Stunning and delightful combination of stories that draw from Chinese folklore and blend magical realism with amazing characters. Definitely a favoritStunning and delightful combination of stories that draw from Chinese folklore and blend magical realism with amazing characters. Definitely a favorite. ...more
A lovely novel that follows the story of Bod, a boy who grows up in a graveyard with ghosts as his friends and family. The tone of the novel treads caA lovely novel that follows the story of Bod, a boy who grows up in a graveyard with ghosts as his friends and family. The tone of the novel treads carefully between the macabre and spooky playfulness; there are great moments of humor while Bod is growing up, and terrifying action-packed moments when we follow him to the Underworld as well as the tension between those who murdered Bod's family as they try and finish their mission. The father-son relationship between Bod and between the mysterious Silas is heartwarming and wonderful to see develop, and watching Bod navigate between the world of the living and dead is highly entertaining. ...more
These three stories are absolutely compelling visually and are incredibly moving, filled with action and stunning depth; Yang and Kim use stories-withThese three stories are absolutely compelling visually and are incredibly moving, filled with action and stunning depth; Yang and Kim use stories-within-stories to address racial tension, society and the neverending push for satisfaction and so much more in these emotion-packed comics. ...more
A fast-paced thrilling scifi novel with a smart and compelling bisexual protagonist, Adaptation exceeds all expectations. When Reese and her longtime A fast-paced thrilling scifi novel with a smart and compelling bisexual protagonist, Adaptation exceeds all expectations. When Reese and her longtime crush David are involved in a deadly car accident, their lives are saved with a mysterious new technology and they get caught up in a government conspiracy. Reese then meets the mysterious Amber and sparks fly, but their budding relationship is complicated when Reese discovers the truth about her role in the aliens that have been visiting Earth for decades.
A devastatingly heartbreaking telling of the The Iliad, from a the point of view of a central yet often passed-over player in the events of the TrojanA devastatingly heartbreaking telling of the The Iliad, from a the point of view of a central yet often passed-over player in the events of the Trojan War; Patroclus, whose close relationship with Achilles has been long discussed by academics. Miller's Patroclus is a steady narrator, whose love for Achilles holds steady even as they take on the larger than life-- deities, clashing kings, and age-old prophecies. Miller also excels at bringing to life minor characters in The Iliad like the warm and intelligent Briseis, who in the original classic was nothing more than the mentioned trophy sex slave that Agamemnon and Achilles argued over. Here, she is multi-faceted and becomes a dear friend of Patroclus.
Cinderella may be the most oft re-imagined fairy tale, and Mechanica takes the An advance reading copy was won through GoodRead's First Reads program.
Cinderella may be the most oft re-imagined fairy tale, and Mechanica takes the familiar tropes and runs away with it on a steam-powered horse. Wildly delightful and imaginative, this novel is a fast-paced and fun romp through a vividly described world.
Nicolette on her sixteenth birthday discovers her mother's legacy where she can practice her inventing prowess, a secret workshop that not only contains blueprints and memories of her beloved mother, but also Jules, a magical clockwork horse, her mother's invention, powered by the mysterious Ashes from Faerie, whose lands and magic are now under quarantine and shunned by the common populace. Determined to make enough money to live free from her stepmother and stepsisters, Nicolette works away at her inventions, selling helpful machines at the Market. She meets Caro and Fin and makes quick friends of them as they help her with her wares and her dream to present her inventions at the Exposition, held the night of a certain ball where the prince is looking for a bride.
A huge fan of steampunk and magic realism, I was enchanted at every turn with how cleverly Cornwell blends magic and machines in the world; the kingdom's strive with the land of Faerie, the outlawing of magic and the consequences for the the kingdom is endlessly fascinating. Romance takes a backseat in this novel, and it's beautifully done, with the focus on Nicolette's own journey, and her developing friendships.
**spoiler alert** Inheritance is one of those rare sequels that is even better than the first. Lo picks up the story right where Adaptation leaves off**spoiler alert** Inheritance is one of those rare sequels that is even better than the first. Lo picks up the story right where Adaptation leaves off, with Reese and David attempting to bring the truth about the aliens to the world. While still reeling from Amber's lies, Reese still has feelings for her yet is starting a new and exciting relationship with David. While wavering between two love interests is a typical trope in YA, Lo does subverts this trope remarkably well, with emotional depth, great supportive parents and friends for Reese, and healthy discussion and communication between Reese, David and Amber. (view spoiler)[When Amber first brings up the idea of polyamory as a solution, I was mildly surprised and pleased about the positive way it was approached, and I did not even dare to hope that it could possibly come to fruition, but the relationship progression from couple and couple to triad was well handled and lovely to read. (hide spoiler)]
Wonderful science fiction and an incredible followup to Adaptation....more
None of the Above is absolutely riveting and was impossible to put down from start to finish. Krissy Lattimer is a senior that has everything she everNone of the Above is absolutely riveting and was impossible to put down from start to finish. Krissy Lattimer is a senior that has everything she ever wanted; she's a top athlete, has a great boyfriend and wonderful friends, and is voted homecoming queen. Yet after mysterious pains and seeing a doctor, Krissy learns that she is intersex.
The novel pulls no punches in the bullying and harassment that follows after she is outed to her high school-- I found Krissy's depression highly relatable and realistic, and enjoyed reading about her courage to move forward, build new friendships, reconnect with old friends, and form stronger relationships with those she cares about....more
Malachi "Mac" Covington dreams of adventure among the skies but feels trapped in his uncle's expectations of his going to university and becoming his Malachi "Mac" Covington dreams of adventure among the skies but feels trapped in his uncle's expectations of his going to university and becoming his heir. He meets the compelling Ian, an airship pilot, and soon is skipping classes and sneaking out to spend time with Ian and train as a member of an airship crew. A lively and sweet story set in a steampunk world, filled with vivid imagery of fantastic airships and a working society, Clockwork Horizon is a great start of this promising series. This first installment beautifully combines steampunk elements, romance, and themes of following one's heart and is a rich, satisfying read. Very much looking forward to the rest of the series....more
Absolutely gorgeous prose, invigorating plot with spectacular characters and a rich landscape. Uprooted brings together unique worldbuilding, a truly Absolutely gorgeous prose, invigorating plot with spectacular characters and a rich landscape. Uprooted brings together unique worldbuilding, a truly terrifying seemingly formless antagonist of the Wood, and a wonderful and relatable heroine, Agnieszka, whose courage, determination and creativity really move the story forward. ...more
A heartfelt sequel to Clockwork Horizon, Therese Woodson takes us once again into the wonderful world of aerial ships, far off lands, pirates and A heartfelt sequel to Clockwork Horizon, Therese Woodson takes us once again into the wonderful world of aerial ships, far off lands, pirates and romance. Now a crewmember of the ship Mockingbird and working alongside his beloved Ian Malloy, one might think that Mac Covington's life is nothing but smooth sailing from here on out. At the end of Horizon, the reader is left hopeful with the promise of Mac and Ian's new relationship and their future adventures together. Woodson not only exceeds expectations, but also keeps the fast-paced story filled with intrigue and danger. When Ian falls victim to a deadly illness and their ship is besieged by pirates, Mac is forced to make a life-changing bargain.
Another thrilling adventure and romantic piece in the series, looking forward to more in this universe....more
A evocative telling of the relationship between Ben and Pete during World War II. Unlike most romance novels, this story starts out with an establisheA evocative telling of the relationship between Ben and Pete during World War II. Unlike most romance novels, this story starts out with an established relationship, so the main story is not about the anticipation of getting together, but instead a very rich and rewarding tell of their relationship development as the war unfolds around them. Letters and flashbacks and the promise of reunion make this novel a must-read for those aching for a slow burn. ...more
A rich and intricate love story alight with political machinations, magical worldbuilding, and immerse details of lush scenery, The Sidhe is that deliA rich and intricate love story alight with political machinations, magical worldbuilding, and immerse details of lush scenery, The Sidhe is that delicious summer read you've been dying to sink into.
Brieden is determined to set the elf Sehrys free from slavery in the king's palace, but their escape sets off a whirlwind reaction of events and political upheaval as they try to make their way back to the Sehry's home. The romance is a gradual and aching delight, and how they learn to trust one another and start falling for each other on this journey is handled well, with open communication and respect for one another.
An exciting page-turner packed with love and passion bundled with smart commentary on gender politics and class systems, The Sidhe is a bold beginning. Magical and romantic, and I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment in the series. ...more
Brewer skillfully weaves a fun, lighthearted and fast-paced tale that draws inspiration from well-known fairy tales such as "The Princess and the Pea"Brewer skillfully weaves a fun, lighthearted and fast-paced tale that draws inspiration from well-known fairy tales such as "The Princess and the Pea" and many, many more. Daniel and Phillip are both princes, brought together after a misunderstanding about a "test" on a stack of mattresses and a pea. Not only are the princes' both likable with working flaws, their character development throughout the book and their devloping relationship truly makes the story wonderful. In addition to our main romantic pair, The Rules of Ever After features an amazing cast of princesses and more characters who all define their own stories.