Hunting November by Adriana Mather

Title: Hunting November
Author: Adriana Mather
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 5, 2020
Pages: 368
Source/format: Hardcover//Purchased
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Surviving a few weeks at the world's most lethal boarding school was one thing. But now comes the real test: Can November Adley find her missing father before her enemies find her? Subterfuge is the name of the game in this thrilling sequel to Killing November, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch.

After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father. Along with fellow student (and heartthrob) Ash, November follows the clues that her father left, embarking on the deadliest treasure hunt of her life. The first clue is in her hometown, where old friends beckon and unexpected enemies lurk around every corner. The second clue is in Europe, where revelations about her family's history will plunge her into an international web of deception, lies, and intrigue. The third clue is deep in enemy territory, surrounded by the most skilled assassins and master strategists, and where everyone wants her and her father dead. Can one girl with limited training infiltrate a centuries-old organization that is powerful enough to topple empires? November only knows that she'll do whatever it takes to save her father . . . or die trying.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

Hunting November takes place immediately after the events that occurred in Killing November. November and Ash are on the lookout for November's father and both are granted permission to leave Academy Absconditi. However, the duo must be careful who they interact with and who they trust because the Lions are out to kill them. 

After returning the her hometown, November tries to piece clues together with the help of Ash. Starting her hunt in Connecticut, the duo heads to Edinburgh and London where they meet new faces and reunite with familiar ones. If you've read Killing November, you are in for a treat with reading Hunting November. Although the novel is not set primarily at the boarding school like its previous counterpart, Hunting November is still full of adventure and mystery. Instead of proving herself in front of her classmates, November must outwit the most skilled assassins and strategists of the Strategia.

The pacing of the novel is super fast and there is a lot of action. When I read Hunting November, I am thinking about the cinematography; it truly reads like a movie. The world building of the Strategia world is fantastic while it blends in very well with the modern day normal world. Adriana Mather has elevated the stakes in this novel. Sure, in Killing November, November had to dodge death from a murderer on campus. However, in Hunting November, there is a bounty over several heads and the Lions will not stop until they get what they want. 

November has matured since the start of the first book in the duology. However, the most growth I've seen in a character in the duology is definitely Aayra. She has transformed from from a devious snake to something more complex. She yearns for a true friend and a challenge, which she sees in November. I am also growing more fond of Matteo in this sequel and of course I still love Ash. 

I highly recommend Hunting November and its predecessor for readers who love action, adventure, boarding schools, alliances, betrayal and mystery all rolled in one. Readers will devour this novel if they enjoyed reading the following series: Harry Potter, The Vampire Academy, Bloodlines and/or Stalking Jack the Ripper.

Unravel the Dusk Blog Tour: Review + Moodboard + Favorite Quotes

Thank you to Caffeine Book Tours for this opportunity to showcase the beautifully written Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim. Unravel the Dusk is the sequel to Spin the Dawn, which is part of The Blood of Stars duology. If you are looking for an adventurous and fast-paced fantasy, look no further. This is the duology you need to pick up! I included some of my favorite quotes and a moodboard down below. Check out the rest of the #UnravelTheDusk blog tour for mood boards, favorite quotes, creative features, playlists and more!

Title: Unravel the Dusk
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: July 7, 2020
Pages: 368
Source/format: ARC//Giveaway via Elizabeth Lim
Genre: YA, Fantasy

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Kobo

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

The thrilling sequel to SPIN THE DAWN, a magical series steeped in Chinese culture.
Maia Tamarin’s journey to sew the dresses of the sun, the moon and the stars has taken a grievous toll. She returns to a kingdom on the brink of war. The boy she loves is gone, and she is forced to don the dress of the sun and assume the place of the emperor’s bride-to-be to keep the peace.

But the war raging around Maia is nothing compared to the battle within. Ever since she was touched by the demon Bandur, she has been changing . . . glancing in the mirror to see her own eyes glowing red, losing control of her magic, her body, her mind. It’s only a matter of time before Maia loses herself completely, but she will stop at nothing to find Edan, protect her family, and bring lasting peace to her country.

YA fantasy readers will love the sizzling forbidden romance, mystery, and intrigue of UNRAVEL THE DUSK.

FAVORITE QUOTES AND MOODBOARD

"We were like the sun and moon, sharing the same stars and the same sky."

"If dying is this beautiful, then I wish I were a tree too. I'd be happy to die and be reborn in the spring."

"Plum blossoms are the first flowers to bud after winter," I remembered. "They're a symbol of hope and purity."..."And new beginnings," Edan said quietly.

Images from Pexels.com and Unsplash.com

ABOUT ELIZABETH LIM

Elizabeth Lim grew up on a hearty staple of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Her passion for storytelling began around age 10, when she started writing fanfics for Sailor Moon, Sweet Valley, and Star Wars, and posted them online to discover, "Wow, people actually read my stuff. And that's kinda cool!" But after one of her teachers told her she had "too much voice" in her essays, Elizabeth took a break from creative writing to focus on not flunking English.

Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer, and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing, and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel -- for kicks, at first, then things became serious -- and she hasn't looked back since.

Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the color turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

MY REVIEW

Unravel the Dusk is the sequel to Spin the Dawn. After Maia Tamarin completed Lady Sarnai's last tailoring request of sewing the dresses of Amana, Maia has unlocked a new version of herself that she did not know she would find. And no, it's not the Imperial Tailor position but something more powerful yet deadly. Not only does everyone know that she is not Keton Tamarin but she is battling a demon within her.

With Edan in hiding and Lady Sarnai unwell, Maia is A'landi's only hope for peace. However, things don't go as planned with the wedding and two kingdoms are at war. Although the love story between Edan and Maia is not as prevalent in this installment of The Blood of Stars duology, their bond is still strong. Readers do not encounter Edan in the flesh until the second half of the novel. Edan's and Maia's love for each other never wavers. Maia, however, becomes closer to Ammi. The female friendship between Maia and Ammi blossomed slowly and is an excellent addition to the novel. As Maia's only female companion, Ammi is able to help Maia in many ways that contrasts to Maia's other relationships. But Maia is worried that the demon within her will harm Ammi.

Unravel the Dusk emits a darker tone compared to Spin the Dawn. While the predecessor is a mask of wonders, Unravel the Dusk shows the true colors of humanity and what everyone is capable of. We see the character development of multiple characters. We see how vulnerable yet powerful Lady Sarnai is. She is a multi-faceted character that I would love to read a companion novel about. Readers see how Ammi forgives Maia even though it took a while for Ammi to regain trust between the two ladies. Seeing Maia with her family is heartfelt and warming. Readers can see how they care for each other deeply no matter what.

Of course, Maia shows the most development of all. She has changed a lot compared to when she was working in her father's shop to competing in the competition to become the Imperial Tailor to even crafting the dresses of Amana. However, the most important test of character is how she handles the demon within her. Every day passes by and the demon inside her grows stronger. Maia fights the fire inside consistently even though demons and ghosts beckon her name to return to the Forgotten Isles of Lapzur. Can Maia overcome the demon and gain control or does she embrace the demon within? The more magic she uses, the harder it is to resist the call of darkness. The war and chaos in the novel parallel with how Maia is at war with herself. She is trying her hardest to overcome the demon's desires of destruction.

Elizabeth Lim expands on the already fantastic world-building that was set in Spin the Dawn. The map included in both Spin the Dawn and in Unravel the Dusk helps readers understand where everything is located in correlation to one another. Lim's expansive details of each landmark are memorable in both novels. Unravel the Dusk is divided into three sections, one for each dress of Amana. This is important regarding how Maia unleashes the power of each dress and unlocks their true potential.

Unravel the Dusk is enrapturing and picks up a notch in The Blood of the Stars duology. Join Maia on a journey where she fights the demons within her and still stays true to herself. Warning, there is human possession in this novel.

There is still time to pre-order this Unravel the Dusk! Check out this pre-order incentive as well!

GIVEAWAY

Check out this awesome giveaway. The giveaway ends on July 7th (Philippine Standard Time). Nicole's Novel Reads is not responsible for books lost or damaged in the mail. Good luck!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here!

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Check out  Caffeine Book Tours for links to each blog.

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Title: Spin the Dawn
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: July 9, 2019
Pages: 392
Source/format: Hardcover//Purchased
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh

M Y  T H O U G H T S

"A Tailor's worth is not measured by his fame, but by the happiness he brings." Spin the Dawn, pg 7

Spin the Dawn is the first book in The Blood of Stars duology. Maia Tamarin was born to become a tailor with a needle in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other. She follows the footsteps of her father who is also a tailor. Hailing from Gangsun, Maia wishes to become a master tailor yet tailors in Maia's world can only be male. Women can become seamstresses but not tailors. However, Maia seizes the opportunity to pursue her dreams in the disguise of a boy to compete to become the Imperial Tailor.

After the death of her mother, Maia's father struggled to continue tailoring as he used to. No longer is his sewing the same quality as before and Maia helps as much as possible to keep the shop going. After moving to the coastal town of Port Kamalan, loss has fallen upon her through her brothers.

Maia perseveres through the imperial tailoring challenges appeasing Lady Sarnai. However, Lady Sarnai asks for an almost impossible task that can cost Maia's life. Readers can expect the competition to be fierce and there is a lot of backstabbing and sabotage among the tailors. Things get complicated when enchanter Edan is made known to Maia. Magic is something that Maia once never believed in but she has a change of heart when she arrived at the palace and she learns she can wield a small amount of magic through a pair of scissors. However, Lady Sarnai despises magic while Emperor Khanujin relies on Edan's expertise. Elizabeth Lim weaves her own version of Jinn into Spin the Dawn which works well.

Although Maia is headstrong, her heart is in a good place. She wants to let everyone know that women can do the same things that men can do. She wants to help provide for her family. Edan, on the other hand, is mysterious. We don't know too much about his background or his past. He gravitates toward Maia and provides great wisdom. He is her helping hand despite how much Maia pushes him away. Fate entangles them in the long run and they grow to appreciate each other more. One can see that they grow very fond of each other.

Spin the Dawn has something for everyone. Whether people love reading about the competition or the journey to create three dresses of Amana, readers will enjoy the expedition and possibly the romance in the novel.

Lim created a mesmerizing Asian inspired fantasy world that fans of Mulan and folklore will adore. If you enjoy reading novels such as Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan and Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao, I highly suggest picking up Spin the Dawn.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh

Title: The Beautiful
Author: Renée Ahdieh
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date: October 8, 2019
Pages: 448
Source/format: ARC//BookishFirst and Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):


New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and—especially—to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's leader, the enigmatic Sébastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of La Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sébastien's guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.

When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose—one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.

At once a sultry romance and a thrilling murder mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet: The Beautiful.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

"New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead."

The opening of the novel is strong. Renée Ahdieh immerses readers in ornate folklore of New Orleans and how it’s known to be ruled by the city of the dead. Set in the late 1800’s, this historical paranormal novel dazzles readers with its intrigue, magic, and exquisiteness; The Beautiful is haunting yet hypnotic. Readers will be hungry for more. Marceline Béatrice Rousseau travels from Paris, France to New Orleans, Lousiana and meets a mysterious young fellow with gray eyes, not much older than she is.

Celine with six other girls are on sponsorship by the Catholic Church to receive training at the Ursuline Convent in New Orleans and they are expected to help run the attached hospital, teach the young girls who attended school there and assist in any efforts to raise funds on behalf of the diocese. I found the interaction between the girls such as Pippa and Anabel to be interesting since they all have different personalities. Pippa has grown to be a close friend of Celine and I am glad they have each other's backs.

With the death rate increasing in New Orleans, this historical paranormal shifts into a mystery where everyone is trying to uncover who the serial killer is. Celine reunites with the mysterious man, named Sébastien Saint Germain under undesirable circumstances involving the death of a couple young ladies. The two souls are more alike then they thought. However, another gentleman with the name Michael Grimaldi enters the picture trying to find the missing link to the puzzle. The balance between the "bad boy" and the "good boy" trope is definitely present here as well as an insta-love connection between two characters.

Celine is a strong-minded young woman who knows what she wants but she can be a bit reckless at times. She harbors a secret regarding her heritage yet she is careful to convey herself in a certain manner. Celine only shares her secrets with very few people because she doesn't know who she can trust. Yet, I find it crazy how she is willing to use herself as bait to catch the killer. I know she wants to catch the killer but she defies everyone's wishes for her safety. Celine's friendship with Odette Valmont is an exceptional one. Odette introducing Celine to La Cour des Lions is a good segway to where Celine seeks refuge when she is asked to leave the convent. Odette and Celine have a strong friendship made in an unusual way.

Odette is a lady who draws Celine into La Cour des Lions. Odette isn't joking when she offers Celine adventure for Celine turns down a handsome sum of money in turn for a handsewn tailored dress. Celine is intrigued for Odette quotes and loves Hamlet just like Celine does. And Odette wearing pants at the La Cour des Lions is priceless! How scandalous?! Odette is definitely a favorite character of mine.

Although the novel is depicted as a vampire novel, I expected more presence from the mysterious fanged creatures to be lurking about. Readers have insight with the killer's POV and there are descriptions of an inhuman creature lurking about but we hardly have the face-to-face interaction with the vampire serial killer. The Beautiful is more of a mystery where one needs to unearth who the killer is ala Jack the Ripper.

I find it bothersome when the novel mentions the shade of bronzed skin or the gray/gunmetal eyes too many times. The ending feels a little bit rushed to finalize the last "killing." There is definitely a lot of foreshadowing earlier in the book for the reader to figure who the killer is. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would love to read a companion novel or spin-off series about Odette in the near future!

The Beautiful is an atmospheric novel and thought-provoking story for readers who are fans of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco and Enchantée by Gita Trelease. Enthusiasts of the TV show, The Originals, will be drawn to this novel because of vampires and NOLA's French Quarter. I foresee the paranormal genre making a comeback in YA literature which I am quite excited about.

FAVORITE QUOTES

“It doesn’t matter who you were,” her father had argued. “It matters who you are.”

"You wanted to know who I really am," She bit her lower lip. "I'm a girl who'd rather experience life than watch it pass by from my window."

Frankly in Love by David Yoon

Title: Frankly in Love
Author: David Yoon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date: September 10, 2019
Pages: 432
Source/format: ARC//BookishFirst and Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

High school senior Frank Li is a Limbo–his term for Korean-American kids who find themselves caught between their parents’ traditional expectations and their own Southern California upbringing. His parents have one rule when it comes to romance–“Date Korean”–which proves complicated when Frank falls for Brit Means, who is smart, beautiful–and white. Fellow Limbo Joy Song is in a similar predicament, and so they make a pact: they’ll pretend to date each other in order to gain their freedom. Frank thinks it’s the perfect plan, but in the end, Frank and Joy’s fake-dating maneuver leaves him wondering if he ever really understood love–or himself–at all.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Frankly in Love is a cute contemporary novel about first loves, living up to parents' expectations, understanding how to support someone with a terminal illness, tackling the topic of racism, and how to pave your own path to happiness. Imagine all this while being a senior in high school, trying to just do well on your SATs, and getting into a good college. Well, this is what Frank Li has to endure.

Frank lives in Southern California and has to uphold many parents' expectations. David Yoon opens up the novel explaining the significance of Frank’s American name and Frank's Korean name. Frank's American full first name (Frank Li) consists of seven letters and his Korean first full name (Sung Min Li) consists of nine letters. Seven to symbolize the lucky number in America and nine to symbolize the lucky number in South Korea. By having Yoon start the novel in this manner, the reader gets a sense of how there is a divide yet a symbiotic relationship between his American and Korean upbringing. It’s supposed to be a bridge between two cultures.

Frank’s parents have the typical expectations of Asian parents when it comes to academics. They want their child to get a high test score on the PSATs and SATs, maintain a high GPA and get into Harvard. That is what Frank’s sister, Hanna, did. However, Frank would love to pursue a music career at Berklee School of Music instead of studying law or medicine at an Ivy League.

Frank's parents only want him to date a Korean girl so when he falls for Brit Means, a white girl in his Calculus class, he devises a plan with Korean-American Joy Song. His parents know Joy through family friends and think Frank and Joy are dating. Yet, they don't know that Frank and Joy are fake-dating so Frank and Joy can date other people that are not Korean. Frank can see Brit and Joy can see Wu without having their parents breathing down on their necks. Of course this scenario sounds good to be true because something always happens. Unexpected actions and feelings occur and the plan unravels.

Yoon’s voice for Frank is simple and relatable for many. What I love about Frank is Frank’s candor. Yoon delves into topics such as interracial relationships, family issues, grades, etc. and tells it how it is. He doesn’t sugar coat anything. I haven’t read a novel with a male point of view that I instantly connected with in ages. Through Frank readers see how Frank and his friends from the Gathering have to appease their Korean parents.

There is one scene where Frank almost loses a family member but they survive. It shows how vulnerable someone can be. Your life can change in an instant. Frank's parents have their own secrets that they do not tell Frank until 3/4 quarters of the book. Because they don't want Frank to bomb his SATs and because they want to save face, his parents do not tell him that a family member has cancer. The situations Yoon include in Frankly in Love are things that happen to many teens. This is real life. The emotions are real. And how one handles difficult situations like cheating, finds out someone has cancer, or lives up to parents' expectations can be stressful. How does one deal with all these obstacles?

The friendship between Frank and Q is genuine. They are practically brothers. I would love to read a book in Q's point of view like a companion novel of some sort. He has a story to tell us and I know a lot of us will want to find out more about Q and how he navigates the world in his shoes.

Frankly in Love is a coming-of-age book about finding yourself and finding love. As Ella mentions, "we all just want to love who we want to love." Not only are characters finding love in a romantic sense but characters also strengthen their family love through bonding and understanding.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Title: The Downstairs Girl
Author: Stacey Lee
Publisher: Putnam
Publication date: August 13, 2019
Pages: 304
Source/format: ARC//Borrowed from Ellie

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): 

By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender.

While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

During the late 1800's Jo Kuan lives with her stand-in father, Old Gin, in a basement. She works as a milliner's assistant until she is let go one day because her employer deems that she is too opinionated and makes customers uncomfortable. However, there is one customer, Mrs. Bell, who admires Jo's craftmanship making intricate knots, which happens to be the lady who resides in the same residence as Jo. However, Mrs. Bell doesn't know Jo and Old Gin take refuge below the residence. Jo is given the opportunity to write as Miss Sweetie for the Focus's advice column when she sends an anonymous letter to the Bells. Miss Sweetie creates a huge buzz in her community. Jo anonymously writes articles regarding societal norms during the Gilded Age time period. What a great opportunity for someone who is "too opinionated." While she works as a lady's maid at the Paynes household during the day, she moonlights as Miss Sweetie at night.

Stacey Lee tells a wonderful and insightful story of what it means to be Asian in the South of the United States in the late 1800's. I am always delighted to read historical fiction with characters I can relate to. I often wonder how life was for Chinese-Americans in the past. There is hardly any information about the history of Chinese-Americans living in the United States and how life was for them. Lee is one of my favorite historical fiction novelists. Her characters are relatable and I love being transported to a different time period and a different location every time I pick up one of her books.

I absolutely love the voice of Jo. She is sassy but she knows her place. Jo is an advocate of women's rights and equality for all races. Being of Chinese descent, she teeters in between Whites and Blacks. It's hard to find a place in society, especially since there are not many Asian people living in the United States at the time. Most Chinese in the States at the time are men working on the railroad. Jo is longing to know more information regarding her parents. Who is her birth father? Who is her birth mother? Why was she given up? Jo is fortunate to have Old Gin raise her. The twist at the end caught me off guard for sure.

Although Jo may feel out of place, she has Old Gin as her family. I also enjoyed reading how Jo finds solace in Sweet Potato and she finds friendship with Noemi. Jo even has a complex relationship with Caroline Payne, who can be very cruel.

The Downstairs Girl shows readers a glimpse of the Gilded Age and what is it like to live as an Asian American during that time period. Jo defies the stereotype of Asian women being docile and quiet. Not only does she defy the stereotype for Asian women but she defies the gender stereotype of being a lady. Jo is quite capable of doing what a man does and she is quite outspoken. From writing in a newspaper to horse racing, Jo can do anything!

Far Away by Lisa Graff

Title: Far Away
Author: Lisa Graff
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Pages: 272
Source/format: Hardcover from Penguin Random House

Rating: ☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A book about life, loss, and the secrets families keep, reminiscent of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons, by National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff.

CJ lives and travels with her Aunt Nic, a famous psychic medium who tours the country communicating with her audience’s deceased loved ones at sold-out theaters. Together, they give people closure and forgiveness, and pass important messages on from the Spirit world. While CJ doesn’t have her aunt’s same ability to talk to the dead, she enjoys playing a crucial role in connecting others with their dearly departed. After all, she knows firsthand what it’s like to lose someone she loves—the only way she can talk to her mom, who died hours after CJ was born, is through Aunt Nic.

But when a magician bent on proving that Aunt Nic is a fraud shows up at their shows, CJ learns an impossible truth—that her mother is actually still very much alive. Now CJ no longer knows who to trust. As she learns more unsettling family secrets, CJ must grapple with the lies she’s been told and the lies she’s helped perpetuate. And in the end, she must decide how to reconcile what it means to find her true family and home—and what it means to forgive.

A poignant, heartfelt novel that explores the lengths we go to protect those we love—and how that impulse can often lead us down difficult roads.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Caraway June (CJ) Ames lives with her Aunt Nic, a psychic medium who communicates with the dead and constantly travel across the country. CJ was told her mother passed away when CJ was a baby and CJ's mother is able to talk through Aunt Nic. CJ befriends Jax Degaldo, her friend Oscar's nephew. I enjoyed reading how CJ teaches 16-year-old Jax how to drive stick despite her being only 12-years-old. CJ and Jax form a friendship bond and they go on a cross country road trip to find a tether to CJ's mother's spirit. When they get a clue about her mother's home town of Bakersfield, they travel to talk to a couple regarding CJ's mother's friend's parents.

Lisa Graff weaves in magical realism within Far Away. The ink drawing of the octopus that appears in multiple places is symbolic. The messages vary from "Take Heed" to "Slow Down" and CJ thinks it's her mother sending warnings. A man named Gerald explains that people are "Charmed" with the octopi. I loved seeing how to octopus is incorporated into the book as drawings long the pages of the book.

When CJ finds out that her mother is still alive and is not living in the land of Far Away, she feels disappointed and feels a sense of betrayal from her aunt and her mother. CJ never questioned whether the messages Aunt Nic conveyed about CJ's mother are indeed from her mother. She always assumed that Aunt Nic is telling her the truth. CJ loses faith and wants answers to her questions.

I feel like we need more information about why Aunt Nic lied to CJ and how CJ's mother wasn't in CJ's life. CJ should have been more furious about what happened but she forgives very easily which I was surprised about. I wanted more closure at the end of the book. 

Far Away is a coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old girl who learns the shocking truth about her mother from a secret that has been kept for many years. This road trip journey is about discovering oneself and about true friendship.

Killing November by Adriana Mather

Title: Killing November
Author: Adriana Mather
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: March 26, 2019
Pages: 368
Source/format: ARC // The Horn Book

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

It’s a school completely off the grid, hidden by dense forest and surrounded by traps. There’s no electricity, no internet, and an eye-for-an-eye punishment system. Classes include everything from Knife-Throwing and Poisons to the Art of Deception and Historical Analysis. And all of the students are children of the world’s most elite strategists—training to become assassins, counselors, spies, and master impersonators. Into this world walks November Adley, who quickly discovers that friends are few in a school where personal revelations are discouraged and competition is everything. When another student is murdered, all eyes turn to November, who must figure out exactly how she fits into the school’s bizarre strategy games before she is found guilty of the crime…or becomes the killer’s next victim.

M Y  T  H O U G H T S

November Adley, originally from Pembrook, CT, ends up at Academy Absconditi and is a late transfer at the age of 17-years-old. Although November has no clue where she is and how she arrived at Academy Absconditi, she learns that she must play to survive. She learns quickly to acclimate to her surroundings since it's life or death while she discovers many secrets regarding her family's history.

Adriana Mather has wowed me with Killing November. Not only does the synopsis of November being stuck at a boarding school for assassins is awesome but there is so much intrigue of how November ended up at the academy and who can she trust. The characters are all unique and they have traits that separate each apart despite the many characters mentioned in the novel. Ash is definitely my favorite character. He has a sense of pride in him but he likes to skirt the rules a bit. He values attention and is stunned when November verbalizes her beliefs that might be on the contrary instead of just accepting the way things they are. I love the banter between Ash and November. They argue like they are siblings but it's something closer and more personal than arguing with his twin sister, Layla. At first I didn't warm up to Layla but she grew on me. Layla is constantly researching and even though she is not as physically active in pursuing people like the others at the academy, she clandestinely undercovers many clues to figure out who's the killer amongst the students.

The romance between Ash and November is a slow burning one. They don't trust each other at first but they slowly become good friends to the point where Ash takes a flying knife to save her. I mean how many people will take a bullet or knife to save someone? They know they can not become closer than friends but they cannot deny their feelings for each other. Oh the forbidden love! Love can be a weakness for assassins and one a lot of people take seriously. It's hard to tell who your true allies and enemies are when everyone has a good poker face. Even some sworn enemies like Matteo and Aarya end up helping November at the end when they figure out who the actual killer is.

November asks too many questions but some people might see that as a tactic while others think she is plain naïve. November pieces a lot of information when she was a child to present day at the academy such as qualities of stuffed animals like her stuffed bear. She learns those subtle things that her parents did or said contributed to some of the family secrets her parents harbored. I enjoyed reading snippets of November's past woven into chapters of when she is conquering obstacles and everyday life at the Academy Absconditi. With no electricity and living in a very old world location, students at the academy have fewer distractions so they can focus on learning to master being assassins. These students come from old Strategia family lines. These families originated as the advisors to rulers of empires.

Killing November is an atmospheric, action-packed, secretive and deadly thriller. The novel is chock full of history, name meanings, major plotting and an intrigue that keeps the pace of the book moving. Digging deeper under the many layers, November finds out how her family connects with the history of the Academy Absconditi and the major families. With her own unconventional upbringing, she conquerors many obstacles at the Academy Absconditi seizing an advantage over her peers. Although she is not well versed in the family history of the Strategia, she is a quick learner of what she needs to do to stay alive.

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao

Title: Kindom of the Blazing Phoenix
Author: Julie C. Dao
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication date: November 6, 2018
Pages: 384
Source/format: e-ARC//Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

This fairy tale retelling lives in a mystical world inspired by the Far East, where the Dragon Lord and the Serpent God battle for control of the earthly realm; it is here that the flawed heroine of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns finally meets her match. An epic fantasy finale to the Rise of the Empress novels.

Princess Jade has grown up in exile, hidden away in a monastery while her stepmother, the ruthless Xifeng, rules as Empress of Feng Lu. But the empire is in distress and its people are sinking into poverty and despair. Even though Jade doesn't want the crown, she knows she is the only one who can dethrone the Empress and set the world right. Ready to reclaim her place as rightful heir, Jade embarks on a quest to raise the Dragon Lords and defeat Xifeng and the Serpent God once and for all. But will the same darkness that took Xifeng take Jade, too? Or will she find the strength within to save herself, her friends, and her empire?

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with breathtaking pain and beauty, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is filled with dazzling magic, powerful prose, and characters readers won't soon forget.

Fans of Stealing Snow, Red Queen, and The Wrath and the Dawn will hungrily devour this page-turning read.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is the second book in the Rise of the Express duology. Readers don’t necessarily have to read Forest of a Thousand Lanterns prior to Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix. Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is a companion novel to Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. While Forest of a Thousand Lanterns centers around Xifeng’s journey to becoming Empress, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix focuses on Jade, Xifeng’s step daughter, who is the only one that can take back the throne of Feng Lu.

Julie C. Dao does it again with an entrancing retelling. Although the novel is not as dark and wicked as its predecessor, it still carries the charm of a twisted fairy tale. Of course the world building is fantastic! It's chock full of descriptive details and readers are sucked into the story. Dao's writing provides an immersive ride for her readers.

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix delves into the power struggle that Xifeng is trying to hold on for dear life while Jade tries to pry away the throne from Xifeng. Jade has been sent to a monastery for most of her life living humbly and as an equal. The novel begins at the monastery where Jade is summoned by the Empress.

Jade is on a quest to locate relics ala Harry finding the Deathly Hallows or Horcruxes. These Dragon Lord artifacts are the key to help bring Xifeng down. The one who finds all five relics, one for each kingdom, will bring peace back to Feng Lu. Just like how Harry Potter finds the Hallows because he does not seek to use the power to escape death, Jade finds the relics because she does not seek power of the throne. Dao weaves folklore such as The Crane Maiden within the retrieval of each relic. Each folktale teaches Jade important morales to stay alive and to succeed.

Dao pens two strong women who have different motives and desires. Xifeng has worked her way up from a nobody to someone who holds the power and who is feared. She learned the ways to work her way up to Empress, however, at a dark price. Jade, who is royal by blood, doesn't want the crown but she is the sole person who can defeat Xifeng. She takes charge and stands up to her stepmother. While Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is toxic, poignant and power-hungry, Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is lighter, full of love and friendship and is emotionally charged. Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix is the Yang to Forest of a Thousand Lantern's Yin. The two make a whole and make a wonderful balance.

Jade has won over many friends like Amah, Wren, Shiro and Koichi. Her humble life has lead her to become the princess that everyone hopes will be Empress one day. She sees everyone as her equal unlike Xifeng. As Xifeng relies on destiny, Jade relies on the power of choice. This is very similar of how Voldemort and Harry's relationship lines up. Their destinies are entwined and one must destroy the other.

If you love fairytale retellings with a twist and a twinge of darkness, I highly recommend reading Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix and Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. Dao has created a phenomenal fantasy world where Snow White and the Evil Queen collide with East Asian setting, creating a unique storyline.

Looking Ahead: Two Can Keep a Secret

Who's excited about Karen McManus's upcoming book, Two Can Keep a Secret? For more information about the novel, please see below for the following release by Penguin Random House.

DELACORTE PRESS TO PUBLISH NEW YA NOVEL BY

KAREN M. McMANUS, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

OF 2017’s  BREAKOUT THRILLER ONE OF US IS LYING

TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET to be released on January 8, 2019, with 250,000-copy first printing

New York, NY (June 7, 2018)—A new stand-alone novel from Karen M. McManus, author of the breakout teen thriller of 2017 and New York Times bestseller One of Us Is Lying, will be published on January 8, 2019, with a first printing of 250,000 copies, it was announced today by Beverly Horowitz, Senior Vice President, Publisher, Delacorte Press.

McManus’s debut novel, One of Us Is Lying, has spent 46 weeks and counting on the New York Times bestseller list, has been sold in 37 foreign territories, and is currently being developed into a TV series by E! Network.

With TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET, McManus has penned a murder mystery set in Echo Ridge, a small New England town that’s hiding secrets. Seventeen-year-old Ellery’s aunt went missing there as a teenager, and recently, a popular homecoming queen was killed in a widely publicized murder. When Ellery and her twin brother, Ezra, move to Echo Ridge to live with a grandmother they barely know, things quickly take a dark turn. Another girl goes missing, and it becomes clear that mysterious threats are deadly serious. Ellery soon learns that everyone in Echo Ridge is hiding something, and some secrets have dangerous consequences.

One of Us Is Lying was named one of the best YA books of 2017 by BuzzFeed, Entertainment Weekly, and PopCrush, and was a New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age selection, a CBC Teen Choice Book Award nominee, a Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year nominee, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee, and an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick.

“We were so excited about the success of One of Us Is Lying and to see how that book resonated with readers,” says Senior Executive Editor Krista Marino. “TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET further showcases Karen’s incredible talent for crafting thrilling mysteries with unexpected twists and compelling and relatable teen characters.”

Marino acquired North American rights from Rosemary Stimola with Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio. McManus is represented by Jason Dravis at the Dravis Agency for the TV series.

Karen M. McManus earned her BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross and her MA in journalism from Northeastern University. When she isn’t working or writing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, McManus loves to travel with her son. To learn more about her, visit karenmcmanus.com, or follow @writerkmc on Twitter or Instagram.

Join the conversation via #OneOfUsIsLying and #TwoCanKeepASecretBook

Eggsistential Thoughts and Gudetama's Guide to Life

Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing two Gudetama books for me to review. I have always been a Sanrio fan and I know a lot of people rave about Gudetama. I was interested in reading more about this intriguing character. Please see below for more information about Eggsistential Thoughts and Gudetama's Guide to Life.

EGGSISTENTIAL THOUGHTS

BY: GUDETAMA THE LAZY EGG

Meh . . .

From Sanrio, who brought you Hello Kitty, comes Gudetama, the lazy egg. 

Not all Sanrio characters are cheery! In Japanese, when you're lazy, you are referred to as gude gude. And that's where our new friend gets its name. Gudetama (tama from tamago, egg in Japanese) is the lazy egg. Gudetama likes soy sauce and being left alone. Sometimes, Gudetama wonders if we are born only to suffer. And here, in Eggsistential Thoughts, are Gudetama's musings on life.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Francesco Sedita and Max Bisantz are two authors who enjoy eggs, no matter how lazy. They both reside in New York City.

GUDETAMA'S GUIDE TO LIFE

BY: BRIAN ELLING

From Sanrio, who brought you Hello Kitty, Gudetama the Lazy Egg returns with a guidebook to living life to the almost fullest.

In Japanese, when you're lazy, you are referred to as gude gude. Gudetama (tama from "tamago," egg in Japanese) is the lazy egg. Gudetama likes soy sauce and being left alone. Sometimes, Gudetama wonders if we are born only to suffer.

Each page of this book is kind of packed with helpful lessons, inspiring quotes and mind-blowing advice that will have you laying around like an egg in no time! And all of it comes straight from the yolk of a Gudetama!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Elling is the author of several books for children. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

MY THOUGHTS

Both of these Gudetama books are bright in color and are very simple. Gudetama is a Sanrio character that can be seen on the contrast with much of Sanrio's cheery characters. There is some speculation that Gudetama may have depression or another mental health illness. Also, in Gudetama's Guide to Life, readers find out that Gudetama is gender neutral. This is one of the first times I've seen a gender neutral character in a book.

Although, people may see Gudetama as a lazy egg, they have a very strong stance about things. Gudetama has wonderful do's and don'ts that everyone can live by. Gudetama reminds people that it's okay if you don't want to get out of bed. It's okay not do over do it. Gudetama is blunt and will tell you how they feel.

Eggsistential Thoughts is more like a picture book with vibrant colors and short phrases for each spread. Read this book first before reading Gudetama's Guide to Life. The simplicity of the Eggsistential Thoughts lets readers get a overall understanding who Gudetama is. Gudetama's Guide to Life goes more into detail about Gudetama's life and the guidebook is full of advice on living life to the almost fullest.