Review: This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Savage Song was incredibly good. It was so good, in fact I'm having a hard time reading a new novel after it. The beginning had me lost, but I'm so glad I was patient and waited to see how the story was going to come together. I loved the dual POVs and although I didn't care for Kate at first, she definitely won me over by the end. The book had a definite conclusion but left enough loose ends for the next book. I normally like a lot of romance in YA books, but this was one of the rare exceptions when it wasn't needed and the bond between Kate and August went deeper than romantic partners. Can't wait for the next book!

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Review: Ruined by Amy Tintera

Ruined by Amy Tintera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ruined was so much better than I expected. I haven't read a book one in a YA fantasy trilogy in awhile so I wasn't sure if it would grab me, but Ruined held me from page one and didn't let go until the very end.

If I could compare the novel to one book, I guess it reminded me a bit of Throne of Glass. I loved both books, but I did find myself liking Em a bit more than the MC in Throne of Glass. Em is tough, but she did seem to thaw a bit as she got to know Cas. Cas was great and I really loved his chemistry with Em, but I wish the author made him a little more flawed. I felt like the way he changed his belief system basically overnight was slightly contrived.

World building was fairly good, but I'm anticipating more details in the future books. I'm actually glad the author didn't dump too much info on the reader because my interest may have waned.

Overall, a great series starter that I look forward to continuing.

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Review: The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved this book! Heartbreaking, relatable, original, hopeful—I had literally so many emotions as I read Eden's gripping story. Rape survivor books are always tough reads, but this one hit me particularly hard. So many times I wanted to reach through the pages and just save Eden, save her from not only her rapist, but from herself. I loved the originality of tracking Eden over the course of four years following her attack. Five star read all the way. My only complaint was I wished for an epilogue (maybe four years later). I felt such a strong connection to Eden, I almost wanted to make sure that she was able to get her life back and be okay down the road.

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Review: The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't read the synopsis before picking up this book, so I went into the read with no clue about what was going to happen. The characters were really great in The Killing Jar, especially the main character Kenna. The author really took the time to make Kenna relatable and sympathetic. The writing in the book was very beautiful, it almost had a lyrical quality despite the sometimes dark subject matter. The tension builds gradually and the climax really had me gripped. I was satisfied with the conclusion and thought the author did a good job tying everything together. Overall, a great YA standalone.

***Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review.***

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Review: These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun book! I've had a hard time coming across a YA book that grabs me and I was so happy to finally pick up These Vicious Masks. I found the main character Evelyn endearing from the get go and I enjoyed her inner monologue. I loved her strong will, especially since the book takes place in the Victorian era. The book had more action than romance, which I normally don't like, but I found myself completely drawn into the plot. There is a touch of romance, but things are moving too fast to have it move to the forefront of the novel. The book does end with a cliffhanger so be prepared to want to read the next book ASAP. Highly recommend.

***Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review.***

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Review: A Drop of Night by Stefan Bachmann

A Drop of Night by Stefan Bachmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a hard one to rate for me. A few of the elements I found really intriguing and the rest was kind of like "WTH is going on?" I definitely give the author points for originality. I never read anything quite like this one before (I heard comparisons to Maze Runner but I never read it before so I couldn't really say). The group of teens were interesting and as the book went on, they became less like caricatures. The main character was very angsty, but she grew on me eventually. The villains were one-dimensional, but there was a nice twist about their motivations at the end I hadn't anticipated. Overall, I liked the book and would read another novel from the author.

***Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.***

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