Tag Archives: Fiction

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Posted on by
Reply

America Singer has been chosen to compete in The Selection for a chance at Prince Maxon’s hand. The only problem? She’s secretly in love with her best friend, Aspen.

Upon arriving at the palace, America and Maxon strike a deal. America will spy on the other girls for Maxon to find out what their true intentions are and Maxon won’t eliminate America from the competition, so that she can continue to improve her family’s financial situation.

As far as storylines go, it’s a little cliche with your typical childhood friend romance trope and rags-to-riches story. However, personally, I liked how it was kind of like a dystopian version of Cinderella.

America also has a very strong and selfless personality as she is willing to do anything if it means that her family’s living situation will improve. She’s also very sympathetic with others as she tries her best to make friends with the other girls in the competition, even though they all see her as an enemy. Prince Maxon is very sweet as well. He’s completely understanding when America is having a panic attack or when she’s feeling homesick, to the point where he arranges an event at the palace, so that she can see her family again.

Overall, I’d say it’s a 4/5. It can be kind of predictable at times but if you’re a fan of royal romances or books like The Red Queen, I’d say that this is right up your alley.

The Selection by Kiera Cass is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Lady of Darkness: Book Review

Posted on by
Reply

I was on Bookstagram the other day, and I found that many people were recommending this book, so it piqued my interest quickly! I read it, and I would say the book is better than I thought! Lady of Darkness is the first of five books, and it is a completed series!

The thing that I found interesting about this book is the fact that although there was romance in it, it didn’t obscure the whole plot of the book. The main heroine, Scarlett Monrhoe, 100% was involved in her own part of the story. Although she was influenced, she never strayed from her own personal goals.

SPOILER AHEAD:

From the first page of the book, you can pretty much guess that she was an assassin, but what the reader doesn’t know is that it goes so much deeper than that. Throughout the book, she’s mourning the loss of one of her sisters and her mother, and she goes through an insane amount of trauma.

For unknown reasons in the beginning, she’s somehow living in a mansion, with one of her childhood best friends, Cassius, under a rich lord who is in charge of her. The story starts picking up the pace when a mysterious man who is in charge of the lord’s armies spots her. From there, she starts training with him, as she is intrigued by the speed and agility that she equally matches.

There are multiple subplots going on at the same time, so it is difficult to explain all of them in order. However, as she is dealing with the mysterious man, children are going missing as well. So, she puts all her energy into finding the children and uses any methods possible to get a clue that might help.

As the story begins to tie together, we see that the mysterious man is the meeting point of all of her problems: her heritage, her mother, her sisters, the assassin lord…

I would say that this book is a good read for anyone who is feeling that rebel in them and wants to give this book a try!

The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen

Posted on by
Reply

Glamor, hearts of gold, summer, dumplings, Broadway, scholarships, this book has it all.

E. L. Shen’s Queens of New York revolves around Jia Lee, Ariel Kim, and Everett Hoang. The trio each being their own specialties to the group: Everett is the future Broadway star, all shiny lights and melodic voice. Ariel is the genius, brainy scholar who just recently lost her sister to a drowning incident she strangely knows nothing about. And Jia, she’s like the skin of dumpling, keeping them all together.

When the three best friends split up for the summer—Ariel to San Francisco to pursue her STEM interest, Everett to a performing arts school in Ohio, and Jia remaining back at home, all of the problems in their lives become apparent.

Without each other for constant support and distractions, the girls are forced to face their fears head-on. With their leaps of faith come new discoveries and closure.

This novel shines a light on Asian-American representation, racism, and economical disadvantages. For one, the offhanded racist comments that Everett experienced from an authoritative figure at her academy. Jia’s family’s dumpling house restaurant responsibilities that restrict her from bringing up her dreams of college and an education that her family can’t afford.

I appreciated how these very real concepts did not detract from the storyline, only added to the characters and the reader’s understanding of them.

Overall, The Queens of New York was a novel that I enjoyed reading. It proves that there is more than just flashy skyline buildings, unrelenting crowds, and bustling taxis to New York; There are big hearts and even bigger dreams.

The Queens of New York by E. L. Shen is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

You & Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne

Posted on by
1

Imagine being the only person in the world, with time suspended for some unknown reason, until you finally stumble upon someone. A very affable, music-aficionado someone, in Hannah’s case.

Hannah Ashton and Leo Sterling are the only people in the world. They are completely isolated in an alternate reality without people, problems, or expectations. They take the opportunity to discover their true selves and each other.

I really enjoyed seeing perfect, rigorous, ballet-dedicated Hannah Ashton realize that she also loves feeling wind blowing through her hair and Leo Sterling’s guitar playing.

In real life, Hannah is a driven ballet dancer with high aspirations and Leo is a laid-back rock guitarist. They knew each other from school, but they would never talk to one another. In this dimension, they are given the chance to truly get to know each other.

The entire mystery of the reason for this apocalyptic event kept me in suspense throughout the novel. The instances where Leo and Hannah’s true connection shone, I was expecting a blackout, or a glitch in the matrix of some sort to eventually drive them apart, but it never really came.

The setting of the novel felt almost dream-like. I wondered if Hannah was only imagining Leo or if his personality was a figment of her imagination. Without the confinements of their regular lives, they are free to be whomever they choose.

Eventually, towards the end of the novel, their blissful world takes a turn of events. In the center of the chaos, they find each other.

House of Beating Wings: Book Review

Posted on by
Reply

This book has been an amazing fantasy read! I have been trying to find a book that has matched the past fantasy books that I have read (aka: ACOTAR, Throne of Glass Series, Shatter Me, Red Queen…) and this one has met most, if not all, of my criteria! It has those plot twists that I love, the romance, and the world building that is so complex, yet complicated. The premise of this book is about a twenty-one-year-old girl named Fallon who is half fae. She is often undermined by the pure fae and the humans as well.

Half-fae don’t have the rights that pure fae’s have and they are not allowed to use magic. Fallon is stubborn, like most female heroines, and she has a love for animals, especially water serpents. But, she has no magic, which she questions. As a result, people often mistrust her and sometimes she doesn’t even understand what and who she is. However, she has her best friends, Sybille and Phoebus that back her up, as well as the prince, Dante who has been her childhood love.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Fallon lives with her grandma who is in charge of taking care of her, and her mom who is in comatose state. After she goes out to party one night, she meets a woman named Bronwen who tells her a prophecy in which she will be the Queen of Luce if she collects five crow statues.

With nothing to lose, she goes on a journey to retrieve the five crow statues. The interesting thing is after she collects a crow, they come to life. The more and more crows she collects, she realizes that it can actually talk to her and keeps her company during the journey.

As they get further and further into this journey, she begins to uncover some of her heritage/bloodline, secrets that has been kept from her, and her kingdom’s secrets.

This series is a trilogy, and it is a well worth it read! I am currently on the third book, House of Striking Oaths, and the plot twists, world building, and romance have kept my anxiety and heart rate up there! I really recommend this book for anyone who is in a book slumber and needs a book to take their mind off of things!

BOOK REVIEW – Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Posted on by
2

(NO SPOILERS)

I read this book on a car ride to a drive in theater to watch the new Indiana Jones (Dial of Destiny). I hated the book. The movie was good.

The book, Are you There, God? It’s me, Margaret by Judy Blume is a coming of age story about Margaret, a pre-teen girl trying to fit in when her family moves from New York City to New Jersey. She struggles with finding her religion and growing up as a girl. 

I didn’t have to commit many hours to reading — I finished in about two. 

There’s themes of religion and social relationships and menstruation, but overall, it was an enjoyable read!! I don’t think I’d read it ever again, though, because I don’t particularly tend to enjoy Judy Blume. However, it felt real in terms of familial relationships.

In short, I struggle in finding my identity in many areas, such as sexuality, gender, and religion. I’m told what I am by many people, including my parents, but sometimes it doesn’t feel right. Margaret struggles with the same thing — her family argues about what religion she would convert to. I related to it, but again, Judy Blume is not my favorite author. And this was not my favorite book.

Anyways, this book apparently has been banned in a few places due to its take on religions including Christianity and Jewishism. I’m Catholic, a branch of Christianity, but even then, many characters in this book made me feel super angry. The parents discussed religion in poor ways, and basically, I disliked the parents. I disliked the family.

HOWEVER. There were many weird moments in the book that made me throw it across the room. There were practices that the main group of girls went through in order to appear more feminine. AND they were ecstatic about receiving their first periods. I. I cannot. I couldn’t; I literally skipped over every instance they hung out. There was also a girl they disliked because of a rumor that she used her beauty and big breasts to “go behind the school to kiss two boys.” WHAT.

Additionally, these girls had a teacher. A male teacher. A first-time, perverted teacher. There were phrases and instances where I felt like the teacher held their gaze too long on these tiny tweens, he made Margaret uncomfortable, and his eyes always went back to the girl who was early developed. Overall, ew. Overall, please stop, I don’t want kids to reflect on these themes in a positive way. 

I rate this book ½ a star. But hey, at least Indiana Jones was kind of good. 

Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret by Judy Blume is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Golden Slipper by Valia Lind

Posted on by
Reply

After being abused by her stepmother and stepsisters for years, Mira finally has a chance to escape to the human world and open her own flower shop after her best friend provides her an opportunity to work at the palace. However, with the threat of Baba Yaga looming overhead and her secret romance with the prince, Mira’s plans may yet be delayed.

The Golden Slipper is truly a fantastical wonder piece that beautifully retells Cinderella’s story. It’s filled with magic, wonder, and a budding romance between two people who come from completely different worlds. After each subsequent encounter with each other, the two begin to literally fall for each other as they prove that with the power of true love, they can overcome any spell, whether it be from a wicked witch or a fairy godmother.

Although their relationship has its ups and downs, as the two attempt to navigate through arranged marriages and a wicked stepmother, they only continue to grow closer and closer to one another. However, as the two dance with each other night after night at the masquerade ball, completely unaware of each other’s identity, feelings, and dark past, the two prove that anything is possible.

The Golden Slipper is a great read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a little magic in their life!

Spoiler Free Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder

Posted on by
1

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson, is an enticing young adult novel that all mystery loving teens should consider reading.

Earlier this month, while wandering the seemingly endless aisles of my local bookstore, I came across the section which holds my favorite genre of books: murder mystery. Gazing across the shelves, I noticed the novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and decided to take it home since it was previously recommended to me by a friend.  

The book follows an ambitious teen, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, as she attempts to solve a cold case that has impacted her town immensely. Throughout the book, Jackson writes in a captivating and suspenseful tone that makes the book hard to put down.

While I personally loved the story of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I would not recommend the novel to anyone under the age of 13 as it has some mature themes that are better understood by those who are at least in their teen years. My original desire to read this book stemmed from my interest in criminal justice and a want to see how this theme played out in the characters’ lives; I would recommend the book to anyone feeling the same way. 

The story of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has also been confirmed to be a made for TV adaptation, so I recommend that anyone interested reads the book first!

–  Taylor O.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

Posted on by
1

Miranda Asebedo’s The Deepest Roots is a powerful novel that proves that friendship is an unbreakable force.

Rome, Lux, and Mercy are three girls of Cottonwood Hollow, born with magical abilities that seem to only attract evil. Rome is a Fixer—she can repair broken objects and understand mechanisms well, Lux can charm men into believing they love her, and Mercy’s magic conjures up an abundance of any item.

Rome is the main character of the story. She and her single mother struggle to pay the rent in their shabby, run-down trailer. Money is hard to come by and each day is a struggle. The support she receives from Lux and Mercy give her the strength to help her through these challenging times.

I enjoyed reading this book because of its realistic events and obstacles. Rome’s difficulties and responsibilities are authentic and add to her character’s budding independence. Mercy and Lux are two incredible friends to Rome that support her through thick and thin, even though they may not always get along.

This novel was a definite page turner. I enjoyed reading each page. However, throughout the book, there were a few crude concepts; Lux’s Mom’s abusive boyfriend and the unwanted attention Lux receives with her powers. Even in the dark times of Lux’s life, Rome and Mercy were there to rescue her—The hardships Lux faces only strengthen the girls’ bond.

Eventually, the three close friends learn that their powers are no curse rooting them to the ground; They are a precious opportunity to grow.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu

Posted on by
Reply

To Remy, Elise was everything—car rides in a bright pink Chevy, blissful nights away from arguing parents, and little bursts of support that made everything okay.

Until Jack.

Jack was the calm, steadying presence in Remy’s life. Rational and kind, sensible and compassionate, everything Remy ever wanted.

Remy and Elise lived on the wild side of life. Elise made days seem effortlessly thrilling. In fact, her favorite movie, Kill Bill, featured a fearless main character that she aspired to be: reckless in the face of danger, courageous when aiding others, and morally right when distributing punishments to those who wronged her.

If anyone came across her or Remy, Elise would make sure they got what they deserved. She exploded fireworks, released mice, and corroded cars, all in the name of justice.

What’s more, Elise was the person who guided Remy outside of her comfort zones, who helped her experience life without fear. Elise was, seemingly, an angel in the form of a rebellious teenage girl, sent just for Remy. When Jack cautions their behavior and disapproves of their ways, Remy has to choose between her two soulmates.

As Elise and Jack’s conflict turns deadly, Remy desperately wishes that she and Elise never met in the first place.

The Best Lies was an excellently crafted novel. Elise’s disobedient nature and Remy’s meek personality are the perfect blend of two entirely different characteristics to develop the plot.

The book was suspenseful and intriguing; I only wanted to discover Elise’s motive, just like Remy. The complicated relationship between Remy, Elise, and Jack was a definite page turner.

I really enjoyed reading Lyu’s writing style and experiencing the story alongside Remy. As her character learns to cope with struggles and eventually overcome them, I felt my own mood reflect Remy’s feelings.

Remy experiences the unimaginable throughout the novel. Love, friendship, betrayal, obsession. All of it. By the end of the novel, Remy learns that only the truth is the best lie.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.