“Maybe sometimes you need to go a little crazy to stay a little sane.”
Jasper is a checkout clerk at a discount mart in a world where demons randomly a“Maybe sometimes you need to go a little crazy to stay a little sane.”
Jasper is a checkout clerk at a discount mart in a world where demons randomly appear through portals to hell, including one in aisle nine of the mart he works at. Plagued by amnesia from an accident in the mart a few months ago, Jasper has no idea who he was or what his purpose in life is. Demons come through the portal almost every shift, and Vanguards like Kyle are the ones tasked with killing them before they hurt the public. She seems to dislike Jasper for reasons he can’t remember, but when they both start having visions of the coming apocalypse, they have to work together to discover the truth and stop it from occurring on Black Friday.
While the premise of Aisle Nine sounded intriguing, it fell flat in execution. I usually like when a book lets itself be a little ridiculous and an author leans into their humor, but I just didn’t enjoy it in this instance. This novel is labeled as young adult; however, I felt that the maturity level would be more suited to upper middle grade if it wasn’t for the use of foul language throughout. The style of humor reminded me somewhat of Rick Riordan, but the characters seemed to lack the depth and connections that those in a Riordan book have. The concept of an apocalypse on Black Friday was comical and compelling, especially when paired with the commentary Cho was making on consumerism. Unfortunately, very little of the novel took place on Black Friday, and the ending felt rushed as a result. There were a few twists at the end, but they were fairly predictable. I did like some elements of Jasper’s character, particularly the amnesia and the mental health struggles he had to overcome. Kyle, on the other hand, had the opportunity to be a great character, but for some reason she felt incomplete. Aisle Nine simply missed the mark for me.
Aisle Nine releases on September 24th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley, SparkPoint Studio, and HarperCollins for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“I also need to ask him to please not tell anyone he saw me here, because if it gets out how pathetic my life is, the ‘I-don’t-care-what-you-think-of-“I also need to ask him to please not tell anyone he saw me here, because if it gets out how pathetic my life is, the ‘I-don’t-care-what-you-think-of-me’ image I’ve built won’t be strong enough to hide behind.”
As a result of her mother's addiction, Layla and her mom are currently tenants of Helping Hands Homeless Shelter. It's an embarrassing fact Layla will do anything to hide from her classmates, including her best friend, Morgan. When her mother overdoses on heroin, Layla is left in the care of her affluent aunt and uncle, Tanya and Scott Rockwell, while her mom is sent to rehab. Suddenly, Layla has access to luxuries she hasn’t had in ages, such as a nice, warm bed and fancy new clothes. However, living in the Rockwell household is not as pleasant as the family wants people to believe. As secrets get harder to keep and her mother’s condition worsens, Layla learns who she can truly rely on in her times of need.
Melody Maysonet’s What We Wish For introduces readers to a variety of themes that are intricately woven to create a meaningful, nuanced story about addiction, family, and insecurity. Between the trying issues concerning Layla’s mother and her uncle’s status as a corrupt politician, I expected an allegory demanding that the audience live a certain way. Instead, Maysonet lets readers come to their own conclusions about the causes and solutions to mental health problems and addiction, focusing more on the stigma around the issues presented. I found that not steering readers towards the author’s desired way of handling a difficult situation was a refreshing change from some contemporary YA literature. While in search of a more permanent home, Layla guides readers through her introspective journey, adjusting her perspective to find more compassion for her friends, family, and herself. One such example is when another teenager at the homeless shelter becomes a close friend of hers. He encourages Layla to see her mother’s condition as a disease, rather than a choice made without concern for its impact on Layla. Stories about teenagers going through such distressing circumstances can be emotionally challenging to read, but Layla’s perseverance and personal growth in the face of adversity are what make What We Wish For worthwhile.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“What home meant to each of them was different in that moment, but they found comfort in being together, knowing that they all had suffered loss and h“What home meant to each of them was different in that moment, but they found comfort in being together, knowing that they all had suffered loss and hardship. It united them in a way and kept driving them toward the same goal.”
Anastasia and Verusha Stepanov, twin sisters and heirs to the throne of the Kievian Empire, are in constant conflict with one another over who will take the throne when the time comes, with each wanting the other to accept the responsibility. However, this fight takes a backseat when the sisters are thrown into turmoil after their mother passes and a malicious stranger enters the empire hoping to take something of great value from them. This encounter results in the sisters getting stuck in the bodies of tigers, and with their lives suddenly upturned, the sisters embark on a quest they never could have anticipated. The tsarevnas encounter a variety of compelling characters and confounding circumstances as they try to save their kingdom and themselves.
An intriguing tale of royalty, magic, romance and family, I had high expectations for this novel. Houck built a fascinating world rich with history, tradition, and culture to frame the plot of this story. However, while the premise of the book immediately drew me in, the narrative failed to deliver on its promised thematic elements in many cases. The novel lacked an overall cohesiveness, making it difficult to follow certain plotlines and character arcs as they progressed; there were times when an abrupt perspective or scenic shift disrupted my reading and pulled me out of the story entirely as I worked to catch up. Additionally, I grew incredibly frustrated with the lack of attention paid to Veru and Stasia. After the sisters transformed into their tiger forms, the novel focused primarily on the male characters and their romantic interests in Veru. With such an initially compelling and diverse cast of characters, I was sad to see a lot of their potential go to waste as certain plotlines or tropes were either overemphasized or abandoned. Additionally, while I appreciate that Houck did research into Russian folklore and history, the lack of certain deeper explanations and translations made segments of the story challenging to understand, and I think the inclusion of a glossary could have enhanced the readability of the text. Overall, while the novel is at times a confusing and frustrating read, Houck constructs a vibrant world and fascinating narrative that make for an engaging story.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Blackstone Publishing for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes may be subject to change before final publication.
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Desert Echoes revolves around the grief of Kam, a junior in high school who is struggling to move pas“I’m here in the present, haunted by the memory.”
Desert Echoes revolves around the grief of Kam, a junior in high school who is struggling to move past his boyfriend, Ash, who mysteriously disappeared in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park. Kam grapples with his traditional Iranian parents who do not understand his sexuality while also watching their marriage fall apart due to his father’s addiction. In between this, he has to deal with his classmates blaming him for Ash’s disappearance while his best friend pressures him to leave the past in the past. When the Gender and Sexualities Alliance at his high school decides to have their annual trip at Joshua Tree National Park, Kam must decide whether going back is the right thing for him, even if it's against the wishes of the people who care about him. Or, if returning there after two years will do more harm than good.
Abdi Nazemian’s novel is a devastating tale of heartbreak and perseverance. Kam seems to face one obstacle after another: coming out to his parents, navigating a relationship while trying to keep the peace with his best friend, and watching those he loves crumble under weights he doesn’t understand. The novel is told through two time periods. During “First Year,” Kam and Ash meet and a relationship begins to form. In “Junior Year,” Kam is failing to come to terms with the fact that Ash is most likely gone. I enjoyed the flashbacks, as they made it possible to understand the depth of Kam’s feelings towards Ash and the stances of Kam’s family and friends, including why they never quite trusted Ash. I found myself a little disappointed as moments that felt significant seemed to be brushed past, and scenes I anticipated went by too quickly. The majority of the novel was spent building up to the potential moment that Kam would go to the desert, and the ending came rather abruptly. I did find other aspects of the book enjoyable, as I thought the characters were well-rounded and carefully developed within the plot. Overall, I found Desert Echoes very interesting and structurally unique, but I found the compassion lacking as the novel came to a close.
Desert Echoes releases on September 10th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Children’s Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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In the highly anticipated sequel to Murder on a School Night, best friends Annie and Kerry are shocke“Then onward we go, for feminism and friendship!”
In the highly anticipated sequel to Murder on a School Night, best friends Annie and Kerry are shocked to find they have yet another murder to solve. After the events of the previous book, both girls are dealing with their reputation as the girls who caught the menstrual murderer. The girls, also known as the Tampon Two, join a festival full of influencers that quickly becomes a crime scene. Kerry must prove that she has what it takes to become a serious reporter for the local paper while Annie battles her desire to become social media famous.
While the story was entertaining and engaging overall, there were quite a few issues that I was unable to ignore when it came to the writing. Keeping in mind the target audience for the book, I understand the syntactical and linguistic choices made; however, the attempts to use modern slang fell flat, like the use of terms such as “iconic,” which just seemed a bit unnatural and forced. Additionally, my personal preference in any media, not just books, is to avoid any pop culture references as they can greatly age the work. While Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is both trending and relatively new (2019), including references like this immediately make the book seem dated and therefore not relatable to some readers. On a positive note, I loved the themes and discussions that Murder on a Summer Break brings to light. Similar to the incredibly feminist first book, this sequel delivers promising conversations about our obsession with fame and popularity and the issues it can create in your life. I would even argue that spending more time on this theme than the somewhat stereotypical murder plot might have made the book more enjoyable for me. Filled with sex-positive and feminist messaging, I can always rely on Weston’s works to evoke conversations on complex topics. That being said, the feminist messaging felt a bit superficial to me as Kerry and Annie regularly use statements like “good vulva” as a way to communicate that they are feminists. Despite my grievances with the book, I think young readers looking for positive female friendships, a murder mystery, or even a discussion on influencer culture may enjoy Murder on a Summer Break.
Murder on Summer Break releases on September 10th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“Somewhere, the Fates are laughing, pointing their spectral fingers at the silly matchmaker who is clearly veering off course. I bet they are having a“Somewhere, the Fates are laughing, pointing their spectral fingers at the silly matchmaker who is clearly veering off course. I bet they are having a real good time at my expense.”
Amber Sand comes from a rich bloodline of magic. However, instead of being a witch, she is a matchmaker who can see a person’s soulmate. Her witch mother owns the Windy City Magic Shop in Navy Pier, and Amber works there, providing love readings. Her mom’s high school friend, former Chicago Bears quarterback and current mayor, John “The Blitz” Bliztman, leaves distraught after a consultation with her mother, and Amber’s mom refuses to let her get involved. However, John’s son, Charlie, comes to Amber for help and reveals that his dad’s girlfriend is missing. Charlie and Amber team up to find her but must keep everything secret from Amber’s mother. Along the way, Amber begins to question the accuracy of her innate abilities as she finds herself falling for Charlie, even though she is definitely not his soulmate.
The Best Kind of Magic is a lighthearted and fun read that I recommend to anyone who likes magic and love. Amber is a feisty heroine who strives to prove herself because she feels inferior being a matchmaker instead of a witch. Her tenacity is both her strength and Achilles heel, as her independence and determination lead her to make some questionable choices in her pursuit to find the mayor’s missing girlfriend with the help of his son Charlie. I also enjoyed watching Amber’s confidence and perception of herself and her abilities grow, but I did not like that this came at the expense of her believing in the strength of her matchmaking skills. Due to her crush on Charlie and a “failed” match for her best friend, Amber concludes that her power is flawed, which I feel takes away from her character growth. I also wish Amber’s best friend, Amani, was included more, as her story feels unresolved. In addition, Amber and Charlie’s journey begins to fall a little flat by the end of the book due to a strange goblin subplot. The Best Kind of Magic features some of the funniest one-liners I have read in a while and is an overall fun and fast read. Plus, as a senior at the University of Arizona, I could not help but smile when Charlie uses the school motto “Bear Down” during their mission.
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“It’s nice to know, when the world feels so entirely upside down, that good things can happen to good people.”
Kat and her mother, Jamie, have gotten b“It’s nice to know, when the world feels so entirely upside down, that good things can happen to good people.”
Kat and her mother, Jamie, have gotten by for the past sixteen years on their own, moving from place to place as Jamie takes on jobs as a jewel thief. Jamie hopes to take on one final job before wiping her hands of this criminal role: staging a heist at the famous Sutherland compound, home to one of Maine’s wealthiest families. However, things go awry when Kat decides to join Jamie on this journey. The mother-daughter duo encounter figures from their past: Jamie’s ex-husband, Luke, and his son, Liam, arrive at the compound. The plan continues to unravel as a shocking murder derails the festivities at the compound. As Kat gets drawn into this chaos, she must team up with her “stepbrother” Liam and the defiant Augustus Sutherland to save Kat’s mother, finish the job, and uncover the secrets haunting the Sutherland family. However, with the teen protagonists all being raised in families full of lies, it becomes clear that trusting one another may be their most challenging task yet.
With a cast of compelling characters and a plot that keeps readers guessing, Karen McManus once again proves her aptitude for crafting epic YA mysteries. One of my favorite elements of the novel was the character dynamics, especially between Kat, Augustus, and Liam. These teens come from drastically different backgrounds, but they all deal with familial conflict and tension, which is why their ability to come together and build a “found family” for themselves was especially beautiful to me. Narrated alternatingly by Liam and Kat, the book is driven by the voices of these teenage protagonists. While I loved gaining their perspectives, some of their decisions and the thought processes behind them were incredibly frustrating (but, granted, they are teenagers, so their reactions to high-stakes scenarios being imperfect was understandable). Though the book got off to a semi-slow start, after the initial fifty pages I became completely engaged with the plot and its many twists. McManus does a great job of getting readers invested in the characters and the worlds she creates, and this book is no exception; the story was at separate points thrilling and sentimental, making it an emotional and transfixing narrative. I could see this book playing out like an enthralling movie in my head, a sure sign of a vividly and intricately crafted narrative.
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“Believe me, inside a stranger’s head Is no place you want to be.”
Seventeen-year-old twins Storm and Lake, always inseparable, face new struggles afte“Believe me, inside a stranger’s head Is no place you want to be.”
Seventeen-year-old twins Storm and Lake, always inseparable, face new struggles after being torn from each other and placed in different homes. Storm, now in a supportive placement, finds hope in his girlfriend Jaidyn, but, when Jaidyn is assaulted, Storm’s retaliation lands him in lockup. Lake, meanwhile, is in a precarious relationship with Parker and living on the streets after running away from strict foster parents. Only their shared connection, their ‘sync,’ gives them any indication about the other's condition. Through unsent letters to one another, Ellen Hopkins' latest novel in verse explores their journey through the foster system and their desperate quest to reunite.
Vivid, harrowing, but ultimately life-affirming, Ellen Hopkins’ Sync might be her best work yet. This careful portrait of the foster care system is Hopkins at her most lucid, offering readers a window into a world that everyone may not be overly familiar with, but that hundreds of thousands of children and young adults experience every day. At times, I found myself resistant to continue reading such a relentlessly upsetting story. That knee-jerk reaction made me contemplate, and I realized that the cycle of homelessness, violence, and (in Storm’s case) incarceration is actually best examined through Hopkins’ free verse style. Her books tend to have young characters with the emotional intelligence of a much older person, but, in this case, I think it helps to clarify the horrors. Storm and Lake’s experiences are unfortunately common, and the subjectivity of free verse softens the blow for the reader, letting them experience the twins' struggle within the safety of the page. The main reason I think this is Hopkins’ best is because of its message. As the title suggests, Storm and Lake's special connection shows that even in this vicious cycle, they are tethered together. There is hope. The ending punctuates their connection in a masterful and satisfying way. I highly recommend this read for those who are looking for something raw and real.
Sync releases from Penguin Random House on August 27th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Netgalley for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes may be subject to change before final publication.
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River has never seen a man. Sixty years ago, a virus that targeted anyone with a Y chromosome spread throughout Ea“MAN. MEN. MURDER. GUNS. WAR. KILL.”
River has never seen a man. Sixty years ago, a virus that targeted anyone with a Y chromosome spread throughout Earth. The men who survived were placed into protective sanctuaries separate from society. Meanwhile, women began to rebuild the world by focusing on peace, kindness, and trust. However, younger generations, like River and her mother, have grown up in a culture that shuns men and blames them for the problems in the pre-pandemic world. Men are considered to be violent, greedy, and the source of deadly wars. When River comes across a mysterious, sickly figure on the side of the road, she is confused and alarmed by the boy’s strange behavior and vicious threats. However, the town elders band together to save the boy despite it being against the new world order. He, too, appears to be brainwashed against the opposite gender and leads River to contemplate if the perfect government is hiding something.
I was intrigued by The XY and thought I knew what to expect, but I was wrong. I predicted that since neither River nor the boy she finds named Mason had ever seen a member of the opposite gender that a romance or attraction would form between the pair, and I am oddly disappointed that this did not happen. River and Mason have a bizarre relationship due to their upbringings that taught them to fear one another. I did enjoy learning about the matriarchy established after the disease, especially the new governing style, laws, and societal culture. I felt it was extremely effective to make the granmumas—the oldest surviving generation in the book—the current young adult generation and include pop culture references such as Twilight. River’s narrative made me think because while the girls reenacted Twilight to please the granmumas, since there are no boys in society, the new generation is unable to understand. Romantic love and attraction within society are not discussed. The new world order may be more efficient, but it is also a step back technologically and emotionally. The XY makes you contemplate the inner workings of society and the role of gender and stereotypes. However, I feel like I am left with more questions than answers as River and Mason never develop their relationship, gender notions of extreme violence and femininity are never erased, and nothing is done to better the lives of the men who are stuck in the sanctuaries and are still blamed unjustly for all of the world’s problems.
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“You weren’t just my best friend, Saint, you were my best person, my best everything.”
In the Harlem Jazz Age, the Saint family rules over New York wit“You weren’t just my best friend, Saint, you were my best person, my best everything.”
In the Harlem Jazz Age, the Saint family rules over New York with their promise of protection against reapers, the once-human vampires created by experiments. Teenage heir Elise Saint has just returned from five years in Paris, where she moved after becoming the target of the Harlem reapers. Five years ago, Layla Quinn became a reaper, losing her parents, the protection of the Saint family, and her best friend, Elise. When Layla is framed for a vicious attack that left a reaper turned half-human, she’s forced to work with Elise, whose betrayal five years ago cost Layla everything. As they investigate the string of murders, the two once again grow closer while uncovering dangerous secrets that could change everything.
This Ravenous Fate features the perfect blend of historical fiction and urban fantasy. The glamor and danger of the Jazz Age in Harlem made it the perfect atmosphere to incorporate vampires. I feel like more and more vampire novels are starting to emerge again, and this novel stands out from the rest. Hayley Dennings truly created a beautiful setting and a captivating slow-burn romance between Layla and Elise. As queer black girls living in Harlem in the 1920s, they both have the world against them, but Elise has the privilege of money and status, while Layla is a reaper scorned by the world. Dennings highlighted so many important issues, making it feel that much more real. It’s been so long since I’ve read a YA romance that was a true slow-burn and enemies-to-lovers. I loved how Layla and Elise had such a long and complicated past because it made their relationship feel much more personal. Layla despised Elise for all she had done, yet she still protected and tried to help her when she was in danger or suffering from an OCD episode. Both characters had such complex feelings about the other, and Dennings portrayed that perfectly. I also found the investigation intensely interesting because so much was at stake for Layla and Elise. This novel was a standout debut that had me hooked from the very first page, and I can’t wait to see what Dennings does in the sequel.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“This time it’s different. This time I’m different. Because of you”
They say “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Blythe has finally come“This time it’s different. This time I’m different. Because of you”
They say “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Blythe has finally come face to face with Briggs Goswick, her very attractive, very elite nemesis, after avoiding him for five years, which makes her summer complicated at the very least. Despite the weight of marriage and saving her family’s name on her shoulders, Blythe has a plan — a business plan — that will save her family from financial ruin. The catch? She needs investors. When Blythe finds out Briggs is broke, she realizes they’re more alike than she thought. Both Blythe and Briggs are trapped in their circumstances and need to figure out how to save their families. When they call a truce and come together, his society connections can help win over investors for Blythe’s business venture and, in return, she promises to help Briggs woo a rich heiress that can solve his financial problems.
As a fan of Bridgerton, I’m not surprised that I really enjoyed this. I don’t typically read regency romance, so this was a first for me. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it read, despite the recency-esque language used throughout the entire book. Blythe and Briggs were two characters that had their own motivations and aspirations outside of their relationship together which I really enjoyed seeing. Since YA books are targeted towards teens I think this is a great way to demonstrate healthy romantic relationships and the boundaries that create strong individuals. I could feel their chemistry through their banter and shared experiences, which made the relationship all the more believable. I thought that Blythe’s interest in bees was refreshing and necessary as both a way to make her character stand out and a way to explain exactly why she was going along with her scheme in the first place. On another note, this book had everything I love to look for in a romance: pining and stolen glances. Overall, Witty In Pink is the perfect book for fans of Jane Austen or Bridgerton. I especially think those who consider Eloise Bridgerton their favorite character will enjoy Blythe’s witty humor and her independent nature.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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The Empire Wars, the first book in Akina Phenix’s breakout series, follows two girls as they attempt to s“Zero time remaining. You may begin hunting.”
The Empire Wars, the first book in Akina Phenix’s breakout series, follows two girls as they attempt to survive the Allied Force, a nationalist government well into their mission of taking over the world. Coa Rangecroft grew up wild, learning to survive with little and less before she and her family were captured and placed in a labor camp run by the military. Ife Størmbane, former princess of the now decimated Makarian civilization, has married the infamous Sniper General. Tensions rise as the annual Great Hunt looms, a gruesome show in which foreigners are forced to fight for their lives amongst seventy five others, all while being hunted down by the Empire’s most prized snipers. The punishment for dying is the execution of one’s entire family. While Coa attempts to survive against desperate participants on a hostile island, Ife must masquerade as a patriotic citizen amongst people who hate her very existence.
Akana Phenix has created a world that delves into genocides, focusing on the fortitude of individual victims that are caught in the crossfire of a hostile government that only cares for power. The dual perspectives of Coa and Ife allow for insight into greatly different sides of the macabre actions of the Allied Force, against both their own people and foreigners. Coa and Ife fight for the people they care about yet the circumstances of their lives are totally estranged, not only in their pasts but also in their current situations. Coa fights to live another day, while Ife’s attentions are focused on avenging her family. Both are horrified by the Great Hunt and the atrocities involved but on different sides of the chaos and with different roles in society. I found myself fascinated by the portrayal of these characters, their contrasting roles—one has magic but lacks a position of power, while the other has the right position but no magic of her own. The presence of magic was not something I was expecting, but I was delighted to read how Phenix incorporated this magic system into a story with high dystopian elements and characters desperate to survive. Akana Phenix has designed a complex world with tantalizing twists that build in intensity and don’t stop until the very last word.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“Because whatever pain love brings me, I wouldn’t give it up for a second. Not for a single irrational beat of my ravenous heart, so even if I’ve made“Because whatever pain love brings me, I wouldn’t give it up for a second. Not for a single irrational beat of my ravenous heart, so even if I’ve made mistakes with Bash, and with Antonia, and especially with Jack, it’s not too late to do things differently.”
In a swoonworthy, humorous and heartwarming YA retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, worlds collide when a star football player and an overachieving gamer meet in a popular online video game. Vi Reyes is fed up with just about everything in her life, including Jack Orsino, a talented athlete (and the guy who beat her for student body president). When a football injury benches Jack, he uses his free time to evade reality in the world of Twelfth Knight, Vi’s favorite game and safe space. In this online platform, a connection sparks between Vi and Jack, albeit under some false circumstances. Desperate to hide her identity from Jack, Vi pretends to be her brother in the game, but as her connection with Jack grows stronger both online and IRL, she is forced to confront feelings she never expected to have and a lie she never anticipated to go so far.
Follmuth’s modern-day twist on an iconic Shakespearean play was energetic, entertaining, and sweet. I appreciated how Follmuth took an honest approach to how friendships and relationships change as you grow older, not shying away from the hard feelings that people experience when these changes take place through Viola’s story especially. Twelfth Knight is not just a tale of teen love; it also focuses on universal topics and feelings, like the idea of true “belonging” and the importance of being open and vulnerable with those we love. Additionally, this book provided a compelling insight into different ideas of masculinity and femininity, examining what it means to express gender identity through the journeys and perspectives of different characters. Each character shows incredible mental and emotional growth during the progression of the novel, which is something I adored about the book. One of the only drawbacks to this focus on this individual growth (especially Viola’s) was that I was not as invested in the actual romance. While I loved the banter between Jack and Viola, there were a few times where I wasn’t able to understand their compatibility or how their relationship had progressed in the way that it did. With that being said, Follmuth’s skill for complex character building, which I have loved in her past novels like the Atlas Trilogy and One For My Enemy, finds a place in this book and makes it a beautiful and worthwhile read.
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“Oh, I see,” says Beth. I don’t think she does. But I do.
It’s April 1963, and fifteen-year-old Laura is struggling to balance her life at school with h“Oh, I see,” says Beth. I don’t think she does. But I do.
It’s April 1963, and fifteen-year-old Laura is struggling to balance her life at school with her life at home. At school, Laura’s life is almost normal; she has a best friend Beth, she excels in her art class and she is trying to decide whether or not she likes Dennis. But at home, Laura’s life looks very different; she paints to cope with her mother’s state of decline and her father’s inability to provide adequate care, and feels pressured to hide it from her friends. Without anybody to talk to about her feelings, Laura begins to believe that she will become like her mother—or worries she already has.
The tenth anniversary re-release of Linda Vigen Phillips’ award winning book, Crazy, gives readers a reason to revisit or discover (like me) this singular work of free verse poetry. Highly stylized and intuitive, Crazy is an exploration of the therapeutic nature of art and a window into the 20th-century stigmatization of mental health crises. What struck me about Phillips’ writing is how she uses vignettes to capture the anxiety of growing up during an era where the dialogue about mental health was in its infancy. There are moments where the structure of the prose becomes so fragmented that you feel like you are losing touch with Laura’s reality, but then there are moments that feel very honest and grounded, like a photograph, and I think those moments outshine the darker ones. This new edition not only invites readers to once again delve into Laura’s world but also includes discussion questions and recommended resources for teens. An exclusive interview with Linda Vigen Phillips provides a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the story, offering readers a deeper understanding of its semi autobiographical origins and significance. For those seeking an authentic, resonant narrative, the tenth anniversary edition of Crazy should be at the top of their list.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes may be subject to change before final publication.
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“Have patience with your heart. There’s no steel that can be forged without fire.”
After the events of Silver in the Bone, Avalon was gone, and Lord De“Have patience with your heart. There’s no steel that can be forged without fire.”
After the events of Silver in the Bone, Avalon was gone, and Lord Death was free with Cabell by his side. Tamsin, Neve, Olwen, Caitriona, and Emrys are now in search of a way to stop Lord Death and his Wild Hunt from wreaking havoc. Lord Death is planning to release the evil spirits of Anwnn, killing everyone in his path along the way. To stop him, Tamsin has to find an artifact powerful enough to trap Lord Death and save the world and her brother Cabell. As her companions help her search for the artifact known as the Mirror of Beasts, they realize the mirror might not be everything it seems, and they discover secrets along the way that could change everything.
The Mirror of Beasts was a satisfying end to an intriguing story that blends the real world and Arthurian legend together. It picked up right where Silver in the Bone left off, maintaining a fast pace that continued throughout the rest of the book. There was always something happening, which at times was slightly overwhelming, but, overall, I was able to keep track of everything. I really liked the incorporation of the Bonecutter and the role she played in the search for the mirror. I felt like she added a lot to the story, as did Nash’s character. I think that Bracken handled Tamsin’s and Nash’s relationship perfectly, acknowledging how complicated it was while also giving them closure and highlighting their deep familial connection. Each character in the novel played a vital role in the story, but I think there could have been a few more scenes with some of the side characters to help strengthen the bonds between them. However, part of the reason I felt like this may have been the amount of time it’s been since I read the first book. Despite this, I felt a big connection to each character, and I enjoyed watching them grow as the story progressed. I was satisfied by the endings for Tamsin and her friends, but I did have some lingering questions that were left unanswered. Overall, The Mirror of Beasts was a fast-paced, interesting conclusion to the duology.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Hachette Children’s Group for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“I vowed to keep the secret forever. My parents would never know about my math brain. They would never discover that I was blessed with the very gift “I vowed to keep the secret forever. My parents would never know about my math brain. They would never discover that I was blessed with the very gift I took away from Dad.”
It may have started out as a childhood nickname from her classmates, but by now, even Eleanor knows herself as “Nervous Nellie.” As a child, Eleanor experienced a traumatic event involving her math genius father. She interpreted this as having taken away his ability to do what he loves and thus decides to keep her own mathematical gift a secret. In the midst of World War II, the US Army discovers her natural talent and requests her service. Eleanor is hesitant to help because of her role as a loyal daughter, but her beloved Jewish family in Poland is missing. She knows that if she can play a part in saving them and winning the war for the United States, then that is what she has to do. Besides, it’s what her role model, Eleanor Roosevelt, would do. With her invaluable skills, the only person standing in Eleanor Schiff’s way is herself.
Trajectory begins rich with modern Jewish history and culture and then adds a wealth of other knowledge about math and 1940s war technology. Unless you, too, are a math genius, it is not a book where you can expect to understand everything, but it is a story where you get to watch our main character come into her own. While I do feel that readers might have benefitted from a little more emotional detail and a little less technical terminology, the constant analysis and tracking of patterns gives more insight into who Eleanor is and how she manages her anxiety. Although there is a stereotype of mathematicians being standoffish, Eleanor Schiff is an excellent counterexample, despite her shyness. She makes friends with a variety of people, exceptions being the occasional racist and the smarmy young soldiers who are unused to having a woman around. Eleanor is a lovely young lady doing her part for her country alongside her fellow Rosies, the other women behind the war effort. Her patriotic, familial, and Jewish values shine through her intentions and her interactions with other people. In overcoming our inner battles to make the greatest difference we are able, we should all strive to be more like Eleanor Schiff.
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“In the dark, there were no lovers or enemies, no heartsick girls with seashells in their hair, no regrets of childish fantasies of freedom. There was“In the dark, there were no lovers or enemies, no heartsick girls with seashells in their hair, no regrets of childish fantasies of freedom. There was only here and now, and the promise of death.”
Crafted from beetle shells, hawthorn berries, and greed, Eli was trained to serve as a witch’s assassin. Her creator and pseudo-mother, Circinae, raised Eli to hunt down ghosts on Earth with seven magical blades. To keep Eli in line, she is continually reminded that she can be “unmade” or turned back into inanimate objects. However, after a mission goes terribly wrong, Eli meets two mysterious humans who lead her to the Hedge-witch, who bribes Eli to help the duo capture the witch coven’s heart that contains the power to rule over all realms. The task requires Eli to learn the secrets of her world, revisit past unrequited love, and address her growing human emotions.
The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass started off rather peculiar and never made complete sense. The plot was mainly incoherent. Not only does the timeline sporadically jump from the past to the present, but Eli and her new friend’s journey is also confusing. The characters are very bizarre, especially Eli’s witch companions, Kite and Clytemnestra. Eli often meets them in the eternal children’s garden, where they demand souvenirs from her trips and for her to play with them. However, the humans Eli meets, Tav and Cam, help Eli learn more about herself and the world she lives in. The witch coven is never fully explained, nor is Eli’s reasoning to help the rogue Hedge-witch steal the coven’s heart. On a positive note, it is interesting to watch Eli’s personal growth and self-identity evolve from being a witch’s tool to a person with feelings. I also appreciated the positive LGBTQ+ representation and the flashbacks to Eli’s unrequited feelings toward Kite. Moreover, Adan Jerreat-Poole has a gift for writing memorable and lyrical quotes, so much so that I had a difficult time selecting my favorite. While The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass may have missed the mark for me, I would be interested in reading more of Jerreat-Poole’s poetic writing.
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“The worst day of Kajal’s life was the day she broke out of her own coffin.”
We Shall Be Monsters is the first in a new series by Tara Sim that is equa“The worst day of Kajal’s life was the day she broke out of her own coffin.”
We Shall Be Monsters is the first in a new series by Tara Sim that is equal parts Indian mythology and horror retelling. Kajal begins the story awakening from the dead only to learn her sister, Lasya, is also dead, but not entirely. Lasya’s soul is trapped as a bhuta (a murder-hungry spirit), preventing her from joining the cycle of reincarnation. The bhuta wreaks havoc on Kajal and anyone Kajal happens to come across. Blamed for the bhuta’s wrongdoings, Kajal is deemed a witch and locked away. The plot progresses with two rebels helping her to escape her prison—on the condition that she will awaken the long-dead crown prince. Chaos ensues when Kajal accidentally reawakens someone else, pushing her real-life reunion with Lasya back even further. Filled with spirits, demons, reanimated corpses, and a blight that eats away at their land, We Shall Be Monsters is a horrifically delicious Frankenstein retelling that incorporates Indian mythology and culture seamlessly into a dark, fantastical world.
While reading We Shall Be Monsters, I was first struck by Sim’s poetic yet gory writing, perfect for a horror fan like me. The novel is filled with disturbing scenes but balances out the grim with shades of beauty. Through Hindu practices incorporated into the story, heartfelt moments between siblings, lost lovers, and an adorable dog brought back to life from the dead, We Shall Be Monsters is a captivating and endearing read. Kajal is a compelling main character, despite her splenetic tendencies and her unwieldy scalpel, as she begins to learn from her past and grows to trust the people around her. This novel differentiates itself from the common gothic stories I normally gravitate towards as it uses its focus on South Asian culture and Hinduism to create a fantasy world that feels completely authentic. The novel not only has fantastic representation for mythologies often not explored in YA fantasy but also has a crucial nonbinary character who joins the cast of main characters. While I was able to predict the twist-ending, I was nonetheless shocked at how all the components set up at the start of the story manage to pay off in such an elegant and harmonious way. I highly recommend this novel to any reader trying to expand their mythology knowledge and any reader who enjoys a bit of gore in their novels.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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“I’m scared that in the end, the heartbreak will outweigh everything else. But then I remember that one mid-autumn night…”
Valentina “Val” Tran grew up“I’m scared that in the end, the heartbreak will outweigh everything else. But then I remember that one mid-autumn night…”
Valentina “Val” Tran grew up adoring Valentine’s Day. She would dedicate time each year to making valentines for everyone in her life with a little help from Saint Valentine, affectionately referred to as Saint V. During Val’s freshman year of high school, however, everything changes. Val’s relationships with Valentine’s Day, her family, and Saint V are all drastically altered after a shocking secret comes to light. Flash forward to junior year, and Val is a certified Valentine’s Day hater, supported by her grandmother’s insistence that her family is cursed to be unlucky in love. After an encounter with an intriguing duo of lion dancing boys at a Lunar New Year festival, Val’s stance on love is once again shaken as she begins to wonder if she can be the first in her family to find lasting love by joining the lion dancing group.
Lunar New Year Love Story is a story that celebrates all types of love: familial, romantic, and platonic. The graphic novel is easily worth reading for LeUyen Pham’s illustrations alone as it is filled with captivating, colorful spreads that encourage readers to pour over the images and take in every detail. Gene Luen Yang also keeps readers turning the pages with fast-paced storytelling and nonstop drama. I originally picked up this book because the creators are entertaining live speakers, so I was so happy to find laugh-out-loud funny moments, especially in scenes involving Val’s grandmother. Another great facet of this book was the representations of various Asian cultures. I appreciated how the book acknowledges that people have multiple backgrounds and avoids the all-too-common assertion that there is a monolithic “Asian” culture that aligns with the traditions and experiences of all Asian people. On a similar note, the depiction of the beauty and significance of lion dancing really stood out. The lion dancing scenes are easily the most memorable part of the book; the movement-filled illustrations leap off the page. While I was less entranced by the romantic aspect of the book, I appreciated how it connected the characters and drew attention to different relationship needs. As cousins, the boys’ platonic/familial love is perhaps just as complicated as their respective romantic relationships with Val. Throughout the book, I found myself wishing that other types of relationships were prioritized over romance. If you love love, however, this may be the perfect graphic novel for you.
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“But we’re not the same. Our differences matter. Learning about each other, listening to each other, instead of dehumanizing each other, that’s how we“But we’re not the same. Our differences matter. Learning about each other, listening to each other, instead of dehumanizing each other, that’s how we stand up to power.”
The year is 1991, and America is unrecognizable, overtaken by a charismatic dictator who suppresses free expression by any means necessary. In this alternate, authoritarian history, a group of high school students who call themselves “The Thespians” lead their own form of rebellion, putting on a restricted production of William Shakespeare’s Henry VI. Gigi, the leader of this mutiny, is still reeling from the death of her best friend (who also happens to be the novel’s narrator), the disappearance of her theater teacher, and normal teenage struggles (like romance, school, and family relationships). As The Thespians approach show day, Gigi’s world continues to fall apart around her and the stakes of resistance continue to rise.
The backdrop of extreme political and social oppression that sets this novel does not seem compatible with the portrayal of everyday teenage experiences and struggles, but Lariviere managed to weave these ideas together with a notable grace and cohesiveness. The story was delivered through the narration of Max, one of the Thespians who was killed by law enforcement, but Max’s narration mostly follows his friend Gigi as she navigates the tension-filled political landscape of 1990’s Illinois. Max, despite being slightly removed from the lives of Gigi and others, paints a compelling picture of the characters in this world, having known them intimately. Additionally, the sardonic tone of the narrator fuels the angst of the piece and the setting. The beautiful prose and elegant diction that Max sometimes expresses contrasts with his biting and cutting teenage remarks in a way that captures the seriousness of the situation while also emphasizing the youth of the protagonists. However, the pacing of the novel was frustrating at times. It felt as though everything rapidly escalated in the final few chapters, while some other segments of the story felt very slow. Overall, I appreciated the depth and nuance of the plot and the characters’ relationships. Despite the narrator being grating and sarcastic, Max has some surprisingly powerful moments as well; one instance emerges when Max tries to communicate with Gigi, thinking, “You’re alive, my love is what I’d tell her. There is nothing else to have.” Additionally, the debates between characters about the merits of different acts of rebellion are reflective of debates we see in modern society, demonstrating Lariviere’s deft ability to apply relevant political commentary to a fictional narrative.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio, NetGalley, and Knopf for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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