Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Title: Gallant

Author: V.E. Schwab

Publisher: Greenwillow Books 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy/Horror

Pages: 334

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

Perfect creepy house story for the week. I love a good atmospheric haunted house story imbued with a constant state of dread. This one did not disappoint. We are sucked in within the first chapter to the mystery of Olivia, her mother’s journal, and all those ghosts she sees. And then we arrive at her mother’s birth house and things get really creepy. This story isn’t super gory, but has all the creepy elements that I really enjoy in a haunted house book. We get mysterious statues and portraits, a family secret, silent ghosts appearing everywhere, and a creepy man beyond the wall. I sped through this book shivering the entire time. Schwab has created a masterful book that I wish I had read in October (well, only a little bit, I loved reading it in June also).

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft

Title: A Far Wilder Magic

Author: Allison Saft

Publisher: Wednesday Books 2022

Genre:YA Fantasy

Pages: 384

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. He's been fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.

CWs: antisemitism, animal injury, animal death, gore, parental neglect, panic attacks

Overall, this book was not for me. We get a YA fantasy set in a fictional world but with parallels to the religious divides in our own world. All through the book I was confused as to why were were coding the different groups with fictionalized words and practices instead of just making a direct comparison. It seemed like a very odd construct and also a way to confuse the readers. We are meant to take away a message, but if you don’t really know details about the Jewish/Catholic/Protestant divide, it would really be hard to piece out. As for the romance of the story, we wasn’t super into Weston and Margaret. I really enjoyed what we see of Weston, but Margaret was too closed off and angry for me to really connect with you. I loved the elements directly involving the hala, but those could not completely save this book for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Disasters by M.K. England

Title: The Disasters

Author: M.K. England

Publisher: HarperCollins 2018

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Hotshot pilot Nax Hall has a history of making poor life choices. So it’s not exactly a surprise when he’s kicked out of the elite Ellis Station Academy in less than twenty-four hours. But Nax’s one-way trip back to Earth is cut short when a terrorist group attacks the Academy.

Nax and three other washouts escape—barely—but they’re also the sole witnesses to the biggest crime in the history of space colonization. And the perfect scapegoats.

On the run, Nax and his fellow failures plan to pull off a dangerous heist to spread the truth. Because they may not be “Academy material,” and they may not even get along, but they’re the only ones left to step up and fight.

This was a delightful romp! We are thrown right into the action and it doesn’t let up until the last page. I loved falling in with Nax, Case, Zee, Asra, and Rion as they attempt to survive being fugitives as help to stop of the galaxy-wise plot of the Earth First group. The pages kept moving as we slowly get to know each of the members of the crew. I would have like a bit more information about the other members of the crew, but we do get a decent amount from Nax. I also appreciated how real the teens were portrayed. Each are becoming experts in different fields but still have insecurities and make mistakes. They are not perfect, but are constantly trying. I would have loved to read more about the adventures of the crew of the Swift Kick. Maybe soon.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

Title: The Last Cuentista

Author: Donna Barba Higuera

Publisher: Levine Querido 2021

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Había una vez . . .

There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.

But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.

Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard – or purged them altogether.

Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?

Ultimately, I really enjoyed the combination of folklore and science fiction to detail Petra’s journey to the new planet. I loved the weaving of cuentas into how Petra sees the world, her past, and her future. I loved exploring more of her heritage. Once we start to piece together what has happened on the ship, the story started to get a bit weaker. I did love Petra’s interactions with the Zetas and Voxy. But, some of the science fiction elements as they relate to the Collective are just not believable even for this avid reader of science fiction. I feel like more time needed to have passed to get the Collective to the start that they were in when Petra awakens. Still, it was an enjoyable YA sci-fi story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Anatomy by Dana Schwartz

Title: Anatomy: A Love Story

Author: Dana Schwartz

Publisher: Wednesday Books 2022

Genre: Horror

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Spring TBR

Hazel Sinnett is a lady who wants to be a surgeon more than she wants to marry.

Jack Currer is a resurrection man who’s just trying to survive in a city where it’s too easy to die.

When the two of them have a chance encounter outside the Edinburgh Anatomist’s Society, Hazel thinks nothing of it at first. But after she gets kicked out of renowned surgeon Dr. Beecham’s lectures for being the wrong gender, she realizes that her new acquaintance might be more helpful than she first thought. Because Hazel has made a deal with Dr. Beecham: if she can pass the medical examination on her own, Beecham will allow her to continue her medical career. Without official lessons, though, Hazel will need more than just her books―she’ll need corpses to study.

Lucky that she’s made the acquaintance of someone who digs them up for a living.

But Jack has his own problems: strange men have been seen skulking around cemeteries, his friends are disappearing off the streets, and the dreaded Roman Fever, which wiped out thousands a few years ago, is back with a vengeance. Nobody important cares―until Hazel.

Now, Hazel and Jack must work together to uncover the secrets buried not just in unmarked graves, but in the very heart of Edinburgh society.

Apparently, historical fiction with a medical history theme is my catnip. I’ve read a few in the past and always enjoy them. This particular book definitely hit the spot this month. I loved Hazel and Jack and their different perspectives and stations in life. I loved seeing each of them learn as they navigate Edinburgh. There were a few scenes that I wished had been expanded, but this is a fast moving young adult novel. (I did get very confused as to the exact physical relationship between Hazel and Jack. It was very hand-wavy.) And then we get to the interesting plot lines of becoming a doctor and body snatching. I loved getting into the weeds of Hazel learning and then opening up an ad hoc clinic in her home. My one issue with this book came towards the end. I was not super into the supernatural explanation of the mystery and the very ambiguous ending. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this novel.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

Title: The Kingdom

Author: Jess Rothenberg

Publisher: Henry Holt 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom™ is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species—formerly extinct—roam free.

Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful “princesses” engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time… love.

But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana’s memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty—and what it truly means to be human.

I was pitched that this was a young adult version of Westworld, and it definitely is! We get a seemingly perfect amusement park full of technological advancements. I loved the world building in this book. We really get a sense of the park and the different environments we can encounter. Once we establish some of the world, we get to follow Ana as she slowly starts to unravel her own thoughts and feelings. And the lingering mystery of who died and who killed them. The book is completely fun popcorn adventure, but I still loved reading it. The story was highly enjoyable and the characters were fun.

Next up on the TBR pile:

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake

Title: All These Bodies

Author: Kendare Blake

Publisher: Quill Tree Books 2021

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 304

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Summer 1958. A gruesome killer plagues the Midwest, leaving behind a trail of bodies completely drained of blood. 

Michael Jensen, an aspiring journalist whose father happens to be the town sheriff, never imagined that the Bloodless Murders would come to his backyard. Not until the night the Carlson family was found murdered in their home. Marie Catherine Hale, a diminutive fifteen-year-old, was discovered at the scene—covered in blood. She is the sole suspect in custody.

Michael didn’t think that he would be part of the investigation, but he is pulled in when Marie decides that he is the only one she will confess to. As Marie recounts her version of the story, it falls to Michael to find the truth: What really happened the night that the Carlsons were killed? And how did one girl wind up in the middle of all these bodies?

Oh blergh. I went into this book thinking that it would be a spooky suspenseful young adult novel. Unfortunately, we didn’t really get any of the spook except for a few very brief scenes. Instead, we got a very stilted and strange retelling of a criminal case written by a teenage boy. I was not a fan of the voice of the book. The writing was all over the place and not well constructed. I kept getting pulled out of the story every time Michael referred to something that would happen in the future or some realization that he made at a later date. But most of the story is written in a very present sense. Beyond the writing style, I was not a fan of the story and specifically the constant misogyny. Every other page is felt like some character was saying that there was no way that Marie killed anyone because she was a, wait for it… girl. I just could not. I realize that the book is set in 1958, but it was written last year. I don’t think we need to focus on this aspect so much. And finally, we get to ending and I was completely flabbergasted. It’s a terrible ending. Such a disappointment.

Next up on the TBR pile:

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

Title: House of Hollow

Author: Krystal Sutherland

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 302

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Unread Shelf RC - February: Title I Couldn’t Resist

Iris Hollow and her two older sisters are unquestionably strange. Ever since they disappeared on a suburban street in Scotland as children only to return a month a later with no memory of what happened to them, odd, eerie occurrences seem to follow in their wake. And they're changing. First, their dark hair turned white. Then, their blue eyes slowly turned black. They have insatiable appetites yet never gain weight. People find them disturbingly intoxicating, unbearably beautiful, and inexplicably dangerous.

But now, ten years later, seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow is doing all she can to fit in and graduate high school on time--something her two famously glamourous globe-trotting older sisters, Grey and Vivi, never managed to do. But when Grey goes missing without a trace, leaving behind bizarre clues as to what might have happened, Iris and Vivi are left to trace her last few days. They aren't the only ones looking for her though. As they brush against the supernatural they realize that the story they've been told about their past is unraveling and the world that returned them seemingly unharmed ten years ago, might just be calling them home.

Exactly my brand of creepy for this February. I received this book at our December book club book and bottle exchange. When it was revealed, a friend remarked that “Tobe’s going to steal that one” and she was so right. I was immediately hooked by the dark fairy tale premise and the cover. I was reminded of Rory Power’s Wilder Girls in tone and characters. Once, I dove into this book, I could not stop and ended up reading it in basically one sitting. So good! It’s a very creepy and gory story, but full of adventure and twists and turns that feel appropriate and not cheesy. Iris is a a good character, but Vivi is definitely the star of this book for me. I loved getting to know all three Hollow sisters and eventually learning the truth. I did end up basically guessing the ending, but I was still here for the ride. And I loved the ending, not too sad, not too happy, and definitely not all tied up in a bow. Definitely a keeper and one that I will recommend to other dark fairy tale lovers.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Title: The Halloween Tree

Author: Ray Bradbury

Publisher: 1972

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 160

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Join the shadowy Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud as he takes eight trick-or-treaters on an unforgettable journey to find their missing friend, Pip. Travel through space and time, from the tombs of ancient Egypt to the gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral, all the way to the cemeteries of Mexico on el Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Is Pip still alive? And if so, can his friends save him from a ghastly fate before it’s too late?

Somehow I had never read this story until this year. I finally picked it up and read this in one afternoon with a cup of tea. I love this twisty tale exploring Halloween through cultures and the years. I loved the story of following the gaggle of boys to rescue their friend Pipkin. Moundshroud is the the best character and I really wish we had a bit more of him. This is definitely the book for young kids that want to be scared. Even I got the chills at a few parts. Such a fun experience.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 561

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR

When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets—a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Oh yes! I was hoping for an action packed end to the story of these six misfits. And we got one. I feel even more for Kaz as he tries to rescue Inej and make the various parties pay for their crimes. I loved attempting to figure out his plan before it was fully revealed. I loved how he connected even more with many of the characters, specifically Wylan, love them together! Beyond Kaz, we finally get to see the other characters come into their own power and identity. There are plenty of heartfelt moments throughout the book that keep me emotionally connected through the various action sequences. I am so in love with the this duology. And we get a tantalizing appearance from Nikolai that should lead into his duology. It’s on my list for later this year! I am sad to leave Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, and Matthias, but it was a good ending.

Six of Crows:

• #1 Six of Crows

• #2 Crooked Kingdom

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins

Title: The Woods are Always Watching

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton Books 2021

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 238

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR

Bears aren’t the only predators in these woods.
Best friends Neena and Josie spent high school as outsiders, but at least they had each other. Now, with college and a two-thousand-mile separation looming on the horizon, they have one last chance to be together—a three-day hike deep into the woods of the Pisgah National Forest.

Simmering tensions lead to a detour off the trail and straight into a waking nightmare … and then into something far worse. Something that will test them in horrifying ways.

TW: Sexual Assault

Another teen thriller from Stephanie Perkins. I was hoping this was going to be fun spooky-ish read. forOctober. Unfortunately, I got a mixed bag on this one. I liked the first half focusing on the relationship between Neena and Josie. Once Josie becomes injured, the tension increases, but my enjoyment decreased. The villains were too focused on the sexual assault. I could not deal with the sexual talk and it really knocked off stars for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 479

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone. . . .
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Much better than the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Immediately I fell for all the various misfit members of the crew. I think I really have a thing for misfit found families. Kaz is an enigma, Jesper is delightful, and Inej is tough but likeable. I wanted all of them to find their happy endings. And then we add in mortal enemies and a runaway to round out the crew. I loved seeing all six of them come together to tackle the impossible heist. The action keeps us moving along just waiting on baited breath to see what was going to happen next. I sped through this volume right until the big gasp at the end. I can’t wait to read the companion novel and then maybe I can watch the tv show.

Six of Crows:

• #1 Six of Crows

• #2 Crooked Kingdom

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone #3)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 465

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. The nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

The Darkling rules from his shadow throne while a weakened Alina Starkov recovers from their battle under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Now her hopes lie with the magic of a long-vanished ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince still survives.

As her allies and enemies race toward war, only Alina stands between her country and a rising tide of darkness that could destroy the world. To win this fight, she must seize a legend’s power—but claiming the firebird may be her ruin.

The trilogy has been finished! I would not say that this series has been my favorite YA fantasy series, but I do think that it redeemed itself with the last book. Ultimately, I really did end up liking the storyline and I’m still very much in love with the magic system. I’m still annoyed by Alina and Mal’s relationship and don’t feel like Mal quite earned his place by her side. I was satisfied with the ending between Alina and the Darlking, but wish we could have seen his vulnerable side a little more and a little earlier in the books. (Seems like he ended up being a bit of unused character in the second and third books.) I’m okay with the entire resolution to the series. I’m more excited to read the companion duology and watch the television show.

Shadow and Bone

• #1 Shadow and Bone

• #2 Siege and Storm

• #3 Ruin and Rising

Next up on the TBR pile:

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm (Shadow and Bone #2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Square Fish 2013

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 435

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Alina Starkov’s power has grown, but not without a price. She is the Sun Summoner—hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Shadow Fold. But she and Mal can’t outrun their enemies for long.

The Darkling is more determined than ever to claim Alina’s magic and use it to take the Ravkan throne. With nowhere else to turn, Alina enlists the help of an infamous privateer and sets out to lead the Grisha army.

But as the truth of Alina's destiny unfolds, she slips deeper into the Darkling’s deadly game of forbidden magic, and further away from her humanity. To save her country, Alina will have to choose between her power and the love she thought would always be her shelter. No victory can come without sacrifice—and only she can face the oncoming storm.

Can Mal get eaten by a volcra now? Seriously, I so disliked him as a character and kept wanting him to die so Alina could move on. Alas, it did not happen and we get way too many pages in this book where Mal gaslights and abuses Alina. I just cannot get behind their relationship at all. Their back and forth crap is the biggest reason why this book only gets 3 stars from me. Strip that crap out or change it into a more healthy relationship and I would have given it 4 stars. I really do love the magical elements in this series. I love exploring the evolution of both Alina’s and the Darkling’s powers. I want more and more of that. So sad that the Darkling only has a small part in this book. I wanted more of him. Thankfully we do get introduced to another mysterious character that had been in his side immediately. I wanted more Nikolai. Specifically, I wanted Nikolai and Alina to form a deeper bond. I’m still going to finish this series (reading the third book right now in fact), but I am very disappointed by the central “romance” to the series.

Shadow and Bone

• #1 Shadow and Bone

• #2 Siege and Storm

• #3 Ruin and Rising

Next up on the TBR pile:

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone #1)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Square Fish 2013

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 413

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Modern Mrs. Darcy

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold―a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.

Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite―and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift.

As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.

Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems.

Well… I didn’t hate it. But I didn’t love it either. There’s some interesting world building that’s hidden in here, but not quite fleshed out at much as I would have like. The characters are typical YA Fantasy tropes, but I don’t completely despise them. I would have liked a bit stronger of a female lead. I would have liked to get to know the Darkling a bit better. Seriously, a few more conversations with him would have gone a long way. I would have liked more action sequences. We only got a bit at the very end. I could have done with less training montages. Despite what sounds like a very negative review, Bardugo kept me wanting to turn the page and find out the next happening in the series. I will be picking the next one up soon. Hoping to read them all to then watch the television show…

Funny story: The last night I was read this, I stopped right after Alina and Mal crossed the Fold. My Kindle said I was 60% of the way through, so I stopped for the night. Turns out, I actually only had the epilogue chapter left and the rest of the pages were filled with previews for two other Bardugo books. Felt very silly sitting down to read the last 40% of my book and it was only three pages.

Shadow and Bone

• #1 Shadow and Bone

• #2 Siege and Storm

• #3 Ruin and Rising

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Title: The Toll (Arc of a Scythe #3)

Author: Neal Shusterman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pages: 640

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR; Currently Reading - So Good I Didn’t Want It to End

Citra and Rowan have disappeared. Endura is gone. It seems like nothing stands between Scythe Goddard and absolute dominion over the world scythedom. With the silence of the Thunderhead and the reverberations of the Great Resonance still shaking the earth to its core, the question remains: Is there anyone left who can stop him?

The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder.

What a ride! I was a little scared going into this book after the shocking conclusion to the second book. I should not have been scared. Right away, we’re pulled right back into the storyline following all of our favorite (or hated) characters. I was excited that we get even more Greyson in this book and the introduction to another amazing character, Jeri. I couldn’t wait to see how our beloved characters would take down Goddard’s new order and restore some type of harmony to the world. And then there was the question of the Thunderhead and it’s intentions. I loved that we got to see more inner workings from the Thunderhead. I did not guess it’s ultimate goal until after Anastasia’s first message. From then, I was so excited to see how it all ended. I loved every page of this series. A must read!

Arc of a Scythe:

• #1 Scythe

• #2 Thunderhead

• #3 The Toll

Next up on the TBR pile:

All the Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace

Title: All the Tides of Fate (All the Stars and Teeth #1)

Author: Adalyn Grace

Publisher: Imprint 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 358

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Through blood and sacrifice, Amora Montara has conquered a rebellion and taken her rightful place as queen of Visidia. Now, with the islands in turmoil and the people questioning her authority, Amora cannot allow anyone to see her weaknesses.

No one can know about the curse in her bloodline. No one can know that she’s lost her magic. No one can know the truth about the boy who holds the missing half of her soul.

To save herself and Visidia, Amora embarks on a desperate quest for a mythical artifact that could fix everything―but it comes at a terrible cost. As she tries to balance her loyalty to her people, her crew, and the desires of her heart, Amora will soon discover that the power to rule might destroy her.

I enjoyed the first one this this duology. I loved a lot of the side characters and was intrigued by the world building. But then I read this one and everything felt so different and backwards. Amora completely regressed in her growth becoming a severely whiny teenagers instead of the woman facing responsibility we saw at the end of the first book. And the plot is just boring. I was so bored by the bachelor tour masquerading as a way for Amora to finally get her country back on track. It was silly and added nothing except for a chance for Amora to be very irresponsible and immature. My favorite parts of the first book, the side characters, were all but nonexistent in this one. So incredibly sad that this just didn’t work at all.

All the Stars and Teeth

• #1 All the Stars and Teeth

• #2 All the Tides of Fate

Next up on the TBR pile:

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

Title: Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2)

Author: Neal Shusterman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pages: 512

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Humans learn from their mistakes. I cannot. I make no mistakes.

The Thunderhead is the perfect ruler of a perfect world, but it has no control over the scythedom. A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.

As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.

Old foes and new enemies converge, and as corruption within the Scythedom spreads, Rowan and Citra begin to lose hope. Will the Thunderhead intervene?

Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?

Finally got the second volume in the trilogy after purposefully giving it some time, and I sped through it. Multiple times I audibly gasped out loud. I am so glad that Citra and Rowan didn’t completely change their entire personalities, but did show growth and change. But my favorite parts of this volume were all the entries from the Thunderhead. I loved seeing inside the all-knowing being. Its thoughts on life, death, the scythedom, and the future of life on Earth. The action kept up throughout the book forcing me to turn the pages as fast I could. So good! And that twist at the end was a killer! I can’t wait to see how this story ends.

Arc of a Scythe:

• #1 Scythe

• #2 Thunderhead

• #3 The Toll

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: A Vow So Bold and Deadly (Cursebreaker #3)

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Bloomsbury YA 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 415

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Currently Reading - Reflects the Season

Face your fears, fight the battle.
Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone--even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and a magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As the two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreaker series.

Argh! I absolutely adored the first book in the series and very much disliked the second one. I felt like all the characters completely lost all growth and their actions did not align with their motivations. Those same issues continue into the last book in the trilogy. I was so incredibly annoyed by Rhen and Grey and their constant ultimatums and black-and-white view on the situations. Harper and Lia Mara fare much better, but they still annoyed me so much. I just wanted everyone to take a breath and think about what they were doing and who they were doing it to. But no. They just keep barreling through making the same mistakes over and over again. Plus, I very much disliked the rushed feeling of the conclusion. I don’t need a drawn out resolution, but this one just felt like we don’t get anything to explain. So does Harper stay in Emberfall? Is Rhen going to be Grey’s advisor only? Where does he live? Are Lia Mara and Grey going back to Syhl Shallow or staying in Emberfall? Too many unresolved questions. Disappointing.

Cursebreaker Series

• #1 A Curse So Dark and Lonely

• #2 A Heart So Fierce and Broken

• #3 A Vow So Bold and Deadly

Next up on the TBR pile:

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Title: Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1)

Author: Neal Shusterman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2016

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pages: 330

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

I finally picked this up and it was really really hard to put down at the end of the night to sleep. I was immediately right into the story and the world that Shusterman creates. I wanted to understand how a world got to the point that we join the story. I loved that eventually we got to learn more about the Thunderhead. Hope that continues throughout the other two books. As to the scythes themselves, Citra and Rowan are great lead characters. But really makes it are the side characters. Scythes Faraday, Curie, and yes, even Goddard are fascinating figures to follow. I’m glad the book doesn’t fall into the whiny teen romance trap, but focuses on the questions of the scythes and death. Definitely have to pick up the second book in the series soon.

Arc of a Scythe:

• #1 Scythe

• #2 Thunderhead

• #3 The Toll

Next up on the TBR pile: