Skyward Skyward #1 by Brandon Sanderson Adventure Dystopian Science Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) All her life, Spensa has dreamed of joining the Defiant Flight School. After all, her father was a pilot, and he was one of the best. There’s just one minor problem—as her father was on a mission for the DDF, he supposedly turned coward. In response, his own flight mates shot him down. Her whole life, … Read more
Fenris & Mott by Gary Van Eekhout Mystery Science Fiction Supernatural Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Fast-paced Norse mythology novel where Mott has to prevent the Fenris from eating the moon, or the world will end. I liked this book because you are thrown into the plot, and it is a good mix of mystery, weird happenings, and friendship. For elementary and middle school readers.
The Survivor Wants to Die at the End Death-Cast #3 by Adam Silvera LGBTQ+ Romance Science Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) On Earth, where death runs rampant, a large company called “Death-Cast” seeks to fix that problem by predicting the deaths of those who sign up. Many people find this program to be a blessing, ensuring that they can say their goodbyes and find peace before death. Others find it to … Read more
Seagarden Plotting the Stars #2 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Mystery Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Myra and her friends saw their secret moon garden destroyed when it was discovered. They’ve started another one, but it’s not ideal. What’s worse is that Myra’s Botan magic seems to be going wrong when she tries to use it (something to do with the trauma of what she experienced with the previous garden). They’re still … Read more
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman Science Fiction Thriller The world has barely recovered from COVID when the next virus attacks. This one, known as Crown Royale, is also devastatingly lethal for some folks, but those that survive – and even those that don’t, in their last minutes – experience a complete change in perspective. They become kinder, gentler, more helpful people. Two factions are arising – those that think the virus is a positive … Read more
Dungeon Crawler Carl Dungeon Crawler Carl #1 by Matt Dinniman Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Earth has been repossessed by aliens for its minerals, and anyone who was inside some kind of structure when the aliens showed up is immediately crushed out of existence. Any remaining humans have been invited to participate in a dungeon crawling game for their survival and the rest of the universe’s entertainment, as their progress … Read more
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jessica Mathers has been summoned by her parents after they basically abandoned her for their careers when she was eleven. They want her to be a part of their research expedition to Carver 1061c, which will whisk her away from her life on Earth. Jess is ANGRY and doesn’t want to go, but has been given no choice in the matter. … Read more
Starter Villain by John Scalzi Science Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Charlie moved back home to Barrington, IL to take care of his sick father who passed away not too long ago, leaving his home/estate to be split amongst his children. Charlie’s siblings would like him to vacate the house so they can collect their share. And they get their wish when it suddenly explodes. But that’s getting ahead of things. Just … Read more
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Pandava Quintet, book #3 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Science Fiction Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” by Roshani Chokshi follows Aru and her friends as they continue their quest to stop the Sleeper, a villain threatening to destroy the world. This time, they must find the Tree of Wishes to gain a powerful wish … Read more
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Fantasy Psychological Science Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The café Funiculi Funicula allows its patrons to travel back in time. By sitting in a particular seat in the café, you follow the stories of “The Lovers, “Husband and Wife,” “The Sisters,” or “Mother and Child.” Whether they travel back to convince their husband or try to reconnect with their lover with … Read more