My Book Reviews

Category: Middle Grade

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of middle grade genre.

  • The Slug Queen Chronicles by S.O. Thomas

    The Slug Queen Chronicles by S.O. Thomas

    The Slug Queen Chronicles

    The Slug Queen Chronicles: Season One by S.O. Thomas

    Release: April 2, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Ichigo Black Books
    Source: Netgalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    She never believed in fairies… until one set its sights on her little brother. Now, she must risk everything to get him back.

    On her twelfth birthday, Cricket Kane uncovers a chilling secret–tooth fairies have stopped collecting single teeth and have resorted to kidnapping children instead. When her brother is taken, the fairy leaves a changeling and a toxic black dust in his place. The dust soon infects the rest of her family, but to her surprise, she’s immune!

    Further, with the guidance of a mysterious cat, Cricket follows the fairy to a magical land where legendary creatures are real. When Santa himself takes her under his wing, Cricket learns she’s the only one who can harness the power of the dust to rescue her brother and the other missing children. But doing so might cost her life.

    To that end, can she summon the courage and strength to save her family and herself?

    Find out now in this middle-grade fantasy for fans of Nevermoor and The Land of Stories! 

    About the Author:

    S. O. Thomas is the author of the middle grade novels #GraveyardChallenge, book 5 in the FrightVision series, and The Slug Queen Chronicles. She was part of the 2018 summer #WriteMentor program.

    Evidently, with her infectious energy and a penchant for the peculiar, no one has ever accused S. O. of being mundane. She has a B.F.A. in Fashion Design. She spends her days designing creepy-cute clothes. At night, she dreams of magical places that end up spilling out of her brain and onto the page. She lives on the edge of a haunted forest in a small town in Massachusetts with her husband, their two cats, and a real life gremlin.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook |Goodreads

    The Slug Queen Chronicles Review:

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    Hobgobs, giants, and Slugwumps, oh my! Reading “The Slug Queen Chronicles” was a delight!

    Kudos to the author for writing such a delightful middle-grade fantasy. While the story starts as a simple one where Cricket reads her mom’s journal, it soon takes a creepy turn of events when her brother Tristan gets replaced by a slugwump. From there, we explore the various worlds the author has created, from the Wandering Woods to Faeryland to Polaris. The illustrations included also complement the story wonderfully, and I loved the details.

    Moreover, the author wrote the characters so dynamically that you feel strongly towards them. Cricket is excellent in the lead as she finds herself in a world of pixies and spider creatures. Although she is scared, she shows courage and determination to save her friends and family. Similarly, I was not too fond of Janice for the way she treats Cricket. Even the whimsical characters like Kibben and Nokomis, who Cricket meets, are fascinating. I also liked Alfrigg and Fenlick.

    Moreover, the author weaves a touch of everything into the story that a reader of any age would enjoy reading. Some of the scenes made me laugh, like the incident between Miss Rivera and the cat. While some scenes also shocked me, like when Cricket finds herself talking to a door. Some parts also gave me goosebumps, like when terrors try to rip Cricket apart. It is clear that the author has weaved an intricate story with many possibilities, and I didn’t notice the time fly by once I started.

    Overall, “The Slug Queen Chronicles” is a beautiful middle-grade fantasy novel worth checking out if you are a fan of the genre.

  • Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Thanks a Lot, Universe

    Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas

    Release: May 11th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Amulet Books
    Source: NetGalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, B&N , Indigo , Indiebound

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    A moving middle-grade debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong

    Brian has always been anxious, whether at home, or in class, or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed in foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn’t know if things will ever be “normal” again . . . Ezra’s always been popular. He’s friends with most of the kids on his basketball team—even Brian, who usually keeps to himself.

    But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he’s too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him . . .
    But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. As such, Both boys have to decide if they’re willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they’d rather hide. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves—and each other.

    About the Author:

    Chad Lucas has been in love with words since he attempted his first novel on a typewriter in the sixth grade. He has also worked as a newspaper reporter, communications advisor, freelance writers, part-time journalism instructor, and parenting columnist. A proud descendant of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Lucasville, he lives with his family near Halifax, Nova Scotia. He enjoys coaching basketball and is rarely far from a cup of tea. Thanks a Lot, Universe is his debut novel.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram

    Thanks a Lot, Universe  Review:

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    “Thanks a Lot, Universe” is a heart-warming young adult story about two people who come together even though their life is out of sorts.

    The author’s style of writing is simple yet effective and moves at a nice pace. You don’t notice the time fly by once you start reading. The author also touches on crucial issues like bullying and anxiety as Brian experiences this. I also liked the inserts like Brian’s preparation lists.

    Speaking of whom, I adored Brian. My heart went out to Brian after what happens to him because of his father. There are some scenes where he gets emotional after hearing his dad’s messages that broke my heart. He wants the Universe to owe him a good year for whatever he has gone through, but he still finds it broken. Similarly, Ezra is trying to sort over his feelings and trying to find himself.

    The author also wrote the chemistry between Brian and Ezra beautifully. From their ride together as they talk about the library to how guilty Ezra gets when he sees Victor with Brian, there is never a dull moment. The two of them go through many emotions as they become involved in each other’s lives. I adored reading about their story. The story takes quite a few twists and turns, especially when Gabe becomes more prominent. On a side note, I also loved Emma and Brittany and their sassy attitude. Even Kevan, Colby, and Ty were fun in the supporting cast.

    Overall, “Thanks a Lot, Universe” is like a breath of fresh air. It stands out for its realistic depiction of characters and their struggling emotions.

  • Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

    Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

    Fireborn

    Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

    Release: October 5th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Source: The Writereads Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo

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    Lyra. Lucy. Percy. Once in a generation, a hero emerges whose story enthralls readers worldwide.

    Fireborn is an epic quest, perfect for fans of the His Dark Materials and The School for Good and Evil series, that will spin readers into a magical world like no other—and introduce them to an unforgettable new heroine named Twelve.

    Ember is full of monsters.

    Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them—so she says. The truth is much more deadly: she trains to take revenge on those who took her family from her.

    But when Twelve’s new home is under attack, she’ll find herself on an unexpected journey. She will find  that there is an inescapable intertwining of her hidden past with her destiny—and the very fate of her world.

    About the Author:

    Aisling Fowler‘s birth was in 1985 and wishes that she had grown up in a magical, mountainous kingdom.  But her actual raising was in Surrey on a diet of books and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her early “adventure” stories involved surprisingly little action and publishers politely declined  her first novel (3 pages long) when she was11. After earning a BSc in Biology and working as a support worker and then a nurse, she got the idea for her debut novel, Fireborn, that came to her as she moved back and forth between London and the US. Now based in Hackney, when she is not reading or writing, Aisling loves cooking and plotting adventures (for herself as well as her fictional characters)..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

    Fireborn Review:

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    Fireborn turned out to be a great epic fantasy quest  with action and adventure. Although targeted for middle-graders, I think it is a story a reader of any age would enjoy.

    The author did a great job of balancing the action and adventure with friendship and emotional moments. I enjoyed the creativity of the worldbuilding as the characters go on their quest. It was fascinating to read about some of the creatures like Cliffcrawlers, Firesprites, and Deathspinners. There were quite a few memorable moments in the tale. I particularly loved the scene when they meet Oakhammer and have to answer the questions. I also loved the part where Twelve sees Poppy in the Frozen Forest.

    Similarly, the author also wrote the characters wonderfully. Twelve is terrific in the lead as she avenges her family and searches for Seven. I liked how she interacted with Five, even though they did not get along. Also, I loved Dog in the supporting role and thought he and Twelve made a great duo. Moreover, I loved the way Twelve sees memories of Poppy and her family. We are not sure if some of these memories happened or if it was just Twelve’s imagination. But, the author blended them with the plot beautifully, where you see how Twelve makes important decisions from reliving them.

    The story also ends with some open-ended questions, so you know there will be a sequel. Overall, “Fireborn” is a great book to pick up if you are in the mood for an epic fantasy quest packed with adventure and fun characters.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Fireborn

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Fireborn by Aisling Fowler Blog Tour hosted by The Writereads Tours.

    9th August

  • When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    When Life Gives You Mangos

    When Life Gives You Mangos by Kereen Getten

    Release: September 15th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte Press
    Source: Netgalley
    Find it at: Amazon, Audible, B&N, Indigo,

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    For fans of deeply poignant middle grade about friendship and loss like The Thing About Jellyfish, comes the story about a young girl who can’t remember anything from her previous summer after a hurricane.

    Twelve-year-old Clara lives on an island that visitors call exotic. But there’s nothing exotic about it to Clara. She loves eating ripe mangos off the ground, running outside in the rain with her Papa during rainy season, and going to her secret hideout with Gaynah–even though lately she’s not acting like a best friend.

    The only thing out of the ordinary for Clara is that something happened to her memory that made her forget everything that happened last summer after a hurricane hit. Sometimes things come back to her in drips like a tap that hasn’t been turned off properly. Other times her Mama fills in the blanks…only she knows those aren’t her memories and it is hard feeling like she is not like everybody else.

    But this summer is going to be different for Clara. Everyone is buzzing with excitement over a new girl in the village who is not like other visitors. She is about to make big waves on the island–and give Clara a summer she won’t forget.

    About the Author:

    Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica where she would climb fruit trees in the family garden and eat as much mango, guinep and pear as she could without being caught. She now lives in Birmingham with her family and writes stories about her childhood experiences. When Life Gives You Mangos is her debut novel.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |

    When Life Gives You Mangos Review:

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    “When Life Gives You Mangos” turned out to be a delicious surprise, and I enjoyed reading it a lot.

    Firstly, when I picked up this book, I was not expecting what I just read. I thought the story would be a light-hearted middle-grade novel about a girl on an Island. This book is so much more than that. The author fills the story with mystery, secrets, and mental health issues that profound the reading experience. Also, the cover is gorgeous and makes you want to pick the book up just by looking at it.

    For me, the highlight of the plot was the characters. I adored Clara, and my heart went out to her. From the beginning, you see that she has a turbulent friendship with Gaynah and hasn’t acted like her best friend. Moreover, the supporting characters were also excellent. Rudy surprised me because I was not sure what kind of influence she would have on Clara when she first appeared. The author spins Clara’s story excitingly and surprisingly that I did not expect.

    Similarly, the plot also has its moment. For me, some of the memorable parts were when Clara and her friends see Mr. Eldorath, and Clara learns new secrets. Another gripping scene was the incident involving Pastor Brown. On a side note, I also liked the small creative details the author added, like the pick leaf game. The author portrays a beautiful story about friendship and adapting to family and loss. The tale also ends in a shocking twist that I did not see coming, making it even more memorable.

    Overall, “When Life Gives You Mangos” is a beautiful middle-grade fiction that stands out for its beautiful landscape, exciting characters, and strong storyline.

  • What We Found in the Corn Maze by Henry Clark

    What We Found in the Corn Maze by Henry Clark

    What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon

    What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon by Henry Clark

    Release: May 5, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 
    Source: Netgalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle,  B&N

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    When three kids discover a book of magic spells that can only be cast during a few short minutes a day, they’ll need all the time they can get to save a dying magical world, its last dragon, and themselves.
    A twelve-year-old Cal witnesses his neighbor Modesty summon a slew of lost coins without lifting a finger. It turns out that she has a secret manual of magic spells, but they only work sometimes. And they’re the most boring spells ever: To Change the Color of a Room, To Repair a Chimney, To Walk With Stilts, To Untangle Yarn. Useless!

    But  Cal, his friend Drew, and Modesty are suddenly transported to the world the spells come from . This  world is  about to lose its last dragon. Now  they’ll have to find a way to use the oddly specific incantations to save the day. However  they need to figure out when magic works.
    From the inventive mind of Henry Clark comes a hilariously wacky adventure about magic, friendship.  Besides things like a lookout tower coming to life, a maze in the shape of a dragon, an actual dragon named Phlogiston, and lots and lots of popcorn make it more interesting.

    About the Author:

    Henry Clark’s mother was a dadaist and his father worked for La Mama, New York’s famed experimental theater, and neither of these statements is true, but they’re the sort of thing Henry is prone to saying. However, his chief regret in life is never having had the opportunity to introduce Will I. Am to I. M. Pei. Those two would have had so much to talk about!
    He began writing stories in fourth grade, stopped in eighth, and resumed forty years later, using the same cast of characters he had abandoned when he began high school. He hopes they have forgiven him. You can visit Henry at http://www.indorsia.com

    Website |Goodreads | Amazon | Twitter

    What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon Review:

    “What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon” turned out to be quite an adventurous middle-grade novel of magic, farms, and even a dragon, and I liked reading it!

    I adore reading middle-grade novels because it provides a form of escapism without making it too serious. This book turned out to be the perfect blend of fantasy and magic set for the target audience. I liked how creative the author made the plot in terms of the Magic Minute and the world of Congroo. The way the author merged our world with the world of magic was interesting, and I also enjoyed the various Harry Potter references mentioned.

    Moreover, the author paces the story where you feel like something new happens in each chapter. There are also some exciting moments, like when they find themselves walking into high voltage electricity or realizing that someone is an imposter. The story has a few twists and turns that I did not expect and made the book entertaining to read.

    Similarly, the main characters are also friendly and blend well with the plot. I particularly like Cal and Modesty, and even Preffy. However, I sometimes felt like the story was plot-driven, and we didn’t see much connection between the characters. For instance, Cal and Modesty pretty much remain the same throughout the story, and Drew doesn’t appear for a significant portion. It would have been nice if the author also focused on the characters and expressed their emotions.

    Nevertheless, the book is still unique, fun, and creative. Overall, “What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon” is a delightful middle-grade fantasy that you would love to read if you are a fan of the genre.

  • The Campaign by Laurie Friedman

    The Campaign by Laurie Friedman

    The Campaign

    The Campaign: With Liberty and Study Hall for All by Laurie B. Friedman

    Release: September 1st 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Running Press Kids
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    For readers interested in social and political justice comes a new middle grade fiction series about student council, elections, and running a fair and honest campaign

    Amanda Adams has always dreamed of running for class president. Her mom is a member of Congress and her dad is a political strategist who manages her mother’s campaigns. Politics is in her DNA. She has the perfect VP in mind for the school ticket: her best friend Meghan Hart. But when Amanda finds out that Meghan has political ambitions of her own, these two best friends suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of the aisle. And, as each girl mounts her campaign, it’s clear the gloves are about to come off. As the rest of their classmates begin to choose sides, the girls realize how they carry themselves over the coming weeks will have a lasting impact on the outcome. 

    About the Author:

    Laurie Friedman is the author of over fifty critically acclaimed picture books, chapter books, and novels for young readers including the bestselling Mallory McDonald chapter book series, The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair teen journal-format series, and many rhyming picture books, including the Love, Ruby Valentine series.

    A native Arkansan with family all over the South, Laurie is the oldest of three girls. She attended Tulane University in New Orleans and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. Before becoming an author, she worked in advertising in New York. In addition to writing, Laurie loves binge-watching her favorite shows on TV. Her other hobbies  are movies, cooking, baking, hiking, doing yoga, dancing ,learning languages. Most of all, she likes to spend time with her amazing friends and family.

    Laurie lives in Miami and is the proud mother of two grown children.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Campaign Review:

    “The Campaign” is an entertaining middle-grade novel of elections, politics, and rivalry, and it was a fun book to read.

    This book is the first middle-grade novel I have seen surrounding political campaigns and focusing on elections. I think the author did a great job of implementing it in a middle-grade setting. Also I enjoyed the author’s writing style and included facts about US Presidents like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Barack Obama. I thought it was a very creative way of getting middle-graders interested in politics by learning fun facts about these significant icons.

    Similarly, Amanda is also fun in the lead, and I loved her enthusiasm and confidence for the position. It was also fun to see all the various campaign ideas they came up with within the story, like vegas themed party to boost money. Moreover, I liked the angle the author created to make Amanda and Meghan rivals. It is a topic that I feel a reader of any age could relate to, especially when that friend becomes your rival for something you want to win. It was interesting to see how far they took the rivalry. Even Ben Ball was hilarious, and I liked how Amanda’s friendship with him grows throughout the story. However, I did feel that the story rushed towards the end. The way the author resolved the situation felt rushed. But apart from that, this book was lovely.

    Overall, “The Campaign” is worth picking up if you would like a book about the US Presidents and see all the drama that happens at school elections.

  • The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street by Cory Putman Oakes

    Release: August 18th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    A family-run haunted hotel’s livelihood is under threat when a bigger haunted hotel opens nearby in this hilarious, spooky story

    Twelve-year-old Willow Ivan’s family has run the Hotel Ivan for four hundred years. Through thick and thin, they’ve held on tight to their title as the Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street. That is, until the Hauntery—a corporate chain of haunted hotels—moves in down the street. As the Ivan’s business fades, so do their ghostly staff. And Willow begins to worry about the future of  The Ivan.

    Then Willow meets Evie, a Hauntery ghost who’s forced to play the part of a Spooky Little Girl even though she longs to be a Terrifying Phantasm. So when Willow offers her a job at The Ivan, Evie accepts—but she doesn’t tell Willow that she’s still working for The Ivan’s competition, for fear of losing her new job and friend.

    Together, the girls come up with a plan to save The Ivan. But with The Ivan ghosts already fading and Evie’s secret threatening to come out, will it be too late

    About the Author:

    Cory Putman Oakes was born in Basel, Switzerland, but grew up in Novato, California and attended Marin Catholic High School. She then spent three fantastic years at the University of California at Los Angeles before graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in Psychology. In 2004, Cory graduated from Cornell Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree and her husband, Mark (the first was the intended consequence of attending the school, the second was a bonus). Since then, she has been an associate at a big law firm, taught business law to undergraduates at Texas State University and written several books for young people.

    Cory now lives in Austin, Texas with Mark and their two kids. In addition to writing, Cory enjoys reading, cooking, running, and hanging out with her family and pets.

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Linkedin

     The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street Review:

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    “The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street” is a charming middle-grade novel of friendship and family mixed with spooky ghosts and haunted hotels.

    I enjoyed the way the author executed the story. She includes a lot in the story, like grief, loss, friendship, humor, and even suspenseful moments. The author also makes the tale so creative, like coming up with GhouledIn, a professional networking site exclusively for ghosts. I also loved the movie references she includes, like the twins from the Shining. Moreover, the author created the setting in an atmospheric yet family-friendly manner. If this hotel were actual, it would be one of the very few Haunted Hotels I would not mind checking out.

    The main characters are well written. Willow and Evie are lovely, and I enjoyed how the author progressed the story alternating between their perspectives. It was interesting to see how they meet and form a friendship. They have contrasting personalities, and you would think they have nothing in common, but they fit nicely. Moreover, I liked how the author handled Willow’s relationship with her father over the loss of her mother. The author also adds exciting moments, particularly around Mr. Renard’s character. I also found Pierce to be a memorable character.

    Similarly, the illustrations by Jane Pica adds beautifully to the book, and I loved the way she drew the expressions on the characters. The pictures give the story a whimsical feel and would appeal to the reader.

    Overall, “The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street” is the perfect middle-grade book to pick up for Halloween or if you are in the mood for fun haunted house (or, in this case, Haunted Hotel) story.

  • Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster

    Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster

    Curse of the Night Witch

    Curse of the Night Witch (Emblem Island #1) by Alex Aster

    Release: June 9th 2020 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
    Source: Amazon 
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    “Worthy of every magical ounce.” – Kirkus, starred review

    On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it.

    Twelve-year-old Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power.

    The next morning Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin…the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch.

    With only his village’s terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline.

    About the Author:

    Alex Aster is the award-winning author of the Emblem Island series, the Lightlark series, and a graphic novel series.She recently graduated summa cum laude from UPenn, where I studied English. Also, she is a digital creator with over 80 million views on my videos, and with feature on NBC News, Bustle, and Teen Vogue.

    Her debut Emblem Island: Curse of the Night Witch received starred reviews from Kirkus & Publishers Weekly, was on Good Morning America, was named a “Most-Anticipated Book of 2020” by Seventeen Magazine, was named one of the 20 Best Books of the Year So Far by Amazon, and was selected to be Barnes and Noble’s Book of the Month.

    She lives in New York. Explore the world of Emblem Island at www.asterverse.com.

    Website | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads

    Curse of the Night Witch Review:

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    Snow beasts, trolls, and witches, oh my! The Curse of the Night Witch did not disappoint!

    Firstly, I commend the author for writing such an exciting middle-grade fantasy novel. I cannot believe it is the author’s debut novel because she delivered it flawlessly. I loved the concept of the story about Emblems, markings, symbols, lifelines, and curses. The way the author constructed the world is also very innovative. We see different sides of Emblem Island, from the mountains to the Troll Tunnels and the rain forests.

    Moreover, I adored the concept of a story within a story. Some of my favorite ones were The Weeping Woman, the history of Estrelle, and the Cave of Cosas. The author weaves the main story with these standalone tales so nicely, and I loved how the three characters used their knowledge to go about their quest.

    The author also wrote the emotions of the characters nicely. In the beginning, you see that Tor and Melda don’t get along with each other. However, as the story progresses, you notice the bond they form. I loved the bond that Tor, Engle, and Melda share as they go on their journey to see the Night Witch. Frankly, I thought Tor was great in the lead with the various emotions he goes through. Some passages in the story touched me, like when Tor realizes he had never known hunger or struggle and realizes how lucky he is in some ways. I loved how the author matured him in the tale. Similarly, Engle and Melda are charming. The story also ends in a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book.

    Overall, “Curse of the Night Witch” is a lovely start to the Emblem Island series, and I look forward to reading the continuation.

  • Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate by Darren Shan

    Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate by Darren Shan

    Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate (Archibald Lox #6) by Darren Shan

    Release: September 1, 2021
    Format: Paperback, eBook
    Publisher: Home of the Damned Ltd
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

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    The kidnapping of a prince shocks the Merge and turns the Tourney on its head.

    In New York, a desperate Archie and Inez play a cunning game of chess with the fates.

    But if they are to force a checkmate, they must travel to the heart of an enemy empire and face down the rulers of a merciless realm…

    Book six of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.

    This is the third of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.

    About the Author

    Darren Shan is the globally bestselling author whose breakthrough debut novel, Cirque Du Freak,
    the first book in the 12-book series, was released in January 2000. Since then, he has published more than fifty books for both children and adults including the 10-book Demonata series and 12-book Zom-B series. Cirque Du Freak was adapted into a major Hollywood movie and it was recently announced that his Zom-B series was bought to be adapted for television. Shan’s books have sold in excess of twenty-five million copies worldwide, in 40 countries and 32 languages. Also, he has made bestseller charts in the USA, UK, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, and elsewhere. He lives in a small village in Limerick, Ireland, with his wife and children.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

    Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate Review:

    In “Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate,” the author paces the story right from the beginning as we see Archie adjusting to the aftermath of the kidnapping.

    I liked Archie in the lead, and I felt the author brought another layer to him in the story. We see fear for his friends from the nightmares her had of Kelwin. In the previous books, I always felt that Archie was going with the flow, taking orders from others, and handling them successfully. However, in this book, you see him take care and help his friends get Hiroto back. Similarly, the supporting characters like Malina, Inez, and Hiroto are also lovely. Even Orlan and Argate surprised me in this story, and I grew to like them a bit.

    Moreover, the author’s creativity never ceases to amaze me in the way he constructs the world. In this book, we get to see the world of Ruby, where everything is functional, and there is no imagination or decoration. I love how the author has constructed each gem world uniquely that gives us something to look forward to in each book. I also liked how the author set up the dictate in the story, making them look organized but even more ruthless.

    The story also continues with the excitement of the Tourney from the previous book. It was fun reading about the teams and the high adrenaline of who was winning against whom. Some of the other memorable moments in the story were when Archie and Inez were on their mission to see Havel. The author paces the story nicely that leads to an exciting climax, just like the previous books.

    Overall, “Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate” is a stunning conclusion to the second volume of the series.

    Giveaway Details: 

    1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

    3 winners will receive ebooks of ARCHIBALD LOX VOLUME 2, International.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Tour Schedule:

    Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate (Archibald Lox #6) by Darren Shan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Week One:
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-8-2-2021
    Jaimerockstarbooktours-Instagram Post-8-2-2021
    The Momma Spot-Guest Post-8-3-2021
    The Momma Spot-Instagram Post-8-3-2021
    BookHounds YA -Guest Post-8-4-2021
    BookHounds-Instagram Post-8-4-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-8-5-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Instagram Post-8-5-2021
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-8-6-2021
    Kelly Smith Reviews-Review-8-6-2021

    Week Two:
    @pagesofyellow -Review-8-9-2021
    More Books Please blog-Review-8-9-2021
    Mocha Girls Read-Guest Post-8-10-2021
    Mocha Girls Read-Instagram Post-8-10-2021
    Addicted to Media-Review/Excerpt-8-11-2021
    Reveal + Review-Review-8-11-2021
    TLC Book Nook-Excerpt-8-12-2021
    Jaime’s World-Excerpt-8-12-2021
    popthebutterfly-Review-8-13-2021
    popthebutterfly-Instagram Post-8-13-2021

  • Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell by Darren Shan

    Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell by Darren Shan

    Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell (Archibald Lox #5) by Darren Shan

    Release: August 3, 2021
    Format: Paperback, eBook
    Publisher: Home of the Damned Ltd
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

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    The Tourney has kicked off, and it’s the biggest draw in the Merge.

    Archie has a ticket to every match, and is soon caught up in the excitement.

    But when a scheming king sets his sights on the young locksmith, all thoughts of grop are swiftly forgotten, and Archie might fight for his freedom and his sanity…

    Book five of the Archibald Lox series by Darren Shan, the New York Times bestselling author of Cirque Du Freak and Lord Loss.

    This is the second of three books in VOLUME TWO of the series.

    About the Author

    Darren Shan is the globally bestselling author whose breakthrough debut novel, Cirque Du Freak,
    the first book in the 12-book series, was released in January 2000. Since then, he has published more than fifty books for both children and adults including the 10-book Demonata series and 12-book Zom-B series. Cirque Du Freak was adapted into a major Hollywood movie and it was recently announced that his Zom-B series was bought to be adapted for television. Shan’s books have sold in excess of twenty-five million copies worldwide, in 40 countries and 32 languages. Also, he has made bestseller charts in the USA, UK, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, and elsewhere. He lives in a small village in Limerick, Ireland, with his wife and children.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

    Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Review:

    In “Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell,” Archie faces the excitement of the Tourney and finds himself in more problems. This book was a pleasant continuation of the series.

    The highlight of the story was the Games. I loved the excitement the author provides in the story in the form of the Tourney. He describes the game’s rules in a detailed manner, and I even found myself glued to the pages as the fun started between the Topazes, Sapphires, Ruby, and Pearls.

    Even though the book feels concentrated on sports action, the author does spend time connecting with the characters. It was fun to see Archie and Inez bonding in their unique way, King Lloyd and Cal, and also enjoyable to see Winston’s reaction to Hugo. We also reunite with some of the old characters like Prince Jickey, who had I nearly forgotten from the first set of books.

    While I enjoyed everything about the story, I felt like the pacing could have been better. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed the story a lot but felt that most of the book revolved around the Tourney, and the last few chapters suddenly shifted in theme to make it serious. It would have been nice if the author gave equal importance to the sport element and the storyline’s progress.

    Apart from that, this book was very entertaining. The story also ends with a shocking twist that makes you immediately find out what happens in the next book. Overall, “Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell” is terrific if you read the series in order, and I can’t wait for “Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate.”

    Giveaway Details:

    1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

    3 winners will receive ebooks of ARCHIBALD LOX VOLUME 2, International.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Tour Schedule:

    Archibald Lox and the Forgotten Crypt

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon (Archibald Lox #5) by Darren Shan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Week One:
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-8-2-2021
    Jaimerockstarbooktours-Instagram Post-8-2-2021
    The Momma Spot-Guest Post-8-3-2021
    The Momma Spot-Instagram Post-8-3-2021
    BookHounds YA -Guest Post-8-4-2021
    BookHounds-Instagram Post-8-4-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-8-5-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Instagram Post-8-5-2021
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-8-6-2021
    Kelly Smith Reviews-Review-8-6-2021

    Week Two:
    @pagesofyellow -Review-8-9-2021
    More Books Please blog-Review-8-9-2021
    Mocha Girls Read-Guest Post-8-10-2021
    Mocha Girls Read-Instagram Post-8-10-2021
    Addicted to Media-Review/Excerpt-8-11-2021
    Reveal + Review-Review-8-11-2021
    TLC Book Nook-Excerpt-8-12-2021
    Jaime’s World-Excerpt-8-12-2021
    popthebutterfly-Review-8-13-2021
    popthebutterfly-Instagram Post-8-13-2021