‘Nameless Queen’ by Rebecca McLaughlin

4 coins / stars

Book Blurb:

“One girl must make a name for herself--or die trying --in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead? Perfect for fans of Furyborn, Red Queen, and Everless.

Everyone expected the king's daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.

It shouldn't even be possible. I'm Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don't even get names. Heck, dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.

But there's no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don't?”

Review:

Our main character, who goes by ‘Coin,’ is truly a Nameless Queen; the three classes of people in Rebecca McLaughlin’s fantasy novel are Royals, Legals, and the Nameless.  Upon the death of the current ruler, she inherits a magical tattoo which puts her in a dangerous position.  As one of the Nameless, she has no rights, no job, no possessions, and no family.  Being identified as the next ruler, she is the envy and target of every Royal who believes the crown should have gone to someone else, and even those who want the crown for themselves.

This is a clean YA fantasy with a small amount of magic.  Available on January 7, 2020.

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

‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ by Kevin van Whye

Five stars - Wonderful #ownvoices novel:

Book Blurb:

“What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com!

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before.

Until a boy asks him out, and everything changes.

Kai Sheridan didn't expect Bryson to say yes. So when Bryson agrees to secretly go out with him, Kai is thrown for a loop. But as the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story that will have readers rooting for these two teens to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.”

Review:

‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ has a charming PG-rated slow burn romance, but is first and foremost a coming-out story.  Kai and Bryson are both relatable teens who are easy to root for, and feel for, as they go through ups and downs.

Highly recommended YA reading!  Grab your copy on May 19, 2020!

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