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The Lovely and the Lost
The Lovely and the Lost
Jennifer Lynn Barnes | 2019 | Young Adult (YA)
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Original title: Lost Causes
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

The Lovely and the Lost is the first novel I read by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Considering she published almost 30 novels in genres I often read, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Young Adult, that is surprising.

In it, we are introduced to the Bennett family. Cady, the mother, is one of the best search and rescuers who also trains search and rescue dogs. Her son is Jude and her adopted daughter, Kira, was found by Cady in the woods many years ago. Rounding out the family is Phoebe, who prefers to be called Free, the 3rd in the teen's close-knit trio. The story focuses on a search and rescue and gives some detail on how to tray search and rescue dogs. All of the teens work with the dogs and are training to be search and rescuers.

The Young Adult novel is well thought out and well-written. The characters are flawed, show their limitations, their strengths, and feel real. While it would be enjoyable for all readers of YA, I feel middle school students would enjoy it the most.

I will definitely read one of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's series. As of 6/17/19, Goodreads lists 7 series.

This review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/17/19.
  
The Hunter and The Cultist (Hunter X Slayer #1)
The Hunter and The Cultist (Hunter X Slayer #1)
J.A. Giaquinto | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
kept me thoroughly engaged, and hooked me in sufficiently to want to read more.
Independent reviewer for gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

From a little research, I've discovered this author usually writes young adult, and this is most certain NOT young adult. Now, at times, it shows. It's a little clunky in places. In places where clunky need not be :-p

That said! I thoroughly enjoyed this!

It takes a little bit of time to put all the clues together about this world, and while usually I don't like massive info dumps, I could have done with at least a SMALL one here. It all comes together, it just took me far too long, and I kept feeling I missed something.

It's quite violent in places, but I think that was needed to get the point across. Steamy, but not ever so explicit (but definately more than a YA book!) and I did scream a time or three at the author! Gustav and Abel got interrupted so many times before they got their moment, and it just went on a bit too much I thought.

There are massive clues who might be next, and I look forward to reading who ever it might be.

A good read, that kept me thoroughly engaged, and hooked me in sufficiently to want to read more.

3 good solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
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Sam (74 KP) rated Echo Boy in Books

Mar 27, 2019  
Echo Boy
Echo Boy
Matt Haig | 2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think I’m starting to become a fan of dystopia thanks to Matt Haig. Echo Boy was an exciting read and full of surprises.

Set in 2115, Echos are a normal household item. They look like humans, act like humans, but are robots created to help with human tasks. Audrey’s father hates new technology, despite his own brother, Alex, owning Castle Industries – one of the largest technology companies.

Echos are definitely not all they seem though, especially when Alissa, the Echo who teaches Audrey at home, kills both of her parents.

Echo Boy isn’t like anything I’ve read before. It’s young adult dystopia (which I usually avoid) but it’s actually quite adult in the ways it deals with grief and uncovering the truth. It was exactly what I expected from Matt Haig though because even though it’s a dystopia it still takes a serious view on the issues of the real world.

It also focuses a lot on the problems in being part of a generation who are obsessed with technology, such as the over-reliance on it and the susceptibility of it going wrong.

I absolutely loved Echo Boy. It brought me back to YA and is another brilliant novel by Matt Haig.
  
Darius the Great is Not Okay
Darius the Great is Not Okay
Adib Khorram | 2018 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
YA contemporary
For the most part I really enjoyed Darius the Great is Not Ok by Adib Khorram. This young adult contemporary novel was heart wrenching and at times heart breaking to read. At times I felt like the main character Darius was a little over the top with how sensitive he was but for the most part I was rooting for him to rise up. This was a great story showing the struggles of living with depression while trying to find yourself and dealing with the teenage awkwardness of growing up. I completely felt for Darius and could relate to a lot of his struggles throughout the book, especially with trying to see where he fit in with his culture and being the only one standing awkwardly to the side not understanding the language of his heritage. I really loved all of the characters and learning about this culture and I would definitely recommend.