Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan is one of the most epic books I’ve read in a while. This fantasy novel has everything–witches, a spy, thievery, and a main character who can vanish. What I especially enjoyed was the original way that the witchcraft was incorporated. I adored this book and would definitely recommend it. Continue reading
Month: May 2016
Book Review: How It Ends by Catherine Lo

Author: Catherine Lo
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Rating:


How it begins…
"You're in my English class, right?"
I almost checked behind me to make sure she wasn't talking to someone else.How it unravels…
“You can be my best friend without being my only friend."
Her words were knives raked along my skin. I could hear the goodbye in every syllable.How it Ends.
Why should I keep her secrets when she didn't keep mine? All it would take was one little click and a carefully worded message.
How it Ends is an honest, heart-wrenching tale of a friendship from first meeting to breakup. Told through alternating points of view, it is about two best friends’ tumultuous sophomore year of bullying, boys and backstabbing and what can happen when friends choose assumptions and fear over each other.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Book Review: How it Ends by Catherine Lo
How It Ends by Catherine Lo is such a touching story about friendship. This book has a realistic representation of two friends who slowly drift apart and is very relatable. What I especially enjoyed was the main character and the believable way that her anxiety was shown. Continue reading
Review: Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten

Author: Teresa Toten
Also by this author: The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 31, 2016
Rating:


This powerful psychological thriller with multiple mysteries is set against the backdrop of the mega-wealthy elite of New York City. Toten delves into the mesmerizing yet dysfunctional world of those who manipulate but seem ever so charming. With its gripping pace and Hitchcockian twists, Beware That Girl will keep readers guessing until the very last line.
The Haves. The Have-Nots. Kate O’Brian appears to be a Have-Not. Her whole life has been a series of setbacks she’s had to snake her way out of—some more sinister than others. But she’s determined to change that. She’s book smart. She’s street-smart. Oh, and she’s also a masterful liar.
As the scholarship student at the Waverly School in NYC, Kate has her work cut out for her: her plan is to climb the social ladder and land a spot at Yale. She’s already found her “people” among the senior class “it” girls—specifically in the cosseted, mega-wealthy yet deeply damaged Olivia Sumner. As for Olivia, she considers Kate the best friend she’s always needed, the sister she never had.
When the handsome and whip-smart Mark Redkin joins the Waverly administration, he immediately charms his way into the faculty’s and students’ lives—becoming especially close to Olivia, a fact she’s intent on keeping to herself. It becomes increasingly obvious that Redkin poses a threat to Kate, too, in a way she can’t reveal—and can’t afford to ignore. How close can Kate and Olivia get to Mark without having to share their dark pasts?

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Beware that Girl by Teresa Toten
Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten is an interesting read for fans of the psychological thriller genre. I started this book with really high hopes, which is probably why I ended up a little disappointed. This book is told in alternating perspectives and contains a super smart main character, which is enjoyable. The plot, however, is uneventful in certain parts and is quite boring. Continue reading
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake sounds so original! I love the idea of three heirs who have to fight each other to earn their position as queen instead of it just being handed to them. The magical elements also really intrigue me as I can never resist a good old magic book. I am super excited for this one and can’t wait until the fall!. Continue reading
Review: The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander

Author: Sarah Alexander
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Rating:


Since her twin brother, Eddie, drowned five years ago, sixteen-year-old Elsie Main has tried to remember what really happened that fateful day on the beach. One minute Eddie was there, and the next he was gone. Seventeen-year-old Tay McKenzie is a cute and mysterious boy that Elsie meets in her favorite boathouse hangout. When Tay introduces Elsie to the world of freediving, she vows to find the answers she seeks at the bottom of the sea.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander
The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander is a book that honestly had so much potential! It is about a girl who tries to remember her brother’s disappearance and even incorporates free diving. However, the main character seems emotionless and makes some pretty bad choices, which made the book a lot less enjoyable. Continue reading