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: 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: 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: Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree

Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree
by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: September 4th, 2018

BURIED BENEATH THE BAOBAB TREE is an extremely relevant novel, stirring up feelings and opinions on an important story rarely given attention. The heinous group of terrorists known as Boko Haram has been forcing its radical views of the Islamic religion onto Nigerian citizens since 2002. This sets up the premise of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s outstanding debut novel. The protagonist and narrator of BURIED BENEATH THE BAOBAB TREE is a young Nigerian girl who values nothing more than her family and her education. When her village is taken by Boko Haram, she is torn away from everyone and everything she loves, except her best friend, who is taken alongside her. 

Nwaubani’s striking tale of what happened following the kidnapping left me awestruck and to be honest, horrified. I will say that I have never been more shocked by the meaning of a novel’s title. In all, BURIED BENEATH THE BAOBAB TREE is an important and extremely well-written novel. Split into very short and easy to read chapters, the flow of the novel is smooth and quick. I recommend this novel to readers 14 and over, due to mature themes and graphic content.

Review: Notes From My Captivity

Notes From My Captivity
by Kathy Parks

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: July 10, 2018

In Kathy Parks’ NOTES FROM MY CAPTIVITY, aspiring journalist Adrienne Cahill embarks on a journey into the Siberian wilderness with her stepfather Dan to search for the Osinovs: a family of Russian hermits Dan has been researching for years. Adrienne and the rest of the world believe Dan has made up this family, and she sets out on the trip with the goal of proving him wrong in an article that will earn her a scholarship to Emory’s journalism program. However, when she finds herself being held hostage in the Osinovs' home, she is forced to give in to Dan’s theories and use her skills as a journalist to find her way home. Adrienne’s voice as a storyteller and reporter was both snarky and sincere, and Parks seamlessly transitioned between suspense and humor throughout the story. The best parts of the novel were the elements of magical realism woven throughout, which heightened my experience of Adrienne’s story and surprisingly beautiful relationship with the Osinovs. Ultimately, this novel is not only about the power our experiences have in shaping our stories, but also our own roles in the way we choose to tell those stories. In short: NOTES FROM MY CAPTIVITY’s unique plot and style make it a worthwhile read.

Review: Invisible Ghosts

Invisible Ghosts
by Robyn Schneider

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 5, 2018

INVISIBLE GHOSTS by Robyn Schneider is another cutesy high school romance starring your typical insecure relatable quirky teen and the hot boy who understands her, but this time, with ghosts! Rose spends her school days with girls she doesn't really like and her afternoons watching TV and hanging out with her older brother Logan, who coincidentally, died five years earlier. This has been her life for years, but when her childhood friend (and now a super cute guy) Jamie moves back to town, her world as she knows it changes. As her relationship with Jamie blossoms, she finds that the memory and ghost of Logan is holding her back. 

I loved Schneider's first book and have been eagerly awaiting this one. Though some plot points felt a bit rushed or not fully fleshed out, the concept was fresh and the characters felt real and supportable. This was a perfect combination of both cheesy romance and paranormal mystery, both managing to compliment without overshadowing the other. The story was consistent and believable throughout and never felt overdramatic or unrealistic. I would highly recommend this for high school fans of magical realism or those wanting to dip their toes into the paranormal waters.

Review: Hooper

Hooper
by Geoff Herbach


Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: February 20, 2018

HOOPER by Geoff Herbach is about a Polish teen named Adam Reed. In Poland his mom died and his dad left him.  He was adopted and moved to Minnesota. He loves playing basketball more than anything else in his life. When trouble arises he has to keep a level head or lose everything. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was a real page turner, at times I couldn't put the book down. The plot was fast, moving, and interesting. There were many layers and I thought the writing style was interesting.

Review: Honor Among Thieves

Honor Among Thieves
by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: February 13, 2018

One hundred years after the Leviathans, living alien ships, came to Earth to help humanity, Zara is selected for a year long trip aboard one of them. Zara, not used to trusting anyone, is unsure of how to proceed or if she can trust the Leviathans. The trip is to ideally prepare Zara for the Journey, which no one seems to know much about and is surrounded by mystery throughout the book. It is interesting to read from the perspective of an alien ship, and how this book explores communication between Leviathans and Humans: Leviathans have basic telepathy but sometimes have trouble ‘translating’ their thoughts into something understood by the humans. I also found it interesting how Leviathans are biologically able to do what they do. They are biological, yet they are able to be upgraded and modified by technology and are aware of what goes on inside themselves. There is a lot of mystery surrounding what exactly the purpose of the trip is, and Zara does not appreciate how little she is informed. 

HONOR AMONG THIEVES heavily draws elements from DIVERGENT, LEGEND, THE HUNGER GAMES, and DOCTOR WHO. While at times the similarities can be annoying, I mostly enjoyed how it takes many familiar ideas and puts them into one story.

Review: This Darkness Mine

This Darkness Mine
by Mindy McGinnis

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 10, 2017

The novel THIS DARKNESS MINE tells the story of Sasha Stone, the perfect straight-A student who plays first chair clarinet with her boyfriend on her side. At least she was until Isaac Harver comes around, the bad boy who seems to know all about her despite the fact that she has never talked to him before. Suddenly, Sasha learns of a twin sister she absorbed in the womb. She doesn’t think that it would explain the gaps of missing time in her schedule and the memories of things she never thought she would do, but would it? With the knowledge that her body might not be hers alone, Sasha must now figure out what she is willing to do to take her life back.

It has been a while since I have read a psychological thriller and this book made me wish that I have read more. I love the way that the author twisted seemingly normal things and made the reader question whether or not they were true. The main character’s mental state is one the reader must continue to question, adding to the mystery of the novel. All the layers the author added to this book were breathtaking as well, with the many different sides of characters to the main character herself. Most people always love the main character, but in this book, you will find yourself wondering how good she really is. This book is clearly well researched adding new information to things most people wouldn’t think twice about.

If you are looking for a psychological thriller with complex characters, this book might be perfect for you. With surprises at every corner and high stakes, this book is a fast-paced page turner perfect for fans. I would recommend this book for mature readers because of the language the author uses and some of the scenes featured, but if you are willing to look past that you will enjoy the book greatly. At the end, this book will leave you questioning who the real antagonist is: something dark and evil, or Sasha herself.

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: #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: Wicked Games

Wicked Games by Sean Olin
Publication date: June 10, 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

WICKED GAMES by Sean Olin is the first book in a thriller series, and a great pick for anybody who enjoyed the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. It is set in a tiny beach town, Dream Point, where Carter and Lilah are the perfect couple…or so it seems. Their relationship has been rocky for a while, but when Carter falls for Jules one night, he begins to second-guess his four years spent with Lilah, who has had a difficult past. When Lilah pieces together what happened between Jules and Carter, she intends for Jules to pay the price. But will the punishment fit the crime, or will Lilah’s judgement be blurred by her anger? 

WICKED GAMES is a shocking thriller that kept me turning the pages (...and jumping at every shadow, noise, and movement) all night long. Readers should most definitely expect to be kept at the edge of their seats while reading! One downfall is that the beginning of the story is paced very slowly, and I found myself wanting to put it down. I would, however, urge readers not to give up, because after the first few chapters, the author picked up the pace and the action began! This book truly has it all: romance, action, mystery, and thrills, and I can’t wait for more in the series. I would recommend it for ages 14/15 and up due to violent and sexual content throughout the book.

Review: Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication date: March 5, 2011

DIVERGENT is about Beatrice Prior, a sixteen-year-old girl living in dystopian Chicago, which is divided into factions based on virtues. When Beatrice picks the faction that she wants to belong to, and begins initiation, she discovers that there are dangerous secrets lying beneath the orderly surface of her world. As Beatrice becomes more entwined in her faction, she realizes that people and things are not always what they seem. I really enjoyed DIVERGENT. It was well-written and so compelling that I found it difficult to put down. The romance was not overdone and the ending is a semi-cliffhanger that makes me want to read the sequel. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to fans of other dystopian novels. However, I would encourage readers who did not necessarily enjoy other dystopian novels to try DIVERGENT. I would recommend this book for children ages 14 and up (which is what the book recommends) due to some graphic violence that may be disturbing.