When rent increases put a teen mom at risk of losing her home, she resorts to a dangerous game to keep her family afloat. But all games have consequences, and this isn’t one she can afford to lose. A gripping story about race, income instability, and the strength it takes to survive from a critically acclaimed author. Kristen R. Lee is a miraculous story weaver-Mahogany L. Browne, author of Vinyl MoonB’onca always knew how to get by. And then her daughter is born. She wouldn’t trade Mia for anything, but there is never enough cash to go around. When their gentrifying Memphis neighborhood results in higher prices and then an eviction notice, B’onca’s already fragile world spirals. Desperate to make things right, B’onca forges a risky plan to help pay the bills. But one wrong move could cost B’onca–and her family–everything. From the celebrated author of Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman comes a compelling story about a teen mom navigating income disparity and racial inequality, and defying challenges to protect those she loves.
Content Warning: Gentrification
Review
Sun Keep Rising is a raw and nuanced look at a problem that teenage girls around the world face, and I loved it! Firstly, the story was fresh, and unlike any other contemporary I’ve read before.
The main character, B’onca, is so relatable. She often struggles to make ends meet for her daughter, and it was heartwarming seeing them interact. However, I did find that there were too many varying plotlines. For such a short book, I wish the author had focused on one or two main issues in B’onca’s life, as the story’s lasting impact would have been greater that way.
Nevertheless, I really loved the writing! It felt authentic, and true to the main character B’onca. The story is also an easy read, and moves pretty fast, which is great for slow readers like me.
Overall, Sun Keep Rising is a refreshing Young Adult novel on what it means to be a single mother. To me, this book would be a great classroom read for highschoolers!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, or 8/10
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moodboard
About the Author
Kristen R. Lee is a native of Memphis Tennessee, whose love of books stems from her grandmother who was a school teacher. After graduating with a bachelor’s in communication from MTSU, she began to draft her first novel which focuses on systemic racism and Black culture. Growing up in Memphis, a majority Black city, writing stories that reflect her upbringing is what she strives to do. When she’s not writing, you can find her on Twitter sharing memes about not writing.
Devon Marsh is haunted by secrets. Like the identity of the person who killed her twin sister, Emily, in a hit and run accident last Halloween, which Devon has vowed to uncover. Like the things Devon said to Emily just before she died.
But she’s determined to start fresh when she boards a four-hour flight along with her classmates for their senior class ski trip. Devon never could have guessed those secrets would surface in the most terrifying way when a supernatural creature hijacks their flight and gives the students a deadly ultimatum:
Choose one among them to sacrifice before the end of the flight. Or the plane will crash.
As the clock ticks down, the creature slowly unearths the passengers’ deepest, darkest secrets—and reveals that one of the teens on the plane is responsible for Emily’s death. The students must agree on a sacrifice, or there won’t be any survivors. But can Devon find a way to stop the creature, or will she give in to her anger and let revenge take control?
Top 5 Reasons to Read Flight 171!
1. It’s the perfect read for Halloween!
I was actually so scared reading this book! The readers don’t necessarily know what or who the mysterious creature is, which made the book very difficult for me to put down. I really could not wait to see what would happen next.
2. The setting is incredibly unique!
There’s something about a horror story set on a plane that adds a whole new level of spookiness. You could really feel how isolated and claustrophobic Devon felt on the plane.
3. An unsuspecting mystery subplot
Like I mentioned earlier, this book is unputdownable! It’s got an amazing mystery subplot that’s very hard to figure out.
4. Oh-so-spooky writing!
The writing in Flight 171 is very spooky. The author uses tension and anticipation really well.
5. Bonus: TWINS!
Being one myself, I love a good twin mystery!
Moodboard
About the Author
AMY CHRISTINE PARKER is the author of the critically acclaimed duology, GATED and ASTRAY as well as the standalone thriller, SMASH & GRAB. GATED was a nominee for both the Sequoyah BookAward and the South Caroline JuniorBook Award and was a YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant readers. Amy’s latest novel–her first horror/thriller mashup, FLIGHT 171, releases in October 2022. She writes full-time from her home near Tampa, Florida, where she lives with her husband, their two daughters, and two very mischievous cats. Visit her at amychristineparker.com and follow her onTwitter @amychristinepar
Hey everyone! Long time no see. I hope your doing well! Today I’ll be talking about all the books I want to read during spring. I tried to pick out both winter and summer-themed books to match the ever-changing weather. With that said, onto the TBR!
(PS: Click on the covers of the books to add them to Goodreads.)
1. Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
Did I obtain a copy of this book in the winter?…yes. Did I forget to read it during the winter?…also yes.
2. Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
If you’ve read my Most Anticipated Releases of 2022, then you’d know I’m very excited for this book. I also have an ARC of this one, and cannot wait to read it! (Thank you Simon and Schuster!)
3. The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow byLaura Taylor Namey
This book has been on my TBR for so long, and the synopsis sounds amazing too!
4. All the Right Reasons by Bethany Mangle
The cover is so cute, I hope to read it soon!
5. If You Change Your Mind by Robby Webber
Summer is only a couple months away! So why not crank out the summer-themed books now?
6. So This is Everafter by F.T. Lukens
F.T. Lukens is one of my favorite authors, hence why I’m so excited to read their new release!
7. By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
I have an eARC of this and love the premise. I mean, who doesn’t love a Beauty and the Beast retelling?
8. You and Me and the End of the World by Brianna Bourne
I’ve never read a book like this before, so I can’t wait to try it out!
9. The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
I haven’t read many mysteries lately, so I definitely want to read this one before summer.
10. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
I’ve been reading TikTok books lately, and so far they haven’t disappointed. Fourth time’s a charm?
And that’s the list! I’ll be back with a summer TBR in June. Also, if you’d like to buddy read any of these, do let me know! Buddy reads are always fun.
What are you planning to read this season? Let me know in the comments! Have a fabulous day!
Hi everyone! Here are my most anticipated releases of 2022! There are so many new releases I’m excited for, so it was difficult to narrow the list down to just twenty. Anyways, let’s get into it!
(PS: Click on the book covers for the Goodreads links.)
1.Golden Girls by Reem Faruqi
If there’s any indication as to how I look like in real life, it’s the girl on the cover; Aafiyah! Well, at least they look like me as a kid. 😆
Publication Date: February 22nd, 2022
2. Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
I’ve actually been in Scrabble competitions before, and adore the game. So when I found out there’d be a Scrabble mystery with a Muslim MC coming out this year, I was extremely excited!
Publication Date: April 19th, 2022
3. Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg
I’ve been in a bigbook hangover since SK Ali’s Love From A to Z. It was just too good! So I’m hoping this’ll be as amazing too.
Publication Date: January 4th, 2022
4. Squire by Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas
I’ve been anticipating Squire for over a year now, so I can’t wait for it’s release! It’s also a graphic novel, which makes me even more excited!
Publication Date: March 8th, 2022
5. So This Is Ever After by F. T. Lukens
After loving the author’s book In Deeper Waters, I was incredibly happy to know that F.T. Lukens would be releasing a new book. The cover is giving me major Merlin vibes, and I’m loving it! I also interviewed the author, you can find that post here!
Publication Date: March 29th, 2022
6. Beauty and the Besharam by Lillie Vale
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales, so I’m beyond excited for this YA retelling of it! Not to mention that it also had desi representation too!
Publication Date: May 10th, 2022
7. Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
Last year I read Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by the author, and I can’t wait for this one as well. Also, isn’t Joya Goffney the queen of book titles?
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2022
8. You, Me, and Our Heartstrings by Melissa See
This book has disabled representation, which is something don’t see very often in YA novels. I know I say this with every book on this list, but I am so excited for this!!
Publication Date: May 31st, 2022
9.As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
This seems like such a heartbreaking book. I just know I’m going to love it!
Publication Date: September 2022
10. Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee
I mean, who doesn’t love books about books?
Publication Date: July 26th, 2022
11. Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey
Ahhh this looks amazing! We love seeing powerful women!!
Publication Date: June 14th, 2022
12. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
This sounds so heartwrenching. Akwaeke Emezi is such a unique writer, I can’t wait to read this one!
Publication Date: May 24th, 2022
13. Circling Back to You by Julie Tieu
This cover is everything to me! I’m always a sucker for a good contemporary, and this seems right up my alley.
Publication Date: July 12th, 2022
14. One for All by Lillie Lainoff
The Three Musketeers was my favorite story as a child, so I cannot wait to read this one! Also, just look at that stunning cover!
Publication Date: March 8th, 2022
15. Survive the Dome by Kosoko Jackson
Last year, I read Yesterday is History by Kosoko Jackson, and I still think it today. It was such an amazing book, so naturally I’m interested in this one too!
Publication Date: March 29th, 2022
16. Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
I adore books set in winter, and this one seems perfectly winter-y~.
Publication Date: July 5th, 2022
17. The Girl in White by Lindsay Currie
I’ve read two books by Lindsay Currie now, so of course I have to read this one too! I adore their writing style, it’s so amazingly eerie.
Publication Date: September 2022
18. An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan
Retellings are my thing! So I can’t wait for this Romeo and Juliet retelling! Also, I’ve been wanting to get into different types of mythologies. So when I found out this book was inspired by Chinese Mythology, I was so excited!
Publication Date: April 12th, 2022
19. Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
Any book with Sunny in the title catches my attention instantly. 😆 I mean, my nickname is Sunny — it’s also part of my blog name. Jokes aside, I’ve been warning to read more books with desi representation, and this one seems really fun!
Publication Date: February 8th, 2022
20. The Maid by Nita Prose
Mysteries and thrillers are one of my favorite genres, and The Maid just looks so intriguing. I also adore this cover! It’s so simplistic yet eye-catching.
Publication Date: January 4th, 2022
Alrighty folks, those are my most anticipated releases of the year! If you want to buddy read any of these, do let me know! Buddy reads are always so fun.
What are your most anticipated reads of 2022? Let me know in the comments! Have a fabulous day!
Dear White People meets Love, Hate, and Other Filters in this powerful, thought-provoking own-voices debut novel about three Black Muslim girls who create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths the country doesn’t see.
In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths.
Sabriya has her whole summer planned out in color-coded glory, but those plans go out the window after a terrorist attack near her home. When the terrorist is assumed to be Muslim and Islamophobia grows, Sabriya turns to her online journal for comfort. You Truly Assumed was never meant to be anything more than an outlet, but the blog goes viral as fellow Muslim teens around the country flock to it and find solace and a sense of community.
Soon two more teens, Zakat and Farah, join Bri to run You Truly Assumed and the three quickly form a strong friendship. But as the blog’s popularity grows, so do the pushback and hateful comments. When one of them is threatened, the search to find out who is behind it all begins, and their friendship is put to the test when all three must decide whether to shut down the blog and lose what they’ve worked for…or take a stand and risk everything to make their voices heard.
Find out more about You Truly Assumed with these links!
1. Hi there Laila! I’m so happy to have you with us here today! Before we begin, do you mind sharing some random facts about yourself?
Laila: Hi Saniya, thank you so much for having me! Three random facts about myself is that my favorite animals are ducklings, I enjoy watching reality tv to relax, and lastly, I actually used to also be a book blogger back when I was in high school!
Saniya: That’s so amazing, I think it’s awesome you were also a book blogger!
2. You Truly Assumed is like no other story I’ve ever read. It’s so heart-wrenching and very powerful. What inspired you to write such a thought-provoking story?
Laila: I was inspired to write You Truly Assumed based on everything that was going on around me at the time. When I started writing the book, that was around the time where the Muslim Ban was in the news and people were talking about anti-Muslim hate because of how it was being used politically. I was also processing the results of the 2016 election and how that impacted me as a young Black Muslim woman. The blogging aspect of the story was inspired by the last fun fact that I shared above! I enjoyed creating content, so I brought that past interest to You Truly Assumed as well!
3. Congratulations on your debut novel! You Truly Assumed is amazing! I can’t wait for other people to read it. If I may ask, what advice would you have given yourself when you first started writing?
Laila: Thank you so much! In terms of advice, one thing that I wish I would’ve told myself when I first started writing is that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be written. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and so I would often start stories and then lose interest when I realized I wasn’t able to get it down the way I envisioned it. But I’ve learned that getting it that way comes with through revising, and that the first draft is really just telling the story to myself.
4. The cover of You Truly Assumed is stunning! What was the cover design process like?
Laila: I absolutely love the cover of You Truly Assumed as well! The cover design process was super collaborative. I shared character inspiration to give an idea of how I envisioned the characters, and I also shared two cover artists whose style I really liked with my publishing team. One of those cover artists was available and interested in the project, which was so great! From there, I saw different cover sketches and was able to pick the one that I felt represented You Truly Assumed more. The hardest decision was deciding which color to go with for the cover, but I absolutely love the warm coral color in the background.
Saniya:I love the coral color too! It’s so beautiful.
5. Lastly, what do you hope readers will take away from your novel?
Laila: One message that I hope that readers will take away from YOU TRULY ASSUMED is that there’s no one way to make change! For example, with the blog, Sabriya writes the content, Zakat provides the illustrations and graphics, and Farah does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work with coding and web design. Each character is making change, but they’re doing so in a way that’s unique to them and that they’re passionate about. So, I hope readers take away the message that they too can make change in a way that’s true to who they are!
Saniya: I love this message so much!
My You Truly Assumed Mood board!
Disclaimer: The pictures in the mood board are not mine.
About the Author
Laila Sabreen is a writer of young adult contemporary. Raised in the Washington, DC area, she currently attends Emory University and majors in English and Sociology. Her love of writing began as a love of reading when she fell in love with the Angelina Ballerina series. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working on essays, creating playlists that are way too long, and watching This Is Us.
Thank you so much for reading this tour stop post! I hope you decide to check out You Truly Assumed. It’s an amazing book, and is so inspiring. Have a fabulous day!
Hi all! It’s been such a long time since I’ve done a wrap up. I hope to continue them though, because I love reading them on other blogs. This month, I read 8 novels — which is great considering I was in a big reading slump in late 2021. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!
Novels I Read
(ARC)The Girl Who Ruined Christmas by Cindy Callaghan: (3.75 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was surprisingly good! It was funny and odd in the best ways possible. Review to come!
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese: (4.25 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was really sweet. I’ll definitely be checking out more books by the author now.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: (4.25 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have so many mixed feelings on this book. I loved it, but also disliked it at times. Review to come!
The Double Life of Danny Day by Mike Thayer: (4 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐The narrator of the audiobook really brought the characters to life! I highly recommend listening to it. Review to come!
(ARC) When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord: (3.5 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐ I’m sorry to say that this book was a bit disappointing. You win some you lose some I guess. Review to come!
Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma: (4 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was so magical! Review to come.
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden:(4 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐I was itching to read a thriller, and this was the perfect read for me! It had a sweet message, but was still very scary. I hope to continue the rest of the series as well. Review to come!
Partly Cloudy by Tanita S. Davis: (3.5 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐ Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one as much as I had hoped. I think my expectations were too high. The cover is stunning though. Review to come!
Graphic Novels and Manga read
Children of the Whales Volume 5 by Abi Umeda: (4 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐The illustrations are beautifully done. It’s such an interesting series as well.
Shortcake Cake Volume 10 by Suu Morishita: (3.5 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The plot was a bit too confusing in this volume. It’s still a fun series though!
The Promised Neverland Volume 20 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu: (4.5 out of 5 stars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was the last volume in the series! I loved the earlier volumes, but didn’t particularly like the ending of the story.
This was a picture I did for the Game On book tour TBRandBeyond Tours hosted!
Hiya everyone! Today I’ll be hosting a blog tour stop for Game On by Laura Silverman, as well as a collection of other (lovely) authors. I hope you enjoy!
Book Info
Title: Game On: 15 Stories of Wins, Losses, and Everything in Between Edited by Laura Silverman
Genre: Young Adult Anthology
Publication Date: January 18th, 2022
Synopsis
A charming and inclusive YA anthology all about games–from athletic sports to board games to virtual reality–from editor Laura Silverman and an all-star cast of contributors.
From the slightly fantastical to the utterly real, light and sweet romance to tales tinged with horror and thrills, Game On is an anthology that spans genre and style. But beneath each story is a loving ode to competition and games perfect for anyone who has ever played a sport or a board game, picked up a video game controller, or rolled a twenty-sided die.
A manhunt game is interrupted by a town disappearing beneath the players’ eyes. A puzzle-filled scavenger hunt emboldens one college freshman to be brave with the boy she’s crushing on. A series of summer nights full of card games leads a boy to fall for a boy who he knows is taken. And a spin the bottle game could end a life-long friendship.
Fifteen stories, and fifteen unforgettable experiences that may inspire readers to start up that Settlers of Catan game again.
Here is the tour schedule link. If you have time, do check out the other lovely tour stops as well!
Now onto the interview!
1. Hi there! I’m so excited to have you with us Laura! Before we begin, do you mind sharing some random facts about yourself?
Laura: Thanks so much for having me! Let’s see…random facts…I started my own Etsy shop a few months ago. I design candles, notebooks, and other cute gifts for writers! I also started playing chess during the pandemic and got pretty decent at it. And if I could afford it, I would eat sushi every day of my life.
Saniya: I think it’s so cool you have an Etsy Shop! Chess is one of my favourite board games, so it’s awesome to know that you took it up recently.
2. Your upcoming 2022 release is an incredible young adult anthology. What is your favourite part about creating short story collections?
Laura: My favorite part is working with so many amazing authors! It’s seriously been such a gift to collaborate with these brilliant writers. They are all so kind and creative, and I know readers will love these stories as much as I do!
3. Game On includes a variety of sports. As a child, was there ever a sports player who inspired you? If so, who?
Laura: *averts eyes with camera* I can’t say I had a sports idol as a child. I did love watching the Olympics and even got to attend the Atlanta Olympics when I say six. But that’s what I love about this anthology! There’s a type of game in here for everyone – from sports to board games to videos games and puzzles, there are competitions for everyone to get excited about!
Saniya: That’s what I love about Game On! There’s something for everyone.
4. Lastly, what is your favourite board game and why?
Laura: I love so many! Like I mentioned, I really got into chess this past year. I also loved playing a fairly new game called Wingspan. But my absolute favorite still has to be Settlers of Catan. I used to play it every week in graduate school with fellow anthology contributors Kika Hatzopoulou, Amanda Joy, and Anna Meriano! It was really special working on this anthology with them since we bonded over both writing and games. Quick pitches for their stories – Kika wrote a really fun Mafia story where our MC is unsure whether or not she’s on a first date with the girl she likes, Amanda wrote an incredible love/hate story about teammates on a cheer squad, and Anna wrote a delightful romcomedy of errors about muggle quidditch and crushing on your roommate!
About the Author
Laura Silverman is an author and freelance editor and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children at the New School. Her books include Girl Out of Water, You Asked for Perfect, It’s a Whole Spiel, Recommended for You, Up All Night, and the upcoming Game On. Girl Out of Water was a Junior Library Guild Selection, and You Asked for Perfect was named to best teen fiction lists by YALSA, Chicago Public Library, and the Georgia Center for the Book. You can contact Laura on Twitter @LJSilverman1 or through her website LauraSilvermanWrites.com.
Thank you so much for reading this tour stop post! I hope you decide to check out Game On. It’s an amazing book, and there’s truly a story for everyone. Have a fabulous day!
Hi all! This year, or rather last year, I read almost 50 books, which is probably the most I’ll ever read in a year. 😆 Today I’ll be sharing my top 5 novels of 2021! However, I’ll be sharing some honourable mentions as well because I read so many amazing books this year. Also, if you’ve recapped your 2021 in any way on your blog, do share the link in the comments. I’d love to see all the lovely books you’ve read in 2021 too. Alrighty, let’s get into it!
(PS: Click on the book covers to add them to Goodreads.)
5. Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
I loved loved loved Instructions for Dancing…until the ending. Unfortunately, it was too anti-climatic. However, the journey this book puts you through is incredible. The main characters are so lovable, and the writing was humorous yet heart-wrenching. Instructions for Dancing was the perfect mix of emotional yet funny, which in hindsight is an odd combination, but definitely a good one.
4. Made in Korea by Sarah Suk
Made in Korea was my first physical ARC, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I also interviewed the author, you can find that post here! The banter in this book was phenomenally done, to the point where I even want to re-read it, and I never re-read! The entrepreneurial aspect was awesome too.
3. Rumaysa: A Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza
This book surprised me so much! It’s a middle-grade novel that features beautiful illustrations inspired by South Asia. (It’s not a graphic novel though, in case you were wondering. 🙂) Nevertheless, Rumaysa was amazing! The heroine was spunky, and the story was absolutely hilarious! However, it’s the important lessons of following one’s heart and helping others that really stuck with me…and also the delicious descriptions of desi food. *sigh* I’d really love a hot cup of chai and a samosa right now.
2. Once Upon an Eid by A Collection of Authors (Edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed)
Once Upon an Eid made my heart feel so full! It tells a variety of stories, all of which show diverse perspectives and traditions that happen during the month of Ramadan, and on Eid. I felt like I learnt so much about the world through this book. Overall, it was incredibly wholesome and very joyful. I highly recommend it!
1. A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier
And now, in first place I give you 🥁*drumroll please*🥁 A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier! This was one of my first reads of the year, and it was amazingly cozy. It’s essentially a mystery set in the mountains, and I loved it! From the hilarious dialogue, to the warm writing, A Castle in the Clouds is the winter read you’ve been endlessly searching GoodReads for! You can read my full review here.
Honorable Mentions
Both of these books are adventure based, and are very easy reads. In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens was a sweet book with lovely writing. I definitely recommend! Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne was such a fun and enticing book that I recommend to anyone wanting to get into classical novels.
Feel free to read my interview with the author of In Deeper Waters here! I wish I could also interview Jules Verne, but sadly time travelling back to the 1800s will be a difficult feat. You can however, read my full review of Journey to the Center of the Earth here!
I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourite books of 2021. I’m grateful to have read such amazing books, and hope to expand my reading to new genres like fantasy and historical novels. What genres do you hope to read more of in 2022? Have a lovely day!
Hiya! Today I bring you a mood board for the incredibly atmospheric novel; Journey to the Heart of the Abyss (Light the Abyss #2). Enjoy!
Book Info
Title: Journey to the Heart of the Abyss (Light the Abyss #2)
Author: London Shah
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Publication Date: October 26, 2021
Synopsis
The sequel to London Shah’s thrilling futuristic mystery The Light at the Bottom of the World, perfect for fans of Illuminae and These Broken Stars.
Leyla McQueen has finally reunited with her father after breaking him out of Broadmoor, the illegal government prison—but his freedom comes at a terrible cost. As Leyla celebrates his return, she must grapple with the pain of losing Ari. Now separated from the boy who has her heart and labeled the nation’s number one enemy, Leyla must risk illegal travel through unchartered waters in her quest for the truth behind her father’s arrest.
Across Britain, the fallout from Leyla’s actions has escalated tensions between Anthropoid and non-Anthropoid communities, bringing them to an all-time high. And, as Leyla and her friends fight to uncover the startling truths about their world, she discovers her own shocking past—and the horrifying secrets behind her father’s abduction and arrest. But as these long-buried truths finally begin to surface, so, too, do the authorities’ terrible future plans. And if the ever-pervasive fear prevents the people from taking a stand now, the abyss could stay in the dark forever.
Find out more about Journey to the Heart of the Abyss with these links!
Here is the tour schedule link. If you have time, do check out the other lovely tour stops as well!
Moodboard
Here’s a moodboard I made for the book!
About the Author
London Shah is a British Muslim of Pashtun ethnicity. She has lived in Britain’s capital for most of her life, via England’s beautiful North. On any given day she can be found daydreaming of a different past, an alternate present, or some surreal future. She enjoys drinking copious amounts of tea, eating all the sweets and cakes, strolling through Richmond Park or along the Thames, getting lost on an evening in the city’s older, darker alleyways—preferably just after it’s rained—listening to punk rock, and losing herself in a fab SFF book or film. The Light at the Bottom of the World is her debut novel. The sequel Journey to the Heart of the Abyss releases 26.10.21.
Thank you so much for reading this tour stop! I hope you check out Journey to the Heart of the Abyss, and love this series as much as I do. Have a great day!
Hey everyone! Today’s post is a bit overdue, but will hopefully be a worthwhile one because I’m going to be giving you some books to read this fall season! I’ve separated the books into four categories; Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adult, and of course, the Classics. I hope you enjoy!
PS: Press the book covers for the goodreads links. I also summarised most of the book synopsis’ myself. However some I took from goodreads.
If you’re a bit of a scaredy cat like me, than I suggest these middle grade titles! But don’t let their innocent demeanor fool you…
1. Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
This is a gorgeously creepy story about a girl whose field trip to a farm goes wrong.
2. Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
Set in 1922, Ophie’s Ghosts follows a girl named Ophie. She has no choice but to work as a maid in an old manor as her mother is tight on money. Little does she know that the manor holds secrets of its own.
3. What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
When Ginny Anderson’s dad takes the family on a month long trip to a decrepit manor known as Woodmoor Manor, things take an uneasy turn. For the woods surrounding the mansion, hold a secret.
4. Thirteens by Kate Marshall
After the death of her mother, twelve-year-old Eleanor moved to a town called Eden Eld where an eerie Mr. January collects his payment of three thirteen-year-olds every thirteen years. The kids are sacrificed in exchange for the town’s unending good fortune. This Halloween, Mr. January is back, and has their eyes on Eleanor and her friends. Will they break the curse before Halloween ends?
I feel like Young Adult thrillers are harder to find than YA mysteries, so here are some to add to your TBR!
5. The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins
Best friends Neena and Josie spent high school as outsiders, but at least they had each other. Now, with college and a two-thousand-mile separation looming on the horizon, they have one last chance to be together—a three-day hike deep into the woods of the Pisgah National Forest. Simmering tensions lead to a detour off the trail and straight into a waking nightmare; and then into something far worse. Something that will test them in horrifying ways.
(Synopsis from goodreads)
6. Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
While this one isn’t entirely a thriller, it gives me such fall and back to school vibes!
Darcy Phillips gives relationship advice to her fellow students. However, one day she is hired by the popular guy at school who wants to get his ex back. What could possibly go wrong?
7. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Cemetery Boys is a fall classic!
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
8. The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Sixteen year old Jake Livingston can see the dead. However, what happens when you become haunted by a ghost, and are able to see it?
9. Alice by Heart by Steven Sater
In this Alice and Wonderland retelling, Alice and her best friend Alfred must take refuge in a London Tube station during WWII. Alfred is gravely ill with Tuberculosis, and might not survive the night. So to cheer him up, Alice tells her favorite story; The Story of Alice in Wonderland. But what happens when wonderland is her only escape from the harshness of World War Two?
10. I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan
In her small town, seventeen year-old Delia “Dee” Skinner is known as the girl who wasn’t taken. Ten years ago, she witnessed the abduction of her best friend, Sibby. And though she told the police everything she remembered, it wasn’t enough. Sibby was never seen again. At night, Dee deals with her guilt by becoming someone else: the Seeker, the voice behind the popular true crime podcast Radio Silent, which features missing persons cases and works with online sleuths to solve them. Nobody knows Dee’s the Seeker, and she plans to keep it that way. When another little girl goes missing, and the case is linked to Sibby’s disappearance, Dee has a chance to get answers, with the help of her virtual detectives and the intriguing new girl at school. But how much is she willing to reveal about herself in order to uncover the truth? Dee’s about to find out what’s really at stake in unraveling the mystery of the little girls who vanished.
(Synopsis from goodreads)
11. The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur
Hwani’s family has never been the same since she and her younger sister went missing and were later found unconscious in the forest near a gruesome crime scene. Years later, Detective Min―Hwani’s father―learns that thirteen girls have recently disappeared from the same forest that nearly stole his daughters. He travels to their hometown on the island of Jeju to investigate… only to vanish as well. Determined to find her father and solve the case that tore their family apart, Hwani returns home to pick up the trail. As she digs into the secrets of the small village―and collides with her now estranged sister, Maewol―Hwani comes to realize that the answer could lie within her own buried memories of what happened in the forest all those years ago.
(Synopsis from goodreads)
12. The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
Something is off about Snakebite. Teens keep going missing, and Ashely Barton’s boyfriend is one of them. When Logan Oritz-Woodley and her family move in town, they aren’t exactly met with a warm welcome. Logan frequently wonders why the town hates her family so much. Could Snakebite be hiding a secret?
13. A Dark and Starless Forest by Sarah Hollowell
Separated by the rest of the world, Derry and her eight siblings live on a lake near a merciless forest. One day Derry’s siblings start to go missing, forcing her to confront the forest once again.
So maybe Middle Grade and Young Adult aren’t your jam. If so, then that’s totally okay! Here are some adult reads instead.
14. Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau
This book isn’t necessarily spooky, but it’s most definitely cozy!
Actor Ryan Kwok is back in Toronto after the promotional tour for his latest film, a rom-com that is getting less-than-stellar reviews. After the sudden death of his mother and years of constant work, Ryan is taking some much-needed time off. But as he tries to be supportive to his family, he struggles with his loss and doesn’t know how to talk to his dad—who now trolls him on Twitter instead of meeting him for dim sum. Innovative baker Lindsay McLeod meets Ryan when he knocks over two dozen specialty donuts at her bakery. Their relationship is off to a messy start, but there’s no denying their immediate attraction. When Ryan signs up for a celebrity episode of Baking Fail, he asks Lindsay to teach him how to bake and she agrees. As Lindsay and Ryan spend time together, bonding over grief and bubble tea, it starts to feel like they’re cooking up something sweeter than cupcakes in the kitchen.
(Synopis from goodreads)
15. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Nine years ago, young witch Vivienne Jones ‘pretended’ to curse Rhys, the guy who dumped her. Fast forward almost a decade, and he’s back in town to represent his prestigious family, and also to recharge the town’s ley lines. However, will the curse Vivienne thought she never placed on Rhys endanger the town she’s always called home?
16. Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia
Harlem, 1926. Young black girls like Louise Lloyd are ending up dead. Following a harrowing kidnapping ordeal when she was in her teens, Louise is doing everything she can to maintain a normal life. She’s succeeding, too. She spends her days working at Maggie’s Café and her nights at the Zodiac, Manhattan’s hottest speakeasy. Louise’s friends might say she’s running from her past and the notoriety that still stalks her, but don’t tell her that. When a girl turns up dead in front of the café, Louise is forced to confront something she’s been trying to ignore–several local black girls have been murdered over the past few weeks. After an altercation with a local police officer gets her arrested, Louise is given an ultimatum: She can either help solve the case or let a judge make an example of her. Louise has no choice but to take the case and soon finds herself toe-to-toe with a murderous mastermind. She’ll have to tackle her own fears and the prejudices of New York City society if she wants to catch a killer and save her own life in the process.
(Synopsis from goodreads)
17. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
If you’re a fantasy lover, then this is definitely the book for you!
A young royal from the far north is sent south for a political marriage in an empire reminiscent of imperial China. Her brothers are dead, her armies and their war mammoths long defeated and caged behind their borders. Alone and sometimes reviled, she must choose her allies carefully. Rabbit, a handmaiden, sold by her parents to the palace for the lack of five baskets of dye, befriends the emperor’s lonely new wife and gets more than she bargained for. At once feminist high fantasy and an indictment of monarchy, this evocative debut follows the rise of the empress In-yo, who has few resources and fewer friends. She’s a northern daughter in a mage-made summer exile, but she will bend history to her will and bring down her enemies, piece by piece.
(Synopsis from goodreads)
Can’t forget about the classics!
18. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Dracula is a story about the infamous Van Helsing, a guy named Harker, and of course, evil. Filled with incredibly atmospheric writing, and a deliciously eerie setting, Dracula is a classic you don’t want to miss this Halloween!
19. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
This is the insane story of Dr. Frankenstein and his experiment that lead to the creation of the iconically creepy monster Frankenstein.
20. The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour – it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions around the village. Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi household are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music. Death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. Soon, amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is on the scene to investigate what will become a legendary murder case, but can this scruffy sleuth solve a seemingly impossible crime?
(Synopsis from goodreads)
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🎃 Still not sure what to read this autumn? Feel free to check out my spooky book reviews below for some ideas! 🎃
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