Book Review: Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Title: Grown

Author: Tiffany D. Jackson

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary

Pages: 384

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman's voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted's dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey's charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he's dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted."

My Rating: 5/5

Once again, Tiffany D. Jackson comes in with a home run of a book. I have loved every book I've read by her. It's the realness that you can see shining through the mystery/thrilling elements. It's the reality of the characters' lives; it's the twists and turns, etc. It's the storytelling. The ability to show the faults in our society and our current state in a way that gives hope for the future. It's the twists, the turns, and the shock that I'm always left sitting with as I binge-read the last 50 pages. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. 

Sidny

Review: Garlic and The Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Title: Garlic And The Vampire

Author: Bree Paulsen

Series/Standalone: Garlic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Pages: 160

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"A farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring a heroine who is braver than she realizes. 

Garlic feels as though she's always doing something wrong. At least her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it's nice and safe.

But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.

After all, garlic drives away vampires... right?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a fun little middle-grade graphic novel. We follow Garlic as she learns confidence in who she is, how to stand up for those around her, and that is something we all need to remember right now. I don't see myself continuing the series but would recommend to a middle-grade audience.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Blackout by Dhoneille Clayton

Title: Blackout

Author(s): Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 256

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook

"Six critically acclaimed, bestselling, award-winning authors bring the glowing warmth and electricity of Black teen love to this interlinked novel of charming, hilarious, and heartwarming stories that shine a bright light through the dark.

A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks...

A first meeting.

Long-time friends.

Bitter exes.

And maybe the beginning of something new.

When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truth. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was fine, I thought I'd try out anthologies, but I don't think they're for me. I was far more interested in the consistent story throughout the book as a whole. I like to get to know my characters and love them before we do follow through with their stories or who they are interested in. Just ok, but not really for me. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny