ARC Book Review: With and Without You by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

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Rating: ★★☆ (2.5)
Audience: YA Contemporary Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Publisher: Viking
Release Date: April 19th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

#Wibbroka is back with another swoony YA–this time tackling long-distance relationships, in a novel based on their own romantic history.

If high school seniors Siena and Patrick were a superlative, they’d be the Couple Most Likely to Marry. They’ve been dating for three solid years, and everyone agrees they’re perfect for each other. But with college on the horizon, Siena begins to wonder whether staying together is the best idea. Does she really want to be tied down during possibly the most transformative years of her life? So she makes a decision to break up with Patrick, convincing herself it’s for the best. Before she can say the words, though, he beats her to the punch: his family is moving out of state. Caught off guard by the news, Siena agrees to stay with Patrick, believing their relationship will naturally fizzle out with time and distance. But over a series of visits throughout the school year, Siena begins to see a different side of Patrick–one that has her falling in love with him all over again. 

Thank you the the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

LETDOWN.

I am a huge fan of Wibberley and Sigemund-Broka. Read and enjoyed all of their previous books. This is the first time I have felt truly MEH about how this entire book went.

This relationship in crisis trope did not play out well. Siena complained entirely too much and kept pitying Patrick at every turn when she should have just BROKEN UP WITH HIM. Stop making ridiculous excuses. It also really bugged me that rather than communicate (since they’ve been in a relationship for 3+ years), she instead decides she wants to sleep with him for the first time even when she acknowledges she’s not in a good place for it. I could give you a list of more instances of Sienna making me want to toss my kindle.

Some of the second half was better. I’ll give it up to that. A few times there was some good communication. And I liked Patrick a lot! There wasn’t enough build up around his character so often he felt very bland, but he seemed sweet and I liked that we got some passion out of him by the end.

There’s more ridiculous miscommunication issues in the last quarter and I can’t say I was even all that happy with the ending. I felt there were enough red flags on both sides that I fell off the wagon of being behind this relationship.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Contemporary Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: complete closed-door
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gaslighting, gray-area cheating

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Book Review: Southern Sun, Northern Star (Glass Alliance #3) by Joanna Hathaway

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy + Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Joanna Hathaway
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: April 20th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Reeling from the tragedy that beset her family, Princess Aurelia has joined the resistance in Havenspur, spying on the Northern leaders who were once her allies and determined to stop her uncle’s machinations for war. Meanwhile, her beloved pilot Athan leads his squadron into battle as the Safire wage a losing war abroad and combat growing unrest back home.

When Athan is sent on leave to Havenspur following the death of a comrade, the pair reunite and rekindle their romance until Aurelia uncovers one of Athan’s secrets, a secret that could save countless lives. But exposing it to the right people will cost her Athan’s trust, and this time, their shared memories of love might not be enough to stop the fateful path of destruction that threatens all they’ve fought to defend.

As history unfolds around them, every move they make drives them one step closer to either recreating their parents’ shadowed past or redeeming the alliance that could bring peace.

The breathtaking finale to a legendary series. Part war drama, part romance, Southern Sun, Northern Star is the epic conclusion to the Glass Alliance series.

MY HEART.

I don’t hug books very often. They have to really hit me, this was one of those books that I hugged afterwards because I just needed the comfort that things worked out okay. BECAUSE WOW THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE.

I loved everything about this finale. The pacing was on point, I thought it moved well and always kept me interested. This isn’t a fast read, it’s a building battle that culminates over time. And the action had my heart in my throat more times than I could count. People I thought wouldn’t die did, people I expected to did. A mix of many twists and turns that make your heart race.

The roooomance y’all. While I would obviously always love more, this fit the theme and plot well. These star-crossed forbidden lovers, Ali and Athan, tore me apart. With so many tough choices before them, both made mistakes and both found a way to create change in their countries. I love them and I love how it all worked out in the end for their story. It was the kind of bittersweet, yet positive ending that fit the book so well I couldn’t find a complaint.

The whole cast was vast and diverse. Many characters with rolls to play and I found that I was attached to many of them. Everyone was built incredibly well. The world was built incredibly well and this whole series is such a hidden YA gem that I beg of you to try it out!!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: some light
  • Romance: kisses to closed door scene
  • Violence: physical altercations
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: implied sexual assault, loss of loved ones, gun violence, battle scenes, war crimes

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Book Review: Jade Legacy (The Green Bone Saga #3) by Fonda Lee

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 713 pages
Author: Fonda Lee
Publisher: Orbit Books
Release Date: November 30th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now known and coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins, to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle over the control of jade grows ever larger and more deadly, the Kaul family, and the ancient ways of the Kekonese Green Bones, will never be the same.

The Kauls have been battered by war and tragedy. They are plagued by resentments and old wounds as their adversaries are on the ascent and their country is riven by dangerous factions and foreign interference that could destroy the Green Bone way of life altogether. As a new generation arises, the clan’s growing empire is in danger of coming apart.

The clan must discern allies from enemies, set aside aside bloody rivalries, and make terrible sacrifices… but even the unbreakable bonds of blood and loyalty may not be enough to ensure the survival of the Green Bone clans and the nation they are sworn to protect. 

WHAT A BOOK.

I honestly was a bit nervous to dive into this one. I LOVE this series and knowing that this book somehow covered 30 years had me wondering how this was all going to go down. I did cry multiple times so IT HURT. BUT IT WAS AMAZING.

This review will not be able to contain everything I want to say because words are hard. So first off I’ll say, YOU NEED TO READ IT. At least that refrain is here.

I am obsessed with this entire cast. I love every single one of them. I love that I got to see their entire lives, see the kids grow up and more. There’s still plenty of action, many twists and turns and betrayals to make you fall apart. The quiet moments with deep conversations, the soft times built on reconnection. And the last moments with good-byes and a request to do better. How can you not be emotionally attached?! *cue more tears* I could write a paragraph for each of the characters, that’s how much I loved allllll of them.

Many things I didn’t see coming and left me shattered. Though I felt by the end I understood Lee’s choice in writing this book over such a large amount of time. There was only one way this could end and I get it. My heart might not recover for awhile, but I get it. And actually, I really loved the ending. I love endings that click and work for all parties.

The Green Bone Saga is built with intricate world-building, an awesome magic system and a tight knit clan. I have been utterly captivated by this entire series and would recommend it to anyone interested in adult fantasy. This is NOT one to miss y’all.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy
  • Language: strong
  • Romance: multiple brief open door
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide, bullying, murder, gun violence, cheating, kidnapping, torture, heavy gore/blood depiction, grief, explosion

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Book Review: The War I Finally Won (The War That Saved My Life #2) by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: MG Historical Fiction
Length: 387 pages
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: October 3rd, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ada and her younger brother, Jamie, now have a permanent home with their loving legal guardian, Susan Smith. Although Jamie adapts more easily, Ada still struggles with the aftermath of her old life, and how to fit into her new life.

World War II continues, and forces the small community to come together and rely on one another. Ada has never been interested in getting to know her friend’s family—especially Maggie’s mother, the formidable Lady Thorton. However, circumstances bring them in close proximity along with other unexpected characters.

Ada comes face to face with another German! This time she isn’t sure what she should do. How can she help the ones she loves and keep them safe?

Ada’s first story, The War that Saved My Life, won a Newbery Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Josette Frank Award, in addition to appearing on multiple best-of-the-year lists. This second, marvelous volume continues Ada’s powerful, uplifting story.

AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE FIRST.

Ohhhhh my gosh. My heart. Ada. Jamie. Susan. The whole dang cast. READ THESE BOOKS. What an absolute gem for all ages.

I didn’t know if a second book was going to have enough plot in Ada’s life to further an entire second book and I stand completely corrected because this had everything it needed. I love the growth in Ada and yet how you could still feel her age. And not in that annoying, roll your eyes, kind of way. In that raw, going through grief and big changes and big emotions, kind of way. I loved it. It was executed so perfectly for this kind of book.

This was definitely a read that made me cry (iykyk). Many times I was brought through a flurry of emotions because of the travesty of war and heartbreak it causes. Yet, I love the hope that’s also infused. The love shown for those different from ourselves and extending needed hands of friendship and compassion. Many, many good things in this duology y’all. I will recommend it up and down. One of my new all time favorite World War 2 historical fiction books.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle grade historical fiction
  • Language: none
  • Violence: surgery
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one, debilitating sickness resulting in hospitalization, war themes

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