The Wave by Morton Rhue (aka Todd Strasser)

I can't remember now where I first learned about The Wave by Morton Rhue (aka Todd Strasser). Maybe from another book blogger?? Anyway, I've had The Wave on my reading wishlist for quite a while and decided that this month was going to be the one for reading this novel.

The Wave is a young adult novel based on real life events that take place at a high school in Palo Alto, California back in 1969. The fact that this novel is based on real life event and the captivating synopsis are what initially captured my attention enough to want to read The Wave.

Since I'm currently having a complex regional pain syndrome (crps) flare up, I used Google Gemini to help me flush out some of the finer points of this book as follows below:

A Chilling Study in Groupthink: Review of The Wave by Morton Rhue

Morton Rhue’s 1981 novel The Wave (a pen name for Todd Strasser) remains one of the most stark, accessible explorations of how totalitarianism develops within a society. Based on Ron Jones’s real-life 1967 "Third Wave" classroom experiment at a California high school, the story serves as a haunting answer to a timeless question: How could ordinary people allow something like Nazi Germany to happen?

Premise & Plot

When history teacher Ben Ross shows his high school class documentary footage of Holocaust concentration camps, his students react with disbelief. They insist that the average German citizen could not possibly have stood by while millions were murdered. Intrigued and slightly frustrated by their skepticism, Ross decides to launch an unannounced classroom experiment.

He introduces strict discipline, snappy salutes, and unifying slogans: "Strength Through Discipline, Strength Through Community, Strength Through Action." He dubs the movement "The Wave."

What begins as an engaging pedagogical tool quickly spirals out of control:

• Instant Belonging: Outsiders and victims of bullying, like student Robert Billings, suddenly find status and equality within the group.

• Enforced Conformity: The movement rapidly spreads beyond the history classroom. Dissenters—most notably Laurie Saunders, the student newspaper editor—are ostracized, threatened, and labeled as traitors.

• Loss of Control: Ben Ross himself becomes intoxicated by the absolute authority and order he commands, delaying the end of the experiment even as violence begins to leak into the school hallways.

Key Themes

Theme	How It Manifests in the Book
Conformity vs. Individuality	Students willingly trade personal critical thinking for the security and comfort of belonging to a collective.
The Appeal of Fascism	Rhue demonstrates that authoritarian systems do not begin with obvious cruelty; they begin with order, pride, and shared purpose.
Power Dynamics	Ben Ross highlights how authority easily corrupts even well-meaning leaders who believe they remain in control.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths: The pacing is rapid and taut. At under 150 pages, it reads with the urgency of a thriller. The psychological shift of the students feels disturbingly believable, demonstrating how quickly human beings succumb to tribalism when offered structure and inclusion.

• Weaknesses: Written primarily as young adult literature, the prose is straightforward and occasionally sparse. Character development takes a back seat to the central psychological experiment, making some interactions feel somewhat functional rather than deeply nuanced.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Wave by Morton Rhue (aka Todd Strasser) I found on Amazon's website:

The Wave is based on a true incident that occurred in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969.

The powerful forces of group pressure that pervaded many historic movements such as Nazism are recreated in the classroom when history teacher Ben Ross introduces a "new" system to his students. And before long "The Wave", with its rules of "strength through discipline, community, and action," sweeps from the classroom through the entire school. And as most of the students join the movement, Laurie Saunders and David Collins recognize the frightening momentum of "The Wave" and realize they must stop it before it's too late.

I am giving The Wave by Morton Rhue (aka Todd Strasser) a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

 

Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones

 

I read The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones back in 2022. This was the first book I read by Stephen Graham Jones and I wasn't that impressed despite all the rave reviews I'd heard about his writing.

I decided to give Stephen Graham Jones's writing another try after hearing glowing reviews for Night of the Mannequins.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones, which is splendidly narrated by Gary Tiedemann. This is a super quick listen at 2 hours, 59 miunutes.

Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror/coming of age novella. Additionally, if you enjoy books with unreliable main characters, then this is the read for you as Sawyer is definitely an unreliable narrator and main character. Also worth noting, I don't think this novella is actually classified as a young adult read, but it felt like one to me.

This Night of the Mannequins is a fun read for sure. It is short and quick. I enjoyed it as it is a different take than I thought it would be on the topic. The real horror isn't what you think it'll be.

Below is the publisher's summary for Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones:

WE THOUGHT WE'D PLAY A FUN PRANK ON HER, AND NOW MOST OF US ARE DEAD.

One last laugh for the summer as it winds down. One last prank just to scare a friend. Bringing a mannequin into a theater is just some harmless fun, right? Until it wakes up. Until it starts killing.

Luckily, Sawyer has a plan. He'll be a hero. He'll save everyone to the best of his ability. He'll kill as many people as he needs to so he can save the day. That's the thing about heroes - sometimes you have to become a monster first.

I am giving Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!!

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown

 

I am an English language volunteer/tutor for someone living in Ukraine via ENGin. I just started as an English language volunteer/tutor in January of this year and am currently working with a single person online at this time.

I accidentally stumbled across 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown by performing an online search through our public library for comics/graphic novels. 

Because I am working with an individual living in Ukraine, who wants to learn to speak English better, I thought it would be a great idea to read this work of nonfiction written in the graphic novel format. So, I checked this ebook out from our public library via Hoopla.

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown is geared towards young adults. I found this book to be a quick overview about the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia as it happened in Mariupol, Ukraine in 2022. 

I wanted to read a book where I could slowly ease myself into learning more about Ukraine. Especially with regards to learning about the history of Ukraine and the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia. There's a lot of history between both countries and I'm sure there's a lot to learn. But I wanted an easy book to read and understand in order to learn more about Ukraine. 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary was a good place to start for me.

I enjoyed the artwork, writing, and overview of the war between Russia and Ukraine as it pertains to Mariupol, Ukraine. The events took place in 2022 and the events were horrific! According to what I read in this book, 90% of Mariupol was destroyed and is still occupied by Russia today.

Below is the publisher's summary for 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown from the Goodreads website:

A young adult graphic novel that captures the complexities of the war in Ukraine, focusing on the siege of Mariupol (Feb ’22 – May ’22) and the brave people who stayed to defend their city against Russian forces as well as the resulting effects on global politics.

A city ruined. In once quiet residential streets, two armies battle, driving people into cellars and basements with little food or water. No lights or heat. Dwindling medical supplies. Shells and bullets deliver cruel, random death to the young and old, men, women, and children.

This is Mariupol, a Ukrainian city and early target of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bordering Russian-occupied territory, the coastal city seemed doomed to a defeat that would come within days, if not hours. Could Mariupol, and Ukraine, survive? As Russian rockets threatened the city, Ukrainians resisted, and with a heroic combination of sacrifice and bravery, the besieged city endured . . . for months. But it all came at a steep cost.

With compassion and his keen journalist’s eye, Sibert Honor creator Don Brown illuminates the horrors of Mariupol and the depredations of its people not seen in the city since World War II. He also shows that outside of Mariupol, the city’s agonies were mirrored by similar events occurring in towns and cities across Ukraine.

83 Days in Mariupol reminds us that the bloody defiance shown at the Alamo, Dunkirk, Leningrad, and Thermopylae isn’t confined to the past but has a violent, modern presence. It is the story of senseless destruction, patriotism, and grit against long odds—a brutal battle whose consequences still reverberate across Ukraine and continue to reshape the global political landscape.

I am giving 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading to all!

How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand

 

I found a used paperback copy of How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand inside a Little Free Library. I've read four other novels written by Jeff Strand and enjoyed them, so snagged this one when I saw it. Little did I realize at the time that How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand is a book for young adults!

I have enjoyed many young adult novels in the past. However, How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand flopped big time for me, which is disappointing for me as I've enjoyed the previous novels I've read by Jeff Strand. How You Ruined My Life came off as immature to me.... Yes, I realize How You Ruined My Life is a book for young adults, but it felt like he was trying to hard to be humorous and write a book that teens will love. 

The ending was decent... I was kind of concerned that it was going to be unsatisfactory, but the ending was better than expected. There were also a few plot devices used by Jeff Strand that were redeeming, but overall How You Ruined My Life wasn't very enjoyable for me. I'll stick with his books written for adults in the future.

Below is the publisher's summary for How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand I discovered on Goodreads:

Rod's life doesn't suck. If you ask him, it's pretty awesome. He may not be popular, but he and his best friends play in a band that has a standing gig. Yeah, it's Monday night and they don't get paid, but they can crank the volume as loud as they want. And Rod's girlfriend is hot, smart, and believes in their band-believes in Rod. Aside from a winning lottery ticket, what more could he ask for? Answer: A different cousin. When Rod's scheming, two-faced cousin Blake moves in for the semester, Rod tries to keep calm. Blake seems to have everyone else fooled with his good manners and suave smile, except Rod knows better. Blake is taking over his room, taking over his band, taking over his life! But Rod's not about to give up without a fight. Game on. May the best prankster win . . .

I am giving How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Flip Side by Jason Walz

 

The Flip Side by Jason Walz was the last novel I read during the month of November 2025.

I received the paperback version of The Flip Side by Jason Walz for FREE through the Goodreads Giveaway program. Below is my honest, unbiased review of this young adult, graphic novel.

First off, I absolutely loved the artwork for The Flip Side. In fact, the artwork was probably my favorite thing about this book. The Flip Side is also a very quick read, which is one of the things I enjoy about graphic novels. 

The Flip Side by Jason Walz is a novel geared towards teens. The focus of The Flip Side is on the loss of one’s best friend, loneliness, fear, grief, and how one’s life can feel like it has turned upside down after the loss of one's best friend. 

The Flip Side by Jason Walz showcases how to two teens, Theo and Emma, overcome the obstacles of fear, loneliness, and grief together.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Flip Side by Jason Walz from the author's website:

This breathtaking, page-turning graphic novel is a supernatural survival story in which a grieving teen finds himself in a haunting alternate reality—the frightening embodiment of his depression.

Theo’s best friend has died, and he can’t pull himself out of his sadness—a sadness that those around him don’t seem to respect or even notice. And then something even more disconcerting happens: His town literally flips upside down and everyone disappears, except for a threatening, shape-shifting monster and a snarky teenage girl who knows her way around this flipped world. Is Theo doomed to spend the rest of his life in this scary state?

Tremendously unique and suspenseful, The Flip Side tackles grief and depression in a fascinating and affecting way.

I am giving The Flip Side by Jason Walz a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, which was richly narrated by Christopher Myers. 

Pet has been on my reading wishlist for ages!! I am so happy to have finally read this young adult novel as it is spectacularly well written!! Pet is also a work of speculative fiction and deals with lgtbtqia+ elements.

One of the many reasons, I finally decided to read Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is that it is Banned Books Week. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi has been banned/challenged "in some Texas locations and pulled from some libraries due to its LGBTQ+ themes, particularly its transgender girl protagonist, Jam."

I don't know about you, but banned/challenged books usually make the BEST reads, in my opinion, and Pet does not disappoint!

I loved the writing, characters, and storyline for Pet. Pet is set in a utopian city called, Lucille. In the city of Lucille, crime has 'supposedly' been obliterated by angels. However, crime hasn't been obliterated as a most evil scenario has gone unchecked for a long time that an intervention occurs. 

I think the following sentence from the publisher's summary sums it the best. "What really makes a monster, and how do you save the world from something if no one will admit it exists?"

Pet is an engaging read that captivates your attention from start to finish. I don't want to spoil any more of the plot at this point. So... just go read Pet already!!

As a side note, I often feel like both the young adult and children's genres are kind of undervalued at times. As an adult, I find reading novels like Pet to be excellent in containing thoughtful, teachable messages that are very relevant despite the darker topics sometimes discussed in these types of books. Despite the fact that Pet may be a young adult novel, it's still a good read for adults too.

Pet marks my third read for the month of September.

Below is the publisher's summary for Pet by Akwaeke Emezi from Chirp's website:

National Book Award Finalist

Stonewall Book Award Winner

“[A] beautiful, genre-expanding debut…Pet is a nesting doll of creative possibilities.” (The New York Times)

The award-winning, genre-defying novel by the New York Times best-selling author of The Death of Vivek Oji that explores themes of identity and justice and asks: How do you share the truth when the world around you is in denial?

Pet is here to hunt a monster. Are you brave enough to look?

There are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with the lesson that the city is safe for everyone. But when Jam meets Pet, a creature who some might call monstrous but, in reality, is anything but, she must reconsider what she’s been told. Pet has emerged from one of her mother’s paintings to hunt a true monster - and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption’s house. No one has encountered monsters in years, though, and Jam’s quest to protect her best friend and uncover the truth is met with doubt and disbelief.

This award-winning novel from a rising-star author asks: What really makes a monster, and how do you save the world from something if no one will admit it exists?

I am giving Pet by Akwaeke Emezi a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins, which is nicely narrated by Amy Rubinate. Lady Renegades is the third novel in the 'Rebel Belle' trilogy.

Hooray, Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins was so much better than the first two novels in the 'Rebel Belle' trilogy!! Lady Renegades definitely wraps up the trilogy wonderfully and even with a happy ending!! Lady Renegades wasn't as slow as the first two novels in the 'Rebel Belle' trilogy were. I enjoyed the plot twists, the character development, and the storyline so much more with Lady Renegades.

Honestly though, I think the author and the publisher could have combined the plot for all three novels into one novel with a shorter print length instead of one long drawn out trilogy. I think this would have made this trilogy a much better read.

Below is the publisher's summary for Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins from Chirp's website:

Just as Harper Price starts coming to terms with her role as David Stark’s battle-ready Paladin, protector, and girlfriend, her world goes crazy all over again. Overwhelmed by his Oracle powers, David flees Pine Grove and starts turning teenage girls into Paladins; and these young ladies seem to think that Harper is the enemy David needs protecting from. Ordinarily, Harper would be able to fight off any Paladin who comes her way, but her powers have been dwindling since David left town, which means her life is on the line yet again. Now, it’s a desperate race for Harper to find and rescue David before she backslides from superhero to your garden-variety type-A belle.

I am giving Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

I finished listening to the unabridged audio version of Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins, which is nicely narrated by Amy Rubinate. Miss Mayhem is the second novel in the 'Rebel Belle' trilogy.

For me, Amy Rubinate's narration of Miss Mayhem may be the best part of this young adult novel. The first chapter is essentially a recap of the happenings from the first novel, which is fine. However, Miss Mayhem is on the slow side for me personally. Plus, the plot details and storyline are not interesting enough to make Miss Mayhem an engaging read. I wasn't excited enough to care about what happens with the characters or the storyline. Some of the plot details and teenage angst seemed way to dramatic and superficial for me. The last few chapters were the best part of Miss Mayhem because the storyline finally picked up a bit. Overall, I found Miss Mayhem boring and disappointing.

I've finished listening to the first chapter of Lady Renegades (third book in the 'Rebel Belle' trilogy) by Rachel Hawkins. I do not have high hopes for this novel, but I am hoping to see some resolution by the end of it.

Below is the publisher's summary for Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins I discovered on Chirp's website:

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant. Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her…or make her more powerful than ever.

I'm giving Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

 

I've had Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins on my reading wishlist since like 2014 when it was first published. Rebel Belle is the first novel in a young adult fantasy trilogy. Eventually, I ended up adding the unabridged audio version of Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins and the subsequent novels in the trilogy to my 'to be read' pile about two years ago. Rebel Belle is nicely narrated by Amy Rubinate.

I've decided that 2025 has become the year I start and finish the entire Rebel Belle trilogy. I finished listening to Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins on Easter morning and started listening to Miss Mayhem (book two of the Rebel Belle trilogy) by Rachel Hawkins later that same day.

Let's begin by stating that I had high hopes for Rebel Belle based on the publisher's summary and the hype/reviews for this novel by other readers. I will also state here and now that I wasn't as enamored with this novel as I'd hope I would be when all was said and done. If I had not purchased the follow up novels to Rebel Belle, I'd have skipped reading them altogether.

I generally like young adult books. I also find the fantasy genre can be fun and entertaining. The plot is interesting for Rebel Belle and the fantasy aspect was fine overall. The main character for Rebel Belle, Harper Price, is a high school student who has everything going for her... Harper is head cheerleader, class president, homecoming queen, popular with almost the entire student body, involved in many social activities including cotillion, an excellent student, and dating the popular jock. Harper is an overachiever and almost too perfect, in my opinion. Essentially, Harper's life is a cliche.

At the start of Rebel Belle, Harper is attending prom night with her boyfriend, and is about to be crowned homecoming queen. Harper goes to the ladies room to reapply lip gloss just before the crowing happens, when she comes across a scene so unlikely to happen. Harper is turned into a paladin, a sort of knight with special abilities and strength, and she will have to protect an oracle, someone with psychic abilities. This event drastically changes Harper's life in more ways than she can even imagine. Throughout Rebel Belle, Harper learns about her special powers as a paladin, what they mean, how to use them, who the oracle is, and a host of other things.

I was less then impressed with the overall execution of Rebel Belle. I felt it was slow in parts. Certain scenes could have played out differently for more entertaining reading. 

Additionally, I was annoyed by the fact that Harper, and the rest of her high school friends with boyfriends, all assume that they will marry their high school sweethearts and live happily ever after. Really??? This book was published in 2014. I'd have thought the idea of marrying one's first love in high school would not have been a topic or at least one that was not emphasized so much in this novel. Maybe it's just me? I don't know.

Below is the publisher's summary for Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins from Chirp's website:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper’s destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. Just when life can’t get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she’s charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper’s least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him - and discovers that David’s own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

I am giving Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco

 

I finished listening to unabridged audio version The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco, which is well narrated by Pun Bandhu over the President's Day Weekend. This is my fifth read for 2025.

The Sacrifice falls into the young adult genre with horror/fantasy elements mixed into the novel. The novel itself is set in the Philippines on an island named, Kisapmata, that most of the locals won't go near due to the island being haunted by a Diwata. Diwata, according to what I discovered from performing a Google search, is defined as follows:

Diwata "refers to a fairy, nature spirit, celestial being, or mythological god/goddess. It's rooted in Filipino mythology and folklore, often associated with natural elements like mountains, forests, and bodies of water."

Diwata in The Sacrifice essentially means a 'God'... And, yes, there is quite a bit of natural elements associated throughout the novel itself as well. I enjoyed the Filipino folklore/mythology being referenced in a novel. I would actually have enjoyed learning more about Filipino folklore/mythology in this novel... Bring it on!

The basic premise of The Sacrifice is that a Hollywood film crew arrives on the island to film the unusual happenings that have been observed/noted over the years on Kisapmata. The Hollywood film crew wants to capture any unusual phenomenon and turn it into a reality television show/series. Things go south fast from the very start of the novel! The main character is Alon, a nonbinary teen, that is a local and tour guide for the Hollywood film crew. Alon knows the history of the Kisapmata and is the only person willing to discuss the island's history with the film crew. As we come to realize over time, there's a lot more to Alon than what there appears to be on the surface! 

Alon also has a dog that seems to understand more than what a dog would normally understand. Alon and another teen named, Chase, have an attraction to each other. Chase is the son of one of the television executives for the television show. Chase happens to be a successful social media influencer and is going through a rough break up with a girlfriend. The attraction Chase feels for Alon is palpable, but doesn't go very far beyond an attraction as it isn't the primary focus of the novel. 

The main focus of The Sacrifice is all that is going on on the island since the arrival of the film crew. The crew members are essentially held hostage on Kisapmata by the Diwata. Communications to the mainland have gone down and a storm is preventing rescue teams from moving in to take the film crew off the island. Most of the crew members start having hallucinations. Alon has to play interference and protect most of the crew members from the Diwata. Film crew members start turning on each other as the novel moves forward. All things come to a head at the end of the novel.

Also worth noting, Rin Chupeco is a new to me author. Since reading The Sacrifice, I've learned that she is of Chinese-Filipino decent, is pansexual, lives with her partner, and two children. 

I am always on the lookout for novels written by Pacific Islanders or Filipino-American writers as my husband was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States as a young child with his family.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco from Amazon's website:

An island oasis turns deadly when a terrifying legend threatens to kill off visitors one by one in this haunting novel from the highly acclaimed author of The Girl from the Well and the Bone Witch trilogy.

Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and perfect weather, the island of Kisapmata would be the vacation destination…if not for the curse. The Filipino locals speak of it in hushed voices and refuse to step foot on the island. They know the lives it has claimed. They won't be next.

A Hollywood film crew won't be dissuaded. Legend claims a Dreamer god sleeps, waiting to grant unimaginable powers in exchange for eight sacrifices. The producers are determined to document the evidence. And they convince Alon, a local teen, to be their guide.

Within minutes of their arrival, a giant sinkhole appears, revealing a giant balete tree with a mummified corpse entwined in its gnarled branches. And the crew start seeing strange visions. Alon knows they are falling victim to the island's curse. If Alon can't convince them to leave, there is no telling who will survive. Or how much the Dreamer god will destroy…

I am giving The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson, which well narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. Fly With The Arrow is the first novel in the 'Bluebeard's Secret' series. 

Listening time for Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson is 7 hours, 53 minutes.

I was able to download Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson for FREE through the Chirp Audiobooks website. Below is my honest, unbiased review.

Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson was an unexpected read for me. I'd never heard of the author or the series before. I decided to take a chance on the novel and was pleasantly surprised. Fly With The Arrow falls into the young adult, romantic fantasy genre. Are you familiar with Bluebeard tale? I'm not versed with the Bluebeard tale itself, so I can't quite say this novel is a Bluebeard retelling or not. I can say that I enjoyed the storyline, the writing, and the characters. If you like the fantasy and young adult genres with a touch of romance, then you might find this novel a fun read. I did like the world building for Fly With The Arrow. 

As much as I liked reading Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson, I can't say as I'll continue reading the series.

Below is the publisher's summary for Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson found on Chirp's website:

A STOLEN BRIDE. A TERRIFYING BRIDEGROOM. THE GAME THAT WILL DETERMINE THEIR FATES.

I’m a practical girl. I can resign myself to an unwanted marriage – and I had. I just didn’t expect my first potential bridegroom to be murdered by the second and all because I broke the Law of Greeting.

No one warned me the law existed. No one told me breaking it would mean I’d be swept up into the arms of a powerful and beautiful immortal bent on taking me as his sixteenth bride and dragging me off to his strange world. That’s a bit much to ask of a person.

But I’m not the kind of girl to just give up. Not even if it means facing all the strange mystery and magic of this mad fae world with nothing but my common sense.

I will not mope in my room, or go crazy, or let myself be killed by one of his rivals.

And I absolutely WILL NOT fall in love with him.

Not even when he keeps surprising me with depths and kindness I didn’t expect. Not even if it turns out he actually might have a good reason for all of this.

After all, he’s had fifteen wives before me and it’s not a case of “the more the merrier.”

Especially not now, when it turns out he’s playing a game for the fate of my nation. Failure in this world will mean the desolation of everyone I love.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. But I have a crafty husband, a severed head best friend who gives surprisingly good advice, and the common sense my mother gave me, and if that isn’t enough to take on the whole of this fae world … well, they’ll just have to be. That’s all there is to it. Because I’m not dying unless I have a very good reason.

Come along on a wild romantic fantasy adventure with USA Today bestselling author Sarah K. L. Wilson, guaranteed to enthrall, delight, and maybe even surprise you.

I am giving Fly With The Arrow by Sarah K L Wilson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post happy, reading!!

Circus of the Dead: Book 1 by Kimberly Loth

 

I recently listened to the unabridged audio version of Circus of the Dead: Book 1 by Kimberly Loth, which was well narrated by Sarah Puckett. 

Circus of the Dead is a young adult novel, which deals with the supernatural, horror, and fantasy genres all mixed together in one novel. I liked the concept for this novel, but it didn't play out very well... Or at least, as good as I hoped it would play out.

Callie, the main character, is a teenager sent by her mother to live with her Uncle Luke for the summer. Luke is Callie's mother's brother. Callie and Luke have never met before. In fact, Luke has no idea that Callie is coming all the way from California to the Louisiana Bayou to work at the circus. Things go wrong from the  very start of this novel and continue to go from bad to worse rather quickly. Callie is almost killed by a tiger when she is locked inside the tiger's cage. Then, Callie visits the fortune teller at the circus for a tarot reading. Callie draws two tarot cards that seal her fate. Callie's fate is that she will be stuck on the island where the circus is held, unable to escape forever, and that she'll fall in love. 

Throughout the remainder of the novel, Callie tries to escape the island numerous times without success. Callie is almost killed a few times... And Samuel, the mysterious ringmaster, has strange powers/control over the permanent residents of the island. Samuel isn't who he seems to be, yet Callie is attracted to him. Stranger still is the fact that Callie's parent's won't rescue her despite several pleas on Callie's part to come home. Nor do Callie's parents and her younger sister believe she is in any sort of danger.

Circus of the Dead: Book 1 by Kimberly Loth starts out pretty well and the ending is decent enough. However, the middle of the novel has a lot of action that doesn't move the storyline along substantially... Sure, we learn a little more about some of the other islanders and the circus itself. But, I felt like the plot didn't explain enough about the mysteries concerning the circus itself, or enough about Callies's Uncle Luke and her parents, or even much regarding the mysterious, Samuel, and his backstory. I will skip the rest of the 'Circus of the Dead' series.

Below is the plot summary for Circus of the Dead: Book 1 by Kimberly Loth found on the Goodreads website:

There are many ways to die at the Circus of the Dead. You’re invited to witness them all.

Mom sent me all the way across the country to the Louisiana bayou to join the circus and help my uncle for the summer. Except, there is something not quite right on this swampy cursed island, and after having my fortune told, I can’t leave. I try to escape, but Benny, an all too charming ghost gangster, tries to kill me by feeding me to a tiger.

Thankfully, I’m rescued by Samuel, the incredibly hot ringmaster who can’t be a day over 20. Can he?

In addition to avoiding the human scorpion, staying away from the big cats, and having trouble figuring out who’s dead and who’s alive, I have to find a way to escape this horror show.

Will I get out of the circus alive, or will I join their army of ghosts and become a murderer myself?

I am giving Circus of the Dead: Book 1 by Kimberly Loth a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle, which was very well narrated by Rebecca Gibel. Listening time for this young adult novel was 8 hours, 9 minutes.

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle happens to be my FAVORITE FICTION read for the month of October 2024! I was surprised that this novel became my favorite fiction read for October 2024. I purchased this audiobook on a whim because it was on sale through Chirp Audiobooks and the storyline sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed with this novel!

I'm a sucker for a well written young adult novel. I am drawn to young adult novels that focus on good storytelling. highlight real world problems that young adults deal/struggle with during this of their young lives, and/or provides an important message for young people to hold onto.

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily focuses on two neurodivergent teenagers, Abelard and Lily. They are both dealing with not only what it means to be a teenager, but also dealing with being neurodivergent... Lily is struggling with ADHD and Abelard is on the Autism spectrum. 

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily explores what it means to be a neurodivergent teenager and what it's like trying to fit into society and finding one's way in the world. Plus, there is the addition of trying to navigate a budding romance.

I enjoyed the writing very much. I liked the characters and the plot twists. I felt this was a solid novel and that Laura Creedle did a great job with the subject matter.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle from Goodreads's website:

When Lily Michaels-Ryan ditches her ADHD meds and lands in detention with Abelard, she's intrigued-he seems thirty seconds behind while she feels thirty seconds ahead. It doesn't hurt that he's brilliant and beautiful. When Abelard posts a quote from The Letters of Abelard and Heloise online, their mutual affinity for ancient love letters connects them. The two fall for each other. Hard. But is it enough to bridge their differences in person?

I am giving The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham and narrated by Emily Lawrence. 

Listening time for Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham is 9 hours, 56 minutes.

Crow Flight is Susan Cunningham's debut novel and it falls into the young adult romance genre... But also features science and computer science/computer programming as well. For a debut novel, Crow Flight is a really good novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline, the plot details, writing, and main characters for Crow Flight. Crow Flight was the right mix of romance without being cheesy and also it featured a confident, smart, leading female teenager in Gin. I liked all of the main characters; Gin, Hannah, and Felix.

As much as I enjoyed listening to Crow Flight, it wasn't perfect. You knew something bad was coming up ahead in the storyline with regards to Felix's father and his shady dealings from all of the hints being dropped early on in the novel. It was also easy to figure what Felix's dad did that was so shady early on in the novel as well... You just had to sit back and let all play out. So, predictability for Crow Flight was a major issue for me. 

Additionally, I felt like Gin needed to speak up more to Felix about how she felt in their relationship during the second half of Crow Flight. I kind of thought Gin was too passive in letting things unfold the way they did between her and Felix without question. So, this was the other issue I had with the novel.

Otherwise I thought Crow Flight was a good read. I'd still recommend this novel to someone with an interest in crows, computer programming, and young adult romance reads.

Below is the publisher's summary for Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham, which I found on Amazon's website:

The curious flight patterns of crows lead a teen computer programmer down a path of mystery and romance.

Gin trusts logic a little too much. She even designs programs to decide what to eat and how to spend her time. All that changes when she's paired with a new transfer student, Felix, on a computer modeling assignment to explain certain anomalies in the behavior of crows.

Speaking of anomalies, why is Gin so disappointed that Felix isn't a match for her in the dating app she’s designing with local gamers?

As she enters Felix's world and digs further into the data behind crow behavior, Gin uncovers a terrible secret. And the wrong decision could equal disaster squared...

I am giving Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh

 

I read the paperback edition of Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh, which is a graphic novel geared towards children and is set in the early 1950s in the United States of America.

The color artwork and storyline for Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh is nicely done. I enjoyed the plot, characters, and story quite a bit. Kudos to the author making an engaging read for children and adults alike.

Below is the publisher's summary for Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh, which I found on Amazon's website:

Peggy is scared: She's struggling to recover from polio and needs crutches to walk, and she and her neighbors are worried about the rumors of Communist spies doing bad things. On top of all that, Peggy has a hard time at school, and gets taunted by her classmates. When she finds a mysterious artifact that gives her the ability to fly, she thinks it's the solution to all her problems. But if Peggy wants to keep it, she'll have to overcome bullies, outsmart FBI agents, and escape from some very strange spies!

I am giving Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

I read the paperback edition of Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt. This is the third novel I've read and reviewed by Gary D. Schmidt in recent years. 

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt falls into the children's/young adult genres. I find Gary D. Schmidt to be a terrific writer and love his storytelling, attention to plot details, and character development in the novels he writes.

Although, I enjoyed reading Orbiting Jupiter, I didn't love it as much as I did reading Schmidt's novels, The Wednesday Wars and Just Like That. Essentially, I felt like Orbiting Jupiter lacked the depth and detail I became use to while reading the two previous novels I'd read written by the author. Perhaps, Orbiting Jupiter didn't have the depth or detail because it was written for a younger audience? 

However, I did like the characters and storyline for Orbiting Jupiter. And, as usual, Gary D. Schmidt instills wonderful messages within his novels... In this case, second chances, not judging a book by its cover, the importance of always having someone's back, and strong family ties.

Below is the publisher's summary for Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt I found on Amazon's website:

In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires.

Two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter.

After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost.

When Jack meets his new foster brother, he knows three things about him:Joseph almost killed a teacher.
He was incarcerated at a place called Stone Mountain.
He has a daughter. Her name is Jupiter. And he has never seen her.

What Jack doesn't know, at first, is how desperate Joseph is to find his baby girl. Or how urgently he, Jack, will want to help.

But the past can't be shaken off. Even as new bonds form, old wounds reopen. The search for Jupiter demands more from Jack than he can imagine.

This tender, heartbreaking novel is Gary D. Schmidt at his best. He is the author of the Printz Honor and Newbery Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; Okay for Now, a National Book Award finalist; and The Wednesday Wars, a Newbery Honor Book, among his many acclaimed novels for young readers.

I am giving Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Untill my next post, happy reading!!

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and narrated by the author. Listening time for The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is 3 hours, 30 minutes, which made for a quick listen!

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a young adult, coming of age novel that is set in Harlem. Xiomara Batista is the main character and she's a 15 year old high school sophomore. We see life through her eyes as she grows up in a very strict, religious household. Xiomara feels seen, not heard by her parents. Her parents are old school Dominican... Xiomara's mother had actually wanted to become a nun, but instead, ended up marrying Xiomara's father. Xiomara and her twin brother, Xavier, were considered miracles and are the only children her parents had. Xiomara writes poetry in order to express herself and we hear/read her poems throughout the novel along with reading about her frustrations growing up within her strict household.

I didn't expect The Poet X to be so powerful. Or to love it so much! The writing, in a word, is stunning. And to have the author narrate her novel made it all the more wonderful.

Below is the publisher's plot summary for The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo I discovered on Amazon's website:

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers - especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, whom her family can never know about.

With Mami's determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school's slam poetry club, she doesn't know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can't stop thinking about performing her poems.

Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.

I am giving The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

 

I first became aware of Gary D. Schmidt as an author back in 2021 via one of my former college professors I'm still in touch with decades later. I read Gary D. Schmidt's young adult novel, Just Like That, in 2021 and enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been meaning to read more of his novels ever since then.

The latest novel I finished reading this month was actually listening to the unabridged audio version of The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt and is well narrated by Joel Johnstone. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED everything about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt from the characters, the writing, the humor, the pacing of the storyline, the storyline/plot itself, the narration by Joel Johnstone, and the lessons learned/imparted in this young adult novel. I couldn't be happier with this read. I enjoyed The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt even more than I did Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. 

I have a physical copy of Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt lined up to read at some point down the road... Hopefully, some time later this year!!

Listening time for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is 7 hours, 28 minutes.

Below is the publisher's plot summary for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt I discovered on Chirp's website:

In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy’s mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year in Long Island, New York. Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling-he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation-the Big M-in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.

I am giving The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland

 

I originally purchased the brand new, hardback edition of Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland for a dollar at The Dollar Tree before the pandemic hit. This young adult novel has been sitting in my 'to be read' pile ever since.

The artwork on the dust jacket and the storyline for Our Chemical Hearts captured my attention, so I wanted to give this novel a try. Besides, who can pass up buying a new hardback novel for a dollar?

The start of the novel draws you in quickly and captivates your attention from the get go. The writing is really good and funny too at the start of the novel. I even enjoyed reading the text bubbles of the text messages between the characters throughout the novel, which was a nice touch.

Grace Town is an enigma at the start of Our Chemical Hearts. She's the new girl at school, walks with a cane and limp, and dresses in boys clothing. You want to know her backstory... and you know it's going to be a doozy of a backstory. Henry Page falls for Grace Town almost immediately and they start a friendship of sorts before venturing into a sort of romance... But it's Henry that falls for Grace pretty hard. Grace is, essentially, damaged goods and she breaks Henry's heart in the end. Our Chemical Hearts is all about first love, heartbreak, and how one heals after heartbreak.

The middle section of Our Chemical Hearts wasn't as exciting as the start, but the ending was wrapped up nicely enough to balance things out.

Below is the plot summary for Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland found on Amazon's website:

John Green meets Rainbow Rowell in this irresistible story of first love, broken hearts, and the golden seams that put them back together again.

Henry Page has never been in love. He fancies himself a hopeless romantic, but the slo-mo, heart palpitating, can't-eat-can't-sleep kind of love that he's been hoping for just hasn't been in the cards for him—at least not yet. Instead, he's been happy to focus on his grades, on getting into a semi-decent college and finally becoming editor of his school newspaper. Then Grace Town walks into his first period class on the third Tuesday of senior year and he knows everything's about to change.

Grace isn't who Henry pictured as his dream girl—she walks with a cane, wears oversized boys' clothes, and rarely seems to shower. But when Grace and Henry are both chosen to edit the school paper, he quickly finds himself falling for her. It's obvious there's something broken about Grace, but it seems to make her even more beautiful to Henry, and he wants nothing more than to help her put the pieces back together again. And yet, this isn't your average story of boy meets girl. Krystal Sutherland's brilliant debut is equal parts wit and heartbreak, a potent reminder of the bittersweet bliss that is first love.

P. S. I did see the movie version of Our Chemical Hearts, called 'Chemical Hearts' through Amazon Prime. Meh, the movie version wasn't good at all. So much was left out of the movie.

I am giving Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!