Happy Saturday, friends! Today is my last day of part-time work, and I am so excited to get started in a full-time position. It’s been a long journey to get there, but it’s finally happening. A regular schedule and everything! I have made it in library world. Anyway, it was a pretty good reading week for me! For the Week of 10/30, I read a total of 8 books. And I’m really in the mood for romances, so expect some of those in the coming weeks!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 10/30
Aurora’s End by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (10/30)
I already wrote a review for this this week, so just a few thoughts here! This is the finale for the Aurora Cycle, and what an ending it was! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this ending, even if they will be sad to leave this fantastic Squad 312 (4 stars).
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa (10/31)
Jules’ plan for his life is to get into UCLA and get the heck out of Texas. Then, he’ll finally be able to be out and proud. However, with one impulsive tweet, everything changes. Now, Jules is out and maybe sparking a romance with a boy in California. This might be what sparked my romance reading mood, and I am okay with that! The characters were absolutely lovely. There was some cute romance and Jules’ arc to find himself was lovely. Can’t wait to see what else Villa comes out with (4.5 stars).
The Dire Days of Willowweep by Shaenon K. Garrity (10/31)
Haley’s passion is gothic romances. So, when she saves a boy in the river and gets transpoted to a Victorian manor, her dreams have come true. But there’s something dark happening underneath the surface at Willoweep Manor. While this graphic novel was a little on the long side, it was absolutely hilarious. The characters were great and there were so many great quips throughout. I would recommend it just for that! (4 stars).
When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez (11/1)
Sarai is a first generation Puerto Rican, writing about her life in Bushwick apartment. As an eighth grader, she is navigating family trauma and the reality of being different in the United States. I listened to the audiobook for this, which I would recommend since the author reads it. A powerful book in verse that will make you think about what it really means to make it (4 stars).
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan (11/2)
Ahn is someone who doesn’t remember her past, someone who has been living without family. Altan is a lost heir, desperate to earn back his place. When the two of them meet, Altan sees a way back to his throne. Ahn sees a way to unlock her past. This debut YA fantasy is a bit formulaic on the surface, but the world building was well done. There was a piece in the middle that wasn’t really needed, but it was overall a entertaining read (3 stars).
Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (11/4)
We all thought Arthur and Ben’s story was over inĀ What If It’s Us. But it appears it wasn’t! When Arthur ends up in New York again for the summer, the universe once again brings Arthur and Ben together. And maybe, just maybe, they aren’t over each other. Another romance putting me in the romance mood! I absolutely didn’t tear up reading this at the desk at work. Stay tuned for a full review this week! (5 stars).
Hunting by the Stars by Cherie Dimaline (11/5)
After natural disasters and plagues ruined the world, people were no longer able to dream. The only people who are are the Indigenous people of North America. French has been separated from the group of dreamers he was traveling with. As he tries to get back to them, he learns what the world is truly doing to dreamers. While I didn’t think thatĀ The Marrow Thieves needed a sequel, I enjoyed the way that this expanded the original world. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end (4.5 stars).
Salt Magic by Hope Larson (11/5)
When Vonceil’s brother comes home to Oklahoma after WWI, Vonceil finds his experiences aren’t what she expected. Now, he’s getting married. However, a mysterious woman comes to town, looking for her brother. When he refuses her, she curses their land. So, Vonceil takes it upon herself to end the curse. I loved the art in this graphic novel, and the color palette, it was amazing. The story lagged a bit in the middle, but the characters were great and such a fun adventure! (4 stars).
[…] When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez (4 stars, audiobook) […]