Review: Soung the Gong by Joan He

Sound the Gong by Joan He

Sound the Gong (Kingdom of Three #2)
Joan He
Roaring Brook Press
Published April 30, 2024

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About Sound the Gong

From New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, comes the dazzling and sweeping conclusion to The Kingdom of Three duology, Sound the Gong, the breathtaking sequel to the critically-acclaimed Strike the Zither.

All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior’s body, and never has she felt more powerless. Her lordess Xin Ren holds the Westlands, but her position is tenuous. In the north, the … Continue reading

Review: The One That Got Away With Murder by Trish Lundy

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

The One That Got Away with Murder
Trish Lundy
Henry Holt & Co.
Published April 16, 2024

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About The One That Got Away with Murder

Be careful who you fall for…

Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count—the killer kind. Handsome and privileged, the Crestmont brothers’ have enough wealth to ensure they’ll never be found guilty of any wrongdoing, even if all of Happy Valley believes they’re behind the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First there was soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie’s ex, who mysteriously drowned at the family lake house. Then, a year later, … Continue reading

Review: Deep Is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Deep Is the Fen
Lili Wilkinson
Delacorte Press
Published April 16, 2024

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About Deep Is the Fen

Merry doesn’t need a happily-ever-after. Her life in the charming, idyllic town of Candlecott is fine just as it is. Simple, happy, and with absolutely no magic. Magic only ever leads to trouble.

But Merry’s best friend, Teddy, is joining the Toadmen—a secret society who specialize in backward thinking and suspiciously supernatural traditions—and Merry is determined to stop him. Even if it means teaming up with the person she hates most: her academic archnemesis, Caraway Boswell, an ice-cold snob who hides … Continue reading

Review: Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Fake Chinese Sounds
Jing Jing Tsong
Kokila
Published April 30, 2024

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About Fake Chinese Sounds

A middle-grade graphic novel about a Taiwanese American girl navigating identity, bullying, and the messy process of learning to be comfortable in her skin.

Between homework, studying, and Chinese school, Měi Yīng’s summer is shaping up to be a boring one. Her only bright spots are practice with her soccer team, the Divas, and the time spent with her năi nai, who is visiting from Taiwan. Although Měi Yīng’s Mandarin isn’t the best and Năi Nai doesn’t speak English, … Continue reading

Review: Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee

Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee

Calling of Light (Shamanborn #3)
Lori M. Lee
Page Street Press
Published April 6, 2024

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About Calling of Light

Danger lurks within the roots of FOREST OF SOULS, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Susan Dennard, and Netflix’s THE WITCHER!

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.

And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.

Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha … Continue reading

Reread Project: Greenwild by Pari Thomson

Reread Project: Greenwild: The World Behind the Door

One of my favorite books last year was Greenwild by Pari Thomson. I got completely swept away in the lush fantasy setting packed with magic, powerful plants, charming characters, and an unforgettable cat.

This summer, the series continues with Greenwild: The World Beyond the Sea, which I’m eagerly anticipating. It’s one of the books I’m most looking forward to this year. While I’m waiting, I’m going to enjoy the fabulous world of book one all over again– just in time for Earth Day, too!

If you haven’t read this gorgeous story, grab a copy and dive in so you’re ready when book two hits shelves.

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