Review: The Righteous

The Righteous by Renée Ahdieh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pippa has lost too many people, so when her best friend goes missing; she sets out to find out what happened.  Pippa is willing to go anywhere and do anything to see her friend safe.  But there is a world hidden from most humans and this dark and dangerous world may be more than Pippa was planning for.

The Righteous is the third book in The Beautiful series.  Ahdieh has expanded her fantasy world to include new characters and additional intrigue.  There are Fae, Vampires, and other normally unseen creatures dispersed throughout.  I so wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t keep my attention long enough.  I found myself re-reading passages because I didn’t remember what I just read.  The next book is supposed to be the finale and I hope it will bring back the joy I had after the second book.

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Review: The Iron Sword

The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ash has earned a soul and can be with the love of his life, Queen Meghan.  He knew his life would not be full of comfort, but he didn’t expect to face an even harder challenge.  Their son, who is also the king of the Forgotten, is missing and they have learned that Evenfall approaches.  Will the different Fey be able to put aside their differences to stop Evenfall?  Will Ash lose his soul, his love, or possibly everything?

The Iron Sword is the second book in the spinoff Iron Fey series, Evenfall, and is the twelfth book if all the series are put together.  I will start by saying don’t jump into this series without having read the primary works.  This story pulls from many of the previous novels and the challenges between characters won’t be as easily understood without them.  This continuation of the Iron Fey saga will have all readers excited to learn more about these characters and I have been left wanting the next installment to be written and released.

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Review: The Starless Crown

The Starless Crown by James Rollins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nyx is disadvantaged in her studies since she is almost blind, but after being attacked (and surviving) a Mýr bat’s venom, her vision returns with predictions about Moonfall. Her survival has made her of interest to others and she quickly goes on the run. Nyx teams up an odd assortment of people, but that may be just what is needed to save everyone from Moonfall. Can this student, soldier, prince, and thief prevent the coming apocalypse?

The Starless Crown is the first book in the Moon Fall series. This fantasy novel was long and winding, which in the end wasn’t as enjoyable. There is action and intrigue with many fantastical creatures, yet the overall story continued to drag along. I believe this book would have been much better with some extra scenes removed. That being said, I did finish the story and enjoyed the ending. A good read for die-hard fantasy fans.


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Review: The Monarchs

The Monarchs by Kass Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scarlett feels like she has fulfilled her destiny.  She is the Kappa Rho Nu president, just like her mother and older sister before her.  She feels the added stress to watch over her sorority sisters, especially since the last president met an untimely death.  Vivi is only a freshman and becoming a Kappa Rho Nu has taught her what it feels like to belong.  Scarlett has just told Vivi she is to be the social chair and that added burden may be a little too much because there is a new darkness on Westerly’s campus.  Will this be the end of the Kappa Rho Nu legacy?                                                          

The Monarchs is the second book in The Ravens duology.  Usually, the second book in a series is a disappointment, but that is not true in this installment.  I don’t know if it was because the character and world-building were already complete, but this story was spot on with everything a good escape read needs.  I enjoyed all of the campus drama and loved how the storyline was finished.  Sometimes it is hard to pull off a duology, but this one is worth the reading time.

 

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Review: The Excalibur Curse

The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guinevere has learned many secrets about herself and Camelot.  The Dark Queen still wants to take control, but Arthur is willing to do anything to stop her.  But what should Arthur do?  What is true and what is a distraction?  Guinevere isn’t able to get Merlin to help her, so she sets out to fix what she can, even if it means teaming up with Mordred.  Guinevere learns that she may be able to fix one problem, but if she does a larger issue will ensue.  Guinevere wants to make everything right, but is that even possible?

The Excalibur Curse is the third and final book in the Camelot Rising trilogy.  This book does not spend a lot of time refreshing readers on past events and that is OK because I found that this story was strong enough to jog my memory with everything I needed.  The action is continuous and the story unfolds easily.  White has triumphed in taking many beloved Arthurian characters and repurposing them for a new audience.  I enjoyed this finale and was fully satisfied with the ending.

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Review: Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diana has her life planned out and everything is going according to plan.  She wants to be married by 30, finish having kids by 35 and eventually move into the New York suburbs.  Diana believes her boyfriend is about to propose, so the next goal is within her reach.  Her plans quickly change when a virus reaches American cities and her boyfriend is called into work at his hospital.  He encourages Diana to take their planned vacation, especially since it is nonrefundable.  She arrives as the island goes into quarantine and she has nowhere to go and no way to notify anyone.  A local woman takes pity on her and Diana is forced to learn hidden truths about herself and those around her.

Wish You Were Here is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that takes events from the Covid-19 pandemic and condenses them into a novel that can be enjoyed.  Picoult has included many different viewpoints and weaved them into a single storyline for us.  There is a twist about two-thirds of the way through the book that had me saying … wait!  Once that twist was fully seated, though, I enjoyed this new trajectory the story took.  Some readers may feel this book is still too close to the pandemic we are currently living in, but I thought it was well designed and a satisfying read.

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Review: You'll Be the Death of Me

You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ivy lost the election yesterday and will not be the senior class president.  She doesn’t want to go to school and face the class clown … the new president.  Mateo feels overwhelmed since he is working two jobs to help support his family and Cal feels alone since he was stood up.  When these three seniors randomly meet up outside of school, they decide to skip school and go to the city.  They were friends years ago, after all.  They quickly learn they don’t have much in common anymore, but when they spot another student ditching school, they decide to follow him and stumble across his murdered body.  They flee the scene, but what should they do next?

You’ll Be the Death of Me is a stand-alone mystery that promises to be exciting but doesn’t fully pull it off.  I enjoyed the premise of the story and was turning pages to see how it was going to end, but the overall storyline felt like it was trying too hard to be Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.   If you want a fun and quick mystery to read, this is the book.  If you are looking for McManus’ next masterpiece, you might be waiting a little longer. 

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Review: Towers And Tithes

Towers And Tithes by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grayson has a Rapunzel life template, but she is not a Rapunzel.  She is destined to be a Tower Tithe and be magically assigned to a Rapunzel to clean and do other duties no one else wants to do.  Since she is an elf, that means she may have to do this job for hundreds or thousands of years.  Enter Dex … he is looking for his one true love.  The problem is that it has been generations since someone in his life template has found theirs.  When Grayson and Dex suddenly meet, Dex’s wolf is sure that Grayson is the one, but others don’t see it that way.  Will Grayson be able to work against her Rapunzel life template to be with Dex?  How will this story tie in with the other stories in the series?

 Towers and Tithes is the eighth book in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series.  With that being said, it is the first book in a mini-series about Grayson and Dex.  The author’s note at the beginning of the book tells us that she not only is pulling from fairytales for this story, but she is also basing the larger story on the book Jane Eyre.  How exciting!  There are cameo appearances of some other beloved characters and I noticed the addition of a few others that might be future storylines.  I enjoyed this story and am sad I have to wait a few months for the next … but I will!

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Review: Graceling

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Katsa is a Graceling and the niece of the king.  Being a Lady should give her a life of privilege, but since her Grace is the ability to fight and kill with her bare hands, she has become the king’s enforcer; she is sent out to threaten and kill anyone the king believes is a threat.  After meeting Po, a prince who is also Graced, she discovers additional information about his missing grandfather.  She agrees to help Po learn the why behind the disappearance.  What truths will Katsa learn about her Grace as she pursues facts about Po’s family?

Graceling is a graphic novel adaptation of the book with the same name.  I loved the original series and this book brought back all the feels as I explored this adaptation.  Hinds is a wonderful illustrator and he has taken the original story and has breathed new depths into the storyline.  Since graphic novels are a quicker read and not everything is included, I feel like some things were left out, but since I read the original twelve years ago, I can’t say what it may be.  This interpretation was wonderful and I expect many new readers will go find the original novels and explore this wonderful world.

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Review: Aurora's End

Aurora's End by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Squad 312 has been working together to stop Earth from being destroyed.  Nothing goes as planned, which is good because they aren’t good at making plans anyway.  Through a series of unlikely events, this group of misfits travels back in time to fix the future.  They are unsuccessful, but that is OK because they are in a time loop and they get to do it all over again!  Will they be able to make friends with the enemy to save the future?  What sacrifices will need to be made along the way?

 Aurora’s End is the third book in The Aurora Cycle.  When I hear time loop I think of the Groundhog’s Day movie, but this is nothing like that.  Kaufman and Kristoff work together to fill this sci-fi adventure with everything fans would want.  They even have just a bit of romance sprinkled throughout.  The action was continuous and I kept thinking I was reaching the conclusion, but then I would look and see I had a lot more book to get through.  This is supposed to be the final book and if it is, it was a strong finish.

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Review: Roxy

Roxy by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone has heard of Roxy and Addison, even if you didn’t know that was their name.  Roxy, AKA Oxycontin, is good at her job.  She catches people while they are down and keeps them in her grip.  Addison, AKA Adderall, is a smart overachiever who would like to update her image from a helpful friend to a dangerous one.  Roxy and Addison make a bet.  They each believe they can bring a person to “the Party” first without the person switching to a new player.  Who are the marks?  Ivy and Isaac Rameys.  Will these siblings be able to fight the pull of these experts?  With their lives on the line, what choices will they make?

Roxy is a stand-alone novel that is hard to pigeonhole into one genre.  The premise of the story is set in the real world, yet Roxy, Addison and the other vices explored are not really interacting with humans in this way.  The Shusterman’s have taken a very real and devastating topic and brought it to an audience that needs to understand what is happening in people’s lives.  I have close family members that have been addicted to various substances and know the cycle is hard to break.  With the personification of these chemical compounds, readers may be able to empathize with those who are suffering from addiction.  Once this book got its grip on me, I couldn’t put it down!

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Review: 1984: The Graphic Novel

1984: The Graphic Novel by Matyáš Namai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winston is a step up from a Prole.  He is a member of the ruling Party in Oceania but has no power of his own.  He is mindful that the Party watches everything he does, including things in his subconscious and while he is sleeping.  He is fully aware that thoughtcrimes are the worst crimes you can commit, but he can’t control himself, let alone his thoughts.  Winston is tempted and encouraged to rebel against the Party, but what is he willing to endure for freedom of thought?

1984: The Graphic Novel is a new adaptation to the 1949 classic.  Although the graphics are disturbing and engaging, somehow this version of the story was not any easier to get through.  I will admit I read the original over 30 years ago and remember loving it, but this version was not a quick and easy read like most graphic novel adaptations.  With that being said, it was done well and I am actually planning to re-read the original now to see if I still enjoy the full story.

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Review: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: The Lost Stories Collection

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: The Lost Stories Collection by Michael Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Flamels are famous, at least for those who have read The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series.  Beyond the larger stories that can be explored in the primary series, there are “secret” stories that give additional information about the Flamels and some of the people they interacted with throughout history.  The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: The Lost Stories Collection is a book that gives readers access to these side stories.  Two of the novellas were published many years ago, the rest are newer works.  I was disappointed that not all of the “lost stories” are included with this volume.  Goodreads says it is #1-9, yet there are only 7 to 8 stories, depending on if you group the first two together (like Goodreads does).  I enjoyed the stories and visiting these beloved characters and it could have only been better if all the stories were included.

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Review: Terciel and Elinor

Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terciel is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting and is working closely with his great-aunt Tizanael, the current Abhorsen.  He is currently learning about necromancy to help the Dead rest.  When he becomes Abhorsen, his number one job will be to make sure the Dead do not come back to Life.  Elinor has always led a life apart from others.  She does have friends, but they work for the family and are much older than her.  With her mother’s death, she learns many secrets, including the truth that she is touched by magic.  Now she sets out to learn enough magic to cross the wall and enter the Old Kingdom.

 

Terciel and Elinor is the sixth book in The Old Kingdom series.  Although it is a prequel to the other books, this novel should be read after the others have been completed.  Readers will delight in discovering the backstory of Sabriel’s parents and the magic that brought them together.  Nix took a beloved world and crafted a wonderful story for fans.  This was a great escape read and I was delighted with the ending.

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Review: Gilded

Gilded by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Serilda loves to tell stories.  This has become such a natural part of who she is, sometimes she can’t help herself.  She has been warned that it will get her in trouble someday and that day has arrived.  To help some girls in need, Serilda tells a tale to the Erlking and his hunting party.  She thinks she is lucky, until the next full moon when she is captured and taken to the Erlking’s castle.  He commands her to spin straw into gold … or lose her life.  Serilda thinks her life has reached its end until a boy appears and offers to help her … if she can pay.  Serilda makes it out alive, but is her time in the castle over?  What will she learn about herself and her ability to tell tales?

 

Gilded is the first book in a new fantasy series.  This is a fairytale retelling, so there is some predictability in the story, yet Meyer has taken a well-known and beloved classic and made it relatable to a teenage audience.  This book is listed as part of a series (on Goodreads), yet the series title is still listed as “Untitled.”  When I got to the end of the book I could see why the story could be continued, but it may also be setting up for companion stories too.  I am excited and look forward to more books in this newest fantasy world.

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Review: Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight

Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stephanie hears a strange person moving around her apartment in the middle of the night.  Once again, she wishes she had her gun nearby.  Stephanie discovers it is Diesel lurking around, but that doesn’t make her feel any better.   Now Stephanie and Diesel are trying to catch the same fugitive, Oswald Wednesday.  Diesel has mad apprehension skills on his side, but Stephanie has luck and a whole cohort of friends with their own odd skillset.  Will either person be able to catch Oswald?  What crazy and dangerous situations will Stephanie get herself into this time?

 

Game On is the twenty-eighth Stephanie Plum novel.  I am surprised every time I read a new book in this series.  Stephanie is not the only loveable character.  I’m laughing throughout the entire story as various people do crazy things.  Evanovich expanded on “the Burg” world and gave readers a whole new experience.  Game On is not a deep read, but that isn’t what devout fans want.  We want an escape from our ho-hum life and that is what this book gives us.

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Review: Better off Dead

Better off Dead by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reacher is always traveling.  Sometimes by bus and sometimes he is walking.  Today, he is traveling west on foot when he sees a single car crashed into a lonely tree.  The woman in the car looks injured, but she isn’t.  Michaela is an army veteran who became an FBI agent.  She believes her twin brother is involved with dangerous people and she is trying to find him or answers.  Reacher knows he is good at locating people, so he volunteers to assist her.  It seems that Dendoncker has everyone in his organization scared.  They are willing to die instead of risking his wrath.  Will Reacher be able to find the answers Michaela is looking for?

 

Better off Dead is the twenty-sixth Jack Reacher book and it is jammed pack with twists and turns to keep the reader going.  This story goes forward without giving any new tidbits about Reacher’s past, but that is OK because that means there were more words devoted to this new storyline.  Child always has big shoes to fill as he continues a saga that has spanned so many novels …how to keep Reacher fans happy without repeating stories?  Admirers of Jack Reader will enjoy this newest escape into the Reacherverse.  

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Review: Bad Girls Never Say Die

Bad Girls Never Say Die by Jennifer Mathieu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone considers Evie a bad girl.  Evie and her friends wear a lot of makeup and spend too much time with boys.  Even if they are bad, they take care of each other.  Evie’s world gets turned upside down when she is attacked and her rescuer is a good girl.  Is there really such a thing as a good girl and a bad girl?  What are the definitions of loyalty and friendship?

 

Bad Girls Never Say Die is a stand-alone realistic story with a historical fiction feel.  The story does take place in 1964, but I don’t believe it is historical fiction.  Mathieu has taken the storyline of The Outsiders and flipped it into the female perspective.  With that said, readers may want to read (or re-read) The Outsiders after this book just to enjoy the parallels … I know I am planning to do that next.  The storyline flows smoothly and the book ended way too soon.  I recommend this book as a thoughtful escape read whether you know anything about The Outsiders or not.

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Review: Any Sign of Life

Any Sign of Life by Rae Carson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Paige has just woken up and found herself attached to an IV.  She remembers getting sick and quickly learns that she has been unconcise for six days and that everyone is dead.  Paige was a strong athlete and uses her willpower to leave her home and find food and better shelter.  She discovers that she is not the only survivor, yet the world is not the same.  What caused this illness that had a nearly 100% death rate?  Will this small group of survivors be able to continue in this changed world?

 

Any Sign of Life is a stand-alone post-apocalyptic science fiction novel.  I have to start by writing that the first half of the book did drag.  I know that Carson had to give background and build-up to the reality she was presenting, but after reaching the crux of the story, I wished she hadn’t used so many pages.  The second half of the book kept me hooked and once I made it to the end … I was completely satisfied.  I recommend this book to hard-core post-apocalyptic fans, but if this is your first foray into this genre, please start with a different book.

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Review: Clockwork Igni

Clockwork Igni by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Myla is the Queen of Antrum, yet she still doesn’t like to do queenly things.  She sits through meetings and performances, but she would prefer to be in the action.  She has been told about a discovery in a cavern but it is just background noise to everything else she is thinking about.  That is until the Forbidden Tombs become a part of Purgatory and Myla’s igni rush away from her.  Through all this chaos, Myla and Lincoln are also dealing with their son, Maxon, trying to assert his independence.  How will they handle it all?

 

Clockwork Igni is the ninth book in the Angelbound Origins series.  Most of these origin books have been about other characters with Myla and Lincoln having brief appearances.  I enjoyed learning more about this crazy couple and their firstborn.  This is a very short book that can easily be read in one sitting, yet the ending is extremely satisfying without leaving the reader breathless.  I love the world-building that Bauer has completed and can’t wait for more novels in this universe.

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Review: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ari and Dante know they are in love, but as of now, only their families know about it.  Ari is used to staying invisible, even when others try and be his friend.  He thought his senior year would be the same, but now that he has experienced love, he can’t go back to being the quiet guy.  Not only is he making friends, he is standing up for what he believes in.  What will Aristotle and Dante learn about themselves and the world?  Will they be able to keep their relationship strong with all the turmoil around them?

 

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is the second book in the Aristotle and Dante series.  Although there are nine years between the books, there is only a minimum of time that passed in the storyline.  We’ve all heard that hindsight is 20/20 and this book takes that phrase to a new level.  The events that happened in the LGBTQ+ community and AIDS understanding during the late 1980s are still surrounding us today, although differently.   I don’t feel the first book is needed to enjoy the second book, but if you read them out of order you spoil many secrets.

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Review: The Book of Magic

The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been three hundred years since a love curse was placed on the Owens family.  Some women have accepted the curse and loved anyways, while others have tried to not love.  Jet Owens knows she is about to die and that she isn’t the only one at risk.  Three generations of the Owens family are working hard to break this curse.  They must travel widely and solicit help from unlikely sources.  The newest generation is learning about close-kept secrets and all of them will uncover hidden knowledge.  Can they break this curse?  What will need to be sacrificed along the way to open the path?

 

The Book of Magic is the fourth book in the Practical Magic series.  These books were not written in order and it doesn’t matter if readers tackle them in publication order or storyline order, this is the final book.  Hoffman has created a generational story that weaves mothers, daughters, children, and all love relationships.  This series shows that love is not only needed but necessary for us as humans.  A great ending, but please read the other books first.

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Review: Last Girl Ghosted

Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She wasn’t looking for a relationship when she selected him in her dating app.  It was supposed to be a one-night hookup and then move on, but she likes him.  Sometimes you just can’t help yourself so she decided to tell him her secret … and then he ghosted her.  She doesn’t know if it was something she did, her secret, or something else.  She quickly learns that she isn’t the first girl who fell for him, but the others disappeared.  Who was this man?  Will she be able to find him and get the answers she wants?

 

Last Girl Ghosted is a stand-alone mystery with mini-mysteries interspersed.  Readers will enjoy the flashbacks weaved throughout that slowly reveal events that shaped her life.  We have all heard of dates gone wrong, online predators, and the like, but watching the story play out gave me new insight into how it could happen.  Unger did a wonderful job giving just enough clues to keep me interested with a twisted ending that made everything fall together.  A must-read, especially for those who enjoyed her previous novels.

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Review: Steelstriker

Steelstriker by Marie Lu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The nation Mara is no longer free and Talin is learning that loyalty is not guaranteed.  After the Premier captured her mother, she is forced to betray those she once called friends … she is now a Skyhunter.  Red still has a link to Talin and he firmly believes that Mara still has a chance.  Will Red be able to get Talin’s help to rescue their country?  Will the Strikers be able to reunite and win against the Skyhunters?

 

Steelstriker is the second book in the Skyhunter duology.  Since the entire story was being told in only two books, the pages are packed with action and intrigue.  Lu has brought in a new twist that makes this world seem more like a future version of ours and that connection made the storyline even more appealing.  I was turning pages to the end and felt breathless as I finished.

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Review: Redeeming Justice: From Defendant to Defender, My Fight for Equity on Both Sides of a Broken System

Redeeming Justice: From Defendant to Defender, My Fight for Equity on Both Sides of a Broken System by Jarrett Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jarrett Adams was seventeen years old when he went to a college party in Wisconsin. He was with friends and they all had fun. They even had sex with the same girl. Afterward, they continued to hang out and then returned to their homes in Chicago. That pivotal moment defined the rest of Jarrett’s life. Through a series of events, Adams is sentenced to 28 years for rape. He tries to get help for his case, but it turns out he must help himself by learning about his rights. This process leads him to the Wisconsin Innocence Project and his conviction being overturned … ten years later.

Redeeming Justice is a non-fiction memoir that is a must-read for all people no matter their age, race, or gender. The issues discussed within the pages will shine a spotlight on flaws in our criminal justice system as well as our country in general. I am the first to admit that I am a middle-aged white woman, but I work in a minority-majority high school and see many students who could easily fall into the criminal justice system without a way out. I highly recommend Redeeming Justice to all teens and adults.


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Review: Duplex

Duplex by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ryan’s life has been turned on its head.  His dad has moved out and he also divided their house into a duplex so that they could rent out part of it.  He now sleeps on the couch and dreams about the girl next door, Bizzy.  Ryan works up the courage to ask to walk her home from school and during one of these trips he pulls a bee out of Bizzy’s hair so quickly she didn’t know what happened.  Unfortunately, someone did notice this action and he learns that what he can do is considered a micropower.  Bizzy and her mother also have powers, though theirs are different.  They are on the run from witch hunters who have been after them for a while.  Will Ryan be able to protect Bizzy and her mother?  How can a group of people with micropowers that seem uninteresting stop these people?

 

Duplex is a stand-alone fantasy that fell far short of the mark.  Card has written many fantasy and science fiction stories that are wonderfully complex, yet this novel felt forced and written by a new author.  The majority of the story is about teenagers coming to terms with supernatural powers and an organized group whose mission is to stop them, but most of the action seems contrived.  Young readers don’t need simple books and this book could have used more complexity and more pages.  Duplex was an easy read that was also not satisfying.

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Review: The Halloween Moon

The Halloween Moon by Joseph Fink
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Esther may be 13 years old, but she knows in her heart that she is not too old to trick or treat.  Her parents think otherwise and so Esther has come up with a plan to trick or treat anyway.  This year everything is weird.  No one is there to pass out candy and even the moon looks different, more like a pumpkin.  The few people Esther finds are asleep, except her best friend, her arch-nemesis from school, and the local dentist.  These four people may be all that separates their neighborhood from an infinite curse. 

 

The Halloween Moon is a stand-alone middle grades mystery that was fun to explore even though I am an adult.  Readers will learn that these characters are more than what they seem when introduced and as a bond forms during the hardship, they learn more about themselves and each other.  Fink has developed a storyline that was easy to fall into and Free’s narration made me glad I was listening to the audiobook.  I truly wanted to know how the book was going to end, so I was happy to listen to Free tell the story while I continued to work around the house.  The Halloween Moon is a great read and you don’t need to wait for the fall holiday to enjoy it.

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Review: Take Me with You When You Go

Take Me with You When You Go by David Levithan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ezra thinks it is a normal day until he finds out that his sister has run away.  She didn’t leave a note and left her phone in her room so she couldn’t be tracked.  Ezra is now left in a house with a stepfather who treats him badly and a mother who could care less.  In a place only Ezra would think to look he finds an email address.  When he logs in he finds he can contact his sister.  Bea may have left Ezra behind, but she is hoping to find someone who hasn’t wanted to be found.

 

Take Me with You When You Go is a stand-alone realistic fiction book that is written in an unusual format.  This book is told from multiple points of view (primarily Ezra and Bea) through email exchanges and some letters.  The format makes this a very quick read and I enjoyed the casual style of learning about these characters and what they were going through.  Levithan and Niven have co-written a book that will tug at the heartstrings and have readers wondering what they would have done.  I enjoyed this novel and expect readers who are fans of these authors will also enjoy it.

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Review: Eyes of the Forest

Eyes of the Forest by April Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bridget has always thought of herself as RM Haldon’s biggest fan.  She was proved right at a book signing when she knew more details about the books than he did.  Now she works for him and cross-checks facts and insures the characters are on point.  Haldon has been working on the final book in the series, but he can’t seem to get started.  It doesn’t matter that he is years behind what even his publishers would like to see.  Now, Haldon is missing and no one has noticed.  Bridget doesn’t understand why she hasn’t heard from him, even if he has writer’s block.

 

Eyes of the Forest is a stand-alone mystery that will have readers thinking about Stephen King’s Misery.  How Haldon got into the situation becomes clear quickly, but the solution to the dilemma will take readers to the end.  This is not a long book and I found myself glad I could finish it quickly.  Henry has written a completely unexpected book.  Most of her novels have a young girl getting out of a tight situation, but this had a man in a tight situation with a young girl needing to help him out.  Eyes of the Forest is an enjoyable read and I might go back and reread Misery for the thrill of it.

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Review: Fairies and Frosting

Fairies and Frosting by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elle and Alec are back together but they have new troubles on the horizon.  Alec’s business is losing money and may go bankrupt.  What do they do?  They craft a scheme that is meant to rescue Le Charme.  Of course, nothing goes smoothly with these two and the Unseelie are at it again.  Not only do they want to destroy Elle, but they also want to destroy Alec and his gemstone empire.    Will Elle and Alec be able to save what they love?  Will the Glass Slipper Festival take place or will it need to be sacrificed?

 

Fairies and Frosting is the sixth book in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series.  This fantasy novella is quick to read and readers will need to pay attention.  Bauer has filled the pages with twists and turns and I found myself rereading sections because I thought I missed something (and I was right).  These characters are fun to lose ourselves with and the next novel is already in progress.  This is a fun escape read and should be enjoyed before moving on to your next book.

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Review: Ashfall Legacy

Ashfall Legacy by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Syd has spent his life on the run.  His mother has a series of identities they can easily use to hide and stay safe.  It hasn’t been long since he learned the truth.  His father is an alien from the planet Denza and has been missing for years.  Everyone assumes he is dead.  When Syd beats an unbeatable game that is connected to the Internet … he is found.  Lucky for him he is found by his uncle.  Now Syd must leave Earth and complete his own mission.  What will he learn about humans and himself?  Will Syd be able to adjust to being half human and half alien in a world of aliens?

 

Ashfall Legacy is the newest Science Fiction novel by Pittacus Lore.  This book is currently listed as a stand-alone novel, but any reader who makes it to the end will see that more books should be written in this world.  This book had me quickly turning pages AND wanting to throw my device across the room.  There is a lot of world-building and I am hopeful the next installment (if there is one) will jump more quickly into the story.  This book is not related to the Lorien stories and should be judged on its characters.  Not one of my favorite reads this summer, but I will look out for a continuation to see if things improve. 

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Review: Red Wolf

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adele has always known that monsters live in the dark woods.  She watched her father burned when she was 8 years old because he had been attacked by a werewolf. Everyone in the village of Oakvale knows to stay away from the woods unless it is necessary.  Adele’s grandmother lives in the woods, though, and during one of her visits, she learns that she is from a long line of guardians.  She can change into a wolf, but she doesn’t hunt humans, she protects them.  What will Adele need to give up to keep the village safe?

 

Red Wolf is a stand-alone fairy tale re-telling.  Vincent introduces Adele’s legacy early on and readers can explore what this means as Adele discovers the truths herself.  Even though this is a fairy tale re-telling, readers will see connections to their own lives and decisions they might face in the years to come.  I didn’t want to put this book down.  Even though this is a one-and-done, I could see more books in this world Vincent has created.  I recommend this book to everyone of every age. 

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Review: Steel Fear

Steel Fear by Brandon Webb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finn is a Navy SEAL sniper who is trying to get home.  His transport is the USS Abraham Lincoln.  He can tell that something is wrong, but his concerns are raised several levels when crew members begin to disappear.  In the beginning, they are believed to be suicides, but as the numbers increase it becomes evident that a serial killer is on board.  Finn is at the top of the suspect list since he is the new guy on the ship.  He has gaps in his memories, but this mystery might just be what he needs to prove he is still worthy to be called a Navy SEAL.

 

Steel Fear is a stand-alone thriller that takes a bit of time to get rolling.  For the first third of the book, I was wondering why I chose this book to review.  Once I was able to make it to the halfway mark, though, the pages almost turned themselves.  The point of view changes often so that the reader can have more knowledge than any one character, but these changes are not distracting.  I wouldn’t say this is a must-read, but in the end, it was a good escape read.

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Review: The Girl who Stole the Queen's Eyes

The Girl who Stole the Queen's Eyes by Marilize Loxton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Camilla is always being told she has beautiful eyes.  She is told that so often that she doesn’t think anyone notices anything else about her.  Things get weird after her eighteenth birthday.  There are new people in town, she sees a castle on the lake and she seems to control people who look into her eyes.  Extine is the Queen of Escana.  She is losing the power that put her on the throne, but none of her children have come of age.  If the queen doesn’t get control of her powers, her kingdom will no longer stay hidden.  What is the connection between Camilla and Extine?  Will Escana stay hidden or be revealed to the world?

 

The Girl who Stole the Queen’s Eyes is a stand-alone fantasy.  When I read the description of this book on NetGalley I thought it would be a great chance to try a new author.  The book had everything to make a great book, yet it still fell flat.  Now that I got that out there, I still want to say I am glad I read the book.  Loxton is a new author and I see a lot of potential in her next endeavor.  I look forward to her next novel, whenever it is finished. 

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Review: The Bone Code

The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Temperance and Birdy have finished a night with a great storm.  They are on their way to Isle of Palms when she gets a phone call about a medical waste container with the remains of two people inside.  This phone call reminds Tempe of a similar case fifteen years ago in Quebec.  She can’t shake the sense that they are too much alike and goes to Montreal to gather additional evidence.  She wants to be able to convince her boss to reopen the old case.  On the heels of Covid-19, Charleston is dealing with a deadly bacterium.  Many are panicking and testing themselves for a rare genetic mutation that may determine if they are at risk.  Are there any connections between all these cases?  What about this death mask Tempe can’t get off her mind?

 

The Bone Code is the twentieth book in the Temperance Brennan series.  Wow!  I don’t know what to say.  I enjoyed this book.  Although I am a high school librarian now, my first teaching gig was as a Biology teacher.  I enjoyed all the genetic information explored in this book.  With that being said, some readers may find it confusing and distracting.  Reichs has pulled together several stories that finish as a wonderful read.  I truly think this book could be read on its own.  The little bit of back story needed for a new reader is included, but I also recommend readers just start at the beginning and watch Tempe grow as a wonderful character. 

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Review: That Weekend

That Weekend by Kara Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire wants to spend the weekend with her friends.  She just broke up with her boyfriend and now isn’t the time to sit at home when everyone else is at prom.  Claire and her friends hike up the mountain to camp, but she is the only one who comes down.  She also doesn’t remember anything after Friday, when they arrived at Kat’s family’s place.  What happened during the missing time on the mountain?  Are Kat and Jesse alive?

 

That Weekend is a stand-alone mystery that will quickly grab the reader’s attention.  Claire discovers that there are secrets everywhere and not everyone has her best interests in mind.  Thomas has written a novel that made me want to stay in one place so I could keep reading it.  All the questions do get answered in the end and everyone who enjoys a good suspenseful book should give this one a try.

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Review: The Betrayed

The Betrayed by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hollis is a young widow.  She was only married for one hour, but the heartbreak is still there.  She has had to flee Coroa with the Eastoffe family to Isolte.  This family has helped her come to terms with all her losses, yet Etan is constantly rocking the family dynamics with his distaste for Coroans.  There is unrest in Hollis’ home country as well as her new country and the Eastoffes may have what it takes to wrestle the country away from a dishonest king.  Will Hollis be able to love her adopted homeland?  How will she come to terms with the longings of her heart?

 

The Betrayed is the concluding book in The Betrothed duology.  This young adult romance was fun and intriguing.  Cass had these characters pondering many issues that are still apparent today, yet the different world lets readers escape current troubles for a time.  This book isn’t long and it isn’t short, so it should appeal to readers across the spectrum.  I recommend this book to everyone who read and enjoyed The Betrothed.

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Review: Blackout

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is a hot summer day in New York City when the power goes out.  Many people are scared, some are relaxing and others are finding love.  Blackout includes many stories that are woven together to tell a larger story.  Even though there are six writers telling this tale, the story is still seamless and well-executed.  We read about a couple meeting for the first time, friends who have been together forever, and exes that would rather not be stuck together.  Everything changes when the lights are out.  What will these characters discover as the darkness continues to advance?  This was a fun read, even if you aren’t usually a short story lover.  Since these all connect into a larger narrative, it is hard to look at this book as a short story collection.  It is a quick read and can be finished in one sitting if you so choose.  

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Review: Tell Me When You Feel Something

Tell Me When You Feel Something by Vicki Grant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Viv has the perfect part-time job.  She is an SP (simulated patient) for a medical school.  She is really good at it because she is always faking how she feels.  When Viv ends up in a coma and there is video evidence of her taking drugs, the questions pile on top of each other.  What really happened to Viv? 

 

Tell Me When You Feel Something is a stand-alone mystery told from many points of view.  The narrators don’t always agree on what they saw or felt and the reader must untangle the stories as they unfold.  Grant did a wonderful job giving various viewpoints, but that same variety was the book’s downfall.  There were just too many changes in timeframe and person that the overall story was pushed to the side in order to follow and determine where the mystery was going.  I enjoyed the beginning and the ending, but the middle was hard to get through. 

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Review: Huntress

Huntress by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Huntress may be a princess, but she also knows how to protect herself and those she loves.  She is a glass dragon shifter … the last one of her kind and she likes to work alone.  That is until she meets Gage and can’t keep her eyes off of him.  She doesn’t want to be attracted to Gage because he is the leader of a crime family that threatens her family.  Huntress plans to live and fight alone; she has no plans to be in a relationship.  But when Huntress needs an army fast, she turns to Gage for help.  Will this unlikely alliance be enough to save her family?  Will Huntress stay in isolation or will she give her heart away?

 

Huntress is the seventh book in the Angelbound Offspring series.  Readers who pick this book may be thoroughly confused, but that would be understandable with all the references to characters from previous books.  Since I have read them in the order of publication, though, this was a rocket-fueled ride of action, romance, and intrigue.  Bauer outdid herself again as you created a storyline that was thrilling yet fresh.  The next book “Gage” is listed as the last of this series and I can’t wait to see where these dragon shifters go next.

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Review: Of Princes and Promises

Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alaric may have cheated on Caterina, but that doesn’t mean she is going to let it define the rest of her school year.  Rahul believes the moment he shared with Caterina at the winter formal meant something, but he also knows that he doesn’t have her social graces and would have trouble stepping into her world.  Caterina has learned that Alaric is planning to bring a supermodel to an upcoming social event and she needs a date that shows she is not down and out.  Caterina plans to train and transform Rahul into the perfect gentleman.  Will she be able to work out his rough edges?  What is with the mysterious hair gel that seems to give Rahul the confidence he needs?

 

Of Princes and Promises is the second book in the St. Rosetta’s Academy series.  This fun romance has just enough “magic” to fall into a fairy tale retelling.  The characters are fun and the exchanges throughout are exciting.  There is a little mystery that is included with this story and Menon has outdone herself in crafting a fun read for many ages.  Even though this is a “romance,” it can be read by even the youngest YA reader and will be enjoyed by most adult readers.  Although this is the second book in the series, it is primarily a companion book because the setting is the same, but the main characters are different.  Readers can jump right into this title or start at the beginning.

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Review: Spells Trouble

Spells Trouble by P.C. Cast
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hunter and Mercy are direct descendants of an ancient line of witches who settled in Goodeville.  These twins must learn what they need to do to be Gatekeepers and keep creatures from other realms out of our world.  They quickly learn that there is a lot they don’t know after their mother is the first victim in a series of murders.  Will Hunter and Mercy be able to learn the spells and rituals they need to protect their town?  Will this crisis break even their twin bond?

 

Spells Trouble is the first book in the Sisters of Salem series.  There are many books out there that have witches who are descended from a Salem Witch and this one isn’t much different than those.  I do understand that Cast needed to complete world-building and character development, yet the overall storyline fell flat.  Readers can tell from the ending that there will be more books in this series and I hope that the story will become better evolved in the upcoming titles.  For now, I recommend this series as a no rush to-be-read book.

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Review: Pumpkin

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Waylon is openly gay and he couldn’t hide it if he wanted to.  He is looking forward to the end of his senior year when he will move to Austin with his twin sister for college.  He plans to go Full Waylon at college and live out his true self.  Waylon gets mad after getting dumped and makes an audition tape for his favorite TV drag show.  It is meant for him and his sister, but when it accidentally gets shared with the entire school, he somehow ends up on the prom court as a queen nominee.  What was meant to be a joke on Waylon turns into a chance to let the school truly know who he is!  What will Waylon learn about himself, his sister, and his schoolmates as he finishes his senior year?

 

Pumpkin is the third book in the Dumplin’ series.  With that said, each book is not a direct sequel, and readers who pick up this novel will be able to have the full experience without having read any of the previous books.  I will say that the book took a bit of time to get rolling.  Early on I was considering not even finishing it, but once Murphy had all the characters in their places, the story was a whirlwind of joy to read.  I even found myself having happy tears at the end.  I recommend Pumpkin to everyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories.

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Review: Enduring Freedom

Enduring Freedom by Trent Reedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 11, 2001 changed the lives of many people.  Enduring Freedom is the story of two teens from different parts of the world and how these events affected them.  Baheer is an Afghan teen whose family had to change everything after the war caused them to lose their business.  Joe is a private in the Army National Guard who wants to become a journalist.  Joe’s schooling is put on hold when his unit is activated to go to Afghanistan.  Baheer uses the little English he knows to help his family by providing services to the Americans.  Joe doesn’t trust any of the locals, but as Baheer keeps coming by; Joe starts to see him as a person instead of a nation.  What will these teens learn about each other as their paths continue to cross?  Will this relationship stay professional or will they ever become friends?

 

Enduring Freedom is a historical fiction story that tugged on my heartstrings.  I was in the Army National Guard during Desert Storm and remember the thought of activation always on my mind.  As a young teacher when 9-11 happened, I saw these same feelings flowing around the seniors in the school.  Today’s teens were not alive when this happened, but that does not mean they can’t understand what was going on.  Reedy took some really hard topics and made them relatable to today’s readers and hopefully this book will make everyone who picks it up re-think about what they thought they knew about this time period.  Enduring Freedom is not a long book and I recommend it to everyone, even if war or history is not your go-to genre. 

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Review: Off the Record

Off the Record by Camryn Garrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josie has always wanted to be a writer. No matter what is going on in her life, she knows that if she turns to writing she will feel good again. She has just found out she won a contest and will be participating in a multi-city tour where she will follow a celebrity on a publicity tour. She even gets to write up a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine to wrap up the experience. Josie can’t believe she has been assigned Marius Canet for her profile. She believes she is living her dream until an actress tells her a secret that shakes her world. That secret leads to others who had a similar experience. Josie wants to make the secret known, but does she have what it takes?

Off the Record is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that covers so many topics everyone should read it. The main character is proud of who she is, yet she struggles with her size and how other people view her. She wants to be a writer, but many people dismiss her because she is only 17 years old. Also, being thrown into the celebrity world she realizes that the #MeToo movement affects all types of people. Off the Record was a great read and I recommend it to everyone, no matter if you are an adult or young adult reader.


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Review: Realm Breaker

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Corayne can feel that there is something wrong in the world. Darkness is growing and spreading across Allward. Not everyone can feel the darkness, but it seems that Corayne is part of an ancient line that is destined to save the world. Luckily, she doesn’t have to save the world alone. Her quest gives her a variety of helpers with a unique skill set to get the job done. Separately they would not survive, but together they have a chance to overcome this evil. What will Corayne need to do to help her world?

Realm Breaker is the first book in the series with the same name. This fantasy novel is rich in symbolism and mysticism and Aveyard’s world-building brings the characters alive. Since Corayne has such a varied group of helpers there is most likely a character that every reader will relate to. As with any novel that includes a quest, readers will enjoy an adventure through an unfamiliar world and slowly learn the quirks of each person as the story unfolds. Now that the foundation of the story is set, I look forward to the next book in this series.


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Review: Sunkissed

Sunkissed by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is time for summer vacation and Avery’s parents decided to go big.  They booked the family for two months in a family camp where there is no cell service and no Wi-Fi.  This is hard to adjust to, but Avery soon finds a distraction in an off-limits staff member.  Avery feels this is the best opportunity to try new things and test the boundaries of what her parents had planned for her.  Will a summer romance be in Avery’s future?  What limits will Avery stretch as she explores who she is?

 

Sunkissed is a stand-alone young adult romance that was a pleasure to read.  This was a very fun experience because romance was not the main focus.  There was the coming of age theme, building friendships and sibling issues weaved together.  The journey before Avery becomes more than she expects and the outcome will leave readers glad they invested the time in the book.  Sunkissed is a fun escape read that will appeal to readers of all ages.

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Review: Dare

Dare by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Calla has always loved to pull a prank.  Everyone else feels she needs to stop, even if that means she is banned from Faerie.  Before they can get her out of their realm, Calla performs some extraordinary magic and becomes their Queen.  Now instead of pulling pranks, she is expected to rule the court.  When her friend Prince Dare is accused of releasing a new plague, she must decide what she trusts more … her heart or her people.  What pranks will Calla need to complete before she gets to the truth?  How will Calla’s feelings for Dare change through this trial?

 

Dare is the third book in the Pixieland Diaries series.  This book is very short (probably better to classify it as a novella), yet the storyline made huge jumps.  Bauer, once again, has written a book that is easy to love and a fun escape to read.  There is Faerie mischief and romance throughout and the diary format makes for an even faster read.  Although I would probably say this is appropriate for all young adult readers, there are a few “strong” words that might make a few middle school readers cringe.  Other than that, it is a great continuation and I can’t wait for the fourth book to be released next year.

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Review: The Serpent's Curse

The Serpent's Curse by Lisa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Esta knows what she is doing.  Not only is she an experienced thief, she also is able to travel in time.  There is one mission she wants to be successful with and it will require her to travel to 1902 New York.  As with many plans, there is a problem.  A goddess was trapped in the artifact and she wants to use Esta to destroy the world.  Esta now has a new mission, but will time be on their side?

 

The Serpent’s Curse is the third book in The Last Magician series.  I usually love third books.  The reader knows the characters and the world-building and storyline are well developed already, yet, this book did not follow this pattern.  Maxwell’s newest story did not keep my attention and I constantly found my mind wandering away from the pages.  Those who enjoyed the first two books will most likely enjoy this third installment, but if you haven’t started the series yet, you might want to pass this one by.

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Review: Mirrorland

Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cat has lived in Los Angeles for over a decade.  She has no issues with staying away from her childhood home and the terrible memories that were left there, even if that means she can’t see her twin sister.  While children, they invented Mirrorland, a creation pulled from many of their favorite stories.  In Mirrorland, they were able to fight off the terrors that haunted them in the real world.  After El goes missing during a boating trip, Cat must return to the home that tormented her in her youth.  As Cat begins to live in their old house, she finds clues that seem to have been left behind by her sister.  Is El dead or playing a terrible joke?  What dark secrets will Cat remember about the childhood she left behind?

 

Mirrorland is a psychological thriller that on the surface appears to be a page-turner but in reality doesn’t pull through.  Johnstone’s overall storyline was good and the twists added needed distractions, but the characters were flat and overall I was easily distracted while reading.  I’m glad I finished the book because everything came together in the end, but if it had been a long read, I don’t know if I would have stuck it out to the end.  This would be a good read if your TBR pile is getting low.

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