Review: Of Curses and Kisses

Of Curses and Kisses
by Sandhya Menon

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 18th, 2020

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon centers around the star-crossed romance between uptight and responsible Princess Jaya Rao, and the brooding, reserved, and introverted son of aristocrats, Grey Emerson. Jaya and Grey are both really interesting and realistic characters, and there are lots of relatable and funny moments in this book where I actually found myself laughing out loud. There’s also a lot of internal character monologues, but it ends up adding a hefty portion of depth to the characters. It’s super sappy, but as long as you’re ready for that, it’s a really fun read!

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: I Wish You All the Best

I Wish You All the Best
by Mason Deaver

Publisher: Push/Scholastic
Publication Date: May 14, 2019

I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST is a charmingly honest romance that focuses on the conflicts of family struggles, self-acceptance, and love. The story follows 18-year-old Ben DeBacker, who is kicked out of their home after coming out to their parents as non-binary. Finding their life flipped upside down in less than an hour, Ben struggles to not only reconnect with their estranged older sister Hannah, but deal with newfound anxiety caused by their parent’s rejection. However, one thing that makes it all a bit easier is Ben’s outgoing friend, Nathan Allan. As the two grow closer at Ben’s new school, their feelings do as well, and Ben’s new life gives way to an opportunity for acceptance, paintings, and a first love.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster, one that kept me wrapped in the story right from the start. Though I have never had experience with being kicked out by my parents or being non-binary, I really empathized with Ben’s character, and was rooting for them to find their voice and find happiness in not only others, but themself as well. This book truly was written from the heart, and I cannot recommend it enough!

Review: Killing November

Killing November
by Adriana Mather

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 26, 2019

KILLING NOVEMBER is a thrilling murder mystery that revolves around our heroine, November, a happy-go-lucky small town girl who gets thrown into a world of murderers, assassins, and all-around tricksters when she wakes up at the elite Academy Absconditi boarding school. Completely out of her element in a school where violence and deception are key, November’s life gets thrown even more off balance when she discovers a murdered student on campus. With the help of her uptight roommate and said roommate’s smooth-mouthed brother, November sets off to figure out who the killer really is, while simultaneously uncovering her suspiciously secretive heritage. Unfortunately, November’s suspect list is unbearably high, every student seemingly having a bone to pick with our energetic heroine. With no contact to the outside world, including her beloved father, November hopes that she can solve this murder before she winds up next on the killer’s list.

Regarding the overall plot, KILLING NOVEMBER definitely has a lot going on. I mean, it’s not impossible to follow or anything, but it moves very fast, and my opinions of characters were constantly changing throughout the book. However, that’s what is so fun about it: the twists and turns keep the story fresh and alive up until the very end! I’m trying not to spoil anything here, so let’s just say that if you like murder mysteries, drama, assassins, or even just interesting characters, you should take a peek at KILLING NOVEMBER, stay for a couple pages, and then decide if it’s something you want to invest in! I really do recommend giving this one a read, I definitely enjoyed it.

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: Immoral Code

Immoral Code
by Lillian Clark

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 19, 2019

IMMORAL CODE by Lillian Clark is an honestly written Robin Hood-like story about coming of age, fighting for what’s right, and the rollercoasters of friendship. IMMORAL CODE focuses on a plan to rob the privileged and callous billionaire known as Robert Foster, whose eccentric wealth is also the reason his daughter, Bellamy, does not qualify for MIT financial aid. Since Foster’s only presence in Bellamy’s life is childcare payments, Bellamy’s dreams of MIT and space travel are practically over; at least, until her tech-wiz friend Nari comes up with the heist to end all heists. Bellamy and her group of friends pack up for a Spring Break trip consisting of donuts, horror movies, and taking seven thousand dollars right out from under Foster’s nose; you know, normal teenage stuff.

I have to admit, the writing in this book primarily focuses on each character’s inner monologues, right down to every specific thought and detail; in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I liked the writing style, but it soon grew on me, as it made the characters feel much more fleshed out and was really funny. Clark did a great job at creating each of these characters' unique personalities and relationships to each other, especially staying true to the complicated yet endearing terms of friendship. IMMORAL CODE was a delightful read, and I recommend it to those who enjoy hilarious shenanigans and adventure!

Review: The Disasters

The Disasters
by M. K. England

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: December 18, 2018

THE DISASTERS by M.K. England is most definitely described perfectly by its summary; “The Breakfast Club meets Guardians of the Galaxy.”Jam packed with enough action and awkwardness to put a high school to shame, THE DISASTERS is a fast-paced science fiction adventure that follows the story of four Ellis Space Station Academy “rejects,” Nax, Zee, Rion and Case. Many years in the future, Earth has colonized countless planets within and without its solar system, and getting into Ellis Academy is a one-way ticket to reaching them all. However, when the Academy is suddenly taken over by mysterious terrorists and wiped of all life, Nax and his fellow misfits are lucky enough to escape. But are they lucky enough to outrun the countless dangers coming their way?

With its hilariously engaging characters and well-written plot, THE DISASTERS is definitely worth the read; England does a fantastic job keeping the anticipation going, and I especially like how the characters are written and how they interact with each other. Each character is different in their own way, ranging from polished diplomat, to hotshot pilot, to witty genius. Rion, Nax, Case, and Zee get along in ways that just feel so human; their healthy and supportive friendship deserves appreciation.

All in all, if you are looking for an exciting winter read to enjoy by a hot fireplace, M.K. England’s THE DISASTERS would go perfectly with fuzzy socks and some hot cocoa!

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: Easy Prey

Easy Prey
by Catherine Lo

Publisher: Amulet
Publication Date: October 16, 2018

EASY PREY by Catherine Lo is a both a modern mystery and thought-provoking story of cyberbullying, sexting, and the victim-blaming mentality of the current era. Based in the small town school of Edgewood High, EASY PREY focuses on the aftermath of a sudden and anonymous release of a teacher’s nude photos. The three suspects in question of releasing said photos are high school seniors  Matthew “Mouse” Maguire, Drew Wilson, and Jenna Bradley, each having had plausible motives to do so. In fact, all three took part in acquiring the risqué photos of Ms. Bailey, but who took the joke too far?

Switching back and forth from points of view, EASY PREY gives the reader a detailed insight into the characters and their thoughts, each character being unique within themselves — far more than their labels of the geek, goth and jock. Having had previous knowledge of the effects of nonconsensual releases of nude photos, I was curious as to how this story would interpret the subject. I can now say that I am impressed at how EASY PREY put forth a very accurate and honest description of what happens in circumstances like these, and I definitely recommend giving it a try to see for yourself. Overall, EASY PREY is authentic, callous, and captivating, all whilst keeping up a tense “whodunit” factor up until the very end. As for the shocking ending, I can promise that it is not what you’d expect, and no one is who they seem. (At least, I didn’t see it coming!)