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Feathers of the Phoenix
The Atlantean Horse, book 1
Cheryl Carpinello
2023 Honorable Mention
149 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Beneath the water's surface between Kalymnos and Telendos lies an ancient city destroyed by an earthquake in 554 A.D. The two islands had once been one. Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 by Cheryl Carpinello sounds like the mythical story of the ancient city of Atlantis. Perhaps it is. Rosa, with her mystical ability to walk in two worlds, past and present, is being called to help rescue the residents who once flourished in the city that sank so long ago. She must find and protect the five feathers of the Phoenix, not an easy task as she must go back in time, as she’s done before, and fight unexpected and powerful apocalyptic horsemen who will do anything to possess these feathers. Accompanied by her cousin Jerome and her grandfather, she’s in for an adventure of a lifetime, perhaps multiple lifetimes.
Cheryl Carpinello’s young adult novel Feathers of the Phoenix is the first book in The Atlantean Horse series. Taking legend, ancient mythology, and the mystery of a sunken city, Atlantis, the author weaves an engaging and exciting tale that will attract even the most reluctant reader. Told in the first person narrative from Rosa’s point of view, the plot follows the young girl from her first encounter with a strange man who appears on her doorstep on a cold winter's day. She has been called because she can walk in two worlds and, as the stranger explains, “You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united.” It’s an epic adventure, a task like no other. This is a great read for young people of all ages. I love how the author uses adventure to introduce young readers to Greek mythology and ancient history.
Beneath the water's surface between Kalymnos and Telendos lies an ancient city destroyed by an earthquake in 554 A.D. The two islands had once been one. Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 by Cheryl Carpinello sounds like the mythical story of the ancient city of Atlantis. Perhaps it is. Rosa, with her mystical ability to walk in two worlds, past and present, is being called to help rescue the residents who once flourished in the city that sank so long ago. She must find and protect the five feathers of the Phoenix, not an easy task as she must go back in time, as she’s done before, and fight unexpected and powerful apocalyptic horsemen who will do anything to possess these feathers. Accompanied by her cousin Jerome and her grandfather, she’s in for an adventure of a lifetime, perhaps multiple lifetimes.
Cheryl Carpinello’s young adult novel Feathers of the Phoenix is the first book in The Atlantean Horse series. Taking legend, ancient mythology, and the mystery of a sunken city, Atlantis, the author weaves an engaging and exciting tale that will attract even the most reluctant reader. Told in the first person narrative from Rosa’s point of view, the plot follows the young girl from her first encounter with a strange man who appears on her doorstep on a cold winter's day. She has been called because she can walk in two worlds and, as the stranger explains, “You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united.” It’s an epic adventure, a task like no other. This is a great read for young people of all ages. I love how the author uses adventure to introduce young readers to Greek mythology and ancient history.
Recommend this book:
The De-Coding of Jo
Keys to Eternity
Lali A. Love
2023 Gold Medal
390 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Letters in the Attic
Meredith Lindsey
2023 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Letters in the Attic is a young adult fantasy by Meredith Lindsey. Cami moved to Green Peaks with her mother after the tragic death of her father. Green Peaks was a quiet town surrounded by trees in the heart of the Cursed Woods and with a dark history. Cami wants to move on after the tragedy and keep a low profile. Cami made friends with a group that she liked and wanted to spend time with. Soon, Cami receives love letters from a secret admirer who shares secrets, hoping to make her believe that witches and magic are real. Girls of Cami’s age began disappearing around town, and the possibility of a serial killer was the only explanation. Cami suspected that her boyfriend and his family were involved in the disappearances and was determined to find the truth.
Letters in the Attic is a magical page-turner by Meredith Lindsey. I was in for a roller coaster ride of magic, romance, and murder. The author described the spooky house and the dark, intimidating forest in detail, and I could visualize the surroundings. The fantasy and romance lightened the dark side of the disappearances. I was intrigued from the start and could not turn the pages fast enough. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down. The characters were brilliantly developed. Cami was my favorite. Despite her feelings for her mysterious boyfriend, she goes out of her way to find the truth. This story was excellently written and kept me guessing until the end.
Letters in the Attic is a young adult fantasy by Meredith Lindsey. Cami moved to Green Peaks with her mother after the tragic death of her father. Green Peaks was a quiet town surrounded by trees in the heart of the Cursed Woods and with a dark history. Cami wants to move on after the tragedy and keep a low profile. Cami made friends with a group that she liked and wanted to spend time with. Soon, Cami receives love letters from a secret admirer who shares secrets, hoping to make her believe that witches and magic are real. Girls of Cami’s age began disappearing around town, and the possibility of a serial killer was the only explanation. Cami suspected that her boyfriend and his family were involved in the disappearances and was determined to find the truth.
Letters in the Attic is a magical page-turner by Meredith Lindsey. I was in for a roller coaster ride of magic, romance, and murder. The author described the spooky house and the dark, intimidating forest in detail, and I could visualize the surroundings. The fantasy and romance lightened the dark side of the disappearances. I was intrigued from the start and could not turn the pages fast enough. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down. The characters were brilliantly developed. Cami was my favorite. Despite her feelings for her mysterious boyfriend, she goes out of her way to find the truth. This story was excellently written and kept me guessing until the end.
Recommend this book:
The Mental Fight of Your Life
Freddie Floyd Jr
2023 Gold Medal
62 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Men are meant to protect and shelter their families against harm. There has always been an urge in our minds not to give up. And when faced with confrontation, it can lead to situations that create dysfunction within our minds. The Mental Fight of Your Life is a self-help guidebook by Freddie Floyd Jr. that shows you the ways habitual patterns can be disrespectful in relationships and how you can replace them with responsible and mutually satisfying ways of relating. Complemented by Biblical teachings, the author explores the qualities of a loyal partner, which include maturity, contentment, self-control, value, respect, love, and trust. For a marriage to function seamlessly, both husband and wife must be committed to one another and work toward a true partnership that is beneficial to the family.
With statistics of divorce rates hitting record numbers all over the world in recent years, books like The Mental Fight of Your Life are a blessing in disguise for all couples out there. In this book, author Freddie Floyd Jr. discusses the importance of equal influence over important decisions between a husband and a wife, with an equal commitment to the relationship between them. He also emphasizes the need to strive for common goals and has some valuable insights for both men and women on how they can improve upon their existing states by following the lessons of the Bible to lead fulfilling lives together. Overall, I found the book to be very educational and illuminating, and highly recommend it to anyone who is in a relationship.
Men are meant to protect and shelter their families against harm. There has always been an urge in our minds not to give up. And when faced with confrontation, it can lead to situations that create dysfunction within our minds. The Mental Fight of Your Life is a self-help guidebook by Freddie Floyd Jr. that shows you the ways habitual patterns can be disrespectful in relationships and how you can replace them with responsible and mutually satisfying ways of relating. Complemented by Biblical teachings, the author explores the qualities of a loyal partner, which include maturity, contentment, self-control, value, respect, love, and trust. For a marriage to function seamlessly, both husband and wife must be committed to one another and work toward a true partnership that is beneficial to the family.
With statistics of divorce rates hitting record numbers all over the world in recent years, books like The Mental Fight of Your Life are a blessing in disguise for all couples out there. In this book, author Freddie Floyd Jr. discusses the importance of equal influence over important decisions between a husband and a wife, with an equal commitment to the relationship between them. He also emphasizes the need to strive for common goals and has some valuable insights for both men and women on how they can improve upon their existing states by following the lessons of the Bible to lead fulfilling lives together. Overall, I found the book to be very educational and illuminating, and highly recommend it to anyone who is in a relationship.
Recommend this book:
Into the Spotlight
Leslea Wahl
2023 Bronze Medal
226 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl, is an intense and energetic YA faith-based novel about how a bad summer for teen Josie turns into possibility and hope for the future. She thinks she knows who she is, but situations present themselves that enable her to look deeper within to find what she's really about and what's important to her. She is sixteen and deeply humiliated at school, faced with challenging peer pressure, so she runs to an aunt who lives on an island in South Carolina and plans to stay for the summer. This chance at a new future leads to friendship and romance. A string of thefts presents thrills, but she is blindsided by a terrible incident that leaves her realizing what's most important in life. She is determined to get to the bottom of a mystery she's involved in and has to lean on her faith as she accepts the lessons God has to teach her about who she really is.
Even though this premise sounds serious, the novel turns out to be a fun, uplifting read. There is a good balance of heavy subject matter and lighthearted themes. The humor helps soften the somber themes, and this balance is what Wahl is good at. Just like life itself, this book portrays the ups and downs, romance, and heartache that touch us all. This story could be called the perfect example of a beach read or summer read, but really, it would be enjoyable in any location, during any season. She also balances faith with adventure, which should appeal to almost any teenage reader looking to identify with faith-based novels that are fun, romantic, and exciting. The characters are interesting and believable, the writing is energetic, and the situations are intriguing. If you're looking for a solid YA novel with good character growth, be sure to read Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl.
Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl, is an intense and energetic YA faith-based novel about how a bad summer for teen Josie turns into possibility and hope for the future. She thinks she knows who she is, but situations present themselves that enable her to look deeper within to find what she's really about and what's important to her. She is sixteen and deeply humiliated at school, faced with challenging peer pressure, so she runs to an aunt who lives on an island in South Carolina and plans to stay for the summer. This chance at a new future leads to friendship and romance. A string of thefts presents thrills, but she is blindsided by a terrible incident that leaves her realizing what's most important in life. She is determined to get to the bottom of a mystery she's involved in and has to lean on her faith as she accepts the lessons God has to teach her about who she really is.
Even though this premise sounds serious, the novel turns out to be a fun, uplifting read. There is a good balance of heavy subject matter and lighthearted themes. The humor helps soften the somber themes, and this balance is what Wahl is good at. Just like life itself, this book portrays the ups and downs, romance, and heartache that touch us all. This story could be called the perfect example of a beach read or summer read, but really, it would be enjoyable in any location, during any season. She also balances faith with adventure, which should appeal to almost any teenage reader looking to identify with faith-based novels that are fun, romantic, and exciting. The characters are interesting and believable, the writing is energetic, and the situations are intriguing. If you're looking for a solid YA novel with good character growth, be sure to read Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl.
Recommend this book:
I Fail at the Afterlife
The Afterlife Trilogy Book 1
Anni Sezate
2023 Finalist
357 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
When you die and become an angel, you don't expect there to be so much paperwork. David Garcia fell to his death at age seventeen. He spent his first ten years filing papers for dead people, boring in the extreme, until the archdemon of angels threw his uneventful afterlife into chaos. Inexperienced and frozen with terror, David could not prevent the demon Malum from escaping. Blaming himself, he joins a group of demon hunters intent on recapturing Malum before he destroys the world. Armed with ten years of receptionist training, mediocre fighting skills, and non-stop self-deprecating sarcasm, David soon learns he is in way over his head.
Following the brilliant success of her first books in The Aurella Trilogy, Anni Sezate hits the ground running with book one of her new Afterlife Trilogy — I Fail at the Afterlife. Weaving intrigue, world-building, and fast-paced action with humor and a sense of realism through her first-person narratives, Ms. Sezate shows a firm grasp of what it's like being a teenager thrown into serious adult life and "death-like" situations. The first-person narrative is hard to write; trust me. Sezate, however, writes it with ease and a style that demonstrates her talent to the fullest. Another hurdle for many authors writing in the YA genre is actually getting into the heads of the younger characters and here again, the maturity of her writing skills shines through.
When you die and become an angel, you don't expect there to be so much paperwork. David Garcia fell to his death at age seventeen. He spent his first ten years filing papers for dead people, boring in the extreme, until the archdemon of angels threw his uneventful afterlife into chaos. Inexperienced and frozen with terror, David could not prevent the demon Malum from escaping. Blaming himself, he joins a group of demon hunters intent on recapturing Malum before he destroys the world. Armed with ten years of receptionist training, mediocre fighting skills, and non-stop self-deprecating sarcasm, David soon learns he is in way over his head.
Following the brilliant success of her first books in The Aurella Trilogy, Anni Sezate hits the ground running with book one of her new Afterlife Trilogy — I Fail at the Afterlife. Weaving intrigue, world-building, and fast-paced action with humor and a sense of realism through her first-person narratives, Ms. Sezate shows a firm grasp of what it's like being a teenager thrown into serious adult life and "death-like" situations. The first-person narrative is hard to write; trust me. Sezate, however, writes it with ease and a style that demonstrates her talent to the fullest. Another hurdle for many authors writing in the YA genre is actually getting into the heads of the younger characters and here again, the maturity of her writing skills shines through.
Recommend this book:
 by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navig...){kind=link}
Cecily in the City
The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3
Krysten Lindsay Hager
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navigate her new life in New York whilst also trying to keep her relationship with her pop star boyfriend strong. In the end, will Cecily have to choose between her two loves? Or will she find a way to make it work and live the life she's always wanted? Find out in this book!
If you are a fan of on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance novels, then Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) will satisfy your craving. From the moment I began reading Krysten Lindsay Hagar's book, I felt like I was immediately transported into the story. I could see each scene clearly and imagine the conversations between the characters as if these were happening right in front of me. I felt what Cecily felt. I was angry about certain situations with Andrew, and then the next minute I was tearing up with how romantic he was being. This shows just how talented an author Krysten is. Her writing is flawless and has been perfectly done to keep you wanting more. Keep writing such awesome content, Krysten. I honestly can't get enough. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navigate her new life in New York whilst also trying to keep her relationship with her pop star boyfriend strong. In the end, will Cecily have to choose between her two loves? Or will she find a way to make it work and live the life she's always wanted? Find out in this book!
If you are a fan of on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance novels, then Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) will satisfy your craving. From the moment I began reading Krysten Lindsay Hagar's book, I felt like I was immediately transported into the story. I could see each scene clearly and imagine the conversations between the characters as if these were happening right in front of me. I felt what Cecily felt. I was angry about certain situations with Andrew, and then the next minute I was tearing up with how romantic he was being. This shows just how talented an author Krysten is. Her writing is flawless and has been perfectly done to keep you wanting more. Keep writing such awesome content, Krysten. I honestly can't get enough. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.
Recommend this book:
The First Buds of Spring
Woodlanders Tetralogy #1
Hermione Lee
2023 Silver Medal
427 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
The First Buds of Spring: Woodlanders Tetralogy #1 by Hermione Lee centers around the character of Azalea who survives the toxic social scene at Lakebay High by copying the mean kids. Azalea is instantly drawn to new boy Bruce Green and rises to his defense when Dean Landon chooses to harass him. Content to be ostracized by Dean and Suzanna, Azalea continues her friendship with Bruce. She shows him her drawings and he shows her his creative writing. Azalea is thrilled when Bruce confesses he loves her, but wonders why strangers attack the school and what the unusual tree growing in the Green home signifies. Is Azalea ready to make a life-changing commitment to her boyfriend?
The First Buds of Spring by Hermione Lee is an enchanting maturation story combined with paranormal romance. I liked seeing Azalea reject the bullies and begin to live as her real self. I enjoyed seeing her getting to know Bruce and bonding with his parents and their siblings. I also liked seeing busy Aunt Cecilia slow her pace to make more time for Azalea. The narrative hinted that Bruce was special and aroused a curious urge to discover exactly why he was different from the other teenage boys. I was surprised by the battle scenes and enjoyed the direction the story was taking as a new realm opened up in the narrative. The book underlines the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships even as it transposed the action from the jurisdiction of the normal to the paranormal.
The First Buds of Spring: Woodlanders Tetralogy #1 by Hermione Lee centers around the character of Azalea who survives the toxic social scene at Lakebay High by copying the mean kids. Azalea is instantly drawn to new boy Bruce Green and rises to his defense when Dean Landon chooses to harass him. Content to be ostracized by Dean and Suzanna, Azalea continues her friendship with Bruce. She shows him her drawings and he shows her his creative writing. Azalea is thrilled when Bruce confesses he loves her, but wonders why strangers attack the school and what the unusual tree growing in the Green home signifies. Is Azalea ready to make a life-changing commitment to her boyfriend?
The First Buds of Spring by Hermione Lee is an enchanting maturation story combined with paranormal romance. I liked seeing Azalea reject the bullies and begin to live as her real self. I enjoyed seeing her getting to know Bruce and bonding with his parents and their siblings. I also liked seeing busy Aunt Cecilia slow her pace to make more time for Azalea. The narrative hinted that Bruce was special and aroused a curious urge to discover exactly why he was different from the other teenage boys. I was surprised by the battle scenes and enjoyed the direction the story was taking as a new realm opened up in the narrative. The book underlines the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships even as it transposed the action from the jurisdiction of the normal to the paranormal.
Recommend this book:
The Kiss List
Sara Jo Cluff
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite
Written in the young adult romance sub-genre, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is about a high school student Camille Collins and her favorite activity: kissing. She enjoyed kissing her boyfriend Dylan so much so that it became her ultimate pastime. However, Dylan wanted more from her. Since Camille wasn't ready for the next step, Dylan decided to break up. Camille didn't mind the dumping part; what she did mind was the rumor that Dylan spread about her being a bad kisser. To discredit the rumor, she came up with the perfect solution: a Kiss List. Although the plan was simple, the sloppy execution created a social media fiasco that neither she nor her best friends (Hayley and Kaitlyn) could have imagined. To add to her ever-growing list of emotional setbacks, her mom had gone back to work and was rarely ever available. When Camille realized her first love was softball, she was shocked to discover that the whole softball team hated her for reasons unknown to her.
Inspired by Easy A and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is a fast-paced novel with enough twists to keep YA readers hooked. Camille, like many other romantics, lost herself in her boyfriend and, without even realizing it, changed her personality to suit her love interest. Sara Jo Cluff has very cleverly weaved the message of not losing one's real personality in a relationship in the plot. Camille's growth from a kiss-obsessed, boyfriend-immersed high school student to a well-rounded person with dreams, hopes, and passion was commendable. The plot has a range of engaging characters, each with their own unique qualities that set them apart. A delicious combination of family drama, smart comebacks, and fascinating writing makes The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff an absolute page-turner.
Written in the young adult romance sub-genre, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is about a high school student Camille Collins and her favorite activity: kissing. She enjoyed kissing her boyfriend Dylan so much so that it became her ultimate pastime. However, Dylan wanted more from her. Since Camille wasn't ready for the next step, Dylan decided to break up. Camille didn't mind the dumping part; what she did mind was the rumor that Dylan spread about her being a bad kisser. To discredit the rumor, she came up with the perfect solution: a Kiss List. Although the plan was simple, the sloppy execution created a social media fiasco that neither she nor her best friends (Hayley and Kaitlyn) could have imagined. To add to her ever-growing list of emotional setbacks, her mom had gone back to work and was rarely ever available. When Camille realized her first love was softball, she was shocked to discover that the whole softball team hated her for reasons unknown to her.
Inspired by Easy A and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is a fast-paced novel with enough twists to keep YA readers hooked. Camille, like many other romantics, lost herself in her boyfriend and, without even realizing it, changed her personality to suit her love interest. Sara Jo Cluff has very cleverly weaved the message of not losing one's real personality in a relationship in the plot. Camille's growth from a kiss-obsessed, boyfriend-immersed high school student to a well-rounded person with dreams, hopes, and passion was commendable. The plot has a range of engaging characters, each with their own unique qualities that set them apart. A delicious combination of family drama, smart comebacks, and fascinating writing makes The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff an absolute page-turner.
Recommend this book:
The Eros Machine
R Prior
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite
The Eros Machine by R. Prior is a science fiction novel exploring the age-old question: are we alone in the universe? Doctor Stuart Graham has spotted something extraordinary in a photo taken of the asteroid Eros. It seems there’s something alien on the asteroid, and it’s moving steadily closer to Earth. Before long the object is making contact with humans and is graciously offering technology beyond their wildest imaginations. As many would surmise, an alien presence brings out the true nature of humans, and before long tensions escalate toward World War III erupting. With all that on humanity’s plate, they need to contend with another alien species invading the solar system – ready to start a fight with humans and benevolent aliens alike. The real question arises: is it better to be alone in the universe?
R. Prior has created a thrilling scenario of earthlings meeting aliens. The Eros Machine explores what would happen and how we’d act if humans and aliens ever made contact. Prior was spot on in describing what humans would do with unimaginable power, and how quickly it would go wrong. Prior creates an emotional connection with the reader by writing in the first person which keeps you engaged and invested. The book contains technical terms and concepts, but Prior does an effective job of not making them confusing or turning them into complex jargon that a non-rocket scientist like me would not understand. This is an exciting novel about space and aliens and can be enjoyed by young adults and grown-ups alike.
The Eros Machine by R. Prior is a science fiction novel exploring the age-old question: are we alone in the universe? Doctor Stuart Graham has spotted something extraordinary in a photo taken of the asteroid Eros. It seems there’s something alien on the asteroid, and it’s moving steadily closer to Earth. Before long the object is making contact with humans and is graciously offering technology beyond their wildest imaginations. As many would surmise, an alien presence brings out the true nature of humans, and before long tensions escalate toward World War III erupting. With all that on humanity’s plate, they need to contend with another alien species invading the solar system – ready to start a fight with humans and benevolent aliens alike. The real question arises: is it better to be alone in the universe?
R. Prior has created a thrilling scenario of earthlings meeting aliens. The Eros Machine explores what would happen and how we’d act if humans and aliens ever made contact. Prior was spot on in describing what humans would do with unimaginable power, and how quickly it would go wrong. Prior creates an emotional connection with the reader by writing in the first person which keeps you engaged and invested. The book contains technical terms and concepts, but Prior does an effective job of not making them confusing or turning them into complex jargon that a non-rocket scientist like me would not understand. This is an exciting novel about space and aliens and can be enjoyed by young adults and grown-ups alike.
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