I was so excited to get an audio copy of Jenni Howell's BOYS WITH SHARP TEETH just from the cover alone. That being said, THIS BOOKS IS NOT L3.5 stars
I was so excited to get an audio copy of Jenni Howell's BOYS WITH SHARP TEETH just from the cover alone. That being said, THIS BOOKS IS NOT LGBTQ+. I am not sure if the publisher is trying to push this narrative, but it's very disappointing to see that this book was not queer (the cover says otherwise). Marin James has always lived in the shadow of Huntsworth Academy. When her cousin’s body is found on campus, she’s convinced Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu are to blame. Disguised as a student, she infiltrates the school seeking justice. But as she’s drawn to the boys and their secrets, the lines between truth and illusion begin to blur.
Marin uncovers a dark, otherworldly secret within Huntsworth’s gates, and reality begins to blur. To enjoy this book, you have to suspend disbelief—something I expect with YA, which is why I rarely read it. IYKYK. I won't go into too many details, but the ability for Marin getting into the Academy gave Legally Blonde ridiculousness. Despite these flaws, the writing was haunting and mysterious, creating an atmospheric and suspense-driven storyline. Though the ending had believability issues that were continued throughout the story, I still enjoyed it wrapping up the way it did. As mentioned above, I don't normally read YA, so I am unsure if I'd dive into this author's works again, but I think Jenni Howell would slay writing adult fiction! ...more
Ryan La Sala's newest YA queer novel, THE HONEYS, is the best YA book of the year. I said what I said. It may even be the best YA novel I ever read (tRyan La Sala's newest YA queer novel, THE HONEYS, is the best YA book of the year. I said what I said. It may even be the best YA novel I ever read (take that Karen McManus!). This book dives into some serious topics under the guise of a summer camp horror novel.
The story focuses on Marshall Mattias (Mars) and his life after the death of his sister Caroline. His wealthy and politically-connected family decides to send Mars to the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy in his sister's absence. This summer camp was Caroline's life and Mars wants to go out of respect for her and find out if he could find out more about her death.
When Mars arrives to Aspen, he finds that the gender roles at this camp do not fit with his genderfluidity is not-so-subtly unacceptable by Aspen's standards. Include bullying and toxic masculinity, Aspen is not the environment that is healthy for Mars. That is, until he finds the group of girls who his sister befriended, aptly named "The Honeys." The Honeys got their nickname because they maintain the beehives behind their cabin and are beautiful and confident, intimidating and selective with who they associate with. Mars decides to befriend this intriguing and mysterious group in hopes it will give him answers about his sister. However, the longer Mars stays at Aspen, the more he realizes that this prestigious summer camp has a lot of secrets that they will protect from people uncovering at any cost.
This book is amazing. CHEF'S KISS AMAZING. I loved Mars and I loved the unexpected romance in this book. I loveeeeeed the twists that I didn't see coming. I loved the way Ryan La Sala handled the themes of gender, sexuality, and bullying and using the book as a metaphor behind these topics. I couldn't put this down and alternated between audiobook and the physical copy. Both the physical copy and audiobook are amazing and I highly recommend choosing either. This book will be my go-to recommendation for teachers (in fact, I messaged a friend who is a high school teacher that she needs this book in their school library ASAP) as it touches so many important topics for teens. I wish I had this book in high school, I probably could have handled the bullying that much better. Ryan La Sala is going to help save lives with this book and no, I'm not being dramatic by saying that. Bullying is a core struggle of the queer community and this book is so unapologetic. If you know someone who is struggling with bullying, get them this book. I will never forget THE HONEYS....more
I'm still a bit confused on what I actually read. To say Kiersten White's upcoming horror novel Hide is at the top of my anticipated TBR list is aI'm still a bit confused on what I actually read. To say Kiersten White's upcoming horror novel Hide is at the top of my anticipated TBR list is an understatement. I've been wanting to read this book F O R E V E R. The story has Hunger Games and Fantasticland vibes, but this book is so much more. When Mack finds out that there's a challenge at an amusement park that involves hide and seek, with a prize money for the winner that could change her life, she knows it's the opportunity of a lifetime. Mack can stop spending her time in shelters and finally be able to live the life she's always dreamed to have. With fourteen contestants, the competition is tough and they all want to win. As the competition starts to slowly disappear each day, Mack realizes that this competition isn't what she signed up for—it's much more menacing than she ever expected.
Go into this book with little background because the book is short and you don't want to ruin the narrative. At 250-something pages, this book holds a lot together in a short amount of time. At times, the book kind of deviates from the main plot and I still got young adult vibes from this author's adult fiction debut, but I really enjoyed what I read. It's a speculative supernatural horror, so if you enjoyed The Cabin at the End of the World, this book is up your alley! While not perfect, Hide is definitely one of my favorite horror stories that I've read in awhile. I can't wait to read whatever Kiersten White has up her sleeves next. ...more
GOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gayGOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gay sixteen year olds—all taking a summer to explore opportunities for their future—while also coming to terms with who they are. I don’t normally read YA books, but when I do, they are usually this genre. I definitely think Golden Boys should be a book in high school libraries and on their summer reading lists—it’s safe and not explicit so educators and parents can relax, while it also doesn’t pretend that sex doesn’t exist. Books like Golden Boys would’ve been so important for me to read as a kid—I wish we had them in my library growing up. This book would be perfect for any teenager, especially one who doesn’t identify as straight. ...more
2021 Dennis has promised himself that he won't negatively bash unfavorable reviews for books, so if you enjoy magical / paranormal stories in the youn2021 Dennis has promised himself that he won't negatively bash unfavorable reviews for books, so if you enjoy magical / paranormal stories in the young adult genre, definitely consider picking up The Dead and the Dark. Sadly, this one didn't work out so much for me and tended to spiral in aspects that just lost my interest. ...more
HUSBAND MATERIAL was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. If you know anything about me, you'd know that Alexis Hall's previous installment, BOYHUSBAND MATERIAL was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. If you know anything about me, you'd know that Alexis Hall's previous installment, BOYFRIEND MATERIAL, was one of my favorite books for 2020. I rarely read romcoms, but Luc and Oliver stole my heart and I knew that I wasn't ready to give up on their story. HUSBAND MATERIAL takes place in (I think) roughly two years after its predecessor and Luc and Oliver's relationship has never been stronger. With everyone in Luc's life getting married, he feels the pressure to propose to Oliver, but knows that Oliver does not have strong feelings about marriage. Their relationship seems solid, but what happens when marriage becomes the top of their disputes?
It's really hard to review this book, because I absolutely loved Luc and Oliver yet again, but I also felt that the story really didn't have much to really dive into. Without getting into spoilers, Luc and Oliver spend their time at multiple weddings back-to-back and it felt like we didn't really get a lot of new story as the wedding drama just kept repeating. There was also literally ZERO steam. Like at all. But again, I loved this couple and I also felt like it resembled my husband and me. I think HUSBAND MATERIAL is going to be a transitional book for the next installment, which is always the hardest book to write. Will it be in my top reads for 2022? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy Luc and Oliver's journey and will I continue to read about it? YES. This sounds more negative than you think, because overall I really enjoyed this book. Just know, its a very different style than book 1....more
The Sky Blues is the best YA novel that I've read in years. Legitimately years. The story is focused on Sky Baker's high school journey in a smallThe Sky Blues is the best YA novel that I've read in years. Legitimately years. The story is focused on Sky Baker's high school journey in a small, conservative town. Growing up in Rock Ledge, Michigan, Sky has had issues with other people, including his family, with accepting his sexuality. Sky is gay and out, a feat that is difficult in his hometown. As Sky prepares for prom, he starts to brainstorm on how the best prom-posal could be.
Sky plans to ask his crush out to prom, but is nervous that the fellow student doesn't share the same feelings. Right before Sky decides to make his move, he becomes the incoming joke from school bullies. His plans are leaked, with photos of Sky and his crush sent via the Internet for all to see. Sky is ashamed and unnerved as he becomes public fodder for everyone at school to laugh at. As the countdown to prom continues to get closer and closer, Sky and his friends decide that they need to find out who has gay bashed Sky and why.
Maybe I have a strong sense of connection to this book as something like this happened to me in college. A group of peers wrote a blog post on a website called Juicy Campus and gay bashed me before I was ready to come out to my friends and family. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I resonated so deeply with Sky's trauma, and I rooted for Sky and his friends. The Sky Blues has teachable moments when it comes to acceptance and queer pride. I loved that the author, Robbie Couch, included deep conversations about trans-people and gender identity. The Sky Blues is a heartfelt story about accepting who you are and making no apologies for it. I wish a book like this was here for me when I was younger. This is a must read and one of my favorite books of the year....more
Cute romantic YA dystopian tale that has zero background into its dystopian world. Utterly unbelievable in everyway, this book was not for me. Cute, sCute romantic YA dystopian tale that has zero background into its dystopian world. Utterly unbelievable in everyway, this book was not for me. Cute, sure, but ugh I’m in some crabby reading mood lately. Will I ever do a deep review again? 2021 lockdown reading has been meh at best.
If you like YA stories or are under the age of 16, give this book a try....more
This Is Not The Jess Show is an imaginative, original, fun, YA thriller. I don't think I've said so much praise about a YA title since Karen McManThis Is Not The Jess Show is an imaginative, original, fun, YA thriller. I don't think I've said so much praise about a YA title since Karen McManus' One of Us is Lying! I am truly a stickler for this genre, but when books like this come around, it proves that I shouldn't be so quick to throw in the towel.
This Is Not The Jess Show focuses on 17 year old Jess Flynn and her family—her parents, her sister Sara, and her dog. The story takes place in the 90s, which had me reminiscing about all the things I did growing up then—so much fun! The story starts off with the standard YA troupe—a teenage girl conflicted about boys, friends, school, and all the other drama we've known to come from this genre. However, as the story starts to unfold, Jess starts taking notice of some peculiarities happening around the small town. Noticeably, half the town has become sick with a mysterious flu running rampant, a weird device with an apple logo appears in someone's possession (remember, this is the 90s), and, I have to be vague with this one, people start appearing different. What is happening in this town and why is Jess so compelled to get to the bottom of it?
This Is Not The Jess Show is being called Black Mirror meets My So-Called Life, but it's so much more than just that. This story completely stumped me and had me guessing until the end. I have to be vague here, so please take my word for it and try this book out. Anna Carey, you are a twisty, twisty, writer and I love how you developed this story. I want more. I hope we can get more. When are we getting more?! I haven't seen so much world building in a YA novel in possibly ever. Go in with zero expectations of the story, because This Is Not The Jess Show is so much deeper than you will ever expect it to be....more
One of the cutest romantic comedies that I've ever read. I alternated between the audiobook and a physical copy, and it was a nice distraction from thOne of the cutest romantic comedies that I've ever read. I alternated between the audiobook and a physical copy, and it was a nice distraction from the world of lockdowns and pandemics. Ryan La Sala's Be Dazzled differs greatly than his debut novel Reverie, but I urge you to read both. Ryan La Sala's stories create a world in which I hope we can emulate. ...more
I will not bash this young adult LGBTQ+ story. It did not work out for me because of the length and the secondary plot lines thrown in throughout the I will not bash this young adult LGBTQ+ story. It did not work out for me because of the length and the secondary plot lines thrown in throughout the narrative. It will definitely be a book that YA fanatics will flock too, but maybe I should stop giving them a try. ...more
WHAT UNBREAKABLE LOOKS LIKE is a very dark young adult novel. It focuses on a young woman named Alexa (Lex) and her assimilation back into society aftWHAT UNBREAKABLE LOOKS LIKE is a very dark young adult novel. It focuses on a young woman named Alexa (Lex) and her assimilation back into society after being sex trafficked by her stepfather’s friend. Through rehab and her aunt’s guardianship, Lex learns to try and put the past behind her. WHAT UNBREAKABLE LOOKS LIKE really guts the reader emotionally, so it can allow you to build yourself up with Lex by your side. In a weird sense, this book shows a side of hope in an environment that has ravishingly preyed on women for years. I don’t normally read YA novels, but this one will change you emotionally. If you can get through the triggers mentioned above, I highly recommend you reading this cathartic book....more
I see a lot of positive reviews for this title, so I am sure my opinion is unpopular and rare, but I just did not enjoy The Lost Causes of Bleak CrI see a lot of positive reviews for this title, so I am sure my opinion is unpopular and rare, but I just did not enjoy The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek. I felt like the narrative was kind of sporadically all over the place, and the story was kind of been there, done that. I actually don't see how this book could be ranked in the nominees for 2019 best horror, because I wasn't scared once. I guess you can label it as a horror novel, but it's better suited as a young adult novel as the dialogue between the main characters tends to be a bit juvenile. I feel bad writing a terrible review, but I have to be honest as I read so many books per year, and I wouldn't want to steer someone in the wrong direction. It's a fast read, so it could work for those gearing up for the holidays and want to spend some alone time away from family. Will I pick up another book by the authors, probably not. ...more
Quick review: Although very cliche, this book is so cute. I've been stressed with my work/life balance recently and this book put a smile on my face tQuick review: Although very cliche, this book is so cute. I've been stressed with my work/life balance recently and this book put a smile on my face the entire time. Go in knowing you're not reading anything super original, but definitely uplifting....more
A cute and fun science-fiction novel that is reminiscent of the Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy. At times, this book battled on the verge of ridicuA cute and fun science-fiction novel that is reminiscent of the Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy. At times, this book battled on the verge of ridiculousness, but overall it is a fun fantasy novel that fans of the genre will enjoy.
EDIT- UPGRADED REVIEW: So everyone I know completely ripped me to shreds for my cold review. I was completely shocked that this book has gotten so much positive feedback, so I decided that I would give the book a different try—via audiobook (LIBROFM). I just finished this book's audio and I can see why I initially had some hesitations. It's a slow building supernatural novel with comedy, romance, and the whimsical. A story about belonging in a world full of "being different", this book's audiobook is something you all need to have a chance to enjoy....more
This may have been the most campy and ridiculous story I've ever read (in the best way possible), but I loved Ryan La Sala's debut fantasy novel, RThis may have been the most campy and ridiculous story I've ever read (in the best way possible), but I loved Ryan La Sala's debut fantasy novel, Reverie! It was such an original story that gave me Inception and X-Men vibes and I was immediately put in a trance by the story. Reverie will be released December 3, 2019—thank you Sourcebooks Fire for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
This young adult novel focuses on high school teenager Kane Montgomery and how he maneuvers through his high school after a car accident has left him with amnesia. Kane can remember who he is, but is having trouble remembering how to navigate through school, who his friends are, and what his hobbies include. It's hard enough being gay in his small town—bullied by the jocks during class and feeling like an outcast—let alone having complete amnesia. Kane starts noticing peculiarities in his day-to-day that are just not adding up. I will not explain what these peculiarities are, because that's the fun part! Kane starts realizing that he's part of a group called The Others and this group battles together to protect innocent people from these fantasies that turn into alternate realities, called reveries.
Think like Inception, but people aren't sleeping.
In these reveries, The Others unravel the situation in order to protect everyone involved—just because they are fantasies come to life, you could still be in danger. While Kane starts uncovering the mystery of his suspicious accident, he also tries to figure out who's a friend, and who's a foe.
Without going into further detail, I just want to say I'm OBSESSED with Reverie and I want to know more about how Ryan La Sala came up with this imaginative story. I was glued to the pages, flipping effortlessly while I ignored work responsibilities and life. I am NOT a fantasy reader by any means, so this four-star review is quite actually surprising for me. I loved every character, even the drag queen sorceress—WHICH I WILL NOT GIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT—FIND OUT YASELF! I really was engulfed by this story, and allowed for my inner fantasy nerd to take over. I will be talking about Reverie for awhile. ...more
A fun young adult novel that is at times cringeworthy and also very dark. Think Cruel Intentions meets American Horror Story! I really enjoyed the narA fun young adult novel that is at times cringeworthy and also very dark. Think Cruel Intentions meets American Horror Story! I really enjoyed the narrative, but felt that the writing at times was a bit scattered. Definitely a fun lazy weekend type of read. Multiple trigger warnings throughout the book, but the author deals with them carefully and professionally. More to come....more
I've never read anything by Lisa Lutz, but after devouring The Swallows, I think I may need to catch up on her previous works. When new teacher, AI've never read anything by Lisa Lutz, but after devouring The Swallows, I think I may need to catch up on her previous works. When new teacher, Alex Witt, begins her tenure at Stonebridge Academy, she starts noticing some secretive activity between some of her students and the faculty at large. There's mentions of a social hierarchy between student classes—the Ten, as they like to be called are the social elite and there's one for each year in the school. Alex also starts finding out about a secretive gathering of male students that keep mentioning "The Darkroom". Although teaching is not her passion, Alex stumbles on disturbing facts that she cannot allow to keep hidden. Why is Stonebridge Academy trying so hard to keep the status-quo when there's serious allegations and controversies happening under their discretion?
Before I get any hate, I know that the story in The Swallows is a little all over the place at times. We had some irrelevant POVs throughout the story, the ending is very melodramatic and over-the-top, and we had a lot of main(ish) characters that served no purpose. HOWEVER, I really was enthralled throughout the story—from beginning to end. I could not put down The Swallows even if I tried. I wanted to find out how Alex was going to deal with the conflict at hand (which I cannot say or get into any further), and I wanted to also see how the students were handling it as well. The Swallows falls in between adult and young adult fiction, which worked for me. The subject matter was very not young adult, but at the same time, the narrative felt geared for a younger audience at times. Whatever that means, it worked for me. I usually do not enjoy young adult novels because they tend to gravitate towards ridiculousness, but it worked with The Swallows. Overall, The Swallows is a very compelling and real depiction of how society has, and still is, in the stone ages when it comes to gender equality. Perfect for anyone who wants a novel reflecting student life right before the #metoo era (book takes place in 2009). I think this book will have a lot of differing viewpoints, but everyone will have an opinion. ...more
Go into this book blind—you'll enjoy this book so much more if you start reading it with no expectations. My review will be short, but I appreciated tGo into this book blind—you'll enjoy this book so much more if you start reading it with no expectations. My review will be short, but I appreciated the feminism and female empowerment themes sprinkled throughout this book. While the writing didn't necessarily grip me too much, I felt that the storyline was unique, fun, and important. I see big things for The Grace Year when it's published this September. ...more
Typical YA novel, with a paranormal witchcraft undertones, The Furies will entertain those who enjoy Pretty Little Liars and Charmed. Katie Lowe'sTypical YA novel, with a paranormal witchcraft undertones, The Furies will entertain those who enjoy Pretty Little Liars and Charmed. Katie Lowe's debut novel will have a strong following, but I didn't enjoy the story as much as I wanted to.
The Furies centers around Violet, a teenage girl sent to prestigious Elm Hollow Academy, and her interactions with her classmates. She immediately befriends a group of girls and her art teacher Annabel. As Violet's involvement with this new group of women grows, so does their devious teachings. The school is rumored to be on a burial ground for sorcery, and maybe, just maybe, Violet will get to see a glimpse of magic herself. She's had a near death experience in the past, so a little bit of magic won't unsettle her—or will it?
I feel like the synopsis provides too much information for the reader, so honestly go in blind. The Furies was a little too YA for me to enjoy, and I honestly should just stay away from the genre at this point, but I do think that there's a strong base of readers who will enjoy this book. I wish the story was a little darker, and the dialogue was a little stronger between the characters, but overall the story's pacing was great.
As you dive into Violet's adventures at Elm Hollow Academy, the darkness behind the school's peers grows and grows. There are multiple story arcs throughout the novel (murder, deception, sex—to name a few), and by the end of the book, you won't know who to actually root for. The way that The Furies wrapped up the narrative was awesome, and it's left for the reader to decide what will happen next. I can totally see this book be optioned for a television show on The CW. ...more