# Of Books Read: 6
1. Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh
Publisher: Tu Books ( Imprint of Lee & Low Books)
Release Date: September 14, 2017
Pages: 389
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: This brilliantly plotted YA Sci-Fi/ Dystopia is set in a futuristic Korea and follows Lee Jaewon who is an ex-gang member, who now attends a prestigious military academy. He learns more about his government after an exam gets him assigned to looking after Tera (a super soldier). The writing and plot are so detailed and complex that you get such an immersive view into this sci-fi/dystopian future that Oh delivers with so much heart. This is very much a character and plot-driven story that just builds and builds to the very end! There’s action, politics, intrigue, and robots!
2. Gray Wolf Island by Tracey Neithercott
Publisher: Knopf BYR
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Pages: 336
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: When Ruby’s twin passes away, she sets out to fulfill her last wish to find the rumored treasure of Gray Wolf Island. There’s mystery, great character dynamics, and atmospheric writing that really brings the story to life. If your looking for an adventure tale with vivid setting, characters, and a hint of magic, this is definitely the book for you!
3. The Little Queen by Meia Geddes
Publisher: Poetose Press
Release Date: August 1, 2017
Pages: 110
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: This is an enchanting story that reads very much like a timeless fairy tale as we follow The Little Queen as she sets out a journey across her kingdom, figures out what it means to be a ruler, and makes new friends along the way. For such a short book, I really resonated with the inspiring messages about life, overcoming fears and change! I easily became connected to the characters and the magical world of The Little Queen.
4. Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman (Vengeance Road #2)
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Release Date: November 7, 2017
Pages: 374
My Rating:★★★★☆
Overall Thoughts: Retribution Rails was wonderful conclusion to Vengeance Road! With a new set of characters set 10 years after and told through dual POV, we follow Rose Riders gang member Reece Murphy and aspiring journalist Charlotte Vaugn as the search for the owner of a mysterious gold coin brings them together! I loved the characters so much and this was such a plot-driven story that you really get a full scope of 1880’s Arizona. While there were so many things I loved about this book, the pacing did get pretty slow throughout the middle, felt some characters could have been expanded on a little more and wanted even more development with Reece & Charlotte! But overall this was such a character-driven and action packed addition to Vengeance Road that really stands great on its own!
5.The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’ Neill
The Tea Dragon Society Full Review
Publisher: Oni Press
Release Date: October 18, 2017
Pages: 72
My Rating:★★★★★
Overall Thoughts: This beautifully illustrated graphic novel follows Greta when she saves an injured tea dragon and is given the opportunity to learn more about them. This story is just so heart-warming and adorable! With friendship and the beauty of art and craft such prevalent themes of this story, you really become enchanted by the world of the tea dragons! Its also very diverse with characters of color, glbt relationships hinted at throughout, characters with disabilities and differing body-types! The Tea Dragon Society is whimsical, magical, and enchanting! Such a wonderful read!
6. Here We Are Now by Jasmine Warga
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Release Date: November 7, 2017
Pages: 304
My Rating:★★★★☆ ½
Overall Thoughts: Another deep and character-driven YA Contemporary from Jasmine Warga! This novel is about family and you really sense that throughout the story. Following Tal, she reconnects with her rock-star father when he shows up at her door to explain that his father is passing away and would like her to see him. From there she learns more about what caused her parents to split and the importance of family, music, and new beginnings! You know when you read a book at just the right time? That’s what reading Here We Are Now was like! I loved the writing, characters, and the important themes weaved throughout. If your looking for a moving and intricately woven YA Contemporary, this is definitely one to check out!
Additional Posts From This Month:
Literary Listens: Podcast Recs. Based On YA Books {Sci-Fi}
What Books Did You Read This Month? 😄✨📚
