Tag: YA fiction

Ever Since by Alena Bruzas 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Incredible. This story realistically relates trauma from sexual abuse as a child, sexual assault, the difficulties these things bring to a teenage girl’s life and her view of herself. I really felt this. As a survivor, I related so much with this main character. The division her trauma caused between her and her friends through drug and alcohol use is just one of the multitude of examples a teenager and also, adults, deal with the corruption of their youth.

This is a hard topic to read about, and I want to warn any to be readers that this hits hard and goes into some detail. However, what an important book! I’ve read several stories this year by authors who have survived this trauma, and I am continuously in awe.

The gorgeous and heart-wrenching descriptions of certain mythology characters, particularly Medea, that were sprinkled throughout this story is another example of finding a voice to speak through this trauma. And, it was really, like I’ve already said, hard hitting… as it should be.

There are no happy stories of childhood abuse and trauma… but there is hope.

Out May 23, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Dear Medussa by Olivia A. Cole 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This meant a lot to me. I think sexual assault and trauma can happen to anyone, at any age, but this author speaking from 16 year old Alicia’s pov really gave this particular trauma a strong voice.

Alicia’s whole life changed after being sexually assaulted by a popular teacher. The girl who ran track and wanted a future was gone, but throughout this story told in verse, Alicia does regain her strength. Particularly with the help of other girls, other strong girls that show her that she is worth fighting for.

I loved the tie-in with Medusa, particularly the ending. I have heard and read many variations on Medussa’s story at this point, and it has become so clear to me that she was not the monster in her tale. I am so thankful to all the strong people out there, including this author, writing these stories and helping everyone no matter where they are in life with a problem that is so much more common than what I believe many people think.

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!!

Yes! A Lost Boys retelling, except the ladies are the boss in this one?? What? Do you think I loved this? I want to stomp down in front of some kind of audience and just slam this book on the table… BOOM. This was so good!

It’s witty, charming, fast-paced, and exciting. And, there were some real thrills and chills in this story! Theo and her brother Marco find themselves in Nightfall, Oregon, for the summer with their dad. They are staying with their grandma, who definitely comes across as a strange character. But, what’s even stranger are the locals. Theo and Marco are both immediately picked up by some very attractive people. Somehow supermodel stage ready in this small rainy town.

One of the things I really loved were the podcasters. Two horror/reality podcasters were visiting and luckily Theo quickly befriended them. Theo is a great character. Her reaction to everything is super on par with how I would react, lol. She felt very real to me. So, I loved reading her perspective.

This was an absolute blast and I completely enjoyed this!

Out March 28, 2023!

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!!

This is the sweetest, bestest, made me cry bc it’s so sweet, ya book!! This story did not just tug at my heart strings, it played them like a Ren. Faire bard.

Madeline travels to different Ren Faires with her dad all year to sell journals and jewelry. Last year her mom died and she has been moving through a cloud of grief since then. But when she enters the Ren Faire this summer, she is surprised to find a bard named Arthur. A bard who asks her to be the Faires princess.

This book talks about grief so well. I think grief is hard to put in words, but this author did an amazing job with Madeline’s character. I saw myself in there too which is definitely something. I also loved that Madeline found acceptance with her weight. As something that I also struggle with, her story made me feel like being kinder to myself (I’m kind of shocked, I didn’t know that was possible). Maybe, I should be thanking the author, because this story made a real difference in my life. I even went to Target!! And, it was amazing!!

Sappiest review ever?? Possibly.

Should you check out this book? Definitely!

Out March 14, 2023!

Royal Blood by Aimee Carter 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

I loved this book! It was exciting. Just the right amount of emotion, romance, and the ending left me hoping I get to read the sequel soon!

Evan has a tumultuous past, but when she’s caught starting a fire at her boarding school, she is left without too many choices. Jenkins (love this guy) makes the decision to take to her father, the king of England. But when she arrives, she is faced with the brutality of the press, living openly as King Alexander’s illegitimate daughter, and worst of all, being almost completely sexually assaulted and then wrongfully accused of murdering her attacker.

This is a busy and torturous time for her. But, I loved seeing her strength and her character overcome these hard hits, even when it all felt like a lost cause. I loved the attention of what it’s like for a person to recover from sexual assault. More than anything, I loved learning more about her father and her mother’s relationship.

This got me in all my soft spots, and I can’t wait for more! I love Evan’s character and can’t wait to see more of her royal journey!

Out March 7, 2023!

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

This book was so unexpected for me. I thought I would be going into this obsessing over a new teen murder/mystery. However, what I loved most out of this story were the incredible characters, particularly Cam.

Cam and Blair are best friends, so when their favorite class, journalism, has a huge project, they (mostly Cam) decide on a podcast about a girl that’s been missing for 20 years. This leads to some awkward reporting, both of them learning together their strengths and weaknesses pertaining to this project, and, of course, many secrets revealed.

I loved the relationship between Cam and Blair. The overwhelming kindness and honest love between two best friends who are opposites in so many ways was absolutely endearing. Cam is not great communicating with people, she’s honest, she’s honest to a point that can at times be detrimental. But her honesty is what made me really love this book. The compassion Blair shows, being caring and very uplifting for Cameron, simply made my heart grow.

The last part of this book was a whirlwind. I could not read fast enough. The story around the podcast and Clarissa seemed to be moving slowly, but the last several chapters were explosive.

I loved this book and recommend it to fans of ya mystery/thriller reads!

Out March 7, 2023!

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Ness lives in Newham, a city full of the monsters people change into if they have a nightmare.  Newham is really interesting,  it’s has a 1920s feeling and also practices prohibition and has many gangsters throughout the streets.  In other words,  it’s a perfect vibe for the city of nightmares. 

This book has a surprising amount of depth to it. At least it was surprising to me.  Ness is terrified of nightmares, which,  unfortunately,  walk the streets here.  They are living with a cult like group so they can keep their tiny room and sense of safety.  However, when the lizard director threatens to kick them out, they wind up with a whole new set of problems.  

I loved the whole vibe of this book.  Ness’s character is so relatable as are the side characters that are their friends.   I loved this read and can’t wait for the sequel!

Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

Magic tea, a magic city and a book written so beautifully, it’s, guess what? MAGIC!!¡!

Imira is a soldier, a Shield, in her kingdom of Sahir. Her brother has been presumed dead after having gone missing for a year. However, when Imira and her little sister chase their brothers’ horse to a cave one day, they find information and a Djinni that can lead them to their brother across the sands. This would be perfect, but when Imani brings this news and information to the council, she is paired with her arch-rival Taha and his fellow scouts.

I loved the author’s writing style, completely drawing me in and holding my interest from beginning to end. The magic system complimented the story and characters perfectly and seemed flawless. I am so excited that there will be a sequel!

Out January 24, 2023!

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

This is the perfect ya fantasy read for me. I especially appreciated the author’s note in the beginning about how they are autistic and how the creation of this story was a way to express a different side to autism that is not as seen in media portrayals.

Seelie and her sister are out in the city preparing a heist that will hopefully bring them some needed fortune. However, they become involved with two other characters and this night turns into a much longer adventure than planned. And, yes, with romance, action and lots of magic!

I loved the way the author wrote these characters and their interactions. The story ran smoothly for me and I really enjoyed every second.

Out January 3, 2023!

They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

This book is a blast! I had so much fun reading this!! The whole time I was reading this I constantly was questioning everything and everyone and every action anyone took. This book kept me on my toes till the last page and I love that so much! It’s exactly what I’m looking for in a ya thriller.

This has romance, dark academia vibes with the boarding school and the secret society. The life or death vibe while crawling through tunnels and catacombs kept the tone of the book very dark and creepy. Definitely recommend!

Out January 3, 2023!