Mood Board: Worth Fighting For

Yesterday, I reviewed Worth Fighting For, which was a fantastic book. You can read my review here. 

I have fun making these mood boards.

Graphic Novel Review: Anne of West Philly

 

Anne of Green Gables

Graphic Novel

Modern Day

West Philly

Robotics Club

The art was fantastic!

While it's very different than the books, it captures the same feelings for me. I would love the story to continue in a further addition.

* I would also love seeing Emily of New Moon adapted into a graphic novel. I love that story just as much. 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collection.

Review: Pride and Premeditation

 

There's nothing Lizzie desires more than to become a barrister in her father's law office. He's not sure that hiring her is the right move. It doesn't matter that she can do the work (and better than some of his current employees). He's not sure because of the optics. But maybe if Lizzie proves herself, he will allow it.

When Lizzie hears the news, she's not thrilled, but determined to make a good impression. When gossip reaches her ear about a gentleman accused of murder, she pretends to be his sister to gain access to him in prison. She hears his story. Charles Bingley, however, already has a barrister. 

But Mr. Darcy isn't interested in discovering the truth about the murder - he's more interested in keeping his client and friend out of jail. Lizzie wants to uncover the truth about that night, but in poking her nose into other people's lives, she places a target on her back.

My Thoughts: A Pride and Prejudice murder mystery? Sold! I really loved this book and I'm so happy there are two more coming in the series. I'm a sucker for a good Jane Austen adaptation and this one is really unique. I love the barrister angle. I love how Lizzie meets Bingley, Darcy, and the Bingley sisters. Charlotte is great and thoughtful. I loved the banter between Darcy and Lizzie. I loved Lizzie's ambitions, her moments with her sisters, and the way her mind works. I can't wait for book 2 (out next April). 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great historical mystery for your school and public library.

On Your Radar (20)

Title: A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Book 1)

Author:  Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher:  Bloomsbury

Publication Date: January 29

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Beauty and the Beast Retelling 
* Grey
* Fierce Heroine
* Banter
* The Curse
* Character with cerebral palsy
* Becoming a Princess
* Spreading Kindness 
* Learning how to throw a knife
* Family
* Friendship
*Survival
* Hope


* Highly recommended - give this to readers of Sarah J Maas a Court of Thorns and Roses
** The only bad part about this book is waiting until next year for more of the story.

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.

Review: The Season

Megan's dream includes becoming a soccer Olympian, not starring in the Dallas debutante season.  That's her mother's dream But after her mother enters both her and her twin sister, Megan doesn't have much of a choice. She knows she's all wrong of the scene and her arrival at her first event proves it.

Now she has a month to prove her worthiness to the head debutante or she'll be asked to leave in disgrace. Megan attempts to learn the skills needed to become a debutante, but she's trying to juggle so much in her life right now, nothing is getting a priority.

But the she meets a guy - and he's funny and charming. Before she knows it, He sweeps her off her feet and she's starting to think being a debutante might not be terrible after all. 

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice / Debutante/ Soccer mashup. I loved how Megan wasn't afraid to go after her soccer dreams. I didn't always love her interactions with her soccer friends. I like how she tried to juggle everything in her life. I loved her snarky ways. I loved how she constantly got into scrapes and had to talk her way out of them. I liked her honest moments with her sister.  I adored the moments with the 10 year old Debs. I liked the moments with the other Debs - even the not so nice ones. Clearly Megan wasn't your typical Deb, but she made it through and I admired that about it. I didn't like how the Julia scandal was handled. All in all, an entertaining read.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
Age: New Adult
Library Recommendation: Purchase for your YA collections

Review: Anne and Henry

Henry Tudor has his life all figured out - or rather his mother does. He's to follow in the footsteps of his late father. It's also the path his older brother would have followed if he hadn't died early. Now, Henry's allowing himself to be molded into a political powerhouse, complete with the perfect girlfriend who once dated his brother.

Everything is going right on track until Anne enters the picture.

New to town, Anne challenges Henry in ways he never thought possible. But Anne makes her own enemies and before long, they circle around her like sharks.

My Thoughts: Clearly we all knew how the story would end, even if we wished for something different. I like the modern twist on Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. 

But I found both of them lacking in character. Anne allowed herself to be manipulated. Henry was a coward who let others decide his path in life. None of the other characters were interesting or had depth. The drama between Henry and Anne kept me turning the pages as I wanted to see how it all played out. 

Mostly I wonder if teens reading this book will take the connection to it's historical path. 

Cover Thoughts: OK.
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: An interesting modern look at Henry and Anne's story with a hint of sequel.