Here are some reviews from our local volunteer Book Reviewers.
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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (2016)
Review by Nicolina- Pace
Genre: Romance Ficiton
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
Love is a difficult subject. It is our greatest high and our lowest low. Humans long for connection and for relationships. Yet, sometimes the one who loves you hurts you the most. Lily, a hardworking woman, aspiring to fulfill her dreams, meets Ryle, a man of passion and strong emotion. When running into her first love, Atlas, their entire relationship seems threatened. Love, does not stay beautiful, but instead cracks into so many pieces, no one can ever put it back together again.
Critical Role: Vox Machina-Kith & Kin by Nijkamp Marieke (2021)
Review by Lizzie- 11
Genre: Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Find it Digitally: Cloud Library eBook
Rating: 6 out of 10
REVIEW
Critical Role: Vox Machina--Kith & Kin by Marieke Nijkamp is a fantasy action-adventure book based on the very popular Dungeons and Dragons podcast series, Critical Role. The book tells of Vex’ahlia and Vax’ildan Vessar, half-elf twins from the first campaign of the podcast series. The book takes place before the events of the first campaign with the twins wandering the land of Tal’dorei. After Vax realizes there is a contract on his sister’s head, he accidentally gets involved with the Guild that put it there in an attempt to save his sister and uncover whoever put the hit on her in the first place. Throughout the book, there is a lot of backstory about the twins and the bond between them.
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (2012)
Review by Lizzie- 11
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Cloud Library eBook, Cloud Library audiobook
Rating: 8 out of 10
REVIEW
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore is a fantasy book and the second installment of the Graceling book series. It follows Bitterblue, who is now queen of Monsea and is struggling to rebuild her kingdom after the damage and instability left by her father, the late King Leck. However, she meets a boy named Saf, who robs her of a very valuable item. Bitterblue struggles to manage her kingdom, all while juggling the social and romantic life of a teenager.
Perhaps this is just my love of romance, but the reason this book ranks 8/10 for me is that there was all of this building towards Saf and Bitterblue getting together, but nothing came of their relationship. I won’t give too much away, but the ending was disappointing if you were reading the book in hopes of a traditional YA romance. However, the writing style is flawless, the heaviness of the plot is evenly distributed throughout the story, and the characters feel real and loveable.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuisto (2019)
Review by Samantha- UDel
Genre: Romance, Humorous, LGBTQ
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook, Hoopla audiobook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
The first son of the United States, and a British Prince; what could go wrong? When his mother wins the Presidency, Alex Claremont-Diaz must step into his role as First Son. From the moment his role begins, he finds himself in the company of Prince Henry of Wales, who quickly becomes his enemy and competitor in the political and social realms they share. After a publicity incident at the Royal Wedding, Alex and Henry must put on a show of being best friends in order to get the press in their good graces again. A fake friendship then leads to something more, and I’ll leave you to find out the rest.
The Guest List by Lucey Foley (2020)
Review by Samantha- UDel
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook, Hoopla eBook, Hoopla audiobook
Rating: 8 out of 10
REVIEW
A high-profile publisher and celebrity survivalist television host are planning a wedding on a small, remote island off the coast of Ireland. Inviting their families, closest friends, and boarding school buddies, the event should be the event of a lifetime. The island is owned and managed by a quiet and mysterious couple, who work with the bride to make sure her day goes exactly how she wants. As friends and family reminisce and celebrate, old secrets come to light and things go sour. A classic whodunit mystery as told through the eyes of the bride, groom, family, friends, attendees, and workers.
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2020)
Review by Samantha- UDel
Genre: Romance, Humorous
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
After spending years chasing the coveted title of valedictorian, Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have finally made it to the big day. After the title is revealed, there is only one more thing that could possibly be won: Howl. Howl is a senior class scavenger hunt that goes all over the city of Chicago, and only one will be left standing. When another group is after them, Rowan and Neil must team up for a chance at winning. May the best man win.
Providence by Caroline Kepnes (2018)
Review by Samantha- UDel
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook
Rating: 8 out of 10
REVIEW
Jon Bronson is in love with Chloe Sayers. He was in love with her in high school, and even after he emerged from a four year coma after being kidnapped. When he wakes up, he learns he has the power to make people have heart attacks at will. This causes a suspicious pattern, investigated by Detective Charles “Eggs” DeBenedictus. Eventually their paths intertwine, and all three cross paths as they attempt to figure out what is going on.
Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Mansicalco (2021)
Review by Sraavya- Grade 12
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Romance
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook
Rating: 9 out of 10
REVIEW
"One sister. Two sinful princes. Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell." On a deadly mission to avenge her sister's death, Emilia has travelled to the Seven Circles and sold her soul to the demon to become his wife, the Queen of the Wicked. But can she really trust anyone in the courts of the Wicked? Even Wrath, who was her ally, seems to be keeping secrets of his own. In this adventure with backstabbing courtiers, dazzling palaces, and inconsistent clues about her sister, Emilia has to rediscover her own past and all the mysteries left unsolved . . as long as the sins don't catch up to her first.
Supernova by Marissa Meyer (2019)
Review by Sraavya- Grade 12
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Action/Adventure, Dystopian
Find it Digitally: Overdrive/Libby eBook, Overdrive/Libby audiobook
Rating: 10 out of 10
REVIEW
*This is the final book in the Renegade series; will contain spoilers*
Nova and Adrian struggle to keep their secret identities under wraps, all while the Renegades are faced against their biggest enemy once again. In this conclusion to Marissa Meyer's Renegade Trilogy, Nova and Adrian must overcome lies and betrayals, and be with their greatest fears. If they cannot bridge the gap between heroes and villains, they run the risk of losing everything, including each-other.
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