{2.5 stars rounded down} I was hesitant about the premise - long-distance shooter thrillers are boring to me. But IThanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
{2.5 stars rounded down} I was hesitant about the premise - long-distance shooter thrillers are boring to me. But I thought if anyone could make it interesting, it would be Holly Jackson. I loved the “Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” books (book 3 not as much).
If the book’s pacing hadn’t moved the story along quickly, I probably would have DNF’d this one. It seems like it could’ve just been a short story? Also, by the end there was one character that I was actually rooting for to be shot. They were so obnoxious that I wanted to finish the book so I didn’t have to read about them anymore.
Bonus points for very good PTSD rep though. ...more
All any Buffy fan needs to know about this book is that it's a Spike prequel. The author does a great joThanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
All any Buffy fan needs to know about this book is that it's a Spike prequel. The author does a great job capturing the voices of the characters we know (Spike, Dru, and Darla) and the shows unique sense of humor. There were also many easter eggs that fans of the show will pick up on.
For those that are not Buffy fans (but seriously, why aren't you?), this book has vampires, demons, creepy underground dwellings, a heist, and a vampire government that coordinates with the Prime Minister. Would be a perfect spooky season read or an intro into the Buffyverse. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. Kiersten White delivered the Star Wars story we all needed right now! Padawan follows a(4.5 rounded up)
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. Kiersten White delivered the Star Wars story we all needed right now! Padawan follows a young, anxious Obi-Wan who is questioning his place in the Jedi Order and his abilities. When he recklessly takes off on a solo mission, he finds a planet that is both beautiful and terrifying, with some very interesting characters living there. I really enjoyed Obi-Wan's personal journey in this book and think young readers will relate to his questioning of his place in the world, his relationships, his talents, and his path in the world. At times the pacing was a bit slow (I could see how some readers might struggle with this), as he works through his thoughts and feelings. But overall, I think it will appeal to teens who are also trying to figure out how to navigate this crazy world we live in. I also really enjoyed the lessons of being connected to the planet and giving back as much as we take from it. There are a lot of positive things to be taken from this story. White also perfectly captured Obi-Wan's voice (and sass), which I think Star Wars fans will really enjoy. ...more
Wow. This is one of those books that I read and am so glad that it exists in the world. As a former chilThanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
Wow. This is one of those books that I read and am so glad that it exists in the world. As a former child therapist, I will say that the mental health representation in this book is amazing! The family dynamics at play in this book, especially after a traumatic event - 100% accurate. The way that Iveliz explores (and ignores) her grief, the way she can't understand how Mami is "fine" and she feels like she's lost - brilliant. There are so many aspects in this story that I think every child could relate to, because guess what? Grown ups forget how dang hard it is to be a kid!
Needless to say, I highly recommend this book to just about everyone. Teachers, parents, counselors, librarians - this is a book to be shared with kids in your life. ...more
This series continues to be fun and adorable. The aesthetics of this series are excellent. Perfect for mThanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
This series continues to be fun and adorable. The aesthetics of this series are excellent. Perfect for middles grade readers who like all things spooky. ...more
I found this book to be beautifully written and enjoyed the author's writing style. I didn't know untThank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
I found this book to be beautifully written and enjoyed the author's writing style. I didn't know until after I requested it that it that there was a previous book that focused on Wendy Darling returning to Neverland. The author does a good job informing the reader about what happened in that book, as it relates to this story though, so if you haven't read it, you will still be able to enjoy this book. I did find the pacing of the last 25% to be a bit slow and was hoping for something more as the conclusion of this adventure. But overall, it was an interesting twist on a familiar story that makes you question what makes a villain. ...more
I LOVED this book! A middle-grade book about a mysterious gothic waterpark (that also has a library) beiThanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
I LOVED this book! A middle-grade book about a mysterious gothic waterpark (that also has a library) being explored by twins with the last name Sinister-Winterbottom? Strange lifeguards wearing 18th century bathing suits and lace parasols? Mausoleums instead of cabanas? It’s a spooky grown up’s (err, kid’s) dream. Growing up I loved all the John Bellairs’ books I found at the library and this book reminded me of a modern take on that series.
I am a big fan of Kiersten White and have to say that her writing in this book is perfection. Her sense of humor, word play, and ability to describe her character’s “big feelings” in a way that kids could relate really shine in this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!! ...more