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Review

karenjo464 Comments

No Ordinary Star #1

M.C. Frank

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5 ★ – EXTRA ORDINARY SHINING STARS
PUBLISHED BY CREATESPACE NOVEMBER 15, 2015
GENRE(S): YOUNG ADULT, SCI-FI, FANTASY, DYSTOPIA,
PAGES: PAPERBACK 150
BUY AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, BOOK DEPOSITORY
A SOLDIER IS SUMMONED TO THE NORTH POLE, DAYS BEFORE THE YEAR CHANGES, TOLD TO FIX THE GREAT CLOCK FOR A CELEBRATION. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO DO.
A GIRL, HUNTED FOR THE CRIME OF BEING BORN, ALMOST DIES OUT ON THE ICE. SHE IS RESCUED BY THE LAST POLAR BEAR LEFT ALIVE.
A LIBRARY WAITS FOR THEM BOTH, A LIBRARY BUILT OVER A SPAN OF A HUNDRED YEARS, FORGOTTEN IN THE BASEMENT OF AN ICE SHACK.
THE WORLD HASN’T KNOWN HUNGER OR SICKNESS IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS. IT HAS ALSO FORGOTTEN LOVE AND BEAUTY. THE YEAR IS 2525.
Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic novel is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.

No Ordinary Star by M.C. Frank is unique and just so lovely! Gorgeous storytelling, wonderful world building, fantastic characters, and a fast paced intriguing plot that had me hooked from the very first page.

I absolutely love the concept of this book and the world building is so fascinating. People live longer. No more hunger. No more sickness. Sounds pretty great so far right? But would you be willing to have all that in exchange of never knowing love, compassion, and beauty? There are no families, no mothers and fathers, and men and women are forbidden to touch. Bit by bit, Frank reveals the horrendous and ugliest parts of this new world. It’s completely messed-up, disturbing, and downright terrifying. But through Felix and Astra and their many discoveries whether it’s from their surrounding or each other, the author shows that there are so much worth fighting for.

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I really enjoyed the dual POV from the “tin solider” and “match girl.” Both Felix and Astra experienced different lives and it was interesting getting to know them. I thought I would be more sympathetic towards Astra because she had a very dark and heartbreaking past, but I found myself caring about Felix just as much.  I connected with them. I felt for them. And I absolutely adored watching them challenge and learn from each other as their relationship slowly developed to some kind of friendship (and maybe something even more).

This book is probably one of the shortest book I’ve read, but it’s definitely not lacking. It’s beautifully written – elegant, poetic, and affecting. I’m completely enthralled by this story and can’t wait to see what happens in the next two installments. I’m already missing Felix and Astra…Oh and I really hope the hint of “romance” becomes stronger because I’m totally shipping tin soldier and match girl.

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Thank you so much M.C. Frank for providing me a free e-ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review and for being in the NOS street team!

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ADD NO ORDINARY STAR ON GOODREADS
ADD NO PLAIN REBEL ON GOODREADS
ADD NO VAIN LOSS ON GOODREADS

Follow and Connect with M.C. Frank: Website/ Instagram / Twitter / Facebook

Have you read No Ordinary Star or this series? What did you think? Leave your comment down below.

Sincerely Karen Jo

Review

karenjo462 Comments

The Big F

Maggie Ann Martin

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5 ★ – Fabulous and Fun
Published by Swoon Reads August 29, 2017
Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: Paperback 304
Buy Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository

 

Danielle effed up. Big time.
Danielle’s plans for the future were pretty easy to figure out… until she failed senior English and her single college application was denied. Suddenly she’s in hot water with very few options, because honestly who applies to a safety school when their mom is a semi-famous “college psychic”?!
Determined to get her life back on track, Danielle enrolls in her hometown community college with a plan: pass her English class and get back into Ohio State and her mother’s good graces. Romance isn’t on her radar… until she reconnects with her childhood crush and golden-boy-next-door, Luke.
Between family drama, first love and finding her own way, Danielle can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. Thankfully she has her friendship with the snarky and frustratingly attractive Porter, her coworker at the campus bookstore, to push her to experience new things and help keep her afloat.
One thing’s for sure: This time, failure’s not an option.

OHMAHGOSH this book… I breezed through this one in less than 24 hours and absolutely loved every moment. The Big F by Maggie Ann Martin is such a heartwarming story about self-discovery, family, friendship, and love. It’s completely adorable, sweet, and just the perfect summer read that will leave a smile on your face.

The romance in this book so stinkin’ cute and I could not get enough. There’s plenty of sweet moments, spine tingling kisses, and boy drama to last your for days. Also, there’s a love triangle… and for the most part I really don’t like them. BUT this one just worked and it was absolutely swoony and perfect in every way. Not to mention there were definitely A LOT OF FEELS with both of the guys. Luke and Porter are such great love interests. They both played a specific role in Danielle’s life that affected her in different ways but no less important than the other. I’m obviously not going to spoil anything more, but I walked away feeling satisfied with how both relationships played out.

The characters are complex and flawed, but fabulous in their own ways. I could totally see myself hanging out with them and sharing a pizza or two.

• Danielle messed up big time, but she eventually owns up to it and makes a plan. I love that she takes responsibility and doesn’t ask anyone for help even if she could. She still makes mistakes here and there – she is human after all. But she is trying to learn, to grow, and to figure out what she really wants.

• Zoe is just the BEST best friend anyone can have and I completely adore her. She’s always there to tell you how it is and still be supportive as ever. Seriously, everyone needs a Zoe.

• Luke is the handsome boy next door and childhood crush you dream about being your boyfriend. He’s athletic, outgoing, and fun, but you realize he isn’t as perfect as you imagine him to be and that’s okay.

• And then there’s Porter… He’s kind of a mystery, so you’re immediately drawn to him. He pushes your buttons quite a bit, but then he’s also really nice, super sweet, funny and so charming that you can’t help but fall head over heels for him.

There are so many things I love about this book – terrific writing, realistic characters, great family dynamics, awesome friendships, and sweet romance. But what I love most is the coming of age aspect and the many life lessons Martin weaves throughout the story. Failure doesn’t mean the end of everything. Life may not always go according to plan, but that’s okay. You can always create new goals, new plans, and new paths.

If you’re looking for a light, funny, and endearing YA contemporary, then I highly recommend you pick this up!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Follow and Connect with Maggie Ann Martin: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely Karen Jo