Fangirl the graphic novel, Vol 2 by Rainbow Rowell and adapted by Sam Maggs and illustrated by Gabi Nam

Summary from Goodreads:

Cath just wants to hang out with her twin sister and write fanfiction. But now that they’re at college, her sister doesn’t have time for her. And life keeps pulling Cath further and further out of her shell. For the first time ever, Cath has her own social circle. There’s Nick, her handsome classmate who wants her to write short stories with him… And then Levi, who keeps showing up when she isn’t looking for him … Actually … maybe Cath’s circle is more of a triangle?

Review:

Sometimes you hate when stories are revisited in new formats and you just want the original version to remain in it’s perfect form in your brain forever. And sometimes, stories feel like they are made to be retold over and over. Fangirl, a story that literally talks about writing fanfic, is one such story, one that can be told again and again. Sometimes it’s okay to not let stories go. I feel like the story of Simon and Baz, and of Cath works so well in graphic novel/manga format. They’d be great in movie format. In Netflix format. In any format. I’m okay not letting this story go. It’s a story that would make great fanfic.

The only sad thing is it ends in the middle! It’s like a manga installment or a fanfic…And who knows how long it will be until the next one comes out. I guess I don’t really know if anyone reads fanfic any more though. Is this something that teens still do? Or is this a dated thing that teens today will read about and go that’s so early 2000’s….?

Regardless, anyone can relate to Cath and her fears of branching out and trying new things. She’s just so relatable. But, also she’s who you are afraid to be. Hopefully, we will all leave our rooms and do more than read books, particularly in our formative years (that aren’t in the midst of pandemics). Also all the little Simon/Baz story fragments are probably the best translated into manga form. Baz is serious designed for visual effect. Also, why has no one bought the movie rights yet?

It’s also nice getting a college story. I really feel like this is a time period we don’t see enough of in fiction. So much happens in college. So much growth away from parents. You’d think it would be a goldmine for books, but instead I find myself getting super excited any time I see one. Any way, both a lot happens happens for Cath in this installment and not a lot. She branches out and she doesn’t. She starts to fall for a guy, and she has her heart stomped on a little bit. She has some more falling out with her twin. And you know the big stuff is still to come. I cannot wait. I give this a 9/10.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

Summary from Goodreads:

The brand new unmissable crime thriller from Holly Jackson, best-selling, award-winning author of the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy.

Eight hours.
Six friends.
One sniper . . .

Eighteen year old Red and her friends are on a road trip in an RV, heading to the beach for Spring Break. It’s a long drive but spirits are high. Until the RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. There’s no mobile phone reception and nobody around to help. And as the wheels are shot out, one by one, the friends realise that this is no accident. There’s a sniper out there in the dark watching them and he knows exactly who they are. One of the group has a secret that the sniper is willing to kill for.

A game of cat-and-mouse plays out as the group desperately tries to get help and to work out which member of the group is the target. Buried secrets are forced to light in the cramped, claustrophobic setting of the RV, and tensions within the group will reach deadly levels. Not everyone will survive the night.

Review:

I was obsessed with the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. When I learned of the new book by Holly Jackson, I jumped at the chance to read it. I find myself enjoying more and more mysteries and less fantasy novels lately in YA. Though, I still really like books with good character development and intelligent main characters, no matter the genre.

I have to say I almost didn’t finish the book. I was not feeling the mystery or the character development in this book until the last third or so of the story. And honestly, the only reason I kept reading is because of how much love and respect the other books by this author. If I had not already read those book (that are not connected in any way) I would not have completed this novel. The first 2/3 of the book reads more like a teen horror movie/slasher flick that a psychological mystery. That’s not really my thing at all. If you loved “I know what you did last summer,” then this is for you.

It was more a survival story. And it’s literally called Five Survive, so you’d think I’d pick up on that….but, I was still hoping for the thriller/mystery of before. 6 teens have to survive one terrible night with a killer on the loose. There’s blackmail, murder, secrets, affairs, snipers, and so much more. You’d think I wouldn’t be able to put it down. I couldn’t keep all the characters straight at the beginning for one thing. They all kind of blended together. Not enough character development. There was no mystery besides figuring out what character had the BIG secret that the killer wanted. And it turns out they all had things they were hiding…

The book did move really fast. It had to because it all took place over one night. And once I got to the last third of the book, I could not put it down. I had to know how it would all resolve. Not necessarily because I cared too much about any of the characters (that again weren’t too fleshed out), but because I wanted to know if all my guesses were true.

It turned out all the biggest secrets were things I guessed right away…And this also disappointed me. I guess I hoped after sticking  with it the whole time, I’d at least be shocked by something. And the ending was almost too easy…Like there were some convenient endings when I think it would have been more believable if weren’t so easy.  

All in all, I wish I the characters were more developed and that I didn’t call all the big twists. But, it’s not the book’s fault that I was hoping for something that it wasn’t even marketed as. I think the right reader (particularly those into teen horror movies) would love this book. I’ll keep my eyes open for more psychological thrillers by the author. It reads really quickly and involves a lot of violence. I give it a 7/10.

The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

The full-colour Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe - including never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive mini-comic, a look back at Alice's Heartstopper artwork over the years, character profiles, trivia, and insights into her creative process - all narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself.

By the winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

'The queer graphic novel we wished we had at high school.' Gay Times

Review:

So, I wasn’t even sure I was going to read this…It’s not the next volume in the Heartstopper series, but one of those types of side books that I usually think of as extra money-makers for the publishing companies. However,  I ordered it for the library and it looked super cute, and I figured why not? If I hated it, I’d put it down and just keep waiting for the next volume.

I did not hate it. I actually read the whole thing cover to cover in one sitting, unexpectedly. It was actually really nice to get a little back story to everything. I was not with these books from the very beginning, so I actually didn’t know their whole origin story. I learned Nick and Charlie actually first appeared as a couple in a YA novel, and then the author wanted to give them their own story. I learned more about how the author got into creating graphic novels. I learned a lot, generally about how everything came to be in this universe, and it was nice learning this.

Plus, there’s all these bonus comics and illustrations of things I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise, like the characters dressed up for Halloween, or celebrating Pride. There’s a few short bonus stories in there too. And everything is in color! Basically, it’s one happy, colorful, enlightening read designed to put a smile on your face.

Would I feel the need to buy it? Probably not. But, am I glad I picked it up and read it? Certainly. It, along with all the Heartstopper books are just a delight to read, and I cannot wait for more. I give this an 8/10.

Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell

Summary from Goodreads:

Rainbow Rowell has won fans all over the world by writing about love and life in a way that feels true.

In her first collection, she gives us nine beautifully crafted love stories. Girl meets boy camping outside a movie theater. Best friends debate the merits of high school dances. A prince romances a troll. A girl romances an imaginary boy. And Simon Snow himself returns for a holiday adventure.

It’s a feast of irresistible characters, hilarious dialogue, and masterful storytelling—in short, everything you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell book.

Review:

Rainbow Rowell is one of my favorite authors. She is hands down, one of the all time best at writing characters who you just feel like you know. I have loved everything she has written. I think there are just some writers out there that speak to readers’ souls. Like they can write what we cannot. If we can put words to exactly what we wanted to say, this is what it would be. She (along with maybe 2-3 others only) speak to me on this level. And this book was no exception.

I guess the disappointing thing for me about this book was that sometimes I wished for more. For the new stories, not connected to longer works,  I almost always wanted more. Some of the stories were better than others. Some were connected to longer fiction that I haven’t read in so many years that I failed to recognize the character they were connected to….And now I want to re-read those older works. I keep thinking about the one Covid Christmas story, and I can’t get it out of my head. I had so many feelings about it. Maybe because it was so familiar and relatable.

I also can’t get the last story out of my head. It deals with the story writing process. And while I’ve seen things like this before, Rowell does it in such a fun, romantic way. It reminded me a bit of the show “The Good Place,” which I also love. And it’s no surprise that most of her story about writing stories is all about characters. How do characters develop? What happens to them before they are fully fleshed out?

This is the kind of book I wanted to read slowly and savor because that’s how deeply Rowell speaks to me. But, it’s hard to read something you love slowly. You just want to dive in and enjoy it. And I did. The first story was one I think I’ve read before. I’m enough of a fan that I think I’ve read a story or two of the author’s online, but it’s been so many years that reading it again felt fresh and new. And it felt like it belonged here in this book.

All in all, this was a treat. I will continue to read anything Rowell writes and  hope she writes a lot more. I give this a 10/10.

I was Born for This by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

From the bestselling creator of HEARTSTOPPER and LOVELESS, a deeply funny and deeply moving exploration of identity, friendship, and fame.

For Angel Rahimi life is about one thing: The Ark -- a boy band that's taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark's fandom has given her everything she loves -- her friend Juliet, her dreams, her place in the world. Her Muslim family doesn't understand the band's allure -- but Angel feels there are things about her they'll never understand.

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark. He's their frontman -- and playing in a band with his mates is all he ever dreamed of doing, even it only amplifies his anxiety. The fans are very accepting that he's trans -- but they also keep shipping with him with his longtime friend and bandmate, Rowan. But Jimmy and Rowan are just friends -- and Rowan has a secret girlfriend the fans can never know about. Dreams don't always turn out the way you think and when Jimmy and Angel are unexpectedly thrust together, they find out how strange and surprising facing up to reality can be.

A funny, wise, and heartbreakingly true coming of age novel. I Was Born for This is a stunning reflection of modern teenage life, and the power of believing in something -- especially yourself.

Review:

I LOVE the Heartstopper books. when Oseman’s new novel came out I thought it was time I gave her books in other formats a try. I tend to love books that deal with famous people -it’s just one of those tropes I just enjoy. So, this one spoke to me. However, it’s not at all what I was expecting. I guess I was hoping and expecting something a little lighter and more romantic, and what I got was something a little deeper that dealt a lot more with mental illness and friendship than any kind of romantic love.

There’s nothing wrong with a book that handles mental illness and friendship. It’ just not what I thought I was signing up for, and because of that, it took me a bit longer to read. One of the main characters suffers anxiety and panic attacks, and that’s something my husband suffers too, so I guess it was also very close to home for me. I related it to it a lot. And I’m glad there’s a book that talks about the topic.

This book talks about a lot of topics. For starters, it’s one of the most diverse books I’ve read in a long time. One main character is trans and the other is Muslim (possibly asexual). There’s bisexual characters, characters of different races, different religions, different backgrounds, and ages, etc. Also covered are characters in fandoms and real life friends vs internet friends. But, the best thing is that none of this defines the book. It just helps to make it. The books is mostly about friendships, mental illness, family (both the ones your born into and the ones you chose) and fame. Oseman has a way of writing young people in such a fresh, truthful way. The characters all feel authentic. And I feel like I really know them. Something only the best YA writers are skilled at doing.

It’s not the book’s fault that I was hoping for more of a love story, and got something more serious. But, I do kind of wish there were a few more hopeful/happy moments. So much of this book seems to be about disappointment. It felt like something was missing to me. But, I’m glad it seemed like a good friendship was formed at the end. All in all I give this an 8/10. And I’ll definitely be reading more by Oseman.

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Stellarlune by Shannon Messenger

Summary from Goodreads:

In this stunning ninth book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie and her friends discover the true meaning of power—and evil.

Sophie Foster changed the game.

Now she’s facing impossible choices:
When to act.
When to trust.
When to let go.

Her friends are divided and scattered, and the Black Swan wants Sophie to focus on their projects. But her instincts are leading her somewhere else.

Stellarlune—and the mysterious Elysian—might be the key to everything. But finding truth in the Lost Cities always requires sacrifice. And as the Neverseen’s plans sharpen into terrifying focus, it appears that everyone has miscalculated. The Lost Cities’ greatest lie could destroy everything. And in the battle that follows, only one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same.

Review:

There are very few books I pre-order any more…This was one of them. I think I might have even  been waiting over a year for it….During the initial shut-down in 2020, these books were my lifeline. I’m so glad they exist. Are they great literature? Absolutely not. I feel like I find so many editing mistakes in them. But, reading them is like binging the ultimate guilty pleasure tv show. In fact, they’d make for some outstanding television.

I have to admit that my brain is getting older and even though I read all of this series not that long ago, I started this book and scratched my head. I had to go to Wikipedia and look up some past plot points and characters. Thank God for fans. There are so many fans and fan theories out there for these books that I didn’t even know about! After I fell down that rabbit hole, I was back in the game, and reading this was just a pure delight.

The beginning of the book was a little slow for me. Not a lot happened. It was a lot of back and forth between the characters with not a lot of action. Basically, they all argued a lot about the things that transpired in the previous book, and everyone seemed super upset at Sophie.  But, finally Sophie gets her groove back and things pick up plot-wise. By mid book, I couldn’t put it down.

I was a little put off by the lack of appearance of my favorite character. However, this was more than made up for (and then some). I’ve already gone back and re-read a certain scene a few times because I guess I’m a fan now….And of course this wouldn’t be the book we were all waiting for if it didn’t have crazy twists and turns in it, along with a nuts-o cliffhanger at the end. Let’s just hope it’s not another 2 years before the next installment. I give this one an 8/10.

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and art by Rose Bousamra

Summary from Goodreads:

A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls.

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair".

But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

Review:

As someone with extraordinarily thick, curly hair, I had to read this….The cover alone drew my attention. I related to the main character on so many levels. I never had anyone force me to straighten my hair. However, until I was an adult, I never really felt like anyone understood how to cut, style, or work with my hair (including my mother, any person working in a salon I went to, or myself). Thankfully, over the course of the years, I’ve developed my own routine of products, salons, and styles. But, you’d think my hair was from outer space or something….

What made this book so heart-wrenching was that all (or most) of Marlene’s image problems were coming from her mother. Her mother was perpetuating the notion that curly and frizzy and natural was ugly because that was what she was taught. And again, while this might not have been something I got from my Mom, there are other lessons I did learn from the generation before that are just not true. Let’s face it. This new generation is a generation of more acceptance -more body positivity and less shaming. Or, I’m hopeful that’s the direction we are going in.  And Frizzy  did a good job of covering the differences in our generations.

If only we all had that fairy godmother character (Tia Ruby) though….Thank Goodness she was there to show Marlene the magic of leave-in conditioner.  For those of us that don’t have curly hair aunt superheroes who can take us under their wings, I guess there are plenty of Youtube or TikTok tutorials? I’m also not sure it was entirely believable that the mother ended on such a good note…Don’t get me wrong. The ending was adorable. I might have gone “Awwww,” out loud, but I’m positive it would not gone that way in real life. While I’m glad it ended well for Marlene, the mom joining them was a tad over the top for me.

Still, all in all, I’m glad this book exists. I love the positive messages it shares bout different people and different types of hair. I also love what it says about generations learning the wrong thing sometimes and needing to un-learn those things. All in all, it was a very sweet, quick read. The art is fantastic. And I can see a lot of kids really liking this one. I give it an 8/10.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Summary from Goodreads:

Lahore, Pakistan. Then.
Misbah is a dreamer and storyteller, newly married to Toufiq in an arranged match. After their young life is shaken by tragedy, they come to the United States and open the Cloud’s Rest Inn Motel, hoping for a new start.

Juniper, California. Now.
Salahudin and Noor are more than best friends; they are family. Growing up as outcasts in the small desert town of Juniper, California, they understand each other the way no one else does. Until The Fight, which destroys their bond with the swift fury of a star exploding.

Now, Sal scrambles to run the family motel as his mother Misbah’s health fails and his grieving father loses himself to alcoholism. Noor, meanwhile, walks a harrowing tightrope: working at her wrathful uncle’s liquor store while hiding the fact that she’s applying to college so she can escape him—and Juniper—forever.

When Sal’s attempts to save the motel spiral out of control, he and Noor must ask themselves what friendship is worth—and what it takes to defeat the monsters in their pasts and the ones in their midst.

From one of today’s most cherished and bestselling young adult authors comes a breathtaking novel of young love, old regrets, and forgiveness—one that’s both tragic and poignant in its tender ferocity.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir comes a brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary YA novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.

Review:

So, I wasn’t expecting to love this book so much, but I did. It’s the kind of YA novel that punches you in the gut, and makes you feel all of the emotions. I love stories that cross generations like this one. It was the immigrant story and the children of immigrants story. It was the survivor story and the dreamer story. There was so much harshness in here at times, I had to put the book down and just question why the world was so hard. I would have devoured this book as a teenager. And as an adult, it just makes me feel everything. And sometimes you just need a book that does that.

I’ve had a rough week. I lost a friend who was way too young, and as I write a review for a book that deals a lot with grief and I think about all the things connecting me to this story, I also can’t help but think of hope. There’s something so special to the love in this book. That Sal and Noor can experience all the hardship that they do, yet be so selfless and good is just remarkable. The characters in this book are of course flawed and real. They wouldn’t feel so real otherwise. But, there are these underlying themes of love, redemption, hope, and recovery.

I’m not sure if I’ve read Tahir before, but now I’m definitely curious about her, and want to read more. If her fantasy books have a fraction of the talent and character development of this book, they’d be worth the read.

It is worth noting that this book covers a variety of tough topics that could be triggering for some readers. It covers everything rom physical abuse, drug use and sales, alcoholism, bullying, xenophobia, sexual abuse, and death of family. It is not a light read. It’s a beautiful, powerful, truthful read. I give it a 10/10.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Summary from Goodreads:

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.

Review:

This was my second Elizabeth Lim novel. I really enjoyed Spin the Dawn, though I struggled a bit getting into its sequel. Sometimes, I just wish authors would end books with 1. I might attempt to read it at another time though because I LOVED this one. When I saw more books by the author, I had to try them. This appealed to me because it sounded a bit like another fantasy series I love with swans, and it turns out it’s based upon the same classic fairytale. However, this is definitely a unique take on that tale. And I believe it’s set in the same universe as Spin the Dawn.

Any author that wants to throw in dragons, sorcerers, demons, paper cranes, and forbidden magic into the classics, should by all means just go for it! This was an entertaining read for sure. I recommend this book to fans of Juliet Marillier, Mary E. Pearson, and Renee Ahdieh. I might have liked this one a little bit more than the first book I read by the author. I found the trials and hardships that Shiori had to go through a lot easier to read. Maybe all princesses should have to learn a thing or two about being a servant? Maybe they can skip the torturous tasks, and silent curses though….Though, that made for a really good book.

I loved that so much of this book was about family. It wasn’t all about love/romance. It was about Shiori keeping her brothers alive. And breaking a curse that affected her family. Though, I didn’t hate the romance either. It a friendship turned romance, which I liked. And if a guy can fall in love with you when you have a giant bowl for a head…..that says something. She was literally cursed to have a bowl on her head (blocking her face) and she could’t speak or it would kill her brothers who were turned into cranes. Most people who came across her thought she was a demon.

Again, the only thing is I wish it ended at the end. I’m not sure it really needs a sequel…I like the idea of getting more of the dragons/dragon world that seems to be promised in book 2. But, is that really cause for a sequel? I guess we’ll see. All in all, I really had a lot of fun reading this. And I look forward to reading more by the author. I give this a 9/10.

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

Summary from Goodreads:

Dreams are today’s answers for tomorrow’s questions.
 
11-year-old Kofi Offin dreams of water. Its mysterious, immersive quality. The rich, earthy scent of the current. The clearness, its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets…
 
Kofi has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta, in the village where he lives. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his father’s father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. Some say he moves like a minnow, not just an ordinary boy so he’s hoping to finally prove himself in front of Ama and his friends in a swimming contest against his older, stronger cousin.
 
But before this can take place, a festival comes to the villages of Upper and Lower Kwanta and Kofi’s brother is chosen to represent Upper Kwanta in the wrestling contest. Encircled by cheering spectators and sounding drums, the two wrestlers from different villages kneel, ready to fight.
 
You are only fine, until you are not.
 
The match is over before it has barely begun, when the unthinkable–a sudden death–occurs…
 
The river does not care how grown you are.

As his world turns upside down, Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life. What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.

Review:

As I mentioned on Goodreads, this is powerful stuff. I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone. I have probably loved all of the books I've read so far by this author, but by far this is the most significant. I couldn't put it down last night. It was a stay-up late read -until your done kind of book. And then as the rest of the house is sleeping, your brain can't let it go. And I was up thinking about it... It haunts you, and stays with you and your soul just feels this book.

I knew what this book was before going into it, so there was this bit of dread each time I opened it too. When was the unthinkable going to happen to the character I was growing to love?  Kofi is just such pure joy and hope. You can’t help but love him and want him to succeed in everything. I wanted him to beat his cousin in the swim race. I wanted him to succeed in school. I wanted him to have his first kiss with the girl he was in love with.  I wanted him to learn everything from his strict teacher. I wanted everything for him and he’s so smart.

Also, there’s this window into a a world/life/culture I know close to nothing about. Reading about this life in Africa was almost like reading a fantasy novel for me; that’s how little I know about this part of history and this way of life. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not one of those ignorant people who never learned the horrors of slavery. I just 100 percent feel there’s this missing component to the education of it. We don’t get the humanity and the culture of the people before the horrors of it. This book is all about life and love and everything that happens before. It was eye-opening. It doesn’t make the horror of what does eventually happen any easier. If anything, it makes it more intense. I was up late crying my eyes out….

Even now, maybe a week later, I still have tears in my eyes thinking about it. This was a powerful, intense, human story that was eye opening and also lyrical. I can’t imagine what the audio book version is like. I almost wish i listened to it instead -but then I’d be a mess in my car. I am so grateful for reading this, and I hope it wins all the awards and recognition it deserves. I give it a 10/10.

The Song that Moves the Sun by Anna Bright

Summary from Goodreads:

This sweeping YA fantasy romance full of star-crossed love, complex female friendship, and astrological magic is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Alexandra Bracken, and V.E. Schwab. From the acclaimed author of The Beholder.

Best friends Rora and Claudia have never felt more like their lives are spiraling out of control. And when they meet Major and Amir--two boys from one of the secret cities of the spheres, ruled by the magic of the astrological signs--they discover they're not alone. There is a disruption in the harmony between the spheres, and its chaos is spreading.

To find the source of the disharmony, Rora and Claudia will embark on a whirlwind journey of secrets, romance, and powerful truths--about themselves, each other, and two long-ago explorers named Dante and Beatrice, who were among the first to chart this course toward the stars.

Inspired partly by the classic works of Dante Alighieri, this gorgeous stand-alone contemporary fantasy will captivate readers of Lore and Star Daughter.

Review:

This ARC survived my move. I think because of the pretty cover and the blurb that marked it for fans of Laini Taylor, Alexandra Bracken, and V.E Schwab….I had to read it.  I’m not a huge horoscope person, so that didn’t super appeal to me, but I have to admit I’ve never read about a world determined by your star chart before…And I like reading about new things.

Did it make sense? Not really…I found myself scratching my head a lot. The reasoning behind why the worlds all worked the way they did was because of one bad break up. Well, I guess for a universe centered around horoscopes….And there were way too many point of views. Some time I love a good YA novel with some point of view shifts, but that’s when each character is extraordinarily different, and in a different place. Here, often, the characters were all in the same room. And some of them seemed like the same person! I wish it was maybe just in two people’s points of view. Either the two best friends or the two love interests.

And I didn’t love the love interests. I guess this goes back to all the points of view switching, but I was constantly confusing the guy characters. They were basically the same person to me by the end of the book. One just had royal parents. One liked to be outside on the farm. Or, maybe that’s the same guy? Regardless, there was a problem here.

The book also sometimes went back in time hundreds of years to another set of point of views! I’m not joking about the point of views. But, at least those ones definitely stood out. They were the original explorers/colonizers/whatever you want to call them. And I didn’t hate getting that perspective.

I did like the back and forth between the best friends. And I like the focus on trauma and mental illness. It was a different type of mental illness than we typically see in YA, so I’m glad it was represented, and in a sci-fi romance book too! The girl characters were definitely distinguishable. Most of the time.  I liked watching them shine.

I liked the characters, the world-building, and the concept of this universe. It was rather unique for me. It made kind of want to go look up my horoscope/star chart. I just wish there were not so many points of view confusing things. And maybe if the focus was more on the friendship story and less on the romance, the book would have felt more whole. All in all, I give it an 7/10.

The Battle for Roar by Jenny McLachlan

Summary from Goodreads:

The final book in the thrilling trilogy about a set of twins who journey back into the imaginary land they created as children. Perfect for readers who dream of exploring Narnia and Neverland, this heartwarming and gorgeously illustrated story with a classic feel takes readers on an adventure through a vivid and lush imaginary world. A bestseller in the UK!

Arthur and Rose Trout are the heroes of Roar, a magical world they created together when they were little, where anything they imagine can become real.

Roar is filled with incredible wonders from their own imaginations. Arthur and Rose are looking forward to exploring beyond the End of Roar, an as-yet unexplored part of the world. When they arrive, they're greeted by some long-forgotten fairies who are very excited to see them. Maybe too excited...

Facing down a new nemesis, Arthur and Rose must team up with friends old and new to save both Roar and the real world beyond it from total destruction.

Review:

I’ve really enjoyed reading these books. I’m not sure why, but there’s something that will always call to me about stories where kids can venture into a fantasy world from the real one. Maybe it’s because I used to pretend to do this as a child, and I definitely made up stories about this too. Jenny McLachlan succeeds in making in the reader yearn for childhood, yearn for the days when you could pretend to crawl under a bed and, and break through into a land with dragons and fairies.

What these books do too is also focus on the sibling dynamic. They are not just about the fantasy. A lot of focus is about growing up and learning about who your true friends are. But, so much also is about the bond between brother and sister. And there is something so special here about this. I also love all the moments when their grandfather comes in too. And the fact that their grandfather has his own fantastical world? Gold. Pure gold. Also, these are great books for kids who need humor. There are a lot of funny moments.

I’m not sure this was the grand finale I was hoping for, but the more I think about it days later…the more perfect I kind of know it was. I don’t want to go into too much detail because it would  seriously spoil things, but the turnaround of certain past characters and the way certain character learn to work together is just so great. How better could it possibly have ended? I don’t feel like there was much closure at all in the outside world, but these books really weren’t about that much. And there’s certainly some room for any continuation if the author wants to come back.

I recommend these books as a level up from the Dragon Masters series, and they are definitely good for kids who loved the Magic Tree House books, but are ready for something more challenging -an intro to fantasy for kids who are sort of in between series books and the thicker, harder novels like Narnia and Wings of Fire.

All in all, this was a fun final installment. It was a fantastic fantasy series for young readers. And  I hope more kids read them. I give this one a 9/10.

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston

Summary from Goodreads:

Sequel to the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers!
Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times and Indie bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy—perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.

After finding her brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze.

But between the fearsome new Head Minister’s strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quinton’s curse steadily worsening, Amari’s plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. She’s got enough to worry about!

But her refusal allows someone else to step forward, a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will become the Night Brothers’ successor and determine the future of magiciankind.

The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winner’s magical rewards is Quinton’s last hope—so how can Amari refuse?

Review:

There were only a few books I was actually anticipating so much this year that I wrote their release dates in my calendar. This was one of the 3. But, with anticipation, comes that slight smidgen of dread too. How can this book possibly live up to book 1? And also, I think this pub date was passed back a bit because I initially had a different date written down…that or I wrote it down wrong in my high anticipation, which is possible.

Needless to say, there was no need for dread. This sequel was everything. This series kind of came out of nowhere for me. It shocked me in how awesome it was with book 1. And this sequel just blew me away. It was so good, I found myself counting down my minutes at work so I could get home and read some more. And work was busy. It’s not like I have a lot of down time. I even found myself talking about it to patrons.

This sequel has all of the suspense and magic of book 1, but with it, the stakes are higher. Amari knows more. There are other magicians out there. She knows what she’s capable of. She knows the importance of good friends. And she knows she can survive the prejudice and (lets face it) racism that persisted through all of book 1. She knows she’s stronger than the weak-mindedness of some of her pears, and what looks like her new leaders.

The magical congress is frozen in this one. And I like that it’s not all about summer camp any more. It’s everyone. It’s the government and world leaders. I like the use of social media to alert people to her cause. I like the new friendships that are formed (even from old enemies). I liked how much growth happened for the characters, not just Amari. These characters learn from their mistakes and take what they learn with them. I loved the secondary magic Amari was trying to master. So much is at stake here and when Amari realizes that only she can prevent things from going in a really bad direction, she steps up to the plate.

I loved this book. It was so hard to put down. I might have even liked it more than book 1, which I didn’t even think was possible. There’s also the ending. What a crazy cliffhanger. If I ever doubted for a second that this was going to be trilogy, there is no doubt any longer. What a great opening for one more book. I cannot wait for book 3. I highly recommend these books to fans of Nevermoor and Keeper of the Lost Cities. Definitely 10/10.

Crumbs by Danie Stirling

Summary from Goodreads:

Falling in love just got sweeter in this charming, romantic YA graphic novel from WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform. Ray, a young seer struggling with her powers, discovers first love and friendship in her town's magic bakery.

In a very special town, there’s an even more unusual bakery with a selection of baked treats hand-crafted to help your dreams come true. For Ray, a quiet young woman with special powers of her own, the order is always the same: a hot tea with a delicious side of romance.

When Ray meets Laurie, the kind barista who aspires to be a professional musician, she gets a real taste of love for the first time. But even with a spark of magic, romance isn’t so simple. Both Ray and Laurie are chasing their own dreams and even when Ray starts to see the future, she can’t predict her fate with Laurie.

Based on the beloved webcomic from WEBTOON, this sweet coming-of-age story of friendship and first love comes to life in graphic novel format with gorgeous illustrations and exclusive content.

Review:

I really enjoyed reading this one, mostly because the art was just so stunning. The story definitely felt more Japanese anime than American YA. And at first, I was all here for it, but then I was a little unhappy with the drama of it all and kind of confused by everyone’s ages, if that makes sense….The romance is just so innocent and pure for two adults. I don’t think they are teens. Ray is applying for a job in what seems like the magical equivalent to the CIA. This is so cool, by the way.

But, the romance is so sweet and cutesy, and there’s nothing beyond hand-holding and kisses. Maybe something is sort of alluded to in one scene when the characters spend the night, but one character wakes up on the couch….So, again, the age of everyone seems a little confusing.

The world though…Everyone seems to have a little bit of magic. The main mode of transport is broomstick. And there are bakeries where can you can buy romance flavored cakes. Sign me up! I loved the idea of this. I really enjoyed the characters. And did I mention the art? It feels like the adult/teen equivalent to Smile  or Drama by Raina Telgemeier -the characters being bold, with realistic expressions, but with somewhat cutesy shows of emotions too.

The storyline felt sweet at first, and then it took a little downturn for me. I almost wish the memory thing wasn’t there, and it could have just been a romance without this detrimental blockage to things progressing forward. I liked the parts of their relationship that seemed like everyone’s relationships. No one is perfect. They didn’t need crazy laws to mess it up. I also felt like the pacing was slow and unique, and then it all sped up too fast at the end.
However, I read it quickly, and I’m still going gaga over the artwork. I hope this artist does more. All in all, I was impressed. I give it an 8/10.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Summary from Goodreads:

Welcome to Elsewhere. It is warm, with a breeze, and the beaches are marvelous. It's quiet and peaceful. You can't get sick or any older. Curious to see new paintings by Picasso? Swing by one of Elsewhere's museums. Need to talk to someone about your problems? Stop by Marilyn Monroe's psychiatric practice.

Elsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. It is a place so like Earth, yet completely different. Here Liz will age backward from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth. But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again. She wants to get her driver's license. She wants to graduate from high school and go to college. And now that she's dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn't want with a grandmother she has only just met. And it is not going well. How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

This moving, often funny book about grief, death, and loss will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.

Review:

I kind of had no idea what I was getting into with this book…It comes off as so innocuous, with a snow globe on a rather empty book cover. Yet, it’s on so many Best YA lists. My brother gave it to me for Chanukah one year, and I decided to give it a chance.

It’s not the happiest of books, and I almost stopped reading it because it hits you in the gut a bit too hard at moments…It’s about a 15 year old who died and where she goes after she dies. What if everyone goes to a place called “elsewhere,” where they age backward, and then return to Earth and are reborn? For people who die in their 80’s and later, that’s great. But for a 15 year old who never gets to experience prom, driving, getting married, falling in love? It’s kind of a BIG disappointment. She becomes obsessed with watching her family and best friend. She lives with a grandmother she never met, who seems way too young.

This book tackles so many philosophical questions about life, death, love, family, depression, and more. It’s not a book you can read quickly. It’ s one you have to read slowly and take in bit by bit. And it’s definitely a book I keep thinking about. It’s not so crazy a concept to be impossible to me. I love that dogs and animals are in there too. And you have no idea how old anyone truly is. At one point Liz has a moment with a 4-year old (involving said snow globe on the cover) and she practically screams the kid’s head off to find out if the child is really a child or is actually an adult, now going backwards as a child.

But, there are happy moments too. Liz develops a friendship with the lead singer of her favorite band who also dies on the same day as her. She finds friends and love in Elsewhere. And her relationship with her grandmother is just wonderful. I didn’t always love Liz. In the beginning. I wanted to yell at her for being so rude to people. But, also, I get why she was so upset, and she did get much better as the book went on.  While reading the book, I didn’t think I loved it that much, but after completing it, I just can’t stop thinking about it. Something about it really resonated with me. I can see why it’s on so many lists. I give it a 9/10.

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Summary from Goodreads:

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

Review:

How could i not read book that’s “Project Runway meets Mulan?” In our recent move, we had to get rid of a lot of books. So many books were donated to the library. When I cam across this one, I read the blurb, and instantly was like, “well, I’ll have to read this one first!” I’m glad I held on to it. It actually was the book I was reading during the whole moving process. It kept me centered and less stress. Thanks, book!

Though, I think I liked the first half of the book more than the second. Normally, it’s the opposite. But, the first half of the book is more like Project Runway (one of my fav tv shows), and the second half of the book is more like the standard YA fairytale retelling. While I’m not familiar with many Chinese stories, or myths, and for all I know the one in here is made up, the second half of the book just read like so many other YA books that I almost put it down and stopped reading.

However, the fun dress making competition of the first half kept me inclined to keep reading. And I wanted to see how Maia would make the legendary dresses too. Though, that part isn’t written in too much detail. The second half of the book is largely focused on romance, demons, survival adventures and and trials. And I don’t hate those things! I’m just kind of used to them…I liked the freshness of the beginning, and I was hoping for that freshness to keep going. There was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the book, so I kind of need to find book 2 now…But, depending on how it reads, I’m not sure how long I’ll stay with it.

I find the world, the magic, and the mythology in this to be so cool. I’d like to see more of the magic I guess. And learn a little bit more of the rulers and the other tailors. Maybe that’s coming in book 2. All in all, this was a very good escape during a crazy, hectic time for me. So, I’m glad I had this book. I give it an 8/10.

Be More Chill the Graphic Novel by Ned Vizzini, adapted by David Levithan and art by Nick Bertozzi

Summary from Goodreads:

The groundbreaking story by New York Times best-selling author Ned Vizzini that inspired the Tony-nominated Broadway musical--now adapted in a graphic novel by #1 New York Times best-selling author David Levithan.

Jeremy Heere is your average high school dork. Day after day, he stares at beautiful Christine, the girl he can never have, and dryly notes the small humiliations that come his way. Until the day he learns about the "squip."

A pill-sized supercomputer that you swallow, the squip is guaranteed to bring you whatever you most desire in life. By instructing him on everything from what to wear, to how to talk and walk, the squip transforms Jeremy from geek to the coolest guy in class. Soon he is friends with his former tormentors and has the attention of the hottest girls in school.

But Jeremy discovers that there is a dark side to handing over control of your life--and it can have disastrous consequences.

Review:

As I wrote on Goodreads, I like when stories get done in different formats. And as someone who loves musicals, where have I been? I didn't know this was turned into a musical! I enjoy Vizzini's writing and I always loved that someone so young was celebrated and published. That being said, this isn't my favorite Vizzini story and this wasn't my favorite graphic novel artwork...I think Levithan did it justice in the adaptation. I like how the ending fits with the format. I just wish the artwork was more fitting with the time period. And it just felt a little juvenile for the overall theme of the story, if that makes sense. I did still read it super quickly. And I'm glad I had the chance to re-visit the story.

I guess as I get older, it’s harder and harder to relate to teenage boys…particularly straight teenage boys who want to be cool and are willing to take experimental drugs/technology to do so. Jeremey’s biggest problems just seem so dumb. However, it isn’t a totally unbelievable concept. And I’m not going to lie; I’d probably pay money to see this concept as a musical….I can see why the story has been so successful, and why it would translate so well in so many formats.

If Jeremy was someone I actually cared about a little bit more, someone more redeemable, everything would be a little bit different. But, still, it’s such a fun concept. I wish I liked the artwork a little more too. It wasn’t as fun as the story was with it. It needed more color/more coolness. It looked almost like those old Dick Tracy comics, and not so much like a modern graphic novel. I mean the whole central focus of the story was about being cool, and the artwork was anything but….Like, if you’re going to make a story in this format, why not really do it justice? Draw the tech. Give it some street art vibes? Some pop art? Something that would appeal to teens?  Make it more modern, less what grandparents would think of as comic strips from a newspaper, and more what teenagers would think was cool…..

All in all, it’s a fun story. Not so great art. It makes me want to see the musical. I’m glad Vizzini is continuing to be recognized. I give it a 6.5/10.

The Charmed List by Julie Abe

Summary from Goodreads:


After spending most of high school as the quiet girl, Ellie Kobata is ready to take some risks and have a life-changing summer, starting with her Anti-Wallflower List—thirteen items she’s going to check off one by one. She’s looking forward to riding rollercoasters, making her art Instagram public (maybe), and going on an epic road-trip with her best friend Lia.

But when number four on Ellie’s list goes horribly wrong—revenge on Jack Yasuda—she’s certain her summer has gone from charmed to cursed. Instead of a road trip with Lia, Ellie finds herself stuck in a car with Jack driving to a magical convention. But as Ellie and Jack travel down the coast of California, number thirteen on her list—fall in love—may be happening without her realizing it.

In The Charmed List, Julie Abe sweeps readers away to a secret magical world, complete with cupcakes and tea with added sparks of joy, and an enchanted cottage where you can dance under the stars.

Review:

This was a cute book. If you’re looking for a super sweet YA romance, look not further. Somehow, I read the summary with no idea that there would be magic involved! It’s a lighthearted magical romcom filled with delicious sounding tea, secret magical villages, hate-turned-to-love romances, and fun road trips.

When your life is stressful, and you think you don’t have the time to be reading…it turns out you stay up late reading YA books to calm down. And this one was the perfect remedy for my tired, stressed out brain. I really like Julie Abe’s middle grade books. Of course it would make sense I’d enjoy her first foray into YA books too. And of course the author who wrote about a semi-magical witch named Eva Evergreen would write magic into a YA romance too.

I wish the things in this book were real. There are magical conventions with magical escape rooms, and teas that make you stronger, or cupcakes that make you happier. Scratch that, I would do anything just for those cupcakes. Or maybe the tea….

I love that this book wasn’t all about the love story either. A large portion of it was about Ellie fixing her friendship. And another chunk was about family. Jack was doing so much to take care of his family. And I guess I spent a large portion of the book a little annoyed at how strict the parents were….The prank with the mice in the beginning seemed like a totally innocent thing that teenagers would do. I get that the repercussions in the circumstances were huge, but way too much pressure was put on these kids, one of which apparently was already working on the college fund for a sibling….I mean come on!

Tough parenting aside, I loved the friendship story. I loved the building romance. I loved the whole road trip and the all the magical stops along the way. Why does the author always make me so hungry though? I give this one an 8.5/10.

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fourth volume of HEARTSTOPPER, for fans of The Art of Being Normal, Holly Bourne and Love, Simon.

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.

Nick's been feeling the same, but he's got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.

As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means.

Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

This is the fourth volume of Heartstopper, which has now been optioned for television by See-Saw Films.

Review:

I really love these books. I think this one was my least favorite. However, I still loved it. It was very much the most serious of the books so far. It delved the heaviest into the world of Charlie’s mental illness. While all the sweet things about about Charlie and Nick are still there. And the two of them learning to navigate their relationship is what makes this books so great, some of the parts about mental illness felt a little forced to me.

Some of the way Charlie’s mental illness was written felt a little dated and cliche. I have been around mental illness my whole life. I know there are all different kinds and different treatments. Yet, all the books and movies seem to talk about the same ones. And I feel like some of the decisions made for Charlie were so extreme. Maybe it’s the way the book was setup or how it the timeframe worked, but I found it so jarring. I was upset with his family.

However, the love that radiates from the pages held strong and kept me going. I loved watching Nick come more and more into his own. And I loved that Charlie was finally getting help for things he should have been getting help for all along. Why did no one notice things about him, except for Nick? And why is no one noticing anything about his sister?

All in all, the love story is so sweet. I’m finally ready to start the Netflix series…I think. I cannot wait for the next installment of the books. I think it’s supposed to the be the last one? I’m not totally convinced of the author’s portrayal of the mental illness aspect of things, but I’m glad the characters are getting the help they need. I give this one an 8/10.

The REMA Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist by Kim Kibuishi

Summary from Goodreads:

Enter the rich and fantastical world of Rema in the first installment of this middle-grade graphic novel series with sweeping adventure and light romance!

Tabby Simon is determined to learn what happened to her father, who was found dead after researching a tree that leaks a mysterious mist in her neighborhood. She is unexpectedly led to Rema, a distant world of magic and beauty that is periodically invaded by a nearby planet desperate for resources. While Tabby searches for the truth surrounding her father's death, she meets a handsome blue-haired boy named Philip. He has his own dangerous secrets, but he has promised to help Tabby get home. As Tabby learns more about this strange world, she discovers that she is destined for something far greater than she ever could have imagined.

Review:

I’m not going to lie; When I first saw this book, I thought it was a new book by the author of Amulet…Then, I learned it was a new series by his wife…I quickly buried my disappointment for amazement at the talent that is the Kibuishi family. Seriously, how did they find each other? This book is insanely beautiful. Even just typing this short paragraph now is difficult because my eyes keep wandering to the left of my computer to stare some more at the book cover.

Also, books with portals to other worlds are kind of catnip for me. This book reads a tiny bit more YA than Middle grade because there are slight romantic undertones and the main character seems a little more like a teen than a kid. But, there’s nothing really wrong with shelving it with the other Kibuishi books. Fans of Amulet will be delighted.

It’s the kind of graphic novel you finish in one sitting. The characters in the other world all know how to fly. There’s politics, magic, beautiful scenic artwork, and incredible world-building. There’s also the mystery of Tabby’s father’s death and the ghost she keeps seeing. Basically, you’ll want book 2 as soon as you finish book 1, but who knows how long the wait will be. You also get the feeling that the author just scratched at the surface of the turmoil here. There’s a lot left unsaid about the problems on the world with the rebels and the masks.

All in all, I loved this. I know kids will love this. And I cannot wait to read more. I give it a 9/10.

Heartstopper Vol 3 by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

In this volume we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private…

Meanwhile Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?

Review:

I just can’t get enough of these books. And I guess I’m not the only one. I’m seeing them circulate like crazy at my library this summer. And I recently went to a an independent bookstore that was sold out of book 2 and 3! I love that kids (and adults) are reading them. They are just so good.  Book 4 is my next read and I can’t wait to start it tonight!

This volume has a special place in my heart because it takes place in Paris. It’s where my husband and I had our honeymoon, so seeing Charlie and Nick begin their love story there was super special for me. It was fun watching the characters go places I’d been to, and see things through their young eyes.

I also feel like I’m learning a lot from these books. I never really thought about how characters (or people) might have to come out over and over again to different people, and how each time and each person could be so different, and how draining that might be. Watching Nick experience it over and over was scary. And learning the long term effects of Charlie’s trauma are also scary. I love how Charlie and his friends are mostly so supportive and protective of the process for Nick. Yet, there are also moments (like one at a party) that are just so not fair and ugh, I feel like it’s so believable too.

Everything about these books feel so believable. The kids who are understanding and the ones who aren’t. Nick has to learn who to trust, who his real friends are, and it all seems like so much for characters who are so young, but I know this is how it is. And I love how much Nick and Charlie care about each other. All in all, I’m coming to really care for these characters, and I’m getting more excited to read volume 4, though I’m a little nervous my expectations are too high now for the Netflix show. I give this one a 9/10.

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Summary from Goodreads:

Author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky.

Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts like brewing Indian spice elixirs, practicing Caribbean steel drum hypnosis, and bartering with fussy Irish faeries. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends.

But Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all of the Marvellers are welcoming. Still, she connects with fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who is never found without a magical creature or two. Just as Ella begins to find her way at the A.T.I., a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.

As tensions grow in the Marvellian world, Ella finds herself the target of vicious rumors and growing suspicions. With the help of her new friends, Ella must find a way to clear her family's name and track down her beloved mentor Masterji Thakur . . . before she loses her place at the A.T.I. forever.

Review:

I have to admit there were times when I thought this book was almost too much like Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series….However, also like with Townsend’s books, I could not stop reading this one. I guess if I had to explain what this was, it’s kind of a mixture of Nevermoor and Amari and the Night Brothers (where are you book 2??). That being said, what a fun, magical start to a new series!

It took me a minute to get fully invested in the world. But, when I did, I really did. The folklore of New Orleans oozes through with every page. Then combine that magic and folklore with cultures and mythology from around the world.  Yes, please! Oh, and then a Hogwarts-esque school that’s up in the sky…and you have to take sky ferries to get there.

Also, racism is real in this book. The characters are diverse. If the magic involving kids with innate super powers, the immaculate world-building, the politics, and the fun characters don’t grab you, then there’s also the mystery storyline of an escaped convict, secret chaos societies, kidnappings, and hidden secrets layered throughout to keep you hooked. There’s just so much more I want to know! I guessed a major plot twist early on, but that’s only because this genre is my thing and I read A LOT. I can see kids being shocked.

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I flew through this book. It was one of those instances where I was sad when it was over and went, “Oh…that’s it?” I’m excited to see where the author takes this story. I know kids will love this series too, especially fans of Townsend, Alston, and Messenger. I give it a 9/10.

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself.

Review:

I think I liked this one even more than book 1. And I devoured book 1… I’m trying to space them out and not binge them all in one go, so I can savor these, but it’s so hard not to just go from one book to the next. They are just that good. I also really want to go watch the Netflix series now, but I’m not letting myself watch it until I read all the books first.

There’s just something so pure and authentic about these books. They ring so true to what falling in love for the first time feels like. I find myself having this stupid, goofy smile for most of my reading of it. Every scene that involves the ridiculously cute dog definitely brings out a smile. And I guess how can you not like this one more when the first book felt a little unrequited, and this one was just about love and starting a relationship?

So many YA and middle grade books are tough or serious (and we need those too), but it’s just so refreshing to read one that’s a little bit fluffy and easy. Though, this does have its moments too. Most of it is light. It’s a graphic novel you can sit down with and be done with in an hour, and then be tempted to go back to the beginning again.

The artwork is simple and monotone, but the expressions on the characters’ faces say everything you need to know. And a lot of the story is told via text messages. I’ll probably read the next two installments within the next week or so. And I’m really looking forward to it. They make for great, light, summer reads, particularly to those who like light romances. I give it a 10/10.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

Summary from Goodreads:

In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old hero will search for their place as an impending war threatens. A thrilling middle-grade series opener that stars a nonbinary tween and explores identity and gender amid sword fights.

My name is Callie, and I'm not a girl. I am here as Papa's squire, and I want to train as a knight.

In a world where girls learn magic and boys train as knights, twelve-year-old nonbinary Callie doesn't fit in anywhere. And you know what? That's just fine. Callie has always known exactly what they want to be, and they're not about to let a silly thing like gender rules stand in their way.

When their ex-hero dad is summoned back to the royal capital of Helston to train a hopeless crown prince as war looms, Callie lunges at the opportunity to finally prove themself worthy to Helston's great and powerful.

Except the intolerant great and powerful look at Callie and only see girl.

Trapped in Helston's rigid hierarchy, Callie discovers they aren't alone--there's Elowen, the chancellor's brilliant daughter, whose unparalleled power is being stifled; Edwyn, Elowen's twin brother, locked in a desperate fight to win his father's approval; and Willow, the crown prince who was never meant to be king.

In this start to an epic series packed with action, humor, and heart, Callie and their new friends quickly find themselves embedded in an ancient war--the only hope to defeat the dragons and witches outside the kingdom lies in first defeating the bigotry within.

Review:

I was both excited and a little nervous to read this one. Of course, I LOVED the idea of a nonbinary main character in a middle grade fantasy book about knights and magic and dragons! I guess I was a little nervous that the first representation for this would be overkill or not a great representation. I didn’t want the gender identity storyline to take such center stage so much so that kids would feel like they were being preached to. But, I also wanted this book to do justice to such an important topic. So, I guess it was a tough, but critical job for this author….

And for the most part, I think this author was very successful. I found the book hard to put down.   Sure, the similarities between the fantasy world and our own were very clear, but some of what was created for this world were amazing too. It wasn’t just the societal norms of women can only do this, and men can only do that….But, also, there was one bad person who abused her magic, so therefore, magic is bad and women who do too much magic are also no good.

It’s not the first book that tackles someone different wanting to be a knight, and it definitely made me think of Tamora Pierce. This is more the Tamora Pierce book of today, though less romantic and with a little more focus on gender identity (though there isn’t zero romance in it).

Personally, it felt like the author did run out of steam a bit at the end. It did feel a little overkill at the end too. I found myself skimming at that point. Not every single character has to learn about gender identity in book 1, or be punished for not getting it right away. I think too much went down at the end of the story. And I would have been okay and thought it more believable if that was spread out more throughout the series.

I did love all the training scenes, any parts that involved learning magic, and all the character development between the friends. I found the wold building to be excellent too. I think this is the start to what will be an excellent series. I just wish book 1 ended a little earlier. Overall though, I did really enjoy this book and I can see this book helping so many kids.  I was reading an ARC, and the finished book will be out in November. I give it an 8.5/10.

Gallant by Victoria Schwab

Summary from Goodreads:

Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

Review:

This was different…I kind of wish I read it on a rainy October evening, and not a heatwave sunny week in July. I feel like the best way to describe this book is to say that Victoria Schwab is already a successful author and can now do what she wants? You can tell she just went for it, and had fun with this story. It’s not the typical YA novel. This is a full-on atmospheric, horror story that will give you the creeps and keep you up late at night. And it’s not the kind of horror story I’ve come to anticipate. It’s not a fast-paced thriller. It’s the slow, eerie, almost old fashioned kind that makes you think of and black and white movies.

That being said, this book is not for everyone. And I can see a lot of folks putting this one down and not completing it. I almost did, a few times. I definitely tend to be more of a plot, high suspense kind of reader in the summer time. My brain just can’t appreciate the finer things when it is overworked and over-stressed, and overheated. That being said, I took classes on horror and noir in college, so this did speak to me….And the setting was everything. A mansion with secret passages, creepy gardens, family curses, doors to other worlds, zombie-looking ghosts, okay, yeah….this definitely spoke to me. The story also starts in a very creepy orphanage, reminiscent of the one in Jane Eyre.

I also found the idea of a mute main character interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the main character was mute. How this played into the story was really unique too. There were too many little mysteries that I wanted to find out. Were the ghosts really there? Why were they all missing limbs? What was the family curse? Why did her mother not want her to go to the house? The pacing was very slow. The book was more about the setting and the feeling of the setting than it was about the mysteries and not a lot happens until the very end. Then the end feels a bit rushed. However, I did mostly enjoy reading this. Not everyone will. Fans looking for something spooky, and anyone looking for a haunting ghost story will enjoy it. Just keep in mind, it’s not a lot like her other work. I give this one a 7/10.

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Summary from Goodreads:

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Review:

Sometimes you just need a super sweet, YA romance to fill you up with positive vibes. This is that book. I know I’m kind of slow to jump on this train. I guess this was on a lot of Library Best Books, in 2020, and since then has gotten also sorts of praise/positive reviews. I know it’s a Netflix series now too. I haven’t watched it yet. I think I want to read them all first. I know I must read them all.

I basically started this before bed one night, thinking I’d read a few pages before falling asleep (like I do with most books in the summer because my job exhausts me too much to read like I normally would for most of July), but I read the whole book in one go. I don’t do that often any more, even with graphic novels. I certainly don’t do that in July (busiest season for Cape Cod Children’s Librarians). But this book, just took me over, in a good way.

The artwork is just so charming, and simple in the best of ways. The panels are all big and easy to follow -no over complicated moments where you have to re-read something. The facial expressions of the teens are just so purely teenager. I have literally felt like I have seen teens making these faces. And everything they do is just so believable -from playing video games, to going to practice, to how they text each other. Nothing seemed too forced from the adult perspective.

And of course it’s one of my two favorite types of romance tropes: the friends to love trope. The two become best friends first. And you don’t get to see this kind of trope often with two guys in stories. It was all just so endearing and charming. I was sad when the book ended because I wanted more. I will have to get the next installment soon, so I can find out what happens next, and also so I can let myself watch the series too.

All in all, this un-put-down-able graphic novel was the sweet, fluffy romance I needed to read right now. I get the hype for it completely. I give it a 10/10.