‘Frequency’ by Christopher Krovatin

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“Nine years ago, Fiona was just a kid. But everything changed the night the Pit Viper came to town. Sure, he rid the quiet, idyllic suburb of Hamm of its darkest problems. But Fiona witnessed something much, much worse from Hamm’s adults when they drove him away.

And now, the Pit Viper is back.

Fiona’s not just a kid anymore. She can handle the darkness she sees in the Pit Viper, a DJ whose wicked tattoos, quiet anger, and hypnotic music seem to speak to every teen in town…except her. She can handle watching as each of her friends seems to be overcome, nearly possessed by the music. She can even handle her unnerving suspicion that the DJ is hell-bent on revenge.

But she’s not sure she can handle falling in love with him.”

Review:

The ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’ has been re-imagined as the ‘Pit Viper of Hamm.’

An intriguing and dark retelling of the Pied Piper, full of teenagers using bad language, detailed rock music references, and a hint of magic.  There is some new adult romance to be had, though that is not the focus of this story, and I’m happy to say that the plot kept me guessing.

‘Frequency’ will be available on October 2, 2018.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  

‘War of the Wilted’ (Garden of Thorns #2) by Amber Mitchell

3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“Like flowers denied water, people are wilting under the emperor's tyranny.

Rose will not rest until the Gardener is dead. But there are bigger battles to fight, and Rayce—leader of the rebellion and the only man Rose has ever loved—believes their best chance at winning the war is to join forces with her sworn enemy.

Saving innocent people is more important than her quest for revenge. But their new ally can’t be trusted—and he knows her darkest secret. One betrayal could leave the war and Rayce’s life hanging in the balance, and Rose will need to make the ultimate sacrifice to save them all.”

Review:

While ‘Garden of Thorns’ did not end on a cliffhanger, per se, ‘War of the Wilted’ picks up where book 1 left off and builds upon its events, while offering more action and picturesque scenery descriptions.  Though Rose has endured many hardships in her past, being at odds with the love of her life while he holds her tormentor captive is a new, harsh challenge for her.

Political turmoil comes to a head and some of the secondary characters are further developed while Rayce and Rose struggle to do what is right for the Rebellion and not necessarily what’s best for their relationship.

‘War of the Wilted’ will be available on October 1, 2018.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Garden of Thorns’ (Garden of Thorns #1) by Amber Mitchell

3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“After seven grueling years of captivity in the Garden—a burlesque troupe of slave girls—sixteen-year-old Rose finds an opportunity to escape during a performance for the emperor. But the hostage she randomly chose from the crowd to aid her isn’t one of the emperor’s men—not anymore. He’s the former heir to the throne, who is now leading a rebellion against it.

Rayce is a wanted man and dangerously charismatic, the worst person for Rose to get involved with, no matter what his smile promises. But he assumes Rose’s attempt to take him hostage is part of a plot to crush the rebellion, so he takes her as his hostage. Now Rose must prove where her loyalties lie, and she offers Rayce a deal—if he helps her rescue the other girls, she’ll tell him all the Garden’s secrets.

Except the one secret she’s kept for seven years that she’ll take to her grave if she must.”

Review:

‘Garden of Thorns’ is a gripping YA fantasy with a strong narrating female main character.  Author Amber Mitchell provides rich world building and creative cultural and political backgrounds for the different kingdoms.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  

Series Review: 'The Thousandth Floor' by Katharine McGee

4.75 stars for the entire series

Imagine, if you can, all the glitz and glamour and secrets of ‘Gossip Girl’ set 100 years into the future, where the entirety of Manhattan exists in an enormous thousand-floor skyscraper and technology has advanced beyond your wildest dreams.  Add a murder mystery and high school drama to this, and you have Katharine McGee’s expertly thought-out and executed thriller trilogy.

We follow the same characters from 'The Thousandth Floor' to ‘The Dazzling Heights’ and ‘The Towering Sky’ – though the murder victim and the motives change.  In each sequel, McGee adds more details of her vision of the Earth in 2118 and 2119.

This series is LGBTQ+ friendly futuristic fiction recommended for upper-YA readers.

'The Thousandth Floor'

‘The Dazzling Heights’

‘The Towering Sky’