In a Few Words - YA Edition

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned I'm a bit behind on reviews and proceeded to give a few quickie reviews of some NA books. You can see that post here. I'm basically doing the same thing here but with all the YA books I'm behind on reviewing. So here's a few books in a few words.


Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

This book is so stinking cute. Mallory is just such an upbeat and positive character that reading this book puts you in a better mood. It reminded me a lot of Welcome Caller, This is Chloe, which is a book I absolutely adore, so feeling like I was revisiting the happiness that came from reading that was a good thing. I think YA can use more of these positive heroines. I love the family history that seeps into Mallory's story and I love the role that her family plays in her life in present day. Family is important and it makes me happy when that's apparent in YA. If you want something light and fun and uplifting, this is definitely a good choice.


Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

I didn't read this one for a long time because I haven't really read a zombie novel that I've loved (ok, except Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick- but for the most part they don't do it for me) and steampunk usually lets me down. But it's hard to ignore Susan Dennard's incredible fan base and I figured that I'd give it a shot. Straight honesty here - the zombies kind of bored me and there was something about this story that felt predictable - however, I loved the addition of the seance (the Victorian spiritualism fad is totally fascinating to me) and the evil spirit on the loose. And I couldn't help but get totally caught up in the romantic plot line and that is what's going to keep me reading into book two. I need to know how they work out.


Ink by Amanda Sun

I was so excited by the synopsis of this novel. I love mythology and know nothing about Japanese mythology so I was very curious. Plus, the whole drawings come to life thing sounded pretty awesome. Not to mention, I definitely identify with characters who travel or live abroad, so I felt an immediate kinship with Katie. This book had a tendency to stumble on some typical plot points of paranormal YA (like insta-love, for starters) which was a little disappointing with a unique premise. The end was a little underwhelming as well. But there were moments in this book that were so incredibly beautiful and reading about Japanese culture while learning a bit of their mythology was definitely worth it.