This is another title I read for my Newberry reading project. While it isn’t the worst book that I’ve read, I, once again, took issue with the charactThis is another title I read for my Newberry reading project. While it isn’t the worst book that I’ve read, I, once again, took issue with the characterization of the Black characters who served as a catalyst for the development of the main character. Avi did do a great job addressing the ever present impact of gender roles; however, I do wish that class was addressed just a tad bit more. If you’re interesting in hearing my thoughts about this one, here is the link to my reading vlog: ...more
Unfortunately, I think this is one that is going to leave unrated. I read it for my Newberry reading project and there were quite a few aspects of thiUnfortunately, I think this is one that is going to leave unrated. I read it for my Newberry reading project and there were quite a few aspects of this book that didn’t age well. Though I think that the intentions were well meaning, reading this from a 2025 lens makes it impossible to overlook the poor characterization of Black characters and the permitting of a White main character to serve as a White savior. If you’re interested in knowing more about my thoughts and feelings while reading this title, be sure to check out my reading vlog: ...more
I didn’t expect the book to end like that. Tigerstar is a fool and got exactly what was coming to him when it was all said and done. Scourge wOh wow….
I didn’t expect the book to end like that. Tigerstar is a fool and got exactly what was coming to him when it was all said and done. Scourge was a time…..
I’m interested in knowing how his story will play in the future installments in the series. I don’t think this will be the last that we see of his handiwork even if he’s not present. I’m so proud of Firestar and everything he accomplished in this series. Though we follow other characters in future arcs, I’m super excited to see how everything plays out for him the future. We lose A LOT of characters through the course of these 6 books but surprisingly all of the death felt as though it was done with intention and purpose and not shock value.
I’m sad to come to the end of this arc but I’m really excited to see what the future holds for me with the rest of the series. ...more
If you ever decide to read these books do not, I beg of you, get attached to any characters. Though I can’t discuss many things in detail, I will I…..
If you ever decide to read these books do not, I beg of you, get attached to any characters. Though I can’t discuss many things in detail, I will say that the death of specific character was handled beautifully. It brought everything full circle for Fireheart and his journey in Thunder Clan. The final lines spoken to him made so much sense. Once again, this is not a series to read without the next installments in hand because why did some kitty pets get thugged out?!? Another wonderful, fast paced, and wild book in this series. ...more
I don’t have the words to describe how this book made me feel. My heart goes out to poor Fireheart. Between the slow decline of the ThunderThis. Book.
I don’t have the words to describe how this book made me feel. My heart goes out to poor Fireheart. Between the slow decline of the Thunder Clan and the stress inflicted on him by his nephew. I highly recommend having the next book on hand after this one because the ending was completely and totally jaw dropping. ...more
This was quite charming. I appreciated the emphasis on the relationship between the family members as well as the spotlight on community and sharing. This was quite charming. I appreciated the emphasis on the relationship between the family members as well as the spotlight on community and sharing. Kleyn's artwork add so much to the overall feel of the story. ...more
Yellow Fang showed all the way out at the end and it completely caught me off guard. I was beyond shocked. GraysThis is the best in the series so far!
Yellow Fang showed all the way out at the end and it completely caught me off guard. I was beyond shocked. Graystripe and his story was surprisingly heartbreaking and it comes to such a bitter conclusion. The twists and turns of this one are unreal. I can't say anything about this installment; however, this series is a must read! It's well thought out and well written. I can't wait to continue making my way through each of these stories....more
Unfortunately, there isn't much that I can disclose about this particular title because it's a sequel, but I can say that energy of the story picks upUnfortunately, there isn't much that I can disclose about this particular title because it's a sequel, but I can say that energy of the story picks up significantly in this installment. There's political intrigue, betrayal, alliances, and more. I'm not sure I was expecting particular rivalries to happen the way they happened; however, it definitely pulled me into the story and made me super concerned for Thunder Clan and Fireheart. Tiger Claw is a nasty piece of work and his behavior in this particular book made me dislike him even more. I highly recommend having the next installment ready to go after reading this one. ...more
I was blown away by how much I actually enjoyed this book. I've heard rather mixed things about the series, but there were so many things that worked I was blown away by how much I actually enjoyed this book. I've heard rather mixed things about the series, but there were so many things that worked during my read of it. CW: blood, gore, mention of sexual assault, childhood abandonment, violence.
Serpent & Dove took the book community by storm when it first released; however, I never joined the hype surrounding the series. Finally, I made the decision to read it this year and it did not disappointment. Though it was slow in the beginning, the more the story developed the faster it became in plot development and character development. This is definitely a great selection for older teens that enjoy fantasy. Though I'm nervous about what I've heard about the rest of the series, I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next. If you're interested in hearing more of my thoughts, check out my weekly reading vlog that includes this title: ...more
Unfortunately, Cross My Heart didn't hit the way I wanted it to. I think the premise started off interesting, but Rosie drove me up the wall.
This was Unfortunately, Cross My Heart didn't hit the way I wanted it to. I think the premise started off interesting, but Rosie drove me up the wall.
This was my first time reading Megan Collins and while I enjoyed her writing style, I'm not sure Cross My Heart was the book for me. Though the premise kept my attention, Rosie's character development tap danced on every nerve in my body. It's quite unfortunate because I can say with confidence that I've never read a book like this before. The obsession, the lies, the betrayal make for a compelling read that is unfortunately hindered by Taylor Swift references, unhinged characterization, and an unnecessary amount of disbelief that needs to be suspended. Like many others, I found the second part of the book to be more compelling than the first part which led to me giving the book three stars overall. Honestly, while this wasn't the best thriller I've read, I'm definitely interested in checking out more books by Megan Collins....more
This was a interesting concept for a middle grade book!
2025 middle grade has been the year of the exploration of grief. Though it leads to more heavy This was a interesting concept for a middle grade book!
2025 middle grade has been the year of the exploration of grief. Though it leads to more heavy reads, I'm not disappointed by authors exploring themes that impact this particular age group. Once for Yes does the same, but through the various perspectives of characters including an apartment building. The story is slow moving at first, but readers eventually understand the complexity of the lives of each character including the way in which Prue painstakingly goes through the process of acknowledging the pain of the loss of her sister. Unfortunately, it felt as though there were too many characters at times. Though they were all interconnected, I didn't feel like we spent enough time with each character to get to know them. Incorporating the conversation of gentrification into the story was a wonderful idea especially because it tied well into Prue's difficulty in letting her sister go. Overall, this was a solid story. It isn't a new favorite of the year, but I'll definitely check out Allie Millington's other works. ...more
Tia Williams has been giving my nothing but hits for the past couple of years! I'm not sure what's next from her, but this was such a wonderful read.
ATia Williams has been giving my nothing but hits for the past couple of years! I'm not sure what's next from her, but this was such a wonderful read.
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is the perfect Black summer romance. Though it follows the daughter of the main character of Seven Days in June it can be read as a standalone. If you had strong feelings about it like I did, don't shy away from picking this one up. It's beautifully written and accurately captures the experiences of the two main characters. In terms of character development and plot development, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is what I look for in a teen contemporary romance. The characters are true to their age, the plot is realistic, and the way the two find love with each other was both heartwarming and charming. If you're interested in knowing more of my thoughts, definitely check out my review in this reading vlog: I highly recommend picking this one up before the summer ends....more
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