Category Archives: Young Adult/Teen 12-18

Review: Sky Breaker by Addie Thorley

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,
Sky Breaker by Addie Thorley

Sky Breaker (Night Spinner #2)
Addie Thorley
Page Street Kids
Published May 4, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Sky Breaker

Enebish has been deceived by everyone she once considered a friend. On the run across the tundra, her only allies are her best friend Serik and a band of ill-tempered shepherds. Her only hope of bringing peace to Ashkar is to unite the people of the Protected Territories and make a stand against the tyrannical Sky King and the hostile nation of Zemya. But that’s easier said than done. As supplies dwindle, the shepherds become far more desperate for food than freedom.

Meanwhile, Zemyan forces have stormed the Ashkarian capital. Imperial Army Commander Ghoa throws all of her power into a last-ditch effort to save her king, only to be abandoned by her fellow warriors. Held captive in a prison forged of magic and tortured by the zealous sorcerer Kartok, Ghoa learns his true ambitions lie far beyond the warring countries—he wants vengeance on the gods themselves.

The war between Ashkar and Zemya began centuries ago as a feud amongst the gods. Now it’s up to the two most hated people on the continent—the monstrous outcast, Enebish, and the notorious war criminal, Ghoa—to heal that spiritual divide before Kartok brings the skies crashing down on all of them.

My Review

After reading and enjoying the first book in this duology, NIGHT SPINNER, I knew I wanted to read this book. I love that in it we get both Enebish and Ghoa’s points of view. I liked following both of them and seeing how their stories wove together in the end.

One of the things I struggled with, though, was that the first 150 pages or so are kind of bleak. Enebish is frustrated and resistant. Ghoa is bitter and angry. While their feelings were understandable, it left me feeling like the story dragged and I had a hard time pushing past that.

Sometime around that 150 or 200 page mark, though, things began to shift. Enebish began to see things differently, to see how she needed to change. And Ghoa began to have goals that didn’t involve murdering everyone on sight. That’s where, for me, the story started to build a lot of power and draw me in.

Those early chapters do serve a purpose– we needed to know that Enebish and Ghoa both are resisting changes that they need to embrace, and that though they don’t see the consequences as fair (and sometimes they’re not truly fair, but understandable), we see the consequences as fair. I guess I just found myself wondering if that could have been done effectively in fewer pages.

One of the things I loved about SKY BREAKER, though, is that it’s a faith-positive story. Enebish believes devoutly in the Lady and the Father, a goddess and god team who created everything and bestowed magic on her people. Two characters previously skeptical of her faith eventually come to celebrate their own faith, too.

I also loved that the core relationship that the story revolves around is the relationship between Enebish and Ghoa, whom En thinks of as her sister. While there is a side romance in in the story, it’s this relationship, especially in the second half of the book, that takes center stage. I loved that.

On the whole, I enjoyed reading the book, and I really enjoyed the relationships and faith-positive storytelling. I think readers who enjoyed GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson will want to check out this duology.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Enebish and Serik are described as having bronze skin. Characters from Zemya are pale-skinned with white-blond hair.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Curses include things like, “Skies.”

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Enebish believes in and prays to the Lady and the Father, a goddess and god team. People from Zemya believe in Lady and the Father’s daughter Zemya. There’s a long-standing quarrel between Zemya and her parents. The story as a whole is really faith-positive and celebrates faith.

Violent Content
Some scenes show physical and mental torture. Multiple scenes show battles with injuries. Some brief but graphic descriptions.

Drug Content
One person appears to have a medication that heals but also binds that person to him through magic.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog. I received a free copy of SKY BREAKER in exchange for my honest review.

Review: These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , ,

These Feathered Flames
Alexandra Overy
Inkyard Press
Published April 20, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About These Feathered Flames

When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.

But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.

As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.

My Review

The plight of these two sisters drew me in immediately. Izaveta is caught in a world of politial intrigue where every word and look can be laced with meaning and danger. Asya, a gentle, loving girl is tasked with ensuring the price for magic is always paid by the people who use it. I felt like both sisters were easy to identify with, and both were in such desperate circumstances that I couldn’t help holding my breath and reading more and more to find out what would happen.

There were a couple moments toward the middle where I got a little bit impatient. Asya and Izaveta’s feelings of desperation came awfully close to self-pity, and it felt like the story might stall out. And then it did NOT. The action picked right back up, and things began happening pretty fast. I stayed lost in the story all the way until the end.

So… the end has one of those moments where there’s a quick setup for the second book. I totally get why books include those teasers, but they are not my favorite, especially when they feel like a hard right turn with little foreshadowing. Still, I enjoyed the rest of the book so much that I can’t imagine I won’t read the second one. I’m a huge fan of sister books, and this one is no exception.

Readers who enjoyed THE GIRL KING by Mimi Yu or SEA WITCH RISING by Sarah Henning will definitely want to check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
The story features a romance between two girls.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Some swears in another language.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between two girls. References to kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
The people of Tourin worship gods and celebrated saints. Several religious celebrations and traditions are described and whether they go well or poorly is judged to be approval or disapproval from the gods.

Violent Content
When someone uses magic without paying the appropriate tithe, the Firebird appears and exacts a price. The magic price can be small, like a lock of hair, or deadly, requiring one’s heart. Several scenes describe the Firebird taking the required price.

Several scenes also include situations of peril, battle violence, and two scenes include torture.

Drug Content
Izaveta drinks an alcoholic spirit as part of a religious ritual.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog. I received a free copy of THESE FEATHERED FLAMES in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Girl Warriors by Rachel Sarah

Biography, Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Nonfiction, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , ,

Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists are Saving the Earth
Rachel Sarah
Chicago Review Press
Published April 6, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Girl Warriors

GIRL WARRIORS: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth tells the stories of 25 climate leaders under age 25. They’ve led hundreds of thousands of people in climate strikes, founded non-profits, given TED talks, and sued their governments. These fearless girls and young women from all over the world are standing up to demand change when no one else is.

The girls are featured in individual articles that share information about what inspired them to take action as well as where they live, unique issues facing their homeland and details about organizations they started or participate in.

My Review

I learned so much from this book! Not only was I completely blown away by the stories of these incredible young leaders, I also learned a lot about nonprofit groups, small sustainable businesses, and other conservation opportunities, all founded by people under 25! It is seriously blowing my mind, still.

The book is broken down into short biographies about each person. Each biography highlights the things the girls have done to make a significant impact on climate change. The stories can’t help but inspire and motivate readers to join in the efforts, either by looking up some of the volunteer organizations to see if there’s already a local chapter, or to check out the businesses these girls operate. The book also does a great job raising awareness of some of the issues surrounding climate change– businesses that invest in fossil fuel industries or groups that help to protect their interests.

These are people who’ve affected real change in their communities and countries. It has made me want to take stock of my own life and commit to doing things that help raise awareness and press for changes that protect the environment and the future.

I think this book would make an excellent addition to a classroom library or a great gift for a young activist.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 up.

Representation
The girls represent many different cultures and races. One nonbinary activist is interviewed. Several activists identify as queer. At least one activist uses a wheelchair. Another has depression.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
One activist mentions facing bullying.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog. I received a free copy of GIRL WARRIORS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

Kate in Waiting
Becky Albertalli
Balzer + Bray
Published April 20, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Kate in Waiting

Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.

Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.

My Review

I devoured this book all the way to the last page. I loved all the theater stuff– the auditions, the rehearsals, the swooning over musical playlists. Kate’s friend group was great, too. I kind of wish Brandie and Raina had been in the story more, but that’s really simply a testament to how much I liked them.

The story made me think about friendship and kind of my own evolution of values in friendship. There was absolutely a time when I thought that friendship required total and complete honesty and that anything less was not a real friendship. And there’s definitely some truth there– lying or keeping secrets can be really toxic. Sometimes it’s necessary to end a friendship when there isn’t honesty. But that’s not the same as allowing people the space to have their own secrets. There’s a balance there that I feel like it’s taken me a long time to make peace with. So it was interesting to read a story that explored that idea.

Only one thing in KATE IN WAITING bugged me, and I’m not sure how fair it is to feel bugged, but I’ll put it out there. So Kate was bullied in a pretty traumatic way by some of the kids at school. They posted some really hurtful things online that still haunt her. She carries a pretty big (understandable) grudge against not only those kids but that sort of splashes over onto anyone in their periphery. She and her friends label the group as “f-boys” or “f-girls”, short for a swear word.

Again, I feel like her hurt feelings are completely valid. I thought because of the way the story unfolded, that she might face the way that label could be hurtful. It’s like the story went almost that far and then just… didn’t. And maybe that makes it more realistic, because it leaves Kate with this flaw which we know has hurt some people. Maybe it’s more realistic because we don’t learn all of life’s lessons at the same time.

I guess I just struggled with it because Kate and her friends seemed almost proud of creating that label and using it to continually remind themselves that those kids are less than. I think I just wanted her to discover that it had been mean and want to be better than that.

Apart from that, though, I really enjoyed Kate’s voice and the rambling, quirky, funny way she related things that happened. I loved the way she and Anderson would gush together over things and the friendship rituals they celebrated together– from meeting places and text etiquette to songs they had to drop everything and sing. Watching the group navigate the shared crush and how to welcome a new person into their fold felt so real and so much like my own memories of high school.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Representation
Kate is Jewish. Her best friend is gay and Black. Another close friend is transgender.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
So much. There are a ton of f-bombs, most related to a nickname that Kate and her friends use to label a group of kids at school.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Kate and some other characters are Jewish. Some references to attending Hebrew school and eating Shabbat dinner.

Violent Content
Kate experienced some bullying when classmates recorded a video of her singing online without her permission and posted it with cruel comments.

Drug Content
Kate and her friends attend a couple of parties where teens are drinking alcohol. Kate doesn’t drink, but some of her friends do.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog. I received a free copy of KATE IN WAITING in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone #3)
Leigh Bardugo
Henry Holt & Company
Published June 17, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Ruin and Rising

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

My Review

It took me a really long time to read this series, which is odd, because I LOVED Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Once I got into the first book, Shadow and Bone, I had no trouble reading all the way through. I loved the story world and the inspiration from czarist Russia. I loved the magic and the struggle for and against power that would allow Alina to defeat the Darkling but also possibly lose her soul in the process of acquiring that power.

Through the whole series, I had kind of mixed feelings about Mal and Alina. I like them individually more than I liked them together, I think. Which is weird, I guess? Maybe I just liked Nikolai (the outlaw prince) more than Mal? I mean, I did like him more than Mal, but I’m not sure that was why the romance sat oddly with me.

I liked the plot of RUIN AND RISING, and especially the way things built up to the climax of the story. The final battle had that no holds barred, everything we’ve got, completely desperate, so weird it just might work sense to it that really drew me in. I loved every minute of it, even all the heartbreaking ones.

All in all, I feel like this was a fierce conclusion to a great story. I’m both sorry that I read SIX OF CROWS first rather than this series, but also glad I read them in this order so that I can jump straight into KING OF SCARS and get more of Nikolai’s journey. I’m definitely going to read that as soon as I can!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
The story setting is inspired by tsarist Russia. There’s a great interview with Leigh Bardugo about this in the Atlantic. Two minor female characters are in a romantic relationship.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
A couple instances of mild profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl, references to sex. Kissing between two girls.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have supernatural abilities referred to as small science. These can be things like gathering light or darkness or causing someone’s heart to explode without touching them.

Violent Content
Some battle violence and situations of peril. References to torture. Some brief, graphic descriptions of battle. The Darkling controls monsters made of darkness that can only be killed by Alina’s abilities. Two people are stabbed in the heart.

Drug Content
Some social drinking.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. Opinions are my own.

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

Siege and Storm (Shadow and Bone #2)
Leigh Bardugo
Henry Holt & Co.
Published June 4, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Siege and Storm

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her—or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

My Review

I have some complex feelings about this book. I really like Alina and her internal struggle over her power and the pull toward more versus her fight to stay herself. I love the way Nikolai kind of mentored her and teased her. I like his character a lot. I’m not such a huge fan of Mal, to be honest. I feel like he keeps disappointing me, so I’m not super invested in the relationship between him and Alina other than that it’s her true self who loves Mal, and as long as that love is still there, she’s still her, if that makes sense.

In terms of plot, SIEGE AND STORM takes an interesting route. Alina finds another amplifier near the beginning of the story and then spends the rest of the book rallying people to try to fight the Darkling. So that was different than the first book, for sure. I loved watching Alina learn to navigate politics and some of the back and forth between her and some of the other characters.

I enjoyed reading both SIEGE AND STORM and SHADOW AND BONE, though, and I definitely want to finish the series before Netflix releases the show later this month.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
The story setting is inspired by tsarist Russia. There’s a great interview with Leigh Bardugo about this in the Atlantic.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
A couple instances of mild profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing and tension between a boy and girl. In one scene, a boy kisses a girl without consent. She kicks him. At one point, a girl brings someone into her bed, kissing him.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have supernatural abilities referred to as small science. These can be things like gathering light or darkness or causing someone’s heart to explode without touching them.

Beyond that, though, a powerful Grisha has used forbidden magic to unleash a swath of darkness across Ravka. Alina hopes to find a way to use her sun summoner ability to destroy that darkness.

Violent Content
Some battle violence and situations of peril. Alina and her team face enemy soldiers and deadly monsters made of darkness. Some of the battles are described in detail.

Drug Content
Some social drinking.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.