Young Adult Fiction: Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra

It is the final week of YA Fest, and to close out June we are going to take a closer look at Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra. When it is determined that people with magical abilities cannot be trusted to use them responsibly, they are sent to the Celestial, a ship where they can earn a second chance, or potentially lose their magic forever.

The Situation: For Roe Damarcus, death is really not that big of a deal. As a resurrector, she has been summoning spirits of people who have died since she was a girl. Many find what she can do to be scary, until they wish to see someone they love who is no longer alive. Then they risk being close to her, even holding her hand, as their loved one takes shape before them. But Roe's trial is coming up, and if she fails, she will have her Morphia - the substance that gives her the ability to summon the dead - extracted from her body. The other option would be to board the Celestial, a ship where Morphics who have failed their trial can earn a retrial. But Roe's father, Lord Damarcus, has made it clear that working on the ship is a different experience from being a guest on it.

The Problem: When the unthinkable happens and Roe fails her trial, she decides to take her chances aboard the Celestial. But her life of luxury has not quite prepared her for small living quarters, rude guests, unforgiving bosses, and a ship with unspeakable horrors that come alive after dark. Thankfully, Roe has found a small network of friends willing to help her out, although their strong and handsome leader seems less than excited that she is there. It is clear that being aboard the Celestial is going to be hard work, but when things turn deadly for a guest, Roe must confront the ship's true dark reality, and her family's connection to it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fantasy young adult fiction novel set in the fictional land of Tamarynth, where Morphics exist, each with their own abilities. There are shifters, enhancers, emotives, illusives, time winders, crafters, menders, alchemers, and of course, resurrectors such as Roe. If a Morphic is determined to be too dangerous, their Morphia is taken, which is the exact fate Roe is wanting to avoid. For Roe, being a Morphic is everything, and she cannot imagine what her life would be like if she was not one. With the majority of the action taking place on the Celestial, readers will also get to see different parts of Tamarynth, and plenty of magical displays.

My Verdict: What drew me to this book was the idea of a ship where the guests can have magical experiences such as creating artwork that moves, and flying over the water with magical wings, but for the workers, conditions are brutal and the work is beyond demanding. While the book certainly delivers on that front, what I did not expect was for the horrors of the Celestial to be as horrific as they are. Many of the descriptions are more gross than they are terrifying, and the reasons for why the ship becomes so dangerous at night are not exactly clear. Neither are the motivations of the villain for their exact course of action. Ultimately, the overall adventure is entertaining and not at all predictable, with the story leading readers through a world of fearful magic. 

Favorite Moment: The guests that Roe must work for on the Celestial are privileged and demanding, but she does get a glimpse into their humanity at key moments.

Favorite Character: Alana is an emotive who is key to helping Roe get acclimated to the Celestial.

Recommended Reading: I realize I recommend this book often, but Emily J. Taylor's Hotel Magnifique would pair fairly well with Alexandra's book. 

Young Adult Fiction: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

People who love escape rooms really love escape rooms. And there are those people that are also really good at them...the more challenging the better. They are elaborate puzzles that often come with a story, and a time limit that adds to the challenge. For this third week of YA Fest, The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss brings the idea of escape rooms into a reality TV game show, where teams of four teenagers compete for an ultimate prize. But things get serious when the stakes get raised, and a contestant ends up dead.

The Situation: Sierra Angelos is back for season five of The Escape Game...which has to be the twists of all twists given how season four ended. When the body of Alicia Angelos was discovered during last season's final episode, it was pretty much universally believed that Sierra, her sister, was responsible. But she is back for the new season, and her teammates are as shocked as the audience. Beck is obsessed with the show and even makes escape rooms in his own time. Carter is a math-whiz and influencer with her own impressive following. And the cryptographer Adi...did not actually want to be on the show, but his mother pulled some strings, and it does bring him closer to one of his personal goals.

The Problem: Sierra knows she will be painted as this season's villain, just like she was last season, but she is determined to find justice. This means being a team player and working with the three people she just met, even though she is pretty sure they all see her as a murderer. Add to it that her team is the one the other teams will be eager to sabotage, and things get more difficult. When the clues start showing up, and not the ones that are related to the show, but the ones related to the very real murder of season four, everyone realizes just how high the stakes really are. The players must use their skills to stay on the show, stay alive, and find Alicia's killer.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult thriller set mostly on a set in Hollywood for the reality TV show The Escape Game. The four main characters, Sierra, Beck, Carter, and Adi, are set to participate in the fifth season of the show, and it is a highly anticipated season given that season four ended with the murder of Sierra's sister, Alicia. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the main four, with the occasional interview or map of an escape room placed in between. Given that the book includes escape rooms as part of a bigger murder mystery, there are plenty of puzzles and riddles that both the characters and readers have a chance to work through, including one letter that can be read by holding the book up to a mirror. 

My Verdict: I expected twists and turns, the occasional red herring, more than a few betrayals, and perhaps even a surprisingly touching or heartfelt moment, but there is a lot going on in this book. I am happy to report that the actual escape rooms for the game show do play a big part in the story and do not end up being an afterthought, even when it becomes clear that there is so much more happening. And each character has their own history and motivation for being on the show, and a reason for why they specialize in what they do. If I had any issue with the book, it would be how often readers may have to employ the suspension of disbelief. But overall, this is a fun mystery and adventure.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when Carter rises to meet a challenge that nearly everyone (including Carter) believed she could not do.

Favorite Character: This is a grab bag of flawed people, but Adi has his moments of both genius and redemption.

Recommended Reading: I recommend One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

Young Adult Fiction: Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

We roll right into the second week of YA Fest with Angela Montoya's Carnival Fantástico. This year's San Antonio Book Festival allowed me the pleasure of meeting the author and having my book signed, further adding to my excitement for the story inside. With the dazzling cover art and the promising premise, I knew this was going to be a page-turning adventure.

The Situation: If Esmerelda hopes to secure a future that does not involve time in jail or a life on the run, then she must become the top act in the Big Top Show at Carnival Fantástico. Currently, she is serving as the carnival's fortune-teller, using her cleverness and boldness to gather just enough information about her patrons before feeding them a future she does not actually see. Becoming the top act means not only being invited into a competition, but also being able to meet three challenges and impress the ageless ringmaster, Ángel Veracruz. Esmerelda is ready to do whatever it takes and let nothing ruin her chances, not even the reappearance of the only boy she ever loved.

The Problem: Ignacio is desperate to find evidence of his father's crimes. He never thought the search would lead him to Carnival Fantástico, but key clues pointed in the direction of the magical show, and Ignacio believes someone there can tell him the real reason his father has kept his country and his people involved in an ongoing and terrible war. When he finds Esmerelda, he has to focus if he hopes to succeed in his quest, but her previous betrayal, and his current feelings, are making that difficult. They manage to come to an agreement: If she helps him expose his father, then he will help her become the lead act. But neither of them know that the carnival holds bigger and older secrets than they thought possible.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel that I have seen tagged as fantasy, romance, and of course, romantasy. Set in the early 1900s in the fictional land of Costa Mayor, Esmerelda is a young woman who is ten months into her one-year contract with the magical Carnival Fantástico, though she is desperate to stay on, for her own safety. Not only has Ignacio defected from his father's army, but he has joined a resistance movement and is desperate to expose the war for what it really is. The two teenagers have now found each other after a painful separation that left both sides extremely hurt and angry, but they realize they have a better chance of achieving their goals together than they do apart.

My Verdict: This is the kind of romantasy I can get behind. I love the setting of the carnival. I love that it travels by train (I love trains...) as it moves about the country. I love that those that enter the carnival are encouraged to dress up in costume. I loved all of the animals and how nearly each one was given a distinct personality and traits. And I loved that the initial story was not the whole story, and that even the secrets in this book have their own secrets. It is a magical adventure with just enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, but not exhausting. Sure, some of the characters occasionally got on my nerves, but it was often short-lived frustration, and it all pays off in the end. 

Favorite Moment: It felt incredibly satisfying when Camila confronted Esmerelda over what a terrible friend she can be.

Favorite Character: Camila is part of a strong woman show with her sister, Pilar, and the two of them also have a chance of becoming the main act in the Big Top Show. She is a good friend, a great sister, and may be loyal to a fault.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Reader Trilogy by Traci Chee. 

Young Adult Fiction: They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours

It is YA Fest once again, which means all the posts for the entire month of June will be on a young adult fiction title. And to kick things off, we have They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours. In this speculative mystery, a young girl finds herself in a race against time after making a deal to save her friend's life.

The Situation: Simone Washington is known for her horror-themed parties, and this Halloween is her last chance to throw a memorable one before she graduates. But when she reads about the local Doll's Head Lake and the spirit that is supposed to haunt it, she decides to throw a small overnight party with only her friends just a couple of weeks before. With the help of her best friend Kira, she knows this will be a night to remember, and will probably allow for even more excitement for the ultimate Halloween bash. Or at least that was the plan until Kira had to be pulled from the lake, unresponsive, after an argument. Now Simone would do anything to change what happened, and there is a spiteful spirit that is willing to help her out, at a cost.

The Problem: Simone has 14 days to come through on her end of the bargain she made with Regret to save Kira's life. If she succeeds, not only does Kira live, but Simone will be freed from all of the regrets that have consumed her over the last few years. But should she fail, Kira will surely perish, and Simone will be the one to make it happen. The clock is ticking, and Simone must unravel the mystery of Doll's Head Lake, causing her to dig deep into the past of her town, and the disappearances that have occurred at the lake over many years. She desperately wants to succeed, while also doing what is right. But when she struggles with her own secrets and hidden truths, it is the life of her best friend that may be sacrificed.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of horror fiction, with a healthy amount of mystery, thriller, and paranormal worked in. On the night of her 18th birthday, Simone hosts an overnight party at her brother-in-law's cabin near Doll's Head Lake. The lake has another, much more normal name, but it is known for the collection of dolls that people have left behind for the spirit known as Regret. And it is after an unfortunate argument that Simone is forced to deal with Regret herself. There are many secrets that are dealt with, and of course regrets, along with incredible guilt, shame, and even some grief.

My Verdict: This is a short read that moves quickly, but has a lot to offer in its pages. Partying teenagers in a cabin near a lake; a vengeful spirit; creepy dolls; fortune tellers; buried secrets; and a ticking clock as time runs out towards a deadline with terrible consequences. From the beginning, Simone and her friends are pretty annoying, and a little clueless, but really, that fits when it comes to the horror theme. Things get real for everyone pretty quickly, but Simone must examine her own motivations and past, and acknowledge her own part in everything. Horror fans will have a good time, as will those who enjoy a good mystery.

Favorite Moment: The first appearance of Regret is appropriately creepy and unsettling.

Favorite Character: Everyone is dealing with some amount of regret, large or small, in this book. But Simone's friend Cory is helpful, forgiving, and kind, and can listen without interrupting or diverting.

Favorite Quote: Simone asks "Why does the cost of correcting my mistakes have to be so high?" Oh honey...

Recommended Reading: Nearly anything by Tiffany D. Jackson would work well. 

Historical Fiction: A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman

One book that seemingly all historical fiction lovers were talking about back in 2012 was M.L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans. And now, 14 years later, readers have been treated to her second novel, A Far-Flung Life. Set in mid-century Australia, the story follows the MacBride family and the life they made themselves in the vast, dry land.

The Situation: It is 1958, and three of the MacBride family members head out on a routine errand in relation to their sheep station. No on realizes that this will be the day that everything changes, and when Phil MacBride swerves to avoid hitting a kangaroo, the result is a crash that alters what was a fairly predictable trajectory for the whole family. The following years will be difficult for Matt as he recovers, while also piecing together his memories of what happened. Phil's wife, Lorna, will do her best to hold her family together, which includes their daughter. Rosie has made it a point to never accept responsibility for anything she has ever done, but the guilt over the crash continues to eat away at her.

The Problem: While Matt makes great strides in his recovery, Rosie makes one questionable decision after another, until she eventually returns home after having left abruptly months before, and with a baby in tow. Not only does Rosie refuse to name the baby's father, but she also refuses to name the baby. Many in the area feel that the MacBrides have already been through enough, but it seems fate is still not done with them, and the next few years will have Matt coming to terms with everything that has happened, while also wondering if happiness is something he can have while knowing what he knows, and having done what he did.

Genre, Theme, History: This is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1958 in western Australia, where the MacBride family is in charge of large amounts of land for their sheep station. The book will continue on through time, with the majority of the pages being devoted to 1969, where the MacBrides continue in their work, despite the unreliable weather; the threat of mining corporations hungry for what is underneath the land; and people in the community that are always keen for a bit of gossip or news. Both guilt and grief are big themes in this book, as well as secrets with enough weight that they can crush a person. And then there is the setting of a part of Australia that rarely gets the attention that the big cities on the eastern coast of the country receive, here laid out in its vastness and scale.

My Verdict: Bold and courageous narrative choices are made from the beginning in this book, and they are shocking, and devastating, and interesting, and make for a heck of a way to start what ends up being an incredible family epic. Add in the setting of the incredibly large and open western Australia landscape, and the story takes on the feel of something Steinbeck would have written. If I had one issue about the book it would be that the ending feels rushed. Readers are taken on this incredible journey through this family's trials, and it wraps up so quickly (though not cleanly) in a third part that is less than 30 pages. And there is one threat to the MacBride family's biggest secret that disappears so easily, though I do not think most readers will mind its removal.

Favorite Moment: Matt is nearly completely altered after the crash, but he turns into someone able to confront bullies with wisdom and discernment.

Favorite Character: It would be a tie between Matt and Pete Peachey, a man who roams the MacBride family's land and keeps the kangaroo population under control. 

Recommended Reading: I do recommend The Light Between Oceans for those that have not read it, as well as East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 

Science Fiction: Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin

Always on the lookout for science fiction that I will have an easier time understanding, I stumbled across Cecile Pin's Celestial Lights. An ambitious young man starts on a path that will lead him to become one of the greatest astronauts of our time, but there must be sacrifices along the way.

The Situation: Oliver Ines is born the day the Challenger space shuttle falls out of the sky. Little does he or anyone else know that one day he would be launched into space on an ambitious and historical mission. When he is young he excels at math and science, and eventually receives a prestigious scholarship in order to continue his university studies. After a few years in the navy, Oliver will be given the opportunity to become an astronaut and go to space, something he perhaps had been dreaming about as a kid when he covered his bedroom in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper made to look like the stars. But as Oliver continues to advance his career, his personal relationships take a hit.

The Problem: When Oliver agreed to be one of four astronauts aboard Talos for the Phoenix mission, he knew the risks, including that he would be away for ten years. This means ten years away from his aging parents, as well as ten years away from his wife, and their young son. It is while aboard Talos that he begins to look back over his life: the first time he met his wife, Philly; his days at the university; his time in the Navy; and of course, becoming a husband and father. Oliver does not know what life will be like when he finally does return to Earth, or what all will be waiting for him. But he has made his decision and must focus on the mission.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set during modern day, moving into the 2030s. In the book, mankind has managed to advance space exploration to the point of sending astronauts to one of Jupiter's moons, Europa, though the journey will take ten years round trip. At the center of the novel is Oliver Ines, the first-person narrator who tells all about his early life, ambitions, experiences, relationships, and finally, his trip to space. Placed between the chapters are entries from the log Oliver kept while in space, showing the interactions on board between the astronauts, including the discussions, arguments, and the difficult decisions that had to be made.

My Verdict: This book is an interesting look at what can lead people to make seemingly impossible decisions, or what can lead them down a path that we may not be able to imagine for ourselves. Oliver is a complicated character in some ways, but in others he is not. He is an ambitious and intelligent and capable man who becomes the commander of a historic space mission, though possibly at a great price. This book manages to look at the situation from several angles, using several characters to do so, including the other astronauts and their families and friends. It is also a picture of the truths (and lies) we are willing to look away from in order to do what we do. This is a short (less than 250 pages) but powerful book with just enough space exploration to satisfy the space-obsessed.

Favorite Moment: There are small moments when Oliver realizes how other people see him, which causes him to re-evaluate his own behavior. 

Favorite Character: Oliver's wife Philly does not seem afraid to call things as they are, even if it is painful. 

Recommended Reading: Andy Weir's The Martian would be a great follow-up. 

Historical Fiction: Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves

The title of today's book is what initially caught my attention, followed by the captivating cover. The synopsis on the book jacket mentioned a mystery surrounding a painting a young woman finds among her dead grandmother's belongings. Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves is a book that spans decades, telling the fictional story of a woman's life during and after her time with one of the most recognized and celebrated artists in history.

The Situation: In Mexico City in 1939, a young Nayeli Cruz mourns the disappearance of her sister from her life. She decides she does not desire the same fate - to be married off to a man in whom she has no interest - and runs away from home. After being spotted by the artist Frida Kahlo outside of her Caza Azul, the young girl is invited into the painter's life and becomes her cook. This new position allows Nayeli to witness Kahlo's tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, as well as her health struggles. In Buenos Aires in 2018, Paloma Cruz mourns the death of Nayeli, her grandmother and the woman that raised her. Found among her grandmother's things is a painting depicting a young nude Nayeli. It is this painting that will send Paloma on a journey to discover her grandmother's secrets. 

The Problem: The discovery of the painting may have piqued Paloma's curiosity, but it also causes the young woman pain, as it becomes clear that there are some things she did not know about her grandmother. As she seeks out the identity of the person who painted her grandmother all those years ago, she enters into a mystery filled with secrets and betrayal, while also putting herself in danger. Nayeli may have been Frida Kahlo's cook, but the two women formed a bond that will shape the rest of the young woman's life. And the painting holds more secrets than Paloma initially realizes.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set both in mid-century Mexico City, and modern-day Buenos Aires. In Mexico City, Nayeli will leave her home and find herself employed by Frida Kahlo. In Buenos Aires, Paloma will discover the painting of her grandmother by a mystery artist, and this discovery will set off a chain of events Paloma could have never anticipated. There are long-buried secrets that will come to light, and a hidden history that a granddaughter will learn about her grandmother. The story looks closely at the relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, as Nayeli is able to witness nearly every argument and intense interaction between the two.

My Verdict: Both stories - the one that begins in 1939 and the one in modern-day Buenos Aires - are intriguing in the beginning. Following a young girl as she runs away from home, and who ends up being taken in by one of the world's most famous painters is a fascinating premise. And a mystery surrounding an old and possibly priceless painting is always exciting. But somewhere along the way, and maybe it was the myriad of twists and turns and deceitful characters, I found myself less interested in Paloma's story and her journey with her grandmother's painting. I would have rather stayed with Nayeli in Mexico City as she lived and worked with Kahlo. And to me, the endings for both stories were neither shocking nor remarkable. 

Favorite Moment: I always enjoy when young characters realize that their parents and grandparents had a whole life before they came along. 

Favorite Character: I pick Frida Kahlo as my favorite character, mostly because every time she enters the page, even when she is struggling due to illness or injury, the image I have of her is as someone filled with and surrounded by intense color.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez.