The Words in My Hands By Asphyxia

In a futurized (but realistic) Australian society, most people are entirely dependent on "recon", which is essentially a meal delivery service, but has medicines in the food that cure cancer and other diseases. When the food cannot come due to massive oil and gas shortages and the economy falls apart, 16-year old deaf teen Piper is faced with figuring out how to survive. When getting her old bike repaired, she meets Marley, who introduces her to sign language, a deaf community she didn't know existed, and how to grow food. Communicating with others is difficult enough, never mind the constant headaches. Facing a corrupt government oppressing freedom of speech and a right to grow their own food? Now that's something else. But Piper is finding her own power.

I grabbed this book off of the shelf at the library because I have never seen anything like it nor read a book with so much art on it. Every page is watercolored with drawings on most of them. I would have read the book no matter what the topic was, just because of how impressive the art in the book is. That alone helped to entice turning the next page in the story, to see what the art on the next page looked like! It was cool to also have the art drawn be used in the plot of book. This would be a fantastic book for someone who enjoys more so comic books than ordinary reading, or a fellow artist. I wish I could draw like that! Art can have meaning that moves people. Being deaf didn’t make her any less able to inspire a revolution/movement.  It was helpful to have capital letters versus lowercase letters for differentiating between sign language and oral dialogue.

Example of art in the book

Without the art, I'm confident I still would have read the book and liked it. The story tackles social and environmental justice, political corruption, survival, implicit biases against the deaf and hard of hearing, and finding what you stand for in the world as a teenager. With each new obstacle in her way, Piper's development as a character grew, as she discovered herself and found her voice and confidence. Part of why Piper felt so real is because the author is also deaf and poured that cultural identity and experience into the pages. 

I didn't really like Marley as a character, it felt like he more so served as a prop to escalate Piper's character development and be an introduction to the community who would shape her and take up the rebellion. That didn't bother me a lot though because I was much more focused on the dynamic between Piper and her mother. This wasn't just your ordinary rebellious mother-daughter relationship. The book added another complicated layer of trust issues where her mother is the scientist behind recon, who's company is the one controlling the government and spreading propaganda about the dangers of "wild food". On top of that, there's the issue of wanting her daughter to be normal and against learning sign language to the point where Piper felt like she had to hide. It's one of the most dynamic, complicated parent-child relationships I've read.

I wouldn't label the book as a dystopian because the scenario is true in some places around the world and will be true for others that rely on unrenewable resources. As someone passionate about sustainability, I liked the focus on growing your own food. Growing your own produce and community gardens reduces carbon footprints, improves air quality and biodiversity. Composting your own backyard, growing your own food is one thing that everyday people can do to improve the environment- crisis or not. There are also some helpful diagrams drawn in the book for anyone interested. :)

I highly recommend this book!

Title: The Words in My Hands
Author: Asphyxia
Publisher: Annick Press
Pages: 388
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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Author's cool website

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a science biography book for adults that was given to me by one of my favorite teachers. Henrietta Lacks grew up on a poor tobacco farm in Virginia, and had her first child at the age of 14 with several more over the course of her life. Her family eventually moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins. Her doctor took samples of her cancerous cells without Henrietta's consent, and she soon died at the age of 31 in 1951. These cells are the foundation for the field of virology and human genetics fields as we know it today. No human cell line can replicate like hers or share similar immortality, because of how her HPV-induced cancer resulted in genetic mutations. Her family had no idea until over 20 years later, with her 22 descendants incredibly poor and locked out of the billions being profited off buying and selling her cells for research. Today, her family has been suing research and pharmaceutical companies for share of profit.

This is not simply a book about cellular biology, or the science of virology and cancer, nor just the ethical questions to how potentially groundbreaking research is conducted and communicated, or the treatment of black Americans by healthcare systems. This book tells the life of a woman who is "the mother of modern medicine" and her family's story, faced with significant challenges like poverty, hearing loss, abuse, and the lack of transparency in their mother's death. Readers become invested in the future of the real characters. For a nonfiction book, it sure reads like a fiction one for the amount of significant detail and imagery. This is even more impressive considering many of the people featured are no longer alive. I also enjoyed the passages in the present about Rebecca's interviews and the process of writing the story. The structure of the book flipping between the past and the present would be confusing if not for the lovely division of the each chapter stating what years it describes, and Skloot did a good job of balancing staying on topic but also including several other interesting points, like the history of Johns Hopkins and commercialization of medical research, which inevitably happened although seemingly not intentional.

I also appreciated that while the author did not shy away from scientific details of the research using her cells, Rebecca mostly condensed the information into a digestible amount for those not scientifically knowledgeable or have ever taken a biology class. As someone in this field, I found the contamination of her cells all over the world a fascinating biosecurity issue, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who does cellular or tissue research or works in the medical field. It is a shame that this book is no longer required reading; it used to be in one of the 100 level biology courses, but not anymore and the books just sat collecting dust with all the other formerly used textbooks (which is an entirely separate issue on the impact of digital media on reading and learning).

Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Author: Rebecca Skloot

Publisher: Broadway Paperbacks

Pages: 382

Series: No

Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover

Seven Precent of Ro Devereux is a YA realistic fiction book that was sent to me by the publisher. This book was released today! High school senior Ro Devereux designed the app MASH that can predict various parts of your future with 93% accuracy upon completing a 100-question survey. She never imagined that it would go viral and attract the attention of a tech firm in Silicon Valley. Partnered with XLR8, she is instructed to take the survey that predicts a romantic partner and prove to the world that it works by appearing to fall in love with them. Ro is shocked when the result is Miller, her childhood best friend with whom she had a falling out with and haven't spoken to in 3 years.

I do not usually read romance, but what drew me to this book was the unusual twist of Ro and Miller being forced to pretend to be in a relationship and how that eventually may turn into a real one while exploring what went wrong in their prior friendship. I liked the storyline more of XLR8 and how mass media and the tech industry manipulates statistics and invests more in screen time and amount of downloads than scientific accuracy. As the app took off, I enjoyed seeing the effect of the fame and business on Ro and how she handled it. Ro and Miller both made some mistakes, and I appreciate imperfect protagonists. Quick note that I also love women in STEM!

I think everyone at some point in time has wondered what their future would look like. If you google "predict my future", there are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of surveys that claim to predict your future career, number and gender of kids, where you would live, pets, etc. Even if the 93% accuracy gave a happy ending for Ro and Miller, there is still a 7% chance that the result would not be correct for someone else. What happens if you guide your future and make decisions based on what the app tells you, or if you had your future carefully planned out and the app tells you that your passion is wrong? I was glad that in addition the romance, O'Clover tackled mental health issues, family relationship challenges, and both the positives and negatives of glimpsing the future.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Seven Percent of Ro Devereux
Author: Ellen O'Clover
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 320
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Screamcatcher: Sa’be Most Monstrous (Screamcatcher book 4) by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: Sa'be Most Monstrous is the fourth book in the YA paranormal fantasy Screamcatcher series that was sent to me by the author. The Badlands Paranormal Society has received their next client. Tonya, who calls because her husband has gone missing after investigating what seems to be numerous violent Bigfoot- aka "Sa'be". Jory and her friends soon realize that there is more to the folklore than meets the eye, and helping their client will require more than firepower: willpower and empathy. 

After reading the previous book, The Shimmering Eye, I wondered how Breedlove would be able to top it. Interestingly, the author shifted from gunfights and explosives to killing the enemy with kindness. I think that strategic choice was a smart one so that the reader doesn't constantly compare the book to the previous one, which is common in series. Not to mention this concept was very unique. The choice Jory and her team made to instead show respect to the creature and its family and offer peace was I think incredibly smart. This also provided a test of wills to the characters of their level of self-control. Contrary to the mostly physical test of the previous books, this was a test of mental strength and agility, an interesting pivot point. 

Bigfoot is commonly portrayed in the media and in conversations in matters that are offensive (such as the name itself), ridiculing, or made into various jokes. Perhaps that is just my scientific/inquisitive mind, but I found learning about their intellect, social structure, and motivations fascinating. I am sure there are several mythology books that deal with Sasquatches, however I doubt that there are many with the level of empathy and detail as this. This book also serves as a lesson to not assume the worst in others or judge them on their differences. The Sa'be had their own motivations and reasoning that weren't purely violent, and the end reason for why they kept Kyle was ingenious.  It certainly wasn't as fast-paced or perhaps as exciting as the previous books, but I was very interested in learning about the Sa'be itself. I also know next to nothing of Native American culture and beliefs. Contrary to the obvious paranormal fantasy from the previous books, this could be labeled realistic fiction. Without evidence, I cannot say if I believe that Sasquatches exist, but it could be possible.

I highly recommend this series and this book! 

Title: Screamcatcher: Sa’be Most Monstrous
Author: Christy J. Breedlove
Publisher: Fire & Ice Young Adult Books
Pages: 246
Series: Yes, Book 4
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye (Screamcatcher Book 3) by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye is the third book in the YA paranormal fantasy Screamcatcher series that was sent to me by the author. Moving on from just dreamcatchers, Jory and her friends' Badlands Paranormal Society travel to a large ranch in Montana to help Ambrose, a homeowner struggling to fight against physical and mental attacks from something... evil. What the teens face is nothing the have ever seen before. Are they ghosts? Aliens? Spirits? Interdimensional beings? As Jory's team works to learn what is causing the paranormal events plaguing this property, they are pushed to their breaking points. Whatever it is, it has been around for thousands of years- and it and its army of horrific creatures aren't going down without a fight.

In a twist, the characters are no longer facing evil spirits inside dreamcatchers, but paranormal beings in general. This separated the installment from the rest of the series and stepped up its game, sending the characters into seriously freaky, unknown territory. I don't even know how to describe this book except a mix between Gremlins, Scooby-Doo, and Ghostbusters. I will say, if this was a movie, I probably wouldn't be able to deal with actually looking at the grotesque creatures! What also strikes me is that these teenagers do not have magical powers or abilities, and still manage to hold their own against monsters that look like they could have come out of a Marvel movie or Star Trek. 

I was very impressed with how despite the horrors of what the characters were facing, the writing still managed to have light-hearted moments, and at times I laughed at some of the metaphors and just how utterly bizarre the scene was. I typically do not read horror, and I think this is what sets it apart from other books that may deal with paranormal investigations/hauntings/invasions is its ability to be utterly terrifying while also having moments of calm and lightness. 

In my review of the previous book, I wrote that I thought the characters were insane for going back into a another dreamcatcher after what happened in the first book, and that I would have run away as fast as possible. Now, I say that they are seriously brave, and yes, sort of insane, for choosing this for the rest of their lives and not going to college. I'm surprised they didn't go to college first and major in something like Cultural Anthropology or Folklore and Mythological Studies (yes, that actually does exist as a major, even Harvard has it). They're just kids, facing what no person should ever have to, let alone want to. I'm not saying that its unrealistic or unbelievable, but that it is admirable and extraordinary. The psychiatric toll of what they have seen and experienced should be immense, and I was glad that the book continued to deal with changes in their personalities and decision making, both for the positive and negative. It will be interesting to see if Darcy has any lasting repercussions in the next book. 

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next, Sa'be Most Monstrous.

Title: Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye
Author: Christy J. Breedlove 
Publisher: Fire & Ice Young Adult Books
Pages: 224
Series: Yes, Book 3 of 4
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Five Stages of Moria: "The Worst Refugee Camp on Earth" by Elika Ansari

Moria was the largest refugee camp in Europe before it burned down in 2020. Ansari was a humanitarian worker at the camp herself, and this book tells the stories of five refugees at the camp, based on true experiences Ansari witnessed and the people she met.

How is it fair, how is it acceptable for anyone with even a sliver of a conscience, to push someone when they are already down, to treat someone how they were treated in Moria after everything these people have already been through? Is it racism, implicit bias? A financial issue of greed from politicians? A symbolic threat to their perceived way of life from their culture, or employment? From what I can gather from research into the conditions at Samos and Mavrovouni camps that replaced Moria, conditions are just as bad. I'm not saying to build them all palaces and enshrine them like royalty, but to have decency! I appreciate how honest, sometimes brutally honest The Five Stages of Moria is. Ansari did not shy away from discussing difficult and traumatic topics.

These people have left their homes in fear for their lives, left oppression and death and corruption, and travel dangerously across hundreds or even thousands of miles, are faced with a nightmare reminiscent of their homes- Moria, often without water, food, electricity, or shelter other than a concrete floor or falling apart cot, living in inhumane filth. That, or foraging for yourself in a nearby jungle with nothing besides a subpar tent. After reading this book, you may not believe that there can be worse. The title is not stating that Moria is the worst refugee camp on Earth, but that it is perceived as so. Believe it or not, there are refugee camps worse in Africa and in the Middle East. The U.S. refugee camps in Texas, such as the one for displaced children at the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, are frankly not even better. 

Yes, it is an extremely complicated situation, and I'm not claiming to know the answer of how to solve the immigrant crisis that will only escalate in the face of global warming and the Ukraine war, but something has to give. We have to do better, we have to be better. However embarrassing to say, I had never heard of Moria before. I knew the conditions of refugee camps in general from literature and classes like Cultural Geography, but the majority of people likely know even less than I do. The only difference between "them" and "us" is where we were born, and books like these further emphasize and enlighten to that. I especially loved the presence of raw emotion and honesty on depression and the impacts that the camp had on not only the people in it, but those who work around it. Humanitarian aid workers are largely unappreciated and invalidated. There is only one other book that I could find by googling and searching various websites on Moria, lots on refugee camps in general, but nothing like this.

I highly recommend this book! While the reading level is on point for a YA audience, adults can also learn from and appreciate this book. For a relatively short read, the impact can be far-reaching.

Title: The Five Stages of Moria
Author: Elika Ansari 
Publisher: Arkbound Publishing
Pages: 227
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe

Dark Room Etiquette is a YA thriller that was sent to me by the publisher. This book will be released in two weeks on October 11. 

Sayer Wayte has grown up with a life of money and privilege. One day, a man run Sayer off the road and kidnaps him. This man, Caleb, chains Sayer and tells him that he is his real father, that Sayer's parents kidnapped him when he was 10 and that his real name is Daniel. He eventually acts the part of Daniel to survive, as the months go by and his escape attempts continue to fail. But eventually, he loses himself. Eventually faced with a re-entry into society, Sayer must rediscover who he is.

I'll admit, I had trouble caring about Sayer in the beginning, when he was a bully. But nobody deserves what happened to him. I haven't read a book that made me cry, really cry, in a long time. I'm not sure if that is embarrassing or not, but Dark Room Etiquette is emotionally jarring with how real it feels. There was one particular scene in the classroom with crayons that stirred something inside me. I don't think I have ever read a book so accurate about Stockholm Syndrome and the lasting trauma that follows, likely due to Roe's experience in psychology and special education. It also makes me upset that the school didn't offer him more support. The nerve of that guidance counselor! Doesn't he know what Sayer went through? 

Many books surrounding kidnappings end pretty quickly after the person is found or escaped, but I loved that a good chunk of the book focused on the aftermath of that event. The dynamic between Sayer and Evan was particularly interesting to me, and I was so happy that he had someone to talk to, to help him make sense of what he went through in that house. Dealing with this trauma has a different component when his memories became distorted, when everything that he thought was true and his beliefs about himself and the people he loved were challenged. For some parts that I was reading, I actually wondered if Caleb was telling the truth. Roe manipulated Sayer just as the reader. We are both in the dark and battling the same lack of knowledge. 

I highly recommend this book! I already re-read it, as I loved it so much.

Title: Dark Room Etiquette 
Author: Robin Roe
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 512
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie

Laela and the Moonline is a YA fantasy book that was sent to me by the author. Laela, a Treedle, is transitioning into womanhood, and is faced with deep internal conflict of what a woman should be. She loves hunting and adventuring, activities reserved for men. All that she should be looking forward to is finding a mate. Challenged by confusing visions, she embarks on a quest to learn about the culture and customs of the Mergon society below them. As she falls in love with an exiled prince and is faced with great danger, Laela unknowingly fulfills an ancient prophecy of reunification and future change to both of their cultures.

Laela and the Moonline is politically and socially powerful. For a fantasy, it reads much more like historical fiction from Mesopotamian traditional society with the Mergons being the Aztecans and the Incas as the Treedles. This story is powerful and inspiring for women and girls everywhere. I am not a religious person, and I was initially concerned with its abundance. However, as the story went on, I was impressed with how Laela blossomed into a force for existentialism as well as her faith.

 I am proud of Laela for recognizing the unfairness of traditional gender roles and stigmas around what a woman should be by attempting to educate others. I also relate to Laela. I was always more intellectually mature and morally responsible than my peers, and I have questioned the traditional routes for a woman. Despite being a teenager, she speaks with a voice of enlightenment, sincerity, and a politeness. I have no doubt that she will accomplish much in her life as a leader. While it seems as though Laela enlightened some of the Mergons, it worries me that her people will be invaded, tortured, and forever inslaved by Marl in revenge. How will the peaceful Treedles defend themselves? Will her words in Mergon court inspire the common people to rebel against him? I wonder what the new golden age as a result of her union with Mateo holds. I hope Perskie will write a sequel.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Laela and the Moonline
Author: Lisa Perskie
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
Pages: 376
Series: No 
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Last Good Halloween by Giano Cromley

The Last Good Halloween is a New Adult realistic fiction story set in the 1980s. This book was set to me by the author. Kirby Russo returns from summer camp to find his stepfather missing and his mother having already moved on with one of their neighbors. Angry and conflicted with his missing father figure and all the new changes in his life, he makes some impulsive decisions that include deciding to steal the car of his friend's parents and running away to find his stepfather. 

The Last Good Halloween feels like a classic written in the 1980s and not one written about the 1980s in 2013. I was impressed with how realistic the setting felt. The publisher compared Kirby to Holden Caulfield in her email to me, and I can imagine an essay prompt now to compare and contrast the two characters. I also enjoyed the literary references to Hamlet. 

When I was reading The Last Good Halloween, I couldn't stop thinking about the song "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance, as Kirby's situation seems to mirror the song in some ways. The same fears that follow the son in the song are similar to Kirby's, with the missing of his father figure, the fear of loss, his fixation on what others think of him/how he would be remembered, and his confliction over religion. I also appreciated the diversity of the characters, and I particularly was fond of Izzy's story. I'm excited to see the continuation of her story. A prequel from her perspective would also be nice. The strength of a novel is often heavily identified by how relatable and likable the protagonist is. I wouldn't say Kirby is easily likable with his attitude, but he is very relatable. 

I highly recommend this book and am excited to read the sequel, The Prince of Infinite Space, that will be released on August 2nd!

Title: The Last Good Halloween
Author: Giano Cromley
Publisher: Tortoise Books
Pages: 240
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The First to Die at the End By Adam Silvera (Death-Cast #0)

The First to Die At The End is the prequel to the bestseller YA realistic/science fiction book They Both Die at the End. This book was sent to me by the publisher, and it will be released on October 4, 2022. 

Have you ever played Would You Rather and have had one of the questions be if you would rather know how you are going to die or when? Death-Cast cannot predict how you are going to die, but they can mysteriously predict when. On the first night that Death-Cast goes live in New York City, Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince bump into each other, and feel a connection. Unfortunately, one of them receives a call from Death-Cast, and the other doesn't. They decide to spend their last day together, forging a relationship surely to end in heartbreak.

When I wrote my review in 2019 of They Both Die at the End, I wrote that I was conflicted regarding the lack of background knowledge on the Death-Cast system. I am very pleased with the prequel, which answered many of my questions. I assume that many people shared the same concerns that I had since a prequel instead of a sequel was written. I did not find out how specifically the company's software predicted the deaths. However, the more I think about it, the more I think that maybe it was a good idea to let us wonder.

It is unrealistic to think that the author listened to my feedback on the speed and forcefulness of the romance between Rufus and Mateo, but this book was a major improvement. Orion and Valentino took their romantic relationship slowly, and built up to being a couple through friendship. While the specific scenario in the book seemed a bit of a stretch, it all seemed reasonable considering the sad circumstances. I loved both Valentino and Orion; their dedication to being kind to others and supporting each other, even though they had only just met, is admirable. 

I am happy in particular that the book explored the childhoods of the two main characters in the first book. When I realized that the prequel starred two different boys than the first book, I was a little concerned about how the two books would connect. I was surprised by the multiple perspectives and how they all overlapped in the end. Normally, I hate books where characters die, especially when I become attached to them. But Silvera did a good job of making the ending empowering and also hopeful, despite the loss. 

I highly recommend this book! Read my review of They Both Die at the End, and also More Happy Than Not, also by Silvera. 

Title: The First to Die at the End
Author: Adam Silvera
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 416
Series: Yes, Book 0 of 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Dark Knife (Marked Book 2) by A.F.E. Smith

The Dark Knife is the second book in the young adult fantasy series Marked. This book was sent to me by the author. Alyssia has returned back to her normal life, thinking that she has defeated her brother Ifor. As she struggles to cope with what she went through, she is faced with the painful realization that her friends in Endarion are still in danger. As she makes the difficult decision to return, she unknowingly steps back into a centuries-old cycle that entwines their deadly fate.

My favorite parts of the book were not in Endarion, but the short parts that take place back in our world with Peter and Becca. The author skillfully placed these passages between key events. Sometimes with epic fantasy or dystopian novels, it can be overwhelming to keep reading. Smith provided a break to process what had previously happened and brace oneself for the next. 

All of the central characters have internal struggles to overcome events in their past. The Dark Knife particularly dove into the trauma of domestic violence and not only its long-lasting psychological impact on future relationships and sexuality, but also the views of society as a whole. No spoilers as to who, but I'm glad that the author included LGBTQ characters, and I'm excited to see what romances might develop in the coming books. Note that I also labeled the book as New Adult for some of that content.

Alyssia's devotion to her friends in that other world is amazing, and I know that if she were me, I would never go back to the medieval world of Endarion. Her courage is impressive, but it is also related to her trauma and struggle to cope with the events from the prior book and her knowledge of who she really is. (Although, do we really know that? Just when we thought it was all figured out, the ending throws a new curveball of wondering.) Speaking of the ending, I don't like it when people die, but what is the alternative- happy endings for everyone? In some stories, there simply aren't happily-ever-after's possible, and while I am very sad for some of the characters, I appreciate that the author stayed true to Endarion's significant difficulties.

I highly recommend this book! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book, Daughter of the Sky, and I have some predictions/ideas that I hope will come true!

Title: The Dark Knife
Author: A.F.E. Smith
Publisher: IronWright Books
Pages: 420
Series: Yes, Book 2 of 5
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Space Kids: The Journey of Hope by Alan Nettleton

Space Kids: The Journey of Hope is a middle grade science fiction book that was sent to me by the author. In a future society in 2068, scientists from the global organization Space Command want to study how children would function in space. They advertise to put together a team of children to do a mission in space. Sophie, Sahil, Jack, and Leena are selected to travel to exoplanet K2 18b, collect samples, and come back in a total of 3 months. However, things don't exactly go as planned, and they end up in a race to save an alien civilization from an extinction event.

You may not know this, but this is actually the second version of the book. Apparently my feedback was so useful to the author on the first version in 2020 that he actually unpublished it. I am wildly impressed with the changes that have occurred since then!

This concept has certainly been explored before. What makes Space Kids unique in comparison to the dozens of other books is the element of the telepathic communication. Sophie doesn't have "normal" dreams and nightmares like we do. Not to spoil anything, but her connectivity to the planet, as well as the mystery surrounding her dad's death, is an element that sets it apart. I'm not sure if the author intended to, but I found some of the dialogue to be very funny as well.

I can relate to Sophie, especially early on when she thought about the difficulties of having conversations with her peers that didn't seem childish. If this opportunity came to me when I was 12 years old, you bet I would have applied. In addition to how relatable Sophie was, I am happy that he decided to depict Leena as autistic. This book could empower kids with autism, as our society tends to put limits on children with that particular condition. One strategy that is very useful was Leena's repetition of the word "teacup", which for her means "T – C – U – P.  Think Clearly Under Pressure.” That is very clever, and it is something that I will remember for when I am a teacher.

In the book in this future reality, they have found a way to jump hyperspace, which is even faster than the speed of light. Theoretically, the acceleration alone would kill us almost instantly, which also means that they invented adequate inertial dampeners. At first, I thought that the reason for sending kids into space would be so that in the years it takes to reach the planet of destination, that they would be young adults. But an interesting point was brought up about how in an effort for colonization, children may be born in space, and thus research should be done to prepare for how they would behave. I took Planetary Geology in college last year, and I can say that Nettleton did a nice job accurately presenting some of the physics of space travel. The hyperdrive explanation actually made so much sense that I might use it if I get to teach astronomy.

The exoplanet that the author chose to focus on was K2 18b, which was an interesting choice. I will say that the likelihood of finding intelligent life on that planet, is very small. K2 18b is a planet of much debate. Just because it is in the habitable zone, it doesn't guarantee that it is. While research does back up it perhaps having an ocean (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ab7229), I think everyone agrees that the atmosphere is mostly hydrogen and definitely not breathable. It would have made more sense to make the planet be the TOI 700 d option discussed earlier in the book for the atmospheric composition stated. I did catch one error, where the book described the planet as being smaller than Earth, when actually K2 18b is over 8 times larger than Earth. However, I highly doubt that the middle grade readers would know that. 

I highly recommend this book! There will be a sequel titled Space Kids: The Alien Princess, that I cannot wait to read!

Title: Space Kids: The Journey of Hope
Author: Alan Nettleton
Publisher: Alan Nettleton
Pages: 271
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Psychic by TS Rose

Psychic is a YA science fiction book that was sent to me by the author, and was released today! Alpha Moore has telepathic powers, and can change the minds and perspective of others. She is guilt-ridden and fearful of her abilities since a tragedy occurred when she last used them. As she hides in a group home, she is discovered by another telepath, Sunday, and joins a government-sectioned school for teens with psychic powers. However, she soon becomes in danger when a terrorist organization wants to use her as a weapon.

A book featuring a school for teens with paranormal powers is not unique, and the surrounding premise reminds me of several other stories. But what is unique are the character relationships and specific plot twists. In the beginning of the book, I was convinced that it would be similar to Keeper of the Lost Cities, or Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, but towards the middle of the story I was quickly proven wrong, as it turned into a darker thriller story set on stopping a deadly terrorist attack. While many plotlines are actually remarkably similar to Keeper of the Lost Cities, Psychic takes place in modern-day Britain, weaving a tale for older readers embedded with racism and political realities of immigration, war, addiction and abuse.

Psychic is impossible to put down with constant surprises! The author purposely put in misleading foreshadowing and hints. Just when I was positive that I had picked up on everything and knew exactly who the terrorist undercover at the school was, I was proven wrong by another shocking twist! Knowing what I know now at the end, it'll be interesting to read again and look for deeper subtitles in the exchanges between the characters. Psychic is definitely one of the more skillfully written books that I have read lately!

I've always thought that being a telepath would be particularly fun, and being able to change people's minds sounds awesome at first. What if you could stop someone from committing a crime? What if you had the power to change a corrupt political leader, or to make someone kinder to others? However, that ability isn't a gift as Alpha sees it, and Psychic shows the unintended consequence of actions such as those. 

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Psychic
Author: TS Rose
Publisher: Apprentice House Press
Pages: 365
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Blue Feathers, Bright Flames by Adrienne Mayse

Blue Feathers, Bright Flames is a YA magical realism short story that was sent to me by the author. Leigh Carpenter can't seem to get herself out of bed, and struggles with depression when she is awake. But when Leigh is asleep, she dreams of a land called Green where she feels lighter and has magic powers. She befriends a fox and bird, who help her fight the Darkness that is destroying it. While her real world and dream world start to blend together, Leigh seeks help from a psychiatrist. 

What's unique about this short story is that the reader actually isn't sure in the end if she really was psychotic and hallucinating (she likely has Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features) or if she really did/does have powers. It is common to have vivid dreams where you have powers and can control the surroundings, and it is true that elements and things from your dreams can be hallucinated. However, the author wove in her hallucinations with actual events in the story; is she hallucinating that another person could see the blue feather, or did she have powers to bring it out of her dreams? Or did she find the feather while walking to school one day and didn't remember it? 

Regardless of that question, the author did a great job in drawing a parallel between her fight with depression in the present and her fight with the Darkness in her dream world. The depiction of depression and the thoughts that go through one's head during their struggle with it was accurate. It is a quick read, but a worthwhile one if someone is looking to learn about depression or Bipolar disorder.

I highly recommend this short story and look forward to more from the author!

Title: Blue Feathers, Bright Flames
Author: Adrienne Mayse
Publisher: Adrienne Mayse via Kindle Direct Publishing
Pages: 98
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Crossing Gate (A Waltz of Sin and Fire #1) by Asiel R. Lavie

The Crossing Gate is the first New Adult dystopian book in the Waltz of Sin and Fire series that was sent to me by the author. In the kingdom of Elpax, transitions between stages in life such as reaching adulthood must be done by walking through a Crossing Gate. Whenever seventeen-year-old Lenora (Leen) tries to cross, she experiences extreme dizziness and feels physically ill. Even stranger is that people aren't supposed to be able to experience emotions such as love until they have crossed into adulthood, and Leen can. On the run for her life, she realizes that she has a destiny to fulfill, and that rebelling might be the only way to save herself and her family. 

Leen has completed a remarkable journey and transformation into a young woman. Oh, my, what a magnificent story!

After a future WW3, the world seems to return to habits like its ancient civilizations, ie. the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian empires mentioned. Also interesting is that it weaves in accurate geography and more modern areas like Guatemala. While being a scifi dystopian book, it is clear to see how one day, our world could end up like theirs.  

It is a very powerful story with immense potential for the series to be as epic and well-known as The Darkest Minds or Delirium or Shatter Me or The Fifth Wave. I can definitely envision a film adaption; its fast pace and vivid setting already reads like an action movie. One of the things I love about getting books from self-published authors or smaller publishers is finding books that deserve more credit than they'll likely get. 

The love triangle between Leen, Jason, and Erick was remarkably set up. There is constantly a lot of information thrown at the reader at once, especially with the lapses of time. But who she has feelings for and why change rapidly along with each secret revealed. By the end, Leen, and myself, aren't sure who she should be with. I also have some questions. For one thing, I don't believe in love at first sight. Was that emotion triggering in her when she spotted Erick something manufactured, forced into her mind as part of her destiny, or would she have felt that way regardless even if she didn't have visions of him beforehand? 

While it is technically labeled as a Young Adult book, I feel that New Adult would be better suited. While the main character is 17, there are many scenes of violence and discussion of sexual content, along the lines of the mistreatment of women in their society. The forced medical exams, interrogations, and overall use of force by law enforcement were extreme, and it made me angry. It made Leen angry, too, but she struggled with coming to terms with what that emotion meant for her, if she's ready to lead a revolution. Luckily, destiny, along with the pent-up frustration of the citizens, ultimately decided for her. I'm excited to see how Leen takes on her new responsibilities and the emotional decisions she will have to make.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: The Crossing Gate (A Waltz of Sin and Fire #1) 
Author: Asiel R. Lavie

Publisher: Absolute Author Publishing House
Pages: 416
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Fallen Thief (Merrows Book 2) by A.M. Robin

Fallen Thief is the second book in the middle grade fantasy series Merrows that was sent to me by the author. While merrows Mira and Kay have returned home, it is not with good news. Two of their dear friends are trapped in everlock sleep, the Shadowveils refuse to leave them or their families alone, and bullies and townsfolk refuse to accept their identity. Ultimately, as their powers grow, so does the magic hidden in their kingdom. Finding a legendary sorcerer deep in the ocean may be their only chance to save their friends.

Sometimes when I read books in a series, and haven't read the previous book in a while, (in this case in 2019), I end up confused and have to go re-read the previous book. Luckily, this wasn't the case. The author did a nice job refreshing the events of the previous story whilst telling this new one. Many books can feel disconnected from each other, but these synchronized.

While a heavy part of the book was on underwater adventures, another very meaningful theme was dealing with peer relations. A lot of people are afraid of what they do not understand and what is different. In addition to fighting the Shadowviels sent by the Empress of the Sea, Mira and Kay have to deal with their peers bullying them and the public's mistrust of their abilities. The children did not handle Collin's harassment well at times, which only made the depiction more realistic. 

Some books are easier to write reviews of than others. Have you ever tried a new food, for example, and liked how it tasted, but couldn't find the words to describe why?  I apologize for how short this is, however it is strangely difficult for me to explain why I enjoyed the story. I will say that Robin has an incredible imagination.

I highly recommend you read this book. See my review of the first book in this series, Hidden Scales. 

Title: Fallen Thief
Author: A.M. Robin
Publisher: A.M. Robin
Pages: 285
Series: Yes, Book 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Roman Identity (The Legend Book 2) by J.U. Scribe

The college semester is officially over, which means that now I have time to read and work on my blog again!

Roman Identity is the YA historical fiction full-length sequel to the middle grade short story Before the Legend. This book takes place 10 years later than the first, and was sent to me by the author. Troy is now 14 years old, and is trying to find his place in the world. His father highly favors his brother, Barbarius, over him, and views Troy as weak. As Troy tries to live up to the expectations and values of his father, he is faced with moral conflict on the treatment of a stray dog and of his slaves that challenges what it means to be a man.

I was very surprised that Troy had to write an essay on how history still lives in the present, as the teacher should have known that a key part of PTSD and childhood trauma is how it never fully goes away and still impacts them as adults. It is, however, a great opening to a central theme of the story and plotline. The pain of losing his mother has shaped his perspective on life and who he is, and I liked Troy's character development of realizing his own potential and that running from his pain will not heal him. 

Troy struggles with the emotional neglect of his family and his empathy for others being viewed as a weakness. He is faced with great challenge of either being himself or being the man that his father expects. He sees that slaves are people too, and treats them with kindness and mercy, contrary to the beliefs his father and brother hold. Kindness and respect for all people and animals is a trait that should be a strength in not only a leader, but a human. As it is historical fiction, Roman Identity is also educational for Roman society. 

I recommend this book! See my review of the first book here. 

Title: Roman Identity
Author: J.U. Scribe
Publisher: J.U. Scribe
Pages: 331
Series: Yes, Book 2 of 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Goodbye Song by Karl Kristian Flores

The Goodbye Song is an anthology collection featuring 10 poems, sonnets, haikus, letters, scenes, objects, definitions, directions, entries, and recipes that was sent to me by the author. It also won the 2021 American Fiction Award in Poetry: Anthologies.

The poems vary in rhyming sequences; some are abac pattern, (which is personally my favorite when writing traditional poetry since it allows for more flexibility) and some are aabb, and some are in free verse. Free verse poetry takes more skill since the possibilities are endless of what to write, and I struggle with that sometimes. "Sometimes I Cry When I ‘Donate’" is my favorite, not because of the length, but because of the raw honesty and important truths of homelessness and difficult family relationships. "I wish to live in a world where one day parents don’t say/'I worked my whole life for you,' but rather: 'I loved you every day.'" I find sonnets extremely fun to write, as I am very detailed-oriented. The intricacy of sonnets require vast skill and creativity. The author has that in spades. 

The letters that wrote to inanimate objects or personified ideas and were quite creative and hilarious like "Dear Stomach". (This is unrelated, but I love writing the opposite- from the viewpoint of the object or idea to a person.) But others were also serious in their own way, like "Dear Followers" and "Dear High School". I related to "Dear High School." For instance, I completely agree that the focus of history education in memorization of dates and fights and spelling of them is pointless compared to why's and how's. I also love physical textbooks like the boy named Shaun who 'wrote' it. One of the reasons I want to be a science teacher is because of this line: "Science is exciting, but you didn’t tell me why it was important... and so we became, like all teenagers before us, conditioned to try and not know why."

Of the short stories, the title of the book, The Goodbye Song, was my favorite and most relatable as I hate saying goodbye to teachers and leaving school. Of significant irony, Goodbye by Slipknot is playing on iHeartRadio as I type this. The diary/journaling sections were interesting to say the least. I always tried journaling but I could never actually remember to write in it so the entries ended up being something like this: "Dear Diary- now I'll tell you what happened in my life over the past 5 months." These characters were certainly much more dedicated than I was. Have you ever thought about doing a time capsule, writing a letter to yourself in the future? Well, stop putting it off or before you know it you'll be the age you were supposed to be reading it!

I actually thought going into this that the author was going to write 10 actual recipes that I could try to make; boy was I wrong! These are satires. Good thing I never liked tomato juice. The Nutrition Facts are more like lessons and key takeaways, which I suppose is accurate with the good cultural emphasis on eating healthier and making decisions based on the nutrition label.

I recommend this book! I would put this book in the new New Adult category and I recommend this book for readers 18+ due to some mature content. I would say that one complaint is that it is difficult to determine the audience as some of the poems and short stories are obviously for older adults such as "bedsheets" and some can be for high school students.

Title: The Goodbye Song
Author: Karl Kristian Flores
Publisher: Karl Kristian Flores
Pages: 311
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Idriel's Children (Odriel's Heirs Book 2) and Burning Shadows (Odriel's Heirs Book 1.5) by Hayley Reese Chow

Idriel's Children is the second book in the YA fantasy series Odriel's Heirs series. This book, as well as book 1.5, Burning Shadows, was sent to me by the author. Over 20 years after Kaia and Klaus, the Dragon and Shadow Heirs, defeat Idriel, they have children together. Aza inherits Klaus' gift for the shadows and invisibility, while her brother inherits their mother's fire. Aza has been warned repeatedly by her father to not cross into the Shadow Plane, the world between life and death, but she cannot resist the whispers calling for her aid. In following them, she faces shocking revelations about not only herself, but the world she thought she has known.

Aza faces some heavy internal conflict and learns some tough lessons. The shadow heir is also known as an assassin, having the strength of mind to kill without the devastating moral toll. As such, it comes with a burden of a curse of being destined to be alone. Despite having those who deeply care about her by her side, Aza believes that and the incapacity for her to have friends. In the end, she truly learns that being alone is a fate perhaps worse than death. Seeing her open up to emotion and the resulting heartbreak was tear-jerking. 

I read Idriel's Children out of order. I should have read Burning Shadows first! As a result, I did not realize that Kaia was Ava's mother and was slightly confused. Looking back now, many small moments in Idriel's Children are clearer. I am normally a bit weary of short stories, as some I've read don't have a significant amount of detail or plot development. This was not the case, and I was pleasantly surprised. Burning Shadows focuses on the emergence of the Rastgol and one particularly brutal fight that challenges and strengthens Kaia and Klaus' relationship. It's a touching story of partnership and loyalty. It does contain some disturbing images and torture tactics, and Kaia struggled with her morals on how to fight with mercy despite them not deserving it.

I highly recommend these books! Chow has promised for there to be another full book in the Ordriel's Heirs series, Time's Orphan, and a book 2.5 that she is hoping to publish late 2022. I can't wait to read them!

Read my review of the first book, Odriel's Heirs, here.  Also see my review of the author's middle grade fantasy book The Gatekeeper of Pericael here.

Title: Idriel's Children and Burning Shadows 
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Publisher: Hayley Reese Chow
Pages: 203 and 68
Series: Yes, Book 2 and 1.5
Rating: Both 5 Stars
Book 2 Goodreads

Book 1.5 Goodreads

Jonathan: Prince of Dreams (The Jonathan Trilogy Book 1) by A. Corrin

Jonathan: Prince of Dreams is the first book in a YA fantasy trilogy. This book was sent to me by the author. Teenager Jonathan He'klarr's life is not ideal. His mother was murdered before he was born, and his father is an abusive alcoholic. Not to mention Griffin, the notoriously evil bully, seems to be escalating his attacks. Paired with one disaster after another and callings in his dreams of a heroic destiny, Jonathan senses that everything he knew about the world is about to change.

Corrin is a very talented writer, and I am surprised that this is her first book! The writing quality is stronger than many other books that I have read. This book is wild- both literally and figuratively! This was such an insane story, and I admire the author’s vast creativity to come up with such a tale! Jonathan: Prince of Dreams reminded me in first impressions to Lisa McMann's Unwanteds series.

I really hope that in the next book he can find a way to reconnect with Niki and Tyson and make amends with his father. I have no idea how I would be able to cope with everything he's been through. I appreciate that the author wrote Jonathan with a short temper, but made sure that his anger was always justified. I hope those in the real world keep searching for him and never give up hope that he will return. Apparently the previous king could go into other's dreams and warn leaders about future catastrophes. It would be amazing if Jonathan could work together with his friends and family, embracing both sides of him.

I highly recommend this book and am excited to read the next!

Title: Jonathan: Prince of Dreams
Author: A. Corrin
Publisher: A. Corrin
Pages: 340
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 3
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads