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The Thirteenth Child by Erin Craig

Published December 10, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Hazel, the thirteenth child born in her family, is promised to Death at birth and as such her family often treats her as if she is already gone and working with Death. In reality, Death comes to collect Hazel on her 12th birthday and immediately moves her to a new house in the Between where she is expected to study all she can about illnesses and the human body so that she can become a great healer. She is gifted the ability to see exactly what ails a person, but this includes seeing if she is unable to heal someone. She quickly becomes renowned and people come from far away to seek her help. However, when the king’s men come looking for her she knows it is very serious and she isn’t sure what she’ll do if she can’t save the king. Upon arriving, it appears she will not be able to save the king from this horrific disease, but she also fears what might happen to his children and the kingdom if she does not. Meanwhile, Death has made it very clear that he does not support her bending the rules of life and death to save anyone, even if it is the king. What is Hazel willing to do to save someone? What is she willing to give up in the process?

This update to the Grimm tale, Godfather Death, does a nice job of explaining why Hazel feels so torn in her quest to heal those around her. She has faced impossible tasks, but she definitely struggles to find a cure for the terrible disease that has started spreading through the country. She feels for the king’s family, but is also concerned about the total loss they will face if she cannot stop it. If she is forced to guide someone to Death she is then haunted by that person’s decaying ghost. Her relationship with Death is complicated as he does seem to care for her, but often leaves her alone when she is struggling with obstacles in her path. The supporting characters are all memorable so that when they come back into the story, even if they have been absent for several pages, they fit seamlessly back into the action. Recommended for fantasy readers.

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

Published December 3, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery and Historical Fiction

In 1956, Marion Brooks is a dance teacher living with her sister and father in New York City. When she is unceremoniously fired for allowing her young students to have a little fun in their ballet class and her long time boyfriend indicates that he is planning to propose, she decides she wants to do something daring to feel like she has some control over her life. So, she goes to an open call for auditions to be a Rockette. Surprising even herself, she makes it to the final round and is chosen to be a Rockette dancer. Her father is not supportive, however, and believes that she needs to get married and settle down so that he doesn’t need to worry about her anymore. She disobeys and moves to a boarding house that is just for young ladies either working on Broadway or trying to get hired to be a performer of some kind. She finds the Rockette practices challenging because they require such uniformity, but she knows she can do this and she believes her mother, who died when she was young, would’ve wanted her to follow her dreams. Meanwhile, a serial bomber has been terrorizing the city for years and the police seem no closer to catching this person. When a bomb goes off in Radio City Music Hall, she meets a young doctor who has been working on a new brand of science: profiling. She believes that if they work together they might be able to find the bomber, but can they do it without becoming targets themselves?

This historical fiction book follows an intriguing time period in 1950s New York where women’s paths were beginning to have more avenues, but there were still a lot of traditional expectations placed on them. Marion’s dad does not like the idea of women working in any field except as a secretary, teacher, or nurse. Therefore, he feels Marion getting a job as a dancer is ridiculous and unnecessary when she could just get married. It’s very interesting to watch these young women try to push the boundaries of what is appropriate for them in this time period, while also wanting to stay safe and respected. Marion has to choose between a safe path and a more adventurous one and she chooses the latter, even if that means she might find herself in the bomber’s path and without familial support. Recommended for anyone who enjoys books about unique settings and time periods in history.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Published November 19, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Lyla has been with her boyfriend, Nico, for a few years and although they are happy she isn’t sure where it is really going. Plus, her post doctoral research has hit an unfortunate snag and she isn’t sure what that means for her career. Therefore, when Nico comes to her with an opportunity to be in a reality show for couples on a deserted island she isn’t sure it is a good idea. As an aspiring actor, Nico very much wants the chance to be on a tv show. He even suggests that Lyla purposefully get voted off early so she can return to work and he can stay on the show. Reluctantly, Lyla agrees even though something feels off to her about this show. When they arrive and meet the other couples she notices that a few of them seem to know each other, though they are pretending not to. Once the show actually begins it is not at all what Lyla expected and is stunned when she is not the first person to go home. After the first elimination, a terrible storm hits the island that knocks out all communication and connection to the outside world. The film crew had left for the night and does not return by morning. Are they on their own now? What will they do if no one comes looking for them? Will they work together to survive or will some contestants rise up and try to take control of the others?

Fans of And Then There Were None would enjoy this fast paced thrilling mystery. Lyla does not want to be on a reality show and yet has found herself in the middle of a real mess. Once the storm hits and it is uncertain who even knows their whereabouts it becomes clear that they are on their own. The other contestants start to stand out as they all find their place within the group. It’s written in a way that the reader really feels what it would be like to be on this island with these poor people. Recommended for readers who like suspenseful mysteries and survival stories.

Such Charming Liars by Karen M McManus

Published November 12, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Kat and her mom, Jamie, have lived with Gem since Kat was four and they fled her abusive father. Gem runs a jewelry forgery business and Jamie has realized that this is not the life she wants for her daughter and has asked to leave the business. Gem says if she does one more job she can leave it all behind her. Jamie is supposed to switch out a valuable necklace at a wealthy man’s birthday party while dressed as wait staff. On their way to the party, though, they run into Luke, whom Jamie was married to for 48 hours years ago, and his son, Liam. Undeterred, Jamie vows to get in and do the job so they can have a fresh start. Unfortunately, it becomes clear that Jamie will not be able to perform the switch due to circumstances beyond their control, and Kat is forced to step in for her. As she approaches the wealthy guests, she sees Luke is now dating the daughter of the wealthy billionaire having the birthday party and knows it is part of a grift, but as long as no one gets in her way she does not care what Luke and Liam are up to. Then, a terrible tragedy happens that completely upends the party and locks down the estate. What will happen is Kat can’t switch the necklace? Will she and Jamie get embroiled in the latest scandal to befall this family? Is there any way for Liam and Kat to work together and possibly reconnect their sibling relationship lost long ago?

Fans of McManus’s One of Us is Lying will enjoy this title from beginning to end. There are many twists and turns in the story as it slowly becomes clear who is working against each other and how the plans for each character get altered along the way. Kat and Liam have both had unconventional childhoods, but both are resourceful and resilient with every new challenge that comes their way. The supporting characters are all interesting with ulterior motives, but there is a lot going on so the final resolution may take some readers by surprise. The setting has a fun, throwback feel like the Clue Mansion and there are lots of places for the characters to explore while they are stuck on this property. Recommended for readers looking for light, well developed mysteries.

The UnWedding by Allyson Condie

Published November 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Ellery was supposed to go on a romantic remote getaway to a beautiful resort with her husband for their anniversary, but when he suddenly announced that he wanted a divorce she ends up going all on her own. At first, Ellery feels out of place and lonely, especially when she sees there is going to be a wedding there, but she meets some new friends and begins to enjoy herself. Then, after waking up early to go for a swim, she makes a terrible discovery of the groom floating face down in the resort pool. She tries to get him out, but it was too late. Everyone knew he had not shown up for the wedding, but now everyone is wondering if he was dead before or after he failed to show up. It’s especially confusing since he was clearly dressed for the wedding. To make matters worse, there was a terrible storm that washed out the bridge and took out most communication so she cannot reach out to her kids and they cannot reach the police. They are stuck there with no knowledge of when they might be able to get out and hoping there isn’t a killer on the loose. Ellery and her new friends decide they might as well do a little investigating while they are there, but it quickly becomes apparent that someone does not want them looking into this suspicious death. Can Ellery figure out who would want to hurt a groom on his wedding day? Will anyone else get hurt while they are isolated at this resort? Will she ever start to feel ready to move on from her marriage?

Fans of mysteries such as The Couple Next Door, The Perfect Couple, and the Woman in Cabin 10 will enjoy this title. The main character is sympathetic and feels like anyone would feel if they stumbled into this situation. The people at the resort are colorful and easy to distinguish from each other. The mystery itself has several twists and turns, but the resolution is satisfying and realistic. Recommended for readers who love a good mystery, but aren’t looking for anything too dark or heavy.

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Barnes

Published October 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

The Grandest Game is an elite competition created by Avery Grambs and the four Hawthorne brothers where one lucky winner wins multi millions. It’s not easy to join or win the competition, however. A few contestants are chosen by Avery and the rest must follow clues in order to earn a ticket to play. Once the 7 contestants are chosen and make their way to the competition, on an island, it becomes clear that the clues will be challenging and they will be forced to work in groups for the first round. Anyone not completed by sunrise will be eliminated from the competition. Each player has their own motivations for wanting to win, and of course they all have secrets they would prefer everyone didn’t know. How can they trust anyone, even people they are assigned to work with? In a group of highly motivated people, how can anyone find a way to get ahead?

Fans of the Inheritance Games series will enjoy this title because it is all riddles, games, and clues in an exciting format. As the game progresses, the reader learns more about each character, why they are here, and what their motivations are. The clues and puzzles are especially interesting in the Grandest Game and would be amazing to see visually in a movie. The ending is satisfying, but many readers will be disappointed that this is only the first challenge of this game. Highly recommended for fans of the series.

Poison in their Hearts by Laura Sebastian

Published October 22, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

In this final installment of the Castles in their Bones series, Daphne and Beatriz work together to try and overcome the horrendous plans set out by their mother to take over all of the kingdoms at any cost. However, it will not be easy as their mother always seems to be a step ahead and has spies everywhere. In fact, before Beatriz can get to Daphne, she is betrayed, drugged, and sent back to the kingdom she desperately wants to flee. Meanwhile, Violie is trying to maintain the ruse that she is in fact Princess Sophronia (with Daphne’s help). Can they find a way, with their allies, to outsmart their mother and somehow keep the prophecy of their deaths from coming to fruition? Will they be able to find a way to get the support of the people against their mother, who appears from the outside to be a kind leader? Do they have what it takes to really stand up to the one who raised them for this very purpose?

This final installment is every bit as engaging as the first two and will make readers wish the series continued on. The sisters, continue to become more complex and endearing characters, but the supporting characters also become more developed as each impacts the ultimate resolution. This story does not shy away from violence as a means to an end, but it is never too graphic or overwhelming. The ending contains many twists and turns, which is impressive considering how far this story has already taken readers, but at no point does anything seem outlandish or exaggerated. This book finishes out the trilogy in such a satisfying way that the previous two books seem even better now that the resolution is clear. Recommended for fantasy and romance readers.

Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield

Published October 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Anton Fraser, a teen reality star known for crazy antics, announces he will be running a giant live-streamed game of tag. Each contestant (100 in total) will have the latest tech to help them on the game, including body cams that will be watching their every move. The game cannot distract from the fact that Anton disappeared from public life after one of his employees died suspiciously at his sprawling mansion. It was ruled a suicide, but there were always questions and the answers are now threatening to come out. After the game starts it becomes clear that some people are in it for different reasons than just the cash prize. Grayson, for example, wants to avenge the love of his life who died in Anton’s employ, but first he must do well enough to get close to him. Erin needs to win for her mother, who has placed a lot of pressure on Erin to win at all costs. Charlotte really does believe she is Anton’s biggest fan and believes they could form a relationship if only they got to know one another. As the game gets started and they are assigned to be Chasers and Runners it becomes clear that not everything is at seems and when a dead body is discovered it changes everything. Is it all part of the game? Has someone taken control of the game? Is there anyone they can trust?

This fun, fast paced mystery is great for reluctant readers because there is a lot of action but it’s also written in a way that readers who maybe favor YouTube or videogames can really get interested in. The characters are all easy to distinguish and all have their own motivations for wanting to participate in this crazy game. The ending will surprise many, but in a good way for mystery fans who like to be caught off guard. Recommended for mystery fans and those looking for something exciting with a modern twist.

These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

Published October 8, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Tabatha is the apprentice to one of the world’s most famous sorcerer’s and so far it has been a good learning experience. Until that is, when her boss predicts his own gruesome death and it actually comes true. There is a special division of law enforcement who deals with magical murders and they quickly zero in on Callum, the sorcerer’s youngest son. Callum and Tabatha decide to work together to try to figure out how someone could have killed the sorcerer in the way he died, but also who would want him dead. Many things do not add up in this mystery and there are many family members acting suspiciously in the days after the unexpected death. Moreover, Tabatha still isn’t sure who she can trust and it becomes clear that no one trusts her either. How can they solve the mystery of this near impossible crime?

This fantasy story is unique and intriguing from the beginning as the world is described and the purpose of sorcerer’s in the world becomes clear. The idea of a prophecy predicting the death of a powerful sorcerer is very interesting because he should be able to protect himself from most supernatural threats. As the family members are introduced it becomes clear that there are several dynamics at play, not to mention Tabatha suspects many of them are lying. Callum has a backstory with his father that makes his motives unclear, but for some reason he is able to convince Tabatha that he had nothing to do with his father’s death. The ending is exciting and satisfying. Recommended for fantasy fans looking for something new and different.

Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall

Published October 1, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Linden and her sisters all have the ability to taste the feelings of those around them. Over the years, people in their small town have started to get spooked by the James women because of their supernatural abilities. They run a popular cafe in town, however, and many can’t resist their fried green tomatoes. Linden went missing in the woods one night and does not remember what happened to her or how she found her way home, but when another girl goes missing shortly after and is not so lucky as to return home safely, many start to wonder if there is a creature in the woods preying on young women. Meanwhile, it feels like someone is specifically targeting the James women and Linden is not sure how to stop it before they lose everything. Can Linden and her sisters get to the bottom of who is behind these attacks? Can Linden find a way to use her ability to her advantage with those around her? Will she ever be able to find a way back to her beloved boyfriend, Cole, who fled when he learned of her abillity?

Fans of fantasy books will enjoy this title because it has a unique premise, interesting characters, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The mystery itself has more twists in it than it originally appears and the ending is very exciting and dramatic. There are also many secrets amongst the characters that all prove to be very important to the story once they are revealed. The James women are the real star of this novel and readers will want to know more about this charismatic family.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

Published September 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Action/Survival

Emerson is convicted of arson and now she’s looking at murder, which carries a fifty year sentence, when a producer approaches her about becoming a contestant on his new show, The Kill Factor. If she wins the reality show she also wins her freedom, but if she loses she must spend the rest of her life in prison. Initially, she refuses the offer because she finds the producer unsettling and feels there is more to this game than he is letting on, but the prospect of winning could mean earning credits that would take care of her father and brother long after she’s gone. Reluctantly, she joins the 49 other teenage felons on a cruise ship taking them to their fate. Another contestant, Kodi, says some ominous things as they leave for their destination that makes her think he knows more about what’s going on than everyone else. As the trials begin it becomes clear that winning and losing aren’t the only two options: contestants can also die. Can Emerson survive the trials in order to earn her freedom? Can she find a way to save anyone before it is too late? Is there anyone she can trust or is everyone out for themselves?

This fast paced, action packed story will leave readers wanting to know more. Each trial is engaging in a horrific way as these teens desperately try to survive. As Emerson grows closer to people it is hard not to want to protect her friends even as she tries to save herself. The aspect of having viewers vote for their favorites also raises the stakes because it becomes a popularity contest and it becomes obvious that contestants will do whatever they need to in order to survive. The ending reveals some answers, but it also raises questions as readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, The Testing, and other deadly competitive series.

Brighter than the Sun by Daniel Aleman

Published September 20, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sol is the only member of her family born on the U.S. side of the Mexican border and as such has the ability to go to school in the U.S. Every morning she crosses the border and makes her way to the high school where she hopes to do well enough to get into a good college. When her mom dies of cancer, however, things get much more difficult. Her father is trying to run her mother’s restaurant but the economy is struggling and so is he. Her older brother is trying to find work to help the family out, but nothing seems to pay well enough to truly help with their mounting debt. When Sol is able to find a job working in a warehouse in the U.S., she makes the difficult decision to stay in the U.S. with a friend during the week so she can go to school and work. She knows the money would really help her family, but it’s a real strain on her and she feels disconnected to her family back home, especially her little brother who has been struggling the most among the family strife. Can Sol find a way to help her family without dropping her grades and/or burning out? Can Sol find a way to be happy in this new life in the U.S. and if she does will she feel guilty about feeling happy while her family suffers in Mexico? Will things ever begin to feel a little easier?

This powerful story follows a teenage girl trying desperately to mourn her mother while also trying to keep her family from drowning (financially and spiritually). They all feel helpless and like nothing ever goes their way and they will struggle forever. Sol tries her best to be everything to everyone, but at some point this is just impossible. The story does a really nice job of depicting immigration issues, anxiety, poverty, and grief on both sides of the border. Readers will find themselves thinking about Sol and others like her struggling every day in this country, long after the book ends. Recommended.

Rez Ball by Byron Graves

Published September 17, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Sports Fiction/Native American Fiction

Tre is a Native American living on a reservation in Minnesota with his mother and father who are still grieving the sudden loss of his big brother, Jaxon. Jaxon was an amazing basketball player and the loss of him resulted in the rez team once again not making it to the state tournament. Tre was crushed when the team lost and vowed to improve his game so he can make varsity for his sophomore year. His best friend, Wes, is convinced Tre has a future in basketball and has been making a documentary on his journey since he is an aspiring filmmaker. As he gets closer to the season he really believes that his summer workouts will pay off, he’ll make varsity, and they’ll take the team to the state tournament for the first time. Can he make the varsity team his brother would have been a starting senior on? Can the rez team get to the state tournament for the first time in history? Can he keep up with the insane expectations everyone has for him?

Fans of sports fiction will enjoy this title because there is a lot of great sports action, but the setting on the reservation is really different and interesting. There is starting to be more Native American fiction and this is a great one to show how life on the rez is not that different from life in any other place, but there are still many people who harbor stereotypes and prejudices toward Native Americans. The characters are well developed which helps the reader care about what happens to them and how this team truly affects the entire rez. The ending is exciting and satisfying. Recommended for fans of other sports fiction authors such as Carl Deuker.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Published September 13, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Paedyn Gray has been passing as a psychic ever since her father was brutally murdered in their home. In her kingdom, if you don’t have a magical ability you are banished or worse, so it is imperative that no one find out she’s an Ordinary. When she inadvertently saves the life of a prince everyone suddenly takes notice of her and she is forced to join the Purging Trials. The Purging Trials is a brutal competition in which Elites show their power by using their magical abilities to win dangerous events in which some do not survive. Once Paedyn begins the Purging Trials she becomes close with both princes, Kai and Kitt. Kai is the enforcer of the kingdom and is used by his father to murder or banish those he feels unworthy to live there. Kitt, on the other hand, will one day be king and tends to show more compassion and sympathy toward his subjects, but he also believes his father’s way is the only way and has no plans to change anything once he ascends the throne. Meanwhile, there is an underground movement to overthrow the king due to his ruthless tactics and malicious laws and as Paedon gets to know those around her in the Elites she can’t help but feel torn between these two groups. What would happen if Kai and Kitt found out she had ties to the rebels? Who was behind her father’s murder and can she find a way to avenge him? What will happen if the Elites find out she is truly an Ordinary?

Fans of fantasy series will love this book as it combines popular elements such as magical abilities, ruthless competitions, corrupt kings, and of course secrets. The characters are all well developed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the ability to change and grow as secrets are revealed. The ending is well developed as the plot twists reveal everyone is hiding something and their relationships will be forever changed. Fans of The Testing series, The Red Queen series, and other similar fantasy series will enjoy this book and be racing to get the next one in the series.

The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold

Published September 10, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

This powerful story set in 1930s-1940s Romania is based on the author’s grandmother. Rieke is a young girl whose father frequently abandons her, her mother, and her sister. Finally, in an act of desperation, her older sister Astra begs a neighbor to call her grandfather, Opa, and he comes to take them all to her house where he can keep them fed and healthy. Unfortunately, they are invaded by the Soviets who do not care for Jews and they all begin to face hardships regarding all aspects of daily life such as going to school, getting groceries, and even Opa’s jewelry shop. Throughout it all, Rieke tries to remain positive as her Opa prays and her sister begins running around with a secret boyfriend. Eventually, Romania falls to the Germans who somehow make life even worse for the Jews. As Rieke witnesses terrible things happen all around her she can’t help but think about all she has been through and what she will do in order to survive.

This powerful story is important for us to know about because Romania during WWII is not discussed as much as other areas and many people are unaware what life was like for Jews during this time. There were instances of forcing Jews from their homes, sending them to work camps, senselessly murdering them in the streets and so much more. These are important stories for us all to know about. Rieke also has a very unusual relationship with her sister, Astra. She both loves and adores her and also feels she is treated cruelly by her. In her eyes, no one can ever refuse Astra anything she wants which makes her a powerful force. That is great if she is on your side, but not so great if she’s not. Highly recommended for anyone who likes WWII fiction and stories about strong families overcoming hardship.

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