When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Quotable: "Rishi was a naturally good friend, she could tell. The kind of guy who thought your every fight was his as well."

Character Development: When I realized this was a story about arranged Indian marriages, I was not excited to finish it. I expected misogyny and anti-feminist ideas, but was pleasantly surprised to find Dimple Shah has a mind of her own! I was happy that Rishi went from a rigid planner who always obeys his parents to his own - still respectful - adult. Their relationship and romance is realistic and adorable, which I was not expecting.

Writing Style: Readers from any background can pick up this story and gain insight into another culture without feeling out of place. It takes talent for authors like Menon to accomplish this.

What I Enjoyed: I wanted to know how these two would end - reading large chunks of this book at a time. I'm glad someone in my book club added it to the list, because I otherwise might not have given it a chance.

Deal Benders: Many Indian words and phrases are used, and the meaning often gets lost in translation. The author does her best, but once in a while it draws away from the story when you have to lookup a word in another language and hope it was translated correctly.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid enjoyable young adult becoming story.

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

The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library #1) by Genevieve Cogman

Quotable: "Heroic fiction had plenty of manly handclasps in it...but it had never gone into how you retrieved your hand afterwards, and whether there were any relevant squeezes or other manoeuvres."

Characters: The usual suspects in a fantasy series, with a hint at future romance between the main characters. The main villain is the most interesting personality, although they only appear towards the end of this first book. The others fell a bit flat for me.

World Building: The first half of the book primarily deals with creating The Library and alternate worlds. Some of these are magical and technological in varying balanced degrees, others have only one. Chaos and order ebb and flow in a never-ending battle, while creatures of lore carry the balance.

Writing Style: Young Adult level that picks up the pace in the last ten chapters or so. It seemed like Cogman wanted to share a wealth of information, then saved the intrigue for a grand finish.

What I Enjoyed: The final scenes, as I mentioned previously, redeemed this book for me. I hope to see more of this style in upcoming installments.

Deal Benders: Unfortunately, much of the first in this series felt like an info dump instead of slowly crafting the scene. This is a pit many authors fall into, and stories can be lost on the spikes. I am willing to give the next book a chance to see if these issues are resolved.

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars for an enjoyable adventure. The ending redeems wading through the slow starting tide.

For Fans of: Books about books, Sherlock Holmes mysteries

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

Starswept (Starswept #1) by Mary Fan

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

First Impression: Music and stars, sounds dreamy.

Characters: The contrast between humans and their alien patrons is stark enough to be interesting. Readers get to know a few of the main characters from both species, with hopefully more complexity in upcoming installments.

World Building: A unique setting focused on alien abilities and the relationship between art and soul.

Writing Style: Creating an alien language is not easy, but Fan does so as if it already exists. As a linguist and music patron, I appreciate the attention to detail.

What I Enjoyed: Beauty, art, and relatable character themes made for an enjoyable read. Telepathy is a terrifying yet thrilling idea - the implications of which are seemingly endless. The tension towards the end meant reading late into the night, and now I can't wait to read the second Starswept book!

Deal Benders: I didn't understand how Iris fell in love with Damiul so quickly, and would have liked more development of their connection. By the last third of the book they would suddenly do anything for each other, although practically strangers still. Maybe a mind connection speeds up how close you feel to someone?

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh alien fantasy.

Everly (Everly #1) by Meg Bonney

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

First Impression: Nerdery, sign me up!

Characters: Maddy and Jason are snarky and brave for their age, while Ren throws a brooding yet loveable shadow on the group. Fae and other creatures of Everly have unique personalities and dialogue. There is a scene with witches reminiscent of Hocus Pocus.

World Building: I could easily imagine the world on the other side of the tree, but I would have liked more description expected in a fantasy series.

Writing Style: Bonney uses nerd references and sarcastic conversations to drive the plot along, which makes this series suitable for teen readers.

What I Enjoyed: References are always appreciated, much like finding Easter eggs. I enjoyed some of the fantasy creatures like trolls that the trio encounter on their journey.

Deal Benders: I struggled to connect with the narrative and dialogue. It's quite possibly a case of growing older. This story would be most relatable to young teens.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for an enjoyable frolick through a fantasy realm.

For Fans Of: The Guild by Felicia Day

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!

Beauty's Curse (Once Upon A Princess #1) by C.S. Johnson

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

First Impression: What a beautiful cover, and I adore fairy tale re-tellings!

Characters: Rose and Theo, Rose and Phillip, Rose and her many friends / subjects in the kingdom...so many winning combinations with appropriate complexity to each relationship.

World Building: Not much is shared about the world itself, but the characters and backstory drive the scene thus far.

Writing Style: Johnson has a wistful grace to her sentences that swept me off my feet. Very fairy tale approved.

What I Enjoyed: I like this better than the Disney version, and that means it's a great story! Admittedly, I pictured many of the characters as they appeared in the cartoon adaptation - while trying to imagine them as real people haha. I adore Rose's character, full of confidence and pride yet soft and humble. She takes the curse as a challenge to life instead of a reason to acquiesce.

Deal Benders: I'm a bit greedy, and would like more imagery to go with the wonderful plot and character development.

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a well done reimagined favorite. I can't wait to read the sequel, "Beauty's Quest"!
For Fans Of: Sleeping Beauty or any other Disney story, re-imagined with a feminist twist!

Mountain of Shadows (City of Words #2) by Steven Carroll

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

First Impression: I really liked the first book, looking forward to seeing what happens to Alpha and his friends!

Characters: The hallmark of good character development is how much I end up caring about them as actual humans. I cried and was scared, was happy and hopeful, and rooted for my new friends throughout this second installment.

World Building: Fully realized dystopian is not easy, but Mountain of Shadows pulls it off. Without giving too much away, I could fully imagine the scenes unfolding in all their intensity.

Writing Style: Carroll weaves a story for all ages, with the natural ease of a true writer.

What I Enjoyed: Whenever I leave my surroundings and fall into the pages of a book, I know I've found a new favorite. The scene descriptions are palpable and the tech is believable, something I don't always feel in these kinds of books.

Deal Benders: I would like to see the relationship unfold between the main characters Alpha and Theta at this point in the series. I think the YA crowd calls for a bit of romance and hope to break up the bleakness. I would also like to know more about the "why" at this juncture. The inevitable part in every dystopian tale when we find out what made humanity turn on itself.

Overall Rating: 5 stars because it was far beyond the first book, and I wish book #3 was already out so I can see what happens!

For Fans Of: The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Giver

City of Words by Steven Carroll

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

First Impression: Brilliant cover, and a dystopian/post-apocalyptic society? Yes please.

Characters: The children of the future have no parents. They are bred to serve a purpose, and are just as disposable. Alpha and Theta have a charming friendship with a hint at the possibility of blooming love.

World Building: Step into the future in a world that is immersive without being overly so. Sometimes it's nice to know enough about the scene to push the story along, and not get bogged down in pages of new science and inventions.

Writing Style: Carroll certainly has a voice for young adult fiction. My inner teenage girl was intrigued while my adult mind looked back with nostalgia to times of simple friendships and moral absolutes. I adore works that can turn back the clock on growing old.

What I Enjoyed: Moments of surprising insight will encourage young minds to think about the dangers of controlling society. Not just a tale for youth, I found the writing engaging enough for adult minds as well.

Deal Benders: City of Words was a solid first installment. I would have liked to see more back story on Alpha and Theta, to give their connection more feeling.

Overall Rating: 4 stars, and I look forward to reading the next book!

The Last Orphans by N.W. Harris

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

First Impression: The Last Orphans is part of an apocalyptic series, which I'm a fan of - so this should be good!

Characters: Shane Tucker collects a team of survivors on the road to safe haven. He reads like an old soul who knows more than his years might suggest. Teenagers and little children band together against all kinds of danger in this world after the storm.

World Building: Author N.W. Harris creates a world you can fall into, especially for post-apocalyptic fans. The young teens race against time and nature in a nail-biting adventure across treacherous territory.

Writing Style: I appreciated the imagery painted as well as the descriptive action scenes.

What I Enjoyed: I could see The Last Orphans becoming a popular series, and then on into movies. This first installment reads that way. I also liked the way Harris handled the adult population dying off - it felt realistic even if fictitious.

Deal Benders: Shane and some of the kids are too good at survival for children who have never fended off anything more than the neighbor's dog. There's also a bit too much gore for a Teen series.

Overall Rating: I rate this as a Young Adult book with an L for Language, V for Violence. I would definitely read the next one.

For Fans Of: The Maze Runner, The Walking Dead

James Potter and the Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert

First Impression: After 7 Harry Potter books and now the 4th James Potter book, you'd think I had enough, right? WRONG. Let's keep this going! I expect big things...

Characters: James and his friends develop normally as students. The supporting adults don't really change much, but that's not the point of a HP story. The evil ones are deliciously evil, and there's even a surprise comeback of many old friends!

World Building: I can't tell the difference between Lippert's world and Rowling's. The magic is still there, Hogwarts and Quidditch...like we never left. I appreciate this in fan fiction. Wonderful new additions and inventions, drawing on the influence of many beloved authors (afterward).

Writing Style: Again, I enjoy the quirky and flowing writing of the author. I feel this is fan fiction at it's most possible best.

What I Enjoyed: Magic, intrigue, plot twists, oh my! This is my favorite JP yet, hopefully with many more to come!

Deal Benders: For once, I can't think of any. Hmm...

Overall Rating: 5 stars - now don't get too excited, I realize it's middle grade fiction. But that doesn't mean the adults can't enjoy the ride.

For Fans Of: The Harry Potter series, duh. :)