A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, reminded me how much I love a good fairytale retelling. I couldn’t help falling for the strong and caring main character, and there are many elements to the story that make it stand out from its source material. Those looking for a fast-paced retelling that still feels original will not want to miss this fantasy series. Continue reading
Don’t Hate the Player by Alexis Nedd is the eSports book I never knew I needed. As a fan of any book about competition, I enjoyed reading about this one’s gaming tournament, and I learned a lot about the gaming community by the time I finished. The main characters are supportive of each other, and the side characters add even more entertainment to the story. I would definitely recommend this adorable contemporary to gamers and non-gamers alike. Continue reading
As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper is a story all about found family and finding where you belong. I loved the parts of the book that feature music, especially since the oboe is a pretty unconventional instrument in YA, and the main character is realistic. What I wasn’t expecting was the book’s darker tone compared to Stamper’s debut, but while this wasn’t exactly what I was looking for at the moment, I would still recommend it to those looking for a more serious contemporary. Continue reading
Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Lyla Payne is comprised of two novellas that take place over Christmas break. Both of the stories have such picturesque settings, and the amusement of the first one in particular stood out to me. I did find that this book has a lot of drama, but because the characters are so well-developed for such short stories in a way that we can understand their actions, I was mostly willing to overlook this. This would be a great read for those looking for a more casual Christmas story. Continue reading
Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy is so original as it tells the story of a young physicist trying to save the world, and the main character has got to be up there with my favourites. As well, the side characters enhanced my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book as it is amusing, profound, and wholesome at the same time. Continue reading