Back of Book: 

“It's Black Friday—and the apocalypse is on sale!

Ever since the world filled with portals to hell and bloodthirsty demons started popping out on the reg, Jasper’s life has gotten worse and worse. A teenage nobody with no friends or family, he is plagued by the life he can’t remember and the person he’s sure he’s supposed to be.

Jasper spends his days working as a checkout clerk at the Here For You discount mart, where a hell portal in aisle nine means danger every shift. But at least here he can be near the girl he’s crushing on—Kyle Kuan, a junior member of the monster-fighting Vanguard—who seems to hate Jasper for reasons he can't remember or understand.

But when Jasper and Kyle learn they both share a frightening vision of the impending apocalypse, they’re forced to team up and uncover the uncomfortable truth about the hell portals and the demons that haunt the world. Because the true monsters are not always what they seem, the past is not always what we wish, and like it or not, on Black Friday, all hell will break loose in aisle nine.

Perfect for fans of Grasshopper Jungle or The Last of Us comes Aisle Nine, the debut young adult novel from rising YA star lan X. Cho. 

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A quirky modern day apocalypse novel in which one young boy with amnesia may just be the key to stopping the end of the world. 

Jasper's life is nothing to write home about. It only gets worse on Hell Day when a bunch of portals release demons and monsters into the world. Now, not only does he have to drudge through working at a grocery store called the Here For You Mart, but he also has to worry about being eaten alive during his shift. And on top of it all, Jasper has amnesia and can't remember what life was like before the apocalypse began. At least the cute girl that he has a crush on, Kyle Kuan, works for the monster-vanquishing Vanguard and can save his butt whenever he's in danger. When Jasper and Kyle learn that they both have seen the same alarming vision, the two form an unlikely team and must work together to save the dumpster-fire of a world that they have come to know. 

This was such a quirky, humorous read with a unique, yet familiar dystopian apocalypse setting. I think it's neat that this book literally takes place in 2024 and features a lifestyle that those alive now are very familiar with. Despite all the crazy monsters popping out of portals, people try to live their day to day lives as normally as possible. Of course, this means that people still get up way too early in the morning to go Black Friday shopping. 

The best part of this book is definitely its quirkiness and its humor. For example, Jasper lives with a plush cat demon who is addicted to the TV show "Friends." This is just one instance that showcases the odd nature of Jasper's every day. Jasper's life working in retail is also super hilarious. The incident with the man and the expired toaster made me laugh really hard; I just had to share this portion of the book with several people. Jasper definitely works with many unhappy customers, and it makes me really appreciate that I don't work in retail. 

The romance in this one isn't super overt, but it ends up being a super sweet love story in the end. Amnesia romances are always intriguing, especially when the second party knew the amnesiac before their memory loss. Seeing Jasper and Kyle grow to know each other a second time was very cute, and I like the way that they support each other through a literal apocalypse. 

This book has several predictable moments (especially when it comes to the big reveal during the last few chapters), but I don't think this took away from the story too much. The only thing that honestly surprised me about this book is the fact that Lara (the cat demon) wasn't more sus. She's just kind of there the entire time without contributing much. Yes, she gives Jasper and Kyle some useful information, but that's I about it. I was definitely watching the cat every time she came into the scene, but she never did anything out of the ordinary. 

Overall, "Aisle Nine" is a quirky, witty take on the end of the world genre. The fact that it's super modern is neat, and something that I've only seen done effectively a handful of times in dystopian novels. The mundanity of people literally just trying to buy their groceries during the end of the world was very amusing and the way that Jasper deals with people is super funny. I would certainly give another book by this author a try, especially to see what other odd topics he is willing to write about. 

Back of Book: 

Sixteen-year-old Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth.

This can be scientifically explained (it’s called parthenogenesis), but what can’t be explained is how Elena is able to heal Freddie, the girl she’s had a crush on for years, from a gunshot wound in a Starbucks parking lot. Or why the boy who shot Freddie, David Combs, disappeared from the same parking lot minutes later after getting sucked up into the clouds. What also can’t be explained are the talking girl on the front of a tampon box, or the reasons that David Combs shot Freddie in the first place.

As more unbelievable things occur, and Elena continues to perform miracles, the only remaining explanation is the least logical of all—that the world is actually coming to an end, and Elena is possibly the only one who can do something about it.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

"The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza" is a quirky read about a sixteen-year-old girl by the name of Elena who just happens to hold the entire fate of the Earth in her hands; no pressure, of course.

Elena has always been a bit different. She was born of a virgin birth (a process known as parthenogenesis), she's heard mysterious voices for as long as she can remember, and is a social outcast in almost every situation. Despite being an oddity, she's still shocked when she is able to heal her crush, Freddie, from a devastating gun wound in the Starbucks parking lot with nothing but her hands and her mysterious abilities. As Elena begins to perform more miraculous acts, she begins to wonder who has bestowed these miraculous powers upon her, and to what lengths she is willing to go to save the world.

I couldn't help constantly comparing this one to the only other one of Hutchinson's novels that I had previously: "We Are the Ants." I loved that book so much and it is hard not to view Elena's story as a bit of an off-brand version of Henry's story. Despite this, I still did enjoy the characters, the bizarre plot, and the overall odd scenarios that went down in this book.

Something that I wasn't expecting at all in this one was allusions to Hutchinson's other books. When Henry from "We Are the Ants" showed up, I practically shrieked aloud. The only other one I consciously picked up was Tommy from "At the Edge of the Universe," but I have only read two of Hutchinson's books, so I'm sure there were other references that I missed. I think that these Easter eggs are really cool and seeing Henry again made me immediately perk up while reading.

I really like the themes present throughout this story. My personal favorite has to be the one about making choices for oneself. All of the other things covered in this book really packed a punch, too. This book was filled to the brim with topics such as teenage crushes, alcoholism, suicide, sexual identity, mental and physical illness, and so much more.

The quirkiness of this book and the humor surrounding it was also top tier. Between the talking objects that took shapes such as a Gandalf LEGO, a baby Cthulhu plushie, and a snappy My Little Pony with colorful language, all of Elena's companions were quite the entities. The back and forth comments between the main characters was also quite entertaining and realistic.

The final thing I want to comment on is the diversity. I think almost every identity that is part of the LGBTQIA+ community was touched on in this book. The young characters were really discovering their sexual identities in this one, and I really appreciated the inclusion of the fact that some of the characters might be asexual. Other aspects of diversity are also top tier in this book with Elena being a Latina and her best friend Fadil being Muslim.

Overall, "The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza" is a strange story that tackles some tough topics, spreads some important messages, and allows one to really think about the mortality of humans and the possibility of the world ending. I didn't love it nearly as much as I love "We Are the Ants," but it was still a great book with complex characters, realistic scenarios, and bizarre science fictional happenings. I must say, reading this one makes me really excited to read more of Hutchinson's books, especially "At the Edge of the Universe." If one enjoys urban science fiction books with a bit of an odd side that also tackles important issues, I cannot recommend Hutchinson's books enough!

Back of Book: 

Phoebe Lane is a lightning rod for monsters.

She and her mom are forced to flee flesh-eating plants, radioactive ants, and blobs from outer space. They survive thanks to Phoebe’s dad—an invisible titan, whose giant eyes warn them where the next monster attack will take place.

All Phoebe wants is to stop running from motel to motel and start living a monster-free life in New York or Paris. But when her mom mysteriously vanishes, Phoebe is left to fend for herself in small-town Pennybrooke.

That's when Phoebe starts to transform…

Christian McKay Heidicker, author of Cure for the Common Universe, returns with a book unlike any other, challenging perceived notions of beauty, identity, and what it means to be a monster. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Horror | Historical | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟

Iconic sci-fi horror movies coming to life is just an average day for Phoebe Lane in this eccentric novel that gives a tribute to all that the 50s entailed, especially when it comes to the weird and the strange.

Phoebe and her mother have been fleeing from monsters for as long as she can remember. The only thing that has kept them alive this long is Phoebe's dad who just so happens to be a giant titan in the sky who seems to know exactly where the next monster attack will strike. Phoebe yearns to be able to lay down roots somewhere, but that's easier said than done when there are giant radioactive ants following your every move. When Phoebe's mom suddenly disappears, Phoebe is forced to investigate the mysterious circumstances that led to her vanishing. Phoebe ends up discovering more than she bargained for and is in for the ride of her life if she hopes to save her mother and the very planet itself.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. Seriously, this book has to be in the top five weirdest books I've ever read.

I guess I'll just start from the beginning. Since I never read back of books, the only things I had to go off of going into this one is the title and the cover. From those things alone, I figured this was going to be a crazy read. What I didn't expect was literally nothing to make sense for a good fifty pages or so. I was so lost at the start of this book, and I literally felt insane trying to figure out what in the world was going on.

Eventually, the book did a decent job of laying down the playing field. Yes, there is a giant man in the sky that controls the universe with a giant TV remote. Yes, he impregnates women just by thinking about them. Yes, if they don't please this crazy huge guy, the world might literally be turned off. Yes, this is some seriously bizarre stuff we're dealing with here.

After learning the basics, I found myself drawn in by this crazy, alternate version of Earth during the 1950s. This book adheres to the societal standards of the era, which makes it a solid look into American society in the past. Reading about the gender inequalities, the racism, and the homophobia really reminded me how far we've come, yet how much work we still need to put in as a society.

Following Phoebe's journey as she tries to distract her father from destroying the world made for some fun reading with an edge of suspense. The segments in which Phoebe is hiding out while she is growing are a great look in how interpersonal relationships can really change people for the better. How the world reacts to Phoebe post change is pretty typical, but it is awesome to see the people that stick by her and recognize her as a beautiful, important creature despite her physical transformation that would often be viewed as monstrous.

This book had me enjoying myself until the makeout scene that happened on page 265. This, my friends, was too much for me and I swear I almost upchucked my breakfast. Not only was this so disturbing, but the rest of the book after that just kinda fizzled. We explore a little into the multiple channels/multiverses which was fairly neat, but that doesn't change the fact that the rest of the book tied up our enormous issues relatively quickly. Some ambiguity with the ending in a book like this would check out, but I felt sincerely unsatisfied with the way the conflict with both Phoebe's father and the secret society are dealt with.

Overall, "Attack of the Fifty Foot Tall Wallflower" was one of the most bizarre and unhinged books I've ever read, but I can't really say that it was in a good way. The writing was solid, the historical accuracy was there, and I could tell that the author was passionate about the niche topics included, but this book truly wasn't for me. Sci-fi and horror really aren't my genres in the first place, so it's not a surprise that this one wasn't exactly my cup of tea. The ending definitely tanked my rating on this book, both for the gross scenes with the ants (I still can't decide what the worst part was) and the quick solutions that resolved all the points of conflict. This was certainly a unique book and I'm interested to read more of this author's work, but I personally can't say I'll remember this one fondly. Though I'm sure it will lurk in my memory with all the other books that sport bug horror for a long, long time. 

Back of Book: 

When Noa closes his eyes on Earth and wakes up on a spaceship called Qriosity just as it’s about to explode, he’s pretty sure things can’t get much weirder.

Boy is he wrong.

Trapped aboard Qriosity are also DJ and Jenny, neither of whom remember how they got onboard the ship. Together, the three face all the dangers of space, along with murder, aliens, a school dance, and one really, really bad day. But none of this can prepare Noa for the biggest challenge—falling in love. And as Noa’s feelings for DJ deepen, he has to contend not just with the challenges of the present, but also with his memories of the past.

However, nothing is what it seems on Qriosity, and the truth will upend all of their lives forever.

Love is complicated enough without also trying to stay alive. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance | Mystery | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Space monsters, robot teachers, snobby holograms, times loops, and more await the crew that are stuck aboard the "Qriosity" in this queer, sci-fi adventure set in space! 

Noa's life has been pretty mundane, and he doesn't expect this to change as he closes his eyes before bed. But when he wakes up, he finds himself floating in space outside of a ship called the "Qriosity." He soon realizes that he is stuck aboard alongside a handsome boy named DJ and a spitfire of a girl named Jenny. The three of them have no idea how they got on this ship or where they are, but that is only the start of their problems. They soon find themselves battling crazy alien creatures, stuck in a time loop, and battling the mundanity of being one of three people stuck on a spaceship that is blasting through space. Can the three young heroes unravel the mysteries that lurk all around the spaceship? Or will they be stuck floating around space aimlessly until they inevitably run out of supplies? 

Oh. My. Goodness. I have loved all of the books that I have read by Shaun David Hutchinson in the past so it's no shock that I loved my time with this one, too. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It's hilarious, filled with fun twists and turns, and showcases one of the best love stories that I have ever read. Truly just. . . Wow. 

This is definitely my favorite story set in space that I have ever interacted with. I'm usually not a huge fan of space operas, but this book is the type of romance filled space adventure that I can get behind. I mean, Gays in Space! (If you know, you know.) 

Hutchinson's writing (as always) is truly top tier. For some reason, it always astounds me that people can be so funny and write with such tenderness at the same time. In one paragraph, a character spits out the wittiest one-liner, and in the next, a character is dropping a touching viewpoint on our purpose in the world. I adore the way that Hutchinson does this with such skill and ease. 

The love story in this one is so pure. DJ is willing to do anything for Noa, but Noa is trying to learn how to trust again after his worldview was shattered by a devastating incident. The banter, the sexual tension, the lengths these two go to protect one another? *chef's kiss* It's truly a S-tier relationship that I loved exploring from the very first page to the last. And all the dirt that is revealed in the last few segments between these two are insane! Also, shout-out to Jenny for being stuck with these two lovebirds for so long in such a confined area. 

The concept of this book isn't super crazy, but the art is kinda in the simplicity. Three teens get stuck in space with no idea how they got there and they must work together to try to return home. So many obstacles come at them throughout the length of this book, and I found myself rooting for these kids every step of the way. And the ending was so shocking (though looking back on it, it explains so much. . .)! 

This book is funny, swoonworthy, and full of heart, but it also touches on some really dark topics such as depression, suicide, and sexual assault. All of Hutchinson's books seem to touch on these topics, so this didn't come out of left field for me, though it is something to definitely take into account especially if you've never read his work before. The time loop element that was included in this novel is such a creative way to showcase the mundanity of depression and the ideology that one can't escape from the situation that they find themself stuck in. 

Overall, "A Complicated Love Story Set in Space" blew my high expectations out of the water. I loved it so much and I found myself consuming all four hundred and fifty some pages in one day; I just couldn't put it down! I adore all the characters, the strange events that happen to them in space, and all the messages that this book portrays. It's super hilarious, has one of the most precious romantic relationships I've ever read, and had me tearing up at certain moments. This book takes the reader on quite the journey, and I know for a fact that it is one that I will relive again and again before my time on this planet is through.

Back of Book: 

The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this standalone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

By encouraging massive accumulations of debt from its underclass, a single corporation, Caerus, controls all aspects of society.

Inesa lives with her brother in a half-sunken town where they scrape by running a taxidermy shop. Unbeknownst to Inesa, their cruel and indolent mother has accrued an enormous debt—enough to qualify one of her children for Caerus’s livestreamed assassination spectacle: the Lamb’s Gauntlet.

Melinoë is a Caerus assassin, trained to track and kill the sacrificial Lambs. The product of neural reconditioning and physiological alteration, she is a living weapon, known for her cold brutality and deadly beauty. She has never failed to assassinate one of her marks.

When Inesa learns that her mother has offered her as a sacrifice, at first she despairs—the Gauntlet is always a bloodbath for the impoverished debtors. But she’s had years of practice surviving in the apocalyptic wastes, and with the help of her hunter brother, she might stand a chance of staying alive.

For Melinoë, this is a game she can’t afford to lose. Despite her reputation for mercilessness, she is haunted by painful flashbacks. After her last Gauntlet, where she broke down on livestream, she desperately needs redemption.

As Mel pursues Inesa across the wasteland, both girls begin to question everything: Inesa wonders if there’s more to life than survival, while Mel wonders if she’s capable of more than killing.

And both wonder if, against all odds, they might be falling in love. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopian | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A dystopian lesbian romance that showcases the lengths we go to survive, to retain hope, and fall in love in the unlikeliest of situations. 

Caerus is an elite cooperation that controls pretty much every aspect of citizens' rights. Inesa lives in the outskirts where the world is half-flooded and the people do everything they can to stay out of Caerus' debt. Inesa scrapes by as a taxidermist of the few nonmutated animals that remain in the world. Melinoë is an assassin raised by Caerus that they have dubbed Angels. As an Angel, she is a living killing machine that has been hardwired to compete in the competition known as the Gauntlet. Every few months, a person that is buried in debt is chosen as the Lamb who is forced to be broadcast on live television as an Angel tries to kill them for thirteen days. This time, Inesa is the Lamb and Melinoë is the Angel. As the two find themselves forced to hunt each other in the wastelands, both girls discover things about themselves that they have never dared think of before. 

I've never read a book by Ava Reid, but I thought that this one was interesting. It has been a bit since I've read a dystopian novel, and I think the way that this society is ruled by Caerus isn't exactly unique, but interesting in its own regard. It always shocks me that people are willing to live in these crazy government conditions, but I also realize it would be near impossible to escape them. This book is obviously based in part on "The Hunger Games", which Reid doesn't shy away from. The stakes in this book aren't nearly as high, but I still found myself curious to see what kind of ending this book would take. 

I found myself finding draw to both Inesa and Melinoë as characters. They both have been forced to do what it takes to survive their entire lives and have been contained in the boxes that others want them to live in. The way the government treats young girls such as Melinoë is utterly disgusting, and I found myself hoping that Melinoë would be able to escape from her captors throughout the course of this novel. I'm glad that the author didn't take the easy way out on this one, but it did make some scenes toward the end hard to swallow. 

I must admit that some of the middle portions of this book drug on a bit for me. I've never been much for survival stories, so the section where the two girls were trying to survive in the wastelands wasn't exactly my cup of tea. 

The romance wasn't the strongest element of this book, but I understand where the two girls are coming from. Both Inesa and Melinoë have both been mistreated their entire lives, and the Gauntlet was the first time they could truly be free. It makes sense that the two would turn to each other as soon as they were finally freed from what has been holding them captive. 

Overall, I found "Fable for the End of the World" to be an interesting read that reads straight out of the classic dystopian era with a lesbian romance at its forefront. I found this book raised many moral questions that had me considering many different aspects of society (past and present), as well as how far I would be able to push myself if I ever found myself in a situation like this. I'm glad that I was given a chance to check out Reid's work and be exposed to this author that has taken the reading world by storm the last couple of years. 

Back of Book: 

Seventeen-year-old Mara is dead—mostly.

Infected with a virus that brought the dead back to life and the world to its knees, she wakes up in a facility to learn a treatment for the disease has been found. No longer a Tick, Mara is placed in an experimental resettlement program. But her recovery is complicated by her destination: she’s sent to live with the best friend she hasn’t seen since the world ended—and since their first and only kiss.

Seventeen-year-old Rory is alive—barely.

With impaired mobility from an injury and a dead sister, Rory’s nightmares are just as monstrous as the Ticks that turned her former best friend. Even after the Island—one of a handful of surviving communities—rebuilds itself, Rory is prepared for the Ticks to return at any time. She never expected them to come in the form of the only girl she’s ever loved.

As the girls struggle with their pasts and the people they’ve become, the Island’s soldiers go rogue and come after the Ticks and anyone harboring them. With the Island’s fragile peace in the balance, Rory and Mara must lean on each other to survive—or risk losing the girl they love all over again.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance | Dystopia | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

Not all that I expected it to be. :(

When I saw that I won this book, I was super excited. And then I had to wait weeks for it to come, in which my excitement only grew. Unfortunately, I feel like I over-hyped this book in my head, causing me to be disappointed when the book was just, eh, rather than say, phenomenal.

This story features a dead girl named Mara and her childhood best friend/crush, Rory. Mara is a sweet and quiet girl who loves music and wishes that she didn't commit the sins that she did when she was infected and became a Tick, a mindless killing machine. Luckily, the government has found a treatment that is helping her stay sane. Almost two years after the world ended and the apocalypse started, Mara is sent back home to live with her godparents, who happen to be Rory's parents. Rory is a strong willed woman who is unafraid to stab first and ask questions later. But when Mara returns home. . . she isn't sure how she should act.

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, but it ended up being very similar to Rory Power's "Wilder Girls," which I also didn't love. It features a lesbian romance, a mysterious disease (that actually ended up coming from the same source), body horror, and the element of being trapped on an island away from the rest of the world in a post-apocalyptic world. I wish I could have loved this one more, because these are all things I usually enjoy in a story, but it just fell flat to me.

I think one of my biggest roadblocks with this story is the fact that I couldn't get myself to connect to Rory. Mara kept presenting me with things, such as her love for music and her sense of humor, but Rory never gave me anything to latch onto. I felt as though I kept waiting for Rory to present her case of why I should like her, yet she never did. This frustrated me, but I still think they work great together as a couple.

But here's my biggest critique: I feel that close to all of the action in this book happened in the past, making me question why the author didn't start this story by writing about these two going through the apocalypse and then continued the story with "Hearts Still Beating" as book two. I kind of understood Archer's decision not to risk that on her debut book, but I feel like it would have forced me to like the characters more and then ripped out my heart when their worlds fell apart, rather than hearing about it passively in the past tense.

Overall, I didn't hate "Hearts Still Beating," but I feel it could have been greatly improved with some slight revisions and reworking of the structure of the book. I enjoyed the concept of the Ticks, the lesbian romance, and Noah (the five year old little brother) was just so cute!!! I think that many people will fall in love with this book, and I am excited to see what everyone thinks about it. Sadly, I just don't think it was the book for me. :(

Back of Book: 

Who do you become when you have nothing left to lose? 

There is something Poe Blythe, the seventeen-year-old captain of the Outpost's last mining ship, wants far more than the gold they tear from the Serpentine River. 

Revenge.

Poe has vowed to annihilate the river raiders who robbed her of everything two years ago. But as she navigates the treacherous waters of the Serpentine and realizes there might be a traitor among her crew, she must also reckon with who she has become, who she wants to be, and the ways love can change and shape you. Even—and especially—when you think all is lost.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | Adventure 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Poe Blythe sets off on her final nautical voyage to find gold for the dreaded Admiral. But Poe isn't searching for gold. She's looking for revenge. . .

Poe Blythe is in love. Upon taking off on her first voyage with her love, Call, she never imagined that their plans to run away together would be ruined. But then the ship is invaded by raiders, ruthless pirates with dubious motives. The worst part though? The raiders kill Call. Luckily, the raiders let the rest of the crew go to send a message to the Admiral: Stop looting our rivers or else. Now, two years later, Poe is put in charge of a mining ship down another river in raider territory. Poe may have convinced the Admiral that she is his obedient servant willing to search for his gold. But really, she's after one thing and one thing only: Revenge on the ones that killed Call.

I didn't know going into this one that it was a dystopian novel. I found the world to be interesting despite the general lack of worldbuilding. This group of people have been abandoned in a desolate area that has been ruled by "the Admirals" for as long as anyone can remember. Young children work in mines and tinsmiths and other businesses to keep the town thriving. The lucky ones get to work for the Admiral on his mining ships or to do personal tasks for him. Poe is one of these "lucky" ones, who gets to work for him and on his ships. Beyond that, there isn't much lore drop in this novel.

I knew that this was a nautical tale and I love books that take place on ships. After Poe is made captain, she claims the Lily, the Admiral's last mining ship as her own. Soon after arriving, she learns that there is a rat in the crew, and she spends the majority of the book trying to find out who the backstabber is. Most of the book follows the ensuing back and forth battles between Poe, her crew, the Admiral's settlers, and the raiders. The book is filled with a bunch of action, betrayals, and high intensity fight scenes.

The characters in this one aren't super strong, but Poe is really the only important person to the plot line anyway. Most of the story is driven forward by her personal fears, expectations, wants, and desires for revenge. Poe's growth throughout the book is one of the key takeaways and I loved seeing her grow from a revenge filled killer to a girl with a bit more humanity who starts to see the error of her ways.

Overall, this book flew by for me. The story kept on moving forward one scene after another and I enjoyed the sense of danger, the adventure, and the suspense. The dystopian world drew me in with its interesting technology and corrupt government. I enjoyed my time with Poe even though she is quite annoying at times and is entirely self-centered. This is my second Ally Condie book and it was also a success for me, so I will keep checking out her books in the future. If you like dystopian settings, morally gray characters, and nautical adventures, this could be an enjoyable read for you!

Back of Book: 

Fifteen-year-old Kivali has never fit in. As a girl in boys’ clothes, she is accepted by neither tribe, bullied by both. What are you? they ask. Abandoned as a baby wrapped in a T-shirt with an image of a lizard on the front, Kivali found a home with nonconformist artist Sheila. Is it true what Sheila says, that Kivali was left by a mysterious race of saurians and that she’ll one day save the world? Kivali doesn’t think so. But if it is true, why has Sheila sent her off to CropCamp, with its schedules and regs and what feels like indoctrination into a gov-controlled society Kivali isn’t sure has good intentions?

But life at CropCamp isn’t all bad. Kivali loves being outdoors and working in the fields. And for the first time, she has real friends: sweet, innocent Rasta; loyal Emmett; fierce, quiet Nona. And then there’s Sully. The feelings that explode inside Kivali whenever Sully is near—whenever they touch—are unlike anything she’s experienced, exhilarating and terrifying. But does Sully feel the same way?

Between mysterious disappearances, tough questions from camp director Ms. Mischetti, and weekly doses of kickshaw—the strange, druglike morsel that Kivali fears but has come to crave—things get more and more complicated. But Kivali has an escape: her unique ability to channel and explore the power of her animal self. She has Lizard Radio.

Will it be enough to save her? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

Back of Book: 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Past Lives in this gripping, emotional story of two childhood friends navigating the fallout of one erasing their memory of the other, from acclaimed author Sarah Suk.

Seventeen-year-old Yena Bae is spending the summer in Busan, South Korea, working at her mom’s memory-erasing clinic. She feels lost and disconnected from people, something she’s felt ever since her best friend, Lucas, moved away four years ago without a word, leaving her in limbo.

Eighteen-year-old Lucas Pak is also in Busan for the summer, visiting his grandpa, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. But he isn’t just here for a regular visit—he’s determined to get his beloved grandpa into the new study running at the clinic, a trial program seeking to restore lost memories.

When Yena runs into Lucas again, she’s shocked to see him and even more shocked to discover that he doesn’t remember a thing about her. He’s completely erased her from his memories, and she has no idea why.

As the two reconnect, they unravel the mystery and heartache of what happened between them all those years ago—and must now reckon with whether they can forge a new beginning together. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An elaborate look into human memory and the ethics behind being able to remove certain memories at will. 

Yena Bae is spending the summer working at her mother's memory erasing clinic in Busan, South Korea. Yena has felt confused and alone ever since her best friend, Lucas, left her all those years ago. Unbeknownst to Yena, Lucas is also staying in Busan for the summer to spend time with his ailing grandfather. Lucas is desperate to help his grandfather regain the memories that he is losing due to Alzheimer's. When Yena and Lucas literally run into each other outside of the clinic, Yena can't believe her eyes. Not only is Lucas in Busan with her, but he doesn't recognize her. Yena knows that it can be dangerous to spend time with Lucas due to the fact that his memories have been tampered with, but Yena can't help spending time with her best friend. As the two grow closer, secrets begin to surface, and Yena and Lucas have a ton of old trauma to work through together. 

I am so psyched to finally be getting around to reading this one. This was Adam Silvera's first pick for his book club, so I knew that it was going to be awesome. And it truly was! It reminded me quite a bit of Silvera's "More Happy Than Not" due to them both dealing with the removal of memories and characters facing the side effects of the procedures. It also reminded me a bit of Kristina Forest's "Heartsick," due to the nature of that book focusing on erasing heartbreak, which was a similar situation to what Lucas was going through in this one. 

Something that I found unique about the way that Suk approached the memory removal process is that she centered it around sounds. Specific noises can be so heavily tied to memories that it makes perfect sense that the clinic workers can use the association between sounds and memories to perform their procedures. 

I also thought it was neat that Sound got its own perspective in this book. Many may find it cheesy, but I thought it was a really creative way to explore the memories that Lucas had had lost. It was especially neat because it examined Yena and Lucas' relationship from an outside observer's perspective. 

The discussion that this book brings up about whether one should tamper with the human mind isn't a new concept, but I like how it talked about medical consent. Lucas is convinced that his grandfather should be involved in a clinical trial that was set up to help those with memory loss retrieve lost memories. His grandfather is very adamant that he doesn't want any such procedure to be done to him and that he doesn't care to have strangers messing with his mind. I think this is a great reminder that everyone has their own values and ideals, and it is important to keep other's feelings in mind no matter the circumstance. Lucas is obviously acting with his grandfather's best interest at heart, but that doesn't stop what he is trying to do from being inherently wrong. 

The romance element of this one is also super sweet. Yena recalls every moment she spent with Lucas, while Lucas sees a stranger in Yena's face. This is obviously a devastating loss for Yena, but it did provide for a very interesting second chance romance experience. It was like reading an amnesia romance, except the reader knows that the memory loss was intentional, which makes for a very interesting vibe. Despite all the baggage between these two, seeing them forge new memories and form a bond all over again was so sweet and wholesome. 

Overall, I'm so glad that I finally got around to reading "Meet Me at Blue Hour." It was such a great read that made me think about some very interesting ethical questions. Lucas and Yena are also so cute together, and I had a great time watching these two fall in love all over again. I am seriously so excited to check out more books recommended by Adam Silvera, because they are the perfect types of books that I just eat up. 

Back of Book: 

A special Deluxe Edition of Adam Silvera’s groundbreaking debut featuring an introduction by Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give, a new final chapter, and an afterword about where it all began.

In his twisty, heartbreaking, profoundly moving New York Times bestselling-debut, Adam Silvera brings to life a charged, dangerous near-future summer in the Bronx.

In the months following his father's suicide, sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto can’t seem to find happiness again, despite the support of his girlfriend, Genevieve, and his overworked mom. Grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist won’t let him forget the pain. But when Aaron meets Thomas, a new kid in the neighborhood, something starts to shift inside him. Aaron can't deny his unexpected feelings for Thomas despite the tensions their friendship has created with Genevieve and his tight-knit crew. Since Aaron can't stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound happiness, he considers taking drastic actions. The Leteo Institute’s revolutionary memory-altering procedure will straighten him out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.

Why does happiness have to be so hard?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A heartbreaking debut novel by none other than Adam Silvera (author of "They Both Die at the End") that dives into the painful moments that we all have lived through and the lengths that we would go in order to forget them. 

It's been months since his father's suicide, but Aaron Soto still struggles to find happiness in the world his father left behind. His overworked mother, his distant brother, and his supportive girlfriend Genevieve all try to support him, but it's just not enough to keep his mind away from his own suicide attempt. That is, until he meets Thomas, a new kid in the neighborhood. Slowly, something inside of him begins to shift. As he begins to fall for Thomas, Aaron contemplates using Leteo's mind altering services to straighten himself out. Even if it means forgetting who he truly is. 

Every time I read a Silvera book, I am reminded of the genius that he is. His writing always tackles tough topics, yet manages to be downright funny and genuinely heartfelt at the same time. I love Silvera's writing, and I am so glad that I finally bought myself a copy of his debut novel. 

It's hard for me to put into words the feelings I get when I read his work. My life has been pretty great all things considered, but Silvera somehow still makes me feel validated and seen in every last one of his books. The exploration of memory in this one is something that everyone can relate to; we all have things we'd rather forget and things that we spend our entire lives trying to run away from. Silvera did an outstanding job of giving Aaron the courage to face these memories head on, especially because he is living in a world where he can get distasteful memories surgically removed. 

Despite the Leteo procedure being a major selling point of this book, I still wasn't prepared for just how central it was going to be to the plot. The big reveal did manage to catch me by surprise, despite the large amount of hints that were dropped in the first segments of this novel. I was so immersed in other elements (Aaron coming to terms with the fact he was gay, his complicated relationship with Genevieve, etc) that I just didn't connect the dots together. So congrats Mr. Silvera; you gut punched me again when we hit part zero! 

Many often heavy topics including self-discovery, racism, classism, homophobia, living through trauma, suicide/attempted suicide, and the complexities of human memory are all explored in great detail in this book. It is honest, raw, and you can feel that Silvera knew exactly what he is talking about when he wrote about each topic. This heartbreaking and inspiring story taking place in a futuristic version of the Bronx will truly live in my heart forever. 

I love how the story ended and how it tied in the title "More Happy Than Not," but I would totally have been haunted by it. . . If I didn't read the deluxe edition, that is. Several years later, Silvera went and wrote a bonus final chapter entitled "More Happy Ending." This ending leaves Aaron on a much more uplifting note and explores the complicated situation that he found himself in at the conclusion of the novel. I'm so glad that Silvera did this (despite how I tend to complain about author's adjusting their books post-publication; it just feels unfair to the early readers), but in this case I'll make an exception. It truly added a ton to this story, and made me feel an even deeper connection to Aaron, Thomas, Genevieve, and the rest of the gang. 

Overall, "More Happy Than Not" joins the list of platinum starred books on my tier list. Everything that Silvera pens is a masterpiece and I eat up every piece of his work I get my hands on. I love the depth of the characters, the complicated dive into human memory, and the complex relations that the characters share. The humor is spot on, the journey to self-discovery is immaculate, and I can't scream enough about the major plot twist that threw me off guard. I love "More Happy Than Not" even though it tore my heart in two multiple times just to piece it back together again. Seriously, if these are the types of books you like and you haven't read it yet, I beg you to get yourself a copy of this one (and bonus points if it's the deluxe edition)! 

Back of Book: 

Four young criminals. One simple task: steal a mysterious box from the daughter of a dead scientist. They have to follow her, bug her phone, hack her computer, search her home, all without her knowing.

But WatchWorld run this city now. On every street are cameras, X-ray scanners, microphones. Terrifying Safe-Guards can see through walls, hear your heartbeat, analyze the smell of your sweat. Their motto? If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear.

But Nimmo, Scope, Manikin and FX, who work in the blind-spots of the city's shady underworld, are soon caught in a maze of deception, treachery and murder... will they make it out of the rat-runs alive? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | Mystery | Crime 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

Four teens turn to a life of crime in order to escape the harsh eye of the corrupt government that deems to control every aspect of their lives. 

Nimmo appears to the naked eye a teen like any other. But if you really knew him (which no one does), you'd know that Nimmo actually has dozens of secret identities, works with some of London's scariest crime bosses, and is tasked with a secret mission that might just get him and the three kids he's working with killed. Nimmo, FX, Manikin, and Scope have been tasked with a deceptively simple task: steal a box from the daughter of a dead scientist. They have been tasked to follow her every move to find out where this box is all without being caught by WatchWorld, the corrupt government always on the lookout. Nimmo knows there is more to their mission than what meets the eye, so he begs the other teens to proceed with caution and heed his every warning if they want to make it out of this heist alive. . . 

This one was, quite frankly, better than I thought it was going to be. I'm not saying that it's anything special, but I felt like this one had a pretty solid chance to tank. I'm not always the hugest fan of sci-fi, so reading them is always a risk. This one was a pretty typical dystopia society much like in the classic "1984." It reminded me quite a bit of Eoin Colfer's "The Supernaturalist" with the gang of youngsters trying to steal something. The writing styles are also similar; Irish science fiction truly goes crazy! 

I was intrigued early on about who exactly killed Brundle and why. I appreciated the who-dunnit aspect of this book immensely; it kept me motivated to keep turning the pages. Once I learned more details it became decently easy to sus out who was the guilty party, but other aspects of the book started to ramp up later on, so it was alright in my book. 

The nanotechnology that Brundle was experimenting with is some surreally messed up technology. I won't go into any specific details due to the late reveal of the details surrounding this tech, but man, I would be horrified if a government could abuse its power. I must say, a world in which everyone is forced to have this technology inside of them would be absolutely terrifying and would make for a perfect sci-fi thriller. 

I think my two biggest complaints about this book is the lack of depth to the characters and the overall lack of urgency in the pacing. Beside Nimmo and Scope, I didn't care for any of the characters at all. And Nica was alright, I guess. We didn't really learn much about any of the characters and Scope was the only one who had me liking her before the end of the story. She's into forensics, has asthma, and is one of the mob boss's personal pets. These things gave her some depth and her personality is likable, which is more than I can say about the other three.

I feel as though this book should have read more like a thriller, but the stakes never seemed all that high despite the constant danger the kids were in. Things do ramp up eventually in the last fourth of the book, but I feel as though this entire book should have been slightly more intense. 

I did appreciate how the final heist scene was pulled off. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting to read when I first started this book, so that was a welcome surprise. The reunion scene with Nimmo was pretty great, but not as great as the final chapter in which Bunny and Punkin's purpose are finally revealed. These two idiots are just kinda floating around the entire story, but it's all worth it for the play that the final chapter reveals. 

Overall, "Rat Runners" is a typical dystopian novel featuring a gang of teens trying to pull off an incomprehensible heist. The world wasn't super unique, the characters are pretty flat, and the writing was missing the suspense aspect I desired. I did enjoy the exploration of the nanotechnology and the murder mystery elements of this story though, so this book had some redeeming qualities that made it an enjoyable read. 

Back of Book: 

Societies thrive on order, and the Rating System is the ultimate system of social mobility. 

The higher your rating soars, the more valued you are. The lower it plummets, the harder you must work to improve yourself. For the students at the prestigious Maplethorpe Academy, every single thing they do is reflected in their ratings, updates continuously and available for all to see. 

But when an act of vandalism sullies the front doors of the school, it sets off a chain reaction that will shake the lives of six special students. Bex, Noah, Tamsin, Hana, Chase, and Javi don't have much in common at first glance, but soon each of them will be forced to face the unfair reality of the ratings—and decide whether they're willing to fight for a better future. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

An original and timely new YA novel from acclaimed author Susan Fletcher, set in a near-future where rogue gene editing has changed humanity—loosely based on The Little Mermaid

A girl torn between two worlds...

Turtle is scavenging a drowned town when she saves a stranger’s life. There’s something special about Kai—an attraction she’s never felt before. She would do anything to see him again.

But Turtle can never truly be with Kai, because Kai is Normal, and Turtle is one of the Mer, kids whose genes were illegally hacked before birth and who now have working gills as well as lungs. Turtle lives on an old cruise ship with the other Mer in order to be close to the water she needs to survive.

Yet she sneaks away and lies to her friends to spend more time on land with Kai. And the pull of the shore grows even stronger when Turtle reconnects with her sisters and learns that her father, who has been in prison for having her genes modified, has escaped and may be hiding out nearby.

When scientists come up with a way for the Mer to surrender their gills and live as Normals, Turtle faces a terrible choice. Turtle loves her life with her Mer friends, but she desperately misses her family. And then there’s Kai...

Should she give up her Mer community and their way of life, along with the joy of living freely under the sea? Or give up the guy she’s falling for... and any hope of reconnecting with her family? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopian | Fantasy | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A sci-fi retelling of "The Little Mermaid" that speculates what could happen with the gene modifying technology that humanity now possesses. 

In a world ravaged by the effects of genetically modifying children, Turtle is part of the Mer, a group of children who have been cast out of society due to the fact that they have developed gills through an illegal procedure. One day while scavenging underwater, Turtle saves a boy who was caught under some rubble. Turtle believes that they are destined to be and will do anything in her capability to be reunited with him. As she begins to spend more and more time with this mysterious boy on the surface, she grows farther and farther from her Mer family. Pulled between the world under the water and the one above land, Turtle must put everything on the line and choose what life she truly wants for herself. 

I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, so when I saw this science fiction remix inspired by "The Little Mermaid," I just had to get my hands on it. Once I learned that this book involved genetically modifying using CRISPR technology, I was instantly hooked and so curious to learn more about the futuristic world that Fletcher paints for the reader. 

"The Little Mermaid" vibes are strong out of the gate due to the first scene starting with Turtle rescuing Kai, our mysterious boy from the surface. Turtle eventually runs into Kai on land and can't help but want to spend more time with him. The more she invests in Kai, the more she begins to wonder if she could escape the Mer and live on the surface. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that this book follows the original story more than it follows Disney's version of the tale. Changing yourself to try to meet someone else's expectations is just about as dangerous and unhealthy as a relationship can get, and I think Ariel and Turtle have proved this time and time again. 

As the story progresses, we get to see all sorts of people who have been affected by genetic modifications. There are people with huge ears, noses like bloodhounds, those with odd colored eyes and skin, and even those who barely need to sleep. This tale really begs us to consider just how far genetic modifying should go. Should we only use it to cure disease? Should we use it to cure disabilities that could undermine a perfectly healthy and proud group of people? Should we create transhuman individuals that have a better chance of surviving all the suffering that we are putting our planet through? Should genetic modification even be available if only the rich can use it? All these questions are extremely fascinating to think about, and this book does a great job of kickstarting an intriguing discussion while also utilizing a fantastical element. 

In my opinion, the ending of this book wrapped up a tad quicker than I preferred, but it leaves a lasting imprint of hope in a world filled with desperate people. It gave me enough crumbs that I was mostly satisfied, so I'm not going to complain all that much. 

Overall, "Sea Change" is a speculative retelling of "The Little Mermaid" that takes a deep dive into the consequences that genetic modification on humans could entail. It explores powerful themes of prejudice, self-acceptance, and learning to embrace hope in the darkness. It also looks into expectations in romantic situations and the difference between healthy and toxic relationships. It may not be the most original book, but I was still captivated by the story that Fletcher strove to tell. I would definitely recommend for fans of fairy tell retellings, speculative science, and immersive dystopian worlds. 

Back of Book: 

When a new girl arrives in town, seemingly from the future, three teens' lives are turned upside down in this speculative YA novel full of love and loss, and the power of the unknown.

Seventeen-year-old Nell knows two things for sure—she’s never going to get out of her rural, dead-end hometown of Clawson, NY and her best friend Stevie B and longtime boyfriend Cole are never going to leave her. That is until Charlotte, a new girl, arrives at their school and their lopsided friend triangle is turned on its axis. While Nell and Stevie B are certain that Charlotte isn’t who she says she is, Cole is caught fully in her thrall. There are secret calls and meetings between the two, and Nell knows Cole is keeping something big from her. Now, for the first time in their lives, Nell worries she could lose Cole.

When Nell and Stevie B finally confront Cole and Charlotte, they learn the impossible—Charlotte is actually from the future, and for life altering reasons none of them could have imagined, she wants Cole to jump to the future with her, leaving Nell behind. It’s dangerous, it’s reckless, but Charlotte convinces them that it’s the only choice they have. The trio’s future has always seemed set—but with the knowledge that time travel is real, and with a multiverse of futures before them, they now have the option to live lives they could have only dreamed about. The only questions are, who will take the leap and who will be left behind.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A time-travel romance in which a young couple will go to extreme lengths to save the life of a little girl who will have a huge impact on the world if she is given the chance to live in it.

Nell and Cole have a love that can never be broken, despite their youth. That is, until a mysterious girl by the name of Charlotte appears and draws Cole's attention away from Nell. With Cole distracted, Nell turns to her best friend Stevie B to try to discover the many secrets that Nell is hiding. After some investigating, the pair learn that Charlotte is from the future and she has convinced Cole to accompany her back to her timeline in order to steal a cure that might just save Cole's terminally ill younger sister. With someone they love life on the line, Nell is forced to accept that the universe is bigger than she ever thought possible and that love might be the strongest force contained within it.

I went into this one thinking that it was about two people from different time periods who fall in love with each other. Boy was I wrong. In actuality, it is a story about how even the smallest choices can have the biggest impact, the bonds that we have for our friends and family defy all limits, and the risks we are willing to take in order to help those we love. I was quite touched by all the messages in this one, despite the often slower pace of the story line.

I think my favorite type of sci-fi has to be stories with time travel and multiverses. These stories tend to really hit on how chance encounters and small acts of kindness can truly change the world for the better. Much of the science elements flew right over my head in this one, but I felt the reason that Cole and Nell took the risk of traveling through time was way less selfless than the usual reasons that people leave their time period. The way that they had to travel through time was also very unique. I had my doubts about it upon its first mention, but I came to find it really interesting as the story progressed.

Another thing I found fascinating about how time travel is approached in this one is that Nell, the narrator wasn't the one to initially travel in time. Much of the book is spent with Nell and Stevie B trying to come to terms with Cole's risky decision and hope that he makes it back alive. I just thought that this was a neat perspective to explore and sets it apart from the usual time travel experience. In the end, we do get some action with Nell getting to jump herself, which gave this book the dosage of high intensity action that it needed.

I found Cole and Nell's relationship to be really complicated, but super sweet. Nell often babysits Cole's little sister and Cole's mother practically treats Nell as her own daughter. Cole and Nell have been dating for awhile, even though they are still in high school. This is one of those couples you can't help but hope works out forever, and this feeling only intensifies as the story progresses. The banter that these two have and their little inside jokes were quite fun to follow along with, and my heart goes out to Nell with for all the anxiety she felt on Cole's part. I didn't love the fact that Nell was also attracted to Stevie B throughout the course of this story, but I can understand how this would come to be when your longtime boyfriend jumps through time and may never return. It would be hard not to have your doubts about his homecoming and turn to your best friend for support in this time of strife.

The fact that Cole's sister has a chronic lung condition and Nell's mother is a severe drug addict really adds to the intensity of this story. The stakes are high with both of these issues, which sets a sort of deadline that keeps the intensity level raised throughout the majority of the book. Towards the end, I'm not sure I could have drawn myself away from it, due to how worried I was that everything was going to turn out okay in the end.

I just wanted to shout out some of the repeating motifs in this book. I love the importance of the sixteen minutes, both in time traveling and for the urgency factor at the end of the book. The segment "Feet first. Heart bursting. Head, a distant third," was one of my favorite in the entire story. I love its double meaning with its physical connotations as well as its emotional ones. The sweet little phrases that Nell and Cole share with each other such as their forever bit which evolves into "beyond forever" really melted my heart, as did their "normal pretend stuff" game. These two seriously had some of the sweetest conversations.

Overall, I am quite pleased to report that "Sixteen Minutes" is a speculative fiction book that really hit for me. I connected to the characters, enjoyed the urgency of the plot, and adored the romantic elements. I'm glad that I was given the chance to read this one before its publication date. It is truly a sweet read that is also quite intense. It delivers some great themes and leaves the reader with the reminder that everyone is important, even when one doesn't feel that they are.

Back of Book: 

When Sarah sleeps, she's a danger to herself. But when she takes a new drug meant to cure her, she becomes a nightmare to everyone else... 

As if surviving high school wasn't hard enough, Sarah Reyes suffers from REM sleep behavior disorder, a parasomnia that causes her to physically act out her dreams. After she almost snaps her friend's neck at a sleepover, Sarah and her nocturnal sleep habits are thrust into the spotlight, and she becomes a social pariah, complete with public humiliation. 

When an experiemental drug comes onto the market that promises normalacy, Sarah agrees to participate in the trial. At first, she seems to be cured. Then, the side effects kick in. Why does a guy from her nightmare show up at school? Are the eerily similar dreams she sharing with her classmate's coincidence or of her making? Is she losing her mind or does this drug offer way more than sleep? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Thriller | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

"Sleeper" is a the story of a girl that suffers from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder that causes her to act out her dreams in the physical world. One night at a sleepover, Sarah almost strangles Gigi in her sleep. When Sarah takes part in a clinical trial to test a new drug called Dexid, things go from bad to worse as she realizes that she has special abilities in the dream world which allow her to abuse reality in unpredictable ways. . .

Upon picking up "Sleeper" at the library, I honestly thought it looked like a horrible book. But when I began to read it, I was relieved that the book was actually quite interesting. Half school story and half sci-fi thriller, "Sleeper" is a unique book unlike any that I have read before. It did remind me of a book that I read recently called "Dead Girl" by Kerrie Faye (which I highly recommend), due to the themes about overthrowing the mean girls and taking revenge against those who wronged you.

I thought that dreamscape that Sarah enters is really interesting. Between the strange abilities that she wields and the mysterious Burners, monsters that are trying to stop her from using said abilities, it is an interesting place to be. The way that the drug Dexid enhanced her powers also made logical sense, even if it wouldn't be possible in the real world. The stakes surrounding her abilities were quite high and this it really got my heart pounding as the book progressed.

Another thing I like about this one is how we meet the love interest, Wes. Literally on page three, Sarah meets him in one of her dreams. I'm also going to add that he was shirtless. I mean, it was pretty obvious from the initiation that he was the other half of the romantic pairing in this one, and I thought it was such a fun way to meet him. Wes himself on the other hand, is much less likable. Early on in this book I thought maybe he had potential, but the original scene you meet him in is much closer to his true colors, which was quite honestly a bummer for me. I wanted to like him, but he was a bit overbearing from the get-go.

The biggest problem I had with this one was the theme of revenge. Stories that are centered around revenge tend to make my stomach crawl, especially when they are in a realistic setting rather than a fantastical one. The schemes that Sarah and Wes come up with to get revenge on their school's worst mean girls actually made me want to puke. Luckily, Sarah begins to question the morality of what they are doing, which gives the theme a more positive twist. I still have mixed feelings on it in the long run, though.

Overall, "Sleeper" is a chilling sci-fi thriller that had my heart pounding and my stomach turning. I'm not the biggest fans of thrillers, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It could have been much more eloquent at times and was spattered with often cheesy pop culture references, but for the most part it was a decent story line with a decent cast of characters. I think that I enjoyed this one enough to recommend it to those who enjoy high intensity science fiction with a touch of dark romance.

Back of Book: 

In the future, in a place called Satelite City, fourteen-year-old Cosmo Hill enters the world, unwanted by his parents. He's sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys, Freight class. 

At Clarissa Frayne, the boys are put to work by the state, testing highly dangerous products. At the end of most days, they are covered with burns, bruises, and sores. Cosmo realizes that if he doesn't escape, he will die at this so-called orphanage. 

When the moment finally comes, Cosmo seizes his chance and breaks out with the help of the Supernaturalists, a motley crew of kids who all have the same special ability as Cosmo—they can see supernatural Parasites, creatures that feed on the life force of humans. The Supernaturalists patrol the city at night, hunting the Parasites in hopes of saving what's left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The Supernaturalist soon find themselves caught in a web far more complicated than they'd imagined, when they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in. 

Eoin Colfer has created an eerie and captivating world-part Blade Runner, part futuristic Dickens-replete with non-stop action. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia  

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

Jamal Lawson just wanted to be a part of something. As an aspiring journalist, he packs up his camera and heads to Baltimore to document a rally protesting police brutality after another Black man is murdered.

But before it even really begins, the city implements a new safety protocol...the Dome. The Dome surrounds the city, forcing those within to subscribe to a total militarized shutdown. No one can get in, and no one can get out.

Alone in a strange place, Jamal doesn't know where to turn...until he meets hacker Marco, who knows more than he lets on, and Catherine, an AWOL basic-training-graduate, whose parents helped build the initial plans for the Dome.

As unrest inside of Baltimore grows throughout the days-long lockdown, Marco, Catherine, and Jamal take the fight directly to the chief of police. But the city is corrupt from the inside out, and it's going to take everything they have to survive.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Dystopia | Social Justice | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

When a peaceful protest turns into a sketchy government ploy, three teens team up to fight for the justice that eludes them. 

Jamal Lawson is an aspiring journalist. Hoping to get into a prestigious college, Jamal attends a protest in Baltimore to get evocative photos for his portfolio. However, when the government initiates an impenetrable dome around a section of Baltimore, Jamal is stuck inside a dangerous dome filled with racially charged violence and a government that doesn't care whether he lives or dies. After chance meetings with a hacker and a former military woman, Jamal and his new friends come up with a plan to escape the dome and free the suppressed citizens of Baltimore. 

I hate to give a book that addresses such a major problem in America such a low rating, but this book truly had a ton of issues that I can't look past. Not only was this book repetitive and slow, but it also had a ton of errors and a really clunky writing style. There were so many times where I paused reading and I was like, "that was a weird way to describe something" (and it definitely wasn't in a good way). I also zoned out many times during this book that caused me to miss some things from time to time, which had me having to reread things and make presumptions about what probably got the characters in a situation or how they acquired different objects. Also, what was that ending? Super bizarre and not helpful in any way. 

I really do appreciate the attention that this book draws to police brutality, government bias, and the injustices that minorities face on a daily basis. The fact that Jamal is an aspiring journalist who wants to give a voice to those who are being silenced is an awesome way to share some of these ideas and messages. It did sadden me though that Jamal himself did make some rather stereotypical judgements about others despite the fact he is constant being judged himself for the color of his skin and his sexual identity. 

The idea of sections of the government putting up domes around groups of protesters or areas that have extreme violence present within them is certainly a disquieting thought. This was certainly an intense form of racism that allowed the government of Maryland to entirely cut of a ton of people who seriously care about equal rights and silence them without the rest of the world knowing. The technology in the dome made it so that no technology worked except for the governments, which really put the inhabitants of Baltimore in a terrible position and truly silenced the voices of the Black and Latinx communities that dwell within the city. 

Overall, "Survive the Dome" does a great job of using a creative dystopian situation to showcase injustices that are currently happening in our world, but it had too many issues that I couldn't ignore that made it a less than enjoyable read. The writing was clunky, the pacing was totally off, and I found the entire thing to be too repetitive and boring for my taste. I love the messages about giving voices to those that are being silenced, standing up to police brutality, and that a single person can make a huge difference. However, all the other elements of this book weren't up to snuff in my opinion. 

Back of Book: 

Phoebe Mendel's day is never ending—literally.

On August 6th, she woke up to find herself stuck in a time loop. And for nearly a month of August 6ths since, Phoebe has relived the same day: pancakes with Mom in the morning, Scrabble with Dad in the afternoon, and constant research into how to reach tomorrow and make it to her appointment with a doctor who may actually take her IBS seriously. Everything is exactly, agonizingly the same.

That is, until the most mundane car crash ever sends Phoebe's childhood crush Jess crashing into the time loop.

Now also stuck, Jess convinces Phoebe to break out of her routine and take advantage of their consequence-free days to have fun. From splurging on concert tickets, to enacting (mostly) harmless revenge, to all-night road trips, Jess pulls Phoebe further and further out of her comfort zone—and deeper in love with them. But the more Phoebe falls for Jess, the more she worries about what's on the other side of the time loop. What if Jess is only giving her the time of day because they're trapped with no other options? What if Phoebe's new doctor dismisses her chronic pain? And perhaps worst of all: What if she never gets the chance to find out? 

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A lesbian time loop romances that urges readers to live life to its fullest and get outside one's comfort zone.

Phoebe Mendel has lived August 6th again in again. Stuck in a time loop, Phoebe is desperate for any slight change and is shocked when her childhood best friend/crush, Jess, hits her with their car and gets sucked into Phoebe's time loop. The two decide to make the most of their situation and agree that they will spend the foreseeable August 6ths having a blast and doing things they've never dared to do before. As Phoebe and Jess begin to fall for one another, they start to wonder what a future together could look like outside of August sixth. 

The way I squealed on the first page when I learned that this is a time loop book. For some reason, time loops absolutely fascinate me. There is something about being trapped in a set period of time and witnessing the same events play out over and over again with the slightest of variations that just intrigues me greatly. Add a romance element to it and I'm instantly hooked. 

The amount of diversity in this book is inspiring. Phoebe is a fat lesbian girl who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sever anxiety. Jess is a nonbinary finey with arthritis who utilizes a cane and a walker. Seeing two queer people with disabilities getting the love story they deserve is so sweet, and I hope to see books like this start popping up everywhere. They're also both Jewish, which was another thing that connected the two of them beyond being queer and disabled. 

I enjoyed the first half of this book quite a bit, even if it was a bit slow. It was great seeing Phoebe come out of her shell and begin to live her life a little bit more every day. It is so easy to find oneself stuck in the same routines from day to day; this book is a great reminder to shake it up every once in a while, even if it's with something as small as changing one's wardrobe a bit. 

As the days in the loop progress, the two begin to gradually do more daring things together. As a result, the two find themselves being more vulnerable and getting to know each other better as people. Watching Jess and Phoebe share their insecurities with one another was also very wholesome and made for a sweet time. 

However, I was so frusturated by the third act conflict in this one, as well as the ending of the book. I found the big fight to be so petty. I mean, I'm a terribly insecure person who constantly worries about everything, and I still thought that Phoebe was being the most selfish person in the world. I'm not saying that Jess should have been so secretive with Phoebe, but honestly, she has the right to not share everything (especially because their friendship is such a new development). And I always find endings that conclude in the way this book did to be a bit cheap. If you know, you know. 

Overall, "Time and Time Again" was an enjoyable time loop romance that shone in the diversity category. I had a great time with the majority of this book, but there were many parts that bothered me immensely towards the end. Phoebe and Jess are likable enough main characters, but I feel I would have liked this one more if I would related more to both of them. I will definitely still be adding this one to a ton of different recommendation lists, because it is a great resource for expanding one's horizons while also going on a feel-good romantic ride. 

Back of Book: 

Can she perform the vault of her life to save her loved ones―and herself?

Sixteen-year-old gymnast Elizabeth Arlington doesn’t care that her mother is older than the other girls’ moms or that she doesn’t look anything like her parents. She has too much other stuff to worry about: an embarrassing crush on her ex-best-friend Zach, and changes in her body that affect her center of gravity and make vaulting and tumbling more terrifying than they used to be.

But when she makes a discovery that throws her entire identity into question, she turns to Zach, who suggests a way for her to find the answers her mother won’t give a time machine they found in an abandoned house. As Elizabeth catapults through time, she encounters a mysterious abandoned child, an elite gymnast preparing for Olympic Trials, and an enigmatic woman who seems to know more than she’s revealing. Then when a thief makes off with an identical time machine, Elizabeth finds herself on a race to stop the thief before the world as she knows it―and her own future―are destroyed.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Science Fiction | Sports 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

"Vaulting Through Time" is a great blend of time travel, gymnastics, and complicated family relations.

Elizabeth Arlington has always been confident in herself despite the fact that she is the daughter of a single mom who looks nothing like her. Besides, she has bigger things to worry about than the color of her eyes, such as her changing center of gravity that affects every part of her gymnastics career and her quickly developing crush on her neighbor/ex-best friend, Zach. That is, until she comes across her birth certificate and pictures of the man that is supposedly her father. Equipped with more questions than answers, she confides in Zach who leads her to a way she can find out the truth that her mother is unwilling to tell her: a time machine that he found in the abandoned house next to hers. Before she knows it, Elizabeth is vaulting into the past and finds herself deeply entangled in the mystery surrounding her birth and her family's legacy.

I think that this book has a unique sense of time travel, which I likes. I appreciated the familial themes as well as those that touched on identity, being confident in yourself, and not taking those you love for granted. The positive messages and the family ties presented in this book were most definitely the selling points for me, but if you are adopted or a gymnast, I'm sure you would find more elements of this book to be relatable.

I honestly don't think that there is anything wrong with this book, I just didn't overly connect with it. Elizabeth and I don't have much in common and I wasn't really in the need of a book like this, so I found it to mostly be just okay. However, I can see this book being a perfect blend for adoptees and gymnasts alike, as well as developing sci-fi junkies looking for a unique time travel story.

The transitions in this book were often rather abrupt, but I feel this worked pretty solidly with the atmosphere of this story. Elizabeth is constantly jumping through time, so the jaunty transitions add to the story rather than distract from what is going on.

Overall, "Vaulting Through Time" was a decent read with a healthy focus on family, self-identity, and finding ones place in the world. I personally didn't relate to this book too much, but I'm sure many others will. I would recommend this books to gymnasts and those who love time travel.