Category Archives: Book Reviews

Why I Love A Series of Unfortunate Events

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There are 13 books in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Each one looks at a different part of the 3 Baudelaire siblings’ lives and misfortunes as they grow and learn more about the strangeness of the world. It’s a story about finding one’s moral compass, the failings of guardians, the wickedness that plagues society, and the importance of associating with good people. 

In the first few books we learn about the tragedy that took the Baudelaires’ parents, and about their nemesis/first guardian, Count Olaf, a wicked man who cares about nothing but getting his hands on their fortune. We are also introduced to the siblings: Violet, a genius inventor; Klaus, a genius researcher; and Sunny, a baby with sharp teeth who eventually becomes a genius chef. As the siblings grow in their strengths and move from failed guardian to failed guardian, they begin to learn more about a secret organization known as V.F.D. As the books progress and the children grow past the need for awful guardians, they begin to dive into this organization and the story becomes filled with more secrets and mysteries. It is at this point that I think the series really gets going and becomes phenomenal. The last 6 books in the series are particularly amazing, gripping stories that leave you asking more questions than you get answered.  I often dislike endings, whether it’s in movies or in books, even music. For this reason, it’s high praise for me to say that A Series of Unfortunate Events might have my favorite ending of any book series. It’s a perfect culmination of character growth, surprises, and just enough answers to leave you satisfied. With the Baudelaires finally finding somewhere that seems safe, they learn that safety comes with a steep price. 

While the stories are certainly amazing, I can’t overstate how important Lemony Snicket’s unique style of writing and narration is to the story. His tone alone is fascinating, with the stories being a sort of optimistic melancholy. His vocabulary is interesting, with him often explaining what words mean or having characters explain it. The way he inserts the narrator’s story into the series without ever explaining who he really is is simply remarkable. Lastly, he will repeat words and phrases to the point of boring you, just for you to realize that in the middle of his repetition he has left a secret message. It’s just wonderful how he manages to incorporate so many things into his storytelling and narration, that you can’t help but smile while you read it. Whether you are a child, a teenager, or an adult I’d highly recommend reading the books, or at least watching the amazing Netflix adaptation!

-Parker K.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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A book truly unlike any other I’ve read.

After seeing this historical fiction-meets-romance book on TikTok (surprise, surprise) I decided to pick up a copy and see what the hype was all about. Not only did The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tremendously exceed my expectations, but it has become one of my favorite reads of all time.

The book features the biography of the fictional character Evelyn Hugo, one of the greatest actresses of all time. Hugo is known for having seven husbands (hence the title), and delves into every detail of each relationship she had and the lessons she learned from each one. Each relationship Evelyn had with a different husband was dynamic and unique, and blended together to form the story of Evelyn’s life.

Throughout the novel, Reid delivers a style of writing unlike any other I’ve read before. Each chapter ends with a level of finesse and witty elegance that seriously had me grinning ear to ear in utter awe. Even as someone who is not a historical fiction fan, this book was so phenomenal that I somehow managed to finish all 400 pages in a single day!

I have no real critiques on this incredible must-read book, and would recommend it to anyone I know. Needless to say, Taylor Jenkins Reid has outdone herself with this one.

-Anusha M.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Sun Also Rises: Ernest Hemingway

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The Sun Also Rises, a novel written by Ernest Hemingway (an admired American writer and journalist), wrote this book for the “lost generation” impacted by WWI and its aftermath. As the plot is divided into three sections, I’ll split the review as per this format! Note: this book addresses mature topics that might make certain readers uncomfortable. 

Book 1: Main characters Jake Barnes and Brett Ashly are introduced with injured yet carefree qualities. For one, they each played a role in WWI, both stationed on the front lines for different reasons (Barnes as a soldier and Ashley as a nurse). However, either have no qualms taking risks, as they often drink, make love, and celebrate. In turn, Hemingway demonstrates war’s unquestionable force, strong enough to arouse reckless behavior when one feels as though death is so near. In addition, while the plot is still sparse and unclear, certain love interests (which stem from various side characters) and fallouts are revealed. Their friends, despite their minor roles, are rather important in setting up tension as they compete for attention, romance, and passion. For the most part, their interactions take place in Paris, although Barnes eventually takes a trip to Spain with Brett and their colleagues to watch the famous bullfights. 

Book 2: As one would expect, this part is dedicated to how characters interact and are shaped by the present culture (in this case, the Spanish customs they face upon arriving in Spain). Likewise, the main tradition Hemingway points out is bullfighting. Hence, it leads Brett to fall in love with a matador, which raises conflict between the other male characters when they fight to win back (or remain with) Brett. Thus, Hemingway illustrates friendship’s destruction at the hands of love, even when the attraction is shallow or is shaped through pressure, competition, or spite. In all, the events take place during a week-long spanish fiesta, with glamours that include dances, music, and drinks. 

Book 3: In Hemingways’s last chapter, little more is accomplished; it serves to end the work. As a result, it leaves room for theme exploration and expansion. For example, a common topic revolves around morality, as Jake, Brett, and the others seem to have an empty lifestyle, and so fill their time with repetitive and menial activities, such as drinking, conversing, and dancing. In this, readers are forced not only to face the aimless goals and hostilities between the characters, but must realize that these attitudes were the norm in a time when war damaged individuals and communities both psychologically and morally. 

In short, The Sun Also Rises opens our eyes to a world ravaged by violence, allowing us to appreciate life as is. 

-Emilia D.

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

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The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare is the first installment of the Magisterium Series. The Iron Trials story introduces the main character, Callum Hunt. Throughout his whole life, he has been told the magic is bad and to stay away from it, despite his father being a mage. So when it’s time for Call to take the Iron Trials test to see if he can get into the magic school; the Magisterium, he tries to fail the test. And even though he does his best at failing, he still gets admitted to the Magisterium. Now the Magisterium is awaiting for him and he has to find his way through it. With the two other apprentices in Call’s group, Aaron and Tamara, they go through magic lessons, tests, and many different hardships throughout their first year at the Magisterium. 

The Iron Trial was an interesting and intriguing book. The three main characters in the book all had their own sets of personalities and different lives. Call was sarcastic and liked to talk back. He was always alone but liked being with friends. Aaron was kind and always tried to be the equal ground between everyone. He was loyal to his friends and stood up for them. Tamara was the smart one who knew more about magic than Aaron and Call did. She was independent and at first, very serious. As I read, I learned more about the characters and the different lives they live in. They were all very unique and great characters. Even the side characters were important to the story and stood out. Many of the characters had character development throughout the story which I really liked. There were a couple of plot twists in the story which were very relevant to the plot and changed a lot in the story. 

The Iron Trial is a fantasy book that wasn’t super long. The chapters were a good length and the book itself was a good length as well. At first, my expectations weren’t set very high and I thought it would be a normal magic book and that it wasn’t anything special. As I read, I found myself pulled into the story, wanting to find out what happens next. I finished the book in a few days and ended up enjoying the book more than I thought I would. The Iron Trial is only the first book out of five in the Magisterium Series. I enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. 

-Nicole R. 

Iron Trials by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.

Best of: Fantasy Romance

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These are some of my favorite young adult romance novels/series. I have read way more than the ones listed, but these are the ones that stand out the most.

  1. The Cruel Prince (Folk of The Air series) by Holly Black
The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1) by Holly Black

This would be my top recommendation if you are just getting into this genre. The series follows an enemies to lovers trope and is what I consider the best of the trope. The series follows a girl named Jude, who is one of the only humans living in the land of Faerie. Her arch enemy is none other than the handsome, Prince Cardan. In an attempt to gain support and power in the strange immortal land, Jude works against the throne. However, betrayal works both ways and she soon finds herself having to work with Cardan to save the land of Faerie.

  1. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas 
Amazon.com: A Court of Thorns and Roses eBook : Maas, Sarah J.: Kindle Store

If you’re someone who enjoys reading book series this is just the one for you. A Court of Thorns and Roses follows the tale of Beauty and The Beast but with a twist. Feyre is the main protagonist of the series and her family’s only hope in surviving a particularly tough winter. Desperate to feed her family, she ventures far out into the woods in search of deer, but instead shoots a wolf. Her entire life is changed as she is dragged into a magical kingdom for murdering a faerie. She now has to live in the land and becomes close to the High Fae of the Spring Court. 

  1. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash (Blood And Ash Series): Armentrout, Jennifer L.: 9781952457005: Amazon.com: Books

I saved the best for last, this is my personal favorite of the three because of the worldbuilding and chemistry involved in the series. Although there are only three books in the trilogy, each is close to 1000 pages, so they’re a good read. The series follows a girl named Poppy, who is a maiden – meaning she is forbidden to interact or talk to anyone. However, she is also very rebellious and constantly finds ways to sneak out of her quarters. This goes well until she meets a guy and instantly falls for him. He turns out to be her new personal guard. This is truly an amazing series full of both sweet moments and angst. 

-Michelle L.

Gabe and Izzy: Standing up for America’s Bullied by Gabrielle Ford and Sarah Thomson

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Bullying is a huge problem and Gabrielle Ford took on this problem with full force. While on her journey, she hit a few rocks and fell, but she always got back up.

Gabrielle was diagnosed with Friedreich ataxia when she was 13. Friedreich ataxia is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It makes it very hard to walk and it may affect the heart. Gabrielle’s passion was dance, she knew jazz, tap, and ballet. Imagine, not being able to do the one thing that you love the most? She went through a hard time all throughout her life but especially in 8th grade; she was bullied constantly because of her disease. Boys would tease her and say “You talk like you’re drunk! You really ought to lay off the booze, Gabe!” (Ford and Thomson 31). She slurred her words because of the disease. She would also sometimes trip and kids would push her and kick her heels. She could have given up, she could have let the kids get to her but instead, she held her head high and brushed it off. 

A few years after graduating high school, she adopted a coonhound named Izzy. Later, it was discovered that Izzy had a liver shunt and muscle problems. Gabrielle did everything in her power to get Izzy’s treatment, and after all her and her family’s hard work, they did! The story reached “Animal Planet” and not long after that, Gabrielle and Izzy had their own episode on “Animal Planet!” 

Gabrielle and Izzy went to speak to schools about bullying all around the world! Gabrielle’s story is so inspiring. It speaks to all kids and tells them that you shouldn’t let what everyone thinks and says affect you. I hope you read this book and help spread Gabrielle and Izzy’s message to others!

-Ella Y.

Gabe and Izzy: Standing up for America’s Bullied by Gabrielle Ford and Sarah Thomson is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Neverseen – Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

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In the fourth book of this series, our main character Sophie and her friends escape to the Black Swan, having just figured out that there is a second rebel group (aka the Neverseen). To keep their families safe and avoid the Council’s punishment, they leave. Upon getting to the Black Swan’s hideout, they meet an old gnome named Calla. She tells Sophie that she helped make her during the experimental stage of her creation. She also talks about a plague that has been killing gnomes. Sophie, (being the curious girl she is), decided to do some research. Mr. Forkle has other plans. He wants to only use this time to read and research. Nobody liked that idea (especially Dex and Keefe)!


This is one of my favorites in the series. It has the best ending so far, and it is tense (but still exciting). I can see major character development within all of the characters, and it is when many memorable actions happen. Some of which are Fitzphie jokes, meeting the twins Tam and Linh, plus some miniature showdowns with various different people. I very highly recommend reading this series, you can get very invested in the series quite quickly.

-Izzy W.

Neverseen by Shannon Messenger is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

Book Review: Children of Dune

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Minor spoilers for other Dune books

Children of Dune is the 3rd book in Frank Herbert’s Dune series. It was published in 1976 a whole 11 years after Dune, and 6 years after Dune Messiah. The story follows Paul Atreides’ children, the twins Leto II and Ghanima as they navigate political plots, religion, and mental turmoil. Both twins are “pre-born” meaning they have the knowledge of all those who came before them. This causes them to struggle, as they navigate physically being children, but mentally being thousands of years and thousands of people all in one. The Bene Gesserit are incredibly afraid of pre-born believing that they could turn into abominations. This simply means that they can become possessed by the evil people of their past who haunt their minds. Ideas like this are what make the story so interesting. Herbert always shows the dark side of power and the consequences of losing your humanity. The twins acknowledge and know about this dark side, seeing it in Alia, and in Paul’s supposed death. Yet, they are forced to use their powers and risk their humanity for the greater good. In Leto II’s opinion, they must go where Paul never could go, where he even was afraid to go. 

Many would consider this blasphemous to say, but it’s a bit like Star Wars Episode 7. By this I mean the story is a bit of a retelling of the original story. But it’s more fun and has enough new and interesting content to make it a great read. Some might even find it superior to the original. I probably would if it wasn’t for a few specific issues I had with the story. I dislike the ending of the story; it’s too similar to the first book and doesn’t show enough of Leto II’s potential. Perhaps this is on purpose to get us excited for the next book, but I’m not a fan. I also dislike how little Herbert does with Ghanima. I find her far more interesting of a character than Leto II (who in many ways is the same character as Paul) yet she hardly does anything. That being said I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what the next book and the books after that have to offer. 

-Parker K.

Children of Dune by Frank Herbert is available at the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

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The Ersatz Elevator is the 6th book in the Unfortunate Events series by Daniel Handler, pen name Lemony Snicket. Published in 2001 the book tackles the problems of wealth, the phoniness of pop culture, and the necessity of arguing. Similar to the previous novels it does this whilst exploring the lives of the Baudelaire orphans as they are passed to yet another guardian, who inevitably turns out to be a disappointment. 

The book immediately starts with the children meeting their new guardians, Jerome and Esme Squalor. They quickly learn that Esme only cares about what’s “in” and what’s “out” or what is popular and what is not. Lucky for them, orphans are in, thus they are allowed to stay in the roughly 76  room penthouse. Jerome on the other hand is an incredibly kind man who doesn’t care about popularity, but also hates arguing. To the point that he does whatever Esme says even if it involved eating salmon, a food he despises. Inevitably their enjoyment in the penthouse is short-lived after they spot Count Olaf, who is once again attempting to get his hands on the orphans and their fortune. From this point onwards the book is filled with mystery, adventure, and emotion. 

The book is by far one of the greatest in the series, as it walks the fine line between fiction and reality. It teaches the Baudelaires about the failings of adults and why the world is as bad as it is. Yet it also teaches them about how important it is to be brave, even in the face of total darkness. As well as expanding upon the mystery that has been growing throughout the series. You are left asking even more questions, and wondering why the Baudelaires are in the predicaments they are in. 

-Parker K.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

Finding Ruby Starling by Karen Rivers

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When twelve-year-old Ruth Quayle uses a face-recognition app to search for images of herself online, she finds plenty of photos of herself, as she expected. Then she stumbles across a couple images of a complete stranger—yet one that resembles Ruth almost identically. Ruth soon comes to the conclusion that the stranger, Ruby, is her identical twin!

Ruth and Ruby communicate over the Internet, learning more about each other, themselves, and their families. They share many differences and similarities—Ruth is an extroverted American adoptee, while Ruby is a shy English girl living with her single mother.

Yet both carry lives bursting with family, friends, and blooming romances. Together, Ruth and Ruby investigate the truth about their birth and separation, all the while balancing their busy lives and learning how to navigate them.

Ruth and Ruby’s story turned out to be one of my favorites! Throughout the massively complicated shift in Ruth s and Ruby s lives, they are still only twelve-year-olds learning to deal with the small changes in their lives that come with growing up.

I absolutely loved that this novel was written only in emails, handwritten letters, Tumblr entries, and film scripts. The way the characters wrote their emails and letters really helped embody their personalities, and this format was such a unique, inventive, and expressive way to write a novel.

Finding Ruby Starling by Karen Rivers is a creatively crafted story of family, friendship, and love. I truly enjoyed it so much, and I found myself rereading certain scenes over and over after I had finished the book. I’d definitely recommend Finding Ruby Starling! Happy reading!

-Lam T.

Finding Ruby Starling by Karen Rivers is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.