Lightlark by Alex Aster

Book: Lightlark by Alex Aster

Rating: 3 Stars 

Review Writer: Ava P.

In Lightlark by Alex Aster, Isla Crown joins the Centennial, a deadly competition held once every hundred years, where rulers of cursed realms fight for survival and the chance to break their curses. Each realm hides secrets but Isla’s is the most dangerous and game-changing of them all. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, she must navigate lies, love, and sacrifice. With her realm’s fate on the line, Isla must decide who to trust—and who to destroy.

I really liked how well the author described the setting, it really made the book feel immersive and made me really imagine the setting in a clearer way. I felt transported to this mythical place.

I did not like how the book ended as it ended on a weird cliffhanger which I personally did not enjoy. I would have preferred more closure and definitive and clear ending.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading fantasy but like huge plot twists that always keep you guessing.

Overall, I rate this book a 3/5 stars.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Rating: 5 Stars 
Review Writer: Teodora B.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a novel told through a series of letters written by a shy and observant high school freshman named Charlie. From the very beginning, the book pulls readers into his inner world as he navigates friendships, love, and the overwhelming emotions that come with growing up.

Charlie isn’t like any typical main character—he’s quiet, thoughtful, and incredibly introspective. Through his eyes, we get to see the honest experiences of someone who feels like an outsider. What makes this book stand out is how it handles heavy topics such as mental health and grief, while also showing the importance of close friendships and relationships. Charlie’s friends, Sam and Patrick, help him break out of his shell and start to participate in life.

I really liked how real the writing felt. It’s simple, but powerful:  the depth of his words and emotions is what makes the story so memorable. Even though the book takes place in the early 90s, the feelings and struggles are still relatable and relevant to teens today. One thing to note is that the pacing is slower and more reflective, so if you're looking for a fast-paced plot, this might not be the book for you. But if you like character driven books that will really make you think, this is the right book for you.

I’d recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower to any and every teenager. I strongly believe that it is a book everyone should read. Its  powerful messages about identity, friendship, and healing will resonate with every teen that reads it.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Book: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Ava P.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a magical fantasy about Scarlett Dragna, who escapes her abusive father to attend the legendary Caraval—an immersive, magical performance where the audience participates. Invited by the mysterious Master Legend, Scarlett must solve a series of clues to find her missing sister, Tella. But in this world of illusion and secrets, nothing is as it seems. As danger blurs into reality, Scarlett must decide what’s real before it’s too late.

I enjoyed how the book always had me on the edge of my seat - in the world of Caraval anything could happen at any given moment and you just could really never know what was coming next. The only thing I didn’t like about this book what that there wasn’t much character development of Scarlett and I think the story could’ve been more intriguing with more background and depth on this central character. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who want to read something new and exciting. Overall I rate this book a 4/5 stars.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Book: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rating: 5 Stars 
Review Writer: Ava P.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes tells the story of Avery Grambs, an ordinary teen who suddenly inherits a fortune from a dead billionaire she’s never met. To claim the money, she must live in the Hawthorne mansion and compete in a series of mysterious challenges against the billionaire’s four grandsons. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, Avery must figure out why she was chosen, all while navigating a web of danger and deceit.

I really enjoyed the witty banter that Avery often engaged in, it made me laugh out loud while I was reading the book. Additionally, it always kept me guessing as it had many fun plot twists. The only thing I disliked about the book was that it didn’t dive in deep into Avery’s past as I feel that would have helped me better understand certain her background and character. I would recommend this book to readers who love solving mysteries and enjoy books with romance plots.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

Book: Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli 

Rating: 4 Stars 

Review Writer: Vihaan J.

Rebel Witch: The Crimson Moth: Book 2 by Kristen Ciccarelli is a wild, heart-pounding sequel that picks up right where the first book left off, plunging you into a chaotic world where magic, betrayal, and forbidden love collide. In this book, Rune Winters is forced to make impossible choices as she finds herself on the run, caught between survival and the guy she once loved, Gideon Sharpe, who is now torn between his duty and his undeniable feelings for her. The tension between them is electric, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is as captivating as ever. I loved how the book blended fast-paced action with romance—each chapter left you wanting more. The dialogue feels real, and the characters are so relatable, even when the plot gets a bit predictable or rushed in parts. While I wish there was a deeper dive into the emotional fallout of their choices, the overall ride is intense and addictive. If you’re into epic fantasy worlds with high stakes and complicated relationships that keep you guessing, this book is worth checking out.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Book: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros 

Rating: 3.5 Stars 

Review Writer: Vihaan J.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is a wild, adrenaline-fueled adventure that grabs you from the first page and never lets go. The novel puts you into a high-stakes world where intense romance meets explosive action, capturing the emotions of young love and personal struggle. Yarros does an impressive job of balancing heart-pounding fight scenes with quiet, introspective moments, making the story feel both epic and personal. I found myself rooting for the characters as they tackled challenges that felt all too real, despite the over-the-top drama at times. Although some plot twists seemed predictable and a few sequences felt a bit rushed, the overall experience remains captivating. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of passionate romance, high-octane action, and emotional depth. It’s a rollercoaster of feelings that will leave you breathless. The book’s unique blend of adrenaline and emotion makes it stand out as a thrilling must-read for readers seeking adventure

The Eights by Joanna Miller

Book: The Eights by Joanna Miller 

Rating: 3.8 Stars 

Review Writer: Vihaan J. 

The Eights by Joanna Miller is a historical fiction novel set in 1920 at Oxford University, following four young women—Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—who are among the first females admitted to the university. Each character brings a unique background and personal struggles, from dealing with the aftermath of World War I to confronting societal expectations. Their journey through academic challenges and forging deep friendships highlights resilience and empowerment themes. Miller's research and colorful storytelling accurately depict the era, showing readers the post-war atmosphere and the fight for gender equality. The novel's strengths are its character development and the portrayal of the women's achievements as they navigate a traditionally male-dominated institution. While the narrative is engaging, some readers might find the pacing slow at times and certain plot developments predictable. Nonetheless, The Eights is a compelling read that will resonate with fans of historical fiction and stories centered on female friendship and perseverance

Gryphon's Valor by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon (Kelvren's Saga, Book 2)

Book: Gryphon's Valor by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon

Rating: 4 stars 

Review Writer: Vihaan J

Gryphon's Valor is an exciting adventure set in the world of Valdemar. The story follows Kelvren, a courageous gryphon hero who’s back for more action after a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him both respect and unexpected complications. As the second book in the Kelvren's Saga trilogy, it dives deep into the challenges of loyalty, duty, and the heavy cost of heroism.. What I really loved about this book was how real and relatable the characters felt, despite the fantastical setting. The dialogue was snappy and engaging, and I appreciated how the narrative balanced intense action with reflective moments. That said, there were a few things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Some parts of the plot leaned on familiar fantasy clichés, and the ending felt a bit too much like a cliffhanger. Overall, I’d recommend Gryphon's Valor to any teen who loves a good mix of fantasy adventure and character-driven storytelling. If you like epic journeys, intricate world-building, and series that keep you guessing, this book is definitely worth a read.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

 
Title: One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Rating: 4 stars
Review Writer: Teodora B.

 

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus follows an intriguing plot that will hook readers in instantly. 5 students walk into detention. 4 leave. Who murdered the 5th? 

 

Each student - Bronwyn, the brain; Addy, the beauty; Nate, the bad boy; Cooper, the athlete - has their own story, and fair share of secrets. But most importantly, they all have their own reasons for wanting Simon, the school’s most notorious gossip blogger, gone. When he dies under suspicious circumstances, they all become suspects. As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise, friendships are tested, and the truth becomes harder to hide. 

 

I really enjoyed this book, because the characters are all relatable. There’s such diversity in their backgrounds and personalities, that everyone can find a character they connect to. I also like how each chapter is written from a different character’s perspective. It really allows you to understand where they are each coming from, and their reasons for doing certain things or behaving a certain way. It also has a very unexpected ending, so if you usually instantly guess who did it, this will be much harder for you to figure out. However, one thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the pacing. The book has a slower pace as compared to other murder mystery books. Some of the scenes seem unnecessary, as they do not contribute to the plot. Overall, I would recommend One Of Us is Lying to fans of murder mystery novels, and thrillers. 

 

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

 

Title: The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Rating: 5 stars
Review Writer: Ava P.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni follows Kiva, a skilled healer locked away in the dangerous prison in Zalindov. When the Rebel Leader arrives and is near death, Kiva is forced to treat her or face execution. Knowing that the Rebel Leader will not survive the trials set before her, Kiva volunteers to face the deadly trials in her place.  While fighting to survive, she uncovers dangerous truths about the prison and her own past. In a world where survival is a constant struggle, Kiva must make impossible choices to save herself—and perhaps everyone else. 

I really enjoyed how there were so many plot twists and mysteries which have the reader at the edge of their seat throughout the book.  It was a page turner! The only thing I disliked about the book was that it was in third person which didn’t allow me to really connect with the main character. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy but also like reading mystery. Overall, I rate this book 5/5 stars.