Review: Snowflakes or Surf Breaks?

Snowflakes or Surf Breaks? by Lila Hazell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cassie loves the holidays in her small town. She is looking forward to all the Christmas activities and her friends coming home from college. Her holiday is turned upside down when her on again/off again boyfriend admits he is seeing someone. After Cassie’s dad suggests she take a last-minute trip to visit him in Australia, she has two choices: stay in Oak Falls and try to get Tom back or travel to Australia and learn to surf.

Snowflakes or Surf Breaks? is the second book in the Love in Oak Falls series. Readers will follow two different strands as Cassie lives out how her life would be different depending on that one choice. Although this is a series, the storylines are independent and do not need to be read in order (or both) to enjoy the individual novels. Snowflakes or Surf Breaks? will be enjoyed by those who enjoy a light and fluffy YA romance.


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Review: What Rough Beast

What Rough Beast by Mindy McGinnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ava wakes half-dressed to find a boy standing over her. She reports the rape, but no one believes her. Her job at a wildlife rehabilitation center offers solace: there, she can care for animals in worse shape than she is. Micah knows he has made many mistakes but is certain he did not rape Ava. As he tries to move forward, he wonders whether his past misdeeds will come to light. Hailey hopes her looks will help her escape poverty—but how far is she willing to go?

What Rough Beast is a stand-alone horror novel that was captivating from the start. McGinnis weaves the three characters’ points of view into a tale that almost turns its own pages. Readers will explore the thoughts and feelings of these teens as the final scene approaches. What Rough Beast is a fresh example of a young adult horror novel.


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Review: Mortal Things

Mortal Things by Marie Lu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rose accepted the role of Death’s Harbinger to keep her best friend alive. This is a reluctant role, but one that she would happily choose again. Death has now chosen Rose to be his heir, and she will need to face and pass three challenges. As if playing against immortals isn’t hard enough, she is forced to spend this time with Étienne, a fellow Harbinger. What truths will Rose uncover? What made Rose so special?

Mortal Things is a stand-alone fantasy novel about gods and the rivalries that happen between them. This is a very full book with wonderful world building, and it would be exciting if Lu created more in this world, even if it isn’t a direct sequel. I enjoyed Rose and the complex relationship she had and the crazy tests she had to face. Mortal Things is an excellent read for everyone who loves mythology and lore.


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Review: The Queen's Command

The Queen's Command by Sarah Raughley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vicky is one of Queen Victoria’s goddaughters, has learned to act in royal courts, and has survived financial ruin. After her mother dies, she is sent to Cheltenham Ladies’ College and learns that living with a group of teen girls can be more dangerous than royal intrigue. During a secret club meeting, girls must decide if they want to confess a truth or obey a command. The game is nothing close to innocent, and sometimes the game has even resulted in death. Who is behind this group? Will Vicky be the one to take it down?

The Queen’s Command is a historical fiction stand-alone novel that will be perfect for those who enjoy a mystery set in Victorian England. Raughley has blended historical figures with new characters that breathe life into the story and keep the reader engaged the entire time. I am glad this was not part of a series because I thoroughly enjoyed the capers that were going on while also knowing how everything ended. I recommend The Queen’s Command to those who enjoy a historical mystery.


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Review: The Pools

The Pools by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lexie is the new girl in town and quickly learns that everyone loves to swim in the pools. Many of them know that there are rumors about the hot springs, but it has been years and fears quickly leave everyone. Lexie meets Chester in one of the pools and the connection is instant. Each of them has their own demons, but maybe they can help each other. Then one winter day, five people go for a swim and everything changes. Chester is one of the five and Lexie wants to help.

The Pools is a stand-alone magical realism book with a poetry twist. This book would be a fun introduction to the fantasy genre since it is a quick read and only requires the reader to suspend disbelief about one aspect of the story. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but overall, the book was an interesting read, even though I disliked the parents of Chester many times. The Pools will not be good for everyone, but for those who enjoy this type of book … it is great.


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Review: Up from the Ashes

Up from the Ashes by Sharon Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saartje has arrived at the Sobibor death camp and is inexplicably paired with a Polish man. She is given an order in German that she doesn’t understand. Thankfully, the man does, and she learns she must waltz all night for the Germans. Time passes, and a revolt takes place with over 300 prisoners getting away. Now they are on the run and must find a safe place to hide until the war is over.

Up from the Ashes is a stand-alone historical fiction story that starts like many of the other Holocaust tales, but once you continue, you discover a new side to history. Although this is a fictional tale, the overarching story is real, and the descendants of these survivors have blessed us with their courage. Cameron has a gift for taking hard-hitting history and making it accessible for the everyday reader, and Up from the Ashes is another success story.


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Review: The Blood Queen

The Blood Queen by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now that Alyth and Samson know who the High Blade is, they are on a quest to find the help they need to defeat the Red Cap army. Unfortunately, the princes of the fae court don’t have much drive since the Faerie Queen went missing years earlier. Alyth and Samson know they can only count on each other and the love they have. Can they find the missing queen? Will they defeat the High Blade?

The Blood Queen is the conclusion to The Crimson Throne duology. This fantasy adventure takes readers into and out of faery and Scotland as the protagonists seek allies in their fight. As a reader of many faery stories and Scottish adventures, I was thoroughly entranced by this tale, but I could also see readers new to these settings having some issues. I highly recommend this conclusion to those who enjoyed the first book.


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