Author: Alisha Helms

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library / Michiko Aoyama

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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
By: Michiko Aoyama, Alison Watts (Translator)
Genre: Fiction, Japanese Literature
Number of Pages: 304
Published: September 5, 2023 (1st Published November 9, 2020)
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Dates Read: October 4, 2023 - October 6, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

Everyone who walks through the doors of the small community library in Japan, has a desire to somehow change their lives. From a sales attendant who feels stuck in her job, to a struggling working mother who longs for the career she lost, to an artist who feels like no one will ever care about his drawings – they all get led to Sayuri Komachi, the reference librarian who loves needle felting. After having a conversation with them, Sayuri Komachi gives them a book list, all with a surprising book at the end, and a bonus gift. What they don’t realize is how much of a life changing conversation that would be.

I’m going to be honest, I kind of went into this a little blind. I saw it was for fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold and registered it’s about a library. I’m a librarian and I’m always interested in books about either libraries or books so I asked for an ARC on NetGalley without really looking too much into it. Because of this, I didn’t realize how the set up would be for the story going into it. The first story’s voice threw me off just a little bit because of how young she was. I didn’t know if I wanted to read a whole story with that voice – but obviously it changes with each chapter.

This novel is such an ode to libraries and librarians and how they can help transform people’s growth, no matter what stage in life they are in. This novel is so  heartwarming and touching that I feel like everyone would be able to connect to it on some level. I’ve said this before in my reviews, but Japanese literature just has a way of capturing the human experience in a way that never disappoints.

I’ll be highly recommending this novel to so many people. I can’t give this enough wonderful praise.

*Thank you Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Faint of Heart / Kerilynn Wilson

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The Faint of Heart
By: Kerilynn Wilson
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 304
Published: June 13, 2023
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Dates Read: October 3, 2023
Format: eBook / Library Book

Not too long ago, the Scientist discovered that if you removed your heart, you no longer had to deal with sadness, anxiety, or anger. That’s all it took for everyone to line up. Everyone except June – but the pressure and loneliness is getting too much for her.

One day though, June finds a heart in a jar abandoned in an alley. The heart intrigues her and gives her an idea; an idea filled with hope. But the heart also brings her to a classmate, Max, who has a secret of his own.

The art of this novel is of muted colors with splashes of bright colors. It really works well to show what those without their heart look like. Some panels can be a bit much, because so much is happening in them, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from continuing to read it.

I think that those who like Coraline would enjoy this novel, as it gives out those vibes a lot. This story could relate to a lot of people – especially those who feel too much. Because as much as you would love not to feel the dark, that means you can’t feel the light either, and this book really shows that.

This is both a simple read and also a complex read. I feel like a lot of different people could enjoy this, again, especially those who are feeling big emotions that they may not want to be feeling. It let’s them feel seen but also gives the cautionary tale of what could happen if you don’t feel those things anymore.

Confetti Realms / Nadia Shammas

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Confetti Realms
By: Nadia Shammas, Karnessa (Artist), Hackto Oshiro (Colorist), Micah Meyers (Letterer)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 196
Published: October 17, 2023
Publisher: Maverick
Dates Read: October 3, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

On Halloween night a group of teens are transported from a graveyard into another realm where they must collect molars in order to return home.

I loved the art of this graphic novel – the cover alone is what caught my attention. Throughout the entire novel, the art was clear and smoothed allowing easy reading.

What I felt fell a little short was that they were in this crazy and a bit ridiculous world and we only ever get a glimpse at it. I would get lost within the panels a bit and not pay that much attention to what’s in the speech bubbles because I was more interested in the background. Which is kind of what brings me to the part where I had a hard time understanding the characters – to me, it felt like they weren’t flushed out as much as they could have been. A lot of their bickering was repetitive.

I’m also not entirely sure I know what happened at the end??

I’ll try and reread it one of these days, but right now it just wasn’t for me.

*Thank you Maverick for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Weaver and the Witch Queen / Genevieve Gornichec

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The Weaver and the Witch Queen
By: Genevieve Gornichec
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 424
Published: July 25, 2023
Publisher: Ace
Dates Read: September 28, 2023 - October 3, 2023
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy have been best friends since they were little. After a visit from a wisewoman who makes an ominous prophecy involving the girls, the three take a blood oath to always help one another.

Years after Gunnhild had run away from her cruel mother, Oddny and Signy’s farm gets raided and Signy gets taken. Oddny and Gunnhild are reunited in their journey to stop at nothing to save Signy. Oddny, who was spiraled out of the life she always imagined, finds herself drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. Gunnhild, who fled her childhood home to learn the ways of the witch, is surprised to find her destiny intertwined with King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway.

But the bonds the women have are strong and on the journey to save Signy, these bonds will be tested and stretched in ways they never could have seen.

Just like The Witch’s Heart, I absolutely loved and devoured this novel. I also adored the characters – even with all their flaws. All of the side characters stood strong on their own as well and I always wanted to hear and read about all of them.

Everything about this book was captivating and absorbing for me. Genevieve Gornichec has always done an amazing job at getting me into ancient settings and keeping me there throughout the entire book. I could practically picture myself there.

I didn’t know much about Icelandic and/or Norwegian folklore or sagas before this (some Norse Mythology). I really enjoy when a historical fiction book also teaches me things as well – or gives me something to look up and research myself afterwards. 

I would highly recommend this book – especially those who like historical Norwegian fiction. And for those who liked The Witch’s Heart and are wondering if you’ll like this one too – I say give it a shot!

*Thank you Ace and NetGalleyfor an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Stoked for This: October 2023

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I’ve been working all weekend to make sure I actually had this done on the date I always aim for – the 1st – and look what we’ve got! October 3 is a super popular release date this month. After our September, it makes sense there’s not that crazy amount. The next few months will probably be a bit slower, but doesn’t mean I won’t be making these!

So, please enjoy my Stoke for This: October 2023 ◡̈

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2023

Alebrijes

by: Donna Barba Higuera

Why am I stoked for this release?

Just a middle grade, sci-fi/fantasy novel with an oppressive Regime. Kind of sounds hard hitting for a middle grade novel, but I’m all for it.

Reviews of those who have already read this say it starts off a little slow due to the world building, but after a bit it it’s a page turners and that’s what I’m stoked for.

Gone Wolf

by: Amber McBride

Why am I stoked for this release?

So I read Me: Moth by this author a while ago and it punched me so hard in the gut, I can still feel the faint pain of it even now. I don’t expect anything different from her Middle Grade debut.

This is suppose to be heavy as well so I’m ready for the feels.

The Spells We Cast

by: Jason June

Why am I stoked for this release?

Magical. Gay. Cowboys.

That’s it.

That’s all I needed to know about this novel.

I mean, it’s not all about that, but shoot – the cover ALONE had me sold and when I saw it was a preview event, I immediately went and asked for an ARC online.

It’s also for fans of Cemetery Boys and Carry On, both titles I love so let’s go!

After the Forest

by: Kell Woods

Why am I stoked for this release?

A reimagining of Hansel and Gretel where Greta kept the witch’s grimoire and is using it to make an amazingly delicious (and addictive) gingerbread.

Every once in awhile I like a good retelling / reimagining and I haven’t read one with Hansel and Gretel yet.

Also for fans of Naomi Novic and I love her so I’ve got to see if it lives up to that comparison.

Curious Tides

by: Pascale Lacelle

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so this one is “Ninth House meets A Deadly Education” (another Naomi Novic comparison).

Magical schools – I’ve been about them ever since the J.K. Rowling incident(s).

This is said to be dark academia, secret societies, myths & legends, forbidden malice, amazing world building, and much more.

Yea, okay, again, this had me at “magical school” but also all of the above!

RELEASE DATE: October 10, 2023

Stars in Your Eyes

By: Karen Callender

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a gay romance with “two grumpy/sunshine, fake-dating actors navigating their love story both on and offscreen”.

God, yes.

Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexia Hall.

Also, yes!

Something about the fall makes me want to read a romance more, so this may very well be the one I pick.

I Loved You in Another Life

by: David Arnold

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so I’m mostly stoked for this read because it’s set in Alaska and I wanted to read something there. I had just mentioned it to my coworker when this book popped up on the BookishFirst website as a review. I don’t know, it seemed like fate so we’re going to go with it.

It’s probably going to be a cheesy YA romance, and I usually stay away from those, but who knows, maybe this one will surprise me like P.S. I Love You did.

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2023

Confetti Realms

by: Nadia Shammas, Karnessa (Artist), Hackto Oshiro (Colorist), Michael Meyers (Letterer)

Why am I stoked for this release?

This one keeps changing the date on me, so hopefully I actually have the right date on this title.

I’ve got a couple graphic novels I’m stoked for and this is one of them. The art looks fantastic and I feel like I’m going to love it for that.

But also teens messing around in a graveyard when they get transported to another realm where the must collect teeth? Now that sounds unique!

RELEASE DATE: October 31, 2023

The Evolving Truth of Ever-Strong Will

by: Maya MacGregor

Why am I stoked for this release?

Right, so I don’t expect this one to be all puppies and flowers (though, look how beautiful the cover art is).

This YA novel is about Will, an agender teen who is on the cusp of freedom from providing and caring for their abusive, addicted mother, getting out of their small mindset town, and the freedom of having to hide who they truly are. But after their mother dies with a curse being her last words, Will is scrambling to find their former foster mother before Child Protective Service or local drug dealers find them first.

I’m sure this will wreck me a bit, but sometimes you just need a good read to do that to you.

Freaking Romance: Volume One / Snailords

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Freaking Romance: Volume One
By: Snailords
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 288
Published: September 26, 2023
Publisher: WEBTOON Unscrolled
Dates Read: September 26, 2023 - September 27, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

What does one do when the cheapest, most affordable apartment you find also comes with a disclaimer it’s haunted? You move in and face your fears – just as Zylith does. But what happens when it’s “haunted” by a handsome stranger from another dimension who, if you touch him, disappears? Oh – not every relationship can be perfect…

I did think this was going to be more of a manga than a comic when I first picked it up. The drawing style did give that vibe off but with full color – at least on the cover, but then I began to read it and saw the difference (which I absolutely loved). The color palette especially grabbed my attention which is muted pastel. 

This story has such an interesting premise and not something I’ve really seen or read before. As this is only the first volume, we don’t know quite how or why the couple are able to see each other the way that they are.

I will say the last bit of the volume fell a little flat for me, as it was repeating the same bit of story, but with different POV, some of that I wished we may have received quickly after it originally happened so we weren’t jumping back and forth at the end. It didn’t stop me from still reading it though!

Overall, this is a cute romance graphic novel with beautiful artwork throughout. I can see a lot of readers who enjoy those genres devouring this story as well.

*Thank you WEBTOON Unscrolled and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review

Hush Harbor / Anise Vance

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Hush Harbor
By: Anise Vance
Genre: Fiction
Number of Pages: 288
Published: September 5, 2023
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Dates Read: September 22, 2023 - September 26, 2023
Format: ARC / Paperback

After a young, black, unarmed teen is shot and killed by police, a revolution is formed in an abandoned housing project called Hush Harbor, in honor of the secret spaces their enslaved ancestors would gather. Jeremiah Prince and his sister, Nova, are the leaders, but their ideological differences regarding how the movement should proceed differ. When a new mayor with ties to white supremacists threatens the group and locks the city down, they collectively must come up with a plan of survival.

As much as I thought this novel would be about the revolution and protests and marching – this was mostly about an already established, what felt more like a commune, movement. This also focused on the personal experience of the members, especially Malik, who, at the beginning of the novel, was getting recruited right in the middle of it all.

The story was still good and I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t what I was expecting going into it. Of course the issues with racism and white supremacy are the main focus of this book and the author did a wonderful job at writing those. I think I may have struggled with the writing style a bit. It would go from super formalic and dense to a whole page full of dialogue with no movement indication. It didn’t catch my emotions and though I was interested in the story, I didn’t care too much for the characters, minus Jeremiah’s story.

Overall, this was still a good story and an important one at that. The debut writings of this author still intrigue me to read more of his when the next release comes.

*Thank you Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for a digital advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review

Mala’s Cat / Mala Kacenberg, Kristin Atherton (Narrator)

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My first full audiobook!! 😀

Mala’s Cat
By: Mala Kacenberg, Kristin Atherton (Narrator)
Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction
Number of Pages: 288
Published: January 4, 2022
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Dates Read: September 19, 2023 - September 21, 2023
Format: Audiobook, Library Book, Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Holocaust, war, genocide 

Growing up in the Polish village of Tarnogród, Mala Szorer’s and her large family was poor – but they had each other and that was enough. But, at the age of twelve, the German invasion began and her village became a ghetto and her family and their neighbors were reduced to starvation. Mala wouldn’t let her family go hungry, so she would take her yellow star off and sneak into the surrounding villages to barter for food.

On her way back home one day, she sees her family rounded up for deportation and receives a smuggled letter from her sister, warning her to stay away. Even though she wants nothing more than to be with her family, Mala retreats back into the forest, not only hiding from the Nazi, but also hostile villagers. A stray cat joins her side, who ends up saving her time and time again – Mala names her Malach, Hebrew for ‘angel’.

Malach becomes Mala’s family and closest friend as she fights against the loneliness of being completely on her own as she fights to survive through the Hitler Regime. 

This is my first audio book I listened to mostly all the way through (except the last 50 pages, I read in my library book because I wanted to finish it but it was bedtime and I would fall asleep if I only listened). I would listen to it while doing some work and there were a few times I couldn’t help but comment out loud – especially when Malach would warn Mala of danger (again) and she would be surprised.

Since this was told through the eyes of the author as a teenager, it reads a little simpler than some memoirs. It also allowed the reader to watch as Mala ages and grows and begins to understand more and more about the war around her. Malach isn’t always mentioned, as sometimes she’s not always there – but this story is about the author’s survival, with the help of her guardian angel cat.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to read about the survival of a young girl in the forest during the Holocaust.

The Marvellers / Dhonielle Clayton

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The Marvellers
By: Dhonielle Clayton, Khadijah Khatib (Illustrator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 432
Published: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Square Fish
Dates Read: September 15, 2023 - September 18, 2023
Format: Audiobook, Paperback

Ella Durand is the first (and right now only) Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors – a magical school up in the clouds where Marvellers from all around the world come to practice and learn their craft. 

Despite her eagerness to both learn and make friends, Ella soon finds out it’s not going to be easy. A lot of Marvellers mistrust her Conjuroring – they say it’s “bad and unnatural” and some aren’t in support of the new student entry into their school. But soon, Ella makes friends; a boy named Jason, a boy with a fondness for magical animals, Brigit, her new roommate who wants nothing to do with this world, and her mentor, Masterji Thakur.

When a dangerous criminal escapes prison, rumored with the help of a Conjuror, tensions grow extra tight in the Marvellian world and Ella gets a lot of extra attention. Worse, Masterji Thaku mysteriously disappears and Ella’s teachers are lying about it. With the help of her friends and the powers growing every day, Ella must find a way to clear her family’s name and save her teacher before it’s too late.

I had such a fun time listening and reading this novel this past weekend. I can definitely see this being a new favorite in Middle Grade (and even YA when it gets up there as the kids get older) readers who love reading about adventures in a magical school.

I love that it took us so long to find out which house the students get sorted into – it gives us so much to look forward to in the second book. I’m pretty stoked about the fact that by the time I read this, it’s right before the second book comes out. And you can bet I’m going to be going out and getting the second one on publication day

*Thank you Square Fish and BookishFirst for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Enemies in the Orchard / Dana VanderLugt

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Enemies in the Orchard
By: Dana VanderLugt
Genre: Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 288
Published: September 12, 2023
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Dates Read: September 14, 2023
Format: ARC / eBook

It’s October 1944 and Claire’s dad needs help with the orchard – especially since Danny’s off to fight in World War II. With no one responding to the help wanted ad in the paper, he hires a group of German POWs to help with the apple harvest. Claire wants absolutely nothing to do with the enemies, afterall, it’s men like them that are currently shooting at Danny’s overseas. But then she meets Karl, a soft-spoken, hardworking POW and her mind begins to change.

Meanwhile, Karl battles with the role he ended up playing within the lies of Hitler’s regime. After he begins working with Claire, it gives him hope that he can change and become a person he wants to be – not the one that’s been forced on him.

It still surprises me a bit when I read another novel set during WWII that showcases something I wasn’t aware had happened during that time. This one being that the United States had POW work camps on their own soil, and that the POWs would be “lent out” to local farmers.

Besides having a focus on WWII and the POWs in the United States, this also focuses a lot on Claire and her journey and fight for going against the norms for females during that time. Claire wants to continue school past an eighth grade education and her single room schoolhouse that she goes to and go on to become a nurse. Her father is very supportive of this plan, but not everyone else.

Though this book is aimed at Middle Grade readers, I can see everyone enjoying it. The writing provides readers with a compelling and easy to follow format that, even with the word count being low from it being a novel in verse, it still provides beautiful descriptions. I, myself, am going to be keeping an eye out for my own physical copy to purchase. 

*Thank you Zonderkidz and NetGalley for a digital advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review