If you have read any of Schmidt's books before, you can probably see what this book is kind of about. A lot of his books are focused around similar themes, though they are unique and all very good. This book focuses on a very small kid named Hercules, whose parents die in a car crash and now runs the family business with his brother, Achilles. When he goes to a new school, he gets a horrible teacher with an impossible task--or so it seems. He must complete the 12 labors of the mythical Hercules, which includes going to Hell and back again. Throughout the book, you can see the growth of the characters which makes it a very entertaining read.

This is an exciting read, if not very realistic. It follows a trapped society surrounded on all sides by a moving maze. At night, horrific creatures lurk within the maze walls, but the inhabitants are protected by huge walls. That is, until Thomas shows up. At first, nothing is out of the ordinary, until a girl shows up the very next day. Soon, things begin to change and escaping the maze becomes even more necessary. It is a very fast paced book and it's good for all ages. I would try this book, but it's not a must read.

Five Feet Apart is an emotional and engaging novel that balances romance with the realities of battling cystic fibrosis. What makes this book stand out is how it explores the themes of control, risk, and what it means to truly live when your time and health is limited. The dual perspectives help readers understand both character's motivations and fears. This book is a captivating read which I finished in one sitting because of how enthralling it was. I picked this book because I had seen the movie before and enjoyed it and reading the book really just added to the emotional depth of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how it wasn’t just a happy go lucky book but brings you into this world which not many people experience and makes you connect to these characters whom you might not usually have related to. Overall, it’s a touching, thought provoking novel that delivers both romance and reflection.

"The Lost Hero" follows Jason Grace, who wakes up on a bus with no idea who he is and how he ended up there. However, when the group is attacked, Jason soon realizes that things are not as they seem. He, along with Piper and Leo - who insist that they are Jason's friends - are taken to Camp Half-Blood, a place for demigods. The three soon find that they are part of a bigger plan orchestrated by Hera, the queen of the gods, as they embark on a quest to save her from the sinister forces that hold the goddess captive. "The Lost Hero" is the first book in the Heroes of Olympus series, which is a sequel to Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

I have been a fan of Rick Riordan's books for years, and this series is no exception! "The Lost Hero" is a great start to the Heroes of Olympus series and was able to continue Percy's story without feeling redundant or boring. The fast-paced plot not only keeps you guessing but is also easy to follow. Additionally, the characters are phenomenal, with each having their own captivating quirks and personas that bring the story to life. This is especially apparent in the chapters, which switch between Jason, Piper, and Leo's perspectives. Riordan ensures that each character's voice is distinct, and the perspective switch is never confusing. I would recommend "The Lost Hero" to anyone who is a fan YA fantasy adventure books and of the original Percy Jackson series, because you will not want to miss out on Heroes of Olympus!

Nearly a decade ago Lane Roanoke ran away from the Roanoke residence, determined to never go back...

Lane Roanoke did not have an easy childhood, constantly wondering where she truly came from. When her mother passes, Lane is surprised when her grandparents offer to take her in. The Roanoke residence is nothing as she would have imagined, but it feels like home. Her near in age cousin, Allegra, whom her grandparents have raised, is something of an enigma, keeping Lane company and curious. However, when Lane learns the terrible secret of the Roanoke's, she can't bear staying any longer. Now she is back a decade later for one reason; Allegra has gone missing. As she tries to uncover the truth of her cousin's disappearance, Lane is reminded why she left in the first place...

"The Roanoke Girls" was a book that one wants to see what happens at the end. However, the plot twist is not very shocking, which was slightly disappointing. The book also covers difficult topics, however, emphasizes important themes. I likely would not read this again but glad I gave it a try.

The world of romance and dating has changed; with a simple submission of DNA, you can find the one meant for you. This is the purpose of Match Your DNA, a company that uses DNA to find someone's perfect other. Five different people with very different lives have been matched. As these strangers connect with their matches, secrets are revealed... and Match Your DNA may not be everything the world has come to believe it is.

"The One", although a very interesting concept, was difficult to get into. It did not feel like much of the thriller and took quite some time to get interesting. The ending was also somewhat disappointing and could have gone into more depth on what happened. Although it wasn't a favorite, it did explore interesting themes.

Stephanie and Jasmin are two completely different women. Stephanie is a successful news director who's simply on a business trip; Jasmin is a women looking for safety, finally leaving her abusive boyfriend. However, after fatefully meeting on the same plane their lives become intertwined in a way they never would have imagined. Both women have gone missing, with evidence leading both of their disappearances to the same man. However, there is more to the story than meets the eye...

"The Business Trip" was intriguing and difficult to put down. The book is written through multiple perspectives, offering unique insight into the story. The plot twist, although interesting, was not completely my favorite.

Isabelle can't sleep, not after her son was taken a year ago. Desperate to find out what happened to him, she does everything she can, specifically by going on TV. When she is offered the opportunity to do a podcast, she is hesitant, as the one doing the podcast makes her nervous. However, Isabelle gives in, all in hope to find something new about the disappearance of her son. As she delves deeper into what happened she begins to question everything about herself and others. Especially when memories of her past are brought to the surface, Isabelle wonders if she can trust herself...

"All the Dangerous Things" delved deeply into grief, trauma, and the importance of honesty within family. Although it took some time for the plot to become interesting, I would recommend this book.

Dr. Anna Fox hasn't left her house in almost a year; unable to face the outside world after a tragic incident. With so much time on her hands she spends her days drinking, counseling strangers online, and watching old movies. Anna also has one other habit... she watches her neighbors, trying to pick at and understand their lives. So, when the Russell's move in she watches carefully, surprised when the enigmatic Jane Russell comes knocking on her door. After an intriguing few hours with Jane, Anna feels better than she has in a long time. However, when she watches the Russell's house again, she sees something no one was supposed to witness. All of a sudden Anna is up against multiple strangers who will do anything to keep a secret...
"The Woman in the Window" had an interesting plot twist one wouldn't see coming. However, it took quite a long time to cover some important themes and ideas in the book, making the first half slightly harder to read. The ending did make it worth reading, though this would likely stay as a onetime read.

I can see why this book became such a huge phenomenon in the 2000's, but it wasn’t really for me. The atmosphere is moody and memorable, which I did appreciate. However, the relationship between Bella and Edward felt unhealthy at times, and that made it hard for me to enjoy the romance. The pacing was slow in the middle, and I found myself wanting more plot progression. It’s iconic and influential, but personally, I didn’t connect with it as much as I hoped. I do think the movies are quite better!

When I first read this book, I was really intrigued by the faction system and the idea of sorting people by personality. The beginning felt strong and made me want to keep reading, especially as the main character Tris started her training. However, as the story went on, some of the characters felt underdeveloped, and the romance didn’t fully work for me. A lot of the conflict seemed to rely on predictable choices rather than surprising ones. I still think it’s entertaining and easy to read, but it didn’t leave a lasting emotional impact on me.

This book had an interesting premise, and I liked the idea of a world divided by blood color. At first, I was really invested in the protagonist Mare’s journey and her shock at discovering her powers. However, as the plot continued, it started to feel like a mix of other dystopian stories I’ve already read. Some twists were predictable, and the characters didn’t feel as complex as I wanted them to be. I enjoyed parts of it, but it didn’t stand out enough for me to rate it higher.

This book took me a little time to get into, but once it did, I was obsessed. The characters are easily the strongest part for me, each one felt distinct, flawed, and deeply layered, especially two characters named Kaz and Inej. I loved how the story trusted the reader to keep up instead of over explaining everything. The heist plot kept me on edge, and I genuinely didn’t know how things would turn out. While it can feel dense at times, the payoff is absolutely worth it, and I found myself really attached to this group by the end.

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I remember feeling tense the entire time I was reading it. Being inside Katniss’s head made everything feel urgent and real, especially the fear and pressure she feels just trying to survive. What I loved most was how the book isn’t just about the Games themselves, but about the themes of power, sacrifice, and how unfair systems hurt people who never asked to be part of them. The relationships, especially between Katniss and Peeta, felt complicated and realistic rather than overly romantic. By the end, I felt emotionally drained in the best way, and it made me think long after I closed the book!!

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is about Tally Youngblood who lives in a futuristic dystopian society where everyone is considered an “Ugly” until they get cosmetic surgery and become a “Pretty.” Tally chooses to rebel against becoming a “Pretty” when her friends Shay and David show her that being a “Pretty” isn’t all that it is made out to be.
In my opinion, this book was nice. While the story was interesting, some parts were predictable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, adventure, and coming-of-age novels.

Slaughterhouse-Five is a semi-autobiographical historical fiction novel by Kurt Vonnegut. It follows the life of Billy Pilgrim as he becomes “unstuck” in time and is forced to live his life out of order for the rest of eternity.
This is by far the strangest and most unique book I’ve ever read. Vonnegut’s use of non-linear storytelling creates a feeling that I can only describe as…meta. It not only makes sense in the context of the story but is also an interesting writing choice that reflects the author's thought process.
The characters in this book are also, for lack of better words, interesting. They all seem to be either exaggerations of real people Vonnegut met or personifications of his post-war trauma.
This book makes a lot of references to itself, and while that isn’t odd for a book to do, it’s the way that it happens that makes it odd. For example, there’s a character who appears to be a reference to Kurt Vonnegut, which is odd because that is very similar to what Billy Pilgrim is supposed to be, which is even odder because Kurt Vonnegut himself is in the book. It’s things like this that make the novel such an interesting read.
The supernatural elements of this story are another aspect that might seem weird, but are surprisingly not, and that’s because this book's biggest strength is execution. It’s weird, creepy, and disturbing, while at the same time being deadpan, mundane, and even humorous at times. Vonnegut achieves all this while not making these shifts jarring or tone deaf, which takes an incredible amount of skill.
This book is very hard to talk about without spoiling anything, so I highly suggest you give it a try! It may be challenging and hard to follow at times, but unraveling the story is one of the most rewarding aspects of this book!

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Trojan War through the eyes of Achilles lover, Patroclus. This book has been on my reading list for a couple of years now, but I finally decided to pick it up, and I’m glad I did!
The best part of this book has to be the writing. I’m not usually a fan of the 1st person perspective, but Miller’s writing really makes it feel as though you are seeing everything through Patroclus’s eyes. It’s almost as though you are living through him at times, and it’s because of this that every one of his emotions has such an impact on the reader. Every moment feels like it matters. From the mundane beginnings in Phthia to the more intense clashes during the Trojan War, everything in this story feels like it has meaning.
Another part of this book that I love is the writing of the characters, specifically Achilles. As previously mentioned, the story is in 1st person. We never get to see what Achilles is thinking, but that’s exactly what makes him so interesting. The only things the reader knows about Achilles are through his interactions with Patroclus and other characters in the novel, and it’s through this that Achilles true nature is revealed.
While this book is a romance, I promise you will never read another like it. I have never seen a story where the main leads have such incredible chemistry, not only as lovers, but as friends. You truly get the sense that Achilles and Patroclus care so much about each other. That they know each other better than they know themselves.
Being familiar with the Iliad isn’t necessary to enjoy this book, and even though I was, the ending still shocked me. The last 50 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat, and it wasn’t exactly what happened that surprised me, but how it happened.
This is definitely the best book I have read in years. So, if you’re looking for a book that will absolutely blow you away, this is the book for you!

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about Ally Nickerson, a sixth-grade girl who struggles in school, especially reading, and is frequently sent to the principal’s office. When her teacher goes on maternity leave, the new long-term sub Mr. Daniels is kind and patient with Ally, along with the rest of the class. Ally is able to make friends with the smart Albert and the bold Keisha, while also learning to stand up to bullies like Shay.
In my opinion, this book was amazing. Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s writing was fun, entertaining, and overall heartwarming for its relatable characters and humorous moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes heartwarming stories, realistic school experiences, and characters who overcome challenges.

Always and Forever, Lara Jean is the final book in the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy by Jenny Han, and it cannot be read as a standalone.
In this book, Lara Jean continues to navigate the complications of her relationship with Peter Kavinsky while college nears closer. Lara Jean must decide whether to follow her mother’s advice to not go to college with a boyfriend, like her older sister Margot did, or to follow her own heart.
In my opinion, this book was fun to read, but at times the drama felt stretched out. Jenny Han’s writing is still entertaining with relatable characters and humorous moments.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes teen romance, family-centered stories, and coming-of-age journeys.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han is the second book in the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series and cannot be read as a standalone.
In this sequel, Lara Jean navigates the complexities of her new relationship with Peter while dealing with the unexpected return of an old crush. As feelings become more complicated, she must figure out what love and loyalty really mean.
In my opinion, the book was entertaining and fun, but at times the story felt a bit predictable and some of the drama dragged. Jenny Han’s writing is still engaging, with humorous moments and relatable characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes teen romance, love triangles, and coming-of-age stories.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han is about Lara Jean Covey who has a collection of love letters she keeps in a hat box gifted to her by her late mother. These five love letters are letters she has written for the five boys that she has ever loved. When the letters are unexpectedly delivered to the intended recipients, Lara Jean’s love life spirals out of control, and she ends up pretending to date one boy to keep up appearances in front of another.
In my opinion, the book was engaging and funny. Jenny Han’s writing is entertaining, and the story is easy to get lost in.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes feel-good romance, coming-of-age stories, or lighthearted teen drama.

Nora Davis's father is a serial killer. When she was a child, he would take young women into his basement "workshop" and torture them, cutting off their hands to keep as trophies before killing them. But her father has been in jail for 26 years, and Nora is now a successful surgeon with a thriving practice, caught between her packed workload, a cute - and strangely familiar - bartender, and trying to keep her business partner, Paul, away from the new secretary. But everything changes when Nora's past patients are found dead...with their hands cut off. Now, Nora is under suspicion for the murders, and the police are determined to pin the crimes on her, forcing Nora to investigate and uncover her father's secrets once and for all.

"The Locked Door" is a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. I really liked how the perspective switched between Nora's younger self and her current life, because it was interesting to learn more about her dad and her perspective on his murders. Overall, this book is suspenseful and twisty - just an all-around good YA murder mystery. The one thing I will say is that sometimes the plot got a little bit repetitive and the ending was less exciting than it could have been. Other than that, if you are a murder mystery lover, "The Locked Door" is perfect for you!

What would you do if you lost all your memory? Would you be the same person you were before? What if, when you went back to school, everyone was afraid of you, except for one girl, who positively hates you? Chase fell off a roof, and his old self died. Sure, he's still athletic and has his friends, but everything seems off. What had he done to make a girl hate him so much that she dumped her frozen yogurt on his head and left without a word? Chase has to figure out who he was-and who he's going to be once he remembers. Definitely check this one out-I loved it.

Gordon Korman books are consistently good. However, this one has to be one of the ones I have read the most. It follows spoiled brat Jett Baranov, son of the creator of the biggest tech firm, well, ever, a corrupt 'wellness' camp, and... baby alligators? Anyway, all Jett knows is he hates Grace Atwater, the cheerleader for this place designed to make him suffer. I mean, no electronics, no meat, and the pool is set to boiling temperature, what else is supposed to do except steal his phone back and order a Dance Dance Revolution Machine? I should mention he is at this camp because of a little drone, and an army attack. Eventually Jett realizes there is something off about the camp, besides all the first impressions, and realizes he's the only one clear-headed enough (probably because of all the vegetables everyone else eats) to realizes exactly how crazy the camp is. However, he's up against Magnus, the most 'chill' guy, and Ivory, a woman built like a football player.

"The Forbidden Book" by Sacha Lamb follows Sorel, a seventeen-year-old who escapes from her father's house the night before she is to marry the Rabbi's son. Sorel disguises herself as a man and takes on the identity of Isser Jacobs, running to the city in hopes that she can blend in and avoid detection. However, little does Sorel know that the real Isser Jacobs is a revolutionary, a criminal, and a thief. Now, she is being pursued by the real Isser's enemies. Sorel soon discovers that the real Isser is dead - and that, somehow, his soul is in her body. Teaming up with a kind stranger named Sam and the real Isser's girlfriend, Adela, Sorel sets out on a quest to find the real Isser's body and uncover the mysteries surrounding the last moments of his life.

First of all, I would like to say that I really enjoyed how the author incorporated of Jewish culture into this book, because I think that this is often underrepresented in many YA novels. Additionally, even though the idea of Sorel escaping and disguising herself as a man has already been done in many books, Lamb's new take on a case of mistaken identity was really intriguing and refreshing to read. The only complaints I have are the fact that the voice of "The Forbidden Book" was a little off - at some points it would match the time period, and at others, it would feel more modern - and that the ending felt a little bit rushed, which was disappointing because the entire story led up to that reveal. Overall, though, "The Forbidden Book" is a solid YA fantasy novel that many will enjoy, and the author did a great job weaving underrepresented groups of people and ideas into an interesting plot

Jane is trying to get through her internship as a medical student. Yet it seems like she can't do anything right to please her senior resident, who seems determined to make Jane's job impossible. The only thing keeping Jane sane is the surgeon who she finds incredibly attractive, and who has also taken an interest in her. As Jane tries to navigate her new life of being a doctor, she comes to terms with who she is.

"The Devil Wears Scrubs" is a slice of life, which is outside the genre of most of Freida McFadden's books. Although overall the concept was interesting, I found Jane to be a frustrating character and there really not being much of a plot.

Millie needs a job, and quickly if she doesn't want to break the terms of her parole. So, when she's hired by Nina Winchester as a housemaid, she can't believe it. The Winchester's are an extremely wealthy family, and Millie can't help but notice that Nina's husband, Andrew, is particularly handsome. All seems to be going well until suddenly it's not. Nina's behaviors are sporadic and eccentric, and she often lashes out at Millie, going back on her word and constantly placing the blame on Millie. Millie's only comfort is Andrew, who, against her better judgement, she continues to get closer to. Except when the time finally comes for Millie to know the truth... nothing is as it seems.

"The Housemaid" is an interesting read, although the plot twist is definitely not as surprising as some of Freida McFadden's other work.

Dan has tried to move on from the traumatic event that happened in his childhood. He is now successfully working in a prison, his job revolving around treating patients and understanding why they committed crimes. So when he gets a call that his father is likely dead, Dan's life is turned upside down. Returning to his home island, Dan becomes suspicious of the circumstances of his father's disappearance. As he continues to investigate, the events from his past make their way into his life... and everything comes together.

"The Man Made of Smoke" is an interesting thriller that does a good job of showing the complexities of father son relationships. The plot twist was definitely unexpected and not in the greatest of ways and somewhat made the whole book slightly confusing. Overall, it was a good read.

Paris can't believe what's happening; it just can't be real. As she awaits trial for the murder of her husband she can't help but wonder how she got here. Despite the lengths she went to escape her past, it all seems to be coming right back after her. Drew is furious Ruby Reyes is getting out of prison. He knows exactly the type of women Ruby Reyes was and the lies she's told the media. Little does Drew know Ruby Reyes and Paris are connected in a way he never expected. Ruby knows Paris' secret, and Paris is willing to do anything to ensure that secret never gets out.

"Things We Do in the Dark" was a very interesting and twisty read. The switch between two storylines was difficult to follow at first and definitely took away from the book. Overall, however the characters were relatable, and the plot twist was amazing.

Tom wants a new start with his son Jake, who isn't handling the recent passing of his mother well, in fact neither of them are. So, when Jake falls in love with a new house in a new town, Tom takes the opportunity. Except the house makes him nervous and he can't help but notice that Jake's unusual behavior hasn't ended. In that same town a tragedy has hit. A tragedy eerily similar to one that happened twenty years ago, with the man responsible behind bars. As the police continue to investigate and Tom and Jake try to settle in, the case and their life become intertwined in a way they never expected.

"The Whisper Man" was an amazing read, although hard to get into. It mixes real life and supernatural elements perfectly, leaving some answers to questions to the readers imagination.