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. 

Nonfiction: You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate

Late 2025 is when I first saw mention of Christina Applegate's memoir You with the Sad Eyes, and I was immediately interested and excited. This actress has a career that spans longer than my lifetime, as she has been in the business since she was incredibly young. In this book, she talks all about it, and more, completely lifting the curtain on a life lived in front of the camera, but filled with personal struggles few got to see.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a book of nonfiction that is all about the woman that is Christina Applegate, and her over five decades-long career in Hollywood. It begins with her early life in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, which is where she still resides to this day. And while many were introduced to her through her character of Kelly Bundy on Married...with Children, Applegate had been working and supporting herself and her mother through her acting for years before that. This book deals with her often chaotic home life; her body dysmorphia and harsh inner critic (not to mention the human critics who would comment on her work); as well as her experience with abuse and abandonment; all before her career came to an abrupt end after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

My Verdict: I knew reading this book was going to be an intense experience, but I was not fully prepared for what I would find on these pages. There are only two books that have caused me to stop mid-read, close the book, and stare off into the distance because of something that was revealed (points if anyone can guess which books they were). Applegate's book is now the third. Not even one-third of the way in, and a truth is revealed that sent me reeling. As any memoir should be, this book is honest and open, but also full of humor, because Applegate admits that despite everything, she has no interest in just crying all of the time. She tells the entire uncomfortable truth about her life up to this point, and truly believes that "books make people feel less alone."

Favorite Moment: At one point Applegate is describing her wedding, which she meticulously planned, and it is a great picture of someone intent of having the perfect event, while creating a not-that-fun experience, and she herself admits it.

Recommended Reading: Yes Please by Amy Poehler would be a great follow-up.   

Young Adult Fiction: A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann

Once in a great while I will take a chance on a book that for whatever reason is not something I would normally pick, usually because it may lean too far into fantasy or romance for me. Oddly enough, Shannon J. Spann's A Stage Set for Villains is both, but the premise is intriguing. Set in a land where performers at an enchanted Playhouse are dangerous and feared, a young woman takes an enormous risk by joining them. 

The Situation: Eighteen year-old Riven Hesper fears both the Players and their Playhouse, just as she has been taught to do as a resident of the North. She also has a terrible memory of being attacked and cursed by a Player ten years ago, and it is a curse that has alienated her from everyone, including members of her family. Also, it is slowly killing her. Then an opportunity is presented to her: a chance to not only be healed, but maybe even exact some revenge. The Playhouse is offering a chance for one person to steal a Player's immortality, all they have to do is win a competition. Truly, Riven has little to lose, and she may even get some answers.

The Problem: It is clear that the competition will be difficult, and dangerous. Riven is one of five competitors, each being mentored by one of the Players, and her mentor just happens to be the charming and merciless Lead Player, Jude. But in the Playhouse, nothing is quite as it seems, and the more secrets Riven uncovers, the less her life, including her place in this competition, seems to make sense. It is also clear that this competition is something bigger, grander, and more horrifying than she initially thought. What is certain is the scripts have power; memories cannot be trusted; and we cannot always be sure we are the hero in the story.

Genre, Themes. History: This is a work of fiction set in the land of Theatron, where an expiring treaty had banished the Playhouse and its fearsome Players to the South, keeping them from having an audience in the North. The Players are beings with incredible power, actors that can only survive if they have an audience, though they are often cruel and unforgiving when wielding their power. At the center of the story is Riven, who was cursed by a Player ten years ago and is desperate to reverse it. The chapters are broken up across three 'Acts' with an intermission between the first and second one, and the book even ends with a curtain call and encore. 

My Verdict: A lot happens in this book, and what is refreshing about it is that the author allows over 500 pages for all of that action to take place. There is plenty of room for these characters to run around and have their adventures, with almost none of it feeling rushed. Sure, there are some parts that are maybe given too much space, and the twists and turns can be tricky to navigate, but readers are never left behind. The world that Spann has built comes through in just enough detail without getting bogged down, and it is a world that is complicated, but not overly so, and with plenty of magic and wonder to satisfy a fantasy reader. 

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed the initial introduction of the five Players and their different characteristics. 

Favorite Character: Titus is my favorite Player. He is big, loud, brash, boarish, and thoroughly insecure...and he knows it and does not care.

Recommended Reading: Some aspects of this book did remind me Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor.