My dazzling wall by Lorien Hallama

Doll Bones: ***

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:15:31 UTC

I read DOLL BONES in October, 2018. I thought this book was a quick, creepy read, with lots of action and suspense. If you enjoyed WAIT TILL HELEN COMES, you will love this kind of story!

The Night Gardener: ****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:17:53 UTC

I read The Night Gardener in August, 2018. I found this to be a super moody, suspenseful story about two siblings that wind up at a haunted house. READ IF YOU DARE!

This is Our Story *****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:20:33 UTC

I read THIS IS OUR STORY in August, 2018. If you like thrillers, you will LOVE THIS suspenseful murder mystery about a hunting trip that goes horribly wrong.

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix ****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:21:59 UTC

You guys know me and my hesitation to pick up fantasy books... BUT... I adored the first novel in this series by my friend Julie C. Dao, and this book did not disappoint! If you enjoy twisted fairy tales then give this series a try.

Alan Cole is Not a Coward *****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:25:31 UTC

If you enjoy realistic contemporary fiction with themes of insecurity and coming-of-age, you will find yourself rooting for Alan as he finds his voice and battles his brother in a Cole vs. Cole battle.

The CandyMakers ****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:26:57 UTC

Wendy Mass is a master with magical realism! If you enjoy multiple points-of-view stories with a bit of suspense and back-stabbing, then you might fall in love with these future candy-makers.

Long Way Down *****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:57:51 UTC

I read this book in an hour in October 2018. It's written in verse, and it follows the story of a young man seeking revenge for his murdered brother. It's the kind of story that you will never forget.

Far from the Tree *****

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 18:59:15 UTC

I read this book in September 2018, and it wound up winning the National Book Award, which is a BIG DEAL in the book world. If you enjoy heartfelt, emotional stories about love, loss, and finding where you belong (and whom you belong with) then check out Robin Benway's latest.

Fast Food Nation ***

lorienhallama — 2018-12-12 19:04:46 UTC

I read this non-fiction book in November 2018, which chronicles the rise of the fast food industry. The history is fascinating! But it made me feel bad about eating (and loving) French fries, which is why I only give it 3 stars...

The Hunger Games *****

2018-12-13 13:08:21 UTC

Read in June, 2018. If you enjoy dystopian novels about murder and corruption then you will love this fast-paced read!

Spy School ***

2018-12-13 14:00:14 UTC

Read in September 2018. If you enjoy reading fast-paced and funny mysteries, check out this series by Stuard Gibbs. The beginning was slow, but once you get past the beginning, you won't want to put it down.

Holes ***

2018-12-13 14:20:59 UTC

Read in July, 2018. I usually enjoy Louis Sachar's books, but HOLES was not my favorite. I found some of the plot lines to be a little bit far-fetched, and as a result it took me a while to get into the story.

The Unwanteds **

2018-12-13 14:47:47 UTC

Tried to read in October 2018. While there was some interesting world building here, I found this premise to be slightly unoriginal, and I didn't connect with ANY of the main characters enough to root for them. I ended up dropping it halfway through.

The Wishing Spell *

2018-12-13 14:48:39 UTC

Tried to read in December 2018. OK, I know this is a super popular series, but I couldn't get through the first book before dropping it... It felt quite cliched with a bunch of stereotypical characters. I just didn't connect.

To All the Boys I Loved Before *****

2018-12-13 17:00:55 UTC

Fun book for people who are looking for a YA romance novel with heart.

Focused ****

lorienhallama — 2019-08-29 14:06:30 UTC

Read in Spring 2019 and LOVED this realistic and heartfelt tale of a middle school dealing with her ADHD diagnosis.

Campfire **

lorienhallama — 2019-08-29 14:08:13 UTC

YA Horror. A group of teens go camping and their scary stories start to happen for real. Awesome plot, but I didn't love the author's writing style.

Bone Hollow ***

lorienhallama — 2019-08-29 14:10:18 UTC

Cute and creepy MG horror about a ghost boy who is trying to find a new friend and a place where he belongs.

Front Desk *****

lorienhallama — 2019-08-29 14:11:12 UTC

Very well written MG contemporary about a Chinese immigrant middle school student whose parents open up a motel in California. I LOVED the main character's voice and there were moments that brought tears to my eyes.

The Lightning Thief *****

lorienhallama — 2019-09-03 14:13:25 UTC

Super fun, action-packed fantasy using Greek mythology throughout. I recommend ANY Rick Riordan book, for that matter!

The Jumbies *****

lorienhallama — 2019-09-04 14:43:54 UTC

MG Horror following a middle school Haitian girl as she tries to defeat a monster from the woods. Based on Haitian folklore. Very atmospheric and suspenseful.

Unwind *****

lorienhallama — 2019-09-20 15:57:26 UTC

This YA dystopian book is set in a not-so-distant future after a fictional, second civil war. In this world, parents are allowed to "unwind" their unwanted children between the ages of 13-18, which basically means that their bodies will be scraped for parts and used in surgeries all over the country. Very suspenseful and gripping. I could NOT put it down!

Mary Underwater *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:21:17 UTC

If you like realistic fiction, this one is for you. Mary is a smart and likable narrator, who sets out on a mission to build her own submarine in order to escape her turbulent home life. Sweet, sad, and inspiring.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:24:00 UTC

You guys know my love for this book! Zoe follows a 12yo girl who starts to interact with her incarcerated father for the first time. She starts to question his guilt; consequently, she launches into her own murder investigation. Definitely recommend!

Pepper's Rules for Secret Sleuthing *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:26:55 UTC

This has been one of my favorite books in a while. It's a suspenseful mystery, with a diverse cast of LGBTQ characters. The voices are great, and the plot kept me guessing until the end. NOTE: I read an advanced reader's copy of the book, as it's not available for sale until September.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:30:20 UTC

Very sweet and romantic. Obviously a Netflix movie now, so if you want to read the 'real' version, check it out. The sequels are also good, too.

One of Us is Lying **

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:31:23 UTC

This YA is not for the faint of heart. This is definitely the most "adult" title on the Young Adult side of this list. It is a multiple POV narrative, that tracks blackmail and murder.

Unbroken *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:34:13 UTC

Heartbreaking true story following a WW2 prisoner of war. Gripping. Reads like fiction. Especially good if you're a history fan.

School of Good and Evil (in progress)

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:36:03 UTC

I started reading this book before school closed, so my copy is still on my desk (sad face.) But I loved what I read so far. If you like fairytales, good vs. evil, and books that deal with stereotyping, you should definitely check this series out!

WANT TO READ: Hot Dog Girl

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:39:15 UTC

WANT TO READ: Wilder Girls

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:40:05 UTC

WANT TO READ: Let me Hear a Rhythm

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:40:43 UTC

WANT TO READ: Wayward Son

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:43:51 UTC

The Cruel Prince *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:44:24 UTC

I usually don't enjoy fantasy, but I listened to this series on audio, and I LOVED it! Fairies, royalty, battles, romance, backstabbing - it's all there.

Ghost *****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:46:12 UTC

Love this one by Jason Reynolds. The first book in the Track series follows Castle, a middle school loner who learns how to run fast in order to escape his abusive father. He ends up joining a track team.

Stormbreaker series ****

lorienhallama — 2020-03-26 12:48:19 UTC

Don't think you like to read?? Then check out this series. Jam packed with adventure and intrigue, reading these books will feel like you just watched an exciting movie.

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-10 15:24:17 UTC

This was quite possibly my favorite MG book of the year! Spooky, sweet and magical, if you like adventure and friendships (some some creepy magic!) you'll love this book.

Brave *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-10 15:26:05 UTC

Highly recommend this book about a Native American middle schooler as he comes to terms with his learning disability and his new family.

Ana on the Edge *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-10 15:27:23 UTC

I devoured this book! It follows a non-binary figure skating champion as she tries to find her place in a binary world.

The Clown in the Cornfield *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 12:54:21 UTC

YA Horror . This is for mature readers. It's kind of like the horror movie SCREAM but a more modern, rural version. Very scary!

Derby Daredevils #1: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 13:03:27 UTC

I adored this illustrated middle grade book about a teenage roller derby team! Themes of friendship and self-identity.

Little Creeping Things *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 13:05:30 UTC

YA thriller with a BIG twist at the end!

You Should See Me in a Crown

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 13:07:11 UTC

WANT TO READ

Titan's Curse *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 14:13:45 UTC

Awesome adventure MG!

Harrow Lake *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 17:00:22 UTC

Really scary slasher YA horror book. Mature audiences only.

October Country *****

lorienhallama — 2020-09-15 18:31:19 UTC

Great collection of spooky Halloween stories!

The Beautiful *****

lorienhallama — 2020-12-01 14:15:01 UTC

LOVED this atmospheric historical horror book about vampires. YA.

House of Salt and Sorrow *****

lorienhallama — 2020-12-01 14:16:25 UTC

Loved this atmospheric fantasy based on the 12 Dancing Daughters fairytale.
(Trigger warning: lots of loss. )

Hide and Seeker *****

lorienhallama — 2020-12-03 15:00:31 UTC

MG horror about a hide and seek game that goes terribly wrong.

Winterwood ****

lorienhallama — 2020-12-04 15:00:54 UTC

YA fantasy. Very atmospheric. Kind of slow in parts. This is by the same author as one of my favorite books, The Wicked Deep, but I liked The Wicked Deep better!

The Smashed Man of Dread End *****

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 11:52:05 UTC

This middle grade horror book has such an INTERESTING monster! The smashed man slithers out of the cracks in the walls of basements in this one neighborhood. A group of kids have to figure out how to stop him.

Snapdragon *****

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 11:53:26 UTC

Supernatural mystery with heart. Graphic novel.

Fake Blood ****

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 11:54:42 UTC

Fun graphic novel about a boy who pretends to be a vampire to impress a girl because he THINKS she's into vampires... BUT! It turns out she's "into" vampires because she's actually a slayer.

CURRENTLY READING

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 11:55:38 UTC

YA Horror ghost story.

The Wicked Deep *****

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 14:47:17 UTC

This is one of my favorite supernatural mysteries. It's YA, so there are some mature moments. Atmospheric and beautifully written, this follows the story of what happens when the ghosts of three witch sisters seek revenge.

Hood *****

lorienhallama — 2021-09-08 14:49:41 UTC

I loved this YA retelling of the classic Robin Hood story. In this version, you get to meet Robin Hood's daughter!

Clown in the Cornfield 2 TBR

lorienhallama — 2022-09-01 14:01:02 UTC

Survive the Night *****

lorienhallama — 2022-09-01 16:57:15 UTC

Adult thriller about a girl who gets stuck in a car with a maybe serial killer. SUSPENSFUL

Party Games **

lorienhallama — 2022-09-01 18:29:39 UTC

YA retro read. Fun premise, kind of silly.

The Whispering Dead ****

lorienhallama — 2022-09-01 19:13:02 UTC

Adult horror novel. Creepy ghosts and graveyards!

Amari and the Night Brothers

lorienhallama — 2023-08-31 13:11:50 UTC

Fun, magical fantasy series.

Lock the Doors

lorienhallama — 2023-08-31 13:50:11 UTC

YA Thriller with lots of twists and turns.

SPIN

lorienhallama — 2023-08-31 14:42:48 UTC

TBR Young adult murder mystery

OH MY GODS

2024-08-29 15:44:09 UTC

Graphic novel about a girl who goes to middle school on Mt. Olympus with gods and goddesses.

Swim Team

lorienhallama — 2024-08-29 18:34:04 UTC

SPIN

sd1008752 — 2024-10-02 12:44:01 UTC

a famous DJ, Paris, gets killed. But the question is, How? Two of her best friends are being questioned because they found her dead body.

14 ways to die

sd1008752 — 2024-10-02 12:49:59 UTC

Good Girls Guide to Murder

sd1008752 — 2024-10-02 13:11:56 UTC