Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Museyon for the opportunity to read and review You Belong to Me by Mamoru Suzuki! This beautiful picture book comprised of simple yet elegant illustrations creates a safe and comfortable feeling, which this book is trying to portray. The illustrations are colored sketches that feel natural and bring a relaxed atmosphere to the story. I rate You Belong to Me 4 stars for a book that makes you feel loved!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the opportunity to read and review Spindle by E.K. Johnston! Spindle is book two of the series, A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston, but it can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is told in a young man’s point of view, Yaasha. His mother is ill and wants him to leave her and travel onward. Yaasha travels with a few of his close acquaintances. He rescues Little Rose from a tower that she was locked in. The group tries to keep their freedom but are eventually captured. They grow very close and create strong bonds of friendship. The tone is dark and the evil Storyteller Queen is a demon who wants to destroy Little Rose; 4 stars for this fairy tale fantasy containing suspense, loyalty and the bonds of friendship!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Keymaster Press for the opportunity to read and review The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova! This steampunk science fiction story begins in the middle of a mission. The mysterious White Wraith, Arianna, is a renowned thief and organ trader. She becomes drawn into helping a dragon, Cvareh, reach the Alchemists of Loom and the rebellion against the king that resides there. Along their way, they meet with old acquaintances, family members, help prisoner allies escape and surprise each other with the friendship and trust that grows between the two of them. Once they reach Loom, their eyes are opened to secrets and the resistance to the king that is actually occurring. The story ends on an intriguing cliff hanger. I rate this book 4 stars for the beautiful prose and intelligent and concise world building!
I have finally gotten around to reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This book is monumental and legendary in how it faces life head on. The story contains everything from adolescence that defines us – teen angst, popularity or lack thereof, family struggles, dysfunctional families and the relationships that we form during this impressionable time that will help shape our futures. Empowering and overwhelming, this contemporary classic bears its soul for the world to see, learn from and to grow with- 5 stars!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read and review The Runaway by Kate O’Hearn, the second book in the Valkyrie series based on Norse mythology. Freya, Archie and Maya are still being punished for leaving Asgard and, while the challenge games are taking place, they are only allowed to watch one each day. But then Odin sends them on a mission back to earth and Freya learns much about her family and their secrets. The adventure and action are nonstop in this sequel and the intertwined characters make it even more interesting! I rate this book 5 stars for a fun, clean fantasy read!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to read and review A Daughter’s Deadly Deception: The Jennifer Pan Story by Jeremy Grimaldi. Immediately gripping, the story begins with the intrusion into the Pan home and the shootings that occurred soon after. The story that unfolds shows the cunning that Jennifer had to deceive her parents about her entire life. A large portion of the book takes the reader through the investigative process and the interviews of people who might have information to the people who are suspected of being an assailant. The lives of those affected by this deception and violence are explained with diplomacy and empathy for what the family members have gone through and what they have to deal with. In the author’s note, more tragedy for the extended family is described with heartbreak. I rate this nonfiction crime book 4 stars!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Distant Horizon by Stephanie and Isaac Flint. Distant Horizon is a science fiction dystopian story with the twist of elemental powers, such as speed, electricity, persuasion and plant manipulation. The community has been told that they need to take a pill daily to prevent a plague that causes delusions of grandeur and volatile tendencies. If you are found to not be taking your daily dose, you will be sent away to reform. The community is hiding a horrific secret and Jenna and her friends get neck deep into the danger. Interesting characters that you can’t be sure are trustworthy or not and the clever problematic society and conspiracy theory angle bring intrigue and suspense to the story – 4 stars!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels! A mystery is surrounding a set of twins. The story begins with their injuries and the brother sacrificing his life to save his twin sister so she can heal and live. This fantastically written story uses beautiful prose to bring “a pocket realm” alive in a forest full of mysterious creatures and their unknown tales. The twins have lived a tragic life and they just want happiness and what’s best for each other and they will sacrifice everything to help the other twin. This heartbreaking, enchanting tale of what it truly means to be family and share unconditional love brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I give this book 5 stars for dynamic characters and a beautiful setting!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 139 Patterns for Customized Edgings by Edie Eckman! Detailed instructions and close up photos describe the different borders well. Definitely for intermediate and above crocheters! This helpful book even includes the different ways to crochet around fleece or other materials and the tools available – a skip blade rotary cutter to cut holes in the fabric or a sharp ended crochet hook specially designed to poke the holes before crocheting. Easy to follow instructions and a photo accompany each direction and make this book a must for creative crocheters. A huge variety of border patterns with accompanying photos and illustrations of each pattern and complete, thorough directions. The appendix has a stitch key, reading crochet symbols key and a photo index of the crochet patterns contained in this book – 5 stars for a comprehensive instructional text!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman, book two in The Invisible Library series. Irene and Kai are still working together as senior and junior librarian. This book gives more background information on the characters, which is helpful in understanding them and the story. Kai is kidnapped and Irene spends her time trying to find and rescue him. Detective Vale helps Irene in this endeavor. One of my favorite lines in the book describes a prisoner so ominous that Irene knew she could not free it because even the fae were afraid of the creature; “…so letting them out might be the sort of really bad idea that finished with a scream and a crunch.” This statement made me laugh and cringe at the same time. The “language” librarians use helps with the rescue of Kai. In fact, Irene and Vale couldn’t have saved Kai without it. I enjoyed the sections “Irene’s Top Five Book Heists” and “Legends of the Library” at the end of the book. These sections were both charming, entertaining and enlightening. The author interview, after these two sections, was insightful into the author’s mind and creativity, as well as the library background for this series. I rate this book 4 stars for an enjoyable, clean read!
The Thought Spot 