In her debut young adult novel, No True Believers, Rabiah York Lumbard draws from personal experience as an American Muslim, both in the United States and abroad, to weave together a story addressing issues of Islamophobia and white supremacy. No…
‘Rent a Boyfriend’ review: Gloria Chao puts a unique spin on the ‘fake-relationship-turned-real’ trope
In her second romantic comedy for older YA readers, Gloria Chao takes the favorite trope of the “fake-relationship-turned-real” and adds a unique spin. Gloria Chao draws her influence for Rent a Boyfriend from a real practice in some Asian countries…
‘The Silvered Serpents’ review: Roshani Chokshi’s fantasy sequel offers a realistic picture of loss and love
The Silvered Serpents picks up after a devastating blow is dealt to what’s left of Séverin’s team. Whereas The Gilded Wolves had a hopeful, glamorous energy to it, its sequel is frenetic and icy. Steeped in distress and longing, this…
‘A Golden Fury’ interview: Author Samantha Cohoe on alchemy, gender equality, and 1792 France
With Halloween soon upon us, readers are grabbing bewitching stories that feel perfect for the season. A Golden Fury should be one of them. Set right as France begins their revolution, this standalone follows Thea as she travels from Normandy…
‘Charming as a Verb’ review: Ben Philippe’s YA rom-com explores the struggles of being a first-generation college applicant
Charming as a Verb, Ben Philippe’s young adult contemporary novel set in New York City, is the romantic comedy you didn’t know you needed. Which is why I am here to tell you that you do need it. Ben Philippe…
‘Grown’ review: Tiffany D. Jackson’s new mystery novel for girls who were forced to grow up too fast
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is not a book for light reading. Grown is a mystery that engages a narrative that is difficult to put down, while simultaneously being difficult to read because of the seriousness of the content. Discussing…
‘When Villains Rise’ review: Rebecca Schaeffer marvelously concludes her addictive ‘Market of Monsters’ series
Just as in the very beginning, monstrosity, in both deed and being, is the subject of When Villains Rise, the conclusion to the darkly insightful yet humorous Market of Monsters series by Rebecca Schaeffer. Nita’s journey in Not Even Bones…