82. Skipshock

  

82. Skipshock. Caroline O'Donoghue. 2025. 400 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, YA dystopia, YA speculative fiction, YA romance]

First sentence: The most common response I get when I tell people what I do for a living is: I couldn't do a job like that. What they mean is they wouldn't do a job like this. Every so often a new gruesome story circulates about salesmen, and what traveling between time speeds does to one's physical health.

Premise/plot: For readers who get a thrill out of speculative fiction with uniquely crafted worlds, Skipshock is a novel I'd highly recommend. It is a premise-driven novel. Moon and Margo are the narrators. Moon is a salesmen, traveling between worlds, racing against time almost. Margo is an Irish girl on her way to boarding school. Both traveling by train--albeit in different worlds. But when Margo finds herself on Moon's train, things will never be the same. Moon knows that Margo's sudden appearance could change his life forever--and not in an instant romance way. To the right people, Margo could mean a quick sell, big money. He could buy his way out of his [doomed] lifestyle and settle down in a world. Margo doesn't trust Moon fully, but, she's in a strange new world surrounded by people who are--through her eyes at least--strange, odd, dangerous. She is far, far, far from home and if she ever wants to get back home she'll have to risk trusting somebody.

So the premise???? Different "worlds" connected via trains have their own times. For example, some worlds have a TWO HOUR day; some worlds have a SIX HOUR day, etc. Obviously the shorter the day, the shorter the lifespan. Time has everything to do with the haves and have nots.


My thoughts: What did I love about this one? I loved the world-building. I loved the characterization. I loved the relationships. I loved the plot. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Did I see one particular twist coming? YES. If I had read this as a young teen would I have seen it coming? Probably not. Knowing what was likely coming did not change my enjoyment of the novel.

Quotes:

• That's what being in love actually is, at the end of the day. It makes the strong parts of you weak, and the weak parts of you strong.
• No anxiety, no artificiality. Just the ease of being with the person you most want to be with, in the very moment you want to be with them.
• For the first time in her life, she had a person. She and Moon had been born in different places and brought up in different ways, but regardless, one thing was very clear to her. They had each spent most of their lives lonely. Her in a cold house; him in a cold world. They were houseplants that people forgot to check on. And now they had each other. There was a feeling of boundlessness, of growing, of feeling like you could do things. Somehow, she didn't need to wonder if he felt this way, too. She knew it.
• She understood love as a wobbling table, as a three-legged dog. You had to take the weight of a limb when it went missing. You had to hold the other person up. It was the only way you could both make it to the end.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

52. Scarlet

52. Scarlet. A.C. Gaughen. 2012. 287 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Fiction, YA Historical, YA Romance, 5 stars]

First sentence: No one really know 'bout me. I'm Rob's secret, I'm his informant, I'm his shadow in dark places. No one ever takes me for more than a knockabout lad, a whip of a boy. They never really see. And I don't mind that they don't see. Like, when you walk through a room full of big men drunk off their skulls, it ain't so bad to be ignored.

Premise/plot: Scarlet is a young adult twist on Robin Hood. It is narrated by 'Scar' [aka 'Will Scarlet' or 'Scarlet'). Only Robin's gang know her secret--that she's a young woman in disguise. To the rest of the world she's just a thief, one of Robin's gang. If you're familiar with Robin Hood--and who isn't--you can fill in the blanks. Robin Hood is trying to help the poor and save them from the injustices of the powers that be [local sheriffs and such as well as 'King' John]. Readers get to know Rob, Scarlet, John Little, Much, etc. as they try to stop the thief-hunter Gisbourne from destroying everything. Gisbourne has a strong dislike for Scarlet whom he knew before...under her real name. He is the one who in fact gave her her scar.

My thoughts: It's been over ten years since I visited this series. But I've always intended to reread this series. Scarlet is far from perfect. I know this. But I enjoyed spending time with her and all the others. I think the characters have some depth. The story is somewhat familiar, to be sure, but I have always liked it.

Quotes:

• Rob's head pressed harder against mine. "I know what it's like to look into your past and see nothing but your mistakes," he said. My fingers crushed tight into his skin, clawing him like if I could break the skin we'd be connected by blood, and I could comfort him and he could see into me without me having to speak out loud. "They were your orders, Rob. You were a soldier for the King's Crusade. It can't be a mistake if you didn't have a choice."
• "More people care about you than you know, Scarlet. No matter how you got your scars. Not just those scars. The ones that make you think you're unlovable."

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

50. The Hawthorne Legacy

 

50. The Hawthorne Legacy. Jennifer Lynn Barnes. 2021. 380 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, YA fiction, YA romance, YA mystery]

First sentence: "Tell me again about the first time the two of you played chess in the park."

Premise/plot: Avery Grambs has further mysteries to solve in the second book in the Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. She's inherited the Hawthorne estate--provided she meets the conditions--but she's also inherited the dysfunctional family that comes along with it: namely the Hawthorne brothers--Nash, Jameson, Grayson, and Xander. She is developing like-like, lusty feelings for two of them: Jameson and Grayson. 

Avery's life is still in danger--of course it is. There are family secrets to uncover. Red herrings thrown in about those family secrets as well. There's like two possibly semi-steamy scenes. But mostly a lot of puzzles and clues and attempts on her life.

My thoughts: I liked this one less. I don't know if it was my mood? Possibly it was. This one has Avery traveling with the Hawthorne brothers various locations trying to track down clues, following leads, etc. It has them trying to piece together the past so they can make sense of the clues they do have. It isn't just Hawthorne family secrets...but Avery's own family as well. How does HER mother connect to the Hawthorne family? 

This one definitely had less of an emphasis on love triangle--in a way. The one kiss she shares with Grayson is for shock value on a television interview. And there's a few kisses perhaps with Jameson. But this one was more of a let's focus on all the characters, side characters, and side-side characters. 

I didn't feel as compelled to keep turning pages.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

45. The Inheritance Games

 

45. The Inheritance Games. Jennifer Lynn Barnes. 2020. 386 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Fiction, YA Romance, YA Mystery]

First sentence: When I was a kid, my mom constantly invented games. The Quiet Game. The Who Can Make Their Cookie Last Longer? Game. A perennial favorite, The Marshmallow Game involved eating marshmallows while wearing puffy Goodwill Jackets indoors, to avoid turning on the heat. 

Premise/plot: Avery Grambs comes into....an inheritance in Jennifer Lynn Barnes' The Inheritance Games. She has inherited an extremely large estate seemingly from a total stranger. His family was not entirely neglected, each one receives a nominal amount--at least relatively speaking. But one of the conditions is that she is to live on the estate a full year before collecting on the inheritance so to speak...and she'll be living WITH those she's 'disinherited.' There are four Hawthorne brothers....and each one will have his own way for 'handling' Avery. Some more 'hands on' than others....since two have a flirty situation-ship going on. There's puzzles, games, and riddles, etc. And Avery's life is in danger several times at least.... Who can she trust with her life? Who can she trust with her heart?

My thoughts: I kept turning pages because I--for better or worse--got caught up in the love triangle. Grayson and Jameson are the two brothers involved. It also greatly helped that the chapters are so short. Each one is just three to four pages. The pacing is excellent. It always feels right to read "just one more chapter." 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

34. Dead Happy

 

Dead Happy (HappyHead #2) Josh Silver. 2024. [May] 416 pages. [Source: Library] [YA fiction, YA dystopia, 3 stars]

First sentence: I used to like video games.

Premise/plot: Dead Happy is the sequel to HappyHead. Seb (Sebastian) and Eleanor are a 'couple' heading to the second phase of Happy Head, Elmhallow. Their 'relationship' is mutually convenient. They need to be a couple to succeed in the program, and perhaps even to survive long enough to escape the program. However, pretending 24/7 may prove challenging--especially for Seb. There are five couples--ten individuals--and they all want to win the competition no matter the cost. 

How far will anyone go to 'win' when winning means going against everything you've ever believed to be right?

My thoughts: I'm conflicted. On the one hand, it was a compelling read. It was. I came into the story on the hooked side of things because of the first book. On the other hand, I'm just not sure the second book is *as* good as the first. It doesn't need to be. It doesn't. It felt like ONE book divided into two. There was less world-building and less suspense, in my opinion, than in the first book. The first book had more of a surprise factor, I suppose? That being said, I definitely cared enough to keep reading to find out what happened next....

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

33. Sunrise on the Reaping

 

33. Sunrise on the Reaping. Suzanne Collins. 2025. 382 pages. [Source: Library] [audio book!] [4 stars, YA dystopia, YA thriller, YA fiction, series book]

First sentence: "Happy birthday, Haymitch!" The upside of being born on reaping day is that you can sleep late on your birthday.

My thoughts (preview): Is Sunrise on the Reaping a necessary addition to the Hunger Games series? Maybe. Maybe not. Readers will most likely come to the book knowing both a) how Haymitch's story ends (as revealed in the Hunger Games book series) and b) Haymitch's Hunger Games story (the 50th Hunger Games). At the very, very, very least they will know Haymitch was the victor for Twelve during his year. There remains no way to keep suspense in the story. 

Premise/plot: Readers who have [long] been fans of the Hunger Games will get Haymitch's backstory in greater depth. There are plenty of details to be filled in that haven't been revealed already. 

My thoughts: I am SO CONFLICTED.

On the one hand, this is set roughly twenty-five (twenty-four) years before the first Hunger Games book. Readers catch glimpses of what life was like in Twelve when Haymitch was a teen. They get to know him before he'd touched a drop of alcohol. Readers see how life in the Capital is as well. MAGS. MAGS. MAGS. (You might say I was thrilled to get to see Mags again). Readers also meet a VERY young Effie Trinket. Another familiar character is PLUTARCH and, of course, President Snow.

On the other hand, there is something futile and hopeless about Sunrise on the Reaping. There is no suspense. EVERYTHING we know about Haymitch in the "present" (aka Hunger Games trilogy) leaves no doubt that the book cover-to-cover will be futile, meaningless, hopeless. No possibility for a smidgen of happiness or peace. 

The plot itself is BRUTAL, brutal, more brutal, all bleak all the way. 

There are no surprises. I mentioned twice now how the book lacks suspense. I think this is the nature of the Games. ALL the books that feature Hunger Games are going to follow a set pattern, formula, rigidity. There is nothing new under the sun. What allows for more unique storytelling is before and after. And again, readers know how the story is going to end--Haymitch bitter, angry, disturbed, apathetic, drunk, a waste. But what the book does is strip away the possibility of a happier Haymitch AFTER the third book. Perhaps this is because this is something the movie gives him that the book never intended? Perhaps this is Suzanne Collins way of saying IGNORE THE MOVIES, Haymitch is *mine*.

Several things to note: FIRST it seems that there is nothing new under the sun. I wouldn't be surprised if every year of the Games there's a few kids [at least] who try to rebel against the system and break the games and make a stand and whatnot. Katniss was not the first. Just the last.

Second, the book's greatest strength will be in CHARACTERS and RELATIONSHIPS. Readers know that the game will be brutal, bloody, bleak, ugly, horrific, psychologically damaging, twisted. But it is in how the main character is in relationship with others in the arena that matters. 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1. A Queen's Game

1. A Queen's Game. Katharine McGee. 2024 [November]. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Historical, YA Romance, YA Fiction] [3 stars]

First sentence: May of Teck hated weddings.

Premise/plot: A Queen's Game is YA historical fiction. The three main characters--protagonists--were historical figures, in varying degrees of royalty. Many of the "main" characters (and/or their love interests) were grandchildren of Queen Victoria--though not all. The three young women at the center of this one are May (May of Teck, aka future Queen Mary) Hélène d’Orléans (daughter of an exiled King of France), and Alix of Hesse (aka future Empress of Russia). 

The book follows the ups and downs of their love lives--or lack thereof. May of Teck is descended from a first cousin of Queen Victoria, she's always been on the fringe instead of front and center in the royal family. She has ambitions of marrying *into* the family but Queen Victoria may have other plans for her grandsons. A fictional American, Agnes, tries to influence May of Teck to be more bold, daring, ambitious, to fight dirty. WHY? No one quite knows except the book needs to be more Gossip Girl.  Hélène follows her heart and gives into her passions--quite literally, of course. Of the three narrators her chapters almost always lead to some degree of smut. Alix's story has its own obstacles--from within and without--she is falling head over heals in love with he who would be the next Tsar--Nicholas. Everyone opposes the match. She has her own reservations--though real or fictionally imagined who knows--because of medical/genetic concerns.

My thoughts: The book does NOT give a year (which in my opinion is a CRIME for historical fiction based on real people and somewhat real events). My best guess is 1890 to 1891. One of the love interests dies in  January 1892, so definitely before then. Could it be set earlier? Sure. 

The book is driven by gossip, scandal and/or the potential of such. It is frothy for sure. Like in her American Royals series, this has alternating narrators, the male love interests do not get their own point of view although they play huge roles in all the chapters. 

It is on the lighter, frothier, fluffier side of historical fiction. But it might serve as an introduction to a later period of the British royal family. Teens may not be familiar with all that happens next in their stories.

 Wikipedia links
Mary of Teck (referred to throughout the book as May)
Alix of Hesse (Alexandra Feodorovna) 
Hélène d’Orléans
Prince "Eddy" (aka Albert Victor Christian Edward, Duke of Clarence)

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

65. Legend

65. Legend. (Legend #1) Marie Lu. 2011. 318 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Dystopia, YA Fiction, YA Romance] [5 Stars]

First sentence: My mother thinks I'm dead. Obviously I'm not dead, but it's safer for her to think so. At least twice a month, I see my Wanted poster flashed on the JumboTrons scattered throughout downtown Los Angeles. It looks out of place up there. Most of the pictures on the screens are of happy things: smiling children standing under a bright blue sky, tourists posting before the Golden Gate Ruins, Republic commercials in neon colors. There's also anti-Colonies propaganda. "The colonies want our land," the ads declare. "They want what they don't have. Don't let them conquer your homes! Support the cause!"

Premise/plot:  Legend is YA dystopia. The novel has two narrators: a guy named Day (Daniel) and a girl named June. Both underwent the "trials" at age 10. June received a perfect, perfect score earning her not only the right to higher education (high school and college) but the right to the best education possible, the kind of education that will prepare her for serving the Republic. Day, well, he didn't pass his trials. And like all other low-scoring 10 year olds, he was sent away to labor camp. Once a 10 year old is sent to labor camp, they're never ever heard from again.

When the novel opens, both teens are about 15. Day is a wanted criminal, an outlaw. He doesn't legally exist in the Republic database, in the Republic records. The authorities don't even know what he looks like--what race or ethnicity he may be. So their wanted posters change quite often allowing for every possibility. (It's the occasional finger print on the crime scene that links Day to particular crimes.) Day is in Los Angeles spying on his family. His older brother, John, is the only one in the neighborhood who still knows he's alive. And it is to John he delivers gifts--food, clothes, medicine, money, etc.  Day becomes worried when his family's home is marked with a red X--a symbol that someone within the home has the plague. This is very bad news indeed.

June, on the other hand, is at the top of her class. Though she's just fifteen, she's almost finished with her training, her education. June is anxious to start working for the Republic, to start serving in the military, to start tracking down criminals like Day. Her wish comes true--but not in the way she expected. She wanted to start working with her older brother, Metias. Instead, she takes his place after he is murdered. And it appears that Day is the one responsible for his stabbing. Metias was trying to stop Day from escaping from the hospital after a break in. (Day was hoping to find plague cures for his family.) June is on a mission, and it is personal. She'll track down Day and bring him to justice no matter what.

 My thoughts: The chapters alternate in narrators, and for once I think this is a great idea. Usually, I'm not a big fan of this in novels, but in this case, it not only works, it works well! I was able to care about Day and June--almost from the start!

Legend is action-packed. It's an intense read. But an enjoyable one! I'd definitely recommend it!!! 

I first read this one in June of 2011. I reread it in August of 2024. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

173. All That Shines

All That Shines. Ellen Hagan. 2023. [September] 405 pages. [Source: Library] [Verse novel; YA verse novel; YA Realistic fiction; YA romance]

First sentence: "Mom, can I borrow your earrings?
The diamonds? I think they'd match,"
I say, twirling, my new dress
swinging just above my knees.
And throwing myself back onto her chaise.

Premise/plot: Chloe Brooks is RICH-rich. But her oh-so-fabulous life among the rich-and-wealthy is about to slip away--and it's a long, hard fall. Her and her mother watch "helplessly" as her father is arrested and charged with crimes. Her old life being forfeit and her friends mostly being brats, the two brainstorm to find a way to start over...together. Fortunately, her mother has a little of her own that was not shared property...and it's an apartment complex on "the wrong side of town." Can Chloe survive her social missteps long enough to find true love and new besties? 

My thoughts: Most of the book is Chloe apologizing for saying the wrong thing in the wrong way to the wrong people and offending just about everybody just by existing. I get that this is supposed to be a feel-good young adult romance, but it has all the makings of a made for TV movie. In my opinion. That could be a good thing for some readers.

 I didn't love this one. I found Chloe insufferable at times. Not because she WAS rich and now isn't. But because she's literally apologizing every other page for saying something "wrong" and "offensive." But what she is saying is what she actually is thinking. I also found it very sitcom-ish in that the resolution happens EXTREMELY quickly and without as much groundwork as would be necessary. In a movie with a montage scene to a great song, it would definitely work better.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

149. I'll Tell You No Lies

I'll Tell You No Lies. Amanda McCrina. 2023. [August] 224 pages. [Source: Library] [YA Historical fiction; YA Fiction; Cold War]

First sentence: Mom died on Monday morning, June 6, 1955, about half an hour after she dropped me off at school in Kaiserslautern. 

Premise/plot: Shelby Blaine is in for a whirlwind experience the summer after her mother dies. The family rushes back to the states. Her military father has a new mission. (Air Force Intelligence officer). He will be one of the men debriefing a Russian defector. Shelby never thought to be involved with Maksym (the Russian defector). But their chance meeting at a social event changes everything...just a day or two later (maybe just a day???) he's on the loose--escaped from custody.

Is he trustworthy? Maybe. Maybe not. Are the agents "protecting" or "guarding" him trustworthy? Maybe. Maybe not. So many stories. So many lies. Can Shelby make sense of anything at all? 

Shelby will be forced to question everything and everyone.

MY thoughts: I like this one. I don't know that I loved it. It keeps your head spinning for sure, which was the goal, I suppose. Having seen Alias multiple times, I kept expecting twists and turns--even though Shelby is not in intelligence at all. (She's eighteen and getting ready to go to college.) There were twists and turns. There was a LOT of action. I'm not sure that there needed to be hints of romance. (But there was).

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

109. Reign

Reign. (American Royals #4) Katharine McGee. 2023. [August] 432 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Link to cover image] [Young Adult]

First sentence: The sound of a door swinging open, and a sharp intake of breath. 

Premise/plot: Reign is the fourth and perhaps final book in the American Royals series by Katharine McGee. The series premise is relatively simple: what if George Washington had been crowned king and his (non-existent) descendants reigned through the centuries. The series is contemporary alternate history. The series introduces us to three Washington heirs--Beatrice (the oldest), Samantha and Jefferson (twins). These young-ish royals have a balancing act on their hands--how to balance drama-filled love lives AND maintain a good reputation in the public spotlight. Beatrice, now queen, is relatively tame--boring, even. She had her love triangle in the first two books, I believe. She chose Teddy, and that's it, right???? Well, what if she has amnesia from that car accident in book three???? Samantha is the 'spare' who loves drama. What happens if she were to LOSE her title and government funding? What if she were to be thrown out of the royal family and walk away from her duties and become a regular citizen? Read and see, I suppose. Jefferson, poor, poor, poor Jefferson. Out of all the siblings, he has NO VOICE because the author chose not to give him one. He exists solely to be the middle of a sandwich. (I jest, mostly). Daphne and Nina are the other two in this oh-so-stupid love triangle. Will Daphne marry her prince? Will Nina move on from Jefferson? (She hasn't in three books...)

My thoughts: There's one big question you may have--if you're like me. DOES THIS BOOK HAVE ETHAN? The answer is YES. Ethan returns. And Daphne's chapters are entirely better for it. Nina also gets a new love interest, another ROYAL interest. 

I have a hate-love-hate-love-hate relationship with these books. I don't know ever why I keep reading them, and why I can't stop reading them. The history is SO incredibly pointlessly wrong. The world-building is shallow and unexplained at best. The modern/contemporary world is barely different at all. You know it would HAVE to be different if we were to take the history stuff seriously. 

I loved the way most of the stories wrapped up. So I am happy that I've read this one.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

107. An Ocean of Stars

An Ocean of Stars. Becca Mionis. 2023. 421 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image] [Young Adult]

First sentence: "Xanorra Nepier, the council will see you now."

Premise/plot: The synopsis from GoodReads starts off strong, "Girl, meet boy. He’s the reason you’re lost in space." The heroine, Xan (or Xanorra), is the "sole survivor" (so she thinks) of a "space pirate" attack. Her escape pod was damaged and--for better or worse--she was rescued by the attacking ship. Captain Omen (his first name is literally Captain) has been raised by A.I. robots. At least within his own memory, he's never seen--or interacted with--another human being. (His birthday messages from his parents do reveal that his parents did hold him as a baby--before shipping him off into space.) So Captain and Xan are the sole humans on board this vessel. And the ship's A.I. robots are one-minded. MISSION, MISSION, MUST FULFILL THE MISSION. And the mission doesn't include Xan. At all. Not even a little bit. Xan's presence on the ship distracts Captain, to say the least. Can she teach him to be human and less robotic? What will the come to mean to one another?

My thoughts: Science Fiction. Set in space. Some romance. What's not to love? This one started off strong, in my opinion, the hero was giving off a mix of Sheldon Cooper and Beast (from Beauty and the). The banter was of decent quality. There was some suspense and tension. But the more I read, the more disappointed I ultimately became. (I am not saying all readers will.) As the story progressed, my vibes switched from Beauty and the Beast to Isaac Asimov...and while I appreciate some of his work...I didn't really want super-creepy-robots intruding on the story. But ultimately, I think I was mainly disappointed by the lack of ending. It didn't even particularly end in a dramatic cliff-hanger way. It just ended with a whimper. 

I liked some things. I didn't like other things. I think it depends on your expectations on if this one is for you.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

87. Queen Bee

Queen Bee. Amalie Howard. 2023. 368 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Wincing at the ache in my ribs--I could have sworn I'd heard one of them creak--I sucked in a shallow breath, my fingers white-knuckling the chair as Sally, my lady's maid and friend, pulled the laces of my stays. Traditional long stays weren't ever truly laced tight, just enough to underscore the lines of the gown, but I could barely breathe as the stiffly woven twill fabric pinched my upper torso. The pressure in my chest was most likely due to nerves. I was about to take down the reigning queen and king of this year's social season, which meant the evening had to be perfect...everything had to be perfect. First impressions were a valuable tool, and a person usually had only one chance at them.

Premise/plot: This one is subtitled an Anti-Historical Regency Romp. Emphasis on Anti-Historical. Some may cheer at this rebellion while others may cringe. The first sentence, likewise, may cause some to cringe. (There are so many (period drama, historical) YouTubers who talk about how cringe it is to hear inaccuracies about corsets and how they were worn. They point out how tight-lacing was rarely done--especially in the Regency period with Regency fashions being what they were.) 

Getting back on track, Miss Lyra Whitley (aka Lady Ela Dalvi) is the protagonist of Queen Bee. She's OUT for revenge. Poppy Landers orchestrated her so-called "ruin" and forced her father's hand in sending her to a seminary/reform school to purify her. Her love interest at the time, Lord Keston Osborn (Marquess of Ridley) stood by and believed the scandalous gossip. It's been a couple of years--three years?--and now SHE WANTS THEM BOTH TO PAY. (Not literally. It isn't a financial downfall she's after. But public/social humiliation.) 

The chapters alternate (for most of the novel) between past and present. 

The other thing of note: This one features many POC characters.

My thoughts: I have strong feelings on anti-historical novels. So I'll try to be clear in my review:

Pros: Frothy, predictable, unoriginal
Cons: Frothy, predictable, unoriginal

My point is that what makes one reader LOVE a book is often what makes another reader HATE a book.

I personally thought that the characterization was weak overall. The characters are one dimensional; they tend to have one trait and one trait only. Such as Miss Poppy Landers (the villain) being 100% evil through and through--just insanely mean 24/7 from the moment she was born.  Keston Osborn, the love interest, is 100% stupid. He may be easy on the eyes (and Lyra/Ela talks incessantly about how seeing his body makes her body react/respond. She's 100% lusty, lusty, lusty. I just need more than one trait per person. Sorry.

I thought the story was predictable, formulaic. This can be an amazing, great, awesome thing. If you happen to like the story. It can be incredibly satisfying. 

Let's get back to the anti-historical nature of this one. I think this is where it will be polarizing. Readers will either welcome with open hearts and minds the ANTI-HISTORICAL-ness of it all. Or they will hate it.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

73. While You Were Dreaming

While You Were Dreaming. Alisha Rai. 2023. 432 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The main character? Not me, not in real life. That's what my daydreams were for. At some point, the disappointment of crashing back to earth might teach me to stop engaging in said daydreams.

Premise/plot: Long story short...While You Were Dreaming is a YA spin on the classic film While You Were Sleeping. Sonia Patil, our protagonist, is seriously crushing on James, a classmate, and when she witnesses him falling into the canal, she jumps in to save him. (She just happens to be cosplaying at the time.) She doesn't stay on the scene--reasons, reasons, more reasons--but she does care what happens to him. She's mistaken as James' girlfriend when she drops by his house--she's there to deliver notes/homework as they share class(es). His family loves her because she is not James' normal 'type' (mean, and, well, b*tch*y). Liam, James' brother, finds himself drawn to her...and it's mutual. The misunderstanding is cleared up much, much, much earlier in this one. But essentially, it's a spin on that story. Sonia's reasons for not wanting to be KNOWN or seen is that her mom was recently deported and her sister who is undocumented risks deportation as well. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. While You Were Sleeping is a favorite of mine. I'm not sure if it's equally beloved by the book's target audience. But regardless of how much you love/like the movie...this one offers a twist on the traditional love triangle. I like how Sonia realizes the dangers of insta-love, or, putting too much faith in insta-lust or insta-attraction. Just because she daydreams about James non-stop doesn't mean that she knows him at all--like at all at all. I also like that this one doesn't stay strictly focused on romance. Other relationships matter too.

I LOVED James and Liam's family.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

71. The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway. Ashley Schumacher. 2023. [March] 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from prologue: I was ten when I first met the Wizened Old Wizard.

First sentence from chapter one: I wonder what the wizard would tell me now, if he could see me standing with my elbows resting atop the stone wall looking down below into the lazy river moat with literal alligator floaties. I wonder what he would say if he could see my swirling thoughts.

Premise/plot: Madeline Hathaway, our heroine, is mourning the loss of her mother. The first year anniversary of her death is approaching. She and her father will be spending the summer working at one of their favorite renaissance fairs. (They travel the circuit. They used to--all three--travel the circuit. It's been different since she's died. Both are grieving in their own way. Readers don't really glimpse *how* he is handling things, but Madeline journals every little thing--literally. She's a chronicle notice-r. She tallies every little thing--day after day, week after week, month after month. (Every time she does something; sees something; feels something; hears something; etc.) When the novel opens, she is about to meet Arthur, a wonderfully weird kid whose dads are equally obsessed with all things Renaissance. These two kings of the faire [or is it fair?] want--at Arthur's insistence--Madeline (whom Arthur calls Gwen) to be the princess, to play the role of princess. She's hesitant and anxious. But after some thought she thinks her mom would *want* her to do this--to step outside of her comfort zone of peasant/peddler and be a princess for a change. As she gets to know Arthur, she begins having many other unexpected adventures... But are these summer changes permanent? 

My thoughts: I liked this one. It was premise-driven, in my opinion, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. I thought a few scenes were unrealistic. Granted, I haven't been in Target lately, but I've never once had any employee volunteer to be my personal shopper and hand-select clothes for me to try on, to be at my own beck and call and bring all the sizes, give opinions on what works and what doesn't. That scene feels like a movie-montage-wanna-be. Again, my opinion. Maybe it was just a really slow day?

Madeline is a larger heroine, and, it's nice to see that in a romance. She's much more than just a size, obviously. And I do wish--at least a little bit--that it wasn't such a plot point. Oh this boy couldn't possibly like me because I'm too large to be likeable. I mean it's the trope. And it's a trope that usually brings satisfaction--lovable heroine realizes she was beautiful all along...

Madeline's dad is very absent--physically, mentally, emotionally. He's just always gone. Perhaps because she is trying to avoid him???? Or perhaps he is trying to avoid her???? But it's rare for them to be in the same place and actually talk. This is typical YA, of course. Parents rarely if ever play an important role however. Arthur's two dads, on the other hand, are VERY present--physically, mentally, emotionally. They are scene-stealers. Madeline has a million conversations with Arthur's parent(s)....very few with her own. They are everything her own father is not.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

67. Find the Moon

Find the Moon. Beth Fehlbaum. 2023. 282 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This year will monumentally suck. What kind of lunatic English teacher gives homework on the first day of school? Seriously? 

Premise/plot: Find the Moon is a coming of age, 'problem' novel for young adults. Kylie and Aliza are 'rescued' from their neglectful, abusive mother. But being rescued comes with a cost--separation of the sisters. Aliza goes to live with her father and Kylie goes to live with her maternal grandparents. It's a BIG adjustment. She has no memories of her grandparents--whom she used to live with as a toddler. She's in a new state, new town, new school. Quite reasonably [logically] she has trust issues and anger issues as well. Her life has not been happy; she's had to adult as a young teen and 'raise' her sister to the best of her ability. She's had to mask all the chaos at home. Now she's got time to heal...but the process of learning to trust, to love, to live isn't smooth and easy.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It had its intense moments. I liked the characters and the depth of the characterization. I liked the development of relationships. I personally would have preferred shorter chapters. The length of the chapters dragged the pacing here and there--particularly in the middle. The beginning and end were definitely engaging.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

53. The Winter Soldier: Cold Front

The Winter Soldier: Cold Front. Mackenzi Lee. 2023. [February] 416 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from prologue: When you wake, the only thing you remember is dying.
First sentence from chapter one: The agent flinches when Rostova rips the hood from his head.

Premise/plot: Dual timelines of 1954 and 1941--both star the same man. (Well, "same" may be relative.) In 1941, Bucky Barnes is eager to join the war effort, but he's only sixteen. When he's offered an opportunity by the British SOE, he accepts despite protests from his guardian. His time in Britain will bring him into contact with an unforgettably-forgettable-unforgettable young woman who has burdens of her own. In 1954, the Winter Soldier is an Agent for who-knows-who. He's built--constructed--to do missions, to follow orders precisely and exactly. He's not built to ask questions, to show mercy, to bend the rules. So when someone (or two someones) recognizes him as Bucky, this is one confused Agent. Can he piece together who he is and how he came to be there...before it's too late???

My thoughts: Don't expect Bucky Barnes to be *the* Bucky Barnes from the Marvel Universe FILM franchise. The history you know from the Captain America movies (etc.) is not *this* Bucky Barnes. When I began to realize this, I sought out reviews from GoodReads. I came to the conclusion that this Bucky Barnes is more strongly influenced by the comic book version. (I'm not sure that there is one definitive story line. Perhaps Bucky Barnes is a character that keeps re-inventing in the comic books? I know some do. (Like Batman)). I have not sought out more on the comic strip version(s) of Winter Soldier and/or Bucky Barnes. So I decided just to read it as if it was my very first and only introduction to the character. 

Bucky is YOUNG and idealistic, in some ways. I don't know that he has a full grasp on the horrors/terrors of war. (Does any young soldier?) He is thrilled that he may qualify for a super-top-secret program designed for young people around his own age. He can still serve "the good guys" (aka Allies) while being part of a super-secret-exclusive group. In some ways, this might be "even better" since not everyone is qualified and/or chosen. But he finds that "good guys" and "bad guys" are not as black and white as he might have first thought. There are some that would win at any cost--no matter the means, no matter the consequences. 

Bucky meets a young woman, Imogen "Gimlet" Fleming. He will fall hard and fast for her. But she's layered, complex. (As he soon will be as the Winter Soldier). There is some romance. This romance gets a little heated. (Nothing above and beyond what you'd find in Marvel movies in general). But it is not a clean read. 

The book is ultimately and predictably tragic. Because most readers will know that the Winter Soldier does not have a happily ever after ending....in 1954.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

39. Going Dark

Going Dark. Melissa de la Cruz. 2023. [January] 336 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The plane bucked with unexpected turbulence on its final descent, sending Josh’s stomach into his chest and causing him to grip the armrests so tightly his knuckles turned white. He’d finally dozed off while watching the in-flight movie when he’d been jolted awake by the sudden drop. Instinctively, he reached out to the seat next to him, only to find it empty. Of course, he’d forgotten. Amelia hadn’t boarded with him.

Premise/plot: Josh Reuter loves Amelia Ashley. Yet when these two get into a fight in Rome, Italy, he leaves for the States without her. That's when she goes dark. She disappears from social media. She doesn't respond to calls or texts. She vanishes. Her friends alert the police. Josh is questioned. Blood is found in his suitcase. He claims he's innocent. That she was alive and well--perhaps not mentally well, but physically well--the last time he saw her. As the police grow more and more suspicious, and the internet becomes more cruel, Josh faces a dilemma. 

Amelia Ashley is--or was, or is???--a social media star. Her "category" is food/travel. She's got quite a devoted following to her accounts. She shares her lives through photographs, videos, and blog posts. Josh Reuter is NOT a social media star. And that's the way he likes it. He may be a photographer, but, his private life is private. She includes him in several videos and posts. After she goes missing, he's tormented/bullied by his girlfriend's fans.

Harper plays a pivotal role in this one. She was not a fan of Amelia Ashley before she goes missing. Josh is a nameless familiar face. They share a class--abnormal psychology. Yet her side-business, her illegal side-business, gives her the tools she needs to get to the bottom of this missing person's case. Her discoveries--which she does not share with the police--reveal that BOTH Josh and Amelia have deep, dark secrets. 

The jacket flap pushes the idea that this one is "ripped from the headlines," and certainly on the surface that is true. The book also seems to be pushing the idea that coverage of missing persons is unjust, unfair, warped, racist, bigoted. While I don't negate that conclusion in its entirety, I'd just add that any person with a large following, a social media star, a person who has thousands of photographs, thousands of videos, media that is easy to "grab" for journalists...is naturally going to get more coverage. It is more of a news story--because those images, those videos, those words--are an easy hook to fit into allotted space. Another thing that I think is not considered enough in this one, is that the other missing person case explored in this one is of a girl who while yes is biracial and therefore "not white" she's also someone who has a) a history of running away b) a history of running away c) a history of going off her medication and....you guessed it...running away. That doesn't mean it's okay for the police to make all sorts of assumptions about her disappearance. (They assume that she has gone off her medication and run away.) So the conclusion that the reason this girl did not have a "trending hashtag" or a headline story simply because she was biracial...unfair at best. I think the trending hashtag has everything to do with her being a social media star....and not the color of her skin. As for headlines--I think there's more there to that argument.

My thoughts: I found this one super-compelling. It had multiple narrators--Josh, Harper, Amelia--and the points of view were so fascinating. As the mystery unfolded, it was just impossible to put down. I kept changing my mind with every chapter.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

32. The Davenports

The Davenports (Davenports #1) Krystal Marquis. 2023. 384 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Olivia Elise Davenport pulled a bolt of vibrant yellow silk from the display and held it to her dark complexion. She was drawn to the bright fabric nearly hidden behind the muted pastels, a shock of sunshine peeking through the clouds, and wondered if it was too bright for so early in the season. In her free hand, she held a sample of beaded lace and tried to imagine the sound it would make whispering around her ankles while she danced. There will be a lot of dancing, she thought.

Premise/plot: Set circa 1910 in Chicago, Illinois, The Davenports is an historical soap opera for young adults [and adults]. The Davenports are a socially elite, wealthy Black family. Mr. Davenport is a successful business man [carriage company]. They are the Somebodies of the [black] community. This soap opera features three Davenport siblings--Olivia (the oldest daughter), John (the only son), and Helen (the youngest daughter). Olivia is 'on the market' if you will. Her parents want her to make a great match. To find someone equally well-thought-of [admired, respected, successful]. The novel opens with Olivia and her best friend, Ruby shopping. John wants to go beyond mere carriages and get into the automobile business. He doesn't reject  the family business necessarily, but, he wants to take it in a new direction, expand upon it. The family assumes that Ruby and John will eventually make a match of it. But John, well, he's been noticing the maid, Amy-Rose. Helen, the youngest, I believe, is closest to John. The two of them really like automobiles and mechanics. Her parents frown her doing anything with mechanics or the family business really. She should be preparing herself for the marriage market. True, it isn't quite her turn in the spotlight, but she really should be mindful of her reputation, of her manners, of her appearance. Helen's practical, no-nonsense manner make her a good companion. Certainly Jacob Lawrence [Laurence???] thinks so. He's supposedly courting/wooing her older sister, Olivia. But. Helen and Jacob are drawn together. While Olivia is drawn to someone her parents do not at all approve of--an activist lawyer of a lower social standing, Washington DeWright. Ruby, her best friend, can relate. While her parents are pushing, pushing, pushing for her to get with John Davenport, she falls in love with someone she's "pretending" to court to make John jealous. (I don't remember his first name, but his last name is Barton). Her feelings turn all-too-real. John, meanwhile, is pursuing the maid, Amy-Rose, who has dreams of her own. She is head-over-heels in love with her employers' son, but, she also has more realistic 'impossible' dreams of opening up her own hair salon for black women. Many of the romances in this one have conflicts--obvious ones--which will require courage and boldness to defy expectations.

My thoughts: I'm not sure if the intended audience--actual preteens and teens--will see the similarities between this one and LUXE by Anna Godbersen. The first Luxe novel released in 2007. [Many teens wouldn't have even been born yet. Some would have been mere babies.]  Luxe features white characters in Manhattan circa 1899. Davenports feature a mostly-if-not-exclusively black cast of characters in Chicago in 1910. So there are certainly some differences. And not just surface-differences. The Davenports does address heavier issues, mainly in regards to race, race expectations, how to best 'serve the race,' 'represent the race,' 'raise the race,' etc.  

The Davenports is a soap opera. It is what it is. It isn't 100% fluff. That's not what I'm implying. Nor am I suggesting that the characterization is weak. It just follows a predictable formula in regards to how the drama [or melodrama] unfolds. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

28. Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux. Ellen O'Clover. 2023. [January] 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The only time I see Miller that summer, he's walking straight at me in a tuxedo. "Code red," Maren says, and tugs me sideways into the math hallway. School is quiet--a little over a week before the start of classes, only open this afternoon for senior presentations. 

Premise/plot: Ro Devereux, the protagonist, has invented an app for her senior project/senior presentation. This app was designed to predict--or "predict" your future based on your answers to a lengthy questionnaire. The app is aptly named MASH. A nostalgic throwback to the game "Mansion Apartment Shack House." It's meant as a school project--a way to show what she is capable of as programmer/designer. She never meant it to be downloaded and used by a wider, broader base. Just a few classmates, a few friends. This app more of a hobby--plaything--than anything else. But when this app goes viral within a day or two...well...she's got millions of users and love-matches are beginning to pop up. Ro herself is matched...

A big company has interest in financing this trendy-viral social app...their condition is that Ro must be a spokesperson and show off how the app has matched her with her one true love. 

The problem? Ro's match is her closest, dearest best, best, best friend from childhood. Someone she hasn't spoken to in several years--not since their BIG and oh-so-public fight at a party. Miller. Part of her regrets that they didn't make up after their big blow up--she was horrible to him. But she can't make him talk to her or text her back. 

Will Miller agree to this super-fake relationship? A relationship that will put him in the spotlight and make him a social-media "celebrity"???

My thoughts: This YA romance is mostly light and fluffy. I did like Miller's character, for the most part. I liked him more than Ro if I'm honest. Ro seems a bit naive and silly. But then again, characters can only do so much with the plot they're given. A school project that goes viral within twenty-four to forty-four hours? Sudden celebrity? Being in high demand with all the major magazines, television programs, etc. It all seems a bit ridiculous. Ridiculous and predictable. Such is the stuff of movies and YA. 

There's not anything wrong with predictable and formulaic...so long as readers know exactly what they're getting and are all in for it. Friends to enemies to friends to lovers. That's what you're getting. 

This one offers some complexity in that it has a variety of side characters--including Miller's mom, Willow. Ro has MAJOR mom issues of her own so Willow has always been special to her.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews