Building 903 by Lois Lowry ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Twins Tessa and Theo live in a world ruled by the tyrannical Kozris, where there are no dangers or rebels… or so they've been told. In this world, citizens live long lives, and while many hate Koziris, they are comfortable and safe. So, when Tessa's brother disappears, nobody wants to discuss it. But then Miriam, their 135-year-old neighbor, slips Tessa a key – not only to her brother's disappearance, but to the source of all real magic … books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

Mini Reviews ~ May Libby Library Borrows

by Donna Huber

I mostly read advance reader copies (ARCs) that I get through Netgalley or directly from the publisher/author, but I also get books from my library. Sometimes that means my brick-and-mortar library, but most of the time it means my digital library through Libby. It is usually my 2 book club reads for the month, but I also listen to a lot of audiobooks - more than I get through Netgalley. It is a way for me to catch up on older titles and sometimes to catch up on the ARCs that I didn't get to before they were published. I don't usually review the older titles or book club reads, but I realized I'm missing out on telling you about the great reads that are probably available at your library with little to no wait. Let me know if you enjoy this feature and I'll keep doing it monthly.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

59 Minutes by Holly Seddon ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

Nuclear missile threat to South England. 59 minutes until impact. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a test.

If you knew you had fifty-nine minutes until everything and everyone you love would be lost forever, what would you do with that time?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

5 Books for Fans of Speculative Fiction

by MK French

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre. It encompasses all genres that deviate from reality: fantasy, mythology, dystopian, science fiction, magical realism, etc. This is a fun genre as it lets us explore what-ifs and dig deeper into sensitive issues that might be more difficult to address in real life. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In the near future, humanity hasn’t avoided the worst of climate change—wildfires, rising oceans, mass migration, and skyrocketing inequality have become the daily reality. But just when it seems that it can’t get any worse, remarkably, a movement of workers, migrants, and refugees inspires the world to band together, save the planet, and rebuild a society for all. This is The Great Transition.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

D is for Dystopian Fiction #AtoZChallenge

by Donna Huber

For the A to Z Challenge, I'm discussing different book genres/categories. Each day, I will give a few details about the genre/category and an example or two. I would love to know your thoughts on the genre/category and if you have any reading suggestions. Be sure to check out all of my A to Z posts.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

Two Different Books to Read for Black History Month

by Donna Huber

The typical books you probably think of to read for Black History Month are nonfiction books about history or social justice or biographies and memoirs. Yet, there is value in reading fiction as well. I recently read two novels that would perfect if you are looking for something a little different to read for Black History Month.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

The Stranded by Sarah Daniels ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In the near future, refugees fled Europe to escape a viral disease. When they reached the shores of America, they were quarantined and not allowed to come ashore. These floating refugee ships are not much more than floating prisons. How long will the people on these ships stand for this treatment? The residents of the ship Arkadia are about to take matters into their own hands.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In the nearish future, science has created true giants. Typically financial or political giants can reverse the aging process but a side effect is extreme growth in body mass - not everyone sees this a negative side effect. They are the new untouchables and when a crime is committed involving one of these Titans, Cal Sounder is called in. He is a private detective of sorts who consults often with the local police. A Titan, who doesn't fit the typical Titan profile, Sounder finds himself tumbling down the rabbit hole of secrets that only power can cover up.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee ~ a Review

by MK French

Sir Kay is reborn as an immortal warrior, rising to fight for England at multiple world wars. Now that he's clawed his way back to life, he's in a world where oceans have risen, the army’s been privatized, and half of Britain’s been sold to foreign powers. He can handle the dragon, but the rest is new. In the meantime, Mariam's been fighting against a corrupt system and is exhausted. When she meets Kay, she hopes that the world has finally found the savior it needs.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin ~ a Review

by MK French

The archipelago of Prospera is hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. Citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until monitors embedded in their forearms fall below 10 percent. Then they are ferried to the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh. Proctor Bennett is one such ferryman, but some things don't add up. He's dreaming, which is supposed to be impossible, his monitor percentage is dropping fast, and he must ferry his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry. The Support Staff are questioning their place in the social order, and unrest is building. Proctor is questioning everything he once believed, and is desperate to uncover the truth.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Dustborn by Erin Bowman ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In a harsh post-apocalyptic world where water is a scarce commodity, clans and communities trust one another about as far as they can throw them. Yet, at times they are dependent on each other. There is a fabled Eden called the Verdant where water flows plentifully yet no one knows where it is - even with a map.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.i

The Damage Done by Michael Landweber ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Violence is a thing of the past—but do new horrors lie in wait?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Curfew by Jayne Cowie ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Curfew by Jayne Cowie is billed as a reversed Handmaid's Tale. Set in England, men have to stay home between 7 pm and 7 am  - it doesn't even appear they are allowed in their own backyards between those hours. Women feel safer and more in control. Violence, particularly male violence, has decreased since Curfew was instituted. But when a young woman is found brutally murdered in the park. It could have only been another woman who committed it, right?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Trashlands by Alison Stine ~ a Review & Excerpt

by MK French

Several generations from now, floods, fires, and earthquakes in the wake of climate change disasters forced global powers to stop producing new plastics and pollutants. Coasts and national borders were redrawn due to the flooding, and entire regions were devastated by garbage, and the survivors of these disasters eking a living out of the poisoned ground. Coral is a plucker, one that plucks plastic out of polluted rivers, living near a junkyard in the shadow of a strip club. She's never had a chance to want anything before, and a reporter from the coast provides the stirrings of hope.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

3 New Young Adult Novels to Read

by MK French

Whether you are looking for something new to keep your teens reading or you are an adult that enjoys young adult, you are going to want to check out these three new novels.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Flowers of Darkness by Tatiana de Rosnay ~ a Review

 by Susan Roberts

"She explained that she had never lived alone.  She had to feel good within a home, not only to write there but to live there , as well.  She was looking for an apartment that could be sort of a shelter.  A haven that would keep her safe, that would protect her." (loc 251)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Sequels: Malorie and Ready Player Two

by Alison DeLuca

Bird Box was one of my favorite books a few years ago. I love taut thrillers with a simple premise that take readers to new places, and Josh Malerman really delivered.  So when an unexpected sequel showed up, for me it was a no-brainer: Malorie (the sequel) went straight into my Kindle. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. 

4 New & Notable Titles in Young Adult Fiction

by MK French

There are some really great young adult fiction coming out this month (I've also included one that came out last month in case you missed it). Whether you are a teen or an older adult, you will find these stories entertaining and often thought-provoking. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Road Out of Winter by Alison Stine ~ a Review

by MK French

Wylodine grew up poor and paranoid, as her family grew marijuana. Winters grew longer and longer, and she wants to restart. The way there in the extreme cold is dangerous, even with a group of exiles going with her. A cult leader is after them for Wil's ability to grow plants, especially necessary as winter continues to drag on.