competition. However, I would have liked more time to get to know each of the side characters, as there were a lot of them. There was a wide array of family dynamics as well, which was great to see. I’d recommend this to fans of younger middle-grade books who enjoy competitions!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent
A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig
3.5
“Nothing says town hall like a guillotine.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: grief, loss of a parent (past)
This was the perfect spooky read for fall! The setting of a Halloween-themed tourist town was so much fun to explore, from the citizens dressing up in costumes every day to the various supernatural-themed stores. At first, Caleb is very much not a fan of his new town but I loved seeing him gain confidence and build his friendship with Tai. The mystery of whether supernatural creatures were real was intriguing to follow and made for a fun read. I thought that the plot was well-paced and gave the reader time to put together clues with Caleb and Tai while also having a sense of urgency. However, I wish that there had been more surprising plot twists. While this story does have spooky elements it was evenly balanced out with plenty of humour including Caleb's pun-themed costumes. The occasional illustrations were also a perfect touch to the story and added another layer of whimsy. We ended off with an exciting cliffhanger so I'm excited to see what happens to the town next!
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: grief, loss of a parent (past)
This was the perfect spooky read for fall! The setting of a Halloween-themed tourist town was so much fun to explore, from the citizens dressing up in costumes every day to the various supernatural-themed stores. At first, Caleb is very much not a fan of his new town but I loved seeing him gain confidence and build his friendship with Tai. The mystery of whether supernatural creatures were real was intriguing to follow and made for a fun read. I thought that the plot was well-paced and gave the reader time to put together clues with Caleb and Tai while also having a sense of urgency. However, I wish that there had been more surprising plot twists. While this story does have spooky elements it was evenly balanced out with plenty of humour including Caleb's pun-themed costumes. The occasional illustrations were also a perfect touch to the story and added another layer of whimsy. We ended off with an exciting cliffhanger so I'm excited to see what happens to the town next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Camp Twisted Pine by Ciera Burch
3.5
“Wanna hear a real scary story?”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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If you're looking for a spooky summer camp read, this is it! Camp Twisted Pine was the perfect creepy setting, an isolated camp set deep in the woods with mysterious plants and disappearing campers. The plot was perfectly paced, with an eerie feeling slowly creeping in as the characters uncovered more and more. I especially liked our main character Naomi. I related to her bookish (sometimes know-it-all) attitude and how she struggled to make friends because of it. She's intelligent and determined and, above all, wants to help others, especially her friends and family. The side characters were also intriguing. Jackie was my favourite of the other campers, her spunk and overall rebelliousness was a great contrast to Naomi, and the two had a heartwarming friendship. That being said, I would have enjoyed getting more time to see their relationship develop even more. I also thought that the myth of the Jersey Devil was interwoven seamlessly, and I just had to know what would happen next. I was invested in the mystery and each of the plot twists, but would have liked the ending to be a bit more drawn out. If you love cryptids you'll definitely want to check out this story!
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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If you're looking for a spooky summer camp read, this is it! Camp Twisted Pine was the perfect creepy setting, an isolated camp set deep in the woods with mysterious plants and disappearing campers. The plot was perfectly paced, with an eerie feeling slowly creeping in as the characters uncovered more and more. I especially liked our main character Naomi. I related to her bookish (sometimes know-it-all) attitude and how she struggled to make friends because of it. She's intelligent and determined and, above all, wants to help others, especially her friends and family. The side characters were also intriguing. Jackie was my favourite of the other campers, her spunk and overall rebelliousness was a great contrast to Naomi, and the two had a heartwarming friendship. That being said, I would have enjoyed getting more time to see their relationship develop even more. I also thought that the myth of the Jersey Devil was interwoven seamlessly, and I just had to know what would happen next. I was invested in the mystery and each of the plot twists, but would have liked the ending to be a bit more drawn out. If you love cryptids you'll definitely want to check out this story!
The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
3.0
"We begin the hunt at the site of the crime.”
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death, murder, violence, mention of death of parent, fire, confinement
I really liked the premise of this book! As someone who loves watching Antique’s Roadshow, I enjoyed entering the world of antiques with Freya and her Aunt Carole. Speaking of, Aunt Carole was definitely my favourite character, she was eccentric and fun, even if she didn’t always know what was going on. Unfortunately, in terms of the plot, I found the pacing to be a bit off. I also wish that we had more time to focus on each of the side characters. However, the cozy mystery vibes were definitely on point. With forged antiques, hidden codes, and a mysterious hidden past, I had a lot of fun following along as clues were uncovered and plot twists unfolded. I’m intrigued to see what will happen in the sequel.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death, murder, violence, mention of death of parent, fire, confinement
I really liked the premise of this book! As someone who loves watching Antique’s Roadshow, I enjoyed entering the world of antiques with Freya and her Aunt Carole. Speaking of, Aunt Carole was definitely my favourite character, she was eccentric and fun, even if she didn’t always know what was going on. Unfortunately, in terms of the plot, I found the pacing to be a bit off. I also wish that we had more time to focus on each of the side characters. However, the cozy mystery vibes were definitely on point. With forged antiques, hidden codes, and a mysterious hidden past, I had a lot of fun following along as clues were uncovered and plot twists unfolded. I’m intrigued to see what will happen in the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle by Jordan Kopy
3.0
“The world is full of monsters.”
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
2.0
“I like [rom-coms] because sometimes things are really bad in them. Things are bad and wrong and so lonely your heart could crack in two over it. But even when they are, you know all of it is gonna turn out all right... deeply loved in a way that just never happens in real life."
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: fatphobia, alcoholism, past child abuse
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: fatphobia, alcoholism, past child abuse
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me. My main concern was the narration. I felt that the book was mainly dialogue and because of that, I couldn’t really get into the story. There was also a lot of miscommunication and it seemed that most of the characters’ problems could have been solved by talking to each other. Speaking of the characters, I wish we got to know their backstories a bit more. All in all, I was intrigued by the premise but was disappointed with the execution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Fatphobia
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff
3.0
“Mise en place. A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death of a parent (past), grief, cancer (mention)
This was an interesting read. It definitely delivered on the celebrity dating trope with insights into Jake's life as a world famous musician. There's everything from Jake working on new songs and preparing for his upcoming tour to dealing with the overbearing media. Lexi's culinary background and job at her restaurant were interesting to read about. However, I wish we got to see more of this side of her life. Additionally, I enjoyed Lexi's overall character growth and her journey towards prioritizing her dreams. In terms of the romance it was cute but I found it to be a bit too much like insta-love which took away from my enjoyment. Unfortunately, the pacing also felt a bit off in terms of plot points and how fast their relationship progressed. All in all, I enjoyed my time reading this book but would have liked the relationship and plot to be a bit more developed.
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death of a parent (past), grief, cancer (mention)
This was an interesting read. It definitely delivered on the celebrity dating trope with insights into Jake's life as a world famous musician. There's everything from Jake working on new songs and preparing for his upcoming tour to dealing with the overbearing media. Lexi's culinary background and job at her restaurant were interesting to read about. However, I wish we got to see more of this side of her life. Additionally, I enjoyed Lexi's overall character growth and her journey towards prioritizing her dreams. In terms of the romance it was cute but I found it to be a bit too much like insta-love which took away from my enjoyment. Unfortunately, the pacing also felt a bit off in terms of plot points and how fast their relationship progressed. All in all, I enjoyed my time reading this book but would have liked the relationship and plot to be a bit more developed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters by Jordan Kopy
3.0
“The fact of the matter is, monsters live among us.”
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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This was a fun read! The backstory of how Theodora came to live with her family grabbed my attention from the beginning. The current day mystery added another element of intrigue to the story that really helped to develop Theodora's character. Speaking of characters, there were a lot of different monsters and a complex network within the monster world we got to explore. In terms of the writing, it was simple and easy to follow while keeping an overall fun and upbeat vibe. I enjoyed the narration style, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. It made for an intriguing read! One of my favourite aspects of this book was the adorable illustrations! Chris Jevons did a great job bringing these whimsical characters to life. I loved how expressive they were! Overall a fun and spooky read that is perfect for fall!
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
This was a fun read! The backstory of how Theodora came to live with her family grabbed my attention from the beginning. The current day mystery added another element of intrigue to the story that really helped to develop Theodora's character. Speaking of characters, there were a lot of different monsters and a complex network within the monster world we got to explore. In terms of the writing, it was simple and easy to follow while keeping an overall fun and upbeat vibe. I enjoyed the narration style, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. It made for an intriguing read! One of my favourite aspects of this book was the adorable illustrations! Chris Jevons did a great job bringing these whimsical characters to life. I loved how expressive they were! Overall a fun and spooky read that is perfect for fall!
The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So
3.0
“There was never a bright day in Soiland for it was thousands of bunny-hops below the humans’ feet."
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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The Groundworld Heroes is filled with all different kinds of animal characters, from moles to rabbits, to armadillos! They live in a whimsical world underground where they hide from humans. This story tackles the problem of habitat destruction through the eyes of the wildlife it impacts which was well done. I also appreciated the author's play on words and puns throughout the story which added a light-hearted tone. The chaos of the setting gave whimsy to the characters who were fun to read about. All in all, a fun and quick read.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
The Groundworld Heroes is filled with all different kinds of animal characters, from moles to rabbits, to armadillos! They live in a whimsical world underground where they hide from humans. This story tackles the problem of habitat destruction through the eyes of the wildlife it impacts which was well done. I also appreciated the author's play on words and puns throughout the story which added a light-hearted tone. The chaos of the setting gave whimsy to the characters who were fun to read about. All in all, a fun and quick read.