It’s a huge disappointment when none of our teens act like teens. We have a 14, 15, and two 16 year olds having an existential discussion whDNF at 8%
It’s a huge disappointment when none of our teens act like teens. We have a 14, 15, and two 16 year olds having an existential discussion where they all sound like they’re in their late teens/early 20s.
Two are pointed out as “you seem older” but the other two, our leads, seemed older in the earlier scenes before we even meet the second set of characters....more
*thank you Penguin Randomhouse for this netgalley arc*
3.5 stars
We follow Alex and her friends, who all come from money and are excited to start their *thank you Penguin Randomhouse for this netgalley arc*
3.5 stars
We follow Alex and her friends, who all come from money and are excited to start their careers after they high school. Except Alex didn’t get into her top choice like everyone else.
And so begins the adventure to film Alex’ vampire movie in this historical Vlad Dracul castle mor convince film school she deserves a spot. But what’s supposed to be a fun Spring break trip turns into the worst days of their lives.
A classic horror set up, this story had a lot of potential. The setting was fun. There was plenty of intrigue as to why are these things happening. But i hated every single character. They were all the worst charicatures of terrible people wrapped up in high school angst (which on its own can’t be faulted, it’s ya). The twist at the very end was also worse than the initial why in my opinion....more
*thank you to Penguin for a copy his eArc in exchange for an honest review*
Another thrilling from Jessica Goodman, this one follows a set of teens who*thank you to Penguin for a copy his eArc in exchange for an honest review*
Another thrilling from Jessica Goodman, this one follows a set of teens who go to Camp Alpine every year. Following a rough end to her high school career, Goldie Easton is ready to leave real life behind for 8 weeks and enjoy her summer with her two best friends just like every summer. Working as junior counselors this year, Goldie wants everything to be the same as it always is,, even though everything has changed. She’s not going to college next year because of what happened and she doesn’t know how to tell her friends exactly how messed up everything got this year.
Jessica Goodman always writes fun not quite real, wild teens and it’s one of my favorite parts of her writing. In that, this story did not disappoint. This one’s mystery and suspense was a little lack luster. I saw the end coming early on, and it felt like it was missing something i can’t put my finger on. I loved the setting of the camp in the woods, and the us versus them part of the Richie Richie and “townie” groups. But i think i was expecting something a little more creepy in the woods up north with no cell service and it was a bit of a let down....more
I always trust Ruta Sepetys to give us a wonderful YA historical fiction and this didn't disappoint. We follow Christian growing up in communist RomanI always trust Ruta Sepetys to give us a wonderful YA historical fiction and this didn't disappoint. We follow Christian growing up in communist Romania who is blackmailed by the regime to become an informer and his grappling with how to get away with not doing so while not accidentally getting himself or his family hurt in the process. Ruta also provides resources in the author's note where you can learn more about the Romanian communist history and their freedom from dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu only after 1989. NINETY EIGHTY NINE. That seems so current when it comes to stories like this. While Christian and his family are fictional characters, Ruta explains in her author's note that she did extensive research and asked people to tell their stories of growing up during the regime in order to create this story.
Highly recommend this and all of Ruta Sepetys' work.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eARC of this novel....more
Cass, Janie, and Izzy wake up on the beach after a high school party to a small plane flying over them. They witness the plane crash into the ocean. UCass, Janie, and Izzy wake up on the beach after a high school party to a small plane flying over them. They witness the plane crash into the ocean. Unfortunately there were no survivors of the three boys who were on board - Shane (Cass’ ex boyfriend), Nick (Janie’s secret friend), stand Israel (Izzy’s twin brother).
Was it suicide or an accident? Or something a little more whimsical?
Unfortunately although this book is set up to give you a mystery, there was something missing when it came to the feeling of needing to know more. I also didn’t care for any of the friendships we follow and watch build throughout this book. Nwhile it was quick paced because we follow all 6 perspectives, i just found myself feeling very meh babout it all, and i think it was due to at the end of the day already knowing the boys weren’t going to do anything with any lessons they may learn leading up to the crash.