Tag: books for teens

THROW BACK: The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

THROW BACK: The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal

Posted on by Jaymie

This review was originally posted on my Bring on the Books blog on April 11, 2011. Reading this review again makes me want to pull the book out for a re-read some time soon!

 

Summary

For 16 years, she was Nalia, princess of Thorvaldor. Then, in one moment, she becomes Sinda, the princess’ “stand in,” put in place through a magic spell, in order to protect the princess from prophesied disaster. Once the magic is removed, Sinda is sent to live with an aunt she’s never known who thought she was dead all this time. Sinda’s lost the only family she’s ever known, her home, her best friend, her very identity.

As Sinda struggles to redefine her life, she must make peace with an immense amount of previously unknown magic. She returns to Thorvaldor to learn to master her magic, and stumbles into a plot to overthrow the rulers of Thorvaldor. Can a displaced false princess ever hope to save her kingdom?

 

Review

Fantastic!! Great characters. Increasing levels of distress – personal, then interpersonal, then national – pull the reader through the story. Amazing plot twists. Mild romantic story line. Sinda is a great character, realistically dealing with the upheaval in her core identity and the doubts she battles. I would happily share The False Princess with others and would read it again some time. Excellent story.

5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: readers 12 and up, readers who like princess stories that are more intricate than the typical princess story for younger kids, mystery lovers

 

 

REVIEW: The Flipside of Perfect by Liz Reinhardt

REVIEW: The Flipside of Perfect by Liz Reinhardt

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

When Della heads home to Michigan after her summer with her dad and older siblings in Florida, she feels torn. It was a hard summer after the death of Nan Sunny. And now Dell is about to start high school alone, with her older siblings in Florida and her younger sisters still at Trinity. But Dell’s mother misunderstands the struggle and suggests she stop going to Florida. So Dell decides she just has to be extra awesome at compartmentalizing her life. In Michigan, she’s AJ, the uber-responsible daughter, perfect sister, and top notch student leader. In the summers, she can relax and be Della, the baby of the family who is free to cut loose.

Three years later, AJ has become a pro at her double life. But she doesn’t love how it feels. As she approaches her senior year of high school, the pressure is mounting. Her parents in Michigan are pushing internships and extracurriculars that threaten her time in Florida. Her father’s business in Florida is struggling, and Della keeps butting heads with his teen employee. But as life starts to crumble for one of Della’s younger sisters and she is sent to Florida, Della’s two worlds are about to collide.

Review

This had a slow, slow start for me. It made the book feel twice as long as it really was. I was maybe 1/3 or more into it before things started to click. I needed AJ to get to a place where she was honestly appraising her dual life – and the reasons for it – while also digging into what it was costing her. Once that happened, I was hooked. And once her younger sister arrived in Florida and pushed AJ’s self-evaluation that much deeper, I couldn’t put the book down.

I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this early on. I ended up adoring this book. The characters are a delight – even the one who annoyed me early on. There are fantastic messages woven in about emotional health and maturity, communication, therapy, and identity. The core pieces about family and siblings are lovely. Really, there are almost too many terrific pieces to list them all – romance, humor, self-discovery. So satisfying in the end.

Pick this one up! If it feels slow at first, stick with it. This was so good, I would read it again! (Language, LGBTQ+, sexual references, underage drinking, teen pregnancy)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

REVIEW: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Camryn Roth has her heart set on Columbia for college. Her boyfriend, Marc, is a legacy, and they made a pact to attend together. Then Cam meets with her school counselor. Cam has been so focused on Marc and her friends, she’s neglected her extracurriculars. As things stand at the start of her senior year, she doesn’t have enough on her applications to get her into somewhere like Columbia. And there’s really no other school on her list.

That meeting with the counselor was bad. It threw Cam off and left her brain spinning. But she was going out that night with Marc. He would help her brainstorm some ideas to get back on track.

Only, he didn’t. He dumped her. Publicly. Not over the college thing, but because he wanted “some space.”

Cam is devastated. Marc is dating again in no time, eager to move on. But Cam’s whole life – her free time, her class schedule, her future plans – all revolved around Marc.

But with her best friends by her side, some new friends on her team, and a plan, Cam is going to get her life back on track. And she’ll show Marc what a huge mistake he’s made.

Review

This had a rough start for me. I did NOT like Cam. I felt there were huge, flashing “DANGER” signs in her thinking about Marc and their relationship. She hounded her counselor for the whole summer because she *had* to have at least one class with Marc her senior year. The activities she did as a freshman dropped off so she could focus on Marc. And it wasn’t because Marc made her drop those things. He wasn’t abusive or demanding. That was just what Cam thought it meant to be in a relationship – ignoring her ideas or her interests to focus solely on him. Every new glimpse into their relationship dynamic made me feel even more uncomfortable.

I do not enjoy characters and stories like that. I like strong, sassy characters who don’t put up with anyone’s guff. Cam seemed to be giving herself up for this relationship that started when she was 14 or 15. A lot can change about a teen from freshman year to senior year. And that’s often a good thing. But not for Cam. The big drama, the big feelings and the desperation were a turn off to me. If I had not committed to reading this, I probably would have stopped after a couple chapters.

Once I pushed through those initial feelings, I started to think that I was supposed to be uncomfortable with how Cam was acting. This whole book is about her finding herself again outside of this relationship. Cam kept sacrificing her wants and her options for guys – it didn’t just happen with Marc. And her head was so far in the sand of these “romantic” relationships, she missed out on some amazing friends until the break up set her on a new course.

It takes awhile, but Cam starts to listen to her own heart again. She prioritizes the things that have always mattered to her – having fun, being a little wild (like, school mascot wild), her friends – but got lost when she put other people’s preferences over her own. There’s still more of an emphasis on dating through the last half of the book than I would have chosen, but it’s probably more realistic this way. Cam needs time to realize what she’s doing in these relationships and start making her own choices again.

This is really NOT a romance, although it looks and sounds from the title like it might be. It’s really about Cam finding herself outside of a relationship and being okay with that, and with herself, for the first time in awhile. This could be a powerful story for teens exploring co-dependent relationships or  trying to figure out where their own romantic relationships fit in the balance of their lives.

Rating: ♥♥♥½

 

REVIEW: Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

REVIEW: Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Michelle Okolo was completing an internship at the National Air Traffic Investigation Center (NATIC). She was a rising high school senior hoping to attend the US Air Force Academy after high school. The NATIC tracked air travel around the country to be sure planes stayed on course. Michelle’s first big test – a preparedness drill – didn’t end well for her, or for the passengers on the pretend plane. She had to wonder if she’d ever be good enough for the Academy.

Cassie, Brandon, Tim and Emily were best friends. And they were in Idaho on a camping trip. Jay was new to their school, but Emily adopted him like a stray and insisted he join them. The flight from New York to Idaho was Jay’s first trip on a plane. The return trip would be his second. They were chaperoned by someone from Cassie’s dad’s company. They were travelling on his private plane, too. And other than some risky choices on Cassie’s part during the camping trip, it was mostly an uneventful vacation.

When the kids get to the airport, they discover their co-pilot is out with food poisoning, so they are getting a sub. Frankly, Cassie has been on enough of these flights, she could probably co-pilot the plane herself!

After take off, the kids notice they are flying west instead of east. Then the plane climbs much higher that it’s supposed to, supposedly because of weather. At NATIC, Michelle and her co-workers watch the plane disappear from the radar. It’s been skyjacked.

Review

This was terrific. The short chapters and the tension and danger of the story made this a fast read. It played out like a TV movie with the folks on the plane speculating about what’s going on and trying to make a game plan while the authorities on the ground dig into the background of everyone on board to see who could be involved.

Plenty of twists and perilous moments drive the reader to keep turning the pages – I finished this in one sitting. There’s not a ton of depth to the characters due to the speed and intensity of the story, although there is some character development in the beginning before they get on the plane. It all comes together in a satisfying way. Don’t miss this exciting, action-packed story! (Violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: American Royals by Katharine McGee

REVIEW: American Royals by Katharine McGee

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

An alternate history where General Washington was offered a crown at the end of the American Revolution – and he accepted, becoming King George I.

Now, two-and-a-half centuries later, his descendant, King George IV sits on the throne, and his oldest, Princess Beatrice, is in line to be the first Washington Queen of America. Beatrice’s grandfather changed the succession rules so instead of her younger brother, Jeff, being groomed for the throne, that is Beatrice’s path.

The pressure on Beatrice is enormous. And it doesn’t get better when her parents tell her she has to find a husband soon so she has a partner to help shoulder the load when it’s her turn to rule.

Beatrice isn’t the only member of the royal family struggling. Beatrice’s sister, Sam (Jeff’s twin) is watching the young man she has feelings for slip through her fingers. And Jeff is keeping a secret girlfriend from his twin and the rest of the family. The king himself is keeping the biggest secret of all – one that will have ripple-effects on each member of his family.

Review

It took me awhile to find the “why” of this book – why is this story being told? The alternate history angle was fascinating to me, so that kept me turning pages until I understood where the story of this family was going.

There are a series of love triangles at  play in the book among the royal siblings. Normally I don’t care for love triangles. But these were interwoven and intriguing enough to pull me forward through the story to see how things would play out.

Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of the characters. Maybe I’m not supposed to like the royals. I don’t know. I actively disliked the manipulative, back-stabbing character, but the rest were rather “meh.” I kept reading to see how the circumstances changed, but not because I wanted to know what happened to the people. I’m not sure I will try the sequel since I didn’t actually like any of the characters in this.

It wasn’t until after I finished this that I saw some online criticism of the concept of this book. Some readers are bothered by a story that would have the first George choose a crown – something they were fighting against in the Revolution. Another complaint was that a colonized country, built on slavery and stolen land and abuse of native populations, would have a monarchy. These are not factors that occurred to me as I read or before I picked the book up. Readers will have to decide on their own where they stand on those issues. (Language, sex, drinking)

Rating: ♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

REVIEW: Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Tyler has achieved all he’s worked for. He’s completed his Academy training at the top of his class. He’s going to get first pick for the best squad of graduates – until he discovers Aurora.

Two hundred years ago, Aurora left Earth in cryostasis, headed for a colony. Her ship disappeared. When Tyler finds it two centuries later, Aurora is the only one on the ship still alive.

Rescuing Aurora was the right thing to do, but it cost Tyler his chance at an elite squad. His twin sister, Scarlett is still with him as his diplomat, and Cat is still his pilot and best friend. But the other three – Finian, Zila, and Kaliis – weren’t anyone’s first, second, or third choice.

When Tyler and his team – plus Aurora – head out on their first assignment – a garbage assignment that feels beneath them – everything that could go wrong, does. That’s when they discover that the Global Intelligence Agency is eager to get their hands on Aurora. And the GIA isn’t very particular about what happens to anyone else who gets in their way.

Review

I am a huge fan of great science fiction stories, and Aurora Rising definitely qualifies. I loved this whole adventure – the characters, the world, the heist, the aliens – all of it.

We have only scratched the surface with these characters. This book left me wanting to know more about them. Kal and Zila were the most interesting for me – and I hope we hear more from Zila in the next book. She’s still pretty much a mystery. I also loved Aurora’s 21st century vibe – references to Lord of the Rings and all – because she feels the most familiar, coming from a time near our own.

The authors do an amazing job of rolling out a captivating story without giving all their secrets away early on. While so many questions are answered by the end, there are yet more out there for book 2. And book 2 is a MUST read for me. I can’t wait to share this one with my family – I gave it to my teen as soon as I finished – and friends. It’s a terrific story – and it’s only the beginning of Aurora’s journey. I can’t wait to read more! (Some language, references to off-page sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Unleaving by Melissa Ostrom

REVIEW: Unleaving by Melissa Ostrom

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Maggie’s mother calls it a “sabbatical.” Instead of starting her sophomore year at Carlton College, Maggie is going to live in western New York with her Aunt Wren. In some ways, it’s a welcome change of scenery. Maggie’s memories of Carlton are tainted by what happened – and by the reaction of the community when she accused their favorite football star and his friends. A change of scenery may be just what she needs.

Maggie falls into a routine at her aunt’s – time on the beach, reading, cleaning up around the house, avoiding any reminders of Carlton. That includes avoiding her phone, texts and emails. All too often they were nasty attacks and reminders of all she endured. Then she finds the email from a girl at Carlton. Jane says she’s gone through the same thing Maggie did. She’s looking for an empathetic ear and maybe some advice – things Maggie’s not sure she can offer. But when Jane goes silent, Maggie worries she might be in trouble, and she feels compelled to get involved after all.

Review

This is a very good story. But I didn’t like it. At first I was concerned that the assault flashbacks might be detailed and upsetting. While what is there could be triggering for survivors and some other readers, the author did a good job of giving just enough information to convey what happened and how Maggie is struggling. The story works without a lot of troubling details.

Maggie finds a small community where she lives with her aunt. She’s smack in the middle of the drama of another family. But those folks are also a safe place for Maggie to be herself and not have to hide her story. There’s also some major things going on between Maggie’s mom and her estranged sister, Wren. This layers some additional weight onto the themes of the book.

I was curious about how things were going to come together, so I kept reading where I might not have otherwise. There are several major threads weaving through the book – Maggie’s recovery, her connection with Jane, the things going on with Aunt Wren, and then the family drama with Wren’s neighbors. I wanted to know how things would play out. But there weren’t any characters I especially liked. This is a book full of broken people, just trying to get through the day as best they can. It’s a dark story in some ways – heavy themes, struggling people.

As I said, this is a good story. It’s well written and engaging. But it’s too dark for me. Other readers will be a better fit for this than I was. (Language, Trigger Warning for sexual assault/abuse)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Truth Lies Here by Lindsey Klingele

REVIEW: The Truth Lies Here by Lindsey Klingele

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Penelope heads “home” to Bone Lake, Michigan to stay with her father for the summer while her mom is in Europe on sabbatical. Her goals are to get a job and write a fantastic article to help her get into college. And she’s started one about the impact of an accident at the plastic factory in Bone Lake. The factory closed, and the town has never recovered. Now she wants to find some personal reactions to round out the story.

But no one wants to talk about the accident or the plant. In fact, everyone she talks to utters the same phrase. It’s like a code or something. And there are other weird things going on. Penelope’s dad is missing. He never showed up at the airport to get her. A charred body was found in the woods, and two teens have gone missing, too. Penelope can’t get anyone but her neighbor to take her dad’s absence seriously. But the longer he’s gone, the more suspicious it is for law enforcement. They think maybe her dad has something to hide.

Penny is determined to get at the truth no matter what she discovers – or how dangerous it becomes.

Review

This was a nice surprise. The mystery was great. I was guessing all the way through – were there aliens? Was there something supernatural going on? Was there a reasonable explanation?

I enjoyed Penny and her neighbor, Dex. They made a great team for the investigation. And the town held lots of secrets which kept the story mysterious and kept me turning pages.

I got a kick out of the X-Files references as Dex leaned toward extra-terrestrial explanations and Penny leaned toward realistic ones. The Mulder and Scully references were fun.

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. All of the pieces clicked together into a satisfying ending. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: #PrettyBoy Must Die by Kimberly Reid

REVIEW: #PrettyBoy Must Die by Kimberly Reid

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Peter Smith is a senior at Carlisle Academy in Colorado. On a late night run, his best friend tries to jump out and surprise him, but the pizza smell gives him away. Yet a freshman girl can jump out and take a picture of him shirtless, that she then posts online. #PrettyBoy is born.

In anyone else, this might be flattering. But Peter is a teenage CIA operative. That girl never should have been able to sneak up on him like that – and he does NOT need his face on social media! After an operation in the Ukraine went south with Peter stuck on the inside, he’s been sidelined at Carlisle. He’s supposed to be finishing his last year of high school and gathering intel on some of the bigwigs who send their kids to the school. But in reality, Peter has traced the hacker from the Ukrainian op to Carlisle. He’s perfectly placed to observe and ferret out the hacker. Unfortunately, it looks like the hacker might be Katie, the gorgeous girl with the British accent that he dumped before Homecoming. High school and spy work sure can make life complicated.

And it’s about to get worse. The Ukranian mission may seem over to the CIA, but someone has seen Peter’s picture online and decided #PrettyBoy must die.

Review

Reviews for this online are really low, and I just don’t understand it. I thought this was great fun! The mystery/spy pieces were twisty. Peter was always wondering (though not always guessing correctly) whom he could trust. There’s a steady supply of action and tension from start to finish. I would read more books like this if this ever becomes a series.

The whole #PrettyBoy premise was fun. This was a light yet suspenseful story. The book didn’t take itself too seriously. I enjoyed the characters a lot. There’s a little bit of language, but no detailed violence, so this easily works for middle school as well as older readers who want a fun, fast-moving adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

REVIEW: The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

In the world of Orléans, the Belles are a gift to the world from the goddess of beauty. The God of the Sky turned the humans of Orléans grey and ugly in a fit of anger. The Bells were sent to bring beauty back to the world.

Camellia is one of six Belles debuting this year. When each of the girls has displayed her skills to the queen at the Beauté Carnaval, the queen will assign the girls to the place where they will serve the people. Only one of them can be “the favorite” and serve the royal family and their most honored guests at the palace. And Camellia – Camille – is determined to win.

But nothing goes as Camille expects. There are secrets at the palace. And at the tea houses where the Belles serve. Even back at the home where they were raised. Secrets. Lies. Manipulations. Betrayals. Nothing has prepared Camille for the reality of her new life or what will be asked of her.

Review

Wow! This book left me feeling stunned. It was nothing like I expected. It doesn’t look like a fantasy from the cover, but it very much is. There’s a lot of world building that went into the development of this story. It took me a little while to get the feel of it. It’s about beauty on one level – about being the best of the best. I think I was expecting something along the line of The Selection, but this is something entirely different.

I’m can’t exactly say I enjoyed this. I didn’t click with the main character. And characters are almost always what makes a book special for me. There are enough secrets and twists in this that it’s hard to feel like you really know the characters.  And Camille is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She’s not even sure who she’s going to be in the face of some events.

At the same time, the story was absolutely captivating. I was rooting for Camille against her foes. I was breathless as things accelerated toward the end. The finish left me at loose ends, wondering what could possibly happen next. Underneath the beauty pieces is a dark, twisty and suspenseful tale of madness, betrayal and manipulation. It’s brilliantly written. And while I feel no draw to a character or my usual feelings about a great book, I also know I will have to read the next book to find out what happens. (Trigger warning for assault)

Thanks to Netgalley and Freeform for the opportunity to read an electronic copy of this book for review purposes. While it was nothing like I was expecting, at the same time it was excellent.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½