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Children of a Broken Sky (Redemption Chronicle Book 1)
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A sin buried at the dawn of time. A world made to endure the consequences. For untold ages,...
Fiction Fantasy YA Young Adult Adventure Coming of Age
The Collide
8.0
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The much-anticipated final book in New York Times bestselling author Kimberly McCreight’s Outliers...
series fiction ya social themes
Face of the Wave (Ryder Bay #3)
8.0
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She was out cold. He was her lifeline. Will their unlikely connection survive the shocking truth? ...
Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Please Send Help (I Hate Everyone But You #2)
8.5
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Ava and Gen are best friends. Ava knows what she wants and has plans to achieve her goals. Gen...not...
YA Young Adult Sequel Book Series Contemporary
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spirit Ascendancy ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3) in Books
Nov 19, 2021
190 of 250
Kindle
Spirit Ascending ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3)
By E.E. Holmes
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In the wake of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find themselves on the run, pursued by the two most powerful groups in the history of the spirit world.
On one side, the Durupinen, determined to capture the girls and prevent their role in an ancient prophecy that promises to destroy them and unleash the spirit hordes on the earth. On the other side, the Necromancers, ancient enemies of the Durupinen, hell-bent on bringing the same prophecy to fruition. When the girls are betrayed and one of them falls into the Necromancers' hands, both face decisions with cataclysmic consequences.
Will the lure of power prove too great to resist, or will the bond between the sisters survive this last, most crucial of tests?
This was possibly the hardest to get into and remember where that last one left off. But it was so good towards the end and definitely the ending it deserved. I’m looking forward to reading the following on series now too.
A good series for YA.
Kindle
Spirit Ascending ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3)
By E.E. Holmes
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In the wake of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find themselves on the run, pursued by the two most powerful groups in the history of the spirit world.
On one side, the Durupinen, determined to capture the girls and prevent their role in an ancient prophecy that promises to destroy them and unleash the spirit hordes on the earth. On the other side, the Necromancers, ancient enemies of the Durupinen, hell-bent on bringing the same prophecy to fruition. When the girls are betrayed and one of them falls into the Necromancers' hands, both face decisions with cataclysmic consequences.
Will the lure of power prove too great to resist, or will the bond between the sisters survive this last, most crucial of tests?
This was possibly the hardest to get into and remember where that last one left off. But it was so good towards the end and definitely the ending it deserved. I’m looking forward to reading the following on series now too.
A good series for YA.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Elizas in Books
Apr 12, 2018
Fun book-within-a-book psychological thriller
Eliza Fontaine heads to Palm Springs and finds herself at the bottom of the hotel pool. Eliza can't swim, and her family assumes this was yet another one of Eliza's failed suicide attempts, as she has a history of winding up at the bottom of swimming pools. But Eliza swears this time was different; yes, she was drinking that evening, but she's sure someone pushed her, even if she can't remember exactly how she wound up at the pool or even the hotel bar. The sole witness is the man who rescued her, so Eliza tracks him down. But as they attempt to figure out what happened, Eliza only grows more confused. She's about to get her first novel published, and it seems as if events from the novel are intertwining with her life. She thought her novel was fiction, but now she's bewildered, feeling followed, and wondering if she's finally losing her mind for good.
This was an odd little book and not at all what I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and the more I think about it, the more I should have realized that Sara Shepard is quite masterful at playing with our minds. This is actually almost two books in one: we get the novel itself; as well excerpts from The Dots, Eliza's debut novel, which is set to be published a few weeks after she's found in the pool. As we get deeper and deeper into The Dots, we're left to wonder how much its protagonist, Dot, is like Eliza--where does Eliza end and Dot begin?
It's really quite an ingenious setup and it's quite fun. I actually really liked the excerpts more at times. The novel revolves around the confusing question of identity, as Eliza struggles to figure out who she is and what she remembers about her life and past. My only struggle was that Eliza does a lot of thinking (aka talking or narrating) and I lost interest at some points when she talked on a bit. Still, most of the time, this was a pretty suspenseful book; it's certainly "trippy" and often confusing, as you work to puzzle out things alongside Eliza. I definitely didn't have everything figured out immediately, though I worked most things out as I went along.
Overall, this is a quick read (I read the entire thing during during two consecutive plane rides), and the book-within-a-book setup is fun and adds to the suspense. This isn't a read for those who love intricate, deeply plotted thrillers, but it's enjoyable and compelling and perfect for YA fans looking for a psychological thriller. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
This was an odd little book and not at all what I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, and the more I think about it, the more I should have realized that Sara Shepard is quite masterful at playing with our minds. This is actually almost two books in one: we get the novel itself; as well excerpts from The Dots, Eliza's debut novel, which is set to be published a few weeks after she's found in the pool. As we get deeper and deeper into The Dots, we're left to wonder how much its protagonist, Dot, is like Eliza--where does Eliza end and Dot begin?
It's really quite an ingenious setup and it's quite fun. I actually really liked the excerpts more at times. The novel revolves around the confusing question of identity, as Eliza struggles to figure out who she is and what she remembers about her life and past. My only struggle was that Eliza does a lot of thinking (aka talking or narrating) and I lost interest at some points when she talked on a bit. Still, most of the time, this was a pretty suspenseful book; it's certainly "trippy" and often confusing, as you work to puzzle out things alongside Eliza. I definitely didn't have everything figured out immediately, though I worked most things out as I went along.
Overall, this is a quick read (I read the entire thing during during two consecutive plane rides), and the book-within-a-book setup is fun and adds to the suspense. This isn't a read for those who love intricate, deeply plotted thrillers, but it's enjoyable and compelling and perfect for YA fans looking for a psychological thriller. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review; more at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Louise (64 KP) rated Paper Butterflies in Books
Jul 2, 2018
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! I have never read anything by Lisa Heathfield before but I will definitely seeking out her other book ‘ Seed’. This story was harrowing and definitely difficult to read at times but addictive and I managed to read this in one sitting. This is one of those books that you can’t put down and continue to read till the early hours of the morning.
Paper Butterflies follows June, June is 11 years old and living with her father, step mother and step sister. To the neighbours they are just another normal family but behind closed doors it’s a different matter entirely. June’s stepmother is abusive, mentally and physically and even encourages her daughter to do the same. June tries to speak out to her father, but he thinks she is just having trouble settling into life after her mother’s death and adjusting to the new family members. June meets a boy in the local woods whilst riding her bike, Blister is his name and he is charming,non-judgemental and a perfect best friend. With Blister on her side will she be able to spread her wings and fly? will she finally speak out?
Paper butterflies is told from an 11-year-old, increasing to a teenagers POV of the abuse she went through and trying to accept the life she was dealt, and also has alternating chapters from the present day. June is of mixed race and finds herself in an all white family after the death of her mother and feels that she doesn’t belong not only because of her colour but because of her evil step – mother.
June was such a likeable character, the way she was reliving the scenes of abuse was harrowing and I just wanted to comfort her and tell her it would be alright and encourage her to speak out. I wanted her to tell someone, anyone, for someone to pull her out of her miserable existence. The abuse that June is subjected to is shocking and Lisa Heathfield does not hold back, even when it becomes uncomfortable to read.
Blister is the boy June meets in the woods,I loved his character, he is sweet,caring and has a knack of making things out of paper. He hides out in some desolate caravans and there the two of them forge a friendship. Blisters life is so different from June’s and when she is around them she feels free to be herself.
Lisa Heathfield’s writing is so strong and powerful, it’s addictive and certainly packs a punch. This book is an emotional rollercoaster involving, child abuse,coming of age, love, friendship and forgiveness. This book left me feeling hopeful and that there are friends who will be with you through thick or thin.
I recommend this book to anyone that reads YA.
Overall I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Paper Butterflies follows June, June is 11 years old and living with her father, step mother and step sister. To the neighbours they are just another normal family but behind closed doors it’s a different matter entirely. June’s stepmother is abusive, mentally and physically and even encourages her daughter to do the same. June tries to speak out to her father, but he thinks she is just having trouble settling into life after her mother’s death and adjusting to the new family members. June meets a boy in the local woods whilst riding her bike, Blister is his name and he is charming,non-judgemental and a perfect best friend. With Blister on her side will she be able to spread her wings and fly? will she finally speak out?
Paper butterflies is told from an 11-year-old, increasing to a teenagers POV of the abuse she went through and trying to accept the life she was dealt, and also has alternating chapters from the present day. June is of mixed race and finds herself in an all white family after the death of her mother and feels that she doesn’t belong not only because of her colour but because of her evil step – mother.
June was such a likeable character, the way she was reliving the scenes of abuse was harrowing and I just wanted to comfort her and tell her it would be alright and encourage her to speak out. I wanted her to tell someone, anyone, for someone to pull her out of her miserable existence. The abuse that June is subjected to is shocking and Lisa Heathfield does not hold back, even when it becomes uncomfortable to read.
Blister is the boy June meets in the woods,I loved his character, he is sweet,caring and has a knack of making things out of paper. He hides out in some desolate caravans and there the two of them forge a friendship. Blisters life is so different from June’s and when she is around them she feels free to be herself.
Lisa Heathfield’s writing is so strong and powerful, it’s addictive and certainly packs a punch. This book is an emotional rollercoaster involving, child abuse,coming of age, love, friendship and forgiveness. This book left me feeling hopeful and that there are friends who will be with you through thick or thin.
I recommend this book to anyone that reads YA.
Overall I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Feb 8, 2018
When Park first sees Eleanor get on the school bus, he cringes. Everything about her is wrong - her size, her hair, her clothes. He knows the other kids will pick on her immediately. But for some reason, he tells her to sit down next to him, despite knowing it will attract attention -- exactly what Park doesn't want. However, over time, Park and Eleanor forge an unlikely friendship-- attention be damned.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Such a Quiet Place in Books
Jul 20, 2021
The accused killer returns home. Is she guilty? If not, who is?
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
The setting for Megan Miranda's latest thriller, Such a Quiet Place, is Hollow's Edge, a picture-perfect, idyllic neighborhood where neighbors become family. That is until the Truetts were killed. Now, a year and a half later, new evidence emerges, and the convicted killer returns home to Hollow's Edge. Once a warm and open community now finds neighbors locking their doors, spying out their windows, and hiding secrets from each other. Did the jury get it right? Was Ruby guilty? If so, what should they do? If not, the killer is hiding among them.
Such a Quiet Place is a suspenseful roller coaster from beginning to end. She kept me guessing until the big reveal.
Megan Miranda's suspenseful writing immediately made her an author on my "I have to read" list. Her most well-known novel is All the Missing Girls, with a 3.77 rating and more than 146,000 reviews. The Last Guest House was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection, and my review can be found at https://philomathinphila.com/last-house-guest-by-megan-miranda.
I first found her through her YA novels and know, whichever age group she is writing for, it will be a story to remember. The ratings for her novel average 3.72 on Goodreads.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
The setting for Megan Miranda's latest thriller, Such a Quiet Place, is Hollow's Edge, a picture-perfect, idyllic neighborhood where neighbors become family. That is until the Truetts were killed. Now, a year and a half later, new evidence emerges, and the convicted killer returns home to Hollow's Edge. Once a warm and open community now finds neighbors locking their doors, spying out their windows, and hiding secrets from each other. Did the jury get it right? Was Ruby guilty? If so, what should they do? If not, the killer is hiding among them.
Such a Quiet Place is a suspenseful roller coaster from beginning to end. She kept me guessing until the big reveal.
Megan Miranda's suspenseful writing immediately made her an author on my "I have to read" list. Her most well-known novel is All the Missing Girls, with a 3.77 rating and more than 146,000 reviews. The Last Guest House was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection, and my review can be found at https://philomathinphila.com/last-house-guest-by-megan-miranda.
I first found her through her YA novels and know, whichever age group she is writing for, it will be a story to remember. The ratings for her novel average 3.72 on Goodreads.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Kiss of Darkness (Curse of the Guardians #1) by Taylor Aston White in Books
May 8, 2022
I am now fully invested is this group of Guardians, and them finding their mates!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Oh I liked this, a LOT! It sort of grabs you, and doesn't let go, runs you through a wringer and spits you out again! And then you gotta wait Lord know how long til the fun starts again!
Kyra is a witch, and is bound to serve in exchange for her life. But when that threatens the lives of ordinary people, she know she has to stop it, somehow. Xander is forced to protect her while things settle but Xander hates black witches, with good reason. Given as they are both keeping secrets, things are bound to boil over. And when they do, sparks fly.
Like I said, I liked this. It's dark and deadly, it's keeping things from you, it's smexy in places, and downright blood thirsty in others. There is much going on and you gotta concentrate while running through that wringer, let me tell ya! It's been a long time since I had a book that did that!
Both Kyra and Xander have a say, and I loved that. I loved all of Xander's Guardian team, and there was a pairing I saw here, with Kyra's friend, that might just be as explosive as Kyra and Xander are.
I can't wait, cos I am now fully invested is this group of Guardians, and them finding their mates!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but nah, upgrading to the full
5 stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Oh I liked this, a LOT! It sort of grabs you, and doesn't let go, runs you through a wringer and spits you out again! And then you gotta wait Lord know how long til the fun starts again!
Kyra is a witch, and is bound to serve in exchange for her life. But when that threatens the lives of ordinary people, she know she has to stop it, somehow. Xander is forced to protect her while things settle but Xander hates black witches, with good reason. Given as they are both keeping secrets, things are bound to boil over. And when they do, sparks fly.
Like I said, I liked this. It's dark and deadly, it's keeping things from you, it's smexy in places, and downright blood thirsty in others. There is much going on and you gotta concentrate while running through that wringer, let me tell ya! It's been a long time since I had a book that did that!
Both Kyra and Xander have a say, and I loved that. I loved all of Xander's Guardian team, and there was a pairing I saw here, with Kyra's friend, that might just be as explosive as Kyra and Xander are.
I can't wait, cos I am now fully invested is this group of Guardians, and them finding their mates!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but nah, upgrading to the full
5 stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere