Tag: Ya

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!

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!

Nubia: The Awakening by Omar Epps 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

This was an intense, fast-paced read that brought a lot of attention to where our world could be heading but in a fantasy setting.

Three teenagers that live in NYC around the year 2080, I believe, are connected not just by shared history and nationality but because they have discovered they have powers. Nubians fled their homeland in this tumultuous future when global warming began massively affecting this planet. Now many live in a rough district of NYC while the rich live in the sky, literally (a city built in the sky).

This story covers some dense topics particularly global warming and class segregation. It shows how those with power may take advantage but offers hope with the Nubians being finally able to start fighting back. These three teens with powers are just the beginning as is this book. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

Out November 8, 2022!

Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

Talk about toxic!! Whew… this was a wild ride and it had my head spinning with the possibilities in this intense small town thriller.

I think this was the point, but I didn’t really like any of the characters. Plus, right from the start, the author throws the reader into the middle of one of the worst things that could happen at a party… or anytime, anywhere really.

When Jessica is ready to leave a huge summer party the TV suddenly turns on and she sits in horror watching her boyfriend hook up with her ex- best friend. This story continues with a missing persons case and much more. So be ready and hold on bc this does not slow down!

Out November 1, 2022!

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

This is my new favorite book and I’m so excited because it’s a series!!! The writing, Winnie’s character and the amazing depictions of monsters (Nightmares) left me wanting more. As soon as possible, please!!!

Winnie Wednesday is a Luminary. She is part of a large group that keeps the rest of the world safe from Nightmares. However, Winnie and her family are outcasts because her father was caught as a witch (a Diana). So, Winnie feels like she has one shot to get her and her family welcomed back to the Luminary’s… and, that is to attempt the Hunter trials when she turns 16.

I loved everything about this book. Winnie is a great character to follow and there is no lack of imagination and excitement throughout this whole story. I cannot wait for book 2 because the ending left me with some major theories!

Highly recommend!

Out November 1, 2022!

Pretty Dead Queens by Alexa Donne 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

This was a really fun ya murder mystery that is perfect for some Fall reading.

Cecelia has to move in with her grandmother in a small seaside town after her mother dies. She barely starts school before it’s homecoming and finds one of the girls running for homecoming queen dead in the school pool. This rockets Cecelia forward into an obsession with finding the murderer. Among lots of twists and turns and a little romance, this story pulled me along quickly and kept me entertained.

Definitely recommend to fans of ya murder mystery looking for a fun read!

Out October 4, 2022!

Content warning for murder, grief, violence.

After Dark with Roxie Clark by Brooke Lauren Davis 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

This was such a fun ya murder/mystery. It revolves around family sticking together, appreciating the past and a few ghost stories as well.

Roxie gives ghost tours about her ancestors that had some sudden and surprising deaths over the past 150 years or so. Her sister has been in mourning for her once boyfriend for over a year but things are about to change. Roxie’s sister, Skylar, has a plan to find her boyfriends murderer herself, and of course, Roxie is there to help.

This book is exciting and fast-paced with some interesting twists and turns! A good read for spooky season!

Out October 4, 2022!

Content warnings for gun violence, murder, some gore and grief.

Dark Tides by K8mberly Vale 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

I was so excited to read this sequel to Crossbones and I was not disappointed. 

This was a treat and the best part is that the saga will continue! I was thrilled by the ending and can’t wait to see where the author takes this.  This book was full of dreamwraiths, creatures coming through the limbo between worlds and lots of card games and trickery.  This crew together is brilliant and overall, this is a really fun series!

Accomplished by Amanda Quain 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!!

This book was everything I wanted! I laughed and cried, I was frustrated and angry, while feeling tons of warm fuzzies while my heart was happy.

This is a modern day Pride and Prejudice but for Georgiana Darcy, Fitz Darcy’s little sister. And if that’s not enough then: Prep school kids and all that drama, Georgiana’s attempt to a fresh start at this school, fanfic, and… BAND!!

Georgiana was frustrating at first to read about bc she came across the wrong away, a little too used to her privilege. But the more I got to know her and see her story fold out, the more I fell in love with her character and this book. I think this is going to be one of my favorites this year!

I definitely recommend this! A really great read.

Out July 26, 2022!