How far behind am I posting reviews? Both of these are reviews of books I read way back in February! One of these was my first five-star read of the year and while I’ve had a few since then, this one renewed my need for more Jane Austen retellings by BIPOC (if you have any recs, I will gladly accept them in the comments).
Title: Where the Rhythm Takes You
Author: Sarah Dass
Series: N/A
Pages: 352
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: May 11th 2021
TW: death of a parent, cancer diagnosis, grief
"Seventeen-year-old Reyna has spent most of her life at her family’s gorgeous seaside resort in Tobago, the Plumeria. But what once seemed like paradise is starting to feel more like purgatory. It’s been two years since Reyna’s mother passed away, two years since Aiden – her childhood best friend, first kiss, first love, first everything – left the island to pursue his music dreams. Reyna’s friends are all planning their futures and heading abroad. Even Daddy seems to want to move on, leaving her to try to keep the Plumeria running.
And that's when Aiden comes roaring back into her life – as a VIP guest at the resort.
Aiden is now one-third of DJ Bacchanal – the latest, hottest music group on the scene. While Reyna has stayed exactly where he left her, Aiden has returned to Tobago with his Grammy-nominated band and two gorgeous LA socialites. And he may (or may not be) dating one of them…
Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, Where the Rhythm Takes You is a romantic, mesmerizing novel of first love and second chances."
Sarah Dass debuts with an engaging YA romance about second-chances and learning to let yourself be happy. Where the Rhythm Takes You is a Persuasion-inspired novel that takes place in Tobago. On the cusp of adulthood, Reyna is grappling with her past and the uncertainty of her future. Her best friend is bound for London while Reyna stays behind, trying to keep her mother’s hotel afloat. Her father seems content to hand over the reins of the hotel to someone else, but Reyna can’t quite let go of the last thing she has of her mother’s. When Reyna’s first love returns unexpectedly, his presence throws her carefully curated world into disarray. She is forced to come to terms with her own life decisions and how she has let grief steer her away from her dreams. Easily in my top five Jane Austen retellings, Where the Rhythm Takes You is perfect for fans of second-chance romance. Reyna tries to keep old feelings at bay, but the more time she spends around Aiden, her old flame, the harder it becomes to deny those feelings. But she is also angry and hurt and it isn’t always easy to untangle all these emotions. Mutual pining and tension make this a compulsory read. I also really loved exploring Reyna’s relationship with her mother who passed away two years prior. A lot of the responsibility Reyna places on her own shoulders is tied to this relationship in particular. Reyna hasn’t allowed herself to dream beyond the hotel for so long and she isn’t sure she can when its fate feels so tightly wound to her mother’s memory, even if some of those memories are painful. Love, grief, and second chances each have their turn in this one and will keep romance fans engaged throughout.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
Title: Now That I've Found You
Author: Kristina Forest
Series: N/A
Pages: 336
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Release Date: August 25th 2020
"Now That I've Found You is a YA novel about searching for answers, love, and your eccentric grandma in all the wrong places.
Following in the footsteps of her überfamous grandma, eighteen-year-old Evie Jones is poised to be Hollywood’s next big star. That is until a close friend’s betrayal leads to her being blacklisted . . .
Fortunately, Evie knows just the thing to save her floundering career: a public appearance with America’s most beloved actress—her grandma Gigi, aka the Evelyn Conaway. The only problem? Gigi is a recluse who’s been out of the limelight for almost twenty years. Days before Evie plans to present her grandma with an honorary award in front of Hollywood’s elite, Gigi does the unthinkable: she disappears.
With time running out and her comeback on the line, Evie reluctantly enlists the help of the last person to see Gigi before she vanished: Milo Williams, a cute musician Evie isn’t sure she can trust. As Evie and Milo conduct a wild manhunt across New York City, romance and adventure abound while Evie makes some surprising discoveries about her grandma—and herself."
Kristina Forest delivers a winning sophomore novel with Now That I’ve Found You, a YA contemporary with a focus on a grandmother-granddaughter relationship. Evie Conoway has big dreams for herself. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, Gigi, a legendary Hollywood starlet. After a video leaks of Evie mocking a famous director, her career is completely derailed. Unsure of her next step, Evie reaches out to one of her only constants, her grandmother, who she is hoping can help revitalize her career. But before Evie can find the courage to ask for her assistance, Gigi disappears. Now, with the help of Milo, a young musician who has befriended her grandmother, Evie embarks on a search to find her and save the tattered remains of her career. Now That I’ve Found You is a journey of self-discovery. Evie is forced to examine her own motivations and to reevaluate who she has become in recent years. The more she learns about her grandmother, the more she begins to realize that the loneliness she’s been feeling is reflected in her grandmother as well. This novel also deals with a friendship breakup and how a betrayal of a friend makes it harder to open up and trust again. Evie’s relationship with Milo is unexpected and sweet, even with its ups and downs. I really enjoyed getting to know Milo’s band and how it gave Evie a taste of what having a supportive friend group is like, something she has never had. Now That I’ve Found You really stands out amongst YA contemporaries as a novel that focuses largely on the main character’s relationship with her grandmother. Kristina Forest’s second novel is a must read for those looking for a coming of age YA that centers familial relationships.
Hello, friends! I have another set of backlog reviews for you. I really need to sit down and edit all these reviews I have sitting in my drafts. The only good thing about this is I haven’t been writing a ton of new reviews lately, so it’s nice to know I won’t run out of reviews to post anytime soon. Today, I am bringing you reviews for two books both by Rebecca Roanhorse. I picked up her middle grade, Race to the Sun, when I couldn’t get a hold of the audiobook for Black Sun, but I finally managed to pick up the latter as well. Both of these were stellar reads and I just love when writers can write for multiple audiences so well.
Title: Race to the Sun
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Series: N/A
Pages: 306
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Release Date: January 14th 2020
TW: racism, bullying, homophobia
"Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.
When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . ."
Rebecca Roanhorse’s Race to the Sun is a daring thrill ride whose heart lies in a family-centered story. Nizhony Begay is your normal seventh grader with one exception. She isn’t the best at sports or school, but longs for some sort of recognition. She can also see monsters, but it’s not a secret she likes to share. When her father is taken by a wily monster, Nizhony, along with her brother Mac and best friend, Davery, must go on an epic quest to not only save him but also the world. Nizhony has a great youthful and humorous voice. She longs to be special, but is unsure if she has what it takes to be an actual hero and monster slayer. With help from various beings, Nizhony and company are faced with almost impossible odds. But Nizhony is far braver and selfless than she gives herself credit for. One storyline that particularly had me enthralled was Nizhony having to deal with her mother’s abandonment. It’s heartbreaking, but also full of hope. Nizhony must deal with her anger and sadness while also trying to understand that sometimes people are faced with impossible decisions, but this doesn’t negate their love for you. Race to the Sun, with its page-turning action and Navajo-inspired storyline, is sure to delight readers of all ages.
★ ★ ★ ★ (4/5)
Title: Black Sun
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Series: Between Earth and Sky, #1
Pages: 454
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 13th 2020
"The first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic.
A god will return
When the earth and sky converge
Under the black sun
In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world.
Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man’s mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain."
Rebecca Roanhorse builds a world like no other with her latest high fantasy series. Inspired by pre-Columbian times, Black Sun, her first book in the Between Earth and Sky series, follows the ascent and descent of several characters as they approach the day known as Convergence. In Tova, the Watchers, priests of different orders, are revered and paid homage. But there is plenty of distrust of their governance. The Carrion Crow clan in particular has clashed with the Watchers on numerous occasions. Carrion once held fast to the old religion but its followers were deemed blasphemous and hunted down and slaughtered on the Night of Knives. But there remains a small, devout group, still loyal to the Crow God, who hopes to see their God return and exact revenge. Serapio has known his fate since he was a boy, the first moment his mother gave him his first hatah, a tattoo symbolizing who his body belongs to. Now he must fulfill his destiny and return to Tova to confront the priests who slaughtered his people. Roanhorse’s fantasy novels are so enriching, always painting a vivid and lush story. The characters always feel like products of their worlds, each with their own desires and motivations. I love that we are introduced to several different characters and loved seeing how they interact and how each of their paths are destined to collide. Religion plays a vital role in this world, but it is often mixed with politics. Truth is often snuffed by those in power in an effort to hold on to said power. There is also really interesting mythological elements as one character is introduces as Teek, beings with strong ties to the sea. They are powerful, but are often discriminated against because of the mythos that surround them. With Black Sun Rebecca Roanhorse has risen as a powerhouse fantasy writer and if you are not reading her work, you are missing out on some of the most intricate and groundbreaking fantasy publishing has to offer.
Title: Jade Fire Gold Author: June C.L. Tan Series: N/A Pages: 464 Publisher: HarperTeen Release Date: October 12th 2021
TW: self-harm, child abuse
“In an empire on the brink of war… Ahn is no one, with no past and no family. Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child. When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities. But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined. Ferocious action, shadowy intrigue, and a captivating romance collide in June CL Tan’s debut, a stunning homage to the Xianxia novel with a tender, beating heart, perfect for fans of The Bone Witch and We Hunt the Flame.,/b>”
Ahn – Ahn has spent her life trying not to want more than she has. Abandoned as a child, Ahn has no memory of her parents, of what her life was like before Grandma Jia found her and took her in. Everyday has been a struggle to survive. Ahn is also harboring a secret that could get her and the people she loves killed. During the course of Jade Fire Gold, Ahn has to contend with all the voices inside her. Her magic feels reckless and uncontrollable, but it also makes her feel powerful. And power is so very enticing for someone who has lived such a powerless life.
Altan – Altan’s journey has been defined by revenge for so long, it’s difficult for him to see any other path for himself. He lost everything he loved years ago and for him, taking his throne back and killing those responsible for his family’s death is the only option for him. Altan is willing to go to extreme means to take down the usurpers of his throne, but his anger often blinds him to what is right in front of him.
Magical system and politics – I really loved the elemental magic in the novel especially how it intertwined with the politics of this world. Though magic has been banned in the Empire, there are a certain sect of priests who are still allowed to practice. They play a vital role in who holds power in the Empire. It was also interesting delving into the politics of history, how truth gets buried when those in power want to erase the past.
Time jumps – One of my major issues with the novel is the time jumps. I feel like as a reader we miss out on so much because of this. Ahn in particular goes through a lot of changes as she goes from living in poverty to living in a palace. But those changes feel very abrupt with a time jump and I really wanted to see things slow down, especially when Ahn begins to develop new relationships that I, as a reader, am supposed to feel invested in as various other storylines come to fruition.
Minor Character development – Jade Fire Gold has so many interesting minor characters, but we never really get to know any of them. I was really disappointed that we didn’t spend more time with Tai Shun, the current prince and Altan’s cousin.
Romance – I wish I could say I enjoyed the romance in this novel, but most of the time I felt that it got in the way of both Ahn and Altan’s individual development. In the end, I think the book would have been better without it.
June CL Tan’s Jade Fire Gold has incredibly epic action scenes, but I couldn’t help but want more in terms of character and relationship development.
“Author of Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne, beginning a new trilogy set in a world inspired by the history and epics of India, in which a captive princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic become unlikely allies on a dark journey to save their empire from the princess’s traitor brother. Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once the source of the powerful, magical deathless waters — but is now little more than a decaying ruin. Priya is a maidservant, one among several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to clean Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, so long as it keeps anyone from guessing the dangerous secret she hides. But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled. One is a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne. The other is a priestess seeking to find her family. Together, they will change the fate of an empire.”
Female characters – The Jasmine Throne boasts so many different and multi-layered female characters. Each one is more than they seem with motives and past traumas which influence every decision. Though this world is patriarchal, it is the female characters in this world who truly hold the power to change the fate of their lands.
Priya – Priya is introduced as an Ahiranyi maidservant, but it quickly becomes apparent that she was raised to be something greater. Most people do not look twice at Priya and for the most part, she desires to disappear in the background. But it is her kindheartedness that sets her apart, that makes people take notice. She may have been raised to be a weapon, but it is how fiercely she protects the vulnerable that makes her strong.
Malini – Princess of Parijatdvipa, Malini refused her brother, Emperor Chandra’s wishes and as a result, is being imprisoned in Ahiranyi. Cut off from her allies, Malini has little hope of ever escaping. Malini is not a likeable character, she has rough edges because they are essential to her own survival. Growing up in a political environment has forced her to play smart. She sees people as assets and understands what must be done in order to manipulate them into getting what she wants. Malini is determined to see her eldest brother take the throne in place of Chandra, but in the midst of her machinations, it becomes clear that it is Malini who has the fortitude, intelligence, and vision to truly lead.
World-building – Tasha Suri is a brilliant world-builder. The land of Ahiranyi has been under the rule of the Empire of Parijatdviva, enduring cruelties including the erasure of their own culture. The religions in The Jasmine Throne are also really interesting to explore, particularly the religion of the nameless which is rooted in prophecy.
Sapphic romance – Priya and Malini are very different people, but despite this and the fact that their journeys may take them in opposite directions, they are drawn to one another. Both characters have thorny parts of themselves and it’s interesting seeing how they navigate this relationship, knowing how easily they could hurt the other.
Sibling relationships – Both Priya and Malini have complicated relationships with their brothers. I loved exploring these dynamics and seeing how differently they reconcile anger and love. Also interesting seeing how both brothers want to exercise their will over their sisters, but it is Priya and Malini who show themselves to be the ones with the most power.
Nothing to note.
Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne seamlessly weaves fantasy and politics, centering women and exploring the cost of power.
Title: Jade Fire Gold
Title: The Jasmine Throne
A Kernel of Nonsense 