Review: Dear Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. Overall a good story, but something was off in the writing to me. I didn't feel like the character development was quite there, and it just felt like it should have all been written in first person, rather than just the journal letters. It seems almost like it HAD originally all been written in first-person, and then re-edited so that all the I's and me's were simply replaced with "Justyce", rather than re-writing to be truly from a 3rd-person perspective, in an unnecessary effort to make more distinction between the story and Justyce's journal entries. I expected a little more from a Morris finalist.

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Review: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars. From the summary, I was expecting a story full of frivolity, partying, and raunchy hijinks (which is exactly what the main character was expecting from his Grand Tour as well), but it is so much more! It is most definitely a fun- and action-filled adventure, but there are also moments that are sincere and touching, and it deals with the serious issues of racism, abuse, disability, and learning to be comfortable in your own skin.

The story starts off with the hard-partying Monty and his best friend (and love interest) Percy setting off on what Monty expected to be a year of continental debauchery as he drank and slept his way across Europe with plenty of beautiful lasses and lads. However, his hopes are dashed as not only does his father hire a stern chaperone to accompany them and keep them in line, but his younger sister Felicity is going to be tagging along for part of the trip. But, a night of bad behavior and impulsive actions by Monty soon sends the trio on a wild and dangerous adventure they could never have imagined, including being pursued by highwaymen, discovering secrets and intrigue, being kidnapped by pirates, and robbing a sinking tomb. Along the way, Monty must deal with his feelings for Percy, and the pain and self-loathing caused by his father's rejection and abuse.

This was such a fun read, and historical romance has always been my guilty pleasure. This reminded me very much of the many historical romances I have indulged in over the years, just with two male protaganists. Along with the fun and romance, there are some clear messages woven in the story that were maybe just the tiniest bit heavy-handed at times, but overall the issues of disability, racism, sexuality, gender equality, and learning not to let others define you were integrated into the story fairly well. The author also adds some additional historical information and context in the endnotes that I appreciated. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read with adventure and romance.

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Review: Strange the Dreamer

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was good, but it was really long! I was a little disappointed it is part of a series, because I would have liked to have a real ending after reading that much, and I likely won't have time to read the rest of the series. But for many who love getting into a series, that will be good news. Just know not to expect a true ending.

After it was named a Printz honor book and I discovered the main character was a librarian, I had to read it. Fantasy isn't my normal thing, but I know kids and teens love it, so I do try to read some. The writing is very lyrical and very descriptive, lots of metaphors and similies, but it really draws the reader into the sense of mysticism and "otherworldliness" that sets the scene for this whole story.

The main characters are very well-developed, and since much of the story takes place in their heads and in their dreams, the reader really feels that they get to know and care about them. I would recommend this for anyone, young adults and up, who enjoy fantasy and mysticism and escaping into other worlds. Fans of mythology and fairy tales would like this is well as it has much of the same feel. I would not recommend this to someone looking for a quick read! However, it would be great for spring break or summer reading, when one can really devote the time to becomming lost in a book.

Laini Taylor is also the author of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy.

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