Review: Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Let Me Hear a Rhyme
by Tiffany D. Jackson

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 21, 2019

LET ME HEAR A RHYME is about the death of teenage rapper, Steph. His sister and two friends decide to keep his legacy alive and try get him a record deal. It is told from three different perspectives: Jazz, Quadir, and Jarrell. I really enjoyed this book. As a big fan of rap and the culture, I appreciated it greatly. The slang was well used and relevant with teens today. The author did a great job of describing the situation that they live in. The character relationships were well thought out and the plot came together nicely. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think you would too. It's really relevant in today's society. 

Review: Missing, Presumed Dead

Missing, Presumed Dead
by Emma Berquist

Publisher: Greenwillow/HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 21, 2019

MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD is a thrilling murder mystery about high school dropout, Alexandra “Lexi” Ivanovich, who teams up with a recently killed ghost, Jane Morris. Jane was murdered at the bar Lexi works at, but doesn’t remember who killed her and why. What Lexi is surprised by, however, is that Jane is not the only stabbing victim who went missing in the last month: Urie, Lexi’s boss, worries that they have a serial killer on their hands, who’s using their bar club as a slaughtering ground.

However, Lexi’s abilities branch far beyond just seeing ghosts: she can also see how and when people die just at a touch. Overwhelmed with the guilt that she had seen Jane’s death before it actually happened and couldn’t stop it, Lexi tries to help Jane find her killer before he harms anyone else. What follows is an exciting mystery/ghost story with a hefty dose of honesty, humor, and romance.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was extremely creative and the story flowed so well, I wasn’t even paying attention to how far along in the book I was. Berquist does an especially great job with the characters, as they were not only complex in their own ways, but very likable and fun to read about! I highly recommend this book to mystery, romance, and horror fans alike. (A slight gore warning, but nothing too severe.)

Review: Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak

Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
by Adi Alsaid

Publisher: Inkyard Press
Publication Date: April 30, 2019

BRIEF CHRONICLE OF ANOTHER STUPID HEARTBREAK tells the tale of Lu, a teen writer who is struggling with writer's block after being dumped by her senior boyfriend. When she finds a couple she may be able to write about, it makes her question the meaning of her own relationships and what might be worth saving. This book was very cute, and it was exciting to be on Lu’s journey alongside her.

Review: The Thousandth Floor

The Thousandth Floor
by Katharine McGee

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 30, 2016

THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR is the breathtaking tale of five teenagers living in the dazzling thousand-floor tower of 2118 Manhattan. In this tower of futuristic technology where everything you dream of is within reach, everyone has something they want, and everyone has something to lose. Take Leda Cole for example, the high floor girl whose flawless exterior hides a deadly addiction, or Eris Dodd-Radson, a beautiful it-girl whose life is ripped apart when a betrayal tears her family apart. And what about Rylin Myers, whose new job as a high-floor maid fills her life with a romance that she never imagined, or Watt Bakradi, the tech genius whose simple task to spy for an upper floor girl turns out to be anything but. Above all sits Avery Fuller on the thousandth floor, a girl designed to be perfect and to have it all… except the one thing she can’t have.

Though some might say that the opening of this was slow, it definitely did not feel like that the whole way through. McGee’s writing felt electric as she took the plot into newer places with each chapter. I loved this about her writing because you never know what would happen next. Another thing that McGee did was overlap her individual characters' storylines. While this sort of thing doesn’t always work out, McGee found a way to make it work perfectly. An example of this is when one character goes to VR laser tag and at the same time meets another character. This might seem like something that happens frequently in books but in reality, the author is putting in two different character perspectives from different chapters. And as she does this, she is creating more room for surprises and plot twists as characters who might seem unconnected actually are, forming a web of interactions throughout the book. This leads me to another aspect of the book, the characters.

Though each character seemed to stem from a particular stereotype, each grew over the course of the book. Eris, for example, who started out as just your basic rich girl without a care in the world, actually transforms into a character who some might sympathize with during her fall from grace. Though McGee did seem to be not the best at creating deep side characters in this first book, I can tell that these side characters will turn out to be better developed in the second or third books.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the setting of this book. The idea of all of Manhattan in one giant glittering tower is one that really intrigued me and made me want to keep reading. I was constantly wondering how people lived in the monstrosity of a giant tower like that, so I was constantly interested in every mention the author made of it. I loved the technologies the author filled the tower with, especially all the futuristic restaurants and places to visit inside the tower. This novel was a great example of world building at its finest, because McGee did not at all rely on previous ideas such as fairies or superheroes, but instead came out with an original setting for a dystopian novel without a complete government meltdown or radioactive monsters. She also made sure to ground this tower to reality by mentioning things such as the SAT or Model United Nations, something that made me feel like I can relate more to the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of GOSSIP GIRL or ONE OF US IS LYING because of its intricate web of lives and ulterior motives fueled by hidden secrets that each character has. 

Review: Opposite of Always

Opposite of Always
by Justin A. Reynolds

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: March 5, 2019

The charming and honestly written OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS by Justin A. Reynolds follows the story of Jack King, a high school senior living the exciting final few months before his graduation and transition to college. At a party with his buddy Jillian, Jack meets a witty and charming freshman college student named Kate. The two instantly hit it off, and as their friendship continues, Jack starts to fall in love with her. Unfortunately for the two, Kate falls ill only six months later, and dies! But when she does, Jack suddenly finds himself reliving the same six months over and over again, beginning the day that he first met Kate, and starting over every time she dies. Luckily, Jack realizes that this is the perfect opportunity to change things: an infinite time loop with infinite chances to save Kate. Unfortunately, everything has a price, and Jack has to be careful not to permanently sever his friendships, hurt his family, or lose himself in the process.

If you’re really into time-loop stories but are also a huge sap for romance, please take a look at this book. Jack and Kate’s relationship is really genuine and sweet, and let me just say that the friendship that Jack has with his two friends Jillian and Franny is so healthy. They always talk their problems out (even if sometimes I didn’t really understand a few of their conflicts) and support each other through tough times. Everything is told through Jack’s perspective, and seeing his character development throughout the book is really interesting and for some reason gives off some Scott Pilgrim vs. the World vibes? That’s cool though, because if Jack isn’t relatable, I don’t know what he is! 

So if you’re bored on a Saturday night and have the craving for a sensitive romantic comedy with meaningful messages, check out OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS! (Also, just a heads up for fans of John Green, Nicola Yoon, and Becky Albertalli, the back of the book mentions that OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS would be great for those who already enjoy works by those authors!)

Review: Broken Things

Broken Things
by Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: October 2, 2018

BROKEN THINGS by Lauren Oliver follows ex-best friends Mia and Brynn as they reconnect five years after the murder of their best friend, Summer. Mia and Brynn were the prime suspects in Summer’s death at the time, but are determined to solve the case years later and prove themselves innocent. The pair decides to dig into their past in order to do this, and the story alternates between their time in high school and the present. BROKEN THINGS was actually more like two books than one: the novel itself, and another story that is twisted into the girls’ relationships and Summer’s death. I loved how this collision between fiction and reality and the connection between past and present heightened the story’s eerie tone. While the actual mystery aspect of the novel seemed predictable at times, the dynamics and tension between Brynn, Summer, and Mia kept me engaged in the story. Overall, BROKEN THINGS is an excellent choice for fans of Oliver, and for readers looking for a captivating thriller.

Review: Sawkill Girls

Sawkill Girls
by Claire Legrand

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 18, 2018

SAWKILL GIRLS by Claire Legrand takes place on the quiet island of Sawkill Rock, where the cliffs are high and the tides are crisp. However, the island’s seemingly remote town is not as safe as it seems; girls have been going missing for years, their bodies never found. Newcomer Marion Althouse, having just moved to Sawkill Rock with her sister and mother due to the recent death of her father, is unaware of the ancient mysteries plaguing the island; at least, until she crosses paths with the town’s teenage sweetheart, Val Mortimer, and the Sawkill sheriff’s spunky daughter, Zoey Harlow. Three girls, all completely different. But they have one thing in common—something others would kill for.

SAWKILL GIRLS is by far one of the wildest books I’ve ever read. With a rich plot and complex characters, SAWKILL GIRLS kept me turning each page with anticipation. However, though this book is very well written, it may not be for everyone; be warned that it contains some graphic descriptions of gore and sex, just in case that isn’t your thing. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this book for anybody who would enjoy a chilling mystery with a tinge of horror, or just genuinely likes to get creeped out. With that, I leave you to decide if SAWKILL GIRLS is right for you, and if you do decide to give this book a try, you’re in for real treat. Enjoy!

Review: A Very Large Expanse of Sea

A Very Large Expanse of Sea
by Taherah Mafi

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: October 16, 2018

Tahereh Mafi’s stunning new novel A VERY LARGE EXPANSE OF SEA chronicles the story of high schooler Shirin, a strong young woman whose life has never been easy due to her family’s constant moving and her daily choice to wear a hijab. It’s 2002, one year after 9/11, and Shirin is constantly being bullied, stared at, threatened, or worse. Enter Ocean. The seemingly perfect love interest is the first person in a long time who really wants to get to know Shirin. It’s through Ocean’s kindness and her love of breakdancing that Shirin is able to make it through another year.


A VERY LARGE EXPANSE OF SEA is a beautiful novel, with addictive prose from Shatter Me series author Tahereh Mafi and irresistibly lovable characters. This book has such soul and such heart, that it is near impossible to put down. I encourage you to pick up this book and jump into a whirlwind story of love, hate, and everything in between that will leave you feeling that there is some good left in the world.

Review: Let Me List the Ways

Let Me List the Ways
by Sarah White

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 7, 2018

LET ME LIST THE WAYS by Sarah White is about Mackenzie Clark, a senior in high school who is in love with her best friend Nolan Walker. Of course he isn't aware of this fact. For their last summer together they decide to make a list of things they want to do together before it's over. Mackenzie has to decide whether she wants to jeopardize their friendship by telling Nolan her true feelings. I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun light read.  I liked the author's writing style and the friendship development. I would recommend this book to romance novel lovers!

Review: Truly Devious

Truly Devious
by Maureen Johnson

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: January 16, 2018

TRULY DEVIOUS is about murder and a girl. Not murder of a girl, or at least not the main character. Stevie Bell, a “true-crime aficionado" has never stood over a dead body in her life. But she has wanted to for a long time. She gets her chance a few months into her first semester at Ellingham Academy, a famous private school. ...Famous for exceptionally bright, genius-like students, and an unsolved accident involving a kidnapping and quite a few blunt objects. Stevie Bell wants to figure out exactly what happened. 

I liked TRULY DEVIOUS, because I like hidden things and big twists and awesome women. Pix and Stevie and Vi all remind me of different aspects of myself. I think I’d want to go to Ellingham despite the murder, because I liked the way things are run. The faculty all seem very nice and understanding, but completely miss out on figuring out the murder, and it seemed kind of funny that it took a high school student to figure it out. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the past. I actually liked the current characters less than the precurrent characters; the precurrent characters seemed more alive to me.         

  

Review: Three Sides of a Heart

Three Sides of a Heart: Stories About Love Triangles
edited by Natalie Parker

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: December 19, 2017

THREE SIDES OF A HEART, a short story anthology, has a variety of stories with one thing in common- they all incorporate the popular YA trope of the love triangle. It’s difficult to pin this book down because of the very divergent topics, genres and characters used in each story. Sci-fi, historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism; murderers, magicians, knights, zombie-fighting slaves, astronauts-- you name it, this book’s got it. Because of the diversity of types of stories, some I found interesting and others less so. 

One characteristic shared by each story is how unlike each love triangle is from the others. Many of the authors took great creative liberty, keeping the stories from becoming monotonous and producing some really inventive and delightful stories. One of them being Vega by Brenna Yovanoff which depicts the main character in love with a boy and a city. The characters in this short story are vibrant and original, each action they take prompts a reaction from the reader. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, exploring conflicted emotions and heartbreaking decisions with just 26 pages. Another story that I really enjoyed was Work in Progress by E. K. Johnston. It focuses on three people within three different realities, one on a spaceship, one during summer at a lake house, and one in medieval times. The reason this story struck me is that there is no “love” involved. The three characters simply are together, whether hiding in a space ship vent, sleeping in a bunk bed, or battling a dragon. The things they feel for each other are beyond physical affections or even saying the words “I love you”. Johnston does an amazing job of creating these feeling without flat out stating them- something not many authors attempt to do. Overall this short story anthology was fun and original, if you’d like to explore different genres and writing styles, this would be a great book to read. 

Review: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
by Mackenzi Lee

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 27, 2017

THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE is by Mackenzi Lee and follows the story of Monty, Percy, and Felicity. Monty lives in 18th century England, and is now getting ready for his tour of the Continent with his best friend Percy and his sister Felicity. Monty is a young bisexual lord, and while he hopes to spend his tour flirting with Percy, his father hopes that the tour will set him on the right path. But, what should have been a regular tour of France turns deadly when they are attacked by highwaymen. So begins their adventure through many of the great European cities to escape the highwaymen and figure out why exactly they are being chased.

One of my favorite parts about this book was how diverse it was. The characters all had something unique about them, from having a disability to being an amazing feminist voice. The author is also able to really show us the various struggles that these characters would have faced during this time. We are able to experience the poor treatment of women and Africans from a point of view not from now, but from the 18th century. Another part of this book that I enjoyed was the main character. Monty is not your typical lord with charming manners and swoon-worthy philosophical quotes. He is a bit of an alcoholic with a serious attitude problem. But that is what makes it more real. Instead we get to see his character development as he learns and matures throughout the book. Another part of the book that I enjoyed was the setting. Throughout the whole book we are traveling and experiencing new places. We get to see what various cities were like during this time.

If you are looking for a book that will take you across Europe that has adventure, romance, and a bit of magic, you should definitely check this out!

Review: Eliza and Her Monsters

Eliza and Her Monsters
by Francesca Zappia

Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: May 30, 2017

High school senior Eliza Mirk is quiet and reserved. She rarely speaks at school and spends most of her time drawing in her sketchbook. What most people don’t know, however, is that inside of that sketchbook is a world that Eliza created – the online comic Monstrous Sea. Eliza runs her fandom of millions of followers anonymously under the screen name LadyConstellation, but this anonymity is threatened when Wallace Warland, the number one MS fanfiction writer, arrives at her school and makes Eliza wonder if she can have a life both on- and offline.

ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS was a beautifully written book. Both Eliza and Wallace deal with personal and familial struggles, but through their shared loved of Monstrous Sea they connect with one another and develop a profound relationship. I thought that Zappia did an excellent job of writing about introversion, creativity, and mental health. Between chapters, she included sections of Eliza’s webcomic, Monstrous Sea, which was an equally captivating story and added to my perception of Eliza’s growth as a character while I read. The book also contained one other story, THE CHILDREN OF HYPNOS, which Zappia has released on her Wattpad page and which I cannot wait to read.

Review: Queer, There, and Everywhere

Queer, There, and Everywhere
by Sarah Prager

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 23, 2017

While there has been amazing progress in the both publicity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, it is still considered a “minority” group, outside of the norm. The best gift that QUEER, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE gives everyone, regardless of their identity, is the normalization of being LGBTQ+. Exploring twenty-three figures throughout history, this fascinating and easy-to-read set of biographies reveals just how diverse our world is. From First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (lesbian) to an ancient Roman transgender empress, QUEER, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE forces us to confront our own assumptions about history that we may not even realize we have.

I found this to be both fascinating and humbling. The breadth and depth of the LGBTQ+ community is rarely explored in conventional history classes, and this book helped me see the world through an entirely new lens. The writing is very accessible and fun, though the author tries a little too hard to be “hip”—the attempted use of slang can be a little cringe-worthy at times. Overall, however, I think this book isn’t just a good read, but a necessary one, giving LGBTQ+ folks amazing examples of influential world-changers with struggles and triumphs to identify with, and helping allies better understand how we need to view the world in order to be compassionate, understanding, and supportive.

Review: Girl Code

Girl Code
by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: March 7, 2017

GIRL CODE by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser is a documentation of Andy and Sophie’s initiation into the world of coding, and their unique experiences as they created video games and lasting friendships. Andy and Sophie’s uplifting attitude during their adventures sends out a positive message about what women can achieve when they set their minds to something. The reader will find herself rooting for Andy and Sophie as they face many trials involving coding, as well as those encountered in typical teenage life. If you are interested in coding, this book is great because it discusses many different concepts and opportunities for young coders. Likewise, if you don’t know much about coding, this book is a great introduction and showcases two girls who knew nothing about coding and the ways they learned to create things they never would have imagined. The reader should keep in mind that GIRL CODE is a record of Andy and Sophie's experiences rather than a story. Therefore it doesn't have a typical climax or exposition. I found some parts of it a bit hard to follow, but overall it was a very positive message and will encourage the reader to achieve their goals.

Review: Long May She Reign

Long May She Reign
by Rhiannon Thomas

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 21, 2017

LONG MAY SHE REIGN by Rhiannon Thomas is the story of a girl named Freya who is 23^rd in line to be queen, but is suddenly made queen after a deadly banquet where hundreds of people die, including the king and all of those in line before her. So she's instantly elevated to the throne, and now has to fight death threats, people who think she's the murderer, and a council that doesn’t listen to her. She also has to solve the mystery of who poisoned the entire court.

What I really liked about this book is how the author had this young girl be smart and powerful at the same time. She's science-y and loves to solve problems, and is so unlike many of the girls that you see in a court setting. She also has to fight her council: because she's a young girl and they think she's easy to manipulate, she has to prove herself to them.

The book takes a very feminist approach to many of the problems that females might have faced in the court setting back in the day, and lets us follow the story of a girl who wants to defy the expectations of what a queen is. I would recommend this book to lovers of medieval fiction, and those who are looking for a powerful feminist book to read.

Review: The Wish Granter

The Wish Granter
by C. J. Redwine

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 14, 2017

In THE WISH GRANTER by C.J. Redwine, Thad makes a deal with the mysterious Wish Granter so that he and his sister Ari ascend to be the King and Princess of the kingdom. Thad does the best he can to protect his people, but is restricted by his side of the Wish Granter’s deal. Sebastian, the new weapons master, helps Ari try to find a way to get Thad out of his contract, and return peace to the kingdom. The motivation of the Wish Granter, Teague, felt a little weak, such that the extent that he goes to in order to achieve his goal seems like overkill. I enjoyed reading THE WISH GRANTER, which retells a certain fairy tale with a dark twist. Those who are not familiar with the fairy tale will not understand what it is based off of until the end of the book, but those who are familiar with it will be able to figure out the ending. I recommend this to fans of the book CINDER. 

Review: #Famous

#Famous
by Jilly Gagnon

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: February 14, 2017

#FAMOUS by Jilly Gagnon is a cute and light foray into the ramifications of accidental internet stardom. After Rachel's picture of Kyle, the hot guy who works at the mall's hotdog stand, goes viral, the two have to figure out how to live their lives while experiencing their 15 seconds of fame, and determine what will stay the same and what's going to have to change. Though it was a bit cheesy and trope-filled at times, the interactions between the characters seemed genuine and realistic. The story flowed smoothly with good laughs and consistent behavior throughout, though there were definitely some stand-out scenes. Like many recent YA books, this novel uses tweets and texts as part of the storyline, and Gagnon really integrated these as into the story cleanly and really added another level of character to the plot all together. If you're looking for a fun and chill read and are a fan of classic high school cheesy romances, I'd definitely recommend this book.

Review: Allegedly

Allegedly
by Tiffany D. Jackson

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

When Mary B. Addison is nine years old, she is arrested for an unthinkable crime: the murder of a three-month-old baby. Her horrific act of cruelty shocks even the most weathered detectives and child development experts. Her crime makes headlines all over the world and inspires dozens of books. She is sentenced to juvenile hall and later, a group home. But did she really do it?
Five years after baby Alyssa’s death, Mary is about to become a mother herself. When the state attempts to force Mary to sign over her parental rights, she knows she must fight back.

ALLEGEDLY is a gripping novel that explores issues of race, mental health, and the criminal justice system. Mary’s relationship with her boyfriend and her love for her unborn child is incredibly real and touching. The author succeeds in creating characters that come alive. Readers will be unable to put it down.

Review: Carve the Mark

Carve the Mark
by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: January 17, 2017

In Veronica Roth’s new book, CARVE THE MARK, Roth combines fantastic space travel and beautiful new planets, with magical powers with a dark twist. Akos is a teenage boy living in a world where a magical light path called the "current" gives everyone incredible gifts. He lives with his mom, one of the planet's oracles, and his family in the harsh cold city of Hessa. Life isn’t that bad until he is kidnapped by a dangerous group of men who belong to the Shoet people, a deadly group of people obsessed with killing and conquering, and is forced to serve them.
Cyra is one of the Shoet. She lives with her brother, the leader of the Shoet, and is forced to use her deadly current gift to cause pain and suffering to those who defy them. But one day she decides to stop.
CARVE THE MARK follows the story of these two people, who are fighting for peace in a world obsessed with death and suffering.

I really enjoyed this book. Veronica Roth’s writing style really makes you fear for the characters and wonder what will happen next. By using oracles, she makes it so she is actually telling how the book will end; but at the same time, she makes us wonder how exactly she will do that. I loved the contrast of the nice and caring civilization fighting against this other brutal and cruel one; Roth is able to show us what each group thinks of each other and the differences and similarities between them. This book is all about defying boundaries and escaping your future. In the novel, she shows us that everything is not what it seems, and even if it seems to be set in stone, you will always be able to change it.
Although there are some violent scenes in the novel, it still is a fun read!  I loved this book and I can’t wait for the second novel!