{Review} The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond (Last Kids on Earth #4) by Max Brallier

Page Count: 240

Published On: September 18, 2018

Published By: Viking Books For Young Readers

Genre(s): Children's, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy

Source: paperback ARC provided by publisher

Age Rating: 7+

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

The newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series introduces new monsters, new bad guys, and tons of new laughs!
It's the first winter after the Monster Apocalypse. For Jack and his buddies, that means sled catapults, epic snowball battles, and one monstrous Christmas celebration. But their winter wonderland turns dark when a villainess begins hunting them. And this villainess is different--she's a human.

When the villainess steals Jack's prized monster-slaying tool, the Louisville Slicer, he vows to get it back. But it won't be easy. Jack and his friends soon discover that the Louisville Slicer is the key to a dark plan that threatens the entire world--and beyond...

~~~

Hey, guys!

For some reason, my original review has gone missing, so I guess I'm rewriting it. 

This book was sent to me via ARC by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

     This book follows a boy named Jack and his best friends during the winter after the Monster Apocolypse. After a mysterious villain shows up, the kid's progressing monster world is turned upside down when Jack's weapon is stolen. Jack and the gang vow to get his weapon back and defeat their new nemesis.

     I thought that this story was just so super cute. I wish I had been able to read the first 3 books, but I felt like it was still super easy to follow the plot even if I hadn't read the previous installment. I really enjoyed the main group of characters. They had a really fun dynamic and their teamwork is so fun to read about. I think that the characters are going to be a great team of role models for younger readers. 

      I also really enjoy the science fiction/fantasy elements of this story. The monsters are so much fun and the magical/dystopia elements really add a sense of depth to the world. I'm really interested in reading the first three books. They just look like so much fun. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review! It's such a good book for kids ages 8-12. They're really going to love it! 

Happy reading!
Olivia 

~Liv the Book Nerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code

{Guest Review: Courtney} Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Page Count: 428

Published on: May 19th 2015

Published by: Greenwillow Books

Source: Purchased on a Half Price book adventure

Age Rating: TW sexual assault is briefly mentioned & domestic violence

Where to Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Goodreads synopsis:  

Reality, it turns out, is often not what you perceive it to be—sometimes, there really is someone out to get you. Made You Up tells the story of Alex, a high school senior unable to tell the difference between real life and delusion. This is a compelling and provoking literary debut that will appeal to fans of Wes Anderson, Silver Linings Playbook and Liar.

Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal.

Funny, provoking, and ultimately moving, this debut novel featuring the quintessential unreliable narrator will have readers turning the pages and trying to figure out what is real and what is made up. 

~~~

"I didn't have the luxury of taking reality for granted. And I wouldn't say I hated people who did, because that's just about everyone. I didn't hate them. They didn't live in my world. 

But that never stopped me from wishing I lived in theirs."

      If you know me, you know that books that contain themes revolving around mental health hold a very special place in my heart. I believe, when written correctly, they are a window into the people who suffer from these illnesses every day. I believe it is a way for us to put ourselves in other people's shoes. With that being said, Made You Up has made its way to my top ten list of 2018. The book held me at its grasp and I was unable to put it down. The book takes you on a journey where you do not know what is real and what is not because of Alex's schizophrenia and paranoia. She may be the most unreliable narrator I've read. She is unable to trust herself; however, the way that the story unfolds held me captive until the very last page.

      Our main characters world is filled with hallucinations, people, and noises that may or may not be really there. She takes pictures of the world around her knowing that reality will be there for her later in her photographs. She does perimeter checks of all the places she goes and she checks her food for poison. 

      This story also includes a romantic route, but surprisingly, I still fell in love with it even though romances are typically not my thing. This was not your typical romance. Their weird relationship was so interesting to follow because of the way that they interacted and attempted to understand each other. Their relationship had me hooked until the very end. I think the reason the relationship and love story didn't throw me off was because it was not your typical insta-love situation that usually drives me up a wall.

      In the end, Alex is able to come to terms with her mental illness. She starts the book with schizophrenia and she ends the book with it. She is not cured but that's okay. Zappia didn't romanticise going off your meds either and making it seem like everything is a walk in the park as long as the character stays on them. Because its not. Zappia also did an amazing job of treating Alex like an actual human being. There have been to many books where authors take too much from their characters and make it seem that just because they are mentally ill they must be wrong or they must not be able to make their own decisions all the time. And as someone who has struggled with her own mental health issues, it was really refreshing to see her being treated like an actual human being and not dehumanized for circumstances that are out of her control. 

      The only reason this book did not get a complete five stars was because of the ending. There was so much build up and it fell flat leaving me wanting more. It is still an amazing book that I recommend checking out and it will be one that I re-read in the near future.

{Graphic Novels/Comics/Picture Books 2018} #1-5

Hey, guys! 

    It's already July and I've already read so many more graphic novels and comics than I anticipated. I've probably read 3 times more comics/graphic novels/picture books than the past two years combined (Don't check my math on that. I'm just guessing.). I'm going to continue on with this sort of mass review strategy just to continue sharing my thoughts on these books. They've ended up being about one third to a half of what I've read this year, so I ought not to be lazy about reviewing them. I won't go too into depth when it comes to talking about them, but I did want to dedicate some blog-space to them. 

    In the past couple of years, I would compile my thoughts in one long blog post and share my thoughts, but I've already read 30 books like these

#1. Lumberjanes Volume 2: Friendship to the Max! by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Maarta Laiho, and Brook A. Allen

Page Count: 126

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: October 13, 2015

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max includes issues 5-8 and the first fourteen pages of Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison.

Review:

This is a really cute addition to the Lumberjanes series. I'm really enjoying getting to know each of the girls and learning more about their camp and going on more adventures. I really love how their friendship is portrayed and how their characters begin to develop.

~~~

#2. Lumberjanes Volume 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Carolyn Nowak, Maarta Laiho, Aubrey Aiese, Brittney Williams, Aimee Fleck, Faith Erin Hicks, Rebecca Tobin, Felicia Choo, and T. Zysk

Page Count: 126

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: April 5, 2016

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!

Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.

This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge;" #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge;" #11, "Go Ball-istic Badge;" and #12, "Oldie but Goodie Badge."

Mini-Review

Another adorable addition to the Lumberjanes series. The world that Stevenson and her comrades are creating is very interesting. I adore the mythological bits that they are adding and more depth for the characters. However, I did not enjoy the change in art style. It really changed up the tone of the story, which slowed down the regularly fast-paced story. 

~~~

#3. Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy (#1-6) by Chynna Clungston Flores, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Maddi Gonzalez, and Whitney Cogar

Page Count: 160

Published by: Boom! Box

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy kids team up!

DREAM TEAM UP!

When a teacher at Gotham Academy goes missing, it’s up to Olive, Maps, Colton, Pom, and Kyle to figure out what is happening and how to get her back. With only an outdated birthday invitation as the clue, they find themselves in the middle of the woods with no idea of where to start. With the sudden appearance of the Lumberjanes—April, Jo, Mal, Molly, Ripley and Jen—who are on the hunt for their missing Camp Director, all clues point to an abandoned cabin with more secrets than cobwebs.

BOOM! Studios and DC Comics team up to bring together Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy for the ultimate friendship-fueled crossover event. Written by Chynna Clugston Flores (Blue Monday), and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me) and Maddi Gonzalez, this is a running-for-your-life-from-skeletal-monsters mystery that leads to lifelong friendship!  

Review:

I'm quite familiar with the characters in the Lumberjanes series, but I had never read any of the Gotham Academy comics. I thought this was a really fun series of comics. I really enjoyed how their characters interacted and the story was just super fun. The art styles were really nicely done and I really enjoyed the colors and themes that were prevalent throughout the comic compilation. 

~~~

#4. Sex Criminals Volume #1: One Weird Trick by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

Page Count: 160

Published by: Image Comics

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Suzie’s just a regular gal with an irregular gift: when she has sex, she stops time. One day she meets Jon and it turns out he has the same ability. And sooner or later they get around to using their gifts to do what we’d ALL do: rob a couple banks. A bawdy and brazen sex comedy for comics begins here!

Collecting: 1-6

Mini-Review

This was a pretty fun and intriguing beginning to the Sex Criminals series. While it isn't my favorite graphic novel series, it's fairly entertaining. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters, but the art and the humor quite fun. The premise, itself, was really fun; but overall it wasn't my favorite.

Page Count: 128

Published by: Image Comics

Published on: March 7, 2017

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The second storyline from the Eisner Award winning Sex Criminals finds the honeymoon to be over for Jon and Suzie. Once the thrill of new lust fades, where do you go? Come along and laff and love with Matt and Chip as they brimp back ceaselessly against the past.

Collecting: Sex Criminals 6-10

Mini-Review:

Overall, this addition to the Sex Criminals series wasn't as good as the first. While it was fairly entertaining, the pacing was much slower than the first. I do not think I will actively continue this series any time soon. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code // Book of the Month Link

{Review} The Basque Dragon (The Unicorn Rescue Society #2) by Adam Gidwitz, Jesse Casey, Christopher Smith, and Hatem Aly

Page Count: 176

Published on: July10, 2018

Published by: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Children's, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Source: Paperback ARC - provided by publisher

Age Rating: ages 8+

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Elliot and Uchenna have barely recovered from their first adventure with the Unicorn Rescue Society when the mysterious Professor Fauna approaches them with an all-new quest. And this time, they're going to have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Basque Country of northern Spain. Elliot and Uchenna, with Jersey in tow, soon wonder whether their newest, fire-breathing rescue might be more than they can handle. And why do the evil-doing Schmoke Brothers seem to be involved yet again?

~~~

Hey, guys!

    An advance reading copy was sent to me for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Penguin/Dutton for sending me this adorable book.

    The Basque Dragon follows Elliot and Uchenna soon after their first adventure with the Unicorn Rescue Society. Professor Fauna approaches the kids with a whole new adventure! This time they are going to the Basque Country in Spain to save a dragon! How cool is that! However, their adventure gets even more mysterious when the Schmoke Brothers begin stirring their evil pot. 

     I really enjoyed this addition to the series. It's the same length as the first book but I felt like this little story had more substance than the first. I really enjoyed the information and cultural references that we readers got to experience. The Basque Country sounds so beautiful and intriguing. 

      Once again, I absolutely adore Uchenna and Elliot. I think they are lovely characters that show wonderful intellectual and character growth. I love their growing friendship with each other and Jersey. I'm excited to learn more about The Unicorn Rescue Society. This series is super fun and it's so great for all ages. I recommend this series if you like the Series of Unfortunate Events, the Sister's Grimm series, the Percy Jackson Series, or the Furthermore series; you'd really like this series. It's super light-hearted and fun and magical. 

~~~

AUTHORS

Adam Gidwitz is the author of the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling Grimm trilogy. He spent six years researching and writing his Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor's Tale, including a year living in Europe. Adam lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY. Find Adam online at adamgidwitz.com or @AdamGidwitz. 

Chris Lenox Smith is the Creative Director and co-founder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Chris is a two-time winner of the ADC Young Guns Award for animation and music composition, his work spans across media, from short films and commercial work to musical scores that marry influences from the pre-computer era with modern techniques. 

Jesse Casey is the Managing Director and co-founder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Drawing from his twin backgrounds in computer programming and printmaking, Jesse's work embraces contemporary technology as a means to recreate the craft and artistry of classic film and animation.

ILLUSTRATOR

 

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. Find him online at metahatem.com or @metahatem.

The Basque Dragon comes out July 10!

Happy reading, guys!
Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin

{Review || LivTheBookClub May 2018 BOTM} The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Page Count: 288

Published on: February 13, 2017

Published by: First Second

Genre(s): Graphic Novel, YA, LGBTQAI+, Historical, Romance, Comics

Source: purchased for book club

Age Rating: all ages

Where to Find it: Amazon // Goodreads // Book Depository

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart. 

~~~

Hey, guys!
    During the month of May, the Liv the Book Club chose The Prince and the Dressmaker as our book of the month. This is a full color graphic novel that takes place in Paris, France during the dawn of the modern age. The novel follows the young seamstress Frances. After creating a unique dress for a noblewoman, France's talent is noticed by the Crown Prince of Belgium: Sebastian. Sebastian hires Frances to become his personal seamstress and enlists her in aiding him in maintaining his secret identity as Lady Crystallia. The two grow close and soon are best friends. Though Frances adores being Sebastian's secret weapon, she longs to live her dream and become a famous fashion designer. 

     This novel was absolutely beautiful. I absolutely adored every bit of it. The characters were so well thought out, their stories were fantastic. The plot was so wonderful and the pace was so addicting. I didn't want it to end. The art style was beyond perfect for the vibe of this book. The writing was phenomenal and stirred up every emotion. The colors and line work were just stunning. I cannot stress the perfection of this book enough. 
      There was a fantastic focus on acceptance and unconditional love in this book. The discussion on gender norms was done so well. This story is going to be one of those influential stories that will brilliantly inform the uninformed reader. Often times, those who are considered different often are dehumanized and forced into a label that does not accurately portray or define who they are. There is a trend lately where people will just make assumptions about people, specific group of people, etc. I think this book has the capability to enable readers to begin to accept people for who they are or even just understand why people are who they are. 

     Overall, this graphic novel is an absolute treat. I highly recommend it to everyone. Happiness is imminent when reading this beautiful story. This is going to be one of my all time favorite books of the year and probably ever. Everyone needs to pick it up.

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin

{Review} Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf

Page Count: 400

Published on: June 5, 2018 

Published by: Entangled Teen

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source: ARC - provided by publisher (THANKS!!)

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Zera is a Heartless – the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly.

Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she’s discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles.

Crown Prince Lucien d’Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him – every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him – until the arrival of Lady Zera. She’s inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince’s honor has him quickly aiming for her throat.

So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all.

Winner takes the loser’s heart.

Literally.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Bring Me Their Hearts was sent to me by Entangled Teen for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review. Thank you so much, Entangled Teen, for sending me one of my favorite books of the year so far!

      Zera is a Heartless. She is controlled by the witch, Nightsinger, who holds her heart and controls her through the magical bond that they share. As a Heartless, Zera is under the full control of her witch as her soldier. Un-aging and under the mercy of the witch, Zera is set with the mission to infiltrate the human royal court in order to stop the impending war between the witches and humans. She is sent to the court and told to seduce and steal the heart of the Crown Prince Lucien d'Malvane. 

      Bring Me Their Hearts takes place in Wolf's magical, almost medieval, world where humans and witches are at war with one another. This book was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I adore the characters, the world, the plot, the sass, the political plotline, the emotions throughout, the conflict, EVERYTHING! This book had me completely s h o o k. It was completely different from what I expected, yet exactly what I needed. Sara Wolf has masterfully crafted a beautiful beginning to an epic fantasy series that I cannot wait to continue. 

     Zera is just a fantastically written character. She's so complex and three dimensional. I cannot wait to see where her story continues. She was just so fascinating to read about and I loved her story. She gave me some serious Manon (Throne of Glass) vibes...only a bit tamer. Her story took a completely different turn from what I was expecting. I really was expecting it to be more along the lines of a high fantasy version of The Selection with murder and witches, but it was more action-packed and dark like Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black's work. Zera's relationships with the people she cared about were so well done. Though she is not technically a human, she hasn't lost her humanity or her ability to empathize and try to understand what is happening around her. 

    When I first began this book, I was going into it expecting to hate Nightsinger, however, I actually love her. She has so much potential and I really hope that Zera and Nightsinger's relationship develops over the course of the second book. The relationships that Zera has with the other Heartless that Nightsinger has created was really nicely developed as well. I love how Zera's relationships shaped her being as a person and as a Heartless. Though she doesn't have many memories of her time as a human, she doesn't let the troubles she faces to shape her actual being. She is still compassionate, sarcastic, and she questions everything. She doesn't take everything at face value. She works to improve herself and to stay educated on her world even if she is seen as a monster. I love the strength that this girl shows. She's a beast. I also have to mention that she has the best interactions with Lady Y'shennria, Lucien, and Malachite. Their banter and interactions are gold. Zera doesn't let anyone determine her worth.  

"Where's your corset?"

"I tried it on," I assure her. "Five minutes of not being able to breathe was enough, thank you."

"It's the fashion," she insists. "From Helkyris."

"Well now it's the fashion from Helkyris that's in the garbage can."

~ Zera interacting with Y'shennria ~

(quote taken from an uncorrected proof)

     I also really adored the world that Wolf has created. The world building is phenomenal. The amount of detail that has gone into this series is quite evident. The snippets and hints about the religions, the wars, the history, the cultures...they were just enchanting and I cannot wait to visit this world again. Sara Wolf has a genuine talent for creating worlds. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I would die if I could get an ARC or something. Book #2 will be on my "GET ASAP" list of books -- hopefully, it comes out in 2019. 

     Overall, I adored this book. It is on par with the masterful work of Sarah J. Maas, Margaret Rogerson, Leigh Bardugo, Tahereh Mafi, and Holly Black. It has all of the makings of a fantastic fantasy series. I'm so so so excited to see what Sara puts out next. Wolf's Bring Me Their Hearts deserves every praise that I can heap upon it. 

5/5 stars 
BRING ME THEIR HEARTS IS OUT NOW!

Reviews for Authors Mentioned:

• Sarah J. Maas {click here}
• I have read nearly all of her books, so it's just easier to embed the link to the whole tag!
• Tahereh Mafi
• Shatter Me review {click}
• Unravel Me review {click}
• Ignite Me review {click}
• Unite Me review {click}
• Furthermore {click here}

• Holly Black
• The Cruel Prince {click here}
• The Darkest Part of the Forest {click here}
• Spiderwick {click here}
• The Iron Trial {click here}

• Leigh Bardugo
• Shadow and Bone {click here}
• Siege and Storm {click here}
• The Tailor {click here}
• Language of Thorns {click here}
• Six of Crows {click here}

• Margaret Rogerson
• An Enchantment of Ravens {click here}

• Kiera Cass
• The Selection #1-3 {click here}
• Happily Ever After {click here}
• The Heir {click here}
• The Crown {click here}
• The Siren {click here}

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code