Review: Wicked Fox

Wicked Fox
by Kat Cho

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin
Publication Date: June 25, 2019

Written in a fresh voice, WICKED FOX by Kat Cho is a book unlike many others in the urban fantasy genre. By combining the lushness of ancient Korean mythology with the innovation of modern Seoul, Cho spins a tale of both romance and action through Miyoung’s and Jihoon’s stories.

Miyoung would be just like any other girl… except she is a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Taking Seoul as her hunting grounds, she survives by tracking down the worst men she can find to kill every full moon. This sets her apart from other characters because even though she can be considered a “bad person” for doing this, she specifically kills vile men she knows deserve death, and relishes in it. A quality like this sets her up to be the antihero of the story, something which not many recent urban fantasy books have. Yet Cho makes readers question this judgment through Miyoung’s actions that set her far apart from the typical YA antihero.

One full moon while feeding, Miyoung finds Jihoon being attacked by a goblin in the forest. Deciding to save him from a certain death, she exposes herself to him and loses her fox bead in the process. By saving him, she breaks every rule she knows, but does it regardless. Now with her fox bead missing, the very thing that holds her gumiho soul, Miyoung must team up with Jihoon before a generation-old feud is reignited. This will interest readers because Miyoung didn’t save Jihoon and risk her life out of love, like most other fantasy characters. Without spoiling why, I found this to be a fresh aspect to the urban fantasy genre, especially since Jihoon doesn’t start the book in the most favorable way. Characterized from the start as a cocky and idiotic school boy, he is not at all what readers would typically root for. And yet, Cho is able to build both him and Miyoung up into something more than the stereotypes that people often have about characters like them.

Cho continues with the tradition of fighting urban fantasy stereotypes until the end of the book. Reestablishing what it means to be an urban fantasy writer, she gives readers a story of two people who were never meant for greatness. Though Miyoung’s stakes do sound similar to many other characters' as she must choose between her immortal life and Jihoon’s, her story is much more than just that. If you are looking for a diverse modern-day urban fantasy that puts a spin on typical YA elements, WICKED FOX is the book for you.

Review: Her Royal Highness

Her Royal Highness
by Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin
Publication Date: May 7, 2019

Reading HER ROYAL HIGHNESS is like being offered a glass of water on a really hot day; you didn’t know you wanted it, but it hits the spot. Refreshing, light, sweet, simple, goes down quick, and leaves you wanting more. Our endearing protagonist, Millie, leaves Texas for her senior year of high school in Scotland when she finds that her kind-of girlfriend has gotten back together with an ex-boyfriend. Mille finds herself a bit overwhelmed by the extravagance of Gregorstoun, an exclusive boarding school where the elite of Scotland reside. After meeting her snide, arrogant, bratty roommate, Millie discovers that she is the Princess of Scotland. Numerous run-ins with the princess, Flora, bring Millie into bar fights, close to expulsion, and stranded in the wilderness, yet still Millie is drawn in by the short-tempered princess. Millie develops a crush and tries her best to ignore it, scared of the side effects of dating royalty. We can probably guess what actually ends up happening. At times, the pressure of constant scrutiny from tabloids and royal family members seems too much for Millie. Was their relationship doomed from the start?


I’d characterize Her Royal Highness as a fun spring/summer read. It reads as one would expect, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. If you're looking for a sweet love story in Scotland then you’d love this book.

Review: Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday

Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday
by Natalie C. Anderson

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: January 15, 2019

LET'S GO SWIMMING ON DOOMSDAY by Natalie C. Anderson is about a sixteen year old named Abdi. His family is kidnapped by the U.S. military in Somalia. The only way to get them back is for Abdi to infiltrate a terrorist group called Al Shabab and pass on information to the U.S. His brother was abducted by Al Shabab when they were growing up so Abdi is hopeful his brother will give him the information needed. But his brother has turned into a believer of the movement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very relevant in today's society where children soldiers around the world are a real thing. Also the topic of terrorism is so relevant at this time and I believe the author tackled the subject in a truly powerful way. It was a heart wrenching story. I found it quite hard to put down. I liked the plot immensely. There were many plot twists and I couldn't see them coming at all.

Review: Nemesis

Nemesis
by Brendan Reichs

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: March 21, 2017

NEMESIS tells the story of two teens, Min and Noah. During the past few years, Min has been killed several times. And she has stayed living. Noah suffers in a similar way, as he receives horrific nightmares of a murderous man in a black suit who kills him. Always on even-numbered years, both teens have horrific experiences, yet keep it to themselves. But the times are changing. A giant asteroid may or may not soon destroy their planet. Huge earthquakes have been hitting cities, triggering volcanos and tsunamis. So, what do all these things have in common? Soon, the teens will have to band together to discover the secrets behind their horrific murders, and find out what a mysterious government group – Project Nemesis – has to do with all this.

The characters in the book were very interesting and well-defined. Noah is different from your usual rich-kid character, and is very shy. Min, while living in a small trailer, still enjoys her life and doesn’t care about what others think. I liked that when they first met, they were reluctant and not so trusting of each other, which is different from those books when they fall into each other’s arms so quickly. The plot was also very intriguing, and made you wonder what was going on. It was full of mystery, and made you feel unsure about what would happen next. I really liked how the further you went into the book, the more complex the mystery became, making you want to read until 2am to figure it out. I would recommend this book to any sci-fi or mystery lovers looking for a new thriller.

Review: A Psalm for Lost Girls

A Psalm for Lost Girls
by Katie Bayerl

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

A PSALM FOR LOST GIRLS by Katie Bayerl is a provocative story about religion, grief and sisterhood. Told in alternating perspectives, the narrative features sisters Callie and Tess de Costa, two sisters from New Avon, Massachusetts. When Tess begins hearing a voice in her head warning of terrible doom, she is able to relay these messages and prevent catastrophes. Soon, those in her town are convinced that she is a saint. However, when Tess dies unexpectedly and a missing girl appears at one of her shrines, the case for her sainthood only grows. The story follows Callie and Tess’ secret boyfriend, Danny, as they try to protect Tess’s memory and trace the kidnapper of the abducted child. This story is a compelling mix of fast-paced mystery and poignant reflection on the all-consuming nature of grief. While the plot is obviously a bit dark, the religious elements that are woven in give it a sense of hope, and Callie’s bond with her sister is inspirational and feels authentic.

Review: City of Saints and Thieves

City of Saints and Thieves
by Natalie C. Anderson

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES is the action-packed story of Tiny, a refugee from the Congo and a formidable thief. For years, Tiny has been planning to avenge her mother, who was murdered by her lover, but when the opportunity arises, things don't go to plan. Tiny must travel through Africa to discover the real story, accompanied by none other than the murderer's son...who is also Tiny's childhood best friend. This story contains a riveting plot with a good pace and well-developed characters, and is a great new spin on the Ocean's Eleven "thief on a mission" storyline while also addressing several important global issues, such as the refugee crisis and systemic poverty. Overall, a great read.

Review: Tracers

Tracers by J.J. Howard
Publication date: January 8, 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

I would rate TRACERS by J.J. Howard a five out of five. It is definitely one of my favorite books that I've read in the last few months, or even years. Not only is there a great love story between Cam and Nikki, but there is also a brilliantly woven plot. The writer expertly uses knowledge of parkour to enhance the experience for the reader and add an element of danger to this story. I could not put this book down. The characters are intriguing with their stories and struggles, and the complex web of relationships, loyalties, and betrayals leaves nothing to be desired. I am glad I had the privilege to read this book, because I really enjoyed it. With many a twist and turn, it is impossible to leave off at the end of a chapter, especially when you empathize with the protagonist, as you will, when you read it. I liked this book a lot and I think other people will too.