Fall 2019 ARC Reviews

Good afternoon friends! I wanted to share some reviews of my recently completed reads from the last month ish. These are all Fall 2019 releases - and some are out now so you can find them in store 😄


Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan


Finished: August 27th, 2019
Release date: November 5th, 2019

RATING: 4.25 stars

In this daring sequel to Girls of Paper and Fire, one of my top 2018 reads, readers follow Lei and Wren during their journey after they did the impossible - they escaped.  A dangerous uprising is brewing, but deciding who's side to be on is the struggle. As dominance shifts, Wren and Lei confront what, and who, they are fighting for, and what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

I was so excited to read this sequel, especially because Wren is one of my favourite YA Fantasy characters. This novel shared more into her feelings and emotions following the dark time at the palace, which showed the wounds that are below the surface. The secrets and betrayals are evident in the story as well, keeping readers anticipating what is going to happen next.

I did find some of the novel slow at times. There were lulls in the plot that I struggled through, but once it picked up again then it was good. The new characters introduced were great, and I enjoyed the misfit group that the story followed. There was a lot of political intrigue in the book, with a bit less direct action, but many mind games at play, that were surprising when they were revealed. The ending was intense, leaving readers (and myself) very eager for the next in the series.

* Thank you HBG Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review *

Review on Goodreads


Permanent Record by Mary H. K. Choi

Finished: September 24, 2019
Release Date: September 3, 2019


RATING: 3.75 stars

Pablo Rind, an NYU drop out living in Brooklyn, does not have a lot going for him. Between his night shift at a local deli, student and credit card debt piling up, and no future plans in mind, he feels lost in a struggling daily routine. When he meets Leanna Smart, an internationally known singer and actress, at the bodega at 5am, things start heating up. But as they balance who they are, and who they want to be, things start to get complicated. Is it worth finding someone, if you lose yourself along the way?

This book was very different than I expected. I liked the informal writing, and as university student myself, I found the topics relevant and well captured by the author. Pablo was an interesting character but at times I struggled to connect with him. Leanna's character I found a bit unrealistic, but she was a strong force to help Pablo get back on his feet. Pablo's family dynamic was well written, and I craved more a bond between Pablo and his brother. My favourite quote in the novel was: “Everyone assumes kids are bad at decisions, right? So why would anyone let an eighteen-year-old kid pick what they want to do in college?”- I found this so funny and accurate. This is a great book for contemporary fans, especially if you are not in the mood for a classic 'happily ever after' style novel.

* Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Review on Goodreads


The Prom: A Novel Based on the Hit Broadway Musical by Saundra Mitchell, Chad Beguelin, Bob Martin, & Matthew Sklar

Finished: September 9, 2019
Release Date: September 10, 2019

RATING: 3.5 stars

A sweet story following Emma and Alyssa as they balance their parents, classmates, and their own expectations throughout their secret relationship. In this small town, being gay makes you an easy target for bullying and resentment. For Emma, she’s alone except for her YouTube channel followers and Alyssa, when she's able to sneak over. Alyssa hasn’t come out, but cannot live without Emma. As the biggest night of senior year approaches, Prom, these two, and the entire town, are in for challenges and surprises, as they fight for what, and who, they value.

I loved the plot of this story, it was cute and prevalent for today’s society. It was at times predictable but I still enjoyed it. Tweens and young teens will enjoy the informal writing and the relatable characters. Also it is a quick read, which will appeal to high school students. I thought the overall concept was interesting, and now I want to watch the Broadway musical because I think it would be fun to see the story on stage. Overall I enjoyed it, but would recommend to a slightly younger audience.


* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

Review on Goodreads

Blog Tour: A Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai

Good morning lovelies! Today I am very excited to share A Match Made in Mehendi by Nandini Bajpai for this blog tour. It releases in a couple of days and I definitely recommend it!

Book Details:

Title: A Match Made in Mehendi
Author:  Nandini Bajpai
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary


Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Simran "Simi" Sangha comes from a long line of Indian vichole-matchmakers-with a rich history for helping parents find good matches for their grown children. When Simi accidentally sets up her cousin and a soon-to-be lawyer, her family is thrilled that she has the "gift."

But Simi is an artist, and she doesn't want to have anything to do with relationships, helicopter parents, and family drama. That is, until she realizes this might be just the thing to improve her and her best friend Noah's social status. Armed with her family's ancient guide to finding love, Simi starts a matchmaking service-via an app, of course.

But when she helps connect a wallflower of a girl with the star of the boys' soccer team, she turns the high school hierarchy topsy-turvy, soon making herself public enemy number one.



My Review: 4.5/5 ⭐

In this story, readers meet Simi, a sophomore in high school who is determined to stand out this school year. After teaming up with her best friend Noah and brother Navdeep, they create an online match making app for their high school. Despite Simi's desire to still pursue her artist dreams, she enjoys her newfound fame. But Simi soon must learn how to balance relationships, love, and family, if she is going to survive this year.

I thought this novel had many aspects of a great contemporary novel. I loved the family ties and unique cultural parts. The humour and romance was amusing and will draw in teenage readers. The challenges Simi faced were realistic, and situations such as handling bullies, dates, and family struggles were relatable and it was enjoyable to root for Simi. I liked the other characters as well, and found Noah, Navdeep, and Saraj to be well rounded characters. The plot line at times could be a bit predictable, but overall, I really enjoyed this one!

Review on Goodreads click here

* Thank you CAKE Literary for the opportunity to be a part of this tour *

Blog Tour: There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool

Good morning lovelies! Today I am very excited to share There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool, as Day One on this blog tour. It is the official release day for this title, so check it out in stores now!

Book Details:

Title: There Will Come a Darkness
Author: Katy Rose Pool
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy


Synopsis:

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations―until the day, one hundred years ago, when the Prophets disappeared.

All they left behind was one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world’s salvation... or the cause of its destruction. As chaos takes hold, five souls are set on a collision course:

A prince exiled from his kingdom.
A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand.
A once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart.
A reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone.
And a dying girl on the verge of giving up.


One of them―or all of them―could break the world. Will they be savior or destroyer?


My Review: 4.25/5 ⭐

This unique novel revolves around five main characters, each with a different background, who have the ability to impact their magical world - but will they save it, or destroy it?

This was one of my most anticipated 2019 releases and wow it was so intense! The diverse cast is extremely engaging, and the mix of royalty, assassins, and other individuals will draw in a variety of readers, teens and adult alike. The mix of love, heartbreak, and action was well written, and I loved the sister bond between Beru and Ephyra.

I did find it was a bit confusing keeping up with the characters in the beginning, trying to figure out who was who and connecting with them. But once readers catch on, it is a fast paced read that will keep you hooked until the very end. I am still taking in all the twists and turns, and I know readers will be so excited for this one. For fans of dark YA fantasy and Six of Crows, I definitely recommend this novel!


* Thank you Raincoast Books for the opportunity to be apart of the blog tour *