The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

On a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being the best, what would you rate this book?

I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

What made you decide to read this book?

I was in my school library, looking for books to read. My friends said that this book was good according to her friends. She was reading the book for the first time. This book is part of a series, so there were 2 first books there. She got one, and I took the other. All in all, my friends recommended that I read the book.

What did you like about this book? Why?

I like the plot of the book, it starts off slow, but gradually gets better and better. There are also plot twists! Knowing every good reader loves plot twists there are a good few in this book, and they are not mild ones. They are really big and good ones, so yeah!

What didn’t you like about this book? Why?

What could be improved in the book is that at first glance of the chapters, the book drags out quite a bit. I feel like the book should get to the point, not extend it. Though, it gets better, of course! Otherwise the book is very interesting and exciting!

Who would you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book to readers who want to dive in on a good story. Readers that like to think and are curious about what happens next. It is a very interesting and somewhat inspirational book on the outlook of life in a different world. Which brings me to the fact that people who want to read this book should like fantasy. So hope you love reading the book The Cruel Prince by Holly Black!

-Sanvi N. (Gum Spring Library)

H2O by Virginia Bergin

On a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being the best, what would you rate this book?

I would rate this book a solid 4.5!

What made you decide to read this book? 

I needed some books to read during Thanksgiving break, and I didn’t know what to read. Therefore, I asked a friend and she recommended this book based on my interests!

What did you like about this book? Why?

I liked the plot of the book because just when you think everything is going to be fine something crazy happens. This book really makes someone think about the future, what is going to happen. The main character is also a teenager so it is very relatable. Ruby Morris is the name of the main character and she is trying to find her dad. She goes from being a rude, sassy girl, to a brave and confident girl. The journey of Ruby and how she learns about what is happening to the world is truly remarkable, and how in the end, instead of ending on a cliffhanger, the author makes a sequel to this book. It is called The Storm if it is something that you would want to read.

What didn’t you like about this book? Why?

There is a lot of gore in this book, at least there are a lot of descriptions of it. It is also very emotional as people, the girl becomes close with, keeps on dying and separating from her. All Ruby wants is company and not to be left alone on her journey, but that continuously happens. It also upsets me that some characters that I wanted to stay longer or stay alive, die too early.

Who would you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book to people who like dramatic stories, and a lot of character development. People who love survival stories and people who want to ignite a feeling of bittersweetness into them. Teens would especially love this book. If any of these things relate to you, you must try reading this book, H2O by Virginia Bergin!

-Sanvi N. (Gum Spring Library)

Asterix Omnibus Vol. 2 by Rene Goscinny

On a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being the best, what would you rate this book?

5/5 stars. 

What made you read this book? 

I read the prequel and enjoyed it so I thought I would like this as well.

What did you like about this book? Why?

I loved the different books merged together in one series so one book is not dragging on for too long.

What didn’t you like about this book? Why? 

I didn’t like the fact that it was more like a one and done type of book. For example, I read it once and didn’t have to read it again because I remember everything that happened. This really took the appeal out of the book. I have to space this out at least around 7-8 months so I can read this book without memories from the previous reading.

Who would you recommend this book to? 

Anyone who wants the “good guy” to win and likes magic potions and superpowers!

-Abhiram C. (Gum Spring Library)

Asterix Omnibus Vol. 1 by Rene Goscinny

On a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being the best, what would you rate this book?

5/5 stars. 

What made you read this book? 

I saw it on an online library so I thought I would like it.

What did you like about this book? Why?

I loved the different books merged together in one series so one book is not dragging on for too long.

What didn’t you like about this book? Why? 

I didn’t like the fact that it was more like a one and done type of book. For example, I read it once and didn’t have to read it again because I remember everything that happened. This really took the appeal out of the book. I have to space this out at least around 7-8 months so I can read this book without memories from the previous reading.

Who would you recommend this book to? 

Anyone who wants the “good guy” to win and likes magic potions!

-Abhiram C. (Gum Spring Library)

If You Could See The Sun by Ann Liang

Academic rivalry at the prestigious Beijing boarding school? It’s not unheard of, but it certainly has never been more serious for Alice Sun, who’s tied for top of her class. Despite her classmates’ upper class status, she came in on a scholarship and has to work extra hard because her parents can’t afford it otherwise. Her motivation pushes her through the feeling of being socially invisible, or at least until she actually starts to turn transparent. She learns that her family doesn’t have enough for tuition anymore soon after. With her enrollment on the line, Alice decides to use her power as a side hustle to pay for the extra cost and find out secrets for her classmates. As the missions get crazier and crazier to complete, however, Alice has to consider whether it’s worth it to sacrifice her conscience or do the right thing.

This story is super relatable to the diligence and reality of top students that struggle with balancing social and academic life. Teens who especially relate to the Chinese-American culture difference would love this book and appreciate the references to how hard the American Dream really is to achieve for those who start out with so little. I really liked the focus on the main character’s feelings, but would like to see more character development in her friends, if there is a second book! 

-Melody Guo

Cascades Library

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest

 This young adult novel is about a girl, Elloren Gardner, whose grandmother was the great Black Witch who pushed back the enemy forces in the last Realm War. When she is sent to her new school, many believe that she will live up to her heritage to become the next Black Witch and oppose her. What’s good is that the characters and their individual development was so clear that it was satisfying to see them grow. Since Elloren was raised to be ignorant of things in her world, you can see her, especially, learn and grow to like the things she was taught to hate.

   With all the positives of this book, there were quite a bit of negatives. Although there were some aspects of this fictional world that were convincing, the magic system was not explained well enough and left me confused. There was a bit in the book that talked about it, but it only defines the magic in the mages as branches trailing throughout their body. 

   The big topics that were emphasized in the Black Witch was racism, homophobia, animal cruelty, etc. Each race discriminated against each other (along with those of mixed blood). There were a lot of racial slurs and some races would exile or even execute those with different sexual orientations. This book also touched on inappropriate and/or unnecessary violence, both physical and verbal. The romance/relationships between all the ‘good’ characters showed that no matter what people of their race say, it will not matter if they have love.

   Since this book has a lot of sensitive information, I would recommend this for anyone of age who will understand these topics and will not be negatively affected by it. Overall it’s a good book that teaches a hard lesson.

-Star Zheng

Cascades Library

Matched by Ally Condie

Cassia Reyes lives in a society where they control every part of the citizen’s lives and at the age of 17, they are matched with her life partner. But she faces uncertainty when another face, a different boy, flashes on her screen. Matched is such a good book because the story is so relatable. We all know how it feels to be controlled or at least be faced with certain expectations. And although love triangles are expected in some dystopian YA books, this relationship is so relevant to the plot.

   Along with its attributes, this book also has one big drawback. There is a big plot hole. The story doesn’t mention certain things like how the Society manages to make sure that women only have a certain amount of children or how they deal with teen parents. It also doesn’t talk about any special technology even though it is set in a futuristic society. Overall, it’s a pretty good book if you’re someone who likes to read dystopian books for their plot.

-Star Zheng

Cascades Library

Everless by Sarah Holland

   In a dystopian world, Jules Ember lives in a world where time is currency, which is extracted from blood. With her father in debt, she must go back to Everless to save her father. This book is pretty cool because the author slowly adds the little details, which keep the readers on their toes. Like most dystopian books, there are plot twists and the main character going against the norm. But for this book the plot twists are unexpected and the ending was a truly evil cliffhanger. 

   Jules is a really inspiring, female character. She is strong, intelligent, and talented. Jules had suffered through so much, but she didn’t give up. She fights hard to protect the people she loves. Jules is a really relatable character; I just wish that she was given a more defined personality. 

   Moreover, I felt like the plot itself developed too quickly. The mysteries were being uncovered too soon. I would recommend this book to any fantasy and/or dystopian lovers. If you want romance, this book might not be for you because it is a bit disappointing. But this book is pretty good since the world-building and the main character are amazing.

-Star Zheng

Cascades Library

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

On a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being the best, what would you rate this book? 

On a scale from 1-5, I rate this book a 4/5.

What made you decide to read this book? 

For a school assignment, we all had to pick a contemporary fiction book to read. As I was looking for a good book, many people recommended that this was a great read, so I decided to give it a try!

What did you like about this book? Why? 

I was truly taken in by the summer atmosphere and emotional depth of this book. The author, Jenny Han, brought the beach setting to life, making you feel the sand between your toes and the warmth of the sun on your skin. But it’s not just about the scenery, the story is filled with heartfelt moments about friendship, family, and discovering who you are. 

What didn’t you like about this book? Why? 

Overall, I found this book quite enjoyable, but there were a couple of minor issues. While I was reading it, I couldn’t help but notice that the plot felt quite predictable, and some of the characters seemed to fit into certain stereotypes, like the “bad boy” and the “reliable friend.” I wished for a bit more originality and depth, as it lacks surprises and plot twists making it feel somewhat cliche. 

Who would you recommend this book to?

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA romance and is in search of a heartwarming read! It is the perfect balance between touching moments and raw emotions, with just the right amount of romance and nostalgia. With its beachside setting and summery atmosphere, it’s a great book for beach readers looking for a delightful escape!

-Sadhvika B. (Gum Spring Library)

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

17-year-old Cassandra “Cassie” Hobbes has a special gift: She can pick apart people’s small habits and routines to the point where she can even guess their orders at the little cafe she works at. One afternoon that seemed quite normal, save for the slightly eccentric customer she had to serve, Cassie’s contacted by the FBI themselves for her skills. She learns that she’s a Natural Profiler, and goes with the FBI on a mission. Along with a team of other Naturals, the group of them use their skills to investigate a chain of murders- that might just be connected to the death of Cassie’s mom years back.

On a scale of 1-5, I would rate this book a 4. It was very unique and fun, with an added twist because of the chapters from the serial killer’s point of view. I’ll definitely read the rest of the series, as well as the other books by the author.

Overall, this book is perfect if you’re looking for a little suspense, mystery, and a pinch of mischief.

-Akshara P. (Gum Spring Library)