Read, Run, Ramble

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Beautifully written, magical, and transporting, The Night Circus is the tale of two ancient magicians with opposing views on what makes the art of magic and those who create it stronger. Spanning decades, even centuries, the two pit their strongest students against each other. Le Cirque des Reves (The Circus of Dreams) becomes the playing field for the magicians' two latest competitors, Celia and Marco.

As the circus travels the world, the two competitors create magnificent spectacles that showcase their skills and strengths. What they did not expect (nor did their teachers) was to fall in love, which makes the competition all the more complicated.

Morgenstern is a masterful writer. She brings this fantastic world into clear focus for readers. The tale is woven with care and time - this isn't a heart-pumping, action-packed thrill ride, but it is a refreshing, charming, and elegant read! So while I was expecting something much different, I was not disappointed and I loved every minute of this novel.

Title: Loving the Rain (Clay and Tanner Thomas series)

Author: Jeff LaFerney

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Tower Publications

Publication Date: June 2, 2010

Format: Kindle Edition purchased from Amazon

Buy Now!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Loving the Rain by Jeff LaFerney is a fun and intriguing mystery with a twist!

Father and son team, Clay and Tanner, have extra “mental abilities”. These abilities are a blessing and curse all at once and readers will learn each side through both men’s experiences in this novel. This part of the story is highly interesting and I loved it. Clay and Tanner struggle with their abilities and try to understand them throughout the story. What they could never know is that there is an unknown danger getting closer and closer to their family – can the mental abilities get them out of it, or will they only serve to make things worse?

Another added element to LaFerney’s mystery tale is sports – lots of sports. Basketball with a little football to be more specific. Now, I’m a sports fan so that worked for me. The author’s love of sports is very clear and it added to the excitement both Clay and Tanner feel about the sports in their lives.

Mystery readers love a good bad guy and this book has one. Actually, it has a couple and they’ll get right under your skin and make you squirm at their pure criminality and evilness. But, don’t assume you have things all figured out; there are definitely some twists and turns to keep the intrigue at a high level.

An engaging, well-written and suspenseful novel, Loving the Rain kept me turning pages until about two in the morning (and I do love my sleep)!!

Find my thoughts on all things books and reading at Read, Run, Ramble

I read this book with my daughter who chose it as her Historical Fiction book report read. Each of us checked out a copy from our local library (shout out to the fabulous Johnson County Public Library) and each day I would make sure to read as many chapters as she did so we could spend part of our evening discussing what had taken place.

Not only did I love this experience with my daughter, but I loved that Fever 1793 was the book with which we started this new tradition. It was a fun, yet educational read and the first book in a long time that my daughter has truly gotten excited about (yay - that makes a bookworm mom's heart sing)!

This story, based on the events of the Yellow Fever epidemic in 1793, blew my socks off. Using Fiction to liven up a historical event to teach our kiddos about a very significant portion of American History is simply awesome, and I was captivated by it as well.

I've seen a couple reviews that mention it is not written in a way that would make it appealing to us old folks. To that, I say SHUT YOUR MOUTH (just kidding - we all have our opinions). In all seriousness, yes it is written in a way to make it appealing to adults. The characters are well developed and show much growth throughout the story - I really felt like I connected with them and I think my daughter did to (judging by the conversations we had at night - she really personalized them). The storyline is factual and detailed, yet written in a way to keep children interested and learning. That isn't to say it is so simple you feel like you're reading an infant's board book though. So while the book is indeed written for the teen and pre-teen crowd and, therefore, should be written to their level, it is also an intriguing and thoughtful read for the adults that choose to give it a chance.

Now, for the 6th grader's review - she gave it 5 out of 5 stars and said it was "awesome"! My dear daughter thought it was one of the best books she's ever read. I can vouch for that review because she eagerly discussed this book with me every evening and never complained about having to spend part of her free time reading it (she is a very reluctant reader; especially when it comes to assigned reading). She thought Mattie was courageous, and she was very entertained by King George the parrot.

For parents, teachers, or other caregivers looking for a fun, but also educational read, grab this one. Or if you're looking for a book to read with the children in your life, pick this one up. It worked for me and my reluctant reader!

Title: The Thursday Night Club A Tale of Christmas Spirit

Author: Steven Manchester

Genre: General Fiction – Christmas Story

Publisher: The Story Plant

Publication Date: November 18, 2014

Format: egalley provide by The Story Plant

Synopsis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you to The Story Plant for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Five college friends meet on Thursdays to play cards and hang out. They enjoy college life, each other’s company, and playing pranks on each other. But when tragedy strikes the group is shaken and life begins to teach lessons that no professor or classroom can. What is life all about? Can a life cut short really be a meaningful one – one that matters, even if all it could have accomplished will now go unaccomplished? What makes our lives “worthy”?

I enjoyed The Thursday Night Club. It was a sweet rendition of Christmas spirit and the good that comes from small deeds and by normal people. As with all of Manchester’s work, this novella packs a lot of caring, sharing, love, friendship, and growth. Writing stories that come from and are directed right at the heart, Manchester always makes me smile.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

When Harper Lee's sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird, I was immediately giddy. Then I thought about it a little and I got a little concerned. I've read articles in support of the book and others which match my skepticism.

I hate to feel this conflicted about reading a book. I hate that I know I have to read this book no matter what. I hate knowing that someone might have done something unscrupulous and knowing that means Lee may not be completely aware of what is happening or even being compensated as she should be.

Here's the latest article I've read on the topic. I'm guessing that I'll continue to follow the news/media and I'll make a very last-minute decision when the book is published (to read or not to read), but I honestly cannot see myself going through the ensuing years of my life having not read this book.

Title: The Great Zoo of China

Author: Matthew Reilly

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: January 27, 2015

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Gallery Books via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

The Great Zoo of China was exactly the fun and thrilling ride I expected! Think Jurassic Park, but on a larger scale.  

The powers of China have created a zoo that they hope will catapult them above the United States – they’ve created something they believe will outdo Disneyland in the cultural landscape of the world. They have definitely done that, but the question is, can they control it?!

CJ and Hamish Cameron along with several other VIP visitors are being treated to a tour of the new zoo when all Hell breaks loose. And it seriously breaks loose. There is death, destruction, blood, guts, and lots of action.

There’s some predictability, but I still enjoyed the read. There’s also a little stretched reality, but to me, that makes for a super fun read – Fiction should suspend reality a little for readers in my opinion. Especially in this type of Fiction. The parts of the story that stray from our reality and what we expect is what makes this novel unique and intriguing.

And I must say that CJ is a kick-ass heroine. I loved reading her humor, strength, intelligence, and general badassery (sorry, she calls for a made up word). Having a woman in her role in this type of book isn’t exactly common so I really enjoyed it and I’d read more adventures with CJ at the helm if they were ever written!

Lastly, I am a huge fan of the creature being kept at this new zoo. I feel like it is fairly obvious, but for those that may not know what animal that is, I’ll not spoil it, but trust that it is so fun to read about a world where there is a zoo of this impressive and awesome animal!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Since You’ve Been Gone

Author: Mary Jennifer Payne

Genre: YA Fiction

Publisher: Dundurn Group

Publication Date: January 24, 2015

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Dundurn Group via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

The synopsis for Since You’ve Been Gone grabbed me and I was quite intrigued to give the book a try; however, it didn’t work for me.

The book is short, but very rushed because of it. So much about the story and the characters didn’t get developed well due to the rushed nature of the writing. Yet, at times, I found myself skimming several pages at once due to information and detail that I felt was significantly unnecessary.

The main premise of Since You’ve Been Gone is indeed a great one – a mother and daughter are running from a past they can’t seem to outrun no matter how hard they try and when the mother ends up missing, Edie (the daughter) takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.

While a few side plots are fun and needed in any story, the author tried to fit way too much into this short novel. In addition to the main topic, Payne also tried to fit in bullying, racism, and sexual assault, among other small issues. The story constantly jumped from one issue to the next and nothing received the attention it deserved really. Some of these topics were shoved into the story in a way that made everything feel disjointed and confusing – the racism and sexual assault scenes are short and really offer little (if anything) to the story.

I never connected with any of the characters, including the main character. Again, I think the rushed nature of the novel probably led to this – there just wasn’t time in the novel to develop the different characters in the story.

Finally, I’ll touch on the ending just a little. Typically, I try not to put too much expectation into how an author ends a book because it is their story, their characters, and their ideas. However, this one ended abruptly and left me disappointed. Once again (broken record here, sorry) it was so rushed that it didn’t get the attention it deserved. So, it wasn’t really the way it ended, it was more how it was handled that left me wishing for more. It ends with a fairly intense situation that gets covered in a couple of pages at most.

In summary, I think this novel had so much promise and I think the author has the writing skills and potential to write a great novel. This one just didn’t get there in my opinion.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Etta and Otto and Russell and James

Author: Emma Hooper

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: January 20, 2015

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Simon & Schuster via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

I will begin by telling readers that I immediately fell in love with Etta and Otto and Russell and James, both the book/story and the characters themselves. I started reading and didn’t want to stop.

Etta decides, at the wonderful age of 82, that she must see the water, so she starts walking towards it (no short journey – she has several thousand miles to walk if she is to make it). Otto, not quite sure how to deal with temporarily losing her, but knowing he shouldn’t go after her, is lost at first, but quickly finds his way through. Now, Russell isn’t quite as flexible and he deals with Etta’s leaving aggressively. And James? Well, James is a talking coyote and his presence in the story is both meaningful and magical.

Through letters, dialogue, and flashbacks/memories, readers will jump back and forth between present day and the past with all the characters to learn their stories – who they are, how they met, and how they got to this point in time where Etta needed to see the water so desperately that she simply up and left.

Many reviews have mentioned, rightfully so, the lack of dialogue punctuation. Much of the novel is dialogue, yet there are no quotations and other punctuation is often missing or misplaced. However, this doesn’t take away from the story; it actually adds to it. I think the author created a certain atmosphere – a certain feel – in her story and with her characters that is made stronger by the lack of this punctuation. It is simple, basic, and raw – just like the emotions and events she’s portraying with her writing. Hooper did a magnificent job in my opinion – the writing is exceptionally perfect for this story.

Much like the fact that she never comes right out and writes words like war, soldier, combat, or anything similar. She never writes of dates or specific events, but her writing leads readers to the answers – there is no “telling” in Hooper’s writing. This is particularly what led me to 5 stars, really pushed it over the edge; Hooper beautifully describing scenes, events, and people and not just telling readers what is and was going on.

I know it is early in the year, but this one gets spot #1 for now – best book I’ve read in 2015. I’ll be recommending it to anyone who will listen so if you’re reading this, you should just go grab it now!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: First Frost

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: January 20, 2015

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

It was so fun to be back in Bascom with the Waverleys! Getting a little more background and information about one of my favorite fictional families was definitely something I’ve been looking forward to since hearing that First Frost was on the way.

Addison Allen didn’t disappoint with this installment. The magical feel to Waverley Place and the tree were just as I remembered them. I love the personalities of both and they were both up to their same antics, adding tons of fun to the story.

First Frost is dreamy, magical, sweet, and feel-good. It brings with it comfort and easy reading. Addison Allen’s writing flows with beauty as usual and her words weave a tale that immediately feels like home. Pick it up, settle in, and enjoy the warmth!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Gooseberry Island

Author: Steven Manchester

Genre: Romance

Publisher: The Story Plant

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you The Story Plant via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

David is an Army Ranger. Lindsey grew up with a military father and is now helping her father deal with his PTSD. The two meet at what some might call the worst possible time – the night before David leaves for Afghanistan. Yet the two of them decide that beginning the relationship is doable despite the timing. Through letters, Skype, and email they get to know each other and even fall in love, but when David returns events don’t unfold quite how either of them thought they would and the relationship is put to the test.

There were many things in this book to love – the exploration of PTSD, the fact that war doesn’t end for a soldier just because he or she returns home, the strains put on families and friends when loved ones deploy, and Manchester’s beautiful writing. However, there were a few things that I didn’t love so much. The romance was just a bit much for me – too cheesy, sappy, and perfected. Even the “tough spots” were too scripted feeling to me. To be fair, most romance isn’t for me so in that vein, it is fair to say that many will love it. And at times the plot line felt jumpy or choppy – whole chunks of time where I’d be left wondering, “What happened and how much time really just passed?” This was mostly during David and Lindsey’s meeting and then again during David’s time in Afghanistan.

As for the characters, other than David’s and Lindsey’s romantic sides being way too much for me, I liked them all. Manchester shows many sides of the aftermath of war and deployment and I feel like he did so in a very authentic voice. Several different relationships are covered – parental, spousal, sibling, friendly, and so many more.

To sum it up, this book is worth the read. Manchester’s story sheds light onto a subject that I feel many would benefit from and it was enjoyable.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Her

Author: Harriet Lane

Genre: Psychological Thriller (or so they say)

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Format: Paperback ARC via Goodreads

Synopsis

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Little, Brown and Company via Goodreads for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Okay, this book had tons of promise – the premise is intriguing and suspenseful! How could these girls know one and other? What could have gone so wrong? What would drive one of them to go to such lengths while the other doesn’t even remember their relationship? So many questions; so many paths this book could take.

And it didn’t take any of them.

First, I didn’t love the writing; it felt disjointed and stunted most of the time. The chapters jump from one woman’s POV to the next (Nina and Emma), but not in a way that works for the story. Basically, something happens in the story and is told in one woman’s POV, then Lane turns it around and tells the exact same story, with very little variance, from the other woman’s POV. It just didn’t work for me and I love that type of storytelling – it is normally one of my favorite modes of getting all the details in a novel.

Not only did the writing not get there for me, but the storyline took a rather boring turn. It isn’t until about three quarters of the way through the book when readers learn how Nina knows Emma and why she’s being so manipulative, secretive, vengeful, and downright creepy. And the reason/secret is silly and inconsequential in my opinion.

Next, we have the ending. When I looked down and realized I had approximately 7 pages left in the book and there was no lead up to an ending in sight, I knew things probably weren’t going to conclude very well. I was right. The ending is abrupt and awkward – it just jumps out and happens and leaves you wondering what in the hell just happened and why. Especially after having found out the “secret” a couple chapters back and that secret being so underwhelming.

Sadly, I cannot recommend this book even though it had so much promise.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: My Sunshine Away

Author: M.O. Walsh

Genre: Literature/Fiction

Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Format: egalley via First to Read by Penguin Group

Synopsis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you First to Read by Penguin Group for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Coming of age, an unreliable narrator, a violent crime, and an idealistic neighborhood – Walsh mixes it all up and then shakes it up a little.

In My Sunshine Away a small and quiet neighborhood in Baton Rouge experiences a violent crime. One with many suspects, but no convictions. The crime shakes the neighborhood, especially a small group of young friends whose worlds are significantly changed by the aftermath.

Using familiar historical events, Walsh depicts one young person’s coming of age tale. The Challenger explosion, Hurricane Katrina, the exposure of Jeffrey Dahmer – they’re all used as a backdrop to the unreliable narrator’s life and story. From the beginning, it is difficult to securely decide whether to trust the narrator or not. At times he’s funny, others he’s morose, and others he’s seemingly mentally unstable. He feels an enormous amount of guilt for the crime that took place in his neighborhood, but why is completely unclear.

I liked the way Walsh used his narrator in this way. The writing and the inconsistency of the narrator really keeps a reader on his/her toes, and makes the urge to continue on late into the evening quite strong.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Revival

Author: Stephen King 

Genre: Horror (or so they say)

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: November 11, 2014

Format: 1^st Edition Hardcover purchased from Rainy Day Books

Synopsis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

From the book’s description: “This rich and disturbing novel spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written.”

No, just no. This had no terrifying conclusion in my opinion and it was not, by far, the most terrifying he’s written. And actually, by spreading all the hype about what a horrendous ending the book had they only succeeded in making it even more lackluster! I hate when that happens.

To be clear, I enjoyed this read. I love King and the writing and storytelling in this novel hit the mark. However, I didn’t find the ending terrifying and I even have a hard time calling it “horror”. Sure, at the end (and a little spread throughout) there are some horror-like elements, but the book at its core and as a whole does not have a horror feel.

Jamie and Reverend Jacobs were awesome characters. I loved their relationship and the depths to which King took them. He’s exploring some dark and ugly layers, as always, and he’s done it well. Human devotion to people, events, substances – it is all here. Then add to it the fanaticism we see in some religious circles and there’s lots of crazy to go around. The elements make for an intriguing, thrilling, and page-turning read.

There’s an underlying story of faith here as well – where does it come from and how to we keep it with all the crap that happens in this world? It is in no way a theological book – just a bit of King’s perceptions and opinions coming out.

I attended an event where King read from and talked about the book, among other things, as a part of my book purchase. It was intriguing and there is so much of himself in this book that he explained that makes the book that much more interesting. He grew up Methodist and his doubts (many stated in the book either my Jamie or even Jacobs himself) are King’s doubts being put out in the world. I like that he explores these things so creatively and fully – leaving nothing untouchable. This story is impacted by his willingness to jump down the rabbit hole and follow it all the way to its end.

An end, for sure, that is drastic and unbelievable. Surreal and freaky. But not as terrifying and unpredictable as all the hype would have one believe. Honestly, coming from King, I thought it would get way more terrifying and freaky – I WANTED it to get way more terrifying and freaky! For that, I’m sticking with 4 stars, but it is still one hell of a book and is worth the read (just maybe not the ridiculous $30 I had to pay for it J).

Title: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

Author: Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Matt de la Pena, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Kiersten White 

Genre: YA Romance

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: October 14, 2014

Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Not a lot to say here – the stories were all enjoyable and fun, but somewhat similar in many ways. I read them one or two at a time over a span of several weeks for that reason. As with any set of short stories I enjoyed some more than others, but honestly I don’t think there were any that I outright didn’t like.

Within the stories readers will find small differences between the YA romantic tales. Magic, interracial connections, international boundaries crossed, and even one tale told from a male perspective (rare in the romance genre).

If you’re looking for some light, feel-good, easy-to-read stories to supplement your holiday reading this year, grab this one.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

Title: Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography

Author: Neil Patrick Harris

Genre: Autobiography

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication Date: October 14, 2014

Format: Hardcover via Blogging for Books

Synopsis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Penguin Random House via Blogging for Books for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography was a fun and different read. As expected, the content was funny and lively. I did get a little lost when I tried to read it as a true choose your own adventure so about a quarter of the way through I gave that up and read it from start to finish. Reading it that way helped – I was sometimes a little out of synch, but at least things seemed to make sense!

I love NPH – I have since his days as Doogie. I love him in his roles as an actor, but I also enjoy him outside of those roles, as a person. That part of him was the part I was most interested in reading about in this book, and I’m happy to say it was provided and that he is still my kind of celebrity.

I enjoyed reading of his parents, his children, his partner, and his life outside of acting the most. It is interesting to read of all the people he’s had the pleasure of meeting, hanging out with, and working with, but I’m not too star-struck in personality so that info didn’t do much for me.

Reading of his struggle to identify himself and come to terms with that identification was interesting as well. He dealt with his sexuality in a very Doogie mixed with Barney served on top of a confused human being type of way and he kept it real in the book. There were men, there were women, there were non-cut and dry feelings to figure out and it was written well in the book. There was a perfect balance of humor, detail, and explanation so as not to overdo it or underdo it.

Interspersed throughout are letters written to NPH by those who know and love him best. I liked them, and I liked the light way they added depth and more character to the story.

All-in-all I enjoyed the read. It wasn’t has crack-up funny as I expected or as choose-your-own-adventure exciting as I expected, but it was an enjoyable and informative read that provided a few chuckles and definitely a little more insight into a celebrity of whom I’m already quite fond.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers via Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Run fast. Trust no one. Always carry your knife. Those are the rules Jin Ling must follow in the Walled City and the book begins with Jin following the first –running for her life.

The Walled City begins with heart-pounding intensity and it carries that same intensity throughout. This book just doesn’t stop! Jin is in the Walled City to find and save her sister and in the process she meets Dai who is in the city for his own secret reasons. Dai’s struggling with big time demons too, though readers aren’t immediately made aware of those demons, it is clear they involve big loss and bad decisions.

The Walled City is like a dystopian universe set right in the middle of the rest of the world, which continues about life as if what goes on inside those walls isn’t their concern – a world within a world. Drugs, prostitution, poverty, and general lawlessness all encompass this city, but walk right outside its gates and life goes on as normal. However, for Dai, it isn’t that easy. His secrets keep him voluntarily within the gates even though outside them he had a loving family; one with power and money. When he offers an opportunity to Jin, Jin is sure there are things hidden, but she breaks rule #2, trust no one, and partners with him anyway. Their journey is dangerous, but inside it they learn to trust and be trusted.

Graudin provides a fast-paced, interesting, and powerful read. Her writing is strong and gripping. Additionally, she’s done her research. Did you know there really is/was a Walled City? Make sure to read Graudin’s notes at the end of the book; they make the read even more impactful.

Final verdict: I loved this book. It kept my heart pumping and my fingers flipping pages. The characters are well-written and developed, while the story is intriguing. It kept me up well after bed time reading (1:30 am to be exact and then after finishing I couldn’t sleep because my blood pressure was a bit elevated)!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.