Category Archives: Book Review and Content

Review: Heartless Heirs by MarcyKate Connolly

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,
Heartless Heirs by MarcyKate Connolly

Heartless Heirs (Twin Daggers #2)
MarcyKate Connolly
Blink
Published August 10, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Heartless Heirs

Now torn between two worlds, Aissa must decide who she can trust. Especially when it comes to her twin.

Now without a home and on the run, Aissa has never felt so trapped and alone even with her sister and friend by her side. Zandria—once her other half—has become cold and inflexible after her time in the Technocrat’s dungeon and is bent on revenge Aissa no longer feels. Their friend Remy may still side with his father, a Magi leader who refuses to believe his spy, Darian Azul, has turned traitor. And Aissa herself is now an enemy of her Magi people after falling in love with—and binding her heart to—Aro, a Techno prince who puts all their lives at stake.

Using clues her parents and others left behind, Aissa is determined to uncover the secrets of the Alchemist Alliance that helped create her and Zandria’s unique magical powers … as well as learn whether the Alliance’s research holds the key to healing the rift between the Magi and Technocrats after centuries of war. But with her people preparing for battle, and Darian poised to use the Technocrats’ might for his own ends, it will take more than lost spells and hidden secrets to accomplish her goal. Especially as the dangerous bond between her Aro grows deeper and threatens everything Aissa has ever believed.

My Review

I didn’t realize this was a sequel before I began reading it, which is totally my own error. I’ve tried to be more careful about this, but I think I was specifically looking for Blink books when I stumbled onto this one, so I probably downloaded it without looking carefully enough.

No worries, though. I was confused at the very beginning because a LOT is happening in that first scene. Aissa and her sister are on the run, reeling from a serious betrayal, grieving over their parents’ deaths, and Aissa is missing the boy she loves and to whom she is now magically bonded. Once I got that sorted out and figured out who everyone was, I followed the story without much trouble.

I have kind of mixed feelings about the story. There were things I liked, like the fact that it’s a book about sisters. I love those. It’s also got some interesting exploration of two peoples with grievances against each other going back generations. It shows leaders who want to try to bring them together despite those past wounds and traumas. I liked that there were two distinct people. Magi have the ability to perform magic as defense or offense. Technocrats have no magic but create powerful machines to protect themselves or battle the Magi.

On the other hand, some things about the book didn’t resonate with me. Aissa and Aro are pretty gooey with each other. A couple times, they’re literally in the middle of a battle or intense situation and they just drop what they’re doing for a minute and get all smoochy. I felt like that interrupted the tension in the scene. It didn’t feel to me like something that would realistically happen in a situation where adrenaline would be that high and for trained fighters.

I also had some issues with the way Aissa treated Aro. There were times she was really patronizing, treating him like he was this fragile flower who had to stay locked away to protect her because of their magic bond, which meant that if he got injured or killed, the same would happen to her. I at least wanted him to confront her about the way she was treating him. I didn’t feel like there was a satisfying resolution to that issue.

On the whole it was an interesting book, and I enjoyed some things about it. It reminded me a tiny bit of the Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson because of its dystopian-type setting.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
A couple minor characters are described as having bronze or brown skin. One minor character, a woman, is married to another woman.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. They share a bed, but there’s no description of anything happening between them there beyond cuddling.

Spiritual Content
Some references to “the Anvil” or “forges” which seem like references to a faith or spiritual belief or history of some kind, but it’s never explained. Magi possess magical powers that allow them to change things around them.

Violent Content
Battle scenes, references to and some descriptions of torture.

Drug Content
The Technocrats have created ways to siphon the Magi’s power (which harms Magi) to benefit themselves.

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 HEARTLESS HEIRS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Book Review and Content, Dystopian or Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

The Toll (Arc of a Scythe #3)
Neal Shusterman
Simon & Schuster
Published November 5, 2019

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Toll

It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver.

In this pulse-pounding conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe trilogy, constitutions are tested and old friends are brought back from the dead.

My Review

I needed a break between THUNDERHEAD, the second book in the series, and THE TOLL. The ending of THUNDERHEAD kind of overwhelmed me, so it took me a while to feel like I was ready to pick up where it left off.

This is kind of a dark book, especially at the beginning. Scythe Goddard is in charge and pretty much willing to do anything to cement his power. Rowan and Citra return, but of course if Goddard finds out they’re alive, they’ll be in trouble. Grayson finds himself in a really strange situation with the Thunderhead once again. As he and his allies discover more about the history of the Scythe system and Goddard becomes still more unhinged, it becomes pretty clear they need to do something big.

I liked all the buildup where the story bounced between different characters, and it feels like all of them begin moving toward one cohesive goal. This book introduces some new characters that I enjoyed a lot. I think this book needed to feel really big, and it did feel like that to me.

Thoughts on Technology in The Toll

In this whole series, humans have a really interesting relationship with technology. The Thunderhead knows all of history and connects to each person (outside of the Scythes) so that it knows them deeply. It also views itself as a sort of shepherd of humanity, and humans have come to rely on it as a companion they can speak to at any time. It’s not presented really as a religion, but it sort of functions that way.

On the one hand, I really enjoyed that this is a technology-positive story. There are TONS of books out there where the computer turns out to be the super villain, right? This one isn’t really like that. But it does present some interesting questions about our dependence on technology and whether that’s a good thing. So, I liked some of questions the story raised in that vein.

I’m glad I finally did sit down and finish the series. I think it was worth finishing. Readers who enjoy a good dystopian series should check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
In this futuristic story world, all races are pretty mixed. Certain characters are also described as “leaning” toward a particular race or other. Scythes are mandated to kill across a diverse population or else face punishment.

One character is genderfluid.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Reference to sex between a boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Tonists are a cult of people whose worship centers around sound. They believe in the Toll, a prophet of sorts.

Violent Content
Sythes glean (kill) people in various ways, sometimes violent ones. Tonists attack and attempt to kill people they oppose.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao

Book Review and Content, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

How We Fall Apart
Katie Zhao
Bloomsbury
Published August 3, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About How We Fall Apart

Students at an elite prep school are forced to confront their secrets when their ex-best friend turns up dead.

Nancy Luo is shocked when her former best friend, Jamie Ruan, top ranked junior at Sinclair Prep, goes missing, and then is found dead. Nancy is even more shocked when word starts to spread that she and her friends–Krystal, Akil, and Alexander–are the prime suspects, thanks to “The Proctor,” someone anonymously incriminating them via the school’s social media app.

They all used to be Jamie’s closest friends, and she knew each of their deepest, darkest secrets. Now, somehow The Proctor knows them, too. The four must uncover the true killer before The Proctor exposes more than they can bear and costs them more than they can afford, like Nancy’s full scholarship. Soon, Nancy suspects that her friends may be keeping secrets from her, too.

My Review

One of the things I feel like this book captured really well or conveyed really well is the high-pressure experience of being a student at an elite school. Nancy not only feels the pressure of her school program and being a scholarship student surrounded by rich kids from privileged families, but also feels intense pressure from her parents to do well and make all their sacrifices worth it.

At first I found it difficult to connect with Nancy because she’s bitter and aloof. As I started to see more and more of her life, I felt like it made a lot of sense that she acted the way she did. Her relationship with Jamie was complicated and pretty toxic, but it made sense that they stayed kind of bound up in each other. So that was another thing that I ultimately felt was strong about the story.

Some of the scene changes felt abrupt to me. It sometimes felt like the writing was a little rushed, so I read the beginnings of scenes sometimes more than once trying to figure out if I’d missed something. Or maybe there was a flashback or timeline change that happened quickly. Sometimes I struggled to follow those, but maybe that was just me.

I think all in all there are some really strong things about the story– and I really enjoyed the experience of reading a suspense story with an Asian cast. Hopefully HOW WE FALL APART does really well and paves the way for other books like this!

I think readers who enjoy suspense stories will like this one, especially early high school readers, like freshman and sophomores.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Major characters are Asian. Two female characters are in a romantic relationship.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used very infrequently.

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

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Some descriptions of bullying. References to a girl found murdered. Description of a confrontation that leads to a head injury. A fire causes injuries.

Drug Content
A girl offers her friends a drink of juice and puts vodka in it without telling them. They realize what she’s done and drink the juice anyway.

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 HOW WE FALL APART in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Nonfiction, , , , , , , , ,

The Magic and Mystery of Trees
Jen Green
Illustrated by Claire McElfatrick
DK Publishing
Published March 5, 2019

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Magic and Mystery of Trees

Discover how they communicate and warn each other of predators, how they nurture their networks, record the past, and anticipate the future to ensure their survival. There’s so much more to trees than meets the eye.

Learn about the amazing natural science of trees in this nature and science children’s book. From the highest branches, all the down to the complex wood wide web of roots, every part of a tree plays an important role. Not only in its own growth but that of the whole ecosystem of the forest or woodland. Did you know that trees take care of each other and that a whole forest is connected?

A truly delightful non-fiction read that is suitable for all ages – each page of this nature book is nothing short of astonishingly beautiful. Enjoy a mixture of real images, vibrant illustrations, and patchwork-layering, making each page feel like a nature scavenger hunt.

You’ll learn unbe-leaf-able tree facts, see extraordinary trees from around the world, and the animals that call them home. Find out what trees do for us and how we are damaging them with pollution and deforestation. This book will show that it’s not too late to do something about it, and you’ll find out how you can help with instructions on how to plant your very own tree!

When you get to know these silent giants, you’ll never look at trees the same way again.

My Review

I first got a discount copy of this book as an e-book, but once I read it, I knew I needed a hard copy. It’s packed with information that’s presented in such a fresh, engaging way. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, and really add a lot to the text.

You might notice that I recommended this book for ages 8 and up, which is unusual and a large age range. Obviously older readers will be capable of reading above the reading level here, but the book contains so much great information and so many things that I had never even heard of before that I feel like anyone could read it.

I only have two complaints about the book. One is that I wish it contained a bibliography and a recommended reading list. I would love to know where the information came from and to know if there are other books, especially any written for kids, available to buy or borrow.

The only other negative thing I can say is that while I really appreciate the emphasis on planting a tree or recycling as things we can do to contribute to helping the planet, I wish there had been mention or emphasis on the fact that doing those things isn’t the same as saving acres of rainforest. A tree planted in our front yard or a local park doesn’t equal one in the Amazon for the biodiversity it supports. I know that as a reader, I was thinking about that, but I wish it had been included somehow in the text.

On the whole, though, I love THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF TREES. I think it would be a great addition to any home, school, classroom, or community library. It’s inspiring and informative and truly an engaging read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 up.

Representation
No specific humans mentioned in the book.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None. (I mean, I guess unless you count plant pollination?? Ha.)

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Kingdom of Secrets by Christyne Morrell

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,

Kingdom of Secrets
Christyne Morrell
Delacorte Press
Published August 3, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Kingdom of Secrets

Prismena’s father is the hot air balloonist in the peaceful kingdom of Oren. She assists him by mending torn balloons, but she yearns to build and fly the complicated machines herself. One day, a waif named Abi steals Prissy’s only remaining memento of her deceased mother – a silk scarf – and promises to return it only if Prissy smuggles a mysterious box onto one of her father’s flights. Since balloon travel is strictly regulated in Oren, that single act of rebellion results in her father’s arrest and kicks off a spiraling series of events that will yank Prissy out of her predictable life.

Along the way to free her father from jail, she’ll get caught up in a bar fight, nabbed by a sadistic schoolmistress, tossed into a home for unwanted children, schooled in the art of stealing, and thrust into the center of a brewing rebellion. On her journey through Oren – with its glitzy neighborhoods and its seedy underbelly – Prismena will uncover secrets that change the way she views her family, her kingdom, herself, and even her beloved hot air balloons. She’ll have to break a few rules – and even forge metal – to save the people she loves, but she may also get a chance to soar.

My Review

I love books featuring main characters with unusual interests, so when I learned about Prismena’s love for hot air balloons, I already loved this book. I had a lot of fun reading it. It’s a sweet story, but it does have some darker moments. Some chapters are written in Italics and tell a story from the past, and that has a lot more tragedy than the chapters from Prismena’s perspective.

The story really centers around Prismena and Abi. At first Prismena is hesitant to get involved in the revolution with Abi, but as she learns more about what’s truly happening in the kingdom as well as some new things about her own past, she begins to feel like fighting may be her only option. I felt like that transformation was well done and felt true to her character. I also really enjoyed the way that her interest in inventing things and flying hot air balloons were worked into the story.

I think readers who enjoyed THE DRAGON WITH THE CHOCOLATE HEART by Stephanie Burgis or THE UNICORN QUEST by Kamilla Benko will love this book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Prismena is white but Abi is Black.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
A woman runs away to marry the man she loves.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
References to and some descriptions of child abuse. Soldiers murder a man in front of his wife.

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 KINGDOM OF SECRETS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

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

Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson
Delacorte Press
Published September 24, 2013

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

About Steelheart

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.

Nobody fights the Epics…nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart — the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David’s been studying, and planning — and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.

He’s seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

My Review

The thing that drew me most to this story was the concept of it. Humans begin to have superpowers, but all of them become evil. How do ordinary humans fight back? It’s a great underdog, keep the hope in hopeless circumstances kind of tale, and I really liked those things about it.

The only thing that tripped me up at all were the characters. Several of the male characters have accents and interesting backstories. (One was kind of odd, but okay.) There are only two speaking female characters in the whole story, and I don’t think we learn much if anything at all about their backstories. They are beautiful but a bit flat.

On the whole, though, I enjoyed reading STEELHEART. I got it years ago as an audiobook to listen to on a road trip, but never actually listened to it until recently. It’s the first book by Sanderson that I’ve ever read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently. More often, faux swears like calamity and sparks are used.

Romance/Sexual Content
David clearly has feelings for a girl on his team.

Spiritual Content
Some Epics style themselves as gods, demanding service.

Violent Content
In the opening of the story, an Epic uses his power to turn workers, customers, and a baby in a bank to ash and bones. There are other scenes of battle between the Epics and David and his allies.

Drug Content
None.

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