LA Times Festival Of Books Wrap-Up {2018} + {Swag Giveaway!}

This past weekend I went to the L.A. Times Festival Of Books! Its a great festival hosted at USC every April where there are signings, celebration of art, music, and of course–tons of authors & books! 😍✨📚

If you’ve never gone, I highly recommend going if you have the chance! There’s always such great and interesting booths–and not just ones about books!

There’s entertainment, education, food, writing booths & so much more! (Especially great book swag!)

Thanks @latimesfob for the amazing book swag! 😍📚✨ + Thank you so much @mauxbot + @smenonbooks for the lovely enamel pins♥️
& @ThePaige_Turner for the awesome Sew Cal Gals button 😄💕#LATFOB #Bookfest pic.twitter.com/iMJATOSCEj

— 24hr.YABookBlog (@24hrYABookBlog) April 22, 2018

For Saturday April 21 it was a pretty easy schedule with only 4 authors on my list:

Roshani Chokshi author of The Star-Touched Queen,  A Crown Of Wishes, & her most recent, Aru Shah And The End Of Time (which I’m almost done with!!)

Sandhya Menon author of When Dimple Met Rishi

Sara Saedi author of Never Ever & Maurene Goo author of I Believe In A Thing Called Love 

I was able to meet all these authors & get my books signed! Throughout the festival I also checked out a lot of the booths, got some swag, and bought a book!

Shout-out to Maurene who recognized me b/c I also met her last year to get an ARC of I Believe In A Thing Called Love!😭✨❤💗

And Sara Saedi! I really loved her Peter Pan retelling Never Ever, so now that the sequel is out, it was great to be able to talk to her about it & what to  expect!

I also got to chat/see some lovely book blog friends again, such as Jordan from: The Heart Of A Book Blogger

Paige: The Paige Turner

& Allison: @AlliCrystal

On Sunday April 22, I had a few more authors on my list & was able to see almost all of them (sadly Nic Stone’s signing was too late for me & I couldn’t find my copy of American Panda in time to see Gloria Chao 😭):

First I met: Dhonielle Clayton, author of The Belles and co-author of The Tiny Pretty Things duology! {We talked about writing, then she asked me about tea-cup animals {which are in The Belles} & which one I would want–I said foxes or dragons!! 😆😍✨🦊🐉 & chatting w/ her was just so much fun!}

Before I met Dhonielle Clayton, I actually attended a panel that featured her, Sabaa Tahir, Marie Lu, & Tochi Onyebuchi for: Eat. Read Sleep: Fantastical Young Adult! This panel was moderated by Sarah Enni who runs the podcast: First Draft Pod.

They discussed the fantasy worlds they create, diversity and the importance of representation, how they go about world-building, etc.! It was a great panel & they were so funny!! 😂✨

I don’t usually attend panels when I go to book events, but this one was just fantastic & I’m so glad I attended!

Next I stayed around the YA Stage to meet:

Marie Marquardt author of Flight Season 

Emily X.R. Pan author of The Astonishing Color Of After (Which I still have yet to read!! But will very soon! 😭✨♥)

& Mary H.K. Choi author of Emergency Contact!

Getting the chance to chat w/ each author was just so great! Especially Marie & Mary, who I got to fangirl with over their amazing books!!

I also met some cool bookish people in line, such as Kalie who blogs about books at: A Bit Fairy Tale!

Afterwards I decided to make my last stop at the Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore booth to pick up an early copy of Bridget Morrissey’s upcoming YA Contemporary novel:

What You Left Me

I’d heard about it a while back and I definitely decided to keep it on my radar b/c it sounded like a great YA Contemporary & couldn’t miss the opportunity to get an early copy and meet the author!

Out on June 5, here is a summary: Martin and Petra meet for the first time at graduation, and though they’ve shared the halls of their high school for four years without crossing paths, there’s an instant connection the moment they’re seated next to each other at the commencement ceremony.

Then a car accident puts Martin into a coma, and Petra is somehow left picking up the pieces, using friends, family, and shared dreams to keep their surprise connection going.

Together they must unlock the truth of his situation, and with time running out, their bond becomes Martin’s best shot at waking back up to the life he’s left behind.

Got to meet @bridgemorrissey today at #LATFOB & get a copy of her upcoming book: What You Left Me 📚✨#WhatYouLeftMe is out June 5! @latimesfob @SourcebooksFire #YAContemporary #YALit #Bookfest pic.twitter.com/cwoao8qQfF

— 24hr.YABookBlog (@24hrYABookBlog) April 23, 2018

Overall talking with each author was amazing! They were all so kind! Getting the time to ask them questions about writing and their books was incredible!

And now for the giveaway!! I was at the Mysterious Galaxy booth & found some Furyborn swag (an exclusive sampler + bookmark!)

So not only is this my first swag giveaway, but its also my first international one!
All you have to do is RT the tweet below & follow my twitter!

& I can’t share it yet, but I’ll also be having another LATFOB giveaway soon! (Stay tuned on my twitter ^_^)

#LATFOB Book Swag Giveaway🎉📚: RT + Follow for your chance to win Furyborn by @clairelegrand swag! {Bookmark + Sampler} ✨💫⚔️👑
{Ends 5/15! INTL okay!✨) #Furyborn @SourcebooksFire pic.twitter.com/PAFWiNW9ib

— 24hr.YABookBlog (@24hrYABookBlog) April 23, 2018

So overall it was another fantastic weekend at the LA Times Festival Of Books!! It just gets better & better w/ each year!! I can’t wait to return again next year in 2019!

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Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi Review

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: March 27, 2018

Pages: 400

Summary:For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. Her friends were okay, her grades were fine, and while she somehow managed to land a boyfriend, he doesn’t actually know anything about her. When Penny heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.

Sam’s stuck. Literally, figuratively, emotionally, financially. He works at a café and sleeps there too, on a mattress on the floor of an empty storage room upstairs. He knows that this is the god-awful chapter of his life that will serve as inspiration for when he’s a famous movie director but right this second the seventeen bucks in his checking account and his dying laptop are really testing him.

When Sam and Penny cross paths it’s less meet-cute and more a collision of unbearable awkwardness. Still, they swap numbers and stay in touch—via text—and soon become digitally inseparable, sharing their deepest anxieties and secret dreams without the humiliating weirdness of having to see each other.

My Rating:★★★★★

My Thoughts: Emergency Contact is character-driven and complex YA Contemporary, with so much heart and depth! Through Choi’s writing, Emergency Contact handles and discusses a number of difficult subjects, develops a dynamic cast of characters, and delivers a romance like no other! 

Okay so originally I got an ARC of Emergency Contact, but at the times I really wanted to read it, school just got so busy! So when my library copy came, after about being maybe 100+ pages in, I decided to start it over.

I’m so glad I did because while I really loved it the first time, taking the time to re-read & catch-up had me even more invested in Emergency Contact than I was before!!

I adored Emergency Contact so much & if your familiar with my blog, you’ll know I hardly read contemporary romances. But from the summary (& amazing cover!! ♥♥) I knew I had to read this book!

And this YA Contemporary has easily made it to my list of all-time favorites!!

This novel follows 2 POVs with the 1st being: 18 yr. old Penny Lee, who is about to start her first year of college in Austin, Texas and dreams of becoming a writer, then there’ Sam Becker, 21 yrs. old, who works at House Coffee in Austin (+ is an an incredible baker!) and dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker.

Penny has a difficult relationship with her mom and has felt she’s been forced to grow up on her own. She feels college (in a new state) will make things different for her and allow her the new start she needs.

Sam is stuck. He’s working/living at the coffee house and barley getting by, while also having been neglected by his mother as the years went by and having an absentee father. He also has an ex-girlfriend Lorraine, who’s recently decided to contact him, though he is still trying to get over their break-up.

Penny’s college roommate Jude (and her friend Mallory) decide to take a trip to House and it turns out Sam is Jude’s uncle.

Jude makes it clear to both Penny & Mal that she doesn’t want them to get into any kind of relationship with Sam. Both Jude & Sam are close, so Jude doesn’t want things to be complicated.

However, when Sam’s ex comes back into his life, with news that she may be pregnant, Sam is not sure what to make of the situation and quickly gets overwhelmed.

After having a panic attack, Penny notices him shortly after and decides to help him. Offering to take him to the hospital then back to House, the two talk for a bit & soon form a bond with each other. Then they decide to be each others emergency contacts.

Not long after making sure each of them is okay after that, they begin messaging each other and form an even closer connection via text.

What I loved about Emergency Contact so much was seeing how both Penny & Sam could relate to each other on such an emotional and deep level. They both feel such an intense loneliness and find comfort + solace with each other through the friendship/bond they share by text messaging.

Penny finds it very difficult to connect with people or surround herself with people who really understand her. Because of that, her friendship with Jude + friendship/relationship with Sam has its ups and downs.

I definitely related to Penny at times throughout, but seeing her continue to do her best to connect with Sam and better understand herself was just so beautiful to read!!

Additionally, while its clear that a friendship (and maybe something more) is forming between them, I loved that it really took its time to develop and a majority of this novel is really about Sam and Penny navigating the situations they encounter in life, while finding a deep and personal connection with each other.

Seeing Penny’s relationships change and grow with the people around her, especially her mother Celeste was so well developed and you fully understand their complex relationship by the end of the novel.

Penny and her mom haven’t always had the best relationship. Penny has felt like her mom has never been the mom she’s needed and at a young age had to be independent and do things on her own.

It honestly was so beautiful seeing their relationship grow & develop throughout the entire story! We better understand Celeste and while Penny hasn’t always had the best dynamic with her, its clear there’s room for change.

What really surprised me was the dual POV! Going in I thought it was just going to be Penny’s POV, but having both Penny & Sam’s perspectives really brought so much depth and growth to the characters (especially the one’s they both know/encounter) like Jude.

Overall the 3rd person POV really allowed me to see Sam & Penny grow and develop on their own. Additionally, seeing how they tackled the obstacles in their life & how their relationship really provided them the opportunity to form a deep connection they could never make with anyone else, was just so beautiful!!

From Penny’s POV there was Mal, Andy (her fiction writing classmate; I really like his character & his how his short relationship w/ Penny worked out), J.A. Hansen (her fiction-writing professor), and her mother!

From Sam’s POV there was Lorraine, Al (owner of House), Bastian (a 12-year old who later becomes one of the subjects for his documentary), and his mother as well!

From their very first meet where their practically wearing similar outfits, and later to the relationship they develop through text, it was all just developed so wonderfully! You really see how similar they are + how they really understand each other, and find comfort in their relationship when they both clearly feel lonely + sense of abandonment.

I also really loved the friendship between Mallory, Jude & Penny. While Mal + Penny’s dynamic doesn’t start off too well, seeing their friendship change and grow when they are given time to better know each other was just so great to read!!

What I found also added depth to this story was seeing how different they were through text vs. in-person. Seeing how they allow their relationship to grow through text and noticing how different it is in person just added a completely different layer to the romance and dynamic to Sam & Penny’s relationship!

It was also great to see such diversity/rep. in this YA Contemporary! There’s Penny & her mother who are Korean/Korean-American, there’s J.A. Hansen who’s black, and Bastian who’s Mexican-American!

My only minor issue was some moments of slow pacing, but aside from that this book just went above and beyond my expectations (So, I’m still debating between 4.5 & 5, but I think I’ll end up staying w/ 5)! Its just such a unique and deep YA Contemporary!

Emergency Contact is a raw, character-driven, coming of age YA Contemporary! Real, romantic, witty dialogue, with a unique and moving story, and such emotional depth, makes Mary H.K. Choi’s novel a must read! If your a fan of YA Contemporary or Contemporary Romance, Emergency Contact is a must read! Highly recommend it!!

Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses To Empower And Inspire You by Ann Shen Review

Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses To Empower And Inspire You by Ann Shen

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Pages: 128

Summary: From the beloved author and artist behind Bad Girls Throughout History comes this lushly illustrated book of goddesses from around the world. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess whose love overcame mortality. Mazu, the Chinese deity who safely guides travelers home. Lakshmi, the Hindu provider of fortune and prosperity. These powerful deities and many more are celebrated in gorgeous artwork and enlightening essays that explore the feminine divine and encourage readers to empower themselves. Ann Shen’s signature watercolors make Legendary Ladies a unique, gift-worthy homage to the mighty women within.

My Rating:★★★★☆ ½

My Thoughts: Legendary Ladies chronicles the heroic, inspiring, and empowering tales of goddesses from around the world! Through beautiful artwork, Shen illustrates these goddesses lives and what wisdom or guidance they can offer + inspire, if you choose to call upon them!

 If your looking to learn more about the origins and inspiring tales of goddesses from around the world, then I highly recommend checking out Ann Shen’s Legendary Ladies!

This was such a beautifully illustrated and inspiring read, that while chronicling numerous tales of heroic goddesses it also was very inspirational and moving.

Separated by sections: Creativity & Manifestation, Love, Power, Protection, and Reinvention, Shen recounts the legends behind goddesses from an array of cultures, while also explaining how each goddess can inspire or help you during certain moments in your life.

For example: If you are seeking good fortune, spiritual strength or inner strength, starting a new chapter in life, whatever the case may be, reading those inspirational messages with each goddess’s story, your left feeling hopeful and with a sense of guidance!

Another one of my favorite aspects of the novel was, with the more you read through each goddess’s tale, the more you see how threads between each of the stories, and across a variety of cultures as well, interconnect.

You see across differing eras and cultures how these inspiring ladies and their stories have such universal truths. Additionally, how their tales set up many integral and essential foundations for numerous cultures across eras!

It was great to see such diversity among each section! While many are familiar with the gods/goddesses of Greek Mythology, I loved seeing numerous cultures represented throughout the entire novel!

From Hindu, Chinese, Native American, Yoruba, Hawaiian, Egyptian, Shinto, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mayan, Aztec, and so many more, it was amazing to see such diversity throughout the sections!

It saddens me that there were quite a few goddesses I’d never even heard of before, but its so great a book like this exists because each of these goddesses has such an inspiring story to tell!

One of the most memorable goddesses that I read about (& who’d I’d never heard of before) was Nüwa, a goddess of Chinese origin. Half human & half dragon, her legend states that she molded people from clay and when crisis came, she created 5 stones (of differing colors) to create water, air, earth & wind.

Her’s was probably the story I re-read the most! And I especially loved the “Call” for the end of her story:

“Call on Nüwa when you want to create something beautiful out of the raw material of your life” (25).

+ It was so great to see rep. of Mayan and Aztec goddesses in this book too! I’m pretty familiar with the legend of Ixchel (Mayan goddess of fertility & healing) and overall it was just so great to see that representation in this beautifully illustrated book! I loved it!! ❤❤

The artwork is absolutely stunning! Each illustration beautifully captured each goddess and accentuated, I felt, each of their stories even more!

Shen masterfully highlights the stories of each goddess and the origins of their legacy.

I can’t speak highly enough about this book! The art is beautiful and each story is just inspiring!

Honestly, I just wish this book was longer! 50 seemed like far too little for me. I would read hundreds of Shen’s books about even more Legendary Ladies!!

Legendary Ladies is colorful, vibrant and spectacular illustrations that brilliantly capture the triumphant and empowering spirit of each goddess! While allowing each story to stand on its own, Shen also manages to weave in common threads that link each of the stories so beautifully! If your looking for a bit of guidance, inspirational words, or just want to read about empowering goddesses, I highly recommend this book!

Book Bytes I #10

Book Bytes is a monthly feature I created to share news in the world of YA!

Each month posts can contain anything from new cover/title reveals, book-to-movie news, even the latest book deals!!

As a part of my 2018 Bookish Goals, I really want to continue w/ my blog features & Book Bytes is one that I sadly hadn’t kept up with in 2017!

Also with so much Young Adult book news recently, I thought it was the perfect time to bring back this feature!

I’ve also decided to update it from previous Book Bytes, by adding categories, other than just dates to have it more organized and make it easier to jump to whichever book news you’d want to read about!

If there’s any YA Book news I may have missed, definitely let me know in the comments below!

Adaptation News

1.The Sacred Lies Of Minnow Bly Starring Cast Announced

Stephanie Oakes 2015 debut novel, The Sacred Lies Of Minnow Bly was announced to have been picked up as a TV series adaptation for a 10-episode series w/ Facebook Watch.

Announced March 2 by Deadline: “Elena Kampouris (Before I Fall), Kevin Carroll (The Leftovers), Kiana Madeira (Dark Matter), and Ryan Robbins (Sanctuary) are set as leads in Sacred Lies (working title)..”

The main cast for the 'Sacred Lies' show has been announced! I'm so beyond excited and proud to know these talented people are attached to this project! https://t.co/g1lHV8TGwn

— Stephanie Oakes (@StephanieEOakes) March 2, 2018

2.Netflix picks up rights to There’s Someone Inside Your House

Announced March 15, Stranger Things Producer Shawn Levy, 21 Laps, and James Wan are teaming up to adapt Stephanie Perkins’s novel into a movie for Netflix.

No release date has been announced.

Oh, man! My *BIG NEWS* was just released! I could not be more thrilled about everyone involved in this project!!! —SP https://t.co/K8aGOnxRGR

— Stephanie Perkins News (@naturallysteph) March 15, 2018

3.To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Movie Coming to Netflix in 2018

Variety announced that Netflix acquired the rights to Jenny Han’s To All The Boy’s I’ve Loved Before film.

Filming had occurred in 2017 and as of March 21, 2018 the film is set for a Summer 2018 release date!

However, there hasn’t been an official release date announced yet!

Dear @Netflix, Thank you for making it so I don't have to leave the house. Love, Lara Jean 🍪🍪 https://t.co/znk8XM9f2X

— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) March 21, 2018

4.The Darkest Minds movie Stills + Trailer

As of March 26, EW released the first look of The Darkest Minds movie and also giving some background to the upcoming film.

The Darkest Minds film is set to be released August 3 of 2018 and as of March 28, the The Darkest Minds movie trailer was released which you can check out on the movies official twitter Here!

First Look: See the dangerously powerful kids in YA thriller The Darkest Minds https://t.co/Nbbz8gqmdR

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) March 26, 2018

5.The Hazel Wood picked up by Colombia Pictures

On March 27, The Wrap announced Ashleigh Powell, who wrote the screenplay for Disney’s upcoming film: The Nutcracker And The Four Realms, has signed on to adapt Melissa Albert’s debut novel The Hazel Wood.

Also picked up by Colombia Pictures, no other news has been announced.

I don't want to hurt you with my all-caps, but I could not be more excited about this 🌳🤩🌲 https://t.co/ZGgO751rrb

— Melissa Albert – on writing-related semi-hiatus! (@mimi_albert) March 27, 2018

Book Deals

1.The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

Set to be released by Henry Holt pub. in 2019, The Kingdom is set in a fantasy theme park and follows “Ana, a human-android hybrid whose only purpose as a “Fantasist” is to make dreams come true, until she’s accused of murder.” (announced March 13)

Obsessed with #Westworld ?! We're so excited to share our new project THE KINGDOM by @JessRothenberg! 👏🎉🍾🎊 pic.twitter.com/UjLflLuzcO

— Glasstown Ent. (@GlasstownEnt) March 13, 2018

2. I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver

Set to be released by Scholastic with June 2019 release date, I Wish You All The Best is “about a non-binary teen who is kicked out by their parents after coming out, but learns that sometimes from disaster one can build a happier new life. ” (announced March 28)

I've been keeping a secret! 😁😁😁 #enbylovestory pic.twitter.com/3yUTyqWQ13

— Mason Deaver (@masondeaver) March 28, 2018

Cover + Title Reveals

1.Crown Of Thunder by Tochi Onyebuchi 

The sequel to Onyebuchi’s 2017 debut YA Fantasy novel, Beasts Made Of Night, had its cover revealed on PenguinTeen’s site March 2.

Crown Of Thunder is set to be released October 16, 2018!

We're so excited to reveal the cover of #CrownOfThunder, the incredible sequel to @TochiTrueStory's #BeastsMadeOfNight!! https://t.co/r85kYGzzFN pic.twitter.com/oiqxQo2x3J

— PenguinTeen (@PenguinTeen) March 2, 2018

2.Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Adib Khorram’s debut novel, Darius The Great Is Not Okay, had its cover reveal on PenguinTeen’s site, March 4.

The cover reveal also included an interview with the author and cover designer, Samira Iravani.

Darius The Great Is Not Okay is set to be released August 28, 2018!

See the exclusive cover reveal for #DariusTheGreatIsNotOkay and read an interview between @adibkhorram and the cover designer, @suchdainties! https://t.co/Qb6r4YxZVW pic.twitter.com/9MM26edQdE

— PenguinTeen (@PenguinTeen) March 7, 2018

3.The Wicked King by Holly Black

The sequel to Black’s The Cruel Prince, which is titled The Wicked King, had its cover revealed, which also included an excerpt, on EW on March 8.

The Wicked King is set to be released January 8, 2019!

It's here! It's here! Behold the cover reveal in all its glory for THE WICKED KING. https://t.co/NdMjdINFu1 @hollyblack

— NOVL (@TheNovl) March 8, 2018

4.Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

Revealed on March 15, Sarah Beth Durst revealed the cover to her latest YA Fantasy, Fire And Heist, on her website!

According to her website this novel is a “contemporary fantasy about a teen were-dragon who must steal her first treasure. But a dark discovery during her heist could put her family in incredible danger.”

Fire And Heist is set to released December 4, 2018!

COVER REVEAL! I'm so excited to share with you the cover for my next YA novel, FIRE & HEIST! Think Ocean's Eleven with were-dragons! Coming 12/4/18 from Crown @randomhousekids. Cover art by Stuart Wade, cover design by Ray Shappell. Eeeeep! https://t.co/ouX7ZXHHyk pic.twitter.com/dtpR46tYqY

— Sarah Beth Durst (@sarahbethdurst) March 15, 2018

5.A Room Away From The Wolves by Nova Ren Suma

A Room Away From The Wolves Cover + Excerpt was revealed March 15 via Bustle!

“Along with her mother, Sabina escaped her abusive father as a child. But when her mother settles down with a man and his two daughters, it pulls on the seams of their precarious relationship. Ten years after their escape, Sabina is 17 and alone, after being kicked out of her stepfather’s house. In search of refuge, she heads to New York City and secures a room at Catherine House, an all-girls boarding house in Greenwich Village. But she quickly discovers that something isn’t quite right about the house… or anyone who lives there. But is there a sinister underbelly to Catherine House — or has Sabina been lying to everyone around her?”

A Room Away From The Wolves is set to be released September 4, 2018!

COVER & EXCERPT reveal for my new book is up on @bustle! A ROOM AWAY FROM THE WOLVES is coming Sept. 4 from @algonquinYR! Go check out the gorgeous cover creation by the amazingly talented @inkymole and get a peek at the first pages!https://t.co/POJwR6J9P9

— Nova Ren Suma (@novaren) March 15, 2018

6.Realm Of Ruins by Hannah West

The companion to Hannah West’s  debut YA Fantasy, Kingdom Of Ash And Briars had its cover reveal (+ giveaway) on YABooksCentral!

Realm Of Ruins is set to be released October 2, 2018!

It’s Live!! Cover Reveal: Realm of Ruins by Hannah West + Giveaway (US Only) https://t.co/rP71rinxWJ pic.twitter.com/vcbVsgbwaw

— YA Books Central (@yabookscentral) March 21, 2018

7.Last Girl Lied To by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

On March 21, the cover to Laurie Elizabeth Flynn’s YA Thriller, Last Girl Lied To had its cover reveal + excerpt on Paste Magazine!

Last Girl Lied To is set to be released April 16, 2019!

Check out the exclusive cover reveal for @laurellizabeth's LAST GIRL LIED TO and read the first chapter (@ImprintReads): https://t.co/QKxqSqFMpx pic.twitter.com/4Wwv8qP0PM

— Paste Magazine (@PasteMagazine) March 21, 2018

8.Kingdom of The Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao

On March 23, EW revealed the cover + excerpt to the sequel/finale to Julie C. Dao’s Rise Of The Empress Series.

Kingdom Of The Blazing Phoenix is set to be released October 23!

It’s here! @PhilomelBooks @trydzinskihttps://t.co/bjW8RVvRHK pic.twitter.com/bvQkuPsHAt

— Julie C. Dao On Tw!tter Break, Yell If You See Her (@jules_writes) March 23, 2018

9. Warcross #2 by Marie Lu Title Reveal

On March 26, the title for the sequel/finale to Marie Lu’s Warcross duology was revealed through Penguin Teen’s twitter!

Are you ready to see the title for @marie_lu's #Warcross 2???? 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/n7OsjAMjnt

— PenguinTeen (@PenguinTeen) March 26, 2018

The finale to Warcross is titled:

Wildcard

Wildcard is set to be released September 18, 2018!

10. What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera + Becky Albertalli

On March 28, EW revealed the cover + a Q&A w/ both Adam & Becky of how What If It’s Us came to be!

What If It’s Us is set to be released October 9, 2018!

Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli preview their queer love story What If It's Us https://t.co/m4xmewA24z

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) March 28, 2018

Ever since I created Book Bytes, I’ve always used this feature image! But because I’ve gotten more used to newer sites for editing and creating banners since then, I don’t think I’ll be using this particular one anymore.

I feel not only will it help my blog because the newer banner will follow similar theme to my other ones, but I also feel that giving it an upgrade shows how much I’ve grown as a blogger!

Let me know your thoughts on the new image!~ 

And that’s the YA Book News for March! Lets discuss in the comments!!~😄✨📚

Thoughts on March’s YA Book News? + Do you have a favorite piece of YA Book News from the month? 📚💻📰✨

March 2018 Wrap-Up

# Of Books Read: 5

1. The Prince And The Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Library | Started/Finished on March 6| Rating:★★★★★| The Prince And The Dressmaker Full Review

Overall Thoughts: While breaking gender norms and putting a focus on trust and friendship, The Prince And The Dressmaker was a delightful graphic novel that has such vibrant artwork, great characters and a heart-warming story! Frances soon finds herself working for royalty when she gets assigned to create dresses for Prince Sebastian. He feels so much pressure put upon him as a prince, but when he wears dresses and takes the name Lady Crystallia, we see him truly shine! The friendship and dynamic forged between the 2 is so well done. Delightful, charming, and diverse, The Prince And The Dressmaker will capture your heart!

2. Flight Season by Marie Marquardt

Library | Started on March 2 + Finished on March 8| Rating:★★★★★| Flight Season Full Review

Overall Thoughts: Flight Season easily made it to the list of my all-time favorite YA Contemporary books and it will forever have a special place in my heart! ♥♥~ Following the unique and distinct POV’s of Vivi Flannigan, TJ Carvalho & Ángel Solis, you see how their stories intertwine and the journey each of them undergo. The deep connection and friendship these characters forge was not only incredibly developed, but easily one of the many highlights of this novel! Marquardt gives such depth and insight into the 3 main characters. The plot is unique and captivating: following Vivi when she returns home for the summer after her first year of college to complete an internship at a hospital in the heart ICU, TJ who is also working there & is attempting to figure out what he wants/ the goals he wants to accomplish. Then there’s Ángel, who’s such a witty dynamic character, and is in the heart ICU (due to a heart infection) as Vivi & TJ’s patient. This novel also meant so much to me because of the Guatemalan rep.!~ Grief, family, and friendship are the main themes explored perfectly throughout this novel. The plot is unique, the romance is beautifully developed, the writing is spectacular, and there is such depth explored to the many differing aspects of this novel. Flight Season is a must read YA Contemporary! (There’s indigenous Guatemalan rep. & Brazilian-American rep.!)

3. Daughter Of The Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller (DOTPK #2)

Library | Started March 11 + Finished March 13 | Rating: ★★★★☆ | Daughter Of The Siren Queen Full Review

Overall Thoughts: The Daughter Of The Pirate King duology wraps up with this final installment! With the comedic banter and expansion to the lore set up in book 1, Levenseller made Daughter Of The Siren Queen such a character-driven and action-packed tale! Alosa learns more about her past and now must escape her father the Pirate King when secrets are revealed! I loved that we finally get to meet Alosa’s female crew + Riden gets so much character-development! Similarly to book 1, Levenseller develops romance + banter in such a great way! I will admit though, I didn’t love this finale as much as Daughter Of The Pirate King. For me I felt the plot dragged quite a bit throughout a majority of the middle + I just wanted more plot-wise (n regards to Alosa escaping her father on her ship). However, I love that Levenseller ended her duology in such a way where it wasn’t really a sad bittersweet ending, but very much leaves you knowing Alosa + Riden’s adventures are just beginning! Really looking forward to Tricia Levenseller’s next books!

4. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Legacy Of Orïsha #1)

Library | Started March 12 + Finished March 16 | Rating: ★★★★☆ ½ | Children Of Blood And Bone Full Review

Overall Thoughts: Children Of Blood And Bone is one of those books that leaves you thinking long after the final page! From the very beginning Adeyemi introduces an immersive, magical, and thought-provoking tale. Zélie finds herself going on a perilous journey to restore magic to her world. Following 3 brilliantly woven POV’s, from Zélie to rogue princess Amari, and enemy prince Inan, Adeyemi’s writing delivers such a cinematic and complex story. With so many fantastic elements from intrigue, to action, adventure, and exploration of timely subjects, Children Of Blood And Bone left me feeling so many emotions that I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for book 2!😂✨

5. The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil A Rún Vol. 2 by Nagabe {TGFTOS #2}

Owned | Started/Finished on March 18| Rating: ★★★★☆ ½| The Girl From The Other Side Vol. 2 Full Review

Overall Thoughts: The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil A Rún manga is a slow-moving tale filled with mystery, but it works so well! In this volume we learn more about Shiva and her protector Teacher, when a mysterious Outsider arrives with answers + more questions regarding their mysterious world of the “Inside” + “Outside” + the main characters themselves. The theme of identity is so important in this volume and is really explored through the character of Teacher. The author really allows the reader to put together on their own while also raising even more questions with the conclusion of each chapter. The 2nd volume to this manga series continues to build and develop this unique world, filled with such intriguing characters!

Additional Posts From This Month:

March 2018 YA Books I’m Looking Forward To!

Plans for April:

~I’m hoping to read at least 1 or 2 more books than last month

~Post another Literary Listens feature

~Share a list of SFF (Science-Fiction + Fantasy) Books upcoming/backlist I’m hoping to read this year! 😍💕✨⚔🚀💫📚

The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil A Rún Vol. 2 {Manga Review}

The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil A Rún Vol. 2 by Nagabe {TGFTOS #2}

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Pages: 174

Summary:To be touched by an Outsider is to become an Outsider. A clawed, black hand reaches out to touch Shiva’s cheek in her sleep. The hand does not belong to Teacher. Who is this strange new Outsider, and what do its creepy murmurings about “mother” portend?

My Rating:★★★★☆ ½

My Thoughts: The Girl From The Other Side Vol. 2 continues to delve deep into its dark, mysterious, and magical world!

Last year I was just getting back into reading more manga and this series continues to surprise me & its only been 2 volumes!

The Girl From The Other Side: Siúil A Rún is a manga series that while it is slow-moving, I feel it works so well for the mysterious, haunting, and captivating story.

If you’ve never read this series, it basically follows a world split between “Insiders” +”Outsiders.” With Insiders being human and Outsiders being shadow-like creatures, that can curse people w/ a single tough. One of the main characters, Shiva is a girl who waits for her aunt in the forest on the side of the Outsiders and then there’s Teacher, who is somewhat of an Outsider himself. They both live in a cottage in a remote village, with Teacher watching over Shiva and protecting her from Outsiders.

Picking up right where Volume 1 left off, an Outsider similar to Teacher has located and approached Shiva. As explained in the previous volume, if an Outsider is to come into contact with a human, they can be transformed/cursed with a single touch!

It claims Shiva is a “pure soul” and may know how to find her aunt! There’s a fight between this Outsider + Teacher to ensure Shiva’s safety.

After preventing any harm from coming to her, Teacher decides its best to confront this Outsider again and see if he has any answers to where Shiva’s aunt may be!

Their walk through the forest leads them again to the Outsider and a mysterious lake. Teacher soon learns more about his own origins and is desperate to get more answers, but gets very few.

Teacher’s worry over Shiva and the fate of her aunt causes him to become distant, but Shiva to get him to stop worrying.

Back on the Inside, a search party is set up to head back into the forest to continue to track down Outsiders.

As Teacher attempts to confront and overcome his fears for Shiva and his own origins, they head into the forest when Shiva hears a voice.

This voice belongs to her aunt and she quickly convinces Shiva to head back Inside, leaving Teacher behind.

The author allows for the story to be connected by the readers with the mystery and questions that are raised with each volume.

Because this is one of those manga series that jumps in and builds as it goes, it raises more questions than answers with each volume, but I find that’s what makes it so interesting!

Themes of family and self-identity are so prevalent throughout these first 2 volumes, but I felt the theme of identity and self are the main focus of Volume 2!

The unique world-building with the “Inside” + “Outside” is so interesting. However, my only issue for this volume is that the background for the Inside still hasn’t been expanded on as much, but I’m interested in seeing the development for future volumes!

The art has a simple, but elegant style to it, which weaves together so well with the story. It also allows for the dark and almost fairy-tale atmosphere to shine through.

The Girl From The Other Side Volume 2  is a tale shrouded in mystery! With a story both charming and haunting, this manga series continues to build on its unique world and interesting characters!

Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Review

Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Legacy Of Orïsha #1)

Publisher: Henry Holt Books For Young Readers (Fierce Reads)

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Pages: 525

Summary: Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.

*There will be a few spoilers in this review!*

My Rating:★★★★☆ ½

My Thoughts: Children Of Blood And Bone is an epic YA Fantasy you don’t want to miss! Written through 3 fantastic POV’s Adeyemi’s tale delves into such timely subjects, while developing a rich, magical world all throughout her brilliantly woven plot!

Children Of Blood And Bone was amazing from start to finish! I honestly don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for Book 2! 😂✨

Zélie lives in Ilorin, a small ocean village in the land of Orïsha, with her father and brother, Tzain. She, among others in her world, are either maji (those who have unlocked their magical abilities) or Divîners, those who have yet to unlock their abilites (though they are all identified by their white hair).

Majis + Divîners are looked down on by King Saran and the monarchy. With his ruthless and harsh ideologies surrounding them, they are treated brutally.

My heart broke for the Majis + Divîners and what they endured under the king and his guards.

The 3 differing POV’s were so distinct, while also weaving together and developing so well, that I truly loved each and every character from Zélie, to rogue princess Amari, and Amari’s brother, prince Inan.

Through the writing you get not only get such a strong sense of their characters, but also see how their views either change or grow as the story progresses. The way their stories intertwine was so brilliantly done and not once was I ever confused as to who’s POV I was in!

Adeyemi’s writing is cinematic and the first person POV builds Zélie, Amari, and prince Inan into such deeply moving characters, but also the family they have and how their beliefs allow them or not, to see each other and their goals in differing ways.

Overall just seeing the depth and conflict that each of the 3 main characters had and how it pushed them throughout the novel was brilliantly explored. The  complexity and depth to these characters, built and developed so well through the people they know/encounter, even the side characters!!

The antagonistic characters are also written in such a way that even though they have done such brutal and awful things, through Inan’s POV you begin to (while not sympathize) but understand where their coming from when it comes to their views on magic.

The characters are delivered with such complexity, that their motivations/personality are seen in such differing lights as you progress and I loved that! Seeing such conflicting sides to a lot of the characters just continued to build even more into the already amazing story!

Zélie soon finds the opportunity to bring magic back and with the passing of her mother (who was a Reaper; which involved having magic revolving around life and death) + the grief she endures, knows its what is best for her and the people of Orïsha! She is such a brave and determined main character, you will root for her all throughout her journey!

She soon finds herself meeting princess Amari and she joins Zélie + Tzain on their quest. What made this journey so interesting too, was how Inan wove his way into the story and seeing how much he grew as he was tasked with tracking them down!

I also loved the sibling dynamics, especially between Zélie and Tzain! Seeing how their relationship grows + changes as Tzain understands Zélie’s determination to bring magic back all throughout Children Of Blood And Bone, was written and explored so well through not only Zélie’s POV, but also Inan’s and Amari’s especially.

There’s also the amazing female friendship that develops between Zélie and Amari! Though Zélie is hesitant at first, I loved seeing their friendship, among others that Zélie makes, grow over the course of the novel! I also loved the friendship/dynamic between Tzain & Amari!

Family and the bonds we have with those we love was a theme so deeply explored throughout the novel and you got a sense of it with each page.

The world-building was excellent! There’s so many locations that are explored across Orïsha throughout this story. I find what happens most times with fantasy books is that settings almost blend together. However, that is not the case with this book!

The rich culture and mythology sweeps itself into each page of the story and continues to build till the very end. Additionally, Adeyemi explores + tackles racism and injustice + w/ inspiration from the Black Lives Matter movement in this novel as well, its just so powerful and I find it’s important to see it explored, discussed, and tackled in YA Fantasy!!

Each new location is vibrant, descriptive, and atmospheric, as Zélie, Tzain, & Amari are on their quest to restore magic!

The plot has everything! Magic, adventure, politics, & so much more!

I truly loved each of the main protagonists! But the characters I felt really stuck with me, were Zélie + Inan! With these two on opposing sides and seeing how they clashed, while also forging a bond with each other as the novel progresses was developed in such a brilliant way.

Seeing especially how Inan’s allegiances change as he we learn more about him + how he grew to better understand what Zélie and other maji’s/divîners go through, was such a pivotal point in his development. While there’s still the duty he has to his father + his kingdom, he slowly begins to see how magic wielders of Orïsha are treated and the pain + suffering they’ve endured.

As an aspiring writer, I truly enjoyed the reading experience, from analyzing the writing-style to the world-building, characters, etc. I hope to write my own YA Fantasy someday and just reading Adeyemi’s novel really left me feeling inspired to continue with my writing!!

While I’m still debating between 4.5 & 4 ³⁄₄ , the only minor issue I had was that the pacing did slow for me at some points and specifically in a section where Zélie finds herself on a rescue mission. But other than that, I loved everything about this book!

Children Of Blood And Bone is a though-provoking, immersive, and epic YA Fantasy! Adeyemi’s brilliantly developed and complex story weaves in important themes, stellar world-building, action, adventure, and so much more! Children Of Blood And Bone will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager for the next book!