Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Synopsis:
Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
In 2018, one of my main reading goals was to read a lot of my backlist books that I had just taking up space on my Kindle for a long time. One of the ways I did that was to listen to audiobooks. Not only was it a big time saver, but I found that could read more that way. One of the last audioboks of 2018 that I listened to was Transparent. I really enjoyed the book.

It makes me sad that I had waited so long to read Transparent. I've owned it for years, but it never really caught my eye. It didn't jump out at me on my Kindle when I would browse through books to read. However, now I wish I would have read it sooner. I loved it so much. I thought the plot was action packed, and suspenseful. It kept on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to Fiona due to the circumstances she was going through. The author was great creating dramatic tension. I also liked the premise of the different "powers" that certain people had. I almost wish that there was another series by this author about the time closer to the origins of the "powers" and people finding out how they worked, and first discovering them. I think that would be interesting to read.

In fact, the only thing I disliked about the book was Fiona's pessimistic nature at times. I understand why she was the way she was. It made complete sense for the plot, and everything she had been through in her life. However, sometimes I just wanted to reach through the book and smack her. So many problems could have been solved if she just gave the new people around her a chance instead of automatically thinking they were out to get her. It was incredibly in your face obvious that they were trying to help her, and it got slightly annoying when she would do the opposite of what they were helping her to do, or ran away from them.

I really loved Transparent. I thought it was a dramatic, entertaining book. I recently found out that the book has a sequel. I'm torn on whether I will read it. The book ended in a way where mostly everything was resolved, other than a few tiny details that weren't important to the plot, in my opinion. I also have a lot of other backlist books to read. However, I would love to see more of the different "powers" in this world, and watch Fiona's relationship with a certain someone evolve after what was discovered at the end of the first book. I might read the sequel once I get a few more books crossed off my TBR. We shall see.  

I give Transparent: 4/5. 

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nataliewhipple

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Pokemon Adventures Volume 1 by Hidenori Kusaka

Synopsis:
Adventures based on the best-selling video games! All your favourite Pokémon game characters jump out of the screen into the pages of this action-packed manga!

Red doesn't just want to train Pokémon, he wants to be their friend too. Bulbasaur and Poliwhirl seem game. But independent Pikachu won't be so easy to win over!

And watch out for Team Rocket, Red... They only want to be your enemy!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style).
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

For those of you that know me, you know I'm obsessed with Pokemon. I've loved it since I was a kid. I love the anime, the video games, the memorabilia, etc etc. Recently I found out that there is a manga called Pokemon Adventures, and read the first volume. I really enjoyed it.

Pokemon Adventures brings together everything I've always loved about Pokemon. I enjoyed watching Red discover new Pokemon, and beginning his journey as a trainer. It brought back nostalgic feelings of watching the show when I was a kid. However, the manga is unlike the show. It's similar to the video game, but there are still enough differences to make the manga unique in it's own right. I almost wish they would do a reboot of the show that is closer to the manga. I think a lot of people would enjoy it.

I thought that the first volume of Pokemon Adventures was a great start to the series. I can't wait to continue the series. As much as I loved the first volume, I wouldn't be surprised if I binge read the whole series over the next couple of weeks. I think this would be a great manga to read for someone Pokemon obsessed, or someone completely new to the series. Both would find it entertaining in different ways. 

 

I give Pokemon Adventures volume 1: 4/5.

 

Want to know more about the author?

 Website: https://twilog.org/k_hidenori_

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

Synopsis:
With harpoons strapped to their backs, the proud whales of Bathsheba's pod live for the hunt, fighting in the ongoing war against the world of men. When they attack a ship bobbing on the surface of the Abyss, they expect to find easy prey. Instead, they find the trail of a myth, a monster, perhaps the devil himself...

As their relentless Captain leads the chase, they embark on a final, vengeful hunt, one that will forever change the worlds of both whales and men.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I love Patrick Ness's books. I've read most of the ones that he has released, and there were only one or two that I didn't enjoy. Recently, I found out that he released a new book, And the Ocean was Our Sky. As soon as I saw it was available, I knew I had to read it. Unsurprisingly, I loved it.

And the Ocean was Our Sky might be one of the most original stories I've ever read. The premise was intriguing, unlike anything I had ever heard of before. I listened to the audiobook, which made things confusing at the beginning. It took me a while to realize I was listening to the whale's perspective. After figuring that out though, the audiobook kept me constantly listening without taking a break, which is unusual for me. I wanted to know how things between Bathsheba and the human were going to end.

Patrick Ness did a great job at writing such a thought provoking book. It really made me think about why we treat animals (and people) the way we do, and what we can learn from seeing things in a different perspective. It was also really sad to read at times. A certain scene definitely made me cry, although I think part of that was from hearing the amount of emotion the narrator put into that scene. I also found the ending to be shocking. I did not expect everything to happen with Toby Wick the way it played out. It definitely blindsided me.

Once again, Patrick Ness has written a great book, although that shouldn't be a surprise by now. I really enjoyed And the Ocean Was Our Sky. I listened to it in audiobook, which I definitely recommend. The narrator really brought something special to the story. My only regret in not reading a physical copy is that I didn't get to see any of the illustrations, which I've heard are beautiful. Oh well, that just gives me an excuse to pick a physical copy, and read this wonderful story again.  

I give And the Ocean Was Our Sky: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://patrickness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricknessbooks/

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding

Synopsis:
Seventeen, fashion-obsessed, and gay, Abby Ives has always been content playing the sidekick in other people's lives. While her friends and sister have plunged headfirst into the world of dating and romances, Abby has stayed focused on her plus-size style blog and her dreams of taking the fashion industry by storm. When she lands a prized internship at her favorite local boutique, she’s thrilled to take her first step into her dream career. She doesn't expect to fall for her fellow intern, Jordi Perez. Abby knows it's a big no-no to fall for a colleague. She also knows that Jordi documents her whole life in photographs, while Abby would prefer to stay behind the scenes.

Then again, nothing is going as expected this summer. She's competing against the girl she's kissing to win a paid job at the boutique. She's somehow managed to befriend Jax, a lacrosse-playing bro type who needs help in a project that involves eating burgers across L.A.'s eastside. Suddenly, she doesn't feel like a sidekick. Is it possible Abby's finally in her own story?

But when Jordi's photography puts Abby in the spotlight, it feels like a betrayal, rather than a starring role. Can Abby find a way to reconcile her positive yet private sense of self with the image that other people have of her?

Is this just Abby’s summer of fashion? Or will it truly be The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles)?
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

One of my biggest regrets of 2018 was that I didn't read more queer literature. It's a genre that I love to read. However, with a lot of the new books that came out, I became immersed in fantasy, and missed a lot of the LGBTQ+ reads. It's something that I hope to change/catch up on in 2019. However, one of the few LGBTQ+ books I did get a chance was The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles. I thought it was just okay.

There are a few things that I did love about The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles). Even though I didn't approve of some of her actions, I really liked the main character, Abby. She had a fun, feisty spirit. I loved that I could relate to her because I am also a blogger. Seeing her push herself to be creative, not only in her blog, but in everything around her, made me want to be more creative with my blog. I also loved her boss, Maggie. She was always open to suggestions for what the girls wanted to do, and fun to work with. While reading the book, it felt more like she was their big sister than their boss. I wish more bosses in real life could be like that.

Even though I liked those parts of The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles), I did have quite a few problems with the book. The first problem I had was that it seemed boring, and tedious at times. There were chapters on end where it seemed like nothing important was happening. There was a lot of filler. Also, it seemed like the burger parts of the book had nothing to do with the story, other than being filler. I found myself really bored during them, and wanted to skip them so I could get back to Abby, Jordi, and what was going on at the boutique. I also didn't like the way Abby treated Jordi towards the middle of the book. There was something big that happened that could have been easily resolved by Abby communicating with Jordi, instead of being a jerk and completely ignoring/avoiding her. She treated Jordi very badly over something that I didn't think was a big deal.

All in all. I thought The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles) was just okay. There were parts that I enjoyed, but I also had a lot of issues with the book. Even though I wasn't in love with this book. I hope to at least try one of the author's other books to see if I like that better. I think a younger LGBTQ+ audience (middle grade or younger high schoolers) might enjoy this book more than I did.

I give The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles): 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?

Website: https://www.theamyspalding.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmySpaldingWrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theames

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatames/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768552.Amy_Spalding

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Just My Luck by Cammie McGovern

Synopsis:
Fourth grade is not going at all how Benny Barrows hoped. He hasn’t found a new best friend. He’s still not a great bike rider—even though his brother George, who’s autistic, can do tricks. And worst of all, he worries his dad’s recent accident might be all his fault. Benny tries to take his mom’s advice and focus on helping others, and to take things one step at a time. But when his dad ends up in the hospital again, Benny doesn’t know how he and his family will overcome all the bad luck that life has thrown their way.

Just My Luck is a deeply moving and rewarding novel about a down-on-his-luck boy whose caring heart ultimately helps him find the strength to cope with tragedy and realize how much he truly has to offer his friends and family.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
To end 2018, I wanted to read as many contemporary books as possible. I've been in the mood to read a lot of contemporary lately. I think it's because they are usually standalones that I can rad in less than a day. Also, every now and then I just need some cuteness in my life. While it wasn't exactly what I expected, I really enjoyed Just My Luck.

Just My Luck isn't one of those books that I would normally go out of my way to pick up, but I'm so glad I did. I thought it was a powerful, and yet sometimes heartbreaking middle grade book. I didn't expect it to be as hard hitting as it was. It definitely gave me the feels, several times when reading, especially when Benny had moments of heavy guilt for what happened to his father. It was hard to read that from a child's perspective because he didn't have the reasoning skills yet to realize it wasn't his fault. Sometimes bad things just happen. I was impressed with the way the author wrote from such a young point of view, and pulled it off very well. I also enjoyed the autism rep in Just My Luck. I thought it was very accurate compared to what I have seen in real life.

Even though Just My Luck didn't end in a perfect happy ending, when I finished the book, it made me feel hopeful. I love it when books can do that, even if everything isn't 100% fine in the end (trying to be vague because I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read the book yet). After reading this book, I am excited to read more Cammie McGovern books that I own. I'm sure the other books will also be thought provoking, hard hitting reads. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a beautiful, yet sometimes sad story to read. 

I give Just My Luck: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website:  http://www.cammiemcgovern.com/home/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CammieMcGovern
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36320.Cammie_McGovern

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

This: A Vampire Cure for Forever by Shaun Roundy

Synopsis:
Life happens one split second at a time. Sometimes one second makes all the difference, though you rarely know until long after it passes.

Can you identify a second that changed your life? Kayla Porter can. It's the moment she met Melissa Clayton. Along with Melissa's brother Ethan, their fates intertwined and pointed to one of their deaths.

But what is fate made of, anyway? Who decides who will live and who will die, what will happen, and whether or not anyone can interfere?

Follow this thrill-ride vampire novel from one insightful revelation to the next. Experience the thrill of romance and adrenaline as friends and enemies explore fresh boundaries in a world of opportunity that existed all along, right before their eyes, but that they never before considered.

It's your world, too. It's waiting right before your eyes, but can you see it? This may open your eyes and change your life forever.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Lately, I have been missing reading paranormal romance. It's a genre that I really liked when I was younger, but as I got older, I grew out of it. Lately, I've been hearing about all of these great, new paranormal books that sound amazing. I've been wanting to get back into the genre, so I decided to start with a book that has been on my TBR for a while, This: A Vampire Cure for Forever. I really enjoyed the book.

I love This so much that I read it all in one night. I couldn't put it down. I only ended up getting about four hours of sleep because it hooked me in, and wouldn't let me go. I loved everything about the book. The plot was fast paced, and kept me needing to know what was going to happen next. Even before the vampire part came along, there were subtle hints that something crazy was going to happen, which made me want to find out even more. The author did a great job building suspense. My only complaint is that it was hard at times to tell when Kayla was in the real world, or when she was having a flashback. That made things confusing at times.

I also loved all of the characters. I enjoyed watching them interact with each other, and form their friendships and relationships. I even liked Kayla's first set of friends, although they were kind of shallow and superficial. My favorite character was definitely Melissa. I loved her attitude and kick butt personality. She did her own thing, and didn't care what anyone else thought about it. I only wish that I could be like that someday. The only thing I didn't like was what she did towards the middle of the book, although I understand her reasons for doing it.

I loved This. I know the year just started, but I have a feeling it might be one of my favorite books of the year. I desperately wish that the author would write a sequel. The book ended in a way that left some unanswered questions. I especially want to know what happens with the vision Kayla had at the end, and how that plays out. I will definitely be reading more of Shaun Roundy's books, especially if he writes more paranormal books. I recommend this to anyone that wants a quick, great book to read.  

I give This: A Vampire Cure for Forever: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.thisvampire.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2674080.Shaun_Roundy

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Return of Innocence by Duane Simolke

Synopsis:
Though born to a noble maternal lineage, Sasha Varov lives in exile on a dangerous island. Her family faces constant threats from deadly weather and deadlier dragons. That family sends sixteen-year-old Sasha back to their beloved kingdom of Jaan to buy seeds. She stumbles into adventures and becomes an accidental legend, known as “Innocence.”

A year later, Sasha leaves her father and her gay brother protecting the other exiles while she returns to Jaan. She begins her journey, unaware that an old enemy has gained arcane powers, or that the people of Jaan expect her to defeat that enemy. With the help of an outcast, a mutant, and an aging but heroic lesbian couple, Innocence might prevail.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
 For 2018, one of my main goals was to read my backlog of review books. While I didn't manage to read all of them, I made a nice dent in my pile. The last one I read in 2018 was The Return of Innocence. I had owned this book for a while, and kept putting it off for some reason. I'm not sure why I did. After finally reading it, I really enjoyed the book.

I really loved the world that Duane Simolke created in The Return of Innocence. He weaved a setting that was complex and intricate, yet easy to understand and for the reader to immerse themselves into. The plot was action packed, although a bit predictable at times. I will admit, the predictability did take me out of the world at times. However, a few pages later, something would happen that would suck me right back into the story line. I especially loved the scene with Sasha being in the throne room with the king the first time. It cracked me up.

I also loved all of the characters in The Return of Innocence. There wasn't a single one that I disliked. Even Taylii, the main antagonist, had some qualities that I found to be entertaining. I loved Sasha. She was a fierce woman who took no crap from anyone and knew what she wanted. She wouldn't let anyone stop her, or get in her way. I think YA fantasy needs more heroines like her. I also loved all of the side characters. I almost wish the author would write more books about them, especially with the LGBTQ+ relationship that happens in the end. I would love a book about just those two characters.

Other than being a little predictable, I absolutely loved The Return of Innocence. I thought it was one of the better short YA fantasy books that I had read in a while. I will definitely be reading more of Duane Simolke's books. I can't wait to see what other type of fantasy worlds he creates. 

I give The Return of Innocence: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://duanesimolke.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DuaneSimolke
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73451.Duane_Simolke

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.