Category Archives: Young (and New) Adult

All the Young Adult genre book reviews, with some New Adult thrown in.

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Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

faking-normalTitle: Faking Normal
Author: Courtney C. Stevens
Series: Stand Alone (although there is a short companion story)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: February 25th, 2014
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)

Trigger Warning: Rape, self-harm

Quick Look:

I didn’t expect to feel as strongly about this book as I did. I’ll admit that the basic plot isn’t unique. However, Stevens still made it feel different and real. I will say, one of my biggest issues with stories like this didn’t show up, and for that I was grateful. I did have a few issues, but it still tugged at my heart. Continue reading →

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Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

code-name-verityTitle: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Series: Code Name Verity Series
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: May 15th, 2012
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Quick Look:

About a third of the way through this book, I tweeted that I knew this book was going to punch me in the heart. It’s one of those books that you know is going to hurt, but you just don’t know how much. It was absolutely stunning and had me in tears several times. Continue reading →

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Disruption by Jessica Shirvington

DisruptionTitle: Disruption
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: Disruption Series
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: October 4th, 2016 (US pub date)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)

Quick Look:

The concept behind this book is a good one, and completely believable. A future where people rely on technology for everything, including telling them who they are compatible with for friendship and romance. Maggie fights against the system because she knows it’s flawed. She’s a take-no-prisoners kind of person, determined to see her mission through until the end. I had a few issues with some things, but overall, the book was really interesting and captivating. Continue reading →

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The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson

The Beauty of DarknessTitle: The Beauty of Darkness
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Series: The Remnant Chronicles
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Published: August 2nd, 2016
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Quick Look:

What an ending to this series. I mean…wow. I felt like I had been put through the ringer. Everything is not tied off with a pretty bow. Everything is not rainbows and happiness. But it is the ending these characters earned and deserved. Continue reading →

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The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

The Heart of BetrayalTitle: The Heart of Betrayal
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Series: The Remnant Chronicles
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Published: July 7th, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Quick Look:

The bar was set pretty high after The Kiss of Deception, but Pearson easily met my expectations. We’re introduced to a new land, one where the leader comes to power through murder and keeps the title through brutality. Lia fights not just for herself, but for the lives of the people she cares about. It’s another beautifully done fantasy that had my heart racing at every turn of the page. Continue reading →

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The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

The Kiss of DeceptionTitle: The Kiss of Deception
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Series: The Remnant Chronicles
Publisher: Henry Holt
Published: July 8th, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Quick Look:

This book was amazing. Amazing. The characters, the world, the story…all of it worked. It’s beautiful and wonderful and exactly what I want from a fantasy novel. Continue reading →

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What Light by Jay Asher

what-lightTitle: What Light
Author: Jay Asher
Series: No Series
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: October 18th, 2016
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

Quick Look: If you’re looking for another 13 Reasons Why, this isn’t it. But that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a really good, even great, thing. What Light is beautiful and hopeful and aching and fantastic and so worth the wait. Continue reading →

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Replica by Lauren Oliver

ReplicaTitle: Replica
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Replica Series
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: October 4th, 2016
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

Quick Look:

Replica is a really interesting take on clones, both in the plot and how the book is structured. Gemma and Lyra are unique characters whose stories start as far apart as you can get, but soon intertwine. Neither can get the answers they need without helping the other. The premise is unique, and despite a few flaws, the book is definitely worth a read. Continue reading →