Review- Glass Frost by Liz DeJesus

Goodreads Summary:

When joined together, Cinderella's slippers grant the wearer her heart's desire. But whose wish will be granted?


When Cinderella’s glass slipper is stolen, Queen Felicia sends her faithful steward Terrance to the real world to retrieve his love and witch-in-training, Bianca Frost. The power of the glass slipper in the wrong hands could ruin peace in Everafter. Bianca must gather every bit of magic she has learned in the past few weeks to find the slipper and protect her new love. Together, Bianca, Ming, Prince Ferdinand, and Terrance venture deep into the heart of Everafter to seek clues as to who has stolen the slipper and why. Along the way, they uncover what happened to the Seven Dwarves after Snow White married the prince, but also learn the awful risk of tampering with black magic and the high price that must be paid for magical aid, even when used for good.


Bianca and Terrance’s relationship is put to the test. Through the pain of suffering and loss, Bianca must determine if following her gallant boyfriend into his faraway world is in fact her heart's desire.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received an ARC of Glass Frost from author Liz DeJesus in exchange for an honest review. We thank Liz for the book! 

I absolutely enjoyed reading First Frost by author Liz DeJesus. My review of the book can be read here. Even though the book ended pretty well for me, I knew there was more and I was pretty excited to read the ARC of the second book, Glass Frost, sent to us by the author for which I'd like to thank Liz. 
Glass Frost didn't disappointed at all. It was an enjoyable read packed with action, adventure, magic and romance. But yes, I couldn't help compare the two books and the first book remains my favourite. 
While First Frost was all about an introduction to the magical and not so normal life led by Bianca Frost, descendant of Snow White, Glass Frost was all about stepping more into the fairy tale world. 
The Everafter queen wishes to seek Bianca's  help in order to find Cinderella's missing slipper. One slipper rests safely in the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts run by Bianca's family, but one slipper has mysteriously gone missing. From there, Bianca, her best friend Ming, and from Everafter, her boyfriend Terrance and Prince Ferdinand, set out on an adventure that has you on the edge of your seat. This book was action packed and full of exciting undertakings. 
I liked Bianca as a protagonist in First Frost and liked her even more in Glass Frost. She handles dangerous situations very well and is brave and sweet. Her best friend Ming was a blast to have around. I love the loyal and strong friendship between the two where they know each other like the back of their hands. 
Terrance and Prince Ferdinand were utter gentlemen and it was amusing to see them get confused and carried away by the world in Bianca's time. Terrance is a darling and straight out of a fairy tale while the Prince is simple, funny and very kind. 
There was a lot of romance between Bianca and Terrance and it was good to see the two get together and express their feelings. Ming and Prince Ferdinand's romance was there too, but very little. The four were a good gang who took care of all the problems they faced. Bianca's mom Rose and her dad David had their own romantic story going on along with the young lovers. 
I enjoy reading the wonderful relationship Bianca shares with both her parents. A rarity in YA novels these days, it is refreshing and good to see a well-knit familial bond in Liz DeJesus' books.  
The author's writing is simple and very pleasant. It really takes the reader back to the days of Disneyland and fairy tales by the Grimm Brothers and the experience is truly wonderful. 
Though I did not enjoy Glass Frost as much as I enjoyed First Frost, I still liked the book and loved getting a more detailed peek into Everafter. I loved digging more into the many magical creatures and stories we've only heard of before. So overall, this was an action packed and thoroughly enjoyable read. 

RATING:

Review- A Reason To Stay by L.S. Murphy

Goodreads Summary:

Within minutes of arriving in her hometown after an eight year absence, Julianna Markum runs into Pace Carter, the last person she expected to see. Pace was her best friend during high school, but she left town without telling him, knowingly breaking his heart. Now that she’s back to help care for her ailing aunt, Julianna wants to make things right with Pace. If she could only find the words to explain why she left and why she didn't tell him goodbye.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of A Reason To Stay from author L.S. Murphy in exchange for an honest review. We thank Linda for the book! 

There are two things that I absolutely love reading about. One is past. Things left undone, words left unsaid, doing things without explaining why you did them and doing what feels like the right thing to do at a certain time. And two is best friends becoming lovers. I love reading about such relationships. It makes sense and gives you hope. A Reason To Stay has both . It is a wonderful, moving, mild and simple story about family, friends, love and relationships. Also, another awesome thing about the story is that it is set in a small town which makes it homely, believable and intimate. 
Julianna and Pace have been best friends since the time Pace's grandmother babysat the two kids who were also neighbours. They went to school together, spend their free time together, basically they grew up together. They were the kind of best friends who shared everything with each other, be it thoughts, views, hopes, dreams, aspirations or even their respective relationship statuses. The two were inseparable until there came a time when Julianna had to suffer the tragic loss of her parents, after which she decides to find out more about their disappearance and leaves everything behind to begin her search. 
After her parent's death, Aunt Helen takes Julianna into her own home and takes care of her. Aunt Helen's health is getting worse day by and day and Julianna is forced to return to her hometown to give to her aunt all the love and care that she had received. She meets Pace again and it's like the two were never really apart. 
Julianna was a great protagonist. She was brave and smart. I liked how she didn't give in to everything and thought about the consequences of all her actions. She did what she felt was right and had her own understandable reasons for it. Pace was such a sweet-heart. He was the simple, sweet, patient and down-to-earth guy who we all love. Julianna and Pace share a lovely relationship. Julianna's family formed a major part of the story. Be it aunt Helen or her cousin Stacey, they were all very kind hearted and warm people. 
Author L.S. Murphy's writing has a really nice flow to it. I loved how Julianna and Pace's childhood memories were put in here and there to show how strong a bond they share. A short read that can be finished in one sitting, A Reason To Stay is a cute and emotional story, the end of which will leave you smiling. 

RATING:

X 4

Sarika

Review- Normalish by Margaret Lesh

Goodreads Summary:

Fifteen-year-old Stacy questions the strange world of high school, love, her role in a harsh universe, and life, in Normalish.

People tell you high school's so great and wonderful, but they're lying. It's mostly horrible and full of disappointment. It sucks. Your best friend abandons you. The jerk you're in love with pretends to be into you, and then the big dump. The boy you've really clicked with as a friend decides to go all crushy over you, so you break his heart just like yours was -- smashed into little pieces. Your sister goes mental, and you get involved with a guy who’s even crazier than she is (who you know is a very bad idea, but you do it anyway). Math only adds another stink of failure to the whole thing.

High school blows. Just ask freshman Stacy. She’d want you to know.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Normalish from Musa Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for the book! 

Stacy is a fifteen year old whose life is anything but normal after the sudden death of her father, her sister's unusual and crazy behaviour, a sort of fall-out with her best friend and creepy gestures from the guy she is obsessed with. Normalish is about Stacy trying to get her life back on track. It's about moving on even when the problems of the world seem to be knocking on your door. A wonderfully sweet and moving story, Normalish is a nice and quick read. 
I really liked Stacy. She was smart, had a great sense of humour and she isn't afraid of saying what's on her mind and doing what she feels is right. Honestly, at first I was a little irritated with her constant longing to have a boyfriend. But as she moves on, she realises that there are so many other things she needs to think of and work towards making better. 
Stacy's best friend, Summer was a typical blonde who came with all the flare of being blonde. I really appreciated how Stacy forgave Summer after their crush on and heart break from the same guy. That same guy, Anthony, was a weird dude. 
Stacy also has two other friends in school, Rose and Bethany. Both of them were extremely nice and loyal. 
There is also Chad, Stacy's childhood friend and a really great guy. I loved reading about how the relationship between them grew and evolved. 
At home, Stacy has a troublesome sister cum roommate, Becca. Becca has some psychological problems and is sent to an institution to help her recover. 
That's where Stacy meets tattoo, music and disturbed guy, Bobby. I loved reading about Stacy and Bobby as much as I loved reading about Stacy and Chad. I was devastated about what happens with Bobby. 
Stacy and Becca have an elder sister, Jill. She was caring and cool. 
Their mom was such an awesome woman. The mother and three daughters shared a lovely relationship. I found it easy to relate to Stacy's relationships with her mom and sisters. 
The most amazing person though, was Becca's boyfriend, Roman. He was such a sweet-heart, always there for Becca and her family. It's just great when the guy is so dedicated and helpful. 
Overall, Normalish was a really wonderful read. Author Margaret Lesh has written an absolutely lovely story about the ups and downs of life and how, if not normal, we can always settle for 'normalish'. I really liked this book a lot. Normalish does seem a little Middle Grade, but I loved how the book brought back so many memories of my own school days and how easy it was to relate to Stacy and her story. It was a fresh, pure, innocent and really sweet read. 

RATING:

X 4

 Sarika

Review- Ripples: A Novel In Stories Of 9/11 by Linda Oatman High

Goodreads Summary:

9-11 connected people in ways we never imagined.

Eight teenagers with very different lives find they have something in common after all: their lives were horribly affected 9-11. Like ripples in a pond, the pain and tragedy spread far beyond the events of that terrible day. But some good things happened too—people reached out, helped someone else, gave to people who needed it more, and shared the most precious gift of all—simple human kindness in the face of unspeakable human cruelty. Those things spread like ripples in the lives of these unique teens, and in their turn, they keep the ripples going. Their lives will never be the same, but maybe they can make something good come out of it. Maybe they can be touched by the Ripples.

REVIEW:

Ripples was a very emotional read. It revolves around 9/11 and how the incident affected the lives of people and how they coped up with their loss and grief. 
Ripples is the story of eight people whose lives get inter-connected and merge with one another after the huge 9/11 fiasco. It was very touching to read these stories. Every person is trying their best to move on in whatever way possible and that's when they stumble upon somebody else, who helps them get by with life. These guys are just young adults and it was a little disturbing to read about the difficulties they face and raw emotions that they express. Throughout the book, souvenirs and little pieces of memories and attachment are exchanged between all these people. It was beautiful to read about that sort of connection and value. 
A very short and gentle read, Ripples is one of those books that makes you think and feel at the same time. I could sympathise with the characters and I felt for them all. At times, I didn't know what I was feeling, it was so emotional. Sometimes I found myself crying for the victims deep within. Ripples definitely leaves an impact. 
Though a deep read, author Linda Oatman High writes in a simple, systematic and completely genuine manner. I would definitely recommend Ripples for the impact that it leaves and for the glimpse that it gives into the lives of the hard hurt victims of 9/11. 

RATING:

X 3.5

Sarika

Review- First Frost by Liz DeJesus

Goodreads Summary:

Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of First Frost from author Liz DeJesus @ Musa Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank Liz and the publishing house for the book!

First Frost was like walking straight into Disneyland. I absolutely love the idea of a fairy tale coming into a contemporary setup. 
For Bianca, accompanying her mom to and helping her run her family's traditional museum, Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts is just that- tradition. She grew up looking at all the wonderful pieces kept in the museum for display. From Cinderella's slipper to Snow White's poisoned apple to a single brick from the ones The Three Little Pigs used to build their home, the museum hosts all the magical items from our evergreen and legendary fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers. For Bianca, these items of art and  grandeur are just that - items. She never even thought that this family-run business will ultimately change her life and land her in a beautiful yet slightly dangerous time and world. She finds herself in her very own fairy tale. 
Bianca was an awesome protagonist. She has a girl next door appeal and shares a wonderful relationship with her parents, a rarity in YA novels. Most of the book is explained from Bainca's POV and her thoughts are clear and practical. She likes helping her mother in running the museum, but that's not what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Little does she know that her destiny has already been fixed. 
I loved the relationship between Bianca and her mother, Rose. It was so normal and wonderful to read. Rose reads fairy tales to kids at the museum and there's almost a magical tint to her voice, what with children and parents both being completely engrossed in her lecture; while Bianca cleans the museum and manages the gift ship counter. 
In the beginning of the book, there was a scene where a little girl purchases a wand and asks Bianca if it will perform magic. A little confused, Bianca turns to her mother for a response when Rose says that magic is inside us all, we just have to have faith in it. It was an adorable moment. Bianca's father and her also share a wonderful relationship. The love between her father and mother is evident and a love story in itself. 
Bianca also shares a great relationship with her best friend, Ming. Ming is a supportive friend and a strong shoulder. I loved how she was always there for Bianca and even accompanied her in her other-worldly adventure. The two friends did things any normal friends would do in spite of the twist in the tale. They are always there for each other, no matter what. Both them are so understanding and simple. Ming is in perfect balance to Bianca. She is emotional and fun to have around while the Bianca is practical and hard-working.
When the Frost family find themselves in another time and world altogether, Bianca comes across two handsome and amazing gentlemen, Prince Ferdinand and Terrance. The two of them are the knights in shining armour or princes on horses. I loved them both! They brought a light-hearted and warm feel to the story. 
First Frost is truly a wonderful read. A different fairy tale, it manages to remain both practical and imaginative simultaneously. Author Liz DeJesus writes in a simple and systematic way which makes you want to read more and more. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of First Frost and I would highly recommend it. What better than reading a lovely and pretty fairy tale! I loved how the story explains that 'happily ever after' is actually a typo of 'happily IN Everafter'! 

RATING:

X 4

Sarika

Review- Phoenix by Jennifer Mason-Black

Goodreads Summary:

Would you recognize hope if you looked into its eyes?

At sixteen, Tucker has nothing but the clothes on his back, the bruises on his ribs, and the truth about what happened between him and the band teacher. He left home looking to escape his memories, but all he’s found on the road are new bad ones to take their place.

Then he meets Gabriel, a beautiful hustler, and Kelsey, a fire-obsessed girl with a head full of fairy tales. After Gabriel rescues him from a pair of drunks looking for a fight, Tucker’s happy to join him in the abandoned factory he calls home. All he must do in return is help keep Kelsey safe.

But Kelsey’s not what Tucker thinks she is, and safety isn’t what she needs from him. To help her, he’ll have to face the secret he’s been running from, and the flames she’s running to find.

It's also a cool coincidence that I read and reviewed the book just in time for the LGBT Reading Event for the month of October, hosted by Adam @ Roof Beam Reader. 

REVIEW: 

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Phoenix from Musa Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for the book! 

I was looking forward to reading Phoenix as it is my first proper LGBT read. Plus, 'phoenix' is such a pretty word and the book has such a fiery cover! 

The three adjectives that best describe Phoenix are- complex, mature and stupefying.
Tucker, Gabriel and Kelsey have their own fears, difficulties and complexities. Their lives are intertwined which makes them a composite trio. Spark, fire, thunder are words I like to associate with the protagonists. 
I have a feeling that whatever I have to say about Phoenix isn't going to be enough. It was just that amazing!
Tucker was such a sweetheart. He faced so much of humiliation and torture that at times, I found some things a little hard to comprehend. I loved how he explained the subtle blush on his cheeks and the the slight warmth in his body when he encounters other men.
The other two characters, Kelsey and Gabriel were like a spark of fire. Though they seemed confused, it was justifiable as they were still figuring things out for themselves. Their bond was strong and simply beautiful.
Gabriel is, as the summary aptly puts, beautiful. He had a very magnetic quality that made me want to get to know him better. As for Kelsey, I can think of the phrase 'setting fire to the rain' to describe her, and yet it won't be enough. She was magical and absolutely stunning.
Phoenix portrays abuse and homosexuality. It is a complex book. It's a little hard to explain everything about it. I think Phoenix should be read for the amazing style in which it has been written. 
Phoenix is from Tucker's POV. His voice is simply astonishing. The flow of his thoughts put into words is just beautiful. I loved loved loved author Jennifer Mason-Black's style of writing! It is different, refreshing and so in tune with literature. 
Though a complicated and mature read, Phoenix pulls you right into the focal point from the moment you begin reading it. The book has an intriguing aspect to it that makes it so irresistible. 
A very short read, I wish the book was a little longer and more detailed because I would have loved to keep going with it and read more about Tucker. 

"Somehow there's always a bird singing for me when morning comes." 

- Tucker

RATING: 

X 4

 Sarika