Review: This Book Won't Burn

This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noor is focused on finishing her senior year when she is sideswiped by her father leaving her family and her mother moving them to a new city.  With only the last quarter to finish, Noor plans to keep her head down and graduate.  That doesn’t happen when she discovers that the school has pulled 500 books from the library because of a new policy.  She has been taught to stand up for what she believes in and starts challenging these new rules.  Now she has a target on her back.  Will Noor be able to get the books back in the library? 

This Book Won’t Burn is a stand-alone realistic story that is timely and eye-opening.  The issue of books being banned in schools is prevalent everywhere but is definitely at the forefront here in Indiana.  Although everyone has their views on this issue, I feel Ahmed was balanced in her presentation and everyone will finish this book with many nuggets to think about.  This is a book all bibliophiles, educators, and school board members need to read.

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Review: The Dare

The Dare by Natasha Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is a senior tradition for a series of pranks to be completed.  Most of the dares are innocent.  Egging houses, releasing chickens, and similar pranks.  Unfortunately, the dares keep escalating, and when Jesse is dared to drive a dangerous road with no lights … the inevitable happens.  A man is dead and four friends have covered it up.  Can they trust each other?  What other secrets were being kept?

The Dare is a stand-alone mystery that will pull readers in immediately and keep them engaged throughout.  The final climax doesn’t happen until the last chapter and that made this pulse-pounding mystery that much more enjoyable.  Preston has created characters with hidden depth, even if I can’t believe the actual events would be possible (although they are plausible).  The Dare is a great escape read for all Preston and mystery fans.

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Review: Wide Awake Now

Wide Awake Now by David Levithan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is 2024 and the presidential election is over.  A gay Jewish man has won the presidency … or has he?  The governor of Kansas believes that the election results in his state are invalid and transfers his state’s votes to the other party.  Jimmy and Duncan feel the election is being stolen and they cross the country with others to protest this action.  Who really won the election?  What will Jimmy and Duncan learn about themselves during this adventure?

Wide Awake Now is a stand-alone reimagining of Levithan’s 2004 novel Wide Awake set in 2024.  This book is politically charged and contains many topics that may be against some readers personal points of view.  Overall the story was a quick read with many timely topics, but which includes too many issues that seem put there solely to push an agenda.  Readers should start this book knowing these concerns ahead of time. 

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Review: Draw Down the Moon

Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wren has known that she is a Mundane and both of her parents were magickal … it just was how everything was.  That all changed on her eighteenth birthday when she started glowing.  Now she must go to the Academia de la Luna and learn to develop her powers, if she has any.  Lee is her best friend and has always known about the Academia and had plans to continue his family’s legacy.  He was not planning to go with Wren, who he loves as more than a friend.  The Academia is overwhelming, and these friends quickly learn it is dangerous too.  What secrets will be discovered?  Who will survive these dangerous trials?

Draw Down the Moon is the first book in the Moonstruck series.  I was captivated by the various characters and subplots and couldn’t wait to turn the pages and find out what would happen next.  As this first story started reaching its conclusion, I felt dismayed that the book wasn’t longer.  I don’t want to wait for the next installment, but it will be added to my to-be-read list!

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Review: The Reappearance of Rachel Price

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bel was 2 years old when she was found in the backseat of her mother’s car with the heat running and a juice box.  The disappearance of her mother has never been solved.  She is now eighteen years old and her mother has reappeared.  Rachel’s story has too many flaws and Bel begins to wonder if her mother was taken or if she left.  What happened to Rachel sixteen years ago?  Is the Price family still in danger?

The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a standalone mystery that had me turning the pages and wondering where it was going next.  Jackson included several twists and turns throughout and when the reveal begins, readers will soon discover that inconsequential nuggets were important.  The answers to the mystery are revealed a few chapters before the ending, but that gives the story the space to wrap up nicely.  A thoroughly enjoyable mystery read.

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Review: The Cemetery of Untold Stories

The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alma is a successful, published writer, but she has many stories that she never finished.  After inheriting land in her homeland, the Dominican Republic, she decides that is the perfect place to bury these stories … literally.  Alma hopes this will give her characters and stories a place to rest.  Her stories have other plans, and the cemetery becomes a place for these untold tales to finally be heard.  Some of her characters talk back to Alma (or each other) and a few even revise themselves. 

The Cemetery of Untold Stories is a twisting story that is not an easy read and those who choose to explore these pages need to know that it is complicated yet satisfying.  Alvarez has taken a few different storylines and crafted a narrative that blends them together.  I thought this was going to be a collection of stories, but it ended up delivering so much more.  A fulfilling read even if it wasn’t a fun one.

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Review: She's Not Sorry

She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meghan is recently divorced and learning how to juggle raising a teenage girl alone and working to support her family.  She is a nurse and has seen the good and bad in the world.  When a new patient arrives in a coma and a witness says she was pushed, Meghan gets a little too close to the patient and the drama that is her family.  What happened to Caitlin on the bridge?  What is going on with Meghan’s daughter?

She’s Not Sorry is a stand-alone mystery that does start a little slow, but then the last third of the book twists and turns and goes in many unexpected ways.  Events that seem trivial when introduced turn out to be important to the plot and Kubica brings everything together seamlessly.  The book ended up being an exciting read and I suggest not starting the last few chapters at night, otherwise, you might end up staying up to finish the book.

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Review: Royal Scandal

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan is finally getting used to all the media attention since the world discovered she is the illegitimate daughter of the King of England.  Almost all of the clickbait is false news, but Evan has been receiving threats of another story … one that is all too true.  As more and more information is leaked about her, she wonders if she will always be hated by the people of Britain.  Then there is an assassination attempt … and another.  Does someone really want Evan dead or is there another motive?

Royal Scandal is the second book in the Royal Blood series.  This mystery had enough clues at the beginning to nudge my memory about events in the first book without feeling that the author was trying to recap everything for readers.  I will say that I was constantly running scenarios in my head as I was working my way through the novel and was happy that it wasn’t completely predictable.  Goodreads has an untitled third book listed and I hope that Carter can continue this series past three books.  

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Review: Under This Red Rock

Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Neely has always been haunted by monsters.  The only place she can get away from them is in the caverns near her home.  She thinks she will finally have some quiet when she lands a job at this cavern and the added perk is Mila.  Mila is everything Neely wishes to be, but when a staff party has her using drugs … her monsters get worse.  Soon, Mila is found dead, and Neely can’t trust her memories of that night.  Who killed Mila? 

Under This Red Rock is a supernatural story with a mystery twist.  Readers will easily be able to suspend disbelief as they uncover hidden truths above and below ground.  McGinnis has once again stretched into a new genre and proven that she will not be contained by one type of writing.  This book is a fast-paced mystery with some interesting supernatural components to keep the reader on their toes.  Under This Red Rock is a wonderful read for everyone.

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Review: Angelbound Tales Volume 1

Angelbound Tales Volume 1 by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am one of those readers who LOVE everything to do with Myla Lewis.  She is quirky, funny, and is a kiss a$$ protagonist!  This collection of five short stories had everything I love and did not disappoint.  Two stories take place before the series began and the other three are interspersed throughout the many volumes.  Because of the various locations within the series, I believe readers should NOT read this unless they have read most of the original stories.  Walker’s Love Connection (before Angelbound Book One), Sharkie and Snickerdoodles (before Angelbound Book One), Wedding Bells (after Angelbound Book One), Herbie and Baby Hotdogs (after Scala), and Saving Mrs. Pomplemousse (after Acca).  I hope this information helps future readers.

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Review: Four Letter Word

Four Letter Word by Gretchen McNeil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Izzy’s mom has planned for her to study abroad in Italy and Izzy has looked forward to leaving her boring life behind.  When Alberto, an Italian foreign exchange student, moves in with them, she realizes that her life isn’t as boring as she thought.  Izzy is also a true crime fan and has been following a case of a serial killer in San Francisco.  When the murderer seems to have traveled north, Izzy wonders if Alberto is who he says he is.

Four Letter Word is a predictable mystery that was still enjoyable to read.  McNeil was able to put in a few unexpected twists and turns, but the trajectory of the story followed the usual path.  I was satisfied with the ending, but I only recommend this for those who need a simple escape and not a heart-pounding mystery.

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Review: The New Couple in 5B

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chad and Rosie helped take care of Chad’s uncle in his last months of life.  When they find out that he unexpectantly leaves them his expensive apartment, they were floored.  Everyone was welcoming and they tried their best to adjust to their new place.  Rosie soon learns that there are mysteries contained within Windermere and not all of them are in its past.  Will Rosie discover the truth about Windermere before it is too late?

The New Couple in 5B is a stand-alone mystery that was one-part suspenseful and one-part history.  Readers will wonder how many of the issues are personal and which parts may be supernatural, yet Unger did a superb job blending all elements into a cohesive storyline.  I was a little disappointed in the ending, but the build up made the entire experience a pleasure.

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Review: The Encanto's Daughter

The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MJ and her mother are always moving.  They have been on the run because MJ is the only child of King Vivencio of the Sirena Court.  After her father dies, she is tasked with returning to his realm and taking her place as the heir.  Unfortunately, she is half human and many do not feel she has the right to become ruler and she only has one month to get ready for the throne.  Will she discover her magic in time to demonstrate her power?  Will she be able to survive the numerous attempts on her life?

The Encanto’s Daughter is the first book in the series with the same title.  This fantasy novel is nothing like de la Cruz’s other books, yet this fast-paced book was a wonderful distraction.  Readers will quickly find characters they love and hate as the story develops and climaxes.  The Encanto’s Daughter would be a great introduction to the fantasy genre.  

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Review: With a Little Luck

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jude has done a good job of surviving high school without any major issues.  He has great friends, a job, and a relaxing hobby.  He isn’t unhappy with his life, but when he finds a twenty-sided dice that appears to be giving him great luck … his life begins to change.  He wins tickets to a concert and decides to ask out his long-time crush; she accepts!  One of his drawings is accepted in a fanzine and he helps a friend become a finalist in a competition.  Everything is wonderful until he loses the dice. His luck quickly vanishes and he is now faced with a life in upheaval.  Can Jude make his own luck?

With a Little Luck is the second book in the Fortuna Beach duology.  Although this is technically a sequel, readers do not need to have read the first book to enjoy it.  There are spoilers for the first book in this one, though, so don’t read it first if you plan to go back to the original.  Meyer has created a cast of characters I loved to spend time with and I hope she creates other “companion” novels with them.  A fun escape for all underdog romance fans.

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Review: Kindling

Kindling by Traci Chee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The war is finally over but the kindlings that were used as weapons are left without a purpose.  There is still violence everywhere and when a village is threatened, a group of kindlings believe it is time to fight again.  Being raised to be a weapon has changed them in many ways … what suffering will they need to overcome to be successful?  How many will come out of this quest alive?

Kindling is a stand-alone Fantasy novel that is full of action and adventure.  The characters push through various obstacles and learn from each other along the way.  This is a book of moderate length, yet it felt like a short, fast read.  There are a few unnecessary “sexual” scenes, but nothing too racy.  Chee takes issues that are relevant even now and puts a wonderful fantasy spin on them.  A strong read for all fantasy fans.

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Review: The Women

The Women by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Frances has finally become a nurse and is feeling underwhelmed with the menial tasks she is asked to do.  Her father has always spoken highly of the men in the family who have served in the military and when she learns that the Vietnam War needs nurses … she signs up.  All she has under her belt is her schooling, but war is a fast teacher and she becomes a very competent trauma nurse.  War might be hard, but Frances quickly learns that coming home has its own problems.  Those who are protesting the war are also protesting the veterans.  When she asks for help for her nightmares, first she is told that only men were in Vietnam … then she is told that she didn’t see combat and didn’t need services.

The Women is a historical fiction story that had me shaking my head at some of the actions of the supportive characters.  I don’t know if that is because we are 50+ years after these events or if it is because I am a female who served in the military during the 1990s.  This book is great to read by yourself, but I also think this would make an excellent book club book so readers have a platform to discuss the varied issues.  I don’t give many books 5 stars … but this one is definitely a 2024 5-star book!

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Review: Pangu's Shadow

Pangu's Shadow by Karen Bao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ver and Aryl have overcome many obstacles to become apprentices in a great biology lab.  They know they have a long way to go, but everything changes when an explosion happens, and their boss is found dead.  The authorities believe there was foul play involved and one or both girls are behind it.  They are bailed out by Cal’s wife and have less than a week to figure out what exactly happened.  Was it an accident?  Was it suicide?  Or was it murder?

Pangu’s Shadow is a stand-alone sci-fi mystery that wasn’t very long, which made the events appear that much more intense.  I was swept into the story immediately and thoroughly enjoyed the science-fiction aspects and the mystery that needed to be solved.  I have never read anything by Bao before, but I will be looking for more books by this talented author.  A great escape whether you like science fiction or mysteries.

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