Book Reviews

"Holly" by Stephen King follows Holly Gibney, a middle-aged woman employed at a detective agency. In the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, a young woman goes missing, and in the wake of her mother's death, Holly is desperate to help. However, when one disappearance leads to another, Holly finds herself in over her head. With alternating perspectives between Holly, others in the detective agency, and even the killer themselves, suspense runs high as the culprit turns their attention to Holly herself to silence her once and for all.

I really love reading mystery books (especially ones about serial killers) and this book really was perfect to me. I haven't read any other of King's books, but this one was a great place to start, as his writing style, organization, and plot points were spot-on. Additionally, the fact that this book is set during the coronavirus pandemic makes it relatable for readers, drawing them in and adding a lot to the story. Overall, the intriguing concepts, haunting ending, and intricate clues linger with the reader long after the book has been finished. Although it may seem like a difficult read (the book is over 400 pages), "Holly" is absolutely worth it, and each page-turning chapter makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The Harpy is about a woman named Lucy. She lives somewhere in England with her husband, Jake, and her two kids. They live a decent life, until Lucy finds out about Jake's affair with a much older woman. Lucy falls to pieces, but feels somewhat relieved when her husband gives her permission to injure him 3 times, no more, no less. As Lucy juggles with her grief and the lives of her and her family, we learn about her lifelong connection to the harpies, bird-like creatures who terrorize disloyal men. With all the stress and anger bubbling up within her, in a story told in Lucy's point of view, I think it's safe to say that The Harpy is an amazing piece of literature.

Everybody at Atwood boarding school knows about the Narrow, the seemingly peaceful river that runs behind the school building. They also know that behind its serene appearance hides its deadly currents, sweeping anyone who falls in to a fatal ride crashing into the sharp rocks below. Nonetheless, every year when school begins, it is tradition for the students of Atwood to leap across the river. No consequences or anything from the administrators, just make sure to not fall in the river. Because they say the Narrow drowns all it takes.

But that's not entirely true. Eden White had seen Delphine Fournier fall in the Narrow and live. Not unscathed, because Delphine had developed a severe allergic reaction to impure water afterwards. And now she's confined in a nearby school-owned building, Abigail House, strictly conditioned to preserve her health. No one has talked to her for years. But when Eden's negligent parents fail to pay her tuition for her last year at Atwood, she has no choice but to live with Delphine on the account that Delphine's mother pays her tuition in return. As the days roll by, Eden finds herself uncontrollably drawn to the enigmatic Delphine - and haunted by the strange incidents that happen to her during her time in Abigail House. Wet footsteps follow her to her bedroom, and her dreams are plagued by a girl, soaked to the bone, constantly choking from the water that fills her lungs. The legends behind Atwood speak of a ghost, and Eden doesn't believe it at first. But then she sees her. Talks to her. And slowly realizes the truth behind Delphine's sickness.

I had recently found interest in stories involving ghosts, and this book was one of the first I had read to indulge in it. It is not as creepy as I thought it would be, judging from the book description, but I enjoyed it anyway. Marshall's writing is very immersive, and every chapter I finished had me wanting to read more. The beginning of the book really sets up the tone for the rest of the story, and the plot is well paced despite some parts being a bit too lengthy. The creepy atmosphere the story aims for sometimes falls flat, but the darker tone does eventually return, especially at the climax, which culminates into a bittersweet ending. The author also does a good job of taking an old-fashioned concept, such a ghost story, and blending it in with a modern day setting. Perhaps the most enjoyable part in my opinion was Eden's journey to self-love and properly coping with her mental health issues. Marshall tackles some heavier topics I don't normally see represented in other novels with sensitivity, and I respect that greatly. Overall, reading this novel was a pleasant experience, and I will also be willing to check out some of the author's other works: it seems like creepier content is her focus.

Isabel "Belly" Conklin has always loved summer, because every summer, she gets to spend time at her favorite place in the world - Cousins. There, she is able to escape from all her worries at her mother's friend, Susannah's, luxurious beach house. But this summer is different. Belly finds herself conflicted as she experiences feelings for Susannah's two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. Exploring this conflict leads Belly to take a deeper look at herself as she transitions into adulthood, filling her summer with countless adventures and drama.

I read "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han after reading "To All the Boys I Have Loved Before," which is by the same author, and I didn't enjoy this series as much as the "To All the Boys" series. Han's books are always good choices for someone looking for a light read filled with drama and romance (and both series have TV adaptations that are fun to watch!). However, the idea that Belly has to "choose" between two brothers took a lot away from the plot for me (as it seems that she has no consideration for either of them and only thinks of herself and her rapidly changing emotions), as it made Belly a very unlovable character. To me, she was portrayed as selfish and naive, focusing only on herself as she chooses between Jeremiah and Conrad, paying no attention to the impact of her actions on the brothers. Because of this, the reader cannot become attached to Belly as the main character, as well as the book itself and the heartbreaking and intriguing story that Han presents.

The Martian follows the captivating story of Mark Watney, an astronaut left stranded on Mars. In the story, Watney has to figure out how to survive in the hostile environment of Mars with only a limited amount of supplies. All the while, NASA is working diligently to bring him back home.

I chose to read this book because I love science fiction and was intrigued by the position that Watney is placed in. I loved it because it shows the extent of human ingenuity and the things that one is able to do in extreme circumstances. The book also switches between the things that Watney is doing on Mars to try and stay alive and the things that NASA is doing to try and bring him back home safely, making the book hard to put down.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is that there is a little bit of a lack of emotional depth in the book. Watney rarely shows signs of fear or despair despite being stranded on Mars for a long period of time, which is a bit unrealistic.

The Martian explores a possible future regarding space travel and exploration, and delves into some of the problems humanity may face while exploring. The book is very scientifically accurate and describes some processes in great detail, so if you're into STEM and are looking for a new book, you should definitely check out The Martian.

Hari Shin is desperate for money - so when her friend, Youngseo Jin, offers to pay her to attend a blind date, Hari accepts without thinking. She is confident that she can send the potential suitor packing (and have a little fun in the process!)...until her CEO, Taemu Kang shows up at the date. And for some reason, despite her best efforts, Taemu is determined to marry Hari! "A Business Proposal, Vol. 1" is a hilarious manhwa (Korean manga) that follows the adventures that Hari goes on as she tries her best to conceal her true identity - and navigates her feelings for Taemu.

Before reading "A Business Proposal, Vol. 1," I had actually watched the K-drama adaptation of the story first, and both versions are fun and addictive! There are ten volumes of this manhwa, allowing the reader to enjoy the amusing plot and lovable character across multiple books. "A Business Proposal" is a good choice for both people who are familiar with Korean culture, and for those who are not. The incorporation of cultural context is explained in the back of the book and adds a lot of character to the story. This is a relaxing and entertaining read and I definitely recommend both the manhwa and the K-drama to anyone who likes office rom-coms!

India’s vast political and culturally advanced populations were constructed by its series of emperors, sultans, and inhabitants that used the conquered land for their own purposes. Many of its great emperors such as Babur, Jahangir, and many others studied the religious practices throughout the sixteenth century and onwards. Michael H. Fisher uses original sources to recover the astounding complexity of the Mughal Empire.
I was interested in this book because of its relation to the Mongol Empire built upon by Chingis Khan. Though some rulers fascinated in the early Mongol Empire the Mughal Empire has an entirely different feel and succession process. This book is a great book to read!

This book was intoxicating and almost impossible to put down. There was excitement throughout the book with plot points that make you want to read for hours. The development of the characters during the story was interesting and really immerses you in their heads and the world. In this novel, Elayne works to secure the throne of Caemlyn while Perrin tries to rescue his wife and Mat runs from the Seanchan. Meanwhile Egwene attempts to pull down Elaida from her Seat but most importantly, Rand finds himself battling some of the Forsaken and clinging on to any reason to keep living and fighting for the Light. Oftentimes it gives days worth of food for thought. It constantly builds up to and leaves you craving to get to the ending to see what happens, and the ending does not disappoint. This book is a very satisfying read.

"Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton follows Alan Grant (a paleontologist), Ellie Sattler (a paleobotanist), and Ian Malcom, (a mathematician) who have been invited to John Hammond's private island. But they are not prepared for what awaits them there; somehow, Hammond has found a way to bring back creatures that have been extinct for millions of years. Soon, Jurassic Park will be opened to the public, placing these newly-made dinosaurs on display for all to see. But the unpredictability of nature and the corruption within the park itself soon makes this adventure deadly. Now, the survivors on the island must find a way to escape - before it is too late.

I watched the movie adaptation of "Jurassic Park" before actually reading the book - and I was surprised to see that the original novel was even more chilling and captivating than the film had been. Normally, I don't read a lot of science fiction, but "Jurassic Park" has a completely different take on this genre. Not only is the possibility of scientific advancement - like genetically engineering dinosaurs - explored (which is especially relevant today!), but human nature and many deeper themes are also incorporated within this story. The disturbing and realistic notions and the page-turning plot makes this book an absolute must-read.

Lucinda Price is charged for a crime she can barely even explain. After a fun night with a boy during summer camp, she kissed him - and he spontaneously combusted. Haunted constantly by her visions of lurking shadows, she is forced to spend the next year or so at Sword & Cross, an infamous prison-like boarding school, per court orders, and ends up bumping into someone strangely familiar: Daniel Grigori. Enigmatic and alluring, Luce can't help but instantly fall head-over-heels despite never having met him. But Daniel soon makes it clear that he doesn't want to be associated with Luce, frustrating her. Determined to unravel more about Daniel and his past, Luce ends up uncovering dangerous secrets surrounding the students at the school and realizes her attraction to Daniel isn't as simple as it seems.

I will be brief and completely honest: this book was bad. I randomly stumbled upon it online, decided to read it, and now I must say it was a waste of time. This book barely has any plot, yet the author manages to drag it to a length of 400-something pages, and almost all of it is Luce pining over Daniel whilst also being unkindly rejected by him several times. The way Daniel treated Luce for the first half of the story was infuriating, and at parts, I honestly started questioning why she was still in love with him. Luce's personality is incredibly bland and unlikeable, not to mention how much she just lacks a backbone. In fact, pretty much all the characters in this novel don't have any complexity and come off as caricatures of common archetypes. The grand twist towards the end was predictable and hinted at extensively throughout the novel, giving it no impact at all. And on a lesser note, there are also several jokes and remarks in the writing that weren't made in good taste and could potentially rub some people off the wrong way. Overall, this novel was unfortunately boring, and I could hardly finish the whole thing. I would never recommend it to anyone.

"That's Not My Name" by Megan Lally follows a teenage girl who wakes up abandoned on the side of the road with no idea who she is and how she got there. However, a man soon finds her at the police station she has taken refuge in, telling her that she is his daughter, Mary. But things are not as they seem. Navigating through the truths and lies that surround her with every recovered memory, "Mary" isn't sure who she is - and who she can trust.

This book is a thrilling tale that keeps the reader guessing with every plot twist. "That's Not My Name" is beautifully crafted, and Lally did a great job making the amnesia and the characters' actions overall believable. The underlying feeling of unease that remains throughout the entire thrilling story, paired with the heart-wrenching ending, makes this is one of the best YA murder mysteries I have read all year!

This book was exciting, action-packed, and satisfying. Maddie, Ranger’s apprentice and second heir to the throne, goes on a journey to save her father and his men from the Red Fox Clan surrounding the hill fort they are in. If they succeed, they must then go to rescue her mother and the king from members of the clan within the castle. The story is well paced with battles that leave you wanting more. It is an excellent conclusion to the story that began in The Red Fox Clan.

"Two Sides To Every Murder" is a YA murder mystery that follows identical twins Olivia and Reagan as they return to Camp Lost Lake to discover the truth of their past. Separated at birth, it seems that the sisters couldn't be more different: Olivia cautiously searches for the truth about her parentage, while reckless Reagan is determined to clear her mother's name. The twins - along with their best friends - join forces as they are hunted by the Witch of Lost Lake, who will do anything to hide the truth of what happened there sixteen years ago.

When I picked up "Two Sides To Every Murder," I was hoping for another thrilling murder mystery, but I was disappointed to find that the plot of this story was unoriginal and predictable. Each secret and twist was hinted at heavily, and the character's actions seemed extremely unlikely and often childish, making each event seem abrupt. Because the story did not flow smoothly, it was difficult to get invested in the plot and characters. Additionally, Valentine seemed to take A LOT of inspiration from "The Parent Trap" (some of the character dialogue was almost identical to the 1998 movie) and that really bothered me, as it took a lot away from the plot and made it even more unoriginal. Overall, I would not recommend this book, as it was stereotypical, monotonous, and altogether extremely disappointing.

"A Good Girl's Guide To Murder" by Holly Jackson introduces lovable and realistically flawed characters Pippa Fitz-Amobi and Ravi Singh as they work to not only complete Pip's senior capstone project, but also to solve the murder of Andie Bell. Every character in this novel has complex thoughts, feelings, and motives that weave together to create a shocking, multi-layered mystery and page-turning plot. Presented in an engaging mixture of transcribed interviews, project notes, and Pip's own perspective, you will not be disappointed by picking up this book!

After reading and adoring many of Karen M. McManus's novels, I found myself looking for a similar read, and after stumbling across Jackson's work, I was hooked! Not only is "A Good Girl's Guide To Murder" perfect for those seeking a good mystery, but "Good Girl, Bad Blood" and "As Good As Dead" (the other books in this amazing three-part series), tie in beautifully to the already-compelling world Jackson has created, leaving the reader stunned with every plot twist. Jackson presents a story - and series - where the characters, clues, relationships, and resolutions feel anything but forced, and each new twist leaves the reader wanting more of not only Ravi and Pip's adorable relationship, but also more of the mysteries in Fairview which seem to never stop unraveling!

"Curtain - Poirot's Last Case" by Agatha Christie is another one of this author's must-reads. The reader is hooked from the start of the story as Hercule Poirot and his friend, Arthur Hastings, travel back to the location of their first case to face their most formidable enemy yet. Not only does this story incorporate Christie's signature touch, filling the reader with suspense and leaving them wanting more, but it also plays into the reader's emotional connections with the characters they have read so much about.

I have been obsessed with Agatha Christie and her timeless mysteries for a while now, and have fallen in love with Poirot, Hastings, and many more of her amazing characters. I recommend reading Curtain after enjoying some of Christie's other Poirot mysteries (especially Poirot's first case, "The Mysterious Affair At Styles"), as I had fallen in love with the character so much that the ending left me in tears. Each of her mysteries is both distinctive and flawless, each plot point perfectly executed.

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury is set in a futuristic world teetering on the edge of war. But for Guy Montag, the war feels like a distant problem compared to his own. He is a fireman, whose job is to burn any books and houses in which they were found. He does it without emotion, believing he is bettering society, until he meets a new neighbor, Clarisse McClellan, who changes his whole perspective on the world in which he lives, and makes him question everything he is told to believe. He begins to realize the true and terrible state of the world, and wonders if the books he destroys might be the solution. Guy Montag is a great character to watch develop, as he is relatable and flawed, but is still incredibly understandable, so you end up rooting for him to win. The writing style of the book is also amazing, full of convincing imagery and thought provoking ideas. I liked the book more as I read it and got to know the complex characters, and would recommend it to people looking for a short and interesting read.

Game of Crowns depicts the exhausting and pressuring lives of royals. Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Kate. The ups and downs of their families and relationships are exhibited. #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen explains differences between the three. Andersen's years as a biographer help him capture a detailed and almost first-hand perspective into the rivalries and bonds between the royal family.

I chose this book because of my interest in Princess Diana. Her death was really impactful for many countries and this particular book stood out to me because the author created a book specifically about Diana called, "The Day Diana Died." Although I had not read that book, I was sure that "Game of Crowns" would give a great perspective already about the late Princess of Wales. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the "drama" of the Royal Palace.

Dance of Thieves is a fast-paced fantasy and romance novel. The author has strong worldbuilding that helped bring the story to life. I did think the author rushed the worldbuilding at times, and it took longer than I would have liked to understand certain aspects of the world. However, Mary E. Pearson was also able to create many unique characters with different cultures, and it helped me feel like I was in the world, learning about these characters and their beliefs.

I loved both main characters and their different personalities, and I enjoyed seeing how their differing actions influenced the plot. I never found myself loathing a certain character's POV. The author makes sure both characters have different hidden goals and motives even when working together. This helped contribute to the tension between the characters, which helped me enjoy the book. Something new was always happening, and I never felt that the author was adding unnecessary information.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a fast-paced novel that will hold your attention from beginning to end, or if you are looking for a romance that drives the plot but doesn't overshadow it.

A telling tale on several eyewitness accounts, Susan Ronald, a biographer, shares her knowledge and research on Queen Elizabeth I. Ronald's account is written with hope that readers will see Elizabeth better as a result. Susan wants to take her readers into what it is like to live in the Elizabethan England.
1554, the execution of Lady Jane Grey is underway at the order of Queen Mary I or Bloody Mary who faces her untimely death four years later. Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, is the next heir to the throne. Elizabeth's coronation as a Protestant savior was heavily supported by England's people. The days of Bloody Mary were gone and a young new queen is introduced. Queen Elizabeth I, intelligent, prepared, and "heretic," is ready to face the wars of religion. Elizabeth's uses her notable political tools to navigate her reign and support England's future.

I picked this book due to my knowledge of Henry VIII, Elizabeth's father. His famous six wives is what enticed me to read this book. Surprisingly, I was met with rather two mentions of him in the entire book. I realized Elizabeth's life isn't defined by her father and her famous mother Anne Boleyn, but by the decisions she made during her forty four years as queen of England. I enjoyed hearing about her decisions for marriage and her desire for Sir Robert Dudley. Elizabeth's years as a virgin queen was very interesting too. The book cannot be totally predictable since it is history. This is the best nonfiction book I've read this year.

Julie Clarke seems to have everything in her life perfectly planned out before her: an aspiring writer, she hopes to get accepted into her first-choice college and someday move out of her quiet home of Ellensburg with her music-loving boyfriend, Sam. But in an unexpected turn of events, Sam dies in a car crash during senior year, flipping Julie's life upside down and destroying all her plans for the future. In an attempt to forget him, Julie throws away all she had relating to Sam and even avoids going to his funeral. Her pain nonetheless still lingers, and in a moment of desperation, she calls his number just to hear his voicemail again...except Sam picks up, even though he's still dead. The two of them have somehow become reconnected through their phones, giving them a second chance at goodbye. But as Julie continues to call him, refusing to let go of Sam's presence, she slowly notices how much she's hurt her own friends and Sam's family through her isolation and buried grief.

Although I didn't find this book as gut-wrenching as some other people, You've Reached Sam is still an emotional story that touches on the grief of losing a loved one. I personally saw the concept of the main couple's reconnection through their phones as a good metaphor for Julie's refusal to move on from her tragedy and how it affects those around her. I did find it hard to connect with the characters in the novel however, especially the side characters, as they felt very one-dimensional. Julie's love story with Sam didn't feel as deep as Julie herself thought it to be (I didn't really care for their romance, although this book is romance centered), and Sam's character fell flat. I couldn't describe much about him other than his kindness and his love of music, and even during his phone calls with Julie and the flashbacks, he only felt like a passing, shadowy figure rather than a real character and love interest who I'm supposed to feel something for. I did find Julie's character development interesting; her character was admittedly annoying and selfish at times, as some other readers have pointed out, but I think her rocky personality is a good example of how hard loss is to handle at such a young age and how everyone has different reactions and ways to deal with grief. I enjoyed seeing her navigate through her trauma and learning to balance living in the present while holding on to little pieces of her past. The pacing of the book had some issues; the second half dragged on a bit too long and was very repetitive in its utilization of Julie's flashbacks. But the ending was a very touching and poignant close to the book as well as Julie's character arc.

This novel may not have had the biggest impact on me, but I was still moved by some parts of the plot. It's not the most well-written depiction of grief in literature, but the story does have some beauty in it, and I can appreciate its message.

Bad Blood is the fourth and final book in the Naturals series. The story follows Cassie Hobbes and her journey as a part of the FBI’s Naturals Program; an elite team of teenagers with unique abilities to help the FBI profile and solve cold cases. From the day Cassie joined the Naturals program she was always set out to solve her own mother's cold case. In Bad Blood Cassie and the team are even closer to solving the mystery of her mother’s cold case than they even know. Cassie and the team end up investigating in the town of Gaither, Oklahoma. The town is small, and brings back a flood of memories for Cassie, as she lived there with her mother as a child. Not only do these memories bring back crucial information for Cassie’s mom’s case but also ultimately help the FBI find the cult-like group who has been killing people for generations.
The book was a wonderful way to finish off this series. The book was full of plot-twists, mystery, great imagery, and intriguing details. The entire series never disappointed and especially this final book. The book had many surprising moments and adapted on mysteries and details in the other books. Something I really enjoyed is how Barnes had plot-twists relating to things in the other three books. I thought that played a nice role in ending the series but also kept me interested and surprised. The themes of friendship and the team dynamic that also play a role in this book make all the difference. Even in moments of great turmoil, when two of the characters had a disagreement, whatever it was, in the end the characters all come together and care for one another which is something I loved about the book. Another great part of this book is it touches more on their complex backstories of some of the characters like Micheal and Lia and introduces mysterious new characters like Mason Kyle or Holland Darby. Sometimes the details in the plot-twists can get confusing, but overall, an easy and fun book to read. If you are a person who loves thrilling mysteries, plot-twists, and a team dynamic the Naturals series is for you!

Projekt 1065 is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, following thirteen-year-old Michael O'Shaunessey, the son of an Irish ambassador to Germany. Michael joined the Hitler Youth as a spy for the Allies, working secretly with his parents against the Nazis. He meets multiple key characters that are important to his mission and the conclusion of the book, such as Fritz, a boy Michael's age in the Hitler Youth, and Simon, a British pilot.
The story is well-written and very realistic, which is perfect for a historical fiction novel. The plot is a distinct and interesting concept that strongly conveys the messages and themes of war, bravery, and sacrifice. Something I really enjoyed about the book was its complexity. There were multiple major events that all came together around the end, which made it a more layered, deep, and realistic story. The writing of the characters was especially remarkable, as each was unique and fleshed out, contributing to the impact. The mood throughout the book is consistent and action-packed, and the vivid descriptions, along with being written in first-person, really let the reader visualize what's happening and help them connect with the characters. The emotions and character reactions are expressed well and feel believable, which adds to the depth of the story. Overall, the novel was engaging, suspenseful, and deep, highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and action.

Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a young girl named Kim Ha escaping Saigon during the Vietnam War with her family. Inspired by the author's personal experiences as a refugee, the story is written in a simplistic yet powerful way using free verse poetry.
The book itself has few words that describe so much more, packed with metaphors and deep themes of war, hope, and change. The story is realistic and tells about not just the events on the ship to flee, but also the family's struggles to fit in and adapt to their new environment after finally finding refuge. The story is difficult to put into words, written beautifully and honestly, with so many hidden messages. It shows how much a person's life can change in a single year, and how much it affects them and the people around them. The emotions are masterfully conveyed through descriptions and tone in the writing, along with the underlying innocence of being told from a ten-year-old's perspective. The relationships are clear as well, showing the close bond between Ha and her family, and how much they care about each other, especially in difficult situations. Overall, the story is a great read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to read something new, emotionally deep, or just because.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is a dystopian novel set in a future where people are strictly divided by age and appearance. Littlies are young children who live with their parents until they turn twelve, when they are labeled Uglies and move into dormitories in Uglyville. When they turn sixteen, they are pressured into undergoing an operation that changes their appearance to become Pretties, who can move to the paradise of New Pretty Town. The story follows Tally, a fifteen-year-old girl a few months from her sixteenth birthday, who is looking forward to becoming a Pretty and joining her best friend Peris in New Pretty Town. Like most Uglies, Tally sees the operation as a turning point in her life, as Uglies are treated in a way that makes them feel inferior to the Pretties and pushes them to undergo the surgery. One day, Tally befriends another girl her age named Shay, who doesn't want to become a pretty and tries to convince Tally to join her before running away. Things only go down from here, as Tally is offered an impossible decision by the authorities and begins to learn the truth about the operation and the seemingly idyllic nature of the society she grew up in.
This book was a great read, and I really enjoyed the concept. The characters were written well and were realistic in a way that showed off their individual motivations and traits. Shay and Tally's views on society and being pretty are clearly different, and that affects their actions throughout the story. The ending is powerful, written so similarly yet different from the beginning of the story, which helps to emphasize Tally's character development and shows how much the events of the story changed things. Something I especially liked about the story was its unexpected plot twists. Some parts surprised me, proving my predictions wrong and making the story even more engaging. The novel is packed with symbolism and themes of conformity, individuality, and beauty while being easy to read and understand. It does great as the first book for the series, sparking interest in the world and characters and making readers want to know what happens next. I recommend this book for fans of science fiction and dystopian novels with some adventure and good plot twists.

The Hobbit is a well-known book, widely considered a classic by many people. It takes place in J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world, Middle-earth, and follows the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who also makes an appearance as a side character in the author's series, The Lord of the Rings. The novel is an adventure in which the wizard Gandalf convinces Bilbo to join him and twelve dwarves in hopes of finally being able to infiltrate their stolen home on Lonely Mountain to reclaim their treasure and take down the dragon Smaug. The group embarks on a journey, traveling to many different places, discovering objects that could help them on their mission, and facing obstacles along the way. It's a complex story with diverse and unique concepts that set it apart from some other novels of a similar genre.
While I enjoyed the story and the world-building, along with its distinctive plot, I wasn't very familiar with the story's writing style, and it was slightly difficult to understand the story at times. Another part that slightly threw me off was the characters' voices and personalities. It was a bit difficult to grasp their individual traits, which is something I tend to look for a lot in stories. Sometimes they seemed to break character or switch between two character tropes, which was a little confusing. However, those points were likely because of my unfamiliarity with the author's writing, as The Hobbit was the first of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books I’ve read. Other than that, the novel was a very good read that I enjoyed, from the world-building to the deeper themes of greed, bravery, and heroism. The contrast between Bilbo around the beginning of the story and around the end shows the character development in Bilbo over the course of the story and contributes to the impact of the story. The events were also written very well, and the adventure was exciting. The mood and tone were also described in a way that strengthened the imagery and made it more vivid. Overall, it was a good read, and I would definitely recommend it for those who enjoy books with a mix of adventure and fantasy with deeper under

Outwalkers takes place in a dystopian near-future England where the government implants tracking chips into its people at birth to maintain surveillance over everyone, preventing anyone from leaving the country, which has been closed off from the rest of the world. The story follows Jacob Riley, or Jake, whose parents died in a car accident three months prior to the events of the novel. As an orphan, Jake is sent to a Home Academy, a dismal, oppressive orphanage run by the government. But Jake's main goal throughout the entire story is to find his grandparents in Scotland, keeping the promise he made to his parents if anything ever happened to them. Jake escapes, reuniting with his dog, Jet, and comes across a gang of children like him called the Outwalkers. He travels with this group of runaways through the heavily monitored and dangerous country in hopes of finding safety beyond the borders, relying on each other and doing whatever it takes to survive.
This book was an amazing read, full of action, emotion, and chilling realism. The characters are very well-written, each shaped by their different lives, circumstances, and goals, making them feel real and human. Each character has their own distinct voice and personality, which helps the reader truly connect with the individual members of the group. The story has powerful themes of survival, freedom, and loyalty. While there are a few topics that may be better suited for slightly older audiences, Outwalkers is overall a compelling adventure with a very strong emotional core, perfect for fans of dystopian novels or character-driven stories.

Whitney Curry is determined to spend her semester in Paris with a bang. She plans to travel to all the best tourist spots! The Eiffel Tower, The Seine, etc. Her itinerary is filled to the brim with places she HAS to visit. Whitney's idol, Josephine Baker inspires her own theatre performance. She must work on her play. NO DISTRACTIONS. But her trip takes unexpected turn when she meets Thierry Magnon. Thierry Magnon is many things. He is grumpy, strikingly handsome, a soccer player, and Whitney's French tutor who is set on showing Whitney the real Paris. Is this French boy worth the distraction?

Readers will fall in love with Ravynn K. Stringfield's creative nonfiction "Love Requires Chocolate." I picked this book because of my interest in romance. I enjoyed Whitney Curry's bubbly personality and her chemistry with Thierry Magnon from the start. The book was very predictable but a good cheesy happily ever after. I related to Whitney's to-do lists because it also helps me organize my thoughts. This is a memorable book that I've read this year.

Harley Quinn Ravenous is a YA fantasy superhero novel. This book is the second of three Harley Quinn novels in the DC icon series. The DC icon series is known for its unique, intriguing, and refreshing take on DC villains and heroes; this book encompasses all of these traits. Harley Quinn Ravenous continues to follow Harley's adventures throughout college. My review grade of Harley Quinn Ravenous is a solid 10.

Brought to readers as the #1 New York Times Bestseller book by Adam Silvera, a tiny glance of the genius title and its illustrative cover leaves readers wondering. “Never judge a book by its cover” they say. But doesn’t the cover define the book? Doesn’t the cover give us an insight on to what the author is feeling? “A bold, lovely, and haunting story of loss, hope, and the redeeming power of friendship” -Lauren Oliver writes on the cover. A tragedy in fact. Silvera’s catching title uncovers a world in which a calling service called the “Death-Cast” calls people 24 hours before they die. On September 5, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio. With totally different reactions, emotions, and experiences, Mateo and Rufus greet each other on their End Day through an app called the Last Friend. Now, the two strangers spend their final hours together on an epic adventure through their city to live up their last day without any regrets.

I immediately noticed this book through its title. I thought to myself, “Who would give a book such a depressing title?!” I mean it’s certainly unique?! I enjoyed hearing different perspectives and stories throughout the book. The switching of characters throughout the chapters was really interesting. The author shows how much death affects people. The death of a loved one affects every relationship the deceased had in their life. Silvera did a very good job at demonstrating that. The book was very predictable but a heartfelt story. I can relate to Rufus’s friends Malcolm and Tagoe who so desperately want their friend to be okay. This book was one of the best tragedies I have read this year, and I hope to see more books like it.

The Winter Soldier: Cold Front is a YA novel that focuses on Bucky Barnes' life before and after WW2. What I like most about this book is that it goes back to the comic book origins of the winter soldier. One thing I disliked about the book is how he and Steve Rogers met. This is an intriguing story that combines Bucky's past and his future. My review grade on The Winter Soldier: Cold Front is a solid 7.