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Dread Nation

Dread NationTitle: Dread Nation
Author: Justina Ireland
Series: Dread Nation #1
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Young Adult
Format: Kindle
Pages: 418
Rating:

My Thoughts

DREAD NATION is the first zombie novel I’ve ever read and I loved it. I loved how the “Shamblers” worked and how they changed the outcome of the Civil War and society in general. The Shamblers were so much fun to read about. I especially loved reading the fight scenes with all the different weaponry used against the dead.

I liked the time period and how Ireland used the setting to discuss the oppression of black people not only during Civil War era United States, but in general the most. Even though the themes are blunt, they’re not preachy. Ireland skillfully addresses issues of racism and inequality while delivering a complex, enthralling story. Reading this book was very eye-opening. I know I’ve lived a very sheltered and safe life (and I’m not talking about a life free of Shamblers). I felt like the story wonderfully illustrates the perseverance and strength black people have while enduring horrific abuse at the hands of those who see them as lesser.

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A River Enchanted

A River EnchantedTitle: A River Enchanted
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Elements of Cadence #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 480
Rating:

Also in this series: A Fire Endless
My Thoughts

I absolutely adored everything about A RIVER ENCHANTED. As soon as I started to read the story of Cadence and its inhabitants, I was hooked. When I was reading, I didn’t want to put it down and I couldn’t stop thinking about it in between reads. I loved that the story was written from different POVs and that it wasn’t done chapter by chapter. The story was told from whoever’s POV told the story the best at that moment. I loved all the characters and especially the slow-burn romances. I wish there was more kissing, but I’m glad the story wasn’t sacrificed for the romance.

I adored the mythology. It was fascinating. The magical system with the spirits was fun to read about and experience. I also loved the Scottish / Gaelic feel and I think Ross could’ve pushed that aspect of the story a lot more.

Update: When I read this a second time so I could read A FIRE ENDLESS, I listened to the audiobook. The audiobook is definitely the way to read this series. I loved Ruth Urquhart’s narration. Her Scottish accent added so much to the story.

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Fangirl

FangirlTitle: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Romance, Young Adult
Format: Kindle
Pages: 448
Rating:

My Thoughts

I loved the whole concept of FANGIRL. Other than the writing fan-fiction thing because I don’t do that, I connected with Cath so hard. I’ve been obsessed with fandoms before like she and Wren are with Simon. I’ve met friends in forums and then in real life. I’ve traveled with those friends to settings in the books we love. And, I’ve read fanfics because I wanted those fandoms to live on.

I also loved reading the excerpts not only from the “original” Simon books, but also from Cath’s fan-fiction, especially CARRY ON. The excerpts made me love the characters almost as much as Cath does. I’m excited that Rowell decided to write a trilogy based on Simon so I can read it at some point.

I loved the slow-burn romance between Cath and Levi. I loved their relationship. It was so cute and swoony. There were times when I wanted less Simon because I wanted more kissing. And, I liked the story just the way it was because Rowell explored some really tough subjects, like abandonment, addiction, and mental illness.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Nine Perfect StrangersTitle: Nine Perfect Strangers
Author: Liane Moriarty
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle
Pages: 392
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading NINE PERFECT STRANGERS. I connected strongly with a few of the characters in terms of their mental health battles. I thought Moriarty did such a great job of writing about depression, suicide, suicidal ideation, psychedelic therapy, and the way we deal with trauma and setbacks in our life. I really appreciated how she explored all these tough subjects. I especially liked how she flipped the psychedelic therapy on its head (iykyk).

I did think some of the plot was a little far-fetched, but the story and the characters were so compelling that I didn’t care. Moriarty’s a master at writing character-driven stories, which are my most favorite kind of stories to read. I wanted to keep reading and find out how the book would end, how each of the characters would act and feel after their experiences at Tranquillum House.

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The Sound of Stars

The Sound of StarsTitle: The Sound of Stars
Author: Alechia Dow
Genre: Dystopian, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 426
Rating:

My Thoughts

It took me a little bit to get into THE SOUND OF STARS. Once I did, though, I couldn’t put it down. One of my favorite things about the story was its message of inclusivity. There were so many LGBTQ+ characters, including Ellie. Dow didn’t shove a pro-LGBTQ+ agenda in your face or anything; she just had characters that identified in different ways and the other characters were accepting and considerate of them and their pronouns.

I also loved how Dow used the invasion of Earth by the Ilori as a way to talk about racism, prejudice, police brutality, and other current hot topics. It added to the story by giving it more depth, strengthened Ellie and M0Rr1S’ connection, and made the story more memorable.