Sanctuary by Caryn Lix YA Science Fiction, 2018 by Simon Pulse, 480 Pages What I Didn’t Like: The “oh no he’s so cute” stuff is a bit annoying, although not excessive. The voice feels awkward and fake, more like an adult trying to write like a teenager than an actual teenager. I didn’t love our... Continue Reading →
On Earth, As It Is by Jim Doran YA Fantasy, 2019 by Lulu Publishing, 368 Pages What I Didn’t Like: I’m not a fan of starting with a cast of characters, personally. That’s said, I just skipped it. No harm done. It is a pet peeve of mine when technical things are dismissed as simple,... Continue Reading →
The Road Home by Kerri Davidson and Mark Gelinas YA Contemporary, 2022 by Kerri Davidson, 274 Pages What I Didn’t Like: It’s difficult to pull off a romance that continues after the happy-for-now ending. This suffered from some of that awkwardness and you attempted to figure out what this story is about now. The pacing... Continue Reading →
Her Latent Charm by Dana C Brentson A Fantasy, 2023 by DcBrentson Author, 442 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Slow start. The paving is uneven so some spots move quickly while others drag. It makes it difficult to get your bearings. I didn’t find myself connected to any of the characters, which made it very... Continue Reading →
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom A Contemporary, 2021 by Harper, 271 Pages What I Didn’t Like: A bit preachy (take that with a grain of salt, of course). This is probably the most religious book Albom has written and it is obvious in the religion. It’s coming in strong. Take that as... Continue Reading →
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult A Contemporary, 2021 by Ballantine, 310 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Content warning of sorts: if you’re not in the frame of mind to read about the COVID pandemic, skip this one. I’ve never been one to enjoy cheating of any kind in a book. Consider that a... Continue Reading →
Ember Queen by Laura Sebastian YA Fantasy, 2020 by Delacorte Books, 512 Pages What I Didn’t Like: This isn’t really a negative, more of a note or warning. The book does very little fill-in of the previous books. To get the most out of this one you definitely want to read them in order and... Continue Reading →
Under Central Park: The Amulet’s Secret by Diana Wurfbain Spinola MG Fantasy, Independently Published in 2022, 415 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Firstly, I’ll say this didn’t feel like a middle grade novel. 415 pages is a lot for a middle grade novel, the title is a mouthful, and we start the book by following... Continue Reading →
The Institute by Stephen King A Horror, 2019 by Scribner, 561 Pages What I Didn’t Like: I like originality so when it felt like The Shining or Clockwork Orange I rolled my eyes. The character we meet and love first takes a big chunk of the book OFF. I spent a lot of time wondering... Continue Reading →
Have You Seen Her by Catherine McKenzie A Mystery/Thriller, 2023 by Atria Books, 336 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Slow start. This book is a mystery/thriller and it does pick up speed, but the beginning “before” chapters are dry and slow. I didn’t have anyone to root for. I didn’t particularly like or trust any... Continue Reading →
