Author: Ryan La Sala

Genre: Fiction, LGBTQ2S+, Mystery Thriller, Horror 

Year of Publication: 2022

Summary: Mars wants nothing more than to fit in and belong. But, when their sister dies under more than mysterious circumstances, Mars goes back to his childhood camp where his sister had been staying for the previous month. There, he discovers there is more to Camp Aspen than there seems. 

Review: This book was an intriguing delight. It was well written, had amazing characters, and spectacular world-building. The star of the book is gender-fluid, and it is so refreshing to me, to find a book with an LGBGTQ+ protagonist. Although Mars does struggle with their identity at camp, the main plot of the book is much darker. That is one of the reasons I enjoy Ryan La Sala's writing. I loved the author's fabulous portrayal of emotion. The way the author so eloquently describes what Mars is going through, makes my experience reading it so much better. This book has everything. Mystery, love, identity, horror, all you could want! I highly recommend this book to 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' and 'The Inheritance Games' fans. 

Rating: ★★★★

Author: Martha Brack Martin 

Genre: Fiction, YA, Mystery/Thriller 

Year of Publication: 2018

Summary: Kat and Tom went on vacation together in hopes of having a relaxing trip but that was soon ruined when a band of drug dealing cartels and murderers foiled their plans. Now Tom is being chased by the cartels and needs to make it out alive which is proven to be difficult when he is betrayed by a double agent. 

Review: This book was a very short and quick read, if you like thriller books which are fast-paced then this is a good book for you. Overall, it was a lovely story, it is about 130 pages long. 

Rating: ★★★★

Author: Markus Zusak 

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA

Year of Publication: 2005

Summary: Narrated by Death, this novel follows Liesel, an adopted German child in Hubermann's family, who lives in Nazi-ruled Germany. Readers see her progression as she learns about the power of words, the cruelty of Nazis, and encounters love and friendship in the middle of a war. 

Review: The Book Thief is a novel for people who like present-day written historical fiction. This heartrending novel is brimming with heartwarming character bonds. Death gives spoilers of the end of the book from the start, which makes the development of the storyline intriguing. Unlike most books set over some time, this novel has chapters that flow into the next and chapter ends that make you need to read more. The characters are strangely comedic for a book set amid conflict, which helps enhance the spirit of the character's resilience. I might be under the influence of the beauty of this book, but it has a magnificent literary presence and the plot building is outstanding. My only complaint is this is a heartbreaker novel. And, I won't find such a great narrator again.

Overall, this novel is for you if you love comedic characters, historical fiction, and a great story. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Author: June Hur 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Romance, YA 

Year of Publication: 2022

Summary: 18th century Korea: two unlikely strangers, with different motives, work together to solve a case when four palace women are killed in one mysterious night. But what happens when things turn out to be more complicated than they thought, and the consequences of their investigation may tear everything apart? 

Review: This whodunit novel will surely keep you reading! Palace Nurse Hyeon, who has worked hard to earn her father's respect and her place, is holding a secret of her own. Young cop Eojin has... personal reasons for wanting to solve this case. Can these two work together to solve this case, especially when the stakes are high and they are being followed? 

Based on a true tragic story (Crown Prince Sado) this novel is an entertaining read, with just a little touch of romance and interesting plot twists. 

I think the most impressive feature of this book is the mature theme of acceptance and what success and respect truly mean. This thoughtful theme makes this novel more than just a murder mystery. 

Overall, this novel is a great book if you are interested in mystery, a little romance, beautiful quotes, and exploring life in the Joseon Dynasty!

Rating: ★★★★

Author: Marissa Meyer 

Genre: Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) 

Year of Publication: 2015

Summary: Winter is the name of a girl who has been living under her stepmother's rule as queen after her father passed away. Her stepmother's name is Levana, she is a dictator and wants Winter dead since she is jealous of her but when a guard is ordered to murder her, the guard (Jacin) fakes it and lets her run away to safety, thus jeopardizing his own life and well being. 

Review: Winter is a wonderful heartwarming tale and follows the theme of good versus evil. The style of writing is very interesting and the book wraps up all loose ends nicely. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Author: Marissa Meyer 

Genre: Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) 

Year of Publication: 2015

Summary: Fairest is Levana's back story. Levana is an evil dictator, she is the queen of Luna (the moon). This book gives the reader insight into her life and how she came to be such a terrible ruler along with the events that led to her reign over Luna. 

Review: Fairest is a heartbreaking tale of love, hate, distrust, and betrayal. It is written in such a beautiful manner that allows the reader to truly envision Levana's situation and is quite captivating. Fairest is not a continuation of Winter, it is more of a separate tale with excess information on the plot of Cinder and her friend's journey but even so, it is filled with as much emotion as the actual series. 

Rating: ★★★★★