House of Gardenias by Isabel Canas

Posted on by lynndellwatson

History and folklore intertwine in this YA gothic fiction book!

When Minerva’s brothers left her behind with their abusive father and hateful stepmother, Minerva knows she has to save herself. She finds a job with a rich older woman, Senora Encarcion, who grumbles about the president and current politics. After the president is killed in the rebellion, Minerva and her employer move to a manor called the House of Gardenias. Minerva doesn’t feel safe though. She feels something ominous around her and knows in her heart that something dark has happened in this huge house. After she sees a dark figure take the life from Senora, Minerva is terrified.

Likes/dislikes: The prose flows beautifully through its descriptions of the background of Minerva’s daily life. Senora Encarnacion imparts wisdom on Minerva with patience and kindness to help her become stronger and smarter in the ways of life. Ygnacio’s story intrigued me and I enjoyed reading about his background. Told in two points of view by Minerva and Ygnacio. I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere the author created.
Language: R for 14 swears and 8 f-words.
Mature content: PG for off page trysts.
Violence: PG-13 for bloody deaths.
Ethnicity: Minerva has brown skin. The viceroy and the rich family Minerva works for have pale skin.

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter

Posted on by lynndellwatson

Cute fall YA romance!

Julia Lowell, brand new resident of New York meets lifetime resident, Damion Rutledge, and it’s loathe at first sight. Damion believes that the Lowell family swindled his great uncle Remington out of his home. The Lowell family can’t believe that their elderly friend Lou left them his house in his will. There’s confusion and mixed emotions all around as Julia and Damion sort out what’s happening with the house situation. On top of that, Julia is mercilessly bullied by rich teens at her school, since she’s obviously an outsider. Damion ends up tutoring Julia to get her math scores up and he uses that excuse to dig deeper into how the Lowell’s ended up with Uncle Remi’s house. Julia is unsure of Damion because sometimes he’s rude but other times, he sticks up for her when she’s being taunted and she has no idea if he can be trusted.

Likes/dislikes: I love the line from page 136, talking about reading, “Because there was just something about getting lost in another experience, in forgetting all about your life while riding along on someone else’s journey, that was the sweetest escape.” Also, this statement from Damion on page 163, “When it comes to film and books and the arts in general, you’re rewarded when they make you feel…” This is such a fun book! I love the descriptions of New York and Julia’s hometown in Nebraska, as seen through the eyes of the two main characters, Damion and Julia.

Language: R for 300 swears and 60 f-words.
Mature Content: PG-13 for teens drinking and smoking cigars, passionate kissing.
Violence: PG for fighting and bullying.
Ethnicity: falls to white.

Blightfall by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson

Posted on by lynndellwatson

New sci-fi set in Skyward world!

Arturo is building a flight crew for a covert mission to Blightfall. He and his crew have been assigned to explore this planet and guard diplomats as they try to reach settlements and make contact. Before they land, the crew is attacked and some perish. Those left are terrified that they might never find cooperation or be able to return home. When they do land they discover that the planet is as inhospitable as their welcome was.

Likes/dislikes: I like the wise quote on page 273, “If one is offended by questions, one might be revealing the weakness in one’s own rhetorical position.” The awkwardness between Arturo and Alanik is adorable! They like each other but are unsure if the other one likes them. Cute humor throughout the book. Fun sci-fi adventure with a bit of a mystery.

Language: PG-13 for 16 swears and no f-words.
Mature Content: PG for hand holding and chaste kiss.
Violence: PG for spaceships being shot down and people dying. Alien shot down, bloody injury.
Ethnicity: Crew member Nedd has pale skin. Admiral Jorgen has dark skin. Siblings Gilaf and Alanik have purple skin. FM has fair skin.

The Killing Rules by Bree Despain

Posted on by lynndellwatson

Twisty! A perfect October read!

Harper enjoys most parts of her life. She’s a cheerleader and has good friends but she suffers from the Blood Bound curse which changes her, every three months, into a killing monster. Harper uses this curse to rid the world of evil, harmful people but she hates that she ends people’s lives and struggles with constant guilt. Harper really likes Grayson and the feeling is mutual but her Nana insists she stay away from him, as part of the set of rules to keep Harper safe from hunters and to keep her curse a secret. Grayson’s father was Harper’s first victim but his death is a mystery to Grayson. He’s actively investigating his father’s death and he keeps getting closer and closer to the truth.

Likes/dislikes: I enjoyed the humor, mystery, and character development! Harper’s internal struggle gave her character depth and maturity. The twists were great and the story kept me hooked!
Language: R for 123 swears, no f-words.
Mature Content: PG for passionate kiss.
Violence: PG-13 for bloody deaths and child abuse.
Ethnicity: Mixed.