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 →
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 →
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 →
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury A Horror, 1962 by Harper, 293 Pages What I Didn’t Like: The entire rant about fatherhood made me angry, honestly. It tried to suggest motherhood was all simple and easy while fathers find themselves awake all night. Stereotypes and cliches like that pull me right out of... Continue Reading →
Those Beneath by Almedia Ryan YA Fantasy, 2023 by Lost Boys Press, 329 Pages What I Didn’t Like: I never feel like a story needs an epilogue that wraps everything up nicely so I didn’t need this one either. But many readers like that! I wanted a bit more from the big confrontation that is... Continue Reading →
The Magicians by Lev Grossman A Fantasy, 2009 by Viking, 409 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Personally, I felt like the start of the lessons took a slow turn which was unfortunate. Just when you should be getting excited to learn magic along with this character, it felt like it was dragging instead. This book... Continue Reading →
Where the Lightning Goes by Jackary Salem YA Fantasy, 2023 by Derealization Press, 371 Page What I Didn’t Like: The opening is jarring. You feel like you don’t know WHAT is going on. In fact this whole fantasy world takes a little time to get used to and feel settled in. I’m not a fan... Continue Reading →
Ali Cross by James Patterson MG Mystery/Thriller, 2019 by Jimmy Patterson Books, 320 Pages What I Didn’t Like: I didn’t particularly like the Alex Cross chapters. Typically there aren’t many chapters from a parent perspective when you’re reading a middle grade novel. I’m not sure if this was an attempt to introduce something that’s often... Continue Reading →
Dear Roomie by Michelle Angelle A Romance, 2023 by Michelle Angelle Books, 262 Pages What I Didn’t Like: Everyone is perfect, beautiful, and brilliant. This always makes me roll my eyes, but I know not everyone feels the same way. I felt like the epilogue wasn’t necessary. It just went an extra step that I... Continue Reading →
