Category: Teen/YA Fiction Review

REVIEW: Bookish Boyfriends - A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt

REVIEW: Bookish Boyfriends – A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Merrilee is a book-obsessed romantic – in all the best ways. She reads avidly, and she’s convinced that boys are just better in books. While her friends and family adore her, they sometimes have to remind her that she should pay attention to the real world since she lives here and all.

As a new student at Reginald R. Hero Preparatory School – a co-ed school after her previous all girls school – Merrilee is excited to spend time with some boys other than her best guy friend, Toby (who wishes they were more, but Merrilee just doesn’t feel that way). When her English teacher assigns them Romeo and Juliet, Merrilee is thrilled to be revisiting such a classic romantic story. But Ms. Gregoire seems to have ulterior motives to having Merrilee read it.

Soon Merrilee finds herself in a real life version of Romeo and Juliet. Monroe is the son of her older sister’s soon-to-be mother-in-law’s political rival. It’s like the Capulets and Montagues again. And Monroe is intense and interested. Merrilee responds to the grand romantic gestures and the brooding, handsome boy. But Ms. Gregoire may be right – there may be more to Romeo and Juliet than Merrilee ever noticed before. And maybe Romeo and Juliet isn’t the story she wants for her life after all.

Review

I fell in love with Merrilee and this story in the first chapter. I love meeting fellow avid readers, even if they are only fictional. All of the characters were fantastic – well-defined, interesting and nuanced. I laughed – loudly and often – as I read. The descriptions are terrific. I read passages aloud to my family because they begged to be shared. And I read the book non-stop from start to finish because I loved every bit of it.

I was not expecting a thread of magic/fantasy to the story – for the English teacher to have a mystical sort of way about her and for the stories Merrilee reads to be reflected in her real life. It was a delightful surprise! I hope there will be several more stories with these characters and Ms. Gregoire.

I pre-ordered my own copy of this the moment I finished reading. This is my favorite sort of book – it has all of the qualities I look for. There are terrific characters. It’s funny. It’s also smart, the premise is clever, and the execution was perfect. And there’s depth to the story and the characters. Merrilee grows up and matures and sees things differently in the end while still retaining all the things I loved about her character from the beginning. And by the end you discover some nice depth to a few of the secondary characters as well once Merrilee gets past her assumptions about them.

This was a delight from start to finish. I highly recommend this book. This could easily be one of my favorite books of 2018.

Many, many thanks to Netgalley and Amulet for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely mine – I honestly adored this book!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

REVIEW: Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Princess Theodosia is the only daughter of the Astrean Fire Queen. But that is before the Kalovaxians come. Before the Theyn kills her mother and the Kaiser conquers Astrea. Before the people of Astrea are turned into slaves and the Spiritgems that provide the kingdom’s magic are mined almost to extinction just for decoration of the Kalovaxian nobility. Before the Kaiser declares Theodosia is now “Lady Thora,” the Ash Princess.

Stripped of her strong, true name, Lady Thora tries to keep her head down and survive. She is publicly beaten if there is even a hint of rebellion anywhere in Astrea. She is whipped to remind her – and anyone who would even think of helping her – that she is nothing. No longer a princess, but only an Astrean disgrace. Thora’s only friend is the daughter of the Theyn, the man who murdered the Fire Queen. But how much can Thora truly trust this “friendship?” She’s been betrayed before – even by her own people trying to curry favor with the Kaiser. How could any Kalovaxian be a true friend to the Ash Princess?

When the Kaiser forces Thora to kill the Fire Queen’s last guardian, she starts to wonder if keeping her head down and merely surviving her beatings is enough of an existence. Thousands of her people are dead or dying while she lives in relative “comfort” in the palace. But the Kaiser has decided the Ash Princess is now of age, and he is plotting decisions for her life that will place her on a dark and dangerous path. Perhaps it is time for Theodosia to return and take a stand.

Review

In a Young Adult market full of books of displaced royalty fighting to reclaim their throne, this book stands out from the crowd. It’s captivating!

The fantasy thread in the story is thin but intriguing. The Spiritgems are a foundational piece of Astrea’s history, but I don’t think we have seen yet all they can mean to this story. I am eager to see them cut loose.

The most satisfying part of the story for me was the intricate relationships and competing loyalties in the besieged world of Astrea. Theo/Thora has worked so hard to merely survive, she hasn’t been able to spare a lot of energy to think about her people. She has no one she can truly trust. And her enemy is stunningly manipulative and cut-throat. It’s hard enough for her to even think about standing up to the Kaiser. Her feelings for some of the Kalovaxians who have been her only companions for the last 10 years complicate her desire for freedom. I loved the complex and competing motivations.

There are some nice twists in the end that make the wait for book 2 excruciating. I can’t wait to see how things progress for Theo next. I highly recommend this book!

Thanks to the folks at Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

REVIEW: Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Bruce Wayne is about to turn 18 and inherit a fortune and take over the family business. But one choice on a dark night changes his course in a way he doesn’t expect.

After an argument with a “friend,” Bruce drives off to clear his head. In a custom Aston Martin built for speed, Bruce drives around Gotham to process his thoughts. Sirens and curiosity lead Bruce into a police situation and a high speed chase. (Hey, the Aston Martin could keep up better than what the police were driving!) While he ultimately helped catch the criminal, he’s a civilian interfering in police business. So Bruce earns community service. At Arkham Asylum.

The Nightwalkers are a new, dangerous criminal element in Gotham. They target the rich and drain their bank accounts. They use the money to commit acts of terrorism and then kill their victims. One of the Nightwalkers is in Arkham, and she takes a liking to Bruce. She refuses to talk to anyone else, and the police need her talking. But she is more dangerous than Bruce can imagine.

Review

I have mixed feelings about the DC Universe in general, which I have mentioned before. And I’m not usually a big fan of Batman. But I love the whole idea of this DC Icons series. I have Wonder Woman Warbringer already, and Catwoman: Soul Stealer is on my wish list for August. Both the Wonder Woman book and this one about Batman have exceeded my expectations!

There are plenty of nods to the Batman cannon – probably more than I caught as I read this. I could see the hints of the hero/vigilante yet to come in Bruce’s thinking and drive. His choices here as a young man felt consistent with what I’ve seen of Batman in other venues over the years.

This story was terrific. Madeleine is a fascinating character full of secrets and lies. She is complex and nuanced. A perfect foil for Bruce Wayne. The Nightwalker situation was a great way to build tension and suspense. I was supremely happy with how all the pieces clicked together. I hope there will be more Batman books by Marie Lu! This was a joy to read.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

REVIEW: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Vivian is a junior at a small high school in Texas. The football team is the pride and joy of the town, whether they are winning or losing. The whole town shuts down for games so absolutely anyone and everyone can go.

The team is the pride of the school as well. Money is funneled to the football program while other areas – girls soccer, textbooks, the science lab – are making due with decades-old material and supplies. And the football players themselves are untouchable.

Vivian has watched these things play out for years. The boys on the football team make derogatory comments to girls or make sexual references, and they never get called out by a teacher. In fact, the principal’s son is one of the worst offenders – but his daddy protects him at every turn.

Vivian is starting to take notice of her mom’s old feminist zines and music. And she’s tired of watching the injustices around her. She doesn’t want to just duck her head and endure the harassment anymore. If she could dare to show a little “moxie” at school, would anyone else step up and push back, too?

Review

This was exceptionally good. And also completely infuriating. The injustices going on in the story made my blood boil. And Viv’s reaction was realistic. She wanted to speak up, to fight back. But she also wanted to spare herself and her family any trouble. She felt helpless to stop a culture of misogyny that had been around for ages. The system was set up against the girls. What power does one 16-year-old girl have in such a situation?

Part of the power of the story was the message of what can be accomplished when enough people decide to be brave. Viv took the first (anonymous) step. But Moxie wasn’t just her thing. It became a counter-culture, little by little. It let students feel like they weren’t alone.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Viv’s clueless, well-intentioned  boyfriend. He’s a great guy who sees and recognizes the big issues, but some of the more subtle pieces he misses. He’s been indoctrinated in some ways – we all have. And that is explored in the novel, too.

This is an important and timely story for teens – and adults – regardless of gender. These issues need to be seen and discussed so we can make things better for those who come behind us. I highly recommend this novel. It’s one my whole family will be reading and discussing this summer.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Frat Girl by Kiley Roache

REVIEW: Frat Girl by Kiley Roache

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When it’s time for Cassie to apply for college, the only place she wants to go is Warren University. So that’s the only place she applies.  They promise tons of financial aid for everyone. Unfortunately for Cassie, the school’s definition of “financial need” and her real life do not line up. So if she’s going to attend her dream school, she’s going to need a miracle.

Enter The Stevenson Scholarship. With the right project, Cassie can win the money she needs to go to Warren. And in a sea of IT proposals, a gender studies project could really grab the committee’s attention.

Warren University was in the news recently when they placed the Delta Tau Chi fraternity on probation for “creating a hostile environment for women.” So Cassie’s project is to rush the fraternity and write a first-hand account of the experience as a woman. Sure enough, Cassie wins the scholarship.

Armed with a Project Coordinator from the scholarship board, a faculty adviser Cassie has idolized for years, and more than a few pre-conceived ideas about Greek life at a university, Cassie is ready to take on the men of DTC and make history that will help her fund college for the next four years.

Review

I almost gave up on this book a few times early on. I found Cassie to be abrasive and crass at times and entrenched in her own ideas of men and women and feminism and fraternities. For a student hoping to be a social researcher, her biases were startling.

But as the story evolved, and Cassie was challenged in some of her assumptions, I started to like her a little more. But to be honest, I liked several of the frat guys even more in the end. As Cassie got to know some of these young men, it changed how she thought about her project, which was great. (She still could use some growth in how she looked at the women around her, though.)

No matter what enlightenment Cassie or the “brothers” might achieve through the story, it was still working toward the inevitable moment when her research would be published and her secret agenda would be exposed. It was painful to wait for that unavoidable calamity (but in a good way). In the end, I was glad I stuck with the story all the way through.

In some ways, this is an abrasive and crass story – it’s not just Cassie. This hits all the stereotypes about fraternities. There’s a ridiculous amount of drinking considering most of the characters are college freshmen. There’s drugs and foul language and a lot of conversation about sexual double standards and sexual conduct. But there are also these fantastic character moments. And challenging conversations about what feminism is and what equality should look like for many minority groups. These sections made me think, which I liked.

If the feminism angle appeals to you, and you are comfortable with the details mentioned above, I recommend this as a thought-provoking story about equality and feminism and the relationships between men and women – and what all of those things might look like on a college campus.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions about this book are my own.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

REVIEW: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Maddie and Logan were only ten the night their lives completely changed. One minute they are dressed up and excited for a White House party. The next there are bullets, blood and Secret Service agents.

Before the reality of their experience can sink in, Maddie’s dad, former head of the Secret Service, whisks her off to  Alaska. They live in a remote area in a home that is essentially a shack. She’s homeschooled and trained for the dangers of the wilderness she now calls home. To keep her sanity in this new reality, Maddie writes letters to her best friend, Logan.

Every day.

For two years.

With no response.

When Logan shows up out of the blue six years after the White House party, tall, broad-shouldered and handsome, Maddie’s fury defies expression. He abandoned her when she needed a friend most. But her anger is cut short when they are attacked and Logan is kidnapped right before a big storm moves in. While Maddie would love to wring Logan’s neck herself, she’s going to have to save him from the kidnapper first.

Review

I devoured this book in one sitting. It was too suspenseful – and too fun – to put down. The story was engrossing. Maddie and Logan have great chemistry. The writing is smart and fun (exactly what I have come to expect from Ally Carter).

One of my favorite parts was the letter from young Maddie to Logan that kicked off each chapter. The reader could “hear” how Maddie’s voice changed in the six years from her arrival in Alaska to Logan’s arrival. And that reflected the changes in her personality over that time.

My only complaint was that it ended too soon. I wanted more!! Well, not more suspense because that was tense. But I loved spending time with these characters. Maddie is so sharp and capable. She fits in with so many of my favorite female protagonists.

One of the factors I love most, though, is that I can recommend this to anyone. There’s no foul language or anything else that would make me hesitant to recommend this to middle grade readers ready for something more suspenseful or to teens (and parents) who don’t want the distraction of mature content. One of my former students, who was hit-and-miss with reading when she was younger, has discovered Ally Carter and it has changed her outlook about reading. I love that I can recommend this to her and not have to worry about content that is too mature for her at 11 or 12 years old. Yet the book also stands as a strong, enjoyable story for teens as well on the merits of the plot and outstanding characters. This may be my favorite Ally Carter book yet! I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Looking for Dei by David A. Willson

REVIEW: Looking for Dei by David A. Willson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Nara was a toddler – only two years old – she lived in an orphanage. Children like her were usually killed, but instead she was cast off. Forgotten.

But Nara’s arrival in the world was special. Prophesied. And Bylo had spent years trying to find a child like her. When he found her, he carted her away. The orphanage hardly noticed.

Raised by Bylo, Nara grew into a sweet young woman. At 15, she loved nature and animals. She spent most of her free time with her best friend Mykel. And she hid her magic.

Usually magic was only discovered at the Announcement. Teens would participate in a ceremony that would reveal the magic. No magic had been found in Dimmitt in years. And Nara’s magic was so unusual, she and Bylo weren’t sure what would happen to her at the ceremony.

But it’s Mykel’s turn in the ceremony that sets events in motion. Soon the three are on the run, desperate to stay alive and stay hidden. They don’t realize that someone else has been searching for Nara for years – and they know exactly where she is. And what she is.

Review

I received a request from the author to consider reviewing his new book. As I enjoy reading fantasy and the story sounded interesting, I said I would give it a try. I am so glad I did. This is an excellent fantasy world. The set up is well done. I was completely engrossed.

Nara and Mykel and Bylo are great characters. I cared about what happened to them. I especially liked Nara in contrast to Kayna. Nara was loved – Bylo raised her as if she was his own. And it made a huge impact on her character development. She truly loves and cares for others.

I loved the story line. The magic of this world is really interesting. I have some theories about how things work, but I’ll have to wait for book 2 to see if I am right. Elements of the magic system – and the story – reminded me of other great fantasy series which made this feel comfortable and familiar while still being original. There’s a faith/religious thread to the story – prophecy, prayer, faith, etc. – that was interesting. I am curious to see how that piece might develop in the next book, too.

Thanks to Netgalley and David A. Willson for an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Don't Cosplay with My Heart by Cecil Castellucci

REVIEW: Don’t Cosplay with My Heart by Cecil Castellucci

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Edan’s favorite fandom is Team Tomorrow, a comic book property she discovered through an animated show when she was a kid. Her favorite character is Gargantua, who has a complicated backstory. The choices of her superhero team leave Gargantua without a home or a history. So she turns on her team and becomes a villain.

Edan takes her cues from Gargantua as her own life takes an epic hit. Her dad is sequestered while he is under investigation for hinky financial practices. She watches her mother wither under the strain. Her grandmother tries to strong arm both Edan and her mom to engage in life again.

Edan finds the perfect distractions in her new boyfriend and a cosplay club. She learns to develop her own costumes, making due with thrift store finds and her own beginner sewing skills. She’s going to channel Gargantua as much as she can to walk through the challenges she faces. But a Gargantua-approach may not be enough.

Review

This was fantastic! I loved the Team Tomorrow pieces. There were many news-ish interludes between chapters that covered the story of the comic creators as well as different things that happened to the characters over the run of the comic.  When Edan uses the comic to describe her feelings or her choices, it all comes together perfectly.

The relationships in the story are fairly typical for YA books. Edan is keeping a secret from her best friend which will cause issues later. There’s the boyfriend and then the other guy who the reader knows is a better fit. But through the boyfriend piece I thought the author did an excellent job of showing what “gatekeeping” looks like – when fans (often men) question another geek’s fan credentials by asking testing questions to “prove” true fan status. While it was infuriating as I read it, I loved how the author portrayed this behavior and how it left Edan feeling.

There is no tidy ending to this, but things are moving in the right direction for Edan by the end. I loved that things were left a little open. This was thoroughly delightful from start to finish!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

REVIEW: More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Emma is a coder. She’s only a junior in high school, but she’s already designed her own game and other people are playing it online. Once she gets it perfect, she will show it to her dad. As a game designer, he’ll “get” how huge this is. And his approval is everything to Emma. She won’t mention the troll who is sending hateful, harassing emails to her through the game, though. That’s just how it is for women in gaming. She has to show her dad she can handle the jerks on her own.

Rev hasn’t seen his father since he was removed from the home for abuse when he was seven. At first, he didn’t even talk to his foster family. The first day, he ran away and hid at the neighbor’s. That’s how he and Declan became best friends. Now Rev’s 18. He’s in his last year of high school. His foster parents adopted him. He has a real family now. So why does the letter from his biological father throw him into such a tailspin?

Emma and Rev are both dealing with family issues. Neither one feels like they can tell the people closest to them what they are going through. But maybe they can rely on each other.

Review

Brigid Kemmerer is the real deal! After I felt in love with Declan and Juliet’s story (Letters to the Lost) last year, I started to follow her on Twitter and I tried her fantasy series (The Elementals) and loved it. This is her latest book, and it takes place in the same world as Letters. And it is another triumph.

I feel this is a darker, edgier story than Letters. The harassment Emma experiences is no joke. And the abuse Rev and other characters have suffered is horrific. But these pieces are also compelling. I have loved Rev since he first appeared in Letters. I enjoyed learning more of his story. Overall, the horrors the characters are experiencing give other people a chance to show up for Rev and for Emma. The protectiveness some people show for these characters when they are at their most fragile reminded me of all the best moments of another 2017 favorite, A List of Cages. Both books are inspiring. Oh, that we would care for others so fiercely.

I adored this story. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more moments with these characters after the story is resolved. More of just them and life and caring for one another. I don’t want to give anything away, but I’ll just say – Matthew. Oh, this character. I’d love to read more of his story some day.

I loved everything about this! From now on, if Brigid Kemmerer writes something, I’m reading it immediately. Check her books out – I highly recommend her work. (Language, trigger warning for abuse/harassment)

Many, many thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy of this fantastic book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly adored it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman

REVIEW: Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

As a child, Tess was a handful. She was curious and bright. She acted on instinct and impulse. And it nearly always got her into trouble.

Tess grew up with a religious and controlling mother. Tess wanted to do the right things and keep her mother happy. But eventually Tess’s choices left her shamed. She had to abandon her role as the oldest and instead let her twin sister pretend to fill that spot in the family. Tess would help Jeanne find a husband so their family would have a more secure place in society. She likely would have ended up serving her sister for the rest of her life.

As if that future wasn’t depressing enough, a few more of Tess’s choices instead leave her days away from a permanent trip to a convent. But Tess’s half sister, Seraphina (the half dragon) gives Tess an “out,” and Tess takes it. She hits the Road to find her own path.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this one. I loved Tess. I enjoyed all the parts of the story where she deals with her past and her choices and her future. I felt for her as she wrestled with her “evil nature” in light of her mother’s Puritanical faith. I loved the parts when other wise voices spoke into Tess’s pain and showed her there’s another way to look at her life. It was these parts that led to me giving this book the rating that I did.

On the other hand, this was not the book I was expecting. I thought there would be dragons – just look at that cover – and adventure. There were moments of action, yet the book as a whole was long and slow at times. I kept waiting to get to the adventure Tess was walking toward. But the point of the book is her evolution, her journey overcoming her past. It took almost half the book to realize the road trip WAS the story, not just a means to get to the story. The fantasy pieces felt disjointed as the character pieces would break into the story. It was like the book was uncertain about its own identity.

If you are looking for a dragon-focused adventure story – something like what the cover seems to promise – you may be disappointed. If you are looking for a character study or a hero’s journey sort of story, this might be a good fit for you. (Some mature content.)

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥