Categotry Archives: Contemporary
The Suffering
The Suffering
The Girl from the Well, Book 2
Horror
Sourcebooks Fire
September 8, 2015
Hardcover
320
Breathtaking and haunting, Rin Chupeco's second novel is a chilling companion to her debut, The Girl from the Well.
The darkness will find you.
Seventeen-year-old Tark knows what it is to be powerless. But Okiku changed that. A restless spirit who ended life as a victim and started death as an avenger, she's groomed Tark to destroy the wicked. But when darkness pulls them deep into Aokigahara, known as Japan's suicide forest, Okiku's justice becomes blurred, and Tark is the one who will pay the price...
Review:
“The Suffering” is the perfect book for any young adult (or adult, for the matter) fan of horror, suspense, or Japanese folklore. While it is a companion to “The Girl from the Well”, please know that it can be read as a standalone. All that you need to know is covered throughout the book in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow.
I absolutely love the character development of Tark and the water ghost, Okiku. I don’t know how the author, Rin Chupeco, does it, but somehow a ghost of a girl who died a couple hundred years ago is made relatable. Their relationship even manages to feel natural in spite of obvious challenges. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that the other supernatural characters introduced are no less intriguing.
The plot unfolds perfectly. There is a good balance between what feels like nonstop action in a story that is not rushed. All of the clues to the ending are dropped within the chapters leading up to the final revelation, and yet the ending still manages to be a surprise. Think “The Sixth Sense”. I was torn between banging my head at missing the twist and sheer admiration for the author managing to pull it off.
I cannot recommend this enough for reluctant readers around 8th grade and up who like action and don’t mind a little gore. It reads easily and sucks the reader in immediately. There is also very little in the way of romance (a couple of kisses), so for those who immediately shirk away from books that contain it this is perfect. Lots of action completes the reluctant reader test.
Also, I am delighted to say there is diversity in the main character of Tark, who is a Japanese-American. Almost all of the secondary characters are Japanese, as well. We need more diverse books! It’s always a pleasure to find a new one to add to that shelf.
In short, “The Suffering” is a satisfying horror novel that is creepy, causes jumps, and is also just plain fun. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Extremely Mild Sexual Situations, Language, Mentions of Abuse, Brief Mentions of Rape, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Coming of Age at the End of Days
Fiction
Atlantic Monthly Press
2015-08-04
240
Alice LaPlante's acclaimed psychological thrillers are distinguished by their stunning synthesis of family drama and engrossing suspense. Her new novel is an affecting foray deeper into the creases of family life—and the light-and-dark battle of faith—as LaPlante delves into the barbed psyche of a teenager whose misguided convictions bear irrevocable consequences. Never one to conform, Anna always had trouble fitting in. Earnest and willful, as a young girl she quickly learned how to hide her quirks from her parents and friends. But when, at sixteen, a sudden melancholia takes hold of her life, she loses her sense of self and purpose. Then the Goldschmidts move in next door. They're active members of a religious cult, and Anna is awestruck by both their son, Lars, and their fervent violent prophecies for the Tribulation at the End of Days. Within months, Anna's life—her family, her home, her very identity—will undergo profound changes. But when her newfound beliefs threaten to push her over the edge, she must find her way back to center with the help of unlikely friends. An intimate story of destruction and renewal, New York Times bestselling author LaPlante delivers a haunting exploration of family legacies, devotion, and tangled relationships.
Review:
“Coming of Age at the End of Days” is a book about depression, other unspecified illnesses, loss, cults, religion as a whole, and what it means to be growing up in the midst of all of these things. It’s an interesting concept, but the execution left something to be desired.
The character development was actually very extensive. However, the main character, Anne, was an extremely unsympathetic character. Depression is involved, along with some other unspecified medical issues that may or may not also be physical. None of that is ever clarified, but there are definitely clues that something else is going on. The problem is that these things are presented, along with her home life, as reasons for why she acts the way she does. While it is true in some of the instances, even if she were completely healthy with a perfect life she would still be the sort of person who is the walking equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. It’s difficult to become lost in a story when you don’t care much about the main character.
The premise of mental illness and how cults exploit it to gain followers was promising, but the first two-thirds of the book dragged so much that the interesting parts were lost in a sea of banality. I would have liked to see more details of the cult itself. The last third of the book moved well and was enjoyable, but it required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief to go with it. The ultimate conclusion felt as though it were an afterthought.
I gave “Coming of Age at the End of Days” three stars because technically the characters and plot are sound. It’s the end product that needed some trimming. Alice LaPlante is a very talented author, but this is definitely not her best work. I’d give it a pass unless you’re a diehard fan.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Graphic Imagery, Violence, Self-Harm, Brief Mention of Underage Drinking
The Kiss
The Kiss
Hatchette Children's
July 2, 2015
352
'Aphrodite kissed a mortal once by the light of this moon, many thousands of years ago. It drove him crazy. The next person that he kissed - boum. The craziness travelled like this from person to person. It travelled through time. Everywhere - boum! Tu comprends?'
'Where did it end up?' I whisper. His lips are on my cheek now.
'It ended with me. And now I am going to pass it to you. You will like that, mermaid?'
Imagine the perfect kiss. A legendary kiss that makes people crazy with love. Imagine a summer's night, on a moonlit beach in the South of France, as French boy Laurent kisses 16-year-old Delilah after the best chat-up line she's ever heard.
BOOM!
Delilah is pretty sure the Kiss is fiction, despite her head-spinning holiday fling. But with all the sudden crushes, break-ups and melt-downs happening back at home, the Kiss starts looking a little too real for comfort. If only Delilah could keep track of where it's gone ...
Who knew one kiss could cause this much trouble?
A hilarious rom-com that will delight Geek Girls everywhere!
Review:
I’ll get this out of the way at the beginning: “The Kiss” is filled with many of the bad boy romance tropes and instalove. However, it is still a fun and cute read.
When I first started it, I was absolutely positive that I would find a way to jump through the pages and strangle Delilah, the main character. At the beginning she is judgy and full of herself; not at all concerned with others unless it is in regards to how it affects her. Also, she is a mega control freak. That being said, stick with it. The problems provide an excellent opportunity for growth, and the author sees that opportunity through. The other characters are endearing in their own way, and I particularly liked Jem. He is given an interesting backstory that isn’t completely predictable.
I recommend “The Kiss” for those looking for a quick and light read. The plot can be predictable, but as I said above, it is fun. It’s the sort of thing you can get lost in for a few hours. In fact, it’s the perfect beach read or palette cleanser.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Drug and Alcohol Use
Everything, Everything
Everything Everything
Delacorte Press
September 1, 2015
Hardcover
320
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
Review:
What I liked about “Everything, Everything” is perfectly summed up by the title: Everything. It’s a wonderful and unique book that pulls at your heartstrings, makes you think about the nature of life, and also makes you laugh.
Madeline is a girl with SCID, commonly known as bubble baby disease, who has lived a life with little human contact and a world contained entirely within her home. Olly is the boy-next-door who manages to break through her emotional barriers. The romance is sweet and inspires a wide-range of “feels”. Madeline and Olly are both exceptionally well-developed, which is an amazing achievement given the limited confines of her life and their interactions.
Not many of the technicalities of SCID are explored in the book, but given that it is all Madeline knows, and it drives the plot instead of being the plot, I believe it is handled perfectly. I can’t go into too much depth without giving away important pieces of the plot, but please do not think “The Fault in Our Stars”. This is not at all like that, in spite of the presence of a disease. Stick with it, and you will see that the inevitable comparisons some will make do not prove to be true. “Everything, Everything” is a wonderful book in its own right and should be read as such.
I can’t write the review without mentioning how much I love the non-traditional manner in which the story is told. There are charts, graphs, journal entries, instant messages, doctor reports, drawings, and much more sprinkled throughout that all serve as an integral part of the story. It’s a refreshing break from the ordinary.
Also, and this is very important, the main character is of mixed-race. I wish there were more books out there featuring diverse characters, but “Everything, Everything” is an excellent addition to the collection and should serve as an example to other writers that it can and should be more common. We need more diverse books!
To sum it all up, I highly recommend “Everything, Everything” to everyone 7th grade and above, including adults. It reads quickly and is sure to be a hit for reluctant readers. Five enthusiastic stars!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Sexual Situations, Domestic Violence
Jesse’s Girl
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
2015-07-07
304
On Career Shadow Day, Maya gets paired with pop star Jesse Scott who rose to fame at a young age and has no real friends, and although the last thing Maya wants is to be reminded of how music broke her heart, she and Jesse might be just what the other needs, but can they open up enough to become real friends--or even something more?
Review:
I read a lot of young adult and new adult romances for review, but seldom are they as realistic as “Jesse’s Girl”. Also, I rarely melt into a puddle from the sheer amount of cute contained in a book like I did with this one.
Yes, there are some of the typical rock star romance tropes found in the book, but those are not excessive. The characters are very well-developed, with flaws and all. There are no perfect Mary Sues or book boyfriends here. Maya and Jesse are written as real people, and in spite of the celebrity status of Jesse, he is written as relatable without making it seem like his job does not affect things.
Also, and I cannot say this enough: this is not an instalove story. Friendship comes first, and the rest plays out over months, not days. There are very real obstacles that stand in their way because of their differences in personalities and in lifestyles. These obstacles are actually worked through and not presented as nonexistent or overcome by the sheer force of love.
“Jesse’s Girl” is a great read for anyone looking for a light romance that also has some substance. It’s a breath of fresh air in a crowded genre.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Brief Mentions of Underage Drinking
All It Takes
All It Takes
Amazon Digital Services
June 30, 2015
Ebook
195
Nineteen-year-old Star Collins never intended to return to her hometown, Avenue. That part of her life ended when she was nine years old, and child services took her away from her hoarder mother. Her mother chose her stuff over her daughter. That part of her life was supposed to be in the past.
But her mother has just passed away and Star finds herself giving up her summer to quietly clean out her old home. She just wants to sell it and move on with her life. However, things aren't going the way she planned. With her dyed-black hair and tattoos, she's attracting almost as much attention from the small town residents as Ash Winthrope, the guy who was just released from prison.
All Ash wants is a chance to start over. He screwed up and he knows it, he's going to have to live with the guilt for the rest of his life. But he's stuck in Avenue until his parole ends, and no one, not even his own parents, wants anything to do with him. Nearly out of money and completely out of options, Ash takes the only job he can, helping Star haul stuff out of her mother's house.
Neither of them expects anything to happen between them, or for their lives to change. But sometimes meeting the right person is all it takes.
Review:
“All It Takes” is a story about a young woman named Star, who has just lost her mother, and a young man named Ash, who has recently been released from prison for manslaughter. Both outcasts in a small town, they end up working together, and the story builds from there.
The story itself is at turns tragic and cute and romantic. There are some difficult issues raised about drug use, hoarding (I need to clean out all of our closets now), the foster care system, and how people treat one another. The characters themselves are rough around the edges while also endearing, and up until the end the pacing was steady ,and the writing lends itself to a quick read.
Unfortunately, in spite of all of the opportunities to explore such deep issues, there was a real lack of depth. The characters had many qualities, but they were barely touched upon in lieu of each of them thinking how hot the other looked. Constantly. The alternating viewpoints were a bit of a problem for me, as Star was much more realistically written than Ash. I have no issue with strong language, but it was beyond excessive in Ash’s thoughts and dialogue. Finally, the pace was thrown off at the very end and felt rushed.
All of that being said, “All It Takes” is not a bad book, I just wish it had been less superficial. If you’re looking for a good romance to read at the beach, give it a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Strong Language, Sexual Situations, Talk of Drug Abuse
Damage Done
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2015-07-21
336
"Exceedingly clever and surprisingly unsettling, Damage Done is an unforgettable read." --Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You "In her incredible debut novel, Amanda Panitch leaves you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be stunned. Prepare to be torn apart." --Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist "A brilliant thriller. Gillian Flynn for the YA set." --Amy Christine Parker, author of Gated 22 minutes separate Julia Vann's before and after. Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend. After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that's what she tells the police. Now that she's Lucy Black, her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school. And someone much more dangerous. She thought her brother's crimes were behind her. But now she's being forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind. How far will Julia go to keep her slate clean? One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It's only just beginning. . . . In this deliciously twisted contemporary thriller, family can be a real killer. For fans of We Were Liars and readers who love unique multiple perspectives that leave clues like breadcrumbs until they reach the stunning conclusion. From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
“Damage Done” is a book I expected to enjoy if the description was any indication, but I had no idea just how far beyond my expectations it would go. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and to be quite honest, “messed up.”
Julia Vann is living a new life after a horrific crime committed by her twin brother, Ryan. The story is told in her voice, which is very well-written and easy to read. While her circumstances are extraordinary, she is going through many things that are relatable to anyone who has been a teenager: crushes, social cliques, distant parents, and assorted other annoying adults. She’s definitely a narrator that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
The plot is perfectly paced with small flashbacks to the past written in with what is currently happening. To add a bit of an outside view, there are a few notes from Ryan’s psychologist added between some of the chapters. It allows the reader to learn the entire story at a slow pace, or if they prefer playing detective, gives enough clues and room between them for many theories to be developed.
Be warned: The book is quite disturbing and does have graphic violence as well as animal deaths. I believe that none of it was gratuitous in terms of the story and was a necessity in establishing the pattern of a growing sociopath. I can’t say much else without spoilers, but if you’re squeamish this is not the book for you.
I definitely recommend “Damage Done” for all adults and older young adults who like twisted thrillers and mysteries with a good dose of psychology. Please take note of the older above. It isn’t a good choice at all for the younger YA readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Animal Abuse
Let Me Explain You
Let Me Explain You
Scribner
July 14, 2015
Hardcover
352
A powerful debut novel about a Greek American family and its enigmatic patriarch from a riveting new voice in contemporary literature.
Stavros Stavros Mavrakis, Greek immigrant and proud owner of the Gala Diner, believes he has just ten days to live. As he prepares for his final hours, he sends a scathing email to his ex-wife and three grown daughters, outlining his wishes for how they each might better live their lives. With varying degrees of laughter and scorn, his family and friends dismiss his behavior as nothing more than a plea for attention, but when Stavros disappears, those closest to him are forced to confront the possibility of his death.
A vibrant tour de force that races to a surprising conclusion, Let Me Explain You is told from multiple perspectives: Stavros Stavros, brimming with pride and cursing in broken English; his eldest daughter Stavroula, a talented chef in love with her boss’s daughter; her sister, the wounded but resilient Litza; and many other voices who compose a veritable Greek chorus.
By turns hilarious and deeply moving, this multigenerational novel delivers a heartfelt meditation on the power of storytelling and family, the relationship between fathers and daughters, and also the complex bond of sisterhood. Annie Liontas explores our origins and family myths, hunger and what feeds us, reinvention and forgiveness.
Review:
“Let Me Explain You” is a difficult book to review. On one hand, the writing is beautiful and tragicomic. On the other, it can be outrageously offensive. I’ve given it four stars, but please be sure to thoroughly read my review and any others you may find to see if it’s a good fit for you.
At its heart, “Let Me Explain You” is a story about the American Dream, reality, and the hot mess that makes up most families, whether we want to admit it or not. It begins with Stavros Stavros Mavrakis (actual name) writing an email to his ex-wife and daughters, announcing that he will be dying in ten days. As the reader will soon come to learn about Mavrakis himself, it is in parts tender, sad, and downright mean. That’s the tone for the entire book.
While parts had me laughing out loud, others made me want to choke Mr. Mavrakis, and some made me want to cry. To me that’s wonderful writing. The sections about the interactions between the family were my favorites, because we all have those relationships that are love/hate. Or, at times, hate/hate. It was all very realistic with excellent character development.
Unfortunately, the main character is pretty much the equivalent of your racist uncle at a holiday dinner. He has opinions, he does not care if you like them, he believes everyone needs to hear them, and at some point you realize he is in reality a bitter old man who is lonely. So, if you can have a conversation with “that uncle” and still be able to see some good in him, you will probably enjoy this book. If you avoid family dinners because of him, then avoid it.
As for myself, I found “Let Me Explain You” an excellent debut novel and look forward to reading more from the author.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
Modern Monsters
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
2015-06-02
352
Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He's the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went... And wished he hadn't. Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler's life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon. But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life...
Review:
It has taken me some time to process “Modern Monsters” and decide how best to review it, as I have very conflicting feelings on the book. I wish there were a 3 1/2 star option, but had to settle on 3 since it is not a full 4, in my opinion.
Kelley York needs to be commended on tackling such difficult subject matter and managing to do so from a seldom examined side. Without lessening the traumatic impact of the rape on the victim, she examines the side of the person accused of the rape. How does it feel going through the system? What if you are innocent? Is there a specific profile that can make it easier to identify rapists? All of those questions are tackled, while also including a subplot that shows the consequences on the family, past and present, of a rape victim. It is a crime and violation that goes much further than devastating one life, and it was handled with unflinching reality.
The main character, Vic, is thoroughly developed and has multiple layers that are slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. The various relationships in his life were also solidly established with every secondary character being more than a one-dimensional “prop”. My only issue with the characters is that at times the dialogue was stilted and not very realistic. It was jarring and pulled me out of the story quite a few times.
As far as plot, it is a difficult one to read, as it should be. All of what I wrote above is true and makes it a worthwhile read. In fact, I’m impressed that it took such difficult subjects and made them resound on a reading level that any middle grader could understand. I just wish the conclusion were not quite so predictable. That took away from the suspense, which ultimately led to there being a bit less of an emotional impact than there otherwise would have been.
Overall, in spite of the couple of things I did not enjoy, I still recommend “Modern Monsters”, especially to those with 7th-9th graders in their lives. If you read it together it will make an excellent starting point for very important, but difficult, conversations.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Mild Sexual Situations, Discussion of Rape (nothing graphic), Underage Drinking
The Devil’s Only Friend (John Cleaver)
John Cleaver, Book 4
Fiction
Tor Books
2015-06-16
304
John Wayne Cleaver hunts demons: they've killed his neighbors, his family, and the girl he loves, but in the end he's always won. Now he works for a secret government kill team, using his gift to hunt and kill as many monsters as he can . . . . . . but the monsters have noticed, and the quiet game of cat and mouse is about to erupt into a full scale supernatural war. John doesn't want the life he's stuck with. He doesn't want the FBI bossing him around, he doesn't want his only friend imprisoned in a mental ward, and he doesn't want to face the terrifying cannibal who calls himself The Hunter. John doesn't want to kill people. But as the song says, you can't always get what you want. John has learned that the hard way; his clothes have the stains to prove it. When John again faces evil, he'll know what he has to do. The Devil's Only Friend is the first book in a brand-new John Wayne Cleaver trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Review:
John Wayne Cleaver is back in “The Devil’s Only Friend”, the first in somewhat of a sub-trilogy within the already established John Cleaver series by Dan Wells.
I’ll start off by saying that the entire John Cleaver series, though popular, is extremely underrated. I also think it’s unfairly compared to Dexter. Granted, Dexter is a wonderful series and he is a great character, but John Cleaver stands on his own as a psychopathic anti-hero. He doesn’t need anyone’s help to establish exactly who and what he is. And yes, I realize I am writing this like he is an actual person, but that is a true testament to how developed he is as a character. Mr. Wells has made him feel like a living, breathing person who may or may not want to kill you, but will most likely not. He’ll just make an intricate plan to do so in case he ever changes his mind.
“The Devil’s Only Friend” is the best of the series yet, and while I would encourage everyone to read the first three, if you feel like jumping in here the backstory is explained in enough detail to keep you from being confused, while also avoiding a dry rundown that will leave previous fans bored and waiting for the plot to get going. Which is great, because the plot is nothing short of amazing. Every single clue adds up to the ultimate conclusion, but I had about ten different theories on how it would go and still managed to be taken by surprise. This is a mystery written by a master. I wish I could go into more of the plot but almost anything I say besides it is blow-your-mind-good will lead to some sort of spoiler.
I feel the need to add this: For some reason unknown to me, many bookstores and libraries insist on shelving this entire series under “Young Adult”. Now, I’m not saying this cannot be read and appreciated by the older young adult set, but I’m also fairly certain that you will traumatize quite a few of them if you hand them a John Cleaver book thinking it’s “Dexter for Kids”. This is NOT a young adult book. This is a book for serious mystery and thriller fans who do not mind a lot of gore, horror, and psychotic thoughts.
In short: Great main character, excellent plot, not for the squeamish, everyone else should read all of the John Cleaver series. Of course, this is a review for “The Devil’s Only Friend”, so be sure to read that one, as well.
Five enthusiastic (albeit bloody) stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book about a teenaged psychopath. That should be all the warning necessary.
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