Ali

I keep flip flopping on how I feel about this book. I enjoyed it and was correct on who the ultimate villain ended up being (it was pretty clear early on) but I also felt that it could’ve been 100 pages shorter and the main characters better fleshed out.

A lot of suspension of disbelief is required with regard to production of “The Escape Game” show. You would think the show would’ve been shut down after a murder. The indeterminate ages of the characters caused issues for me as those under 18 would never be unchaperoned around those over 18, let alone be able to sign binding contracts. Where are the parents when all this is happening? The shooting schedule seems insane for a show with underage participants. One show a week for five weeks with a crazy amount of downtime in between to get in trouble and try to solve crimes?

That said, I agree with other readers who felt the writing was seamless between the two authors. I also anticipate the implied sequel and the direction it seems to be headed. Hopefully the characters will gain a little more depth, especially Carter, as she came across poorly when compared to her 3 team members.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books For Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review.

This is definitely one of those books that probably should’ve gone straight to being a movie instead. The premise is gripping and you want to keep reading and learning more through the twists and turns.

I wish there had been more info on the MMC’s mother and the antagonist’s estrangement.

I thought the big twist was well executed and that many characters got a satisfying ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins/Minotaur for the opportunity to read and review.

Beneath was the book I wanted Conform to be. A true dystopian thriller/romance that gripped you from start to finish.

The world building was much better this time around. I definitely got some Silo vibes from Haven. Sasha is a compelling main character even if her constant “everything I touch dies” temperament does get wearisome over time. Tristan is a great foil for her and I adored reading and learning about the members of Unit Seven. I’d run through walls for Levi and Damien.

I have an inkling of how this might connect to Conform and I can’t wait to find out the answer.

Just a heads up - while Conform came across as more YA/new adult, this book is not. There are a lot of traumatic scenes with illness, injury, violence and death. The sex scenes are far more detailed and graphic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review.

That was…a lot.

Probably the heaviest Orphan X novel yet when it comes to the subject of his mission. The person he’s helping though turned out to be the right person for him to meet at the right time. As he’s slowly and reluctantly embracing humanity, he’s faced with someone who sees right through him. It was interesting to see him reconcile with that and be forced to resist his baser instincts. It was also nice to see him openly recognize the importance of some of the people in his life.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur for the opportunity to read and review.

• Things I liked: - Nakamura - The slow burn keeps you engaged - The final twist

• Things I Didn’t Like: - The rush towards the end - How Ed knew the truth deep down and then the story 180ed and he acted like he had no idea - I thought the ultimate sacrifice would be “smaller” if you catch my drift

Even though a lot of the book was predictable, it was an enjoyable read. I appreciated the insights into Japanese culture and the sumptuous food descriptions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the opportunity to read and review.

Wake Now In The Fire is a fictionalized depiction of the real student fight against the banning of Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” in Chicago Public Schools.

“Persepolis” was one of the first graphic novels I ever picked up and helped me fall in love with the format. Anyone who discounts graphic novels doesn’t appreciate the power of imagery. Part of why “Persepolis” was so effective was because of the visuals of life under the Iranian regime. These teens understood that and stood up for their right to read “Persepolis”.

The situations in this book were eerily prescient for what would flare up only a few years later. There are some very valuable lessons to learn from their fight and what can happen when commonplace freedoms are restricted.

I understood the deliberate choice in color (or lack thereof) in the art but it ultimately made the book a little more difficult to read as it was hard to tell some characters apart at times. I also found the personal side stories to be a little uneven.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read and review.

I will straight up tell you that unless you are a Chuck Klosterman fan or you like discussing football on a philosophical/sociological level, this book is not for you. Luckily I’m a fan of both Klosterman and football so I’m an obvious target for this long but worthwhile read.

In the way that only he can, Klosterman writes extensively on the rise, prominence and eventual decline of football in the United States. And yes, it tangents off into pop culture discussions at times as you would expect from him but it addresses the difficult issues around football at the same time including discussions of race, concussions, financial implications and the cultural hegemony it has in this country.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Press for the opportunity to read and review.