Category: Five Star YA

REVIEW: Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor

REVIEW: Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Beatrice has been in a holding pattern for the last 2 years after finishing high school at the age of 14. Her preference for her own company and her age left her parents feeling like college was an off-in-the-future eventuality. But her acceptance to Oxford changes everything.

But the only way they are willing to consider sending her to Oxford at 16 is if she can learn some interpersonal skills. So they send her to a summer Shakespeare camp with a “Teenager Experience Experiment” bucket list – make a friend, play a prank, take a dare, etc.. Beatrice doesn’t want anything as much as she wants Oxford. But 4 weeks at Shakespeare camp might be a step too far for her.

Review

This was an absolute delight! The author does a magnificent job with Beatrice – she’s awkward and endearing, someone I was pulling for from the beginning. I loved the whole camp experience with Mia and Nolan. Bea’s experience felt honest and reasonable – some false starts, some ups and downs, and also some great progress. And Bea’s parents don’t come off as evil or unreasonable in their quest for Bea to try some new things and learn about herself and others. I absolutely felt like they were doing this out of love with a lot of hope that she will triumph.

I have no complaints – this was fantastic! I would absolutely read this again. Do not miss this one! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

REVIEW: Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free, electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Amulet Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Montgomerys and the Blackwells have been rivals since Lia’s grandmother, Matilda, and Beckett’s grandfather, Henry, divorced. The two families can hardly stand to be in a room together. And Lia knows Blackwell boys are troublesome – and forbidden.

But when she first meets Beckett, she thinks he’s just a cute guy who loves math like she does. But when she’s called in for the contest her grandmother has devised, she discovers Beckett is definitely a Blackwell.

With her grandmother’s Starlight Theater in Mirror Lake at stake – as well as her honor as a magician and a Montgomery – Lia is determined to win the contest. If she can take down some Blackwells and the unscrupulous good-old-boy network in Mirror Lake at the same time, all the better.

Review

Outstanding! This was a delight from start to finish. I loved everything here – Lia and her family, the Blackwell boys (There’s a Hawthorne brothers/Inheritance Games feel to the interactions here that I adored), and the entire journey. Even the magic was fascinating – which can be hard to pull off in writing. When I finished reading, I was desperate to HOLD this book in my hands and tell everyone how good it was. When I finally see this in a store, I will absolutely hug it.

This is the perfect sort of story for me – great chemistry in the characters, supportive family members, a quest that goes beyond the central characters, a plucky heroine with plenty of sass… Wow, I loved all of this!

This is a not-to-be-missed book. Grab a copy for yourself and settle in for laughs and heart eyes and a few “they must pay” moments wrapped in a fantastic, magical story. You can read my review of another great Amy Noelle Parks book here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

REVIEW: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Last summer, Alice returned from Egypt to news that her best friend, Brooke, and her boyfriend, Steve, had “fallen in love” while Alice was out of the country. In her rage and heartbreak, Alice decides to pull an Agatha Christie and disappear. When she returns, her whole town has turned against her for the stunt. She ends up on house arrest.

Back at school in October, Alice is a social outcast. No one will have anything to do with her – except Iris, the tutor Alice’s parents have hired to help her catch up at school. But Iris is only doing it for the money.

But when Brooke goes missing after a Halloween party, and Iris and Alice are among the last people to have seen her before she disappeared,  they team up to look for clues, asking “What would Agatha Christie do?”

Review

This was exceptionally good – a perfect read for me! I loved Alice and Iris. Their individual journeys were engaging and dovetailed nicely with the mystery. I cared about the girls and loved seeing them start to lean on each other. The rest of the crew that helps with the case was great too – I’d love to see more of them.

The mystery is excellent! The pacing was perfect. There were no slow spots and plenty of twists. I loved it! This will be one of my favorite books of 2022.

By the end, I was thinking, “Please be a series. Please be a series.” There are a couple other events the characters could dig into, so I have my fingers crossed. Amazon has the Kindle version listed as book 1, so here’s hoping. I am here for anything these creators want to put out starring these characters.

Mystery fans should run right out and pick this one up. It’s outstanding! (Language, references to sex and domestic violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best

REVIEW: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

REVIEW: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Triplet princesses, trained for conquest, turn 16 and head to the countries of their betrotheds.

Daphne heads north to Friv. But the wedding and life she’s been preparing for falls apart before she even arrives.

Beatriz heads to Cellaria, the one place where magic is outlawed. She disguises her silver, stardusted eyes as any hint of magic could get her killed. But her betrothed couldn’t be less enthused about their wedding and life together. How can she work her plans if she can’t even get him to look at her?

Sophronia heads to Temarin, the only one of the princesses with feelings for her intended. Of course, her mother is dismayed instead of pleased. Her girls have jobs to do for the next year to move the Empress’ plans forward so she can take over all three countries for herself.

Each princess has her assignment. But the Empress’ spies couldn’t prepare them for everything.

Review

This was outstanding!! Absolutely fantastic! I was captivated from the start. The set up/world building is excellent, and I loved the princesses. I was fascinated as I watched their journeys begin. And when everything started to shift and twist, I couldn’t put it down until I finished.

And what a finish!

I can’t get book 2 into my hands fast enough.

I said recently that the best sort of book for me is science fiction or fantasy (check) with sharp, sassy characters who don’t take any crap (check), and who are trying to solve a mystery or save the day. While these characters are scheming for the Empress’ plans, this still fit that final requirement, too. The fact that there’s royalty involved is just a bonus for me. I adore books like this – like the author’s Ash Princess (I still need to finish that series) as well as the Wickery series, Crown of Shards, Ruined, etc.. This is by far the best book I have read so far this year – don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding! Amazing! Special!

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The author read 540,000+ pages of Marvel comics – from 1961’s Fantastic Four #1 to 2017’s Marvel Legacy #1 – to see what the full epic story might say if someone had the tenacity to read it all.

The Marvel collection is not designed to be read that way – something that has always bothered me as a reader. The stories work in such a way that people can drop in almost anywhere and go as deep or as broad into the Marvel universe as they want. Wolk describes his reading experience as, “gorging myself on something made for cherry picking and nibbling,” one of MANY excellent metaphors in the book.

Reading this, I felt seen and understood. From the start, but especially in chapter 2, the author acknowledges the drive to know “where to start” and the desire to take in the whole story in order. And just like in my personal experience, he says that desire is likely to end in frustration. In a format driven by the idea that each issue will be someone’s first, searching for the beginning, and the “whole story” just doesn’t work. But Wolk quickly shows readers how this non-linear reading experience can be better than what I was longing for.

This is the sort of review book I would typically read carefully for a few chapters, and then skim through the rest so I could put together a cogent review. And the author even says his book likely should be read like the Marvel comics universe – dig into the chapters that speak to you. But I couldn’t put this down. While there were a few character explorations that didn’t click for me, much of this was fascinating – from the backstories of characters to the revolving door of writers and artists, and the impacts they had on stories, characters, and Marvel as a whole. The writing is fantastic, and the subject matter is captivating. I immediately ordered a print copy for myself and my family. This is an outstanding resource, and when life slows down enough again, I’d like this book to point me to some great comics and stories to enjoy. I think this would be a great addition to high school libraries and classrooms in addition to regular adult collections. Don’t let a Marvel comics fan in your life miss out on this one. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Raven has trapped her demon father and is desperate to keep him out of her life. Desperate enough to hop a train to Nashville to meet up with a guy who says he can help.

Raven’s foster sister, Max, is following her in secret to protect Raven from whatever trouble she might run into.

Garth is still adjusting to his recently un-suppressed powers. He’s on a bus to Nashville to meet a guy who says he has the answers Garth is looking for.

And there’s someone else who is supposed to be meeting up with Slade Wilson. He’s the smart one – observing, wary. And as he watches, he sees what happens next.

Review

EEEEEK! I love these books! This was fantastic! I loved Gar and Raven together. It was great to see them connect. I also loved Max’s presence – as well as the other person who is watching. The only complaint I have about this series is that the books are TOO SHORT. I finish each one begging for more. (There’s a cover reveal for the next book at the back, and I am HERE FOR IT.)

I enjoyed the balance here between the character development and the budding romance along with the next bits in the Slade story. Is it enough? No, not for me. But I was satisfied with the balance between the two aspects.

I don’t know that readers have to go back to read Raven and Beast Boy first, but it will certainly help fill out the backstories for Raven, Max, and Gar. And now that readers can slam all three books in one go, it might feel more satisfying than when I read each one and then had to wait a year for the next installment.

I highly recommend these – for graphic novel fans, and for DC fans. (Demons/ghosts)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn

REVIEW: Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Meg discovers everything she thought was true was a lie, it’s like the rug has been pulled out from under her feet. Her plans for the summer and for a gap year before college don’t even feel right any more. So she heads north looking for the family she never knew existed – and looking for her sense of self as well.

Meg meets Micah early on in her stay – and they click! Sure, he’s cute and built. But he also seems to know how it feels to have your world – your foundations – upended. Micah’s dad is in jail. A pastor, he had been Micah’s hero before he found out the truth about what his father was hiding behind his perfect Christian façade.

As each of the young adults explores the potential in their relationship, they also process the upheaval from their family secrets and consider how those secrets impact their faith.

Review

Wow. This is outstanding!

I have followed the author, Erin Hahn, online for years. I’ve always been intrigued by her faith story. You can see evidence of it in her online interactions, and in her books, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype of a “Christian public figure” or “Christian author.” This book feels like a peek into some of that story. And I was here for every page.

Meg and Micah hooked me from the beginning. They are characters I would hang out with, people I would want to know. And they wrestle with faith and the Church and the rules of Church in ways that felt honest – and familiar.

I found the faith pieces of this so engaging and compelling. Honestly, this is one of the best examples I can think of for how to weave faith into a story in a way that feels natural – something I can struggle to find in “Christian fiction.” Yet, the faith pieces aren’t the most important parts of the book. This is a coming-of-age story for both Meg and Micah. It’s also a swoony romance. And it’s a story about family, identity, and emotional healing in addition to the parts about faith, “purity,” sex, sexual identity, and more.

It’s amazing to think of how many ideas the author wove into this story. And it felt like a story – not like a sermon or like a vehicle to carry forced messages from the author. The story is never short-changed for the issues and questions raised. The whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts.

Do not miss this romantic, engaging, and thought-provoking novel! I adored it. (Language, LGBTQ+, references to sex, references to teen pregnancy, references to abuses in the Church)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BLOG TOUR: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

BLOG TOUR: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases August 31, 2021.]

Summary

Called to her brother’s home by Dr. Watson, Enola finds him in a debilitating melancholy. He won’t acknowledge her efforts to rile him, and he essentially ignores a young woman who comes to him for help.  Enola draws out the details of her case, and eventually Sherlock is intrigued enough to join in the preliminaries.

Miss Glover has been told her twin sister has died, but she refuses to believe it. And there is some evidence that the claim is false. Besides, Miss Glover’s brother-in-law lost his first wife, too, from another “sudden fever” which raises suspicions. So the Holmes take on the case. Enola works her angle, even gaining help from her friend, the Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether, while Sherlock works his own leads.

Review

The book opens with a prologue, penned by Sherlock, outlining Enola’s earlier adventures as well as a description of his transformed feelings for her and about her – annoyance to begrudging respect to fondness. It’s a GREAT opening. I could hear it in my mind in Henry Cavill’s voice (from the delightful Netflix Enola Holmes movie). And it was only the first of many things I loved about this book!

I love Enola! She is an exceptional sleuth, challenging all of her famous brother’s garbage assumptions about women by just being herself. I thoroughly enjoyed how she and Sherlock worked their own aspects of the case while always managing to return to one another. I enjoy them so much as partners.

It’s been ages since I first read the early books in this series (this is technically Enola’s 7th adventure), so I’m not sure if the Netflix movie did an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the characters from those earlier books or if *this* book does an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the movie. Either way, I had the movie characters firmly in my mind as I read, and I found this story just as enjoyable as I did the movie.

The sleuthing was satisfying, and the resolution of the case was, too. Frankly, I thought the book was perfect! (Don’t be alarmed by the low reviews on Amazon. Apparently a lot of folks didn’t realize they were reading a TEASER and not the whole book. And then they wondered why it was so short. Ugh.) Mystery fans, Sherlock fans, and Enola fans should run right out and pick this one up when it releases next week. It’s an absolute treat!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

SABBATICAL: Five Star Books for Teens and Young Adults

SABBATICAL: Five Star Books for Teens and Young Adults

Posted on by Jaymie

This week my sabbatical posts have been links to the books that earned a five star review from me. Today my focus will be on books for teens and young adults. Some of the reviews you will find in the full list include outstanding books that didn’t make it into a Year in Review post like these:

Thanks a Lot, Universe
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy
Amelia Unabridged
What I Carry
The Shadows Between Us
Shadow of the Batgirl
Slay
Fire & Heist
Zenn Diagram
Madly (The Potion Diaries)

Check out the full list here: Five Star Books for Teens and Young Adults

REVIEW: Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

REVIEW: Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Amulet Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

On the morning of Brian’s 13th birthday, his dad disappears leaving only a cryptic note, and his mom overdoses and is rushed to the hospital. Before the day is over, Brian and his little brother are in foster care. The pressure starts mounting, Brian’s anxiety starts growing, and he starts pushing back at everyone around him. He strikes back at his bully. He runs away from his foster home.

Ezra is one of the only guys at school who treats Brian like a friend. But as Brian starts to spiral, Ezra realizes that he’s never stood up for Brian to his other friends. Lately it seems like Brian might need a buddy to lean on, and Ezra is the one person he might trust enough to help him. The complication is that Ezra has a crush on Brian. And he’s not quite sure what to do with those feelings.

Review

I adored this! Brian and Ezra will quickly become kids you want to hang out with – and hug. There are so many exceptional character pieces in this – Brian’s evolution through the story, Ezra’s fierce desire to help Brian, Gabe – my favorite character – and Brittany, Brian’s family dynamics… It’s all perfection. I quickly became attached to these characters. And I would have happily kept reading another book’s worth of pages with them.

There’s a lot of heavy content in this one – the overdose/suicide attempt, Brian’s panic attacks and social anxiety, some of Brian’s choices in the story, Ezra working through his understanding of his sexuality and the impact of it on his friendships, grief and loss – which is why this is an older middle grade story for readers 10 and up. All of the content is handled beautifully. But it’s still a lot, especially when you remember that Brian and Ezra are only 13. (The story reminds me of A List of Cages in some of the content, although more “mild” in some ways for the younger audience.)

This would be a great book for discussion with kids – both to help them process some of the more serious pieces of the story, but also because it’s such a rich and meaty story with great characters and an engaging plot. I think kids will love Brian and Ezra (and Gabe!). And the story here will leave readers with lots to think about. (LGBTQ+, TW: Panic attacks/anxiety, suicide attempt, bullying)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!