Category: Book Review

Book Review

The Atlas of Us

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The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

Publication Date: January 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A slow paced but intimate picture into the mind of a teenager consumed by grief.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Atlas lost her father after a battle with cancer. Now she is trying to pull her life back together when all she can focus on is what is missing. Following one of her fathers passions, Atlas works for a community service project rehabbing trails. On the trails everyone goes by a nickname and Atlas wants to feel immersed in nature while trying to start anew. Little did she think that the strangers she started out with would get to know her better than anyone in their month together.

My Analysis: This book has a lot of emotion packed into it. I really enjoyed the development of the characters – and not just Atlas, the secondary ones too. I would almost consider this a YA version of Wild by Cheryl Strayed, being in nature hoping to find answers. It is an intriguing premise and not one that you find a lot in YA lit. Let’s talk about what this book really is though…an extremely intimate look into a teenager actively working through grief. This is a constant throughout the book, almost to the point of it being a little too much. But, it does fit with the character and how she would be thinking and acting based on how she is feeling. I will say however, if you are a reader who is currently grieving, this may not be the best option for you right now. It is an accurate portrayal of emotions, but I can also see it being triggering for someone who feels too closely to how Atlas does. If you are a reader that would like to see this perspective from someone going through it however, this will accomplish it. The thing that I didn’t care for with this book was the pacing. It moves very slowly, slow enough to make me not super excited to keep reading, but not enough for me not to finish.

Book Review

A Curse for True Love

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A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber

Publication Date: October 2023

Overall Verdict: A satisfying ending to a magical trilogy full of fairytale curses and stories.

4.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Evangeline has come a long way in her adventure for a happy ending. Now she is married to a prince and it seems as though things couldn’t be better. Little does she know exactly what she has sacrificed to gain this happiness. True love is put to the test and the battle for a happy ending wages on.

My Analysis: This was a solid close to this fantasy trilogy. The author did a nice job of wrapping the story up and tying loose ends together. This novel did share a dual POV, unlike the first two, which I didn’t really care for. I can understand wanting to gain additional perspective based on what is going on in the plot, but I definitely found myself liking one much more than the other. I have loved the relationships Garber has built between these characters and this one did not disappoint as they only continued to develop. If you’re looking for a magical series that is very heavy on fairytale concepts this will be right up your alley! I highly recommend this series!

Book Review

The One That Got Away With Murder

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The One That Got Away With Murder by Trish Lundy

Publication Date: April 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Drama-filled and reads like a telenovela. If you can get passed how unrealistic some details are, it’s a fast-paced thriller.

2.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Lauren moved to a new town for her moms new boyfriend, and also to escape some mistakes of her past. When she meets Robbie, they strike up a casual relationship. Lauren quickly learns however that Robbie and his brother also have a past- including two dead girlfriends. While navigating new friendships, she attempts to discover exactly what happened as everything begins to close in on her. When Lauren finds a new piece of evidence, she knows there’s no turning back.

My Analysis: I’ll admit I have mixed feelings about this one. To me it reads as more of a telenovela style story where it’s intriguing and drama-filled but you know it’s so unrealistic that all of this could possibly happen. If you’re able to get passed that, it is a super fast-paced read. I ended up reading it in just a couple days. What I liked: the supporting characters. They were interesting and I liked what little growth was shown in them. What I didn’t like: the main protagonist. She was really tough to root for, with her personality and decision-making. Something to be aware of with this one- there is a lot of mentions of casual sex, drug use and alcohol. May be better suited for older YA readers who are mature enough to handle the actions of the characters throughout.

Book Review

And Don’t Look Back

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And Don’t Look Back by Rebecca Barrow

Publication Date: October 2023| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: This one will keep you in suspense with multi-dimensional mysteries.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Harlow and her mother have always been running from something, never staying very long in one place before moving on to another. When her mother dies suddenly, Harlow is forced to confront her mothers past and the secrets that she has kept hidden all these years. With the ability to choose her future for the first time, Harlow must decide how much to let in and just how much she really wants to know.

My Analysis: I couldn’t put this one down, and just had to know what was going to happen next. And Don’t Look Back was very suspenseful and I appreciated that it had multiple mysteries going on at once in the plot. There were a couple of moments that I thought were a bit annoying, and that the characters had an overreaction to an event, but overall I enjoyed it. Seeing the main protagonist come into her own was also very intriguing. After so many years of having to pretend to be others she can finally discover who she actually is. That combination of self discovery alongside the uncovering of family history is secrets made for a satisfying read. If you’re into thrillers and mysteries, I recommend this one!

Book Review

What Stalks Among Us

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What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell

Publication Date: September 2023| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: More thriller than horror. May appeal more to younger YA readers who can tolerate the repetition of the story.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Best friends Sadie and Logan skip their senior trip and find themselves exploring a seemingly abandoned corn maze. Before they know it, a fun outing turns dark and twisty when they come across their own dead bodies. Time works strangely in the maze, and the two continually find themselves restarting over and over again. Determined to figure out what they need to do to escape, Sadie and Logan take risks, and learn about themselves in the process.

My Analysis: Cornfield maze and murder?! I was hooked on the premise. However, contrary to what seems to be popular opinion with this book, I was not drawn into the story. I found it tedious and repetitive (which yes, I get there has to be a certain amount for this to work, but it was too much). I think that it was too easy for the characters to figure certain things out and others were too obvious. But then the things that the reader would want to know more about, there was zero explanation. I was also expecting a horror book, and this was definitely not. It was not creepy in the slightest. If you’re dying for a thriller and have exhausted every other option, this may work for you. I hate to speak negatively so much about a book, but I honestly can’t determine one thing I actually enjoyed about this one. I kept pushing through hoping it would improve, but to me it did not. Perhaps the younger side of YA readers would appreciate this one more.

Book Review, Listing Post

10 YA books for the Fall Season

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With Fall upon us, I took a moment to reflect on some of my favorite YA books that are perfect for this season. Here are 10 that are definitely worth the read!

Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

Summary: Willow has always had wanderlust, hoping that she will happen upon her place in the world. When her mother moves them to Salem, MA to wrap up the affairs of a deceased Aunt that she never knew about, she feels more trapped than ever. While there she meets Mason, who is trying just as hard to figure out his life while bouncing around Foster homes and attempting to find his mom. Together, they explore the mystery of Willows Aunt (who just may have been a witch) and dive into the past as a hope for the future.

The Girls are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Summary: Dare has a paranormal podcast, but she’s one of the biggest skeptics out there. Following a story, she ends up interning at Arrington Estate, the site of a drowning. While helping to restore the old house, Dare uncovers secrets and experiences things that make her question her beliefs. With the help of Quinn, the home owners daughter, Dare works to get to the bottom of the history and current status of the estate.

Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Summary: Having fled her coven, Lou is a witch in hiding. If discovered, she would face being burned. Reid has trained as a witch hunter, with sworn service to the Church. As their paths cross, they find themselves in the most unlikely arrangement of marriage. With the war between the Church and the witch covens looming, they must decide what sides to take.

Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare

Summary: Quinn and her father moved to a small town for a fresh start. As she attempts to fit in with the teens from school, she quickly realizes that they are all about having fun. Things take a turn however when Frendo, the abandoned corn syrup factory mascot makes an appearance and begins a homicidal rampage. Trying to figure out what is happening in the town, Quinn tries to uncover secrets while running for her life.

Alone by Cyn Balog

Summary: Seda’s mom inherits a run down mansion and moves her family there after realizing she wants to renovate it. Being stuck in this new town is one thing, but Seda heard word that a huge blizzard is coming their way and likely will keep them trapped there for an extended period of time. As the snow begins to build, a group of teens gets stranded near the mansion. Seda offers them shelter, but worries of the danger it will bring.

Delicious Monsters by Leslie Sambury

Summary: Daisy has seen dead people for as long as she can remember. When the opportunity presents itself for her to move into a mansion that her mother recently inherited, she jumps at the chance. Daisy quickly realizes however that something supernatural exists within its walls. A decade later, budding podcast creator Brittney is determined to find out what happened years ago to Daisy at the old mansion. Written in parallel timelines, this story of ghosts and secrets reveal the most dangerous monsters.

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

Summary: Descendant of a famous Salem Witch Trial accuser, Abby will do whatever it takes. Calling on the dark magic of those who came before them, the Danvers Falcons field hockey team makes winning inevitable. As their luck begins to change and they begin a winning streak, they question if the witchcraft was truly responsible and how far they will have to go to continue it.

Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston

Summary: Vampires have revealed their existence to the world, but have all but disappeared into hiding. Victoria has always been obsessed and armed with research intends to find one. Her motives however become more emotional as her main goal turns to finding a vampire to make her father immortal, saving him from a terminal illness. On her journey she meets the mysterious Nicholas, who makes a deal with her she cannot refuse.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle

Summary: Like clockwork, every October Cara and her family become inexplicably accident-prone. Sometimes the season is worse than others, and they never quite know what they are getting themselves into. This year however, things are a little bit different. Now that Cara is older and experiencing new things like first love, she begins to realize more is involved with the accident season. As this October continues, Cara is forced into uncovering the dark secrets that surround her family.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Summary: Sadie hasn’t had the easiest life, raising her little sister Mattie in their small town. When Mattie is found dead, Sadie is devastated and her world collapses. The police do little to help in finding her sisters killer, so Sadie takes it upon herself to uncover what happened. When a radio personality hears about Sadie and Mattie’s story, he begins a podcast hoping to help. As Sadie follows leads, he tracks her progress, wanting to find her as well as uncover the secrets of her sister.

Book Review

An Unlikely Proposition

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An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves

Publication Date: March 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A satisfying sequel full of regency romance and drama.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Seventeen year old Eleanor was widowed, and after a year of mourning is ready to assert her independence in society. I’m order to keep her nephew from inheriting her fortune if she were to remarry, Eleanor concocts a fake engagement to a friend. Thalia wants to escape her county life and go to London. When Eleanor hires her on as a companion, their lives intertwine.

My Analysis: This was a nicely done companion novel to An Improbable Season. It could be read as a stand-alone, however I don’t think the reader would get as much out of it without having read the first. It doesn’t go too much more in depth beyond a regency romance plot line, but if you’re looking for a cute and fun read- it’s worth it! The author does a nice job incorporating the historical aspects of society during the time period in which it is set. The relationships between the characters, whether friendship or romantic definitely drive the overall story. If you like a straightforward romance and are a Bridgerton fan, you’ll like this one!

Book Review

After You Vanished

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After You Vanished by E.A. Neeves, Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: An emotional story that shares the journey of a sibling navigating the grief of her missing sister.

3.5/Stars – Novel

5/5 Stars – Narrator

Book Summary: Teddy has worked at Bottomrock Lake every summer, including last year when her twin sister went missing. Izzy went for a midnight swim in the lake, and was never seen again. When Izzy’s friend Toby comes to work at Bottomrock, Teddy begins to dive deeper into what happened to her sister. She can’t help but continue to question everything, including how an Olympic level swimmer could have gone missing in a lake. As Teddy investigates she learns there was more to her twin than she ever knew.

My Analysis: This is one of those books where not a whole lot happens in terms of events, but instead you get so emotionally invested in the characters. The author did a nice job in sharing the characters and their grief. I really felt for all of them and what they went through. I also liked the descriptions of the relationship between the twins. I thought it was an interesting take on a sibling relationship. I listed to the audiobook version of After You Vanished and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She did a wonderful job speaking and in really making you feel the emotion involved in the plot. If you’re a realistic fiction fan but like a hint of mystery, give this one a try!

Book Review

The Only Girl in Town

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The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A quick read with short chapters and an interesting premise, but little character development.

2/5 Stars

Book Summary: July wakes one morning to discover that she is the only person left in her town. The only clue she has to what happened are a series of objects that appear and a message to ‘Get T3em Back.’ Having time to reflect on her friends, family and past relationship she begins to work out how to make things right.

My Analysis: I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it just didn’t do it for me. I thought from the description that it was going to be more of a dystopian novel, but it really wasn’t. The past and present alternating chapters were a good way to help unravel Julys emotions and actions. I wish however that I had learned more about the secondary characters in addition to July. The chapters were also incredibly short, some only a paragraph long. I think that is honestly what pushed me through the story. Without giving away any spoilers, I also wasn’t thrilled with how things played out at the end. Overall I think there just needed to be more depth of characters and plot line.

Book Review

Suddenly a Murder

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Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Munoz

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A quick read with an unlikely scenario, but an intriguing locked-room murder mystery.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Celebrating their High School graduation, a group of friends stay at Ashwood Manor for a week long 1920s themed getaway. Kassidy has planned everything from the outfits to the menu to the lack of technology to immerse everyone in the experience. Everything seems to be going well, until Kassidys boyfriend Blaine is murdered. With all of the party guests suddenly suspects, drama and secrets unfurl.

My Analysis: This was a quick read, and overall a pretty decent murder mystery. I enjoy a locked-room mystery and the author did a good job at making everyone suspicious. There is a past and present format to the book as well, and the past glimpses really dive into potential motivations for each character. It did alternate between being written in third person for the past chapters and first person for present, so something to be aware of. I do think that the plot of this group of rich teens being able to rent out this old manor and spend tons of money on all the 1920s details seemed to be a bit far fetched, but it worked enough to set the scene. I can definitely see a younger audience being drawn to the getaway concept. If you enjoy a murder mystery, give this one a go!