ARC Book Review: The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: NA Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Kristin Dwyer
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 9th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Atlas James has lost her way.

In a last-ditch effort to pull her life together, she’s working on a community service program rehabbing trails in the Western Sierras. The only plus is that the days are so exhausting that Atlas might just be tired enough to forget that this was one of her dad’s favorite places in the world. Before cancer stole him from her life, that is.

Using real names is forbidden on the trail. So Atlas becomes Maps, and with her team—Books, Sugar, Junior, and King—she heads into the wilderness. As she sheds the lies she’s built up as walls to protect herself, she realizes that four strangers might know her better than anyone has before. And with the end of the trail racing to meet them, Maps is left counting down the days until she returns to her old life—without her new family, and without King, who’s become more than just a friend.

Thank you HarperTeen for the eARC.

A GOOD READ.

I really enjoyed this book. I do want to note this fits into the new adult category and not young adult. The characters are 18-20 and there are some vague open scenes.

Anyways

This was a messy journey in the best ways. Grief is nonlinear and gut punches you at the worst times and this showed a lot of that. I liked that Atlas had ups and downs and that in the end of the book she had found something new to hold on to and look forward to.

The romance grew on me but I do feel like it was missing something, like maybe a little more background King?? I don’t know, but I did like many of their quiet moments and the connection they were trying to forge. The found family was tangled and pushed and pulled all of the emotions. I loved the hiking and nature plot that allowed for the chance to just let go.

It was a really good book and one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for something heavier.

Overall audience notes:

  • NA Contemporary Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2 vague open door
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a Dad from cancer, grief/depression depiction, underage drinking

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities #9) by Shannon Messenger

GoodeyReads2 Comments

Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 732 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 8th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sophie Foster changed the game.

Now she’s facing impossible choices:
When to act.
When to trust.
When to let go.

Her friends are divided and scattered, and the Black Swan wants Sophie to focus on their projects. But her instincts are leading her somewhere else.

Stellarlune—and the mysterious Elysian—might be the key to everything. But finding truth in the Lost Cities always requires sacrifice. And as the Neverseen’s plans sharpen into terrifying focus, it appears that everyone has miscalculated. The Lost Cities’ greatest lie could destroy everything. And in the battle that follows, only one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same.

HMM.

This is the first time I’ve been disappointed in one of these books (and of course it’s book NINE).

Here’s the thing. I live for character growth. Love it, it consumes most my reviews because I love progression. Sophie is finally exhibiting that but often it came off…poorly. More childish (which I get, she is still young), and like she was trying too hard. Some of the subtly was great, I think this whole book needed a softer tone rather than A LOT of time spent arguing.

Also, sweet baby Keefe. Once he was on page things got progressively better. This again, took waaaaay too long with not enough happening prior to carry SEVEN HUNDERED+ pages. I looooved the last 30% where the conversations needed were had, the romance got its due, and there was actual action with a big cliffhanger.

I just don’t think these books have to be as long as they do. I did enjoy this, even though I know this review reads heavily covered in saltyness.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young Adult Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ALC Book Review: Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White (Song of the Last Kingdom #2) by Amelie Wen Zhao

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 464 pages
Author: Amelie Wen Zhao
Publisher: Delacorte
Release Date: January 2nd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Years ago, the Elantian colonizers invaded Lan’s homeland and killed her mother in their search to uncover the Last Kingdom’s greatest the location of its legendary four Demon Gods. Lan’s mother devoted her life to destroying the Demon Gods, and Lan is determined to finish her mission. Yet, there are others searching for the gods, too.

Zen knew his soul was forfeit the moment he made a deal with the Demon God known as the Black Tortoise, but he’s willing to lose himself if it means saving the Kingdom–and the girl–he loves. But to crush the colonizers who have invaded his land he needs more power than even a single Demon God can provide. He needs an army. And he knows exactly where he can find it–in the undead army his great grandfather lead decades ago. 

The Elantians may have stolen their throne, but the battle for the Last Kingdom has only begun.

Thank you to PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS.

I am once again facing a disappointing finale/sequel and I am a bit touchy about that fact. This ending did not work for me, nor do I think it’s great for the young adult category. It’s a bit iffy on multiple fronts and I’m salty.

I can see the love of story telling and mythology and folklore all woven in. There’s some pretty prose and writing and everything does have that magical feel to it, like you really are reading a fairytale. The audiobook is SO GOOD. If you’re going to attempt this one (because I need to discuss) then that’s the way to go.

The world building and magic system still felt convoluted to me. I did get kind of mixed up on who’s side I was supposed to be rooting for and why things were happening and why the magic system was doing it’s thing. I don’t know. This wasn’t all I hoped for. Beautiful cover though.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: mild
  • Romance: one closed door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, war themes

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph