ARC Review: Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
Publisher: Labyrinth Road
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Library: Already on it's way!

Synopsis

Ten years ago, Malik’s life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable powers. Since then, he has kept his abilities hidden, looking out for himself and his younger foster brother, Taye. Now, at 17, Malik is finally ready to start a new life for both of them, far from the trauma of his past. However, a daring act to rescue Taye reveals an unexpected connection with his long-lost grandmother: a legendary conjurer with ties to a hidden magical university that Malik’s mother attended.

ARC Review: Safe Passage by G. Neri & David Brame

Synopsis

Thirteen-year-old Darius is going through a rough time. It's almost been a year since a terrible act of violence took the life of his mother and left him with a wound both in his leg and in his heart. With his stepdad out of work; his little sister, Cissy, always on his case; and the looming prospect of foreclosure on their house, he feels his world closing in on him.

ARC Review: The Secret Library by Kuchenga Shenjé

The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé

Publisher: Harlequin 

Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Library Purchase: Maybe not yet based on the ARC but I really like the concept

Synopsis

1896. After he brought her home from Jamaica as a baby, Florence's father had her hair hot-combed to make her look like the other girls. But as a young woman, Florence is not so easy to tame—and when she brings scandal to his door, the bookbinder throws her onto the streets of Manchester.

Intercepting her father's latest commission, Florence talks her way into the remote, forbidding Rose Hall to restore its collection of rare books. Lord Francis Belfield's library is old and full of secrets—but none so intriguing as the whispers about his late wife.

ARC Review: Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

Publisher: Tu Books

Publication Date: April 23, 2024

Library Purchase: Absolutely!

Synopsis

After their friend Mark's mum wins the lottery and gets a giant house with an indoor pool, Ali and Sami have been having the time of their lives hanging at Mark's house. Even their friend Aadam gets a job there, which means he can make more money for his legal battle for UK residency. But when some money goes missing, Aadam is accused of stealing it--and all three boys are unceremoniously kicked out of Mark's house in suspicion.

On top of that, Ali's dad, who abandoned the family when Ali was little, is suddenly turning up everywhere in town, and a half-brother Ali never knew has shown up at Ali's school. Ali feels miserable and resentful about it, making it hard to be a good friend.

ARC Review: Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date: September 20, 2023
Library Purchase: We already own it. Perfect for our book bundles!

Synopsis

At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother's life hanging in the balance.

In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves' Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn't exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world--a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.

ARC Review: Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Publication Date: March 19, 2024
Library Purchase: Absolutely.

Synopsis

In Where Sleeping Girls Lie — a YA contemporary mystery by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades — a girl new to boarding school discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears.

It’s like I keep stumbling into a dark room, searching for the switch to make things bright again...

Review: If You'll Have Me

If You'll Have Me by Eunnie
Publisher Viking Books (Penguin)
Release Date October 17, 2023
Library Purchase For a public library, for sure. Also for my bookshelf!

Synopsis

Momo Gardner is the kind of friend who’s always ready to lend a helping hand. She’s introverted, sensitive, and maybe a little too trusting, but she likes to believe the best in people. PG, on the other hand, is a bit of a lone wolf, despite her reputation for being a flirt and a player. Underneath all that cool mystery, she’s actually quick to smile, and when she falls for someone, she falls hard.