Book Nerds Across America: bloomsbury

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Friday, January 24, 2020

Book review: The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper

Book Summary
As a successful social media journalist with half a million followers, seventeen-year-old Cal is used to sharing his life online. But when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars, Cal and his family relocate from Brooklyn to Houston and are thrust into a media circus.

Amidst the chaos, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon, another “Astrokid,” and finds himself falling head over heels—fast. As the frenzy around the mission grows, so does their connection. But when secrets about the program are uncovered, Cal must find a way to reveal the truth without hurting the people who have become most important to him.

Expertly capturing the thrill of first love and the self-doubt all teens feel, debut author Phil Stamper is a new talent to watch.

Flo's Review
I really enjoyed this one. Obviously, it's a cute love story and those are my jam. But there's so much more to it than that. I'll get back to the romance, but I want to discuss the setting first.

What a unique and interesting setting! I really enjoyed learning so much about NASA and space exploration back in the '60s. Either Phil Stamper is a space fan himself, or he did a great job with his research. (Or maybe both.) He did so well showing the reader what a truly exciting and magical time it was. But there was some darkness underneath the shiny surface, as with most things. And he showed us that darkness, too. Then, with that as his base, he showed us what modern society might do in the same situation, and the darkness underneath that.

Okay, now back to the romance :). Cal, a fixer type personality, falls in love with Leon, a young man who is discovering himself, struggling a little bit, and finding his way. It's almost like a, "Go figure!" type situation. But I loved how Stamper both said and showed that it's not that anybody needs anybody else to fix them. I jotted down this quote from Cal's mom:

"Don't aim to fix people. Fixing seems so permanent, so absolute. Like there's no room for error. Aim to make things better."

Several of the characters in the book have probably been described as "broken," so this quote is a good way to describe many of the people Cal is close to, as well as a beautiful summation of Cal's arc throughout the book.

The Gravity of Us publishes February 4, 2020 from Bloomsbury YA. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Book review: The Beast by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs

Book Summary
Nico, Opal, Tyler, Emma, and Logan survived their worst fears come to life, and saved their tiny Pacific Northwest town of Timbers from a monstrous figment invasion. Now they just want to keep their heads down, enjoy Halloween, and explore the secrets of their mysterious houseboat clubhouse. And also figure out their new Torchbearer responsibilities as keepers of the Darkdeep, an ancient whirlpool hidden in Still Cove that can make both dreams and nightmares into reality.

But when a dangerous new breed of figments starts appearing on their own, and the very environment around them begins to spiral out of control, the friends realize they have no idea what they are doing-or how they're supposed to restrain the Darkdeep. They must uncover the pool's origins, as well as those of the freaky Thing in a Jar, a seemingly lifeless green creature Opal believes is communicating with her. To make matters worse, a trashy YouTube series has rolled into town intent on finding the Beast, the legendary local sea monster suddenly stirring up the countryside.

As threats rapidly close in around them, the friends must fight to protect their secrets, defeat new enemies, and save Timbers and all that they love.

Told from alternating points of view, this chilling sequel from bestselling duo Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs will once again have readers sleeping with the lights on.

Flo's Review
Y'all. If you thought The Darkdeep was craaazay (aka "good crazy") then get ready for The Beast! This book takes everything literally to a whole new level. Like I was fully not expecting to go all the places this story went. I was sitting there reading it and just when I thought things couldn't get any more insane -- they totally did!

There was so much going on here, what with the Beast, the figments, Freakshow, and the gang trying to solve another mystery. It all ended up connecting of course, but daaaang. I am super impressed with the creativity of Ally and Brendan and this world they've created. This group of friends is pretty great, too. They have each other's backs 100%, always remembering their oath, "We look out for the Darkdeep, and we look out for each other." I was especially touched by some of their little actions, which actually weren't so little. Like Tyler's badass moment toward the end. And Nico subtlely cutting Logan some slack at one point.

Like with the last novel, this one ended with a little hint about what's to come. I, of course, can't imagine what that is. But based on the teaser, I fully believe it's going to get even craaaazier than this one. I cannot wait!

In the meantime, The Beast publishes Tuesday, September 24th. This is a fun series so far (although I will never look at Care Bears the same way, thank you very much, Brendan and Ally!!) and I recommend you give it a try if you're in the mood for a super creative adventure.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Book review: Past Perfect Life by Elizabeth Eulberg

Book Summary
Small-town Wisconsin high school senior Allison Smith loves her life the way it is-spending quality time with her widowed father and her tight-knit circle of friends, including best friend Marian and maybe-more-than-friends Neil. Sure she is stressed out about college applications . . . who wouldn't be? In a few short months, everything's going to change, big time.
But when Ally files her applications, they send up a red flag . . . because she's not Allison Smith. And Ally's-make that Amanda's-ordinary life is suddenly blown apart. Was everything before a lie? Who will she be after? And what will she do as now comes crashing down around her?

Flo's Review
As I shared on Instagram when I received this book, I was already highly anticipating it after talking about it with Elizabeth at Miami Book Fair last year. I really enjoyed Just Another Girl and was excited to see what Elizabeth had in store for us next.

My favorite weekend days are those where I just just lie in bed or on the couch under a blanket with a drink of choice (tea, wine, whatever) and just let myself get lost in a book because I have no other responsibilities. I am so happy that I was able to do that with Past Perfect Life today! After a big brunch at Cracker Barrel, I curled up in bed and started reading. I did not put the book down again until about page 130ish. I moved from the bed to the couch and continued reading. Then I did not put it down again. There's something so deliciously satisfying about reading an entire book in a day and I'm always so happy when I do it.

It also says a lot about the book. I mean, if I can read 300 plus pages in a few hours, it means I am truly, truly engrossed. I was so invested in this story! Ally is a great character. Funny, smart, but also shy, a hard worker, and all those other good things Neil said about her in the beginning. Also -- Neil. ❤️❤️

Her situation is one that I could not fathom being in and it was so fascinating and engaging to consider, through reading her thoughts and reactions, what that would even be like. (Note: I'm being purposefully vague so as to be sure not to spoil anything for anyone.) This book raises a lot of questions about what makes you you? Is it family and DNA alone? Is it how you are raised? Is it the friends you surround yourself with growing up? Is it a combination? If so, how much do these different elements factor in?

Whenever I can't put a book down, it's because the pacing is done so well that you don't even notice. And as I mentioned before, Ally was a great protagonist. Even though she suffering a lot, and for obvious reasons, she remained kind and accommodating, true to those she loved, open, and willing to do whatever it took for the people important to her.

The combination of the great pacing, a protagonist you want to be friends with, and Neil (lol) made this book such a delight! Past Perfect Life publishes July 9th from Bloomsbury.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Book review: The Girl King by Mimi Yu

Book Summary
Two sisters become unwitting rivals in a war to claim the title of Emperor in this sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice and betrayal for readers of Sabaa Tahir and Alwyn Hamilton.

All hail the Girl King.

Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty's first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow. Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead—a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.

Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally—and an army—if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…

Alone in the volatile court, Min's hidden power awakens—a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set's reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself. But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters' greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.

Flo's Review
This was an interesting read for me. The word building was fantastic. I enjoyed reading about the Inbetween especially, but also about the other cities and areas within the world. The people and places were all distinct and fascinating. Secondly, the pacing was on point. It was an addictive story: I just kept flipping pages and thinking, "Okay, I'll read this one more chapter." Then it would end, and I would just keep on reading.

The sticking point for me was the characters. I recognize this is because of a personal characteristic of my own reading. Specifically, in order for me to enjoy a book, I have to like at least one of the characters. I've got to be rooting for someone. I love being invested in a character -- wanting what they want, holding my breath as they go through the trials on the quest for this goal. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but for the most part, if I don't find a character I care about, then it makes it hard for me to care about the book. That's what happened here. Several minor characters, major and minor, mention how Lu is an entitled princess, arrogant, and stubborn. She definitely is. And at the end of the book, I did not feel any character growth from her -- she was still the same demanding princess she was at the beginning. Min, her sister, had the biggest transformation of the main characters in the book. I don't want to spoil too much, but I didn't like Min before, during, or after.

Nok was the main character I liked best. But so much of his story is told in vague pieces, in flashbacks as he remembers events that happened to him before the start of the story. It took me too long to really piece together what happened to him, and without that I found it hard to really know him. But of the three, I think his story in Book 2 will be the most interesting.

I recognize my own reading preferences reflecting my thoughts on this book, so in conclusion -- give this one a try! The world building is amazing, the culture is rich and diverse, and the writing is excellent.

The Girl King publishes January 8, 2019. Thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Miami Book Fair 2018 Preview: Ally Connie and Brendan Reichs, The Darkdeep

It's pretty much November, which means we are almost up to one of my absolute favorite events of the year -- Miami Book Fair! The Fair goes from November 11th to the 18th this year, but you can bet I'm already getting ready for it. As a lead up, I'll be doing a few preview posts where I share a review of a book by an author that will be presenting at the Fair. So let's get started!

First up, is Ally Connie and Brendan Reichs, who will be discussing their new book The Darkdeep.

Flo's Review

What a creative story! I don't want to give away details, but so many elements are so unique and quirky. I can definitely see a kid exclaiming, "Cool!" as he experiences some of the supernatural things in the story. But there's also so much more to the Darkdeep than I think we learned in this first book. I was impressed and intrigued with the back story and I am so curious to learn more about its history.

The Darkdeep also does so well with character relationships and development. Everyone has that super enthusiastic friend like Emma. Tyler's comments made me laugh at several points in the story, because, dude, Tyler is me! He reacted to the Darkdeep probably how I would react. But he will drop everything for Emma and that is just adorable and I love it. I also thought the relationship between Opal and Nico was well done, especially for a middle grade novel. It's true to the age group, but there's definitely more to it that I hope will be uncovered in future Darkdeep novels. I can't say too much about Logan's character arc and remain spoiler-free, but I appreciate his journey and contribution.

If you're looking for a creative, easy-to-read middle grade novel, I'd recommend you check this out. But I have to know....what's the thing in the jar??!?

Ally and Brendan at the Fair

The Plot Thickens: Secret Adventure Stories

Sunday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Wemby Wordsmith's Storytorium (in Upper Plaza of Children's Alley)

300 NE Second Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132

In this rollicking adventure by comics sensation Molly Brooks, Sanity & Tallulah must save their space station from a science experiment gone wrong before it’s too late. Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs will have your pulse racing with The Darkdeep, home to something ancient that can detect your brightest wishes and your darkest secrets.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Book review: The Darkdeep by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs

Book Summary
When a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland over the edge of a cliff into the icy waters of Still Cove, where no one ever goes, friends Tyler and Ella - and even 'cool kid' Opal -rush to his rescue... only to discover an island hidden in the swirling mists below.

Shrouded by dense trees and murky tides, the island appears uninhabited, although the kids can't quite shake the feeling that something about it is off. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat with an array of curiosities inside: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to places they've never heard of, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable.

As the group delves deeper into the unknown, their discoveries - and their lives -begin to intertwine in weird and creepy ways. Something ancient has awakened... and it knows their wishes and dreams - and their darkest, most terrible secrets. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy things that lurk within their own hearts?

Flo's Review
First of all, I have to let you know in full disclosure -- I'm kind of obsessed with Ally Condie. Did you know that there used to a fansite for the Matched trilogy? That's right. Guess who was the main writer? This girl. Wanna hear about Atlantia? Here's the review I wrote for Fangirlish. Anyway, I love Ally.

So when I read about this middle grade story she was co-authoring with Brendan Reichs, I immediately wanted it. First the cover: it's cute and creepy at the same time! Yes, a contrasting combination, but it somehow manages to pull it off, what with the 4 kids in the rowboat (aww!) heading toward a big, dark scary thing (eek!)

What a creative story! I don't want to give away details, but so many elements are so unique and quirky. I can definitely see a kid exclaiming, "Cool!" as he experiences some of the supernatural things in the story. But there's also so much more to the Darkdeep than I think we learned in this first book. I was impressed and intrigued with the back story and I am so curious to learn more about its history.

The Darkdeep also does so well with character relationships and development. Everyone has that super enthusiastic friend like Emma. Tyler's comments made me laugh at several points in the story, because, dude, Tyler is me! He reacted to the Darkdeep probably how I would react. But he will drop everything for Emma and that is just adorable and I love it. I also thought the relationship between Opal and Nico was well done, especially for a middle grade novel. It's true to the age group, but there's definitely more to it that I hope will be uncovered in future Darkdeep novels. I can't say too much about Logan's character arc and remain spoiler-free, but I appreciate his journey and contribution.

The Darkdeep publishes on October 2, and if you're looking for a creative, easy-to-read middle grade novel, I'd recommend you check this out. But I have to know....what's the thing in the jar??!?

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