Reviews of Young Adult Fiction on The Candid Cover YA Book Blog.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu combines music with magic as it follows Nannerl Mozart, the sister of the more commonly known Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one, but I found myself touched by Nannerl’s longing to be remembered in a society that forbids women from composing. Nannerl herself is well-developed, and the book contains powerful feminist messages. This is a thought-provoking read that shows a new side of Marie Lu. Continue reading
Game On by Laura Silverman (editor) is unlike any anthology I’ve read before. Diverse in terms of the “games,” genres, and characters within its pages, this one promises something to appeal to any reader. There are many surprising stories in this collection, and I particularly enjoyed the contributions from Laura Silverman, Nina Moreno, and Katie Cotugno. This is a unique, genre-defying anthology that is perfect for any fan of competition and games.
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One True Loves by Elise Bryant is a charming contemporary about self-discovery. As a fan of any book about travel, I adored the cruise ship setting, and the main character and her doubts about the future are relatable. With earnest discussions about expectations of Black excellence and picturesque descriptions of Europe, this is a great read for those looking for a heartfelt story about travel. Continue reading
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather is an atmospheric duology that I struggled to put down. Inspired by the author’s own family history, this YA book series puts a modern spin on the Salem Witch Trials and the Titanic. The investigative elements in both books build suspense, and I found the main character easy to root for. I was especially impressed with the author’s skill in integrating the past and the present, making this a great series for fans of both contemporary and historical fiction. Continue reading
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