Reviews
I cannot claim to be a writer without also being a reader. Here is a collection of reader reviews of the books I’ve binged. To stay even more up-to-date with what I’m currently reading, add me on Goodreads.
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“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli • Book Review
“The way I feel about him is like a heartbeat—soft and persistent, underlying everything.”
★★★★ (4.2 / 5 stars) This book was so sweet and worth the read. What I loved most was the ending. The entire last 5-10 chapters just gave me so much of the satisfying resolution I was hoping for, which is awesome with contemporary romance books.
“Late to the Party” by Kelly Quindlen • Book Review
★★ (2 / 5 stars) This book was dissatisfying for me. Everything felt really drawn out when actually not much happened and the stakes were so low.
I wish there had been other stakes at play besides just the friendship/romance issues, like trying to get into the right college or the Totes & Goats shop being at risk of closing down or something. It was all-around meh for me.
“You Should See Me In A Crown” by Leah Johnson • Book Review
“We are not above mistakes, not stronger than death, but we sure know how to love.”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) This was such a sweet novel with everything we look for in a YA contemporary romance: college pressure, friendship drama, campus gossip, new kisses, self-discovery, PROM...
I would definitely recommend this as a light, feel-good read for fans of teen contemporary fiction.
“Witchy” by Ariel Slamet Ries • Book Review
★★★ (3 / 5 stars) This was a cute story with fun fantasy elements and refreshing diversity. Some of the writing felt a little lackluster for me, but I would still recommend for fans of witchy fantasies, quirky animal companions, and colorful art styles.
“Daughter of the Siren Queen” by Tricia Levenseller • Book Review
“Your enchantments last long after your song fades.”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) Wow. This was such a fun sequel. Right away, Levenseller brings you back to the sharp confidence of Alosa and the serious angst with her and Riden.
I wish there was more to this series so that we could see more after the “happy ending,” but overall, I just loved this pirate-mermaid story as a whole. I would highly recommend it for all readers!
“Shadow of the Fox” by Julie Kagawa • Book Review
“It is very hard to be human, little fox. Even the humans themselves don’t do a great job of it.”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) I absolutely LOVED this book. It took me a while to get past the first 50-60 pages, but I think that was more because of my own slump than the actual quality of the story. There were a lot of elements that reminded of the anime “One Piece,” which made it all the more enjoyable.
“Sea Witch” by Sarah Henning • Book Review
★★★ (3.2 / 5 stars) This was a very enjoyable story. I loved the interwoven retelling of The Little Mermaid and the added depth we got with Evie, Anna, and the other characters.
All-around a great book. I’m only giving it three stars because it’s pretty short and the ending left a little something to be desired. But, I would recommend for anyone who wants a magical, nautical mermaid story.
“Salt & Storm” by Kendall Kulper • Book Review
“Hope – that silly, stupid creature that lived within me, no matter how often I tried to beat it to death – lifted its nose and sniffed at the air.”
★★★ (2.6 / 5 stars) I had higher hopes for this book than I maybe should have. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator from the start, but the premise was super intriguing. I loved the magical realism and the nautical themes intertwined with the love story.
Unfortunately, the plot took some strange turns that mostly just left me thinking, “What was the point?”