You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

Title: You've Reached Sam

Author:  Dustin Thao
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication date: November 9, 2021
Pages: 305
Source/format: Hardcover//library
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out—move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes.

Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his things, and tries everything to forget him and the tragic way he died. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces back memories. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail.

And Sam picks up the phone.

In a miraculous turn of events, Julie’s been given a second chance at goodbye. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam’s voice makes her fall for him all over again, and with each call it becomes harder to let him go. However, keeping her otherworldly calls with Sam a secret isn’t easy, especially when Julie witnesses the suffering Sam’s family is going through. Unable to stand by the sidelines and watch their shared loved ones in pain, Julie is torn between spilling the truth about her calls with Sam and risking their connection and losing him forever.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao starts off with how Julie met Sam in Ellensburg, WA. The prologue gives readers context of how Julie and Sam first met and how they started their friendship which ends up budding into something more. Fast forward to after the death of Sam, Julie is having a hard time grieving; she skipped his funeral. Julie tries to process her emotions by gathering all the items that reminds her of Sam in order to get rid of his belongings/gifts. As she touches each item, she gives a a glimpse of a memory of her past with Sam such as his favorite denim jacket that he lets Julie borrow after it rains during a Screaming Trees concert. 

If you are looking for a character driven novel, this is it! Thao delves the emotions and the character development of Julie, Sam and even some of Julie's friends and family. The way Thao writes is somewhat poetic. The reader can feel the emotions and can picture them at the scene of each memory. I haven't cried when reading a book since In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. I'm hardly teary-eyed when I read a novel but sometimes the author's words tugs at your heartstrings in a way you empathize with the characters. You feel their sadness, their loneliness and their grief. You want to comfort them somehow. 

At the end of senior year of high school, Julie is trying to get by each day. It's already hard to be in high school, waiting for the college acceptances and processing the death of a loved one. Mika, Yuki, Rachel, Jay, Tristan and Oliver only want the best for Julie even if she pushes them away at times. Readers learn how Oliver and Mika are processing Sam's death. Julie realizes how others are processing their grief and that they need her. Even Sam needs her. That voicemail at the end broke me! The whole novel comes full circle with that voicemail. 

You've Reached Sam is a heartbreaking novel that readers can relate to. How does one process grief after losing a loved one? We join Julie during her journey through grief, recovery and acceptance. The magical realism of hearing Sam through a phone call is exuberating! It gives Julie the time to say goodbye and to find some closure. This actually reminds me of Landline by Rainbow Rowell where a phone call can create an opportunity for the main character to find explore their past, present and future selves.

I highly recommend You've Reached Sam. It's a beautifully written debut novel and I am looking forward to future books by Thao. 

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Pumpkinheads
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: August 27, 2019
Pages: 175
Source/format: Paperback//Library

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Pumpkinheads is the perfect graphic novel for the fall months. Deja and Josiah, who goes by Josie, work at the best pumpkin patch every autumn but this year is different. This year is senior year and it's their last chance to make every last second count. Josie has been crushing on his girl named Marcy, aka Fudge Girl. Deja is trying to help him ask Marcy out on the last shift. What are friends for? While trying to locate Marcy on the pumpkin patch, Deja and Josie run into every problem possible from a train coming down the railroad to helping other coworkers manage other parts of the pumpkin patch to even finding that their coworkers are messing up the succotash at the Succotash Hut.

Rainbow Rowell is a master at storytelling through friendships and relationships. Rainbow created a wonderful story about two teenagers who make their last day at work an adventure and a day they will never forget. Even though Deja and Josie struggle to find Marcy, they reminisce memories such as meeting for the first time during new employee orientation at the S'mores Pit to Josie teaching Deja how to do magic tricks. Rowell reminds readers to take one day at a time. She reminds people to make long-lasting memories. The humor in Pumpkinheads is perfect! Rowell always has some of the best humor in her stories. From interracial relationships to queer representation, inclusivity shines in this graphic novel. It even has wonderful character personalities. Readers learn a lot about Deja and Josie and feel like they've known them for their whole lives.

Illustrator Faith Erin Hicks does a wonderful job depicting all the locations of the pumpkin patch. The colors of the palette are full of autumnal colors and that set the mood. The added map of the pumpkin patch under the cover is a nice touch. When I was reading Pumpkinheads, I can almost smell the October air and can taste the kettle corn and caramel apples. You will want to snuggle up with a cup of hot apple cider during sweater weather when reading Pumpkinheads. Whether you decide to read this graphic novel during the fall months or at another time during the year, Pumkinheads is a must read! Take your time, wind down and enjoy!

Merry Christmas, Little Elliot by Mike Curato

Title: Merry Christmas, Little Elliot
Author and Illustrator: Mike Curato
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Publication date: September 11, 2018
Pages: 40
Source/format: Hardcover//Library

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Best friends Little Elliot and Mouse are back for another adventure--and this time, they're looking for Christmas spirit!

Little Elliot the elephant isn't quite sure what Christmas spirit is, but he suspects he doesn't have it. Not even a visit to Santa Claus can put Elliot in the right mood. But when chance blows a letter for Santa into Elliot and Mouse's path, the two friends discover what Christmas is all about--and make a new friend, too. A heartfelt celebration of the season of giving! Perfect for sharing around the holidays.

M Y T H O U G H T S

Elliot and Mouse spend one December day visiting Santa in New York City. While Mouse asks Santa for a toy train, Little Elliot asks Santa for Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, Santa can't give him Christmas spirit and he tells Little Elliot that he can't give him Christmas spirit since he has to find that out for himself.

Mike Curato's heartfelt picture book celebrates the friendship between old and new friends. He depicts the true meaning of Christmas; it's not about the toys but it's about the experience and finding what is meaningful to you during this time of year. Little Elliot and Mouse try to find Christmas spirit through multiple avenues such as seeing the Nutcracker, visiting Rockefeller Center and even going sledding. When Little Elliot finds a red envelope addressed to Santa at the North Pole, he is one step closer to finding the Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas, Little Elliot has a cheerful cover with a red background with wonderful typography fitting for the season and the plot of the story. Merry Christmas is written as if a child is addressing a letter to Santa. Little Elliot is illustrated to look like a looping ribbon with one i dotted with an ornament. Under the dust jacket, the book is designed to look like the red envelope that Little Elliot finds. Curato's illustrations are always delightful to look at. With the muted tones of color, the timelessness of the illustrations will last for years to come.

Merry Christmas, Little Elliot is a fun and merry book perfect for the Christmas season and during the colder winter months. If you need a bit of cheering up and some happy spirit, check out this book along with the rest of Curato's Little Elliot series.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Title: The Grace Year
Author: Kim Liggett
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication date: October 8, 2019
Pages: 416
Source/format: e-ARC//Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power. Optioned by Universal and Elizabeth Banks to be a major motion picture!

“A visceral, darkly haunting fever dream of a novel and an absolute page-turner. Liggett’s deeply suspenseful book brilliantly explores the high cost of a misogynistic world that denies women power and does it with a heart-in-your-throat, action-driven story that’s equal parts horror-laden fairy tale, survival story, romance, and resistance manifesto. I couldn’t stop reading.” – Libba Bray, New York Times bestselling author

Survive the year.

No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden.

In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.

Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

“They call us the weaker sex. It’s pounded into us every Sunday in church, how everything’s Eve’s fault for not expelling her magic when she had the chance, but I still can’t understand why the girls don’t get a say. Sure, there are secret arrangements, whispers in the dark, but why must the boys get to decide everything? As far as I can tell, we all have hearts. We all have brains. There are only a few differences I can see, and most men seem to think with that part anyway.”

Kim Liggett starts The Grace Year strong summarizing what a grace year is. It's supposed to be a time where young girls at the age of sixteen will release their magic into the wild in order to stop luring men from their beds, to stop making boys go mad, and to stop wives being driven with jealousy.

Tierney James is one of 33 girls who will leave for a grace year. As part of a promise of marriage, a boy will lift a veil of a girl of his choosing on Veiling Day. This year there are only 12 boys. However, Tierney doesn't want to get married. Those who are not paired up with a boy will live a life of hard work in a labor house. The girls must survive a year within the forest fending and foraging for themselves. After being purified, they can live a life as a wife who bears many children and takes care of her husband or to be a laborer in the mills, fields, etc.

Tierney is shocked but mostly furious when she can't set her life on her own terms. Tierney becomes the wild card. Besides not being able to live a life she wants, Tierney is stuck with mean-spirited and controlling Kiersten along with the other girls for a year. Kiersten rules with fear and the girls listen to her a la The Crucible. The madness spreads like crazy. However, Tierney is one of the girls who fights back. Tierney's decision for not giving into Kiersten's whim sparks a beginning of a rebellion. Women are pitting against each other in a catfight while trying to stay away from the poachers. It's the survival of the fittest.

Liggett's YA dystopian novel may be a break from her normal thrillers and horror novels but The Grace Year is poignant and thought-provoking. Her writing is gritty yet harrowing. There are hints regarding her love for horror sneakingly woven into the novel. The inklings of blood from the punishment tree to the madness the girls endure remind me of Liggett's previous books. After all she is the YA horror queen!

The novel does have some gruesome scenes that may not be for the faint of heart. Also, there is a teenage pregnancy present. Innocence is the color white during the childhood of a girl. Blood is the color red during the survival of a grace year. Death is the color black to the binding marriage that a woman endures. These colors are depicted in the hair ribbons in the females' hair.

If you are looking for a dystopian thriller that fuses classics with more contemporary novels, The Grace Year is for you. I agree with many other readers that The Grace Year is one part The Handmaid’s Tale, one part The Crucible, one part The Hunger Games, and one part Lord of the Flies. The Grace Year will become a new classic that will be read and liked by many generations to come.

FAVORITE QUOTES

“ “Someday, you’ll get a flower. It might be a little withered round the edges, but it’ll mean just the same. Love’s not just for the marrieds, you know, it’s for everyone,” she says as she slips a bloom into my hand. Uncurling my fingers, I find a deep purple iris, the petals and falls perfectly formed.”

“ “Hope,” I whisper, my eyes welling up. I don’t hope for a flower from a boy, but I hope for a better life. A truthful life. I’m not usually sentimental, but there’s something about it that feels like a sign. Like its own kind of magic.”

Bunny in the Middle by Anika A. Denise

Title: Bunny in the Middle
Author: Anika A Denise
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date: July 2, 2019
Pages: 40
Source/format: ARC//The Horn Book

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

This joyful picture book celebrates middle children and sibling love.

When you’re in the middle . . . you’re not the oldest, and you’re not the youngest. You are right in between. There’s someone bigger who helps you and someone smaller who needs you. From the middle, you can see both sides.
But being in the middle isn’t always easy—sometimes it’s hard to know what makes you special, or how to follow a path that’s just your own. This classic picture book highlights the remarkable empathy of middles and the joys of self-acceptance, glowingly illustrated by New York Times-bestselling artist Christopher Denise.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

Bunny in the Middle is a wonderful book depicting what it means to be a middle child. Of course being a middle child can feel like you're not getting attention from others but being a middle child can be a positive thing. A middle child can lead the younger sibling but also find help through their older sibling. A middle child learns to negotiate. A middle child learns to share. But the best part of all is that they are the loved all around. They can pave their own unique path.

Christopher Denise's illustrations depict a warm and fuzzy feeling when flipping through the pages. The muted colors and illustration style reminds me of Peter Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh. Bunny in the Middle is a new classic picture book for all ages. It's an uplifting approach to what it means to be a middle child.

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

Title: Somewhere Only We Know
Author: Maurene Goo
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: May 7, 2019
Pages: 384
Source/format: Library//Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆1/2 

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):


10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she's just performed her hit song "Heartbeat" in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She's about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She's in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger.

11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She's very cute. He's maybe curious.

12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Maurene Goo created a unique book that pulled me in right from the beginning. Lucky is a sensational K-pop star and is making her huge break On the Later Show in the United States soon. Currently, she is hungry for a hamburger in between sets in Hong Kong. She sneaks out of her hotel venturing out for that hamburger that she has her heart set on. What she didn't know is that she would bump into Jack, who is also Korean and from California just like her.

Jack is taking a gap year between high school and college. Although his parents are supportive of the gap year, he is required to intern at the bank his father works for despite his passion for photography. If he opts for college, Jack would love to attend art school to pursue his passion. I found it interesting how his parents want him to major in business and/or engineering when his father studied creative writing and even obtained a MFA. However, Jack's father ends up going into banking for a career.

Jack was still able to pursue his love for photography even though he has to sneak around behind his parents back. He gives into his parents' expectations but still follows his passion. Lucky loves what she does but I sense a feeling of uncertainty from her. She wants the freedom to carve her own path without everyone watching her every move. She is on a path of self-discovery and Jack is helping her figure out what she wants out of life.

Lucky and Jack don't fall at love at first. They actually were annoyed at each other at times but Jack genuinely cared about the well-being of Lucky. Although I find it unrealistic that Lucky was able to evade the K-pop industry such as her manager and some of the security, Somewhere Only We Know is a light rom-com perfect for summer reading. Lucky and Jack meeting each other, is the relief that they are looking for, away from their hectic and stressful lives. If you are looking for a quick, fluffy read and love K-pop, check out this novel!

The Unfortunates by Kim Liggett

Title: The Unfortunates
Author: Kim Liggett
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication date: July 10, 2018
Pages: 224
Source/format: ARC//Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):
When seventeen-year-old senator's son Grant Tavish is involved in a fatal accident, all he wants to do is face the consequences of what he's done, but the consequences never come, even if headlines of "affluenza" do. The truth soon becomes clear: Due to his father's connections, not only will Grant not be held accountable for his actions, he's going to get away with murder.

When a long Tavish tradition approaches, a cave excursion on the Appalachian trail, Grant seizes the opportunity to take justice into his own hands by staging an accident and never coming back. But before he has a chance to enact his plans, the cave system collapses, trapping him miles beneath the surface with four other teens from much less fortunate circumstances. As they struggle to survive, they share their innermost secrets and fears, and just when it seems they might be on track to finding a way out, they realize there's something else down there.

And it's hunting them.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Grant Franklin Tavish the fifth is the privileged son of a senator. After the accident, Grant was bailed out of jail and didn't have to pay the consequences. However, he lives in guilt of what happened that day in December. Money can't buy everything and Grant conscience gets the best of him.

When Grant decides to embark on a Tavish tradition where the males go on a caving expedition solely, things go array. Grant lives in guilt and was about to end is life until he hears another voice. He ends up being saved by four other teenagers that attend the local high school. Kit, Deryll, Shy and Maria become very good friends with Grant. While the five try to find their way out of the cave, a monster is on the lose killing each teenager one by one.

I appreciate how Kim Liggett writes about each teenager with distinction. It is easy to follow who is who and each character has their own backstory and personality. I feel drawn to know more about the characters. Grant seems to be at ease when he befriends the four students. He even lets his guard down around him. Only one character in the book guessed correctly about what the monster is but unfortunately loses their life.

That twist at the end is perfect. There are hints of what the ending was going to be throughout the novel but the reader has to make sure to read each line carefully. Although short in length, The Unfortunates is a gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of the seat wanting to know what is going to happen and if the five will make it out alive.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Title: Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication date: May 29, 2018
Pages: 416
Source/format: e-ARC//Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval...the games have only just begun.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

"Your future can be whatever you wish. We all have the power to choose our own destiny."

Welcome, welcome! Opening with a scene with young Donatella Dragna, Stephanie Garber reconnects her readers with similar magic and intrigue like as in Caraval. Tella likes real adventures while Scarlett likes to daydream. Tella discovers a deck of extraordinary cards in the dingy grey sachet sitting near her mother's jewelry. Exquisitely beautiful, this deck is haunting. Her mother tells her not to touch the Deck of Destiny again in probably the most elegant way possible, not knowing that Tella has secretly hidden The Aracle card. Yet this single card paved the future for Caraval and Legendary to exist.

With Garber's fantastic storytelling, Legendary is about Tella's story. Even though the game of Caraval has ended, the story isn't over. Tella has made a lot of sacrifices but she is still being tested. A friend helped her out and now she owes payment for her freedom as well as Scarlett's from their father. Tella must find out Legend's true identity or everything that she has worked for would be lost. The only way to find out is to play Caraval. However, will she be able to win the sinister game without costing her life? If she wins, will she live in regret?

Garber has reunited readers with characters besides Tella and Scarlett. We see Julian and Dante while we are introduced to the Fates, Jacks and Elantine. With the illusions and no two games are alike, I absolutely loved reading more about a Caraval game but in a different POV and set of new rules. Elantine is one of my favorite characters in Legendary with her wisdom and her motherly instinct. Yet cunning Jacks also steals the show.

Garber has illustrated vivid descriptions of the world of the Meridian Empire's capital city of Valenda. The descriptions tantalizes all the senses and piques the curiosity. Her chilling images have been imprinted in my head running its reel like a movie. The character growth in Legendary is more exponential compared to Caraval. We see Tella grow over time from when she is a young child to young woman. She has changed over the course of two rounds of Caraval. Dante has changed dramatically from the first game in Caraval to the end of Legendary. He practically does a 180. I am curious to see how they transform in the third installment, Finale.

"After all your sister didn't win because she solved simple riddles. She won because of what she was willing to sacrifice for those riddles, and for what she was willing to sacrifice in order to find you."

Legendary is deadly as it is enchanted. With secrets kept and slowly unveiled, Legend is always one step ahead of Tella and can fool pretty much anyone. Yet, can Tella fool everyone else? Is Tella willingly ready to sacrifice anything to find more about her mother? With the unrequited love and betrayal, it's hard to tell what is real and what is not real. What is fantasy and what is reality? Go on ahead and pick up Legendary after you've read Caraval. After all, it's only a game...or is it?

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo

Title: The Way You Make Me Feel
Author: Maurene Goo
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: May 8, 2018
Pages: 336
Source/format: e-ARC from Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

From the author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, a laugh-out-loud story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck.

Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind?

With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

When a joke goes wrong and causes a fire at Elysian High School, Clara Shin is teetering the line of getting suspended along with her arch nemesis, Rose Carter. Her father sentences Clara to work on her father's KoBra food truck which is a Korean/Brazilian fusion restaurant on wheels. The kicker is that Clara will be working KoBra with Rose.

Clara is sassy, tends to not think before she acts and is always getting into trouble. She has no filter. Her father thinks that with hard work, she will learn to keep a cool and perhaps learn from Rose. On the contrast, Rose is an over achiever. She is captain of the dance team since freshman year and is part of the debate team. She takes summer courses at the local community college on top of her high school course work.

Hamlet Wong works at the neighboring coffee kiosk and often visits the KoBra truck with iced drinks. Although it is plainly obviously to Clara's father and Rose that Hamlet likes Clara, Clara denies it and claims Hamlet is not her type. However, Clara and Hamlet become close over the duration of the novel. Their relationship is adorable! From flowers to grass jelly flavored kisses, the excitement of going on a date radiates from the pages.

Maurene Goo created a book that is unique and humorous. I found myself chuckling when Clara has a witty comeback. However, I do agree that she needs to control herself sometimes and needs to think before she speaks. Goo did an amazing job with the character development in The Way You Make Me Feel. Clara, along with several other characters like Rose, grew a lot from the end of school until the end of summer.

Each character has their own personality and they work well with the whole cast. Patrick and Felix are supportive of Clara for most of the time but I would have loved to see more backstory and interaction. However, I absolutely loved Clara's dad, Adrian. Clara's father raises Clara solely while Clara's mother is a social media "influencer" and travels the world. Clara's parents never married and her parents were only 18 when Clara was born. Adrian is a single parent who works hard trying to provide for his daughter as well as trying to be a good parent.

Although Clara tries to reconnect with her mom by impulse buying a ticket for a flight and hopping on a plane to Tulum, she realizes that her father has always been the one to support and to root for Clara. Adrian is possibly one of my favorite fathers in a YA book. He cares about his daughter yet he sets boundaries between him and Clara as a learning experience for Clara. He is a lovable dad and he is a fantastic relationship with his daughter.

This family dynamic differs from Rose's where Rose's parents are super strict and they quiz each other on important current news over dinners. Rose starts off being uptight but slowly eases up throughout the book. She engages in typical teenage things like gossiping about boys with Clara which helps her unwind. The contrast of a wealthy lifestyle of the Carters, the Wongs and Clara's mother compared to Clara and her dad are significant. Money can't buy everything. Friendship and family bonding are priceless. Happiness can't be bought.

With the delicious lombo and picanhas, I was definitely craving the Korean Brazilian fusion food from KoBra. Throw in a sugarcane lime drink and I would be all set. The Way You Make Me Feel is a light and funny contemporary that is perfect for the summer. Goo created an exceptional book combining food, travel, romance, humor, friends and family all in one. She creates long-lasting memories of a lifetime.

Ink, Iron, and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare

Title: Ink, Iron, and Glass
Author: Gwendolyn Clare
Publisher: Imprint
Publication date: February 20, 2018
Pages: 336
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):
Can she write a world gone wrong?

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation by her mother—a noted scriptologist.

But when her home is attacked and her mother abducted, Elsa must cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative 19th-century Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of pazzerellones—young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy or scriptology—and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and a tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

"A damaged worldbook meant a damaged world, and without its core properties intact--properties like breathable air and solid ground--she'd be opening a portal to her own unpleasant demise. Not to mention that there'd be no one left alive to return to." -e-ARC of Iron, Ink, and Glass

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Elsa lives in Veldana, a world created by the scriptologist Charles Montaigne. Ink, Iron, and Glass starts with Elsa tinkering with a clockwork glove in the water. She decides to visit Jumi, her mother. In a quick moment, someone abducts her mother taking her mother's portal device. Elsa is left to fend for herself. She makes sure the spare portal device is with her just in case she needs to use it in an emergency.

Elsa makes sure the Veldana Wordbook is in tact because if it's not, Veldana will cease to exist. After all, worlds only exist when a scriptologist pens the world to existence. This rare gift is passed down and is very valuable.

Gwendolyn Clare crafted a wonderful and alluring novel where science and magic collide. Elsa meets other characters who are gifted with other talents who help her hunt down the Worldbook before it's destroyed or placed in the wrong hands. Travel locations included places like Italy and France.

Although the premise sounds fantastic, I did have some issues with the pacing of the novel. The instalove came on strong. The novel didn't have that spark that kept me wanting more throughout the book. Readers who enjoy a mixture of travel, steampunk, historical fiction and fantasy will find this novel intriguing. Join Elsa on a journey full of magic and the old world adventures in Ink, Iron, and Glass. 

Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones

Title: Shadowsong
Author: S. Jae-Jones 
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication date: February 6, 2018
Pages: 384
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her.

When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands?

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Shadowsong is a wonderful sequel to Wintersong. With S. Jae-Jones's lyrical writing, it brings music to my ears. Don't be fooled by the slow pace of this book. Savor it as long as you can. Expanding on the last installment, Wintersong delves into more soul searching via a musical career. Liesl is distraught that she doesn't hear from Josef but she heads to Vienna in search of Josef with Käthe after Josef's master has passed away.

Shadowsong is a novel focusing on building a stronger sibling relationship. The novel is more Liesl centric and doesn't have that seductive dance with the Goblin King as in Wintersong. However, readers learn more about the Goblin King's history and his true name! Also, most of the novel is set above ground compared to its predecessor.

S. Jae-Jones includes hand written letters within Shadowsong just like in Wintersong. It adds that personal touch to the novel. She has honed in on a more character driven plot line and ties the duology well with the revisiting of the Goblin King. However, I felt more drawn to Wintersong than Shadowsong only due to the fact that I love reading about the Goblin King.

This dark fantasy is definitely one to be picked up. Just as a fair warning, there are some topics about addiction, reckless behavior, self-harm and suicidal thoughts within this book that might trigger some people. Jae-Jones includes an author's note about it to warn readers. Shadowsong has a deeper focus on mental health and how it affects the characters within the book.

Little Elliot, Fall Friends by Mike Curato

Title: Little Elliot, Fall Friends
Author: Mike Curato
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Publication date: August 29, 2017
Pages: 40
Source/format: From Publisher//Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

It's autumn in the Big City! Little Elliot and Mouse love the hustle and bustle of the city streets. But sometimes it feels like there are too many people, too many noises--just too much! The best friends decide to get out of town for a vacation in the countryside. There, they'll discover the sights and smells of autumn in the country. Everything is more fun when shared with a friend!

M Y  T H O U G H T S
 
Little Elliot, Fall Friends is the fourth book in the Little Elliot picture book series. Mike Curato illustrated a wonderful book for everyone of all ages.

The soft muted colors are timeless. Curato transports readers to the countryside where Little Elliot and Mouse go apple picking and hang out with the barn animals. The countryside is much slower in pace and Little Elliot and Mouse start to wind down more when they escape the craziness of the big city. They learn to appreciate nature and enjoy nature's bounty. 

The scenery is bursting with the fall foliage, pumpkins and apples. The picture book focuses on slowing down, reconnecting with nature and to embrace coming together as a family as well as making new friends.

This is the perfect picture book for this time of year and for children to understand the changes of the season from summer to fall. The warmth of the illustrations provide a cozy feeling.

After the Fall by Dan Santat

Title: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Author: Dan Santat
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication date: October 3, 2017
Pages: 40
Source/format: Publisher//Finished Copy

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from amazon.com):

From the New York Times–bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend comes the inspiring epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty.

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.

Will he summon the courage to face his fear?

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) is a masterful picture book that will remind readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Everyone one knows about the story of Humpty Dumpty and how he sat on a wall and then had a great fall. He is well known due to a popular nursery rhyme. Santat added more to the story by incorporating what Humpty Dumpty learned from the fall.

The King's men were able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again but there were wounds that didn't heal. These invisible wounds such as being afraid of heights took awhile for Humpty Dumpty to overcome. It became so apparent that he couldn't even enjoy some of his favorite things anymore. Humpty Dumpty tries alternatives to still enjoy his favorite things but eventually he had to overcome his fear in order to persevere. 

Santat teaches little ones and pretty much anyone who reads the After The Fall that everyone can overcome their fears. If a fear is interfering with you enjoying a favorite thing, one must overcome that fear. Also, Santat discusses about accidents and how accidents happen. One must learn how to adjust if an accident occurs. Sometimes you will need to overcome a fear as an result of an accident aftermath. It's okay to be nervous and terrified. It's okay to be worried and thinking you might not make it. Just keep moving one step at a time toward to goal. Taking baby steps will help achieve a goal with less fear. 

Santat's illustrations are remarkably wonderful! The timeless muted color palette reminds me of Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City. The ending was unexpected but it works beautifully with the motto of the book. The dust jacket has the title of the book in a raised semi-spot glossed type while the rest of the cover is matte. Humty Dumpty sitting on a while is also semi-spot glossed. Removing the dust jacket reveals a wonderful illustration of Humpty Dumpty falling with from the sky. Birds and a pair of binoculars are seen in the sky.

After the Fall is a wonderful and inspirational book for all ages. It's the type of book that will help readers feel at ease when they make mistakes. This is a classic story about overcoming fears when you are afraid. It's okay to fall but as long as you get back up, everything is okay.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Title: Wishtree
Author: Katherine Applegate
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: September 26, 2017
Pages: 224
Source/format: Publisher//ARC

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Every first of May, people will adorn Red the red oak tree with scraps of paper, bits of fabric and snippets of yarn with dreams, desires and longings. Trees can't tell jokes but they tell stories. They talk to some people but often will converse with nature. Red often chat with Bongo, the best friend who is a crow.

Red is not just any tree but he is a home for many and is important to the community. Samar is a ten-year-old who visits the tree at night when her parents fall asleep. She makes a one wish. Her wish is, "I wish for a friend." Samar has been bullied by others because she is Muslim. A carving on the tree is found telling Samar's family to leave and it upsets Samar. Stephen who lives next door to her becomes a friend over time with the intervention of Red and Bongo. Unfortunately, Red breaks the code of conduct between trees in order to make the friendship happen.

Francesca is the owner of the property of the tree and she is debating where to cut the tree down. After readers find out that Francesca is related to the person who first started the wishing, she changes heart and decides to protect the tree. A diary consists the first wish made by a young female back in 1848. Bongo was able to give the key to Samar in order to unlock the diary. The first wish was the gift of love. Eventually, love prevails!

Katherine Applegate has written a wonderful middle grade novel that delves into many current topics. The Wishtree is a novel that tackles topics such as friendship, environmental protection, diversity, bullying, community and love. It's a lovely book for all ages.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Title: I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Author: Maurene Goo
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: May 30, 2017
Pages: 336
Source/format: Library/hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Desi Lee is an overachiever who is involved with sports, many clubs and has the grades for Stanford University. However, she is a complete klutz. Desi has a plan for everything in her life and she succeeds at almost everything except when it comes to love. She is always caught in the center of a flailure which is a flirt failure. Desi gets tongue tied, is a bit clumsy and always ruins her chances with a guy. Luca Drakos is the new guy at school and for some reason, he likes Desi.

Desi's father, who she calls Appa, means the world to Desi. After the death of her mother, Desi always wants to make sure Appa is living a good life. Appa loves watching K Dramas and Desi soon becomes obsessed with them. She uses what she learns in the K Dramas and applies it to her love life with her own list "K Drama Steps to True Love." I love the relationship between Desi and her father. It's one of the most genuine relationships I've read regarding a single parent. Appa is very involved in Desi's life and Desi treats him with respect and will share almost everything with him.

Maurene Goo breaks down stereotypes. Instead of an athletic, good looking guy, we have Luca, the artist who is more of the sensitive type. He has troubled past and he is that mysterious guy that Desi is intrigued with. Desi might be the valedictorian of the school and is involved in everything, accept anything art related, but she seems to only have two friends. She is not as popular as many people seem she is but Wes and Fiona are very supportive friends.

I had only one issue with the book and that is the ending of the book during the prom scene. It seems unrealistic. I don't want to spoil the book for readers but it was something that felt rushed just for the sake of a happy ending. However, I enjoyed reading about Desi being a quirky nerd, stating random facts at the whim. I Believe in a Thing Called Love is definitely a cute book and I adored reading the interactions between Desi and Luca for the most part.

I highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han and When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. This rom-com will sweep you off your feet with its heartwarming scenes and hilarious lines.

A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

Title: A Crown of Wishes
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication date: March 28, 2017
Pages: 352
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.

Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.

Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Roshani Choksi does it again! With her storytelling prose, she takes readers back to the wonderful world of the Night Bazaar while introducing to new lands. Although A Crown of Wishes is about Maya's sister, Gauri, this companion novel to The Star-Touched Queen is equally as beautifully written with its evocative description as the first. Again, Hindi and Indian folklore is woven into A Crown of Wishes, making this novel unique and diverse. Choski's descriptions evoke enchanting and vivid imagery. However, A Crown of Wishes shows more character development and the plot is more complex with new worlds to encounter.

Gauri, the Jewel of Bharata, is a strong warrior woman trying to help out her country during a war even though her brother betrays her. Two royalty rivals intertwine their lives together to win a wish by beating tournament hosted by Kubera, The Lord of Wealth and Treasures. Through a game of wits and riddles, readers are invited to lavish tournament where those who possess the invitational ruby are allowed entries to the tournament, however, the ruby never promises exits.

Vikram, the Fox Prince, is Gauri's Yang to her Yin. The banter between Gauri and Vikram is perfect! Choksi differentiates the worlds of Bharata, Ujijain and Alaka well. New characters, a tournament and new adventure are introduced in this plot driven novel. Seeing the novel unfold with Gauri and Vikram is exhilarating!

A Crown of Wishes is a breathtaking and adventurous novel for all the fantasy fans out there. If you've read The Star-Touched Queen, Caraval and/or The Night Circus, you will love A Crown of Wishes.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Title: Wintersong
Author: S. Jae-Jones 
Publisher: Thomas Dunne
Publication date: February 7, 2017
Pages: 448
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

M Y  T H O U G H T S  

Nineteen-year-old Elisabeth (Liesl) Vogler has always been the protector of her younger siblings Käthe and Josef. She helps out her parents in a Bavarian Inn. Although she is the oldest, Käthe is prettier. Liesl creates music with her brother but because she is a girl, it is frowned down upon. During an audition, Käthe is kidnapped.

Liesl plays by the Lord of Mischief's rules and tries to save Käthe but the The Goblin King makes it quite difficult. Through a labyrinth of rounds, Liesl tries to outsmart The Goblin King but finds out it's a lose-lose situation. In an exchange for Käthe's freedom and to save the world from eternal winter, Liesl makes the sacrifice to take Käthe's place. A life for a life. A hand in marriage. However, that's not the only thing Liesl sacrificed.

Liesl puts her family before her. Her sacrifice is for the greater good. Unlike her sister who is fickle and a dreamer, Liesl is quick thinking, determined and is selfless. The Goblin King is very mysterious. Although he cares fondly about Liesl, he doesn't play by any rules. He doesn't make any promises because after all he is the Lord of Mischief. He is a very interesting and complex character and I would love to know more about his backstory. Twig and Thistle are quite the pairing. Both are attendants of Liesl when she is in the Underworld. They are blunt but they mean well. However, you can never fully trust goblins.

Wintersong is a dark yet lyrical fantasy novel. It's beautifully written. S. Jae-Jones writes a novel showcasing the power of love, music, the soul and freewill. You can hear the transcendent music resonate throughout the novel. S. Jae-Jones does a fantastic job creating a world which reminds me a little a bit of the The Labyrinth, "Little Red Riding Hood" and the Greek myth about Persephone. German folklore of the "Der Erlkönig" is also woven into this novel. I can even hear "Mein Herr" from Cabaret.

Wintersong teeters on the cusp of being Young Adult and New Adult. I would suggest teens 16 years and older to pick up this novel due to the sexual content in this book. I found that Liesl lusted after The Goblin King throughout the book which I fond very awkward and slightly disturbing. She pines for him all the time and cannot refrain herself. The pacing of the novel slowed down toward the second half of the book.

Wintersong is exquisite in every sense and it's definitely a book to read slowly and savor. If you're looking for a quick read, you might want to skip this one. If you're a reader who loves gorgeously written prose, this is a book for you! I highly suggest this novel to those who are entranced by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Caraval and The Star-Touched Queen.

For a magical experience, listen to the Edward Scissorhands soundtrack when reading Wintersong. It will give you goosebumps!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication date: January 31, 2017
Pages: 407
Source/format: ARC from publisher through Goodreads Giveaway

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

"Brillant gold-blue sparks--the color of childhood dreams." - ARC of Caraval

Scarlett Dragna has been writing to Caraval Master Legend for many years asking him to bring his Caraval performers to the Isle of Trisda. One day he actually writes back! Ever since Scarlett was a little girl, she was lured into the wonders of Caraval thanks to the countless stories her grandmother told her as a child. She adored every story! Should Scarlett pursue her arranged marriage or travel to see the annual Caraval performance? After all, isn't Caraval something not to miss?

Stephanie Garber takes her readers on an exhilarating ride full of magic! Caraval is simply captivating! Garber draws in her readers with letters from Scarlett to the Caraval Master Legend which adds a nice touch in pacing and introduction. Her descriptions her vivid and lush. She paints a whole new world with brilliant shades of cerulean blues, shimmering golds and seductive reds. Caraval's color palette is exploding with extraordinariness.

The sisterly bonding between Scarlett and Donatella (Tella) is strong and both will do anything to help each other out. They would even protect one another from their ruthless and abusive father. Their bond is unbreakable! They are dedicated through and through and loyal to each other. Their personas actually remind of of Tina and Queenie Goldstein from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Screenplay. Scarlett and Tina like to play by the rules. They are a bit more rigid and not as forgiving. Tella and Queenie are more flirtatious, bold and adventurous.

Caraval infuses reality with magic and fantasy. In this world, there is a hint of old fashion living arrangements due to the use of oil lamps, very elaborate clothing with bustles and traveling by boat for transportation. The magic mixed with the old world gives off a mysterious and alluring vibe. Garber bewitches the reader's mind.

Julian, Dante, Aiko, Jovan and Legend definitely add character to the novel. Caraval is like revised game of Clue and The Hunger Games with magic. Who is who and who can you trust? What is real and what is not real? Garber's twisty dreams and illusions are guaranteed to keep you guessing who is on Scarlett's side until the very end. After all, it's only a game right?

Caraval is Garber's debut novel and it sure doesn't disappoint and I hope you have a chance to join Scarlett on her enchanting journey! This sensational novel will sweep you off your feet. Caraval is a must read, especially if you're a fan of The Night Circus, The Crown's Game and The Hunger Games. I would love to see Caraval translated for the big screen. It will be beyond spectacular!

All the Feels by Danika Stone

Title: All the Feels
Author: Danika Stone
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication date: June 7, 2016
Pages: 336
Source/format: ARC from Kristina from Gone Pecan

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

College freshman Liv is more than just a fangirl: The Starveil movies are her life… So, when her favorite character, Captain Matt Spartan, is killed off at the end of the last movie, Liv Just. Can’t. Deal.

Tired of sitting in her room sobbing, Liv decides to launch an online campaign to bring her beloved hero back to life. With the help of her best friend, Xander, actor and steampunk cosplayer extraordinaire, she creates #SpartanSurvived, a campaign to ignite the fandom. But as her online life succeeds beyond her wildest dreams, Liv is forced to balance that with the pressures of school, her mother’s disapproval, and her (mostly nonexistent and entirely traumatic) romantic life. A trip to DragonCon with Xander might be exactly what she needs to figure out what she really wants.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Liv Walden of Boulder, CO is a huge fan of Starveil. The latest movie is out and one of the main characters dies and everyone in the fandom is devastated including Liv. As Liv tries to mourn the death of one of her favorite characters, people around her are giving her a hard time. Can't a girl mourn about a beloved character in peace?

I totally know how Liv feels when people make it a big thing that she is too old for the fandom. There is no such thing as that. It's great to see her passionate about a fandom whether it be on the big screen or through fan fiction. I am a huge fan girl of Harry Potter so I can relate to Liv fairly well.

I connected with Liv right from the start. She is a promising character with growth who knows what she likes. Although her mother and her mom's boyfriend tells her let go of the fandom, Liv can't let go. Starveil means so much to her. So instead of wallowing in misery for the whole book, she starts a revolution with the help of fellow best friend, Xander Hall, not knowing how it will change the Starveil fandom.

All the Feels is a fangirl's dream book! Not only do I love seeing passionate people fangirling over a fandom but I like how the fandom love spreads beyond canon. I love how people are writing fan fiction, setting up campaigns and cosplaying at conventions. I feel like Danika Stone is writing a story for all the fangirls out there who are misunderstood. It's like she knows how we feel about fandoms. She just gets it! Stone describes fandoms to a tee.

Although the pace of the novel is consistent for the most part, I find the summer being only a couple pages quite short. I wish the transition from one school year to the next was a bit more fluid. I enjoyed reading about Liv's first experience at a convention and seeing her meet other Starveil fans. The banter between Xander and her is perfect too. Although Xander isn't a fan of Starveil, he supports Liv.

Stone weaves instances of social media conversations within the book. She includes tiny urls, twitter handles and forum posts. Stone even includes chat bubbles. Her chapter titles are brilliant! Each chapter title has a quote from a popular fandom which I found unique and very fitting.

All the Feels is a must read if you are looking for a cute contemporary! It's a fun, coming-of-age story for all the fangirls, geeks and nerds that is unforgettable.

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner's Kiss
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: March 29, 2016
Pages: 496
Source/format: Purchased/Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised.

She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

M Y  T H O U G H T S

How do I react to the last book of a series especially when it is phenomenal? In previous installments, there wasn't too much information about Arin and the focus of the book is on Kestrel. In The Winner's Kiss, Arin and Kestrel share the stage. As Kestrel tries to gain her memories of her previous life, Kestrel and Arin rekindle their complex friendship and relationship. They are trying to build each other's trust once again. The interaction between Arin, Roshar and Kestrel is alluring. The three mesh well together and they rely in each other's strengths.

Throughout the three books, Marie Rutkoski does a fantastic job with the character development. Kestrel and Arin have grown since The Winner's Curse. Never underestimate Kestrel. She is a mastermind and always has tricks up her sleeves even though others do not approve of what she does and believes in. The transitions between Arin and Kestrel work seamlessly as well as the both battles at the end of the novel. Rutkoski has written a captivating trilogy that never wavered. The world building and the political dynamics are still on point and the writing is passionate and compelling.

The Winner's Kiss has a wonderful balance of swoon worthy moments and action. The ending is perfect for the trilogy! I wouldn't have it any other way because Rutkoski killed it! I have to admit that I was scared to finish this installment of The Winner's Trilogy because I was afraid of how the trilogy would end.

If you're looking for a for a stunning historical fantasy, definitely pick up The Winner's Kiss after reading The Winner's Curse and The Winner's Crime.