Tag: bookblogger

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston

I won a free ARC of Amari and the Night Brothers during NYCC/Metaverse in exchange for an honest review. Special thanks to Epic Reads and the publisher Balzer + Bray for the physical copy I was provided. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

In this book we follow Amari Peters, a young girl who just wants to find her missing brother, Quinton. When she gets an opportunity to visit the special camp that he used to attend every summer, she’ll find that things aren’t always as they seem, and she’s off to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Soon she finds out what her supernatural talent is, but will she be able to save Quinton in time?

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I like in a middle grade novel. There were interesting characters, it was set in a fun world, there was magic, and we got to follow a strong Black female main character. So let’s get a little bit more into the specifics of what I really liked.

Amari and the Night Brothers: The Breakdown

First, let’s talk about this world building. This book has dual worlds in it: the natural world and the supernatural world. Alston did a great job juxtaposing the two throughout the book. Along with this, there were the specific jobs and departments that were a part of the supernatural world that I especially enjoyed. These included: Department of Coverups, Department of the Unexplained, etc. I thought these were fun additions to a book about a supernatural world and I can only imagine what a middle grade reader who enjoys magic would think.

So what about the magic? I’ll admit, I do hope there is more about this in the second book. What we were given was interesting, but I wanted more about how it worked. I don’t want to give any spoilers away about this aspect so I’ll just leave it at that.

Alston wrote interesting and recognizable characters. I love that the hero of our story is Amari, a young Black girl from the “wrong side of town” who just wants to find her brother. I love that we see her internal struggle with self-worth, because that is such a true-to-life issue, and it’s been validated for her by her peers. Alston did a great job with Amari’s character and showing her growth from self-doubt to self-assured. I also liked that he made her best friend, Elsie, a weredragon who is a science genius. The characters in here were so thought out and had such awesome quirks, I loved them!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I fled through it, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next with Amari and her friends. I can’t recommend this enough! It’s due for publication on 1/19/21 so be sure to get your copy!

Amari and the Night Brothers

K’s First Book Box Subscription

*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. You can read more here.

A couple of months ago I decided to order K’s first book box subscription. He loves reading and looking at his books. I know how excited I get about bookmail, so I thought I’d pass that joy down to him. Do you know how many book subscription boxes there are out there? I didn’t realize just how many there were until I started looking, but I wasn’t sure what I was really looking for either.

I started off by doing a general search on best book subscription boxes for kids. Again, there were so many choices! I narrowed down to a handful and compared what they had to offer and prices. I ultimately ended up going with The Reading Bug Book Box, because each box includes books, “extras,” and handwritten monthly notes. Each box is curated specifically for your child based on multiple factors: age, reading level, and things that they like, etc. You fill out a profile about your child to give them an idea. The “extras” that are included are meant to go along with the books that are in the box.

I chose the Reading Bug Box because I love the idea of interactive reading and activities. It will allow K to become part of the story and make reading more fun and hopefully more enjoyable and fuel his passion. I also liked that it is curated to him specifically, and there will be little notes to him.

K’s First Book Box Subscription: What We Thought

K has received two boxes so far. When he received the boxes, he was ecstatic. He got the biggest smile on his face and clapped because he knew it was for him. He pulled all of his books out at once and we read each one right then. The folks at The Reading Bug did a great job picking books for him. He loves monkeys, and the interactive books are always a hit with him. We’re so pleased with K’s first book box subscription!

We also had a small snaffu with shipping (nothing that was their fault) and Lauren, one of the co-founders, helped me out and was so kind to speak with. I love that they were attentive with helping me. Plus they’re a family owned independent bookstore, so I feel even better about supporting them! If you’re looking for a book box for the child in your life, I recommend checking out The Reading Bug. K and I both gave it a thumbs up.

If you’re interested in purchasing a subscription from them, or checking out their bookstore, head on over to their site: The Reading Bug Box.

  • Ks First Book Box Subscription
  • Ks First Book Box Subscription
(From Left to Right: Box One, Box Two)

The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly

*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. You can read more here.

I received a free e-ARC of The Frozen Crown thanks to BookRiot and HarperVoyager US in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

In this story we’re following Princess Askia of Seravesh as she travels to Vishir hoping to procure an army to defend her land. Radovan, the ruthless ruler of the Roven Empire, has been slaying villages inside her borders. Askia has run out of options. But life at Vishir takes political finesse, which is something Askia has little experience in. But Askia has a secret that is dangerous should it be found out. Can she secure an alliance while maintaining her secret? Can she save Seravesh? 

Okay y’all, when I read the premise, I knew I had to read this as soon as I could. This book did not disappoint. It has a little bit of everything in it: politics, magic, romance, and war.

The Frozen Crown: My Thoughts

The magic system in this book is awesome. I look forward to book two because I really want more of it. The magic is in the form of witches, of which there are different kinds. I don’t want to give too much away, because I think it’s better to find out about it all as you’re reading. However, Kelly included that part of the magic system can be manipulated. That was very interesting and although I’ve seen similar things done in other books, I liked the way it was portrayed here. I’d really like to see more of it fleshed out in book two.

The characters were written well. Kelly did a great job portraying the conflicting emotions and situations that Askia and others were/would be in. We could see from some actions that certain characters took the slippery political slope and the games that they had to play at court. 

One thing that I will say about this book is that I was confused at the beginning. Once I figured out what was going on, it was still a while for me to get into the “can’t put it down” groove. The ending felt a bit predictable and rushed. I enjoy a good cliffhanger, but I wish the ending would have happened a little differently. Regardless, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the sequel. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy!

The Frozen Crown will be available for purchase in January 2021.

The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly

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City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. You can read more here.

I received a free e-ARC of City of the Plague God thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents/Disney Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

In this story we follow 13-year-old Sikander Aziz as he battles the God, Nergal, for the fate of Manhattan. To succeed, he’ll have to join with his friend Belet, former hero Gilgamesh, takeover where Ishtar—Goddess of war and love—left off, defeat demons, and find the Flower of Immortality. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: whenever I see Rick Riordan is coming out with something, whether it’s from him or his imprint, I immediately hit my to-be-read button. I love the stories that he writes and that his imprint puts out. They’re full of adventure and tell wonderfully epic tales of unlikely heroes and show teens and young adults that they can make a difference. They also do a great job of reviving and giving a new spin on classic tales and myths. 

This story was no different. I loved it right from the beginning. I’d been in a bit of a reading slump when I got the email saying I’d been approved to read this. I knew this was the ticket to getting me out of it. From the very first page, I was hooked. This is my first book by Chadda, but it won’t be my last.

City of the Plague God: My Thoughts

Sik is an unassuming hero. He’s used to being in the background while others do the glamorous or important things. When Nergal comes for him, he’s genuinely perplexed. This is part of the book that I really liked, because I think it will resonate with a lot of readers. The idea that you can have extraordinary things happen to you, or make a difference in the world, no matter your circumstance is so important. It’s reiterated throughout the book, while Sik is constantly doubting himself and others are reassuring him.

I liked the inclusion of the Islamic faith. It’s important for everyone to grow up seeing their cultures and values represented in the books that they’re reading.

Overall, I enjoyed this story from start to finish. Although this is a middle grade read, I think anyone can pick it up and have a great time joining Sik while he fights Nergal to save his family and Manhattan. I hope we get more stories following Sik and his friends. Be sure to pick up your copy in January when it hits shelves!

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

Mid-November Check In

Hey y’all. I’m sorry I’ve been a bit MIA the last few weeks. I just wanted to touch base and do a little mid-November check in. Unfortunately, I’ve found myself in a bit of a reading slump. I’m not sure when it started. I surmise that it was because I’ve read too many mediocre books and books that I’d hyped up and which ultimately let me down. I’ve been struggling with this slump for a few weeks. Although I had a rather hefty TBR for this month (7 books!), I’m sadly unable to get in that reading groove.

On top of my reading slump, we had quite a week with the US Presidential elections. I spent the week extremely anxious, glued to the news, casting my reading to the side. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was unable to focus much that week.

If I’m being honest with myself, I’m going to guess that the rest of the year won’t be too prosperous reading-wise. With all of the holidays coming up plus some things going on in my personal life, I don’t expect to go crazy with the amount I’ll be able to get done. That’s okay, though. I typically plan for that.

I’m trying to be gentle with myself and give myself grace. It’s been an extremely difficult year. Not just now, but especially now, I think it’s important that we remember to take the time to care for ourselves when things are hard. We need to remember to take breaks when we need to, whether it is mentally or physically. And while there is so much sadness and negativity going on in the world, we need to remember to do something that makes us happy and keeps us positive.

Mid-November Check In: Focusing On the Positive

Which brings me to the holidays! I’ve always loved Christmas. I know, I know; we still have to celebrate Thanksgiving. Don’t get me wrong, I love to eat, so an entire holiday dedicated to that is awesome. I will always love Christmas more, though. And I am thankful and grateful, but we should be thankful everyday, not just on one specific day. So, with that being said, what better way to cheer up and get out of my reading-slump-funk than by decorating for Christmas?!

Yup, that’s right, it’s officially Christmas in our house. We’ve got 2 trees up–one for me and one for my son. His windows are decked out in Christmas themed window clings, and we’ve even started putting them up on the bathroom mirrors. We’ve been watching Christmas movies and singing Christmas carols and I’ve been drinking hot cocoa like I’m Mrs. Claus. We’ve only just begun! I can’t wait to get this place the rest of the way decked out for Christmas. The only thing missing is the snow.

Stay happy and healthy my friends.

  • Decorated Christmas Tree - mid-november check in
  • Mini Christmas Tree with Books - mid-november check in