Mini Review: If You Can Hear This

1. A girl moves to town

2. She struggles to fit in

3. A Teacher who helped her goes missing

4. She pushes the AV Club (who doesn't do much) to investigate

5. They become friends

6. They dig up a lot of dirt

7. They make the authorities investigate

I did really enjoy this book - but I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I loved the moments with Posey and the AV Club - she had a lot of ideas! There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages quickly. I read this on an airplane, and it was the perfect book to keep my mind engaged.

Mini Review: The Favorites

 

I love books about figure skating, so ice dancing isn't a huge leap.

I'm not a fan of Wuthering Heights and toxic relationships - however, this was a really hard book to put down. The short chapters interspersed with interviews from a documentary was like catnip. I had to know what happened. 

Usually, I read a book because I connect to the characters - but this was one of those books where you just didn't like anyone. But that didn't bother me. 

Mini Review: Onyx Storm

 

This was a great read - everything you'd come to expect in this series:

Action/Danger

Plot Twists

Jerky Leaders

Dragons and their quirks

Romance

Friendship

And of course, a cliffhanger ending.

I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Mini Review: House of Sky and Breath

 

This one is a mini review because it's hard to talk about the book without spoilers.

There's a LOT that goes on in this book.

It does have the usual Sarah J Maas elements:

Friendship, banter, smart heroine, danger, action, lots of trouble, secrets, double crossing, traps, snark, romance, and that twist you never see coming.

That last twist blew my mind.

So first, I'm a huge fan of the author. I will read whatever she writes. But I know that I need a large chunk of time to read these books. Because once I start, I'm not going to want to stop. Her books are addicting! 

A must have series for your public library's adult fantasy collection.

* Book sent for review

While this list is for the COURT series, these similar reads hold true

Mini Review: In the Hall with the Knife

When a storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy, an elite prep school nestled in the woods of Maine, a motley crew of students—including Beth “Peacock” Picach, Orchid McKee, Vaughn Green, Sam “Mustard” Maestor, Finn Plum, and Scarlet Mistry—are left stranded on campus with their headmaster. Hours later, his body is found in the conservatory and it’s very clear his death was no accident. With this group of students who are all hiding something, nothing is as it seems, and everyone has a motive for murder. (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: 

Twisty 

Multiple perspectives 

Survival of the Elements

Cold

Motives

Brothers
Secrets

Overachievers 

Unanswered questions left me waiting for the next book

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries!

Mini Review: Army Brats

The Bailey kids' mom has just been assigned to Fort Patrick, and it'll be the family's first time living on an army base! Tom, Charlotte, and Rosie get to make new friends, explore the neighborhood, and cool off in the huge pool. Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the base bully, who seems determined to make Tom's life completely miserable by telling everyone he's a wimp.

When the Baileys discover a mystery on base--an abandoned building long rumored to be haunted--they know that this is the way to show the world how brave Tom truly is. But when they go to investigate, they find there's more to the house than some old rumors. What is that weird equipment? And who is that suspicious man sneaking around inside?
It's up to Charlotte, Tom, and Rosie to figure out the base's secrets-and prove to everyone that no bully can keep the Bailey kids down. - summary from the publisher.

Why I liked it: 
Army Base
Military Mother
Adopted child
Siblings
Spying
Finding True Friends
Dogs

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap around cover
Source: My Library

Mini Review: Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson and his friends are still trying to save the world and stop a war between the Titans and the Olympians.

The Good:
The Friendships
Rachel
The Action
The Danger
The Fight at Camp
Paul meeting Percy's Dad
Pan
Percy's trust issues

The Bad:
There's only one more book after this!

I read this book for our Year of Percy Jackson Book Club at the library. I'm so glad we picked this series because I read the first three when they came out but the fourth one escape me and then too much time had past and I forgot everything that came before. It's hard for me to re-read books because my TBR pile is HUGE. So I'm thankful for being able to finish up this series.

Mini Review: We Are Party People

Shy twelve-year-old Pixie is the opposite of her gregarious parents, owners of the top party planning company in town. When Pixie's mom has to go away to support her ailing grandmother, it falls on Pixie to help out with the family business and step into the spotlight—and mermaid costume—her worst nightmare. Along the way she learns important life lessons, like maybe her family isn't so bad after all and that stepping out of her comfort zone might not be as scary as she thought. With a little help from her friends, she discovers her courage and faces her fears. (from the publisher)


The Good:
The Friendships
Her moments with her father
Behind the scenes at the parties
Gearing up for the Election
The parties
Blake
Ping-Pong games

The Bad:
Nitpicky but: how did her parents not realize she was an introvert?

Final  Thoughts: I enjoyed this story, loving how Pixie found her voice and discovered talents.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for Blog Tour

Come back for the blog tour stop tomorrow for my themed party with a playlist!

Mini Review: Dear Martin

When Justyce gets falsely arrested; he no longer has patience for the injustices around him.

The Good:
Racial discussions
How the threads of the story all come together
Debate team
Doc Dray
Class discussions
Romance
Friendships
That surprise ending

The Bad:
Nitpicking here, but I wish there had been a few more letters to Martin Luther King, Jr. and more about the project.

Final Thoughts: Wow. This is one of those books that make you think long after you finish the novel.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This should be in every public and every high school library. 

Mini Review: Internet Famous

Madi's life starts spiraling out of control when her mother leaves for a job opportunity overseas. She's helping more around the house, juggling school work, blogging, and dealing with online harassment. 

The Good: She prefers her online personality
Fandoms
Pop Culture and movies
Her interactions at the school
Her blog
The romance
Her relationship with her sister
Sara.

 The Bad: 
 More like a nit picky thing - but if her blog hits were so large, how come she didn't realize the extent of her fan base?

Final Thoughts: Grab this one for both your public and your high school libraries - great read for fandom fans. Plus it's a drama filled read that teens will gobble up.

Mini Review: The Hate U Give

Starr witnesses her best friend from the neighborhood die in font of her - murdered by the police.

The Good:
The parents.
The discussions you have around this book
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air references
The Hope
The Harry Potter References
The Horror movie joke

The Bad:
It's over!

I can't believe I haven't talked about this book before. It's amazingly good. I devoured it! It's one of my favorite books of the year and I can't wait for the movie!

Library Recommendation: A must have for every public and high school library. 

Mini Review: Project You

Feeling stressed?

This book shares 50 ways to calm down, change up your routine, and find your balance.

The Good:
Lots of great ideas
A variety of ideas: recipes, crafts, activities, and exercise
Fun illustrations and pictures
Diverse girls shown in both pictures and illustration
Reading is mentioned several times

The Bad:
Nitpicking here - while there are a few guys in the book, most of it seems geared towards girls.

The Verdict: Grab this one for your library, perfect for students going through exams, the college application process, or any other stressful time.

Mini Review: Courage to Soar

Simone Biles's story from discovering gymnastics to earning a spot of the Olympic team and winning Gold.

The Good:
I loved learning about the good days and bad days
The struggles to learn a certain move
The gymnastic people she met along the way
Her family life
The strength and commitment it took to maker her dreams come true.
One dream at a time
Her work ethic
Knowing her family was behind her.

The Bad:
Just a nitpicking thing - but the financial obligation to the sport wasn't talked about.

Final Thoughts: A wonderful book about going after your dreams and achieving them. Grab this one for your school or public library to inspire others. 

Mini Review: HeartStone

A Pride and Prejudice Retelling with Dragons

How it's Different:
Wyverns
Jane and Lizzie's sister dies before the books open
Monsters
Merybourne Manor
Charlotte's happiness with her husband
The battle at the end

The Feel of the Book is the Same:
It follows a similar plot line (obviously details have been changed to fit the dragon)
Lydia/Wickham story is a bit different - which I liked
The tension between Aliza and Alastair is spot on

I really enjoyed this retelling! 

I wouldn't mind other Austen novels set in this world too! 

If you missed my Q and A with the author, check it out here.

Mini Review: Dawn Study

Despite everything, Yelena and Valek have created their own family with all their friends but before they can ride off into the sunset, they must do what they can to stop their countries from going to war.

The Good:
The characters
The danger
The action
The magic
The banter between characters
The friendship/family
The Plot twists
The Romance

The Bad:
The series is over!

Final Thoughts: I have loved this series since I devoured Poison Study. I'm sad that it's over, but what a fantastic series. It never disappointed me. I can't wait to see what Maria V. Snyder comes up with next!

Mini Review: Take the Key and Lock Her Up

 * Book 3 in the Embassy Row trilogy *

Secrets have a way of coming out. Now that Grace knows the truth about her lineage, she's on the run. She's worried about her injured brother. She's worried about her friends. Most of all, she's worried about her future.

And when she's worried, she comes up with a terrible idea for a plan...

Things I enjoyed:
All the plot twists and turns
Danger
Action
Secrets
Royalty
Friendship
Romance
Betrayal
Loyalty
Bravery
Determination

There's so much going on in this last book of the trilogy. I really did like Grace. She was determined to find the answers. Sure she made some bad choices (who doesn't). But she's strong and she's a survivor.

I can't wait to see what Ally Carter writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for all YA departments.

Tween Tuesday Review: Lodestar

 * Book 5 in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series *

Sophie and her friends might have saved the battle from being fought, but the war isn't over yet. Plus now the elves have split down the middle and the ones Sophie loves are in danger. Once again, it's time for action.

The Good:
The plot twists
The action and the danger
The friendships
The possible romance
The betrayals
Learning more about this world.

The Bad:
That ending! (It was a good ending but a huge cliffhanger)
And waiting until the next book.

Final Thoughts: Rush to the library if you haven't read this series yet, it's amazing!
Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is a Must Have for public and school libraries.

Mini Review: The Flip Side

Charlie Ryland wants it all - and she's willing to go to great lengths to keep her two identities secret for as long as possible. Sooner or later the truth will come out about who Charlotte really is, but Charlie's hoping that will happen on her terms and after she qualifies for the Olympic gymnastics team.

The Good:
I didn't want to put this book down, I read it over two nights and stayed up late the second night to finish it.

• I loved the double lives - the double friends.
• I loved the moments when they crossed over
• I loved the training moments
• I loved the moments between Charlie and her brother
• I loved the secret
• I loved how hard Charlie/Charlotte pushed herself, even when life seemed to be spinning out of control.
• I loved the student government angle
• I didn't like the speical treatment, but course it happens and I like how Charlie handled it.

The Bad:
There were a few places where the editing could have been a little tighter. A few times I was jarred out of the story.

Final Thoughts: Great for your gymnastic loving fans, or readers who wish to be famous, or anyone getting pumped up for their own sporting event.

Cover Thoughts: I actually really like this cover (especially the guy with the book) but it doesn't match any scene in the book, which saddens me. I almost wish there was an addition scene based on it!

Library Recommendation: Grab it for your library!

I wrote a little bit about it on the teen library blog

Mini Review: Bad Blood

* Book 4 in the Naturals series *

Cassie's desperately trying to uncover the truth about her mother - and what it means for her memories. But the clues lead to dead ends. She's so close to discovering the truth and yet so far away. She and the Naturals are racing against a deadline - can they figure things out before time runs out?

The Good:
Twists and turns
Action
Emotional  Turmoil
The feeling that you can't put this book down
Friendship
Romance
Banter
Family
That Ending!

The Bad:
The series is over BUT it seems like there's room for a spin-off series!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: This series is a must have for all public and school libraries.

I can't wait to see what Jennifer Lynn Barnes comes up with next!

Mini Review: Sea Spell

 * Final book in the Waterfire Saga*

The six mermaids need more time before the final battle with Orfeo. With everything against them, they're going to have oi make a stand and hope that everything falls into place. Their world and their lives depend upon it.

The Good:
The struggles
The triumphs
The twists and turns of the plot
The friendships
The betrayals
The action and danger

The Bad:
It's over BUT dare I say there might be a spin off series? One can only hope

Final Thoughts:
An excellent ending to a super fun series about good vs evil, mermaids, friendship, family, and love. Perfect for both public and school libraries.