Tag: 2023

Book Review

Tag, You’re Dead

TheShelfLife

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

TheShelfLife

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.

Book Review

A Curse for True Love

TheShelfLife

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

And Don’t Look Back

TheShelfLife

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

TheShelfLife

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

TheShelfLife

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

After You Vanished

TheShelfLife

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

TheShelfLife

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

TheShelfLife

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!

Book Review

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

TheShelfLife

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A cute companion novel that shares a story of drama, love, friendship and finding yourself against all odds.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Flora has always been known as a ‘hurricane’ in her family, having trouble managing her emotions. When her mother passes after a long term illness, Flora leaves her home in England to try and find herself in Miami. Along her journey she meets new people and connects even deeper with some people she has known all her life. In doing so, Flora attempts to repair her heart and determine her place and future.

My Analysis: This is a companion novel to A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow (which I LOVED), but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Overall it’s an enjoyable read for fans of romance and coming of age tales. The standout thing that I disliked about this one however was the main protagonist. Flora drove me a little crazy and it was honestly hard to want to root for her when she was just kind of a horrible person to everyone around her. I get that part of it was to show her growth etc, but that made it tougher for me to get into fully. The secondary characters though were brilliant. I loved every single one of them and they were what carried me through more so than Flora. I also liked that this was a bit of a flip from Cuban Girl’s Guide and the reader is able to see the British girl in a Miami setting this time. A cute realistic fiction with some drama and romance.