Tag: Young Adult

Fantasy · Fiction · New Adult · Paranormal · Romance · Young Adult

These Twisted Bonds

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Title: These Twisted Bonds

Author: Lexi Ryan

Performer: Casey Holloway

Length: 14 hr

Series: These Hollow Vows, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: 

Format: eAudiobook

Review: Welp the plot of this book went just about how I expected though I will say that I was impressed that the author wrapped this up nicely as a duology – a rarity considering read alike series for this book usually have at least 3 books minimum. Certainly not the best in the genre, but I knew what I signed up for. One of my pet peeves is when a female character makes a point to say how ordinary they are, but then every male in the book falls over themselves trying to be with her. Despite the many obvious tropes in this book, it was still readable.

Unfortunately I did not care much for the reader in this audiobook. Her voice had a bit of a whine, which I suppose is actually accurate to the character.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 3 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Romance · Science Fiction · Young Adult

Double Review- Tress of the Emerald Sea

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Title: Tress of the Emerald Sea

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Page Count: 369

Series: Secret Projects/within Cosmere Universe

Publishing Date/Publisher: April 4, 2023/Gollancz

Format: Hardback

Review: 

This is easily in my top three books of all time. It was whimsical, delightful, and fun, and while the stakes for Tress were high, it was still a cozy fantasy. Hoid, the narrator, provided funny commentary while also dropping some profound wisdom throughout the story in a way that was surprising but welcomed.

The story is everything I could possibly want- pirates, sorcery, soulmates, and a very unique setting that I would love to live in, despite the dangers. I can’t get enough of this book and have read it three times in the past month (and am on another reread- it’s become a happy and safe place to escape to).

Reader: Kymberly

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

Woooohooo back after a long hiatus (I had a baby!).

This was truly a delightful adventure. Fantasy books are rarely standalones, but this is a rare book that wraps up nicely without feeling too long or too short. Filled with quirky characters and infused with both humor and wisdom, this is a book that can appeal to nearly all ages. This is my first Sanderson book, so it was also my first foray into the Cosmere. Based on what I’ve read from other reviewers, there may be some characters, settings, or events of significance for fans of this author sprinkled throughout the story, but this did not hinder the reading experience for me in any way. The setting is particularly unusual and the oceans of spores felt more like characters than places. The spores are surprisingly integral to the storyline and drive the plot forward in unique and unexpected ways. I agree with Kym that although the characters are on a high stakes quest, the overall reading experience is very pleasant. I felt like I was learning and growing along with our well-intentioned and goodhearted heroine, Tress. Although I wouldn’t have minded a sequel, I am pleased with the way the story ended.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 4 stars

Fiction · Historical · Horror · LGBTQ+ · Science Fiction · Young Adult

Deathless Divide

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Title: Deathless Divide

Author: Justina Ireland

Performers: Bahni Turpin & Jordan Cobb

Length: 14 hr, 34 min

Series: Dread Nation, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: February 4, 2020 by HarperAudio

Format: eAudiobook

Review: Dare I say it, I might like the sequel even better than the first book. Considering how impressed I was by Dread Nation, that is high praise. I really loved the dark direction Jane’s story goes in, and we get to know Katherine on a deeper level. In the first book, I felt giving it an LGBT+ label was a bit of a stretch, but after reading this book I have amended my opinion. The romantic relationships, however, are not the focus of this story, at least not in the way you would expect. It is a story of revenge, justice, friendship and women who kick butt – both dead and alive. I personally loved it and was a little sad to learn that this is a duology, not a trilogy. It did have a satisfying ending though, so I can’t complain too much. It was a very creative combination of science fiction, history, and horror.

I highly recommend that readers listen to it in audiobook format.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 5 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Romance · Young Adult

Muse of Nightmares

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Title: Muse of Nightmares

Author: Laini Taylor

Performer: Steve West

Length: 15 hr, 54 min

Series: Strange the Dreamer, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: October 2, 2018 by Hachette Audio

Format: eAudiobook

Review: This is a review that is long overdue, considering I finished the book last summer. In summary, a perfect finish to a stunning duology. So imaginative, so masterful. Taylor introduces interesting new character POVs and wraps up the fascinating mystery of Weep with an utterly original conclusion. It’s hard to even describe how I feel about this book because I have never read anything quite like it, which is perhaps why I have taken so long to write any sort of review. I cannot sing it’s praises enough. If you are a lover of fantasy, complex characters, and storylines that connect in surprising ways, READ. THIS. BOOK.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 5 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · LGBTQ+ · Young Adult

The Bone Spindle

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Title: The Bone Spindle

Author: Leslie Vedder

Page Count: 416

Series: The Bone Spindle, Book 1

Publishing Date/Publisher: January 11, 2022 by Razorbill

Format: eBook

Review: This book fits comfortably in the category of “liked it but didn’t love it.” Things I liked: genderbent retelling, treasure hunting, a ghostly prince who isn’t really a ghost. Things I didn’t like: Fi never really grew on me as a character, the relationships between characters just didn’t vibe for me, the “villain” was easy to identify.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 3 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Paranormal · Romance · Young Adult

Wickery duology

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Title: Cast in Firelight

Author: Dana Swift

Performers: Priya Aayar & Assaf Cohen

Length: 11 hr, 54 min

Series: Wickery, Book 1

Publishing Date/Publisher: January 4, 2022 by Listening Library

Format: eAudiobook

Review: The imaginative world that was introduced in this series was a real joy to immerse myself in. So rich in color (literally) and built upon a fascinating magic system. We see many of the stereotypical things associated with wizardry & witchcraft, but they are modified with their own creative spin. For example, the flying brooms….loved what Swift did there. There were certain aspects of the story that seemed a little far fetched, (i.e. why would her future father-in-law be ok with Aadra putting herself in dangerous situations on the reg??), but I was willing to overlook those little details because I enjoyed the rest of the story so much. The “enemies” to lovers and mistaken identity tropes are executed well and the spark between the two characters is fun to watch ignite (can’t help the puns).

The two readers were excellent for the eAudiobook. Priya in particular I could listen to all day. I was eager to start the second book in the duology.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 4 Stars

Title: Bound by Firelight

Author: Dana Swift

Performers: Priya Ayyar & Assaf Cohen

Length: 11 hr, 14 min

Series: Wickery, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: January 18, 2022 by Listening Library

Format: eAudiobook

Review: This sequel did not quite carry the momentum of the first book, but I still enjoyed it. Aadra and Jatin get almost no page time together, and a new character is introduced in Jatin’s POV that I don’t feel was particularly well-written. In fact, I don’t even really understand why the addition of this character was necessary. She added almost nothing of value to the story and the relationships between her and the other characters were confusing.

Aadra’s storyline had potential that I don’t think was fully realized. Her friendship with her cell mate was interesting, and I loved the incorporation of sign language. I don’t think I have ever seen signing described in a fantasy novel like this before, or ever really.

This book wasn’t as tightly written or fast paced as the first in the duology, but it wrapped up nicely and I was satisfied with the ending.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Romance · Young Adult

Strange the Dreamer

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Title: Strange the Dreamer

Author: Laini Taylor

Page Count: 544

Series: Strange the Dreamer, Book 1

Publishing Date/Publisher: March 28, 2017 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Hardcover

Review: Magnificent title. Unforgettable characters. Staggeringly beautiful prose. This book had me hooked from start to finish. I could not have predicted all the directions this story goes in, as it was all utterly original. Couple that with a poetic writing style and this book had me mesmerized. It’s the type of writing where you want to savor the words, and you re-read sentences just because you like the way they sound. My only regret is that I did not discover this author sooner. Oh and I can’t forget to mention that this book is about a librarian. It makes the story all the more enchanting.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 5 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Paranormal · Romance · Young Adult

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

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Title: Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Page Count: 637

Series: Blood and Ash, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: September 1, 2020 by Blue Box Press

Format: eBook

Review: The first book in this series far exceeded by expectations. Going into this book, I had far more optimism, which was quickly doused. Everything that bothered me about the first book, that I was willing to overlook because the overlying storyline was interesting, is multiplied 1000 fold in this one. The dialogue between Casteel and Poppy is so ridiculous that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. There are a couple interesting reveals throughout the book, but they are smothered in layers of unnecessary nonsense. Am I continuing forward with the series? Yes, but only because the heart of the story is interesting and I am still curious about Poppy’s heritage.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 2.5 Stars

Fantasy · Fiction · Romance · Young Adult

Skin of the Sea

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Title: Skin of the Sea

Author: Natasha Bowen

Page Count: 336

Series: Skin of the Sea, Book 1

Publishing Date/Publisher: November 9, 2021 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Format: eBook

Review: I am tagging this book as an ARC, because at the time I received it from NetGalley, it had not yet been published. I started it some months ago, and then put it down in favor of other titles. Needless to say, the storyline and characters did not immediately draw me in. I did eventually pick it back up and finish it, and although I started enjoying it more toward the end, it didn’t knock my socks off. The premise behind this retelling of The Little Mermaid is undeniably beautiful. I loved how elements of the original story are interwoven with mythology and history. The story itself, however, was not particularly interesting to me. For readers who enjoy quests fraught with peril and mythical creatures, this story may have a lot of appeal. Alas, I am not that reader. I don’t generally enjoy odysseys because they tend to be more plot driven than character driven. Aside from the main character, Simidele, there is not a lot of character or relationship development. I’m glad that I finished it, but it is unlikely I will read the next book in this series. This book could easily be a standalone, though it looks like the author is working on at least one more title (possibly more).

On a side note, the cover for this book is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, it is the reason I requested an ARC of this title. However, why are her scales not rose gold??? Her scales are described multiple times throughout the novel, and it annoys me when these types of details are neglected. Rant over.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 3 Stars

Fiction · Historical · LGBTQ+ · Young Adult

A Sitting in St. James

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Title: A Sitting in St. James

Author: Rita Williams-Garcia

Performer: Machelle Williams

Length: 13 hr, 21 min

Series: N/A

Publishing Date/Publisher: May 25, 2021 by HarperAudio

Format: eAudiobook

Review: I admit, when I started this book I was unenthused about it. I would never have picked it up based on it’s description or cover, but it was on a reading list for a committee I am on, so I checked it out anyway. Let me tell you, this book impressed me more than any historical fiction novel I have read in years. It achieved a perfect balance of light tone with dark subject matter that left you feeling the whole gambit of emotion…horror, anxiety, hope, anticipation, shock, and mirth. One minute I would be experiencing stomach churning disgust and the next I would be laughing out loud. This author truly has a gift for writing complex characters. Sometimes you want to root for them, and sometimes you despise them. Be prepared for depictions of abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual) and brutal violence. These are not themes to be glossed over during this era of slavery. Cruelty is so intrinsic to the culture that the character’s appear to operate by an entirely different moral compass. Relationships are twisted and shaped by atrocities committed, both large and small.

A truly illuminating read and one that will make you think deeply about the dark corners of our past. Also, do yourself a favor and listen to it in audiobook format. The reader was phenomenal.

Reader: Bekah

Rating: 5 Stars