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.


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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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