Book Review: Coven by Jennifer Dugan

Title: Coven

Author: Jennifer Dugan

Illustrator: Kit Seaton

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Urban Fantasy, YA

Pages: 288

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Emsy has always lived in sunny California, and she'd much rather spend her days surfing with her friends or hanging out with her girlfriend than honing her powers as a fire elemental. But when members of her family's coven back east are murdered under mysterious circumstances that can only be the result of powerful witchcraft, her family must suddenly return to dreary upstate New York. There, Emsy will have to master her neglected craft in order to find the killer... before her family becomes their next target."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This was not for me and I'm beginning to wonder if I'm missing some other lore or information. Is this part of a series? A spin-off of a famous show or a retelling of some kind? I really wanted to like it but I just found that I was bored throughout the entirety and it felt as though at some points I was in the middle of a series that I hadn't started at the beginning of. Does anyone out there know?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Title: The Midnight Star

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 316

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen. 

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She's turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all she's gained.

When a new danger appears, Adelina's forced to revisit old wounds, putting not only herself at risk, but every Elite. In order to preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest- though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger."

My Rating: 4.25/5

Completing the trilogy was an excellent way for it to wrap up. The use of religion mixed with the dystopian fantasy is so interesting and I enjoyed the world-building. The idea of this fever gives not only visible markings but also powers. The view of Adelina as queen and all her choices were fascinating. Although this is a villain arch it left off in an excellent place, and I was impressed to see just how well the author wrapped the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny