Laxmi Hariharan's "The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer"

Title: Fighting Back

“Awakened” by Laxmi Hariharan

Reviewed by Shelby Loebker

Date: 9/19/2016

Time: 1:35 p.m.

“Awakened” follows the titular protagonist’s transformation from a young woman trying to make her way in modern day Bangladesh, to an empowered hero saving the city. An accident gives Ruby her powers and she uses her new abilities to follow a trial of mysterious and anonymous text messages, stopping a growing evil from harming Bangladesh, while simultaneously grappling with her complicated past.

The most noticeable flaw in Hariharan’s story telling – and it certainly one that can be overlooked – is the first-person breadcrumb trail with which she reveals Ruby’s past. The shadowed and painful tale ekes out of Ruby bit by bit, in acronyms and phrases she invented to gloss over the very real abuses. The number of hints dropped throughout the book eventually make the reader’s eyes roll, rather than piquing their curiosity.

On the other hand, witty Ruby Iyer gets straight to the point, telling her own narrative with a voice that is almost too aware. She observes and remarks with the equal parts wisdom and humor that so often mark young adult literature.

Ruby Iyer smashes into the young and new adult audience as a brand new superheroine. Though her story begins much like any other, bantering with her best friend and meeting an enigmatic stranger, she has a mission with which no other superhero can compare. Ruby Iyer fights for women and their rights over their own bodies in a story that is engaging, compelling, and all too necessary.

Ruby Iyer turns her pain into power and uses her power to challenge the evil in her world. Hariharan, too, turns her talents into Ruby Iyer and, with her protagonist, issues a challenge to the world.

I give “The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer” 4 out of 5 stars.

Read Away!

Shelby Jo 

Amy Braun's "Midnight Sky"

Title: Exhilarating & Riveting

“Midnight Sky” by Amy Braun

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

8/8/16

7:00 a.m.

Readers have been waiting for the much anticipated book of the year, “Midnight Sky.” It is always invigorating to jump back into a series and the author knows exactly how to refresh the memories of their followers, and attract new readers without losing them in the story.

Amy Braun’s newly released book, “Midnight Sky,” starts off with round-house kicks and rib punches from our favorite gang of bandits, who’d promised to close the breech before the hellions return. With the complicated relationship between Claire and Sawyer, readers find themselves in a love triangle as the newest member, Riley, makes his feelings known to Claire. However, Sawyer is under the impression that Riley has secrets which will doom them all. Yet, is Sawyer’s mistrusting feelings due to the unspeakable feelings he has for Claire, or is Sawyer really on to something?

As the story unfolds readers get a peek into Nash and Riley’s past, which masterfully pieces the story together; as well as the truth behind the invasion of the hellions. What had the explorers really done to cause the attack on the humans? Can Claire and her friends really save the world after learning the truth? And, what does the Vesper really want? Braun uses the answers to these questions as the walls to continue building an amazing young adult series that readers cannot get enough of.

This is an exhilarating, riveting read. Similar to Braun’s other novels, she moves through the story with a steady pace. Staying true to her strong, memorable female characters, action packed brawls, and sticky situations which has readers unable to put any of her books down.

I invite you to become entangled in the webs created by Braun and watch how easy you will become a fan. This is a must read!  

I give Midnight Sky 4 ½ out of 5 stars  

Happy Reading,

T’s Blogging

Amy Braun's "Dark Divinity"

Title: Coast to Coast Battle

“Dark Divinity” by Amy Braun  

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

2/10/2016

7:17 a.m.

All hell has broken loose and at the heart of it are two sisters; one who is destined for something extraordinary, and the other will do whatever it takes to protect the only family she has. But, how will the pair measure up against the greatest evil man has ever known…Lucifer.

This action packed young adult read, with its female protagonists, is far from dainty. And readers are going to love it! Author Amy Braun’s female characters are strong as well as fearless, and they have no issues with taking names as they handout beat-downs from coast to coast. From the very beginning of Dark Divinity, the sisters find themselves in several crossfires. Rather it is the gangs in Mexico or the supernatural battle that spills over into their world, they have no choice but to fight to stay alive. But keep calm, even with all the violence assaulting so many pages, there is enough romance that keeps the heart fluttering and balances out the vivid and gruesome scenes.     

Hands down, this is a great read. The author unconventionally tells the story in a way that gives the reader the illusion that they are familiar with the characters. Braun throws her readers directly into the action of the story without really focusing on character development. However, if you are a fan you are aware of her style of writing and appreciate her ability to create a reader and character connection without ever noticing it. And it works! This author knows how to keep readers enthralled, but there are a few things that could hurt this book.

I could not do away with the deja’vu feeling or overlook the editing errors. At times, there is this gnawing, similarity to Braun’s Crimson Sky. However, rest assure that the resemblances stem from her storytelling niche and her ability to write strong female characters that face unmeasurable odds. And lastly, the grammatical errors sometimes halt the flow of the story.

I give “Dark Divinity” 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading

T’s Blogging