The Guest List

Author:  Lucy Foley
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 313
On Sale: July 2020
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Adult, Suspense
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

It’s the wedding of the year. But someone won’t survive it.

On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate the wedding of Jules Keegan and Will Slater. Will is a rising television star, handsome and charming. Jules is a smart, ambitious magazine publisher. Though the sea is a little choppy and the cell service spotty, their wedding is everything you’d expect of a young power couple: designer dress, four-tiered cake, boutique whiskey, vintage champagne. Every detail has been curated to perfection. All that’s left to orchestrate is the happiness.

But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. It’s not long after the cake is cut and the champagne popped that resentments and petty jealousies come out. Worse yet, the latest barometer reading shows the weather has shifted from FAIR to CHANGEABLE, and dark clouds are looming overhead.

Everyone on the island has a secret. Everyone has a motive. And someone won’t leave this wedding alive…

From Me:

I could not put this book down, I started it on my lunch break and read all the way home and didn’t eat until it was finished. I was floored by how little I predicted and how many surprises there were at the end. I was expected one, and they just kept coming. Some of the “stags” or groomsmen blurred together a bit, but the rest of the characters were unique and easy to keep track of. Each chapter is from a different person’s perspective, and it was nice to have their names at the beginning of each one to keep them straight. This book started out on more of a gentle pace, but then it’s a riot right till the end.

Would fit The 52 Book Club’s 2021 prompts:

1 – Set In A School
19 – Book With A Deckled Edge
23 – An Ending That Surprises You
25 – A Book With Multiple Character POV
29 – Featuring The Environment
32 – A Selfish Character
34 – A Book You’d Rate 5 Stars
41 – An Endorsement By A Famous Author On The Cover

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes

Author:  Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 517
On Sale: May 19, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

Ambition will fuel him.
Competition will drive him.
But power has its price.

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out-charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined—every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

From Me:

I am so in love with this book I am hesitant to start something else. I loved The Hunger Games, but found this to be almost better. Between the characters and the world building it was really well done, and even though the ending was a bit rushed and very “wait, what’s happening” it explains a lot about him and their future. I thought it was fascinating that she was able to turn the character from someone we disliked to someone we really liked to someone becoming the person we disliked. I am really impressed.

The Stone Of Sorrow

Author:  Brooke Carter
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Pages: 312
On Sale: April 7, 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT, Mythology, Fiction
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

In a land of myth and ice, seventeen-year-old Runa Unnursdottir is not the runecaster her clan has been hoping for. She spends her days daydreaming of sailing away and exploring the world instead of studying the runes and learning her spells. The villagers consider her odd, in looks and in manner. She’s nothing like her talented sister, Syr, keeper of the sacred moonstone that ensures the village’s continued survival. But when a rival clan led by an evil witch raids the village and kidnaps her sister, Runa is forced to act. With a fallen Valkyrie by her side, and the help of a gorgeous half-elf Runa is not quite sure she can trust, the apprentice must travel to the site of an ancient runecasting competition to try to win back the magical gem. But the journey will not be easy; the three unlikely companions encounter malevolent and supernatural creatures at every turn. Somehow, Runa must summon the courage and strength to face her destiny, a destiny she never wanted. Or die trying.

From Me:

I would like to thank LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program for giving me a copy of this book, because I was blown away. I loved the setting and the mythology and the entire journey. I would love to see the Valkyrie expanded on more and to learn more about the spellcasting, but the whole thing was really well done. The Icelandic setting was a refreshing change and I look forward to the next book!

I Promise

Author:  LeBron James
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 36
On Sale: August 11, 2020
Genre: Children’s, Academic, Poetry, Inspirational
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

NBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.

Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close.

I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

Featuring James’s upbeat, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations perfectly crafted for a diverse audience by New York Times bestselling artist Nina Mata, this book has the power to inspire all children and families to be their best.

Perfect for shared reading in and out of the classroom, I Promise is also a great gift for graduation, birthdays, and other occasions.

From Me:

I loved this, I thought it was really beautifully done. I enjoyed the rhyming text very much and the message it gives to kids is perfect. Inspired by his I Promise school, it tells them to stay in school and to always try their best and strive for greatness. It’s a great set of daily mantras and I love “I promise to reach for my star”.

Chain of Gold

Author:  Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books
Pages: 672
On Sale: March 3 2020
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, Paranormal
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

From #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare comes the first novel in a brand-new trilogy where evil hides in plain sight and love cuts deeper than any blade. Chain of Gold is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadowhunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons. When her father is accused of a terrible crime, she and her brother travel to London in hopes of preventing the family’s ruin. Cordelia’s mother wants to marry her off, but Cordelia is determined to be a hero rather than a bride. Soon Cordelia encounters childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and supernatural salons, where vampires and warlocks mingle with mermaids and magicians. All the while, she must hide her secret love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else.

But Cordelia’s new life is blown apart when a shocking series of demon attacks devastate London. These monsters are nothing like those Shadowhunters have fought before—these demons walk in daylight, strike down the unwary with incurable poison, and seem impossible to kill. London is immediately quarantined. Trapped in the city, Cordelia and her friends discover that their own connection to a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers—and forced a brutal choice that will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero.

From Me:

I devoured this book; it was just as good as all of the others. It’s been so long since I read the Clockwork series that I forgot who some people were, but everything still made sense and came together in the end. Most of the relationships are heartbreaking, yet I’m really looking forward to the rest of this trilogy. And to learn what happened to Matthew.  The Clockwork series was my favorite and I loved this continuation of it, Cassandra Clare really sucks you into her characters and world building in a way that makes you physically miss them when you’re done.

Kitty And Dragon

Author: Meika Hashimoto
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Pages: 104
On Sale: October 20 2020
Genre: Children’s
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

When Kitty looks for the perfect home, she makes an unlikely best friend—Dragon! From Epic! Originals, Kitty and Dragon is a lovable early reader series about finding true friendship when you least expect it.

Book 1 of this early reader series features three adorable stories about Kitty and Dragon—best friends, even when one of them is snoring, being messy, or having a sad day. Even though they are quite different from one another, Kitty and Dragon have learned that there’s nothing better than being together, just the way they are.

From Me:

This was adorable.  The artwork was bright and captivating, and each of the three stories included in this volume were unique and enjoyable.  I felt they really showed how different friends can be while still learning how to play and take care of each other.  The text was fairly simple, making this a good story for beginner readers.  Definitely a cute story for all ages.

The Enforcer Enigma

Author: G.L. Carriger
Publisher: Gail Carriger LLC
Pages: 341
On Sale: August 1 2020
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, LGBT, Paranormal
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

A werewolf without rank or hope and an enforcer who has lived too long go up against the selkie mob.

Charming urban fantasy from New York Times bestselling comedy author Gail Carriger.

ENFORCER

Judd has wandered from pack to pack his whole life, searching for wolves who will accept him for who he is and who he loves. Now he believes that he’s finally found the right pack and the right man.

NERD

Rejected by his family for being gay and geeky, Colin has never fit in with werewolves, yet now he is one. He doesn’t know how to react when Judd starts courting him. He’s even more lost when a famous singer, the selkie mob, and the feds also start chasing him.

Can Judd protect Colin and still prove his love? Can Colin figure out why enemy shifters are invading his favorite cafe? And what’s with all the gold sparkle? Find out in The Enforcer Enigma.

Delicate Sensibilities?

This paranormal romance contains M/M sexy times, horrible puns regarding country music, and men who wear suits without shirts underneath. If you get offended easily, then you probably will. The San Andreas Shifter stories include blue language, dirty deeds, and outright admiration for the San Francisco Bay Area. Not for the faint of heart (or mouth or tongue).

From Me:

I really love everything this author writes. The way she brings life to these characters is incredible, and she really leaves you wanting to read more and more about them. I love how the men are both sensitive and strong, and how they’re not afraid to open up and be who they really are. I wasn’t as into Judd as I was Tank in the last book, but this was still a terrific relationship to read.

Cinderella Is Dead

Author: Kalynn Bayron
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 400
On Sale: July 7 2020
Genre: Fantasy, YA, LGBT, Retellings
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

It’s 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl’s display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all–and in the process, they learn that there’s more to Cinderella’s story than they ever knew . . .

This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them.


From Me:

I thought this book was perfect and I loved every second of it.  I found it to be really original and a bit spooky, and while a bit of it was predictable the characters really stood out and had their own personalities.  It was intense enough that I couldn’t stop reading, but not so fast paced that I was exhausted by the end.  I would love to see a sequel about how their changes are working out.

The Very Last Leaf

Author: Stef Wade
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Pages: 32
On Sale: August 2020
Genre: Children
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day…feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison’s delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.

From Me:

The artwork in this was gorgeous.  It was a really cute story about a leaf being in the top of his tree classes, but then having difficulties with the very last one.  I’m sure some kids with anxiety or being new in school would be able to relate, but even without the connection I enjoyed it.  The tree facts were a perfect science level for children and I could see it leading to field trips and leaf collecting.

The World Needs More Purple People

Author: Kristen Bell, Benjamin Hart
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers
Pages: 40
On Sale: June 2020
Genre: Children
Stars: 5/5

From the Publisher:

What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.
 
Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart have created a hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans. This book will inspire a whole generation to paint the world purple!

From Me:

I know reviews are mixed online, but I loved this story.  It may not have delved deep into racism like a lot of people expected, but I still thought it was a fantastic way to shine a light on kindness and being a helper and being true to yourself.  I think it’s great to tell children to laugh and love and ask a ton of questions.  The images were also adorable and full of snot and laughter.