Foiled by Carey Fessler

Foiled is a middle grade historical fiction book with a touch of fantasy, based on the conspiracy theories surrounding the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico UFO sighting. This book was sent to me by the author. In a U.S. Army base in Roswell, New Mexico, eleven-year-old Billy's father brings home "magic memory foil" from the alien crash site, and Billy shows it to his friend Kate. The CIA arrives, determined to collect the artifact at all costs. The two kids run away with the foil, discovering it gives Kate the ability to read minds.

I liked the concept of the memory foil and its mystery. I enjoyed the controversy of who to trust, and the foil gave them quite an advantage. While I am left with quite a lot of unanswered questions, it is how it is in real life. I appreciate that rather than the author making up answers to the questions, he left it up to the reader to decide, just like how it was basically left at the time.

It was suspenseful and very exciting. It felt like an action movie with all the adrenaline and fear at times. I loved watching them run away and all the issues they faced. I liked how this book depicted running away realistically, full of anxiety and hardship. I loved the ending, as it was peaceful and wrapped it up quite nicely.

I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read it again!

Title: Foiled

Author: Carey Fessler

Publisher: Foeg

Pages: 252

Series: No

Rating: 5 Stars

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Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman

Backlash is a YA realistic fiction book showing the consequences of cyberbullying. Lara was friends with a boy named Christian on Facebook who went to a school nearby. They've talked online for weeks, becoming more than friends. But when he tells her that she's a loser and the world's better off without her, Lara attempts to end her life. It is soon discovered that Christian wasn't even real- it was a fake profile made by her former best friend, Bree. This book follows the events before and after the cyberbullying occurred, and its devastating effects on everyone involved.

I love how this book also shows the bully's prospective. Many assume that the bully is bad and deserves to be hated, or even bullied in response, like how everyone treated Bree afterwards. Bree wasn't an awful person, she just didn't think before she acted. A "fun" joke turned deadly, and not even Bree wanted that to happen. Readers got to see how it deeply affected her and her family.

I also enjoyed how the book gave a timeline of events, switching back and forth between the present and the past, as well as multiple POV's. While I originally thought it would be confusing, it definitely was not. I enjoyed Syd and Liam's voices (the siblings) as they were in a tricky spot being caught in the middle. I loved how the book teaches the consequences of cyberbullying and reminds readers that whatever you post or type can never be taken back.

I am glad that I bought this very eye-opening book and I highly recommend it!

Title: Backlash
Author: Sarah Darer Littman
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 336
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

Kingdom Cold is a YA fantasy novel about a Princess' transition from spoiled and pampered to a brave warrior queen. This book was sent to me by the author and is released today!

An arranged marriage to Prince Young is the last thing that Princess Charlotte wanted. But when her kingdom is under attack and her mother renegotiates the marriage to save the kingdom, Charlotte is stuck with a murderer for a husband. She'll just have to learn to fight and use her smarts to take back her kingdom and marry Young instead.

Ultimately the characters will suffer grief and loss as they fight to survive. Simultaneously, the characters also unravel what it means to love someone- not for their political power, but their personality and who they are as a person, and how to find the sliver of hope in every situation. I adored watching Charlotte evolve from being spoiled, moody, and whinny to blossoming into a courageous leader and protector. I love how she never gave up on what she wanted

The romance felt real and gradual without any cliche's. It was an extremely diverse set of characters, and I enjoyed the multiple POV's. I was fully engrossed in the setting of their world and I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read! I hope that Chenelle will eventually write a sequel to the story because the epilogue, in my opinion, was quite a leap and did not suffice to put to bed the surprising ending. But I love that there is not always a happily-ever-after, which made this book feel more realistic.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Publisher: Not Avail
Pages: 278
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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Eternal Soul by Karimah Colden

Eternal Soul is the first book in the YA fantasy trilogy, Eternal. This book was sent to me by the author. Reign Elise La' Roche has always had her talents. Not simply just her flawless artistic skills, but her sixth sense. Her family beholds an ancient bloodline of magick that she's previously rejected. But when her life is in danger, Reign must accept her other superhuman skills to protect herself, her family, and her friends.

While the main characters are adults, this book is more than appropriate for a teenage audience. I learned a lot about African culture and I was fascinated to discover the history and powers of hoodoo magic, as well as the many religious syncretisms in New Orleans. Eternal Soul is not only a fantastical novel but an educational one, too.

The writing and language was simply beautiful and elegantly descriptive. I loved observing Reign's transformations and embracement of her bloodline. The imagery was superior and I thoroughly enjoyed not only watching Reign suffer, but seeing her triumph and pull through. The characters were a complete mystery, and I had fun trying to guess which man was there to steal her heart or her life, or simply just interested in her beautiful paintings.

I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading the next installation, Eternal Love.

Title: Eternal Soul

Author: Karimah Colden
Publisher: Karimah Colden (self-published)
Pages: 207

Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars
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Obsidian Fragrance (Bronze Rebellion #4) by L.C. Perry

Obsidian Fragrance is the fourth and final book in the YA dystopian series Bronze Rebellion that was sent to me by the author. Princess Irene heads back to the rebels with grand news; Ebony is her sister, an illegal child of the King. As the two princesses return to the palace to kill the King and Queen and take Irene's rightful place on the throne inside, the ultimate war looms outside. As the Rebellion of the Free pulls out all the stops, many will make the ultimate sacrifices for freedom.

Obsidian Fragrance is a show stopping final battle! It was very emotional and filled with lots of loss. This book clearly illustrates the cost of war. However, I loved that whenever they lost someone, they put their anger into revenge and strength for battle. Yes, there was gory and heartbreak, but the underlying tone of hope was so powerful and inspiring. I have real respect for these people. While Obsidian Fragrance contained devastating losses, the characters' determination and love for each other was enormous.

This book, in accordance with all of the others, were extremely well-written and a totally amazing quality. I loved watching all the characters grow into the warriors and rulers they came to be. I felt like they were human beings, and I know that out there in some countries there are people sharing their struggles. The overall theme of family was beautiful, and I cherished the breaths of romance. I personally love when there's an epilogue, because I get to see the future. It concluded the series happily and wonderfully.

I highly recommend this book and this series!

Title: Obsidian Fragrance
Author: L.C. Perry
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Pages: 350
Series: Yes, Book 4 of 4
Rating: 5 Stars
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Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker

Music Boxes is a middle grade fantasy book that was sent to me by the publisher. It comes out on March 5, 2019. Lindsey is an amazing ballerina, and has just moved to New York. Soon after arriving, she meets the mysterious Madame Destinée who offers dance classes for free in exchange for participation in a performance every night in a magical studio. However, soon Lindsey realizes that Madame has evil intentions of turning the students into music boxes and stealing their talent.

While somewhat predictable, the plotline was also fascinating and I was perfectly entertained. This is a great leisure read. I love the bond Lindsey has with her sister, and I love how she was included in the climax. This book has the perfect balance of creepiness and fun. I loved the transition between lovely to fear. Lindsey's unease flew off the pages. Extremely well written, the imagery was highly present and I could full envision their magical world.

The tale was so sweet, creative, and relatable to young girls. I love how Music Boxes teaches how there's no shortcut to success. You have to work for your dreams to come true. The mystery aspect was very cool, and I enjoyed guessing how the story was going to turn out and how she'd beat the witch. The climatic scene at the end was amazing, and my pulse was racing along with Lindsey's fear and determination. The ending was bittersweet, and wrapped up the story nicely. The cover is also very creative and highly representative.

I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to read it again!

Title: Music Boxes
Author: Tonja Drecker

Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press
Pages: 158

Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars

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Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Love Letters to the Dead is a YA realistic fiction book about coping with guilt and loss. Laurel's older sister, May, fell off a bridge and died, leaving behind a broken family and a traumatized little sister who blames herself. Her English teacher gave an assignment to write a letter to a dead person, and before Laurel knows it, she has a notebook full of them, illustrating her childhood and the close bond between her and May. Through these letters and her new friendships, she discovers that only by accepting what happened can she truly forgive herself and move forward.

This is a profoundly moving tribute to grief, written with sensitivity and care. The story was heartbreaking, as well as beautiful at the same time. I applaud the author for including so many controversial topics, from suicide, abuse, and alcoholism to LGBTQ romance. Every character was deeply flawed and learning to heal from a variety of tragic experiences. Love Letters to the Dead is a journey of acceptance and forgiveness.

I love the format of this book as letters. It was easier for her to write to someone who will never read it, because she could be free to be honest to herself without judgement from others. Love Letters to the Dead is about loving and forgiving yourself, and letting go of the past.This is an extremely emotional, intense read that will leave you with tears in your eyes. Laurel largely developed as a person and I loved seeing her transform into self-love and respect.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Love Letters to the Dead
Author: Ava Dellaira

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Pages: 336
Series: No

Rating: 5 Stars

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Dead Ends by Erin Jade Lange

Dead Ends is an inspirational YA book. Dane is a bully, and is one suspension away from being expelled. Everyone's afraid of him, except for Billy, his new next door neighbor. While he drives Dane insane, Dane has a rule not to hurt girls or people with disabilities. Billy mistakes his ignorance for friendship, and ends up dragging Dane into helping him find his dad through a series of puzzles.

It was hard to like Dane, especially in the beginning, but after awhile he grew on me. Yes, he's a bully, but he is also a human who makes mistakes. I personally love books that feature a narrator who is troubled because I get to see their internal dialogue and find out why. I love books that tackle stereotypes such as this one, because I get to see what's going on in their life, why they act a certain way because we can't see that just by looking at someone in real life. Billy kept asking Dane the same question over and over throughout the book: "Why do people hit?"

Dane thought he was doing the right thing, protecting others and hurting people who "deserved it". He didn't know that he was being a bully- and that's the most insightful part of this book. Nobody is hopeless, especially not a bully. They can learn to change their ways and be a better person. There's potential in everyone that schools and peers often miss. think that when people picture a bully, they see a monster, a tyrant, or someone to always run away from- not a human who doesn't know any better and needs help but is too scared to admit it. Most, unfortunately including myself, don't stop to ask why. Dead Ends teaches readers that everybody needs a friend.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Dead Ends
Author: Erin Jade Lange

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 336

Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Shield of Nike (A War on the Gods Companion Story) by A.P. Mobley

The Shield of Nike is a YA short story prequel to the War on the Gods series. This new fantasy book was sent to me by the author, and releases today. Valeria and her friend Greg were out hiking and proclaiming their love for each other when the Greek Gods attacked Earth in a violent storm. Valeria is knocked unconscious when a shield falls from the sky. Awakened by a voice in her head, she is shocked to discover that her world has been decimated and Greg is missing. She also learns that she is a demigod, the daughter of Nike, caught between a war with humanity and the Gods. In order to find Greg, she must use her newfound powers to fend off the monsters that roam and discover who she truly is.

This a quick, fun read! I loved Valeria's sarcastic, funny attitude that made her character come alive! I enjoyed her inner dialogue and internal conflict that made her character come alive! The imagery was fantastic and I could fully envision every detail. This tale was extremely fast paced and exciting. I am impressed at the quality of writing and plot development for such a short tale. I am happy with the ending and how it set the stage for The Helm of Darkness. My only complaint would be that the story felt too short, and I wanted more. 

I recommend that you read this book and this series!  I am looking forward to reading the second book in the  series, Poseidon's Trident, released in November 2019.

Read my review of the first book in this series, The Helm of Darkness!

Title: The Shield of Nike
Author: A.P. Mobley
Publisher: Sea of Ink Press

Pages: 104

Series: Yes, Prequel
Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten YA New Books in 2019

One of the most exciting things about a new year is new books to read! Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by That Artsy Reader Girl. If you want to participate, click here. The theme for this week is Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2019. The following books are in order of release date.

1. The Last Eight by Laura Pohl

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

After aliens invade and destroy Earth, only eight people on the planet are left alive.

2. Once and Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy

Release Date: March 5th, 2019

When Ari Helix pulls a magic sword out of the ground, she is revealed to be a reincarnation of King Arthur and must fight evil in the galaxy and unite the people of Earth. 

3. The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess

Release Date: March 5th, 2019

Victoria is dumped in a foster home while her stepsister is left behind with their abusive father. She tries to get through senior year, but she can't forget about her past. 

4. Focused by Allison Gerber

Release Date: March 26th, 2019

Clea has been diagnosed with ADHD, and is desperately trying to find a way to focus.

5. Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd 

 Mallie enters a competition where she has to train a flying horse to defeat the monsters lurking in the mountain. If she wins she earns a life of luxury, but fighting for her life uncovers a grave mystery. 

6. The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

Release Date: April 4th, 2019

Sam and his older brother are homeless, and survives by breaking into people's houses for food when they are away. One day he gets caught- but rather than call the police, this huge family takes them in. 

7. Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

Release Date: April 9th, 2019

Katya has the power to control ice, and is banished from her village and sent to live with the Prince, who can control fire. Instead of punishment, he invites her to join forces to save their kingdom from an approaching army.

8. These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling

Release Date: May 28th, 2019

Hannah is one of the elemental witches in Salem, and if she uses her powers in front of mortals, she will lose them. She must make the ultimate sacrifice to save her town from the evil Blood Witch. 

9. Impossible Music by Sean Williams

Release Date: July 2nd, 2019

Simon, a musician, is devastated when a stroke leaves him deaf. 

10. The Year they Fell by David Kreizman

Release Date: July 30th, 2019

When Josie, Jack, Archie, Harrison, and Dayana's parents die in the same plane crash, they are left with nobody but each other to lean on.