Quick Review: A Million Junes by Emily Henry

3.75 stars. I normally don't enjoy magical realism, but A Million Junes lived up to all my hopeful expectations. This book contains one of my favorite commentaries on grief - so many quotes I felt on a soul-deep level. June and Saul are such unique and real-feeling characters, connected by their loss and sharing a sharp sense of humor. I appreciated how June's best friend, Hannah, also feels like her own person. She has her own individual wants and motivations. Basically, she's not a prop character at all, which I feel is a pitfall for a lot of "side" characters.

This was my first book by Emily Henry and I found her writing to be clever, vivid, and insightful. I'll definitely be picking up another one of her novels!

Sidenote: Though they're obviously different stories, if you love Maggie Stiefvater's Raven Cycle, I feel like you'll enjoy this book too.

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Spoiler-Free Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

4 stars. Not every book transports you. Plenty are entertaining and well-crafted, but when a story has the power to whisk you away from reality, you know it's special.

Sky in the Deep is one of those novels.

Before I get ahead of myself, this book isn't perfect. The writing is a little clunky in places, and the story took some expected turns. Nevertheless, I stayed up until 4 am finishing it. Adrienne Young really captures the atmosphere of the Norse setting. Eelyn's world feels immediate and real - I could touch the cold of the ice, taste the air coming off the fjord, hear the whizz of an arrow and the cries of warriors in battle. I grew invesested in Eelyn and in her relationships with her brother, her people, and her enemies. If you're looking for a captivating and character-driven adventure that explores the themes of enemies and allies, and recognizing people different from you as complex and multifaceted, then I highly recommend giving this debut a try.

Overall, I am kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner! Sky in the Deep is definitely a stand-out read for me, and I'm doubly excited for the author's new release later this year.

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Review: Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

3.75 stars. So I read Vicious back in 2013, and I loved it. In fact, Vicious was my first (and favorite) book by V.E. Schwab. Thinking it a standalone, I was thrilled and slightly anxious when I heard she was writing a sequel. (Hence why I put off reading this until now). Turns out, I had no reason to fear.

Vengeful reminded me why I loved the first book so much. Schwab's writing is crisp and punchy, and utterly engaging. I'd honestly forgotten some of the events and side characters from Vicious, but Vengeful did such a good job of recapturing the atmosphere of the first one that everything soon came rushing back. I forgot how much I missed them all. Especially the family bond between Victor and Sydney. As in Vicious, these two were my favorite to read about. Eli continued to be as complicated as my feelings are for him, if that makes any sense, and the new characters introduced also proved a welcome addition. Although I wasn't as invested in Marcella's storyline, she was a compelling character and a refreshing perspective to read from.

If, like me, you have been hesitating to pick this up, Vengeful is definitely a worthy successor to Vicious. I was completely sucked in, and the final showdown near the end had me clasping my hand over my mouth the entire time.

Overall: I missed my damaged found-family of villains.

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Review: The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

5 stars. How can I possibly review this book? I cried twice. Each word pierced my heart. Katherine Arden's writing and storytelling are so visceral, her words so perfectly crafted, that the story just plays out in your mind like you're watching first-hand. As in the first two books, she tackles faith and religion, freedom and duty, all set against the backdrop of 14th century Russia. You can tell the author did her research, because the history interweaves seamlessly with the folklore and plot.

If you loved the first two books, know that this last installment will not let you down. All the character arcs and plot points that have been slowly building reach their spearhead in this final book, and Vasya really comes into her own. I know it sounds grandiose, but the Winternight trilogy truly is a masterpiece.

On a more personal note, I just...never want to leave Vasya's world. I never want to say goodbye to Morozko, Sasha, Olga, and Solovey. Even Medved and Konstantin - in the end, I couldn't bring myself to hate anyone. I think a part of me will forever ride with Vasya on a dark road through Midnight. Despite the moments of heartbreak, the conclusion of The Winter of the Witch was everything I could've asked for and more.

You probably couldn't tell, but this is one of my favorite series of all time.


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Non-Spoiler Review: The Wicked King by Holly Black

4 stars. The Wicked King was a lot shorter than I anticipated, but boy did it pack a punch. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this long-awaited sequel, and let me just say that I was completely unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster awaiting me.

The Wicked King kicks off not long after where The Cruel Prince left off and keeps a heart-pounding pace right up to the finish. I would say that you see a softer side of Cardan in this sequel, and I think readers who felt lukewarm about the first book will appreciate the turn Jude and Cardan's relationship takes. (Full Disclosure: I floated somewhere between lukewarm and obsessed.) Jude is just as stabby and conflicted, and I loved her even more in this book. The tension ramps up between Jude and Cardan, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing moody Cardan rule as king while Jude pulls all the strings. I will say, there's a section in the book where the setting shifts briefly and I found myself itching to skim a few pages. I'm not sure if it's due to a lack of world development, but that's my worst complaint.

For some reason the plot took a lot of turns I didn't see coming, and I had to reexamine my idea of what the story is. But, to be honest, I sort of enjoyed being blindsided by the twists. My absolute favorite part of The Wicked King was the ending. No spoilers, but let's just say it was as jaw-dropping/no-way-inducing/are-you-frickin'-kidding-me as the ending of The Cruel Prince. Perhaps even more so. I...still think about that ending months after finishing. I recommend this truly wicked sequel to both fans and skeptics. The wait for Queen of Nothing is going to be a long one.


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Quick Review: All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett

4.25 stars. I loved last year's Even the Darkest Stars, much more than I ever anticipated, and this sequel was just as beautiful and atmospheric. A lot of plot happened in All the Wandering Light, and the story might've felt crammed if Heather Fawcett's writing weren't so clear and engaging. She is an incredibly gifted storyteller and knows how to draw a reader into a scene. My heart already aches knowing I won't be able to read more about Kamzin and River (I guess that's what rereading is for!). 

This book explores deeper into the dark magic of the Nightwood and the brewing war between witches and shamans. You learn more about the politics both at the royal court and within the witch community. Even though you're thrown a lot of new information about Kamzin's world, the story remains very character-driven and action-packed. Heather Fawcett has risen into my list of favorite authors, and I know I will enjoy anything she writes. I highly recommend picking up this duology if you love wintery fantasies like The Bear & the Nightingale by Katherine Arden.

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Non-Spoiler Review: Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan

How many times can I whisper "Malachiaz you @#$%!" while reading this book? 

4.5 stars. This was one of my most-anticipated reads of 2019 and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Wicked Saints is full of everything I love - monster boys, bloody spell books, and blade-wielding clerics. Though dark, the story is also surprisingly humorous at times, and I immediately latched onto each of our protagonists. In summation: Malachiasz made me scream in frustration, Serefin made me cry, and Nadya became my new favorite role model. One of the elements I loved in this story was the found-family relationship that begins to develop between certain characters. Put that trope into any fantasy book and I'm sold.

My only tiny complaint - tiny! - is that during certain scenes I was so eager to find out what happened next that I literally read too fast and had to revisit some paragraphs to understand what was going on. But, hilariously, that's it. The story was so engrossing that I flew through the pages too quickly. I have no idea how I'm going to survive the wait for the sequel. If you're a fantasy lover like me, you want this book!

Clarifying Note: I say that first line with love. Malachiasz is wonderful and awful and must be protected.

TW: blood, self-harm

Release Date: April 2, 2019
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Review: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

3.75 stars. Like Strange the Dreamer, this book is hard for me to rate. Objectively, the writing and scope of the story deserve at least 4 stars, but I have to dock off a bit in terms of enjoyment.

Strange the Dreamer left off with the plot running in full gear. Our characters were ambushed with shocking revelations and seemingly insurmountable odds. Strange's introduction had started slow, but now things were finally moving. Going in to Muse of Nightmares, I expected the plot to keep that same momentum we left off on. Unfortunately, while this installment moved at a quicker pace than its predecessor, I had to wade through nearly half the book before the story really held my attention.

Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the secondary plots in this novel more than the main one. While I love our two main protagonists, the romantic part of their relationship had me gagging a few times. Their dialogue was just a little too saccharine for my tastes. There is also a fair bit of waiting around that happens in this story, where you feel as if you're watching a timer slowly run down. Fortunately, Laini Taylor's writing is so evocative and lyrical that you enjoy the wait enough to see what happens.

Events do get a little crunched in the last third or so of the story, but I ended up happy with the turnout of the novel, and in awe of how beautifully and accurately Laini conveyed themes of revenge, hope, and forgiveness. If you're struggling to get into Muse of Nightmares, I encourage you to push through. This story is so rich and intricately woven that it's worth the effort.

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Review: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4.5 stars. There are few series that get progressively better with each book. Usually sequels stumble along the way, at least a little. That is not the case with this series - from Ember to Reaper, each book has outshone the last by jaw-dropping proportions. And that’s not to say that An Ember in the Ashes was a bad first book. The world was unique, the characters well-constructed, and I knew I wanted to continue on with the story. But I was taken aback by how much I loved A Torch Against the Night, and now...A Reaper at the Gates. A Reaper at the Gates is a masterpiece, and to call it anything short of that would be an insult.

Each of the four perspectives were fully engaging (though I had my favorites), and we get so much plot and character growth. The reveals left me shell-shocked and the writing. Sabaa Tahir is a born writer. She puts you in every scene. You feel every emotion, witnessing every event as if you’re there with the characters. I cannot praise this book highly enough. If I wasn’t so stingy with my 5-star ratings, Reaper would be first in line to get one. Just wow.

If you’re iffy about picking up or continuing on with this series, please do it. I promise you won't regret your choice.

P.S. - I know he’s the “villain”, but I absolutely love the Nightbringer.

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Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

4 stars. This book is so severely underrated that it makes me want to toss copies down from rooftops. Illusions of Fate is possibly the best standalone fantasy I have ever read. It has a Howl's Moving Castle vibe, complete with quirky magic and warring wizards. The story follows a girl named Jessa, who is studying in a foreign country somewhat reminiscent to England. She sticks out due to the fact that she's from an island country and has darker skin. The prejudice and racial stereotyping she faces was handled so well, I thought, and realistically. Along with "fate", the theme of stereotypes actually plays a prominent role in the main plot, which was refreshing to read in a fantasy. 

The story kicks off when Jessa runs into a magician and gets tangled up in magical and political warfare. First off, I loved Jessa as a protagonist. She's witty and level-headed, and I immediately grew attached to her. The magician she encounters is charming and mysterious, and I just love him to death. There's also a magical blackbird, who Jessa names Sir Bird and who completely stole my heart. He is the purest soul. 

The only qualm I had with Illusions of Fate was with the villain, who was interesting but lacking in cohesiveness. He is dang scary though - let's just say there's a scene involving fingers and a hammer that scarred me a bit. In comparison to Kiersten White's other books, I thought this novel was leagues above her Paranormalcy trilogy, which I enjoyed enough when I was younger but did not love. I was especially impressed with her writing and characterization this time around.

To wrap up, Illusions of Fate is now an instant favorite that I'll be revisiting for sure. Though the story felt complete, I almost wish there were a sequel.

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Quick Review: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

A ballpark three stars. Jenna Welch's writing is as humorous, clever, and insightful as ever in this follow-up. Love & Luck follows Addie, the best friend of Lina from Love & Gelato, as she's on vacation in Ireland after undergoing a heartbreak back home. She's fighting with her brother, Ian, and decides to follow the instructions of an Irish guidebook on how to heal a broken heart. The author's descriptions of Ireland are vivid and beautiful, and I ended up enjoying Addie's character a lot more than I thought I would. 

The story is a road-trip adventure of sorts, which I always have fun reading. I will say, though, that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. The plot wasn't as solid, and some things that happened felt rushed and were beyond my bandwidth of belief. We do get to hear from Lina and Ren again, which I loved, but even their appearances felt a little shoved in. Overall, I'm still glad I read Love & Luck, even if it didn't quite live up to its predecessor.

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Review: The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

4.25 stars. I'm going to start right off by saying that this book broke my heart, and I am 100% not okay. The Light Between Worlds is about three siblings who cross over into another world called the Woodlands, and then are thrust back into our world a few years later. Specifically, we follow Evelyn, the youngest, and Phillipa, her older sister. This story in many ways feels like a darker Narnia, as it explores all the thoughts and feelings I've always believed I would feel, were I one of the Pevensie children. Laura nails the weight of loss and long-term grief, and how people grapple with those feelings in different ways and in varying degrees. 

While I grew attached to both sisters, I connected most with Evelyn, who takes her exile back to reality the hardest. If you're someone who hasn't experienced or witnessed long-term grief or loss, you may get irritated at how many times Evelyn relapses into depression - but her cycles of brief light and utter darkness struck deep for me. I saw myself in her character so many times. One trigger warning I feel I should mention (which I'll list at the end) is for self-harm. There are a few scenes and references to the fact that Evelyn goes through episodes where she intentionally hurts herself. None of these scenes are graphic, but I do think they could be potentially triggering if you're in a bad place. I think anyone who's suffered any kind of personal trauma will relate to the themes in this book.

One bump I will mention is that it took me a bit of time to feel connected to the story, as the characters and the world-building felt very surface-level at first. As I continued reading, though, I became more invested, and now I'm just left with the bittersweet heartache of witnessing something beautiful and painful, and something that mirrors a part of my own soul.

TW: self-harm

Release Date: October 23, 2018

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Quick Review: Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

3.75 stars. Once again, Renée Ahdieh totally stole my heart with Smoke in the Sun. I love that we got to see more of Tsuneoki in this sequel, since he was one of my favorite characters in Flame in the Mist. I think I loved Okami even more in this installment (if that's even possible), and I was backing Mariko 100% throughout the entire novel. Her relationship with Prince Raiden in particular kept me on the edge of my seat, as my trust in him kept ping-ponging back and forth. This book also confirmed how seriously messed up Roku - the new boy emperor - is. He's beyond twisted, and the way Renee wrote him was so beautiful and eerie that he really gave me the creeps. I got chills multiple times while curled up in bed, reading. My only qualm with Smoke in the Sun is that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. Honestly, I think this series could've easily been a trilogy. A third book would've allowed the plot to breathe a bit, and would've given us more time to explore the characters, who I feel like we were just getting attached to. If you enjoyed Flame in the Mist, you have nothing to fear - this sequel does the story justice and will leave you satisfied, if not a little wistful for more.

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Review: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

4.5 stars. Look, I don’t normally do a lot of gushing, so just brace yourself for this review. Because this book was amazing. I knew exactly 62 pages in that I was going to love this story. Shadow of the Fox is one of those rare books where you completely forget that you're reading, because you're so immersed in what's happening.

My History with Julie Kagawa's Books:

I enjoyed the first three books in Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series, despite some flat characterization and the romance not going the way I wanted. I'd also read the first two books in Julie's Immortal Rules series, and had the same reaction - enjoyed the books, wasn't really there for the romance. (She wrote a series about dragons too, which I never picked up because I’m not huge on dragons.) Despite having a positive experience with most of her series, none of them hold a candle to this new book. The development of the world, the intricacy of the plot, and most of all, the strength of the characterization, blew my mind. Shadow of the Fox is in a field all on its own.

The Characters:

Yumeko is our tricksy but well-intentending kitsune protagonist, and I absolutely loved her. She always gave people a chance no matter their reputation, and she was reluctant to provoke animosity with anyone. While some may view this as naive, I think it made her brave. To always see or hope for the best in people is an act of courage unto itself.

And then there's Tatsumi. Poor demon-possesed Tatsumi, who stole my heart and made me want to weep. If you’ve read Julie's Iron Fey series, Tatsumi is the character I wished Ash could have been. He’s dark and quiet and broody, and *cough* slightly evil, but he’s his own unique character and I loved getting to see inside his head. He’s one of those protagonists(?) who immediately feels like a real person, like someone you’re meeting and not just reading about.

The side characters were also awesome. I won't name all of them, but halfway through we’re introduced to a character named Okame who made me laugh in almost every scene he was in. The story also introduces many different kinds of villains, who were all great in that I absolutely hated the lot of them. If you like reading about terrible female villains, this book has what you're looking for.

Lastly, the romance was just...perfect. And agonizing. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and to say I’m dying for the sequel would be an understatement. Whether or not you’ve read Julie’s books before, let me help sway you now. YOU WANT THIS BOOK.

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Release Date: October 2, 2018

Quick Review: The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen

Rounding up to 3 stars. Despite being a little torn about this book, I would overall give it a thumbs up. There is a lot about The Bird and the Blade that feels different from your average fantasy novel, and I really enjoyed that. This is a standalone historical-fantasy set in the Mongol Empire. We follow a slave girl named Jinghua who sets off an a journey with Prince Khalaf, a descendent of Genghis Khan, to help save his kingdom.

There is a nice balance of character focus and action, and Bannen's writing has a romantic quality to it that reminded me a bit of Renee Ahdieh's prose. Despite the romance lacking some of the angst that I so dearly love to revel in, I ended up really liking the characters, especially Junghua, Khalaf, and Khalaf's father Timur. Timur especially is like that dry-humored old curmudgeon who slowly starts to grow on you as the plot progresses. There is a riddle aspect to this story that is riveting to watch play out, and I thought the ending was, dare I say it, a truly refreshing one. My only real qualm about this book is that the beginning throws you into a first-hand narrative without a lot of context. Once I figured out that the book jumps back-and-forth in time, and switches perspectives, I finally put together what was going on and was able to fully concentrate on the story.

While I enjoyed reading this, I don't know how long the story will stay with me. Even if it wasn't my favorite fantasy in the world, I am glad I picked it up. Overall, if you enjoy ghosts, slow-burn romance, and unique historical fantasies, then The Bird and the Blade is definitely calling your name.

Goodreads Description 
Release Date: June 5, 2018

Quick Review: Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake

3.25 stars. Beyond a Darkened Shore was a slow start for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved how the author blended together Norse and Celtic mythology and used those elements to not only shape the world, but also to define the two main characters, Ciara and Lief. Ciara is a Celtic princess who may or may not possess a little mind-control magic, and Lief is a Northman warrior who invades her kingdom. It was fun to watch the two of them clash and grow together, and I immensely enjoyed the journey they wind up going on, filled with kelpies, fae, and ancient gods.

Some scenes I thought were a little overwritten, and dragged on longer than necessary, but I only found myself skimming a few times. After three or four chapters, I found myself totally engrossed in the story. If you like fantasy, especially Norse and Celtic-inspired fantasy, with a hate-to-love romance, then I do seriously recommend picking up Beyond a Darkened Shore. While perhaps not on the level of Cassandra Clare or Holly Black, it's a worthwhile read.

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Quick Review: Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

3 stars. I've never read anything by Siobhan Vivian before, but I thought this was really cute. The story really pulled me in, and it was cool how ice cream was almost like its own character in the book. I also enjoyed the flashback diary entries written by the shop's original owner, Molly. Some may see the main character, Amelia, as a "weak" character, but I actually related to her in a lot of ways (not sure what that says about me). She was more job-focused and understanding of others than Cate, her fun-loving best friend, and I identified with her struggle to balance her drive to be a good worker and her desire to have fun with her friends. 

Overall, this was a perfect contemporary to pick up for the summer - especially for us fantasy lovers who occasionally need to dip back into the real world.

Goodreads Description

Quick Review: Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

3.5 stars. As a general rule, I'm not a fan of pirate stories. I've never watched the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (gasp!), and I usually lose interest whenever I see a book pitched as anything "pirate"-esque. It's just not a sub-genre that calls to me. Seafire, however, totally caught me off guard. I started it late at night and found, to my dawning horror, that I could not put it down. Natalie C. Parker's writing is vivid and absolutely captivating, without being flowery. The main character, Caledonia, is flawed, and frustrated me at numerous points, but not in a way that put me off. She was level-headed and her prejudice toward the Bullets was grounded, which only left me more eager to see her perspective grow.

Female friendship and girl power was a crucial element in this book, but it was done in a way I really appreciated. Instead of feeling preachy, or just consisting of "rah-rah" lines with little substance, Seafire actually introduced me to girls who stood by each other and showed strength, instead of just telling me they were strong. I feel like the girl who charges into situations with a tough-girl attitude and no regret is an often mis-construed character trope. Caledonia is certainly tough, but this book doesn't gloss over or idealize the less admirable sides of her personality. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated this, because it made her moments of vulnerability even more powerful.

Plot-wise, I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. The world and the "sailor talk" was well-constructed, and the relationship in this book. I am so here for it. It was subtle and angst-ridden and I'm just 100% on-board. So congratulations to Natalie for writing the pirate book that hooked my attention and finally changed my mind!

Goodreads Description
Release Date: August 28, 2018

Combo Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern & Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Magical circuses. On paper, they sound right up my alley - who doesn't like mysterious magicians, mind-twisting games, and beautiful settings? Sadly, me. And here's why:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

2.25 stars

Look, the writing is gorgeous. But I was just so...bored? The Night Circus is like an exquisitely wrapped present with nothing inside. If you love beautiful imagery and lush descriptions - just for the sake of their beauty and lushness - then you'll probably like this book. The writing is certainly a work of art, but I found the actual story itself to be incredibly lacking. The characters are like people you watch through a window - flat and always kept at a distance. I never truly cared about them. 

It also didn't help that the plot was mind-numbingly slow. While reading, I would pick up this book, only to set it down 20 minutes later after I realized that nothing really was happening. The story was all description. Don't get me wrong - I love slower-paced books. In fact, it's one of my buzzwords that actually gets me interested in a novel. But there's a difference between "slower-paced" and "literally nothing of note is happening". Usually, slow-paced books concentrate on character development. In the case of The Night Circus, slow-paced means: 10 pages of sensory description -> characters go on walk/eat dinner -> 10 more pages of sensory description. Which may be some readers' cup of tea, but it ain't mine.

If this book hadn't been so hyped, I may not feel as let-down as I do. And I certainly recognize that, objectively, The Night Circus is a masterful piece of work. It just wasn't the type of novel that worked for me.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

2.25 stars

Caraval also suffers from a lack of character depth. Our protagonist, Scarlet, comes off as whiny a lot of the time, not to mention the fact that she develops a serious case of insta-love. She and the love-interest spend way too much time making eyes at one another, and their set-up is so obvious and sickly sweet it almost made me sick. Maybe I've become jaded, and only want angst and tension in my couples, but this book just didn't deliver for me romance-wise. I might've been able to forgive Scarlet's sudden infatuation if it was with an interesting character with a layered personality. Julian, however, has about as many layers as a British pancake. I found the world-building also lacking, with empty filler descriptions that seemed intended to just sound flowery. The only intriguing element of the novel was Caraval's secret master, Legend. Unfortunately, even he could not salvage my enjoyment of the story.

Overall 

For various reasons, neither of these books worked for me. While The Night Circus definitely deserves snaps for its writing and atmosphere, Caraval was a quicker read that didn't get as bogged down in description. Both novels seriously struggled in the character department, and sadly were not for me. However, I'm not writing off magical circuses completely! I'm holding out hope that one day I'll stumble across a circus-fantasy that satisfies my character-driven bookish needs.

Quick Review: Storm-Wake by Lucy Christopher

A tentative 3 stars. Lucy Christopher's Stolen is one of my favorite books of all time. It's incredible. You will not be the same after reading it. (If you don't believe me, it won the Prinz award!) However, her other books have been a bit hit-or-miss for me. None of them have lived up to Stolen. Flyaway was soft and beautiful and sad. The Killing Woods was intriguing and enjoyable enough, but ultimately nothing too special.

Her new book, Storm-Wake, is different from anything she's ever written, at least style-wise. It reflects the otherworldly nature of the novel's island setting. You could trace some similar themes that run throughout both Stolen and Storm-Wake, such as beauty, dreams, and magical places. This book, though, more than any of her others, felt like it fits into the magical realism genre.

Storm-Wake is about a girl named Moss who lives with her Pa on a magical island. They both believe the rest of the world has been swallowed by floods, and it's only when a few boys wash ashore that you start to figure out the truth. I have to say, it took me a little while to get into the unique style of this book, as you're just sort of thrown into Moss's world. But I ended up enjoying the story and the somewhat bizarre relationships Moss forms with the boys and the island. And honestly, I wanted to figure out the truth about the island.

I didn't enjoy Storm-Wake as much as Stolen, but the story was still unique and gripped me throughout. Lucy Christopher's style differs with each book, but her writing is consistently lyrical and immersive. Overall, a lovely dreamlike tale.

Goodreads Description
Release Date: July 31, 2018