Category: Book Review

Book Review

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

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The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Publication Date: April 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Even though some plot points are bit far-fetched, this fast-paced story shares a unique perspective on a mystery/thriller. This one will keep you guessing every step of the way – recommended!

5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sixteen years ago, Bel’s mom Rachel Price disappeared. She has been presumed dead since, and Bel just wants to try and move beyond living in the shadow of this case. When her dad agrees to film a true-crime documentary about Rachel’s disappearance, emotions run high and the past is dredged up. In the middle of filming, something miraculous happens- Rachel reappears. She comes back with an unbelievable story and Bel is determined to track down the truth.

My Analysis: I don’t give out 5 stars lightly, but this one got me. I found it to be an incredibly entertaining mystery/thriller. The pacing of this book was its biggest asset. There were a lot of twisty plot points that keeps the reader guessing. I also appreciated that the idea was pretty original, there aren’t a ton of YA titles out there that have shared this perspective. Were there moments where things got so far-fetched that it seemed implausible? Absolutely. However, to me it did not diminish how highly entertaining this book was. I was a little reluctant as I was not a huge fan of A Good Girls Guide to Murder (even though it got so much hype) and I did not care for Five Survive, but Jackson redeemed herself in this one for me. I also really enjoyed the documentary aspect of this story. I thought it was a unique and interesting way to dive into the characters further. The one thing that did bother me was the amount of swearing throughout. I definitely don’t mind whatever language if it adds to the story or character development, but this felt forced and unnecessary. Overall though I definitely recommend this one! If you are a fan of mystery/thrillers, you have to read this.

Book Review

Tender Beasts

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Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Publication Date: February 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Intense psychological thriller that shows the intricacies of family and how far they will go to support one another.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sunny has 4 siblings, one of whom is being charged with murder. Her mothers dying wish was for her to be the leader of the family, but her older sister takes on the role before she could even start. When an increasing number of murders rock the private school that her family owns and attends, Sunny dives deeper into uncovering the killer. Working with her accused brother who she barely knows, they look to discover family secrets that have long been buried.

My Analysis: This is a solid psychological thriller/horror book. The focus is definitely on the Behre family, their secrets, and how far they will go to better themselves and protect one another. Even though this book is filled with murder, not a ton really happens throughout, but at the same time it still works well in keeping you guessing and interested. There is an entity that is worshiped, and the author does a nice job of making the reader question reality vs supernatural elements. On that note, the author does provide a list of triggers at the beginning of the book that people may find helpful. My favorite part of the novel was the deceased mothers journal entries from when she was a teen that are dispersed throughout. It was a nice way to give some necessary background information and helped to keep any reveals well-timed. If you liked Delicious Monsters, you’ll definitely like this one as well. It has a very similar vibe, although a very different story. If you’re into psychological thrillers and family drama, this one is for you.

Book Review

Medici Heist

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Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: Historical (heavy on the fiction) story set in Florence. Multiple POV’s share their expertise in attempting to rob the Medici Family.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Set in 1517 in Florence, when the Medici Family reins supreme, people recall the freedoms of being a Republic. Rosa Cellini has her own plans for the Medici’s and The Pope. Recruiting a team of the best, they plan a heist like no one has ever seen. Working through all of the pieces of their robbery, each character grapples with their motivations in going against the Medici Family.

My Analysis: I have mixed feelings about this book. I LOVE that is was set during this time period, there needs to be more historical YA that share Renaissance stories. It was definitely more heavy on the fiction than the historical, but that didn’t really detract from the overall plot. In terms of the heist part of the novel, I think it was very well thought out by the author. There were a lot of moments of “how are they going to pull this off?” I did however feel that it was WAY too reminiscent of Oceans Eleven. Like, there were too many plot points that matched up that it actually annoyed me a little bit that it was not more original in that sense. The characters were interesting, even if all of their stories dragged a bit in the middle. I particularly appreciated the relationships among the characters that were involved in the heist. Overall, if you like historical fiction and don’t mind it taking some liberties while also sharing a bit of a thriller plot, give this one a go.

Book Review

Silent Sister

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Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: An immersive thriller that dives into sisterhood and self-worth

4/5

Book Summary: Sisters Grace and Maddy go on their traditional Senior Sabbatical Trip. Both sisters are balancing their feelings about their upcoming futures and the trauma of their past. Learning “life lessons” on their trip will either help their relationship or drive them farther apart. When Grace is found bloody and with no memory of the recent trip, she battles more questions as she tries to find answers. With her sister Maddy still missing, Grace races to regain her memories and determine what she is blocking out.

My Analysis: This was a solid read that will keep you invested throughout. Wanting to uncover what happened to these characters definitely drives the plot. It is told in alternating past and present perspectives, which was nicely done and helps share character growth. I also liked the addition of Maddy’s poems that were inter dispersed. The author does well sharing the characters inner feelings and how it impacts their lives and the relationships with those around them. She doesn’t shy away from the hard realities either, which I appreciated. Although there is a missing person and there is mystery involved, this is really more of a story of sisterhood and taking a look at one’s self-worth.

Book Review

The Invocations

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The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

Publication Date: January 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A beautifully written but ultimately unsatisfying story revolving around witches and the occult.

3/5

Book Summary: Zara Jones will do anything to bring back her murdered sister, even if that means partaking in the occult to raise the dead. Jude Wolf is cursed after a deal with a demon went horribly wrong, and she has been suffering the consequences ever since. Emer Byrne is a cursewriter, helping desperate women exchange part of their soul for power. As these three paths cross, the more each realizes they must work together for their goals to succeed. When Emer’s clients start to be murdered, they turn to one another for answers.

My Analysis: Sutherland’s writing is beautiful. The imagery she provides is outstanding. The story however- absolutely boring. I had hoped this one would be an improvement over House of Hollow, but to me it wasn’t. Both written elegantly but the plots just aren’t interesting enough. I’m not sure if she’s just trying to hard to make it this gruesome story that has shock value and is failing, but the overall story is not satisfying. The characters she portrays are well developed, and I did appreciate their relationships with one another. Especially given the fact that these characters are pushed together as strangers who become friends. If you’re really into witches and the occult, it’s worth a read, but if not I say it’s one to skip.

Book Review

The Kill Factor

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The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

Publication Date: April 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A unique idea for a dystopian society that will appeal to most teens in the age of social media influences. Geared toward a younger YA audience

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: In a dystopian future where brand currency that is gained through social media followers reigns supreme, Emerson finds herself at the bottom of society. When she is arrested while trying to provide for her family, Emerson is met with an offer. A new reality TV show has been created for teens facing criminal charges. The winner will be released with no consequences. Contestants must complete mental and physical challenges and are put up to a public vote. The more followers someone has, the more advantages they have on the show. Emerson knows this isn’t going to be good, but she had no idea that she would also be fighting for her life along with her freedom.

My Analysis: I really like the concept of such a strong influence of social media on this dystopian society. It honestly isn’t too far off of what could happen in terms how it impacts financials and relationships. I can really see this idea appealing to teens who are so surrounded by social media in their everyday lives. I do think a younger YA audience would appreciate this more as the writing is more surface than depth. Is it a bit far fetched in terms of the TV show? Sure, but it’s interesting. It’s a bit of The Hunger Games meets #murdertrending. I thought at first that the challenges that the contestants were facing were a bit lacking in creativity, but I think upon further reflection that it was done that way purposefully by the author. There was one twist I didn’t see coming, but appreciated. Oliver definitely set the ending up for a potential sequel or series as well.

Book Review

That’s Not My Name

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That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Publication Date: January 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An engaging thriller with well-developed characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!

5/5 Stars

Book Summary: A teen wakes up injured on the side of the road with no memory of who she is or how she got there. A police officer finds her and connects her to a man who has been searching for her for hours- a man who says he is her father. Meanwhile, Drew’s girlfriend has disappeared after a heated argument. She’s been missing for weeks now, and he is determined to do whatever it takes to find her.

My Analysis: This. Was. Fantastic. Like, I usually read pretty quickly but I went through this book so fast. It was gripping right from the start and has suspense all throughout that keeps you guessing. I am surprised that this was a debut author, and I can’t wait to see what else she writes next. Although a lot The of the plot is day to day events, the characters are well-developed and you really get to see their inner workings and turmoil. I was apprehensive about how this one would end and felt that could make or break the whole story, but I was very content with how everything came together. I don’t want to say much more to spoil anything, but really, you need to read this one!

Book Review

Sun Don’t Shine

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Sun Don’t Shine by Crissa-Jean Chappell

Publication Date: January 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: More realistic fiction than thriller, but gives an intimate view into those who are homeless and struggle financially. Super quick read!

4/5

Book Summary: Reeces father abducted her from home 10 years ago. Ever since they have been on the run and Reece has had to follow her Dads rules for staying safe. Living in cars, the woods, shady motels and pulling food from dumpsters is all she has grown up knowing. When Reece meets Shawn, she starts to question how she came to be in this life and starts to uncover secrets her father has been keeping from her for years.

My Analysis: This is marketed as a thriller, but I felt it to be more realistic fiction. It did have some suspenseful moments and the pace was quick (as was the novel) which is more true to that genre. This story is about a girl who was abducted, but the focus is less on that and more on her living situation. Reece and her father have done whatever they need to do to survive, and the author does a nice job painting a picture of their struggles. I felt it provided an intimate look into homelessness and financial difficulties. This was one of those books that when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I liked the character development throughout, especially Reece. There were a few times were I questioned why the characters did or did not do certain things that seemed to be pretty obvious, but that didn’t detract from the story at all. Overall it was a quick read and if you want to get to know some interesting characters, you should give it a try.

Book Review

Tag, You’re Dead

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Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield

Publication Date: December 2023| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Geared toward a younger YA audience.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Social media influencer Anton begins a city-wide game of tag, with the prize to become one of his personal assistants. As contestants chase each other around London, their motives for joining the game become more apparent and secrets are revealed. When someone posing as the ghost of one of Anton’s former assistants interjects themselves into the game, everything begins to fall apart.

My Analysis: I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated I would. It was very fast-paced and kept me hooked to want to know what would happen next. The writing is geared more towards a younger YA audience, but if you can get by that it’s a solid thriller for anyone to read. I liked the concept of a city-wide contest and teenagers will definitely appreciate the social media presence throughout. Not sure how the parents of some of these kids are cool with them running around the streets of London unsupervised, but not going to let that detract from the story. You may figure out a few things along the way before the characters do (as I did) but the author does a nice job of making everyone look guilty. If you’re looking for a unique thriller that’s a quick read, give this one a try!

Book Review

This Cursed Light

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This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede

Publication Date: December 2023| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An underwhelming conclusion to the duology, but worth reading if you really liked the first novel.

2/5 Stars

Book Summary: Six months after saving the world, a new threat emerges. Desperate to seek answers to what is coming, Alessa, Dante and their friends try to locate the exiled Ghiotte to recruit as allies. Between Dante’s lack of powers and Alessa’s new growing darkness, it’s more challenging than ever. What does it cost to save the world again? And who will be willing to pay the price?

My Analysis: I was very underwhelmed by this conclusion to the duology. To me, the best part of reading This Vicious Grace was the banter and relationship between Alessa and Dante. In this one however, I found that to be severely lacking and their interactions seemed more immature than before. I was also put off by the repetition and inconsistencies that were present throughout. Hopefully this is something that will be fixed as a final edit, but the fact that I noticed so many was disappointing. What do I like about this series? The magic system. It is very creative and I really like the idea of the Finestra amplifying powers of those around her. The underlying concept was there but just didn’t work well with how it was written. If you really enjoyed This Vicious Grace then it is worth a read to have a conclusion and to learn a bit more about the magic the characters hold.