About Louisville Public Library's Review Crew

The library’s Review Crew offers local teens in grades 6-12 the opportunity to earn community service hours for school or other organizations by reviewing teen books or adult books with teen appeal. We hope to provide local teens with great reading recommendations from their peers while also providing a flexible means of earning volunteer credit.

To join the Crew, please email Teen Services Librarian, Jessica Schwartz, at jschwartz@louisvilleco.gov for more information and review writing guidelines. You will be asked to write a sample review. If your review is accepted, you will be eligible to earn one community service hour for every review submitted. 

Ratings are out of 5 stars:

·         1 star = didn't like it

·         2 stars = it was ok

·         3 stars =  liked it

·         4 stars = really liked it

·         5 stars  = it was amazing

   

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Book: Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Rating: 4 Stars 
Review Writer: Talia C.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts has long dominated my social media feed, and I can honestly say that it lives up to the hype, and more. The story unfolds in the ruthless kingdom of Ilya, where a historic plague left survivors with unique magical abilities, elevating them to a ruling class known as the Elites. Meanwhile, the un-gifted “Ordinaries”, as they are referred to by the Elites, are deemed a threat to society and hunted by the rulers of the kingdom. The protagonist, Paedyn Gray, is an Ordinary surviving in the slums of Ilya, utilizing skills and observations taught by her deceased father to fake psychic abilities. However, after she inadvertently rescues Prince Kai- the future lethal Enforcer, or Ordinary hunter, of Ilya, she is thrust into the purging trials, a deadly, televised, tournament designed to showcase the power of the Elites.

The highlight of this book is the psychological tension and the layered character dynamics, especially with the twists near the end. Paedyn and Kai share a compelling banter that helps develop that slow burn romance for the readers, which Roberts does a phenomenal job of conveying. She keeps the high stakes tangible, especially since Kai’s literal duty is to execute people of Paedyn’s status, or “kind”, as they are called in the book, making it clear that they are viewed as a completely different species or creature in their eyes. 

My only critique is that it drags a bit in the middle. Once the trials begin, the plot stalls in a repetitive cycle of training montages and circular inner monologues rather than advancing the trial’s actual stakes. Additionally, the similar structures to other dystopian classics such as The Hunger Games and Red Queen are hard to ignore, making the middle chapters somewhat predictable. 

Regardless of those pacing issues, the high-stakes payoff makes it a great read that easily earned 4 stars. I highly recommend Powerless to teens who appreciate a dark romantic fantasy, high-stakes political rivalries, and witty dialogue. Because it’s the first of a trilogy, it’s absolutely necessary to read this book.

Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller

Book: Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller

Rating: 5 Stars 

Review Writer: Phoebe G.

Why Fish Don’t Exist follows Lulu Miller as she recounts the biography of famed fish taxonomist David Starr Jordan interspersing segments of her own life’s story. Miller attempts to find meaning and order in the world through the life of David Starr Jordan, potentially leaning more than she would have originally liked. 

 

My favorite part of the book was definitely how well the story kept me invested in the characters and what was going to happen next. I never fully knew what the next big plot point would be. I also thought the shorter length was nice so that I could read this book as a quick break from the other things I was reading. 

 

I think the only part I didn’t like was the change from the plot of the novel to a description of the taxonomy of fish towards the end of the book. The change didn't feel too abrupt, however, I had wished there had been a larger focus on the taxonomy interspersed with the plot. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes non-fiction, anyone who enjoys a fast paced plot, and anyone looking to read about the obsessive nature of humans. 

Overall I would rate it 5 stars.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Book: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Review Writer: Phoebe G.

The House in the Cerulean Sea follows Linus, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth as he learns about the value of family and individuality despite prejudice. It is a slow paced, slice-of-life fantasy novel focused on the connection between Linus, the magical children he meets, and the adults in charge of the orphanage Linus is staying at. This is also the first book in a two book series although the second novel doesn’t follow the same characters.

I liked how well developed even the most minor characters were and how realistic the plot of the story felt. Every character’s reactions and emotions within the story make sense and feel unique to them.

I think the ending felt a little rushed and could have used more time to develop. I also felt that the big plot twist wasn’t as surprising as it could have been, however, that didn’t make the story any less enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to readers who like Douglass Adams as the writing style and humor feels similar. I would also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys slice-of-life style stories.

Overall I would rate it 4.5 stars.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Phoebe G.

Wuthering Heights is a classic novel that explores the themes of violence, desire, and generational trends. It is the account of a man named Mr. Lockwood as he learns the history of his newly acquired house, Thrushcross Grange. Lockwood also learns of Wuthering Heights and meets his unpleasant neighbors Heathcliff, Cathy, and Hareton. After only one night stuck at his neighbor’s house Lockwood sees a ghostly figure and is quickly sent home. 
 
I really liked how Wuthering Heights showed the many ways and reasons why people can become cruel. It was written with large amounts of visual imagery that set the book beautifully in the English moors, however, the descriptions of violence were written bluntly. This helped make the violent acts seem commonplace yet separate from the character’s lives on the moor. 
 
I found the language a little challenging to grasp at times due partially to the age and also because of how dense it was but it was always possible to understand if I spent time on it. I also found most of the main characters fairly unlikable but their worse qualities also helped add to the story and how well it was able to explore its themes. 
 
I think the target readers for this book are definitely people who want to read classics, people who want to explore themes of violence without excess gore, and more mature readers. 
 
Overall I would rate it 4 stars.

Babylonia by Constanza Casati

Book: Babylonia by Costanza Casati

Rating: 4.8 Stars 

Review Writer: Anika A.

Set in the 9th century, Babylonia is a gripping tale of love and war, hatred and friendship, and the struggle for power in the pursuit of a better life.

Semiramis, an orphan adopted by a village shepherd, grows up alongside his gentle and caring son, Amon. While Amon offers her comfort, their father is cruel and abusive, often finding excuses to beat her. Despite the violence, Semiramis learns to endure and stand her ground, vital for her survival.

One day, while in the forest, she robs a man and gets chased. What follows is a series of escalating events that culminate in the man's death—who, as it turns out, is the governor of the village, Eber-Nari, where she lives. Soon afterwards, their empire Assyria loses its civil war and replacements are set in.

This is when Semiramis meets Onnes, who rescues her from her harsh life and brings her to the capital as his wife, offering her a chance at a new beginning.

The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, with bloody moments and hints of war that is probably best for older readers. If you enjoyed The Keepers of Imbria, The Song of Achilles, or The Lord of the Rings, you’ll likely find Babylonia as one of your new favorites.

I couldn’t put the book down once I got the first few chapters – I finished it quickly and would give it a solid 4.8/5

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

Book: The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

Review Writer: Anika A.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K. A. Linde is a thrilling story that blends old Gaelic tales with modern characters and issues. 

In a world overrun by monsters  - goblins, vampires, druids, and more - human survival is a battle that many lose. Born in New York City, Kierse is raised by a criminal mastermind who teaches her not just how to survive, but to adapt and thrive - by stealing and outwitting others.

When a major heist in a mansion takes a turn, Kierse uncovers hidden talents that some call luck and the more intelligent call magic. This sets off a chain of events filled with danger, deception, and discovery within their worlds that will determine the next six months. It pulls you into a deep world, where you feel like you are navigating the issues along with the characters.

As the first book in The Oak and Holly Cycle duology, it is impossible to read one without feeling the urge to pick up the next. What I appreciated in the book included the writing style and the distinct ways that all the characters get introduced and flowed. The only thing I didn’t like was how the book packed so much action in the last few chapters and landed on a cliffhanger. I would rate it a 4.5/5.

This book is for people who like slightly dystopian and romantic books such as Fourth Wing, and books by Kerri Maniscalco or Leigh Bardugo.