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Review: Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron

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Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron

Sleep Like Death
Kalynn Bayron
Bloomsbury YA
Published June 25, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Sleep Like Death

New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron returns to fairytales with a lush, thrilling and original YA Snow White retelling that brings a new and exciting voice to this familiar tale. Perfect for fans of Cinderella Is Dead.

Only the truly desperate—and foolish—seek out the Knight, an ancient monster who twists wishes into curses. Eve knows this firsthand: one of her mothers was cursed by the Knight and trapped in the body of a songbird. With the unique abilities to communicate with animals and conjure weapons from nature, Eve has trained all her life to defeat him.

With more and more villagers harmed by the Knight’s corrupt deals, Eve believes she’s finally ready to face him. But when Queen Regina begins acting strangely – talking to seemingly no one, isolating herself, and lashing out at the slightest provocation – Eve must question if her powers are enough to save her family and her kingdom.

My Review

Wow. I wasn’t sure in the first couple chapters of this book how closely it would resemble the fairytale about Snow White, but as the story continued to unfold, so many things fell into place in familiar yet really imaginative, fresh ways.

I was just talking with a group of bloggers about how many stories, especially fairytales, include an evil mom or stepmom, and I want to rush back to the group waving this book. In Sleep Like Death, instead of the usual bad mom, we celebrate motherhood and a community of women who mentor and care for Princess Eve. I love that there are several women Eve feels close to, and each one contributes different things to her life. Her relationship with her mom is especially sweet.

There’s a hint of romance in the story as well, and I liked the way that played out. It’s present but not forefront to the tale. This book is Eve’s adventure from start to finish, and she takes an active role at every step of the way. I love that.

I think Kalynn Bayron has become one of my favorite writers to watch because she constantly amazes me. Reimagined fairytales with fierce women at the center? Yep, she can do that. Quirky, fabulous middle grade? Uh-huh. She’s got that, too. Wild slasher novel that somehow also makes fun of itself? You bet. A reimagined classic set in 1885 London? Check!

She’s amazing, y’all. Truly.

Anyway, this might be my favorite version of Snow White that I’ve ever read. I think it’s a hard story to tell, and this version does it absolutely beautifully. If you like fairytales, definitely don’t miss this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
The main character is Black.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
One instance of mild profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Eve has two moms. A woman confesses to Eve that she is in love with another woman.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have the ability to perform magic. Eve can create magic from nature. For example, she pulls the night sky down and wraps a piece around her like a cloak. A mysterious Knight grants wishes for a price.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Eve and another character hunt and kill a deer. Eve and her allies battle against foes.

Drug Content
References to someone drinking too much while grieving over the loss of a child.

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.

23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

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23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

Seems like every month I have a harder time figuring out my review calendar. There are just too many amazing books coming out these days. I want to read them all! This winter is no exception. Lots of these titles are by authors of books I read last year (or earlier) and loved, so I’m really excited about their newest titles. There are a fair amount of romance titles on here, but some fantasy, historical and murder mysteries, too.

These are the 23 most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2023 that I’m most looking forward to. I’ll post a list of my most-anticipated winter middle grade titles separately.

23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This one had me at TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE meets PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I love those rich colors on the cover, too. I can’t wait to get into it.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review

Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Tobias Madden’s debut made me laugh out loud and outright sob. This one is about a boy who joins a local production of Chicago to meet his online crush. Sounds like so much fun!

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review

Dark Testament: Blackout Poems by Crystal Simone Smith

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy calls this “a remarkable reckoning with our present moment, a call to action, and a plea for a more just future.” Includes a photo insert featuring memorials for victims of unlawful killings. This is one I really need to read this year.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review

The Breakup from Hell by Ann Davila Cardinal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Mica begins dating the perfect guy–and winning at life– only to discover his family roots mean she’s living in a horror novel. Looks like a lot of fun.

Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review

Rebel, Brave and Brutal by Shannon Dittemore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy says this one delivers the thrills of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and the icy magic of FROZEN. Looks like a magical rebellion kind of story, and I’m excited to check it out.

Release Date: January 10, 2023 | My Review

Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I loved Meg Long’s debut, COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES, and this novel follows a minor character that I loved from that book, so I absolutely cannot wait to read it.

Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review

The Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The premise of this one reminds me of THE CODE FOR LOVE AND HEARTBREAK, so I’m kind of hoping for those vibes plus humor and hijinks.

Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Monsters, magic, and wicked fae. Hassan’s middle grade fantasy, THE PRINCE OF NOWHERE, was one of my favorite middle grade titles this past year. I loved the writing and complex characters, so I’m hoping for more of those things in this one.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review

The Minus One Club by Kekla Magoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A group of people bonded by grief over a lost loved one. A story of grief, hope, and finding the courage to love again. Looks really heartfelt and sweet.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review

Begin Again by Emma Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: College (mis)adventures and a pirate radio station. I’m in. I’ve discovered a love for a “just kiss already!” romance, so I’m excited about this one from an author whose books I’ve enjoyed.

Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review

Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A D&D master– yes, please!– and a girl who keeps her emotions under wraps. Love over the course of a year’s worth of holidays. This sounds different and sweet.

Release Date: January 31, 2023 | My Review

This Severed Thread (The Bone Spindle #2) by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: THE BONE SPINDLE was my absolute number one favorite book last year, and I’m desperate to read this sequel. I need more of Red and Shane, and I have to know what happens with Fi and her prince in this gender-flipped Sleeping Beauty reimagining.

Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review

The Architect by Jonathan Starrett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A band of kids try to free a city with the help of a mysterious Architect. The cover copy promises: sinister schemes, bumbling superheroes, unexpected friendships, and plenty of humor and plot twists. I’m intrigued.

Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A trans-boy who feels like he’s always almost enough. A piano competition he resolved to win. The ex he needs to win back. And the new boy… who seems to truly see him like no one else does. Yes, please.

Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review

The Pledge by Cale Dietrich

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A masked killer targeting frat boys. A sole survivor of a world-famous murder spree. Last year I read two horror novels that were really good, so this year I picked a couple more to try. This one could be chills-inducing good, or over the top for me. We’ll find out!

Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A missing girl who was never found. A true crime podcast featuring the case. Two girls who must decide whether the secrets they uncovered would destroy an innocent man or identify Clarissa’s murderer. Looks twisty and intense.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is part of the Remixed Classics that I’ve been following but haven’t managed to read yet. I’m super excited to read Kalynn Bayron’s reimagining of Jekyll & Hyde. I really enjoyed her middle grade novel, THE VANQUISHERS, last year.

Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Renaissance Faire under new management. A girl who liked the old faire better. A boy who pulls her into the new theatrical experience. I have loved both Ashley Schumacher’s other novels, so I’m dying to read this one.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for youth. Sabotage and secrets. Maybe even… murder?? I’ve loved both the books I read by this author before, so I’m expecting the same great storytelling and unforgettable characters here.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friend and first love disappears, leaving only snapshots of grief and secrets behind. This one looks like the kind of book that can wreck you. I’m totally in.

Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review

Castelon (Wraithwood #3) by Alyssa Roat

Buy links and cover art to come after the cover reveal in Jan!

What you need to know: CASTELON is the final book in the Wraithwood series, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s got some Merlin-based lore and magic. A slow-burn romance. I have to know how it all ends.

Release Date: March 15, 2023 | My Review

Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This looks like magical realism or maybe a portal story? A girl who supports her family by scavenging elf corpses. The elf prince whose fate is tied to hers. Looks like it could have some THE LUMINARIES vibes?

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A best friendship nearly wrecked by a summer fling. A surly new stepsister. A community theater production in jeopardy. Sounds like Junie is juggling a lot of big things, and they’re all about to come crashing down. I loved Markum’s debut, and this one looks like it’ll deliver the same sparky tension and hilarity.

Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review

What’s on your reading list this season?

What amazing young adult books coming winter 2023 are you most looking forward to? What genres do you think you’ll read the most of in the next few months? Are you reading any books outside your normal habits?

Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

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Heartless
Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends
Published November 8, 2016

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

About Heartless

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

My Review

A couple people I know LOVE this book, but I’ve put off reading it for a long time, in part because I knew it would be sad. And it absolutely is a sad story.

But it’s also packed with amazing characters and loads of whimsy and hope for impossible things, and I so loved every moment of that. I loved Cath’s passion for baking and her inspiration with varying flavors, and the dreams that spawned lemon trees and roses in her room. The tea party and the ball and the ridiculous king and his court. Hatta and Haigha. Jest and Cath. There’s just so much to love.

So… yep. I’m a huge fan, even despite the fact that it’s a terrible time to read a sad book. The journey through the story was so much fun and so beautifully done that I would read it all over again.

If you liked CINDER, in that you liked a reimagined fairy tale world with vibrant characters and soaring adventure, I definitely recommend HEARTLESS.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
One brief reference to a man being in love with another man.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Some magic. Three sisters guard a well with healing powers and issue prophesies about the future.

Violent Content
Some situations of peril. A fierce monster attacks at a party. References to a war in the kingdom of Chess. Two characters are beheaded with an ax. (It’s not graphically described in either instance.)

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning

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

Sea Witch Rising
Sarah Henning
Kathering Tegen Books
Published August 6, 2019

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

About Sea Witch Rising

“The Little Mermaid” takes a twisted turn in this thrilling sequel to villainess origin story Sea Witch, as the forces of land and sea clash in an epic battle for freedom, redemption, and true love. 

Runa will not let her twin sister die. Alia traded her voice to the Sea Witch for a shot at happiness with a prince who doesn’t love her. And his rejection will literally kill her—unless Runa intervenes.

Under the sea, Evie craves her own freedom—but liberation from her role as Sea Witch will require an exchange she may not be willing to make. With their hearts’ desires at odds, what will Runa and Evie be willing to sacrifice to save their worlds? 

Told from alternating perspectives, this epic fairy tale retelling is a romantic and heart-wrenching story about the complications of sisterhood, the uncompromising nature of magic, and the cost of redemption.

My Review

I forgot how much I like the way Sarah Henning writes. Her characters are compelling and complex. They’re the kind of characters who are somehow both hero and villain. You don’t agree with all their choices, in fact, some of them you wildly disagree with, but you understand the desperation and the love behind them.

The story world is also rich and imaginative. The magical system feels well-developed, too. I liked the cross-generational element to the story, where Evie, the protagonist from Henning’s first book, SEA WITCH, is now the age of Runa’s grandmother. Runa’s sister becomes human because she’s in love with the grandson of Evie’s best friend. It gives the story an interesting circular feel.

I think I expected the Little Mermaid retelling to be the whole story. (Spoiler: it isn’t. It’s about 25% of the book.) On the one hand, I liked that SEA WITCH RISING went much broader into this political conflict and the collision of merpeople and humans. On the other hand, sometimes the story felt rushed because so much was crammed into the pages.

A few elements challenged my willing suspension of disbelief. I’ll try not to include spoilers. At one point Runa takes a serious action that I felt didn’t get the proper horror from her new allies. They kind of face-palmed, told her she did a stupid thing, and sort of moved on.

They had other, more pressing issues, so in some ways it made sense that they put Runa’s actions aside, but it didn’t seem like she paid a social cost for her behavior, if that makes sense.

I kind of also wanted SEA WITCH RISING to have a little more of a nod to true love toward the end of the book. The story definitely isn’t about romantic love. It’s about sisterhood and also the kind of love you have for your people. But it would have been really cool to juxtapose the part of the story which is the retelling of the Little Mermaid against Runa’s own journey toward love.

On the whole, I still really enjoyed the book. Like I said, I love the way Sarah Henning writes and I love her complex characters. I’m a huge fan of the duology, and I hope Henning writes more fantasy in the future.

If you like twisted fairy tales, also check out the duology SPINDLE FIRE and WINTER GLASS by Lexa Hillyer, which are kind of a Sleeping Beauty/Alice in Wonderland/Cinderella mashup. Also, if you’re fans of those books, you definitely want to read SEA WITCH and SEA WITCH RISING!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Runa and her sisters have blond hair and pale skin. The humans in the story are from Denmark.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
References to the sea goddess, Urda. Use of magic.

Violent Content
The sea king uses a violent magic to harm the sea witch. In an intense scene, a someone stabs another person. Witches use magic to incapacitate and burn enemy soldiers.

Drug Content
The sea king uses nectar from a rare flower to amass magical power. He’s become addicted and withdrawals from the nectar may kill him.

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

Review: Ever Alice by H. J. Ramsay

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Ever Alice
H. J. Ramsay
Red Rogue Press
Published August 1, 2019

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

About Ever Alice

Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows—it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure. When Alice decides at the last minute not to go through with it, she escapes with the White Rabbit to Wonderland and trades one mad house for another: the court of the Queen of Hearts. Only this time, she is under orders to take out the Queen.

When love, scandal, and intrigue begin to muddle her mission, Alice finds herself on the wrong side of the chopping block.

My Review

I think the idea of EVER ALICE is really clever. It seems completely plausible to me that if the Alice from the original story came back from Wonderland and tried to explain her adventures to her family and friends, they would send her to an asylum.

That premise also gives EVER ALICE a darker, creepier feel. This Wonderland feels much more like something created by Tim Burton rather than Lewis Carroll. Several scenes show victims of the Red Queen’s conspiracy theories getting beheaded. She chooses food and drinks that become increasingly gross.

Something felt missing for me in reading the book, though. I wanted more from Alice. She’s a passive character, constantly getting caught up in other people’s plans. Even when she finally (about 60% of the way through the story) commits to a course of action, she still relies on others to lead her to the solution to her problem.

I liked that the story isn’t as simple as a girl falling through a rabbit hole into another world. (Though I guess that doesn’t sound all that simple.) I liked that it left me with questions about what Alice really experienced. All in all, I’d say EVER ALICE wasn’t the best fit for me as a reader, but it was an interesting leap from the original story.

If you’re looking for a reimagining of ALICE IN WONDERLAND, I recommend Umberland, the second book in the series by Wendy Spinale.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Alice and her family are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between a boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
One character reads cards, tea leaves, and palms to predict the future. The Cheshire cat appears and disappears. Ghosts appear and speak to living characters.

Violent Content
Several descriptions of beheading.

Drug Content
None.

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