# Of Books Read: 7
1. Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Pages: 208
My Rating: ★★★★★
Overall Thoughts: This book was incredible from the writing, to plot & characters! Khan weaves in so many themes such as family, friendship, and identity! Following Amina’s journey through middle school, she begins to question as people and things around her begin to change. This novel has so many different and complex layers, that anyone can find an aspect of Amina’s Voice to relate to! Highly recommend this gem of a novel!
2.Another Castle: Grimoire by Andrew Wheeler + Paulina Ganucheau
Another Castle: Grimoire Full Review
Publisher: Oni Press
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Pages: 152
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: Another Castle: Grimoire is a graphic novel that puts clever twists+spins on classic fairy tale tropes! Following Princess Misty, she sets forth to Grimoire to defeat Badlug and keep her kingdom safe. While the story is a little slow paced, its filled with action and adventure! The art is bright and colorful too! There’s a big emphasis on friendship and its filled with empowering female characters!
3.Shadow Run by AdriAnne Strickland + Michael Miller (Kaitan Chronicles #1)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Pages: 400
My Rating:★★★★☆
Overall Thoughts: Filled with action + adventure and a diverse cast of characters, you’ll be immersed in Shadow Run as you follow Captain Qole and Prince Nev and as they learn more about “Shadow” and how it impacts their world. I adored the characters so much! While I definitely wanted a little faster pacing + more world-building/development, this book is one I recommend if you’re looking to get into Sci-Fi! It’s very character driven and above all, a fun story! Can’t wait for Book 2!
4.I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
I Believe In A Thing Called Love Full ARC Review
Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux (BYR)
Release Date:May 30, 2017
Pages: 336
My Rating: ★★★★★
Overall Thoughts: A delightful YA Contemporary with the perfect blend of humor, romance, and has themes of family and friendship weaved throughout. Told through 1st person POV, you follow Desi Lee as she creates a plan with the help of K-Dramas to help her find love.
5.Flying Witch Volume 1 by Chihiro Ishizuka {Flying Witch #1}
Flying Witch Volume 1 Full Review
Publisher: Vertical Comics
Release Date: March 8, 2017
Pages: 160
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: A slow paced manga that follows Makato as she continues her training to become a witch. The story is very character driven and the story while it has its quiet magical elements, follows a “slice of life” approach. I did want more plot-wise, but above all this is a lovely manga! Highly recommend!
6.When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
When Dimple Met Rishi Full ARC Review
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Pages: 380
My Rating: ★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: Balancing humor with more serious and heartfelt moments, When Dimple Met Rishi is a perfect summer contemporary! Its very character driven, and the magic & spirit of first love is captured through 3rd person POV as you follow Dimple and Rishi who have been set up in an arranged marriage. They have differing views of life and love, but throughout the story their relationship slowly develops and they learn more about themselves and each other along the way!
7.The Last Thing You Said by Sara Biren
The Last Thing You Said Full Review
Publisher: Amulet Books
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Pages: 320
My Rating: ★★★☆☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: Ben and Lucy have lost Trixie (a dear sister + friend). Told through dual POV, you follow them as almost a year has passed since Trixie’s death and the complex emotions that’s still with them and how they are coping. Biren does a fantastic job with developing the emotional complexity of her characters and its present all throughout the story. Slow pacing and difficult character decisions made this novel a little disappointing. However, with strong elements in terms of character and development, this novel is very unique in its discussion of grief.
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May 2017 Book Releases I’m Looking Forward To
Literary Listens: Publishers & Podcasts
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