Review: Butterfly Games

Butterfly Games by Kelly Scarborough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jacquette is trying her best to learn the rules of the Butterfly Game.  She is young, naive, and unprepared to juggle romance and politics in the Swedish court.  When she falls in love with the crown prince, and he lets a rumor end an arranged courtship, the consequences to Jacquette are a lot more severe than they are for Prince Oscar.  How will Jacquette deal with their unapproved romance?

Butterfly Games is a stand-alone historical fiction story that has a little bit of spice throughout.  Readers will enjoy this new view into European royalty.  I didn’t know anything about the Swedish monarchy and have now found a new court to find additional stories about.  The events of this story take place over just a few years, but readers will wonder how so much could go on in such a short time.

View all my reviews

Review: Gaslit

Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ella was planning a fun New Year’s Eve out with her friends when a migraine cancelled those plans.  After the migraine passes, she decides she is going to help her aunt by babysitting her cousin.  When she arrives at the house, the door is open, and she smells gas.  She calls 911 and tries to save as many as she can.  Ella is now recovering from this accident, but she notices holes in the investigation into the gas leak.  Her health also takes on a new form.  What really happened that night?

Gaslit is a stand-alone mystery with some personal drama thrown in.  Davidhizar did a good job leaving readers wondering who did what and why.  Some “mysteries” are resolved early on, while others leave readers looking forward to the end of the book.  Gaslit is a good escape read and could be completed in a weekend, too. 

View all my reviews

Review: The Other Sister

The Other Sister by Theo Baxter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Celeste may look like she has her life together, but she has survived many childhood traumas and now uses her own survival strategies to help others in her psychology practice.  Unfortunately, her life is turned upside down when a patient begins stalking her and then attempts to destroy her career.  Now Celeste is confronted with her past as she attempts to save her future.

The Other Sister is a stand-alone mystery with a few twists and turns to keep the reader interested.  Baxter has created a story that is close enough to be believable that I began to wonder if this could happen to me.  A good read for all mystery fans. 

View all my reviews

Review: Royal Liars

Royal Liars by Lindsey Duga
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sadie is now the heir apparent for Ashland, and life has not settled down as it is time to start a new school year.  She has been told to fake date one of the princes, yet the other prince wants her for himself.  The other “royal heirs” have their own drama they are dealing with, and it soon becomes apparent that they need to trust each other.  Can these teens put aside their differences and come together for the country they love? 

Royal Liars is the second book in the Royal Heirs Academy.    This enemies-to-lovers story is told in alternating voices, so readers have a full picture of what is going on, even if the individual characters do not.  The intrigue goes beyond the usual teen issues and moves onto the global platform.  This is a duology, so readers can finish this book with the assurance that they know where almost everything ends.  A great escape read for fans of romance or royal tropes.  

View all my reviews

Review: Summer Lies And Blackberry Pies

Summer Lies And Blackberry Pies by Sandy Little
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It is the summer of 1968 when Shelby has a chance encounter with River.  His smooth words and singer's voice pull her away from her straight-laced Southern upbringing, while she is able to hide her relationship from her family with the help of her best friend, Liberty.   Summer Lies and Blackberry Pies is a stand-alone realistic fiction tale that has a small historical angle.  I love this time period and was anticipating loving the book, but the story left me wondering why I spent time reading it.  This book should not be rushed onto anyone’s TBR list.

View all my reviews

Review: By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only by North Taylor
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There is a new concern in the United States.  People are being possessed by some unknown entity. The catch?  They must agree to the possession.  Dr. Roswell lives to debunk superstitious stories, but he soon finds himself over his head with a true paranormal phenomenon. By Invitation Only is a stand-alone supernatural story that sounds amazing but was disappointing throughout.  I’m sure there is a niche reader that will enjoy all the eye-rolling, but it was not enjoyable for me. 

View all my reviews

Review: The Rebel and the Rose

The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seraphine is still learning to control her power while working with the Order of Flames.  Ransom can’t stop thinking about Seraphine while also being the leader of the Order of Daggers.  Both people are grappling with who they are and who they want to be.  The kingdom is in turmoil, and rebellion is imminent.  Can Sera and Ransom work together?  How will Valteere change as the prophecy progresses?

The Rebel and the Rose is the second book in The City of Fantome series.  This romantasy does veer onto the spicy side, but not too often.  The turmoil is deep, and the story flows easily, even if it does drag in some parts.  Overall, fans of the first book will be happy with this second installment.  

View all my reviews

Review: Evil Bones

Evil Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tempe is on the case of a mutilated dog.  Not only is it someone’s pet, but this was not the first animal to be discovered maimed.  It doesn’t matter that they are animals; Tempe plans to use her skills to uncover the culprit.  When the crime escalates to humans, it becomes an all-hands-on-deck situation.   What grizzly scenes will be thrown at this team?

Evil Bones is the twenty-fourth book in the Temperance Brennan series.  Readers who love Tempe and the various characters will enjoy this next adventure.  The story can also be read as a stand-alone tale with enough fun facts to entice readers to go back and read other books.  Overall, the science is interesting, and the jokes are just quirky enough to make me laugh throughout.  

View all my reviews

Review: MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction

MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MindWorks is a compilation of short stories by Neal Shusterman.  The stories run the gamut of realistic, supernatural, and, of course, science fiction.  As with any short story collection, there are a few tales that don’t hit the mark, but more often than not, these stories made me laugh … or think deeply.  MindWorks was a pleasure to read, and Shusterman fans will want more. 

View all my reviews

Review: We Fell Apart

We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matilda has never met her father; then, out of the blue, she receives a message from Kingsley Cello claiming to be her father and inviting her to his island home for the summer. When she arrives at his home, he is not there.  She meets Meer, her half-brother, Brock, and Tatum … all who live in her father’s house.  After weeks of waiting for her father to return, Matilda must search out her own answers and her own place in this family.

We Fall Apart is the third book in the We Were Liars series.  Although this book takes place in an overlapping time and place of the other We Were Liars books, this book can easily be read on its own or a long time after the initial books.  I thought I knew where the book was going, and was pleasantly surprised when the twist was something I did not expect.  A great escape read for all mystery fans.  

View all my reviews

Review: A Fate So Cold

A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Domenic has been waiting for a wand to bond with him, but when the greatest Summer wand chooses him after 100 years of being dormant, he knows the war that approaches is not the usual type.  Ellery has also been chosen, and they believe they are destined to fall in love.  That is, until they discover that the Chosen are not meant to be on the same side; they are enemies.  As winter progresses and battles continue, the Chosen learn that the only way this war will end is if one kills the other.

A Fate So Cold is a duology of the same name.  This fantasy takes readers into a new world with new magic, yet the story is easy to understand, and the characters are relatable.  The romance does push the envelope some, but now that the book is over, I don’t remember feeling it was too graphic.  Although this is listed as a duology, the primary story has a satisfactory conclusion, and the next book will take it further (there is no cliffhanger).  

View all my reviews

Review: The House Saphir

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mallory comes from a family of witches, but the only magic she has is the ability to see ghosts.  She knows enough to fake her way through the family business, but she is not very successful.  Mallory knows a lot about Count Bastien Saphir, specifically that he killed three wives over one hundred years ago.  When his ancestor offers her a large bounty to rid his estate of Bastein’s ghost, she can’t resist.  Unfortunately, a new murder takes place while she is there, and she finds herself in the middle of the investigation. 

The House Saphir is a standalone mystery wrapped up in a supernatural story.  The beginning of the story grabbed my attention and pulled me along, but then the middle seemed to drag, and I was wondering where it was going.  When the ending came, I couldn’t help but think I was missing something because everything wrapped up too quickly.  A good read, but only for those who thoroughly enjoy this genre.  

View all my reviews

Review: A Queen's Match

A Queen's Match by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helene is in love with Prince Eddy, but is forced to break off her relationship with him.  Her parents still want her to marry … another prince. Alix is also in love, but Queen Victoria does not approve of her choice of beau.  At least she isn’t being pushed onto Prince Eddy anymore.  Mary wants to marry anyone who will get her a crown.  She doesn’t need love, and she doesn’t care who she has to hurt along the way.  Three royal princesses are all searching for love.  Will any of them find it?

A Queen’s Match is the second book in A Queen's Duet.  Although this book picks up the story of these princesses from the first book, readers who are vaguely familiar with the British Royal Ancestors can still jump into this novel without reading the first.  There is intrigue, backstabbing, romance, and family drama all rolled into a swoon-worthy read.  I love stories that take place in the Victorian Era, and having one that includes the royal family is that much better.

View all my reviews

Review: The Scammer

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jordyn is ready to move into the dorm at her HBCU in Washington, DC.  One of her roommates’ brothers is released from prison and is invited to stay with them for a while.  Devonte is a lot older than these college freshmen, and he wants to help them make better decisions today and for their future.  As time passes, class becomes less important, and Devonte puts more and more restrictions on the girls.  When one of the roommates goes missing, Jordyn must step up and ask for help from the only white student at the university. 

The Scammer is a standalone, realistic fiction novel that left me with a range of emotions.  I kept wondering how an entire dorm of young women could fall for what was being taught them, and then questioned how no one else seemed to notice.  This story was so well written that I was rooting for Jordyn to wake up and take action.  There was a “twist” at the end that I did NOT see coming, and I finished the book knowing that I will be recommending this to my students.  A great book that isn’t a light and fluffy read.

View all my reviews

Review: The Crimson Throne

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alyth has been tasked with watching over Queen Mary.  Specifically, her husband, Lord Darnley, and his magical attempts to cause her harm.  Alyth is half fae and is sworn to keep the Red Caps out of Scotland.  Samson wants to lock in his position in the English court and is sent to Scotland as a spy.  Alyth and Samson must navigate the tumultuous Scottish court and stay one step ahead of Lord Darnley.  What secrets will they uncover in their search?

The Crimson Throne is the first book in the Spy and Guardian series.   This historical fantasy transports readers to the time of Mary Queen of Scots and puts a fae spin on everything.  Raasch and Revis don’t spend much time going into the lives and history of the historical characters, but readers with a basic understanding of the Elizabethan era should have no issues following along.  The ending of this book was satisfying and complete, with the note at the end saying the next book will be another story that may not be a direct sequel.  A fun read for fans of this time period or genre. 

View all my reviews

Review: A Steeping of Blood

A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Steeping of Blood is the conclusion of the Blood and Tea duology.  Arthie and her crew must get back together after the events from the first book and face a monarch out for revenge and conspiracies that seem to have no end.  This is a dark fantasy that is fast-paced with a lot of action and a little bit of romance.  This book should definitely only be read second.  The first book left me feeling a little let down, and this one left me feeling the same way.  If you loved A Tempest of Tea, though, you will love this conclusion.  

View all my reviews

Review: Hekate: The Witch

Hekate: The Witch by Nikita Gill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hekate only knows a world in turmoil.  Since her parents were on the losing side of the war between the Titans and the Olympians, she is sent to the Underworld, where Styx and Hades raise her.  Through a series of unlikely occurrences, Hekate discovers her powers and becomes a Goddess.  The Olympians do not welcome her powers, but when a new war breaks out, they may be what is needed to bring the fighting to an end.

Hekate: The Witch is NOT a retelling of this story; it is an EXPANSION of the story.  Gill has taken a lesser-known Goddess and given readers a tale that weaves together the usual cast of Gods and Goddesses and leaves the reader with a better understanding of how things may have occurred.  A fun read for all mythology fans.

View all my reviews

Review: Tiger's Trek (The Tiger's Tale Series

Tiger's Trek (The Tiger's Tale Series by Colleen Houck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tiger’s Trek is a continuation of the spin-off series that started with Tiger’s Tale.  The characters find themselves in a dream world that requires them to complete a series of tests to break a curse.  The characters are now separated and don’t know what the others are going through.  The story alternates between the protagonists, and readers must pay attention to which character's story is being addressed.  Overall, the story was good, but it ended without a strong resolution and left me discouraged instead of interested.

View all my reviews

Review: The Infinite Glade

The Infinite Glade by James Dashner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The war has finally started, and the Remnant Nation is ready to fight … they want to stop the Godhead!  Sadina and her team believe the Goddess is their path to survival, but when the fighting is underway, the truth may be more than they can handle.  Isaac and Ximena want to save their friends, but when their journey uncovers new information about the Cure, they must also confront new truths.  This generation must determine what they are willing to risk and what happened during the maze trials.

The Infinite Glade is the third book in The Maze Cutter series.  I loved the original series and the first book in this series, but for some reason, these continuation books fell short of expectations.  I kept waiting for the spark to hit me, yet in the end, the entire story was just flat.  This story answered many questions that needed to be answered, but only diehard fans will want to read this book.

View all my reviews

Review: Girl, Goddess, Queen

Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We think we know the story.  Hades kidnapped Persephone, and her mother, Demeter, was so upset that she caused the Earth to have seasons … but that’s not what happened.  Persephone was not a simpering kidnapped girl; she willingly fled to hell to get away from an arranged marriage.  Now she needs to convince Hades to follow her proposal and shake up the plans of Mount Olympus.  Will Persephone get what she wants?  Did she know what she was getting into in this new realm? 

Girl, Goddess, Queen is the first book in the series with the same title.  This YA reimagining of a well-known story offers a fresh perspective on this goddess and how the story might have unfolded differently if it weren’t written in a male-dominated world.  Fitzgerald takes her time getting to the gist of the story, and this makes the book much longer than it needed to be.  Overall, the novel was enjoyable, and I will look for the next volume once it is translated from its original language.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Executioners Three

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Freddie was just calling the cops for help after she heard screams from the woods nearby.  The end result was half of the students from her rival school being arrested.  Unfortunately, the next day, a body was found.  Some say it was suicide, but Freddie believes otherwise.   She loves the X-Files and trusts she can discover what is really going on.  What secrets will Freddie uncover about her family and her town?

The Executioners Three is a stand-alone mystery that requires readers to suspend their disbelief somewhat.  This book takes place in 1999, so the characters must use their critical thinking skills differently than present-day people since the Internet and smartphones were not what they are now.  I enjoyed this mystery and looked forward to getting back to my book during the reading process.

View all my reviews

Review: Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellie has been married for thirty years when her husband announces he wants a divorce.  Initially, she wonders what to do, but then she seeks advice and leaves the marriage with a nice settlement.  She has no intention of staying around with all the looks of sympathy.  She is going to the south of France for a vacation … maybe longer.  She doesn’t make it to her destination because her car breaks down, and she decides to stay in the small fishing village.  With a war looming over the country, what can Ellie expect of her time in Saint Benet?

Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a stand-alone historical fiction story that includes World War II at its edges but is not about the war.  Once again, Bowen has crafted a wonderful story of loss and new beginnings and included vibrant characters and rich historical details.  I am glad that WWII was just a small part of the story because I wanted to lose myself in the story of a woman remaking her life.  

View all my reviews

Review: Bones at the Crossroads

Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is finally time for Malik to start his freshman year of college.  After the trials endured during the summer session, he is hoping for just a normal experience.  Since he is attending Caiman University, an HBCU for magical students, that will not be possible.  At first, he just wanted to find his mother, but now that he has learned she is a greater danger to him than those he thought were his enemies, he doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Bones at the Crossroads is the second book in the Blood at the Root series.  The story picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first book, weaving together magic and mundane life.  I enjoyed the magical component and the aspects where the main character learns more about who he wants to become, but some of the day-to-day portions of the story just slowed everything down.  Readers must read the first book to enjoy this continuation.  

View all my reviews

Review: I Will Find You

I Will Find You by Jessica Huntley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bonnie is on a hike through the Alps with a plan to find her brother’s remains after he died on a different hike the year before.  When a storm hits them quicker than anticipated, they take shelter in a cabin with a woman named Annalise.  Bonnie soon begins to wonder if they can trust Annalise and then learns her husband has been keeping secrets too.  Will this couple make it out of the cabin and off the mountain?

I Will Find You is a stand-alone psychological thriller that was enjoyable even though I knew nothing about mountain hiking.  Huntley created believable characters and situations that were plausible.  I found myself wondering what I would do in any of these situations.  There are two different points of view and a few different timelines, so readers must pay attention when chapters switch.  I Will Find You is an enjoyable read for all thriller fans.

View all my reviews

Review: Not Quite Dead Yet

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jet is twenty-seven years old and still doesn’t know what to do with her life.  After being attacked after a Halloween party, she has a life goal … solve her own murder.  How is that possible?  Her head injury caused an aneurysm that will burst within 7 days.  She decides to use that time to discover who did this to her.  Will she uncover the truth?  What other secrets is this family hiding?

Not Quite Dead Yet is a stand-alone mystery that includes many twists, turns, and misdirections.  Jackson has created a story that breaks through the standard mystery story and gives readers a new and exciting adventure.  I was rooting for Jet as I also wondered what I would be doing if I had a week left to live.  Not Quite Dead Yet is perfect for all readers.

View all my reviews

Review: Fateless

Fateless by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sparrow is a willing participant in the Thieves Guild and will do what it takes to be successful.  She is offered a mission from the Circle and if she is successful, her position will be secure.  She is now on her way to the forgotten city of the Deathless King with a team that isn’t trustworthy and a quest with ancient forces no one was expecting.  What will Sparrow learn during this quest?  Will everyone make it out alive?

Fateless is the first book in the series with the same name.  This young adult fantasy takes readers into a new world with characters and obstacles that are breathtaking in their execution.  Kagawa wove together her world-building and character development into a story that readers will be clamoring for the sequel.  There is no cliffhanger, but the ending leaves no doubt that more is on its way.

View all my reviews

Review: Human Rites

Human Rites by Juno Dawson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The coven is back together, but it isn’t whole.  Lucifer chose Niamh, Ciara, Leonie, Elle, and Theo to fulfill a prophecy and they have been changed in different ways.  Each of these witches must overcome what was broken to discover the strength they need to help the prophecy end in the witches' favor.  What will each of these women endure along the way? 

Human Rites is the third and final book in Her Majesty’s Royal Coven series.  My thoughts about this book are mixed.  The overarching story was interesting, yet it felt like Dawson had a checklist (or a story bingo card) that she was trying to cover along the way.  The story was also hard to follow with the different points of view and time travel interspersed.  I would have given it a higher rating if the extraneous items were removed and the story more concise.  

View all my reviews

Review: You Don't Know Me

You Don't Know Me by Theo Baxter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Annabelle feels as if her family is falling apart.  Her father recently died of cancer and her mother was killed in a hit-and-run a few days later.  As if that is not enough, a woman comes to the double funeral and introduces her son … Annabelle’s half-brother.  Annabelle feels sorry for the situation and invites them to move into the family ranch and even convinces her siblings to split the estate … that is until a strange car keeps following her and many in the family keep getting sick. 

You Don’t Know Me is a stand-alone thriller that sounds amazing but did not satisfy.  The ending was believable, but too many of the actions that happened throughout the story were not as plausible.  Overall the story was easy to read and it was a nice escape, but it doesn’t need to be added to everyone’s TBR list.  

View all my reviews

Review: Among Ghosts

Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

St. Muckle may be out of the way, but anyone can earn their freedom by living there for a year and a day.   Charl and his mom have been there for seven years when Charl sees a ghost.  That event is only the beginning when there is a murder, a plague, and a dragon!    Charl gets away from the dragon but ends up at an abandoned abbey with terrors of its own.  What truths will Charl learn from his experience?  Will he make it out of these events with his life?

Among Ghosts is a stand-alone fantasy novel that is set in the world of Seraphina.  Readers do not need to have read the original story to understand the events of this book, yet those that do will find correlations.  This story had fantasy and adventure with a young man discovering who he is and who he wants to be.  I wanted to love this book because I loved the original series, but this story just couldn’t keep my attention.  Among Ghosts will please some, but not all readers.

View all my reviews

Review: Daughter of Doom

Daughter of Doom by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Yrsa lives in Denmark in the year 870 AD.  She should have been left to die since she was born with a crooked foot, but she is the daughter and granddaughter of strong people, and they raised her to also be strong.  Her ability to see people’s futures has brought marriage offers, but her crooked foot is a bad omen.  Yrsa becomes friends with Sister Job, a hostage brought back from a raid, they must both run away from the village when Sister Job is assaulted, and Yrsa protects her.  How are their fates intertwined? 

Daughter of Doom is a stand-alone historical fiction story that also includes a good dose of adventure.  Since the story takes place during a time and place that I am already familiar with, I didn’t feel as if there was a lot of world-building at the start, yet the story did drag in spots, and I wondered where it was going.  The ending was a little abrupt, so I re-read the last chapter to make sure I didn’t miss something (which I didn’t).  Daughter of Doom will be a good read for those who already enjoy a good Viking story.

View all my reviews

Review: A Forgery of Fate

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Truyan is an art forger.  She didn’t plan to live a deceitful life, but after her father is lost at sea, she must help support her mother and sisters.  Unfortunately, her mother has accrued large gambling debts and Truan is pressed into repayment.  She tries to raise the money by herself, but it is not enough.  A new option is presented.  She can marry a dragon lord who will pay off her mother’s debts, spend time in his undersea home, and help him work against the Dragon King.  Will Tru learn what happened to her father?  Will she survive the conspiracies that are rampant in the undersea world?

A Forgery of Fate is a stand-alone fairy-tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  This fantasy world has an Asian feel with dragons, sorcery, and romance.  Lim’s reimaging was so seamless I enjoyed this story without wanting to compare it to the original.  Although this is a longer book, since it is a stand-alone story, we don’t have to wait to discover how everything ends.  This is a great read for all fairy-tale retelling fans.

View all my reviews

Review: Best of All Worlds

Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Xavier didn’t want to go to his family’s cabin, but it was only going to be a short visit.  That was the plan until he woke up and discovered that he was in their cabin, but their cabin had moved.  They go outside to investigate their surroundings and learn that they are in a dome … and alone.  They slowly learn how to live a subsistence life until a new family arrives three years later.  Who put them in the dome?  Is there a way out?

Best of All Worlds is a stand-alone science fiction story that hides the truth until the end.  Many theories are presented as the characters learn about each other and their surroundings.  Oppel has given his characters depth and variety while also working with a small world.  I’m glad this isn’t a large volume or a multi-book story because I wanted to know what happened now and the ending was very satisfying.

View all my reviews

Review: When We Go Missing

When We Go Missing by April Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willow loves to take pictures and volunteer at Finding Home, an animal shelter.  After she finds a camera memory card with hundreds of pictures of teen girls, she takes it to the police.  They tell her there is no proof of a crime, but they will look into it.  That isn’t good enough.  Willow works with a new volunteer to determine what happened to these girls.  Both Willow and Dare have secrets that will need to be worked through as they attempt to unravel this mystery.

When We Go Missing is a stand-alone mystery that shows both the protagonist's and antagonist’s point of view.  Readers know there is a mystery early on, yet the “investigation” doesn’t start until after the halfway point, and then the resolution comes quickly.  Henry’s depiction of the thoughts of the villain enriches the story and allows the reader to make guesses on who may be the perpetrator.  This was a quick read similar to other Henry novels, yet the story was fresh and new.

View all my reviews

Review: Up in Smoke

Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cooper and Jason are looting during a protest when shots are fired, and a person is found dead.  Cooper fled the scene to later learn that Jason was arrested for the murder.  Coop knows Jason is innocent, but he can’t come forward without discussing what they were doing.  Jason’s sister, Monique, is willing to do anything to prove her brother’s innocence.  Cooper and Monique team up to investigate what happened, but when they start uncovering deeper secrets, they learn that this is way over their heads. 

Up in Smoke is a stand-alone mystery that covers many timely topics while also entertaining the reader.  Brooks weaves together police corruption and inner-city youth trouble and includes a mysterious spin.  Although the overall storyline is plausible, I don’t consider what the teens got away with believable, but most of us don’t read to experience the believable.  Up in Smoke is a good read for most mystery fans.

View all my reviews

Review: Murder Between Friends

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake is being released from prison and everyone is thinking about what happened two years ago. One of the reasons Jake was convicted was because Grace said she saw him near the scene, but now she wonders if she saw Jake or someone wearing Jake’s jacket. Grace, Ally, and Henry (Jake’s brother) decide to rekindle their friendship and look for evidence to prove his innocence. Did Jake kill his English teacher? If he didn’t, then who did?

Murder Between Friends is a stand-alone thriller that immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged the entire time. I was fully invested in the results of this investigation and waited for the conclusion as the pages almost turned themselves. Lawson created characters that were believable with an investigation that was just as plausible. Murder Between Friends would be a fun read for all thriller fans.

View all my reviews

Review: The Family I'm In

The Family I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

John-John has had trouble relating to his father, who he never seems to measure up to. It is the end of his junior year, and everyone wants to know who he will take to the prom and where he will work this summer. If it was up to his dad, John-John would work for him and have lots of girls in his life. That is NOT what he wants, though. His friend, Caleb, struggles to make money to help his family after his father cannot work. These teens may be dealing with issues on opposite ends of the spectrum, but they both must learn to cope with the expectations of those in their lives.

The Family I’m In is the third book in The Skin I’m In series. Although it does include characters from the first two books, this is more of a shared universe series than a direct continuation of the story. Events from the first two books are mentioned, but this story could be read as a stand-alone novel. The characters deal with hard issues (family illness, mental health, and hybrid families just to name a few) and Flake covered these issues fairly without watering them down. The Family I’m In would be great for all readers, teens and adults alike.


View all my reviews

Review: Give Up the Night

Give Up the Night by P.C. Cast
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wren has been trying to restore her broken magick after her Moonstruck ritual was interrupted.  Unfortunately, the Elementals cannot agree; some want to complete the ritual and others want everything to stay the same.  Lee, on the other hand, is trying to figure out a way through his issues.  He believes that if Wren returns to the Academia, then everything will work itself out.  Which side will end up on top?

Give Up the Night is the second book in the Moonstruck duology.  Readers will quickly be able to remember the events from the first book with the few nudges that are included at the beginning, yet it doesn’t have that sense of the author trying to refresh our memories.  Overall the story was enjoyable, but it didn’t have a drop-everything-and-finish-this-book-now impression.  This duology had a great resolution and readers won’t finish with the feeling of something missing.  Give Up the Night is a good read for those who enjoyed the first book.

View all my reviews

Review: I Remember You

I Remember You by Theo Baxter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been two years since Aria woke up in a hospital with no idea who she was.  Luckily her husband was there to fill in some of the gaps and now she is an artist making a living selling her sculptures.  All is not calm in her life, though.  She keeps having the same nightmare and now she is starting to remember her past … or is she.  Her husband is not supportive of her trying to get her memories back.  Why?

I Remember You is a stand-alone thriller that had a lot of potential yet was extremely predictable. Without spoilers, it was easy to know where the story was going next; the only reason to read the book was to learn how the characters discovered the truth.  If you love to hate characters, then this is the book for you.  I was screaming at Aria (in my head) most of the time I was reading the book because I didn’t understand why she put up with everything.  I Remember You should be added to your TBR list if you really want a predictable read.

View all my reviews

Review: The Cosmos Keys

The Cosmos Keys by Glenn Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David is an archeologist on a dig in Turkey when he uncovers a bronze device with Greek writing and a map of the world that wasn’t known when it was created.  He asks Eleni for help.  She is an expert on ancient technology and their inquiry leads them to secrets that have been hidden for centuries.  As they continue to unravel the clues, they must travel across Europe and face others who are also looking for answers.  Will David and Eleni solve this ancient puzzle?  Is the survival of the human race at stake?

The Cosmos Keys is a stand-alone thriller that will pique the interest of fans of The DaVinci Code and Indiana Jones.  No prior knowledge is necessary to enjoy this story, but it will be better for those who already love everything Greek mythology.  Cooper’s characters and conspiracies are easy to understand and relate to, which makes this story feel as if you are part of the experience.  The Cosmos Keys is a wonderful thriller with a touch of nerdy romance. 

View all my reviews

Review: The Encanto's Curse

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

MJ has recently been crowned queen, and her first duty is to bring peace. However, when she realizes that the creature attacking her kingdom is herself, she must learn why she has been cursed. MJ flees her court to get answers, but with a broken heart and no one she believes she can trust, she has her hands full. Can MJ break the curse before it takes over her forever? Will she be able to find love amid terror?

The Encanto’s Curse is the second book in The Encanto’s Daughter series.  Although this story is the second in the series, readers could easily pick up this book and enjoy it as a stand-alone tale.  The book does end with a satisfying conclusion, yet de la Cruz has created a world that has many possible stories available to be explored.  The Encanto’s Curse is a fun read for those who like mythological tales. 

View all my reviews

Review: Blood and Empire

Blood and Empire by James Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bethany has always wanted to be a diviner, but since she is a seamstress like her mother, there isn’t much chance to complete the training.  Then a chance encounter with Charlton changes her life.  He offers her access to books and encouragement to reach her goal.  The empire is also threatened by invasion and turmoil is within the ranks.  What challenges will Bethany face on the path she has chosen?

Blood and Empire is the first book in The Gateway Saga.  I will say the ending of this book was perfect.  Bethany’s origin story was concluded satisfactorily, yet the next story announced at the end cannot come fast enough.  There are additional side stories that are weaved throughout that give the reader additional insight into the empire and the struggles happening around Bethany.  This is a great read for all fantasy fans and I am glad the next book is slated to be released in two months.

View all my reviews

Review: True Life in Uncanny Valley

True Life in Uncanny Valley by Deb Caletti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eleanor has no personal memories of her father, but she knows who he is.  He is Hugo Harrison … the tech genius.  She has started spying on her father’s new family and ends up being hired as the summer nanny for her half-brother.  She now has an opportunity to learn more about her father, his family, and the life she didn’t have.  Unfortunately, she must lie about who she is.  Can Eleanor keep this secret from everyone, including her mother?  What will she learn about her father and herself?

True Life in Uncanny Valley is a realistic fiction story that immerses readers in the thoughts and actions of a teen coming to terms with her own identity.  The main character is also a comic fan who dabbles in comic art and each chapter begins with a comic panel.  Although there are a few scenes that deal with sex, those sections are not graphic and would be appropriate for most teens.  True Life of Uncanny Valley is a fun read for those who like realistic fiction, but it is not a quick read.  

View all my reviews

Review: Wizard of Most Wicked Ways

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Merritt and Hulda are a happy family while Owein is getting closer to the day he will marry Lady Cora.  They are all just living their lives because Silas has been gone for the last five years.  He is, or should we say “was” dead.  The greatest wizard of the millennium has found a way to transfer his soul into a new host.  He doesn’t have all his powers, but he is working on gaining more.  Owein seeks Cora’s help and he gets it with Queen Victoria’s League of Magicians.  Will Silas be vanquished once again?

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is the fourth book in the Whimbrel House series.  The first three books are the complete story, so this book was more a “what if,” but it was nice to return to these characters and see how they have grown and what happened to their new relationships.  It had been a year since I finished the original series, and I had no problem remembering these characters and the main storyline.  I am sad to be finished with this story, but I know Holmberg will give us new characters to love soon.

View all my reviews

Review: Dear Manny

Dear Manny by Nic Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jared has decided to run for junior class president and knows his opponent, a far-right business major who flaunts his white privilege.  He wants to keep the momentum of progress in his college and believes he is the best candidate.  That is until a third person enters the race.  Jared quickly finds out that this recent transfer student has brains as well as beauty.  As he struggles with his own white privilege, he starts writing letters to his dead best friend, Manny. 

Dear Manny is the third book in the Dear Martin series.  Stone continues the format of the first two books while also portraying the white view of the story.  She mentions at the beginning in an author’s note that she never planned to write a white guy book, but this story was calling for her to write.  The story can be read on its own for those who pick it up first, but the overall story is more enjoyable with the first two books read ahead of time.  Dear Manny is an easy yet thought-provoking read for everyone.  

View all my reviews

Review: About Grace

About Grace by Barbara Shoup
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grace seems like an average American girl. She has a boyfriend, does well in school, and lives in a middle-class neighborhood. However, after her boyfriend encourages her to make a series of bad decisions, she ends up in juvie.   About Grace is a coming-of-age story that shows readers one view of life inside a juvenile correction facility and there is a lot of backstory that shows how she got there and some of the obstacles that were thrown in her way.  This book is a short read and very raw with its imagery which will be appealing to many reluctant readers.  There are some triggers within this story (suicide, molestation, and abortion to name a few), but they are covered with a light touch.  About Grace was a compelling read, but I hope the final version has several errors fixed.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Librarians of Lisbon

The Librarians of Lisbon by Suzanne Nelson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Selene and Beatrice are best friends, librarians, and spies.  They work for the U.S. Intelligence Office and are sent to Lisbon in 1943 where World War II is at full throttle.  Their official jobs are to catalog the information the Allies gain, but when night drops on the city, they try to get information from the Axis spy network.  Both spies must take large risks for their country.  Is there anyone they can trust?  What relationships will crash and burn?

The Librarians of Lisbon is a historical fiction thriller that started out great and then fizzled as the story continued.  Nelson did a wonderful job creating the backdrop of World War II female spies and the troubles they went through.  I liked how many of the characters were based on real people who did similar things to support the Allies’ cause, but there was something missing in the end.  This was a different WWII story than usual, so that was a saving grace.  This will be a good read for some but not all historical fiction fans.

View all my reviews

Review: All Better Now

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A new pandemic is sweeping the globe and this one has different long-term effects on any survivors … they have a feeling of utter contentment.  These survivors no longer feel greed, stress, or even a drive to be the best.  Is there a problem with always being happy?  Some would say, “Yes!”  While people are working hard to create a vaccine that would stop the virus, others are working on a way to spread it faster.  Who will win out?  Are humans about to become extinct?

All Better Now is a stand-alone science fiction story that hits very close to home after our recent COVID-19 pandemic.  The science is a little past our current science, but not so far advanced that it isn’t plausible soon.  Shusterman created characters on both sides of the issue that are easy to relate to and no matter which side you are rooting for … the ending is satisfying.  All Better Now is a fun read for sci-fi fans.  

View all my reviews

Review: A Dragon of Black Glass

A Dragon of Black Glass by James Rollins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nyx and her friends are on a new mission.  They have heard there is an old weapon that will help them on their quest, but there are others who want to see her group fail.  Under the dessert glass are things that can help and things that can kill.  Around the world is another power that may save or destroy the world.  Can Nyx trust any of the people she comes across?  What secrets about herself will she discover?

A Dragon of Black Glass is the third book in the Moonfall series.  It has been two years since I finished the second book in the series and I felt there wasn’t enough at the beginning of this book to pull me back into the story.  Overall the story dragged and I questioned why I decided to continue the series.  Some will like this book, but only those who thoroughly enjoyed the first two volumes.

View all my reviews

Review: Under the Same Stars

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sophie lives in 1940s Germany and truly believes in the Bridegroom’s Oak.  She has been writing to a mysterious suitor and hopes he will be her true love.  With the war escalating around her, this oak may be what the resistance needs.  Jenny has recently moved to West Germany in the 1980s.  She strikes out against her parents when she befriends a punk-rock girl and an old lady in her building.  Miles and Chloe are in 2020 NYC during the COVID outbreak.  After Chloe gets a package from her grandmother, she begins to investigate two teens who went missing near the Bridegroom’s Oak eighty years ago.  How are all these teens connected?

Under the Same Stars is a stand-alone historical fiction story that does a lot of bouncing around yet it eventually all comes together.  Readers will need to make sure they pay attention to the beginning of each chapter to know who and when the story is about.  Bray did a wonderful job of connecting these lives across decades and writing a story that will stand the test of time.  Under the Same Stars is a good read for all historical fiction fans.

View all my reviews