Katrina
Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for the audio arc!
I don't particularly like novels about war, but there was something thoroughly enchanting about this one. I couldn't help but fall in love with Iris and Roman, as damaged and witty and driven as they were. This slow-burn rivals-to-lovers wartime romance had a dash of fantasy and an intriguing cast of characters that I became quickly invested in. It's a bit of a slow starter and it won't be for everyone, but was so worth it for me. I loved the audio production and both narrators. I will be jumping on the sequel as soon as it's available!
Many thanks to libro.fm and the publisher for the audio arc!
Excellent audio production with top-notch narrators. It really helped give the characters more shape in my mind, and there are some excellent characters! There are quite a few supporting characters I would love to see more of. Plot wise, I kinda got lost in the sauce for a while. There's a lot going on, and the main mystery wasn't super mysterious. Even so, I had fun following the characters putting all the pieces together. The ending is a perfect set-up for another installment, but I wouldn't call it a cliff-hanger (thank goodness). Definitely worth a listen.
I am actually quite conflicted about this one. On the one hand, I thought the writing was strange and also uninventive (which is weird thing to say about a post-apocalyptic fantasy). After the first 85 pages or so, getting consistently more annoyed by this book, I actually couldn't put it down. So. I don't know. The stakes are high, the monsters are everywhere, and the themes of loyalty and friendship are strong. And while I am still annoyed by some of the writing choices, I would absolutely hand this to a teen looking for a thrilling story.
An interesting, if gory, world. I have a feeling I'll see the series through. Fair warning, the slow burn is verrrrrrry slow.
A really chilling and well constructed story. I really appreciated Safiya's dedication to her community and speaking up about social justice. I thought the format was unique and engaging, and very emotionally charged. The plot twists (mystery elements) didn't surprise me, but I don't think it took away that much from my reading experience. Would definitely hand to socially conscious teens who don't mind being a little scared.
I can't even count how many times my jaw hit the floor reading this book. Just when you think you have some understanding of how corrupt people/companies can be, something like this just slaps you in the face with it. It's honestly horrendous and amazing all at the same time how many pies McKinsey has been able to stick their grubby thumbs into. Worth a read if you feel like being filled with horror and a healthy dose of righteous indignation.
Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for the arc!
This is a sweet, real, romantic puzzle that readers will enjoy putting together. The authors manage to achieve some vivid characterization in a short amount of time, which makes the romance even sweeter. Definitely recommend for fans of YA romance, especially if you enjoyed Blackout! The audio production is excellent.
Another great adventure for Stevie & co! As someone who also enjoys a classic British mansion murder, I really enjoyed this installment. And the end!!! I'm glad there will be another installment because I need some closure!
Exactly as advertised! Fans of Kemmerer's other fantasy series will not be disappointed. I couldn't put it down.
Listened to it the second time around. No regrets!
Gut wrenching, brilliant, important. Some of these lines will stay with me for a long time.
Many thanks to Ecco and Edelweiss for this arc! (I did beg for it shamelessly).
It astounds me how absolutely distinct Wilson's voice is. I feel like I could pick one of his paragraphs out of a line-up with no trouble, because it would be the paragraph that brings me sheer delight with a tinge of madness. His newest offering did not disappoint. For a book without much action, I found it very suspenseful. I instantly cared about Frankie and Zeke, and I hurt when they hurt. I feel like he just captures all the crazy truth of being a human, holding a secret, and making something in this world. I will always rec Kevin Wilson to anyone who gives me the slightest indication they might enjoy something eerily and humorously brilliant, and this novel is a wonderful addition that I thoroughly enjoyed and will probably read again.
Needed to finish the series to see how it all shook out, but I admit to skimming. Better than the third one though.
I do love a graphic memoir. This one was very enjoyable. It really caught all those tween to teen feelings of being nervous to try new things, trying new things, fitting in (or not), and the roller coaster emotions that come along with a new adventure. Great middle grade pick.
I found this novel to be very moving. I loved the format, and was surprised by the quiet intensity of it. Beautiful cultural detail, emotion, and realism. Highly recommend.
The second time around I listened to it. I thought the narration was great, and held all the quiet intensity of the written work.
Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for the audio arc!
I've met all these characters before, so most of them seemed a bit flat to me. The end seemed a little ridiculous. Overall, an entertaining mystery that (somewhat) delves into privilege, addiction, and resentment. Ripley was the best! Audio production was quite good.
An intricate world and intricate plot that I think resolved beautifully. Fascinating (and a huge cast of) characters. It has that Hardinge quality of myth and metaphor, and some of it is a bit dark. I'll admit it took me a long time to get through, but I'm not sure if it was the book itself or my mood. I think many teens won't have the patience, but I think some will find their new favorite book in Unraveller.
So much going on! It was a bit of a slow start for me, but I found myself becoming deeply invested in these characters. So many plot points ended up going in a different direction than I thought they would that I had to keep reading and just let the story unravel. One of my favorite things (and most frustrating) was the relationship between Mafi and her brother. I don't have an older brother, but their bond felt so authentic to me. Side note, I defy any teenage girl not to fall in love with Jalen.
I confess I was a little sad about how it ended, but I also felt that it was realistic. Great audio production, would definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for the audio arc!
Uneven but intriguing. I might pick up the second one just because I want to see if my theories are correct! There's a lot left hanging at the end of this first book. I wasn't in love with the main character, but I could see teens really relating to her. Great audio production.
A well-done and emotional journey of a girl and her family all learning to be honest with their feelings as they navigate both past hardships and recent traumas. Rain is a lovingly drawn character that I think many young people can relate to, and would appreciate taking this journey with. I've never wanted a big brother more! Would recommend.
Thanks to the publisher and PW for the digital arc!
I generally liked the story and the art, although it seemed a bit rushed. I'm all for a portal fantasy, but the mc's attitude about going through said portal rang a bit false for me. Other than that, I was interested in the characters. I wish there was a bit more so I could get to know them better! I think teens looking for a simple fantasy would enjoy it.
I really liked the art and the plot for the most part. I liked the enemies to friends dynamic, but I found the resolution of a lot of the relationships in the story unsatisfying and unrealistic. The plot twist did not surprise me. That being said, I would read another story about Emsy and the coven (especially if Ash is featured).