Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor

Quotable: "It was his sanctuary - a realm of stories, not just from the Unseen City, but the world."

Character Development: Fully realized characters, unique and realistic. I can't wait to see how they develop the Godlings' story and the history of Weep in the next book.

World Building: A vivid landscape from library to desert, the whole world is created in your mind right away. The kind of place you get lost in from the onset.

Writing Style: Taylor writes at the level of my favorite authors, with wisdom and insight into the human experience. I'm a fan from reading one book!

What I Enjoyed: Everything about this book was wonderful. It starts out a bit confusing when they introduce certain characters, but if you hang in there for a few chapters all will be revealed!

Deal Benders: The only thing I don't like is that the book ended at all!

Overall Rating: 5 stars - Such a gem of a giant book, I can't wait to read the next one.

For Fans Of: [bookcover:The Cemetery of Forgotten Series|40809736]

Angel and Bavar by Amy Wilson

Cover Quote: "One Beauty. One Beast. One Enchantment to Break."

Character Development: Angel and Bavar are each scarred by their early childhood memories - their parents disappearing from their lives in mysterious ways. They learn a few lessons along the way, but I couldn't say I ever really got to know either of them.

World Building: Earth with magical elements and a Gothic style house provide the backdrop for a spooky retelling.

Writing Style: Accessibly to readers of all ages, Wilson gears towards teens while giving adults relatable content.

What I Enjoyed: I'm a fan of favorite classics with a new twist, and I've never dreamed of this version. Angel and Bavar give fresh breath to an old tale.

Deal Benders: Some of the story felt a bit flat, and the main villain had strange dialogue.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid likable read.

For Fans of: Beauty and the Beast

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

First Impression: A book about libraries, yes please!

Characters: When characters become like friends, you know an author understands how to create them. Unger brings depth and distinction to each character as the highlight of this first installment.

World Building: Visceral and chilling. A future where owning books is a crime, and society is afraid of the librarians.

Writing Style: Well-paced, beautiful prose. Plot pieced together with background information in the form of letters. I appreciate this type of story telling.

What I Enjoyed: This is not a happy tale, yet an important realization of a cold reality within the realm of possibility. Many times in history groups have attempted to control the reading of the masses. I'm reminded of when slaves and women in this country were not allowed to read. Times when books were banned in many nations, or even burned to silence a population.

Deal Benders: In the second book I would like to see some hope for these characters and the world. Although wonderful, it was a bit bleak.

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I haven't read anything quite like Ink and Bone, which is hard to accomplish. I'm going to buy the next one as soon as my queue clears.

For Fans Of: Books about books! The Giver, Fahrenheit 451

The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas

First Impression: I'm excited to see if this is a supervillain love story or what else unfolds.

Characters: Teenagers who sometimes act like adults and other times awkward children - so about right for the target audience.

World Building: Supers have powers, but there isn't a whole lot that goes into why. We're sort of dropped into the world, but it's not too distracting.

Writing Style: I can tell this is Banas' first book. While the last ten chapters are better than the rest of the book, there were many problematic things for me. The author is trying to hard sometimes to make the teenagers awkward. Certain dialogue is distracting and pulls the reader out of the story.

What I Enjoyed: As I mentioned, the last ten chapters really surprised me. Very cool finish and an interesting premise.

Deal Benders: Awkward dialogue at times that doesn't really represent teenagers. Also can we stop the trend of men showing up in women's bedrooms? It's not romantic, it's creepy.

Overall Rating: 3 stars - A fresh take on superhero antics, and an enjoyable quick read.

The Body Institute by Carol Riggs

First Impression: I am a big fan of this author, so looking forward to her take on body swapping.

Characters: The main character Morgan definitely grows as the story unfolds. Her relationships with family, friends, and even enemies are relatable.

World Building: New tech and a bleak world are adeptly drawn, as political and moral commentary build suspense.

Writing Style: I appreciate how Riggs tells a story - thinking about details often missed by authors focused on driving the plot forward.

What I Enjoyed: In a plausible future, the government is involved in every aspect of our lives. I took this story as a cautionary tale - when we think letting our freedoms go in the name of security is a good idea with disasterous results.

Deal Benders: Morgan's attitude at times felt a bit cold instead of believable, especially towards her family. Some parts felt rushed, while others dragged on. The dialogue was a bit awkward at times as well...phrases and words that teenagers haven't said in a few decades.

Overall Rating: 3 stars - An interesting premise with good futuristic ideas.

The Lost Girl (Lost Knight #2) by Candy Atkins

First Impression: I adored the first installment, and can't wait to continue this series!

Characters: Old friends like Jonah and Dathid make appearances throughout, while a host of new ones are introduced and expanded upon. Agatha remains sullen for most of this second book, but begins to find herself towards the end. The author challenges us to look past the surface of judging people at first sight as well as our prejudice by having Agatha interact with her new fellow citizens, so different from herself.

World Building: Where Atkins really shines is creating a fantastic yet beautiful world to explore. Creatures, characters, and scenery are invented or borrowed from legend.

Writing Style: Easy to read for any age, and clean for YA.

What I Enjoyed: I fell in love with Ashra, the parallel universe Agatha returned to after her 13 years on Earth. Concepts like time and the finest details of armor or food immerse the reader in another world.

Deal Benders: I don't care for Agatha sometimes, as I feel she is a bit whiny. I would have liked her character to develop gradually, instead of all at once towards the end of this book. Also, her relationships with old friends like Jonah and Dathid don't change, while she forms very quick and strong attachments to others.

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I really enjoy this series, and look forward to seeing what new adventures book 3 brings!

Recommended Reading:
 

Construct 11 Part II: Trust and Loyalty by Anna Lynn Miller

First Impression: I can't wait to read Part II in this dystopian series!

Characters: Daniel and the rest of the Seventeens grow and mature while acquiring knowledge the Leaders never wanted them to find. Caretakers (parents) show their human flaws, and a predator roams the Construct.

World Building: Life inside Construct 11 is appropriately depicted as confining. I can't imagine living in a world where the sky is only seen through the roof of a building. There's a not-so-surprising yet satisfying ending to this installment that makes me want to read the third!

Writing Style: I appreciate Miller's ability to write for all ages while keeping seasoned readers interested. Once in a while I wished for better conversations between the teenage characters however, as they felt very Leave It To Beaver.

What I Enjoyed: Many of the themes in this series and installment are new ideas. Secret lives and hidden treasures made me bring this book with me everywhere. The chracters are overall authentic and the plot deals with issues in everyday society.

Deal Benders: The women are all depicted as helpless and emotional children who need men to protect them - this really annoyed me even though it makes sense in such a closed society story. I would like to see stronger female characters in Part 3 please!

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I really like this story and want to find out if the characters leave the Construct. Hopefully creating space for capable females along the way.

Recommended Reading:

   

Empyrean's Fall by Nicole L. Bates

First Impression: I can't wait to continue this series! Also, another gorgeous cover.

Characters: The Leroni are a humanoid alien species to the humans who've landed on a strange planet somewhat like their own while vastly and dangerously new. I found the relationships authentic and the conflict believable. Of course my favorite is the love between Jahira and Krnar.

World Building: Again Bates brings exploration of Empyrean with peril and delight. Creatures, flora and fauna, and a host of other new discoveries await. I'm always impressed with this author's careful thought behind the technology and medicinal practices, as well as the character daily lifestyles and adventures.

Writing Style: Approachable and easy to follow, while building a complex enough sci-fi escape. Creating a series enjoyable for adults yet innocent enough for YA is no easy task, but Bates surprises me yet again with this accomplishment.

What I Enjoyed: What did I not enjoy might be the better question here? I want this series to go on forever. My favorite parts of fantasy and sci-fi combine to create a fast-paced adventure with enough tender and reflective moments to be immersive.

Overall Rating: 5 stars - Feel good at times, gripping at others. Everything I want in a story.

For Fans Of: Rhapsody series by Elizabeth Hayden, Jurassic Park

Land of Nod, The Artifact (Land of Nod #1) by Gary Hoover

First Impression: Traveling to another realm is always a fascination of mine. Let's dive in!

Characters: Mainly about a group of kids who are a bit precocious and mature for their age. One of them happens to be from Earth, and the others from an alternate dimension of some kind. The themes and relationships throughout are a social commentary with valuable lessons for life outside the page.

World Building: I adored the setup, the science, and the creatures in <i>The Artifact</i>. Readers will easily visualize the other world, similar enough to Earth for us to imagine while fantastic enough to excite that fantasy world within.

Writing Style: Middle-grade accessible reading flow with dialogue and character thoughts that reveal the author's personality. The adults are supporting characters, and you get to see their decisions through the perspective of a young boy. It's not easy to regress the adult mind while reading, but Hoover manages to do so delightfully.

What I Enjoyed: The way Jeff enters the other world from Earth is so whimsical yet scientifically believable. I won't give it away, but I really liked that part. The gadgets and creatures are also intriguing. I look forward to seeing what Jeff and his friends get up to in the next installment.

Deal Benders: I thought this would be a bit more YA than Middle Grade, but it's not the end of the world. If you appreciate a nostalgic children's story every once in a while, definitely pick this one.

Overall Rating: 4 stars: Fast-paced and feel-good.

For Fans Of: The Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pan

Bottled by Carol Riggs

First Impression: I haven't read a genie story in a very long time - plus that cover looks magical!

Characters: Clean YA romance themes throughout with a touch of magic. Adeelah is a genie trapped by a sort of magic curse. After centuries of spoiled "masters", she finds one who will change her world. What is most important is the characters each grow and evolve throughout the story, making them come to life.

World Building: Everything was plausible, if yet fantastic. The background of how Adeelah comes by her powers, as well as the impact of her abilities are fully realized in this short book.

Writing Style: This is the third book I've read by this author. Riggs brings a wonderfully new twist on an old story.

What I Enjoyed: I want a sequel. Bottled will likely stay with me, as the relationships and plot were so different from what I've read lately. I wanted to pick this book up every chance I had, which speaks to its magic.

Deal Benders: I'm not sure of the intended audience. If written for YA, there are violent themes I would suggest for adults only.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars for this short gem of a story. I wish for another installment, so now you have to write one - right?

For Fans Of: Aladdin, Harry Potter

Stars Uncharted by S.K. Dunstall

First Impression: A beautiful cover among the stars - take me away! 

Characters: Everyone has a unique personality with a sense of individual background and outlook. I would have liked more character development as the story progressed.

World Building: Set on space stations and ships, the universe feels realistic. Most of the building is spent describing the mod machines, ingredients, and history.

Writing Style: The Dunstall duo offers a fast-paced adventure with easy to read language. I appreciate their ability to create new words and ideas without making them confusing or distracting to the story.

What I Enjoyed: New technology and terminology is exciting to my creative mind, and is handled wonderfully in Stars Uncharted.

Deal Benders: I wanted more to happen than just a group of bad guys chasing down a group of good guys. Some parts were repetitive, and the ending left me feeling unresolved.

Overall Rating: 3 stars solid for an enjoyable among the stars.

For Fans Of: Firefly

Trinity (Dark Legacy #1) by Domenico Italio Composto-Hart

First Impression: Great title and cover although 600-some pages is daunting.

Characters: Kieko and Aiko are adolescents with typical teen problems. They hate each other out of fear and jealousy, yet strive towards a common goal. Their mentor is reminiscent of an old samurai warrior mixed with a Buddhist priest. I thought at any moment he would say, "patience, young grasshopper." Their relationships with family and each other were my favorite parts. The pieces that fell flat for me surrounded the character building of the evil enemies.

World Building: Set in the time of the fabled Atlantis, narrations by some wise and aged yet unknown lifeform interject the plot. We get to know the story of a previous generation, then focus for the remainder on Kieko's present. The descriptions of the temple and the Lemurian way of life paint an image of some remote untouched corner of the world.

Writing Style: Domenico is gifted with the ability to draw the reader into a story, even if it's not their typical preferred type of story. The details are reminiscent of Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. At times however, I felt the dialogue a bit overdone. Shinsei and Keiko especially would benefit from variation.

What I Enjoyed: The relationships between all characters ring true and complex, which is not always easy to accomplish in the fantasy / sci-fi realm. Many of the action scenes are shocking yet realistic, which is appreciated in an adult series.

Deal Benders: Why were the Atlanteans attacking? Were they even the Atlanteans at this point? What is behind this evil force? What motivates them to kill and destroy with such force? I had way too many questions about the motives and the whole point of the antagonist throughout. I think if this is to be a 6-part series each installment could be condensed by removing uber-detailed depictions and lengthy conversations.

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars - An enjoyable read with a fresh premise. However, this first book does not warrant 616 pages.

For Fans Of: Kung Fu, The Karate Kid

The Preferred Observer by Matthew Bruce Alexander

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Martian microbes and a rogue android, yes please!

Characters: A diverse cast of fully realized characters, interconnected in ways that unfold as the story progresses. From Maggie the young heart who had to grow up too fast, to Lilith the call girl with a mission they drive the story of a world gone a bit mad.

World Building: Earth hasn't necessarily changed all that much, but has become a bit bleak in the future. The Government has a tight grip on the population, and everyone is afraid of catching "the Rouge". I became fully immersed in the action-packed plot.

Writing Style: This is what blew me away right from the beginning - Matthew Bruce Alexander's writing. I laughed, then was surprised, and sometimes scared. His ability to write the way someone might think means I'm a fan from this book onward. It rarely happens when I know I'm going to fall into an author's mind, but I can't say enough how I appreciated this mastery of the written word. Enough "big words" to stimulate the mind without going overboard to the point of search and replace in MS Word. Such prose and attention to detail is often missing in the novels of today.

What I Enjoyed: The author gives the impression he really understands his characters, maybe even on a personal level. Drawing the motivations of people like Thomas the insider felt especially insightful. This in an author you want to have dinner with, much like Douglas Adams, and simply listen to their thoughts on any subject.

Deal Benders: I wish this story didn't have to end. That is all.

Overall Rating: 5 stars, and can I give it more!?...but that would be over 100% which we know is not a real number.

For Fans Of: If you've seen the movies Gattica or Aeon Flux, this world has a similar feeling. The story itself is not quite dystopian or sci-fi, but somewhere along the line of a realistic future U.S. 

Empyrean by Nicole L. Bates

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Alien planets and a beautiful cover!

Characters: The story follows two story lines: Jahira and Krnar, people of different species who may not be so different after all. The character relationships and personalities were complex and realistic, which brings full submersion into the book.

World Building: I want to visit this planet, which in some ways is not unlike our own - at times beautiful, and others unforgiving. It was interesting to see the perspective from both a native and foreign species. 

Writing Style: I read through this book in about a week, as Bates writes with easy flow and attention to enough details without overwhelming the reader. 

What I Enjoyed: The character interactions and world building were my favorite parts of this story. Plus what a gorgeous cover and title! I can't wait to read the sequel. I really liked that I read late into the night, which is always a good sign.

Deal Benders: I would have liked a bit more background on Jahira's people. More direct history of Leron would be helpful, and making more use of futuristic technology would bring a more Sci-Fi feel to the series.

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a well delivered first installment. Bring on the next!

For Fans Of: KPAX, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Dissident by Nikki McCormack

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: What a gorgeous cover and interesting premise! I want to learn more about this "ascard" power.

Characters: What I adored about each character in Dissident, is the full realization of personality. Every one is distinct and beautifully drawn. The real issues and struggles between chracters and their world will pull you in like somehow you're one of them. Spoiler****I almost fell in love with Yiloch myself, let alone as an interest for Indigo.****

World Building: I imagined a world somewhere between Middle Earth and a scene from Final Fantasy. Although not overly described, the sense of time and place are easy to discern.

Writing Style: The way McCormack pulls you into relationships is breathtaking. Everything from battle scenes to quiet moments is realistically developed.

What I Enjoyed: I didn't want this first book of the series to end! I want to know what happens to my new friends, and what new challenges await the realm. The ending gives the perfect sendoff for Forbidden Things #2.

Deal Benders: The only complaint I found was a slow beginning. Hang in there because about 1/3 through you won't want to put this book down.

Overall Rating: 4 stars. With a stronger start, this could be a 5 star series!

For Fans Of: Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon, The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson

The Portal (Junction 2020 #1) by Carol Riggs

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: Traveling through time or dimensions is an intriguing prospect.

Characters: I found the characters to be a bit flat in this first installment. Although younger readers might relate to the young characters in The Portal, older readers may struggle with the lack of development.

World Building: Riggs shines once she pulls you from the real world into her imagination. This is the second book I've read, and she really has a masterful way of painting a picture.

Writing Style: Middle grade level and large print make this a quick and easy read.

What I Enjoyed: I'm addicted to the author's imagination! From beautiful music scapes to scary creatures, I can't wait to see what Riggs comes up with next.

Deal Benders: The books starts off with too many adjectives, which bothered me for some reason. I was also annoyed that the main character thought about her dad's poor opinion of women way too often. Along this line the main character thinks about her dreams relating to the portal world to the point of obvious. I think once or twice as foreshadowing would have been appropriate.

Overall Rating: 3 stars because I enjoyed the story, but would like to see some of the deal benders worked out in the second installment.

For Fans Of: His Dark Materials, The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland

Construct 11 (Part 1) by Anna Lynn Miller

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: I'm all in for the dark and dingy dystopian fiction. 

Characters: Watching Daniel awaken and question his sense of security seemed like coming up for air after diving into the water. I appreciate characters I can root for, and want to follow on their journey. 

World Building: I found myself intrigued, wanting to know more about the time before Construct 11. How did we get to this place? This is a great portend of things to come in the next book. The current world is bleak like in George Orwell's 1984. 

Writing Style: Miller creates a realistic future in a bunker that feels increasingly claustrophobic as the story progresses. This tension building makes me excited for the next book, as the characters start to question the world around them. 

What I Enjoyed: Renaming and shifting realities is exactly what a dystopian government would do. I liked the fresh voice among the flood in this genre.

Deal Benders: I would like it to be longer - mainly to explain a bit more of how things came to be as they are. Of course something is left to the imagination and future installments, but I think drawing the readers into the backstory a bit more would create more loyalty to the series. Especially the main characters, why should I care about them? 

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh perspective and exciting introduction to this new world.

For Fans Of: The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, 1984

4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace by Johan Twiss

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: A paralyzed kid and a Jewish jazz musician - this sounds like it will get interesting. Also what a beautiful cover!

Characters: Aaron and Solomon become unlikely friends, and explore the connections possible across generations. Getting to watch Aaron grow through Solomon's wisdom was endearing and left me with that warm fuzzy feeling.

World Building: An imaginary world within the mind of a paralyzed teen unfolds alongside the dementia flashbacks of an old jazz musician. I haven't read anything quite like it.

Writing Style: Easy reading for all levels. I was able to read this entire book in a couple of days, and didn't want to put it down.

What I Enjoyed: Historical fiction mixed with a coming of age story is something I don't think has been done before! I want more stories that spark wonder and imagination.

Deal Benders: A bit too simplistic sometimes with dialogue and character behavior. Sometimes the story felt more like a fable than a narrative. I also did not fully understand the ending, and who exactly Aaron was in Solomon's timeline.

Overall Rating: 4 stars because I really enjoyed this story.

For Fans Of: Tuesdays with Morrie

The Lost Knight by Candy Atkins

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: An adventure with the Grim Reaper and another realm? Yes please.

Characters: The main heroine is a believeable teenager, who develops at a reasonable pace throughout this first installment. Her companions and the troup of characters met on their travels remind me of a middle grade Lord of the Rings quest!

World Building: I am obsessed with the worlds within these pages, and can't wait to read the other books! Wonders abound in The Lost Knight - I was so sad when it ended.

Writing Style: Candy Atkins has a knack for writing to a wide audience. Very easy to read, while still enjoyable for the young at heart of all ages.

What I Enjoyed: I adored this book, especially the world and variety of characters. It is fully immersive.

Deal Benders: The only thing I would like to change is finding out how the relationships between characters further develop. I'm sure this will happen in the upcoming sequel.

Overall Rating: 5 stars! I want to live in these pages.

For Fans Of: The Lord of the Rings

The Lying Planet by Carol Riggs

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: Another planet full of mystery, sometime in the future. Sounds intriguing.

Characters: Most of the characters are children and teenagers. No spoilers, but the adults in this society are unlike you can imagine. I really liked the heroes of this story, and cared about their journey.

World Building: The Lying Planet is gorgeous on the cover as well as inside its pages. I can easily imagine this becoming a film, and would like to see the technology and new home world come to life. 

Writing Style: Easy to read and well edited, this book flies by while leaving you wanting a sequel. Appropriate for all ages, which is difficult to find! 

What I Enjoyed: The imagination and new take on a dystopian society were refreshing. I read a lot of sci-fi / fantasy, so it's hard to find one I enjoy this much. From the technology to relationships, this book has well-rounded elements. Action, death, love, and many others.

Deal Benders: I can only think of one thing some readers might find wrong with The Lying Planet. If you're looking for enjoyable YA fiction, it's great. Older and more seasoned readers might scoff at its innocence, although I think that was part of the charm.

Overall Rating: 5 stars! This leaves you wondering what's beyond Earth, and feeling satisfied at the same time.

For Fans Of: Clean YA space sci-fi, which is tough to find!