Book Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda 〰️

This book is just so wholesome and adorable and filled with cute moments that made me actually laugh out loud. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found it extremely relatable. I thankfully never experience any homophobia with my family and friends, so I can't relate to those aspects, but I can for sure relate to the nerves of coming out for the first time. And the second. And every time after that. (Because sadly coming out is never a one and done thing).

The emails between Simon and Blue were just too cute. I had a similar relationship with someone at that age so it was all very realistic to me. The dialogue in both emails and spoken was great.

I do feel like Nick could have had a bigger role, however. He wasn't in the story much other than to be the straight love interest to a secondary character. I think he was mentioned more than actually present in the story. I would have loved to see Simon hang out with his friends more. He talks about them a lot but he mostly pines over Blue.

Overall, this is a great debut by Albertalli. I've read her later books and love those, and when I realized I haven't read her earlier works (or seen the movie!) I knew I had to get on that. It didn't disappoint.

If you love a cute YA romance with witty banter and a coming out story, this is a great book for you. And if you really loved it, they made a movie! Love, Simon. (I'm glad they made the title shorter because this one was a mouthful). I haven't seen the movie (yet!) but I will soon!

Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

Never Ever Getting Back

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Never Ever Getting Back 〰️

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I loved this book, but I did think it had some flaws. Nothing major. I loved the writing. Gonzales never disappoints with her writing and great characters. And having the setting be a reality TV show was super cool. I felt like I was finally let in on the behind-the-scenes of one of these shows, which was cool. A lot of research went into making this seem legit. (Unless Gonzales was on a reality show and wrote from experience. I don't think so, but I don't feel like looking that up).

As always, I love an excellent sapphic romance. I'm all here for that. It's why I picked up this book. And once Maya and Skye finally got together, it was adorably magical.

However, I feel like the romance didn't build up very well. They were both so intent on their Jordy revenge, with just a few small lines here and there, that they might be attracted to each other as more than friends. (I love good enemies to lovers trope, and this one was top-notch). But, they went from friends who may think a cute thought about the other on occasion to full-out making out every chance they get and falling madly in love super fast. I love their relationship, don't get me wrong, but it happened too fast, or rather, it didn't build properly. But if you put that bit aside, there was still chemistry between the two leads, so it still worked out great in the end. (I shipped them the entire time and wanted more).

I will admit I didn't entirely like Maya at first and would have preferred having more POVs from Skye's perspective, but she grew on me. And so did the story. It became much more than a revenge plot. And I love the friendship between all the girls on the show. Each with a unique story and was fun to read, despite how short or long some of them lasted.

All in all, this was still a fantastic read, and if you love the author's previous books, you'll also love this one.

Book Review: And They Lived... by Steven Salvatore

And They Lived...

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And They Lived... 〰️

I cannot praise this book enough. This story was exactly the type of story I love to write. I see a lot of my novel, SOUTH, in this story, from the animation to self-discovery journeys, super cute moments, the real hardships of life and mental health, and excellent characters. This story has it all; it was an honour to read.

I love how healthy all the relationships are in this novel. It's nice to read. And not only are the main characters dynamic and exciting to read, but the side characters are just as flesh-out and entertaining. (And OMG, I love Benny and Rae so much. Can we get a book on them just being the best of friends?)

And who doesn't love a good self-discovery story? I know I do. I've written one! We've got self-discovery with love, a journey of trying to love your body, and a journey of self-discovery regarding gender. And it's all handled very well. (And I'm happy the author included resources for those needing help in the book. There is no shame in seeking help when you need it).

The plot was solid, the cast was perfect, and the ending was *chef's kiss*. I can't recommend this book enough.

The only thing I have negative to say (and this is based on my own experience and is highly nitpicky) is that the animation program Chase attends seems awfully advanced for a first year. I actually went to an art school, studied animation and worked as an animator for years before changing careers. I say this to say that your first year, especially your first month of an animation program, is usually learning about the basics of animation. The program Chase is in and the work he's making sounds more like second-year work rather than first years, let alone the first semester. But maybe animation programs are just different in the US as opposed to Canada, where I went to art school.

That all being said, if you're looking for an excellent queer read, this book is 100% for you.

Book Review: The Legacy of Yangchen by F.C. Yee

The Legacy of Yangchen

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The Legacy of Yangchen 〰️

I will admit the Kyoshi books were better than Yangchen's. While I enjoyed them, Kyoshi's story was far more compelling and felt more in the Avatar world than Yangchen's did. But again, I still enjoyed the read. I would also like to say I enjoyed book two of Yangchen's story more than the first. Although, if I'm being honest, it only hooked me and got interesting a bit after the 50% mark. Before that, I wasn't sold and would have probably rated the book a 3-star or something.

This book had too much politics for my liking. While I don't mind a little politics, I feel like, for an Avatar story; this was a bit excessive. I can't recall if the first book had as much, but I believe it had its fair share as well. It took away from my enjoyment of the story.

Also, as mentioned in my review of The Dawn of Yangchen, Kavik seemed to be more of a main character than Yangchen was. Although, admittedly, she did have more screen time than book one. But for a story that is supposed to be all about Yangchen, she didn't feel as present as she should have.

I also wish that we saw more of her past lives leaking through. We know from book one that she remembers most of them more than other Avatars we know. And we do get one scene where Yangchen is with Kavik and she slips into the mind of a previous Avatar. Kavik decided to keep the information she said a secret, even to her, and I expected it to come into play later in the story, but as far as I recall, it didn't.

I do hope to see more books by Yee in the Avatar world, however. Even if Yangchen's story wasn't as compelling as Kyoshi's, Yee is still an excellent storyteller. I always applaud someone who can describe fighting scenes in a book so well that I can picture them happening in my mind. And with a story in the Avatarverse, you need lots of fight scenes, or at the very least, bending scenes. And to be able to show and not tell these complicated actions takes great skill. I'd imagine even someone not familiar with any martial arts or someone who hasn't seen the show can imagine the bending scenes with great ease in their heads.

Not my favourite installment in the Avatarverse, but I'm not mad at it. Still had a good time reading it and getting to know another Avatar in another time period. Hope to see more someday, especially by Yee.

Book Review: The Dawn of Yangchen by F.C. Yee

The Dawn of Yangchen

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The Dawn of Yangchen 〰️

I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm super excited to read another Avatar's history and see a badass female protagonist. But at the same time, I felt like we spent more time with Kavik and his whole backstory than with Yangchen. Don't get me wrong, Kavik is a great character, but seeing as this book is called the Dawn of Yangchen, not Kavik, I just expected to see more of her. Hopefully, we will see more of her in book 2.

Did I enjoy this book? Absolutely. But was it a top read like Kyoshi's stories were? Sadly, not even close. I do appreciate more worldbuilding on a world we already know a lot about. (If you've seen the shows and read the comics and such, that is).

The plot was alright, but it felt lacking ins something that I can't quite put my finger on. The characters were well developed, even Yangchen, which we don't see much as Kavik. I do wish that Kcompanionship than together, in my opinion. Maybe things will change. We'll have to wait for the next book to come out.

Is this still a worthy addition to the Avatar universe? Absolutely. It wasn't the best Avatar book I've read, but it was still worth reading. If you are a fan of the Avatar world, you should still enjoy this book and early await for the second to come out, just like me.

Book Review: Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer

Life and Death

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Life and Death 〰️

So I did read the original Twilight series back in the day. I got the four-book box set as part of a Christmas gift. I enjoyed them, though I wasn't as hyped about them as the world was. I enjoyed the movies as well. They weren't my favourite books of all time, but I still had a fun read with them. I never got why they got so much hate. For a YA love story, it wasn't all that bad. I also thought the whole sparkle thing wasn't stupid. (Well, not super stupid). I thought it was a unique take on why vampires didn't go out into the sun.

That all being said, I've only read the books once, back when they weren't even movies. (Well, the first movie was out, but semantics). I've only seen the movies back when they came out, as well. I mention this to say that it's been a hot min since I've had anything to do with Twilight, and so reading this reimagined version was almost like reading the whole series (or at least the first book) for the first time.

I remember many key scenes from the first book, mostly because of the movie. Well, Cinemasin's video on the first movie, anyway. I love that YouTube channel. Anyway, it was fun to see what I recalled play out in Beau's POV. Though he's supposed to be the male version of Bella (and Edythe a female Edward), I feel like they differ enough from their OG book selves to be their own characters. Yes, they share many similarities, but I think they also have some unique personality traits. But then again, as mentioned, it's been a long time since I read the first book, and maybe I'm just remembering them wrong. But I did enjoy reading Beau and Edythe more than Edward and Bella. I don't know why; I just did.

I do remember, however, that the book didn't end the way this one did, with the MC turning into a vampire. And you know what? I'm here for it. I loved this new ending. A bit bittersweet, but still. I loved this ending much better than the OG Twilight ending. I wish we would have at least one more book, a novella even, showing Beau and Edythe's life together as vampires.

I'm glad Meyer didn't just rehash the story of OG Twilight and had a different ending. (Perhaps there were a few more different scenes, but again, can't recall the first book too much). I was worried she would just gender-bend everyone and leave it at that. But in a way, this felt fresh and new, despite co-tailing off a popular ten-year-old book.

If you are a fan of Twilight or even a first-time reader of the series, I think you'll enjoy this book. It's not the greatest love story in the world, but it made me smile, so it must have done something right.

Book Review: The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

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The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers 〰️

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

What a perfect book to end the year on.

This book was a complete 180 from the author's first novel, Surrender Your Sons. (A book which I've read and thoroughly enjoyed). While his debut was a much darker read, this book is a light, fluffy romance full of love and family support, and I'm here for it. Comparing the two books Sass has written, I can tell he has perfected his writing craft. The tone and characters are so different, yet Sass still has his unique voice.

As for this book, I loved it from the first page to the end. It was a wonderful romance filled with so many cute moments. I absolutely love how all the parents in this book are so supportive. (Also, how cool was it that Micah, the MC, and his sister both turned out to be gay/lesbian? And their parents still love and accept both of them. Love that).

Sure, some of the romance can be a bit cheesy, but I will admit, I'm a sucker for cheesy romance. And having it be gay romance? I'm all aboard the cheese train.

I knew from the start that Boy 100, though as great as a couple they were, weren't going to last. I could tell Elliot was the better fit. I still love that Micah and Grant were still a great couple and got along well, but I felt the vibes were better with Elliot. Plus, having Micah get a boyfriend so early meant something would happen with their relationship. It's how stories (and life) go.

If you are looking for a read that has a fun MC as a narrator and a light cute romantic read filled with lots of little happy moments, this book is perfect for you. It's also good for mental health because there isn't anything triggering in the book. A great way to relax in a world where almost all the characters are gay. Also, how can you not want to read this book based on the cover alone? It's stunning. I highly recommend this lovely read.

Book Review: Youngbloods by Scott Westerfeld

Youngbloods

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Youngbloods 〰️

I'm a little torn on how to review this book. It might not have been as good if this wasn't part of the Impostor/Uglies series. This book was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't the strongest of the series. I was excited to see where this book would lead storywise, especially knowing Tally was coming back, but I'm not 100% sold on where Westerfeld took the book.

The other books in the Impostor series mentioned Tally, and since I loved her story, I was super excited to know she was coming back as a character (Shay, too!) and not just mentioned here and there. Sadly, I don't feel like this book did her justice. She almost seemed like a different Tally than the OG Uglies series, yes, including Extras, where Tally wasn't the MC. Shay felt like Shay, but something didn't feel entirely right with Tally. I mean, I guess years going by between novels and living in the wild for so long will change a character, but still.

Also, for some reason, I couldn't get into this book as I did with the others. This is no fault of the writer. I think I've just been too tired lately. But I was only really hooked at the end.

The ending also feels like it ended too quickly, like another book may be coming, but I'm pretty sure this is the end. Who knows?

Is this book terrible, however? No. It was still a good read, even with all its faults. I still enjoyed being back in the world of Uglies. If you have enjoyed the series so far, I believe it's still worth the read.