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The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Lauren Mansy
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 15+ (lots of romance, some violence, some language)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Blink
Synopsis: In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.
Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal's" memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.
To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.
Review: I really loved the idea for this story and I thought that the premise behind it is great. I liked the world building and I liked the writing, it was smooth and easy to read.
However, I felt like this book was really too slow for me. The pacing is super slow and I got really distracted while reading it. I felt that the book would have been better without the romance aspect and there were a couple of mistakes with a character being in two places at once.
Verdict: A good concept but bad exposition for me.
Author: Lauren Mansy
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 15+ (lots of romance, some violence, some language)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Blink
Synopsis: In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.
Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal's" memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.
To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.
Review: I really loved the idea for this story and I thought that the premise behind it is great. I liked the world building and I liked the writing, it was smooth and easy to read.
However, I felt like this book was really too slow for me. The pacing is super slow and I got really distracted while reading it. I felt that the book would have been better without the romance aspect and there were a couple of mistakes with a character being in two places at once.
Verdict: A good concept but bad exposition for me.
Elizabeth Webster and the Court of Uncommon Pleas by William Lashner
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: William Lashner
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: Welcome to Elizabeth Webster's world, where the common laws of middle school torment her days . . . and the uncommon laws of an even weirder realm govern her nights.
Elizabeth Webster is happy to stay under the radar (and under her bangs) until middle school is dead and gone. But when star swimmer Henry Harrison asks Elizabeth to tutor him in math, it's not linear equations Henry really needs help with-it's a flower-scented, poodle-skirt-wearing, head-tossing ghost who's calling out Elizabeth's name.
But why Elizabeth? Could it have something to do with her missing lawyer father? Maybe. Probably. If only she could find him. In her search, Elizabeth discovers more than she is looking for: a grandfather she never knew, a startling legacy, and the secret family law firm, Webster & Son, Attorneys for the Damned.
Elizabeth and her friends soon land in court, where demons and ghosts take the witness stand and a red-eyed judge with a ratty white wig hands out sentences like sandwiches. Will Elizabeth's father arrive in time to save Henry Harrison-and is Henry the one who really needs saving?
Review: Oh my goodness I loved this book! I loved how intelligent it was, but how it simplified things for younger children. Not saying that children are dumb, but this book does have some legal terms and math terms and it was great to see how they can be incorporated into a MG book and how it can teach kids early on these terms. The book is interesting from beginning to end and the characters are wonderful and well developed.
My only complaint is that the pacing was slow in places but it quickly picked up in a lot more. The ending feels a bit rushed as well to me.
Verdict: A wonderful book! Highly recommend!
Author: William Lashner
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: Welcome to Elizabeth Webster's world, where the common laws of middle school torment her days . . . and the uncommon laws of an even weirder realm govern her nights.
Elizabeth Webster is happy to stay under the radar (and under her bangs) until middle school is dead and gone. But when star swimmer Henry Harrison asks Elizabeth to tutor him in math, it's not linear equations Henry really needs help with-it's a flower-scented, poodle-skirt-wearing, head-tossing ghost who's calling out Elizabeth's name.
But why Elizabeth? Could it have something to do with her missing lawyer father? Maybe. Probably. If only she could find him. In her search, Elizabeth discovers more than she is looking for: a grandfather she never knew, a startling legacy, and the secret family law firm, Webster & Son, Attorneys for the Damned.
Elizabeth and her friends soon land in court, where demons and ghosts take the witness stand and a red-eyed judge with a ratty white wig hands out sentences like sandwiches. Will Elizabeth's father arrive in time to save Henry Harrison-and is Henry the one who really needs saving?
Review: Oh my goodness I loved this book! I loved how intelligent it was, but how it simplified things for younger children. Not saying that children are dumb, but this book does have some legal terms and math terms and it was great to see how they can be incorporated into a MG book and how it can teach kids early on these terms. The book is interesting from beginning to end and the characters are wonderful and well developed.
My only complaint is that the pacing was slow in places but it quickly picked up in a lot more. The ending feels a bit rushed as well to me.
Verdict: A wonderful book! Highly recommend!
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 25, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance ewww lol)
Synopsis: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.
Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.
After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.
The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a Goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.
Review: I felt like this was a great romance and I'm loving how popular Hades and Persephone's romance is now. They definitely have one of the best in classic literature. I loved the writing and I also loved the world building done.
However, I'm not a romance lover so I had an issue getting into the book and I didn't like the slower pacing (but if you love romance it would be perfect I think).
Verdict: a gorgeous book from start to finish.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 25, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance ewww lol)
Synopsis: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.
Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.
After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.
The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a Goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.
Review: I felt like this was a great romance and I'm loving how popular Hades and Persephone's romance is now. They definitely have one of the best in classic literature. I loved the writing and I also loved the world building done.
However, I'm not a romance lover so I had an issue getting into the book and I didn't like the slower pacing (but if you love romance it would be perfect I think).
Verdict: a gorgeous book from start to finish.
Shine! by J.J. Grabenstein
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: JJ and Chris Grabenstein
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Random House
Recommended Age: 10+ (bullying)
Synopsis: "Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."
Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.
Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute story for younger kids that show the love of STEM/science and individuality. I think it's really important to get kids interested in STEM centered courses and I love that the main character was interested in it. I also think it's really important seeing as the main character was a female and I think we, as a society, still have a way to go in encouraging females to persue STEM classes. Also, the overall message is amazing. Figuring out who you want to be isn't for when you just "grow up". It's a now thing and an always thing. You change, you grow, you should always be thinking of who you aspire to be and how you can improve for now and not later.
My only downside is that sometimes during the book the pacing wanes and I feel like the bully issue wasn't entirely resolved but otherwise it was a great read!
Verdict: Definitely a book for yourself or younger kids!
Author: JJ and Chris Grabenstein
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Random House
Recommended Age: 10+ (bullying)
Synopsis: "Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."
Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.
Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute story for younger kids that show the love of STEM/science and individuality. I think it's really important to get kids interested in STEM centered courses and I love that the main character was interested in it. I also think it's really important seeing as the main character was a female and I think we, as a society, still have a way to go in encouraging females to persue STEM classes. Also, the overall message is amazing. Figuring out who you want to be isn't for when you just "grow up". It's a now thing and an always thing. You change, you grow, you should always be thinking of who you aspire to be and how you can improve for now and not later.
My only downside is that sometimes during the book the pacing wanes and I feel like the bully issue wasn't entirely resolved but otherwise it was a great read!
Verdict: Definitely a book for yourself or younger kids!
A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
5.0
Disclaimer: I received a netgalley e-arc from the publisher and then pre-ordered my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: All the Stars and Teeth
Author: Adalyn Grace
Book Series: All the Stars and Teeth Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some sexual content)
Synopsis: She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.
I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.
Review: This book was absolutely amazing! It fulfilled all my pirate wants and dreams! The characters were absolutely amazing, the world building was fantastic and I can't get over how well the magic system was built. It was also very well written and I very much enjoyed this book!
My only issue is that at one point towards the end it felt like it could have ended well for this book since I suspect there will be more but then it continued for another 20 pages. A little discombobulating for me but I won't complain about the extra pages!
Verdict: A well done pirate adventure!
Book: All the Stars and Teeth
Author: Adalyn Grace
Book Series: All the Stars and Teeth Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some sexual content)
Synopsis: She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.
I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.
Review: This book was absolutely amazing! It fulfilled all my pirate wants and dreams! The characters were absolutely amazing, the world building was fantastic and I can't get over how well the magic system was built. It was also very well written and I very much enjoyed this book!
My only issue is that at one point towards the end it felt like it could have ended well for this book since I suspect there will be more but then it continued for another 20 pages. A little discombobulating for me but I won't complain about the extra pages!
Verdict: A well done pirate adventure!
The Jumbie God's Revenge by Tracey Baptiste
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Book Series: The Jumbies Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Diversity: Yes! Caribbean!
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments with a huge hurricane, might frighten those who aren’t used to them)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Synopsis: In book three of the popular Jumbies series, Corinne must use her emerging supernatural powers to battle the angry god who would destroy her Caribbean island home.
When an out-of-season hurricane sweeps through Corinne’s seaside village, Corinne knows it’s not a typical storm. At first Corinne believes Mama D’Leau—the powerful and cruel jumbie who rules the ocean—has caused the hurricane. Then a second, even more ferocious storm wrecks the island, sending villagers fleeing their houses for shelter in the mountains, and Corinne discovers the storms weren’t caused by a jumbie, but by the angry god Huracan.
Now Corinne, with the help of her friends and even some of her enemies, must race against time to find out what has angered Huracan and try to fix it before her island home is destroyed forever.
Review: For me not reading the other books in this series (totally my fault, bad time management) I thought this book was incredibly well written. The book flowed well, the characters were amazing, and I love the world building. This book was amazing and I want to go back and read the first two one day.
The only thing I will say is that this book was a bit hard for me to get into but that’s more than likely because I didn’t read the first two in the series.
Verdict: Definitely check this one out!
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Book Series: The Jumbies Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Diversity: Yes! Caribbean!
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments with a huge hurricane, might frighten those who aren’t used to them)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Synopsis: In book three of the popular Jumbies series, Corinne must use her emerging supernatural powers to battle the angry god who would destroy her Caribbean island home.
When an out-of-season hurricane sweeps through Corinne’s seaside village, Corinne knows it’s not a typical storm. At first Corinne believes Mama D’Leau—the powerful and cruel jumbie who rules the ocean—has caused the hurricane. Then a second, even more ferocious storm wrecks the island, sending villagers fleeing their houses for shelter in the mountains, and Corinne discovers the storms weren’t caused by a jumbie, but by the angry god Huracan.
Now Corinne, with the help of her friends and even some of her enemies, must race against time to find out what has angered Huracan and try to fix it before her island home is destroyed forever.
Review: For me not reading the other books in this series (totally my fault, bad time management) I thought this book was incredibly well written. The book flowed well, the characters were amazing, and I love the world building. This book was amazing and I want to go back and read the first two one day.
The only thing I will say is that this book was a bit hard for me to get into but that’s more than likely because I didn’t read the first two in the series.
Verdict: Definitely check this one out!
Odriel's Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Odriels Heir
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Book Series: Odriels Heirs Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 23, 2020
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 197
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, some mature scenes)
Synopsis: The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon's Rage....
As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.
But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.
With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.
And time is running out.
Review: For the most part this is a great fantasy. The story is intriguing, the world building is fantastic, and the writing was well done.
However, the character development lacked a bit for me. The main character wasn't very likable and while that can be done amazingly in some book I felt it lacked in this one.
Verdict: An excellent fantasy read!
Book: Odriels Heir
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Book Series: Odriels Heirs Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 23, 2020
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 197
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, some mature scenes)
Synopsis: The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon's Rage....
As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.
But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.
With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.
And time is running out.
Review: For the most part this is a great fantasy. The story is intriguing, the world building is fantastic, and the writing was well done.
However, the character development lacked a bit for me. The main character wasn't very likable and while that can be done amazingly in some book I felt it lacked in this one.
Verdict: An excellent fantasy read!
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
3.0
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the publisher and then I bought my own copy for the pre-order swag and to support the author! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Good Luck Girls
Author: Charlotte Nicole Davis
Book Series: The Good Luck Girls Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: A diverse cast of black girls and there is a bit of LGBTQA+, but not a lot.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention, TW attempted rape, TW drug use and withdrawal, some small language, gore, and violence)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aster, the protector
Violet, the favorite
Tansy, the medic
Mallow, the fighter
Clementine, the catalyst
THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS
The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a "welcome house" as children and branded with cursed markings. Trapped in a life they would never have chosen.
When Clementine accidentally murders a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape and harrowing journey to find freedom, justice, and revenge in a country that wants them to have none of those things. Pursued by Arketta's most vicious and powerful forces, both human and inhuman, their only hope lies in a bedtime story passed from one Good Luck Girl to another, a story that only the youngest or most desperate would ever believe.
It's going to take more than luck for them all to survive.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I felt that the book was unique and I loved the west-world feel of it. The world building was very interesting and the writing was well done. The book was also very fast paced.
However, I did feel like the book had some faults. The book starts in Clementine’s POV and that lasts for one chapter. After that it’s strictly in Aster’s POV. I think the book could have benefitted from a POV switch between Aster and Clementine or between some of the other girls, as I also felt that the characters weren’t very well developed. They went from these victims to these badasses who knew how to knock people out, shoot people, tie them up, ride horses, etc. It felt weird and I didn’t feel connected with any of them. There was also the problem with the love interest. The synopsis is very pro-female power but in the book the girls heavily rely on the love interest of the book. That didn’t sit well with me, because it felt like the pro-female book I wanted to read was not all that it seemed. I wanted to see the girls make it on their own without the help of others. Lastly, the synopsis is almost written to imply that there is some magic to this book, which there is, but not about the girls themselves which is disappointing.
Verdict: It’s a great book but I had different expectations which ruined it for me.
Book: The Good Luck Girls
Author: Charlotte Nicole Davis
Book Series: The Good Luck Girls Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: A diverse cast of black girls and there is a bit of LGBTQA+, but not a lot.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW rape mention, TW attempted rape, TW drug use and withdrawal, some small language, gore, and violence)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aster, the protector
Violet, the favorite
Tansy, the medic
Mallow, the fighter
Clementine, the catalyst
THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS
The country of Arketta calls them Good Luck Girls--they know their luck is anything but. Sold to a "welcome house" as children and branded with cursed markings. Trapped in a life they would never have chosen.
When Clementine accidentally murders a man, the girls risk a dangerous escape and harrowing journey to find freedom, justice, and revenge in a country that wants them to have none of those things. Pursued by Arketta's most vicious and powerful forces, both human and inhuman, their only hope lies in a bedtime story passed from one Good Luck Girl to another, a story that only the youngest or most desperate would ever believe.
It's going to take more than luck for them all to survive.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. I felt that the book was unique and I loved the west-world feel of it. The world building was very interesting and the writing was well done. The book was also very fast paced.
However, I did feel like the book had some faults. The book starts in Clementine’s POV and that lasts for one chapter. After that it’s strictly in Aster’s POV. I think the book could have benefitted from a POV switch between Aster and Clementine or between some of the other girls, as I also felt that the characters weren’t very well developed. They went from these victims to these badasses who knew how to knock people out, shoot people, tie them up, ride horses, etc. It felt weird and I didn’t feel connected with any of them. There was also the problem with the love interest. The synopsis is very pro-female power but in the book the girls heavily rely on the love interest of the book. That didn’t sit well with me, because it felt like the pro-female book I wanted to read was not all that it seemed. I wanted to see the girls make it on their own without the help of others. Lastly, the synopsis is almost written to imply that there is some magic to this book, which there is, but not about the girls themselves which is disappointing.
Verdict: It’s a great book but I had different expectations which ruined it for me.
The Book of Secrets by M.L. Little
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Book of Secrets
Author: M.L. Little
Book Series: Seventh Realm Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (death, slight gore, some trauma, and war mentioned)
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 232
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After Gabriel Draven smuggles home the Stone of the Seven Realms, his fear of facing consequences launches him and his oddball family on a rollicking run for their lives across the world they only thought they knew. As his journey takes him out of his realm and into another, Gabriel discovers that the deepest mystery lies at the heart of his own family, and he must do whatever it takes to find his way back home.
Strong and unapologetic, full of vivid, well-timed simile and lilting rhythm, bright with humor, at times bursting into a depth of pure simplistic beauty, The Book of Secrets looks far beyond the typical medieval swords-and-sorcery and, instead, introduces mystical creatures, absurd new worlds, and, at its heart, a hymn of praise to the complicated bond of siblinghood.
Review: I thought this was a well done read! The book did well with the world building and the character development. The book is well suited for younger readers and the writing is very engaging and simplistic, but all-consuming.
The only issues I had with the book is that sometimes the world building became too much, like there was too much detail in some areas. The pacing was also fairly slow in my opinion. The book also alludes to Christianity teachings and while I didn’t really care I did want to point it out for readers who don’t want their kids or themselves to read that.
Verdict: A very well done read!
Book: The Book of Secrets
Author: M.L. Little
Book Series: Seventh Realm Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 15, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (death, slight gore, some trauma, and war mentioned)
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 232
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After Gabriel Draven smuggles home the Stone of the Seven Realms, his fear of facing consequences launches him and his oddball family on a rollicking run for their lives across the world they only thought they knew. As his journey takes him out of his realm and into another, Gabriel discovers that the deepest mystery lies at the heart of his own family, and he must do whatever it takes to find his way back home.
Strong and unapologetic, full of vivid, well-timed simile and lilting rhythm, bright with humor, at times bursting into a depth of pure simplistic beauty, The Book of Secrets looks far beyond the typical medieval swords-and-sorcery and, instead, introduces mystical creatures, absurd new worlds, and, at its heart, a hymn of praise to the complicated bond of siblinghood.
Review: I thought this was a well done read! The book did well with the world building and the character development. The book is well suited for younger readers and the writing is very engaging and simplistic, but all-consuming.
The only issues I had with the book is that sometimes the world building became too much, like there was too much detail in some areas. The pacing was also fairly slow in my opinion. The book also alludes to Christianity teachings and while I didn’t really care I did want to point it out for readers who don’t want their kids or themselves to read that.
Verdict: A very well done read!