Six Angry Girls – Book Review

Author – Adrienne Kisner

Genre – YA, Contemporary, LGBTQ, Feminism, Queer

Publisher – Feiwel & Friends

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Raina Petree is excited to start her senior year with her boyfriend Brandon and as the president of drama club. But then her boyfriend of 5 years dumps her on the first day of senior year for someone else. She is grieving, angry and sad. And when drama club decides to do Our Town Raina can’t handle it anymore.

Millie aka Emilia is struggling too. Her father treats her as a servant and after giving 3 years of hard work and even being an important factor in their success Mock Trial team kicks her out.

After writing about her story on an advice column Raina joins a knitting group in a local yarn store. But it is not an ordinary knitting group. And on a chance encounter between Raina and Millie they decide its better to team up and take down the all boys Mock Trial team and to smash the patriarchy in the process.

Review –

Oh My God!!! This book has everything toxic masculinity, hate speech, patriarchy and intolerance and it is smashed, burned and destroyed by Six Angry Girls.

This book deals with so many social issues that too with the help of queer characters. There are bi girls, lesbian girls, trans girls, cis girls, straight girls and a girl of color. The characterization is inclusive, power packed and very close to reality.

We have a professor who is a misogynist, a girlfriend who thinks ‘traditional values’ should be treasured, a boyfriend who can’t handle his girlfriend being better than him, a team mate who can’t share a success with his girl team mate, a father who thinks a daughter should handle all the household chores.

But at the same time we have group of old people who knits and protests against social injustice done to women, they hold protests and send knitted vaginas and ovaries to misogynist officials. A mother who tells her daughter it is okay to fail and no need to find the right choice in your teen. A librarian who is super cool and can even threaten principal if the time comes.

It has friendship, humor, lots and lots of feminism, romance and the need to do what is right and just. Each girl in the Mock Trial team is different, unique and has a strong personality. I like how Millie stands up to the boys by beating them in their own game by abiding the rules.

I really felt like punching Brandon, kicking Jeffrey, giving a speech on feminist in front of whole school dedicating it to Mr. Darr and well Millie took care of revenge part for her father. And you meet such Brandon, Jeffrey and Mr. Darr in your daily life but the way all these girl handled them, challenge them and burned them was an utter joy and bliss.

One more super interesting thing about the book is its local yarn store. Knitting is considered as something women do in their leisure time. But the women in this LYS not only knits scarves, shawl and sweaters but also vaginas and ovaries. Why? For that you have to read the book. They even held protest and stand up and question the unjust caused to women. I love love love how author gave such a fantastic twist to this traditional women hobby of knitting

I can’t write enough to praise this book. This book has everything from tons of feminism to women friendship to lesbain romance to protest against social discrimination to knitting to defeating patriarchy and to defeating those who defense rape culture.

This book is a MUST READ!!!!

Thank you so much Favorite Pages Book Club for making me part of this awesome book tour.

Entwined – Book Review

Author – A.J. Rosen

Genre – YA/Romance

Publisher – Wattpad Books

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Avery Montgomery despise the idea of soulmate. But being a member of Hellenicus—a race founded in antiquity and descended directly from the Greek gods- finding your soulmate is the only way to live life.

Despite all the odds she is attending her first Gathering where she will be tied with her soulmate forever. But all is not as it seems at the Royal Court. There are weird looks from people, strange dreams and whispering from the ancient Dodona tree.

Amidst all of this her feelings keep oscillating between wise and protective Vladimir and the passionate, fun-loving Adrian.

Can Avery fight her destiny and choose her own path? Or she is destined for something that even Gods can’t change?

Review –

Right from the start this book throws you into the world of Zeus, Apollo and Hades. All the historical events and war and betrayal of Gods, the social status of the descendants in the real world and the working of the Royal Court. It is good that everything is sorted from the start but for a person like me who have no idea about Zeus or Apollo or Hades found it a little bit confusing and overwhelming.

Every character is distinguished, unique and has their own charm. Avery is a stubborn, independent redhead. Kris is a loving, caring and too sweet. Vladimir is a silent, attentive and protective. Adrian is a fun, heartbroken and honest.

The story takes time to build up but it is totally worth it. Because once the action start you won’t be able to keep it till you reach the end. This book is definitely unputdownable (if that is even a word).

Author has done an impressive job in creating the world based on the descendants of the GOD. Characters arc, Royal Court, the intricate details in the story these are the true charm of the book. This book has friendship goals, love triangle, snobby royals, talking spirits, heartbreak, loneliness and the need of independence.

Love triangle between Avery, Vladimir and Adrian is so honest and true. You actually can’t decide between the two and you feel the spark and connection with both of them. But at the same time both the relation have a different chemistry and understanding.

And I never saw the cliffhanger that was coming it was totally unpredictable and shocking(also because I was too engrossed in the story I didn’t see the number of pages left). I can’t wait to read the sequel of this book.

Thank you so much Favourites Pages Book Club for including me in the blog tour.

Roaring – Book Review

Author – Lindsey Duga

Genre – YA/ Fantasy/ Thriller/ Romance

Publisher – Entangled Publishing

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Clot Clemmons is a specialized agent who hunts down not just mobsters but monsters too.

Eris is an ordinary singer in a speakeasy in Boston but her voice is nothing less than magic. But Eris can’t speak or choose not to speak. But then one night with a single word she reveals herself. She is probably the last siren left in the world

Clot has to capture this siren and turn it to the government. But Eris is not what he expected. Everything from her past, present and her powers will leave Clot with more danger and more monsters to be encountered.

Review –

The story just dives right into action from the first chapter itself. The era, the characters, the world of monsters and hunters is too much at once but it doesn’t confuse or overwhelms you anytime.

Characters and plot are very meticulously planned and executed. Every small character or every minute detail gets its closure at the end. Though you know how the story flows still you are always on the edge as to what will happen next.

The book was set in 1920’s and author has perfectly captured the essence of it in terms of dressing, language and architecture. Even kudos to author for creating such unique and awestruck creatures and giving them fascinating powers.

Chemistry between the main lead is captivating. There is a perfect blend of romance between all the chase, murder and monsters. I totally ship Eris and Colt with all my heart.

It is an one sitting read. You won’t be able to put down without reading it till the end. It has all the elements of a perfect YA Fantasy thriller. A world full of monsters, a hunter, a siren who can captivate people with her voice and a villain who is immortal. What else do you need?

Thank you Favourites Pages Book Club for including me in the book tour.

Half Life – Book Review

Author – Lillian Clark

Genre – YA/Science Fiction

Publisher – Knopf Books

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Lucille is a perfectionist. She does everything as per by the rules and as she is supposed to be doing. She doesn’t have enough time to go out with friends, act on silly crushes or enjoy life as she wants. Because she needs to prepare for a flawless future.

So when she gets an email from Life2 for beta testers to enroll in an experimental clone program she agrees to it. Finally she can be a normal teenager and be an overachiever too. But what happens when her clone, Lucy starts living Lucille’s life better than her? Lucy does what she really wants to, not what she thinks she should want to, and Lucille is left wondering how much she was even a part of the perfect life she’d constructed for herself.

Review –

The issues discussed in the books makes for a home run. Every individual can relate to being able to get all or to achieve all the things they desire. There is a constant pressure to better ourselves. To meet the expectations of others regarding us. But what do we want? Do we really want what others expect from us? Or we are just choosing an easier path so that we can always blame others when things don’t go as per plan.

This same issue is with Lucille. She is not living her life as she wants to but as she is expected to. And thus she is always running behind something, trying to achieve everything and unintentionally starts judging and blaming everyone around her when things go wrong.

This is such a sensitive topic and author has nailed it. Lucille is a character with whom everyone will connect. In the starting you feel pity and bad for her but as the story progresses, through Lucy you understand the other side of the situation.

The Science Fiction part is written with such ease and simplicity that it is not complicated or over the top at all. You understand each and every scientific phase of the book. Author has excelled at the main elements of the book, the emotional content and the science fiction content.

Only the ending was quite rushed. I felt such a huge world shocking news to have a clone was taken very lightly and everything got solved very quickly. I was waiting for some big earth slipped from my feet kind of ending, but everything was as normal as discovering a twin not a clone.

Aside from that if you are looking for YA Science Fiction that this book is an ideal choice. It has teen friendships, academic expectations. romance, over thinking everything and a mirror that shows you how to do better in your own life.

Thank you theffbc for making me a part of this blog tour.

The Falling In Love Montage – Book Review

Author – Ciara Smyth

Genre – YA/LGBTQIA Romance

Publisher – HarperTeen

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟/5

Synopsis –

Saoirse doesn’t believe in happy endings or long term relationship. After her mother diagnosed with dementia which can be hereditary Saoirse is sure one day she will forget everything. So what is the use of having a degree or a relationship. She believes in kiss and forget strategy. But everything changes when she meet Ruby at an end of term party. She writes a set of rules for this summer fling and the most important one of them is don’t fall in love. What follows is summer of fun, complete with every cliché, rom-com montage-worthy date they can dream up—and a binding agreement to end their romance come fall.

But the most important thing in those RomCom is love always happens when its over.

Review –

Emotionally Flawed Characters – Check
Meets at a party – Check
Summer Fling – Check
Cheesy Romantic Dates – Check
Complicated Family – Check
A Big Fight – Check

This book is a perfect recipe for a cheesy but mature love.

The first and most important thing in the book is the normalization of LGBTQ love. Author has wrote such characters which can be identified in every couple. And this is so important because love has no gender. Any type of relationship can exist between any two people.

Romance is so good and chemistry is totally burning. They go on all the cheesy romantic dates but at the same time they are not that cheesy and predictable. Their romance matures with them while maintaining the cuteness.

Saoirse is such a difficult character to understand in the start but as the book progresses you realise she is just a normal teenager who has gone through a lot without any proper emotional support. So to protect herself from any further heartbreak she chooses to close her heart, lock it and throw the key away. Her character development is huge and you can see Saoirse growing and being mature little by little throughout the book.

Relationship between Saoirse and her father is complicated and you may even feel angry or irritated towards them. But it is just their way to cope up from the sadness or resentment they feel because of their actions. This complicated family is so real and so raw it will just warm up your heart and reminds you everything need not be perfect.

The writing is so fresh, funny and quirky that you will just crave for more. It has some very sensitive and highly emotional scenes and author has written in such a way that you feel the emotions but they don’t seem heavy to carry.

This is the perfect book to read in June pride month. And even if you want to read a really good representation of LGBTQ Romance without any stereotypes or drawback then just go for this book.

Thank you so much theffbc for making me part of this blog tour.

The Redpoint Crux – Book Review

Author – Morgan Shamy

Genre – YA/Contemporary/Mystery

Publisher – The Parliament House

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Megan Red Tucker has no climbing career, no sponsor and no coach. With no other option available she has to return back to her hometown Halifax. But the town theater is in dire straits. It is crumbling down with no cash and no shows.

And suddenly the Bridegroom Killer is back in town. He kills men in the town and leave them with a veil on their head. In the midst of all there is a mysterious and charming Bellamy who follows Megan everywhere and Megan has no choice but to follow his orders as she owes her life to him.

But as the date of performance gets close the number of murders increased and Megan may be the last option to find out the real truth behind all this. But now Megan has a choice to return to her life back in US. What she will choose?

Review –

Plot has kind of a gothic and dark theme. Halifax town is eerie and mysterious. Author has perfectly captured the haunting and spooky essence in the book.

The murder mystery is really good with great of twist & turns. You keep guessing till the end who the murderer is and what is the motive. It keeps you on the edge till the end.

I couldn’t feel the chemistry between Megan and Bellamy. There were some great scenes between them but they were far and rare so you couldn’t connect with them. I wish author has included more of Megan and Bellamy.

The ending of murder mystery is good, the motive is definitely shocking and very well thoughtful. But I felt it didn’t executed well. The end action scene was quite jumbled and confusing.

This is my first gothic and horror genre read. I like the haunting and scary parts of the book but when it comes to overall transition of scenes I felt they were quite abrupt at times so it just looses your interest.

Plotwise its really unique and gripping I just wish it was executed or edited a little bit properly. Still I would definitely recommend this if you are a horror or gothic fan with a great murder mystery.

Thank you theffbc for including me in the blog tour.

Every Reason We Shouldn’t – Book Review

Author – Sara Fujimura

Genre – YA/Romance/Contemporary/Sports

Publisher – Tor Teen

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis –

Olivia Kennedy’s dream of being an Olympian is crushed. But she is trying to be a normal teen as much as possible. But its not that easy being the daughter of Olympians Michael Kennedy and Midori Nakashima. Enters Jonah Choi who is training at the Ice Dreams which belongs to Olivia’s parents. Olivia connects with him instantly and he understands him in a way no one else does. But is that enough? What about Olivia’s dream of achieving Olympic gold? Will Jonah choose Olivia before his own dreams?

Review –

The writing and the premise of book is really interesting. It keeps you hooked from the start. Characters are well thought and you can see them developed throughout the book. The title does not go with the book at all.

I like the side character Mack way more better than the protagonists. She is badass, caring, mature, fun, quirky and super intelligent.

Sometimes you really feel sad for Olivia because her family is not caring at all, they don’t even have any idea what is going on in her life. But at times she is obnoxious and feels she is extra just because she is in sports and won a gold medal. The way Olivia and Jonah thinks normal teens do drama all the time is really wrong in so many ways and on the other side those teens were always kind and supporting.

Author is trying to discuss too many issues at one time but she has more miss than hits. Food habits of Olivia and Jonah is not normal and any sensitive person going through body issues can be triggered by it. Lockdown situation in school was deal with very casually. Like the next day no one is even talking about it. Even Olivia’s own mother doesn’t realize about it until next day and all she says is sorry and nothing else.

There are too many sports terms used in the book. I wish author could have simplified it or added any notes explaining them. Because of this the ending is just too confusing for me. I couldn’t understand it and there were so many subplots that remain open. Ending was too rushed and felt author just want to wrap it up everything very quickly.

The premise of the book has so much potential because it deals with a lot of issues in teen life which can be relateable but author couldn’t executed it properly. And in turn felt like Olivia and Jonah were actually very extra which was not needed at all.

What about kissing someone you actually thinks like a brother? Egg Olivia’s rink partner was really negative in my opinion. Using a kiss to add drama to your performance and except that it has no purpose or affect in the overall story at all. Abandoning a minor in the other state and everything is just fine at the end I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Plus he was being total mean in that scene.

Even with all this issue the book is really good and has some really cute moments and I would recommend this book only for Mack. She is superstar of the book and she deserves all the praise. And I would really like a sequel based on the life of Mack.

Thank you so much theffbc for including me in your blog tour.

Everything’s Not Fine – Book Review

Author – Sarah J. Carlson

Genre – YA/Contemporary

Publisher – Turner Publishing

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐🌟/5

Synopsis –

Rose Hemmersbach has a perfectly laid out plan maintain her GPA in senior class, complete the Balwyn college application assignments and escape from her small town Sparta. But when her mother is found almost dead from drug overdose in her hall everything is going to change. Rose priority has shifted to her siblings and Dad. She doesn’t even have an ounce of creativity or willingness to paint and her senior year is just passing by in a blur.

But when her Art teacher gives an assignment to paint mural for school homecoming with Rafa, a new student at Sparta, maybe there is a slim chance of painting again. But still she and her family have to address the elephant in the room.

Review-

The book deals with a lot of elements at once importance of family, mental health, drug overdose and addiction. And it does justice to them by displaying the bold consequences of addiction and laying out the emotions perfectly of the family affected by it.

It takes a lot of efforts to get invested in the book. In the beginning it is filled with painting references which is hard to understand. But after 50 pages it definitely gets interesting and more gripping.

Characters are well thought and their development arc is really well defined. You can feel the struggle Rose is going through. Her inner turmoil, her guilt, her love for family and her self destruction. Author captures the aftermath of addiction perfectly.

There was lot of sudden shifts in the scene, so it destroys the essence of a perfectly invested emotional scene. One minute Rose is feeling empty and lost and in the second she is bantering with Rafa. I understand she is a 17 year old but still if author could have executed it in a slightly different manner it would have hit home.

The writing was also a little bit difficult to understand. Though I am impressed with the way author has described paintings and their meaning in real life, it took me a lot of concentration to finish the book.

I like the ending of the book. It is not your cliche happily forever ending, it is as real life as the rest of the book. You take one day at a time and can’t predict future.

Thank you theffbc for the review opportunity.

The Sweeney Sisters – Book Review

Author – Lian Dolan

Genre – Fiction/Contemporary

Publisher – William Morrow

Year – 2020

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟/5

Synopsis –

Bill Sweeney a renowned and internationally acclaim writer and college professor died on a cool June night. His death shocked everyone in the literary business. But the person affected the most were his three daughters Liza, Maggie and Tricia. Though they grew up with a happy childhood they have drifted apart after their mothers death fifteen years ago. Their only rock was their father Bill Sweeney. Now all the sisters are back to Southport, Connecticut in their childhood home to gave the wake their father deserves.

Sara Tucker is a journalist in Washington DC. When she receives an online DNA testing card as a gift Sara decides to use it on a whim. There is 99% match with her childhood neighbor Bill Sweeney. Turns out her WASP mother Birdie Tucker had an affair with Bill Sweeney.

But was it just one night stand? Will Sweeney sisters accept Sara as their own? What does Sara want? And the most important question where is the memoir Bill Sweeney wrote?

Review-

This book has some of the most real characters I have ever read. They are imperfect, they make mistakes, they are greedy, emotionally aloof, bold, genuine, unapologetic in their actions, mature, irresponsible but most important they are family.

This book is hilarious and witty. The writing is very entertaining, you would want to finish this book in one sitting but at the same time savor it as much as you can.

The plot is definitely not predictable. Author keeps playing with your emotions throughout the book. Whom you love in the starting just keep irritating you at the end. And whom you think will be negative turns out the most lovable character.

My favorite character is Tricia and Sara. They both seems emotionally distant but they don’t shy away from what they feel right. They are persistent in their work but they would go to any lengths for their family.

Each character has an amazing character arc except Maggie. I was slightly irritated by her actions throughout the book. I understand that was how her character is supposed to be but still I couldn’t understand the change at the end.

Just because they are your family do you know them completely? Will they stand by you when everything goes wrong OR when you are wrong? Will they support you in your time of need? Author answers all of this in a beautifully manner with a dysfunctional family in the background.

The ending was perfect. It is not your happy and complete ending but more of a happy and new complicated beginnings. I love how Liza turned out in the end.

This book is funny, witty, unexpected, shocking, hard hitting and makes you love your sisters a little bit more. I would highly recommend this book. And I would love to have a sequel of Sweeney Sisters.

Thank you theffbc for making me a part of the blog tour.