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popthebutterfly's reviews
2491 reviews
Legend by Marie Lu
1.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book on my own! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Legend Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: don’t know, DNFed
Publication Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 305
Amazon Link
Synopsis: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Review: Soooo I had to DNF this one at 36%. I KNOW I’M SORRY! I love Marie Lu’s Warcross series and I wanted so much to love this book series too but I just couldn’t. The book was really hard to get into and I just couldn’t feel for any of the characters. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day.
Verdict: A DNF, but a sad one.
Book Series: Legend Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: don’t know, DNFed
Publication Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 305
Amazon Link
Synopsis: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Review: Soooo I had to DNF this one at 36%. I KNOW I’M SORRY! I love Marie Lu’s Warcross series and I wanted so much to love this book series too but I just couldn’t. The book was really hard to get into and I just couldn’t feel for any of the characters. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day.
Verdict: A DNF, but a sad one.
Royal Replicas by Michael Pierce
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book after it was recommended to me! Trust your friends!
Book Series: Royal Replicas Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: n/a
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 17+ (gore, violence, mentions/references of sex, TW for parental abuse, TW for potential sexual abuse, TW for self harm)
Publisher: ParousiaSix Press
Pages: 420
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Princess Amelia is dead... and one of you will replace her."
Seventeen-year-old Victoria Sandalwood has served the Duke and Duchess all her life. Over the years, she’s learned to make do with what she has and endure her surrogate father’s awful punishments. She dreams of escape, but never expected it to come in the form of a message from the Queen of Westeria.
Victoria learns that she’s the Queen’s daughter, the younger sister to Princess Amelia, and it’s time to come home and claim her birthright. When she arrives, she discovers she’s not the only one who received the royal message.
Victoria must compete with six other girls to earn the affection of both the Queen and a princely suitor… and to replace the secretly deceased Princess Amelia. If she fails to win the crown, Victoria may just have to fight for her life…
Royal Replicas is the first book in a YA dystopian series. If you enjoy courtly intrigue, heart-pounding adventure, and sweet romance, then you’ll love this captivating story. Perfect for fans of Kiera Cass, Bella Forrest, and Veronica Roth.
Review: I was recommended this book from Mary Ellen @aparanormalromance and I have no regrets. This book was everything I wanted. I got part The Selection, part dystopian, and part gore and violence! I loved it and I loved the concept of this book and series. The characters are very well developed, the writing is amazing, and that cover is to die for! I seriously read this book in 3 hours, continuously.
My only issue with the book is that cliffhanger ending, which had me like “nooooo” and how the book put me in a book hangover! I also felt the pacing was a bit wonky, slow in parts and fast in others, but it wasn’t that noticeable when I read it in 3 hours LOL. I also felt that the romance was a bit rushed, but I understand that for this character, being a teen and being enslaved, the romance would probably be a bit “oh I’m so in love with you” when you’ve known that person for like a month.
Verdict: If you liked The Selection but wanted something a bit more bloodthirsty, definitely check out this series!
Book Series: Royal Replicas Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: n/a
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 17+ (gore, violence, mentions/references of sex, TW for parental abuse, TW for potential sexual abuse, TW for self harm)
Publisher: ParousiaSix Press
Pages: 420
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Princess Amelia is dead... and one of you will replace her."
Seventeen-year-old Victoria Sandalwood has served the Duke and Duchess all her life. Over the years, she’s learned to make do with what she has and endure her surrogate father’s awful punishments. She dreams of escape, but never expected it to come in the form of a message from the Queen of Westeria.
Victoria learns that she’s the Queen’s daughter, the younger sister to Princess Amelia, and it’s time to come home and claim her birthright. When she arrives, she discovers she’s not the only one who received the royal message.
Victoria must compete with six other girls to earn the affection of both the Queen and a princely suitor… and to replace the secretly deceased Princess Amelia. If she fails to win the crown, Victoria may just have to fight for her life…
Royal Replicas is the first book in a YA dystopian series. If you enjoy courtly intrigue, heart-pounding adventure, and sweet romance, then you’ll love this captivating story. Perfect for fans of Kiera Cass, Bella Forrest, and Veronica Roth.
Review: I was recommended this book from Mary Ellen @aparanormalromance and I have no regrets. This book was everything I wanted. I got part The Selection, part dystopian, and part gore and violence! I loved it and I loved the concept of this book and series. The characters are very well developed, the writing is amazing, and that cover is to die for! I seriously read this book in 3 hours, continuously.
My only issue with the book is that cliffhanger ending, which had me like “nooooo” and how the book put me in a book hangover! I also felt the pacing was a bit wonky, slow in parts and fast in others, but it wasn’t that noticeable when I read it in 3 hours LOL. I also felt that the romance was a bit rushed, but I understand that for this character, being a teen and being enslaved, the romance would probably be a bit “oh I’m so in love with you” when you’ve known that person for like a month.
Verdict: If you liked The Selection but wanted something a bit more bloodthirsty, definitely check out this series!
The Savior's Champion by Jenna Moreci
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book for Indie Reads Book Club! Support yo indie authors!
Book Series: The Savior’s Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: a gay couple, but other than that not really anything else
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (gore, violence, language, sexual situations)
Publisher: Jenna Moreci
Pages: 562
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Tobias Kaya doesn't care about The Savior. He doesn't care that She's the Ruler of the realm or that She purified the land, and he certainly doesn't care that She's of age to be married. But when competing for Her hand proves to be his last chance to save his family, he’s forced to make The Savior his priority.
Now Tobias is thrown into the Sovereign’s Tournament with nineteen other men, and each of them is fighting—and killing—for the chance to rule at The Savior's side. Instantly his world is plagued with violence, treachery, and manipulation, revealing the hidden ugliness of his proud realm. And when his circumstances seem especially dire, he stumbles into an unexpected romance, one that opens him up to unimaginable dangers and darkness.
Trigger warning: this novel contains graphic violence, adult language, and sexual situations
Review: Oh. My. God. I LOVED this book! I kinda described as a Male version of The Selection but with violence and gore. I loved Tobias and I loved Leila. Both were very well developed and I loved how they were written. Tobias was written to not be like how a stereotypical guy is portrayed. He let his feelings show and I think that’s very important for young boys in this day and age. The world building was also magnificent and the plot was crazy good and that writing! THE WRITING WAS GREAT!
My only issue is that I predicted the twist at the end about 17% of the way in, but I’m really good at that. My group I read this with didn’t seem to catch onto the twist, so it was a very well done twist, just one that I predicted lol. But knowing the twist makes the book more interesting at least!
Verdict: Highly recommend this book.
Book Series: The Savior’s Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: a gay couple, but other than that not really anything else
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (gore, violence, language, sexual situations)
Publisher: Jenna Moreci
Pages: 562
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Tobias Kaya doesn't care about The Savior. He doesn't care that She's the Ruler of the realm or that She purified the land, and he certainly doesn't care that She's of age to be married. But when competing for Her hand proves to be his last chance to save his family, he’s forced to make The Savior his priority.
Now Tobias is thrown into the Sovereign’s Tournament with nineteen other men, and each of them is fighting—and killing—for the chance to rule at The Savior's side. Instantly his world is plagued with violence, treachery, and manipulation, revealing the hidden ugliness of his proud realm. And when his circumstances seem especially dire, he stumbles into an unexpected romance, one that opens him up to unimaginable dangers and darkness.
Trigger warning: this novel contains graphic violence, adult language, and sexual situations
Review: Oh. My. God. I LOVED this book! I kinda described as a Male version of The Selection but with violence and gore. I loved Tobias and I loved Leila. Both were very well developed and I loved how they were written. Tobias was written to not be like how a stereotypical guy is portrayed. He let his feelings show and I think that’s very important for young boys in this day and age. The world building was also magnificent and the plot was crazy good and that writing! THE WRITING WAS GREAT!
My only issue is that I predicted the twist at the end about 17% of the way in, but I’m really good at that. My group I read this with didn’t seem to catch onto the twist, so it was a very well done twist, just one that I predicted lol. But knowing the twist makes the book more interesting at least!
Verdict: Highly recommend this book.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book. Support your authors!
Book Series: Uglies Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 8, 2005
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (some violence, some gore, jumping off cliffs and roller coasters, fighting the government)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 425
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. In just a few weeks she'll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she'll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world-- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally's choice will change her world forever...
Review: This book just brought back all sorts of childhood memories! I loved every moment of this book and I definitely love how I chose such a strong character as my childhood idol. The characters are very well developed and the plot is very intriguing. I also love the message Scott has about beauty standards as a whole.
However, I do feel like the pace is a bit wonky in places, too fast or too slow when they should be the opposite.
Verdict: I still love this series.
Book Series: Uglies Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 8, 2005
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (some violence, some gore, jumping off cliffs and roller coasters, fighting the government)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 425
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. In just a few weeks she'll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she'll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world-- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally's choice will change her world forever...
Review: This book just brought back all sorts of childhood memories! I loved every moment of this book and I definitely love how I chose such a strong character as my childhood idol. The characters are very well developed and the plot is very intriguing. I also love the message Scott has about beauty standards as a whole.
However, I do feel like the pace is a bit wonky in places, too fast or too slow when they should be the opposite.
Verdict: I still love this series.
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
4.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book for a readalong! Support your authors!
Book Series: The Remnant Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: n/a
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, violence, gore)
Publisher: Henry Holt
Pages: 492
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.
On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The book has very well developed characters, the plot is complex and intriguing, and the writing was fantastic. I also feel that this book was a great set up for the series. The romance was also solid!
However, I do feel that the pacing was a bit too slow for my liking and the book spent a lot of time on the romance and not so much the plot.
Verdict: A great series starter!
Book Series: The Remnant Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: n/a
Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, violence, gore)
Publisher: Henry Holt
Pages: 492
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.
On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The book has very well developed characters, the plot is complex and intriguing, and the writing was fantastic. I also feel that this book was a great set up for the series. The romance was also solid!
However, I do feel that the pacing was a bit too slow for my liking and the book spent a lot of time on the romance and not so much the plot.
Verdict: A great series starter!
Malamander by Thomas Taylor
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Malamander Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (lost and found)
Publisher: Walker Books
Synopsis: A quirky, creepy fantasy set in Eerie-on-Sea finds a colorful cast of characters in hot pursuit of a sea monster thought to convey a surprising gift.
It’s winter in the town of Eerie-on-Sea, where the mist is thick and the salt spray is rattling the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Inside, young Herbert Lemon, Lost and Founder for the hotel, has an unexpected visitor. It seems that Violet Parma, a fearless girl around his age, lost her parents at the hotel when she was a baby, and she’s sure that the nervous Herbert is the only person who can help her find them. The trouble is, Violet is being pursued at that moment by a strange hook-handed man. And the town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin? This lighthearted, fantastical mystery, featuring black-and-white spot illustrations, kicks off a trilogy of fantasies set in the seaside town.
Review: This is a fun book! The characters are likable and the story is exciting. This would definitely be something many kids would absolutely love.
However, I think the story is predictable for me but for a kid I could see where this would be an amazing read.
Verdict: A cute book!
Book Series: Malamander Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (lost and found)
Publisher: Walker Books
Synopsis: A quirky, creepy fantasy set in Eerie-on-Sea finds a colorful cast of characters in hot pursuit of a sea monster thought to convey a surprising gift.
It’s winter in the town of Eerie-on-Sea, where the mist is thick and the salt spray is rattling the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Inside, young Herbert Lemon, Lost and Founder for the hotel, has an unexpected visitor. It seems that Violet Parma, a fearless girl around his age, lost her parents at the hotel when she was a baby, and she’s sure that the nervous Herbert is the only person who can help her find them. The trouble is, Violet is being pursued at that moment by a strange hook-handed man. And the town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin? This lighthearted, fantastical mystery, featuring black-and-white spot illustrations, kicks off a trilogy of fantasies set in the seaside town.
Review: This is a fun book! The characters are likable and the story is exciting. This would definitely be something many kids would absolutely love.
However, I think the story is predictable for me but for a kid I could see where this would be an amazing read.
Verdict: A cute book!
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
4.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Heck ya! Support your authors!
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Book Series: The Blood of Stars Book 1
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: July 9, 2019
Diversity: Steeped in Chinese culture!
Recommended Age: 15+ (sewing lol, some violence, some slight gore, some magic)
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.
Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.
And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.
Review: For the most part I thought this book was so magical and amazing! I loved the spin on the classic Mulan tale and I loved how it was part Project Runway too! I felt that the book was well written, the story was intriguing, the characters well developed, and the world development within the first part of the book was fantastic.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt like these were two totally different books with the same characters. The plot of the first half finished so well and so cleanly, but then the plot of the second book was a bit of a mess. The romance felt a bit rushed for me and honestly Edan gave me some creeper vibes. The magic of this book also went a bit haywire in the second half of the book. I think the second book will clean things up but it was a bit of a weird turn from the first part of the book to the second part of the book.
Verdict: An enjoyable book!
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Book Series: The Blood of Stars Book 1
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: July 9, 2019
Diversity: Steeped in Chinese culture!
Recommended Age: 15+ (sewing lol, some violence, some slight gore, some magic)
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.
Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.
And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.
Review: For the most part I thought this book was so magical and amazing! I loved the spin on the classic Mulan tale and I loved how it was part Project Runway too! I felt that the book was well written, the story was intriguing, the characters well developed, and the world development within the first part of the book was fantastic.
However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt like these were two totally different books with the same characters. The plot of the first half finished so well and so cleanly, but then the plot of the second book was a bit of a mess. The romance felt a bit rushed for me and honestly Edan gave me some creeper vibes. The magic of this book also went a bit haywire in the second half of the book. I think the second book will clean things up but it was a bit of a weird turn from the first part of the book to the second part of the book.
Verdict: An enjoyable book!
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
4.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book Series: Serpent and Dove Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, TW for cutting, language, gore, romance, and a sex scene)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 519
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was great. The plot was intriguing, the magic system was amazingly well done, and the world building was magnificient.
However, I had issues with this book. While I thought it was amazing, the opening takes forever to get into. The book doesn't explain anything at first, it just jumps into the narrative, and while this isn't a bad thing, it means that your audience is confused and frustrated. The book also has a problem where it relies on the blurb to tell you a bit of the back story, especially for the beginning bits. I don't like that a book can't stand without it's blurb, it shouldn't be needed in telling the story.
Verdict: It was great, but confusing.
Book Series: Serpent and Dove Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, TW for cutting, language, gore, romance, and a sex scene)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 519
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was great. The plot was intriguing, the magic system was amazingly well done, and the world building was magnificient.
However, I had issues with this book. While I thought it was amazing, the opening takes forever to get into. The book doesn't explain anything at first, it just jumps into the narrative, and while this isn't a bad thing, it means that your audience is confused and frustrated. The book also has a problem where it relies on the blurb to tell you a bit of the back story, especially for the beginning bits. I don't like that a book can't stand without it's blurb, it shouldn't be needed in telling the story.
Verdict: It was great, but confusing.
Tunnel of Bones by V.E. Schwab
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Author: Victoria Schwab
Book Series: Cassidy Blake Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (poltergeists and some scary moments)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.
She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.
When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.
And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.
Review: Oh. My. God. I fell in love with this book! I love this series so much and it was awesome to see Cassidy back! I love that we got more character development from her and Jacob and we got more insight into his backstory. I loved the writing and I felt that the pacing was well done as well.
My only issue is that I need the third book. Like now.
Verdict: This is more addicting than girl scout cookies.
Author: Victoria Schwab
Book Series: Cassidy Blake Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (poltergeists and some scary moments)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.
She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.
When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.
And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.
Review: Oh. My. God. I fell in love with this book! I love this series so much and it was awesome to see Cassidy back! I love that we got more character development from her and Jacob and we got more insight into his backstory. I loved the writing and I felt that the pacing was well done as well.
My only issue is that I need the third book. Like now.
Verdict: This is more addicting than girl scout cookies.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book on my own! Support your authors!
Author: Margaret Atwood
Book Series: The Handmaid's Tale Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Feminist
Recommended Age: 18+ (oh boy where do I begin? Suicide, attempted suicide, car bombings, terrorism, TW cutting, gore, violence, TW mentions of rape, TW actual rape/sexual assault, some romance, lots of death, and escaping to Canada is scary yo!)
Publisher: Nan A. Talese
Synopsis: In this brilliant sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood answers the questions that have tantalized readers for decades.
When the van door slammed on Offred's future at the end of The Handmaid's Tale, readers had no way of telling what lay ahead for her--freedom, prison or death.
With The Testaments, the wait is over.
Margaret Atwood's sequel picks up the story more than fifteen years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead.
"Dear Readers: Everything you've ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we've been living in." --Margaret Atwood
Review:The Handmaid's Tale is one of those books that I consider a must read. It brilliantly describes, with somewhat eery similarity, what could happen to women. Rights in any country are fragile and any upset could destroy them and that book served as a reminder of that. This book is like a slap to your face, a wake-up call if you want to call it. It further details the horrors women in this universe face, 3 women who are not Handmaids but are in a different status. The character development is amazing and well done. The world building is magnificent. The plot is intriguing and the story just sucks you in and refuses to let you go until you read it in full.
However, I do have to admit this book is a really hard book to read. It's not because the author uses big words or complex thought patterns, but it's the subject matter. It's hard, as a woman, to realize that tomorrow I could wake up in a world like this. And it's harder to imagine what I would do. While I believe I would be relatively okay, I worry about those who wouldn't be.
Verdict: It's a hard but important read.
Author: Margaret Atwood
Book Series: The Handmaid's Tale Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Feminist
Recommended Age: 18+ (oh boy where do I begin? Suicide, attempted suicide, car bombings, terrorism, TW cutting, gore, violence, TW mentions of rape, TW actual rape/sexual assault, some romance, lots of death, and escaping to Canada is scary yo!)
Publisher: Nan A. Talese
Synopsis: In this brilliant sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood answers the questions that have tantalized readers for decades.
When the van door slammed on Offred's future at the end of The Handmaid's Tale, readers had no way of telling what lay ahead for her--freedom, prison or death.
With The Testaments, the wait is over.
Margaret Atwood's sequel picks up the story more than fifteen years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead.
"Dear Readers: Everything you've ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we've been living in." --Margaret Atwood
Review:The Handmaid's Tale is one of those books that I consider a must read. It brilliantly describes, with somewhat eery similarity, what could happen to women. Rights in any country are fragile and any upset could destroy them and that book served as a reminder of that. This book is like a slap to your face, a wake-up call if you want to call it. It further details the horrors women in this universe face, 3 women who are not Handmaids but are in a different status. The character development is amazing and well done. The world building is magnificent. The plot is intriguing and the story just sucks you in and refuses to let you go until you read it in full.
However, I do have to admit this book is a really hard book to read. It's not because the author uses big words or complex thought patterns, but it's the subject matter. It's hard, as a woman, to realize that tomorrow I could wake up in a world like this. And it's harder to imagine what I would do. While I believe I would be relatively okay, I worry about those who wouldn't be.
Verdict: It's a hard but important read.