Posts Tagged 'trust'

These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

Published May 2, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Disappointing her parents, Asian American Tabatha has chosen to study fortune telling with a renowned sorcerer as her mentor, Julian. As part of that training she has learned how to decipher the truth from lies, which is why she is stunned when Julian states that he has seen a fortune and it includes his own murder. She can tell he is not lying about the fortune he saw, but she cannot imagine it to be true. He makes her promise to find his son, Callum, if he is murdered but doesn’t tell her why. As the days go by, she is starting to hope the prophecy was flawed, but one day she is informed as she arrives for work that Julian was in fact dismembered late the night before in his workshop. Unfortunately, the cameras were all disabled so the police do not have a lot of clues, but they believe magic could have been involved. Tabatha keeps her promise and finds Callum and the two of them decide to try to find the killer, despite the many warnings they receive to stay out of it. To make things even more complicated, the will is lost so the ex-wife comes up with the crazy plan to hold a seance and ask Julian himself who he would like to carry on his magical legacy. Will Callum and Tabatha find themselves in danger if they get too close to the killer? Out of all his family, who will Julian entrust his legacy to? Will Julian’s magical family fall apart without their patriarch? Is Tabatha destined for law school like he parents wanted now that her mentor is dead?

This fantasy is fun because it is different than a lot of fantasies. You have people with magical abilities, but they do not use it for everything and it takes a great deal of training. Also, you have people hungry for the power that comes with powerful spells and magical knowledge. Finally, there is a mystery element that keeps the plot twisting and turning all throughout the book. The characters are decently fleshed out so that when the ending is revealed you can see everyone for who they truly are (and what their motivations are), which isn’t necessarily how they were first presented. Recommended for fantasy lovers.

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Published March 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Alice Sun has always felt motivated to do well at her elite boarding school because she knew that it was a struggle, even with a scholarship, for her parents to afford the costs. So, it is not totally unexpected when they tell her she can’t return after the current semester and she’ll need to find another school to attend at that time. Alice can’t imagine herself anywhere else and feels all of her hard work, including her bitter rivalry with the other top student, will have all been for nothing. When she discovers that she has started turning invisible for some unknown reason, she hatches a plan to earn enough money to pay her next semester’s tuition. She actually teams up with her rival to create an app that is completely anonymous where students can ask for favors that only a “ghost” could accomplish in exchange for a hefty fee. At first, it goes well and she starts a hefty savings, but as time goes on the requests get more and more difficult and many are something she doesn’t want to do morally. How far will Alice go to stay at this school? Is there anyone she can trust with the secret that she might not be able to return?

This thought provoking story really allows the reader to understand the main character and how she feels pushed to do these tasks in order to stay on her educational path. It would be easy to make parallels between her story and those of countless others who have gotten involved in dubious choices because they felt they had to in order to survive. It is never explained why she can suddenly turn invisible or if that will be something that happens to her forever, but it is an interesting plot point that makes the rest of her plan possible. Her relationship with her academic rival is also interesting because once she gets to know him better she realizes that his perception of their relationship was completely different than hers was. The ending is dramatic and believable and will leave readers with a lot to think about.

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph

Published January 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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                  Genre: Suspenseful Thriller

Sam Hall was a child tv star until tragedy struck and he stepped away. Rumors have plagued him ever since as no one really knows the truth about what happened to his family and why he wanted to quit acting. Sam and his friends have a yearly tradition where they go into an abandoned hut in the woods on Halloween and reveal their innermost secrets. They believe it is cathartic and will help them heal, but this year their session was interrupted by screaming and someone throwing eggs at the hut that are filled with blood. They are all justifiably scared by this, but they convince themselves it was a Halloween prank and try to move on. Soon, however, they all start receiving creepy messages from someone named Sasha and it is quickly revealed that this “Sasha” has something to do with one of their secrets. It becomes clear that someone knows the secrets they revealed in the dark that night and they are coming to life to haunt them. None of them want to seek help because then they would have to reveal their innermost secrets, but as the threats become more serious they wonder if they have any choice and what lengths the person behind this will truly go to in order to get what they want. Would this person actually harm them? Is there any way to confront their attacker without having to let the entire world know their darkest secrets?

This story was surprisingly creepy and suspenseful. The threats are intricate and keep getting spookier and spookier. Eventually, they do bring in their families, but their reaction to the threats is very unexpected and helps build up to the climax of the story. Most readers will find the ending satisfying, but it is still a little crazy who is behind it and how far they were willing to go to terrify these teenagers. The story does send a positive message about how bad things happen to everyone and it’s important to try to heal, move forward, and look at any positivity that may have come from the bad things. Many teens often feel like everyone else has it all together and they are the ones struggling when in reality everyone has stuff they are dealing with. Recommended for fans of more suspenseful mysteries. 

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Published December 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Adventure

Ross Quest, a seventeen-year-old girl raised by a single mother in a famous thieving family, is desperate to break out on her own and experience a little normalcy. However, her plans fall apart when her mother is kidnapped and held for ransom and she is forced to dive deeper into the thieving world by entering the Thieves’ Gambit. The Thieves’ Gambit is an elaborate three part competition designed to pit the world’s best thieves against each other. The winner earns one wish, any wish, that is guaranteed to be granted. The winner is also required to work for the organization running the gambit for an entire year with no questions asked. Ross did not have any interest in doing this, but after exploring all options realizes she must in order to truly save her mother’s life. Can she compete among very determined and talented young thieves such as herself? Can she save her mother without condemning herself to another year or intense thief work? Is it possible she might find some common ground with the other teens in the competition?

Fans of heist shows and books will be immediately drawn to this title. It’s exciting, fast paced, and has many twists and turns as Ross tries to outmaneuver her opponents no matter what obstacles are placed in her way. The other characters are well described and it’s easy to see where they are all coming from, but that doesn’t change the crazy lengths they will all go to in order to win the competition. Ross has been warned her entire life not to trust anyone and the few times she has it has ended in disaster. She does not plan to make that mistake again, but some of the contestants help her see that trust isn’t always a bad thing…or is it? Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun, fast paced escape. 

A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis

Published September 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Lydia Chass is used to things going her way, she is a Chass after all. So she is stunned when she learns that an error has left her one credit shy of graduating. Determined not to be left behind she concocts a plan to create a true crime podcast about her small town’s “long stretch of bad days” that included a tornado, flash flood, and the town’s only homicide. She learns that another student also needs one credit to graduate and so the school is strongly recommending they work together. Bristal Jamison, however, does not come from a distinguished family and at times her family’s reputation is actually a hindrance in their investigation. Nevertheless, they both bring strengths to the podcast, albeit in their own ways. The town was so preoccupied with the natural disasters all those years ago and the murder victim wasn’t exactly the model citizen so no one ever looked too hard into the crime, but now that they are there is definitely someone out there who wants to stop them at all costs. Was the murder one of convenience due to the natural disasters or was it just lucky timing? Can Lydia and Bristal find a way to work together and maybe even become friends?

This mystery story really hinges on the personalities of the two main characters. Lydia is very domineering, but in a way that the reader comes to find endearing, especially as she becomes more aware of her own privilege. Bristal, meanwhile, is very rough around the edges but often says the thing everyone is thinking and does manage to get some answers from people who do not want to talk. She also has a very open and honest relationship with her mother, which is interesting, because their family is often looked down upon but Lydia quickly sees that just because something does not look as you would expect does not mean it’s wrong or bad. The mystery is interesting, but perhaps more so is the impact this string of bad days had on the characters they encounter and how it still haunts them to this day. Recommended for readers who like mysteries, but also friendship stories.

The Island by Natasha Preston

Published September 5, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Thriller Mystery

When Paisley, an influencer, is invited to preview a private island resort created by a billionaire who wants to create the ultimate getaway she is thrilled and honored. Her father is initially against her going with a handful of other influencers she does not know to an island where it might be difficult to reach her, but her mother convinces him to let her go. At first, this island seems too good to be true with a beautiful hotel, high end restaurants, and a full amusement park. Each influencer is assigned a lush private suite in order to truly impress them. There are some rules in place, but they are encouraged to take photos and videos in order to create buzz for this new destination. Paisley agrees to meet another influencer after hours so that they can see the amusement park on their own, but her partner never shows. She is annoyed, but figures he fell asleep. The next morning he does not show for breakfast and his room hasn’t been slept in. They are on an island so Paisley is immediately concerned, but it takes awhile before others start to notice his prolonged absence. Besides the influencers, the only other people on the island are the owner and a handful of workers. As more people start noticing strange things and getting separated from each other it becomes clear that something is not right. Could someone really be trying to keep them all from leaving the island? Who would want to hurt people they have never met prior to this island? Who can Paisley trust to keep her safe? Will she and her new friends make it safely off this island?

This exciting mystery thriller is everything you would expect in a story of this kind. The characters are all introduced and somewhat developed before things start to go wrong. There are several red herrings that make it more challenging to work out who is behind all the bad things going wrong on this island. The plot twists and turns until the very end, which will keep all readers, but especially reluctant readers, interested until the final reveal. The final page will definitely leave readers wanting more! The setting is truly unique and described in a way that makes it very easy to imagine. Recommended for horror and mystery fans!

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben

Published August 31, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Burroughs was convicted five years ago of murdering his 3 year old son. He knows he did not kill his son, but feels he failed him as a father for letting anything happen to him and has therefore never put up much of a defense. He has even refused to see visitors in the entire time he’s been in prison so he is very surprised when his sister-in-law, whom he used to be very close to, suddenly shows up. She shows him a photograph she happened upon that clearly shows a boy in the background who looks just like his son, albeit older now. Things immediately change as Burroughs knows that if it ever gets out his son could be alive that could potentially put him in danger so he decides to break out of prison in order to find and protect him like he didn’t do last time. Can he manage to break out of prison? Even if he does get out is there any way he can remain free long enough to find out if his son truly is alive? If his son is alive then who did they find wearing his son’s pajamas that fateful night?

This is a very fast paced mystery story that takes off from page 1. Burroughs has been punishing himself for five years as he struggled in prison all the while knowing that most people believed he was capable of murdering his own son. There are a fair amount of things that definitely work in his favor, but that doesn’t diminish the engaging fugitive story. The other characters are compassionate and well developed, even if they are a bit too good to be true at times. The ending, which is so important in mystery books, is plausible and satisfying. Fans of Coben and mystery fans will enjoy this title for what it is, an interesting and quick mystery story for those looking to escape. Recommended especially for reluctant readers.

Live Your Best Lie by Jessie Weaver

Published April 6, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Summer Cartwright is a very powerful social media influencer who has gathered secrets about those closest to her including her best friend, Grace, her ex-boyfriend, Adam, her former camp mate, Laney, and a sophomore who aspires to be just like her, Cora. Everyone has heard the news that Summer has secured a book deal and plans to release ALL of the secrets she has on everyone else. Therefore, everyone feels they need to be especially nice and accommodating so that she might change her mind. Summer is planning the biggest, splashiest Halloween party and insists these four come. However, shortly after everyone arrives they receive a strange text message that Summer will be dead in five minutes. The party guests assume it’s a murder mystery party and start looking for clues…but then Grace, Cora, Laney, and Adam stumble upon Summer’s body and they know it was all too real and that they will all be prime suspects. Who would kill Summer at her own party? How did they do it? Is there a way for them to clear their names before it’s too late?

This story covers a lot of issues including parental abuse, academic pressures, plagiarism, the dangers of social media, and even teen dating. Many readers will find something they can commiserate with as they get to know these characters. It’s told in alternating chapters so you get to see how each one of them feels about Summer and her murder, but it takes awhile before all of the secrets spill out and it becomes clear who the killer is. The ending is exciting and satisfying and will leave readers wanting to know more about these characters. Recommended for anyone who enjoyed One of Us is Lying.

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

Published February 23, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Corayne, the daughter of a pirate, has always known her absent father had Cor Blood, but never thought it would really impact her life. However, she has always felt the desire to leave her small town and see the world. Her mother, whose pirate name is Hell Mel, absolutely refuses to ever let her come on a voyage, however. So, when an Elder and an assasin make the journey to meet her she feels compelled to listen to what they have to say. Corayne learns that her father was killed by his once abandoned twin brother, Taristan, and that he is using a stolen spindleblade to cut holes into different realms and create an unstoppable army. As she also has Cor Blood, she is one of the few people in the world who can stop him, as long as she has her own spindleblade. She agrees to go on a mission to stop this destruction before it is too late, but Taristan is very determined to rule over all and will not be easy to stop.

This first installment is very compelling not only for the quest ahead of them, but for the very colorful characters they meet along the way. It’s easy to become invested in each character’s past as well as their motivations for helping Corayne complete such a difficult and dangerous mission. It takes a little while for all of the pieces to fall into place, but fantasy readers won’t mind because the setup is complex and unique. Aveyard’s fans will be clamoring for what happens next after the very dramatic ending. Highly recommended for fantasy readers.

My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding by Sajni Patel

Published October 31, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance/Realistic fiction

Zurika Damani is nervously awaiting her college acceptance letters to see if she can go to school for music (her passion is the violin) or if her parents will force her to go into pre-law as they do not believe music can be a viable career. There is a huge music competition coming up that she very much wants to go to because several elite college scouts will be there, but it during her sister’s weeklong wedding celebration. In the Indian culture there are many events around a wedding and Zuri’s family has made it very clear they expect her to be present at each and every wedding event. She must also rehearse several choreographed dance numbers and it is no secret that everyone thinks she and her partner would make a wonderful couple down the road. When she finally meets Naveen she realizes that he is not only charming, but a very talented singer who is also planning to go to the music competition. Zuri loves her family and wants to make them proud, but she can’t deny her natural inclination to pursue music as a career. Can she find a way to go to the competition without her family knowing? Is there any way her family would support her pursuing music in college? Does she think there could be a future for her and Naveen?

This story nicely depicts an American Indian family trying to incorporate all of their traditions into a wedding. There are not a lot of books about the American Indian culture and this is a good book to help normalize how students view the Indian culture around them. In many ways, Zuri’s family is like any other American family, but it is easy to see how even between generations there is a difference in how wedding traditions are viewed, which is something many families can relate to. Zuri is a very sympathetic character because she wants to be supportive of her family whom she loves, but she desperately wants some of that support for herself and her academic pursuits as well. Many students, regardless of culture, will be able to identify with feeling like you are an outsider in your own family. The relationships between the sisters and cousins are well developed and it’s easy to feel connected to this family and their story. Recommended for those who enjoy romances or books celebrating other cultures.

The Seclusion by Jaqui Castle

Published September 20, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Futuristic Fiction

While out on a routine task for their jobs, Patricia “Patch” and her friend Rexx come across a van with contraband from before the seclusion, such as printed books and empty pop cans. Ever since the seclusion the U.S. has been separated from all other countries and every aspect of their lives is controlled by The Board, including where they live and what they do for a living. Patch has always found happiness in the fact that she enjoys her job at a laboratory as well as her first floor apartment that allows her a small garden. The only information they are given is routinely provided from The Board in mandatory news reports that everyone must stop and watch no matter where they are. There are also cameras in every place imaginable, even bathrooms, so privacy is something no one expects to have. When they find this mysterious van that is clearly from the “before” time, both Patch and Rexx find themselves very curious about what kinds of things were available in the old U.S. That curiosity gets them into trouble, however, and they must decide if they will just bow down to the Board who controls everything or if they will fight for answers.

This futuristic book combines similar aspects as books such as Matched, The Hunger Games, and The Testing. The main characters are struggling to learn what is real and what they have been taught is real. Every time they think they are getting ahead of the Board they are slapped back into reality and learn just how controlling the Board really is. This is the first in a two book series. Fans of futuristic stories will get pulled into this adventure as Patch tries to help her country who doesn’t even know they need help.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Published April 8, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

Yvette’s world shatters when her parents announce they are getting divorced and her belief is true love is put to the test. She does not react well to the news that her mother, her sister, and her must move out of their family home and into a smaller apartment and decides it is time to downsize her belongings as well. She takes all of her favorite romance books to donate to a free library. When she is there a mysterious woman convinces her to take a book in return for her donation and she grabs the book titled Instructions for Dancing. After receiving this book, Yvette notices that every time she sees a couple kiss she see flashes of their entire relationship from beginning to end, and they always end. This only cements her belief that love never lasts and she decides if she gets rid of the book she might not see these premonitions anymore. She notices that there is an address inside for a local dance studio and goes to return the book, but the instructor sees something in her and convinces her to practice for a big ballroom dancing competition. Yvette does not know why, but she feels drawn to the dance floor and her magnaminous partner, X. Can she really get involved with someone when she is so down on romance at the moment? Will she ever be able to reconcile with her father after he tore their family apart?

Fans of Nicola Yoon will not be disappointed with this story about two very thought out characters and their struggle to find their way in a complicated world. There are also many interesting side characters that prove nothing is ever as cut and dried as it first appears. Not all young adult readers enjoy reading romances, but this one truly has something for everyone if they are willing to give it a chance. The characters are all going through very relatable issues and most everyone can find something they can identify with. Highly recommended.

You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus

Published March 18, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Ivy, Cal, and Mateo used to be close in junior high after they all skipped school one day and had “the best day ever” and were never caught. They have drifted apart in high school, but one day fate brings them together and they all decide to skip again in the hopes of rekindling that magical day. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned and they end up witnessing the aftermath of the murder of a classmate. They know they had no business being there and it looks very bad so they run. As they try to figure out what happened on their own, it becomes clear they are all dealing with some pretty difficult secrets that they must trust each other with in order to be able to move on. Can they clear their names even as rumors start swirling that they know what happened to their classmate and could have been involved? Will they ever be as close as they once were? Is there anyone out there they can trust?

This story engages readers right from the beginning, because you naturally feel for all of them in one way or another. It is really easy to identify with all of their struggles and yet you can see how they all came to make the choices that they did. Without giving too much away, the ending is very exciting and dramatic and leaves room for more in a potential sequel. Readers who enjoyed One of Us is Lying will enjoy this title.

Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson

Published March 4, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romane/Realistic Fiction

Nala Robertson is a very typical teenager who enjoys relaxing and having fun, so when she has go to an open mic night for an activist group for her cousin’s birthday she isn’t too excited. However, the emcee for the event, Tye, immediately catches Nala’s eye and she finds a way to talk to him after the show. He is funny, charismatic, and passionate, which Nala loves, but he is also a very serious activist for causes he cares about. Nala is worried he won’t like her since she doesn’t have any strong causes that she supports, so she lies and tells him she volunteers at her grandmother’s assisted living home, amongst other things. She knows she will be in trouble if Tye or anyone else finds out about her lies, but she’s so afraid he won’t like her if he knew the real Nala. Can she ever face the truth of who she is and will that be enough for Tye? Will she begin to change like those around her to find things she cares about and is willing to dedicate all her time and energy to?

This engaging story tackles serious issues such as finding ways to love yourself and mother/daughter issues, but does so in a way that feels light and fun. Many readers will be able to identify with Nala and her fear of not being accepted, sometimes even by herself, for who she truly is. At the same time, she must realize that people are constantly changing and growing and it’s absolutely possible to change yourself at any stage of life. Several of the supporting characters are fun, such as Nala’s grandmother and all of her friends at the assisted living home. There are many examples of love in this story and it’s through all these different relationships that Nala begins to understand how love is present in her life and how she contributes love to those around her. Recommended for fans of romances, but also for people who enjoy real stories about unique people.

All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott

Published February 18, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

From the same authors as Five Feet Apart, this romance story begins with Kyle learning that his longtime girlfriend is actually not going to go to the same college as he is on their graduation night. There is a terrible storm and as they fight about their future together they get into a terrible accident where Kyle is seriously injured and Kimberly dies. He struggles for months to heal and get up every morning knowing that Kimberly is gone. He shuts out friends, puts college on hold, and generally fails to progress in any way. Then, he meets Marley and everything starts to change. Marley has also lost someone close to her and the two of them begin to work through their grief together, but as they begin to find happiness they feel overwhelming guilt that they are here and those they lost are not. Both of them harbor guilt about how their loved one died as well. Kyle can’t help shake the feeling that something will come along to disrupt his happiness because he doesn’t think he deserves it, and something definitely does but it’s something you won’t see coming. Can he fight for what he had with Marley or is it just not the right time?

This story definitely keeps the reader guessing as the plot takes some serious twists. Kyle’s relationship with Kimberly has kept him from truly living his best life and he’s starting to realize that, but also feels terrible about the fact that Kimberly is not there anymore. Marley, meanwhile, has faced some terrible things as well and because of that struggles to truly open up and believe in happy endings and forgiveness. Recommended for fans who enjoy unique romance stories such as The Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor and Park.

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