Scan barcode
betweentheshelves's reviews
2711 reviews
Prophecy: Fractured Kingdom, Book 1 by M.L. Fergus
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
While I was hooked at the beginning, I feel mixed about this one. In general, the story was interesting, with some twists and turns along the way. I think it was the writing style that turned me off. There were just some moments that felt awkward and clunky, and the whole slavery thing felt...odd to me. However, the characters were pretty well developed, and the villain in this is one of the darker villains I've read in a long time.
I did see one of the twists coming towards the end, but if you like political fantasy, definitely check this one out!
I did see one of the twists coming towards the end, but if you like political fantasy, definitely check this one out!
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy
Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book took me by surprise! Not only are the characters so well done and the pacing done just right, there's so much in here about Ojibwe culture and how it affects Ezra in his day to day life. You will fall in love with his Grandpa for sure, and Ezra's family in general.
There is a mystery/thriller aspect to this, but it takes a backseat towards the middle of the book as Ezra learns about the trapping line from his Grandpa. It is truly fascinating to read about, and the information that Treuer provides doesn't feel like it weighs down the story; it adds to it. Definitely one to keep on your radar!
There is a mystery/thriller aspect to this, but it takes a backseat towards the middle of the book as Ezra learns about the trapping line from his Grandpa. It is truly fascinating to read about, and the information that Treuer provides doesn't feel like it weighs down the story; it adds to it. Definitely one to keep on your radar!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Chronically Dolores by Maya Van Wagenen
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Always appreciate YA books that feature younger protagonists because in the age of social media, that seems to be more and more difficult to find. But that's a whole other conversation! There are a lot of things to like about this book, from the disability/chronic illness rep to the journey to figuring out changing friendships to changing family situations. So many things that a lot of teens will relate to for sure.
I think listening to it did me a diservice because some of the sections where Dolores would zone out would confuse me at times. But overall, this is enjoyable and fits a niche that's missing in the YA world.
I think listening to it did me a diservice because some of the sections where Dolores would zone out would confuse me at times. But overall, this is enjoyable and fits a niche that's missing in the YA world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol
A Song For You And I by K. O'Neill
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, and Death
This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I'm torn about this book. Is it (unfortunately) currently relevant, and probably about to be more so with the upcoming administration? Yes. Are these things that a lot of teens are dealing with in this very moment? Yes. However, I do wonder if it hits a little too close to home because of that. I'm not sure how many teens will want to pick up something that is currently happening all around the country.
In general, this book is well written. The characters are strong, the pacing is pretty good for the most part, and Ahmed hits the far right book banning movement head on. If you read this and think that those people are absolutely ridiculous, you're right. But there are people in real life who sound like that. I do think this is an important story, and is a good jumping off point if you want to learn more about the current state of book banning in the United States.
In general, this book is well written. The characters are strong, the pacing is pretty good for the most part, and Ahmed hits the far right book banning movement head on. If you read this and think that those people are absolutely ridiculous, you're right. But there are people in real life who sound like that. I do think this is an important story, and is a good jumping off point if you want to learn more about the current state of book banning in the United States.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Islamophobia, and Gaslighting
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, and Genocide
Libertad by Bessie Flores ZaldÃvar
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Why do publishers insist on putting so much information in the book summary? There are things mentioned in the summary that don't happen until over halfway into the book, which is basically a spoiler at that point. Sure, it's vague, but if you read a lot, it's not difficult to figure out what's going to happen.
Anyway! From the emotions to the characters, I was hooked on this book from the beginning. I can't think of a lot of YA books that are set in this particular setting, and the events in Honduras are unfortunately somewhat similar to what's happening in the United States. The end of the book does provide us with hope, though, that things can change. Definitely an emotional read, but one that is worth it.
Anyway! From the emotions to the characters, I was hooked on this book from the beginning. I can't think of a lot of YA books that are set in this particular setting, and the events in Honduras are unfortunately somewhat similar to what's happening in the United States. The end of the book does provide us with hope, though, that things can change. Definitely an emotional read, but one that is worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Grief
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, and Police brutality
Blubber by Judy Blume
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I never really got too much into Judy Blume when I was a kid, but I can definitely see the appeal her writing has. Though a lot of the elements of this book are a reflection of the time period it was written, some of the core aspects and emotions surrounding bullying definitely still hold true today. I'd be interested to see if the emotions behind it still make it relatable to kids who might pick it up in 2025.
Either way, it will definitely make for an interesting discussion at banned book club next week!
Either way, it will definitely make for an interesting discussion at banned book club next week!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, and Vomit
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of All Better Now by Neal Shusterman to review! Don't let the fact that this book is about a pandemic turn you away. Shusterman uses his talent for writing dystopia to weave an engaging story that explores the aftermath of COVID in an interesting way.
There is quite a bit of set up in this book, both to let the reader get to the know the characters and the current state of the world. The plot really picks up about halfway through the book as the virus takes hold and our three main characters get thrown into the middle of everything. In true Neal Shusterman fashion, we not only get to see what's happening their lives, but also around the world. And just when you think there's no way he can make it all connect, he will throw in twists that make everything more interesting.
Though the main story is about a virus, Shusterman will also have you contemplating the big questions like: is unending happiness a gift? Does humanity need its darker side to maintain balance? Should we cure people who haven't asked for it? How do you balance a virus that gifts people ultimate contentment without turning the other way?
While the main story is concluded in this book, there is potential for another book at the end. But you won't be left on a cliffhanger! If you enjoy complex, layered stories with a strong cast of characters, definitely pick this book up in February!
----
----
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Under the Heron's Light by Randi Pink
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While the narrator of the audiobook is fantastic, this is a fantasy I almost wish I would have read the physical copy of because there is a lot going on. The magic system was intriguing, and I liked the switch between time periods, eventually connecting to the two storylines. There is some excellent writing in here, it's just a fantasy book that's a bit on the denser side, which makes some of it difficult to follow in audio form.
The subject matter is unique, however, I don't think I've read any YA book that features the Great Dismal Swamp!
The subject matter is unique, however, I don't think I've read any YA book that features the Great Dismal Swamp!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Blood
Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Re-listened to this since the sequel comes out this spring and I just saw it added to NetGalley. I can revise the end of my previous review to say: this is not a standalone book. Which, it will be cool to see more of the world expanded in the next one, so I am excited!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, and Child abuse