Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Review: Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

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Review: Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei is a charming contemporary with a thought-provoking message. Following rival hockey players fighting for a spot in the NHL draft, this one contains a fair amount of drama and an unlikely romance. The main character and his struggles with depression are especially well-written, and I enjoyed the discussions of other social themes such as privilege in the world of sports. This is a heartfelt story that both hockey fans and those who, like myself, know next to nothing about the sport will enjoy.  Continue reading →

Review: A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier

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Review: A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier

A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier is a novel I knew I would enjoy from page one. This one has such a unique setting, and I loved the balance between upbeat and ominous events in the plot. The large cast of characters and the whimsical yet haunting atmosphere are also highlights. This is such an engaging read that those in search of a fresh contemporary will love. Continue reading →

Review: Dear Heartbreak by Heather Demetrios

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Review: Dear Heartbreak by Heather DemetriosTitle: Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love
Author: Heather Demetrios
Also by this author: I'll Meet You There
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genres: Romance
Publication Date: December 18, 2018
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

This is a book about the dark side of love: the way it kicks your ass, tears out your heart, and then forces you to eat it, bite by bloody bite. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone…

In this powerful collection, YA authors answer real letters from teens all over the world about the dark side of love: dating violence, break-ups, cheating, betrayals, and loneliness. This book contains a no-holds-barred, raw outpouring of the wisdom these authors have culled from mining their own hearts for the fiction they write. Their responses are autobiographical, unflinching, and filled with love and hope for the anonymous teen letter writers.

Featuring Adi Alsaid, Becky Albertalli, Libba Bray, Heather Demetrios, Amy Ewing, Zach Fehst, Gayle Forman, Corey Ann Haydu, Varian Johnson, A.S. King, Nina LaCour, Kim Liggett, Kekla Magoon, Sarah McCarry, Sandhya Menon, Cristina Moracho, Jasmine Warga, and Ibi Zoboi.

Amazon “iBooks”

❃ 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: Dear Heartbreak by Heather Demetrios

Dear Heartbreak by Heather Demetrios is a unique concept for a YA book. The format is an interesting compilation of letters from teens that have important questions about terms of the heart. Many of the responses written by the YA authors are surprising and provide teens with a sense that they are not alone in their feelings. Continue reading →

Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

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Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh BardugoTitle: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)
Series: Six of Crows #2
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Also by this author: Shadow and Bone (Grisha Verse #1)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genres: Fantasy
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Rating: five-stars
Series Rating: five-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Amazon “Book “Bookshop.org”

Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

The Six of Crows books have got to be among my favourite books of all time. I loved every epic and suspenseful minute of Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo and every character’s complex backstory. As usual, Leigh Bardugo’s writing is beautiful and hilarious at the same time, something that is pretty rare. If you have yet to pick up this series, I strongly recommend you do so, as it is life-changing. Continue reading →