Categotry Archives: Reviews
Dexter Is Dead (Dexter)
Dexter, Book 8
Fiction
Doubleday Books
July 7, 2015
304
After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter Is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon. Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything--including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise. Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.
Review:
As “Dexter Is Dead” is the last novel in the beloved Dexter series, and I have seen reviews that contain massive spoilers, I am going to keep this review brief so those of you who haven’t been so rudely spoiled will stay that way.
“Dexter Is Dead” is the perfect ending to a wonderful series. The characters, as always, are well-developed. The plot makes sense. Everything comes to a logical conclusion.
The only thing left to say is this: Thank you, Mr. Lindsay. You’ve given all of us the true gift of an incredible character that graced the pages we read and the television screens we watched. We’ll miss you, Dexter.
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 novel, there are no content warnings.
Drowning Is Inevitable
Juvenile Fiction
Knopf Books for Young Readers
September 8, 2015
288
After seventeen-year-old Olivia and her friend Jamie accidentally kill Jamie's abusive father, two other friends, Max and Maggie, join them in running away from St. Francisville, Louisiana, to hide out in New Orleans while they try to figure out what to do next.
Review:
“Drowning is Inevitable” is a book that is written in the Southern Gothic tradition. Do not expect to be at all happy when you finish, as that is not the book’s intent.
The story of Olivia and Jamie begins with the troubles in their respective home lives. Olivia’s mother committed suicide when she was only three days old, and Jamie has an alcoholic and violent father. I don’t want to give away any of the plot, but things go horribly wrong and keep getting worse by the page. The plot has a lot of potential, and I’m sure many will appreciate its melancholy nature.
The problem I had with it is that it was extremely melodramatic. This probably would not have bothered me so much if I felt for the characters. They are sad and suffered, but they are not well-developed enough for me to shed tears or be too emotionally invested in their plight. In fact, the one character that evoked the most feelings was the place itself. The feeling of being stifled, and yet loved, by a small southern town was captured perfectly.
“Drowning is Inevitable” is a book that just wasn’t for me. It was a promising plot that fell flat. If you do think it is something you may enjoy, give it a try. This may very well be a case of “it’s not you book, it’s me.”
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drug and Alcohol Use, Domestic Violence
The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
September 8, 2015
240
Caroline Jacobs has lost herself. She's a wife, mother (to a tattooed teenage daughter she avoids), Sears Portrait Studio photographer, and wimp. Asserting herself, taking the reins, or facing life head-on are not in her repertoire. So when Caroline suddenly cracks and screams "Fuck you!" at the PTA president, she is shocked. So is her husband. So is the PTA president. So is everyone. But Caroline soon realizes the true cause of her outburst can be traced back to something that happened to her as a teenager, a scarring betrayal by her best friend Emily. This act changed Caroline's life forever. So, with a little bit of bravery flowing through her veins, Caroline decides to go back to her home town and confront Emily. She busts her daughter Polly out of school, and the two set off to deliver the perfect comeback, which is twenty-five years in the making. But nothing goes as planned. Long buried secrets begin to rise to the surface, and Caroline will have to face much more than one old, bad best friend. A heartwarming story told with Matthew Dicks' signature wit, The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs is a deceptively simple novel about the ways in which our childhood experiences reverberate through our lives, and the bravery of one woman trying to change her life and finds true understanding of her daughter, and herself, along the way.
Review:
“The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs” is story about a rather shy and reserved woman who unexpectedly breaks out of her shell at a PTA meeting. This triggers a set of events that lead her back to her hometown to face her past.
The beginning of the book was pure gold, and I’m fairly certain anyone who has ever dealt with the leaders of various youth and charity organizations has at one point wanted to tell them what Caroline did. Her search to change the way she handled things in the past is also very relatable. Who hasn’t wanted to confront a former bully as an adult? I absolutely loved that part as well as all of the main characters. We’ve all either been one of them or know them.
Unfortunately, I found that it seemed the novel would have been better suited as a novella or a short story. Many of the characters and details seemed like filler and were not well-developed. It dragged down the flow of what would otherwise have been a very well-written work.
Overall, “The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs” is a book that I can neither recommend nor not recommend. If it sounds like you may enjoy it, by all means give it a try.
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 trigger warnings.
Are You Still There
Juvenile Fiction
AW Teen
September 1, 2015
288
Gabriella Mallory, AP student and perfect-daughter-in-training, stands barefoot on a public toilet for three hours while her school is on lockdown. Someone has planted a bomb and she is hiding. The bomb is defused but the would-be-bomber is still at large. And everyone at Central High School is a suspect. The school starts a top-secret crisis help line and Gabi is invited to join. When she does, she is drawn into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with the bomber, who has unfinished business. He leaves threatening notes on campus. He makes threatening calls to the help line. And then he begins targeting Gabi directly. Is it because her father is the lead police detective on the case? Is the bomber one of her new friends. Could it be her new boyfriend with his complicated past? As the story unfolds, Gabi knows she is somehow connected to the bomber. Even worse she is part of his plan. Can Gabi reach out and stop him? Or will she be too late?
Review:
“Are You Still There” is not what I would call enjoyable, but it is definitely important and timely. It deals with bullying and school violence, so at its core is unsettling, but also a book that should be read.
The story centers are Gabi and her family, all of whom have their strengths and weaknesses. At first, Gabi borders on the unlikable due to her judgmental nature and somewhat “holier-than-thou” attitude in regard to grades and volunteer work. It becomes clear rather quickly that she is simply clueless. She is eventually paired with a diverse group of students who expand each other’s self-awareness. All of the new friends she makes are interesting, go beyond their stereotypes, and add to the plot. I really liked the way Gabi grew, and helped others to grow, throughout the story.
As mentioned in the introduction, the story centers around bullying and violence. It also raises awareness on how we perceive ourselves and others. The most important message to take away is “If you can do or say something to help, do it. Don’t ever just sit back and watch.” Gabi makes some mistakes, and the author does not shy away from pointing out the consequences of those mistakes. There are also things beyond her control, and those are also presented unflinchingly. Nothing in “Are You Still There” is sugar-coated, nor should it be.
I highly recommend “Are You Still There” as a book that presents real issues to young adults without patronizing them. It would be a good book for parents to read and discuss with their child. Communication is so important, and I believe this book will present many opportunities for it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Minor Sexual Situations, Language, Underage Drinking, Violence
Eden (An Archer and Bennett Thriller)
Eden
Archer and Bennett, Book 2
Kensington
August 25, 2015
Paperback
320
“A new murder mystery star—Candice Fox may just be your new literary addiction.”—Primo Life
“I fool myself that Eden has a heart—that she would at least have trouble killing me...”
Most homicide detective teams run on trust, loyalty, and the shared desire to put killers behind bars. Frank Bennett's partner, Eden Archer, thrives on darkness and danger. She has a rare talent for catching killers - but her idea of justice has little to do with courtrooms.
Now three girls are missing, and Eden is going undercover to a remote farm where the troubled go to hide and blood falls more often than rain. Frank’s job is to keep an eye on his partner while she's there - but is it for Eden's protection, or to protect others from her? Walking a tightrope between duty and desperation, Frank confronts a threat from Eden’s past—the sadistic crime lord Hades, who raised her. Suddenly, the hunter is the hunted. And a killer’s vicious desires are about to be unleashed . . .
The breathtaking new thriller from the author of Hades, winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel, establishes Candice Fox as a suspense writer of international renown and undisputed power.
Review:
I was beyond thrilled when I saw there would be another novel in the Archer and Bennett series after reading the excellent debut, “Hades”. “Eden” did not disappoint. Candice Fox is at the top of the class when it comes to gritty crime thrillers. And when I say gritty, I do mean gritty. This is far from a cozy mystery.
As I had hoped, we get more backstory for Eden’s father, Hades, and it is so well-written that the flashbacks alone could make a complete and satisfying novel. The complexities of Eden are further explored, as well, and Frank grows much more as a character in this novel than in the previous one. There are a few secondary characters who are introduced who are also so well-developed that you keep wanting to know more. Also, the underworld of crime could be considered a character in and of itself. It’s described as if it is a living and breathing thing that looks out for itself and none of those actually involved. Characterization in “Eden” is nothing short of superb.
It’s difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling it because everything is connected, even if you don’t realize it. The pace is steady and makes it difficult to find a stopping point. Make sure you have a few uninterrupted hours before you begin. And the ending…. wow. It more than delivers. No plot failure here.
The only complaint I have is the jumping of points of view. There is first person, third person limited past, and third person limited present. All three of these are different characters. While it worked in the chapters that were dedicated to one character, some chapters combined all three, and that was a bit of a struggle to get my brain to switch gears.
If you like crime thrillers and don’t mind the blood and gore, I highly recommend “Eden”. Please note that this is most definite NOT a young adult book. On occasion I review adult novels, and this is one of those times.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I normally don’t give content warnings for adult books, but I do feel compelled to warn that there is some animal abuse and racial slurs in “Eden”. They are part of the plot and not gratuitous, but please keep this in mind if you are triggered by those things.
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
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
Stone Rider
Juvenile Fiction
Delacorte Press
2015-07-14
336
In the vein of the cult classic Mad Max series, crossed with Cormac McCarthy's The Road and S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, this inventive debut novel blends adrenaline-fueled action with an improbable yet tender romance to offer a rich and vivid portrayal of misfits and loners forced together in their struggle for a better life.
Adam Stone wants freedom and peace. He wants a chance to escape Blackwater, the dust-bowl desert town he grew up in. Most of all, he wants the beautiful Sadie Blood. Alongside Sadie and the dangerous outsider Kane, Adam will ride the Blackwater Trail in a brutal race that will test them all, body and soul. Only the strongest will survive.
The prize? A one-way ticket to Sky-Base and unimaginable luxury.
And for a chance at this new life, Adam will risk everything.
Review:
“Stone Rider” is an excellent book that can fit into many genres at one time. It’s like a western met a dystopian and then decided to create a West Side Storyesque production. I’ve never read anything like it.
The characters are all interesting and surprising. At the beginning they may appear to be stereotypical, but as the story goes on their depth is revealed. However, that is not to say that they are extremely well-developed. The book is written like the old westerns. You learn what you need to, when you need to, and the rest of the book is devoted to the action. This could be seen as a flaw, but I appreciate that the book is designed to be as sleek as the “bykes” used in the race around which the plot centers.
The flow of the book is amazing. The beginning is a little slow, but only by comparison to the rest of it. That is because Part I takes the time to set up pretty much all you will learn about the world. Once you begin Part II it becomes something of a marathon read. There is never time to take your breath. Do not begin it if you have something else to do in the next few hours. There is quite a bit of violence, but that is to be expected in a mostly lawless society.
In short, “Stone Rider” is a fun and exciting read. In spite of the streamlined storytelling, there are many challenging words to help expand vocabulary for younger readers. Since this a book well-suited for reluctant readers, that is a huge plus. Highly recommended for any upper middle-grade reader through to adults.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence
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