Katrina
Very interesting. I can't say I loved it, but there was some lovely writing and interesting ideas. It dragged for me at times, but it had an ethereal quality to it that kind of moved the whole thing forward.
There were a lot of things about this book that I liked. I thought the plot was pretty well constructed, and I honestly adored Lalo and Carolina. Bookish, proper boy gets turned into a vampire while a strong-willed girl with a hot temper tries to prove herself as a vampire hunter? Just a great set-up. There was some solid atmosphere and dialogue. All that being said, overall it fell a little flat for me. I'm not sure the writing stood up to the ideas in it, and i think the pacing was a bit off. Still, an enjoyable and romantic adventure.
Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for the alc!
This was a quick but thoughtful dive into an interesting time, place, and character. I was immediately drawn in by Manod, and enjoyed the gentle twists and turns of the story. I would certainly recommend to people looking for a contemplative coming of age story that is character rather than plot driven. Lovely audio production.
This is one of the most unpredictable books I've ever read. The writing is beautiful, the story is dark and deep and strange. It won't be for everyone, but I think it's worth trying.
I adore this series. It always makes me laugh and these characters are pure gold. Readers of the previous books will not be disappointed. Great audio production.
A realistic look at a girl struggling with alcohol abuse in the midst of a secret society pledging and personal struggles. I really appreciated how multi-faceted Blake was. She has some identity issues, lacks a Black female role model, and is in a toxic relationship. Drinking seems to fix all these problems for her, until she realizes the drinking is only a temporary fix that often results in making her even more miserable. I feel like this book could help a lot of teens, and I hope it's widely read. It shows all the glamour and fun of a party while also showing how peer pressure and alcohol abuse can turn that party (and potentially the rest of your life) into a real mess.
Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for the alc!
I liked it. I wanted horror, romance, and history from this book. I got a little of all of them and not enough of any of them? I think it's a very solid choice for people dabbling in those genres, but maybe not for heavy readers of any of them. I found some parts to be a bit repetitive and slightly over-written. That being said, I really liked the two main characters. I was rooting for them! I also love when audio productions use two narrators for the two POVs, it's more engaging that way.
Romantic, real, and great for teens. Some lovely poetry really enhances the story, but the real power is in the characterization and development of these two young women. Will definitely recommend to teens.
This is an interesting perspective that I'm glad I took the time to read. This story follows high school senior Jason, born in the Philippines and raised in the Midwest, on a journey of discovery. After he finds out his cousin has been murdered, Jay takes it upon himself to return to the Philippines and investigate. Though this is a work of fiction, the political backdrop of Duterte's drug war is all too real. And this landscape is the one that Jay must try to navigate in his search for the truth. Social justice, complex family relationships, and the interplay of grief and guilt are all main themes of this novel. Obviously it's not the happiest of stories, but it's also not all doom and gloom. A solid addition to YA lit.
Very charming cozy with a fun cast of characters. The mystery was solidly plotted. Aside from that, I think it really captured that mid-20's feeling of getting a little lost in the sauce while reconciling who you were with who you are now with who you want to be. Enjoyable audio.
An interesting and intense plot. It was so horrifying to me that a few people in power can cause so much manipulation and destruction. There were a few plot points I thought were too obvious, and the characters could have used a little more fleshing out. A thoughtful but slow moving story. Solid audio narration.
It was cute but honestly so lame that he's just “cured” of his monster form at the end. Like...she was into it. Wasn't that kind of the point?
I always feel weird rating memoirs...but this was an astounding story and a brilliant piece of writing. Absolutely gut-wrenching and beautiful.
Ooooo the royal drama! Secrets abound, racists are yelling, crushes are crushing, and James's head is heavy under that crown. Read if you like alternate-royal timelines with backstabbing and subterfuge galore. Very fun with a pleasantly surprising amount of emotional depth alongside the drama.
This was an interesting read and a great audio production. I do think the plot dragged at points, but I was also interested enough to keep on with it and see what becomes of the titular family. Chang raises some very insightful points about family, immigration, self-worth, and community. It was definitely worth the read.
I am officially obsessed with John Boyne. He could write about absolutely anything and I would find it fascinating.
I don't like rating memoirs BUT this was just so well done. The pacing, the insights, the art...Myer executed their vision to perfection. I think just about any teen would find this highly relatable. This is one of those books that make you want to sincerely thank the author for putting out into the world. I will enthusiastically recommend this!
I just loved Lydia and Bristal so much. Their relationship kept me interested the entire time. The story had some slow points, but there were some BAM twists that I did not see coming. For me, it had the shivery and hard truths of a Courtney Summers books with a healthy dose of sharp humor. McGinnis does the small town vibe to perfection. Would definitely rec to fans of the “reckoning with true crime through podcast” genre.
I liked it. It was a little spooky, a little romantic, and a little convoluted. Solid narration.
Creative, nostalgic, and hilarious! Loved the art and the mash-up of some fantastical classics.
Another great story and audio production in this fun and imaginative series! It wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy it.
Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for the alc!
Another delightful journey with Ruby (and of course, Ruan). It was well-plotted with interesting characters and great atmosphere. Fantastic narration. I would happily listen to future installments!
