Okay, okay, hear me out: this series is SO fun. Crave was entertaining, dishy, angsty and full of so many delightfully nostalgic YA tropes. That's exactly what I needed in 2020, in case you hadn't noticed--so don't you dare rain on my parade. No, but, seriously. If you rain on my parade I may whack you upside the head with an umbrella and that would be REALLY embarrassing for you.
Like, imagine having to go to the hospital with a concussion and then explain how you received it. No one, and I do mean no one, wants to go to the ER and be like, hey, yeah, so I insulted this YA series and some absolutely wild chick hit me with an umbrella. I mean--actually, no, I will stop myself from babbling about non-existent scenarios and get back to the review.
For now.
Look, the point is, Tracy Wolff has me in some sort of trance over this series and it's got me up in my classic YA days feelings. So much of Crave reminds me of THAT era in YA where books like Twilight, House of Night and Vampire Academy dominated the shelves. There's this addictive quality to it that feels both new and familiar and it's just fun.
In so many ways Crush furthers that feeling for me whilst simultaneously distancing itself from what we thought we knew/what we'd come to expect with the series groundwork that was laid in Crave. And when I say that everything has changed, I do mean pretty much everything. Wolff does an excellent job of turning all these classic tropes on their heads and often says 'PSYCH' without actually saying, er, psych.
(Although, sometimes, I did find myself a little like, "Wait, what?" over some plot-twists.)
While Crush is entangled (ha-ha, see what I did there? I'll show myself out) with the same tropes and unexpectedness of Crave, it also holds a lot of unexpectedness on its own. We get a lot more mythology and worldbuilding while tapping into a new set of emotions, connection, danger, and more. It feels a lot like a reset button on so many things.
If there's one thing to say about Crush, it's this: it keeps you on your toes. It makes it feel like the pages keep turning, turning, turning, without even realizing that--suddenly--you've read nearly 700 pages. Because that's Tracy Wolff's superpower, she is a pro at compelling her audience and keeping them in place for hours at a time.
In short? I really, genuinely, enjoyed Crush. It was exactly the type of read I needed and I'm more than ready for Covet. Especially after THAT ending. (I'm flailing. Literally. I need the next book. Now, Tracy.) ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchaBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Nina LaCour is truly one of my favourite authors of all time. With every novel, the more she solidifies her place as such. Watch Over Me is the perfect example of that--and one of her best, most unforgettable releases to date. Due to how enchanting and intriguing it is, it is safe to say this book is unlike anything I've read this year.
Watch Over Me takes on a life of its own as we get lost in its lyrical prose. LaCour takes readers on an emotionally complex journey of confronting our pasts and the many things that haunt us. It embraces readers with its tone and keeps us firmly in place. As always, her writing comes across as honest and charismatic in a way that establishes intimacy between the story and its readers.
This is exactly the kind of ghost story readers should be reaching for. At its best moments, Watch Over Me is achingly poignant and emotional. LaCour takes us on a journey that proves to be impossible to put down.
Although the novel itself is incredibly short, there's no shortage of impactful moments that prove to be both memorable and easy to connect with. Watch Over Me is full of the ghostly complexities that is life, urging us to confront the past as it was so we can find our futures.
LaCour takes us to new heights and moves us with this story of grief, found-families, and ultimately leaves us with a sense of hope. Watch Over Me is truly a standout in her backlist. ...more
Raybearer is hands down one of my favourite fantasy releases of 2020. The thing about this year is that it has been one mess after another, but so many good books have been released. Jordan Ifueko grips readers with the immensely enchanting and intriguing Raybearer. It's the perfect introduction to a series that is sure to become beloved.
The heart and soul of Raybearer lay in many things. Ifueko's writing is hypnotic and atmospheric, making the story impossible to put down and even more impossible to forget. The characters, and their relationships of all varieties, give that added boost of warmth to the narration. Mix all of this into the already compulsively readable prose and intriguing plotlines, Raybearer is basically the perfect combination of storytelling tropes and archetypes.
Vibrant, mysterious, magical and full of one of my favourite new found-families, Raybearer takes the familiar fantasy elements and molds them into something new. Reading this book was unlike anything I've experienced this year.
Not only is Raybearer full of magic and darkly woven mysteries--and fate--it has a great deal of heart pulsing in every word. There's a very specific sense of power that shines brightly throughout Raybearer; keeping the pages turning without much work on our part at all. Ifueko is truly one of the greats in terms of modern storyteller's and it's striking.
As the story progresses, and Tarisai's fate comes into play, I could feel my heart wanting to beat straight from its chest. At the end of the day, Raybearer was a fantastic and highly enthralling fantasy that kept me on the edge of my seat. In-fact, I'm still on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the sequel--which I need IMMEDIATELY. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchanBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Breath Like Water had a lot going for it from the jump. From its dreamy cover, to it poignant premise and beyond, I had a feeling that this book would be something special. Anna Jarzab certainly made her mark on me with this one and something in that has been impossible to shake. Breath Like Water is every bit as moving, thought-provoking, honest and heartfelt as reader's could hope.
Jarzab paints a beautiful portrait of the lives of her main characters and their struggles. As you read it, you cannot help but to feel as though you are reading something truly special and intimate. These are the types of characters that feel like friends rather than fictional characters. And there are several things reader's must know about these characters and their importance:
1. There were times where you'll want to cry with or for hem. Whether that be because you want to protect the characters from intrusive thoughts and other struggles, or merely you are frustrated on their behalf, this will come. 2. Just as easily, there are times that cheering for them in their triumphs feel essential. 3. THEY ARE JUST SO LOVABLE AND COMPLEX.
Breath Like Water is at its best when it comes the honest portrayal of mental health. When they are in the midst of these moments, you can literally feel the tension pulsing off the page and into your veins. Yes, it's that good. That's Jarzab's writing in a nutshell: you feel what the characters feel.
Admittedly, there was a part of me was more than a little concerned that Breath Like Water would rely heavily on the competitiveness and desire of swim, or come across super sporty, but it didn't. Breath Like Water has nods to the water, but the real heart of this story--and these characters--depend on their growth, relationships, family and more.
Ultimately, this makes the story much bigger than I expected. If you're looking for a coming of age story that is as moving and emotional as it is angsty and romantic, then Breath Like Water should be at the top of your list. It's that good. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchanBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
There's one thing I know about Robin Talley: she represents WLW relationships in a way that feels real. She also provides some of the best representation that the young adult literary community is desperately lacking. And she does so beautifully, believably, and with her whole heart.
Honestly, there's something that makes me want to swoon about this book. Straight up swoon out of my chair and just lay around for a while. Talley is that great of a writer. She compels you instantly. She grips you and her prose doesn't leave you for quite some time. She has that spark.
To put it bluntly: Music From Another World is proof that Robin Talley needs to be praised far more than I hear. Because, holy crap, I adored this book. Aside from the obvious facts (representation and the era in which it takes place) there was a lot to be admired within Music From Another World. It tackles many issues and topics that were relevant then, and still relevant now.
Not only does it tackle these serious issues and handle them with a sensitivity that doesn't feel like a cheesy, badly written after-school-special, it will give readers the warm and fuzzies. It goes without saying that it takes a particular special ability, a gift, to write stories that balance both honesty (harsh realities, check) but still gives you hope and feels soft/safe. Robin Talley is a pro at this.
If you love love-stories that give you a buzz of electricity, set with backdrops in music and activism, this book is for you. Ultimately, Music From Another World feels like a triumph in young adult fiction. It reaches great heights in terms of honesty, representation, historical settings and so much more. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my participation in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
The fact that so few people are discussing their anticipation for Look is positively criminal. There are many topics tackled and the core message of Look is of great importance. This is such a special book and another to add to the best of lists. Truly, Zan Romanoff created something incredibly relevant, witty, heartfelt and intimate within these pages. Look is one of the most sincere and breath-taking contemporary novels of the year--and deserves all the hype in the world.
(And, yes, as a matter of fact, I will be yelling about Look all year.)
We live in a very peculiar time. With all the opportunities and pros of social media, there are just as many, if not more, cons. Often, how we portray ourselves online doesn't reflect who we are. And, in all the right ways Look portrays what it really means to grow up in the spotlight as a social media influencer.
At its core, Look is a typical coming of age story; updated for our modern life.
Coming of age stories must be realistic to work. They must hold the very soul of the characters who exist within. And Look is, perhaps, one of the most organic one in recent memories. Romanoff is a force to be reckoned with and the way she weaves this tale of growth, love, and honesty. Tackling very serious issues and risks that come with social media influence, the novel's real heart comes directly from its main character and the relationships she forms.
Look takes familiar tropes and develops them into something fresh, lively, and romantic. Undeniably modern and realistic, Look follows up on issues that are very relevant in the modern age. Every page is sparkling and intelligent; Romanoff never takes subtle digs at the way we approach social media and treats her audience with respect.
Further, the conscious effort in exploring teenage life felt entirely real. Not once did I feel as though Look was fiction: these are well rounded and developed characters who act and sound their age. At the end of the day, I can only applaud Romanoff for how she wrote this story--watching Lulu's journey to herself, her budding relationship with Cass, etc.
Look captures uncertainty of youth in the realest way possible. You cannot miss this novel. AT. ALL. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my participation in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
It's no secret that I'm trash for novels that are reminiscent of my early reading years. Namely? Cecily von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl. It's no secret, too, that one of my favourite pieces of classic literature is Anna Karenina. This novel felt as though it were written with me in mind. From the moment I saw it pitched as an Anna Karenina retelling with 'a little bit of Crazy Rich Asians, a little bit of Gossip Girl' I was like, oh, yep, time to pre-order.
I was smitten with Anna K before even having the chance to read it. I was even more smitten with it after reading. All the glitzy glamour, betrayal, rich-kids-behaving-badly, dishy drama I was promised was there and boy did it deliver. Anna K shines bright and entertains you from start to finish. This is very much so a read-in-one-sitting novel.
Anna K is one of those stories that feels electrically familiar, intriguing and new. You don't have to love Anna Karenina to love this spin, but you must come into it expecting the very same dramatics with a twist.
You see the elements of the original story peeking through and there's almost a sort of nostalgic quality to it. Like, if I closed my eyes, I could easily have seen myself devouring this book in high school and discussing it with my friends at lunch. Its author painstakingly embraces the highly indulgent and glamorous quality of both its source material and Gossip Girl.
In truth, Jenny Lee twists this work of classic literature into something new and lively. Added to the mix are sex, drugs, angst and a whole lot of morally gray characters.
While I had expected to, of course, adore Anna K, I didn't think I'd love it quite as much as I do. Lee balances the overall luxury and decadence of the story, but keeps it emotionally charged and buries complexities into the plotline in a way that is refreshing and smart.
Anna K is stylish, intense, fun and beautifully written. It is perfect for fans of Cecily von Ziegesar and Katharine McGee. Get ready for some dishy fun! Oh, yes, I'm more than excited to see where Jenny Lee takes the story next--and just how much it will differ and grow into its own. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Just like that... Ash Princess is over. I'M A PUDDLE OF EMOTIONS. In a rare turn of events, this trilogy ended in a way that left me feeling 100% satisfied. Ember Queen was exactly what I wanted, needed, it to be and the perfect way to blow off some steam in an otherwise crappy week. This whole series has been an enthralling and utterly enchanting surprise. And, fun fact: Ember Queen is its best installment.
Laura Sebastian, I bow down to you. From the complexities of the central story-arches, to the many dynamics, right to the world building and character development, this series is nothing but strong and fiery. Ember Queen is all about reclaiming what is yours and embracing your destiny--and every little moment in it is so, so, so, sparkling. I. AM. OBSESSED.
Something about this fantasy is highly entrancing. It compelled me from the start. In heartbreak and in strength, Ash Princess has truly been a journey--reading this trilogy felt like a breeze and this compelling feeling was just as strong within the pages of Ember Queen. Much like with the rest of the series, readers can prepare themselves for an abundance of emotion; the action, the romance, the heartbreak, the prose, build-up and the resolution.
Theo's adventures, her hardships and her strides, the battles and the love, the hard and easier choices in life, continue to burn brightly in Ember Queen. Again, I'm so in awe over the development of this world, and these characters. Laura Sebastian creates the perfect pacing and balances the plotlines with a suspenseful sort of ease.
Looking back on Ash Princess and Lady Smoke, it's important to note the amount of growth that has come to the trilogy. The way that it all ties together and builds on intensity? *Chefs kiss* Ultimately, Ember Queen solidifies what I've known since finishing Ash Princess: Theo is resilient, completely badass and absolutely one of my favourite fictional characters of all time.
Ember Queen is the novel we've, the fans, been waiting for and it's kind of everything one could want. It left me feeling deeply satisfied and the experience is a little bittersweet because, again, it's like saying goodbye to a good friend. Every page of this story is crafted in such a compelling, entertaining way.
Laura Sebastian is at her finest with Ember Queen, tying up the series with ease. Pair this book with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage. Clear your afternoon--this novel demands your full attention. If you haven't read the Ash Princess trilogy, there is no better time than now to binge read all three books and fall in love with this world. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my participation in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
You Deserve Each Other made me feel many things. To list a few: 1. was the urge to sing out its title in the tune of Wicked. 2. THERE WERE SO MANY TIMES I WANTED TO FLAT OUT YELL AT THE CHARACTERS. 3. The odd moments where I wanted to cuddle the characters and usher in a happy ending. 4. Mostly, I was prone to giggling or grumbling out loud, depending on the scenario.
Which leads me to say: I had a lot of fun with this book. BUT, it certainly won't be for everybody and will rub some readers the wrong way due to the lack of maturity, games and problematic relationship at the center of You Deserve Each Other. If you have no issues with it, or the characters, this novel will be the very definition of fun escapism.
No, really. This is the type of novel that will lead you down a path of conflicting emotions and even more conflicting reactions. You Deserve Each Other tugged just as many smiles and laughs from me as it did cringes and scoffs. It is exactly what a rom-com should be: funny, a little cringy and a whole lot swoon-worthy.
While I didn't always love the characters and the way they handled things, I genuinely felt a fondness for them from the start. Naomi and Nicholas are both a mess. Different kinds of a mess, but the kind of mess you can't really look away from and want desperately for them to sort their shit out.
You Deserve Each Other is quick to flesh the two's relationship out in a way that is frustrating and entertaining. The more bumps we hit, the more we're forced to look at their relationship. And in those moments, they do, too. I liked that these characters were fairly unlikable because it made the story feel all the more real.
If this wasn't fiction, I'd tell them to get out of each other's life ASAP. Still, there's something so witty and warm about the way that the story unfolds. As the bad escalates, they are forced to take a good look at themselves and their relationship. The story is, at its core, about finding a way back to each other and I really felt like this was one of those rare stories that worked really, really well with such problematic tropes.
Sarah Hogle did THAT. (Aka, stole my heart and made me roll my eyes all at once. We stan an icon.) And You Deserve Each Other is one of the most delightfully messy reads I've come across in a long, long time, and I totally adored it. You Deserve Each Other is definite must-read material for fans of Sally Thorne.
If you're looking for a grin-while-reading story, look no further than You Deserve Each Other. Trust me. You deserve a smile. And this book has you covered. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my participation in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Oh, oh, oh! I'M SHOOK. I'm hooked. I'm still completely enamored with this series. I'm floating in space and reaching for the stars. Do you get the idea? Ah! Once & Future's highly anticipated sequel, Sword in the Stars, is nearly here--and ready to take you on an adventure, in these bleak and uncertain times.
My advice to you?
Pick up the Once & Future books while we head full force at our future of temporarily social distancing and potential lockdowns. They are a good source of entertainment. And we could all use a little escapism at this point. That being said: back to the actual review of Sword in the Stars!
I was somehow both hesitant and excited about Sword in the Stars because I loved Once & Future so very much and sometimes, sometimes, sequels lack the same essence of their predecessor. Fortunately readers will be treated to a similar form of entertainment and exhilaration within the pages of Sword in the Stars.
While, at times, the writing felt drastically different than what we saw in Once & Future, the sequel still had an abundance of thrills, laughter, familiarity, newness and that purely addictive quality we'd come to expect. As always, Capetta and McCarthy weave a delectable and dive story together in little to no time--captivating their audience and leading them on an adventure of a lifetime; proving to us that they are truly a dynamic duo.
Sword in the Stars is an action-packed, humorous, diverse, time-hopping take on a classic tale. Much like its predecessor, this story remains on the path of taking what is familiar and turning it into a new tale. Full of intensity, uniqueness, and fast paced plotlines, this novel is a true adventure and a highly engaging ending to a dazzling duology.
Much like with Once & Future, Sword in the Stars is impossible to put down and is the very definition of one-sitting-read. With representation (!) for days and a delightful spin on the Arthurian Legend, you can't go wrong. You should be reading this duology. Like, now. Capetta and McCarthy are doing what so many other's should be doing--and I'm forever here for it. ...more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchanBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Going into Grown-Up Pose blindly and optimistic was the best decision I could have made when reading it. This is such a special, sweet, read that brightened up my day. For a moment, I was mostly in it for the cover design and how shallow I am when it comes down to illustrated covers. Yet, within only a few pages, Sonya Lalli had me hooked and completely engrossed in Grown-Up Pose. This is definitely a book that is more than just another beautiful cover.
At this stage in my life--well enough into adulthood, yet not quite feeling as such--books like Grown-Up Pose really hit the right marks for me. Right time, right book. Coming of age stories can be hit or miss sometimes, and they come in all genres and ages. Most of the time, I lack a personal connection with them. Lately, though, more and more voices have been presenting themselves in fiction that feel organic and true to life--this is one of those voices.
Grown-Up Pose is a refreshing sort of story in its diversity, honesty and optimism. Lalli never fails to tug a smile upon my lips and the pacing of Grown-Up Pose is quick and sharp. Stories that feature flawed characters coming into their own, changing their life and taking newfound risks are always a soft spot for me.
The characters are wonderful; realistic in their flaws, errors, and what not. Sometimes you want to shake some sense into them, other times you want to high five them. Lalli writes Grown-Up Pose in a way that feels nearly fluffy, but not quite cheesy. The story itself gave me many warm and fuzzies. I found myself rooting for our leading lady, Anu.
Ultimately, there's so much goodness in Grown-Up Pose. Easy to read, intelligent and charming, this upbeat story keeps the pages turning. Grown-Up Pose is all about starting over, discovering who you were always meant to be, and growing up....more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
What a beautiful, thought-provoking, poignant, wise debut novel. I'm truly in awe. Part of me is still adjusting to life after reading this beautiful book. The Lucky Ones was everything I wanted it to be and more. It is perfect for fans of Hate List and Underwater. Without a doubt, it won't be for every reader. It still feels like something truly special and I cannot shake the way it has made me feel.
The odds were definitely in Liz Lawson's favor the moment I read The Lucky Ones synopsis. This is exactly the type of book I love reading. My heart both ached and soared throughout the course of The Lucky Ones. Mostly, Lawson crafts a believable story about the aftermath of school shootings and the grief that is often left in the place of young lives.
School shootings are one of the toughest things to tackle in fiction. Because they are so prominent in life, and the lack of gun control in the states is not improving--there is so much tension in what needs to be done and what could be said. The Lucky Ones shows us the story of what happens after tragedy, and begs us to remember that something needs to be done.
Lawson tackles difficult topics with grace and portrays the aftermath of tragedy in a way that is true to life and fully believable. Readers will easily see themselves sprinkled within the personalities and development of the characters featured in The Lucky Ones. Nothing about this story feels cheesy or overdrawn out--it feels sharp and in focus.
The Lucky Ones is about more than a tragedy--it is about life. The center is emotionally charged and focuses fully on those left behind. This makes the story a difficult one to pull through because it is an absolute honest portrayal of life. Lawson's prose reads like all YA contemporaries should--easily, full of emotion,and real.
You want to scoop up characters like Maya, who lost SO much in so little time and is processing her grief in varied self-destructive ways. Meanwhile, another student, Zach, is left behind in isolation due to his mother's association with the case against the school shooter. I'm highly impressed with how Lawson crafted this particular cast of characters--how each of them fit a specific archetype of grief and how it affects people.
Ultimately, I found The Lucky Ones to be a highly valuable novel that will surely capture an audience. I've said it before and I'll say it again: books like these are so important....more
“I can see something in his eyes. Something powerful and terrible and all-consumBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
“I can see something in his eyes. Something powerful and terrible and all-consuming.”
Okay, okay, hear me out: I'm nostalgic. I've been indoors for far too long. I'm bored. I need something that is high on escapism. I haven't seen any of my friends or family since, uh, March, like most. And Crave came out at just the right time because it was a thoroughly entertaining, sometimes cringy, and wholly nostalgia-infused read. The key to enjoying Crave is simple: never take it seriously.
Is it basically Twilight, take 365, now featuring more dragons? Yes. Have we seen this story in about a dozen similar settings, outside of Twilight? Uh-huh. Is that what makes it SO fun? Yes. Will this be for everyone? No. Absolutely not. Do I care? Double up on that no, kiddos.
Admittedly, if not for quarantine and restlessness, and a need for literally any bright spot, I'd probably have given Crave a low, low, low rating, ala Fallen or even A Discovery of Witches. My determining factor for the high rating is simple: I had so much fun reading this and, after reading other's reviews, I felt a little spiteful. (Do you guys know how to have fun? Just kidding.)
Crave is by no-means the next best story, but it serves its purpose beautifully. Not only did Tracy Wolff have me flipping through the pages in the most addictive manner, I devoured Crave in one sitting and am feeling a bit greedy over its upcoming sequel. Growing up in the vamp-craze that came after Twilight, there's something about books like Crave that will either get under my skin in the worst way or captivate me entirely. In the case of Crave, I think my enjoyment of it was equal parts my mood and Wolff's Twilight meets Vampire Academy meets House of Night fueled prose.
It felt like the first time I could breathe easily in weeks. Instead of worrying about the pandemic, I was reading something that was both new and familiar. Add in my already nostalgic nature, and a few glasses of wine, and boom, this was the most fun I'd had all quarantine.
Ultimately, Crave has something charming and cringy to it that makes for a fun time. Tracy Wolff's writing veers into insta-love, but then zeroes in on some serious emotion from time to time in a way that is enthralling and completely entertaining. Say what you will about Crave and its tropes--I had a blast with this one....more
Kacen Callender strikes emotional gold once more with the vibrant coming of age geBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
Kacen Callender strikes emotional gold once more with the vibrant coming of age gem that is Felix Ever After. Callender never fails to aim straight for our hearts, making sure we feel every pulse of life in the characters and stories they tell. Felix Ever After is their best work yet; heartfelt and poignant, warm and fuzzy but still utterly honest, in its exploration of youth. Not only is it Callender's best work to date, it is amongst the year's most shining releases.
To set the tone: Felix Ever After is every bit of representation readers have been seeking for years. Within moments of cracking open its pages, you are hit with this rush of emotions that all but scream, "AT LAST" right into your ears. Reading it feels like a jolt of electricity straight to your heart due--something that has been long overdo in the YA world.
Beautifully written, heartbreaking and heart-warming, Felix Ever After is everything readers want--and need--from stories of coming of age. The first thing you should know about Felix Ever After is that it is one of the most realistic and diverse books I've read in a long time. It is the type of book that, once you finish, you find it hard to turn to that last page because finishing it feels a lot like saying goodbye to your dearest friends.
(And believe me when I say this: Felix feels like one of my dearest friends, now.)
Felix Ever After shines brightly in so many ways. From its flawed and beautifully developed characters to the central romance(s) and friendships, there's never a slow moment in Callender's magnificent story. I won't soon forget this story--and neither will the many readers who'll find a home within its pages. This is essential reading for 2020.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchangeBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Edit: October 20th, 2020 YES I ALREADY REREAD THIS NO I DO NOT CARE.
Remember last year when I was busy having a series of meltdowns over rom-com's such as Well Met, Red White and Royal Blue, and The Unhoneymooners? Well, I think they've met their match: Written in the Stars was absolutely EVERYTHING I needed in a romantic comedy and then some. Part of me wants to stand up on my desk and sing about it, but I'm pretty sure that would terrify my dogs a bit more than usual.
Regardless, Written in the Stars has been my biggest source of warm and fuzzies in a long time. I am honestly grinning about it here and now. Sure, other novels have given me comfort, but something about this one blew them all out of the water. It genuinely set the standard for how I want all rom-coms to follow for the rest of the year.
Was it the humor? The undeniable angsty chemistry? How easy it was to slip into, and connect with, each of these characters? The swoon-worthy, sizzling romance? Or maybe the use of nearly all my favourite tropes? Or! How about Alexandria Bellefleur's sweet and intrigue prose?
Honestly, I couldn't tell you, but so much of this novel felt like an embrace that I didn't know I needed until I stepped into it. When it comes to romantic comedies, there has to be a balance that sets readers up to fall and yet still be caught. Written in the Stars does this almost instantly; gripping readers with a steady beginning, slowing burning into something more, and then shining brightly in our minds.
From the moment we meet Elle and Darcy, and see their connection as it hits a few bumps, you can't help but to be hooked. You can't help but to be smitten. Of all the romantic comedies that have been released this year, this one is by far the best--because of its instantaneous balancing act. Written in the Stars is brand new, but still has that familiarity of a classic rom-com. It's the kind of WLW novel I finished and said, "Finally."
Because... finally.
Ultimately, Written in the Stars was everything a good rom-com should be. Well-written, full of great characters and steamy romance, and utterly charming. When I say I can't stop smiling, I mean it. A definite favourite of the year--and soon to be, of all time. Catch me, I'm swooning....more
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchanBlog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Another day, another beautifully written coming of age story to make you grin. By the Book is truly a gift and so, so, so wonderful to get lost in. Although it is uniquely its own story, the warm and fuzzies that come from its pages and rush into your fingertips feel almost nostalgic. By the time this novel was over, my heart felt exactly as it once did in the moments I'd read some of my favourite contemporary young adult books.
Which makes By the Book something utterly, beautifully, special. Not only does it have this hum of electricity throughout, it has realistic characters to get you through the days. By the Book follows a fairly familiar formula, but never falls into the trap that some of its counterparts might. For so many readers, this will be one of those books where they see a lot of themselves in the characters--namely, Mary, our leading lady and fellow book lover.
By the Book will surely speak to readers of all ages. Whether they are directly in the same age range, or nostalgically looking back on yesterdays. There's something (ahem) about Mary, and in turn, there is something about By the Book that feels wholly compelling.
There are so many wonderful things to note about By the Book, and to avoid spoilers I'm going to try and sum it up simply. The most important thing about this book is the standard driving force of all coming of age novels: finding oneself after a massive change. By the Book is at its strongest when it doesn't water down the struggles of girlhood and that includes the many unfortunate bumps that Mary endures at times.
Its bright-spots come in two separate bonds: a friendship, a family and a romance.
I adored the aspects of new friendships that came with By the Book and was constantly rooting for it. It also was fast to devote the same amount of attention to family, too. Novels that showcase the importance of having real, true, friends are always a massive love of mine, as you all know. Double points for the one's that share the stage with character growth, family dynamics and romance; you've got the perfect combination.
Another massive plus: there a hefty amount of cheeky banter between Mary and her love interest, there is a whole lot of heart there. It is the kind of relationship that blossoms in a way that tugs a smile and feels real.
Overall, By the Book is a super fun and sweet novel. If you love contemporary romances with great characters, fun relationships and the like, then this is a must-read for you....more