RaveHypableThough the year has barely just begun, I’m confident in saying that Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley is one of the best books of 2021 ... I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved Firekeeper’s Daughter. How in awe of it I was and, frankly, still am. Part thriller, part romance, part coming of age novel… It’s difficult to categorize this novel because it’s a perfect blend of so many genres and journeys.
Veronica Roth
RaveHypableVeronica Roth’s highly-anticipated first adult novel is here and it’s everything we could’ve hoped for in a fiction debut (and so, so much more) ... diving into Chosen Ones, Roth’s first novel for adults, it’s safe to say that I had pretty high expectations. Expectations that Roth ultimately not only met, but exceeded ... a mix of quite a few fan-favorite genres. It combines magical fantasy with superheros, topping everything off with a touch of political commentary. There’s a lot here for everyone to enjoy, regardless of if you were a fan of Roth’s previous works or had never read anything by her before ... [Roth\'s] descriptions of buildings, streets, and even walking paths are written with such love and elaborate detail, down to even what the view looks like every step of the way. As someone who lives [in Chicago], it’s easy to follow along where the characters are going and really put myself in their shoes ... While Chicago is very much a real place, the way in which Roth imbues it with magic and darkness feels seamless and natural. Every aspect of the world she builds on top of Chicago fits snugly with the pre-existing architecture and culture, making it feel like there has been magic here all along ... morphs into an almost steampunk fantasy that I’m so glad I didn’t see coming. There’s quite a tonal shift that occurs about a third of the way through that really makes the story start to come alive ... Roth’s use of and rules around magic are incredibly unique, transforming it more into a sort of science and art form rather than some completely unknowable force ... an addictive tale of magic and power, \'What ifs?\' and inescapable trauma. Fans of previous Veronica Roth books will recognize and soak up her impeccable world-building, bleeding heart protagonists, and dauntless (ha!) villains ... But, lifelong Veronica Roth fan or not, every person who reads this book will certainly be clamoring for the sequel ... At a time where we could all use a good escape into a fantastical new world and an enthralling story Chosen Ones truly delivers on all levels.
Abbi Waxman
RaveHypabaleCentering on a main character who loves spending time with a good book more than with other people, bookworms everywhere won’t be able to resist the charm of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill ... Nina Hill is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever read in literature ... The book’s depiction of living with mental health challenges...is incredibly nuanced and makes for a satisfying read ... The Bookish Life of Nina Hill will put a smile on your face the entire time you’re reading it. It’s a light, fun summer read with a cast of colorful and lovable characters that you wish were real and that you had on your trivia team. This book is the perfect beach read or pick-me-up for a cloudy day.
