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Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Shadow of Loss-XLED in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from YA Bound Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Hemlock in Books
Mar 19, 2018
Great plot, great action
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Possible spoilers, you’ve been warned***
The book starts off well and has a good pace and momentum throughout the book. The setting is also well done and small with a handful of characters so it’s simple and makes the reading enjoyable. I particularly liked the dream sequences Mac has with Amy. They can be cliche but it helps move the plot along and adds to the mood.
The werewolf aspect is interesting in the book. The notion of them having a ‘rehabilitation’ camp has a dystopia feel and there’s also Mac trying to solve Amy’s murder. So there’s different characteristics of the book to please YA readers which makes the experience reading this fun and enjoyable.
Of course you need a bit of romance in the story as well right? I’m all for Kyle and Mac being together. I found the love triangle aspect here irritating and forced on. Jason did not have sort of chemistry at all with Mac. It felt forced, awkward, and well...it just didn’t sit well with me (your boyfriend likes your best friend...just. No.) The love triangle just made things so cliche and sappy. The story didn’t need this. It was fine with just Kyle and Mac!
The mystery aspect was good throughout the novel. The crumb trail to figuring out who was behind the attacks wasn’t that obvious until the late third of the book and although it was already known who it was, the action sequence and climax of the story was pretty exciting and a lot of things are revealed. The revelations weren’t the type to blind side you, it fits well into the story and puts the pieces together. Which is fine. I think the action scenes are enough to keep readers interested.
I was happy with the way the book ended and I’ll be picking up the second one. Recommended for YA lovers who just want a good light read with some good action and a readable enjoyable plot.
The book starts off well and has a good pace and momentum throughout the book. The setting is also well done and small with a handful of characters so it’s simple and makes the reading enjoyable. I particularly liked the dream sequences Mac has with Amy. They can be cliche but it helps move the plot along and adds to the mood.
The werewolf aspect is interesting in the book. The notion of them having a ‘rehabilitation’ camp has a dystopia feel and there’s also Mac trying to solve Amy’s murder. So there’s different characteristics of the book to please YA readers which makes the experience reading this fun and enjoyable.
Of course you need a bit of romance in the story as well right? I’m all for Kyle and Mac being together. I found the love triangle aspect here irritating and forced on. Jason did not have sort of chemistry at all with Mac. It felt forced, awkward, and well...it just didn’t sit well with me (your boyfriend likes your best friend...just. No.) The love triangle just made things so cliche and sappy. The story didn’t need this. It was fine with just Kyle and Mac!
The mystery aspect was good throughout the novel. The crumb trail to figuring out who was behind the attacks wasn’t that obvious until the late third of the book and although it was already known who it was, the action sequence and climax of the story was pretty exciting and a lot of things are revealed. The revelations weren’t the type to blind side you, it fits well into the story and puts the pieces together. Which is fine. I think the action scenes are enough to keep readers interested.
I was happy with the way the book ended and I’ll be picking up the second one. Recommended for YA lovers who just want a good light read with some good action and a readable enjoyable plot.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The God Game in Books
Jan 8, 2020
Great Enjoyable read
I credit this book for taking me out of a reading rut. It was that good. Not only was I engrossed in the novel, but I didn’t want to leave the plane while on my flight back home. I wanted to finish it right then and there!
The plot of the book was good overall and quick to read. The pace is fast and because you’re into the novel the reading goes by quickly. It may seem like your typical high school book, but it’s got more mature elements so I wouldn’t say it’s YA. (Although it may be for the more mature YA reader if you’re being nitpicky about it) There are quite a few references to gaming and coding which may go over some readers but it’s not so much that would turn you off of the book.
You will have some favorite characters coming out of the book. Some of them you will also detest (I’m looking at you, Tim) but some you will have a soft spot for. Alex is a good example. I felt for him. He went through so much it’s no wonder he went through those types of extremes.
Vanhi and Mary would be my two favorites. I liked their personalities and determination. Could not like Charlie though. He wasn’t likable - although I get why he’s acting out I just could not sympathize with him. I didn’t care too much that he was made to look like an all around good guy when he’s done some pretty ugly things. Don’t get me wrong, he's seen as a saint compared to Peter, but I just didn’t like his outcome and his attitude towards his dad is horrendous. (Then again, you could say he’s acting out his grief)
All being said, I loved this book and glad I got a chance to read it. It’s quick and fast and the ending is open to maybe a sequel? If so I’m definitely all for it.
The plot of the book was good overall and quick to read. The pace is fast and because you’re into the novel the reading goes by quickly. It may seem like your typical high school book, but it’s got more mature elements so I wouldn’t say it’s YA. (Although it may be for the more mature YA reader if you’re being nitpicky about it) There are quite a few references to gaming and coding which may go over some readers but it’s not so much that would turn you off of the book.
You will have some favorite characters coming out of the book. Some of them you will also detest (I’m looking at you, Tim) but some you will have a soft spot for. Alex is a good example. I felt for him. He went through so much it’s no wonder he went through those types of extremes.
Vanhi and Mary would be my two favorites. I liked their personalities and determination. Could not like Charlie though. He wasn’t likable - although I get why he’s acting out I just could not sympathize with him. I didn’t care too much that he was made to look like an all around good guy when he’s done some pretty ugly things. Don’t get me wrong, he's seen as a saint compared to Peter, but I just didn’t like his outcome and his attitude towards his dad is horrendous. (Then again, you could say he’s acting out his grief)
All being said, I loved this book and glad I got a chance to read it. It’s quick and fast and the ending is open to maybe a sequel? If so I’m definitely all for it.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Aug 16, 2017
Couldn't put this down
You know you're on to great book when you read 200+ pages in one evening sitting and have to tear yourself away to go to bed. This isn't a great literary masterpiece, but it's a fantastically gripping YA whodunit. The plot was interesting and I liked the structure, splitting it between each character's point of view. The main characters themselves are all well developed, flawed but still loveable. My only criticism is that I was slightly disappointed with the ending as I predicted it beforehand. But this is still a hugely entertaining read.
Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3)
8.3
Rate It
Book
The third book in the RAVEN CYCLE quartet from bestselling author, Maggie Stiefvater. Blue Sargent...
Raven Boys Raven Cycle YA Literature
Louise (64 KP) rated The Manifesto on How to be Interesting in Books
Jul 2, 2018
This was my first Holly Bourne novel and I had had it on my TBR for ages and kicked myself for not picking it up sooner. I love YA contemporary books, I love all the feels you get and how invested you get into the story. I was surprised how much I loved this book. I liked Bree and it was interesting to see how much she developed as a character. This book showed you that you didn’t need to be popular to be interesting but it also showed how uncomfortable it was trying to fit in with a crowd that is not the norm for you. It showed valuable life lessons and had really powerful messages. I would have rated this 5 stars but the ending didn’t turn out as I wanted it to but I still loved it. This book does have a teacher/student relationship, so if that’s not your thing I would steer clear.
Liberty Boston (93 KP) rated A Werewolf in Riverdale (Archie Horror #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2021
Wow.
Just, wow!
A Werewolf In Riverdale did not disappoint.
The book is split into three parts:
In Sheep's Clothing.
The Beast Must Die!
New Moon.
For me, this book was outside my normal fare of sweet YA and fairy Tale retellings but genre-hopping is okay now and then. Truthfully the only reason I wanted to read this one so badly is the fact that I'm a rabid Riverdale fan and with the book's darker, broody atmosphere I said “Why Not?”
Like I said before, I wasn't disappointed! Despite its monstrous villain, this book wasn't all blood and gore.
Though, it did have its moments I won't lie.
It was more like, “I know I should do this but it could be someone I know and I don't want to do it”. That was Betty and Archie's constant struggle while Jughead had to fight his instincts.
In all I totally would recommend it!
Just, wow!
A Werewolf In Riverdale did not disappoint.
The book is split into three parts:
In Sheep's Clothing.
The Beast Must Die!
New Moon.
For me, this book was outside my normal fare of sweet YA and fairy Tale retellings but genre-hopping is okay now and then. Truthfully the only reason I wanted to read this one so badly is the fact that I'm a rabid Riverdale fan and with the book's darker, broody atmosphere I said “Why Not?”
Like I said before, I wasn't disappointed! Despite its monstrous villain, this book wasn't all blood and gore.
Though, it did have its moments I won't lie.
It was more like, “I know I should do this but it could be someone I know and I don't want to do it”. That was Betty and Archie's constant struggle while Jughead had to fight his instincts.
In all I totally would recommend it!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Deception (Dark Matter #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Deception is the 2nd book in the Dark Matter series by Teri Terry. I was given the opportunity to review the 1st book, Contagion, and thoroughly enjoyed it. When offered the 2nd book, I jumped at the chance.
Deception starts where Contagion ends. Shay, believing she is the carrier of the epidemic, surrenders to the army. Kai is heartbroken and feels betrayed because Shay left. After discovering survivors like Shay are not carriers, he is desperate to find her.
I enjoyed the 1st book more than the 2nd. Because it is a YA book, there is the obligatory love triangle. Still, it is worth reading. We are introduced to other groups. They are survivors, those hunting the survivors, and those behind the epidemic. One of the people we learn more about is Dr. Alex Cross, Kai's hated stepfather and Callie's father.
The 3rd and final book in the trilogy, Evolution, is available for pre-order. Its release date is August 11, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing how the trilogy ends. Will Kai and Shay end up together? What will happen to Callie? Will she get her revenge?
View my review of Contagion at http://philomathinphila.com/2019/08/11/200-word-review-of-contagion-by-teri-terry/.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/16/20.
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Demon Kissed (Demon Kissed #1) in Books
Jul 1, 2017
Demon Kissed (Demon Kissed #1) by H.M. Ward
In this book you have the age old tale of good versus evil - angels versus demons - demons versus hunters - which ever way you want to look at it. In this they are Martis who are good, and Valefor who are bad. But then throw in a twist or two and you have a really good story.
The character development for all of them is good but I do have to say that the main female just irritated me at the beginning. She does get better as the book goes on though. The plot and storyline has a good pace to it and enough action to suit most.
Recommended for YA/Paranormal fans.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The character development for all of them is good but I do have to say that the main female just irritated me at the beginning. She does get better as the book goes on though. The plot and storyline has a good pace to it and enough action to suit most.
Recommended for YA/Paranormal fans.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Radio Silence in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Great LGBTQIA representation in a YA novel
Representation MATTERS. Don’t let anyone tell you different. The two main characters in this book are GLBT – and asexual, which is a rarely-seen demographic. One of them is a WOC! And that’s IMPORTANT. We need representation of minorities in books, movies, TV, media – wherever it can be seen. So all those kids growing up, thinking they’re weird, or the odd ones out, or broken, can see themselves on the screen and realize that other people are going through the same things. That it’s NORMAL.
I also love the different formatting the author uses when representing texts, or phone calls, or the podcast that the kids create.
Read my full review at https://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/book-review-radio-silence/
I also love the different formatting the author uses when representing texts, or phone calls, or the podcast that the kids create.
Read my full review at https://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/book-review-radio-silence/