Early Reader Review: The Faraway Forest: Hester’s Big Dream by Debbie Fong

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Faraway Forest: Hester’s Big Dream by Debbie Fong 

Series: The Faraway Forest
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: TODAY! September 15, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Welcome to The Faraway Forest, a graphic novel series for early readers about a magical woodland village that’s home to an assortment of adorable animal characters. Perfect for kids who love Animal Crossing!

Hester has just moved to the Faraway Forest. As a night owl, she loves to rise just as the sun sets, and she keeps herself busy all night with her hobbies: dancing, cooking, writing, and costume making. But Hester wonders if there are new friends to be made when the sun is out. Can she stay awake long enough to find out? Or will she discover there is more to the mysterious forest night than she imagines? Either way, Hester is definitely going to have an adventure!

For readers who love The Faraway Forest: Wally’s Route or anyone new to this lively illustrated series, good feelings and great fun await in this delightful story.

Review: 

Such a cozy and sweet graphic novel. We follow Hester, the owl, as she looks for friends. She has recently moved to Faraway Forest and since she is a night owl, she often only sees people when she is waking up and they are headed in for the night. 

The book has beautifully illustrated pages which feel whimsical and relaxing. The animal characters are also adorable. While it is in a series, this book can be read as a standalone and the graphic novel format give it extra appeal to reluctant readers. 

I liked the themes of friendship and trying new things in order to find friends. Hester goes through a few plans before finding her people and I liked that it showcased things not really working out on the first try but that she kept giving it a go. I also really liked all the extras that this book included. There were items in the beginning for each chapter so you could do a search and find along the way. Then at  the end there is a How to Draw Hester tutorial and a spot-the-differences page. 

I love graphic novels like this, it was pretty to look at, easy to read, and the story was cute and had good themes for younger readers. 

Recent Reads: Hellbound by Stephanie Binx

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Hellbound by Stephanie Binx

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 25, 2026

 

Format: Physical ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Dying is all in a day’s work for a Hell-diver like Marian—until a routine round-trip to the afterlife goes wrong—for fans of The Wren in the Holly Library and TV’s Lucifer.

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here, but nobody knows why—not even the devils themselves. Now, sadistic demons roam the earth, offering small fortunes to any mortal sucker dumb or desperate enough to die on their behalf as they retrieve artifacts from a Hell they can’t recall. Washed-up journalist Marian Meyer is one of those mortal suckers dying for a living as she fetches clues for a demonic puzzle that she doesn’t care to solve.

Riddled with debt she'll never be able to pay off and guilt over her mother's death, Marian made her first lucrative deal with a demon and never looked back. Never mind that being a Hell-diver means that she must voluntarily drown herself—or that the human body wasn’t meant to die more than once—and she’s definitely feeling it.

Unfortunately, the last time Marian went to Hell, she came back wrong. Memories of that night are missing, and she'll do anything she can to find them, including teaming up with one of her mysterious (and oddly alluring) demonic patrons, Mr. Vale. But when their tenuous alliance thrusts Marian even deeper into a world of betrayal, humans with strange powers, and demonic politics, she’ll have to decide if allying with Mr. Vale is her ticket to freedom or damnation in disguise.

One part slow-burn romance and one part acerbic wit, Hellbound is a dark, romantic contemporary fantasy perfect for readers who prefer their casts morally grey and the stakes sky-high.

Review: 
Such a fun spooky-season read. 

Marian is a Hell diver, she can die and go to Hell, retrieve items then be brought back to life in the moral realm.  Interestingly,  Hell is empty and all the Demons live in the mortal world. They are the ones that are paying her to retrieve various things that might in some way help them return. When Mr. Vale asks her to dive for a key, Marian is cautious but needs the money, so she takes the chance, coming home with something far more weird than a key she is thrust into this world more that she ever imagines she would be. 

When Mr. Vale asks Marian to dive for a key, she’s understandably cautious, but she needs the money, so she takes the chance. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned. Marian comes home with something far stranger than a key, and suddenly she finds herself pulled into a world of secrets, demons, and chaos far beyond anything she could have imagined.

Marian was a really solid FMC. I liked that she was just as confused by everything happening around her as the reader was at times, because it made the whole experience feel even more eerie and unpredictable. There were definitely moments where I was right there with her trying to figure out what the hell was going on. I think that uncertainty worked really well with the spooky, horror, and paranormal elements of the story.

One thing I especially appreciated was how the author portrayed depression and anxiety. It felt very real and, at times, painfully relatable. Even something as simple as Marian struggling to shower was included, and while some readers might find that detail a little gross, I actually appreciated it. When you're dealing with mental health struggles, getting in the shower really can feel like A TASK. Sometimes the smallest, most basic things require an enormous amount of energy, and I thought the author captured that reality really well without making it feel overly dramatic or romanticized.

The cast of characters also kept things interesting. There was a good variety of personalities, motivations, and general weirdness, and I enjoyed seeing how everyone fit into the larger story. Between the characters, the twists and turns, and the general chaos of the plot, this ended up being a pretty quick and entertaining read.

Overall, this was a fun, creepy, chaotic paranormal read with an interesting premise, a likable FMC, and plenty of twists to keep things moving. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but I had a good time with it, and I think it would be a great pick for anyone looking for something weird, spooky, and a little unhinged this time of year.

Early Reader Review: The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgioc

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgio 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 15, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Synopsis: 

It’s a classically rainy night at home with the babysitter, and two siblings are itching for a little nighttime adventure. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, the siblings sneak out of the house and into the inky night.

Unlike the well-known fairy tale, the siblings's nighttime romp through the woods is full of wonder and fun, even a new friend! Their magical friend guides the duo across streams and through open fields, not unlike the fauns of Greek mythology, to partake in the splendor of the night. And as the moon gives way to sun, so is it time for the kids to return home where beds—and Mom!—wait.

Mariachiara Di Giorgio’s lushly illustrated, wordless tale is akin to a modern-day fairy tale and perfect for reading on the darkest of nights. After all, there is so much beauty to discover hidden in the darkness. What will you find?

Review: 

This was an illustrated children's book with no text. Readers have to interpret the story which is a bit odd and confusing. The illustration is eerie and unsettling but represents the dark scary night well. It has a fantastical vibe and definitely shows that Hansel and Gretel inspiration. 

Two kids are left with a babysitter (but she feels like a grandmother or witch too). At bedtime they run into the night for adventure or to find their mother, and odd creatures and plants appear for them, they take a rest in a cave, meet a stranger...they certainly had an adventure. 

I am not sure that younger audiences will get it. Honestly, I was a bit confused and it took reading the synopsis for more insight. 

Without any text, you are left with the illustration to get you through. It was a mix of dark tones showcasing the night which gave the sense of scary/ alone feelings but also this 'you will be fine' feeling somehow without much explanation. Illustrations were great with the theme and use of darks with pops of color that were light and shone brightly in the images. 

Overall, it was visually appealing but the story was confusing. 

Early Reader Review: Fire Power by Mir Benitz

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Fire Power by Mir Benitz 
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Publication Date:  September 1, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Fourth Wing meets Formula One in this enemies-to-lovers sports romantasy about a stubbornly ambitious dragon rider who goes up against her childhood friend turned racing rival in the ultimate dragon race.

The Silverscale Grand Prix is the national championship of dragon racing—a high-speed, often deadly, elite sport with an unimaginably big cash prize. 

Asta and her dragon Carmine are unlikely competitors. No sponsors, no high-tech gear, no fans out in the stands. Not to mention that a female rider hasn't won the Prix for nearly sixty years. The odds are stacked against them—but Asta is determined to prove everyone the training school that kicked her out for fighting a classmate, her family who wished she'd never left the farm, and, most of all, her infuriatingly arrogant childhood-best-friend-turned-rival Felix, the poster-boy heir to the Seraphin racing dynasty and reigning tournament champion.

Raw talent alone won't be enough to get Asta and Carmine through these races—and it soon becomes clear that the risks Asta has taken to get to Silverscale could have devastating consequences. Time to think fast, or die trying.

Review: 

I was so excited to get this book for review, I have been loving F1 and the description pulled me in. Sadly, I found the book just ok, which is a bummer. 

The story follows Asta, a dragon rider headed for Silverscale. She’s worked her way up from farm life to racing and is determined to win. While there, she reconnects with her former neighbor and rival, Felix, while also getting pulled into some shady dealings with people who want her help during the race.

Asta is our FMC, determined and stubborn, which are usually traits I enjoy in a character, but she often acts like she is much younger than she is with her dialogue and behavior. Felix, the MMC and golden-boy rival, felt somewhat oblivious, which I think was partly because of his privilege. Nat, a side character and love interest, was easily my favorite. She was mouthy and rude, but her attitude added a lot of fun to the story.

I enjoyed the race descriptions, but the racing itself felt like an odd mix of horse racing and Formula 1 without fully committing to either. I couldn’t quite grasp the mechanics of dragon racing, and the world surrounding the races was barely described beyond the track itself.

The character relationships were another weak point for me. This was marketed as a romantasy, so I expected more development in the romantic relationships, but they felt fairly shallow. Asta and Felix especially read like they were having a high school breakup every time they interacted. Asta’s constant insistence that she had done everything completely on her own also started to get annoying. Yes, she worked hard to make it to the championship, but Felix’s family gave her a dragon and allowed her to start riding in the first place...on their dragons. Her success is absolutely her own accomplishment, but I wish the story acknowledged the privilege and help she had along the way that was less whiney. 

Overall, I think the book had an interesting premise, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. I liked Nat, Asta was okay but sometimes whiny, and Felix was a fairly forgettable MMC. While there were some spicy scenes, the rest of the book read more like a Young Adult romantasy than an adult one. 

Early Reader Review: Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads by Bret Shuford,  Illustrated by Elena Hager
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Leap, soar, and dance into the joyous life of a little boy whose dads are dazzling Broadway performers in this lyrical, rhyming picture book from one of Instagram and TikTok's Broadway Husbands.

Where do parents go when they walk out the door for work?

In this charming, vibrant picture book, a little boy's dads have a very special job—they're Broadway performers! 

By day, these two are like any other parents. They do the dishes, help with chores, and give lots of hugs and kisses. But by night, they take to the stage, donning elaborate costumes and dancing for thousands of theatergoers.

From Bret Shuford, Broadway dancer and cocreator of the social media sensation Broadway Husbands, this sweet story is a love letter to the theater and an ode to parents who do it all. Perfect for theater-loving families, aspiring young performers, and anyone who believes in the magic of being yourself, this heartwarming book is a celebration of family, creativity, and unconditional love.

Review: 

This book ... was SO heartfelt and cute. 

A story for young listeners or readers about dads heading to work at night to perform. A bit of an unconventional job but they love their little kid and always try to say good night. 

This was a cute story with a rhyming scheme. The illustration were so perfect! Vibrant, fun, and entertaining they showed people in costumes and Broadway and musicals. The best was that there were little Easter-eggs throughout plays on words for plays and musicals, like THAWED (in the font of Frozen),  SPAMilton (a combo of Spamalot and Hamilton?). It was all just so joyous and playful. I couldn't stop smiling.

The best part were the overall themes - this book showcases love, unconventional jobs, support of dreams, and a beautiful family. 

I think this will be a great book for any families library...and we will all be jealous of how cool this kid's dads are. 

Early Reader Review: A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This humorous tale of competition from creator Jule Wellerdiek will have winners and runners-up alike laughing out loud at Jackal’s many antics.

All Jackal has ever wanted is to win a fancy trophy. But when Goose wins the best hairdo competition, he decides that it’s time he take matters into his own paws. Jackal very quickly discovers that awards aren’t that special when everyone gets one . . .

A laugh-out-loud story about competition and sportsmanship that will speak to every reader’s innermost desire to win

Review: 

This book follows Jackal, who is excited to enter the Best Hairdo Competition. However, when he doesn't win, he becomes very upset. Rather than accepting that we can't always be winners, he creates an award just for himself. Soon, all the other animals do the same, and before long, everyone has a trophy.

I found this book to be funny and entertaining, and the illustrations and animal characters will likely appeal to young readers. The story opens up opportunities for conversations about competition, sportsmanship, ad handling disappointment.

However, I'm not entirely convinced that the overall message comes across clearly. One of my concerns is that it may unintentionally encourage the idea that everyone should receive an award simply for participating, rather than teaching children how to cope with not winning. Jackal also displays bad behavior throughout the story, including being selfish and lying to others, which may require additional discussion with younger readers.

That said, the book does have several strengths. It uses humor effectively, the story is engaging, and it creates a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, and teachers to talk about important life lessons such as resilience, fairness, and how to celebrate others' successes.

Overall, while I enjoyed the funny story and all the emotive animals, I think this book works best as a read-aloud that includes adult guidance and discussion rather than as a standalone lesson about competition and sportsmanship. It is a fun story, but readers may need help unpacking the message behind Jackal's actions.

Early Reader Review: For the Love of the Quest by Alexandra Ammon Parthun

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 11, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC/ Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The search for King Arthur’s Excalibur invites danger…and potentially love in this sapphic historical romance perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian and Freya Marske.

Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary. 

Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.

As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.

Review: 

If you’re looking for a cozy romance with a fun-filled adventure, this is a great read. We follow Edith, who is determined to have an adventure, even though that’s not exactly the norm for a lady. Thomasin, a gang leader, agrees to help Edith on her quest for Excalibur in exchange for a share of the treasure. Along the way, Thomasin finds herself falling for Edith, and their relationship slowly blooms as they navigate the quest together.

There is some violence and death along the way, but together, these two can tackle anything. Edith brings her knowledge and understanding of the lore, while Thomasin relies on her brute strength, cunning, and impressive survival instincts.

I really liked this book. It felt like a warm hug. Edith and Thomasin have alternating POV chapters, which gives us a chance to see into both of their minds and watch their feelings develop from both perspectives. The quest itself was a lot of fun, and the ancient riddles and traps added just enough chaos to keep the story moving at a steady pace.

The romance is a slow burn, and I thought it built beautifully. I liked both of the main characters, and I enjoyed the balance between the cozy atmosphere and the adventure. There was just enough drama, danger, and violence to make the quest exciting without taking away from the warm, comforting feel of the story.

Overall, this was a really fun read, and I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, and a good adventure will really enjoy it.

Early Reader Review: Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H.

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H. 

Publisher:  Dial Books
Publication Date:  August 25, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A debut graphic novel about one girl’s weightlifting dreams and how far she’ll go for them, from a popular Chilean animator.

Sam Sanchez might not have a coach or proper equipment, but she’s going to become Chile’s first weightlifting gold medalist. She just knows it.

When there’s an opportunity to train at the high-performance center with her weightlifting hero and Olympic gold medalist Eva Dos Santos . . . well, Sam can’t let that opportunity pass. Even if it means going behind her parents’ back.

As she makes friends (and a rival) during training and tries to qualify for the Pan American Games, she’ll find out how far hard work and perseverance can take her and just how much weight she’s able to hold.

Review: 

I really really loved this graphic novel. The story follows Sam, who wants to be a weightlifter and that has been her dream for a long time. Her parents just don't get it and want her to be normal. When she has the chance to train with one of the best, she jumps at it with the agreement that if she doesn't medal she will just be done with it all together. 

This was such a good story, brought to life through engaging art and text in such a lovely way. The artwork was bold, vibrant, and easy to follow, and the amount of text was perfect for a graphic novel. 

The story was both inspiring and heartfelt. Following Sam pursuing her dream, it doesn't shy away from the anxiety, pressure, and setbacks that come with being an athlete. I especially appreciated the addition of the generational story/ reasoning for the parents wanting her to be normal woven in, which added depth and even more emotions. 

This was a motivational read that made me tear up at times, so excited for Sam and her accomplishments and revelations about herself. The themes of hard work, determination, resilience, and learning from failure are presented in a way that felt genuine ad encouraging. It's the kind of story that reminds readers that success isn't always a straight path and that perseverance matters.

I think this will be a fantastic read for middle-grade and teen readers. It's fun, uplifting, and packed with meaningful lessons. A wonderful graphic novel with memorable characters, strong emotional moments, and beautiful artwork. Overall a great graphic novel read!

Early Reader Review: Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Pumpking Apocalypse by M.D. Payne

Publisher:  Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  July 28, 2026 

 

Format: Paperback 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Get pumped for Pumpkin Fest! It's Friday Night Fright Night, and Adam's worst fear is about to come to life…

Halloween is a big deal in Little Pine, but newcomer Adam Gibbons doesn't get the hype. In fact, he's actively anti-Halloween—and you would be, too, if you were deathly afraid of pumpkins! Yeah…don't ask.

When Adam is tasked to team up with pumpkin fanatic Molly to plan Friday Night Fright Night, the middle school shut-in event before Pumpkin Fest, he's forced to confront his greatest fear head…er…jack-o'-lantern-on.

But it soon becomes clear that there is something strange and supernatural brewing in Little Pine. Mind-controlling pumpkins are possessing people and taking over the town, and it's up to Adam and his small group of friends to smash the infestation and save the world!

Review: 

This was an enjoyable middle grade read. It was an interesting plot/premise and I think middle grade readers will really enjoy it this Halloween/ Fall season.

The story follows Adam, who has a really horrible fear of pumpkins, as he tries to survive life in a town that's completely obsessed with its annual pumpkin festival. Adam could be a bit whiny at times, but Molly was a fantastic counterpart. Her enthusiasm for the festival, humor, and determination to help Adam overcome his pumpkin fear made her a great partner in this book and added some comic relief and chaos into the mix.

The plot, which was a combo pumpkin takeover and zombies vibe, was creative and a lot of fun. I think middle grade readers, especially those looking for a spooky seasonal read, will have a great time with it. It strikes a nice balance between creepy and fun, making it a perfect pick for Halloween. For some, this might be a bit too scary though.

The pacing was solid overall, although I felt it took a while to understand why Adam has a fear of pumpkins. There were also quite a few characters introduced in a short amount of time. As an adult reader, I also found it a little hard to believe that Adam's parents didn't realize just how over-the-top the town was about its pumpkin festival (or maybe they knew and since it is told in Adam's POV, we just aren't in on that point). That said, Adam's anxiety felt authentic, and I appreciated the way it was handled throughout the story. I think that could be helpful for readers as they learn more about themselves.

Overall, this was a fun, spooky adventure with an imaginative plot. I think it's one that middle grade readers looking for Halloween thrills and laughs will really enjoy.

Early Reader Review: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall  

Series: Entity Case Files #1
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 4, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Amongst mountains as old as time, the jackalopes and ghouls are the least of your worries.

Working in Human Resources was not what Alexys had in mind when she joined Entity, the company who categorise and manage the monsters and cryptids of the world. But after her dad was killed as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, she was filled with noble ideas of carrying on his legacy... from behind the safety of a desk.

But when one of her new Wardens, Elliot, goes missing, her chances of promotion go missing too. Determined to find him safe and sound, she marches off into the mountains to find him herself.

Because Elliot had been talking about sightings of a highly dangerous and never-recorded monster, The Hollow Walker, and she's promised herself that no Warden will ever die on her watch.

Meanwhile Nic, Director of Research and Cataloging, is not one to ignore the words 'never-recorded'. With Alexys, his work nemesis, leading the charge into the mountains, he's not going to let her have all the fun. If he can be the youngest Entity employee to discover a new monster, his name will go down in the annals of cryptozoology... and if it means spending some extra time with Alexys then he's not one to argue.

But Alexys and Nic are about to discover why the Appalachian Mountains are the last place you want to find yourself after dark.

Review: 

Alexys works a desk job coordinating Wardens, who are agents who investigate and, when necessary, eliminate the things that go bump in the night. When one of her Wardens goes missing just before a scheduled field meeting with her, she's determined to find him and bring him home. The creature he was tracking is incredibly dangerous and frustratingly elusive, prompting Nic, a researcher, to insert himself into the investigation. While his primary interest is the creature, he certainly doesn't mind spending more time with Alexys.

Together, they battle terrifying creatures, unravel the mystery of the missing Warden, and discover that the truth is far more dangerous than they expected.

This was such a fun and engaging read! The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains, which already have an eerie reputation, and the author does an excellent job capturing that unsettling atmosphere. The local folklore and the sense that something is always lurking in the woods added so much to the overall vibe and eeriness of the story.

I also really enjoyed the blend of horror/thriller and romance. There was a great variety of monsters and genuinely creepy moments that kept my heart racing, while the romance added some lighter, entertaining moments. The pacing was especially well done and the story gets moving quickly and never really slows down.

The ending was fantastic, although it's one of the downsides of reading ARCs because now I have such a long wait before I can find out what happens next!

The characters were enjoyable, though I wasn't completely invested in them. For me, the mysterious setting and creature-filled adventure were th highlights. That said, the banter between Alexys and Nic was fun, their growing relationship felt natural, and several of their interactions made me laugh out loud.

My one small criticism is that I wasn't entirely sure what the author intended with Alexys's personality. At times she seemed like a strict rule follower, while at others she was willing to throw the rules aside, and that inconsistency made it difficult for me to get a solid sense of who she was.

Overall, this was a fun Summerween read with plenty of creepy atmosphere, exciting monster encounters, and a satisfying blend of horror and romance. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next installment when it's released.

Early Reader Review: Salvage by Renee Nault

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Salvage by Renée Nault 

Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Publication Date:  July 21, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

In this heartwarming graphic novel romance from the adaptor and illustrator of The Handmaid’s The Graphic Novel, two young artists' paths intertwine as they navigate the complexities of love in a world where sea levels have risen and society is sharply divided.

Paolo lives in the Flats, a dangerous, water-logged community where families survive by salvaging materials from skyscrapers hidden just beneath the ocean’s surface—remnants of a world before sea levels rose. Scavenging the depths comes with its risks, but when Paolo discovers a suitcase of designer clothes, he decides to fulfill his To spend one night in the Uplands, a place of privilege, excess, and freedom. There he meets Jules and her friends, and what begins as a single night of reckless adventure turns into a secret double life—and a seemingly impossible romance that forces Paolo to reckon with who he is, where he belongs, and the importance of being honest.

Rendered in vibrant watercolor illustrations that bring every scene to vivid life, Salvage is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a moving tale of love and self-discovery. Renée Nault’s atmospheric and luminous hand-painted art draws readers into Paolo and Jules’ world, promising an unforgettable coming of age story.

Review: 

This YA graphic novel is stunning, with detailed watercolor illustrations that bring every page to life. The artwork is bright, engaging, and packed with details that invite readers to stick around and explore. While I found it a little text-heavy at times, the beauty of the story and the richness of the world still made the read enjoyable.

Paolo lives in the Flats, a community where people survive by salvaging goods from the sea, including the remnants of a drowned city. When he discovers a waterproof case filled with in-style clothing (something really rare), he is inspired to travel into the Uplands, where the wealthy live. There, he meets a group of influencer teens and begins spending more time in a world that is completely different from his own.

Alongside a cute romance, the story explores themes of privilege, freedom, identity, and self-discovery. Paolo is the main character, but readers also get glimpses into the life of Jules, the girl he falls for. Despite coming from opposite sides f society, Paolo and Jules struggle with loneliness and share a passion for art in a world that doesn't fully appreciate their creativity.

One of my favorte things about the book was the art - the cities become an additional character. The contrasting landscapes of the Flats and the Uplands feel so vivid and interesting. and the juxtaposition between the two worlds adds depth to the story and gives readers so much to engage with/ look at. I wanted a little more background for how the cities got to this point, but it was still gorgeous. 

Overall, this was a beautifully illustrated and thoughtful read. It's a graphic novel that combines a compelling coming-of-age story with a richly imagined world. 

Early Reader Review: Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  June 30, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Derin’s acceptance into Cambridge University is the end of an era—just not the one she expected.

When she and her ultra-competitive Uni prep group, The Kenfield Set, were first invited to Professor Darnley’s summer ball, they planned on celebrating the group's success surrounded by the riches of his historical Kenfield estate—not kicking off the festivities with the professor’s will reading.

But when the Darnley’s aristocratic children are disinherited, the students are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: compete in a Victorian, literary-inspired inheritance competition to be named the new heir—winner takes all!

For Derin, it's a chance to help her working-class family. But the remaining Darnleys won’t take losing their stately home and its multimillion-pound inheritance lying down. And into the mix, a mysterious note is slipped under Derin’s door alluding to a dark family secret lying in wait.

Now, Derin must balance the cutthroat games; scheming relatives; and a cute Kenfield intern amidst her dawning realization that the history of this inheritance might be soaked in lies… and blood.

Review: 

Derin is a graduating teen about to head off to her dream school. She has had the pleasure over the past years of working with a professor and other students to prepare herself for her college applications etc. When the professor passes and calls them all to the will-reading they are thrown into a game to determine who among them will win his estate and all the money along with it. 

This book reads like a more mature and historical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with twists like Knives Out. I felt like the plot was intriguing and satisfying, but the slow pacing occasionally tested my patience, and I almost gave up on the book within the first few chapters. There was a bit too much jumping around in the timeline and the setup felt like a slog. Once we were into the real plotline…the historical sections added depth, though they sometimes disrupted the mystery's tension and pulled me out of the story. 

While I really liked and felt engaged in the challenges, the historical parts weren’t the only thing that kept me from fully immersing myself. I often felt like the characters were too close in personality to distinguish and even with Derin, I didn’t grow to empathize with her or really know her. 

On top of that, the author often found the need to interject with sexual representation, (I am all for representation!) but I didn’t feel like it added to the plot or the storyline at all. It often pulled me out of the story because of how oddly jarring it occurred in dialogue or thought processes. The main character is bi, and she has flirtatious banter with a few of the other characters. This dynamic and insertion makes the reader think that there might be more coming, maybe a romantic side story; however, the author sadly leaves this at the surface and doesn’t delve into it past that point. Again, fine for a YA read. Acceptance and representation are super important, I just felt like… if it was brought up so much that there might be a bigger point than just rep. It definitely read as if the author was telling us versus showing us in this instance. 

Overall, I think that the themes around whitewashing of history, racism, classism were exemplified in a very creative and engaging way. I think that the rep was there regardless of being told versus shown, and I think that readers that are looking for a plot with games and clues will enjoy it. I wouldn’t fully call this a murder mystery but there some elements of that too.