Review: Born Scared

Born Scared by Kevin Brooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elliot is always scared. He has a feeling that he was even scared in the womb. His fear is controlled by a pill that he takes six times a day, but if he is late or misses a dose, the fear returns with a vengeance. It is the day before Christmas Eve when Elliot discovers that the pharmacy gave him the wrong medication. It was scheduled to be corrected on Christmas Eve, but there is a snow storm and his mother’s car won’t start. His aunt is willing to pick up the medication, but when his mom goes to check on his aunt and doesn’t return, Elliot sets out to find his mom and his medication. What will happen when a boy who is always scared ventures out into an unusual storm?

Born Scared is a stand-alone novel that will be interesting to reluctant readers for many reasons. Brooks has written a short book that doesn’t take long to finish and he has included a fast-paced storyline that will keep the reader’s attention along the way. Although the protagonist has a mental issue, readers will still be able to relate to many of his processes as he works his way through various ordeals. Born Scared is a great quick read and I recommend it to all readers.


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Review: People Kill People

People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this small town, there are many reasons to carry a gun, but not all of them are honest. These six stories all have hidden secrets and as the larger story slowly unravels the reader will discover many of their rationales for wanting a firearm. Gun violence is only one of the topics addressed in this novel; Hopkins also delves into the thinking behind white supremacy and undocumented immigrants. I will admit that these are three large issues and it is a lot to cover in one book, yet People Kill People does all three topics justice. Since this is a novel in verse, the 400+ pages fly by quickly and the reader will feel as if the story read itself. People Kill People is a good read, but not a fun and easy read.

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Review: Grace and Fury

Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All her life, Serina has been taught what it takes to become a Grace. It is finally time to go before the heir and see if he will pick her, but when her reckless younger sister catches his eye and is chosen instead of her, Serina’s world is turned upside down. Now Serina is in prison for an action her sister committed; Nomi is stuck in the palace in a position she never wanted and is trying to determine if there is a way to save her sister. With all of the palace intrigue, who can Nomi trust? Will the sisters be reunited or will they run out of time?

Grace and Fury is the first book in a series with the same name. The story alternates between the sisters’ points of views, yet readers will easily be able to follow the story through the pages. Banghart has created characters that are easy to relate to and brings out hidden depths as they struggle to cope with their situation. Grace and Fury has two strong female protagonists which gives the novel just a little something extra for the reader to enjoy. I will be looking forward to the next installment in this world where women are too often overlooked.


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Review: Like Never and Always

Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Liv wakes up recovering in a hospital bed. Everyone is calling her Morgan and she doesn’t understand how she could be mistaken for her best friend. That is until the bandages come off and she realizes that she is not Liv at all. Liv thought that Morgan had a perfect life, but as she literally has to walk in Morgan’s shoes, she quickly learns that Morgan was hiding many secrets. It doesn’t help that she is torn between the boy she has learned to love as Morgan and his brother (the boy she loved as Liv). Is Morgan going crazy or was Liv’s essence imported into Morgan’s body?

Like Never and Always is a stand-alone novel that gives readers many things to think about. Aguirre has included many plausible scenarios next to the primary unbelievable story. As the book moved along I couldn’t help but wonder how it was going to end. I will tell my readers that there is a twist and you will be left satisfied with part of the ending and not quite sure about the rest. I recommend Like Never and Always for those who enjoy a good mystery and adventure that doesn’t take too much mental power on the reader’s part.


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Review: Sanctuary

Sanctuary by Caryn Lix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kenzie may be young, but she knows what she wants. Her goal is to become an elite guard on the space prison Sanctuary. She is already a junior guard and is showing the other guards that she has earned this right, even though their commanding officer is her mother. When the superpowered prisoners take Kenzie hostage in a drill gone wrong, Kenzie learns that there are secrets that her parents have been keeping. Who else is on this ship with them? What will Kenzie need to do in order to survive and hopefully save Earth?

Sanctuary is the first book in the science fiction series with the same title. Readers will begin this story thinking it has the usual sci-fi elements, yet Lix slowly weaves in additional twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. Kenzie must juggle being the only guard on the prisoner side as she continues to try and keep her feelings separate from the tasks at hand. Sanctuary was a fun first book and I will be looking forward to more books in this universe.


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