The Puppetmaster's Apprentice: A Book Review

This book is the perfect Halloween read! It has forbidden magic, a medieval-type setting, puppets, and an enchanting blue moon. I've been waiting for a solid YA fantasy the past couple weeks, and this one fulfilled my expectations. Piro is an engaging character, and the plot (though predictable) is entertaining. The writing has a storytelling feel to it, like listening to a fairytale. I'd readily recommend this one. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Above All Else: A Book Review

Above All Else tells the story of 18-year-old best friends who are about to make the climb to summit Mount Everest. The story mostly focuses on their emotions with each other and about climbing, though there are some cool parts about the skill and effort it takes to climb Everest. The first part of the book really captured my interest, but when Kate and Tate's romance suddenly started, it all fell apart for me. Both of them turned into highly emotional teenagers who liked to dwell on all their problems, and I lost interest. I think I was expecting climbing Mount Everest to be the highlight of this book, but instead it took a place on the back burner as they dealt with other things. Even so, I still found it interesting to read, and there is some solid character development.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3.5
Overall: 3

Thank you, Charlesbridge and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Blazewrath Games: A Book Review

The cover of Blazewrath Games and the description of "Quidditch meets dragons" drew me right in. I love dragon books, I love Harry Potter, and I love all the the pink on this cover. Unfortunately, I think I set my expectations a little too high. The first half of the book moves really slowly with Lana figuring out her role in the Blazewrath Games, and there's lots of world building details to cover. By the time the pace picked up with the second half, Lana annoyed me as a character, and the "big reveals" didn't seem that impressive. The world is clever, but the characters and plot fell flat for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Far From Normal: A Book Review

Far From Normal is a perfect, quick-read summer romance inspired by Devil Wears Prada. Maddie is known for being "normal," besides being accident-prone, but she finally gets the chance to shine at a summer internship repairing an MLS soccer player's image. The story follows her ups and downs at the sports marketing firm and her relationship with Gabe, the soccer player. It's a cute, slow-burn romance, and I loved how this book focuses on perseverance and loyalty. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Orphan of Cemetery Hill: A Book Review

I've loved Hester Fox's previous books. They are perfectly gothic with mystery and danger and romance. Unfortunately, I thought this one wasn't as good as the others. The premise with a girl who speaks to the dead is interesting, but the book ultimately felt incomplete. I thought the romance fell through, the plot wasn't mysterious or tense like it needed to be, and I couldn't connect to any of the characters, especially because I didn't understand some of their actions and motivations. I'm very sad this one didn't live up to my expectations, but I certainly won't turn down another Hester Fox novel in the future. She's still a magnificent writer and creates wonderfully gothic worlds. Hopefully I'll like her next book better. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Graydon House and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Poe Dameron: A Book Review

My second Star Wars book in two months. Who am I? I really enjoyed learning about Poe Dameron's past in this book. We learn about how he became involved with Kijimi, Zorii, and the smugglers (all mentioned and shown in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker). I also liked seeing Poe's reckless and brave personality as a teenager. But the plot itself of the book is pretty lacking. It's one smuggling run after another, patched together without any smooth transitions. But the backstory is still pretty interesting.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Disney Lucasfilm Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Kingdom of Ice and Bone: A Book Review

I was so excited to dive back into the Viking world with Lira and Reyker again. This book was one of my top-anticipated sequels this year! Before I go on, I have to warn you that this review may contain spoilers for the first book, Beasts of the Frozen Sun. Read at your own risk!

This book picks up where BOTFS left off: Lira and Reyker are separated, and they each think the other is dead. But they both have the same goal to defeat Draki and restore peace to their lands. Lira grows a lot in this book, especially with her magic, and I loved learning about a new land with new gods. There weren't as many fight scenes in this book; it was more of an exploration of Iseneld, magic from the gods, and the characters' goals. However, it still remained tense and entertaining throughout! There were a few things that bothered me, but Jill Criswell is a fantastic writer. I can't wait for the third and final book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!