I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. The Hunger Games series is still one of my favorites ever and I didn’t want to be disappointed. Collins writes such impactful stories, I admit I was a little scared this book would let me down. The prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, was not my favorite. The writing was excellent, the story still strong with well-developed characters and a great lookback at President Snow’s background. But it WAS about Snow and I couldn’t make myself like it too much, lol.However I did love this prequel. It was hard to read with well-placed moments of levity and heart wrenching ones. Toward the end I actually had to close the book at a moment when I realized what was about to happen… not many books make me do that.Well written, wonderful characters, awesome social commentary.Highly recommend it.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” takes readers on a journey through the past, revealing the untold stories of key figures from The Hunger Games universe. What stands out most about this prequel is how it adds layers of complexity to characters we thought we already knew. The book delves deeply into the lives of figures like Haymitch, Beetee, Wiress, and Mags, offering a fresh perspective on their struggles, hopes, and failed rebellions.One of the most compelling aspects of this story is the full exploration of Haymitch’s character. In the original trilogy, Haymitch is often seen as a jaded, cynical mentor to Katniss. But in “Sunrise on the Reaping”, his backstory adds a poignant depth to his character. His experience in the Games, and his subsequent efforts to navigate the political landscape of Panem, truly helps readers understand the man behind the bitterness. It also highlights just how much Katniss and Haymitch mirror each other in their desires for survival, though Katniss’ drive and self-belief seem to propel her further than Haymitch ever could manage.The book also does an exceptional job of illustrating the insidiousness of President Snow. For the first time, we see Snow not as a shadowy figure in the background, but as the manipulative and ruthless tyrant he truly is. His actions against the rebels—and his cold, calculated ways of maintaining control—serve as a chilling reminder of how much power he wielded and how little he cared for those who sought to challenge him.The inclusion of other characters, like Beetee, Wiress, and Mags, is also a major strength of the novel. Through their eyes, we see the tragic attempts at rebellion and the harsh consequences of failure. The motivations of these characters—be it their desire for justice, change, or simply survival—feel deeply personal. Their attempts to change the system show just how dire the situation was in Panem before Katniss even stepped onto the scene.The writing is descriptive and immersive, with a strong sense of foreshadowing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Suzanne Collins has a knack for weaving intricate political themes, subtle character development, and powerful emotional moments into a compelling narrative. This book isn’t just about survival or rebellion—it’s about the cost of wanting change in a broken system.Plutarch, in particular, emerges as a surprisingly complex figure. While he was an enigma in the original trilogy, here we see his motivations and struggles in greater detail. The political machinations at play, and the ways in which love, loyalty, and desire for change intersect, are explored in ways that leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.Overall, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a thrilling, thought-provoking addition to the Hunger Games series. It not only expands the lore but also gives readers a deeper understanding of the political, personal, and moral forces that shaped the world of Panem. With its layered characters, gripping plot, and sharp commentary on power and resistance, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Welcome to the second prequel of the Hunger Games series! “May the odds be ever in your favor.” In this novel, we learn about Haymitch’s background and his experiences in the games. Or why is he the way he is? If you have watched or read the succeeding books, then you know what the results will be.About the Book:“As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.”My Thoughts:I looked forward to this novel because of my love for the Hunger Games series. The novel was predictable. There was pacing in the middle that slowed my interest in the novel. I know this novel is a prequel, but the amount of negative events at the end of the novel. These events gave me great clarity into Haymitch’s character, but were also hard to read. I will stand behind my recommendation to wait to view Hunger Games, the book or movie, until you have read this novel. I liked it, but the ending was hard for me.

Ok, we all knew this was gonna be sad but dang…poor Haymitch. ???? ???? I will admit prequels aren’t usually my favorite (there’s no stakes – you already know what’s gonna happen) but Sunrise on the Reaping was done brilliantly. I really enjoyed seeing Haymitch before the games and learning more about him in general. Without spoiling anything I’ll just say this one has so many jaw dropping moments and much like THG I can’t stop thinking about it. ????????The games itself were designed even cooler than I expected and were so interesting to learn about. My mind is still blown by how the game markers chose to make the arena look like a cozy springtime environment – it’s an entirely new level of cruelty. As a side note – I feel like you could read about every single game and they would be so drastically different that they would all be fascinating. (Did saying that just make me a Capitol sheep? ???? Disclaimer for my sanity I do not support this.) Regardless the storytelling itself was great and I was hooked from the start (just like I was with THG).I loved the side characters in this one too – so much so that I was still rooting for so many of the other tributes to survive as well. Can’t every tribute be saved with some ☠️ berries? ???? I loved the relationships Haymitch makes and was surprised but loved seeing some of our old favorites in their younger days.“I love you like all-fire.” ????

All too often, I find that sequels just don’t provide a worthy follow up to the original or that sometimes the original story is just so incomplete that I hardly have any desire to move forward for fear of never receiving a satisfying conclusion. For this reason, I often stay away from sequels and even series in general, at least in terms of books. I think this is part of the reason it took me so long to pick up Suzanne Collins’ CATCHING FIRE (The Hunger Games Book 2) despite having read the original and seen both of the respective movies a long while ago. The CATCHING FIRE movie adaptation was one of the few movie sequels that I ever thought to be drastically better than the previous film in every way possible. That’s not to say that it made me like the first any less, just that I felt it had improved in all aspects. And so I went into this book with timid excitement, hoping I would feel the same way.The book version of this story impressed me exactly as I hoped it would. It is an improvement on Collin’s already fantastic narrative that feels fresh and more mature while also allowing readers to spend more time with her fantastic characters, world, and story.CHARACTERSKatniss and Peeta are back for another adventure. They’ve done the impossible together and now they have returned home, but things will never be the same. They are locked into a false romance where Peeta now realizes that his affections towards Katniss are only reciprocated when the pair are in front of a camera. He is made to feel even more alone than he did at the start of the games while Katniss deals with her own set of issues. Gale is now referred to as her cousin despite that being far from the truth. On one hand, this makes it easier for Katniss to be seen with him, but it also means they will never be together since it is ultimately her destiny to marry Peeta, whether her feelings for him are true or not. She and Gale come to the realization that there is something between them and Katniss realizes that Gale is another boy in her life that she has been hurting.Then there’s the fractured relationship between the Capitol and the Districts which she is also forced to acknowledge when President snow appears in her home and threatens her loved ones if she doesn’t play along with what he wants. Despite her surviving the Hunger Games tournament, the “games” aren’t really over at all. She’s still fighting for her and Peeta’s lives, but now she has the lives of her mother, Prim, Gale, Gale’s family, Haymich, and probably Peeta’s family to worry about. She may also very well be fighting for the lives of every District in Panem. President Snow’s role is quite big here which is a nice change of pace since he remained largely unseen in the first book. Then there’s Plutarch Heavensbee, the new head gamemaker who is a bit more removed, but what parts he is in are quite good. Katniss also meets up with a variety of previous victors like the flamboyantly handsome Finnick, the aggressive Joanna, the clever Beetee, and deranged Wirress. Those who have already seen the movie know what circumstances Katniss meets these other victors under, but I won’t spoil that part of the story since it is far more of a surprise in the book. The only other thing that can really be said is that each of these new faces is a wonderful addition to the cast and that they all have a lot to add to the story as a whole.WORLD/SETTINGThe world that Katniss returns to is not the same one that she left. She’s a victor now which means she gets a fancy new home in a special section of District 12 and she must be part of the victory tour where the victor of the games visits each district and honors the fallen tributes before attending a lavish dinner party. It also means she will have to become a mentor to the future tributes of District 12. At least those are all of the things that would happen to a typical victor.This year is different, this year there are two victors because of Katniss’s defiance to the Capitol. Her refusal to play by their rules means that she has Peeta to go through all of this with, but it has also sets into motion events beyond what she would ever be able to predict. Uprisings have sprung up in several districts in the spirit of following Katniss’s example. District 12 sees a stronger security presence which imposes brutal restrictions upon the citizen’s way of life. Nothing Katniss does seems to be right and nothing she says can quell the anger that builds up against the Capitol. She finds herself in an impossible situation where the world of the games and the real world are now largely one in the same. Katniss never escaped the arena, only set it loose upon the world and now she is the symbol of a rebellion that threatens to bring end to Panem.Although everything is different now, this book brings readers to a variety of places within Panem and introduces us to locations that were previously only mentioned. Collins paints each with simple, yet vibrant descriptions which will probably make you both happy and remorseful that they are on the brink of destruction. The destitution of 12 no longer seems as bad when other districts are portrayed as mammoth prisons where inmates are born into servitude of an unforgiving Capitol.PLOT/TONEThe overall content and tone of this narrative is a few shades darker than the previous installment which probably says a lot considering the first one explored a gladiatorial tournament in which children fought to the death. Minor details aside, things are a lot more serious now since the stakes are so much higher. Before, readers worried about the lives of twenty four young tributes, but now they are presented with an entire world whose continued existence seems highly in question. Katniss, our once empowered heroine somehow seems so small now that the conflict involves forces far beyond her control. To be fair, they are beyond anyone’s control, but Katniss finds herself especially vulnerable since she is the catalyst for all the terrifying changes going on around her.Katniss also can’t just fake it till she makes it anymore. Peeta and her have to face the consequences of their lovers routine in the arena and try to come to an understanding, if not a salvaged friendship. Gale’s involvement adds further complication for Katniss’s already overwhelmed set of teenage emotions. All the other characters are also a bit worse off this time around which adds an additional layer of edginess to it all. Some characters are more in the dark than others about the events happening around them which leads readers into an ever-spinning web of secrets, lies, and manipulation. Even having already seen the film, I felt delightfully in suspense the entire way through this book, partially in thanks to being able to experience the events through Katniss’s point of view which offers a fresh take on things. Again, there are a number of really wonderful surprises in store and if you haven’t already seen this movie, then I won’t spoil them for you here. If you’re already familiar with this story, then I can promise that this ride won’t be any less enjoyable a second time around.As a kind of aside to all this, it is worth noting that this book felt far less like a true YA novel than the first one did. There is significantly more nudity, stronger language and sexual references, and the depictions of violence are far more graphic this time around. Even the overall language and writing style that Collins employs feels quite a bit more grown up than her last book. Not that this series has ever really been known as kid-friendly, but parents might want to know that this one definitely pushes the limits of what can/should go into a YA novel.CONCLUSIONI really do think this is a series that no reader should pass up on. If the first book didn’t quite sell you, then I’d strongly urge you give this one a shot. If you loved the first, then it really only gets better here and I can honestly say that I am extremely excited to dive into the third and final book of this trilogy, though I may try and savor it a bit more whereas I kind of tore through CATCHING FIRE as though there was no tomorrow.The plot is more serious, the writing style and content are more adult, the new characters are a win all around, and this is just a book that I will probably love forever.

I picked up Catching Fire right after finishing The Hunger Games because I needed to know what happened next, and it did not disappoint. The stakes feel higher, the world expands in unexpected ways, and Katniss’s character becomes even more complex.The pacing kept me hooked the whole time, there’s this slow build of tension that makes the twists in the second half hit even harder. I remember staying up way too late reading because I just couldn’t stop turning the pages.The hardcover edition feels sturdy and well-made, with crisp pages that held up nicely through multiple reads. If you loved the first book, this one is a must, it’s darker, deeper, and somehow even more gripping.Pro Tip: Have the third book, Mockingjay, ready before you start, this one ends on a cliffhanger that’ll make you want to dive right in.

Suzanne Collins has done it again; after writing her smash-hit novel The Hunger Games, she’s released the second book of the trilogy, Catching Fire. Hundreds of thousands of Hunger Games enthusiasts have rushed to the second book after finishing the first, in hopes for more of the life of Katniss Everdeen. After the intensity and enthrall the Hunger Games held, I didn’t think the second book would impress me nearly as much as the first. After reading it, I felt that I was right; the second book was wonderful, but it seemed tremendously more slow paced, less intense, and I found myself simply rushing through some parts that seemed lacking. Overall, a good read, but don’t expect the same kind of intensity as The Hunger Games.After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return to District 12 in a blaze of glory, being the first District 12 victors in years. Katniss finds Peeta avoiding her after revealing that she was simply pretending to love him, and Gale seems to be holding her at a distance as well. She doesn’t have much time to worry about this though, because she and Peeta have to work together again on the Victory Tour, and pretend they’re star-crossed lovers as they visit each of the 12 Districts to convince everyone that they weren’t trying to undermine the Capitol, especially President Snow. But things take a horrible turn as the 75th Hunger Games arrive, and with them the Quarter Quell, which will turn the lives of Katniss and Peeta upside down. At the same time, tiny sparks of an uprising are beginning to catch, and even though Katniss unintentionally helped create them, she doesn’t truly know if she should try to stop them. Katniss has to figure out how to outwit the Capitol yet again in a game of life and death, but this time, if she makes so much as one mistake, everyone she loves could be hurt.When I was reading Catching Fire, I was reminded of The Giver. Both novels take place in a futuristic society that it extremely different from society today. Both novels are also under the rule of an extremely strict government that is trying to deprive its people of something (In Catching Fire, there’s no freedom, in The Giver, no one really has any of their own emotions). The Games aspect of the book reminded me strongly of a manga, Mirai Nikki (which means Future Diary), in which 12 people are competing against each other to become God. They all have to try to kill off other diary owners and stay alive, and the last person left alive becomes God. Slightly similar to how 12 Districts are fighting against each other, and the last person alive gets a great deal of glory and riches to live off of, is it not?The reason that I didn’t find Catching Fire nearly as good as The Hunger Games was because of the difference in the pacing of both books. In The Hunger Games, everything seems so much more fast-paced, and the novel progressed with a sort of momentum, similar to that of a train. Overall, everything seemed more detailed and more exciting. However, when it comes to Catching Fire, the metaphorical train seems to slam into a wall. During about the first half of the book, everything that happened seemed to lack extensive detail and to me just seemed incredibly boring. When Suzanne Collins told her readers about Katniss reuniting with Gale for the first time since the Games, I was expecting a much more detailed scene than “…my mother said “Your cousins can hardly wait to see you!” Then I turned and saw Gale and Hazelle and all the kids waiting for me, so what could I do but go along?” Collins could have definitely made that more descriptive and more than two sentences long. Up until about the Quarter Quell, I found myself reading simply to get through the book, and I kept thinking to myself, “When is something exciting going to happen?” I just felt that too few events in the novel were given the attention and detail they deserved, and were written off to be more minor things.Catching Fire also seemed to be lacking in detail on the characters. It didn’t seem like any new information about the main characters was revealed, and some important characters seemed to be missing from a great deal of the story. Many new characters were introduced because of the Games aspect of this novel, but it didn’t seem like many of them were heavily detailed, aside from appearance. For example, when Collins describes Katniss’ first meeting with Finnick, she describes his appearance to be “Tall, athletic, with golden skin and bronze-colored hair and those incredible eyes.” She also brings up how he won the games, and that he was loved by many girls in the Capitol, but to me it doesn’t feel like she’s trying to show the readers his depth as a person. If a reader were to read on into Mockingjay, the third book of The Hunger Games trilogy, they would find that there’s much more to Finnick than his appearance and the fact that girls adore him. All the details about a character don’t need to be presented immediately or directly, but it seems a bit much to stretch the description of a character and their personality into a whole other book.In some instances, it’s easy to say who should or shouldn’t read a book, based on things like genre, content, theme, etc. However, that’s not so with any of the books in The Hunger Games trilogy. Due to the fact that the books are more or less based off of an annual event in which 24 children attempt to kill each other, I would say any of the books in the trilogy should only be read by people age 11 and up. However, that’s about as specific as you can get when recommending or advising against reading this novel, or any in the trilogy. The trilogy is seemingly filled with role reversals and contradictions of what most people consider normal. The narrator of the novels is a girl, but the way she thinks and acts is much more masculine than feminine. Stylists and fashion appear often, yet so do weapons. Katniss is female, yet loves to hunt and trap, while Peeta is male, and has a passion for baking. You can’t truly say a certain type of person should read the books, because they’re so diverse and multifaceted.When it comes down to the wire, this book is not the best in the world. However, it’s far from the worst in the world. Parts of it seemed immensely dull, completely lacking, and just boring. Yet at the same time, there were parts of the novel that were just as gripping, intense, and wonderful as I found myself hoping for. When it comes to trilogies, the first novel is always when readers are introduced to a whole new world of possibilities, and the last is when many readers wish wistfully for more after reading an epic finale. The middle novel is neither the end nor the beginning, simply the time between. Authors can try to write the middle novel so it turns out to be as fantastic as the beginning and the end, or they can choose not to put in as much effort and turn out something less than satisfactory. While Collins didn’t write the novel in a way that exceeded expectations (Or mine, at least), she did manage to create a lovely piece of literature that held some of the same exceptional qualities as the first novel of the trilogy. Suzanne Collins, I applaud you on your work in this second novel, and hope that the rest of your ever-faithful supporters will, too.

If you’re looking for a fantasy book, rivals to lovers, flirting, slow-burn, tension, action, twists and turns, and a fierce MFC and a flirty MMC, then Powerless is for you.I LOVED this book SO. MUCH. It was pretty fast paced for most of it, but what made be take off some points was because the start was kind of slow and it didn’t really show why the trials happened, even though you can search it and it’s kind of obvious. If you’re wondering, it’s pretty much to kill the Ordinaries in the kingdom. But this book is so much more. It’s a duel point of view, and the characters are amazing. It’s funny and romacntic and the tension and flirting between Kai and Paedyn is MWAH. It was literally perfect and had me hooked the whole time. I feel so stupid for not picking up this book before because IT’S SOOO GOOD. I sometimes even got mad at the author (in a good way) because of the twist and turns and THE ENDING. The ending was a twist but not too much, and it was SO SAD too. I felt so many different emotions just WOW. I devoured this book. I first got it from the library but IMMEDIATELY ran to Amazon so I can get my own copy of it. I love this book SO SO SO much and I promise it won’t leave you disappointed unless you’re used to reading like REALLY REALLY fantasy and slow burn books. Also don’t read it if you read Red Queen or Hunger Games. I haven’t read either so the plot isn’t so bad, but if you did you might find it boring because it’s a mix of the plots from both books.Overall I LOVED and DEVOURED this book and I recommend it to anyone that’s starting fantasy or YA romance. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book and just O.M.G. PLEASE READ IT !!

Lauren Roberts’ Powerless is an enthralling romantasy set in a world divided by power—literally. The kingdom of Ilya is split between the Elites, who gained supernatural abilities after surviving a great plague, and the Ordinaries, who are powerless and hunted to extinction. Paedyn Gray, a clever street thief, has spent her life pretending to be an Elite, using quick thinking and deception to survive. But when she saves Prince Kai Azer’s life, she is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials, a competition designed to showcase the abilities she doesn’t have.Characters & Romance:Paedyn is a breath of fresh air in the realm of fantasy heroines—witty, sharp-tongued, and entirely reliant on her intelligence rather than magical gifts. Watching her navigate the trials with sheer grit was a highlight. Meanwhile, Kai is the morally conflicted prince with an undeniable charm, whose arc from executioner to protector is compelling. Their slow-burn romance, filled with tension, witty banter, and stolen glances, is one of the book’s strongest elements.“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”Their chemistry is electrifying. From knife-to-throat scenes to moments of unexpected tenderness (like Kai braiding her hair and calling her “my pretty Pae”), every interaction deepens their connection. While the book is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, it leans more towards immediate attraction with Paedyn resisting the pull rather than outright hatred.Plot & Pacing:The story is fast-paced, and the tension escalates effectively, especially in the last 100 pages, making it impossible to put down. The Purging Trials introduce thrilling life-or-death stakes, though the pacing of each trial varies—some are drawn out while others are over too quickly. The world-building is intriguing but lacks depth in certain areas, sometimes relying too heavily on repetitive descriptions. However, as a debut novel, this is forgivable.Themes & Writing Style:Themes of power, survival, and identity are central. Roberts masterfully weaves romance with high-stakes action, making Powerless feel like a romcom wrapped in a dystopian fantasy. There’s humor, angst, and heartache in equal measure. While the writing is engaging, some aspects—like overused phrases and underdeveloped lore—could be polished in future installments.Final Thoughts:Despite its imperfections, Powerless delivers an addictive blend of romance and adventure. Fans of The Hunger Games, Red Queen, and Shatter Me will find familiar elements, but the dynamic between Paedyn and Kai keeps it fresh. The ending is a gut punch, setting up book two for what promises to be an angst-filled sequel.P.S. Kitt is an underrated gem, and I hope Paedyn’s actions don’t push him into villain territory. If Kai and Pae aren’t endgame, I will riot.Quotes:➴ “But im never sober around you, pae. Never not drunk on every detail that is you.”‧➴ “What do you want to call me?” “I want to call you mine.”➴ “I was thinking, that you couldn’t breathe. and as much as I like that dress on you, I figured you would look just as good in it with the laces undone.”➴ “I meant what I said. I can’t take my eyes off you. I can’t take my mind off you.”➴ “Oh, darling, as long as you still think I’m pretty, I don’t give a damn what I look like.”➴ “Every girl deserves something equally as pretty and deadly as they are.”➴ “When his eyes lock with mine, I wonder why I ever bother looking at anyone else.”➴ “Remind me to to make you smile like that again, when you aren’t dying, and I have all the time in the world to memorise it.”????Length: 528 Pages????Genre: Fantasy????Spice: ????️????Violence: ????????????Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story????Series: The Powerless Trilogy????Ending: CliffhangerRating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

OBSESSED‘Mark my words, Prince, I will be your undoing.’I lean in, ignoring the knife against my throat as I murmur, ‘Oh, darling, I look forward to it.’What on earth did I just finish reading?! There are 3 types of books, books that has a storyline that are not that interesting and you skim through, books you like reading during the night when you have time, and books you HAVE to read both during the day and night, because your obsessed, your not living in this world anymore but your lost in the book. THIS book is that kind of Obsession!!‘If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.’The story line is good, the caracters are great. The TENSION in this book is on different level, trust me, Ive read like 500 books, and I never thought I would read a book full of soooo much FEELING, and the best thing about it…there was no lust or disgusting thoughts/feelings, it was all adorable and sweet and swoony…I cannot remember how many times I swooned, smiled, sighed and giggled. The dance lessons at night, the thumb war, the saving in the trials, the first meeting, the nightmare scene…I can go on and on and on…He tilts his head to the side, eyes roaming over my face. ‘Tell me,’ he murmurs, ‘what do you want me to call you?’ My eyes slowly meet his, confused by his question. ‘What do YOU want to call me?’‘I want to call you mine.’That banter between the main caracters, deserve an Oscar, it was not short banter you usually get, I loved every word!You cannot stop FEELING! The WANT, the LONGING, the HEARTPOUNDING looks and words, especially said by Kai, he is arrogant, cocky but still so fierce, intense, full of feelings.And the way he WANTS, I wish every boy could WANT nd FEEL that way!!Not until I looked into a pair of ocean blue eyes and realized that perhaps drowning was a beautiful thing. Not until I looked into a pair of fiery blue eyes and realized that perhaps burning was a painless thing. Not until I looked into a pair of sky blue eyes and realized that perhaps falling was a peaceful thing.And then she’s laughing loudly. I hold my breath, watching the way her head tips towards the sky, her silver hair cascades down her back, her eyes crinkle with amusement. She looks back at me too quickly, and I hope I’ve wiped the look of wanting from my face fast enough.The heart shattering ending full of hurt has me craving the next book like a maniac. I cannot wait!!From their first meeting to their last in the book, you will love every moment, just grab the book and read!!!‘I didn’t realize you had watched me so closely.’ ‘Watched? Darling, I’ve never stopped.’

That’s Not My Name is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Drew is such an admirable young man—his bravery and perseverance might not have taken him where he wanted to go, but they led him exactly where he needed to be. One mistake ends up sparking hope for someone else, which made this story all the more powerful and thought-provoking.I loved how his encounter with “Mary” brought them together in the most unexpected way, forcing them to unite against an unthinkable threat. Two teenagers fighting for their lives, refusing to give up—it’s impossible not to root for them. The writing is sharp and fast-paced, keeping the tension high without feeling rushed, and the twists were both shocking and satisfying.If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat thrillers with heart, emotional depth, and a clever ending, this is one to add to your list. What a story; what a twist, what an ending—this book will stick with me for a long time.

This was a very exciting, fast piece novel with a humongous twist at the end. This was my first novel by Megan Lilly and I really enjoyed it. The protagonist Drew is very like-able and the supporting cast is developed very nicely.At the beginning of the story, a young lady is wandering a lonely road, unsure of where she is. When a deputy spots her, he brings her to the station where he learns she has no memory of who she is, or what she was doing in the woods. Soon, her father shows up to the station, explaining how he was looking for her. He cannot explain what may have happened to her memory, but shows various photos of her as his daughter. The deputy is still somewhat unsure, so he agrees to follow the father to their cabin where he has more identification information (birth certificate, etc).The young girl is a little skeptical herself The same time acknowledges that her “father” is very kind to her, but she decides to call him by his name, Wayne.Then we hear from Drew. Drew is the boyfriend. He’s also the main suspect in his girlfriend’sLola’s disappearance. The town sheriff who is also the father of one of Lola‘s best friends is sure Drew is behind the disappearance.The story then alternate chapters between Drew and the girlfriend being held captive.But there is a twist. A doozy of a twist…This book is definitely worth reading by anyone who enjoys psychological suspense, thrillers, mysteries, or just a good fast-paced story.

I need to write what I think about this book before the feelings and the plot fade, and, since I finished it last night, it means this is going to happen very very soon, lol! ????I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!! ❤️Go get it! Seriously. ????Here’s my spoiler free review that is going to convince you!1) The book is very well written, it flows really well, except for a couple of slow and slightly boring moments that describe the boyfriend’s emotional pain. I couldn’t put the book down and it hasn’t happened in a while.2) The characters are well developed and you get fond of them.3) The plot and consequently the plot twists are very well thought and studied, with lots of details that are going to help you try to guess what happened.4) Even if the plot twist is not a huge one because it’s (at least partially) predictable, it’s still really good. This is the proof that to write a good book you don’t necessarily need a cRaZy plot twist that nobody could have ever guessed because EXTREMELY unlikely (I hate that!)5) The ending is moving. I almost had tears. I almost never cry for books or movies, but this made me emotional in an enjoyable way, not necessarily sad I would say. I don’t know… ????The description of the characters feelings makes you emphasize with them a lot.6) That book has everything: feelings, good characters, good plot, thrill and action. What else do we need?I hope you are going to read it, I can’t recommend this book enough! ????????

Isabel `Belly’ Conklin measures her life in summers. Each year it’s a countdown to the glorious months spent in Cousins, at Susannah’s summer house. Belly’s mother and Susannah are childhood friends, as close as sisters. Belly and her brother Steven have been visiting the summer house since infancy, and spending long, lazy summer days in the company of Susannah’s boys, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.As much as Belly loves the summer house and visiting her pretend-mother Susannah, she always feels out of step with her childhood friends. She is the youngest of the summer kids, and the only girl in this close-knit boys club. She was always pleading to tag along or being left out – desperate to be a part of the group, but always out of sync.Things became even more complicated for Belly when she developed her first real crush on Conrad, the elder of the Fisher boys. Jeremiah was always funny and smiling, he is Belly’s best friend in the whole world. But Conrad, he’s different. The eldest of the kids, he is quiet and aloof, full of pride and quiet intensity and Belly hero-worshipped him throughout her younger years. As a young teenager her crush turned to love of the first and permanent kind . . . but as much as Belly pined after Conrad, he remained oblivious to her devotion . . . Until this summer.This summer, Belly is turning sixteen, and Jeremiah and Conrad are both noticing her in a whole new light.The summer house is where Belly did most of her growing up, and experienced the majority of her first’s. First kiss. First crush. First love. First heartbreak.`The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is the first book in the contemporary romance YA `Summer’ trilogy from Jenny Han.I have had all three `Summer’ books sitting in my TBR pile since April. I impulsively bought them when the final book in the trilogy was released, and `Summer’ fandom seemed to reach a fever-pitch. I was pretty sure I’d love these books – they sounded like a good, juicy bit of contemporary romance fun and I adored the whimsical front covers. Still, I was a little taken aback by just how much I loved these books . . . consuming all three in one weekend and devouring a box of Kleenex in the process!The same way that other children measure the year according to Christmas’s approach, Belly measures by summers. Every year for as long as she can remember she, her mother and brother would leave their father behind and venture to Cousins and the summer house. It was here that Belly took comfort in the nurturing home of Susannah, her mother’s dearest friend and Belly’s confidante (whom she often felt closer to than her own biological mother). But the summer house was most special for Belly’s boys – Jeremiah and Conrad. These are two people she has grown up with – from bullying kids to surly young adults and finally turning into intriguing young men . . .Belly’s story is that of young love. Because as much as her calendar is a countdown to summer, Belly’s life has been marked by these two boys and their impact on her. . .Jeremiah owns her first kiss. Conrad taught her to dance. They have, in turn, been her best friends and worst enemies. Jenny Han marks the up’s and down’s of Belly’s tumultuous friendship with the boys – from young buddies to blossoming crushes – through flashbacks of various other summers. As Belly lives out the summer of her sweet sixteen, she is in turns astounded and curious at the impact her changing self is having on Jeremiah and Conrad . . . as their dynamic alters, she thinks back to the summer’s when she was 11, 12, 13 and nothing but an annoying tag-along to their big boys club.I’m not always a huge fan of the flashback, but Han utilizes it superbly – equal parts informative and whimsical. It’s the retrospect of a young girl; so Belly swings between being outraged by the boy’s bad behaviour, to heart sick with love for the older and elusive Conrad. Her flashbacks are tragic because they’re so relatable, never more so than when she’s 13 and watching from the sidelines as Conrad starts to take an interest in the opposite sex (except for her) and when he starts treating her more like a little sister than an equal. I loved Belly’s younger voice, particularly because Han’s deft pen does give Belly a different echo between her rewinding younger self, and current sixteen-year-old bewildered by her newfound magnetism.When these books were initially released and creating a furore, I was a little sceptical of the title. `The Summer I Turned Pretty’ sounded sickeningly egotistical, and I worried that this would be a book about a girl realizing her body’s new effect on the opposite sex. Let’s face it, as women we’ve all known girls like that . . . those who were so sweet in their younger years, but became boy-crazy in puberty and saw fellow female as `the enemy’. Thankfully, Han’s title is a little misleading . . . It’s clear from Conrad and Jeremiah’s reactions to her that Belly has grown from a child into a young woman in the span of one year. To read their responses to her, we can tell that Belly has even turned into quite the beautiful young woman. But Belly herself remains none the wiser. She still prefers oversized T-shirts to dresses. She hates heels and lives in sneakers. And she marks herself as wanting when she compares her looks to the girl’s Conrad is interested in. Han also discounts Belly’s vanity by comparing her to her best friend, Taylor, who visited the summer house at age 14 and was indeed one of those girls who was pretty, and knew it.I loved Belly. I loved that she was oblivious to herself, yet acutely aware of those around her. She is a very observant young girl, especially when it comes to Jeremiah and Conrad. She wisely observes the fact that she feels a twinge of jealousy when Jeremiah takes an interest in Taylor (when he has never noticed Belly in such a way). And she can read Conrad like an open book, even when his actions belie his true feelings . . . . Belly is just like so many young girls. Awkward and blossoming, unknowing of herself and unbelieving of people’s interest in her.I loved Belly and her evolving relationship with the summer boys. But I also think that `The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is a rather impressive character exploration. Conrad and Jeremiah are not boy-crush-prototypes. They’re both complicated and messy young men – Conrad in his surly anger and quiet pride, and Jeremiah’s hidden feelings of inferiority against his older brother, beloved by their father. And it’s not just that boys who get deep back story – the adults in Han’s novel are as important as their children. Susannah is keeping secrets, and it’s more than just her crumbling marriage. Belly can’t figure out why her parents divorced, but believes it’s because her mother is an enigma. . . I love any YA book that puts parents in the spotlight and doesn’t just sweep them under the rug. Han writes an excellent intertwining story of young and old, heartbreak and romance by including stories that concern the young characters and their parents.`The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is a great little slice of contemporary romance. It’s a very tame romance, since Belly is just starting out in womanhood . . . but the book is full of wanting. Belly’s heartache bleeds on the page and every girl reading (and a few women too!) will completely and utterly live Belly’s soaring crush and devastating heartbreak. It’s young love, in all it’s up and down glory.

This is such an accurate story of a teenage (and pre-teen) girl. The best friends (regardless of whether they were boys or girls), insecurities, the crushes, the jealousy…and always family. Those idealic summers where the ‘problems’ you have are just trivial, until everything changes and your world will never be the same. Makes me want to watch the show once I finish the series.

I used to read a lot, i loved it. It was my escape from the real world, then I stopped. I never knew why. I just stopped. So after watching the series I decided to read the books to have a more deep understanding of it all. Perfect way to het right back on the reading train, I think i wont be able to stop again. Such an easy to ready book, loved the trilogy!

Let’s be real — if you’ve turned on a TV in the last year or two, chances are you’ve stumbled across Amazon’s buzzy adaptation of Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. That’s exactly how it started for me. I watched an episode, got totally hooked, and then — in true book-lover fashion — ran straight to the source material. I devoured the trilogy the first time, and with a new season dropping, I couldn’t resist a re-read. Spoiler alert: it was just as charming the second time around.Now, if you’re on the hunt for scandalous plot twists or steamy, edge-of-your-seat drama — this isn’t that kind of ride. But if you’re craving something tender, raw, and genuinely human? Jenny Han delivers it in spades.The story centers on teens, yes — but don’t let that fool you. Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, and the gang wrestle with love, grief, rejection, insecurity, and the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t care how old you are. These characters are beautifully messy: they make mistakes, say the wrong things, and sometimes let fear win. But that’s exactly what makes them feel so real.There’s something incredibly healing about reading these books. They remind you of first love — the dizzy highs and devastating lows — and how we’re all just trying to figure it out as we go. Han writes with such warmth and honesty that it sneaks up on you. One minute you’re flipping pages like popcorn, and the next, you’re full-on reflecting on your own coming-of-age story.So go ahead: read it. Revisit those awkward, magical, formative summers. Let yourself feel the ache of loss, the flutter of a first kiss, and the comfort of a story that somehow knows you — even when you didn’t know you needed it.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a beautiful story full of emotion, youth, and self-discovery. The characters feel genuine and relatable, and the plot perfectly captures the magic and confusion of first love. The summer setting pulls you in completely, making you feel every moment as if you were there. A show (or book) that leaves your heart full and wanting more!

Wow, okay this book is definitely SLOW burn but the ending ends makes you definitely want to pick up the next one. It’s such a cute read and if the main characters I’m thinking will end up together I will scream. Before the last chapter I was going to rate this book at 3.

Bought this book because of the TV series. I haven’t read it yet, but my mom has and she absolutely loved it! She definitely thinks if you watch the show you should read the book.

Love it and so beautiful of a story. I’m team Conrad. May Belly find bliss. Jeremiah has lost her because he’s only cared about himself.