The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune

Challenge #8 ~ “A book with a two word title where the first word is ‘The’.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

I saw this book many times on Goodreads, read the blurb and then ruthlessly didn't add it to my TBR (as I'm currently trying to cut that down as much as possible to something manageable, or at least realistic). An excerpt at the end of The House in the Cerulean Sea, however, grabbed a firm hold of my interest, and the next morning found me seizing the last available copy at the local library and, whenever possible, with my nose between the pages. I laughed out loud (several times), I almost cried and, once again, Klune took my breath away with his quirky writing style and wacky characters - a testament that needs no real further recommendation, in my opinion.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Everything came together in a literary sense to not only craft the characters but convey and portray them in the best light. It was the kind of light relief we're all in need of this year, and I was unashamedly laughing out loud (much to the confusion of my housemate and (probably) fellow occupants on the bus). Not only does Klune hook you in and give you an amazing story, but he presents all the feels to go along with it, and I'm already eagerly awaiting the sequel (although it does make a fantastic standalone, too!)

A warning for the book:

Don't try to take it too seriously. Klune is here with the series for a fun time, and openly points and laughs at the clichés and stereotypical tropes along the way. This is something in the past I've not been a great fan of, but in The Extraordinaries it's done in such a manner that it works. Come here with a love for awkward gays or as a fan of superheroes (or both, but that needn't be the case), and Klune will reward you in return with a delightful, humorous read.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Carry On by Rainbow Rowell      - The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness      - Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

The Girl who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson

Challenge #35 ~ “A book with a geometric pattern or element on the cover.”

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Following reading her debut last year, I had Anderson down as one to watch in the coming years. Sadly, this book disappointed for me, not living up to the standard she'd shown herself capable of in The House with Chicken Legs. There was a distinct feel of a similarity between the two, but unfortunately this was down to what the book was rather than how the book was, and so whilst the end result was satisfactory, it didn't have the spark or readability of the first.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Anderson's world-building was strong. Whilst I was struggling to connect with the protagonist, I was easily taken in to the setting  (however changeable this was in the opening third.) Each was as strong as the next and felt vibrant, providing a fantastic background on which the tale could be told.

A warning for the book:

It's very similar to the author's debut novel - The House with Chicken Legs - yet this comes across as the weaker of the two. Transitions between the main plot and the "embedded" folklore elements felt forced, giving the novel a disjointed feel, and weakening the impact of both. Given the protagonist I struggled to relate to, too, it was easy to put down and difficult to pick back up. If you're looking to read about yaga or sample Anderson's writing, I'd definitely recommend The House with Chicken Legs over this.

Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy

Challenge #27 ~ “A work of historical fiction.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

If we're talking boats, Devil's Ballast is a grand, seaworthy ship, offering and delivering safe passage over some choppy waters - that is, it's a strong, well-researched book with an intriguing and varied plotline. Caddy complements this with some literary finesse in techniques that have tripped many a writer, such as time jumps and establishing a strong historic setting. However, without a significant connection to the protagonist (or even another of the recurring characters), it doesn't quite worm its way into the depths of the reader's heart, leaving it a good book rather than the new mass favourite.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Caddy navigates the tale as well as Calico navigates the seas. There are time jumps, alternate settings and perspectives, and obligatory world-building to establish the historical context, yet Caddy makes these literary devices seem like child's play, becoming a seamless addition to the book. Not once was I stumbling over a change in setting or left reeling by a two month transition from chapter to chapter. I felt reassured in Caddy's hands, however tempestuous the seas in the actual plotline.

A warning for the book:

Connecting with the main character isn't the easiest of feats. It took me a significant while to establish a relationship with Bonny - the female pirate we're supposed to be cheering on - and even when I did, it was quite superficial. It doesn't detract from the story, per say, as the drama and plot are largely unaffected, but it does leave it as just another story rather than a novel I feel a deep connection to.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller      - Iron Cast by Destiny Soria      - A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

N.B.: An e-ARC of this book was received from NetGalley in return for a reflective and honest review.

Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird

Challenge #31 ~ “A book inspired by a leading news story.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

From distinct characters and places to a sensitive, thought-provoking plot, Laird crafts an engaging, well-written and relevant novel - a novel that may just be one of my new favourites of theirs. With the knowledge, honesty and understanding that can only come from experience, Laird transforms a (fairly) uncomplicated plotline into a tale that really addresses some key questions of our contemporary global society. There are points of joy, there are times for tears and, whilst I did question the pacing as the book raced on into its conclusion, Laird turned it all around with the perfect fit of an ending.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

A real gem in this novel is the writing itself. Laird presents each character and each setting with a depth and detail that brings them to life, whilst offering its own distinct feel. Furthermore, they do so in a way that avoids any overburdening of the reader or detraction from the plot - a method that proves extremely useful as the book sees the protagonist family move frequently from place to place. Such a strong basis provides the ideal background for the more challenging thematic exploration Laird then offers, elevating the book above some of its similar contemporaries.

A warning for the book:

Laird's book does not shy away from some of the difficult themes, and presents facts and plot arcs that can been hard-hitting. This offers a great open exploration and provides a strong basis for thought and discussion. However, I'd certainly advise giving it a read through yourself first before recommending on to younger middle-grade readers.

Recommended for fans of:

     - The Border by Steve Schafer      - Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah      - Saint Death by Marcus Sedgewick

Two Can Keep A Secret by Karen M. McManus

Wildcard #5 ~ “A book featuring a number in its title."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

I was blown away by this book - it was engaging, thrilling and, whilst a familiar story from the past few years, full of its own twists and turns. The characters were a fabulous bunch, with whom McManus encouraged a deep connection, and allowed to develop over the course of the book. Sure, at times, I lost track of quite who some of the minor, minor characters were, but from a dual-perspective, multi-generational crime story, I think that's kind of fair enough.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

One of the few things that can really make a book is whether the reader cares for the characters, and that was most definitely the case here. I'm not the first to be pulled in by some light-hearted humour, upturned stereotype or even a little romance, but McManus worked some real magic that, without me noticing, had me invested in her whole ragtag bunch - from Brooke and Katrin to Ezra, Malcolm and Ellery. Not only did that help enamour me to the book, but made the intrigue all the more intriguing and the back-stabbing all the more painful. Well-played, McManus!

A warning for the book:

Despite the cover, it's a complete stand-alone from One of Us Is Lying. That may be obvious to the more astute of you, but knowing there was a sequel out there and thinking "Two" might follow "One", I was a little puzzled at the start trying to remember where these characters had fitted into McManus' other book. In my defence, it's been years since I read it and it's actual sequel is on my TBR, too, but yes - duh, Raz!

Recommended for fans of:

     - Sadie by Courtney Summers      - The Search Party by Simon Lelic      - Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali

Wildcard ~ August

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

This has been one of those books that I've been so eager to read for a while, but nervous to start in case it disappointed. From the very beginning (literally!), however, I was very much taken with Ali's handling of the themes, which proved much darker than I was expecting, and the way in which she represented the Muslim community. That being said, the exploration of the hijab was much weaker and not in correspondence with the established characters, but as a whole, the book was an engaging read and strongly-placed among its contemporaries.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Ali offers a great, well-informed and diverse insight into the Muslim community. I was hesitant going in, knowing the poor generalisations, stereotypes and clichés that typically saturate the media and society at wide, but from the very beginning my trepidation was eased. Seriously, the first scene is really powerful and, whilst not necessarily proving a plotline to helplessly hook the read ad infinitum, I knew I'd made a good decision in choosing to read the book.

A warning for the book:

It's not one of those that's going to wrap everything up in pretty paper with a bow, where everything is somehow all OK in the end. That's not a complaint, either! Ali doesn't rush things or accelerate the timeline just to tidy up a relationship and give it a pretty conclusion. Sure, I'd have loved to know what happened next with Janna and Fizz, but at the pace established in the book and the timeline we were set upon, it would have served to weaken the ending and detracted from the great realism of the book.

Recommended for fans of:

     - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas      - I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman      - P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Timekeeper by Tara Sim

Challenge #52 ~ “A book related to time.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

This was one of those incredible books that was great at nailing every aspect. The world-building was phenomenal, transporting you into a Victorian London with Sim's alternate twists, and making it as familiar as any world the reader's ever known. Add into that some grungey characters perfect for a new YA fantasy world about time handling (not travel or manipulation), and some plot twists to boot, and you're in for a real treat!

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

There's the promise of a sequel that's going to take the world even further? Timekeeper was different, refreshing, full of fabulous characterisation, a world to really feel at home in and a steady plot abounding with twists and mystery. It's quite a niche book, but a strong work in the genre, packed with promise, and I am definitely eager to see what the next book has to hold.

A warning for the book:

There are some books that grab you by the lapels and thrust you into a whirlwind adventure before you have a chance to get your breath back, and then there are others that take a slightly more sedate pace. This one was one of the latter, and I don't say this as a bad thing or as a way to reveal that it's not engaging (because it is!) I'm still in two minds as to which speed I think would work best for this book - it's great as it is, but I do think there was something slightly lacking when it came to the plot/pacing side. Just don't go into the tale expecting to be whisked away on some adrenaline-fuelled adventure -  Sim's story is more of a dignified amble that will both impress and disappoint.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Railhead by Philip Reeve      - All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill      - Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Wildcard ~ May

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

I have to admit I was slightly blown away - The Illuminae Files, Kaufman & Kristoff's previous sci-fi trilogy was out of this world, and I wasn't quite expecting anything subsequent to live up to its epic legacy. Aurora Rising does, and whilst it's not the wide-eyed awe and jaw-dropping disbelief that only a fresh discovery of a new author's awesomeness can offer, it is more than up there with its loveable characters, humorous storytelling and unexpected plot twists. Plus, I can tell there's something bigger, larger and long-term brewing in those outer-space nebulae, and I am so ready for it.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The larger plotline may be something new, but it's a principle and a premise done before - a group that must work as a team despite their differences, quirks and not really knowing each other prior. What really sets Aurora Rising apart, however, is the characters themselves. Kaufman & Kristoff really craft them into their own, larger-than-life beings, bursting with some top-quality banter (although, if I had to critique, it's not quite the A-grade standard I found in The Illuminae Files...) Still, when you're reading a familiar trope and the story has multiple character perspectives, you really need a stellar set of finely-crafted characters, and that is certainly what this book delivers.

A warning for the book:

It ends, and at the time of going to press, the third and final installment in the trilogy has not been released! So, prepare to fall hook, line and sinker for the ragtag crew called Squad 312, become uber-invested in the unfolding drama taking place centuries in the future and miles from Earth, and then be left crying into the blackness in yearning for book three. (But be glad you've discovered it now, for the second book is fresh out this year!)

Recommended for fans of:

     - Railhead by Philip Pullman      - Titantic 2020 by Colin Bateman      - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Nightshade by Anthony Horowitz

Challenge #44 ~ “Two books featuring a character with the same name: ‘ALEX'”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

I was more than ready for the release of Nightshade - another Alex Rider novel! - and it was engaging enough to read in a full day. That being said, I was a little disappointed at how much of the story seemed to be elements from the others, altered slightly and pieced together for a new story. Still, it read as fun and exciting as any of the others, with great continuity on the characterisation front, and Horowitz's typical brand of adrenaline and twisting plots.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The Alex Rider series has spanned well over a decade, and yet it's still true to itself. Sure, reality in the universe has kept up with the modern times even as timeline-wise that's not true - first book, Stormbreaker, set barely a year before Nightshade, features a GameBoy Colour as the height of technology, yet here we have iPhones - but Horowitz remains true to the sense of character he established for each, and offers them a realistic development within the universe's timeline. Plus, the modern elements of global politics and situations, helps keep the books accessible, relatable and realistic.

A warning for the book:

If you're hoping for entirely original plot points or twists, they're a little lacking in this installment. Rather, Nightshade seems to act as almost a homage to the other books in the series, picking out bits from many and assembling them for a new story. It's understandable, what with Horowitz working on several projects, that elements from others will become entangled, but it does mean that this isn't the fresh and original new adventure one may expect.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Hostage by Chris Bradford      - Strike Lightning by Steve Cole      - Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer

Rule of Threes by Marcy Campbell

Challenge #9 ~ “3 books set on three different continents: Book 2 ~ NORTH AMERICA.”

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

The book tackled some increasingly relevant themes in an accessible manner for the middle grade audience, but at times a rounded perspective was required so as to not bias or influence the reader. Personally, I really struggled to find the momentum in the book, too, as there were lots of side plots but no real central focus or drive. Campbell’s characterisation and, most importantly, development was especially welcome, although I do question how problematic a character the protagonist was at the start (particularly in ways that are never really explicitly addressed in the rest of the book…)

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Opioid addiction, rehab, and unconventional family structures are all increasingly relevant themes to be discussing and portraying for younger audiences, and Campbell does it well. There’s sensitivity, accessibility, and evidence of great research, which are all extremely necessary for such a complex and challenging topic.

A warning for the book:

Young minds are so easily influenced and that’s a large part of why I can’t recommend this one on (despite some of the themes being well-researched). Some elements are only shown very negatively, and there are words and actions from the main character that go unaddressed, although I’ll admit there is development and redemption towards the end. Still, it’s too little, too late, and fails to provide the explicit challenging of such problematic behaviour that I’d expect from a middle grade read.

N.B.: With thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher who provided an e-ARC in return for an honest and reflective review.

Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

Challenge #18 ~ "A book by an author you’ve only read once before."

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

My previous experience with Thomas' work was a real thriller, so I was definitely looking forward to her interpretation on a familiar trope. Unfortunately, with several dry episodes and a culprit-reveal I saw coming for more than half the book, I was left rather disappointed by the plotline offered. Let it be said, however, that on a technical level, the characters and relationships were strong and well-written - if only there was more life to the main tale...

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Thomas nails the people elements of this book. From characterisation to relationships, there's complexity, strength and uniqueness abounding. Each character, both main and side, stood clearly alone and felt different and distinct from each other, which is very important in a mystery such as this. Furthermore, Thomas' portrayal of the complex tangle that friendships take (especially among high school girls) was really laudable and a key strength of the book as a whole.

A warning for the book:

If you've read a something with a similar premise before, you've read this one too. Unfortunately, Thomas doesn't manage to achieve much to make this stand about above the others, and actually struggles to make it stand with the others. I had the surprise-reveal culprit pegged from quite early on (maybe a result of reading too many similar books), and had quite a job finding the momentum to get through some very slow and dry portions of the story. Had I not been reading the audiobook, this may very well have stayed half-read on my Kindle somewhere for many more months...

Recommended for fans of:

     - Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus      - See All the Stars by Kit Frick      - Fix Me by Lisa Cronkhite

Alone on a Wide, Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo

Challenge #7 ~ “A book set in the Southern Hemisphere.”

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

This was a tale of two halves - both intentionally as Morpurgo switched protagonist, but also unintentionally (I'd hope) in finesse. Whilst the opening part tells us of Arthur's life in Australia with a winding plot, host of simplistic-but-strong characters and readable writing style, the second part feels bland, repetitive and focuses on a character we have no connection to. I also implore all authors to think carefully before using abstract punctuation, capitalisation and text speak as general prose, because after just a chapter it had me putting this book down while I mentally prepared myself for said torture.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Morpurgo tackles a topic I've not read much on before, and does so in a way that is clearly well-researched but also informative to an older middle-grade audience. The author's afterword adds more depth on this idea, too, adding strength to the idea that reading the novel is worthwhile. And, actually, if you're not too fussed about reading the whole book, I'd definitely recommend the first part in isolation - part 2, unfortunately, does enough damage that I can't find myself recommending it further as a whole work.

A warning for the book:

Part 2 is very different to part 1. It's a point that keeps surfacing in this review, I know, but I feel as if I can't state it enough. Was it necessary? The jury's out. She probably could have just taken an airplane. Was it readable? Honestly, I struggled. Morpurgo made a stylistic choice to use odd capitalisation and punctuation to create the "log book" emails, but there was no consistency to it and thus didn't feel credible. Was it engaging? Not for me. Before this point, we'd barely been introduced to the character suddenly leading our prose and becoming the new focal point, and lots of elements felt repetitive, forced and added no value (I'm looking at you, poem she decided to tell us all about memorising!)

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Challenge #16 ~ “A book set in a rural or sparsely populated area.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

Forget a hug-in-a-mug, this was a hug-in-a-book. Using quirky, light-hearted plot to complement some tender and complex characters, Klune crafts a heart-warming story tackling (not just brushing by) the themes of belonging, identity and found families. Sure, it's aimed at a middle-grade/young adult audience primarily, but it's one I would say is definitely accessible for everyone (and I'll be recommending around like wildfire!)

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Can I pick just one element to highlight above all the others? Probably not. Klune nails pretty much every aspect from plot to character to tone. I was unashamedly laughing out loud, which is quite a rare occurrence for me when reading. Much like for protagonist Linus, the characters definitely grow on you, worming their way into even the stone-coldest of hearts, and whilst not big mind-benders, Klune has more than enough little plot twists to keep the reader on their toes as things progress.

A warning for the book:

The beginning, for me, was the weakest part. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it and it didn't dampen or permanently harm my overall impression of the book, but it took quite a bit of time for things to get established and to actually make our way to the house in the cerulean sea. Looking back, it's difficult to say what should be cut to make this segue quicker, but as a word of advice, hold off making any drastic decisions about the book until you reach the island and its quirky inhabitants (you'll regret it if you abandon the tale before you meet them!)

Recommended for fans of:

     - Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans      - Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell-Boyce      - Whose Side Are You On? by Alan Gibbons

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro

Wildcard ~ September

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Through a winding and intriguing plotline to a kickass ending, Cavallaro builds on the strength of the first book in this, the second installment. The familiar characters, too, build in their depth and complexity, whilst we're introduced to a new collection of mysterious, well-constructed side characters to complement the new dimensions of the story. Sure, at times, the plot-character balance wasn't quite right, which did lead to some slower and less engaging moments, but the book equally illustrated growth from its prequel whilst honouring the established groundwork.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

If I'm not going to rain on the parade of my next section, this will have to be the plotline (but the ending is a very close second). The story offered a greater scope than the prequel, creating a complex and ever-twisting stage on which the characters could develop. Sure, at times, the balance of characters and plotline skewed (in both directions), but this felt a lot more autonomous from the traditional Sherlock Holmes stories whilst remaining true to its roots.

A warning for the book:

A Case for Jamie - book three - must be close to hand, because the ending will scramble your brain. Even now, reflecting back on the read after over three weeks of rumination, I can't really explain what happened, but that's half of the enticement. Exciting, unpredictable, very "what-the-hell-just-happened", yet not out of character or bizarrely off-field for the book. The textbook way to finish a mid-series instalment and blow your readers' socks off - good job, Cavallaro!

Recommended for fans of:

     - Heist Society by Ally Carter      - The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson      - Arsenic for Tea by Robin Stevens

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks

Challenge #23 ~ “A book featuring an LGTBQ+ character, or by an LGBTQ+ author.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

I'm not the biggest reader of graphic novels - I don't know why, I seem to devour them in hours when I do - but something had me wanting to check this one out. Once again, Rowell shows her absolute talent in understanding, representing and conveying strong characters that don't merge into one another, and Hicks' artwork brought the whole thing to life. Sure, it's rather predictable, but as a fun read to get you in the fall mood, it's absolutely perfect.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

I've never been to a pumpkin patch, but Hicks and Rowell created such a strong sense of atmosphere. Without wordy descriptions or pages of meticulously detailed images solely for the purpose of establishing the environment, the whole setting of the book sprang to life and I was thrown headlong into utter fall vibes. And they lasted all book long, complemented by the adrenaline, excitement and anticipation of the characters' whirlwind adventure. If you're looking to escape the world for a while (and who can blame you), definitely give this book a go!

A warning for the book:

The plot is uber-cliché and predictable - I'm not complaining, it's the perfect fit for the vibe Rowell has going on, but as a heads up... Oh, and it gives you serious Fall feels. Honestly, you'll be craving pumpkin spice and autumn leaves mid-March if you decide to read it then!

Recommended for fans of:

     - Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu      - Heartstopper by Alice Oseman      - Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Challenge #8 ~ “The debut book from a popular author.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Our recent heatwave definitely had me seeking out a feel-good beach read, and what I choice past-me made! From characters that melt their way into your hearts (whether main- or side-) to a fair-helping of angst, drama and unexpected action, My Life Next Door is a real emotional-rollercoaster from start to finish. There are tear-jerking moments, times to laugh out loud and a strong sense of family (blood and chosen), giving all the feels of contemporary YA done right.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

If you are ever in need of an example of characterisation done right, I present this to you. Our protagonist and key characters? Distinct, relatable, realistic. Our side-characters? Fleshed out with personalities of their own. Also largely distinguishable from one another. Is there growth across just one summer? You bet there is. And it's realistic time-wise, to boot. I will hands-up say that I was not a big Tim fan at the start of the book, but having got to know him as things progress - he's trying, and honestly, that's all any of us can do.

A warning for the book:

For once it's the romantic plotline I'm all for, and the non-romantic one I'm not so big on. There was a side-plot (at least, it felt like a side-plot) around the protagonist's mother and her election bid related to US politics, and at these times, the pace seemed to slow and I found them a tad dry. It didn't really help get to know the mother (or her creepy assistant), which was disappointing given the role they play in the climax. Thankfully, as I say, side-plot.

Recommended for fans of:

     - The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt      - Lucky in Love by Kasie West      - Turtles All the Way Down by John Green