"The Prison Healer" by Lynette Noni

 Holy plot twist! I did not see that coming!

I'll admit, I read several reviews before starting "The Prison Healer" and I had seen multiple reviews mentioning a plot twist at the end, but man, I did NOT see that coming.



Kiva has been locked away in a high security prison for the past 10 years of her life, ever since she was seven years old. For the past few years, she has held the title of prison healer, caring for sick and injured inmates and processing new arrivals. She is known as many different things to many different people. Most of them are not flattering.

For the past ten years, Kiva's sole purpose has been to stay alive. She keeps her head down, she listens to the guards, she spies on the other prisoners for the warden, she burns the letter "Z" into the flesh of all the new prisoners, and she does it for one reason.

"Stay alive. We are coming."

Her family is coming for her. Over the past ten years, Kiva's family has been able to smuggle in messages telling her to stay alive and they are coming for her soon. It is the only thing that has kept Kiva going.

However, things start to change with the arrival of two new prisoners. Jaren, the new handsome and strong tunneler, seems to have taken an interest in Kiva. One that she fights against knowing that Jaren likely will not survive his first month in the prison. And Tilda, the very ill rebel queen responsible for the uprising against the ruling family, who arrives shortly after and her presence changes everything.

"Don't let her die. We are coming."

When the rebel queen is sentenced to Trial by Ordeal, her death becomes almost certain. However, Kiva must do everything in her power to keep the rebel queen alive until help can arrive, even if it means taking the queen's place in the trials. Kiva must survive the four elemental ordeals: Ordeal by Air, Ordeal by Fire, Ordeal by Water, Ordeal by Earth. However, if Kiva fails, she dies and the rebel queen will be executed with her.



With their fates now entwined, Kiva is going to need the help of her friends, both new and old, if she ever hopes to get out of the prison alive.

***

This amazing immersive story is a page turner filled with intrigue, prison riots, betrayals, secrets, budding romance and magic. I thoroughly enjoyed the budding romance between Jaren and Kiva, and Tipp is definitely one of my favorite characters.

The description of the Ordeal by Fire and the Ordeal by Water literally had my stomach twisting with anxiety. These scenes were packed with tension and I literally flew threw them.

I hated that we didn't see what happened to the warden towards the end.

That plot twist at the end though... I almost feel like I need to reread the book now and see if there were clues that I missed that pointed towards this revelation, or if it hit all readers the way it did me.

I am excited to see the story continue, but I feel like Kiva has a dark road to travel ahead of her. I think I will wait to read "The Gilded Cage" until "The Blood Traitor" comes out this summer.

Deep Water by Watt key

I found myself in a bit of a reading slump lately. A weird reading slump. The kind of slump where there are dozens of books I want to read, but when I pick them up to begin, I can't get past the first few pages. 

So frustrating...

I think the problem was I was picking up the same type of book over and over again. I needed something different. 

So I picked up...

Now, I am a sucker for almost any type of ocean survival story. I love movies like Jaws, The Meg, Underwater, Open Water, The Shallows... You get the idea. So when I came across Watt Key's Deep Water, I thought I would give it a shot. 

The story begins when 12 year old Julie Sims goes out with her somewhat irresponsible father to charter a spearfishing dive in the Gulf with a wealthy businessman and his son, Shane. When her father becomes ill, Julie faces the decision of having to guide the dive herself, or risk her father losing the much needed money from this charter. 

Seeing no other option, Julie descends the 105 feet to the ocean floor with two reckless divers in unsavory dive conditions. Things quickly go from bad to worse, and the trio finds themselves in a life or death survival situation as they battle sharks, withstand lightning storms, and fight off dehydration. Julie has to use every bit of her knowledge about the ocean and survival techniques to get them out of Deep Water alive. 

I felt something rough brush against my leg. I yelped and jerked it away instinctively.

                    "What?" Shane asked.

                    Before I even lowered my head, I knew. Underneath me I saw the sleek 

                    gray body gliding below. 

While the main character, Julie Sims, is 12 years of age, a little younger than the MCs of most of the books I read, her characterization and maturity in the face of a life-threatening situations made her seem much older. Thus, it was easy for me to connect with her as a character. 

I really enjoyed the pacing of the story. I think it would be easy for a survival story set in the middle of the ocean to become boring because so much of surviving in the ocean is just not dying. There is not a lot Julie, Shane, or his father can do except stay alive and hope that help arrives. To break up the monotony of their ocean survival situation, Julie's survival story is interspersed with flashbacks of her life that help explain how she got into this situation in the first place. 

Fun Fact: This story is also somewhat based on a real-life experience the author had when he and a friend went scuba-diving. He didn't have near as many obstacles to face as Julie, though. 

I flew through the story in just two days and I found it to be a highly enjoyable survival story that kept me guessing about the outcome. My only regret is that I felt like the friendship between Shane and Julie could have been a little more developed. If you think you are going to die, you don't really need to keep all your fears, hopes and dreams to yourself. While Key did work this into the story to some extent, I feel like he could have taken it a little farther.

Overall, if you are looking for an engaging survival story with interesting characters and plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages, then be sure to pick up a copy of Deep Water by Watt Key.

"When do we give up, Julie?" he said.

"I don't know," I said. "Maybe you can't even if you want to." 

  

HAPPY READING! 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

“Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you’ll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle. But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game.”

Two sisters. One magical adventure. The chance of a lifetime.
Scarlett and Tella have always dreamed of seeing Caraval, the once-a-year magical performance put on by the mysterious showman who is only known as Legend. Just weeks before Scarlett's marriage to a complete stranger, Tella and Scarlett receive personal invitations from Legend himself to attend this year's performance on his island home.  Seeing a chance to escape their abusive father and their dismal futures, Tella, with the help of a handsome sailor, whisks Scarlett away to Caraval.

However, Caraval is much different than the sisters expected.  Instead of a fun filled magical adventure, the sisters find that Caraval is much more deadly than they expected. Upon arrival, Tella is kidnapped by Legend and made the prize for this year's Caraval. Whoever finds Tella first is the winner and gets one wish. But if Scarlett can't find Tella before the 5 days of Caraval are up, then she may never see her sister again.
***
Caraval is one of those books that has been in my TBR pile for a while. It was always kind of in the back of my mind, whispering, "You need to read me." I finally pulled Caraval to the top of my TBR pile when one of my students told me, "Mrs. White, you need to read this. Like, right now." So I pushed aside all my other waiting books and started Caraval.
I went in to this book expecting to enjoy the story, but it was more fun than I even anticipated.

First of all, I really enjoyed to closeness between the two sisters, Scarlett and Tella. I mean, there were times when I would have liked to smack each of them upside the head, but I appreciated the positive sibling relationship that was represented in this book. Scarlett and Tella, despite their obvious differences, were both willing to sacrifice everything if it meant saving the other.

Caraval is one of those stories that keeps you guessing, theorizing, and speculating about the characters, the plot, and who can be trusted, and I found myself constantly questioning what was real in the story, what was part of the game, and what the master of Caraval really wanted with the sisters. I found myself thinking about the book whenever I had free time trying to puzzle out how the story was going to turn out. So be sure to have a nice chunk of time set aside when you start this book, and pay close attention as you go.

I found the romance in this book to be sweet, but I feel like it is nowhere near resolved. I am looking forward to reading the next two books and seeing how the relationship that began in this book develops.

So if you are looking for a magical fantasy story with dark elements and twists and turns, this may be the book for you. It is filled with deception, manipulation, betrayal and constant surprises set against the magical backdrop of Caraval. As you read, remember just one thing:

"IT'S ONLY A GAME..." 😏

"By Your Side" by Kasie West

 "By Your Side" by Kasie West

A main character who is locked in a library over the holiday weekend with the school's local bad boy and no one knows where they are?

This is what a girl's dreams are made of!

Autumn Collins likes to be in control. Control over her future, control over how people perceive her, and control over her unpredictable anxiety attacks. That 's why she loves photography - she can control what pictures are taken and how they are taken. It's why she always caves to her friends' expectations-  how do you not like someone who is so agreeable? So Autumn has her life all planned out with few surprises in store.

 However, after a night of studying, Autumn accidentally gets locked in a library over a 3 day weekend and she discovers fairly quickly that this in one situation she cannot control. With the doors locked, the computers all password protected, no phone in sight and a major snowstorm settling in, Autumn realizes she is in for a long weekend. 

But Autumn is not alone in the library. Dax Miller, the mysterious bad boy who has bounced around the foster care system after his drug addicted mother lost custody, is in the library as well. But he wasn't locked in by accident. 

As they begin to get to know each other over the long weekend, Autumn realizes that there is a lot more to Dax than the rumors floating around the school about him. His intense eyes and steady mannerisms help her keep her anxiety under control even considering the stressful situation, and his dry sense of humor makes her laugh despite their situation. The more Autumn learns about Dax, the more she hopes they can be friends- or maybe more. 

After a surprising revelation, Autumn and Dax's small world is throw into chaos. As Autumn and Dax return to the real world, Autumn to her friends' expectations and her almost boyfriend, and Dax to his reclusive and withdrawn ways, can the connection they forged while locked in the library survive?

If you love stories about characters with very human flaws, mysterious bad boys with intense eyes, and a powerful lesson about what it really means to have control over your life with a side of love thrown in, then this is the book for you!

Don't we all wish we could be locked in the library?

"Things I Should Have Known" by Claire LaZebnik

 Strong sibling bonds. Enemies to lovers romance. Finding balance in a dysfunctional family. A strong message about what is means to be "normal".

If these topics appeal to you, then you will LOVE "Things I Should Have Known". I found this gem when it was recommended to me by a student at my school. While I typically gravitate towards fantasy and science fiction, I thoroughly enjoy stories that feature strong family ties, and that is exactly what I got with Chloe, Ivy, Ethan and David. 

Things I Should Have Known centers around Chloe, who is a beautiful, popular high school student with the hottest guy in school as her boyfriend. On the outside, Chloe looks like she has the perfect life, but of course that is not the case. To begin, Chloe's mother just got remarried and Chloe cannot stand her new stepfather or the way her mother acts around him. But more importantly, Chloe is worried about her older sister Ivy, who is on the autism spectrum and attends a special school with other specials needs students. Ivy never does anything without Chloe, and Chloe's main worry is what is going to happen to Ivy after she goes off to college. So Chloe comes up with a brilliant idea.

 She is going to set Ivy up on a date.

After selecting a good candidate, Ethan,  from Ivy's school, Chloe arranges a date for the couple at the local ice cream parlor. Everything is looking up. That is until Chloe realizes that Ethan brought his rude and arrogant older brother David along as well, who Chloe absolutely cannot stand. But her view of David begins to change as she realizes that David is just as devoted to Ethan and she is to Ivy, and that David may be the only one to truly understand what Chloe's life is really like. 

So Chloe has to make some decisions about her life and her future. Will she hold on to this "perfect" life she is trying to project or will she reevaluate her ideas on what it is to be "normal"?

The thing I loved most about this book was the strong relationship between Ivy and Chloe. Chloe truly wanted what was best for her sister, and loved her deeply despite her not being completely "normal".  Yes, there were times where Chloe was frustrated with Ivy or was even embarrassed by her, but I think this made their relationship more realistic because all siblings act that way at some point or another. 

"I'm her younger sister, but I can't remember a time when I didn't feel like I needed to protect and take care of her."

The relationship between David and his brother Ethan just pulled me in even further. Even though David came across as an arrogant jerk in the beginning, it was hard not to fall in love with him as you witnessed his fierce protection of his bother. 

The sparks between David and Chloe practically flew off the page as they fought, bickered, and then slowly formed a tenuous friendship. I couldn't get enough of these two as I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers romance.  

"We should give David a break," I say, addressing Ms. Camp, but making sure everyone can hear me. "It's not his fault he doesn't get it. I mean he doesn't get It. Ever." Lots of laughter at that - the crowd's on my side.

"Oh, gee," David retorts. "I've missed out on all the delights of a public high school relationship. What will I have to cringe about in my old age?"

 "I'm sure you'll find something."

 *****

"You told me your college plans depend on Ivy. Not a lot of kids our age worry about their siblings."

I shrug. "Most people aren't in my situation. You're the only other person I know like me. "

"Yeah, I'm basically the male version of you." He cocks his head at me. "And a look of horror crosses her face. Don't worry, Mitchell. I was joking." 

Although the storyline sounds pretty straightforward, there were several surprising twists that added suspense and complications to the plot that kept my nose in this book until I finally reached the end.

I hope this book finds its way into many people's hands because it is a remarkable story about love, family, loyalty, and acceptance.

Do yourself a favor and pick up Things I Should Have Known. It was a highly enjoyable read and I will recommend it often. 

"10 Blind Dates" by Ashley Elston

  With the Christmas season fast approaching, I tend to find myself looking for reads that will get me in the mood for all the holiday festivities. So this week, I found "10 Blind Dates" by Ashley Elston.

This light, fun holiday story is a YA contemporary romance featuring Sophie, a high school senior who has big plans to spend the holidays with her long time boyfriend Griffin instead of going with her parents to visit her very pregnant older sister. However, when Sophie happens to overhear Griffin telling his friend that he wants a break from their relationship, all her plans come crashing down.

Instead of spending a romantic holiday with her boyfriend, Sophie's only option is to spend the holidays with her Grandparents, her aunts and uncles, her many cousins, and Wes, the high school senior who lives next door and was Sophie's childhood friend.

In order to pull Sophie out of her depression, her Nonna decides that the family is going to set Sophie up on a series of blind dates to help her get her dating mojo back and lift her spirits. What ensues is a series of hilarious, endearing, and embarrassing dates that have Sophie questioning what she really wants from life and who she is without Griffin.

This book was exactly what I needed. I couldn't help but be embarrassed for Sophie at some points in the book as her crazy family set her up on these wild blind dates and then proceeded to place bets on the success of the dates and cross some personal boundaries with their overzealous interest in her love life.

I found Sophie's modesty and awkwardness to be endearing and refreshing. I will admit I smacked my forehead a couple of times when Sophie first overheard Griffin's confession to his friend. I found her reaction to be very immature and I wanted her to confront him instead of running. But I have to admit, she is still a young character and the reaction did fit her personality at that point in the story.

I loved all the different blind dates that were arranged for Sophie. Each date was different and unique with very interesting male characters, some of which could have stood on their own. There were at least two guys I would love to have their own stories. I think my favorite date was the "Underground Christmas" date. So fun!

However, my absolute favorite part of this story was Sophie's family. There was a genuine feel to this family that made me gravitate to these scenes. The love and closeness of the family was obvious, but just as no family is perfect, neither is Sophie's. They all have their problems and disagreements and even family members that you just flat out don't like, but that is what made them real to me. I would love to spend Christmas with Sophie's big, loud, crazy family sometime.

The romance in the book was light, but I was fully satisfied with the way the story ended and how the romance played out. It was young and sweet and full of promise. 

So if you are looking for a lighthearted fast paced holiday read, then go pick up "10 Blind Dates" right now. 

"Kingdom of the Wicked" by Kerri Maniscalco

 Witches, Prophecies, Curses, Steamy Demon Princes, and a compelling mystery trying to find out who is responsible for witches having their hearts ripped out?

I am IN!

This week I found "The Kingdom of the Wicked" by Kerri Maniscalco. I will admit that I didn't actually "read" this one, I listened to it on Audible (the narrator is AMAZING by the way). I typically listen to audiobooks while I am doing chores around the house, i.e. laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. and I was actually looking for more things that needed to get done around the house just so I could keep listening!

"Kingdom of the Wicked" is a dark tale about twin witches Vittoria and Emilia. When Vittoria is brutally murdered, Emilia starts down a dark path as she begins using the dark arts in her quest for vengeance. Her inexperience with the dark arts leads her to be inadvertently bound to a Prince of Hell, Wrath. While witches and demons are natural enemies, they find themselves aligned with the common goal of discovering the being that is possible for ripping witches' hearts out. As Emilia spirals down her dark path, she finds herself drawn to Wrath and battles her desire for the prince with the knowledge that Princes of Hell can't be trusted. 

The story did start off a bit slow, but I was okay with that as I really enjoyed getting to know twin sisters Vittoria and Emelia and learning a little bit about their life before the action started. The food descriptions had me frequently raiding the pantry in search of something that sounded half as good.

 

Once the murders began, the story really takes off. I love all the scenes with Wrath, although I did find him pretty tame for a Prince of Hell.

“He was death and rage and fire and anyone stupid enough to forget that would be consumed by his inferno.”

 (I would LOVE some fan art of Prince Wrath if anyone has seen any 😍 )

There were times that Emelia would do something or say something that had me shaking my head or grabbing my hair in frustration, but I loved her growth over the course of the novel and the hints of the person she is becoming.  And I am pretty sure the person she is becoming in NOT a good person... and I love it! It is a nice change to see such a "good girl" head down a dark path because of tragedy instead of a flawed person finding redemption and hope. 

“There are victors and victims. Decide who you want to be. Or the choice will be made for you, witch. And I doubt you’ll like it.”

I will admit I was able to guess who was killing the witches pretty early on, but that didn't diminish how much I enjoyed the story. The ending KILLED me and I am kicking myself now for not waiting until the next book was released before starting this series. 

While this story did wrap up the major plot line for this novel, there are still so many questions left unanswered that I am dying to get answers to. I will definitely be purchasing a hardback copy of this book for my bookshelf and I will be pre-ordering Book 2.