The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Title: The Lady Rogue

Author: Jenn Bennett
Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA
Series: N/A
Hardcover, 372 pages
Publication: September 3, 2019 by Simon Pulse
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

Bennett returns to fantasy after a long hiatus and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I am a big fan of her Arcadia Bell series (if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out!) and was excited to see her take within the Young Adult genre. In The Lady Rouge, Bennett tackles Romanian history and the infamous Vlad Țepeș, the inspiration for Dracula.

The Lady Rouge had a lot to love from the history, myths, the occult, to treasure hunting and adventure abroad. The novel is narrated by sixteen-year-old Theodora a.k.a ‘Little Empress', and I must say the nickname is befitting. The story started immediately, dropping readers in a bazaar in the middle of Istanbul with Theo being apprehended for stealing. From there the story kept an ascending trajectory with nonstop action as Theo and Huck, a childhood friend turned lover is chased across Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania in search of her father.

I loved how Bennett combined history with a subtle supernatural element. I thought the plot of a magical artifact and lineage was very clever and well-suited to the story. While the story was mainly about finding her father, it was also equally heavy on the romance aspect. I felt like Theo was pining over Huck every chance she got or begrudging him for leaving without notice a year prior in between being chase and at death’s door. But I understand young adolescent, they can be quite fickle.

In between the chapters, readers can also find Fox’s (Theo’s dad) journal entries which was a nice touch to Theo piecing the clues together. The ending wrapped up nicely and am not sure if this was intended for a series but either way, I found it satisfying. All in all, a good novel, if you’re looking for a book with a lot of action and romance with a touch of supernatural, then this book might be of interest!



Brave Face by Shaun David Hutchinson

Title: Brave Face: A Memoir
Author: Shaun David Hutchinson
Genre: Young-Adult
Series: N/A

Hardcover, 368 pages
Publication: May 21, 2019 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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“I wasn’t depressed because I was gay. I was depressed and gay.”

Shaun David Hutchinson was nineteen. Confused. Struggling to find the vocabulary to understand and accept who he was and how he fit into a community in which he couldn’t see himself. The voice of depression told him that he would never be loved or wanted, while powerful and hurtful messages from society told him that being gay meant love and happiness weren’t for him.

A million moments large and small over the years all came together to convince Shaun that he couldn’t keep going, that he had no future. And so he followed through on trying to make that a reality.

Thankfully Shaun survived, and over time, came to embrace how grateful he is and how to find self-acceptance. In this courageous and deeply honest memoir, Shaun takes readers through the journey of what brought him to the edge, and what has helped him truly believe that it does get better.

I’ve never been a fan of non-fiction, and a lesser fan of biographies. But my goal this year was to expand my reading and read books out of my comfort zone. So, when Brave Face was offered for review, I thought, what perfect timing! Brave Face is a memoir written by popular Young Adult author, Shawn Hutchinson who mainly pens contemporaries. Those of which I haven’t had the pleasure of reading…yet. While Hutchinson touches on similar issues in his other novels, Brave Face is his personal story, giving readers an in-depth look at the author’s life growing up in the 80’s and 90’s battling severe depression while figuring out who he was and what he wanted to be.

In Brave Face, Hutchinson covers a multitude of sensitive and triggering topics such as sex, identity, suicide, depression and drugs. Hutchinson effectively puts his life on display in a way that captures the reader like any good story but is also educational on the above mention topics in a way that’s relatable; something that cannot be taught in school or by parents/families. He tells it like it is and doesn’t sugarcoat anything for the audience. It was personal, real and raw. I appreciated every word of it.

I personally connected with Hutchinson on what it was like being an adolescent (pre, in the 90's) and dealing with depression. The angst was real back then and literally every minuscule thing or incident felt like the end of the world! But on a whole, I think this will resonate with many, if not all teens on self-discovery and identity. At one point in all our lives, we’ve questioned ourselves and I’m sure wore a ton of different masks to try to fit in and be accepted by our peers and then society. Depression was a big theme in this book and it is no joke, I’ve been there as well, and it let me just say, it will eat you from the inside out if you let the voices in your head consume you. Hutchinson’s descriptions about depression was scary accurate from the onset of it to the aftermath; showing us that it doesn’t only hurt the one depressed but goes beyond that to friends and families.

Brave Face is more relevant than ever, especially with today’s societal climate. I think it’s mainly billed towards the LGBT community, but this book was so, so much more than that. It’s a book about life and growing up. There were two beautiful nuggets of wisdom that I took from Hutchinson’s memoir, first is that, life is hard and it’s okay NOT to be okay sometimes. Everything takes time and every moment of our lives is a work-in-progress. Go at your own pace. And secondly, don’t ever feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help. We all feel lonely sometimes, but we’re never really alone.

 All in all, I very much enjoyed Brave Face and am not ashamed to say that I totally ugly cried multiple times in the book. It was all sorts of beautiful, melancholic, humorous and heart-wrenching in your face awesomeness…and I was hooked from the very first page. And now, I must go and add Hutchinson’s back-list to my ever-growing TBR pile.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Title: The Last Magician 
Author: Lisa Maxwell
Genre: Young Adult
Series: The Last Magician #1

Hardcover, 512 Pages
Publication: July 18, 2017 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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In modern-day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives.

Esta is a talented thief, and she’s been raised to steal magical artifacts from the sinister Order that created the Brink. With her innate ability to manipulate time, Esta can pilfer from the past, collecting these artifacts before the Order even realizes she’s there. And all of Esta’s training has been for one final job: traveling back to 1902 to steal an ancient book containing the secrets of the Order—and the Brink—before the Magician can destroy it and doom the Mageus to a hopeless future.

But Old New York is a dangerous world ruled by ruthless gangs and secret societies, a world where the very air crackles with magic. Nothing is as it seems, including the Magician himself. And for Esta to save her future, she may have to betray everyone in the past. 

The Last Magician has been on my radar since the cover reveal months ago. After seeing it and reading the synopsis I knew it was going to be one of 2017’s most wanted/anticipated novels. And it certainly was, staying on the NYT Bestseller List for weeks! The Last Magician had a lot going for it involving magic, politics, societal issues, time-traveling, heist/con, well-thought out world building, great characters and so much more. Unlike most YA novels on the market, The Last Magician was pretty hefty in terms of page number and had a complex world-building. I thought Maxwell did an amazing job capturing New York during the 1900’s. The vivid imagery/details clearly showed the amount of time and research that went into the story. I truly felt as if I was there and that the characters were realistic, made whole/fleshed as if they were alive. I love the whole Gangs of New York feel with Magic (Yes, I know the movie is set in the 1800’s)!

At a glance, you’d expect or assume The Last Magician to be some sort of boarding school novel with magical users dealing with adolescent issues. Nope. The Last Magician was more dark, gritty and it had a whole lot of street smarts involved. I loved Maxwell’s take on magicians and the magic system. Maegus, are those born with magical powers and are feared by the common man who put up a magical/aetheral barrier “The Brink” to severely damage/kill those who posses any hint of magic because they believed it to be evil and feral. I liked that the majority of our characters are also approximately eighteen-years-old to late twenties, and back then the times made one grow-up even quicker than they wanted to. Our heroine, Etsa is seventeen but from a young age she was taught to be a weapon, using her training and ability to make her a undetectable and uncatchable thief. I adore Etsa, she’s independent, a quick thinker, resourceful and smart. Dolph’s crew was an eclectic bunch, all Maegus of varying abilities with the common goal of taking down the order, bringing magic back to it’s former glory and to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Each member was distinctly unique and had an interesting back story that I wouldn’t mind exploring more of like; Jianyu and Viola, both related to rival gangs, but find themselves in the employment/gang of Dolph Saunder, an enigmatic character (it’d be awesome to see his rise to power, I see a story or novella in the future!)

While The Last Magician is part time-traveling, the majority of the story is set in the past in the year 1901. Which I didn’t mind, I am quite fond of this century. All in all, The Last Magician lived up to the hype and was way better than what I expected. I love everything about this book. I am so glad this is part of a duology because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters.Despite the book clocking out at over 500 page, it was a quick read that had me from the very first page! The beginning was a bit confusing jumping back and forth from the past and present, but it was a good surprise when all the thread came together. And that ending! I was so engrossed into what was happening that I didn’t even see it coming, talk about a shocker! Loved it! If you haven’t read this new series starter, go out and get it now. I highly recommend it!

Confessions of a High School Disaster: Chloe Snow's Diary by Emma Chastain

Title: Confessions of a High School Disaster: Chloe Snow's 
Diary
Author: Emma Chastain
Genre:Contemporary, Young Adult
Series: N/A

Hardcover, 352 pages
Publication:March 7, 2017 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy from Saichek Publicity/Simon and Schuster in exchange for a honest review. 

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In the tradition of Bridget Jones’s Diary, a lovably flawed high school student chronicles her life as she navigates the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love in a diary that sparkles with humor and warmth.

I’m Chloe Snow, and my life is kiiiiind of a disaster.

1. I’m a kissing virgin (so so so embarrassing).
2. My best friend, Hannah, is driving me insane.3 .I think I’m in love with Mac Brody, senior football star, whose girlfriend is so beautiful she doesn’t even need eyeliner.
4. My dad won’t stop asking me if I’m okay.
5. Oh, and my mom moved to Mexico to work on her novel. But it’s fine—she’ll be back soon. She said so.

Mom says the only thing sadder than remembering is forgetting, so I’m going to write down everything that happens to me in this diary. That way, even when I’m ninety, I’ll remember how awkward and horrible and exciting it is to be in high school.

I'm normally not a fan of Diary Style novels but Confessions of a High School Disaster was billed as a teen Bridget Jones’s Diary, so of course I had to read it! I adored the films (haven’t read the books) so I knew I was going to enjoy Confessions of a High School Disaster and I did! Readers follow Chloe as she chronicles her first year in high school, family life, friends, and boy crushes. Dealing with her Mom's absent and the ups and downs of high school. This book was so much fun and had me laughing-out-loud and grinning like a fool!

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be: Authentic. Chloe’s voice rang true, a real 14 year-old. Many Young Adult novels are obviously written by adults, rarely is a book written by a teen…but we do have writers in their early 20’s. There are many great Young Adult novels don’t get me wrong but never has any author truly captured the voice/life of a teen so well and so accurately. I felt like I was actually reading a real-life fourteen year old Chloe’s diary. Chloe was absolutely hilarious. The things she says are so honest and are exactly what a typical teenager would say. And the things she did were exactly what a teen would do.

I mean, yeah there were some questionable and not nice things that Chloe did. She went to parties that of course involved drinking and she talked about sex a lot but again, that was exactly what high school was like for most teens. We may want to pretend that it was all unicorns and rainbows, but who are we kidding….high school had it spectacular moments and it’s crash and burn moments. She made a lot of mistakes throughout her first year in high school, and there were ugly consequences that followed. And I definitely know of a few Chloes back in my day. The important things is that Chloe made mistakes (which is human) and she learned from them. She’s realistic and I am positive many readers can relate to her at one time or another.

Confessions of a High School Disaster was an enjoyable and charming read. If you’re looking for a fun, happy and light read or need to get out of a reading stump…then this book will get the job done! Confessions of a High School Disaster will have you giggling till your funny bone hurt!

Review: Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let the Storm Break
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Sky Fall #2

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the publicist in exchange for a honest review.

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Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance. By the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own.

But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.

With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?

Let the Storm Break is the second installment in Messenger’s Sky Fall series, following dual narratives of the predestined Sylph King Vane and his guardian Audra. The book takes place approximately a month after the events of the first book. Vane is still adjusting to his role as Sylph King (air elemental, wind-walker) and his new bond with Audra. Audra on the other hand is in shocked that she broke her oath as a Gale Guardian by bonding with Vane, who she was suppose to only watch over and protect; so instead of facing the consequences she runs to put as much distance as possible between herself and Vane. Meanwhile, Raiden (Ex-Gale Guardian gone rouge) is doing whatever is necessary to capture Vane; to possess the powers of the fourth wind language.

The second book in the story did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed Let the Storm Break; it was just as good as the first book if not a tad better. In the first book the story focused mostly on training Vane in the four different wind languages and teaching him the sylph history. With the foundation of the story already laid out in the first book, readers delve deeper into the politics and aspects of the Gale Force, we get a better glimpse and understanding of Raiden, and Vane and Audra’s relationship is tested from all sides.

Audra and Vane were probably a part for the majority of the book, but never once did that affect their love for one another or their relationship. Audra and Vane both go through a self-discovery journey (Audra more so than Vane) this time around, everything that they thought they knew gets turned up on its side and they can’t do anything but take it one step at a time and put the welfare of the people above their own needs. Audra was getting a lot of backlash for leaving Vane, for wanting space and a break after she devoted 10 years of her life protecting him. I didn't think Audra was selfish at all, I mean she deserved a break; especially after she found out her mom lied to her, her entire life.  While on this ‘self discovery/reflection’ Audra was captured by a man long thought dead and she came face-to-face with Raiden. Audra utilized her knowledge of the fourth language to the best of her abilities and was able to get out of both situations alive. I really admired Audra’s determination, courage and strength… it’s everything that I look for in a character. I think this is the type of role model teens should be reading about; not like the whiny, annoying, damsel in distress found in other YAs. But this isn't to say she’s not affected by little things, she is after all still a teenage girl. For example, Audra questioned herself and her relationship to Vane when she returned home and saw Vane with his ex-betroth Solana (No, this isn't a love-triangle…thank goodness). However, the addition of Solana’s character wasn't a strain on their relationship, but instead made it stronger.

Vane’s character in my opinion hasn't really grown much over the course of book two. Vane wasn't any better at mastering the three winds or his own westerly language or as a strategist or fighter.  Audra was able to learn Westerly through their bond and yet she was better at controlling the wind than Vane. For most the book Vane was moping around wondering when Audra would return, and even when he knew Raiden was on his way….all he could think about is if Audra still loves him or not. It wasn't till the last 2-3 chapters that he took his role more seriously but what really made him jump into his role as King wasn't seeing his hometown pulverized or all Gale Force wiped out…it was because Audra was in danger.  I wish he stepped more into a leadership role early on, especially when the Gales and humans depended on him.

Let the Storm Break was a bit slow but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I was intrigued by all the new characters and loved learning about Raiden and the scary things he was capable of doing. Let the Storm Break might be lacking in the romance department (the first book was heavy on the romance) but it was full of action, suspense, and had a load of new fascinating characters that I didn't mind at all.  Messenger weaved yet another captivating book and expanded on her already unique world building. Messenger has an incredible way with words, sucking readers into the story right from the first page and had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I’m a big fan of this series and her MG series. She is definitely another writer to watch! The book ended on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I know it’s going to be crazy good!

Review: Exile by Shannon Messenger

Title: Exile 
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: MG, Fantasy
Series: Keeper of the Lost Cities #2

Hardcover, 576 pages

Publication: October 1,2013 by Aladdin 

Source: I received an Arc from the publicist. 

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Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together.

But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there. And when Sophie discovers new messages and clues from the mysterious Black Swan group, she’s forced to take a terrifying risk—one that puts everyone in incredible danger.

As long buried secrets rise to the surface, it’s once again up to Sophie to uncover hidden memories—before someone close to her is lost forever.

Sophie and the gang are all back in EXILE, the second installment in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger.  The story begins with Sophie discovering a rare creature that the councils have been searching for millenniums, an alicorn (unicorn with wings). The alicorn is put into Sophie and Grady’s care for rehabilitation in time for a timeline reset celebration and eventually the alicorn home in the sanctuary (where all rehabilitated rare animals go to). Meanwhile, Sophie is still trying to learn more about her abilities and worrying about her second year at Foxfire Academy.  Days leading up to Sophie’s return to Foxfire, she discovers cryptic messages from the ‘terrorists’/rebellion’ group The Black Swan urging her to find answers to her past by visiting a particular person…Prentice, the keeper for the Black Swan except Prentice is locked away in Exile, an undisclosed location that only a handful of people know about.

EXILE, is a terrific follow-up book in the series. Messengers definitely delivers in this sequel as she takes readers from a school setting to explore other dark and mysterious parts of the Elvin world. The book focuses mainly on Sophie’s endless abilities and her relationship to the Black Swan group. Readers discover alongside Sophie what really makes her different from the others (genes), how and why the Black Swan Group created her in the first place (one of their many goals/tasks that they need her to fulfill). 

The main theme of family and friendship is once again present in EXILE, and just as heart-warming. Sophie has a strong support system, but ties are strained when someone close to Sophie is on the brink of death/destruction. Sophie learns to rely on her amazing guardian/parents that care for her dearly and friends particularly Keefe this time around. Trying to do everything on her own and keeping secrets started to take a toll, but eventually Sophie was able let other help shoulder the burden. 

There were some characters from book 1 that took the back seat this time around only popping up for a few scenes here and there, but I was glad to see a character that we met at the end of book 1 make a solid addition to book 2. Sandor, Sophie’s goblin body guard literally shadows Sophie wherever she goes and their bickering with one another was just hilarious. I was also happy that we got to see more of Keefe, he was a comical relief during the more dark-serious scenes (but he was serious when it mattered). 

I love EXILE, and after reading it, it has cemented itself as one of my all-time favorite series. Messenger weaves another amazing adventure with characters you can’t help but love and care about. If you’re looking for a series you can get lost in, this is it. I’ve written this in my last review but I’ll say it again; this may be a middle-grade series but it WILL appeal beyond its core audience, definitely a book/series for all ages. I highly recommend Keeper of the Lost Cities & EXILE, you will not be disappointed!  I can’t wait for book 3, dying to know more about the Black Swan, Prentice and of course  to see more of Sophie and her wonderful friends and family. 

Early review: Bang by Lisa McMann

Title: Bang
Author: Lisa McMann
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Series: Visions #2

Hardcover, 256 pages

Publication: October 8, 2013 by Simon Pulse

Source: Arc received from publicist in exchange for a honest review All opinions are my own. 

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Jules should be happy. She saved a lot of people’s lives and she’s finally with Sawyer, pretty much the guy of her dreams. But the nightmare’s not over, because she somehow managed to pass the psycho vision stuff to Sawyer. Excellent.

Feeling responsible for what he’s going through and knowing that people’s lives are at stake, Jules is determined to help him figure it all out. But Sawyer’s vision is so awful he can barely describe it, much less make sense of it. All he can tell her is there’s a gun, and eleven ear-splitting shots. Bang.

Jules and Sawyer have to work out the details fast, because the visions are getting worse and that means only one thing: time is running out. But every clue they see takes them down the wrong path. If they can’t prevent the vision from happening, lives will be lost. And they may be among the casualties…

Bang is the second book in the Vision series by Lisa McMann. Bang takes place a couple of weeks after the events in Crash, Jules is just released from the hospital and is still healing from the snow plow incident. At the end of the last book, Jules somehow passed her vision problem onto her long time crush and now boyfriend Sawyer Angotti. Sawyer has a vision of a massive shooting, and in order to stop the visions from coming true, Sawyer going to need all the help he can get.

When the vision problem passed onto Sawyer at the end of Crash, I was wondering how can the story possibly work with Jules narrating. I’m happy to say that McMann made it work. Readers are still able to feel the anticipation, fear, and horror of the visions even from Sawyers perspective as Jules helps him make sense of what he’s seeing. Everything I loved about the first book is still found in this second book, plus more. We not only learn more about Sawyer’s character but also Jules and her family. Jules relationship with Trey and Rowan is something truly special. They bicker like all siblings but will always have each other’s back, they support one another immensely and most of all they don’t care about the pizza/Angotti-Demarco family feud. I also enjoyed seeing the blossoming relationship between Sawyer and Jules…it’s quite sweet but also so fast but then again they’re both young and in high school. 

The storyline (shooting) in Bang might bother some folks but I am glad to see that McMann wasn’t afraid to use it as part of its story. Bang was just as great as the first book, if not better and definitely didn’t suffer second book syndrome. The pacing and mystery was perfectly balance, and I found myself glued to the pages as Jules and Sawyer put clues together. The entire time I was reading, I got major chills because the situation/shooting they have to stop is pretty terrifying.  I highly recommend this series to everyone if you haven’t already read the first book, Crash. Both books are pretty short under 300 pages but it packs a punch. I CAN’T WAIT for the next book!