tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23815330127640371542024-03-18T03:03:26.540+00:00Once Upon a BookcaseJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02828378728962868575noreply@blogger.comBlogger2038125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-81540056403026989722022-11-19T07:00:00.010+00:002022-11-19T16:40:39.288+00:00Review: Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young (#Ad)<center><img alt="Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young is on a deep blue scarf with metallic silver moons and stars. The book is on a diagonal from top right to bottom left. An upside down dried rose is laid along the left side of the book. The book is surrounded by dried rose buds. It's also surrounded by a pale grey mortar and pestle with dried herbs inside, a large rough rose quartz crystal, an unlit tea light, and a jar of black salt." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHYqiLyM3SA31Q56A7bcJ-WUlg8VsXvXCTeKaTYIm6G1XRSxdPOUYeUSllpURp-rqumKemygewEWVWPtyVyckRBBDExyKcds5Lug91ROWy7Ex_NrSr8RkyQww3zchRjW7hxRkxprq2ltj1xKpSBSGopFJBubuIVYCxVeSQgF52mRd78IyOSsi98bUYg/s3024/Spells%20For%20Forgetting.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was received this eProof for free from Quercus via NetGalley for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 27th September 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Quercus | <strong>Source:</strong> NetGalley<br />
<a href="https://www.adrienneyoungbooks.com/
" target="_blank">Adrienne Young’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>From the New York Times bestselling author comes an evocative, compelling novel of ancestral magic, an unsolved murder, and a second chance at true love.<br />
<br />
‘There were tales that only the island knew. Ones that had never been told. I knew, because I was one of them.’<br />
<br />
Emery Blackwood’s life was forever changed on the eve of her high school graduation, when the love of her life, August Salt, was accused of murdering her best friend, Lily. She’d once dreamt of running away with August, eager to escape the misty, remote shores of Saoirse Island and chase new dreams together. Now, she is doing what her teenage self swore she never would: living a quiet existence among this tight-knit community steeped in folklore and tradition, ruled by the seasons and ancient superstitions.<br />
<br />
But when August returns after fourteen years to bury his mother’s ashes, Emery must confront her first love and the reason he left so abruptly. But the town wants August gone again. And as the island begins to show signs of strange happenings, the emergence of deep betrayals and hidden promises threatens to reveal the truth behind Lily’s death once and for all.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781529425352" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/328604d6-9941-4a66-9091-d9cb4b6eb272" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60494153-spells-for-forgetting" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features recreational drug use, sex shaming, sex scenes - one semi-vague & one not overly detailed, death of a parent, arson, a person being burnt in a fire, alcoholism, child abuse - violent, and domestic violence. </i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I had wanted to read Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young since I first heard about it. It sounded so mysterious, so atmospheric, I knew it was going to be right up my street. And I absolutely loved it!<br />
<br />
Saoirse is an insular island. The people have magic, their own traditions and superstitions. They don't like outsiders, and yet depend on the mainlanders who come every autumn to pick apples from the orchard. It's what keeps them afloat. Fourteen years ago, Emery and August were going to leave. They were going to escape and find futures of their own, rather than accept the roles that had been given them.But on the evening before they're due to leave, everything changes. The orchard caught fire, risking the island's livelihood, and Lily, Emery and August's friend, is murdered. The truth about the fire and the murder are never uncovered, but August was the prime suspect. Never changed, he was nevertheless tainted by the accusation, and no-one trusted him. Except Emery. But when the island turns their back on you, and makes your life a misery, there's only one option. August and his mother leave the island - without Emery. Fourteen years later, the island is still haunted by that night. With the return of August to bury his mother's ashes, the hatred and suspicion bubbles up again. And with his return comes strange, unnatural occurrences on the island. It seems Saoirse is finally ready to reveal the truth.<br />
<br />
Spells For Forgetting is mainly told in dual perspectives from Emery and August's points of view. Occasionally we get chapters from their perspectives from when they were teens, and occasionally we get chapters in the present day from other characters. This is such a stunning book! You know not everyone is being honest, that people at least know things that have yet to be revealed to the reader. You question everyone, including Emery and August; are they unreliable narrators? #AdrienneYoung has a brilliant way of keeping the reader in the dark, hinting at just enough to keep you turning the pages, with secrets and lies, things just below the surface, without really giving anything away. What actually happened that night? Who killed Lily? What is everyone hiding? It's so beautifully written, and so atmospheric, it was just gorgeous! Plot aside, I really enjoyed simply reading this book, revelling in it. It's all vibes, and those vibes are everything I want. Plus there's Emery and August's relationship. Their love was all encompassing. This epic love alongside Young's writing, it's just stunning. The yearning! The heartbreak! The chaos! I <i>adored</i> it!<br />
<br />
As I said, Young manages to keep everyone's cards close to their chests until it's time to reveal them, so you're turning the pages wondering what the hell is going on. When the answers do come, there are some, "Ooooh!" moments. I did have a strong theory as to what happened to Lily, which was correct, but I never figured out the how or the why. And there were other aspects I found quite shocking. It's the kind of book that will always stick with me because of the vibes, so I've been thinking about it the past few days, and I have to be honest, there are something that just don't hold up to scrutiny. It doesn't make sense to me, given who the people on the island are and what is their norm, that the cause of Lily's death was never a consideration in the first place. Once you're aware of certain details, I feel like it's pretty obvious, but it isn't to anybody on the island. And with the other reveals, I had other questions. I could maybe understand the reasons behind certain things that happened in the past, but not about what happens present day. An antagonist's motivations in the present day just felt kind of flimsy, given the situation they find themselves in. Unless it was because of obsession, and they just couldn't let it go.<br />
<br />
But it's not exactly clear, because the reveal happens so quickly, and then we're at the epilogue. Which I found quite frustrating, because I was left with certain questions. The real and actual truth comes out, and I would very much like to have known what the consequences of that were for the wider community of Saoirse, and all the other reveals that would have an impact, but we're never told. The focus is more on Emery and August, and what the truth means to them - for them. And yes, I was satisfied with that. But I definitely feel like there should have been more of a conclusion. So much is left open. Perhaps there are plans for a companion novel, I don't know. But that would definitely be my hope, because I want those answers. And there was another smaller thing that I was slightly disappointed in, and that is, for an island where the women have magic and family spell books, and real earthy witchcraft, there is quite the lack of magic actually taking place in this story. Honestly, I feel the magic could be removed, and certain elements rethought to a degree, and the story would still stand. I just expected and wanted more, especially with Spells in the title.<br />
<br />
If you want a book that has a real thought out mystery that's tightly plotted and makes sense, and a lot of witchcraft, maybe give Spells For Forgetting a miss. However, if you're looking for a book that is all vibes and atmosphere and stunningly beautiful writing that you can float away on, Spells For Forgetting isn't one to miss. For all my issues with it, I bloody loved it, and I'll definitely read more by Young if she writes more books in a similar vein.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Quercus via NetGalley for the eProof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-64887552815803024632022-10-31T07:00:00.007+00:002022-10-31T12:22:04.501+00:00Review: Not Good For Maidens by Tori Bovalino (#Ad)<center><img alt="Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino is on a deep blue scarf with metallic silver moons and stars, on a diagonal top left to bottom right. Around it are fake cobwebs. On the top right corner of the book is a dried rose, and rose Bryan’s are scattered around the book." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcNg54SouvZT8wz9T7MmkGk8mLk7HPRfX81Sd9sBP1wCOFFitUkvhjs2Vo8AZjFGb-l21E0_DzfDeokezPbFvJFmrJsT2VmKGzM1Qz0xJ2MI8FOxdYx47x_IX8icB0tmZoJjuZizoienBKIiSkILJFwp_9t7PkmUPpMtfeUVSMuOoQ529160hJR2nHw/s3024/Not%20Good%20For%20Maidens.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this finished copy for free by Titan Books for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Not Good For Maidens by Tori Bovalino</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 12th September 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Titan Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="https://toribovalino.com/" target="_blank">Tori Bovalino’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Salem's Lot meets The Darkest Part of the Forest in this horror-fantasy retelling of Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market.<br />
<br />
They'll lure you in with fruit and gems and liquor and dancing, merriment to remember for the rest of your life. But that's an illusion. The market is death itself.<br />
<br />
Beneath the streets of York, the goblin market calls to the Wickett women -- the family of witches that tends to its victims. For generations, they have defended the old cobblestone streets with their magic. Knowing the dangers, they never entered the market -- until May Wickett fell for a goblin girl, accepted her invitation, and became inextricably tied to the world her family tried to protect her from. The market learned her name, and even when she and her sister left York for Boston to escape it, the goblins remembered.<br />
<br />
Seventeen years later, Lou, May's niece, knows nothing of her magical lineage or the twisted streets, sweet fruits, and incredible jewels of the goblin market. But just like her aunt, the market calls to her, an echo of a curse that won't release its hold on her family. And when her youngest aunt, Neela, is kidnapped by goblins, Lou discovers just how real and dangerous the market is.<br />
<br />
To save her, both May and Lou will have to confront their family's past and what happened all those years ago. But everything -- from the food and wares, to the goblins themselves -- is a haunting temptation for any human who manages to find their way in. And if Lou isn't careful, she could end up losing herself to the market, too.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781789098150" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/36ec4007-2619-4fbd-8b40-8bacfee8d1a8" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60210723-not-good-for-maidens" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, gore, body horror, internal organs, and descriptions of mutilated corpses.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I had been really looking forward to reading Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino since it was announced. A sapphic and asexual retelling of The Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti? Right up my street! While I enjoyed it overall, I wasn't quite as keen on one of the timelines.<br />
<br />
The story is told in two timelines; in present day we follow Lou, whose teenage aunt and best friend Neela has been abducted while visiting the Goblin Market. Her family in the UK have history with the Goblin Market that Lou had no idea about, and is only discovering now. When her mum is injured, Lou is the only one who can enter the market and attempt to save Neela. Eighteen years previously, we follow May, another of Lou's aunts, as she falls for a goblin and is enticed to enter the Goblin Market, when she knows better, and the terrible things she experiences.<br />
<br />
I personally found May's storyline more engaging. She knows about the Market, has her whole life, and knows the rules. She knows what happens to those who enter the Goblin Market, and yet she's tempted anyway. I don't want to spoil too much of the story, but I loved the conflict in her. Because of who she is, who her family are, her future is set in stone. She has no choice, but it's a life she definitely doesn't want. May feels trapped, and like she has no control. But she does have a choice about whether or not to enter the Goblin Market, and even though it's a terrible idea, she decides to risk it. She'll be fine; she knows the rules, she can keep herself safe. I just really loved May. She's flawed and makes bad choices, but I rooted for her. I really enjoyed the sapphic romance, too; is there any way a human can be loved by a goblin? May's story was so gripping, and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next.<br />
<br />
With Lou's timeline, however, not a great deal happens. Lou learns about her family and their long history, what has been hidden from her all her life; she feels betrayed to have not been trusted with the truth, even though it was to try and keep her safe. And she enters the Market to try to save Neela. I just felt in comparison, more happened in May's timeline. I think part of this is down to the fact that both stories run alongside each other concurrently. While it's Lou's first time entering the Market, it's not the reader's first time of seeing it, because of May entering the Market. So we get all of the awe and wonder, but also how disturbing the Market is when May enters, and it would feel quite repetitive to show Lou reacting the same. So it's brushed past quite quickly. Especially as Lou is there for an entirely different reason; she's not there to be wowed by the wonders of the Market, she's there simply to save Neela. Get in, find her, and get out. And because she's learnt about the dangers of the market while her aunt is in danger, there is no appeal for her. She cannot understand why anyone who really knows about the Market would choose to enter it willingly. She's absolutely terrified, but she must save Neela. I was just much more emotionally involved in May's storyline. When you have both visits to the Goblin Market told side-by-side, it felt like there wasn't enough going on in Lou's story.<br />
<br />
I also found it fascinating the way May and Lou reacted differently to the goblins. While goblins have glamour and magic, they also have this inherent magnetism. Humans are inexplicably drawn to goblins and their terrifying beauty. Even though they're scared, it's like they're caught under some kind of spell. They're not completely without conscious thought and discernment, as seen with May, but they are tempted, and it's a temptation that's difficult to ignore, as shown by the humans in the Market in both timelines who have completely given in to it. But Lou isn't tempted at all. She's not drawn to any of them. It's not discussed or touched on in any way, she just isn't; she's scared, and she wants to get out. And it made me wonder if it's because she's asexual. But not in the sense that she's <i>missing</i> something, that doesn't come across at all in the story. More like she has an advantage, a protection against the goblins, the other people we see don't. As I said, it's not mentioned at all in the story, or even hinted at, it's something that occurred to me while seeing how differently May and Lou react. I could be completely wrong, it could just be that her fear overwhelms any temptation. But I found it fascinating to consider as I read.<br />
<br />
Despite my issues, I did enjoy Not Good For Maidens overall. I really liked the bisexual and asexual rep. I loved how it was written, and really look forward to reading more by Bovalino in future. The whole story is wrapped up with a proper conclusion, but there's a tiny element that hints at the possibility of there being a sequel, and if there is, I'd willingly enter the world of the Goblin Market again.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Titan Books for the review copy.</div><br />
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-24217850074819444952022-09-27T12:27:00.006+01:002022-09-27T12:27:52.388+01:00Update & All Hallow's QueersHi all, I just wanted to give you a bit of an update. Since I last posted, I have been diagnosed with depression. I also had a two week holiday, which meant I got a break from a difficult work situation. Things are somewhat better at work now, so, while I'm still not great, I'm not feeling quite so overwhelmed and stressed now.<br />
<br />
It's my hope to now start slowly coming back to creating content. I'm not yet at a stage where I can write my essay-length reviews on the blog, but I am starting to create content on <A href="" target="_blank">Instagram</A> - if you wish, you can find me there.<br />
<br />
I've also created All Hallow's Queers, an LGBTQ+ horror and supernatural/paranormal fantasy readathon & photo / video challenge for spooky season. There are dedicated <A href="https://twitter.com/AllHallowsQueer" target="_blank">Twitter</A> and <A href="https://instagram.com/AllHallowsQueers" target="_blank">Instagram accounts</a> for it with templates and a giveaway. If it sounds like your thing, you can find out more <A href="https://twitter.com/AllHallowsQueer/status/1572250035810713600" target="_blank">on Twitter here</A> or <A href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiujuyJshqr/" target="_blank">on Instagram here</A>, depending on your platform of preference. There's also a reading challenge set up <A href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/10c0be8e-8213-4394-bc75-be8791837d9f" target="_blank">on The StoryGraph</A>.<br />
<br />
Most of my content on the blog's Instagram will be focussed on All Hallow's Queer for the time being. I hope to see you over there!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-32115069657257529952022-08-17T14:33:00.005+01:002022-08-17T14:33:56.269+01:00Blogging Hiatus<p>I’m going to take a blogging hiatus. I’ve been quite stressed and overwhelmed for the last few weeks, and it’s affecting my mental health. I’m drained and exhausted all the time, and I’m not able to come up with content right now, or have the motivation to actually create any content. This also applies to Instagram. No reviews or other content for the foreseeable. I’m not ok, but I am ok, if that makes sense. There’s no cause for worry. I just need a break.</p><p>For any publishers reading, I will still review the ARCs I’ve been sent, the reviews will just be delayed for a time.</p><p>I’ll still be about on Twitter, and I’ll probably still be posting Insta stories, as I’m still capable of reading - handle for both is @OnceUponABkcase - so I’m not disappearing completely. Just taking a break from creating content.</p><p>Hopefully I won’t be away too long. See you on the other side.</p><div><br /></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02828378728962868575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-79287302690313197632022-08-13T07:00:00.012+01:002022-08-13T13:10:35.226+01:00Review: The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor (#Ad)<center><img alt="The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdfhHQxFDsqCuYIDQ9h65gZpMTWFLGXYXt8d98aAqzfOGHV3giVfE_BA-r8Wy6SIRiYB7sZpRezCyZqdzaQBz4rLXNfOYe04YZjkVCR2nzSPPCfZG9I3K48tvvDErZ2N96QBIFlwrfEq3DcON5qwRj4uscwrYMxB-AdDxM6jTXNLy75ko7hoAj4uQjA/s2934/Sam%20Sylvester.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this review copy for free by GMC Distribution on behalf of Astra Young Readers for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 8th August 2022 (UK release date) | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Astra Young Readers | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="https://mayamacgregor.com/" target="_blank">Maya MacGregor’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary teen with autism realizes they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.<br />
<br />
Sam Sylvester's not overly optimistic about their recent move to the small town of Astoria, Oregon after a traumatic experience in their last home in the rural Midwest.<br />
<br />
Yet Sam's life seems to be on the upswing after meeting several new friends and a potential love interest in Shep, the pretty neighbor. However, Sam can't seem to let go of what might have been, and is drawn to investigate the death of a teenage boy in 1980s Astoria. Sam's convinced he was murdered--especially since Sam's investigation seems to resurrect some ghosts in the town.<br />
<br />
Threatening notes and figures hidden in shadows begin to disrupt Sam's life. Yet Sam continues to search for the truth. When Sam discovers that they may be closer to a killer than previously known, Sam has a difficult decision to make. Would they risk their new life for a half-lived one?</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781635923599" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4fafb288-cf5c-47b5-a6e0-15050fe52b34" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49434060-the-many-half-lived-lives-of-sam-sylvester" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, bullying, anxiety and a panic attack, self-harm stimming, misgendering, homophobia, biphobia, bi-erasure, and a physical homophobic and transphobic attack against a non-binary person.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I was super excited for The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor from when I first heard about it. I believe it's the first YA book published in the UK by a non-binary author living in the UK. That's massive, and I was so keen to read it! And I loved it!<br />
<br />
Sam is an autistic, queer, non-binary teen who is interested in people who died before they turned 19. They keep a scrapbook about them, their lives, and their deaths. After surviving a physical homophobic and transphobic attack, Sam and their dad have moved to Oregon to start afresh. But after only a few days, Sam realises they're living in the house of Billy Clement, one of the teens in their book. Everyone says it was a tragic accident, but there are things that just don't fit. With their new friends, Sam decides to figure out what happened to Billy, and get him Justice.<br />
<br />
I honestly loved this book! I loved enjoyed MacGregor's writing; it flows so well, like water sliding over stones, and it was just so enjoyable to be carried along with it. I can't put my finger on exactly what, but there was something about the flow of the writing that's been missing from books I've read recently, so reading Sam Sylvester was like finding something you didn't know you had misplaced. Then there's Sam themself. I adored them! I cannot speak to the autism and non-binary rep, as I'm never, but Sam Sylvester is an #OwnVoices story, and it felt well done. It sounds like something that's really obvious, but Sam's autism is a part of who they are, part of their normal everyday life, finding it difficult to read people sometimes, or feeling overwhelmed on occasion, for example. This isn't something I've read before in books with autistic characters, and I think it's because this isn't a book about a person with autism, it's about a person solving a murder. Sam is autistic, and it's a big part of their life and who they are, but that's not what the story is about, you know? So it felt very different to me, that it wasn't the sole focus.<br />
<br />
Sam Sylvester touches on many serious topics, some briefly, some longer. Sam has been through a great deal. Because they're autistic, they were in foster care until they were 7, when they were adopted by their dad, Junius. Sam is white, and Junius is Black, and the book touches on the question in people's faces about their family when they realise their relationship. Junius (who is aroace) is also a single father, adopting Sam on his own. The story even touches on the difficulties Junius experienced as a Black man having to deal with the police when Sam was attacked. He's also the best freaking dad to have ever existed! He's extremely supportive and understands Sam and their needs. I'm not sure I've ever read a more loving dad. But he's also concerned, because of Sam's attack and their trauma, and wanting to keep them safe. So when they're bullied at school, he becomes increasingly concerned - but Sam is actually feeling like they've found their place for the first time in their life, where they're fully accepted for who they are by their new friends and their teachers. Sam <i>has</i> experienced trauma, though, and it's almost ever-present in their life, even when they're doing ok. Sam also has anxiety, and because they're autistic, there are a few moments when things are difficult to process and overwhelming for them. Then there are instances of homophobia, biphobia and bi-erasure experienced by Sam's friends. There's this one moment when a boy admits to being attracted to Sam, but, as Sam isn't a girl, is confused about what that means about his sexuality. It was such a beautiful moment, because even though Sam is frustrated and uncomfortable by this guy asking them if they're gay now, you can still feel the tenderness towards this character in their confusion. There are actually a few characters in this book that you might think on first meeting them that they're going to cause problems for Sam, but actually turn out to be good people. They may not get everything right, but they're trying, and are accepting of Sam. It was refreshing, and really sweet.<br />
<br />
The mystery itself is a major, major slow burn. This isn't really the kind of story where you can come up with many theories of what happened, because there isn't a huge amount of sleuthing. A conversation will be had, or someone will do something that has Sam connecting dots, but it seems mostly to come without any proper evidence. They're really small things, so it's almost a bit of a leap that Sam takes at times. To be honest, I wasn't really invested in the mystery. I don't think it was tight enough or developed well enough. This isn't really a story with twists and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. If I was reviewing this book solely on the mystery, this review would probably be quite a negative review. The reveal was a little disappointing; I didn't see it coming, because it's such a slow burn mystery, there isn't much to base theories on, but once you do realise who was behind the murder and why, it just fell a little flat for me. I also didn't really feel the romance between Sam and Shep. Honestly, beyond Sam's relationship with Junius, I feel most of the relationships were underdeveloped to a certain degree. I could see why they all liked each other, I just didn't see what the fact that they're alls such good friends was based on.<br />
<br />
But as I said, I adored the writing, and I loved Sam. They're such a fully formed character, reading this book was like hanging out with a friend. There were definitely aspects of this book that could have been better, but you don't really needs a reason to spend time with someone you like, and that's what reading this book was like for me. I'm not sure that really sells the story, but I loved this book a hell of a lot simply because of Sam, and I think that says something.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Astra Young Readers and GMC Distribution for the review copy.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-77947269539124212292022-08-08T07:00:00.011+01:002022-08-08T07:00:00.215+01:00Review: The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne (#Ad)<center><img alt="The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64hBLy-8J8uiUyHn3lTidKvAFegBqBX3CMKe7AGR3bQb_VblNMoSA09d58lHBJqPRX9gbFwAfto1HokDVdCsHODpS-PKW3yvp5X3j8LGjEEHKavKOP7YpG1-p-EwDBfAmy0O061tFGkKX1yYhJn-kYdjA-S4eA15Rs0h9F6IUnG8k940jV36U4WPwVg/s2924/The%20Book%20of%20Gothel.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this proof for free by Orbit Books for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 28th July 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Orbit Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="https://marymcmyne.com/" target="_blank">Mary McMyne’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Everyone knows the story of Rapunzel in the tower, but do you know the tale of the witch who put her there?<br />
<br />
Enter a world of dark magic, mysterious woods and evil princes. This is the truth they never wanted you to know, as only a witch might tell it.<br />
<br />
With her strange black eyes and even stranger fainting spells, Haelewise is shunned by her village, and her only solace lies in the stories her mother tells of child-stealing witches, of princes in wolf-skins, of an ancient tower cloaked in mist where women will find shelter if they are brave enough to seek it.<br />
<br />
But when her mother dies, Haelewise is left unmoored. With nothing left for her in her village, she sets out to find the tower of legend-a place called Gothel, where Haelewise meets a wise woman willing to take her under her wing.<br />
<br />
But Haelewise is not the only woman to seek refuge at Gothel. It's also a haven for a girl named Rika, who carries with her a secret the Church strives to keep hidden. A secret that reveals a dark world of ancient spells and murderous nobles behind the world Haelewise has always known.<br />
<br />
The Book of Gothel is a lush, enchanting retelling of the tale of Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, perfect for fans of Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780356517711" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/39408ae9-bc28-45b1-b9c1-12d40887304d" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61134742-the-book-of-gothel" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features vomit, someone late to starting their period, semi-vague sex scenes, pregnancy, morning sickness, childbirth, reference to abortion, reference to stillbirths, child neglect, sexual assault and threat of rape, male rape, references to stoning, violence against women, anti-Semitism, suicide, and reference to torture.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'd been super excited to read The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne ever since I first heard of it. An historical fantasy prequel retelling of the story of Rapunzel from the perspective of the witch, it was right up my street. However, I finished it feeling really disappointed.<br />
<br />
Set in Medieval Germany, the story follows Haelewise, a young girl who has fainting spells, brought up by a mother who secretly keeps to the old ways. I was expecting either a villain origin story, or for a story that completely turns the tale of Rapunzel on it's head. And while to some degree it does do that, the story actually has very little to do with Rapunzel, or what we know of that story. There's a tower, there's a woman who practices magic, and there's a baby girl named Rapunzel in the last fifth of the book, but that's it. I did start off enjoying the book. I loved the Medieval setting, the feminist aspect to how women are viewed, and the patriarchal and controlling church. The old ways, magic from nature, wise women and wort cunning, and goddess worship. It felt like a story that was going to be everything I could want. But it wasn't.<br />
<br />
The Book of Gothel is an extremely slow story. Haelewise moves from place to place, and each time you think that's when the story will finally get going, but you just get quite a lot of nothing really happening. She spends time at the tower learning very little from the wise woman in the tower, to seeking assistance from Hildegard, to time amongst royals, to the anticlimactic ending. At each place, there's a lot of not doing very much, and a lot of waiting around. It really dragged, and I lost interest. There wasn't a great deal of magic or action, and the only reason I kept reading was to see how it would relate to Rapunzel, but there's so little. Honestly, you could read this book not knowing it was a retelling. The whole Rapunzel aspect could have been removed. The tower could have been a cottage, the child could have been named something else, they're pretty much the only links to the original story, and as such "a Rapunzel retelling" is actually pretty misleading.<br />
<br />
I really don't have any more to say. I think there are certain Christian people who might find aspects of this story somewhat controversial, unrelated to the patriarchal and superstitious aspects. I'm an atheist, and I gasped, because it's so bold. It actually made me cackle, the idea of how overzealous Christians might react to it. Also, I only found out after finishing the story that it features an actual historical figure in Hildegard on Bingen, but I don't think it matters either way, it doesn't really make a difference to the story.<br />
<br />
I was extremely disappointed with The Book of Gothel due to being very slow, not much happening, and very little relation to Rapunzel. But maybe if you're a fan of historical fiction, and don't mind slow burn stories, this might be something you'd enjoy.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Orbit Books for the proof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-31818188117867769522022-08-01T07:00:00.021+01:002022-08-01T07:00:00.204+01:00Review: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas<center><img alt="Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMY7CvvoQMkehpLXo4GHFYB1Atv9pTaX30xpv8AmETBwiOtZXUwSVvIqJ3cVFpznH0DnaBS05lHrImQqkLN6yViwv3TwxwmtCjwnCkb0V49F0zQBWBCncO7hT4fUrLypqvzFVCeDKPNKDnWH1V0X1rgdbXKTW4XcvN_rVVbk3Kcd3N_0E1a4ucD3WuA/s3024/Cemetery%20Boys.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 4th August | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Macmillan Children's Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.aiden-thomas.com/" target="_blank">Aiden Thomas’ Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.<br />
<br />
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.<br />
<br />
However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. </i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781035008636" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b1cf8b29-3ea7-4dcd-8d37-38251a226de4" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52339313-cemetery-boys" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, reference to drug use, unintentional ableist language: lame, transphobia, deadnaming, misgendering, reference to deportation, xenophobia, racism, forced burning, and child abuse.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been intrigued by Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas for years. It sounded right up my street, and a few friends had raved about it. But it was only available to buy from America, which made it expensive. So I was super excited to hear that Thomas' books were being published in the UK this year by Macmillan Children's Books, and was stoked to buy a copy of Cemetery Boys early at YALC. It was definitely worth the wait, it's such a fantastic story!<br />
<br />
Yadriel is from a Latinx brujx community; people who were blessed with powers by Lady Death generations ago. The bruja have healing powers and are connected to the living, and the brujos have power over the dead; they can summon spirits and help them pass on. When someone turns 15, they have their quinces, a ceremony where they dedicate themselves to Lady Death. Yadriel is 16, and has yet to have his quinces. Because Yadriel is trans, and his family and community are having difficulty understanding. He's definitely not a bruja, as he's not a woman, but could he actually be a brujo? Yadriel's father, the the brujx leader, isn't sure. A few days before Día de Muertos, Yadriel decides to perform his quinces in secret with his cousin Maritza, and prove to his family and his community that he can be a brujo. The ceremony works, but immediately after, it becomes apparent that his cousin Miguel has died. Yadriel is desperate to help the other brujos search for him, to find out what's wrong, but is refused by his dad. So, again, he decides to summon Miguel's spirit in secret, to find out what happened, and prove his worth. But instead of Miguel's spirit, he accidentally summons the spirit of Julian, a trouble maker from school. Julian was murdered earlier in the evening, but has no idea what exactly happened. Yadriel tries to help him pass on, but Julian refuses to go, desperate to find out if his friends, who were with him when he died, are ok. Yadriel reluctantly agrees to help, on the proviso that once Julian knows, Yadriel will pass him on. But the longer he spends with Julian, and the longer it takes for the brujos to find Miguel's body, the more complicated things get. And it's not too long before Yadriel questions whether he actually wants Julian to go.<br />
<br />
I loved this Cemetery Boys! After Julian has been summoned, not a huge amount happens for quite a while, but it didn't bother me, because I loved these characters and this world so much! There's something about Thomas' writing that really draws you in, and I was quite happy watching Julian and Yadriel together, driving each other round the bend. It's a slow burn story, with the cutest slow burn romance. Julian is like an excitable puppy, and I just adored him! He's labelled a bad boy, but only because he's been judged so by people who don't know him. He's reckless and impulsive, and he can have a temper and be quite stubborn, but he's fiercely loyal to his friends, and can be quite sensitive. I was strongly reminded of the movie Ghost as Julian tries to learn how to be a ghost, and it was just so funny! He hides in a sarcophagus at one point, and his reaction when he finally comes out is hilarious! He's just brilliant, and I loved the romance between him and Yadriel. Julian isn't at all who Yadriel thought he would be, and he can't help but be drawn to him and his infectious joy. He misgenders Yadriel once, but once he knows he's completely onboard, supportive, and actually really quite insightful about Yadriel's situation, even to the point of reading deeper into what Yadriel is going through than Yadriel will admit to himself. Julian is the first person besides Yadriel's mum and Maritza that accepts Yadrial for who he is without question, and it's not long before Julian wants to fight his corne. It's beautiful, but it's complicated - because Julian is dead.<br />
<br />
I loved what fuels this story. The story wouldn't exist as it does if Yadriel wasn't trans. Everything he does is to try and prove to his father and the brujx that he <i>is</i> a brujo, that he can be part of the community. It's quite early on, but it was quite emotional when Yadriel's quinces goes perfectly; Lady Death accepts him for who he is without question. There is immediate elation, but quickly followed by sadness and anger; if Lady Death can accept him, why can't the others? It's so layered, because he's not just trying to be accepted as a man, but to be allowed to take his place in his community. The magic is gendered; the women heal, the men summon and pass on spirits. Yes, it could have been written so that magic wasn't gendered, but then the crux of the story for Yadriel wouldn't be there; it's about him wanting and needing to be accepted. And as the magic is gendered, there's definitely a question from the brujx of whether Yadriel could be a brujo. While Yadriel, as the reader, knows from early on that Lady Death accepts him as a man and as a brujo, his father isn't sure whether he would be granted the brujos' powers. In some senses, it's a valid question; what would actually happen? Would Lady Death accept him? But it actually stems more from a lack of understanding and a lack of complete acceptance of Yadriel as a man. How can he be a brujo when he isn't a man? It's a really fraught situation, and it was handled with so much care and sensitivity, and I loved Yadriel's strength and him deciding to no longer accept people's apologies when they use his deadname or misgender him. How long will it be until they get it right? How many times does he have to forgive them? Saying all of this though, it's only part of the story, and while it's difficult at times, the story is mostly light and fun - how could it not be with Julian?<br />
<br />
I also loved how rooted this story is in Latinx culture. Every single person with a speaking part - if not also those who don't speak - is Latinx. Not just in the brujx community, but outside it as well; Julian's friends and everyone at school, too. And they're Latinx people from all over; Mexico, Haiti, Columbia, Ecuador, and so on. With the brujx, the stories of Xibalba, which has similarities to hell, Santa Muerte (Lady Death), the celebrations for Día de Muertos, Cemetery Boys is brimming in Latinx culture, traditions, beliefs and mythology, which make up the backbone of this fantasy. While this is a work of fiction inspired by those beliefs and traditions, there is so much love and respect for it all pouring through the pages. It's incredibly beautiful.<br />
<br />
I did guess very early on what was happening and who the murderer was, but even so, it wasn't an issue, because I just loved these characters and the story. However, when we get to the big reveal, I did feel the antagonist become a bit of a villain caricature. I do wish more time was given to the reveal and explanation, and it was developed more, because I did feel the idea behind the motivation was interesting. I think if Thomas had dug just a little deeper for this character in particular, it could have made them a more interesting villain, instead of a villain we've seen many times before. Saying that, there were some twists to how things were resolved that I wasn't expecting at all, and were just brilliant! And it had such a powerful and moving ending.<br />
<br />
I adored Cemetery Boys; it's such a fantastic story! I'm so excited to read Thomas' other books, and I'm so, so glad that it's been announced that Thomas will be writing a sequel! I honestly can't recommend Cemetery Boys enough, it's brilliant!<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-22139095428819944182022-07-30T07:00:00.001+01:002022-07-30T07:00:00.208+01:00Review: The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth<center><img alt="The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxStZZ2bMLeOFgpno4_XFmCCUoPcmK3NJGPoHWF5MVzVtvANTrjV5gxek7A1pa5c36k7GoWM_ePSzrTwVq6z0zYfOVvxC6benBSj4aJ4LN_odKkV1zhLm1ho9qN9mqY2YVaoNtMYT1mFAhkgouoFcLS2bwWl9JW-4xIxRyXuLWDrwo--RMJLCIaustLw/s3024/The%20Falling%20In%20Love%20Montage.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 4th June 2020 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Andersen Press | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://ciarasmyth.com/" target="_blank">Ciara Smyth’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Two girls embark on a summer of montage-worthy dates (with a few strings attached) in this hilarious and heartfelt lesbian rom-com that’s perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Jenny Han.<br />
<br />
Seventeen-year-old cynic Saoirse Clarke isn’t looking for a relationship. But when she meets mischievous Ruby, that rule goes right out the window. Sort of.<br />
<br />
Because Ruby has a loophole in mind: a summer of all the best cliché movie montage dates, with a definite ending come fall—no broken hearts, no messy breakup. It would be the perfect plan, if they weren’t forgetting one thing about the Falling in Love Montage: when it’s over, the characters have fallen in love...for real.<br />
<br />
Ciara Smyth’s debut is a delightful, multilayered YA rom-com that will make you laugh, cry, and absolutely fall in love. </i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781783449668" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/991965ec-6bd1-406c-af80-c9b391fae71f" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48659757-the-falling-in-love-montage" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features early-onset dementia, and flashbacks to difficult, upsetting moments.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Whenever I've heard anyone talk about Ciara Smyth's books, it's only to rave about them. They come so highly recommended, that when I fancied a nice light and fluffy romcom, I instantly reached for Smyth's first book, The Falling In Love Montage. And while it absolutely has it's gorgeous, sweet, funny moments, it's also so much more than a romcom. It's a beautiful, poignant story that moved me to tears.<br />
<br />
A lot is going on with Saoirse. she split up with her ex-girlfriend a few months backs, her mum has early-onset dementia and is living in a home, her dad has started seeing someone new, and just dropped another bombshell on her: they're getting married. In three months. Having just finished school before heading off to uni, she's decided she's going to have a carefree summer of kissing straight girls; nothing will go further, there will be no commitment, there will be no heartbreak. Nothing heavy or serious, just fun. But then she meets Ruby, and the attraction between them is undeniable. Ruby, who adores romcoms, comes up with a solution; she'll be going back to England at the end of summer, and Saoirse will be going to uni, and until then they can go on dates inspired by romcom movie tropes, just fun, nothing serious. There will be an end date to their summer fling, surely that's something Saoirse can do? But when feelings develop, and Saoirse's home life becomes more difficult, things get a little messy.<br />
<br />
Smyth does an absolutely fantastic job of balancing Saoirse's sadness and anger about the situations with her mum and dad and the sweet romance with Ruby; it's neither more sweet and fluffy, nor more sad. While I absolutely adored the romance, and it's the reason I picked the book up in the first place, I was really struck by what Saoirse is going through at home, and it hit me hard emotionally. My grandma had dementia, and I completely understand the heartbreak of someone you love not knowing who you are any more. Of the conflicting feelings of having her move to a home, which feels like a betrayal, but knowing it's no longer safe for her to not have 24 hours, around the clock care. I was an adult when things got fairly bad for my grandma, so I was somewhat more mature than Saoirse is at that time, and could understand her dad's position. But at the same time, empathised with Saoirse. It was all too easy to put myself in her shoes, and knowing how absolutely devastated I would be if one of my parents started seeing someone else while the other was in a home.<br />
<br />
It was so incredibly upsetting. Saoirse's heart has broken. Her mum no longer knows who she is. She visits her every day, but it's not the same as having her at home, and she hates it. She wants her to come back. She's already angry at her dad for starting a new relationship with Beth, but when he announces that they're getting married, it's like having the ground fall out from under her. Her mum hasn't even been in the home a whole year yet, and her dad is marrying someone new. She thinks he doesn't care, she thinks he can't have ever loved her mum, and he's dumped her in a home to forget about her and move on. We find out that isn't the case, but it's so, so sad. They're arguments are so difficult to read, because I got exactly where her dad was coming from, but Saoirse is just all hurt and pain, and can't see past the betrayal. It's so terribly sad, I cried.<br />
<br />
I loved the relationship between Saoirse and Beth and how it developed. Saoirse wants absolutely nothing to do with her, she is the woman stealing her dad away from her mum. But also, Beth is kind all right. She's very sensitive to the situation, and while she wants to get to know Saoirse, she doesn't force her presence on her, or push her, but she's unsure how best to proceed. She's marrying her dad, they're going to be living together, things can't stay as they are. Situations arise when they're in each other's company alone, and given the conversations they have, Saoirse starts to see Beth as a person in her own right, instead of just the woman stealing her dad. It's difficult, and it's not easy, and it doesn't change anything with regards to Saoirse's mum, and how Saoirse feels about the situation as a whole... but things do move slowly forward with them, and I thought it was just so beautifully done.<br />
<br />
Then there's the romance! Honestly, it was just gorgeous. The cliché romcom dates, the funny situations they found themselves in and the conversations they had; it was just so sweet. But of course, as Saoirse wants this to be light and fun and not at all serious, she doesn't talk about what's going on at home. And doesn't ask Ruby about her life and family, because that could lead to questions about her own. There are points where she outright lies to avoid conversations she absolutely, categorically doesn't want to have. She like Ruby, but their romance is also her escape, and she wants to keep the two separate. She doesn't want anything remotely close to serious. Because she's been hurt by her ex. But also because early-onset dementia can be hereditary. So what is the point of commitment? What is the point in having any kind of future? She's only going to forget it all soon anyway. Saoirse is flawed, and makes so many mistakes and bad decisions, and you sit there shaking your head, knowing it's all going to go wrong for her. But you can also understand, and in itself, it's also kind of sad. It's all just so complicated for Saoirse, and I just really felt for her. She doesn't see that actually, maybe, something serious with Ruby might be good for her. But it's such a great story, and written so well, it's actually really lovely to see Saoirse work through her feelings and the situations she's in, and see her come to terms with some things and realise others.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I absolutely adored The Falling In Love Montage. It was so, so much more than I was expecting, and it will stick with me for a very long time. I'm so looking forward to reading Smyth's next book, Not My Problem, and whatever she writes in the future. If you're looking for something that is sweet and cute, but will also tug at your heartstrings, definitely pick up The Falling In Love Montage.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-91369909340295404332022-07-25T07:00:00.009+01:002022-07-25T07:00:00.202+01:00Review: The Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven<center><img alt="The Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BH_sZMJIS-QL82By5PVSrR1oHtlMU_jTLdHkaWmJr6f1NZWb_n5ctA8t6TjByKiFl97oPOvJGC4BrSHQLVIobOx0cT6FB4shAAbeicI22yhfZLPHjp_tC5uLwNjJbkit6krRya5hBAaagFyuCYut1GCGTuhgdUpZN-iTmVSFMFzDMwha-Cp5a1PHQ/s3024/The%20Society%20for%20Soulless%20Girls.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 7th July 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Electric Monkey | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.laura-steven.com/" target="_blank">Laura Steven’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>A dark and funny YA thriller with a supernatural twist. From the winner of the Comedy Women in Print Prize.<br />
<br />
Ten years ago, four students lost their lives in the infamous North Tower murders at the elite Carvell College of Arts, forcing Carvell to close its doors.<br />
<br />
Now Carvell is reopening, and fearless student Lottie is determined to find out what really happened. But when her roommate, Alice, stumbles upon a sinister soul-splitting ritual hidden in Carvell’s haunted library, the North Tower claims another victim.<br />
<br />
Can Lottie uncover the truth before the North Tower strikes again? Can Alice reverse the ritual before her monstrous alter ego consumes her? And can they stop flirting for literally fifteen seconds in order to do this?<br />
<br />
Exploring possession and ambition, lust and bloodlust, femininity and violence, The Society of Soulless Girls is perfect for fans of Ace of Spaces, The Secret History and The Inheritance Games.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781405296939" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/98a5180d-c15a-4861-9c0b-0df01c5cdbe9" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58795575-the-society-for-soulless-girls" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, references to using "smudge" sticks (instead of smoke cleansing), ableism, drug use, sexism, reinforcement of gender roles/stereotypes, animal cruelty, animal death, sexual harassment, reference to rape and paedophilia, intimate partner violence, and suicide.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">When The Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven was first announced, I knew I had to read it. A sapphic supernatural thriller meets dark academia retelling of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? It's absolutely right up my street! And I bloody loved it!<br />
<br />
Carvell Academy for the Arts was closed ten years ago after the unsolved murders of four students. One of those students, Janie, was known to Lottie's parents, and her death rocked their community. Lottie has grown up with feeling the impact of Janie's death on those around her, so when Carvell opens it's doors once again, Lottie is determined to go. She wants to investigate the murders, find out what really happened, and get justice for Janie, but on top of that, it's such a prestigious school, and it's classes are legendary, and she's excited to study English Literature there. Alice wants to be a judge, and so decides to attend Carvell for it's Philosophy classes, to learn how to think. She's always been a bit prickly, quick to anger and snap at people, with violent urges, and awkwardly saying the wrong thing and alienating people.<br />
So when Lottie and Alice first meet after discovering they're roommates, they don't get off to a good start. But then strange things start happening. Lottie starts sleep walking, and always finds herself at the foot of the North Tower, from which the murder victims were pushed, scrabbling around in the dirt, trying to get in. Even when she's awake, she feels drawn to the tower in a way that has little to do with her investigation, and has waking dreams of an older woman, illuminating manuscripts, and so much pain. After one sleepwalking episode, she wakes up in pain around her neck; a ruby from the statue of Sister Maria had imbedded itself in her neck. She starts to wonder if she's being haunted by the North Tower.<br />
Meanwhile, Alice realises she's not making any progress with her fresh start and making new friends. She keeps insulting people, or pushing them away. When looking for philosophy books for class, she discovers another book, one about soul purification, of a ritual nuns in the past to rid themselves of their anger. After a few weeks of feeling like there's something wrong with her, she decides to do the ritual, and make the tincture. But after taking it, following being wracked with excruciating pain and seizures, she feels positively murderous. She blacks out for several hours, and when she comes to, a student, Poppy, has been killed. Just like ten years before; pushed from the top of the North Tower. Lottie is scared she might be next, with how she's drawn to the tower - has the tower chosen her as it's next victim? Alice is terrified it may have been her, because of the hours she can't remember. But the ritual worked, she's no longer angry; in fact, she feels almost cut off from negative feelings. Until it starts to wear off, and her anger comes back faster and stronger, and with the desire to kill.<br />
<br />
The Society for Soulless Girls is such an incredible story! I was hooked right from the very first page; Steven's writing is atmospheric and ethereal, pulling you under it's spell, creating a mysterious tension you can't turn away from. The whole dark academia vibe worked so well with this story, Carvell Academy is just fantastic. It has such a rich history in once being a convent where a nun, Sister Maria died, falling from the North Tower, and then it's more recent history, of the murders that mirror Sister Maria's death. As a setting, with all these old religious buildings being reused for the academy, it just adds brilliantly to the atmosphere. The uni itself is just amazing; I adored the English Lit and Philosophy classes we got to see. They just sounded so awesome, and being a prestigious arts university, there's the sense of being around intellectually brilliant people. I just really revelled in it, it was so fascinating, and even though they're background to the main story, I learnt so much from those classes. There was this really awesome meta moment, too, when Jekyll and Hyde is discussed in Lottie's Gothic Literature classes. It was just so awesome.<br />
<br />
I absolutely loved both Lottie and Alice. I was so intrigued by what was going on with Lottie, considering it seemed obvious Alice was the Jekyll/Hyde character. What was going on? Why did she have this constant pull to the tower? How the hell did a ruby end up in her neck, and how on Earth is it controlling her? What does she get up to when she's sleepwalking, and what are these waking dreams she keeps having? And then there's Alice. I've never read the original story, but I know the basic plot points for Jekyll and Hyde, and it was so interesting to see what Steven did with it. What is the tincture doing? Did Alice kill Poppy? (Or was it even Lottie?) And why does she seem to get worse when it starts to wear off? Alice is terrified of what's happening to her, because she's so much worse than before. At least she understood her anger before, but now it's uncontrollable, almost as if something is taking over, and she struggles so much to fight it. It's absolutely gripping! There are so many questions, and so few answers, and the more the story progresses, the tighter the tension gets. Even if Alice didn't kill Poppy, she's likely to kill someone soon.<br />
<br />
I loved the relationship between Lottie and Alice. It's only when Alice starts to lose control in front of Lottie, and seeks her help to take the tincture again, that the two confide in each other what's happening to them both. They form an uneasy alliance in trying to figure out what's happening to them, and who the killer is. While Lottie worries that Alice killed Poppy at first, there are things that just don't add up. She's still suspicious, and Alice can't really blame her, but also can't trust her because Lottie may still be investigating her and turn on her. It's such an awkward and scary situation to be in; they need each other, but they don't trust each other. But they're both so intellectually smart, and the story itself is so clever, it's wonderful seeing them work together to figure things out, alongside new friend Hafsah. There's is the slowest of slow burn romances, for obvious reasons, but it was just so gorgeous - especially because Alice is so insecure about herself because of her prickly nature and how she tends to push people away unintentionally, and doesn't feel she's deserving of love. I just adored the two of them growing closer, despite their misgivings about each other, and with how it was literally dangerous to be in each other's company. And it's so tropey! We have athlete/non-athlete, grump/sunshine, enemies to lovers, there's only one bed, hurt/comfort, and maybe others I've missed. It feels like that should be far too many, and you may potentially be worried about the quality of the story as it may seem like it's trying to tick boxes, but Steven does such a fantastic job of weaving these seamless story together, and it all feels so natural. And I suppose the focus is more on the enemies to lovers and grump/sunshine tropes because of their personalities and the situation they find themselves in. Their relationship is just so wonderful.<br />
<br />
I also really liked the feminist angle of this story. Ultimately, it's about women and anger, and how angry women are seen. How it's been believed that anger and aggression were typically male qualities. How women who weren't calm and quiet and placid have been treated historically; how an angry woman is somehow unnatural, not normal. And how women's anger, and what that can lead to, is the result of the silencing of women. How Alice literally thinks there's something wrong with her because she's prickly and so quick to anger. That she would do better in the world if she could just turn her anger off. And, surprising to absolutely no-one, it made me so angry. The Society for Soulless Girls has so much to say on this topic, and I tabbed so many quotes! There's a whole few chapters towards the end that were just so brilliant, and had me nodding along fiercely. The ending as a whole just had me raging so much. When we get to the reveal and we discover what's going on, oh my god, I was so bloody mad. But it was so brilliantly done, and so clever. I just loved it.<br />
<br />
I did have a few quibbles. I feel the character of Hafsah was underdeveloped. It's difficult to discuss without spoiling elements of the story, but it kind of felt like she was just there to give another possibility, and someone for Alice to relate to, and a reason for Lottie not to completely doubt Alice. I know that's vague, but I can't really explain further. But there would be times when whole scenes would happen, and you would forget she was even there until she says something towards the end of a conversation. I do feel she was kind of done a disservice. And then there were times when Lottie and Alice would discover things or figure things out separately, and the conversations where they updated each other were off page between chapters. I can understand not wanting the reader to read again and again of things they already knew being repeated, but it did mean that we didn't see what the other's reactions to things were. They're both experiencing weird supernatural things, so it's easier for them to accept things their told, but I feel like even so, there would still be moments of freaking out and, "Hold on, how is this even happening?!" Moments were they were just overwhelmed, or struggling to take things in because it's a lot. We never really saw that, not when information was shared, we only got how the individual reacted when they discovered something. For example, there's a chapter when Lottie works something out and comes up with a plan, and the next chapter is from Alice's perspective when they're putting that plan in motion, we don't see Lottie tell Alice and Hafsah, how they react to the new information, what they think of the plan, or any other kind of discussion. I would have preferred to have seen more of that.<br />
<br />
But in all, I absolutely adored The Society for Soulless Girls! It was atmospheric and mysterious, gripping and tense, and even quite frightening in places. It was such a brilliant, brilliant story, and I can't recommend it enough! This is the first book I've read by Steven, and I'm so excited to pick up her other books now. I'll be starting with The Love Hypothesis, her other sapphic YA. Read this book, it's incredible!<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-10718381871971577522022-07-23T07:00:00.048+01:002022-11-19T17:12:02.195+00:00Review: The Movement by Ayisha Malik (#Ad)<center><img alt="The Movement by Ayisha Malik on a tablet, which is on a diagonal from top right to bottom left. The tablet is on a pale grey fluffy duvet." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkrnjaVFxoZv0r-J9svGQdcwCQGMTFdYCc48Lhl610GZPzQkGXaz_McAdPc2i-ym2hSqAPREt86jq6KgMYNeM5TL6vLNfr6Qd4XmTTODpzznJzi9buxb6igPUQxy3sWTkejrr6dBzdWt2u_wVER8IBQduyOQ8YLwQ-hIyOfNxf_PifLEm9_yCy617gQ/s1280/The%20Movement.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<B>I was received this eProof for free from Headline via NetGalley for the purposes of providing an honest review.</B><br />
<br />
<B>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</B><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Movement by Ayisha Malik</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 21st July 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Headline | <strong>Source:</strong> NetGalley<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Ayisha_Malik" target="_blank">Ayisha Malik’s on Twitter</a><br />
<br />
<i>With words come power. But do you speak out or shut up?<br />
<br />
Every time Sara Javed switches on her laptop, checks her phone or goes outside, people are shouting. Everyone seems to be angry about something and she just wishes that they would all shut up. Until she realises that perhaps she should take her own advice.<br />
<br />
At first people don't understand her silence and are politely confused at best. But the last thing Sara could anticipate is becoming the figurehead of a global movement that splits society in two.<br />
<br />
The Silent Movement sparks outrage in its opposers. Global structures start to shift. And the lives of those closest to Sara - as well as strangers inspired by her act - begin to unravel.<br />
<br />
It's time for the world to reconsider what it means to have a voice.<br />
<br />
A sharply observed novel, charged with compassion and dark wit, that will spark important conversations about how we live, relate and communicate now.</i> From The Goodreads.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781472279316" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/189a05de-38c1-4a84-8fb8-cee23fbb8f31" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60618850-the-movement" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features birth, death, bereavement, mention of racial abuse, and rape.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">The Movement by Ayisha Malik is absolutely bloody brilliant! It's an extremely powerful and thought-provoking story. It asks the questions, Who is heard? Who is silenced? Who has a voice? Who is spoken over? If you're not going to be heard, why talk?<br />
<br />
While the story is about three specific women and how this movement of silence effects their lives, it was absolutely fascinating to see who chose to be silent, why they chose to be silent, and those who were against them. I loved how Malik used non-verbalism as a stand in for various social issues or forms of activism. How she uses it to exaggerate attitudes on both sides, a mirror reflecting valid opinions and beliefs, but also the level of absurdity some will go to. But also the seriousness of protest. Are we allowed to live in a world without uttering a single word ever again? What would that world look like? How would that effect everything? What would the government's stance be? It's epic in scale, looking at protest, beneficial ways to protest, and our rights.<br />
<br />
But I also loved how Malik used non-verbalism not as a form of protest to highlight wanting to be heard, but of wanting *not* to speak. Sara also chooses silence because she is a woman of colour who, as an author, has a platform, and is expected to use that platform. Sara has experienced being reduced to being a woman of colour for diversity reasons, and as such, is often expected to give her opinion on related topics, to be a spokesperson. She has a platform, and so she should use it for those who don't. But what if, actually, she doesn't want to? Doesn't want to be that person? What if she just wants to write her books?<br />
<br />
Malik has a fantastic way of injecting humour into her stories. She writes awful characters in such a way that we are angered by them, but Malik uses humour to show how ridiculous they are, inviting us to laugh at them along with her. There's very much a sense of the saying, "If you don't laugh, you might cry." So why not laugh? I really enjoyed one of the ways Malik did this, with asides in brackets from an almost omnipresent narrator, commenting briefly on what just came before.<br />
<br />
Malik has always wrote in some way about the clash between culture and the modern world in all of her books. There is love and respect, as we fall in love with her protagonists' family members in all her books, but there's also an acknowledgement that some attitudes - especially around women - aren't ok. Usually, they're dealt with, with Malik's usual wit, as they're almost small, old fashioned attitudes. With The Movement, she tackles cultural attitudes around women and rape, and a hierarchy of wrong doing. What I read in The Movement broke my heart, and I cried. It's not my place to comment on cultural attitudes, but with The Movement, Malik does, and this time, without humour. She interrogates those cultural attitudes, and makes it very clear what she thinks. It's powerful and important - and probably in a way that I, outside of the culture, don't fully comprehend.<br />
<br />
The Movement is absolutely incredible, and without a doubt, Malik's best book yet.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Headline via NetGalley for the eProof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-49349585750624484072022-07-23T07:00:00.010+01:002022-07-23T07:00:00.173+01:00Review: Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp<center><img alt="Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp held up by a white hand in front of rainbow shelves." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sITMHLIuAP0wc6L_58lRVZ3F04p-X6PS6P-rAeqlfdpINQXctqFBvQnlTKcRjWQva6gig33KtVOYVd-irWHVITAW9U_4QTb1ICgAwlT1WbdWTvLeaLcfzu7bfRn-fWoVuxqQfvQrFuRqVIVma5Qx1uB6O5-iGrNs52XnxwcXZY6zex3QMJrT4EEbHw/s2930/Even%20If%20We%20Break.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 15th September 2020 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Sourcebooks Fire | <strong>Source:</strong> Won in a giveaway<br />
<a href="https://www.mariekenijkamp.com/musings/" target="_blank">Marieke Nijkamp’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>FIVE friends go to a cabin.<br />
FOUR of them are hiding secrets.<br />
THREE years of history bind them.<br />
TWO are doomed from the start.<br />
ONE person wants to end this.<br />
NO ONE IS SAFE.<br />
<br />
For five friends, this was supposed to be one last getaway before going their separate ways―a chance to say goodbye to each other, and to the game they’ve been playing for the past three years. But they’re all dealing with their own demons, and they’re all hiding secrets.<br />
<br />
Finn doesn’t trust anyone since he was attacked a few months ago. Popular girl Liva saw it happen and did nothing to stop it. Maddy was in an accident that destroyed her sports career. Carter is drowning under the weight of his family’s expectations. Ever wants to keep the game going for as long as they can, at all costs.<br />
<br />
When the lines between game and reality start to blend with deadly consequences, it’s a race against time before it’s game over―forever.<br />
<br />
Are you ready to play?</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781728231969" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/78c8eefb-f130-4339-b36f-8a950b31a494" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51210722-even-if-we-break" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, a reference to ableism, animal cruelty, broken bones, suicide ideation, poverty, references to a car accident, references to an off-page physical transphobic attack, addiction to prescribed medication, and finger dismemberment.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp was a book I had been intrigued by for a while, so I was really looking forward to it when I picked me up. And while I was really enjoying it at first, by the end, I had mixed feelings.<br />
<br />
It's told from the perspective of all five characters. Everyone has something going on in their lives that the others don't know about. Things have been strained in their friendship group ever since Finn was the victim of a transphobic attack that Liva witnessed and did nothing. Maddy has also been struggling with the chronic pain she now deals with since having a car accident, Ever's family are extremely poor, and they feel the pressure of trying to look after their little sister and doing what they can to make things less awful. Carter's family expect him to do what they want him to, no matter if he feels differently, and Liva comes from a wealthy, privileged family, and that comes with it's own kind of expectations. What brought them together, and continues to hold them together, is their RPG LARP game, and they've gone to Liva's cabin up a mountain for their final game; some of them are off to college in the autumn. It's their last chance to try and fix things, and their last adventure together within the game. But soon the game becomes twisted, and people begin to die.<br />
<br />
I was really into Even If We Break at first. I didn't know their were RPGs other than Dungeons and Dragons, and hadn't heard of LARPs before. It was brilliantly geeky, and I got really into the idea of their game. It was a murder mystery, as all their games were, with Ever as game master. We have the narrations of the game, followed by the friends performing in character, trying to figure out who killed someone. It was so fascinating, and right up my street, that I was actually kind of disappoint when the game was stopped because people started dying.<br />
<br />
The tension was fantastic! I guessed early on who the antagonist was, but I had no idea exactly what was happening, why, or what was going to happen next. I was completely gripped, right on the edge of my seat. It was just brilliant; all alone in a cabin up a mountain, their phones stolen, and no easy way of getting out. It was right out of a horror movie, and I just loved it! But then things started to change. As I mentioned, everyone had secrets, things going on in their life they weren't talking about with other people. But those things mattered in regards to the situation they found themselves in, so there would be flashbacks. But they weren't handled very well, in my opinion. The tension would be high, and you're just waiting for something to happen, and then there would be a flashback that lasted several pages. It slowed the pace right down. Once we got back to the present, the tension was gone. It really threw me, having something awful happen without the tension, because what was built dissipated with the flashback. And then there were times in the present when there was a lot of waiting for the next bit. The characters were scared and on edge, but nothing would happen for quite a while, and again, it slowed right down.<br />
<br />
When we have the big reveal, I was also disappointed. We were left with too many questions. I never fully understood why they were doing what they were doing. I wish that had been explored further, or if there had been an actual conversation where the antagonist explained themselves, rather than us having a brief explanation. What was the plan? Why were they doing what they were doing? I have a rough idea about then, but it would follow up with another why? What did they expect to get out of it? What was the end goal? It was too brief, and over too quickly for me to understand what was going on. And I don't think the characters really understood either, because they weren't told.<br />
<br />
And then on top of that, there were several chapters that followed the reveal, where the survivors had survived, and they were just very samey. They're finally honest about what's going on with them, and they have the others say they're there for them and will support and help them however they can, basically. And it was just too earnest; it was really sickly sweet, and had a similar vibe as when books are quite preachy. There were <i>several</i> chapters of this once the antagonist was dealt with, of just these conversations, before it ended. Again, it slowed things right down, and you see you still have a fair few pages left, and are wondering what could possibly happen next, is there another twist? No, just the characters talking. I am not saying you can't have a thriller where the characters are dealing with other things. Of course not. I mean, it's integral to most thrillers, having the antagonist knowing the others' secrets. But it just didn't work here. They weren't woven into the story well enough, and started to feel like two separate stories being told at once. Honestly, I started to lose interest in what was going on with them, because it was so frustrating constantly being thrown out of the thriller.<br />
<br />
There was a lot of representation in this book, though, that I really appreciated, and thought was done really well - though I am privileged in most cases, so can't comment on accuracy. Finn is trans and disabled, and uses crutches; Maddy is autistic and bisexual, and has chronic pain; Ever is non-binary; and Carter is bisexual. Nijkamp is non-binary, queer, autistic and disabled herself, so a lot of the rep is #OwnVoices. I also really liked how Even If We Break kind of battled stereotypes within the thriller narrative. Finn being disabled means he's slower than everyone else, and with her autism, Maddy has several panic attacks due to being overwhelmed on all fronts and struggling to cope with the situation. Easy pickings, right? Wrong. They weren't weak characters because of their disability or autism; they weren't a non-issue, but they didn't stop them. They still fought, they still tried to get out, and never at any point did the others leave them behind. I really loved it.<br />
<br />
But I was pretty disappointed with the story overall, which is a shame, because I loved Nijkamp's This is Where it Ends and Before I Let Go. This one just didn't work for me, sadly.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-41469210727756819802022-07-20T07:00:00.006+01:002022-07-21T18:00:45.401+01:00My Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Fantasy & Horror Releases of July - December 2022<center><img alt="A purple blog graphic reading the words My Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Fantasy & Horror Releases of July - December 2022 in black, surrounded by illustrations of open and closed books in various shades of purple." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjmb__jubeyMZjBeyKINMPLpNkMAXX2heIG0JrLctDjsDo_4Ab15BYaE3n1bhsoGOGM7e4qp-wPN6eTb0YQLUFt_9w8KEnUbkk6-xHrSmgNFRCKd1sXHdDpfHLVNIbIZnhKVhpn2PQ1ht95asgYXl-Xwj-gQ1W_fsEJaRk8rmgKKYw4UcW7kq4fa_4Q/s1080/Fantasy%20&%20Horror.png" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<b>Ad: Titles with an asterisk (*) were provided to me for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with a circumflex (^) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>My Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Fantasy & Horror of July - December 2022</strong></h1></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It is July! We're over half way through the year already! How?! But it means it's time to share my most anticipated LGBTQ+ fantasy and horror, and fantasy and horror by LGBTQ+ authors coming out in the second half of the year. I know, I know, we're already 20 days into July, and this is quite late, but it's been a busy few weeks. <br />
<br />
A quick note: this list isn't exhaustive. I'm sharling those I'm excited for, not everything that's coming out. There also might be some titles I'm not yet aware of. Also, I'm in the UK; while most of these books are US books and so will include the US release, the others are for when they're published/become available in the UK. On to the books!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;">
<img align="left" alt="The Society For Soulless Girls by Laura Steven" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn3qjLq4GjNl4olbhUHELdD_DzAPsRQ3ETX_pJJSOasjkvA4f7U0ABY9H91oxcHpjuvulmQLeAEeKsT0yJwYsQEpbbHbYgSJzqH6urclsTSdkwnNR38lg5POZXNCazXM0suf4UizpPu7CWhbVj5ApTlhzTW-613B0Qb6oyahgQUeMHzYWIiJ9_RTZCw/s475/Soulless%20Girls.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Society For Soulless Girls by Laura Steven</span> (Bisexual & lesbian MCs, 7th July)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A dark and funny YA thriller with a supernatural twist. From the winner of the Comedy Women in Print Prize.<br />
<br />
Ten years ago, four students lost their lives in the infamous North Tower murders at the elite Carvell College of Arts, forcing Carvell to close its doors.<br />
<br />
Now Carvell is reopening, and fearless student Lottie is determined to find out what really happened. But when her roommate, Alice, stumbles upon a sinister soul-splitting ritual hidden in Carvell’s haunted library, the North Tower claims another victim.<br />
<br />
Can Lottie uncover the truth before the North Tower strikes again? Can Alice reverse the ritual before her monstrous alter ego consumes her? And can they stop flirting for literally fifteen seconds in order to do this?<br />
<br />
Exploring possession and ambition, lust and bloodlust, femininity and violence, The Society of Soulless Girls is perfect for fans of Ace of Spaces, The Secret History and The Inheritance Games.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781405296939" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/98a5180d-c15a-4861-9c0b-0df01c5cdbe9" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58795575-the-society-for-soulless-girls" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Witchery by S. Isabelle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXRGWjOaMb3zaRiu-5TXI1LE9Nieu8BMGodK6AjABw6fo5bH3PpWyopZqChnHvB3J0s_Gc3vrZHL3sEOCvNNDyVTSMWNRRaHoNj-PsDnzCsme-0zs0S3f8vlJGDKZQtVon-CHm15075gKoN1mWEPZyrfLujy-jBjcbM5iXZTuRtkT2ffVUAHP545euw/s552/The%20Witchery.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Witchery by S. Isabelle</span> (Lesbian & bisexual MCs, bi character in m/f relationship, 7th July)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Haelsford, Florida, is a hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a new witch struggling to control her powers, thinks when she arrives at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three: Iris, a deathwitch, who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Thalia, the talented greenwitch, on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her; and Jailah, one of the most extraordinary witches at the academy whose thirst for power may lead her down a dark path.<br />
<br />
With the Haunting Season approaching, Wolves will soon rise from the swamp to kill, and the humans and witches must work together to survive the yearly onslaught. However, the history between humans and witches is long and bloodied, with the current truce hard-won and hanging in the balance. And this year, the stakes couldn’t be higher as two boys from Hammersmitt School prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But when students start turning up dead, Iris, Thalia, Jailah, and Logan realize they’ll have to harness their powers and stop the Wolves themselves. Yet old dangers lie in wait, and the cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know...</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702317170" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e9c26c7a-0a00-4684-96e2-b7034eb8c0c7" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60490383-the-witchery" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Youngbloods by Sasha Laurens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSK9oUf9hhNHxY_UIQRdy2NHLAempA3Q1l62wxvsE75WkuCEWW3nW5Kt6xbBtktjx3ghfnvYNxMK6EuCrH2EFBi1oQK18Y5rtKs5gQ3aYNEzFC17z9DhTc1ABIAumM1uRK57Q5ZDLiCFudmrk1W51WrclN3RtbvqNSHBv0pW-vlp4q8w4DvCC-SeyUA/s2560/Youngblood.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Youngbloods by Sasha Laurens</span> (Lesbian, 19th July)</b><br />
<br />
<i>For fans of Vampire Diaries and dark academia, two queer teen bloodsuckers at an elite vampire-only boarding school must go up against all of Vampirdom when they uncover a frightening conspiracy on campus.<br />
<br />
Kat Finn and her mother can barely make ends meet living among humans. Like all vampires, they must drink Hema, an expensive synthetic blood substitute, to survive, as nearly all of humanity has been infected by a virus that’s fatal to vampires. Kat isn’t looking forward to an immortal life of barely scraping by, but when she learns she’s been accepted to the Harcote School, a prestigious prep school that’s secretly vampires-only, she knows her fortune is about to change.<br />
<br />
Taylor Sanger has grown up in the wealthy vampire world, but she’s tired of its backward, conservative values—especially when it comes to sexuality, since she’s an out-and-proud lesbian. She only has to suffer through a two more years of Harcote before she’s free. But when she discovers her new roommate is Kat Finn, she’s horrified. Because she and Kat used to be best friends, a long time ago, and it didn’t end well.<br />
<br />
When Taylor stumbles upon the dead body of a vampire, and Kat makes a shocking discovery in the school’s archives, the two realize that there are deep secrets at Harcote—secrets that link them to the most powerful figures in Vampirdom and to the synthetic blood they all rely on.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593353202" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/02425cf3-5d09-49ef-a0f7-0e0857ccfcbb" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58183492-youngblood" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Night Shine by Tessa Gratton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVR182O6uqxtmI4KzuVc6d1kGF-c-ctFBeHMByFyPlL9I_9eB6eWmgBYNrFvho3GYhxweKy_fM4ME9Ah-i_2_w_1Br298uHAvD4RDBtyRJ3fgGM-UsRlXgXuBelXRsTtGA3-469kAZ5J4rhv5mJD4YTtDqFxbazbX9ByG3T4gR6_SjU1CMf8i9nTJVw/s2114/Night%20Shine.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Night Shine by Tessa Gratton</span> (Sapphic MC & non-binary prominent secondary character, 4th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>An orphan girl must face untold danger and an ancient evil to save her kingdom’s prince in this “dark, sensuous…queer and lush” (Kirkus Reviews) fantasy perfect for fans of Girls of Paper and Fire and Tess of the Road.<br />
<br />
How can you live without your heart?<br />
<br />
In the vast palace of the empress lives an orphan girl called Nothing. She slips within the shadows of the Court, unseen except by the Great Demon of the palace and her true friend, Prince Kirin, heir to the throne. When Kirin is kidnapped, only Nothing and the prince’s bodyguard suspect that Kirin may have been taken by the Sorceress Who Eats Girls, a powerful woman who has plagued the land for decades. The sorceress has never bothered with boys before, but Nothing has uncovered many secrets in her sixteen years in the palace, including a few about the prince.<br />
<br />
As the empress’s army searches fruitlessly, Nothing and the bodyguard set out on a rescue mission, through demon-filled rain forests and past crossroads guarded by spirits. Their journey takes them to the gates of the Fifth Mountain, where the sorceress wields her power. There, Nothing discovers that all magic is a bargain, and she may be more powerful than she ever imagined. But the price the Sorceress demands for Kirin may very well cost Nothing her heart.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781534460782" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3677673b-34c4-4e55-9b70-f49731ba63f1" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52593046-night-shine" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x-yg1CpX65Ns9TFVpU4TX1ZOZboObuYh-hJv1F3atkqq2-HNmN00Q3TvxIucZQYfUe8-70sAxD2_Ci1_gIrSDMyv1oKyzPlNfD-wtG64V23WUD5gkJVyH80B382iGpo73no8NhpJkE99gYepcZJwtL6ZOTldsiT-4aROaUlHiEOnDQh5UDdgO4mazQ/s664/Cemetery%20Boys.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas</span> (Transmasc non-binary & achillean MC, 4th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.<br />
<br />
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.<br />
<br />
However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. </i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781035008636" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b1cf8b29-3ea7-4dcd-8d37-38251a226de4" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52339313-cemetery-boys" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Promise of Lost Things by Helene Dunbar" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbC4gv8F94isMSoXcEtSbzPxILuNgsj1Lyo7Zl5hVCGG-FL-P0ypZUJRsVFEvrmzR0u88x3YgAiWmJBgiapofq0AUusgdDoL7qJadYY9cQ81cf_GHbUZtbvuWXCqOy2k3eu2qB_ivqYkyppX5Ja5mo6S84q9Whr6X4qpcThQDbjDfale8gfUrSXbrAw/s1024/The%20Promise%20of%20Lost%20Things.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Promise of Lost Things by Helene Dunbar</span>* (Achillean MCs, 5th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Three characters with their own agendas converge in a town filled with mediums, where most residents make their living speaking to the dead... and there's no such thing as resting in peace.<br />
<br />
Russ Griffin has always wanted to be a fantastic medium. Growing up in the town of St. Hilaire, where most residents make their living by speaking to the dead, means there's a lot of competition, and he's always held his own. But Russ knows the town he loves is corrupt, and he's determined to save it before the sinister ruling body, The Guild, ruins all he's ever wanted.<br />
<br />
Willow Rodgers is St. Hilaire royalty. An orphan, raised by The Guild, she's powerful and mysterious. But she has secrets that might change everyone's fate. She's done with St. Hilaire, done with helping spirits move on. She wants to end the cycle for good and rid the town of ghosts, even if that means destroying the only home she's ever known.<br />
<br />
Asher Mullen lost his sister, and his parents can't get over her death. They sought answers in St. Hilaire and were turned away. Now they want revenge. Asher is tasked with infiltrating the town, and he does that by getting to know Russ. The only problem is, he might be falling for him, which will make betraying him that much harder.<br />
<br />
Russ, Willow, and Asher all have their own agendas for St. Hilaire, but one thing's for certain, no one will be resting in peace. </i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b04742f3-bc50-4232-8267-0e7bd57ee369" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50167989-the-promise-of-lost-things?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_43" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5TXD08R6eXYCUdILeHJPSh6Vv5Rrs9FSmCpISdgXCmcOpmzNUVztVAyqfxNho7bwwIjiaDkXUQyVctajYrpUuExhmA11lFA-8oY4whts6YsDaIvGK7rWngvNrhk3cOwopjIAp6PuTHPfVjqvx21yXwsZQxW75F-tgu2QSkYRmUpgQtkFclOjmh2K8A/s1000/These%20Fleeting%20Shadows.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall</span> (Sapphic, 9th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Helen Vaughan doesn’t know why she and her mother left their ancestral home at Harrowstone Hall, called Harrow, or why they haven’t spoken to their extended family since. So when her grandfather dies, she’s shocked to learn that he has left everything—the house, the grounds, and the money—to her. The inheritance comes with one condition: she must stay on the grounds of Harrow for one full year, or she’ll be left with nothing.<br />
<br />
There is more at stake than money. For as long as she can remember, Harrow has haunted Helen’s dreams—and now those dreams have become a waking nightmare. Helen knows that if she is going to survive the year, she needs to uncover the secrets of Harrow. Why is the house built like a labyrinth? What is digging the holes that appear in the woods each night? And why does the house itself seem to be making her sick?<br />
<br />
With each twisted revelation, Helen questions what she knows about Harrow, her family, and even herself. She no longer wonders if she wants to leave…but if she can.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/07efd2a5-af63-4fc9-9a76-0410def9b757" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55754225-these-fleeting-shadows" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstY36HJaXKjQ21SxBpYm8DERGIug3JR7aHkYL6R6hIWmvoxfWPDFK9Xojlj3IfsNBgTnUpdBJZZ_5PUy40YrUQ50yXG-jTxDaZf8ztBZoeZ5Jw-WJz8Zj2fhJRDY1ztVtbT218FOOAlTuvY36gtOZhG6AvW94U7KaZRF0viiKy4acc68gmj_gBKwo3A/s1600/The%20Bruising%20of%20Qilwa.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia</span> (Asexual aromantic non-binary MC, 9th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>In this intricate fantasy novella, a nonbinary refugee practitioner of blood magic finds a strange disease that causes political rifts in their new homeland. Persian-American author Naseem Jamnia is a vital new voice who has crafted a gripping narrative layered with themes of persecution, healing, and family. The Bruising of Qilwa is the newest arrival in the era of new fantasy classics such as the Broken Earth Trilogy, The Four Profound Weaves, and Who Fears Death.<br />
<br />
Firuz-e Jafari is one of the fortunate ones who have emigrated to the Democratic Free State of Qilwa. Firuz has escaped the slaughter of other traditional Sassanid blood-magic practitioners. They have a good job at a free healing clinic in Qilwa; a kindly new employer, Kofi; and a gifted new student, Afsoneh, a troubled orphan refugee.<br />
<br />
But Firuz and Kofi have discovered a terrible new disease which leaves mysterious bruises on its victims. The illness is spreading quickly through Qilwa, and there are dangerous accusations of ineptly-performed blood magic.<br />
<br />
In order to survive, Firuz must break a deadly cycle of prejudice while finding a fresh start for their both their blood and found family.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781616963781" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e6fedc83-3aae-4ada-ad57-38db617bcbcc" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58841709-the-bruising-of-qilwa" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMVXJEpF5cbsP6O7Slt6EipnW5GIGB77OyhIlrcclJO4AkQBBMIsLMl6L5l0pTFVgy3d12OJ6ikquZP62foytMfQSukuFqDi15jtDgCSYlONyAkpv-l6RW4WMSAA0g3s4RKBs4I9Qx5RPKNPN2pyJnXiSP3H_fflglCJAilaIDs8EDl5l_JNsjeTdmA/s845/The%20Drowned%20Woods.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones</span>* (Bisexual MC, bi character in m/f relationship, 16th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict - and eighteen-year-old Mererid 'Mer' is well-acquainted with both. As the last living water diviner, she can manipulate water with magic - a unique elemental power many would kill to possess.<br />
<br />
For years, Mer has been running from the prince who bound her into his service - and forced her to kill thousands with her magic. Now, all Mer truly wants is a safe, quiet life, far from power and politics.<br />
<br />
But then Mer's old handler - the king's spymaster - returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.<br />
<br />
Part heist novel, part dark fairy tale, and rich with Welsh legends, The Drowned Woods is an ethereal fantasy, perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and Maria V. Snyder.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781399703949" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e1eaf57a-3368-4479-8109-6cc924dc52ce" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60822440-the-drowned-woods" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Honeys by Ryan La Sala" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHiOaHxakzJ6_XDZIylOBmjyElnnLkPZwdONajyko8kfRZ-O1f2JmNEClse3Fkbrf2AxqJZv8xiegVYEK9v390GM_YcJlBVvzUlEOHBiknvB9f7KaQYag5_Sm3eGzgtle-sfeQjPZ7u4NS2fSYCkA0p57-qi3W28yDd-Dx4gNxleJet-00W1EkL5mBg/s500/The%20Honeys.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Honeys by Ryan La Sala</span> (Genderfluid, 18th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From Ryan La Sala, the wildly popular author of Reverie, comes a twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat.<br />
<br />
Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline's radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who'd grown tragically distant.<br />
<br />
Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions -- and expectations -- of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.<br />
<br />
What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying -- and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.<br />
<br />
But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can't find it soon, it will eat him alive.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702316098" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/895f0425-ffa8-4711-93ff-a74325bfd353" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59655830-the-honeys" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYtrJwqs3NjqprLp4nfdxy-1UpEorfLFiJlAl1lOLu5BVBefiW7i8hxBD2jdQZ-6HrL4hN3aXwgslWgmuFszT6lYYf2M_bQF0vyJRUZESPstN0BQ6F79SkrvqhFWKd6Xf9riWX4C-asrD0YRnvZRIZ2NaxPxahlTDS8CmAs_HgPCx9Z9S92R2f2CG7A/s843/The%20Oleander%20Sword.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri</span> (Lesbian MCs, 18th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>The prophecy of the nameless god—the words that declared her rightful empress of Parijatdvipa—has been Malini’s blessing and curse. She is determined to claim the crown that fate has offered her. But even with the rage in her soul and an army of loyal men at her back, deposing her brother from the throne is going to be a brutal and bloody fight.<br />
<br />
The power of the deathless waters flows through Priya’s blood. Thrice born priestess, Elder of Ahiranya, Priya’s dream is to see her country rid of the rot that plagues it: both Parijatdvipa’s poisonous rule, and the blooming sickness that is slowly spreading through all living things. But she doesn’t yet understand the truth of the magic she carries.<br />
<br />
Their chosen paths once pulled them apart. But Malini and Priya’s hearts remain as entwined as their destinies, and they soon realize they must come together again if they wish to save their kingdom from those who would rather see it burn—no matter what it will cost them.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780356515656" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5e4bbe1e-246d-4638-b4a2-c96e05beea84" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59558623-the-oleander-sword" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnI1S1MFSmYEzjcYQ1VPq-SO9ash5DSF4CGhLm4Ee-ffyuil3wxBXw_2EmhG0HLP1Y72VJRC8BwGwOfv8fDHi-tE1bLqH9KiooicsZxQaWSP-7dCaEjkn-NbJbUqu9aa2EfSrlrcV6aueM04AEsghTwKhtGPSqkEsLquES9jPPyLOA0FWjOq-16zxIrw/s461/The%20Book%20Eaters.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean</span>* (Lesbian MC, 18th August)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A gorgeous new fantasy horror – a book about stories and fairytales with family and love at its dark heart...<br />
<br />
Hidden across England and Scotland live six old Book Eater families.<br />
<br />
The last of their lines, they exist on the fringes of society and subsist on a diet of stories and legends.<br />
<br />
Children are rare and their numbers have dwindled, so when Devon Fairweather’s second child is born a dreaded Mind Eater – a perversion of her own kind, who consumes not stories but the minds and souls of humans – she flees before he can be turned into a weapon for the family… or worse.<br />
<br />
Living among humans and finding prey for her son, Devon seeks a cure for his hunger. But time is running out – for her family want her back, and with every soul her son consumes he loses a little more of himself...<br />
<br />
This is a story of escape, a savage mother’s devotion and a queer love that will electrify readers looking for something beguiling, thrilling, strange and new.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780008479442" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/866cc329-18e8-42e2-8090-8d14c480c978" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60811683-the-book-eaters" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeQqbUcDea_EmglKcts95X24EeinPDL516s0ssdyufXGL2inqqbF3tCDTD0_Sa8pQ9EsOggG5CvaIvoYn8GP4p-wlOOJaSgNxamDWck6JPORuoQQUckHDx5g_Z6Z1mflbtEaJ0GQ_BsYKmjvnEqPme6kQ9kGVDVtyWriuOSs0fz24tQobYG1zJREIKA/s400/Funeral%20Girl.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland</span> (Asexual MC, 6th September)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Sixteen-year-old Georgia Richter feels conflicted about the funeral home her parents run--especially because she has the ability to summon ghosts.<br />
<br />
With one touch of any body that passes through Richter Funeral Home, she can awaken the spirit of the departed. With one more touch, she makes the spirit disappear, to a fate that remains mysterious to Georgia. To cope with her deep anxiety about death, she does her best to fulfill the final wishes of the deceased whose ghosts she briefly revives. <br />
<br />
Then her classmate Milo's body arrives at Richter--and his spirit wants help with unfinished business, forcing Georgia to reckon with her relationship to grief and mortality.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6787bf40-9cfa-4938-91f3-3e9be5c62e43" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59880022-funeral-girl" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByS_XgCk5W9dZR27gBMoJLfpgyT7uOCorHQ8nPcH28aMb-CK18PkQMTkz8ms0Kbqg8Twwjh8i7SNEIjRFgLgJVqMCfF0hbZZDHp7U6cshk5siSWLve6GqXhdHaZdmTc2djbD487zMpXuT7BiAQev6bzvdC05rNRWT9OdEhy7Ypacpl8fOr_cj8TgIpg/s900/Silver%20Under%20Nightfall.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco</span></b> (Bisexual or pansexual MC, polyamorous m/m/f thruple relationship, 13th September)<br />
<br />
<i>Remy Pendergast is many things: the only son of the Duke of Valenbonne (though his father might wish otherwise), an elite bounty hunter of rogue vampires, and an outcast among his fellow Reapers. His mother was the subject of gossip even before she eloped with a vampire, giving rise to the rumors that Remy is half-vampire himself. Though the kingdom of Aluria barely tolerates him, Remy’s father has been shaping him into a weapon to fight for the kingdom at any cost.<br />
<br />
When a terrifying new breed of vampire is sighted outside of the city, Remy prepares to investigate alone. But then he encounters the shockingly warmhearted vampire heiress Xiaodan Song and her infuriatingly arrogant fiancé, vampire lord Zidan Malekh, who may hold the key to defeating the creatures—though he knows associating with them won’t do his reputation any favors. When he’s offered a spot alongside them to find the truth about the mutating virus Rot that’s plaguing the kingdom, Remy faces a choice.<br />
<br />
It’s one he’s certain he’ll regret.<br />
<br />
But as the three face dangerous hardships during their journey, Remy develops fond and complicated feelings for the couple. He begins to question what he holds true about vampires, as well as the story behind his own family legacy. As the Rot continues to spread across the kingdom, Remy must decide where his loyalties lie: with his father and the kingdom he’s been trained all his life to defend or the vampires who might just be the death of him.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781399711579" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/12a6da66-e781-4444-bec5-758662689595" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60321513-silver-under-nightfall" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GparLaz_2-pzkXgIpwkO0T1mpE6EmkZoLXw0dj08tzA5uPcu91w0Q9jgop54Ir_n2_yxssLaVWUBosfwETPBGdD6J5gLG3zeolIU7PzxNPu7ZVzvoPyzlOyqQ0Izahj2KhBFUrBnNK3S7KJyB8Sl1b8tmqz6ukC6KWrToetHFdWaDEAQr1l2ffkm4g/s507/The%20Sunbearer%20Trials.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas</span> (Transmasc non-binary & achillean MC, 15th September)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Only the most powerful and honorable will be chosen in this breathtaking, Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the author of the New York Times-bestselling Cemetery Boys.<br />
<br />
As each new decade begins, the Sun's power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the chaotic Obsidian gods at bay. Sol selects ten of the most worthy semidioses to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all--they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body melted down to refuel the Sun Stones, protecting the world for another ten years.<br />
<br />
Teo, a seventeen-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about the Trials . . . at least, not for himself. His best friend, Niya is a Gold semidiós and a shoo-in for the Trials, and while he trusts her abilities, the odds of becoming the sacrifice is one-in-ten.<br />
<br />
But then, for the first time in over a century, the impossible happens. Sol chooses not one, but two Jade competitors. Teo, and Xio, the thirteen-year-old child of the god of bad luck. Now they must compete in five trials against Gold opponents who are more powerful and better trained. Worst of all, Teo's annoyingly handsome ex-best friend and famous semidiós Hero, Aurelio is favored to win. Teo is determined to get himself and his friends through the trials unscathed--for fame, glory, and their own survival.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781035008612" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/bd196859-1d46-4fed-9195-63dd3aa233d3" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61224490-the-sunbearer-trials" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Eternally Yours ed. by Patrice Caldwell" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOZVYNRdtdm3yAsR0XVyKGyvUPPEzXrnjGI7jWsAPNsbNOYNcn8-V2da9f8k4BKed3o_xhFxEMneYw3s1-X4wI12khdtQSeunbY1p2Qixlh3uiM_E5GvqM-ln67QoSTFNFyOyLWzIAH_8F6GnK_El4RKOYK4ijgsdITXhQuKZBrlY6nqiMGqvusVhjg/s450/Eternally%20Yours.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Eternally Yours ed. by Patrice Caldwell</span> (MCs with various LGBTQ+ identities, 20th September)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Vampires and merpeople, angels and demons—the paranormal is full of unusual beings. The stories in this anthology imagine worlds where the only thing more powerful than the supernatural, is love.<br />
<br />
Contributors include: Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods); Casey McQuiston (Red, White, and Royal Blue; One Last Stop); Marie Rutkoski (The Winner’s Curse); Adib Khorram (Darius the Great Is Not Okay); Sandhya Menon (When Dimple Met Rishi); Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns); Julian Winters (Running With Lions; Right Where I Left You); Akshaya Raman (The Ivory Key); Kat Cho (Wicked Fox); Alexis Henderson (The Year of the Witching); Hafsah Faisal (We Hunt the Flame); Sarah Gailey (When We Were Magic); Kalynn Bayron (Cinderella Is Dead; This Poison Heart); Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights)</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593206874" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/09837934-5437-4bca-9fb9-8edd760044cd" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53292156-eternally-yours" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVgVh2rwtI36lUdGunf8-n_CGq1kj5Ua5JNH8gwfJMMgbQs8mzmgexbHBWuNc4MgNeWrSwJOXT4A_PnhEDx25_6Z24OO2a9V83OFMNECxgzkJJ0023b3IRzPt9yK8auIyNvdvPuTbS1SnVnOjl4XHnTtdfK6gNtEZwrpPm-2RiN2zRF3w2qKtoIMxjg/s2542/How%20to%20Succeed%20in%20Witchcraft.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy</span> (Sapphic, 27th September)</b><br />
<br />
<i>An overachieving teen witch vies for a prestigious scholarship at her elite high school in this contemporary YA fantasy for fans of Never Have I Ever and Sabrina the Teen Witch!<br />
<br />
Magically brilliant, academically perfect, chronically overcommitted...<br />
<br />
Shay Johnson has all the makings of a successful witch. Now that she’s a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School, she’s one step closer to winning the full-ride Brockton Scholarship—her ticket into the university of her dreams. Her main competition? Ana freaking Álvarez. The key to victory? Impressing Mr. B, drama teacher and head of the scholarship committee.<br />
<br />
When Mr. B persuades Shay to star in this year’s aggressively inclusive, racially diverse musical—at their not-quite-diverse school—she agrees, wearily, even though she’ll have to put up with Ana playing the other lead. But with rehearsals underway, Shay realizes Ana is…not the despicable witch she’d thought. Perhaps she could even be a friend—or more. And Shay could use someone in her corner once she finds herself on the receiving end of Mr. B’s unpleasant and unwanted attention. When Shay learns she’s not the first witch to experience his inappropriate behavior, she must decide if she’ll come forward. But how can she speak out when the scholarship—and her future—are on the line?<br />
<br />
An unforgettable debut, How to Succeed in Witchcraft conjures up searing social commentary, delightfully awkward high school theater, and magical proclamations of love.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/52a12066-d939-4d86-8264-4d208cb70ff1" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60149548-how-to-succeed-in-witchcraft" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV2Oz3m7v5pA7wMgiN_JUjcy1_xu42t17om499xCWja1uOht4MHUMLOG-hokauDnWkpCmRreDl33-nuUmg-sXqwZcgqDVxNYvp0sH1LqKm6aljfFNRwqixm8xUi-ZrlDy_WEZrRO38Q3ZlcRBmdkKpEQ_o3hM1l4KFwEDclRaiXjQdwWXz47xgS8ZCQ/s842/Foul%20Lady%20Fortune.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong</span> (Bisexual demisexual MC, 27th September)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.<br />
<br />
It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.<br />
<br />
Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.<br />
<br />
Code name: Fortune.<br />
<br />
But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.<br />
<br />
To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781529380262" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/81ae8b65-5ed8-4245-abe5-be06a278bd2d" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60298916-foul-lady-fortune" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M5P4bIwTjiD_nQwXn8kcBuNtcGdEZu2fIPYFV6LAtl7h1h7sLe7nT1qmV5qFNayoocK1Tx_oukBDTcQRdF_FT_SSmJh-cMvqpUY8AC2ZnUx8PlxC5x47xB78__MawZStHyt5zuvB3nZKK2bF2-a2Z_dFZ8izzM_UUSOoTzimpWFJD5WJenTzoNzsvw/s462/House%20of%20Hunger.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson</span> (Sapphic, 6th October)</b><br />
<br />
<i>WANTED: A bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life's finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply.<br />
<br />
A young woman is drawn into the upper echelons of a society where blood is power, in this dark and enthralling Gothic novel from the author of The Year of the Witching.<br />
<br />
Marion Shaw has been raised in the slums, where want and deprivation are all she knows. Despite longing to leave the city and its miseries, she has no real hope of escape until the day she spots a strange advertisement in the newspaper, seeking a 'bloodmaid'.<br />
<br />
Though she knows little about the far north - where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service - Marion applies to the position. In a matter of days, she finds herself at the notorious House of Hunger. There, Marion is swept into a world of dark debauchery - and there, at the centre of it all is her.<br />
<br />
Her name is Countess Lisavet. Loved and feared in equal measure, she presides over this hedonistic court. And she takes a special interest in Marion. Lisavet is magnetic, charismatic, seductive - and Marion is eager to please her new mistress. But when her fellow bloodmaids begin to go missing in the night, Marion is thrust into a vicious game of cat and mouse. She'll need to learn the rules of her new home - and fast - or its halls will soon become her grave.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781787632509" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4db516b0-a094-4f5e-96a1-5f835e2b4b6d" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55886403-house-of-hunger" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Forestfall by Lyndall Clipstone" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmQVDAeEONTdZsdOB7hyfy4bnJ6IRQPs3L2XmMfiyzjy54tVT30_DNzj7z7Nw9XSVAk6seKdbqbohGCqcEkoK_psxao1G3O1zGw7q2NW3uU6xIhLSPr7lQJaWNFVKhZ5ZUKwcIfgfOezYg0N4YgYcZFXjDDV7sEGcgLTNQQHM5nUprgS_CB2KODnIWQ/s753/Forestfall.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Forestfall by Lyndall Clipstone</span> (Demisexual MC, 11th October)</b><br />
<br />
<i>The stunning sequel to Lyndall Clipstone’s Lakesedge, for fans of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted and Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse So Dark and Lonely.<br />
<br />
At the lake's edge, I made my promise. In the forest, I will fall.<br />
<br />
The curse that haunted Lakesedge Estate has been broken, but at great cost. Violeta Graceling has sacrificed herself to end the Corruption.<br />
<br />
To escape death, Leta makes a desperate bargain with the Lord Under, one that sees her living at his side in the land of the dead. And though he claims to have given her all he promised, Leta knows this world of souls and mists hides many secrets.<br />
<br />
When she discovers she is still bound to Rowan, Leta goes to drastic lengths to reforge their connection. But her search for answers, and a path back home, will see her drawn into even more dangerous bargains, and struggling to resist the allure of a new, dark, power. </i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781789096880" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2f78bb5f-1fa8-4925-855c-40d7de8d23a0" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60372716-forestfall" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Bone Weaver by Aden Polydorus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR87ywfzYMmSa1MNyIDktTFYs9lky4CQSqYsR7rtnAXh32ZyTy5MupEwnjZ0AYhbSt7QV0L7hou41b_T6Pa1e7RovfNDrCYWUjnuWdGOW7zoVje3TohKDNfIIc6ShbAmBYMZRchhJF5DwhS58IWEuGXrSyvtFM-kKcvQMS7LFFzKqA00icQhDi9BX26w/s3376/Bone%20Weaver.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bone Weaver by Aden Polydorus</span> (Bisexual love interest, 13th October)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From the author of The City Beautiful comes a haunting fantasy following Toma, adopted daughter of the benevolent undead, as she crosses paths with the incognito Tsar in an empire on the verge of civil war between the lower class and the magical elite.<br />
<br />
The Kosa empire roils in tension, on the verge of being torn apart by a proletarian revolution between magic-endowed elites and the superstitious lower-class, but seventeen-year-old Toma lives blissfully disconnected from the conflict in the empire with her adoptive family of benevolent undead.<br />
<br />
When she crosses paths with Vanya, a charming commoner with awe-inspiring powers, and the usurped Tsar Mikhail himself, the unlikely trio bonds over trying to restore Mikhail's magic and protect the empire from the revolutionary leader, Koschei, whose forces have stolen the castle. Vanya has his magic, and Mikhail has his title, but if Toma can't dig deep and find her power in time, all of their lives will be at Koschei's mercy.<br />
<br />
"An achingly rendered exploration of queer desire, grief, and the inexorable scars of the past."</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dc80a141-7238-44b4-b4ba-39f25457c319" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58939928-bone-weaver" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY7trQ78km4JZhi_vpdSXfGkKTVOIyJblm4YYC_Amg0ugv-MGdvVh05rWfwGcWnQw9wNQtFmvTEGYZ6tw357RhJTkf8JniwkqFifRs68Z-ZTPy2lhMI7gPOrHsr2HaYX4p7kvrdQL8malwHyrv54pYxdXYkXa04fyCpJZPn10ygJdUZG9051lgGg28w/s730/What%20Moves%20the%20Dead.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher</span> (Non-binary MC, 18th October)</b><br />
<br />
<i>When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.<br />
<br />
What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.<br />
<br />
Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781803360072" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7897488b-1614-4046-8e86-d16cc41bc8c0" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60911018-what-moves-the-dead" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Nn9wUelYmYhNeaLmO5wES0wL34yO2ohPdFqHDB0di640O0GocCPbs5iw1SlZ02Vb1Wnnnx20E8KJLmjWwLHgR5KFSaj8P-g834TDQ0ejc-4PIy58jFg30jwJwmYJSSJ8P-KWt-7mwBT29pSjZcStgMkqnNA1wrFIVkVdCc2Wyl_LASYoqNtECcrypA/s596/When%20the%20Angels%20Left%20the%20Old%20Country.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb</span> (Gay MCs, 27th October)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Uriel the angel and Little Ash (short for Ashmedai) are the only two supernatural creatures in their shtetl (which is so tiny, it doesn't have a name other than Shtetl). The angel and the demon have been studying together for centuries, but pogroms and the search for a new life have drawn all the young people from their village to America. When one of those young emigrants goes missing, Uriel and Little Ash set off to find her.<br />
<br />
Along the way the angel and demon encounter humans in need of their help, including Rose Cohen, whose best friend (and the love of her life) has abandoned her to marry a man, and Malke Shulman, whose father died mysteriously on his way to America.<br />
<br />
But there are obstacles ahead of them as difficult as what they've left behind. Medical exams (and demons) at Ellis Island. Corrupt officials, cruel mob bosses, murderers, poverty. The streets are far from paved with gold.<br />
<br />
With cinematic sweep and tender observation, Sacha Lamb presents a totally original drama about individual purpose, the fluid nature of identity, and the power of love to change and endure.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/90e38a60-7b47-4b27-83e6-6af02f740af4" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56852512-when-the-angels-left-the-old-country" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Dead Flip by Sara Farizan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzLJIRS0uj4WoS3yqVNs62Tx-6BF0vqk6CFN3NRDNPG8Xb4tQuwWoUFxvSXuofaN89kOx7VvaBYnnV5CZ_7WuEKwPhQ8Ln9LF8xNvT-C6NizuykX8zKydAdzDW1Dly83NbQpga7thBU3rbcLCf6wDEk5lPyVmXXLJez8NIkwgYXC17f1EseGL546Jhg/s2475/Dead%20Flip.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dead Flip by Sara Farizan</span> (Sapphic, 1st November)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Growing up, Cori, Maz, and Sam were inseparable best friends, sharing their love for Halloween, arcade games, and one another. Now it’s 1992, Sam has been missing for five years, and Cori and Maz aren’t speaking anymore. How could they be, when Cori is sure Sam is dead and Maz thinks he may have been kidnapped by a supernatural pinball machine?<br />
<br />
These days, all Maz wants to do is party, buy CDs at Sam Goody, and run away from his past. Meanwhile, Cori is a homecoming queen, hiding her abiding love of horror movies and her queer self under the bubblegum veneer of a high school queen bee. But when Sam returns—still twelve years old while his best friends are now seventeen—Maz and Cori are thrown back together to solve the mystery of what really happened to Sam the night he went missing. Beneath the surface of that mystery lurk secrets the friends never told one another, then and now. And Sam’s is the darkest of all...<br />
<br />
Award-winning author of If You Could Be Mine and Here to Stay Sara Farizan delivers edge-of-your-seat terror as well as her trademark referential humor, witty narration, and insightful characters.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/58757285-c11b-4ce2-9605-e0d88ea9b6fd" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59892261-dead-flip" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBUxJzdSwg6Zq-OhOA5G4lKXXSTwg968u04uhiWMeaVnNnVoLBB1P3naI5jZvIL-ed9wNaXVLhZw1Ov6ord-cjpSNI4e_WVgSovGjMLtbTb7FenIPFmCFH6jLDGkSrLjWUuD0WQmq9Q6bHd_8lcj5GVjy3yryy1f3GmId-ibcf9vYHeH5QAkQSQuFuw/s400/The%20Sacrifice.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco</span> (Non-binary MC, 4th November)</b><br />
<br />
<i>An island oasis turns deadly when a terrifying legend threatens to kill off visitors one by one in this haunting novel from the highly acclaimed author of The Girl from the Well and the Bone Witch trilogy.<br />
<br />
Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and perfect weather, the island of Kisapmata would be the vacation destination...if not for the curse. The Filipino locals speak of it in hushed voices and refuse to step foot on the island. They know the lives it has claimed. They won't be next.<br />
<br />
A Hollywood film crew won't be dissuaded. Legend claims a Dreamer god sleeps, waiting to grant unimaginable powers in exchange for eight sacrifices. The producers are determined to document the evidence. And they convince Alon, a local teen, to be their guide.<br />
<br />
Within minutes of their arrival, a giant sinkhole appears, revealing a giant balete tree with a mummified corpse entwined in its gnarled branches. And the crew start seeing strange visions. Alon knows they are falling victim to the island's curse. If Alon can't convince them to leave, there is no telling who will survive. Or how much the Dreamer god will destroy...<br />
<br />
Creepy and suspenseful, The Sacrifice is perfect for readers looking for: Spooky, scary books for young adults, Horror novels, Ghost story books for teensEast Asian folklore.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781728255910" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/41a2b7b1-3892-41ee-b3cc-38644e6e2a65" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60190092-the-sacrifice" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRWHz6c2j6d3ppjJC0RQ2WR8lD84192A4puJE4Dm40rfroFkz6iXgzsG5xy_to3x3n1gRqRtuI0QYaA2FrW10UH5aGxvxsLgWRR2-hhqMVfdmKRGkXKR7jZJT7H__BeZymQfilJt22DuGmtllvL3IxR7zsqNI6Kp4z5GIViMBE1vncqX0yGu-YqoPPg/s873/The%20Ones%20We%20Burn.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix</span> (Sapphic, 8th November)</b><br />
<br />
<i>I am the monster. I am the shield. I am the knife in the dark.<br />
<br />
Ranka is tired of death. All she wants now is to be left alone, living out her days in Witchik's wild north with the coven that raised her, attempting to forget the horrors of her past. But when she is named Bloodwinn, the next treaty bride to the human kingdom of Isodal, her coven sends her south with a single directive: kill him. Easy enough, for a blood-witch whose magic compels her to kill.<br />
<br />
Except the prince is gentle, kind, and terrified of her. He doesn't want to marry Ranka; he doesn't want to be king at all. And it's his sister - the wickedly smart, infuriatingly beautiful Princess Aramis - who seems to be real threat.<br />
<br />
But when witches start turning up dead, murdered by a mysterious, magical plague, Aramis makes Ranka an offer: help her develop a cure, and in return, she'll teach Ranka to contain her deadly magic. But as the coup draws nearer and the plague spreads, Ranka is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her power, her past, and who she's meant to fight for. Soon, she will have choose between the coven that raised her - and the princess who sees beyond the monster they shaped her to be. But as the bodies pile up, a monster may be exactly what they need.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781399706216" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/597c37a1-1c6b-4459-9064-550aeef1d3c3" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61257467-the-ones-we-burn" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtXEeETj8GErwXfI-uFrfXOz8Lqm8Q9Ufdalgz0ffnX-yuj6kWUHmcaJP6pWjANYU2bBOOAL0vZzFMA5r8-PGZVdDFCeh1HHNNUf_DQjL8poAJnb2TFA56ND5RbzHghvNPNY5Wy7kO7Gybl_kOderL2nbL_9c-sojM9VDsi5wRCOK88qK4yBp5C9Hwg/s2550/Silver%20in%20the%20Mist.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria (Asexual aromantic MC, 8th December)
</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Royal Spymistress, retreating into her position away from everyone... even her daughter.<br />
<br />
Joining the spy ranks herself, Dev sees her mother only when receiving assignments. She wants more, but she understands the peril their country, Aris, is in. The malevolent magic force of The Mists is swallowing Aris's edges, their country is vulnerable to another attack from their wealthier neighbor, and the magic casters who protect them from both are burning out.<br />
<br />
Dev has known strength and survival her whole life, but with a dangerous new assignment of infiltrating the royal court of their neighbor country Cerena to steal the magic they need, she learns that not all that glitters is weak. And not all stories are true.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<b>N.B.</b>I'm aware of this discourse around this book being problematic. I've seen Rebecca Mix's statement, and that work is being done to make sure it's not problematic when it's published. As such, I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt and including The Ones We Burn on this list. But I will be keeping an eye on the situation, and if enough isn't done, I won't be reading it, and will remove it from this list.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781335406705" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7b5930b9-70bc-4e5e-b70b-89fa338a71e6" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60099656-silver-in-the-mist" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br /></div>
<br />
So those are the LGBTQ+ SFF I am super excited to read! Are you looking forward to any of these? Have you read any of them already? OR are there others I've not listed that you're really looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!<br />
<br /></div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-42716993509911382702022-07-18T07:00:00.151+01:002022-07-18T10:34:21.737+01:00Review: Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert (#Ad)<center><img alt="A proof of Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert open flat on a white sheet. Surrounding the book, from top left in a clockwise direction, are a raw rose quartz chunk, a red candle, a small gold bowl of cascarilla, a small corked jar with three sharks teeth inside, a light grey mortar and pestle with dried heather inside, asmall circular mirror, and an open small glass jar of apple seeds, with apple seeds scattered on the sheet from the opening, up along the left side of the book." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkHjMlJozjaOnMeYu047VdDzLjfJ89PfShPvmvpqOUp0Kmsje5XVr4nvvsAlTEBm9tiAhw6J0FsgJ-lYKpg9Y1vO7H1-iKOKVIKZh7fEb-b1XFGRMqfT2gjl1HUmolzdjOu3L9TgL1LV-Mkv5kfMgwfZLhRmFYcgX-M__vR7ZbVTMQ2HDBdnFO2wf1Q/s2864/Our%20Crooked%20Hearts.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this proof for free by Penguin via Nina Douglas PR for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 30th June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Penguin | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mimi_albert" target="_blank">Melissa Albert on Twitter</a><br />
<br />
<i>SECRETS. LIES. SUPER-BAD CHOICES. WITCHCRAFT. This is Our Crooked Hearts - a gripping mystery crossed with a pitch-dark fantasy from Melissa Albert, global bestselling author of The Hazel Wood.<br />
<br />
In our family, we keep our magic close, but our secrets closer...<br />
<br />
Ivy's summer starts with a series of disturbing events - unnatural offerings appear on her doorstep and she's haunted by fragmented memories from her childhood. Soon she grapples with a dark secret that she's always known - but never faced - that there is more to her mother Dana than meets the eye...<br />
<br />
Dana's story starts the summer she turns sixteen, when with the help of her best friend and an ambitious older girl, she embarks on a major fling with the supernatural. As the trio's aspirations darken, things soon take a more sinister turn.<br />
<br />
Years after it began, Ivy and Dana's shared story will come down to a reckoning among a mother, a daughter and the dark forces they never should've messed with.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780241592540" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/34f6714e-606a-4c04-9b39-75f15e247e95" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60099890-our-crooked-hearts" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features vomit, blood, animal cruelty and animal death, reference to drug use, reference to cancer, reference to homophobia, cultural appropriation (challenged), drink driving, and reference to a paedophile.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I had been really looking forward to Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert, it was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I adored Albert's The Hazel Wood Books, so I was so excited for her next story. But I was actually really disappointed.<br />
<br />
The story is dual narrated by Ivy, a seventeen-year-old whose timeline is the present day, and her mother, Dana whose timeline starts 25 years ago, the summer she turned 16. Ivy's mother has always been strange and distant, but when Ivy was almost in a car accident when a naked teenage girl appeared in the headlights of her just-ex-boyfriend's car, and the dead body of a decapitated rabbit is left outside their house, she becomes more so. She's more closed off, she's reacting strangely, and she's up at night, burying a jar of blood and glass shards in their garden. And then she, and Fee, Ivy's aunt and Dana's best friend, become unreachable.<br />
<br />
Dana and Fee have always been a little uncanny. Dana has an instinct, and intuition that allows her to <i>know</i> things; she knows about the bracelet down the drain, she knows exactly where her dad dropped his keys, and when to stay away from home. Fee knows when you need things, and what exactly it is you need. But it's not until they meet Marion that they discover true magic. But as the girls experiment with the spells of a long dead occultist, things turn dark, and out of their control.<br />
<br />
The Hazel Wood series was amazing. I thought they were hugely imaginative and clever, and did some really interesting things with fairy tales and portal fantasies, so I had really high hopes for Our Crooked Hearts, but it just never got there. The writing is beautiful, and there were some fantastic moments of tension, and you could feel the story building to something amazing. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for my mind to be blown, but left thinking, "Is that it?"<br />
<br />
Dana's narration was much more interesting, as there's a lot more happening. But it's told in retrospect, almost as if adult Dana is telling the reader her story of what happened when she was 16, and the fallout. As such, we're told more than we actually get to see. There's actually a lot less magic in this story than I expected. When they first started practicing, I was so excited, because it felt like the much more earthy witchcraft, the believable witchcraft practiced long ago by wise women and cunning folk. I was looking forward to their spells and their experiments... but we don't see them. Months the three practice together, but it's just spoken about over a matter of pages. There's only really one spell that matters to this story, and it's the consequences of that spell the story focuses on - because those consequences are far reaching.<br />
<br />
Ivy's narration just didn't do it for me. Nothing really happens. There's a lot of her wondering what her mum is up to, why she's keeping secrets, oh my god, is she actually a witch? She thinks someone has been in their house. She finds hidden objects that are either confusing or that she has no idea why they would be hidden. And where has her mum gone?! Just a lot of questions, with very very few answers. I never really felt I got an understanding of who Ivy is as a person. In some ways, I suppose there's a reason for that, but surely we should know something about who she is and what she likes to do before things get weird, and to actually see her friends maybe. Her narration also only covers a few days, and there's a lot of nothing much until three quarters of the way in.<br />
<br />
But the answers are... really disappointing. There's all this build up around the consequences of the spell that's cast, because Dana is telling us in retrospect; we know something big is coming and it is <i>bad</i>, but it was just such a let down! The antagonists, there was so much potential for more there, but it all felt like it came to nothing. The consequences that came about because of the initial consequences of the spell weren't actually that terrible. And when Ivy finally knows what's going on, there is so few pages left, everything happens so quickly, and it's just such an anti-climax.<br />
<br />
I was just so incredibly disappointed by the whole story. It honestly feels like Our Crooked Hearts was written by a completely different author than who wrote The Hazelwood. The mystery, the twists, the antagonists, the imagination in those books exceeds Our Crooked Hearts by several miles. Maybe it's unfair to compare author's stories to their others, but I feel the context of having read those stories is important, because I know what Albert is capable of. I don't know what happened with Our Crooked Hearts, but it wasn't my bag at all.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Penguin and Nina Douglas PR for the proof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-81236700212070268462022-07-16T07:00:00.163+01:002022-07-16T07:00:00.218+01:00Review: She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick<center><img alt="She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick is held up in front of rainbow shelves by a white hand." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4KQeowrT0mpFl1ob7DdX-MYo2N2j19AkhcmLd43BWKJMtfE4CVgi7_f6GSDHTSm3u2Q65BJMcT4YTFCRHcQW7QdqdUhqZE56bRV6gy8Nj1bt88M31i6ExPi5d4SkXmpWxn-ZDeQKiDPyyGgUFHmPph4D5YmN8jUDAmI1lIt6gx_r6UckAtP2-Iu3Pg/s2924/She%20Gets%20the%20Girl.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 14th April 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Simon & Schuster Children's Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.rachaellippincott.com/" target="_blank">Rachael Lippincott’s Website</a> & <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whoisalysonanyway/" target="_blank">Alyson Derrick’s Instagram</a><br />
<br />
<i>Alex Blackwood is a little bit headstrong, with a dash of chaos and a whole lot of flirt. She knows how to get the girl. Keeping her on the other hand... not so much. Molly Parker has everything in her life totally in control, except for her complete awkwardness with just about anyone besides her mom. She knows she’s in love with the impossibly cool Cora Myers. She just...hasn’t actually talked to her yet.<br />
<br />
Alex and Molly don’t belong on the same planet, let alone the same college campus. But when Alex, fresh off a bad (but hopefully not permanent) breakup, discovers Molly’s hidden crush as their paths cross the night before classes start, they realize they might have a common interest after all. Because maybe if Alex volunteers to help Molly learn how to get her dream girl to fall for her, she can prove to her ex that she’s not a selfish flirt. That she’s ready for an actual commitment. And while Alex is the last person Molly would ever think she could trust, she can’t deny Alex knows what she’s doing with girls, unlike her.<br />
<br />
As the two embark on their five-step plans to get their girls to fall for them, though, they both begin to wonder if maybe they’re the ones falling... for each other.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781398502635" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a203c7e2-31a2-4e68-95c3-225a57bb64d6" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59729053-she-gets-the-girl" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features poverty, alcoholism, reference to racism, rejection of heritage, reference to drink driving, and reference to a car crash.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'd wanted to read She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick ever since I first heard about it's announcement. It sounded like such a cute story! But I was surprised to find I loved it so much more than I expected to.<br />
<br />
I have been on a major fantasy kick lately, and hadn't read any romance for months. So while I was excited to read She Gets the Girl, I was worried that perhaps I wouldn't enjoy it as much; was I in the right mood for romance? Should I have stuck to fantasy? Whatever concerns I had vanished almost immediately; I was completely captivated by this story and gripped from the very start. It's such a sweet, fun romance, and reminded me why YA romance is just so awesome! I've stayed away too long.<br />
<br />
Alex and Molly are both starting college, and both plan for it to be a new start. Alex has just broken up with her girlfriend Natalie, who doesn't believe she can trust Alex not to stray. Alex is determined to prove to Natalie that she can commit, that she can stop flirting, and that she can make connections that matter, rather than casual flirtations. Molly is anxious and socially awkward, and has no friends beside her mum, but she's decided that things will change at college. She's going to put herself out there more, and she's determined that now is the time to tell Cora how she feels. But Molly finds it a lot more difficult than she thought, too stuck in her head with her fear of embarrassment and rejection, whereas Alex has no trouble talking to girls. They meet at a party and instantly dislike each other, but when Alex realised that Molly has a crush on Cora, but is getting in her own way, she knows she can help her, and in doing so, show Natalie she's changed. Molly isn't sure she can trust Alex, but has seen what her confidence can do, and knows she needs help. They reluctantly agree for Alex to help Molly get the girl, but the more time they spend together the more they're drawn to each other.<br />
<br />
I adored this book! I loved both Alex and Molly, and watching their relationship blossom. They're both somewhat judgemental, and completely get each other wrong at the beginning, so it's just so lovely to see them get to know each other, realise they were wrong, but also how their judgements hurt each other. Seeing there's more beyond the flirt or the anxiety. Alex's five step plan, which she makes up as she goes along, challenges Molly to get out of her comfort zone and help her grow in confidence, and it's so sweet to see Molly amazed at how they work, at her successes, and Alex's own Joy at seeing Molly do well. A friendship grows between as the story progresses, and it's the sweetest as neither have really had a good, close friend before. It's just so beautiful seeing them open up to each other as the trust begins to grow. And slowly but surely feelings develop between them.<br />
<br />
The character development was just beautiful. Alex really does help Molly, to Molly's great surprise, and her successes mean she sometimes deviates from Alex's advice, and makes steps of her own. It's so lovely watching her confidence grow, and feeling more sure of herself and who she is. That she is worthy of someone else's feelings. Because of her mother's alcoholism, and and how difficult that's made life, Alex tends to keep people at arm's length - even Natalie to a certain degree. It's gorgeous seeing how slowly she allows Molly, without even realising it. Suddenly, she's just talking. It's specifically because neither of them are trying to win over the other that they grow so close. Having to talk about Molly's anxieties and insecurities in order to help her automatically leads to a small amount of trust, and it's as that trust that builds that their friendship blossoms. They help each other without even realising it. Because they're not trying to impress the other, they can just be themselves, and in revealing themselves, they are drawn to each other.<br />
<br />
For the most part, She Gets the Girl is a light, joyful story, but it does touch on the more serious. As I've mentioned, Alex's mum is an alcoholic, and she has been for as long as Alex can remember. When her dad left several years ago, it fell on Alex to look after her mum, and get multiple jobs in order to keep a roof over their head. Her mum wasn't dependable, and would always spend money on alcohol, so Alex had to work so hard to keep things together, and she was still a child, really. Going to college is a struggle for her; it's part freedom, but she's also worried about what might happen to her mum while she's not there. She's got a neighbour to check in on her regularly, but she's no longer earning for the household, and her mum can't keep down a job. She feels a responsibility, but also wants a life of her own. It's complicated. She's been let down over and over by the person who should have been taking care of her, so letting people in is hard for her. On the other hand, Molly's only real friend is her mum. They have been so close, and Molly adores her mum, but she wants more now. A fresh start, away from her family, to make new friends and have more of a social life. But her mum can't seem to let go, and calls her often, and wanting to come down to hang out. Molly feels kind of smothered and doesn't deal with the situation very well. On top of that, she has mixed feelings regarding heritage. Molly is half Korean, but her mum was adopted by a white family, and due to the racism she experienced when she was younger, completely rejects her heritage. As such, Molly has no real connection to that side of her. Her mum refuses to acknowledge it. She has some of her mum's own feelings about their heritage from being brought up around it, but also doesn't want to hate parts of herself. Again, it's complicated. I really liked how both these elements of the story were explored and discussed, and how they were resolved. They added more depth to the story, on top of the romance.<br />
<br />
But one serious topic that is completely missing from She Gets the Girl is homophobia. Everyone in the book who is queer is out to everyone. Neither Alex nor Molly have an issue saying their lesbians, and no-one has an issue with them being lesbians. There are other queer characters and a non-binary side character, and it all just <i>is</i>. It's absolutely not a thing. It's just completely normal, and it's just so beautiful. There's no stress in this regard whatsoever, and I was surprised by my own reaction over how wonderful it was. It made me so bloody happy! And I definitely want to read more books where queer people are queer and that's it, there's no question or eyebrows raised, or anything. I loved it!<br />
<br />
She Gets the Girl was just a beautiful read; it was fun and light and so sweet, and I am so excited to read more by Lippincott and Derrick in future. In fact, I will be getting my hands on The Lucky List, Lippincott's last queer title, and cannot wait for Derrick's debut solo novel Forget Me Not, publishing April next year. I'm so excited for both! I can't recommend She Gets the Girl enough, and implore you to do yourself a favour and allow this joy into your life.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-15016539401692475732022-07-04T07:00:00.001+01:002022-07-04T12:04:22.455+01:00Review: Rick by Alex Gino<center><img alt="Rick by Alex Gino on a white sheet, on a diagonal, top left to bottom right. It's lying partially on a rainbow flag in the top left corner of the photo, and a small rainbow pin is on the middle right of the book." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LGeYTPZrfiGd_pi2g3zDEzqfB3Iba4kk3SkmbVm5SJRKHxwoH9mSOk80j8629_uwDs9zuTh_l20LKD6pbVLHcTANJj-0I03o--oMfoBRRQ4qR0AnVq5NLd-pjPOY-VA3pxOKB7TC_NnXLIsMBAF0Na7B6QLkqxEy91FdaN6GtggPdypk8jv8kAFlSQ/s3024/Rick.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Rick by Alex Gino</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 7th May 2020 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Scholastic | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="http://www.alexgino.com/" target="_blank">Alex Gino’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Rick's never questioned much. He's gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff's acted like a bully and a jerk. He's let his father joke with him about which hot girls he might want to date even though that kind of talk always makes him uncomfortable. And he hasn't given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out.<br />
<br />
But now Rick's gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening. One of them leads to the school's Rainbow Spectrum club, where kids of many genders and identities congregate, including Melissa, the girl who sits in front of Rick in class and seems to have her life together. Rick wants his own life to be that . . . understood. Even if it means breaking some old friendships and making some new ones.<br />
<br />
As they did in their groundbreaking novel Melissa, in Rick, award-winning author Alex Gino explores what it means to search for your own place in the world . . . and all the steps you and the people around you need to take in order to get where you need to be.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ccd87243-29c6-4539-a666-5cbef7209c79" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53349956-rick" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features homophobia, bullying, asexual and aromantic erasure.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I've wanted to read Rick by Alex Gino since I discovered it's about a young boy questioning his sexuality, and thinking he might be asexual and aromantic, and it didn't take long for me to pick it. And it's such a sweet story! But I do wish there was more to it.<br />
<br />
Rick is just starting middle school, and is looking forward to seeing what it's like. His best friend Jeff is going to the same school, but they're not in any of the same classes, giving Rick a chance to meet new people. But everyone in his family is suddenly talking about how he will probably start notice girls - or boys - and Jeff talks about "hotties" all the time, but Rick isn't; he's confused about not feeling what others expect him to. So when he discovers the Rainbow Spectrum, his school's LGBTQ+ group, and that it's also for people who have questions, he goes along. But he doesn't want Jeff to know. Jeff mocks the Rainbow Spectrum, and thinks being gay is gross. He's quite mean to a lot of people, actually. Rick struggles to understand himself, his complex feelings about his friendship with Jeff, and the surprising bond he's found with his Grandpa Ray, who accepts him as he is.<br />
<br />
I loved the Rainbow Spectrum and the conversations that were had there. While it's through the group that Rick learns about asexuality and aromanticism, other identities are discussed, too. At the start of the first meeting, Mr Sydney, who is new to supervising the group, asks everyone to introduce themselves along with their pronouns. This brings up conversations about individuals gender identity, different pronouns, and what pronouns there are. There's Green, who is non-binary, and there's a whole conversation about Green's pronouns; Green would rather not use pronouns, and someone suggests they/them, which leads to a conversation about the singular they and English language, as Mr Sydney is an English teacher. What's wonderful is that people make mistakes in this group - they misunderstand or they say the wrong thing, including Mr Sydney, but it is a supportive group, where people are corrected and learn from each other. I loved it at the second meeting that Mr Sydney apologised for a mistake he made previously around the singular they, and also about how he's learnt about pronouns you use rather than pronouns you prefer - Green doesn't use pronouns. This is just one example of the conversations had in the group, and it's just so gorgeous! There's also discussion of the different terms for the LGBTQ+ community, and that people have different preferences. It's just a really safe place that welcomes open discussion and conversation, where you can share your thoughts, opinions, and questions, and learn together. Gino uses the group to ask questions the reader might have, and have them discussed on the page to help the characters - and the reader - understand. It's quite a good introduction to various identities, to not having to know everything about yourself right now, that it's ok to have questions and to not understand, that you will probably make mistakes, but as long as you learn from them, apologise, and try to do better, that's what counts. It's not all just conversations though, there's fundraising! The group decides to fundraise to buy more queer books for the library by putting on a talent show, and it's just so cool.<br />
<br />
I adored the relationship Rick had with Grandpa Ray. It's a family tradition that every weekend, Grandpa Ray would be visited by a one on Rick's siblings; it was his older brother until he went to college, when it moved to his older sister. Now his sister's going to college, it's Rick's turn. He isn't really looking forward to it; Grandpa Ray is very quiet at gatherings, ad he just doesn't know what they would talk about. But it turns out that Grandpa Ray is better one-to-one, and they both have a shared interest in the TV show Rogue Space, and they spend the weekends watching old episodes together. Grandpa Ray becomes this wise mentor to Rick, and they have real, proper conversations. Rick is able to talk to his grandpa about what's happening at school, and the questions he has about himself, and Grandpa Ray is really supportive and accepting. And he has a secret of his own that he shares with Rick, and it's just wonderful! I loved them going off to a convention together, it was just adorable. But Grandpa Ray also helps Rick to realise that his friend Jeff really isn't a good person.<br />
<br />
Or rather, Rick is starting to realise this himself, but Grandpa Ray makes him face it. Because Jeff is awful. He's a bully and he's homophobic, and he gets other people in trouble for his own entertainment. Rick has to grapple with his feelings over how Jeff treats people, against how good a friend he's been to Rick. Does making Rick laugh and being willing to start video games from the start so Rick and join in outweigh what Jeff's doing to others? Rick really struggles with it, but it's great to see him come to the right decision and confront his best friend.<br />
<br />
Rick is a very short, quick read. It's only 213 pages long, but even shorter than you'd expect, because there is a lot of space between lines of text. While it's a really sweet story, I do wish it was more substantial. While I loved everything about it, I also feel it was almost surface-level, and didn't really dig quite as deep as it could. It just felt too short, too quick.<br />
<br />
But Rick really is a great story about questioning and figuring things out, on discussing different sexual orientations and genders, and understanding them. It's definitely an important addition to a child's personal LGBTQ+ library, but I did want more from it.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-66404205448401030102022-07-02T07:00:00.241+01:002022-07-02T18:27:31.166+01:00Review: Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler<center><img alt="A photo of a stack of three books - from top to bottom, Under the Lights, Behind the Scenes, and Cool for the Summer, all by Dahlia Ader - on and in front of a Progress Pride Flag. Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler is stood upright ontop of the stack, slightly over the the right. Partially slid behind Home Field Advantage is a print of a cheerleader doing the hair of a female quarterback." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvse-KYkxm1jfxran9zbav_wVurimoHIci1sxoQYsLzvigI6IJQtdV-fuUg-QsyHUTsUl7HsdSHoOCy5ym9z3u9fTfiudBEsJ_mYWCX5aAzVnCyvL5P3cWGTDiPuU4KQ35vxCdHQYCIRGVDCUuL7inBAS8jPtvDiUPiDN_r6mdxAjWRAELlmzF3nLKvw/s3024/Home%20Field%20Advantage.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 7th June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Wednesday Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.dahliaadler.com/" target="_blank">Dahlia Adler’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Amber McCloud’s dream is to become cheer captain at the end of the year, but it’s an extra-tall order to be joyful and spirited when the quarterback of your team has been killed in a car accident. For both the team and the squad, watching Robbie get replaced by newcomer Jack Walsh is brutal. And when it turns out Jack is actually short for Jaclyn, all hell breaks loose.<br />
<br />
The players refuse to be led by a girl, the cheerleaders are mad about the changes to their traditions, and the fact that Robbie’s been not only replaced but outshined by a QB who wears a sports bra has more than a few Atherton Alligators in a rage. Amber tries for some semblance of unity, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s only got a future on the squad and with her friends if she helps them take Jack down.<br />
<br />
Just one problem: Amber and Jack are falling for each other, and if Amber can’t stand up for Jack and figure out how to get everyone to fall in line, her dream may come at the cost of her heart.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3e5cd057-673c-431c-854e-6421a53fc933" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724914-home-field-advantage" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features bullying, masturbation, misogyny, references to death by car accident, reference to drink-driving, reference to abortion and miscarriage, homophobia, multiple references to outing blackmail.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been intrigued by Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler ever since it was announced she had written a story inspired by <a href="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/09/03/sports/QUARTERBACK/QUARTERBACK-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp" target="_blank">a photo of a cheerleader doing the hair of a female quarterback</a>. The photo is brilliant, that an American school had a female football player, and I love the fact that it inspired a sapphic story. The story itself was brilliant!<br />
<br />
Amber has got her sights set on becoming captain of her cheerleading squad in senior year, and the scholarship it should bring, so her junior is all about making that happen. Supporting her friends on the squad, coming up with ideas, being a leader. It does not involve letting anyone know that she isn't straight. But that becomes more difficult when the football team's new quarterback is ridiculously hot - and female. Jack, the new quarterback, just wants a chance to actually play football. It's her passion, and she didn't have a chance back home. Being offered the opportunity to do so at Atherton High, she jumped at the chance, splitting her family in two, while her dad and brothers stayed home, and her mum moved with her, and leaving everything she knows behind her. She has got to make this work, prove that this was a good move for her, that splitting up the family was worth it. But it turns out that no-one informed the football team or cheerleading squad that their new quarterback is a girl - and no-one is happy about it. Their former quarterback died during the summer, and they've all put him on a pedestal, and they're replacing him with a girl?! No-one wants Jack there, and they do all the can to make sure she knows it. Beautiful cheerleader Amber is the only person who's nice to her. As the attraction between them grows, the animosity towards Jack from everyone else does, too. But if Amber wants to be captain next year, and get her scholarship, she can't be seen to support a quarterback the rest of the squad is against. But with the school's misogyny getting worse, Jack finds it difficult to accept the only person who supports her will only do so in secret.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I was nervous about reading Home Field Advantage. I bought it because I'm a big fan of Adler and all the work she does to promote LGBTQ+ books and to help readers find the books they're looking for, and because I've enjoyed her previous books, as well as being intrigued. But this is a sports romance, and I have absolutely zero interest in sport. I also don't know anything about American football. Was I going to enjoy this story? Was I going to understand what was happening? The answer is yes. Home Field Advantage focuses more on the characters, the relationship, how they're treated than on either American football or cheerleading. There are two on page games in the whole book, the first being fairly short, and few on page cheers, and Adler writes in a way that you're able to understand what's happening even if you know nothing. So with that fear out of the way, I was able to fully revel in the story.<br />
<br />
And revel I did. Home Field Advantage is so, so good! It's the perfect balance of light and fluffy, and more serious topics. The growing romance between Amber and Jack was just too cute. their flirting, their support of each other, their funny little moments. I could not help but root for them. But there were definitely problems. Amber is Jack's only joy off the field. She is completely ostracised at school; no-one has a kind word to say to her, people go out of the way to make her feel left out and unwelcome, and she is constantly criticised. IT's also pretty clear that Jack is a lesbian, and people are quite openly homophobic, without actually saying anything that would get them in trouble. She is miserable. Amber can see it, and hates what is happening. Her best friend on the squad Cara is so vehemently against Jack, and Amber is just at a loss as to why people find it so difficult to accept a female quarterback. The team is finally doing well, when they were complete crap before. And everyone's acting like Robbie, the quarterback who died, was some kind of saint, but he was awful. She simply doesn't understand it. But to be too supportive of Jack publicly, when everyone on the squad wants her gone, would ruin her chances at being captain. And she <i>needs</i> to be captain, if she's ever going to get a shot at a scholarship, if she's ever going to get out and be able to live out, without dealing with her town's homophobia. She has worked so damn hard to get where she is, and her squad is family to her. It sucks what's happening to Jack, more than sucks, but if she loses her chance to become captain, what then? What future does she have? And while Jack gets it to a certain degree, she just finds it so difficult that she's getting all this crap from people, and no-one is going to a damn thing about it for her.<br />
<br />
I really felt for both of them. I was beyond frustrated with Amber at times, but I also got where she was coming from. It was just such a really difficult situation for both of them. But there are still gorgeous, light, happy moments! I loved Amber's friendship with Miguel, one of the guys on the football team. He is gay, and only out to Amber, who is polysexual, and out to him. They have a fake relationship going on, because Miguel really needs no-one to know he's gay. He's in a relationship with Malcolm from another school, and there's a point where there's a double date with Amber and Jack, and Miguel and Malcolm, and it was just the cutest! Speaking of sexuality, Jack generally refers to herself as gay, but does call herself a lesbian at one point, and as mentioned, Amber is polysexual. I hadn't come across polysexual before - which means being attracted to various but not necessarily all genders - so it was so awesome to see the rep, and to have Amber explain it.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>'"For a while I thought I was pansexual was the right label for me, but I just... can't seem to get into cis boys. Girls? Very much! Nonbinary people? Definitely! Trans guys? Absolutely. But then a cis guy flirts with me, even a really rare good guy like Austin Barrett, and I am so, so not into it." Her fingers twist around each other like she needs something to do with her hands, and I think about reaching out to take one, but it feels like she needs her space to process. "According to the wisdom of the Internet, 'polysexual' is the best fit, so that's what I'm trying on right now. In my head anyway."'</i> (p191)</blockquote><br />
I absolutely adored the ending! Especially that final game. It is hilarious to me how I, someone who has no interest in sport, was sitting on the edge of my seat over this game and really, really wanting it to go well, and getting fully into it, thinking, "Come on, come on!" while reading. Adler created such tension for a game that I barely had a grasp on; I mean, she made it accessible enough to understand, even though I didn't know what some of the terms meant, and had me <i>caring</i> about something I have no interest in generally. I Was there genuinely excited and nervous and raging at some players, and just urging Jack and some others on. Me. It's ridiculous. But it's a testament to Adler's writing. And I'm much more likely to consider sports romances in future now.<br />
<br />
I just absolutely adored Home Field Advantage. Honestly, I think it's my favourite Adler has written. It's so cute and heart-eyes-emoji, but also had me raging over Jack's experiences. I loved it, and can't recommend it enough! And I can't wait for Adler's next book coming next year, Going Bicoastal!<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-83385149520065552962022-06-30T10:44:00.021+01:002022-06-30T10:44:00.191+01:00A New Direction for Once Upon a Bookcase: Now an LGBTQ+ Children's & Fantasy Book Blog<center><img alt="A purple blog graphic reading the words Once Upon a Bookcase - Now an LGBTQ+ Children's & Fantasy Blog in black and in capitals, with the left half of a rainbow on the left side of the words. The graphic is has illustrations of open and closed books in white and various shades of purple surrounding the words." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56Sk_I7YVER_tGk-L9nKS9apLp0BS5DPbOQvWoEfniatbwxRKF7UgMFwgY1R4iEwn0U32DpZgT2t_gXzQ4RgEN0Fbrjv9nGA8CQsNSYTFaxv-d4nQEEM26JLeSw7H0zzbibbTFgwOOTeJeO0LGUkYTO4FRSCWgmeI5S5Zf-RWGztIF2Lo_SZ6LSfYbg/s1080/LGBTQ+%20Book%20Blog.png" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>A New Direction for Once Upon a Bookcase:<br />
<br />
Now an LGBTQ+ Children's & Fantasy Book Blog</strong></h1></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It's the last day of Pride Month, and there's no better time to announce that there is going to be a change of direction for Once Upon a Bookcase. From now on, this blog will be a primarily LGBTQ+ book blog!<br />
<br />
We are getting such a range of LGBTQ+ stories now, across a range of genres, and there's so much to read! I've also found that I'm generally drawn to queer fiction over cishet fiction. And with the work I'm doing at the bookshop I work at on <a href="https://www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk/2022/06/lgbtq-ya-section-foyles.html" target="_blank">the permanent LGBTQ+ YA section</a>, the permanent LGBTQ+ YA & MG table, and LGBTQ+ books in the Children's Department as a whole, I'm so hugely passionate about these books, and that passion has me wanting to do more. To shout about them loudly outside of work more. To read more widely, to highlight them here, to help, in another way, queer readers find the right books for them.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
So what will this actually look like? I adore YA and fantasy, as regular readers will know, so I'll more often be focusing on those with queer content. But I'll also be reviewing queer middle grade and picture books, and occassionally some adult romance. I'll be primarily focusing on accepting and requesting ARCs of LGBTQ+ YA, MG, picture books, and fantasy. At it's core, there isn't a huge change to the blog itself, just those books I discuss will be queer more often than not. This also goes for other content on the blog besides reviews; I'll be solely focusing on queer books the majority of the time.<br />
<br />
But it's not going to be a only queer focused, for a few reasons. There are a number of authors whose work I love that write cishet books, a number of them are favourite authors. I'll still be reading and reviewing them. Plus, I have a number of ARCs on my TBR that I've accepted for review that aren't queer, and I'm going to keep my obligations to the publishers of those books, and read and review them. Adoring fantasy as I do, I may buy a few new cishet fantasy titles every now and again; however, being the slow reader that I am, if I don't review them, there will probably be gaps in my posting, so I'm likely to review them, too. There will definitely be a kind of transition period where I'm still reading a mix while I catch up on my cishet TBR, too. But I want to prioritise queer books, and slowly, over time, you'll see the majority of the books I review will be queer. The same can be said for my content on <a href="https://instagram.com/onceuponabkcase" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and for what I discuss on <a href="https://twitter.com/OnceUponaBkcase" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. <br />
<br />
Once Upon a Bookcase has been around for 13 years. That's a lot of reviews, and other content. I won't be starting afresh and scrapping everything. This blog has grown and changed as I have, and I like seeing where I've taken in. However, to make things easier, I now have two pages for my reviews. I have a page for <a href="https://www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk/p/my-reviews.html" target="_blank">reviews of LGBTQ+ books and books by queer authors</a>, and a page for <a href="https://www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk/p/cishet-reviews.html" target="_blank">reviews of cishet books</a>, so readers can find my reviews of the kind of books they're looking for easier.<br />
<br />
For my current readers, perhaps you're not quite the right audience for a mainly-queer focused book blog. Perhaps you'll decide to stop following. That's fair enough. Thank you for reading my blog for however long you have. To those of you who decide to stick around, thank you! To my new readers who will be visiting my blog because it will become more queer focused, hi! I look forward to discussing queer books with you! And to any publishers reading, I have updated <a href="https://www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk/p/review-policy.html" target="_blank">my review policy</a> to reflect these changes to my blog. I really look forward to working with you to promote your queer titles.<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to taking Once Upon a Bookcase down this new path and seeing where it leads. And I hope you'll join me on it.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-34713848963070110432022-06-29T07:00:00.387+01:002022-06-29T07:00:00.234+01:00Recommending LGBTQ+ MG & YA Graphic Novels<center><img alt="A blog graphic of 15 graphic novels making up the background, with the words Once Upon a Bookcase - Recommending LGBTQ+ MG & YA Graphic Novels in hot pink and surround pastel pink transparent background in front." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQObXFWfUOzgoSpY2lNZ_U7MFIO4wGeenAMd0YblF1N8haZ0OLcV2Op-xabq6nFkOrmn7C0f5E0rR5D9QY7wos5saqhhbn97_l3hPC-fFFnk4gd-DmOcpJ2uDTk0UMJn5hiBOR5t9nsi2jfNmS3E89HlPeu7LcCI_YI0DlykN_VAvUk0yemkVOcFCBig/s750/Graphic%20Novels.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br /><b>Links with a circumflex (^) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Recommending LGBTQ+ MG & YA Graphic Novels</strong></h1></center><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Looking after the LGBTQ+ YA section at Foyles, and seeing how well it's done, I've also worked on trying to put together lists of other queer titles in the Children's Department and try to make sure we've got stock in, in order to recommend titles if we're asked. As it's Pride Month, I thought I'd share some of those lists, so you can stock up for the younger readers in your life.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm sharing a range of middle grade and YA graphic novels with LGBTQ+ characters. Some of the titles listed might technically be "adult" titles, but they have cross over appeal featuring teen characters, and no inappropriate content for teens. On to the books!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;">
<img align="left" alt="Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1QCEg5lK_GgYYP3wS2hhLJ4GzEKEFVVd1TThxIU9ryHaXah8dPGXtik98Z-MUr_rG2XfWoUBEQJKYvtQD6s8BKGJYZhnGOSjODTt-h67Gdozr56QeDDVE_cPIpH98GC-6iMRxGU-G8UCXjLEKJV9z68_VdmQg13VnKoxbh9NJWHxwBiVx8FqgcibiA/s2560/Artie.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>After sneaking out against her mother's wishes, Artie Irvin spots a massive wolf--then watches it don a bathrobe and transform into her mom. Thrilled to discover she comes from a line of werewolves, Artie asks her mom to share everything--including the story of Artie's late father. Her mom reluctantly agrees. And to help Artie figure out her own wolflike abilities, her mom recruits some old family friends.<br />
<br />
Artie thrives in her new community and even develops a crush on her new friend Maya. But as she learns the history of werewolves and her own parents' past, she'll find that wolves aren't the scariest thing in the woods--vampires are.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781728420202" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6f7f6ced-2193-4b1a-9218-4b8862687982" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42285449-artie-and-the-wolf-moon" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu & Joamette Gil" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKY6fIvY7r5n3BZl-oFjQ4vIJBtFmciNzTl6cccGmOdWlxwb5f38fdRjwD0R86Q5KG94tqsMigWez52u2NoOnoJnHZZjazRDq-ON9QuIfqkBhyxjQhgYoVoKVtA7AA4CsSDd0cVpYtcikxVAjQCTjOFwqEZlPF6wbDnvG1dauTeOAzZ4iXvO2hUGPdA/s475/Mooncakes.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu & Joamette Gil</span> (Non-binary)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.<br />
<br />
Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.<br />
<br />
One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home.<br />
<br />
Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781549303043" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3cee3948-a042-4d2f-9939-b569f81b5729" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44774415-mooncakes" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Snapdragon by Kat Leyh" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBD1m7Qyjo74yWciMz4fSLPu09f4P51fzzJcG8M5dA1xbI4Ld50O0AKJ_GHojEogeU55kCx-MwvmLsT7pesehud_W8o0lbGZRMnz2Y_0nTsusuDVRH0UdPXbx1I9TPZWLprTCMPfZNGO84J_gSD4578vYQmL6mcLO3FRf2itGgRPe9QbwpYo08_i4DA/s1164/Snapdragon.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Snapdragon by Kat Leyh</span> (Prominent trans and lesbian secondary characters)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Kat Leyh's Snapdragon is a magical realist graphic novel about a young girl who befriends her town's witch and discovers the strange magic within herself.<br />
<br />
Snap's town had a witch.<br />
<br />
At least, that's how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a crocks-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online--after doing a little ritual to put their spirits to rest. It's creepy,</i> sure, <i>but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too.<br />
<br />
They make a deal: Jacks will teach Snap how to take care of the baby opossums that Snap rescued, and Snap will help Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to get to know Jacks, she realizes that Jacks may in fact have</i> real <i>magic--and a connection with Snap's family's past.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781250171115" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/97a1c3f2-0e3c-49c1-81f7-791bb9000e41" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44280844-snapdragon" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier & Val Wise" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqK2kf2T_680JCxoYyvV4lo5VZh8BzhE2T36XwevY8od78DKH1LpYomKjZj_Ufg9KdGSS0mp18eXslEWn53S_jaXw6jItaFxRWIZ18M3WuSYv19KuyvggiQjwn-ihC_86yx_FNOtO6Aubiq7URwptbYXac2-gj5v_fkteW55V0_BhYnRbunVOGpazQ/s2100/Cheer%20Up.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier & Val Wise</span> (Sapphic & trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A sweet, queer teen romance perfect for fans of Fence and Check, Please!<br />
<br />
Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian starting her senior year of high school who's under pressure to join the cheerleader squad to make friends and round out her college applications. Her former friend BeeBee is a people-pleaser--a trans girl who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life to keep their support of her transition. Through the rigors of squad training and amped up social pressures (not to mention micro aggressions and other queer youth problems), the two girls rekindle a friendship they thought they'd lost and discover there may be other, sweeter feelings springing up between them.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781620109557" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/cbcdc2b9-882c-4cce-b40d-1042ef7be055" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711045-cheer-up" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Fence, Vol. 1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad, Joana LaFuente & Jim Campbell" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYjjv_HFOpZHoQyjznRjQK_gPMdGi-6xN-P84HAH2SyuE4wI-sqPTTHTsKxN-NiHjMcxmkzX7TxLhZW4E5VSmjCyqapIPe_mPXPSn2UKQ6Psgwpdx2CGpoPOACB3F4HfzX-kl4XSI5_NRoJfgG1ztSoKsQ-AeHS6xtO34Ugp-6NwpXjh0W7pkd4as_A/s1528/Fence.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fence, Vol. 1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad, Joana LaFuente & Jim Campbell</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself in the world of competitive fencing, and earn his place alongside fencing legends like the dad he never knew, but things get more complicated when he's up against his golden-boy half-brother, as well as sullen fencing prodigy, Seiji Katayama.<br />
<br />
Nicholas, the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion, is a scrappy fencing wunderkind, and dreams of getting the chance and the training to actually compete. After getting accepted to the prodigious Kings Row private school, Nicholas is thrust into a cut-throat world, and finds himself facing not only his golden-boy half-brother, but the unbeatable, mysterious Seiji Katayama...<br />
<br />
Through clashes, rivalries, and romance between teammates, Nicholas and the boys of Kings Row will discover there's much more to fencing than just foils and lunges. From acclaimed writer C.S. Pacat (The Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781684151929" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/611aa9c6-8919-487b-8336-64394b3816e8" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36373825-fence-vol-1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDRqBEYxh8YQ_x6QkOpzw_VX4aj9irOKaWY4Vb2DjwI-oJ21RDjO-j-Xv6sl-EdD3MOkS8zWX_qD0P2QYPCn9r2xe8oyppSPPcV3v2lg9eF0QzsZC6ajyJedgtKorF0eMxm6WGoSQYq5hDpAeP-lcRkGxAIn7eNZ_7ZgPrKRURhWLWuKioDUbb8PqUw/s426/On%20a%20Sunbeam.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>One of the youngest ever Eisner winners, incredible talent Tillie Walden presents a stunning queer space opera – her greatest work to date.<br />
<br />
On a Sunbeam is the story of Mia, interwoven between her time as a rebellious schoolgirl at a boarding school in space and her time as crewmember aboard the spacecraft Aktis, where she travels the deepest reaches of space to rebuild and restore beautiful broken-down structures. As the past and present weave together, we discover more about Mia and her roots and how they connect with her present on Aktis. In Walden's words, 'The road ahead is not a comfortable, simple one.'<br />
<br />
Walden's inimitable style and presentation are more fully-formed and gorgeous than ever before as she works with her signature themes of sexuality and gender, the individual in landscape, first love and awesome cats.<br />
<br />
Part love story, part epic space adventure, On a Sunbeam is a masterpiece from an explosive, unmissable talent.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781910395370" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c9029bfd-1f04-49ab-8c31-af6fe4315693" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41433658-on-a-sunbeam" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Spinning by Tillie Walden" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj306nZDCfYPIwlxOwfvYCKGLRpaTkJuBJ4EC7YSCzgiW1e9h_Kx1-OlfSn28zuo3_9iN1gO0VcInPoIj-M-uty4mT6fyUB-6Z8gR-hT3SQrYTWWcmGGYGVoen2cKscso5S0ykZ1edzBZtMqrdV-pC5fBmZvI3VLpqvAqbi792I_hI3ErwMmaeL4AMlDQ/s440/Spinning.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spinning by Tillie Walden</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Poignant and captivating, Ignatz Award winner Tillie Walden's powerful graphic memoir, Spinning, captures what it's like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know.<br />
<br />
It was the same every morning. Wake up, grab the ice skates, and head to the rink while the world was still dark.<br />
<br />
Weekends were spent in glitter and tights at competitions. Perform. Smile. And do it again.<br />
<br />
She was good. She won. And she hated it.<br />
<br />
For ten years, figure skating was Tillie Walden's life. She woke before dawn for morning lessons, went straight to group practice after school, and spent weekends competing at ice rinks across the state. It was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies, and family. But over time, as she switched schools, got into art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the figure skating team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. It all led to one question: What was the point? The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she'd outgrown her passion--and she finally needed to find her own voice.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781910593417" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/650417a2-495d-4e14-b814-a11bd5b38327" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37921811-spinning" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Golden Hour by Niki Smith" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPLzcgCmf5KBLh8NUIEsVpxggXqvZL3s0vdhDYgPhfaK3nCNDbsy0en2zzTl1-6gPJ4pJGaQ2A_UIpFs7ebkDXKEJAM_vRlv04QU5Z2smLhAXpunNN_EDGkmHAulNTym9I4hMtDM9FhPdaf8LfhKMgyW6T43tCgBE5CAFhy7AL5npcsHmh4YqJDqPxA/s400/The%20Golden%20Hour.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Golden Hour by Niki Smith</span> (Achillean)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From the author of The Deep & Dark Blue comes a tender graphic novel, perfect for our time, that gently explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, healing from tragedy, and hope for a better tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he's teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project.<br />
<br />
Sebastian lives on a grass-fed cattle farm outside of town, and Manuel finds solace in the open fields and in the antics of the newborn calf Sebastian is hand-raising. As Manuel aides his new friends in their preparations for the local county fair, he learns to open up, confronts his deepest fears, and even finds first love.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780316540339" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/bc0928bb-0c33-4b5a-b3c5-afe031da07f2" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53321683-the-golden-hour" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIamo14ih0mXIitNSQEiobIUOwcIu7d6uKcHlkthREsnTNuoVgmFSlaBAu73BF2WrXtOzmwORZ0r5LzFf6KXIebTCfSg3j9AWzOxkhZlc8_NG4VYNWIq7DGEDloJfk0JCQNsoaSqU0f8nQleiWFRXyDkZqnB8XR7xFylb3IzcEd6RFiJs2CvbU1DUAWw/s446/Check%20Please.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu</span> (Achillean)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Eric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur p tissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It is nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia First of all? There's checking (anything that hinders the player with possession of the puck, ranging from a stick check all the way to a physical sweep). And then, there is Jack--his very attractive but moody captain.<br />
<br />
A collection of the first half, freshmen and sophomore year, of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please : #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life. This book includes updated art and a hilarious, curated selection of Bitty's beloved tweets.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781250177964" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/48de02f7-3b8c-4fa5-af66-b02370cba16e" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37534565-check-please-book-1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyxusKfT8Kyw8zzHfIAzHyJRX2M4Ti0UUCVk8Qzve_MbBA1KCwBKYLwPsndgtXu_0AG_cVgeWlCUCgMwhgtPhxsn4gG-mRn0rTm2HNywiFYYgweQkxo4IxNIwrmMMmxAhZPZbB-ZUEgI69IfTdrFA63ONq1h-g2nJwG63o1NCqnzjRrPNdSeJMI1e6Q/s400/The%20Magic%20Fish.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Tiến loves his family and his friends...but Tiến has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.<br />
<br />
Real life isn't a fairytale.<br />
<br />
But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through?<br />
<br />
Is there a way to tell them he's gay?<br />
<br />
A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what--we can all have our own happy endings.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781984851598" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/132d3523-6657-4ef4-b8b1-64a291259539" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50308041-the-magic-fish" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQHqqltY8AYk7K7qqR92MWSjzGkQ-Ex6xnc-bKEsd2LMWRVJ4OMfxgxrh0MUtE3g8ldAeqNcjipwN2i7_vAiYvr_WybMehgIw3AfvhKmoXlb0nFq5K9g_QJLrBgi426KQimoTFvswzLb7deN4yumOuGHN9pE7xuK0DIV3pfsUk6rxItPxPUPjvcAKBA/s713/Coming%20Back.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A beautiful graphic novel fantasy romance that follows two young women who have to go on their own separate adventures to discover the truth about themselves and about each other.<br />
<br />
Preet is magic.<br />
<br />
Valissa is not.<br />
<br />
Everyone in their village has magic in their bones, and Preet is the strongest of them all. Without any power of her own, how can Valissa ever be worthy of Preet's love? When their home is attacked, Valissa has a chance to prove herself, but that means leaving Preet behind. On her own for the first time, Preet breaks the village's most sacred laws and is rejected from the only home she's ever known and sent into a new world.<br />
<br />
Divided by different paths, insecurities, and distance, will Valissa and Preet be able to find their way back to each other?<br />
<br />
A beautiful story of two young women who are so focused on proving they're meant to be together that they end up hurting each other in the process. This gorgeous graphic novel is an LGTBQ+ romance about young love and how it can grow into something strong no matter what obstacles get in the way.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593120026" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d848f3b4-9353-4991-9413-4c4600a4b0b8" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56987998-coming-back" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Savanna Ganucheau" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA1JNEkdk9SOK6A244Y8f98jZHA6rZr7X7Mv0lfl5lL1XCoEa08TjMdArJYyFZCtbZJMfOthKbrQBTiz8v2wJLGjScJ_gy98urjWOrz6_4W7m6_35P-1sfG74b6GGU5EJLVJDKAXpwwSyEmxRAICauM7EXw4S0ZpXOjt1ueim7rECcZ9ILVWhlsx79g/s451/Bloom.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Savanna Ganucheau</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his ultra-hip band--if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. Though he loved working there as a kid, Ari cannot fathom a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom . . . that is, if Ari doesn't ruin everything.<br />
<br />
Writer Kevin Panetta and artist Savanna Ganucheau concoct a delicious recipe of intricately illustrated baking scenes and blushing young love, in which the choices we make can have terrible consequences, but the people who love us can help us grow.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781626726413" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c36cc06c-dbc6-4e5c-b8ce-23830578c685" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39073389-bloom" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O'Connell" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL_xjD9sIBHqLKVlmSK014daNbRs38tAOmyVMziBG8tRLfErptJG-snoo3Ln7DZ84NBc4WZpXOm_RIfsg8Qe77lVn9hP1xukTDLOAWEmR64qdCza41Pjn2U6M0NhnyTFBHTG7WDF-ZOY0iuk6ribQRm7HRCiyHn4MMZuE9nApcxmpdmtTUACOITSNeg/s452/Laura%20Dean.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O'Connell</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-O'Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.<br />
<br />
Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.<br />
<br />
Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever.<br />
<br />
Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/be8d4f65-e1db-4599-88d0-21460e50fe8c" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40864834-laura-dean-keeps-breaking-up-with-me" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qkI9hCQZwN8_kntWpkbMzTvUEeT1DjeD03qmB_0JDPxn1FoQPrQ4HQTwGU_vjzwD5M1Tcw8CblHv4BqwGMLq6Qj4ytnM-uqq6pZZFElSlcb6MHzPI5mxxTvjS7gzO-JsXXM67OfDvJDnnihdixSTKJdFQnVYfEmEAIQ6EYioNecVPIbVChwHPQMljQ/s451/How%20to%20Be%20Ace.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess</span> (Asexual)</b><br />
<br />
<i>"When I was in school, everyone got to a certain age where they became interested in talking about only one thing: boys, girls and sex. Me though? I was only interested in comics."<br />
<br />
Growing up, Rebecca assumes sex is just a scary new thing they will 'grow into' as they get older, but when they leave school, start working and do grow up, they start to wonder why they don't want to have sex with other people.<br />
<br />
In this brave, hilarious and empowering graphic memoir, we follow Rebecca as they navigate a culture obsessed with sex - from being bullied at school and trying to fit in with friends, to forcing themself into relationships and experiencing anxiety and OCD - before coming to understand and embrace their asexual identity.<br />
<br />
Giving unparalleled insight into asexuality and asexual relationships, How To Be Ace shows the importance of learning to be happy and proud of who you are.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781787752153" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/92f575c4-a309-4b77-b6aa-7e5c876fcb3c" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54403237-how-to-be-ace" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Moonstruck: Magic to Brew by Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, Kate Leth, Caitlin Quirk & Clayton Cowles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJbB-wDQUbqqF_8B-Brn9VMiqn-Ff0E_JLjIUWuNlinMWbrQRlfjjYB4gVkjR9ryRdf61IJMw1U3bzEdGRzFM-PnB8UPhwzo8zM3-YOZQOh6ommowDvISpQEtadgCIuf58joneQuBBWSemCymg7LzgJJGtkFyGSCBFKdweWUfnzmIYUAJQe8dUx8ggQ/s591/Moonstruck.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Moonstruck: Magic to Brew by Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, Kate Leth, Caitlin Quirk & Clayton Cowles</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late.<br />
<br />
The first chapter of the brand new, all-ages magical coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator GRACE ELLIS and talented newcomer SHAE BEAGLE.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781534304772" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/15a3ccca-cdf5-4467-8dae-e3e963c2e4e9" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35758543-magic-to-brew" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki & Yoshi Yoshitani" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5nHUZ7OayNGz7LRqv5vL1pULs_z3haPJu0KUdNAGfLCsBt5XrCtx6Abckb78KScVx90P35mMYhswZaYKK1no0MYBzZ_1woZ2cTrRc-vHUFhT7VoeX582m698wS8ypDaQXfcdKjwauewzb6huMMmqgXkNZANPwlQDLJ3z-gz2D1XTcKcYbkeOW5xilQ/s1200/I%20am%20Not%20Starfire.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki & Yoshi Yoshitani</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Seventeen-year-old Mandy Koriand’r is not her mother. Daughter of Starfire and high school outcast, Mandy is constantly trying to get out from under the shadow of her bright, bubbly, scantily clad, and famous mother. Dyeing her bright orange hair black and sticking close to her best friend, Lincoln, Mandy spends her days at school avoiding Teen Titans superfans and trying to hide her feelings for the gorgeous, popular, and perfect Claire. And while Mandy usually avoids spending too much time with her alien mother, she’s been particularly quiet as she’s keeping one major secret from her: Mandy walked out of her S.A.T.<br />
<br />
While Mandy continues to tell Lincoln her plans of moving to France to escape the family spotlight and not go to college, she secretly hides a fear of not knowing her identity outside of just being the daughter of a superhero and who she will become. But when she is partnered with Claire to work on a school project, their friendship develops into something more and a self-confidence unknown to Mandy begins to bloom. Claire seems to like Mandy for being Mandy, not the daughter of Starfire.<br />
<br />
But when someone from Starfire’s past comes to disrupt Mandy’s future, Mandy must finally make a choice: give up before the battle has even begun, or step into the unknown and risk everything. I Am Not Starfire is a story about mother-daughter relationships, embracing where you come from while finding your own identity, and learning to be unafraid of failing, if it was even failing in the first place.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781779501264" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/573cd916-3f96-4de3-a08c-f318fb48758b" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56120074-i-am-not-starfire" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger_XDYIfn5g07XVcExaYGMClaLkihR350XQvzt2TdGdn1DjM0spCEl9jtTiSa3M1zcIz3cJ5W9okYue2wG4nLELBn7f-Noe0R4HCdhU9up1vfs0B9jR2f6_S0SaSFd24-wrPhfIhgSB8RzEXnjrHczktXnnXXAQThVK5INbYLxn9K-AcvUDEypyj8Iw/s2550/The%20Girl%20From%20the%20Sea.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.<br />
<br />
Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore.
But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c4d8a155-7fe7-46ce-b786-c4ce4f4d9659" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54776522-the-girl-from-the-sea" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Welcome to St Hell by Lewis Hancox" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCNqN8FmD8dGeXrCt8Mey5brA8mCrvNHzWLvByPOBcgxwUssIeYkTwDRnnmzoUtoZE9M0ORAJAAy1BeDbLATuFRO4s9OLkokKJxDTb2T98jjV7l8pnx-zli0xQBrN2sp4eGNrtQGlvPgVu5CbqcgvQ4r_m5YsUr-ULaAo5X25MaYIoPPDFg1mWdm_uw/s475/Welcome%20to%20St%20Hell.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to St. Hell by Lewis Hancox</span> (Trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Lewis has a few things to say to his younger teen self. He knows she hates her body. He knows she's confused about who to snog. He knows she's really a he and will ultimately realize this... but she's going to go through a whole lot of mess (some of it funny, some of it not funny at all) to get to that point. Lewis is trying to tell her this... but she's refusing to listen.<br />
<br />
In WELCOME TO ST. HELL, author-illustrator Lewis Hancox takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking, and healing path he took to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt, and dubious fashion choices in order to become the man he was meant to be. It's a remarkable, groundbreaking graphic memoir from an unmistakably bold new voice in comics.</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702313905" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/844f6cd8-1be0-46c6-a66f-6616deed8634" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61135109-welcome-to-st-hell" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Kisses for Jet by Joris Bas Backer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9juC7Fhf4v-66f2pxqP3glPRnHvjZR_ukD2TkUxv6-Z_hP6fpJejFUc1ojZWP0q1rZu8qDepadKEUQjex69gvnTVzmmif6qsRIFHOCKhh5ZZD5ZfD532qgD1vXSbY_PVc9DCm9RkAJQrrlbVgliqpzX4NENsg6Pvf5Ke8fk07fBtko_5wOCwkOD1KHg/s1323/Kisses%20For%20JEt.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kisses for Jet by Joris Bas Backer</span> (Trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A striking and emotive graphic novel from trans creator, Joris Bas Backer about coming to terms with who you are in a world which is utterly confusing and overwhelming.<br />
<br />
A warm, funny, lived-in book that captures exactly the feeling of having a desire you just can't place, and the relief when you manage to crack it wide open.<br />
<br />
In 1999, when most people think that the world is about to end with the Y2K crash on the eve of the new Millennium, Jet is just trying to get through high school. When their Mom moves to another country to work on fixing the Millennium bug, Jet is forced to stay at a boarding house while they finish the school year, and they're not pleased about it. But something's not quite right, and it's not just the out-of-control kids that Jet has to live with, or the staff who look after the boarding house who act super suspiciously. As Jet slowly starts to feel overwhelmed by their peers, they begin to notice that they don't feel like the other girls in their class. As new feelings start to emerge, Jet slowly begins to realise that they may be more of a boy than a girl. Is that even possible? And who do they talk to about these feelings when there's not even any internet around, and cell phones are barely used?<br />
<br />
This coming-of-gender graphic novel debut from trans creator Joris Bas Backer is an enlightening and often hilarious tale that casts light on what it was like to be transgender before information and help was more accessible and widespread.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781913123031" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/59c3c8c3-1a44-436d-a231-4a1704dcc790" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59647211-kisses-for-jet" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Magical Boy by The Kao" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFDKUiYG4oxbRWjo2nSYVHvSgQVGQ_Ca2_JJc3MdRpUpHSlzvfoMUf6uwZwStxTTh6qX9v4F1XjBOscldNwUYedaJiZZh21F4sR6qAnvOdAKNfvn9XY8BTIz2kFNSghHG76CVOBHm5EMOF3epSwsahq8FvEelrR3DOELJ_R7sfozeOa3nAG7fPdH4mQ/s2700/Magical%20Boy.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Magical Boy by The Kao</span> (Trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A breathtakingly imaginative fantasy series starring Max - a trans high school student who has to save the world as a Magical Girl ... as a boy!<br />
<br />
Although he was assigned female at birth, Max is your average trans man trying to get through high school as himself. But on top of classes, crushesand coming out, Max's life is turned upside down when his mom reveals an eons old family secret: he's descended from a long line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil!<br />
<br />
With a sassy feline sidekickand loyal gang of friendsby his side, can Max take on his destiny, save the world and become the next Magical Boy?</i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d5a82494-1c3d-46f1-9589-3adb57af6246" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56258326-magical-boy-volume-1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Save Yourself! by Bones Leopard, Kelly Matthews & Nichole Matthews" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsBprG7elwOyT_I41QGr2EN_W-1Y0yJu-Z2oCxSaquJ0jQ25gIDcPFqRV9S39-uiXTdtIMsZ-7aJIJ6u7ZLCbQ5xrNEokgiK_hq63YstiARFXdvrJSPdTYxGLIdHNUX8QaX4FTvknDAVm4YIPCKODVL4xDsFkZ_zSv_2p9raJhIT0oS08k1bXhejz5g/s2100/Save%20Yourself.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Save Yourself! by Bones Leopard, Kelly Matthews & Nichole Matthews</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Aoe, Thel, and Gen, better known as The Lovely Trio, first burst onto the scene five years ago when they saved Earth from a surprise space monster attack. As a result, everyone idolizes them as super-heroic pop icon magical girls, including Gigi, whose brother died as a bystander in one of their battles. But when Gigi witnesses the Lovely Trio battling a monster firsthand, she sees something that causes her to question everything she thought she ever knew about her heroes, and the “monsters” they fight, who may not be monsters are all! What she learns just might save the world, but only if she can survive the Lovely Trio herself in this magical new graphic novel from the team behind Pandora’s Legacy, writer Bones Leopard (Identical) and artists Kelly & Nichole Matthews (Just Beyond).</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781684158119" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/81dae5fb-18c3-4689-b8ef-c81af39b2e65" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58673888-save-yourself" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Galaxy: The Prettiest Star by Jadzia Axelrod & Jess Taylor" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMApDcP8bfjMxHSmQDxSXhQ_8EMWgS-LPAZFbYtIyH1jnd2wu4znZmVPreeeE4vN_xPMv4RpFbtlE4Bb6pqoCuG4ZTvTS_1r8yZGQZuIrOyDT5urOiQXcCZI0_D-0HCK8csxUi1RSaofNw77cwXWLlEBa-payU6yi_B8mPcH29Lmx99u3lZiKzERibg/s450/Galaxy.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Galaxy: The Prettiest Star by Jadzia Axelrod & Jess Taylor</span> (Trans and sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>It takes strength to live as your true self, and one alien princess disguised as a human boy is about to test her power. A vibrant story about gender identity, romance, and shining as bright as the stars.<br />
<br />
Taylor Barzelay has the perfect life. Good looks, good grades, a starting position on the basketball team, a loving family, even an adorable corgi. Every day in Taylor's life is perfect. And every day is torture.<br />
<br />
Taylor is actually the Galaxy Crowned, an alien princess from the planet Cyandii, and one of the few survivors of an intergalactic war. For six long, painful years, Taylor has accepted her duty to remain in hiding as a boy on Earth.<br />
<br />
That all changes when Taylor meets Metropolis girl Katherine "call me Kat" Silverberg, whose confidence is electrifying. Suddenly, Taylor no longer wants to hide, even if exposing her true identity could attract her greatest enemies. From the charming and brilliant mind behind the popular podcast The Voice of Free Planet X, Jadzia Axelrod, and with stunningly colorful artwork by Jess Taylor comes the story of a girl in hiding who must face her fears to see herself as others see her: the prettiest star. </i> From StoryGraph<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781401298531" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/85f8d480-4f1e-4f15-80a8-33d5d1b84e86" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59235529-galaxy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br /></div>
<br />
I hope you found something here for you or the graphic novel lover in your life! To make it easier for purchasing, I have a handy <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/lgbtq-ya-mg-graphic-novels" target="_blank">Bookshop list</a>* of LGBTQ+ YA & MG graphic novels that feature the majority of the titles mentioned here, plus any sequels.<br />
<br />
Are there any not listed here you would recommend? Do let me know!<br /></div>
<br />
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-73125911720082950382022-06-27T07:00:00.206+01:002022-06-27T14:27:54.175+01:00Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri<center><img alt="A photo of a small stack of two books - Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash, both by Tasha Suri - on top of which stands The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. Just to the left of The Jasmine Throne is a small rainbow pin. They’re on and in front of a large Progress Pride Flag." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjf6wCTqElHHjEIAj0sFnTvk8joJsnQNYcHHRvP7O5IOGYC2MYVLp0ObRDeLR8FnBuA-IUSGsgXH8GwJmwSwLLv9DzWksGuTpXog226fspM7_LfC6_fvkcr9kIzyhlBJdtgmrxG7nynxQubKNeqZDht7xkw7m3LUhN_y3L2eEgrQNjCcxBMZuX0HPFw/s3024/The%20Jasmine%20Throne%202.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I received an eProof for free from Orbit via NetGalley for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 8th June 2021 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Orbit | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://tashasuri.com/" target="_blank">Tasha Suri’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>One is a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne.<br />
The other is a priestess searching for her family.<br />
Together, they will change the fate of an empire.<br />
<br />
Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once the source of powerful magic – but is now little more than a decaying ruin.<br />
<br />
Priya is a maidservant, one of several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to attend Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, as long as it keeps anyone from guessing the dangerous secret she hides. But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled...</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780356515649" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7a58d916-e8be-416f-b1ad-b0726524163b" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50523477-the-jasmine-throne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;">;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features forced drug use, body horror, execution as entertainment, and people burning alive.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'd wanted to read The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri ever since I first heard about it. Stupidly, it took me quite a while before I actually picked it up, and I wish I'd done so much earlier! It was fantastic!<br />
<br />A Indian inspired high fantasy, The Jasmine Throne is very much the first book in a series, in that it's setting things up, forming relationships, letting us get to know the world and the magic system, and putting characters into place for next book. But at the same time, <i>so</i> much happens! There may not be a huge amount of action for the majority of the book, but it's so complex. The world building is so rich and layered. The Empire is ruled by Malini's brother, Chandra, who rules with an iron fist. He's taken his people's religion and has twisted it to become a tool with which tyrannically control the empire. Ahiranya, one of the Empire's territories, is ruled by General Vikram, and it's under his charge that Malini is put when she is exiled to the Hirana, a former temple, for opposing Chandra's rule. There is rebellion within Ahiranya, people wanting to take their home back. People who long for the magic they once had, granted from their own faith. It's a slow build up, but there are various levels of political intrigue, which I absolutely adored. There are a large number of moving parts to this story.<br />
<br />
While Malini and Priya are the main narrators, we also get the perspectives of several others. The three other pain players are Ashok, a former temple child and leader of the rebellion, Bhumika, the wife to General Vikram who also hides the fact she was once a temple child, and Rao, the prince of another territory and ally of Malini's. There are several other perspectives that are included as well, but they get only a chapter or two. At first, I was annoyed with all the different perspectives; I'm not one for jumping about all over the place, I like my high fantasies somewhat contained, and prefer no-more than three narrators so I don't have to wait too long before getting back to the characters I prefer. But as I said, there are so many moving parts to this story. Malini is imprisoned in the Hirana, and Priya is but a maidservant. While Priya has more freedom, there's only so much she can be aware of. We need all these other perspectives because there are so many layers, so I came to love all the perspectives; we know what's happening elsewhere, the moves that are made, the plans put into motion, while others, not so much, or not until later. I am a massive, massive fan of political intrigue and it was just bloody fantastic! I revelled in it. Suri has plotted this story so well, and it was just so incredible to see where the story led, how the various moves effected other elements. The Jasmine Throne really puts the epic into epic fantasy.<br />
<br />
I adored Priya. She is such a great character. She has a history of her own, and secrets to keep. She's quite a hopeful person, which I really appreciated. She's just so good and kind, and full of love for her people. And she goes through so much in this book. The things she rediscovers, the secrets kept from her, the hurt she experiences. And she's conflicted when it comes to the Empire, and what's the best thing to do. Is she for the rebellion? Is she for trying to keep her people alive? There are different ideas about what lines can and should be crossed from different sides, and Priya isn't necessarily for some people's methods. But how she has such courage and spunk and does what she feels is right. I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding her past and what she doesn't remember, the latent power and her past that she keeps hidden. It was great to see her learn the truth and come into her strength, but to also see her still be herself with her morals and sense of what is right.<br />
<br />
Malini is quite a complex character, and so morally grey. Chandra is awful, and people are suffering under his rule. She wants to depose him, and put their older brother, who abdicated on the throne. She has a strong belief in what she feels is right for the Empire, and will do whatever it takes to make it so. Whatever it takes. She's just brilliant! And so clever, she's got political strategising down to a T. She's has a heart, but she is ruthless. And now her own life depends on getting Chandra off the throne. I have to say I wasn't really surprised by where Malini's storyline took her, I think that was pretty obvious from the get-go, but I didn't mind that.<br />
<br />
I have to say, I couldn't really get on board with the romance. Malini was drugged through the majority of the story, and in the great scheme of things, Malini and Priya didn't have an awful lot of time together on the page. So I didn't really feel we got to see the romance develop very much. But this isn't really an issue for me, because I don't really read high fantasy for the romance. Yes, the sapphic romance was one of the things that drew me to this story, but not the only thing, and honestly, the political intrigue is just first class, and I'm generally much more interested in that in fantasy anyway, so I'm not disappointed.<br />
<br />
Despite guessing early on where Malini's path would take her, I didn't know how she would get there, and I have the say, the ending was absolutely incredible! It was so, so good! Things really got moving, and it was just fantastic! And I am so, so excited for The Oleander Sword now, because I'm pretty such everything is going to be dialled right up, and I can't wait! I know I thought The Jasmine Throne was epic, but I think The Oleander Sword is going to top, and that there will be so much more in regards to action. It's just going to be so bloody brilliant! I highly, highly recommend The Jasmine Throne; this is not a book to miss!<br />
<br />
Thank you to Orbit via NetGalley for the eProof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-83758251465770065352022-06-25T07:00:00.026+01:002022-06-25T07:00:00.221+01:00Review: Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow {#Ad)<center><img alt="A photo of a Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow proof on a Progress Pride flag over the POC chevron, which is at a diagonal, so the chevron is pointing to the bottom right, On top of the proof, on it's right side, is a postcard of the book's final cover - which is different to the proof cover - on a diagonal, top right, to bottom left. There is a rainbow pin on the top left of the proof, and around the book is a white shell, a shiva shell heart, and a small jar of sand and tiny shells." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaQQJrgR0XuthOBfBLbj1alkatQZtClG9RJXG2JvK7QPf7hnpPmlsZmTPIG9wkteJDZgO4QjUdeX0gQ7ngpk1fx0r_AjycrYlb1g_G9-nAVKEjvaOofjvCPH-3eg3YSPMfDcSE6hD145EnJEGjATqTPmnsuHvzw1fAu8PfIULKbyVLf62MrtE8A2DzQ/s3024/Bad%20Things%20Happen%20Here.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this proof for free by Hot Key Books for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 28th June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Hot Key Books | <strong>Source:</strong> <br />
<a href="" target="_blank">Rebecca Barrow’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>With compelling characters, broken friendships and complicated romances, Bad Things Happen Here is the irresistible YA murder mystery thriller: it makes your heart race, your toes curl, and your mind whirl with deadly secrets, dark truths and the innate need to escape a poisonous paradise.<br />
<br />
The island of Parris: paradise or poison?<br />
<br />
Luca Laine Thomas lives in Parris, the beautiful island plagued by the unsolved deaths of young women - most significantly, Luca's best friend. All Luca wants is to heal from the traumatic loss and leave her feelings of guilt and helplessness behind.<br />
<br />
Then Luca comes home to find the police at her house. Her sister, Whitney, is dead.<br />
<br />
Luca and Naomi, the new girl next door, decide to take the investigation into their own hands, and along the way their connection deepens. Soon, their casual touches and innocent flirtations become something way more real. But finding out what happened on the night of Whitney's disappearance reveals lie upon lie.<br />
<br />
Nothing is as it seems. Will Luca's search finally reveal truth about her sister's murder? And will she unravel and escape the clutches of the curse and survive Parris?</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781471411243" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8a766106-17cc-4c6f-baa0-9ac7e659dc7b" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60482891-bad-things-happen-here" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, vomit, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, reference to drug use, masturbation, reference to arson, reference to someone burning alive, a corpse, fatphobia, racism, self-harm, reference to discrimination of those with mental illness, suicide ideation, and reference to rape.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow was one of my most highly anticipated novels of 2022, and I've been so excited to read it! But while it was an interesting story, I found that I didn't really enjoy it overall.<br />
<br />
Luca lives in Parris, a idyllic island, where the weather is always gorgeous, and the people wealthy. It should be a beautiful place to live, but Parris' has it's darkness. She has been haunted by the death of her best friend Polly four years ago. It was written off as an accident, but Luca knows there was more to it than that, and struggles with the fact that it wasn't properly investigated. Just like the deaths of other girls in Parris'. There has always been a morbid joke that the island is cursed, but Luca has always thought that it might be true. It hurts even more when, after four years, people move into Polly's house, but Luca is somewhat distracted by her pain by Naomi, the daughter of the family moving in. Luca can't stop thinking about her, but soon it's not quite distraction enough when her older sister Whitney is murdered. Weighed down by even more grief, Luca's belief in the curse is strengthened, and she's determined to figure out what happened to Whitney, not just for closure, but so she knows what not to do, to stop the curse coming from her.<br />
<br />
I found it really interesting what Bad Things Happen Here has to say about the interest in true crime. It doesn't take long before Whitney's murder becomes the thing people gossip about. Luca and Whitney were extremely close, but as things are revealed that Whitney kept from her, and others hear about it, the gossip begins. There's a horrifying excitement as others talk about Whitney and her murder, and it's pretty disgusting. It becomes more obvious when Luca is briefly considered a suspect, and the talk switches to her. It's odd, because the island is relatively small, everyone knows everyone, but still there's this thrill from it all. It's just awful; I kept thinking, "This is someone you know! And she didn't just die, she was killed! How can you talk like this?!" It really made me uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
Barrow also takes a look at privilege that was really fascinating. It looks at privilege in general, and how privilege breeds discrimination against those who don't tick the right boxes, even if they pretend like they're not prejudiced. Luca is Black, fat, and has a mental illness, and sees very clearly who she must be to avoid judgement. But it also looks at the privilege of those who have money, and the entitlement that comes with it. When you have the money to get anything you want, you start to believe that you deserve anything you want, and people should do - or not do - things you demand. It's all quite subtle, but it's really obvious, and it's actually quite shocking.<br />
<br />
However, I just wasn't really a fan of the story as a whole. I didn't really understand Luca's fixation with the curse; this is a thriller, not a fantasy, so I didn't really understand the purpose of it. At first I thought it might be related to her mental health, but both seem to be almost separated as the story continues, and so I didn't really get it. There's also the fact that I thought Bad Things Happen Here was really slow. It's a very quick read, and you fly through it quite easily, but for all that, I expected more to happen. I just didn't feel there was the right vibe for a thriller, I was never on the edge of my seat, and I just honestly couldn't get behind Luca's theories. It didn't seem to take very much for Luca to suspect someone. Time moves quite quickly, weeks go by in a matter of pages, so it was also difficult to <i>feel</i> the romance, because Luca and Naomi seemed to get close very quickly, and we never really got to see their relationship develop. And I just didn't like Luca; she doesn't treat people very well, she's impulsive and makes silly decisions and mistakes, and I just didn't warm to her. But that in and of itself isn't a problem; I'm not someone who has a problem with unlikable characters. But with everything else, there wasn't much I liked about it.<br />
<br />
I wasn't completely surprised by the reveal, but I was surprised by the ending. I didn't expect it at all. Initially, I was really annoyed by it; it's not the conclusion I wanted. But it's actually quite a clever ending, and makes sense alongside what Bad Things Happen Here has to say. It's a little look at fiction versus real life; what you, as a reader, want, and what is actually realistic. It's a fascinating and thoughtprovoking ending, as is the story as a whole. But I can't say it was a book I enjoyed reading.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Hot Key Books for the proof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-78060226968695857262022-06-24T07:00:00.267+01:002022-06-24T07:00:00.214+01:00Review: Picture Books for Pride<center><img alt="A photo of three Pride picture books on a large Progress Pride Flag, At the top-center is 'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and Juana Medina. ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes MBE, Louie Stowell and Amy Phelps in on the bottom left, partially under 'Twas the Night Before Pride. It's diagonal, top left to bottom right. The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kinglsye Books and Jem Milton is at the bottom right, particially on top of 'Twas the Night Before Pride. It's diagonal, top right to bottom left." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6DhLJlFIwYcVvlj-0-xlWrpVcYC2PLrAufcG6UYHrk4FH9l6N3lnT-VKMufQy5LphsZ9mQFMEN6dkhp0jRBA7SoD6Zu7xyeWMprbos_pRq43bExT8lEHHeZo57KMzbxVPoVygv_wUsRKB8SjBBPGCylQooSQBEfbQgx6U58caF7Zv7N9uwzgwBkmwg/s2897/Pride%20Books%202.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Being that it's Pride, I thought it was appropriate to squeal over some of the beautiful picture books for young children that have been published specifically relating to Pride! They are gorgeous and beautiful, and I adore them!<br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span><br />
<center><img alt="ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes MBE, Louie Stowell and Amy Phelps on a Progress Pride flag at a diagonal, top left to bottom right." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1xVxBLIld2BpLso9K0x8evE0Gy0yX2CjIKXRRt0_XkQ3nR1YfVscWWlXjseG9BSh-wzRUihOvqk2WY9GQOwrVVdGpTmuEzVmrB1Bpx3l4C66IkYgs9Ho_3aPIq_OEwtsoaBIqCrTgyVD6fCQ10sYQmZjLUtLyXIA-pDS-VvSNDLBOfzqCJdRAjRy3w/s3024/ABC%20Pride.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes MBE, Louie Stowell and Amy Phelps</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 2nd June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> DK | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://louiestowell.com/" target="_blank">Louie Stowell’s Website</a> | <a href="https://amythystart.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Amy Phelps’s Website</a><br /><br />
<br />
<i>A is for Acceptance! B is for Belonging! C is for Celebrate!<br />
<br />
ABC Pride introduces little readers to the alphabet through the colorful world of Pride. Children can discover letters and words while also learning more about the LGBTQIA+ community and how to be inclusive.<br />
<br />
Every letter of the alphabet is paired with fun, bold illustrations to support language learning, and a handy list of discussion points at the end gives adults the tools to spark further conversations and discussion.<br />
<br />
ABC Pride offers a simple yet powerful way to explain gender, identity, ability to children, while supporting diverse family units. Ideal for children to explore together with a caregiver, or in the classroom.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780241572542" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3b001175-0891-4fe8-9daf-6c8d899c95de" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60287171-abc-pride?" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes MBE and Louie Stowell, and illustrated by Amy Phelps is a fantastic book for children to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and topics through the alphabet.<br />
<br />
It provides simple meanings for words that might not be obvious to children, like "non-binary," "trans," and what being "out" means. When it comes to sexual orientations, the focus is on love - who a person loves and/or who they don't, which I really liked. With people wanting books banned, and the idea that teaching about LGBTQ+ people is somehow related to sex, as if it's something sordid, the emphasis on love here is really beautiful. It also discusses neo pronouns with "xe" being the word for X. What's great is how some of the words, like "kindness" and "understanding," overlap for life and empathy in general, and others like "justice" and "march," that overlap with other civil rights issues, as well as words that are specific to LGBTQ+ people and Pride.<br />
<br />
The illustrations are simple yet beautiful, with people of colour, disabled people, and people wearing hijab represented. It's great to see how the words have been represented in the illustrations, which can be used to help explain some of the more difficult to explain ideas, like "equity," or as a further talking point.<br />
<br />
ABC Pride is a a really lovely book, and would make a great introduction to LGBTQ+ topics and Pride, or a great addition to a child's LGBTQ+ library.<br />
<br />
<center><img alt="'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and Juana Medina on a Progress Pride flag at a diagonal, top right to bottom left." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftsN49gbgaZ5JyurPkwXbNXDQicN1Moag_C77-CAPiLsuLrovBL6vJjuyiOVEQ8A-l4Z5jGWUqmUj9vVVeXg4dVwLIzCyCrviyw3KLyKJzUDVXnto1HT3QggJ6reBNLGcdGqKjZFxYuaXrp6ykg1cpsWyre80o9Go6Bru4xwgvyTDQxAPdvDPKleo1g/s3024/%27Twas%20the%20Night%20Before%20Pride.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and Juana Medina</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 10th May 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Candlewick Press | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.joannamcclintick.com/" target="_blank">Joanna McClintick’s Website</a><br /> | <a href="http://www.juanamedina.com/" target="_blank">Author’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Pride’s . . . a day that means “Together, we are strong!”<br />
<br />
On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. Debut author Joanna McClintick and Pura Belpré Award–winning author-illustrator Juana Medina create a new classic that pays homage to the beauty of families of all compositions—and of all-inclusive love.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781529506372" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e1aa74c2-3a1e-4845-844d-d585c46795ed" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52746149-twas-the-night-before-pride" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features discussion of the Stonewall Riots.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<br />
A rhyming story in the style of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, 'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and illustrated by Juana Medina is the gorgeous story of a family preparing to go to Pride the next day. The older child is excited, as they remember previous Prides they've attended. As it's baby Sammy's first pride, together the two mums and older sibling tell Sammy about about the history of Pride, teaching about the Stonewall riot. The history is told honestly but carefully; it's not sugar-coated, but it's not too brutal. There's reference to homophobia, through simple words and illustrated facial expressions. As such, I think it's a really beautiful way to introduce and talk about how LGBTQ+ are discriminated against, while also telling a joyful story.<br />
<br />
All of the Prides remembered are beautifully illustrated by Medina. People of colour, disabled people, older people, and people wearing hijab are represented stunning scene are scene. There is so much going on in these illustrations, so much to see. There's a great deal of detail, and it's the kind of book where you'll see something new each time you read it. What's really cool, O I think, is how the people's faces are quite androgynous, and you can't exactly tell or easily guess someone's gender; there's no stereotyping here. I think this is just awesome, as it could make a great talking point around gender stereotypes and assumptions. There are signs and banners held up in every Pride depicted, and there's a great focus on Pride as protest as well as celebration. I adored that there's a Black Lives Matter banner in one scene.<br />
<br />
I absolutely adored this book, and it's a great story as well as fun way to discuss Pride and it's history, and celebrate the joy with young children.<br />
<br />
<center><img alt="The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kinglsye Books and Jem Miltonon a Progress Pride flag at a diagonal, top left to bottom right." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKWM14EsrYjwfkitYvnLNqEmlUaJ5nEOJPnqBVp8Kc8R3eg21JTCoVhmGb0keoQwXQ5ex8Yju1uKoP3Rah4EDVfY-lnJj9ZceeHiuGwyhzSgQ_5np_wMXW2kgvWgnE4j9ZYCNplhO3VBZqeLxiGYxgEzTCaFaV7RYR7z3zEuqIuhp_QENYDfsIhyAbQ/s3024/The%20Big%20Book%20of%20Pride%20Flags.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kinglsye Books and Jem Milton</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 22nd June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Jessica Kingsley Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Bought<br />
<a href="https://www.jmiltondraws.com/" target="_blank">Jem Milton’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Featuring all the colours of the rainbow, this book teaches children about LGBTQIA+ identities through 17 different Pride flags. With fun facts, simple explanations and a short history of each flag accompanying beautiful illustrations, children will uncover the history of Pride and be introduced to different genders and sexual orientations. There's also a blank Pride flag design at the back of the book so that children can create their very own Pride flag!<br />
<br />
With a Reading Guide that provides a detailed History of the Pride Flag and questions for further discussion, this inspiring book is a must-have for every child's bookshelf, library or classroom.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781839972584" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9020f980-efd3-483c-97af-462c5084304d" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59763827-the-big-book-of-pride-flags" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features </i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<br />
The Big Book of Pride Flags from Jessica Kingsley Books, illustrated by Jem Milton, is such a brilliant book. It's pretty extensive, featuring the majority of Pride flags.<br />
<br />
It starts off with the origin of Pride flags, with the Gilbert Baker Pride flag, requested by Harvey Milk, the Rainbow Flag, and the Progress Pride flag, and then goes from there to cover all pride flags in alphabetical order, including flags for different genders, sexual orientations, and romantic orientations. It tells you when they were created and who by, what the identity means, and what each of the colours represent, and with some of the identities being somewhat lesser known. Honestly, I learnt a fair bit from this book myself. All of the flags are accompanied by illustrations of people, and include people of colour, disabled people, people who wear hijab, all ages, and gender presentations.<br />
<br />
I would say this book is for older children; while the explanations are relatively simple explanations for each flag, the different identities can be a little complex and it does give a fair amount of detail. For some, like intersex, they might still be questions and some confusion, but it's a great introduction to start with, and to start more conversations about how there are many different ways to identify.<br />
<br />
The the back there's a timeline of the evolution of the Pride flag, going through the various changes and the reasons why that goes into more details than the pages at the beginning of the book. There are alsio questions to spark discussion and to check understanding. And there's even a space for a child to design their own Pride flag to represent themselves.<br />
<br />
The Big Book of Pride Flags is fantastic. It's great to help children learn about the various identities and gain understanding, but also maybe help them figure out their own. It's just so beautiful, and I love it!<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-75340233588288007182022-06-22T07:00:00.011+01:002022-06-23T13:08:13.143+01:00Recommending LGBTQ+ Middle Grade<center><img alt="A blog graphic with the covers of 15 books as the background, with the words Once Upon a Bookcase, Recommeding LGBTQ+ Middle Grade in purple, with a transparent lilac background around the words." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjQztnaBjMhmcMVWJpZPit1pIzuS9uQANq3wpNJPyHzdgZ7x0_h601rLZmgeywXjFh23Sq9KW8kStfDwVDiSwxu8VQeRdVfPD1aTrsn6aa-bVJIf984eEkOx7WHsbISs7slvsgnDGVyDRHWWeMOwGMaNcyq6OWUzqJYH0QwK4vlL5hIhDPnHHkZyEhg/s750/LGBTQ+%20Middle%20Grade.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<b>Ad: Titles with an asterisk (*) were provided to me for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with a circumflex (^) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Recommending LGBTQ+ Middle Grade
</strong></h1></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Looking after the LGBTQ+ YA section at Foyles, and seeing how well it's done, I've also worked on trying to put together lists of other queer titles in the Children's Department and try to make sure we've got stock in, in order to recommend titles if we're asked. As it's Pride Month, I thought I'd share some of those lists, so you can stock up for the younger readers in your life.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm here with a list of LGBTQ+ middlegrade novels! The only books I'm including here are books either with LGBTQ+ protagonists, or, if not, that have prominent LGBTQ+ themes, rather than incidental, background rep. I love middlegrade with same-gender parents, for example, but if they're in the background, and it's not relevant to the story, that's great, and they definitely have their place, but I want to highlight books that LGBTQ+ middlegrade readers can see themselves in, or themes that are relevant. So on we go with the recommendations! <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;">
<img align="left" alt="Melissa by Alex Gino" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyiXyjSkw4ERIL6Kl8vrTLHyoMVbmh1dUTpSKS6MVr3se6minaAo5L6jlCjgIcD23sCNAKrjJHxlqEE7LmN3g9S57mXNsYLDhDZEscM9-GrwoqBI8gCTEdUOfCWJqPwiCLpOxKBApy_pJJTkqfQKDLt5uIMx_q_LO2YK899ag0dbpcLRVUvvOSXJnJg/s550/Melissa.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Melissa by Alex Gino</span> (Trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>BE WHO YOU ARE.<br />
<br />
When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.<br />
<br />
Melissa thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. Melissa really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part... because she's a boy.<br />
<br />
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702317842" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="goodreads.com/book/show/59468970-melissa" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="goodreads.com/book/show/59468970-melissa" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ADRCSh8967Y5SfMMZ5pFUWSPCQwXDOQ8DAxl3iaoMLEXl_wgEYRK1HIOl6dijEd1dS7tGHENSbxG_J7u2jq8iINGCAudAKa_U6dVR4jveXzWnPkBBQclPosdsHcAnuSTOzQH_2IR5R8CuwGPaQD-G2BHJ17XMMKHbTW2oOaS-v2F9_Z_CGg-P9vKjg/s550/King%20and%20the%20Dragonflies.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Twelve-year-old Kingston James is sure his brother Khalid has turned into a dragonfly. When Khalid unexpectedly passed away, he shed what was his first skin for another to live down by the bayou in their small Louisiana town. Khalid still visits in dreams, and King must keep these secrets to himself as he watches grief transform his family.<br />
<br />
It would be easier if King could talk with his best friend, Sandy Sanders. But just days before he died, Khalid told King to end their friendship, after overhearing a secret about Sandy-that he thinks he might be gay. "You don't want anyone to think you're gay too, do you?"<br />
<br />
But when Sandy goes missing, sparking a town-wide search, and King finds his former best friend hiding in a tent in his backyard, he agrees to help Sandy escape from his abusive father, and the two begin an adventure as they build their own private paradise down by the bayou and among the dragonflies.<br />
<br />
As King's friendship with Sandy is reignited, he's forced to confront questions about himself and the reality of his brother's death.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702302817" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/502658d0-6155-4485-a32d-99093709c6c9" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53862271-king-and-the-dragonflies" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="In the Role of Brie Hutchens... by Nicole Melleby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt_6zO-mrSk90AF4nCqupkHKxi4TZq7Phh75c3iSTenV5I9yzmNstRGDLe0T9byasL78aVA3LJY5vV8QAxhICBFJwqQPdDyeiOhXFpFY3YI1mXwgmah4yKGUX15ffmd6X9_Z5JvtMOQ0LID_gnzWlMZf27boLjWCeX1xQ0Ay0UvVh3wt56XQMmd5QNA/s2478/In%20the%20Role%20of%20Brie%20Hutchens.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">In the Role of Brie Hutchens... by Nicole Melleby</span> (Lesbian)</b><br />
<br />
<i>An own-voices LGBTQ novel from the acclaimed author of Hurricane Season, about eighth grader Brie, who learns how to be true to herself and to her relationships with family, friends, and faith.<br />
<br />
Introducing Brie Hutchens: soap opera super fan, aspiring actor, and so-so student at her small Catholic school. Brie has big plans for eighth grade. She's going to be the star of the school play and convince her parents to let her go to the performing arts high school. But when Brie's mom walks in on her accidentally looking at some possibly inappropriate photos of her favorite actress, Brie panics and blurts out that she's been chosen to crown the Mary statue during her school's May Crowning ceremony. Brie's mom is distracted with pride--but Brie's in big trouble: she has not been chosen. No one has, yet. Worse, Brie has almost no chance to get the job, which always goes to a top student.<br />
<br />
Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to--finally--make her mother really see her as she is.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c12181f6-d46d-4a5f-929a-486e2fc64969" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50808508-in-the-role-of-brie-hutchens" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Best Liars in Riverview by Lin Thompson" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1lYvxC3Em5siHcngfECCGpEqaJGEibbtexL4QnwNj6BStfuKV_thAadrjuvfCYrg0OrWVi6WzEW7sgmBtoXM_NByRu6VI3-o1vuY7NXfgHYoSNHYrXY21jLzpI1zv1uu0vVhU2l4E274W_JKmi9572vuQXYKRL4TYypVj3BdVwbo-gZEI5XB06Nhgg/s2339/The%20Best%20Liars%20in%20Riverview.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Best Liars in Riverview by Lin Thompson</span> (Non-binary)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Sometime in the last day or so, ever since Joel Gallagher disappeared, I became a liar.<br />
<br />
Aubrey and Joel are like two tomato vines growing along the same crooked fence—weird, yet the same kind of weird. Then Joel disappears. Vanishes. Poof. And Aubrey was the last person to see him.<br />
<br />
The whole town is looking for Joel, but Aubrey realises they might be the only one who knows how to find him. As Aubrey, their sister, Teagan, and another friend, Mari, search along the river, will they find themselves along the way?<br />
<br />
From Lin Thompson comes a powerful debut that will invite readers to unearth the truth beneath all the lies.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781922458452" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c892b875-9863-4b0c-9f82-3c400b8589ef" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59900399-the-best-liars-in-riverview" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Death in the Spotlight by Robin Stevens" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3wJjafTpxNSzElPI_L94jv6AbTtfTG_Fgx46b3Oku40otap9MlrgXyR1FrATj-vbFVz3WLd2YCskFaV6id4hGGush9BqHeW6rUtaUFr4dsviTCgEMxIQCH-jxBpUDpupmkYh9bMkkQbtQw_1qda-AtfS-T5vg7CG_xY1xSZCdTj689jhkfU2JK0oPQ/s475/Death%20in%20the%20Spotlight.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Death in the Spotlight by Robin Stevens</span> (Lesbian)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Someone will take their final bow . . .<br />
<br />
Fresh from their adventure in Hong Kong, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells are off to the Rue Theatre in London to face an entirely new challenge: acting. But the Detective Society is never far away from danger, and it's clear there's trouble afoot at the Rue.<br />
<br />
Jealousy, threats and horrible pranks quickly spiral out of control - and then a body is found. Now Hazel and Daisy must take centre stage and solve the crime . . . before the murderer strikes again.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<i>N.B. This is book 7 in the Murder Most Unladylike series; Daisy is in all books in this series, but this is the book she comes out in.</i><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780141373829" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7ea93e7c-6025-4f4c-867d-75d24342c4b2" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Whispers by Greg Howard" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ99zCWs9zVBhSUqj7yaHA2VxG59eK9VjLvInWrAmEykpREomWpLgyTZhwJHr9IxwYEvx5E7-8LRXa_aGHZuv96uCcTPZOUIk4-QAY1-7O8pprmJugxl72bQDK3-keJmNKbGHadUHDTrpzUrYLTk01myElEXRahsKBLAVjhCJTcBIUX184ZhXAK9UUgQ/s475/The%20Whispers.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Whispers by Greg Howard</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Eleven-year-old Riley believes in the whispers, magical fairies that will grant you wishes if you leave them tributes. Riley has a lot of wishes. He wishes bullies at school would stop picking on him. He wishes Dylan, his 8th grade crush, liked him, and Riley wishes he would stop wetting the bed. But most of all, Riley wishes for his mom to come back home. She disappeared a few months ago, and Riley is determined to crack the case. He even meets with a detective, Frank, to go over his witness statement time and time again.<br />
<br />
Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, Riley decides to take matters into his own hands. So he goes on a camping trip with his friend Gary to find the whispers and ask them to bring his mom back home. But Riley doesn't realize the trip will shake the foundation of everything that he believes in forever.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/26c82a18-5f7d-4c14-bc6e-69155a605ab9" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40232713-the-whispers" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Rick by Alex Gino" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_g-benU8Wt7TEmQphUrS6odP2wTVnDx6mOfOfxtJhhlx4MPCsZT06w_juHO0VNU1OuvBx6gSF0JuQAznkaP8qaNSuCgKhT2DKC4lzv6VZ8YfcbmoV--L-KZhavS5ZpEy8JtcK2-dhQLldQmKBqWRQbpVRHh9iQkw7YX9-lXaP-7nOzEJXdns4_216w/s550/Rick.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rick by Alex Gino</span> (Asexual)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Rick's never questioned much. He's gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff's acted like a bully and a jerk. He's let his father joke with him about which hot girls he might want to date even though that kind of talk always makes him uncomfortable. And he hasn't given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out.<br />
<br />
But now Rick's gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening. One of them leads to the school's Rainbow Spectrum club, where kids of many genders and identities congregate, including Melissa, the girl who sits in front of Rick in class and seems to have her life together. Rick wants his own life to be that ... understood. Even if it means breaking some old friendships and making some new ones.<br />
<br />
As they did in their groundbreaking novel Melissa, in Rick, award-winning author Alex Gino explores what it means to search for your own place in the world ... and all the steps you and the people around you need to take in order to get where you need to be.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702301827" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ccd87243-29c6-4539-a666-5cbef7209c79" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53349956-rick" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Ana on the Edge by A.J. Sass" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitf6tAW0lZSr1uE6Pqfcdn-DtANTF_zw65orJzpb5HkUYAIo2pOORsvPXyTprAe1XUgq89uy0CSWQLLIqB1jYkd6lJusvVK-18f3n75aJ8xbMAHPpvs4AUViWfvTzX5RoKluYbA4gBSQx2eDCDUJ9e-oXL3G4wUH0QdgeuZGMkx1ygYwSA5GZ-9fWnQw/s400/Ana%20on%20the%20Edge.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ana on the Edge by A.J. Sass</span> (Non-binary)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. So, when Ana learns that next season's program will be princess themed, doubt forms fast. Still, Ana tries to focus on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success.<br />
<br />
Once Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. And when Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn't correct him and finds comfort in this boyish identity when he's around. As their friendship develops, Ana realizes that it's tricky juggling two different identities on one slippery sheet of ice. And with a major competition approaching, Ana must decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780316458627" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/3091f1c7-1437-47c7-b5ee-2a318f87354b" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57007699-ana-on-the-edge" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFqLgvh0zPzmL_SMXwNUkKyxTuLrW0KoqQ-WEn2RDNLmIpYENqas1dwDBB5zP_aX_EYphaNg6dRuKJU1jp8HdqglmfL16lIwle5sx34y1jMhRT-RQ8jgndidCKLs7sV-6WfJp5R01S436cipwJMeVWP2yriNkyPosnIYCrmEuuZri5GUN7o8M1AuS0Q/s550/Hurricane%20Child.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender</span> (Lesbian)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Caroline Murphy is a Hurricane Child.<br />
<br />
Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and 12-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately. She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and—worst of all—Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back.<br />
<br />
But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend—and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush.<br />
<br />
Now, Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Together, Caroline and Kalinda must set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother—before Caroline loses her forever.</i> From Goodreads.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/68e5e2e4-40c0-40a5-8a09-2b6bb5fb0daa" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58706214-hurricane-child" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pql11IAvAph662-MYSj2KLcygdNXkXVabE1Ve1zgKIQlbOMVp7x9xnsa4VVatafFbe8Pa1gGLAUb6WGvWzgVEUDsCh8U79bh8xZV_9mXb6DlYptJv3LTCG2sl21nq-_TEQl9LmL05y1xwJ9QyWkljpdC6MkFnLvPu_5ucgyOiJU6meb53b8hznR7sw/s662/The%20Best%20At%20It.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From actor Maulik Pancholy comes an incredibly charming, heartfelt middle grade debut about Rahul Kapoor, a gay Indian American boy coming into his own in a small town in the Midwest.<br />
<br />
Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing you’re really good at. And become the BEST at it.<br />
<br />
Those four little words sear themselves into Rahul’s brain. While he’s not quite sure what that special thing is, he is convinced that once he finds it, bullies like Brent Mason will stop torturing him at school. And he won’t be worried about staring too long at his classmate Justin Emery. With his best friend, Chelsea, by his side, Rahul is ready to crush this challenge. . . . But what if he discovers he isn’t the best at anything?<br />
<br />
Funny, charming, and incredibly touching, this is a story about friendship, family, and the courage it takes to live your truth.</i> From Goodreads.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4ff575ad-be4e-4740-a133-0496e6105bf7" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58506529-the-best-at-it" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru5eO2ceJrMobMN8y4NDZdPSCHBiuEi8qraJSaDarbhIlqayIlH0Bdd5IAT94PaIisoxtLp4xqW_lXdZPyTiFeETAKRU7DKJ3cR2g0eu4oOhb8kG-5QYjs81GWf-k97-sWVrzDodELDpdMnwbS5qAd1gN3FWOejWKEq-KPprGUTyPfDZp9bnvvQRT3Q/s583/Ivy%20Aberdeen.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake</span> (Lesbian)</b><br />
<br />
<i>When a tornado rips through town, twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen’s house is destroyed and her family of five is displaced. Ivy feels invisible and ignored in the aftermath of the storm–and what’s worse, her notebook filled with secret drawings of girls holding hands has gone missing.<br />
<br />
Mysteriously, Ivy’s drawings begin to reappear in her locker with notes from someone telling her to open up about her identity. Ivy thinks–and hopes–that this someone might be her classmate, another girl for whom Ivy has begun to develop a crush. Will Ivy find the strength and courage to follow her true feelings?<br />
<br />
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World exquisitely enriches the rare category of female middle-grade characters who like girls–and children’s literature at large.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780316515474" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8e1f9b16-fc6d-4d5f-8670-f77ed5709ba3" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40697003-ivy-aberdeen-s-letter-to-the-world" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUFRQGVQmXDeDn2Yg_ao9BpJ3wnGxqbqSozmPLnEWMab7yL7Eb516ZlIoVUfG3OaRdifGC7AvosHBEVUts0z--9E4oDmz-lY1pukqRc711ZOwTLa3lBjBfTu1-BDUPBgwORN_7e_4hDeen91ajL-uo60SJdq9tdB8AMfW2KtjUrXRfSnt7D7MsjfCSQ/s490/Proud%20of%20Me.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt</span> (Sapphic questioning)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Becky and Josh are almost-twins, with two mums and the same anonymous donor dad.<br />
<br />
Josh can't wait until he's eighteen, the legal age when he can finally contact his father, and he'll do anything to find out more - even if it involves lying.<br />
<br />
Becky can't stop thinking about her new friend, Carli. Could her feelings for Carli be a sign of something more?<br />
<br />
Becky and Josh both want their parents to be proud of them...but right now, they're struggling to even accept themselves.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781474966245" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f8ee50e7-0714-4d60-b683-a111d34bd73d" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56029837-proud-of-me" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Middle School's a Drag, You Better Werk! by Greg Howard" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklfpZh4NUDfx9F0sTWyOtDbK3OPcGpKcjDDVa88ZvNq3zqhGD2u_W0JaBuHMO_OUHB_ZJnlPf-nqG1cs995Dgdzg-C8UjbxPKM1eXkagEeega188S4TGfOHjXxwckyAGhVNNF-RL9s51bpplPyexC4GlItN6plnfPehNC32Ab0_wPitJ5zQla14NRJw/s2325/Middle%20School%27s%20a%20DRag.tiff" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Middle School's a Drag, You Better Werk! by Greg Howard</span> (Gay, major secondary character is a drag queen)</b><br />
<br />
<i>In this new novel from Greg Howard, an enterprising boy starts his own junior talent agency and signs a thirteen-year-old aspiring drag queen as his first client.<br />
<br />
Twelve-year-old Mikey Pruitt is a budding entrepreneur. Inspired by his grandfather Pap Pruitt, who successfully ran all sorts of businesses, Mikey is still looking for his million-dollar idea. Unfortunately, most of his ideas--from a roadside general store to croquet lessons--haven't taken off. It isn't until kid drag queen Coco Caliente, Mistress of Madness and Mayhem (aka eighth grader Julian Vasquez) walks into his office (aka his family's storage/laundry room) looking for a talent agent that Mikey thinks he's finally found a business that will put him on the map, and the Anything Talent and Pizzazz Agency is born.<br />
<br />
Soon, Mikey has a whole roster of kid clients looking to hit it big or at least win the middle school talent show's hundred-dollar prize. As newly out Mikey prepares Julian for the gig of a lifetime, he realizes there's no rulebook for being gay--and if Julian can be openly gay at school, maybe Mikey can, too, and tell his crush, the dreamy Colton Sanford, how he feels.<br />
<br />
Full of laughs, sass, and hijinks, this hilarious, heartfelt story shows that with a little effort and a lot of love, anything is possible.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780525517542" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1da6d230-e7d7-421c-9dd7-8d48cc0ed5dd" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54895474-middle-school-s-a-drag-you-better-werk" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf0TWv4wz6PA-1VXBCezUHBE2adLOxWECgllr__fi30gMVubfsXMZKi3b5VLBb4InhcC4yZatKe7X1ZThOS7RFxyjkfH0u9P0TRZ74i6vjQjw-7gK9ulLT0xJTdBigIqB7LqpaaMOzzqW2ZauXiRShhM-YlicJDV3fzkD5uRp_oUk0lcZp9O_B68iaw/s1024/The%20Deepest%20Breath.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan</span> (Lesbian)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Stevie is eleven and loves reading and sea-creatures. She lives with her mum, and she's been best friends with Andrew since forever. Stevie's mum teases her that someday they'll get married, but Stevie knows that won't ever happen.<br />
<br />
There's a girl at school that she likes more. A lot more. Actually, she's a bit confused about how much she likes her. It's nothing like the way she likes Andrew. It makes her fizz inside. That's a new feeling, one she doesn't understand.<br />
<br />
Stevie needs to find out if girls can like girls - love them, even - but it's hard to get any information, and she's too shy to ask out loud about it. But maybe she can find an answer in a book. With the help of a librarian, Stevie finds stories of girls loving girls, and builds up her courage to share the truth with her mum.<br />
<br />
Written in accessible verse 'chapters' and in a warm and reassuring style, The Deepest Breath will be of special relevance to young girls who are starting to realise that they are attracted to other girls, but it is also a story for any young reader with an open mind who wants to understand how people's emotions affect their lives.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781912417186" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/651f0542-84d9-4461-a5e5-de09faaba6ae" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43726808-the-deepest-breath" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3ag49cqndSbVaAkbrQwG21QOLl2XegyDi3A5SUr8vnW1yf2PqWUp-4zB4oHLD9Yp0JBoX3W2M0YLxoJ18bTXBfOwAbPtpZOGE1vR9W8Ee88b3bsueCY9GX5BoQkXANP-v88Icy-ML_5ZCaiNpjHiOkthYA5ng3XjT_Hn1UxUcp8ONNE4ApayDhM5nw/s617/Strangeworlds.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski</span> (Sapphic, no label as yet, but also trans, gay, and lesbian non-pov rep)</b><br />
<br />
<i>At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside . . .<br />
<br />
When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds' magical travel society and explore other worlds.<br />
<br />
But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realizes what's happening she must race against time, travelling through unchartered worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness - and takes our world with it.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781510105942" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8c5cb711-2754-4c9c-97bd-966af630868d" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46123742-the-strangeworlds-travel-agency" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit by Lilliam Rivera" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilayaNJ_rBywyW7OaiEwDsf9aD_8Qbyjvhy_xIFZOEpNddyWdSCPIxus42ly98LHS84bLig7ybF_ml_Pf-O-wAyRL3TVr19Di2H7scRrnpiSHuNZtGcTB-TUAYBYOgEPx76z31nH5-uBVqJXa-tBOc0TFDEgIFbhKgfFks6l7fe-ULVUPBTNBz9v9kEA/s462/Goldie%20Vance.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit by Lilliam Rivera</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Move over, Nancy Drew--there's a new sleuth in town Inspired by the beloved comic series, Goldie Vance is ready to sleuth her way through never-before-seen mysteries in this original novel series by Lilliam Rivera featuring 16 full-color comic pages.<br />
<br />
Marigold "Goldie" Vance lives and works at the Crossed Palms Resort Hotel in Florida with a whole slew of characters: her dad, Art, the manager of the joint; Cheryl Lebeaux, the concierge and Goldie's best friend; and Walter Tooey, the hired hotel detective. Her mom, Sylvie, works nearby at the Mermaid Club.<br />
<br />
While life at the Crossed Palms is always busy, the resort is currently overrun with Hollywood-types filming the hottest new creature feature, and tensions are at an all-time high. Even Goldie's mom is in on the movie act, doing what she does best: playing a mermaid. Just when Goldie thinks the movie biz couldn't get any more exciting, a diamond-encrusted swimming cap goes missing, and all fingers point to Goldie's mom as the culprit. Can Goldie uncover the true thief before it's too late?<br />
<br />
Based on Hope Larson and Brittney Williams's critically acclaimed Goldie Vance comic, this thrilling novel explores a never-before-seen caper and features 16 full-color comic pages essential to unraveling the mystery.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c38310ca-307f-4c9a-9c12-dd9a186f8ebe" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51048074-goldie-vance" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team by Kit Rosewater & Sophie Escabasse" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY14Qb_PAL-8yR0LnhfnVFdJc43Jc1729xJQGO3ftj8cTahd2muPZXWvmjEpEMV-ImJdkCRLDFEqJjkME7OCEy9kcUNpWFQmgtUXJGF64xS-iCzfUgB4aY7IZ6d2efu8GIw3tJz5pyRve1pO4v3TNjqSr2Bo8QE035WTkZbVi_9VWi2hpxaPuWsmc8w/s1464/The%20Derby%20Daredevils.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team by Kit Rosewater & Sophie Escabasse</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone.<br />
<br />
Ever since they can remember, fifth graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars. When Austin's city league introduces a brand-new junior league, the dynamic duo celebrates But they'll need to try out as a five-person team. Kenzie and Shelly have just one week to convince three other girls that roller derby is the coolest thing on wheels. But Kenzie starts to have second thoughts when Shelly starts acting like everyone's best friend . . . Isn't she supposed to be Kenzie's best friend? And things get really awkward when Shelly recruits Kenzie's neighbor (and secret crush ) for the team. With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall--and get back up again.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781419751844" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c3d441cb-b8eb-4d14-ae8b-25083c5a07c6" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54776189-kenzie-kickstarts-a-team" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, edited by Katherine Locke & Nicole Melleby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08fH8L4attjVh3uvp_oQlAyAdsyAI1sdxKExdxHI5OepaTF9zkoH0mUIXM3iYpNEXu__VkvhU1MDEHSVTcH2ZWwfWEVd2jDCb4Sn2n9yJ8bdlNBlGBYo6Z5fbsyNsVnAZ1c5nwNeGxVpVd796AEO3jZcfeO0qDx3hIcewr4Jl4ywyZqBg_pYmaSoDeA/s400/This%20is%20Our%20Rainbow.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us, edited by Katherine Locke & Nicole Melleby</span> (Various)</b><br />
<br />
<i>The first LGBTQIA+ anthology for middle-graders featuring stories for every letter of the acronym, including realistic, fantasy, and sci-fi stories.<br />
<br />
A boyband fandom becomes a conduit to coming out. A former bully becomes a first-kiss prospect. One nonbinary kid searches for an inclusive athletic community after quitting gymnastics. Another nonbinary kid, who happens to be a pirate, makes a wish that comes true–but not how they thought it would. A tween girl navigates a crush on her friend’s mom. A young witch turns herself into a puppy to win over a new neighbor. A trans girl empowers her online bestie to come out.<br />
<br />
From wind-breathing dragons to first crushes, This Is Our Rainbow features story after story of joyful, proud LGBTQIA+ representation. You will fall in love with this insightful, poignant anthology of queer fantasy, historical, and contemporary stories from authors including: Eric Bell, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Ashley Herring Blake, Lisa Bunker, Alex Gino, Justina Ireland, Shing Yin Khor, Katherine Locke, Mariama J. Lockington, Nicole Melleby, Marieke Nijkamp, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Molly Knox Ostertag, Aisa Salazar, and AJ Sass.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593303948" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4c348147-4a00-4d82-969d-45f2f6ac9eee" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56905023-this-is-our-rainbow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v59-xEJNLiN_c43qRN3d3IPjHsMcv1Sj28udLntecyqUwhMLgiS5y-2xGnNSw5OL2mntUnvI9of8DyTvLnLHdcdgM3YG-5hLkunK_pWElCbwADCIwtmXSHyf4x2bT4kAw1lEr0vB-fCjOvnbfYC4awlIvyduotStwUAq0v2TCnkE9FHogK-rY8fByQ/s1000/Candidly%20Cline.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Cline Alden has music in her bones.<br />
<br />
Born in Paris, Kentucky and raised on her Gram’s favorite country music, Cline dreams of making it big with her own songs—even if her mother has always told her that music won’t pay the bills.<br />
<br />
So when Cline finds out about a Young Singer-Songwriters workshop just a few towns over, she is determined to take her first real step toward her musical dreams. It might just require a little . . . fibbing to her mama.<br />
<br />
Cline never imagined the butterflies she’d feel surrounded by so many other talented kids—especially Sylvie, whose effortless style and killer rock and roll playlist give Cline a different kind of butterflies that she’s only ever heard about in love songs.<br />
<br />
And as she learns to make music of her own, Cline begins to realize how many sides of herself she’s been holding back. There’s a new song taking shape in her heart—if only she can find her voice and sing it.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780063059993" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/850f3e36-401b-433c-82cf-d22526b6994f" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57007413-candidly-cline" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGlNutO5ZZKaL6MPSdhuIsK1mCsr_0yjdKpctTf3NXZOuFfQ_apDYwzuVHtl5UGnXWSNNPhWUTDdkqqA2RT6sxC1UmrUnCIAjln8HvWaQG0jr7ikY6fNP1gZ4fpfEVVQHUXphHt8Mz9at4z1-M3h91EJDVWVZZBQmovVEru5KONWPu03zPb110tnnwQ/s1500/Tiger%20Honor.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee</span></b> (Non-binary)<br />
<br />
<i>Sebin desires nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of their legendary Uncle Hwan and join the Thousand World Space Forces and one day captain their own battle cruiser. As luck would have it, though, on the same day Sebin finally receives their acceptance letter, Hwan is declared a traitor to the Space Forces. Turns out the tiger captain has been accused of stealing a magical ancient artifact known as . . . wait for it . . . the Dragon Pearl.<br />
<br />
Now it’s up to Sebin to clear their uncle’s name and restore honor to the Juhwang Clan. That is, if they can survive the aftermath of a deadly explosion onboard the ship Haetae and, along with three other cadets, uncover the true villain hiding among them.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781368055543" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/9b4803da-96db-4984-8729-4c5d51830f69" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58293370-tiger-honor" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdrdDZfvGxa_rEKz5qb1nb_VUesypHBt3c8zH1cYKHHuxoLAW3PyNWTCAtwqQISoPT4mg52Jxb54vpQSCQlAXgvuBksfhI8B-IDzH1hzHF2AHXOTcFfmIvDVgYdO-Nl5jf4N1DqNtpVjpv15u3LTKNi-CB5oVbgc3UucNKw6b7rM8Bn9MAkkkcj827w/s875/Cameron%20Battle.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>As the true Descendant, I command to open<br />
The door to Chidani; it shall be broken<br />
<br />
Magic awaits those who seek the queen's peace<br />
And all the suffering you feel will cease<br />
<br />
Those who open the histories will hear a sound<br />
What was lost has finally been found.<br />
<br />
Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron's only connection to his parents who disappeared one fateful night, two years ago. Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends Zion and Aliyah decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the Queen's sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them . . . is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?<br />
<br />
Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventurous middle-grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Aru Shah and Tristan Strong celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his true path to greatness.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781526646859" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/1aef5d1e-2828-4d27-ba8e-b8c77af12c9a" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59830236-cameron-battle-and-the-hidden-kingdoms" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIWSTWF2XWnfxRRs7sFEBMzg9keSyVhIMmytAp5UpuRYMZzQkNU2qmgiLLMaUP2z0vpHbxbAtHWgbpqnNwkMv3-ZFzvsdWtnxxhqP7DCedfSt1qtFBZOCHNliMUQ9mUDN3jLOuHCSdlJqoCgVLtUcOfbC-eFao6EM4J1qONwrgi-oB33Wj0jQTiYTSQ/s391/The%20Secret%20Sunshine%20Project.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean</span> (Lesbian sister, organising Pride in a small town)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A heart-warming story of kindness, courage and love in all its forms.<br />
<br />
Bea's family are happy. Like, really happy. Like, kind of gross but also cute happy. So when they visit London Pride together and have the ultimate day out, Bea doesn't think her family could possibly get any happier. But a year later, a grey cloud is following Bea's family around. Dad has passed away, and without him around they have no choice but to pack their bags and move to the countryside to live with Gran.<br />
<br />
With Bea's big sister, Riley, taking the news hard, Bea will do anything to cheer her up. So with the help of new friends, The Secret Sunshine Project is formed - Bea's plan to bring Pride to the countryside and a smile back to Riley's face. There's just one teeny tiny problem - the village mayor. A grumpy old woman who's on a mission to rain on Bea's parade . . .</i> From Goodreads.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781471199752" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a7b0f4e6-11c9-45a1-85b0-7ace0f948673" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59915085-the-secret-sunshine-project" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Alice Austen Lived Here by Alex Gino" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN5RrEo9Fz5j4qa60B3qJGXXjBKTqM4IczG5-p5CheTPSLTSz2r-gPdVQYBGuz23IiMe4EV9PuL6RTGdi-iS5dUcvN4gcBLaExMYVZL_LJPhsHoR52MYQC38WxI-NQtzJQGlFL_u8y2iT1vtgbPTK1XTCHCG59SEm-jrIZ000OAoBCh7s2-CJVAShvQ/s550/Alice%20Austen.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Alice Austen Lived Here by Alex Gino</span>* (Non-binary)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From the award-winning author of George, a phenomenal novel about queerness past, present, and future.<br />
<br />
Sam is very in touch with their own queer identity. They're nonbinary, and their best friend, TJ, is nonbinary as well. Sam's family is very cool with it... as long as Sam remembers that nonbinary kids are also required to clean their rooms, do their homework, and try not to antagonize their teachers too much.<br />
<br />
The teacher-respect thing is hard when it comes to Sam’s history class, because their teacher seems to believe that only Dead Straight Cis White Men are responsible for history. When Sam’s home borough of Staten Island opens up a contest for a new statue, Sam finds the perfect non-DSCWM subject: photographer Alice Austen, whose house has been turned into a museum, and who lived with a female partner for decades.<br />
<br />
Soon, Sam's project isn't just about winning the contest. It's about discovering a rich queer history that Sam's a part of -- a queer history that no longer needs to be quiet, as long as there are kids like Sam and TJ to stand up for it.</i> From Goodreads.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780702316166" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c4b9f09d-8fbf-4568-bc69-2c481415c670" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60903084-alice-austen-lived-here" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9twQ1uiq_d_XSSzOp2gAlz7pLX5ldGTzZnq2cTwjjf6NSVb_ylAhex94DMp3U1pJGhBKiuknLmeYK4ahZmzehGePRRUwilje6hkMmBtHyNuEiQpP4hU98NVjyfgCjBGJ2u5vcVYGURJYA232rTXFXKfDyxPR48TpF7kPDoO4-wuQYjb8PqVGGsWArRA/s450/Different%20Kinds%20of%20Fruit.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff</span> (Sapphic questioning, non-binary friend, trans dad)</b><br />
<br />
<i>In this funny and hugely heartfelt novel from a Stonewall Award winner, an sixth-grader’s life is turned upside down when she learns her dad is trans.<br />
<br />
Annabelle Blake fully expects this school year to be the same as every other: same teachers, same classmates, same, same, same. So she’s elated to discover there’s a new kid in town. To Annabelle, Bailey is a breath of fresh air. She loves hearing about their life in Seattle, meeting their loquacious (and kinda corny) parents, and hanging out at their massive house. And it doesn’t hurt that Bailey has a cute smile, nice hands (how can someone even have nice hands?) and smells really good.<br />
<br />
Suddenly sixth grade is anything but the same. And when her irascible father shares that he and Bailey have something big–and surprising–in common, Annabelle begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light. At the same time she starts to realize that her community, which she always thought of as home, might not be as welcoming as she had thought. Together Annabelle, Bailey, and their families discover how these categories that seem to mean so much—boy, girl, gay, straight, fruit, vegetable—aren’t so clear-cut after all.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593111185" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2f69dd79-2a4f-4627-b61b-3fb300715c7d" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58925325-different-kinds-of-fruit" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xPHm6u1gubYrVaLUTXpLTCZbKYmJ6aGMu9p0HhUAVPQGyiqIJwUNi3X7lpZifTz940V52jfpTKckZD5FgGJC4fGQPOeTMOC90Bnha6XCkjCZk1uTdDdAFwqyYemwnTPFOIU_mVj5ZZyLoBZi3PArRS7Jdlt3IpVWEay_ClofdO9i0uAp4W8L20EOAQ/s400/Ellen%20Outside%20the%20Lines.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass</span></b> (Lesbian, non-binary friend)<br />
<br />
<i>Rain Reign meets Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World in this heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent girl navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons.<br />
<br />
Thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz feels most comfortable when her life is well planned out and people fit neatly into her predefined categories. She attends temple with Abba and Mom every Friday and Saturday. Ellen only gets crushes on girls, never boys, and she knows she can always rely on her best-and-only friend, Laurel, to help navigate social situations at their private Georgia middle school. Laurel has always made Ellen feel like being autistic is no big deal. But lately, Laurel has started making more friends, and cancelling more weekend plans with Ellen than she keeps. A school trip to Barcelona seems like the perfect place for Ellen to get their friendship back on track.<br />
<br />
Except it doesn't. Toss in a new nonbinary classmate whose identity has Ellen questioning her very binary way of seeing the world, homesickness, a scavenger hunt-style team project that takes the students through Barcelona to learn about Spanish culture and this trip is anything but what Ellen planned.<br />
<br />
Making new friends and letting go of old ones is never easy, but Ellen might just find a comfortable new place for herself if she can learn to embrace the fact that life doesn't always stick to a planned itinerary.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780759556270" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e5c1ab12-be5a-4fd2-944f-48ed4b129662" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58293357-ellen-outside-the-lines" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRogac5tf2cVRt8Pilad9t1XQUxZfPYxHsTuczjlPU5fDTBQ3iWfSFNS1XvBnYHCQj16nO1C6M7Mf5fBcRqmEmr5ZLruWpaYd4tfI_1hQBJCfhPs18cA31RyXRLgYQbRsdXjbJuTkItYpyI5K5X3_38pOdGNGzb4_AzeQnqv6im4c9U-UECANGJo1poA/s2477/How%20to%20Become%20a%20Planet.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby</span> (Sapphic, non-binary love interest)</b><br />
<br />
<i>The two most important things to know about Pluto Timoney: (1) she’s always loved outer space (obviously); and (2) her favorite season is summer, the time to go to the boardwalk, visit the planetarium, and work in her mom’s pizzeria.<br />
<br />
This summer, when Pluto’s turning thirteen, is different. Pluto has just been diagnosed with depression, and she feels like a black hole is sitting on her chest, making it hard to do anything. When Pluto’s dad threatens to make her move to the city—where he believes his money could help her get better—Pluto comes up with a plan to do whatever it takes to be her old self again. If she does everything that old, “normal” Pluto would do, she can stay with her mom. But it takes a new therapist, new tutor, and new (cute) friend with a plan of her own for Pluto to see that there is no old or new her. There’s just Pluto, discovering more about herself every day.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781643752617" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4f426b83-bcd1-46d5-bedd-52368f951951" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Our Sister, Again by Sophie Cameron" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FJbgkhhv_8zLUe5ojsD4kwFcSnvpmNMvWPNuMkCPAtPkooqKPHsUVJfdZBUUoi5Oomo5L-nqWLJLv7-cQrVfTJ8-dDnH0D4RUCtyU56FUuSdH7JUQvZzn6w7mVCTgBQGxQggHxzCy_9aaZEnggSjGHokVGbOZrsHd_E0vh4mhVOdrRx2zCWDW-6C7A/s900/Our%20Sister,%20Again.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Our Sister, Again by Sophie Cameron</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>On a small island off the Scottish coast, Isla and her family are grieving the loss of her older sister Flora, who died three years ago. Then they're offered the chance to be part of a top-secret trial, which revives loved ones as fully lifelike AI robots using their digital footprint.<br />
<br />
Isla has her doubts about Second Chances, but they evaporate the moment the 'new' Flora arrives. This girl is not some uncanny close likeness; she is Flora - a perfect replica. But not everyone on their island feels the same. And as the threats to Flora mount, she grows distant and more secretive. Will Isla be able to protect the new Flora and bring the community back together?</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781788953917" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ea92dd07-10b1-4439-ab94-3d8ea65e1bc5" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60152510-our-sister-again" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pgGFGdT55nMFhPYt53DXG_hXY0_kZ0zX9OsKiOwyNl5hl3_6svjbFLO-Y-bd73Rbi27RZjkL0Y9C0GBlL0OLtq3JobSIE2PnAuKvr52C6crygT25IjQNsnMaCrUqQwOyFa7ID2KzvB6bVpHdPeBnmfK3S3mm_v8Z0XpZRL3hbeOAqlddbnM1EYPZpA/s450/Too%20Bright%20to%20See.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff</span> (Trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and growing into a new gender identity.<br />
<br />
It's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend Moira has decided the two of them need to use the next few months to prepare. For Moira, this means figuring out the right clothes to wear, learning how to put on makeup, and deciding which boys are cuter in their yearbook photos than in real life. But none of this is all that appealing to Bug, who doesn't particularly want to spend more time trying to understand how to be a girl. Besides, there's something more important to worry about: A ghost is haunting Bug's eerie old house in rural Vermont...and maybe haunting Bug in particular. As Bug begins to untangle the mystery of who this ghost is and what they're trying to say, an altogether different truth comes to light--Bug is transgender.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780593111178" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/27e4f217-cbb3-4349-8cd9-d3ddd23756a9" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58952544-too-bright-to-see" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Science of Being Angry by Nicole Melleby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPqW7pE__8RTJefPYxIiUDWhnDAwyWtpnSuUpnOLVBGhCMbJ5Me7vY5fFKJUS0lyJCAXXn1YRVPTA5Cr9U20GL8bS5wqYnzPHGxFz3hWITnIcNs9xUjbLsIl53lyTS8T7VNsn92yF0rRdf5P_1rAq9K21ZhhwKtREcZeAXwmjLSftJSGjgYTjHSVb3A/s2479/The%20Science%20of%20Being%20Angry.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Science of Being Angry by Nicole Melleby</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>From the acclaimed author of Hurricane Season, an unforgettable story about what makes a family, for fans of Hazel’s Theory of Evolution and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.<br />
<br />
Eleven-year-old Joey is angry. All the time. And she doesn’t understand why. She has two loving moms, a supportive older half brother, and, as a triplet, she’s never without company. Her life is good. But sometimes she loses her temper and lashes out, like the time she threw a soccer ball—hard—at a boy in gym class and bruised his collarbone. Or when jealousy made her push her (former) best friend (and crush), Layla, a little bit too roughly.<br />
<br />
After a meltdown at Joey’s apartment building leads to her family’s eviction, Joey is desperate to figure out why she’s so mad. A new unit in science class makes her wonder if the reason is genetics. Does she lose control because of something she inherited from the donor her mothers chose?<br />
<br />
The Science of Being Angry is a heartwarming story about what makes a family and what makes us who we are from an author whose works are highly praised for their presentation of and insights into the emotional lives of tweens.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781643750378" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/20fcb026-b131-441f-ae14-dd468b0c8fe7" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58328432-the-science-of-being-angry" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Every Bird a Prince by Jenn Reese" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx4dPplhv5-K-wGUs-p-PlZbrA9RS3u0vOtZ7Oh5HXW-SuMAuRiBqpO6GOHYo-XPXZbh-2c6a0iz95-YlrPhya1NjnaPsogGFej7oWPHFNcNHLJth5KXffbFw_MKHGj3CKAnaa8PaW4ivhWs0dv5CL5OtRFijXwbVtjX0PZb-qlB4IBtpCrJoJww93g/s400/Every%20Bird%20a%20Prince.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Every Bird a Prince by Jenn Reese</span> (Asexual)</b><br />
<br />
<i>A girl's quest to save a forest kingdom is intertwined with her exploration of identity in this middle-grade contemporary fantasy.<br />
<br />
The only time Eren Evers feels like herself is when she’s on her bike, racing through the deep woods. While so much of her life at home and at school is flying out of control, the muddy trails and the sting of wind in her face are familiar comforts.<br />
<br />
Until she rescues a strange, magical bird, who reveals a shocking secret: their forest kingdom is under attack by an ancient foe—the vile Frostfangs—and the birds need Eren's help to survive.<br />
<br />
Seventh grade is hard enough without adding “bird champion” to her list of after-school activities. Lately, Eren’s friends seem obsessed with their crushes and the upcoming dance, while Eren can’t figure out what a crush should even feel like. Still, if she doesn’t play along, they may leave her behind…or just leave her all together. Then the birds enlist one of Eren's classmates, forcing her separate lives to collide.<br />
<br />
When her own mother starts behaving oddly, Eren realizes that the Frostfangs—with their insidious whispers—are now hunting outside the woods. In order to save her mom, defend an entire kingdom, and keep the friendships she holds dearest, Eren will need to do something utterly terrifying: be brave enough to embrace her innermost truths, no matter the cost.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781250783448" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/736e353e-f557-4495-93a9-3c8ce11fe091" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56896066-every-bird-a-prince" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fLkWLfzYSUbjx3ODuhUhu6DGWNxbIN0WPR6ARTwByEbyTjBLxCv7fKI-f1vytz4MhArBDZ5jGFsZEhjT9liRQW2RuizuCGP1pJLk-L1pPJhf7FwVoXWeQHWfBPKPPoSusYoPGPdE0WPmok-r8g6tEkWRs29vhMZQq6hDVDpidoQzGPfkv3-LURj1fQ/s488/Nothing%20Ever%20Happens%20Here.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt</span> (Dad comes out as trans)</b><br />
<br />
<i>"This is Littlehaven. Nothing ever happens here. Until the spotlight hits my family."<br />
<br />
Izzy's family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy's always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what's right?</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781474966238" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/7213c6d8-ea4c-4740-974a-b9d1a5ebf300" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49113806-nothing-ever-happens-here" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDQr4DwGPMKT_d5lrqliBcbb1KEr8q6LETmr8lbATXN5ZdJvFnsskp3i3ZBmDgu3COOAX1ZPss3eL3d7m4dnFcKmzVqXmDwb0pg7b1MfITiLBdyugf-r4FUCcWRq2CfvaZ3d-JxxzyC4tF_f3W358iIP67_y7B7Orybiei-v5TKoW4pp0mQpNPJ_tVw/s400/Me,%20My%20Dad%20and%20the%20End%20of%20the%20Rainbow.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean</span> (Dad comes out as gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>My name’s Archie Albright, and I know two things for certain:<br />
<br />
1. My mum and dad kind of hate each other, and they’re not doing a great job of pretending that they don’t anymore.<br />
2. They’re both keeping a secret from me, but I can’t figure out what.<br />
Things aren't going great for Archie Albright. His dad's acting weird, his mum too, and all he wants is for everything to go back to normal, to three months before when his parents were happy and still lived together. When Archie sees a colourful, crumpled flyer fall out of Dad's pocket, he thinks he may have found the answer. Only problem? The answer might just lie at the end of the rainbow, an adventure away.<br />
<br />
Together with his best friends, Bell and Seb, Archie sets off on a heartwarming and unforgettable journey to try and fix his family, even if he has to break a few rules to do it...</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781471199738" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/480635e9-44d1-4ae6-aaf7-8017cc831b80" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55922563-me-my-dad-and-the-end-of-the-rainbow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46QsIlGoIyWwuofRbMwjKz9cZAcr3XUzE1VNLIIOkQ7_3STfqWAWvkhe9i1LHXaxaWTy0-UW7c7_Pi6tXKFiI2u2nrGoCuOt6bdlKOsFSVSNLooq6ZTAWT2NVzQY-Tbv7UHo6mCwNVGhRJatctgb4_EInbbJftYom3cd6GUyilnMCGTLFNb84Jc883A/s2339/The%20List%20of%20Things%20that%20Will%20Not%20Change.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead</span> (Dad is gay and getting married)</b><br />
<br />
<i>After her parents' divorce, Bea's life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other.<br />
<br />
When Dad tells Bea that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting married, Bea is thrilled. Bea loves Jesse, and when he and Dad get married, she'll finally (finally!) have what she's always wanted--a sister. Even though she's never met Jesse's daughter, Sonia, Bea is sure that they'll be "just like sisters anywhere."<br />
<br />
As the wedding day approaches, Bea will learn that making a new family brings questions, surprises, and joy.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/786af812-4b3b-4f05-bd77-2d6fd1a05384" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58538490-the-list-of-things-that-will-not-change" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Hurricane Season by Nicole Melleby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIUakS1OTYBurZq_mXygqnv9D6Hv1VftFKrw197Do37o4NNswH22lIXP2B-oOR9qsH9vXan-k74peRghACWFRT3bEUNX8Xjg9EMBOZNR5Vf1kdzlMOUGRH-tnwgjrO1w_VN0IyzT0mixsfCVMbYmyocdnznLHusnqLh2fxRxo0sn4lV0eZQsZvQ1Vwg/s2475/Hurricane%20Season.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hurricane Season by Nicole Melleby</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>For Fig's dad, hurricane season brings the music.<br />
For Fig, hurricane season brings the possibility of disaster.<br />
<br />
Fig, a sixth grader, loves her dad and the home they share in a beachside town. She does not love the long months of hurricane season. Her father, a once-renowned piano player, sometimes goes looking for the music in the middle of a storm. Hurricane months bring unpredictable good and bad days. More than anything, Fig wants to see the world through her father's eyes, so she takes an art class to experience life as an artist does. Then Fig's dad shows up at school, confused and looking for her. Not only does the class not bring Fig closer to understanding him, it brings social services to their door.<br />
<br />
As the walls start to fall around her, Fig is sure it's up to her alone to solve her father's problems and protect her family's privacy. But with the help of her best friend, a cute girl at the library, and a surprisingly kind new neighbor, Fig learns she isn't as alone as she once thought . . . and begins to compose her own definition of family.<br />
<br />
Nicole Melleby's Hurricane Season is a radiant and tender novel about taking risks and facing danger, about friendship and art, and about growing up and coming out. And more than anything else, it is a story about love--both its limits and its incredible healing power.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781643750323" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f2c73e01-87ec-43c4-99df-fdc1bd853040" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40591956-hurricane-season" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbye-_bPjkkxfUg6rSDRLNJI5NiMFl7k8Uz3kI45lAjxGlcx-nJ4x1xKvBD8w_qrZmFV-JsknTfA407cxOF6B0Kp2qTzw3CufDHEjSPgGw0XxbgP5TFYN7v5il_n68f24hzOJFxNPwjKvkCpLDS_a5ZPcEn9fAPhhYGSnC37BwymGYgulWYmwB-rEcXw/s466/Sunny%20St%20James.jpg" style="padding-right: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake</span> (Sapphic)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Twelve-year-old Sunny St. James navigates heart surgery, reconnecting with her lost mother, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl in this stunning, heartfelt novel.<br />
<br />
When Sunny St. James receives a new heart, she decides to set off on a "New Life Plan": 1) do awesome amazing things she could never do before, 2) find a new best friend, and 3) kiss a boy for the first time.<br />
<br />
Her "New Life Plan" seems to be racing forward, but when she meets her new best friend Quinn, Sunny questions whether she really wants to kiss a boy at all. With the reemergence of her estranged mother, Sunny begins a journey to becoming the new Sunny St. James.<br />
<br />
This sweet, tender novel dares readers to find the might in their own hearts.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9780316515542" target="_blank">Bookshop</a>^ | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6f025dc8-f361-4a46-8520-d606ce3fc772" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37539698-the-mighty-heart-of-sunny-st-james" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="The Civil War of Amos Abernathy by Michael Leali" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONBReno3qjHeueh_LkWC7K595JiR5RCEfunM8kVk0PMg1Jbu2Qwa3YfSoWoB0i7fNIcPp8oo4jBpqxRIUM42VzKCWcVCTJCyxPWjF2uMmbtCrd4K1i2ARlJ4MQLsp7c-6ZWwf8KFYlZOc67RZZDrBembfwtG2bAxcBqfACtHT5ZCHH-_TaUR8iztZ6g/s400/Amos%20Abernathy.jpg" style="padding-left: 10px;" width="200" /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Civil War of Amos Abernathy by Michael Leali</span> (Gay)</b><br />
<br />
<i>Amos Abernathy lives for history. Literally. He’s been a historical reenactor nearly all his life. But when a cute new volunteer arrives at his Living History Park, Amos finds himself wondering if there’s something missing from history: someone like the two of them.<br />
<br />
Amos is sure there must have been LGBTQ+ people in nineteenth-century Illinois. His search turns up Albert D. J. Cashier, a Civil War soldier who might have identified as a trans man if he’d lived today. Soon Amos starts confiding in his newfound friend by writing letters in his journal—and hatches a plan to share Albert’s story with his divided twenty-first century town. It may be an uphill battle, but it’s one that Amos is ready to fight.<br />
<br />
Told in an earnest, hilarious voice, this love letter to history, first crushes, and LGBTQ+ community will delight readers of Ashley Herring Blake, Alex Gino, or Maulik Pancholy.</i> From StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e01361c7-6e37-4d7c-80e4-5e877aaf7916" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58884730-the-civil-war-of-amos-abernathy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></center><br />
</div>
<br />
Isn't it fantastic to see that there are so many LGBTQ+ middle grade options?! And such a range of genres and stories! It's just beautiful! Hopefully you'll have found something here that's a young person in your life - or yourself! - might enjoy. The majority of these titles, plus the sequels in series, can be found in my <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/lgbtq-middle-grade-96e2956f-ee97-4976-a4e3-a512bf36206d" target="_blank">LGBTQ+ Middle Grade list</a>^ on Bookshop.<br />
<br />
Are there any books published before July 2022 I've not mentioned? Please do let me know!</div><br />
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-31452028411321544332022-06-20T07:00:00.016+01:002022-06-20T07:00:00.202+01:00Review: From Dust, A Flame by Rebecca Podos (#Ad)<center><img alt="A photo of the From Dust, A Flame by Rebecca Podos hardback on top of the proof, the former on a diagonal to the left, the latter on a diagonal to the right. They're on top of a large Progress Pride flag, witht he chevron pointing to the bottom right. The books are on the chevron, so they white, pink and blue lines for trans people are visible. There is a small rainbow pin resting on the left of the proof." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeyCpoKjcUxLk_HS-rdg8yhBw4x-ntnW4F4pK71FcAAaQQypelV0Gunz0Mf0O8lM0NvsVFYoSplN4WF0e__2rvh7k61WWQvUP9ORYJRKjVGRo_wvErdca3fmKrLPpWAzrGICoeLxrVbGohnrIQjtzuY4wghWA4BFP7fWs2ulBJeUD1eLuht9ErgmDFA/s3024/From%20Dust,%20A%20Flame.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent a proof for free by Harper360YA for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>From Dust, A Flame by Rebecca Podos</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 8th March 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Balzer + Bray | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="http://www.rebeccapodos.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Podos’ Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>Lambda Literary Award–-winning author Rebecca Podos returns with a rich, transporting, genre-bending contemporary Jewish fantasy about the power of history, the complicated nature of family, and the search for identity amidst it all.<br />
<br />
Hannah’s whole life has been spent in motion. Her mother has kept her and her brother, Gabe, on the road for as long as she can remember, leaving a trail of rental homes and faded relationships behind them. No roots, no family but one another, and no explanations.<br />
<br />
All that changes on Hannah’s seventeenth birthday when she wakes up transformed, a pair of golden eyes with knife-slit pupils blinking back at her from the mirror—the first of many such impossible mutations. Promising that she knows someone who can help, her mother leaves Hannah and Gabe behind to find a cure. But as the days turn to weeks and their mother doesn’t return, they realize it’s up to them to find the truth.<br />
<br />
What they discover is a family they never knew and a history more tragic and fantastical than Hannah could have dreamed—one that stretches back to her grandmother’s childhood in Prague under the Nazi occupation, and beyond, into the realm of Jewish mysticism and legend. As the past comes crashing into the present, Hannah must hurry to unearth their family’s secrets—and confront her own hidden legacy in order to break the curse and save the people she loves most, as well as herself.<br />
<br />
Rebecca Podos, award-winning author of Like Water, returns with a contemporary fantasy of enduring love, unfathomable loss, and the power of stories to hold us together when it seems that nothing else can.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/8761e0de-cec6-4dca-9f95-d1b1aa477084" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58064044-from-dust-a-flame" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features blood, death, grief, a missing person, reference to dementia, intergenerational trauma, discussion of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, and reference of Nazis.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I read From Dust, A Flame by Rebecca Podos back in March. I'm only reviewing it now because I loved it so, so much, it was difficult to know where to start, and how to put this all-encompassing love into words. It's absolutely incredible, and every time I think about it... it's just such a gorgeous story. But it's Pride Month, and as a sapphic story, there really isn't a better time to share a review. So please bear with me as I try to put !!!! into words, and prepare yourself for an essay, because I have an awful lot to say.<br />
<br />
Ever since her dad died, Hannah's mum, Malka, has had her and her brother Gabe moving for most of the life, with no real explanation as to why. They've never really settled anywhere, have had no real friends, and no family beyond each other. But on the morning of her 17th birthday, everything changes; Hannah wakes up to find her eyes have changed. They're yellow, with catlike slit pupils. She has no idea what is happening to her, but her mum thinks she knows someone who can help. She leaves, telling Hannah and Gabe to stay home, not to leave, she'll be back with help in a few days, tops. But days turn into weeks, each day brings a new mutation, with no word from their mum, and no way to reach her. They're starting to really worry, when something comes from her in the mail; the death announcement of her grandmother, Jitka, her mum's mother. The first clue that that they have family out there, and they're too late. With no other ideas, Hannah and Gabe decide to go to Fox Hollow, where her grandmother and extended family live, and see if their mum is there. She isn't, but what they do find is a large family, a family history involving great tragedy, and a whole load of secrets. And a girl Hannah is drawn to, who might just be the key to the answers they seek, and where their mum has gone.<br />
<br />
From Dust, A Flame is very much a Jewish fantasy; remove Judaism from the story, and there is no story. The story is for the most part told from Hannah's perspective, but we also get flashbacks from Malka's perspective from when she was a teenager, and Hannah has dreams of her grandmother Jitka's memories as a teenager in Nazi-occupied Prague. It's a story that spans decades and generations and countries. There are so many Jewish threads - Jewish mysticism; stories from Jewish mythology and folklore; Jewish faith and tradition; Jewish history, specifically relating to the Holocaust - and it could easily feel like there are a lot of different things going on, but Podos manages to deftly weave them all together into one cohesive story that is absolutely gripping. From Dust, A Flame is a love letter to Judaism, and it's absolutely beautiful.<br />
<br />
Because Malka never discussed her family, Hannah has no idea that she's Jewish. As such, she and Gabe learn about Judaism when they meets their family, as they sits Shiva for Jitka, and are included in Shabbat and Havdalah rituals - and I learnt with them. It might seem strange that for a story that has Judaism at it's heart to have a protagonist who knows nothing about it, but that itself is an important part of the story. There's a reason she didn't know, why Malka never brough it up. But as someone who isn't Jewish, I really appreciated learning alongside Hannah. I'm not the target audience in this respect, but it was so lovely to learn about Judaism this way. I'm an atheist, but I'm quite spiritual, and there was familiarity in the ritual aspects, and even in some of the mysticism that's discussed - Ari, a girl they meet at Synagogue, and the daughter of their mum's former best friend, talks about Jewish mysticism. Her grandmother, Ida was an opshprekherke, a healer with knowledge of Jewish folk medicine, and while everything she did was related to her faith, it feels very similar to wise women and cunning folk of old in the UK. And it's just all so <i>beautiful</i>, I grew up C of E and went to a Catholic school, so Christianity and church services/mass is my experience of religion and faith. And Judaism just seems so much warmer; having rituals at home that led by ordinary people, involving everyone, rather than just services at synagogue led by the rabbi. There just seems to be much more of a community feel to it all. There's so much more to Judaism than what I have experience of in Christianity. And Podos writes with such love, you can feel it pouring off the pages. I just found it so moving, their love of their faith and their people seamlessly threaded through this fantastic story, and I can't see anyone reading From Dust, A Flame and not being touched by it.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>'"Judaism is more than religion, you know. More even than ritual and tradition. It's family." The rabbi smiles down at our blank faces. "We are all the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, and Leah. We are all united by the actions and sacrifices and the covenant of our ancestors. We were all born into the ancient story of our people, which still unfolds today. Know this, and everything else can be learned."'</i> (p80)</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>'"It's weird to say a religion is about more than God, but that feels true. It's, like, a shared history, and it belongs to me, and it belongs to you too, even if you never knew about it until just now. Because the things that happened to your grandparents and great-grandparents, they shaped your life, in some way. So you don't have to, I don't know, throw on a yarmulke and dance the hora around the town green to identify that way. It's yours to claim, and nobody can do it for you or take it from you."'</i> (p154-155)</blockquote><br />
<br />
Podos has a wonderful knack of writing characters who have different opinions and experiences - Ari herself is an atheist; Ari's mum doesn't believe in Jewish mysticism, and her mother's "obsession" made her angry; and Hannah and Gabe not really understanding what's happening during Sabbat or the Hebrew spoken at the synagogue - but in a way that shows a lot of love and respect. And that love and respect is given to Jitka. Because while this isn't a story about the Holocaust, this story wouldn't exist in the form it does without it. It's such huge part of Jewish history, such a horrific tragedy, and that history is so much a part of the lives of Jews because the trauma is felt through the generations. And it's through Jitka that Podos acknowledges the genocide of their people, and the effect that is passed down. Jikta's entire family was murdered in the Holocaust. At 16, still a child, she got out through the Kindertransport, but everyone else in her family was stuck in Nazi-occupied Prague, and they were all killed. And when I say all, I mean <i>all</i>; her nine siblings, her parents, her aunts and uncles, her cousins - all, killed. She was left completely and utterly alone, and her grief has never left her. Because it's not just grief is it? They didn't just die, they were murdered, and they were murdered because they were Jews. This is trauma. And it's trauma that was with Jitka always. As such, it effected her parenting; she was so terrified of losing the people she loved again, she was a very strict parent. Her children had very little freedom, there was so little they were allowed to do, and for no real understandable reason other than Jitka's all-encompassing fear. It effected Malka's relationship with her mother, and in turn, it effected how she raised her own children, and their relationships. It's intergenerational trauma. Podos acknowledges that the way Jitka coped and raised her children wasn't healthy, but they also extend to her so much compassion and understanding for all she's been through, and in doing so, all Holocaust survivors. It's so difficult to read Jitka's memories, it's so upsetting, horrifying, but in them Podos honours those killed and those who survived.<br />
<br />
This isn't background simply, though. Podos didn't include it because, due to the timelines, there's no way Jitka wouldn't have been effected by the Holocaust. It's more than that; the Holocaust <i>directly</i> effects this specific story. What happens in this book wouldn't have happened without it. As I said before, all these threads are woven together into this story. It all has meaning and purpose, it all effects each other. And it's such a brilliant story! I was completely engrossed, wondering what was happening to Hannah, why Malka cut off all contact with her family, where she was now, what on earth was going on and how it was all connected. I adored the relationship between Hannah and Gabe; Gabe is just the sweetest older brother, and loves Hannah fiercely, though they of course have their ups and downs like all siblings. Gabe was adopted, but that doesn't mean anything to them; however, it was interesting how they both reacted to hearing how he wasn't Jewish because he wasn't Malka's "actual" son. But Gabe is just brilliant, and I adored him! I loved seeing how Hannah was discovering her sexuality through meeting and being attracted to Ari, who is a lesbian. Their romance was the sweetest and so beautiful. And Gabe was gay, and a non-binary character who I was just completely mad about! I just loved all of them, honestly. They are the light and the joy in what is otherwise a sad and confusing and difficult time for them, but together they just support and love each other, and just get things done. I adored where the story went, and the big reveal, and just all layers and seeing how they all fit! I would have preferred for more time to have been spent on what happened after the reveal, but that's just because I loved it so much, rather than because there was anything wrong with pacing. I just adored this whole story!<br />
<br />
And I am so desperate for a sequel! With the background of Jewish mysticism, mythology and folklore, I feel like there's definitely potential for more. But more specifically, I feel like there could be a sequel from Gabe's point of view, with him learning more about Judaism and the possibility of him converting, but also about him figuring out how to fix what is broke, and the possibilities around what that could mean for Gabe personally... I hope that's vague enough to give nothing away, but obvious enough for those who have read it. Honestly, I just want more; I want more of these characters, and this world, and Podos' wonderful storytelling. I will be picking up every other book Podos has written, because I need more. Honestly, From Dust, A Flame has stuck with me since I read it, and it's going to be a book I'm going to re-read over and over, and try to push in everyone's hands. I am just so crazy about this book, and I honestly can't recommend it enough.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Harper360YA for the proof.<br /></div>
<br />
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-71844453186108187922022-06-18T07:00:00.001+01:002022-06-18T08:19:06.111+01:00Review: These Are the Words by Nikita Gill (#Ad)<center><img alt="A photo of the proof of These Are the Words by Nikita Gill standing on top of a stack of other books by Nikita Gill. From top to bottom, the stack incluides Where Hope Comes From, Fierce Fairytales, Wild Embers, Great Goddesses, and The Girl and the Goddess. On top of Where Hope Comes From on the left is a rainbow pin. The stack sits on a giant Pride flag, which is also the background; the flag is pinned up, and drapes over the surface, which the stack is put on top of." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyEBe3aVy5DzgCYYuiYe62SSgHAUaHARCBU6O80aYoKcTL5S1X_QNeRnE4U0PIi3AMUXwsPdaH5jyIGk1VSKgeAE6zWEPVWUTmo4WMRSk7OD1mlVolOdh1vyQZffpLqcgP9wzC4TQbJ7OqNbi2dJ47Pwjd4Tn0eaG4byCiAD3qcVo6eB0ilC4YrtweQ/s3024/These%20Are%20the%20Words.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent this proof for free by Macmillan Children's Books / Willow Publicity for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>These Are the Words by Nikita Gill</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> 18th August 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Macmillan Children's Books | <strong>Source:</strong> Publisher<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill" target="_blank">Nikita Gill on Instagram</a><br />
<br />
<i>From international poetry sensation Nikita Gill comes her highly anticipated YA debut These Are the Words: an empowering, feminist and beautifully illustrated poetry collection exploring all the things Nikita wished someone had told her when she was younger.<br />
<br />
Reclaim your agency. Discover your power. Find the words.<br />
<br />
Taking you on a journey through the seasons of the soul, in this collection Nikita gives you the words to help heal from your first breakup, to celebrate finding your family, to understand first love, to express your anger and your joy, to fight for what you believe in and to help you break some rules to be your truest self.<br />
<br />
Gorgeously illustrated throughout by Nikita herself and featuring seasonal astrological poetry, this collection is an achingly beautiful, stunningly warm and fearless expression of truth from one of the most influential and well-known voices in modern poetry.<br />
<br />
REMINDER FOR HEALING<br />
You do not owe anyone your forgiveness.<br />
The trees do not apologize to the wind that uproots them.<br />
The rocks do not apologize to the erosion by the sea.<br />
The stars do not apologize to the universe<br />
when they are writhing and dying out.<br />
And you are not obligated to forgive anyone<br />
but yourself.</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781529083606" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/498e6d23-4886-451b-8be5-782202c2062d" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60605817-these-are-the-words" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features anxiety, depression, non-graphic sexual assault and abuse, heartbreak, homophobia, biphobia, racism, misogyny, trauma and grief.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I was delighted when I first heard about These Are the Words by Nikita Gill. I'm such a big fan of her work, when I was offered the opportunity to review her debut YA poetry collection, I jumped at the chance. And it might just be her best yet.<br />
<br />
This may be Gill's first poetry collection for teens, but it feels no different from any of her other poetry collections. These Are the Words still has the same tone fans of her previous work will recognise. Using the cycle of the seasons as a framework for these poems, equating a season to different moods and feelings, Gill still touches on the same topics she has previously, in the same way, just with a different audience in mind. Family, friendship, self-love and body image, love and romance, empowerment, fighting for what you believe in, racism, trauma, and surviving. Each season starts with poems for each astrological sign that fit with the mood, feeling, or theme she gives to each season. Along with her beautiful words, we get the beautiful imagery fans will recognise, of the natural world, the universe, the moon and stars.<br />
<br />
This is a collection aimed at teenage girls, and while not every poem is aimed at all girls - Gill addresses girls of colour, girls who aren't straight, and girls who are fat, as a few examples - there is something I can imagine all girls, no matter what their age, can get from These Are the Words. Reading this book is probably the most emotional I've been reading her work; Gill had me sobbing at one point. And it feels a little more emotional on Gill's part, too. At times, there are poems where she is speaking directly to people in her life - her brother, her sister, her parents - and at times to herself, or her younger self, but the majority of poems feel like Gill is talking to you. That's one thing I adore so much about Gill's poetry, her innate ability to feel like she is talking to you personally, specifically. And there's so much compassion and understanding in this book; this isn't anything new for Gill, but it just felt like she upped the ante with this book. In These Are the Words, with fierce love, Gill reaches through the pages, takes hold of your by the hand, says, "Look at me, listen to me!" and tells of her certainty of your worth, of your bravery, of how you are whole even with your pain. It feels so personal, and there's such raw honesty in her words, you can't help but listen to what she is telling you.<br />
<br />
These Are the Words isn't published until August, but it felt appropriate to review now, during Pride month, as sexuality is one of the topics Gill covers. Gill is bisexual, and there are poems in this book about loving people both of the same gender and other genders. Poems of first crushes, of accepting and loving yourself, of coming out, of coming out to your parents specifically, of finding the people who love you and accept your as you are - finding your people. They are just so beautiful, and sometimes painful, but again, written with understanding and love and certainty of your worth. Her two poems When You Come Out to Your Parents and Are Not Met With Love, and When You Come Out to Your Parents and You <i><u>ARE</u></i> Met With Love are simply stunning.<br />
<br />
These Are the Words is a triumph. It's beautiful, emotional, and so powerful, I honestly feel this is a poetry collection that is so, so important for teen girls to read. But adult readers will also get something from this book, too. I honestly believe it's her best yet. My proof is full of sticky tabs of lines or whole poems that really struck me, and I can't wait for August when it will be released, so have my own finished copy, to share excerpts and whole poems, to see the illustrations I know will be gorgeous, as they have been in Gill's previous work. I will treasure it forever.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books and Willow Publicity for the proof.<br />
<br />
</div>
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2381533012764037154.post-36221299647911691932022-06-11T07:00:00.079+01:002022-06-11T07:00:00.226+01:00Review: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (#Ad)<center><img alt="A photo of both editions of Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé; the original edition of the book with the navy blue cover at the bottom, vertical, and the one year anniversary edition with the yellow/orange ombre cover on top, at a diagonal, pointing top right. There is a rainbow pin sittong on the top left corner of the original edition, and a ace of spades playing card poking out from under the two books, top left. They're on a rainbow flag, which is on a larger Pride flag, showing the black and brown stripes." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9I6kZ-Cwu2owoHBUjbYSMquLmqrsgNT-2nZaeQgVY2lo41BINL_WZ0212nY02QbEIKiTAebv3XP7CySfZ7vlmMCjKt2lHlko664LJ9Sskb3jI_kXiQzKVKTJdnLClVLFl7M41__BAnp06q7PmoXTKh9qE7eUxUU87xV40oO7hr6EkryLGwWkasFvzA/s3024/Ace%20of%20Spades.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<b>I was sent an ARC of the First Anniversary Edition for free by Usborne for the purposes of providing an honest review.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Links with an asterisk (*) are Ad: Affiliate Links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.</b><br />
<br />
<h1><strong>Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé</strong></h1><br />
<strong>Published:</strong> Original Edition: 10th June 2021 , First Anniversary Eition: 9th June 2022 | <strong>Publisher:</strong> Usborne | <strong>Source:</strong> Gift / Publisher<br />
<a href="https://www.faridahabikeiyimide.com/" target="_blank">Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s Website</a><br />
<br />
<i>A compelling, incendiary, and unputdownable thriller with a shocking twist, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism with this compulsive debut.</i><br />
<br />
Hello, Niveus High. It's me. Who am I? That's not important. All you need to know is...I'm here to divide and conquer. - Aces<br />
<br />
<i>Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students' dark secrets to light.<br />
<br />
Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can't escape the spotlight when his private photos go public.<br />
<br />
Head girl Chiamaka isn't afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.<br />
<br />
Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they're planning much more than a high-school game...</i> From The StoryGraph.<br />
<br />
Purchase from <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8620/9781474967532" target="_blank">Bookshop.org</a>* <br />
<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/bc16d23d-5b0d-41e3-9031-ae1757c4a360" target="_blank">The StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42603984-ace-of-spades" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Trigger/Content Warnings:</span> This book features anxiety and panic attacks, blood, reference to drug use and drug dealing, bullying, poverty, off-page sex scene, outing of a queer character, suicide ideation, non-consensual pornography, implied sexual assault, stalking, a fire building on fire, reference to police brutality, gun threat, a hit and run, homophobia, and instutionalised racism.</i></b></div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Trigger & Content Warnings</button></center><br />
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been wanting to read Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé for quite a while, and decided to save it for this year's Pride Month. It's been raved about, so I was expecting great things, but while it mostly lived up to the hype, the ending left me disappointed.<br />
<br />
The story is narrated by Devon and Chiamaka. They both attend Niveus Academy, a prestigious private school, but they're from different sides of the tracks. Devon is from the poorer, rougher part of town, while Chiamaka is from the more affuluent part of town. Chiamaka is the most popular girl at school, who will do whatever it takes to keep her position to secure the furture she wants. Devon, as a scholarship kid, goes under the radar; he has few friends, and no-one really knows who he is. All he cares about is working on his music and getting a place at Juliard. But the they have a few things in common; they're the only Black students at school, and they're the main targets of Aces. Aces is an anonymous bully, sending text messages to the student body, revealing their secrets. They out Devon as gay, and that he used to be in a secret realtionship with another student. They reveal that Chiamaka was rejected by the guy she likes, a private conversation between just the two of them. But what starts off as awful bullying, takes a more sinister turn, as it becomes clear they're being followed, more things revealed that no-one could have known.<br />
<br />
Ace of Spades is absolutely gripping, but it's difficult to discuss without spoiling the story. I think it's best to go in knowing almost nothing, to feel the full impact of what Devon and Chiamaka go through. What happens in it is terrible, but it just gets worse and worse, until Chiamaka and Devon decide to work together to try and figure out who is behind Aces, and why they're targetting them. Devon is terrified of what might happen if his ma finds out his gay, or the people from his neighbourhood. Chiamaka has secrets of her own that she is desperate to keep burried. But as the story continues, it just gets more and more disturbing. Around two thirds in, it started to feel more like a horror than a thriller.<br />
<br />
It's absolutely messed up, and horrifying. When I got to the reveal, my jaw was on the floor. But still, there's more to come. It's a terrifying story, and I was so sickened and upset by what I was reading, and cried at one point. The tension just built and built, the sense of foreboding and how things just got more and more sinister had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It got to the point where I just wasn't enjoying it anymore. That's not a criticism of the story, but this it's about racism and other serious topics. With other thrillers and horrors, you can enjoy how clever they are, the twists you don't expect, the fear the author can make you feel. It's completely different with Ace of Spades, because while the story is fictional, it's rooted in very real issues. I could appreciate Àbíké-Íyímídé's fantastic skill at crafting this mysterious and suspenseful story, how brilliantly plotted it was, and how I had so many theories about who Aces could be that never fully fit, and kept me guessing. Honestly, in that sense, it was amazing! But I just felt more and more disgusted by what I was reading, about what Chiamaka and Devon experience and are put through. It just wasn't possible to revel in excitement over the tension, because it was just so horrific.<br />
<br />
But then the ending came, and it was a massive let down. The tension built and built, and I Was on tenterhooks, terrified at what was to come... and then it just all ended and wrapped up in a few pages. I definitely feel like it should have been developed more. And it left me with so many questions and other issues. It felt too easy, in various ways. It almost felt too convenient. There's so much that I'm frustrated about, that I need to talk about, so if you haven't read the book, don't click the button below, as it's full of spoilers.<br />
<br />
<div id="spoiler" style="display: none;">By saying it felt too easy or too convenient, I don't mean in regards to Chiamaka and Devon getting out. I mean for Aces and Niveus. Ok, so the school burnt down, and they couldn't continue what they were doing, but where was the justice?! A few people died, fine, but I mean actual justice. Did anyone in positions of authority believe Chiamaka and Devon? Were people arrested? Or was the whole student body and teachers that survived allowed to go on with their lives? It wasn't an ending, it was Chiamaka and Devon surviving. And I suppose that's the point; this is racism on a massive scale, and as is mentioned, Niveus isn't the only school used to bring down Black teenagers, but I just felt like the story was missing a real conclusion. And again, yes, I get that that might be the point, but with how quickly it ended, too, the two together just left me so disappointed! I feel Niveus got off too lightly. And what happened to Devon and Chiamaka immediately after? I liked the epilogue, but I would have preferred there to be just a bit more about the aftermath for them. What were the conversations they had with their respective parents? Where did they go from there in regards to school? Had Niveus screwed things up enough for them that their immediate futures were uncertain? Or did they get help to get back on track? I just wanted so much more from the ending.</div>
<button onclick="if(document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=='none') {document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display=''}else{document.getElementById('spoiler') .style.display='none'}" title="Click to show/hide content" type="button">View/Hide Spoilers</button><br /><br />I was really, really disappointed in the ending, to the point that it's kind of skewed the way I view the whole story, but I have to admit that it was brilliant. Mysterious, suspenseful, gripping. I couldn't put it down and I was desperate to know what was going to happen next. But I also really appreciate how Àbíké-Íyímídé dealt with racism in this story, how it wasn't like normal thrillers, how it wasn't a story you could turn away from, how you had to face exactly Chiamaka and Devon went through. In that, I feel it's also a really important and powerful story, and one I definitely feel everyone needs to read. So yes, I'm disappointed. But do I recommend Ace of Spades? I do, yeah. And will I read Àbíké-Íyímídé's next book? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
An aside: On the day I sat down to write this review, having finished my copy with the original cover that was given to me as a gift - after actually writing everything above - I received a copy of the First Anniversary Edition from Usborne. This edition comes with three extra chapters set nine months after Ace of Spades finishes, set during Pride, Terrell's playlist that they listen to on the way to Pride, and a letter from Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about Ace of Spades' first year. Plus there's that stunning exclusive cover. They're really awesome additions, and the extra chapters answer briefly some of my questions, which I appreciate. So thank you to Usborne for the review copy.</div><br />
<center>--<br />
If you enjoyed this post, please consider following / supporting me:<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/once-upon-a-bookcase-4167417" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jo_Scribbles" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2084265-joanne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/cda19b84-dd53-43c6-846a-fefd5d2e6d92" target="_blank">StoryGraph</a> | <a href="https://ko-fi.com/P5P7OYSX" target="_blank">Ko-Fi</a></center>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635569023802698926noreply@blogger.com0