Gorgeously illustrated children’s book. It tells of the smallest crow who wonders what if? What if you do something new? What if you’re not constantlyGorgeously illustrated children’s book. It tells of the smallest crow who wonders what if? What if you do something new? What if you’re not constantly scared and cautious? Such a great lesson for kids about being both cautious and curious. Letting go of our anxiety can give us the chance to fly. I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own....more
“When kings fall, queens rise’”. I mean that really sums it all up doesn’t it. This is a sweeping tale re-imagining Semiramis’ (the only Assyrian fema“When kings fall, queens rise’”. I mean that really sums it all up doesn’t it. This is a sweeping tale re-imagining Semiramis’ (the only Assyrian female ruler) life and rise to power. Imagine a world where as a woman you hold little value. What would you do to escape being beaten to death by your father? Attacked by any man who happened by? That sets the story up for our FMC (can’t really call her a heroine). Semiramis is wonderfully morally gray. Actually every single character in this book is incredibly flawed and yet when viewed from the lens of the author we can see the underlying good in them all. Everyone does what they must to survive. Some are lucky enough to even find love along the way, even when that love eventually causes heartbreak. Casati doesn’t shy away from the more taboo aspects of the time period (ahem brother in love with brother), but even that is done tastefully. Perhaps the only reason this wasn’t five stars for me is that it is an incredibly long book and the world building overtook the story at several points in my humble opinion. I wish we had more time with Semiramis and her rise to power vs the extra time spent on world building. Overall a must read for fans of ancient civilization fiction. I received an ALC of this title, all opinions are my own...more
This is a deeply messed up book, but messed up in a way that sucks you in and makes you think dang my life is not that bad at all. Told from the viewpThis is a deeply messed up book, but messed up in a way that sucks you in and makes you think dang my life is not that bad at all. Told from the viewpoint of Clara and Jess who have been best friends since they were 9 despite the fact that Clara came from money and Jess didn’t. Now Jess is married to Clara’s brother Teddy who is running for Senate. And the month of April which is the month of the family curse is in full swing…… who will survive to see May? Warning: this book has a ton of crude and descriptive language. The story needed most of it to show how deeply disturbed these moments are. I received an ALC of this title, opinions are my own. ...more
Another take on a dystopian world…..acid rain killing off the population……and leaving destruction in its path. Liz refuses to leave the bookstore thatAnother take on a dystopian world…..acid rain killing off the population……and leaving destruction in its path. Liz refuses to leave the bookstore that she worked at before the Storm. Even though it’s falling apart and she doesn’t know how to fix it. Maeve shows up and they become reluctant roommates. But Maeve has a past that is trying to catch up to her and it becomes intertwined with Liz’s past. This is a very slow book. I mean it literally takes place in a bookstore…..with 2 characters for the majority of the book. Not to mention a lot of it is internal monologue. That being said, if I had to imagine being a 17 year old who lost my whole family……I would probably be a lot like Liz. Overall a decent YA dystopian book. I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own....more
This book seemed to be having an identity crisis. I thought the premise sounded good but the book struggled. The first half showed glimmers of the darThis book seemed to be having an identity crisis. I thought the premise sounded good but the book struggled. The first half showed glimmers of the dark humor promised, but by the second half the book seemed to just be a bit messy…..and predictable. Perhaps this book should have been titled how NOT to get away with murder….....more
As someone who works in organ donation the premise of this had me intrigued. Rosie’ had a heart transplant a year ago. She’s been messaging with her dAs someone who works in organ donation the premise of this had me intrigued. Rosie’ had a heart transplant a year ago. She’s been messaging with her donors husband via DonorConnect. She’s fairly infatuated by him. But is he what seem? Is she? As I was reading, I thought ok I can see where this is going…..and then suddenly I was like well I definitely didn’t see any of those things coming. You will love this if you like twisty plots with lots of mystery and deeply flawed main characters!...more
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