Recent Reads #31

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Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Mia is a twenty year old twin, in a Korean-American family. Her brother Eugene has autism and Angelman syndrome and does not speak. So when he returns home without their dad after a trip the park, it takes a long time to realize something bad has happened and dad is really missing. 

I liked several things about this book. The family dynamic is really interesting, and the characters are solid. It goes it a bit of a different direction than I thought, and is actually quite science-y. It's slow slow slow, so just be prepared. And honestly, the ending wasn't super satisfying. But, I did enjoy it and especially liked their family. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

Rivals by Katharine McGee

The 3rd installment of the American Royals Series. It's take on what it would be like if George Washington became king instead of the 1st president. This is about his descendants Beatrice, Samantha, and Jefferson, and their friends. 

I didn't really love this one as much as I liked the first 2 books. Lots of drama, and it's easy to read as it's YA. I will continue the series to the next book, just because all these books leave off with a major cliffhanger. Rating: 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐

A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham

Chole's dad is a serial killer. Six girls her own age went missing when she was just 12. Now, she's in her 30's and still grappling with her father's crimes. He's in prison, but now that the anniversary of it all is approaching, new women start going missing nearby. And the similarities to the original crimes are very hard to ignore. 

Ooooh, this was a good thriller. I thought I had it figured out, but was totally surprised. I was annoyed while reading that so many bad men were coincidentally in this girls life, but it does all add up in the end. This was a Book of the Month selection. Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yellowface by RF Kuang

Juniper and Athena have been friends forever, and they are both authors. Athena has actually had big success, while Juniper's debut novel was just ok. Athena dies in a freak accident, and June witnesses it. Impulsively she steals Athena's latest book draft that nobody has read yet, and decides to edit it and publish it herself.

What a ride! This book is such a crazy premise, and I have never HATED a main character more!! It's very immersive and I couldn't put it down. Warning for lots of language. Also, you can totally make a drinking game with how many times the word 'Twitter' is in this novel. Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Namesake by Adrienne Young

The 2nd book in the Fable duology, which I read last month. Basically, Fable is the daughter of a pirate like captain and she's trying to make her way in the world.  

Meh, this was just fine. I didn't really like it, but I didn't not like it either. If you want to read something similar but better, I recommend Daughter of a Pirate King instead. Rating: 2 Stars ⭐⭐

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

The 2nd book in the Fourth Wing series that everyone is talking about. Overall, I thought the first book was better, but this was still just as exciting as the original. It's one of those books you need to read twice to pick up on the little things - but it's so huge that's super daunting. You do need to know that the book is littered with language and explicit scenes. I skip over a lot for that reason, so it's not one I recommend to just anyone and I don't have a rating for it. 

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

Lewis and Wren are newly weds, and just a few weeks into their new marriage Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He's going to turn into a great white shark.

By far the STRANGEST book I've ever read. It's written lyrically, and is just beautiful. It's a sweet love story in the weirdest premise.  Plus, an absolutely gorgeous cover! This is one of my Book of the Month picks.  Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel

Elise and Juliette become best friends in Paris in 1939, bonding over being young mothers. Elise has to flee because of the coming war, and leaves her daughter with Juliette. Later, when it's safe, she returns and finds that a bomb destroyed the building where she last saw her daughter. 

This was really good. Honestly, if I could I would rename it The Paris DaughterS. The big twist was pretty obvious to me from the beginning, but it was still an enjoyable book. Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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-Kristen

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