Book Review: The Great Migration by Steve Ramirez

The Great Migration

by Steve Ramirez
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

Demons. Monsters. The s'orne are known by these names. Spreading a fever that drives humans insane, they have never been defeated in battle. Now, after a century of peace, the s'orne have returned to wreak havoc upon the cities of humanity. Bellona has spent the last eight months in the wilderness following the Great Migration. When she returns to civilization to enjoy a festival with her friends, rumors of s'orne attacks across the country begin spreading throughout the crowds. As the festival swells in blind celebration, an unlikely twist of fate reveals the true purpose of the s'orne to Bellona, challenging everything she has been taught about them. While she struggles to accept the unknowable secrets she has learned, the city's bell towers begin tolling the alarm for lockdown, signaling that a s'orne attack has already started. As the local defenses mobilize to fight the s'orne invasion, Bellona scrambles to save her loved ones from the impending onslaught. Pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance, they know they must escape the city before a contagion of insanity erupts.

Review:

I received this book from the author via OnlineBookClub.org in exchange for an honest review.
Despite its slow build, I liked this book and recommend it to young adult adventure/science fiction fans. I immediately selected this book due to the cover. The beautiful scenery surrounded by warm colors reminded me of a hot savannah adventure; quiet feminine strength radiated through the mysteriously cloaked figure and the small girl facing a herd of large animals. Not sure what to expect, I dove in and expected to be instantly transported. Sadly, this was where I ran into my first block.

I did not warm up to the storytelling style; it needed to be more cohesive and varied. The first few chapters were packed with the promised adventure. And although there were almost too many personalities to track, I started to warm up to the narrative. All at once, the tale I thought I was investing in was ripped away, and I was presented with facts that made me question everything.

Book Review: Followers by Megan Angelo

Followers

by Megan Angelo
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

An electrifying story of two ambitious friends, the dark choices they make and the profound moment that changes the meaning of privacy forever…

Followers traces the paths of 3 women as they wind through time toward each other, and toward a cataclysmic event that sends America into lasting upheaval. At turns wry and tender, bleak and hopeful, this darkly funny story reminds us that even if we obsess over famous people we’ll never meet, what we really crave is genuine human connection. 

Review:

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure where to start with this one. I liked this book very much although it did throw some hurdles my way. I initially passed this book over twice when requesting titles from NetGalley. The cover art didn't entice me; after just one glance, I had already decided that the book was women's literature -- not my favorite. The cover's saving grace, and what drew me in, was the Austin Powers - fembot flair I felt pulsing from it. Once I waded through the pink and purple and read the description, I knew that I had to read this book. Much to my surprise, it was an okay balance of women's literature meets science fiction (light).

There were moments where I felt I had to "chew" through certain passages. Some sections were very verbose, consistent with classic chick-lit. As I became rooted in the story, it was very easy to get over the random bits of wordiness. The details served to build a rich environment and didn't slow down the storyline. The book hosts a group of well-developed characters that you love and love to hate - not mutually exclusive. We encounter three very different women (Orla, Floss, and Marlow) who struggle very publicly with some intensely intimate issues during a technological catastrophe/breakdown/takeover. Orla and Marlow act as narrators for the story, each retelling their experiences set in drastically different times. Incidentally, Ms. Angelo does a great job at separating and defining each timeline; happily, there were no continuity mishaps.

Book Review: Ruins by Joshua Winning

Ruins

by Joshua Winning
My rating: 4 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

We join 15-year old Nicholas Hallow on his race to save the world. Although battered by his previous encounter with the forces of evil, the shadowy leader of the Sentinel forces assigns Nicholas with the task of finding the other half of his prophecy before a dark scheme comes to fruition. Untrained and afraid, Nicholas sets out with his (badass) aged guardian and a strange cat to find a girl who's expert at not being found.

Review:

I received this book as an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book on NetGalley back in 2015; although the cover featured both my favorite color and animal, blue + kitty! It was the quote that got my attention. It reminded me of a classic that I read in HS, and the feelings of nostalgia led me to request the book. I read it almost immediately, but I refrained from posting the review as I felt that something was missing.

Book Review: The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

The Okay Witch

by Emma Steinkellner
My rating: 5 of 5 hearts

Synopsis:

When an awkward 13-year-old, Moth Hush, discovers that she is descended from a long line of powerful witches; life becomes anything but average. With the help of her mom and a bevy of zany characters; she goes on an awesome adventure to reclaim her heritage.

Review:

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I initially requested this graphic novel from NetGalley for my 13 yo daughter. While perusing a list of new releases for middle schoolers, she was drawn to this one both by the cover art and the synopsis (which she claims to "relate to"). She asked about it nonstop and inspired me to read along.