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MMGM Review: The Song of Orphan’s Garden by Nicole M. Hewitt

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The Song of Orphan's Garden by Nicole M. Hewitt

The Song of Orphan’s Garden
Nicole M. Hewitt
Feiwel & Friends
Published January 21, 2025

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About The Song of Orphan’s Garden

Combining the gentleness of Miyazaki, the wintry wonderland of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and the whimsicality of Newbery winner The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Nicole M. Hewitt’s debut middle-grade novel, The Song of Orphan’s Garden, is an enchanting fantasy tale with all the makings of a new classic.

In an arctic world that’s getting colder every day, Lyriana’s only hope of survival is to get her little brother Zave and herself to the fabled Orphan’s Garden. It’s rumored to be the one place in the world not controlled by deadly Winter Spirits or ruled by the tyrant Giant king. In Orphan’s Garden, healing trees will melt away Winter’s pains, and Lyriana and Zave can live safely in the warmth of Spring. If the garden exists, they must find it. They won’t live much longer without it.

Brob, a Giant boy, also needs sanctuary. When the Giant king banishes his family to the Winter Blight, it’s a death sentence. Orphan’s Garden is his family’s only hope, and as far as Brob’s concerned, it belongs to him. After all, he was the one who accidentally used an ancient magic to grow the garden years ago. He has no intention of sharing his haven with pesky humans, who will just use up its magic and ruin it.

When it becomes clear that Orphan’s Garden is in danger of being destroyed, Lyriana and Brob are the only ones who can save it—but only if they can put the ages-old battle between Humans and Giants aside and find a way to work together.

My Review

I’ve heard so much about this book this year that I couldn’t wait to finally get my hands on a copy. I read this whole book in less than 24 hours. It’s written in verse, and alternates back and forth mainly between Lyriana and Brob’s perspectives. The lines in Lyriana’s scenes are very short compared to Brob’s scenes, which was cool. It kind of reflected their different sizes.

I kind of figured out what was missing from the magic very early in the book, but I loved watching the characters coming to those realizations. The way that the author uses music in connection with magic is also really cool.

I do wish there had been another young female character besides Lyriana. I think the group of kids has other girls in it, but they don’t contribute much individually. Several female characters sacrifice themselves to save the people they love, too. I think it would have been cool to have that not restricted to a role that women in the story played.

On the whole, though, this story captivated me from the first chapter to the last. I love that the author wrote this fantasy novel in verse and still created what feels like a rich story world and unforgettable characters.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Contains characters who are giants. Each season has spirits who help or harm depending on their natures. References to a deity called The Composer. Songs draw forth magic called Fermata. Some giants can use Fermata to make plants grow. A special tree has the power to heal those who climb into its branches.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to battles between humans and giants. Death of a parent. Appearance of death of a sibling.

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.

Review: Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver by Sean McMurray

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

Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver
Sean McMurray
Artemesia Publishing
Published July 8, 2025

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About Paul Weaver and the Soul Reaver

Can one vlogger and his loyal dog save their town from the clutches of a dark wizard?

When 12-year-old fantasy super fan Paul Weaver started a channel on his favorite fantasy website documenting his quest to become a Paladin Knight, he never considered he would one day have to pull off the heist of all stealing his principal’s soul.

That sounds more like something a member of the thieves’ guild or a dark wizard would do, not a supposed Knight-in-Training, but to halt a growing evil changing his grandfather, older sister, and best friend – err – former best friend for the worse, and turning many others in his small town into mind-controlled zombies, Paul doesn’t have much choice.

With the help of his loyal dog, Samwise, and their modest following of fans and subscribers, Paul may just pull it off. If he doesn’t, his town will be lost forever and his grandpa, sister, and former best friend will never be normal again.

My Review

The way this book is set up is pretty clever. Each chapter opens with an illustration of what looks like a video thumbnail, like you might see on YouTube. The chapters are largely a transcript of a boy recapping his adventures for his viewing audience.

The format made the book seem like a quick read with a fast-moving plot. After Paul witnesses something supernatural in the woods, he’s determined to figure out what’s going on and to stop the person from harming anyone else. At first I assumed this was going to resolve into a misunderstanding with some kind of non-magical explanation, but I think I liked that the book leaped into the paranormal even better than that outcome.

At times, Paul seemed a bit young for his age. I think this works, especially in clueing readers into some of the subtext for why his recent friendship may have faltered. It seems like he’s still clinging to games he and his friend played when his friend is ready to move on to a new phase of life. That’s pretty relatable. It’s also complicated, as another kid picks on Paul and the fact that his friend doesn’t stand up for him or stop the other kid hurts.

One interesting relationship in the story is the one between Paul and his sister. She is experiencing some changes and growth herself, and at first, Paul feels disconnected from her. His adventure provides a new way for them to connect. I like that it shows that process of growing apart and finding new ways to connect.

Conclusion

All in all, I could see readers looking for a paranormal story for the season enjoying this tale and relating to the social media-based format. If you liked A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig, check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 to 14.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to a crush.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have supernatural ability and may be stealing souls.

Violent Content
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.

MMGM Review: Ghoul Summer by Tracy Badua

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

Ghoul Summer
Tracy Badua
Storytide
Published September 2, 2025

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About Ghoul Summer

In this beachside ghost story that’s perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Wednesday, twelve-year-old Barnaby is forced to spend his summer helping his grandpa move, only to be confronted by Maxwell—a moody ghost boy with some unfinished business. 

Barnaby had grand plans for his summer. He should’ve been spending his days watching movies and gaming with his friends. Instead, his parents drag him to the boring beach town of Sunnyside to help his grandpa move.

Just when he thinks this summer can’t get any worse, a ghost boy named Maxwell shows up in their vacation rental home to kick Barnaby and his family out.

Barnaby tries everything to get rid of Maxwell on his own. But when his attempts fail and Maxwell actually becomes stronger, Barnaby realizes that there’s only one solution to his ghost helping Maxwell figure out his unfinished business. If he doesn’t, the ghost might ditch the rental home for Barnaby’s body instead.

With the clock counting down to the end of the trip, Barnaby is forced to enter an uneasy truce with Maxwell to find the truth—or be haunted forever. 

My Review

Helping a ghost resolve their unfinished business is a premise some readers will already be familiar with. I love that Badua shakes things up a bit in her book. For instance, Maxwell, the ghost, isn’t all that friendly. He’s moody and willing to get Barnaby in a lot of trouble if he doesn’t get what he wants. In many of the other ghost-with-unfinished-business stories I’ve read, the ghost is sad or friendly. Seeing Barnaby, who is himself a bit prickly, wrestle with his conflicting feelings about Maxwell made for a more interesting story.

While Barnaby is able to solve some mysteries about what Maxwell needs, others remain largely unresolved. This could be challenging for readers who like their stories wrapped up neatly, with consequences for all the parties who wronged the characters. On the other hand, I think the way Badua chose to end the book creates more opportunity for discussion, and I appreciate that. I love a hijinks-filled middle grade book that gives you some stuff to think about.

I’m surprised this came out in September. It seems like the kind of book that would have come out in May, at the start of the summer season. Kids here in Florida go back to school a lot earlier than some other places, though, so maybe it’s just me. Either way, Ghoul Summer is a fun story that packs a lot of character growth. I suppose a September release date is perfect for those of us not ready to let go of that summer feeling and readers anxious for the Halloween season.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
One character is a ghost with an attitude. In one scene, Barnaby tries to exorcise the ghost using a ouija board. This backfires and somehow connects him to the ghost, so he can take control of Barnaby’s body.

Violent Content
The ghost makes threats to get Barnaby in trouble, such as threatening to use Barnaby’s hands to punch someone.

Drug Content
References to a possible poisoning.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I borrowed a copy of Ghoul Summer from the library. 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.

Review: Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying

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

Hungry Ghost
Victoria Ying
First Second
Published April 25, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Hungry Ghost

A beautiful and heart-wrenching young adult graphic novel takes a look at eating disorders, family dynamics, and ultimately, a journey to self-love.

Valerie Chu is quiet, studious, and above all, thin. No one, not even her best friend Jordan, knows that she has been binging and purging for years. But when tragedy strikes, Val finds herself taking a good, hard look at her priorities, her choices, and her own body. The path to happiness may lead her away from her hometown and her mother’s toxic projections―but first she will have to find the strength to seek help.

My Review

Reading this book makes me think about the delicate balance that writing a story about disordered eating is. For some readers, it’s a triggering topic, so I imagine as an author, you’d want to be sensitive to that and tread lightly, limiting descriptions about the process and feelings associated with moments in the process. On the other hand, readers who aren’t familiar with disordered eating will have trouble engaging and/or be confused if there aren’t enough details to let them know what’s happening in the story and what the main character is feeling.

Ying does a great job threading that needle and letting readers know what’s happening without showing things in graphic detail. What jumps out the most is Val’s constant anxiety about food, her deep shame about her body, and the internalized harmful messages from her mother.

I love Val’s best friend Jordan. She has this upbeat energy and vibrance, which sharply contrasts with Val’s anxious, retreating presence on the page. That contrast in how Jordan takes up space and Val shrinks into herself highlights Val’s struggle.

There are a few moments that I wish the author had extended a little bit. At one point, Val and Jordan have an argument. Val says aloud the hurtful words she’s repeated in her head throughout the book. Ultimately, it nearly costs Val her friendship and makes her stop and think differently about the words she’s repeated to herself. I found myself wishing that the story lingered there and explored that a little more deeply, as well as going deeper into the conversation between Val and Jordan after the argument.

Conclusion

Ultimately, I appreciate the thoughtful way that the author approached such a personal, difficult topic. I’ve read other novels about disordered eating. I think this is the first graphic novel that I’ve seen address the topic. I’m really glad to see this book on the shelves, and I think it does a great job introducing readers to the topic of disordered eating.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 13 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to a crush. One panel shows two people kissing from a distance.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Depictions of disordered eating (bingeing and purging). Spoiler: Death of a parent. (select text to read)

Drug Content
Students mention margaritas but clarify they won’t be having any.

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

Review: A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury

Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , , ,

A Mastery of Monsters
Liselle Sambury
Margaret K. McElderry
Published July 29, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Mastery of Monsters

Ninth House meets Legendborn in this thrilling first book in a dark academia fantasy series about a teen who’s willing to do anything to find her brother—even infiltrate a secret society full of monsters.

When August’s brother disappears before his sophomore semester, everyone thinks the stress of college got to him. But August knows her brother would never have left her voluntarily, especially not after their mother so recently went missing.

The only clue he left behind was a note telling her to stay safe and protect their remaining family. And after August is attacked by a ten-foot-tall creature with fur and claws, she realizes that her brother might be in more danger than she could have imagined.

Unfortunately for her, the only person with a connection to the mysterious creature is the bookish Virgil Hawthorne…and he knows about them because he is one. If he doesn’t find a partner to help control his true nature, he’ll lose his humanity and become a mindless beast—exactly what the secret society he’s grown up in would love to put down.

Virgil makes a proposition: August will join his society and partner with him, and in return, he’ll help her find her brother. And so August is plunged into a deadly competition to win one of the few coveted candidate spots, all while trying to accept a frightening reality: that monsters are real, and she has to learn to master them if she’s to have any hope of saving her brother.

My Review

I was really on the edge about whether or not to read this book. It’s almost 600 pages, and I tend to struggle with longer books like that. I had heard such great things about the author, though, that I decided to give the book a try.

Sometimes when I read a long book, I find myself skimming large sections and thinking the book could easily have been 100 pages shorter. I did not do that with A Mastery of Monsters. So. Much. Happens. In this book. It’s nonstop packed with action from start to finish.

August is such an intricately crafted character. She’s still reeling from grief over her mom’s disappearance, but she also has this (understandable) complex where she hyperfixates on fears of disappointing people. Those fears end up becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy as she self-sabotages again and again. Her distrust of others and lone-wolf mentality were so easy to relate to.

In the story, August becomes involved with a group called the Learner’s Society. It’s supposed to seem very high brow and elitist, and yet has these ideals of equity and inclusiveness. Right away, August has questions. It feels like a cult to her, and though she needs them to help her find her brother, she’s committed not to trust the organization. I loved that tension between her and the group.

I thought the ending was also well-balanced. It answers the questions that the premise promised and introduces a new conflict for readers to look forward to in the second book. If the next book is as long as this one, I don’t know whether or not I’ll continue with the series.

Conclusion

I enjoyed the story. I think the length was warranted. It’s just hard for me to commit that much time to one book at this point in my reading life, so we’ll see. I think contemporary fantasy fans will really enjoy this book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used here and there.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some characters transform into monsters. If they bond with a non-monster person, through a special ritual, the non-monster can help the monster retain control of their actions and change back into a human form. A select few have the ability to control any monster, even those they haven’t bonded with. Powerful items offer the ability to control monsters.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Brief graphic descriptions of monster-induced injuries. Brief graphic descriptions of combat.

Drug Content
The opening scene shows a drunk college girl leaving a club and heading for her dorm. August also gets drunk to escape heightened grief or overwhelm. A couple other scenes show college students sharing a glass of wine.

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: Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston

Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3)
B. B. Alston
Balzer + Bray
Published August 27, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Amari and the Despicable Wonders

The highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers!

Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.

War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge.

Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, using her mind control ability to force the Bureau to take up her vicious grudge against magiciankind. Meanwhile, Dylan Van Helsing, the newly crowned leader of the League of Magicians—and Amari’s former partner—is after a destructive new power that would not only ensure the magicians’ victory . . . it would make him invincible.

With neither the Bureau nor the League safe for Amari, and her newly returned brother, Quinton, determined to keep her out of the fray, she and her friends decide to find a way to end the war on their own.

So when they learn that the only way to stop Dylan is to find powerful magical inventions known as Wonders, they go after them. But wielding these items comes at a terrible cost, and Amari will have to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice . . . because the Despicable Wonders will demand everything.

My Review

I loved the first two books in this series, so the third was high on my reading list. It took me longer than I expected to finally get a chance to read it, though.

I didn’t hear a lot of buzz about the book when it came out. I think the publication date got pushed back a bit, which could have meant that the advance reviews were spread out more or something? I’m not sure what happened. At any rate, I pretty much went into the book without knowing anything more than the cover copy.

The first two books delivered fast-paced, high-stakes magical stories that kept me on the edge of my seat. This book unfolded a little more slowly and didn’t feel as focused on a single issue. I still enjoyed the magical world and the characters who joined Amari’s team. In particular, a ghost named Peekaboo and Amari’s best friend from her neighborhood both have significant roles in the story. There are some sweet and sad moments, too, with some other characters.

Amari is a great character. She continues to grow and reflect on her choices throughout the book. I liked that the things she experiences in this book make her think differently about some of the judgments she made regarding her brother’s behavior and his choices. I also like that Amari isn’t a one-girl show. She needs her friends, and they’re always stronger together.

This was a nice continuation of an engaging series. I think series readers will enjoy getting to see more of Amari’s adventures and the development of her friendships. The author just announced deals for books four and five in the series, so it looks like there will be more to come as well.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Hints of a crush between Amari and another character.

Spiritual Content
Characters have magical abilities. Magical creatures such as fauns exist and were brought to life by magic.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to torture (not shown on scene).

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.