RESCUE is a tale of dauntless courage, family bonds, and spy codes, told in Nielsen's easy and nostalgic writing style.
If you enjoyed any of Nielsen'sRESCUE is a tale of dauntless courage, family bonds, and spy codes, told in Nielsen's easy and nostalgic writing style.
If you enjoyed any of Nielsen's other historical fiction books, you'll see lots of running threads in this one. A young female protagonist, usually set in World War II, with lots of action and gripping moments.
Simply put—this was a fun read! The twists were twisty, and I especially didn't see the whole thing with the code and the real traitor/villain in their midst coming. I admired the main character and her perseverance and maturity, despite her young age.
However, I didn't feel like the other characters were quite as developed as they could've been. Jakob seemed very similar to other male friend characters in Nielsen's historical works. And Alfred seemed a bit flat. I wasn't sure of his motivations. I think Liesel was the most developed out of the three.
I also felt like the ending was too fast—it wrapped up everything way too quickly, and it almost felt unrealistic. But maybe that's just me.
Despite those two little things, I really enjoyed RESCUE (especially that meaning behind the title. :D)! Nielsen's historical works continue to be compelling and action-packed, which makes it perfect for historical-fiction-loving middle-grade readers. :)
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review AND a signed hardback copy from the author herself (I won a giveaway). All opinions are my own. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. While CORAL is definitely a lot to handle, especially with the mental-health-related topics it tackles, Sara Ella manaI thoroughly enjoyed this read. While CORAL is definitely a lot to handle, especially with the mental-health-related topics it tackles, Sara Ella manages to pull it off in a way that's genuine, heartfelt, and hopeful, with love for the characters and those dealing with the same mental illnesses.
As someone who regularly deals with anxiety and depression, I didn't feel that the portrayal of these sensitive topics was triggering or overly descriptive, because the author was very careful with using the darkness to portray the light.
However, as this book was more contemporary than fantasy, I would have liked to see a bit more of God in the picture, even a few subtle mentions. I didn't expect preaching, but I did feel like there was an overwhelming focus on appreciating those in your life and letting them guide you toward better days (reinforcing the aspect of "you are not alone"), but what about God Himself?
But in all, CORAL was very well done. The world needs more books like this.
(ALSO. I literally was THIS CLOSE to figuring out the twist a 1/4 of the way through the story and I couldn't be happier.)...more
This book pleasantly surprised me. At first, I was a bit hesitant picking it up—seeing it featured strong feminist themes (which just aren3.5/5 stars.
This book pleasantly surprised me. At first, I was a bit hesitant picking it up—seeing it featured strong feminist themes (which just aren't my thing in books, for some reason!) and well, it's basically fantasy (I'm sure a lot of you know that fantasy is just a genre I can't get into). XD
The worldbuilding was probably my favorite part. The world is a mixture of historical + fantasy vibes, with magical creatures like sirens and ghouls. So in some ways, it felt familiar because of the historical aspect.
The pacing felt just a tiny bit off to me. The beginning and the endings seemed to drag, though I was too invested in the characters and story to really notice ... much.
And maybe this is just me, but I wish Holm's Labyrinth lasted longer and was harder. From reading the blurb, it seemed like most of the story would take place there, and maybe a twist or two would be revealed inside, but in the book, the Labyrinth seemed to take a backseat to the disease and Rhen's ambitions.
I also felt like it ended a bit too quickly. I would've liked to see what was happening with the cure, whether her mother survived, and what happened to Vincent.
But I loved the themes and how Weber handled feminism in this story. I love how it was respectful to those who want to be wives and mothers (like Seleni). Basically, what Charis Rae said in her wonderful review on that matter: /review/show....
Oh, wow ... what can I say? While this book definitely didn't hold the same magic I found in it the first time reading—books r ~ Re-read | 10.10.21 ~
Oh, wow ... what can I say? While this book definitely didn't hold the same magic I found in it the first time reading—books rarely do—it's still a sweet, magical story with many mysterious threads and memorable characters.
One thing that really stood out to me is the theme of grief & healing. I especially love the scene in the end where Miles asks if their mother will ever return, and Aila is able to tell him the truth. Despite their world being a lot better at the end of the story, some things have permanency, which only lends a more realistic, bittersweet feel to this read.
The only thing I hated was the ending. *sighs* After such a beautifully crafted storyline, please AT LEAST give me an ending to cry over?? I just ... yeah. For the most part, it was annoyingly unrealistic. (view spoiler)[ I wouldn't have been surprised if the author brought Juliet back from the dead. I mean, she did it with SPLINTERS OF SCARLET (which annoyed me too, honestly xD). (hide spoiler)]
(view spoiler)[ Another thing I do have to say is—what happened to their father? He was away in some war, and then there was no mention of him after that. I feel like there could've been some closure there, especially as he never played a really big part in the story. (hide spoiler)]
But aside from that, still a lovely story. And I totally want to visit Sterling one day. ...more
I just finished it not too long ago, and I have no words.
(okay, apparently I do have words, from the looks of the review below XD)
This book Wow.
Wow.
I just finished it not too long ago, and I have no words.
(okay, apparently I do have words, from the looks of the review below XD)
This book is stunning. Written in simplistic prose, SOME KIND OF HAPPINESS is woven of the brokenness of the world and hope, glimmering like golden threads, shines through all the way to the end.
It didn’t make me cry, but goodness� I came very, very close. Especially near the end. Okay, okay, since I just read this, let me take the opportunity to fangirl over that ending. It was so timely to me and hit straight to my heart. I love how realistic it was—not everything ended up all right. And that was okay. It was perfect, actually.
There is so much brokenness in this book, portrayed in such an honest way. Lies, secrets, broken relationships, divorce, depression, anxiety, division—it’s all here. And poor Finley had to deal with it all. But in spite of it, she learns so much about herself. About others. About life.
And those interwoven bits from her stories were beautifully written. So whimsical without being too heavy, but also not sacrificing its mysteriousness.
The only thing I didn’t like was the use of God’s name in vain. It was really unnecessary and honestly annoying to me. But it was mainly done by younger characters, so yeah. :P
There’s not really much more I can say. This book is gorgeous. Even if you’re not a fan of middle-grade, you should read this book. I’m a YA author and this book is probably my favorite middle-grade read, so if I enjoyed it, you probably will too. ;)
~
EXPECTATION CHECK
- Foresty creatures � - Prose � - Understanding family members//forming close bonds � - Magic—kings and queens and forests (Maybe? There was magic in her stories, but not in real life :P) - This book MIGHT make me tear up? Maybe? ( Not yet, maybe when I give it a re-read ;) )...more
Despite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical faDespite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical fantasy—the fast pace, vivid worldbuilding, and cast of unique characters almost immediately pulled me in. Ultimately, I'm glad I stuck around to the end to witness the seeming chaos come together, resulting in a beautiful story arc of restoration and sacrifice. 3.5 stars.
Original pre-review:
A new book by Nadine Brandes? Sign me up. ;)...more
To state it plainly, this book didn't meet my expectations.
I went into this book wanting a spy story. A story about a courageous protagonist who defieTo state it plainly, this book didn't meet my expectations.
I went into this book wanting a spy story. A story about a courageous protagonist who defied the odds to stand for her country and freedom.
Maybe it was my high expectations because of that gorgeous cover (XD), but this book definitely didn't meet all of them.
To me, it seemed 70% romance and 30% a spy/historical. To be honest, I got a little frustrated with the main character—how at fifteen, she fell in love and got proposed to and drank wine. At fifteen. Though I do understand that back then, things were different, it felt slightly � uncomfortable (?) to me.
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed. It didn’t wrap up anything, and it was right then when I started hating the real villain, but I never knew what happened. It makes me wonder if there’s a possibility of a sequel. ;)
Rather than going on and on about what I didn’t like, I’m going to stop and say right here that I think this author shows great potential. Her writing style is smooth and easy to understand, and the simplistic but emotional depth of her characters is well done. I could definitely see historical romance readers enjoying this book a lot more than I did, which is why it’s evident my rating is purely subjective to my tastes. Historical romance (or romance of any kind) just really isn’t my thing.
I also loved the themes of identity and the main character's arc. That's honestly the best part about this book, in my opinion.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Implied sexual abuse, physical abuse, multiple kisses, rough language (including multiple insults), language (b***h, bl***y, h**l, d**n), violence, usage of God’s name in vain, alcohol & a repeatedly drunk character
AGE RECOMMENDATION: I’d personally recommend this book for mature readers 13+. While the writing style certainly is easy to understand, because of the content, I’d hesitate on handing this book to anyone younger. Though of course, I’d advise you to use your discretion. :)
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“We’d squeezed sunlight from our sad stories and laughed in the darkness.� ~Page 123
“Papers? That’s what you’re trusting in?� I had no paper in my life. All I knew about paper was it tore easily, burned easily, and turned into pulp when wet.�
“I sank into a deep curtsy. Then I rose, a lady.� ~Page 167
“She looked like a woman who’d been holding the world together with her bare hands.� ~Page 200
“Spying let me breathe again. It let the sunlight shine through the cracks, to reach the heart of me. The suffocating, hidden girl.� ~Page 355
“Gathering every bit of my strength, I threw myself into the sky—and fell for miles and leagues and fathoms. An instant, a lifetime.� ~Page 501
“I’ve lived for something more, and it’s you, and it’s love, and liberty, and friendship, and hope—and all the other mores that can ever be. And it’s me, Mama.� ~Page 502
Overall, this was an interesting read. It didn't exactly meet my expectations (probably because I set them too high!), and I probably won't be reading it again, maybe historical romance readers would enjoy it. ;)...more
I finally gave this book a re-read after trying and DNF-ing it earlier this year, and I’m partly glad I did, but also partly upset that I spent all this time only to be not okay at the ending like, at all.
I’m not going to spend too much time delving into all the aspects of this book that I liked and disliked, because honestly, I know how much hard work goes into writing one and I’m not on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to rant about books that just weren’t my thing (not really, anyway XD).
But I do have to say � I wish I didn’t waste so much time combing through my “for fun� reading genre—YA contemporary fiction—only to find books that are filled to the brim with profanity, inappropriate jokes, and characters I don’t much care for. Like, please no. Why aren’t there more clean YA contemporary fiction novels that aren’t necessarily cheesy “Christian� romances or completely worldly?
Anywho. Rant over, I’m going to try to keep this review brief.
My main thought about this book is that it had huge potential. I loved the concept, and how romance didn’t play a huge part in the story. The main character struggled with a very real disease and she was such a real person to me.
However, the execution—in my opinion—wasn’t great. At all.
For one, there was too much profanity. It started off pretty “minor,� but as the story progressed, the characters were dropping f-bombs every few chapters or so. There was also a lot of jokes that bothered me, but I mean, what do you expect? Nearly all the characters are teenagers. *sighh*
But oh my goodness, I do have to say that I LOVED the amazing family relationships in this book. In these days when familial relationships are portrayed as bad in YA, this read was like a breath of fresh air. I especially loved the super sweet father + daughter scenes where they’d joke around and talk about life. It felt so true and beautiful and healthy. So kudos to the author on that point.
Overall, though, I’ve concluded that for me personally, the good of this book definitely didn’t outweigh the bad. So I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re comfortable with profanity and � stuff you’d normally encounter in secular contemporary YA.
FIRST READ | ~2021
I DNF'd this book a little ways in. The language and the characters just annoyed me minorly. While I stopped before I was able to get into the heart of the story, I might give this a re-read in the future.
This book was a fluffy and sweet summer read. While not in a genre I usually read, I was pleasantly surprised.
The author tackled tough topics like deThis book was a fluffy and sweet summer read. While not in a genre I usually read, I was pleasantly surprised.
The author tackled tough topics like depression and broken family dynamics in a way that not only felt believable, but also pointed toward the light at the end of the tunnel. I loved seeing the main character, Ashlyn, struggle with all that was going on in her life but grow bolder throughout the story.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the "romance." Personally, I felt it didn't contribute much to the story and was kind of out-of-character for Ashlyn. It also seemed very surface-level, with Marcus only interested in kissing the main character. (view spoiler)[ I never liked Marcus, and honestly got kind of annoyed at the main character for not seeing how much a jerk he was. :P Though I'm glad she did in the end. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, besides the romance, I enjoyed this read. It's a perfect summery read with books and quotes and camp. ;)
I think it's safe to say I didn't have too high expectations for this book. I've seen it around the bookstagram community and Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, but I didn't I think it's safe to say I didn't have too high expectations for this book. I've seen it around the bookstagram community and Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, but I didn't exactly consider reading it until I discovered a cheap used copy.
Needless to say, I really loved the format. How the book was separated into parts based on the scientific process was unique, as well as the scenes from real life interspersed with second-person snippets written by the main character to her dead friend.
The friendship between Justin + Suzy was just really sweet and made me smile. ...more
From a writer standpoint, I really admire the author's writing style and how she conveyed each of the characters' personalities. However, the plot, inFrom a writer standpoint, I really admire the author's writing style and how she conveyed each of the characters' personalities. However, the plot, in general, wasn't my favorite—there didn't seem to be a particular point of the story overall, except, y'know, everyone gets married off in the end. :P
But perhaps that's just me. I didn't actually end up disliking this book as much as other classic literature I've read, so ... that's good, I guess?...more
GATHERING BLUE was a fun installment in the Giver Quartet, and while it definitely didn't measure up to THE GIVER, in my opinion, the worldbuilding anGATHERING BLUE was a fun installment in the Giver Quartet, and while it definitely didn't measure up to THE GIVER, in my opinion, the worldbuilding and artistic characters were intriguing to read about.
I'll probably give this a re-read sometime in the future....more
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