LOVE & LUCK By Jenna Evans Welch

August 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

LOVE & LUCK By Jenna Evans WelchLove & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch
Series: Love & Gelato #2
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on 5/8/18
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 321
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
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Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding and hoping she can stop thinking about the one thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

Short and Sweet Review

Addie and her family are in Ireland for her aunts wedding. What should be a joyous occasion is ruined by Addie and her brother Ian fighting. Addie is supposed to go to Italy to visit Lina, and Ian is coming to, but their mom warns them if they step out of line they’re going to face punishment. We learn that Addie and Ian have been arguing about something that happened back home, which is why Addie is reading a guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken. On the day Addie and Ian are supposed to leave for Italy she finds him getting in a car with his friend Rowan to go to a music festival instead which leads to an exploration of Ireland and trying to fix broken hearts.

I wasn’t sure about this book when I started it, mainly because the arguing and tension between Ian and Addie was too much. It was like if someone breathed the wrong way one of them would explode, we don’t really get to the bottom of what happened until the end of the book but we do learn it’s about a boy Addie was seeing. Back home Ian is a jock so Addie is shocked to find out he’s a popular blogger and music is his main topic. Ian is determined to go to landmarks that are important to music and do a few interviews and make it to the festival to see his favorite band play one more time. The thing is their mom believes they’re in Italy so they really have to be careful because how big is Ireland really? I loved Ian’s friend Rowan, he was also dealing with a bit of heartbreak which is why he was willing to go to some of the places in the guidebook. It was a roadtrip where we learned a little more about each character and I loved that. I thought it was cool that Addie knew a lot about cars and was the reason the trio got so far. I was kind of bummed that she wasn’t able to go see Lina in Italy but I also understand that this was Addie’s adventure and it needed to take place in Ireland. I do think that the end was a little rushed and I felt like it was abrupt.

Overall, I did like this book. I will say the beginning wasn’t my favorite but when things got going and we saw the different places recommend by the guidebook I was all in. This was a quick and easy read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

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AGAIN AGAIN By E. Lockhart

August 11, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

AGAIN AGAIN By E. LockhartAgain Again by E. Lockhart
Published by Delacorte Press on 6/2/20
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 288
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
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If you could live your life again, what would you do differently?

After a near-fatal family catastrophe and an unexpected romantic upheaval, Adelaide Buchwald finds herself catapulted into a summer of wild possibility, during which she will fall in and out of love a thousand times--while finally confronting the secrets she keeps, her ideas about love, and the weird grandiosity of the human mind.

Short and Sweet Review

In Again Again we meet our main character Adelaide, who is trying to figure out how to feel about her brothers drug addiction and her struggles with a recent break up and having feelings for someone new. We also see Adelaide’s story play out in different universes of this could have happened or maybe not depending on the choices she made.

I like the idea of seeing how what ifs would play out but the way it was written in this book was very confusing to me and I had trouble following along. I couldn’t tell which what if I was reading so that didn’t help. Besides that I did like seeing how Adelaide’s relationship with her brother was different and how they were working on repairing it. I wasn’t into the romance because that’s where most of the what ifs came into play.

There’s really not much to say about this book, it’s kind of repetitive. I did like that the book was short and I was able to finish it in one sitting. I wish the multiple universe aspect Lockhart was going for would have been better executed and maybe the book would have been an easier read.

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ONE OF US IS BACK By Karen M. McManus

August 9, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

ONE OF US IS BACK By Karen M. McManusOne of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
Series: One of Us Is Lying #3
Published by Delacorte Press on 7/25/23
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Young Adult
Pages: 362
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
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It’s been almost two years since Simon died in detention, and the aftermath has been hard to shake. First the Bayview Four had to prove they weren’t killers. Then a new generation outwitted a vengeful copycat. Now the entire Bayview Crew is back home for the summer, and everyone is trying to move on.

Only, this is Bayview, and life is never that simple.

At first the mysterious billboard seems like a bad joke: Time for a new game, Bayview. But when a member of the Bayview Crew disappears, it’s clear this “game” is serious—and whoever’s in charge isn’t sharing the rules. Or maybe there aren’t any.

Bronwyn. Cooper. Addy. Nate. Maeve. Phoebe. Knox. Luis. Kris. Everyone’s a target. And now that someone unexpected has returned to Bayview, things could start getting deadly.

The thing is, Simon was right about secrets—they all come out eventually. And Bayview has a lot it’s still hiding.

Short and Sweet Review

It’s summer in Bayview and all of the Bayview crew are back together. You would think after Simon’s death two years ago and another group stopping the copycat that this would be the end, but nope someone is targeting the group again. It starts with a sign on a billboard then one of the crew members goes missing. Simon warned everyone before he died that secrets will come out, and there’s a few more Bayview has to give.

I love this series and as happy I was to hear there was going to be an installment I don’t think this book was needed. We’re back in Bayview and this time everyone is there, but we only get the POVs of Addy, Nate, and Phoebe. I understand Phoebe and Addy but not really sure we needed Nate. Phoebe is trying to figure out if her brother is a psychopath and we need Addy because Jake is back and we need to follow her thoughts and emotions through it all. If I had to guess why we got Nate maybe it was so we could see how he’s trying to better himself and also his relationship with Bronwyn. Anyway, Jake is out and about on probation so when the “games” are starting he looks like the number one suspect except that’s too easy. I honestly think Jake was there to throw us off and it’s funny because he’s still a horrible person so it very well could be him. When we get to the end and everything is explained it just feels like it was out of left field, because really how out of whack can one town be? Anyway in this book we get our normal something is happening that shouldn’t be, lets do a little investigating, something happens to one of our members, and we were a little off but now we know who the suspect is.

I do enjoy this series but I do feel like everything here was so convenient and out of nowhere that it worked but also made me feel like this shouldn’t have been a new book. I liked seeing all of the characters together and how the characters from the first book were like mentors to the characters from the second book, they had a great friendship with each other. Definitely recommend this series books 1 and 2 were amazing this book threw me for a loop.

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ALL OF OUR DEMISE By Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman

August 4, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

ALL OF OUR DEMISE By Amanda Foody and C.L. HermanAll of Our Demise by Amanda Foody, C.L. Herman
Series: All of Us Villains #2
Published by Tor Teen on 8/30/22
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 474
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

For the first time in this ancient, bloodstained story, the tournament is breaking. The boundaries between the city of Ilvernath and the arena have fallen. Reporters swarm the historic battlegrounds. A dead boy now lives again. And a new champion has entered the fray, one who seeks to break the curse for good... no matter how many lives are sacrificed in the process.

As the curse teeters closer and closer to collapse, the surviving champions each face a choice: dismantle the tournament piece by piece, or fight to the death as this story was always intended.

Long-held alliances will be severed. Hearts will break. Lives will end. Because a tale as wicked as this one was never destined for happily ever after.

Short and Sweet Review

In All of Us Villains we saw that the tournament was breaking and in All of Our Demise we pick up right where the last book ended. Briony, Finley, and Isobel are trying to end the tournament by bringing the relics to the landmarks and destroying them. Gavin and Alistair aren’t convinced and are still playing the tournament with the intentions of winning on their minds.

All of Our Demise felt like a race against the clock. We have one group racing to take down the blood veil and the other two teaming up to try to take them down. Even though we had everyone’s POVs I feel like Briony and Alistair were the main characters and the others were kind of secondary. There was a lot of character development in this book which I appreciated. Each of our characters are complex and have their own problems they’re trying to solve through the course of this book and through that we see how they’ve grown and are continuing to grow. Alistair learns that he’s worth loving, Briony that she is worth saving, Gavin learned that people care about him. I did like seeing the romance between the different characters, it didn’t feel like instalove but something that has been naturally working its way to the surface. The Magick system is still unique and its interesting watching the characters use it and learning about their curse rings and the different spells. The story gets a little more complicated because the press is more involved and there’s also some news about a conspiracy with some of the families involvement with the government. I thought this book was a little long and at some points lagged but it did pick up in the end and I did like when both groups came together and realized that they have a common goal.

Overall, this duology was exciting and filled with action and magick. I did like the characters but I wish it wasn’t as slow as it was. The ending was good and everything was wrapped up nicely, I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy high stakes competitions but with a twist of magic.

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MOCKINGJAY By Suzanne Collins

August 2, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

MOCKINGJAY By Suzanne CollinsMockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #3
Published by Scholastic Press on 8/24/10
Genres: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 339
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss Everdeen.

Short and Sweet

The 75th hunger games didn’t go as planned and if you thought President Snow was angry before, watch out! Katniss and Finnick were rescued from the arena and taken to district 12, while Peeta, Johanna, and whoever else was alive in the arena were taken to the capitol. In district 13 Katniss meets Alma Coin, who is looking to be the new president but needs Katniss’s help. Katniss needs to become the Mockingjay and help lead the revolution against the capitol and President Snow. Katniss agrees as long as Coin also agrees to rescue Peeta and pardon him.

This is the final book of The Hunger Games trilogy and everything was leading up to this moment, Katniss being the face of a revolution and hope. Katniss’s main focus in this book is keeping those she loves safe, saving Peeta, and finally getting rid of President Snow. Katniss is taken around to different districts to see the destruction left behind by the Capitol and this really gets her motivated and she gives messages not only to the districts but also to President Snow. Peeta is eventually rescued but his time in the capitol changed him and his reunion with Katniss isn’t a happy one. I will say I did like how the champions who have competed in the hunger games all deal with their PTSD and we see how Katniss and Peeta are really haunted by their past.

I did enjoy this final installment, I will say I think Catching Fire was my favorite book. This book was focused on the revolution and we see Katniss figure out who was truly the enemy. I loved the ending and that goes back to Katniss working through some things. The ending was good but also a little bittersweet in a way. The Hunger Games was an exciting series and we see over the course of the three books the climax build to finally lead us here and overall it was successful. This trilogy was filled with excitement and characters who are clever and who you grow to love. The Hunger Games trilogy is one I can see myself picking up again in the future just to relive everything.

Filed Under: Reviews

CATCHING FIRE By Suzanne Collins

July 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

CATCHING FIRE By Suzanne CollinsCatching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #2
Published by Scholastic Press on 5/28/10
Genres: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Short and Sweet Review

Katniss and Peeta have won the 74th hunger games and are adjusting to life in the Victor’s Village in district 12. Katniss’s antics with the berries in the games didn’t go unnoticed, by the capitol or the people in other districts. President Snow pays Katniss a visit and tells her to be on her best behavior and make sure that people know that her actions in the games were because of her love for Peeta. After that Katniss learns of uprisings in other districts and she decides to join in but obviously on the down low. The President obviously is not about to let the uprisings or Katniss be the downfall of all he’s worked hard for, so for the 75th Hunger Games he decides to put past victors from each hunger games back into the arena. Now Katniss and Peeta have to survive in an arena with people who also have experience playing the games.

Catching Fire was more exciting to me than The Hunger Games. In The Hunger Games we see the build up to everything and we kind of see it come to a head in Catching Fire. Katniss knows she made the people in the Capitol angry but she wasn’t expecting to learn about the uprisings that are happening in other districts. Katniss isn’t sure what to make of this, the only thing on her mind is keeping her family and friends safe, she even thinks about running away again. In the end Katniss decides to be apart of the revolution but she’s not sure what to do especially after she gets the news about having to take part in the 75th Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta still try to play the crazy love bird angle but I’m starting to think its becoming more than an act to Katniss. The two are also advised by Haymitch to start making some alliances. I did enjoy seeing all of the new competitors but was also sad when some of the people in Katniss’s alliance met their ends. Finnick was pretty useful and it was nice seeing another guy who knew what they were doing around in the arena he also had sponsors. The arena this time was different but there was a pattern the group figured out and in the end there were some things that happened that I wasn’t expecting.

I loved the ending and I’m ready to see how things end in the next book. Even though I’ve seen the movies it’s been a while and I did like seeing how much more detail is in the books. On to the next!

Filed Under: Reviews

THE HUNGER GAMES By Suzanne Collins

July 24, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THE HUNGER GAMES By Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Published by Scholastic Press on 9/1/09
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 387
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Short and Sweet Review

Panem has taken the place of what used to be known as North America. Around Panem’s Capitol is twelve districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by having one boy and one girl from each district participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live tv. Katniss Everdeen lives in district 12 one of the poorest districts, she basically keeps her mother and sister alive with her hunting skills. When it’s time for people to get called for the games, Katniss hears her sisters name called and she doesn’t really think about it but Katniss volunteers to take her place. We follow Katniss as she navigates going from surviving the harsh environment of her district into The Hunger Games where she really has to kill to survive.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the movies, but I tried to forget about those and go into reading this book with a clean slate. I do enjoy the concept and seeing everything play out in the arena. Katniss is our main character and she’s motivated by the love she has for those around her, we see that when she takes her sisters place and when she teams up with Rue and eventually Peeta during the games. As I mentioned Katniss is our main character, but we also see a lot of Peeta because he’s also from district 12. Before the games, Katniss and Peeta are mentored by Haymitch and Effie. Haymitch suggests that they play on the emotions of the rich people from the Capitol and to do that they need to seem like they’re in love. Katniss is uncomfortable with this because there’s a guy back at district 12 named Gale and they’re not dating but there’s something there. While in the arena we see how ruthless the other competitors are and we also see Katniss rely on what she knows best, hunting with the bow and arrow. I did like seeing how Katniss was able to survive and her compassion for Rue and Peeta.

The Hunger Games is a good book and it keeps you hooked, because you’re invested in not only Katniss but Peeta too. It’s interesting to see how different each district is and how in the games the latter districts are seen as weaker. I’m ready to continue the series and see what happens next especially because Katniss made some bold decisions that not everyone was happy with.

Filed Under: Reviews

BLOOD DEBTS By Terry J. Benton-Walker

July 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

BLOOD DEBTS By Terry J. Benton-WalkerBlood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
Series: Blood Debts #1
Published by Tor Teen on 4/4/23
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, LGBT, Mystery & Detective, Young Adult
Pages: 404
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

Thirty years ago, a young woman was murdered, a family was lynched, and New Orleans saw the greatest magical massacre in its history. In the days that followed, a throne was stolen from a queen.

On the anniversary of these brutal events, Clement and Cristina Trudeau—the sixteen-year-old twin heirs to the powerful, magical, dethroned family—are mourning their father and caring for their sick mother. Until, by chance, they discover their mother isn’t sick—she’s cursed. Cursed by someone on the very magic council their family used to rule. Someone who will come for them next.

Cristina, once a talented and dedicated practitioner of Generational magic, has given up magic for good. An ancient spell is what killed their father and she was the one who cast it. For Clement, magic is his lifeline. A distraction from his anger and pain. Even better than the random guys he hooks up with.

Cristina and Clement used to be each other’s most trusted confidant and friend, now they barely speak. But if they have any hope of discovering who is coming after their family, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other and their family's magic, all while solving the decades-old murder that sparked the still-rising tensions between the city’s magical and non-magical communities. And if they don't succeed, New Orleans may see another massacre. Or worse.

Short and Sweet Review

Thirty years ago, a young woman was murdered and the person blamed ended up being lynched and in the process her daughter lost the throne to the magical council. Now Clement and Cristina are mourning their father and taking care of their sick mother, but after they do a spell they realize their mother isn’t sick someone put a curse on her. Cristina used to do magic but after casting a spell and thinking it backfired, she’s given it up. Clement on the other hand uses magic as a distraction from the things going on in his life. Cristina and Clem used to have a good relationship but as of late they barely speak, but now that they know someone is after their family, they have to put their differences aside and work together.

I expected a lot from this book, I wanted more mystery aspects and more magic taking place in the great city of New Orleans, what I got instead was a whole lot of petty fighting and too many characters. Now that I’m thinking about characters I remember a POV of one who I don’t even think was important in this book. Anyway Cristina and Clem are always at each others throats and even though they’re supposed to be working together its like pulling teeth to get them to get over what happened in the past and move on to save their family’s legacy. After finding out that their mother has been cursed, Cristina and Clement have to get the rest of the family together to cast a protection spell, unfortunately all of their aunts are also distant from each other and have petty arguments which means it just runs in the family. Cristina is determined to find out who did this to her mom and starts investigating but she knows she has to get Clem to help her. I was excited about trying to find out who hexed their mother and we get to see the murder from 30 years ago get solved. All of this was fine, my biggest problem was how many characters there were and how petty they all were. I think there was too much fighting and it took away from what the synopsis said the book would be about. We have characters trying to kill each other for power and others who are just pawns. Lenora is the queen of the magical council and she’s ruthless and her granddaughter Valentina is just as awful and has it out for Cristina. I don’t really want to talk about the romance because it all just seemed forced and nothing too genuine. We see the family reunite at the end and it also seemed too little too late.

It took me longer to read this book than I thought it would and I will attribute that to feeling duped by the synopsis. There were a lot of loose ends in this book and although this book didn’t convince me I should read the next book I’m interested to see what will happen next and I’m hoping for A LOT of character development.

Filed Under: Reviews

THE DIRE KING By William Ritter

July 19, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THE DIRE KING By William RitterThe Dire King by William Ritter
Series: Jackaby #4
Published by Algonquin Young Readers on 8/22/17
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Mystery & Detective, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 353
Format: Ebook, Hardcover
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push the earth and the otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve mysteries in New Fiddleham, New England—like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why the undead are appearing around town.

At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for the ghostly lady of 926 Augur Lane, Jenny Cavanaugh, begins to give way. But before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

Short and Sweet Review

After the events of the last book, the fate of the world is basically in Jackaby and Abigail’s hand. This moment has been building up since the first book, The Dire King is planning on ripping the veil between Earth and the magical realm. All of the things that Abigail and Jackaby have investigated were all leading up to us finding the Dire King, who is an old and powerful evil, who is ready to cause mayhem.

This is my second time reading this series and it was just as enjoyable as the first time. We see characters from past books and I liked seeing the camaraderie between the secondary characters and our main characters. We also see Charlie again and this time his family is also around so we get to see the life he left behind. With Charlie being back we see a little more romance between him and Abigail which was nice but we still had bigger things to worry about. When Jackaby and Abigail learn more about the Dire King, they begin to worry because of the amount of loyal followers he has and if they will even be able to defeat him. The book is filled with action, and some suspense because time is of the most importance with this case. We still get a few comedic moments thanks to Jackaby, which I love because he has a certain element with his delivery.

I don’t want to give any spoilers as this is the fourth and final book of the series. Actually no it’s not we have a book about Abigail coming out. Anyway the ending was great and Abigail has some new abilities, and I love how Jackaby is ready for the next chapter of his life. This is one of my favorite series, I love the mix of supernatural elements with mystery solving. Jackaby and Abigail were great characters and I can’t wait to see what Rook has in store!

Filed Under: Reviews

GHOSTLY ECHOES By William Ritter

July 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

GHOSTLY ECHOES By William RitterGhostly Echoes by William Ritter
Series: Jackaby #3
Published by Algonquin Young Readers on 8/23/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Mystery & Detective, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 353
Format: Ebook, Hardcover
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

Jenny Cavanaugh, the ghostly lady of 926 Augur Lane, has enlisted the services of her detective-agency tenants to solve a decade-old murder—her own. Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, dive into the cold case, starting with a search for Jenny’s fiancé, who went missing the night she died. But when a new, gruesome murder closely mirrors the events of ten years prior, Abigail and Jackaby realize that Jenny’s case isn’t so cold after all. Soon Abigail’s race to unravel the mystery leads her down to the mythical underworld and deep into her colleagues’ grim histories to battle the most deadly foe she has ever faced.

Short and Sweet Review

Jenny Cavanaugh the ghost who lives at 926 Augar Lane, is ready for Jackaby to solve the mystery around her murder. Jenny has always tried to avoid talking about her past but now that she’s ready we get glimpses of what her life was like and what she was doing with her fiancé before her murder occurred. I did like learning more about Jenny, we also see how hard doing some of this is for her, she ends up having echoes which is when she gets stuck in her memories and can’t remember where she currently is.

Jenny’s case is an interesting one, before Abigail even met Jackaby, he started to investigate her case but wasn’t able to make progress because Jenny wasn’t ready. Now Jackaby and Abigail are following some leads, but those leads end up taking them in different directions but it always comes back to one central person, who ends up being the cause for a lot of the messes we’ve seen in the last two books. We’ve seen a lot of development and growth from these characters, but especially from Abigail our narrator. Abigail is a lot more confident and willing to take risks to help the ones she cares about the most. We do see Charlie in this book, but there wasn’t a lot of romance mainly because this was supposed to be Jenny’s story. I did enjoy all the twist and turns that the book took and how it was revealed that there was one main villain calling all the shots.

This was a good book, and I’m glad we got to see more of Jenny’s story because it’s been hinted at in past books that her murder was pretty brutal and there haven’t been any clues as to what happened. Seeing how this book ended I’m sure the next book will be full of action now that our group has found its main antagonist and has to work to stop them. I’m excited to see how everything will wrap up!

Filed Under: Reviews