Review: A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,
A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig

A Bite Above the Rest
Christine Virnig
Aladdin
Published August 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Bite Above the Rest

A boy moves to a Halloween-themed town only to realize there may be more to the tourist trap than meets the eye in this fast-paced romp of a middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Last Kids on Earth and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library !

When Caleb’s mom decides they are moving to her childhood home in Wisconsin, Caleb is not thrilled. Moving schools, states, and time zones would be bad enough, but Mom’s hometown is Samhain, a small and ridiculously kitschy place where every day is Halloween.

Caleb is not a fan of Halloween when it only happens once a year, so Halloween-obsessed Samhain is really not the place for him. How is he supposed to cope with kids wearing costumes to school every single day ? And how about the fact that the mayor is so committed to the bit that City Hall is only open from sundown to sunup to accommodate his so-called vampirism? Sure enough, Caleb becomes an outcast at school for refusing to play along with the spooky tradition like the other sixth graders. Luckily, he manages to find a friend in fellow misfit Tai, and just in time, because things are getting weird in Samhain…or make that weird er .

But there’s no way the mayor is an actual vampire, and their teacher absolutely cannot really be a werewolf—right? Caleb discovers Samhain is so much stranger than he ever could have imagined. As one of the only people who realizes what’s happening, can he save a town that doesn’t want saving?

My Review

I had a lot of fun reading this book. It has a great voice– it reminded me of the tone of spoofy 80s movies (Like The ‘Burbs with Tom Hanks). Caleb and Tai are great characters, too. They each had different approaches to what was happening. I liked the way they helped one another out and the strong connection of their friendship.

It’s about 300 pages long, but several passages contain large illustrations. The short chapters also make this one a pretty quick read.

Even though it’s a little early, this Halloween-centric story made me want to curl up with a cup of tea and a bowl of candy. After this fabulous, goofy adventure, I can’t wait to see what Christine Virnig writes next.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Tai is Jamaican and Asian American.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Some characters appear to have supernatural abilities or powers.

References to witch trials. Halloween celebrations.

Violent Content
23 women were murdered by drowning in the town’s history during witch trials. After this, the townspeople executed 23 religious and political leaders for their roles in the murders. (None of that happens on scene.)

Tai and Caleb experience situations of peril.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

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

Beneath These Cursed Stars
Lexi Ryan
HarperTeen
Published July 30, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Beneath These Cursed Stars

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan comes a romantic fantasy in which a human princess armed with death’s kiss and a fae shifter on the run become unlikely allies when a mission to assassinate an evil king collides with a fatal prophecy.

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

My Review

One of the things I’m learning about myself as a reader is that I don’t especially enjoy books where the main characters are driven by lust for each other. If they’re in life-threatening situations or experiencing/re-experiencing trauma, going into lust mode in those moments feels false to me. Someone is trying to murder the protagonist, and she’s like, wow, I wish he would kiss me right now. That kind of reaction feels false to me. I’m not saying it couldn’t ever happen, but I find it disruptive and a barrier to connecting with the characters.

Beneath These Cursed Stars follows the perspectives of two main characters: Jasalyn and Felicity. Rebels kidnap Jasalyn and Felicity, gifted with shapeshifting magic, steps into her place. In each situation, the girls meet someone irresistible, and their focus becomes divided between trying to achieve their objectives and hoping to get some action with the guys they’re falling for.

If you like stories with a faster-paced, high level of longing, this book definitely delivers. The story also explores Jasalyn’s past trauma and its lingering effects on her, such as touch aversion and anxiety.

Several moments took me by surprise in this book, which I liked a lot. I definitely had a few moments where I stopped to appreciate how a reveal changed what I already knew or thought I knew about the story.

I think readers who enjoy fantasy stories with a heavy emphasis on romance elements will want to check out Beneath These Cursed Stars.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Representation
The racial details of some characters are ambiguous. The main characters appear white. Two minor characters (men) are in a romantic relationship. Jasalyn is a trauma survivor.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
F-bombs and other profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. In one scene, two characters undress and climb into a natural hot spring together. A couple of scenes show some sexual touching on top of clothes. In one scene, two characters go to bed together and have a sexual exchange.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have the ability to perform magic or have objects that allow them special abilities. The story contains human and fae characters as well as orcs and goblins. An oracle predicted the fate of several key characters.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to torture. Brief glimpses of torture. Battle scenes. Jasalyn uses her ability to murder with a kiss to end the lives of those who participated in taking/keeping her captive.

Drug Content
Some characters drink alcohol infrequently.

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

Review: Dance of the Starlit Sea by Kiana Krystle

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

Dance of the Starlit Sea
Kiana Krystle
Peachtree Teen
Published August 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Dance of the Starlit Sea

“Hades and Persephone” meets Phantom of the Opera by way of Laini Taylor, in a sensually rendered world that seethes with intrigue and indulges the senses. Welcome to Luna Island.

Lila Rose Li arrives at her aunt’s cottage with dashed dreams. For years, she pushed herself to become the perfect ballerina her parents would approve of, but after collapsing on stage, she snapped and lashed out violently. Now, exiled to Luna Island, with its sparkling blue waters and rose-covered boutiques, Lila struggles to believe that a girl like her—a natural disaster—deserves good and gentle things.

As the islanders gear up for their beloved tradition, the Angel of the Sea pageant, Lila vows to remain on the sidelines. But the more she learns about the island’s lore, the more she grows suspicious. Luna Island was nothing more than a failed fishing village before angels supposedly came and blessed them with abundance. The pageant is a competition to seek a High Priestess for their commune. To win is to be loved and adored by all, the ultimate blessing.

However, the Angel of the Sea is supposed to reign for seven years, and the previous winner only reigned for one. Something is haunting the island, throwing off the balance the pageant ensures. And as an eerie voice calls to Lila, drawing her closer to the ocean—to its depths—she worries its haunting her, too. The only way to discover what’s really going on, and protect herself, is to win the pageant. But how can a monstrous girl like her ever hope to be crowned by angels?

Kiana Krystle’s enchanting debut simmers with forbidden romance and dark secrets. A lush and sinister blend of paranormal mystery and mythology, wrapped up in fairytale about a teen girl’s hard-earned journey toward loving every part of herself.

My Review

I really struggled with this book. It has a definite ethereal feel, but the voice keeps the reader at a distance. Lila often describes things in terms of metaphors or symbols, so I found myself struggling to interpret what was meant literally versus what was meant metaphorically. For example, one chapter ends with characters watching the sunset and then a statement about the island beginning to burn. In the next chapter, there’s no reference to a fire, so I assume that comment is metaphorical.

Lila frequently references an altercation she had with her mom that resulted in her parents sending her to the island. Late in the book, Lila revisits that moment again, but we stay in her head, steeped in how she felt and these brief slices of descriptions of what happened. This style left me feeling disconnected from her as a character and unsure about what specifically had happened.

I enjoyed the references to ballet and the descriptions of Lila dancing. I loved that her magic was so connected to dance. The connection between dance and magic added something unique to the story. It felt a little bit like reading a ballet, like Giselle or Swan Lake or something.

On the whole, I wish I felt more connected with Lila and understood the story more deeply. The story world is interesting and the ballet references beautiful, but this one kind of went over my head.

If you like dark, ethereal stories, especially those with a forbidden romance or dance theme, this one might be worth checking out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Lila is Chinese American.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
A few F-bombs and other profanity used infrequently.

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

Spiritual Content
Lila encounters angels and hears a voice in her head she believes to be the devil. The islanders worship the moon goddess, Luna.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Instances of self-harm. References to a violent assault. References to domestic abuse. In one scene, a man whips his son. Near-drowning experiences.

Drug Content
Lila eats a hallucinogenic fruit as part of a ritual.

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

Review: Your Letter by Hyeon A. Cho

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

Your Letter
Hyeon A. Cho
Yen Press
Published July 23, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Your Letter

When middle schooler Sori Lee stood up for her friend against their entire class, she never expected to become their new target―but that’s exactly what happens. So, when her friend decides to transfer schools, Sori decides to wipe the slate clean and does the same. Luckily, someone seems to be looking out for her this time, and on her first day, she finds a mysterious letter taped to the bottom of her desk inviting her on a scavenger hunt!

Sori follows the trail of clues to try and uncover the identity of her benefactor, and as she explores all the curious and wonderful people and places around the school, begins to open her heart once more…

My Review

This is such a sweet story. It starts off with a scene that shows kids bullying a student. The main character, Sori, stands up to the bullies and tells them to stop. She then becomes a target herself. I’m not sure how much this happens in real life, but I know it’s the big fear with bullying. I have seen statistics that indicate bullying is more likely to stop if someone speaks up, but more likely doesn’t mean always.

One of the things I like about the illustrations is the way that they call attention to or mute certain details. For example, when Sori feels like other students are whispering about her, their faces are shadowed and drawn blank, except for open mouths. It highlights that feeling of being isolated and alone, of things happening that you can’t do anything about.

When Sori reaches her new school, she finds letters in her new desk that send her on a scavenger hunt and across the path of another lonely person. I liked the way the relationship between the two loners developed. There’s one section that shows a flashback about the other student that was cool.

The letters connect the characters in more ways than their school attendance, too. The story creates a circle, leading back to a relationship that happened before the story began. It’s super sweet.

If you’re looking for an uplifting, cozy story, this one delivers a lot of warm feelings and celebrates friendship and the positive impact we have on one another’s lives.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Your Letters takes place in Korea. Characters are Korean.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used briefly in one scene.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
While Sori follows directions from an anonymous letter, she is transported to a room with a familiar person in it.

Violent Content
The opening scene shows kids bullying others, making fun of, and laughing at them.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life by Fiona Hardy

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

How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life
Fiona Hardy
Kane Miller Publishing
Published August 25, 2020

Kane Miller Website | Bookshop | Goodreads

About How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life

Murphy Parker is going to be a songwriter. If she can summon up the nerve to play in front of anyone other than her dad, that is. When an unplanned keyboard performance at school goes well, Murphy wonders if maybe her dreams have a chance after all. Until her entire grade accuses her of plagiarism.

Someone out there is playing Murphy’s songs. But why? How did they hear her play? Desperate to clear her name and reclaim her music, Murphy makes an unlikely alliance with two of her classmates. Turns out, friendship might be even more complicated than tracking down a song thief…

From the up-and-coming talent behind HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS comes a funny and moving mystery about family, friendship and finding your voice.

My Review

Oh, wow. I really identified with Murphy as the quiet kid in school. The way people treated her, where they assumed things about her and filled in the blanks about her life, really resonated with me. I totally understood how difficult it was for her to speak up, even when she had something to say. I remember having those experiences and being so frustrated with them.

Murphy has a family life that’s not often represented in children’s books. She has a close relationship with her dad, and he’s doing the best that he can and visits her a lot. She lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins, though. This gives her a lot of stability and support. I liked her family members and the dynamics between them.

While the plot of the story centers around Murphy’s music and finding out who stole her songs, the true superstar in the story is in the relationships. In the beginning, Murphy considers two girls her best and only friends. As the story unfolds, the way she sees those relationships and others changes. She learns what it means to be a friend in addition to what it means to have one. The narrative balances the relationship and mystery elements really well while also giving readers a glimpse into life with a parent diagnosed with depression.

This is the first novel by Fiona Hardy that I’ve read, but I’m looking forward to reading her other book, How to Write a Movie in 12 Days, which follows one of the minor characters in this book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Murphy’s dad has depression. Her mom is absent. She lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Other kids taunt Murphy and say mean things to her. She describes being bullied by a girl in the past. References to someone hospitalized for depression.

Drug Content
None.

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

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.

Review: Focus. Click. Wind. by Amanda West Lewis

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

Focus. Click. Wind.
Amanda West Lewis
House of Anansi
Published August 1, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Focus. Click. Wind.

What if your country is involved in an unjust war, and you’ve lost trust in your own government?

It’s 1968, and the Vietnam War has brought new urgency to the life of Billie Taylor, a seventeen-year-old aspiring photojournalist. Billie is no stranger to risky situations, but when she attends a student protest at Columbia University with her college boyfriend, and the US is caught up in violent political upheaval, her mother decides to move the two of them to Canada.

Furious at being dragged away from her beloved New York City to live in a backwater called Toronto, Billie doesn’t take her exile lightly. As her mother opens their home to draft evaders and deserters, Billie’s activism grows in new ways. She discovers an underground network of political protesters and like minds in a radical group based in Rochdale College, the world’s first “free” university. And the stakes rise when she is exposed to horrific images from Vietnam of the victims of Agent Orange – a chemical being secretly manufactured in a small town just north of Toronto.

My Review

For some reason when I first picked up this book, I mistook it for nonfiction. I’m not sure if I skimmed the cover copy and author bio so quickly that the two merged together (there are similar elements in them)? I don’t know. At any rate, sometime during my reading, I realized it was a novel about the Vietnam War resistance movement in the 1960s.

This is a time period that I don’t know a lot about. I used to blame this on my history classes in school, because we never went beyond World War II and some light information about the Civil Rights movement during February. I’m not old enough for that to make any sense, but I do live in Florida, so there ya go, I guess.

Anyway, so I read this novel without a strong understanding of the history to which it refers. I’ve known a few veterans of the Vietnam War, and it did make me think of things they’ve endured or talked about because of the war. One believes his children’s health issues stem from his exposure to Agent Orange. Two more were addicted to drugs and alcohol following their military service. So, I’ve definitely seen some of the effects mentioned in the book.

The writing is super compelling. The story is told in present tense, and it begins with the main character, Billie, at a student protest at Columbia. I loved the way she uses her photographs to tell the story of what she’s experiencing. I thought the descriptions of her taking photographs and developing them were very engaging.

Billie has some memories of her father using drugs and being involved in a drug deal that goes badly. She remembers hiding under a table with her mother while someone has a gun. Her mom responds to this by deciding she will never allow another person who uses drugs to live in her house. As Billie forms connections to others who protest the Vietnam War, she meets a lot of people who use drugs.

Though this is set in the 60s and the prevalent use of drugs, especially marijuana, seems realistic, I found myself wishing that the author explored some of the nuances of addiction as a disorder and maybe at least questioned her mom’s hardline position. The story really isn’t about that issue, though, and the author leaves that territory unexplored.

All in all, I think the writing was spectacular. It’s got some mature content which won’t be suitable for every reader. I’ve detailed that below.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 17 up.

Representation
Major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme language used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
A couple of scenes show explicit sex between boy and girl. In one scene, two boys try to convince a girl to have sex with them and another girl. She refuses.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
When Billie was a child, her dad was involved in a drug deal that went awry. She and her mother hid under a table while guns and conflict happened. Descriptions of warfare and the devastation caused by Agent Orange.

Drug Content
Characters drink alcohol and smoke a lot of weed. The story briefly states that a lot of soldiers become addicted to heroin because the government is handing it out to them to help them deal with the horrors of war.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of FOCUS. CLICK. WIND. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.