July, 2024

“Mother of Rome” by Lauren J. A.Bear 

When Rhea’s uncle seizes the throne, he sends Rhea to the vestal virgins.  Determined to live her life, she has an affair with Mars, breaking all of her vows.  When she falls pregnant, she is sentenced to die.  On death’s door, she makes a deal with the gods, one that changes her into a wolf.  As a wolf, she looks over her twins, Romulus and Remus, until they can grow and survive.

This was a fascinating book.  I enjoyed reading about the birth of Rome and the people involved in its lore.  Rhea was extremely well developed and well rounded.   The book was nicely paced, and did a great job weaving in the Roman Gods with everyday life.  I look forward to reading more from this author!

“Spliced Up” by Kelli Price 

Splicing, a genetic treatment, has become common for everything from enhancing your features to treating complex diseases.  Avall’s best friend is dying from a genetic disorder but cannot afford the pricey treatment.  Avall uses her connections to reach out to Dr. Cutler, a geneticist.  He agrees to offer Avall’s bestie free genetic treatment in exchange for Avall attending his summer camp.  At the camp, Dr. Cutler experiments on teens, trying to uncover the genes for resilience.  Once at the camp, Avall quickly realizes that not everything is as it seems.

I thought both the plot and characters were interesting and dynamic.  The book is geared towards teens and young adults, who I believe will enjoy the story.  As an adult, some of the plot points were a bit predictable, but overall, a well-developed book.

“The Lotus Shoes” by Jane Yang

After the death of Little Flower’s father, her mother sells her as a maid to the Fong family. Here she serves Linjing, a spoiled daughter. When the family decides that Linjing will not bind her feet, they force Little Flower to unbind hers.  Leaving her with deformed feet Little Flower must make the best of a bad situation.  Her skill at embroidery quickly shines.  Jealous, Linjing does everything she can to make Little Flower’s life miserable.  On the cusp of marriage, a secret comes out about Linjing’s parentage, causing her to be disowned.  Linjing and Little Flower are taken to a celibate sisterhood, where they are expected to perform manual labor.

This book was just heartbreaking.  Little Flower was such a well-developed character, I felt her pain and she did her best to overcome it.  Linjing was definitely the protagonist, and it was hard to understand the relationship between the two women.  I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling and writing skills of the author.  Overall, highly recommended.

“The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Baldock 

When the Spanish Civil War threatens her family, Abene crosses the Pyrenees into France.  Well-to-do Miren leaves the comfort of her father’s hotel in San Sebastian to follow her lover.  When he abandons her, she is interrogated by General Hernandez before fleeing back to her hometown.  In France, Abene adopts a young orphan named Eduardo, a boy who has stolen her heart.  

There is much more to this story, however I do not want to give away the plot points.  The book description talks about a downed allied pilot, but that is just scratching the surface.  I thought both Abene and Miren were well developed and sympathetic characters.  The secondary characters seemed a bit stereotypical.  The plot moved at a nice pace, keeping me interested throughout the story.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“Nightbirds” by Kate J. Armstrong

The Nightbirds are able to bestow magic with a kiss.  Protected by the elite of the city there are rules and procedures that must be followed in order to purchase a visit.  However, the church believes the nightbirds are evil and are intent on killing them or removing their power.  When the four current nightbirds come together their power surges, unlocking gifts that were previously only legends.

This was a very different, very interesting world.  I liked the magic system, its lore, and how it grew and expanded throughout the story.  I thought the characters could have been flushed out a little more.  While their backstories were interesting their personalities seemed so similar.  I felt that the girls were a bit interchangeable.  Despite this criticism I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.

“The Monstrous Misses Mai” by Van Hoang

After an argument with her parents, Cordelia leaves home determined to make it on her own.  She finds herself renting an apartment with Tessa, Audrey, and Silly, each who have the middle name of Mai.  When their dreams are slow to realize, they turn to magic, casting one spell after another.  What they don’t realize is that each spell requires  sacrifice, one that may take their very lives.

This book was a bit predictable and the characters were a bit stereotypical.  Although this book wasn’t for me, I can see the appeal of the book to young adults or teenagers.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

“Ballerina” by Monica Loughman

14 year old Irish Monica, decides to take the opportunity of a lifetime and travel to Russia to study ballet.  While Russia is a bit of a  culture shock, Monica shows a strength of will and determination to fight for her place among the elite ballerinas.  Upon graduation, she is the first Irish woman to join the Perm State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, cementing her place as an elite artist.

I thought it was fascinating to read about a culture and lifestyle so different from my own.  The harshness of Russia led to Monica developing a strength and determination few have earned. I would have loved an epilogue telling us what the author is doing now, but I had to turn to google for an update.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.