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