Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute

These are all books by authors I straight up adore. I will basically read ANY of the things that their glorious minds come up with, and so of course I had to read their most recent books! And if you aren’t familiar with these lovely humans… familiarize yourselves, they’re brilliant! 

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Odd & True by Cat Winters
Release by Patrick Ness
This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis



Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Published by HarperTeen on September 5th 2017
Pages: 384
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Edelweiss

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day.

..
..

reviews2

“No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end.”

There it is, summed up: This book gave me all the feels.  I’ve enjoyed Adam’s books in the past, but this one has that extra special “something”- that indescribable factor that just makes a book resonate with the reader.

Maybe it’s the characters, Mateo and Rufus. These guys were just so damn human. And to make them seem so relatable on such an extraordinary day is quite a feat. They’re both flawed, and these flaws, they aren’t going to be overcome in the course of a day. Because that isn’t possible, not for any of us.

Maybe it’s the messages– and I won’t be talking about them, but know that they’ll touch you. This is the kind of book that will make you consider your own every day life, your own choices. What would happen if you received a call from Death Cast? Have you lived your best life?

Maybe it’s the friendships, the love, the relationships, the family. All of these personal stories weave together in ways that have profound meaning to the characters, and they have to choose how to navigate their relationships with the knowledge that there will be no tomorrow.

Maybe it’s the emotions. I teared up, absolutely. But I was more surprised at how much I didn’t sob. Because I was busy feeling other things, like amusement at the story, like happiness at their relationships. It wasn’t  a 300+ page sobfest, it was much, much more than that.

Bottom Line: Whatever the reason, this book is one I hands-down recommend to everyone. Fabulous writing, gorgeously human characters, and an incredibly thought provoking plot make this a book you won’t want to miss.


Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute Odd & True by Cat Winters
Published by Amulet Books on September 12th 2017
Pages: 368
Format:ARC
Source:ALA

Trudchen grew up hearing Odette’s stories of their monster-slaying mother and a magician’s curse. But now that Tru’s older, she’s starting to wonder if her older sister’s tales were just comforting lies, especially because there’s nothing fantastic about her own life—permanently disabled and in constant pain from childhood polio.

In 1909, after a two-year absence, Od reappears with a suitcase supposedly full of weapons and a promise to rescue Tru from the monsters on their way to attack her. But it’s Od who seems haunted by something. And when the sisters’ search for their mother leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil, a nightmarish beast that’s wreaking havoc in the Mid-Atlantic states, Tru discovers the peculiar possibility that she and her sister—despite their dark pasts and ordinary appearances—might, indeed, have magic after all.

reviews2

Cat Winters has always been, in my eyes, the absolute queen of historical fiction. So imagine my excitement that I was able to not only get a copy of this book early, but to meet the author too! I wish I had gotten a picture, it would have gone nicely with this post. Anyway. I was excited for another historical YA from Cat Winters, and this one didn’t disappoint!

I won’t say this is my favorite of her books, but it was definitely solid. The beginning started a wee bit slow for my taste, but after that it picks right up and gets so, so good! I actually didn’t quite expect it to go in the direction it did, which for me was a huge plus! Let’s talk about more positives, shall we?

  • Family was basically the whole plot. Sure, other people are involved obviously, but this is first and foremost a story about Odette and Trudchen, two sisters with a family history of magical intervention. Monster slaying, to be more specific. The rest of the family is also a really big part of the story, which I loved.
  • Not just one history, but two were shown! The story is told in two timelines- Odette’s chapters in the past (from when she’s a young girl, to before she meets back up with Tru), and Tru’s in 1909, which is when the events take place.
  • Each sister was really well fleshed out.  I loved that they each had very discernible personalities, and stories of their own. But at the end of the day, they were absolutely there for each other and their relationship was a thing of beauty. It wasn’t always perfect; far from it. But their love for each other was never in doubt.
  • This book had one of the best endings I have read in a long time. I’ll say no more, of course, but it only feels right to talk about an epic ending when there’s one to be had.

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read. And if you just flat out like reading about sisterly bonds, this is also the book for you! I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for Cat Winters’s next release if you need me.


Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute Release by Patrick Ness
Published by HarperTeen on September 19th 2017
Pages: 288
Format:ARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Edelweiss, ALA

Adam Thorn doesn’t know it yet, but today will change his life.

Between his religious family, a deeply unpleasant ultimatum from his boss, and his own unrequited love for his sort-of ex, Enzo, it seems as though Adam’s life is falling apart.

At least he has two people to keep him sane: his new boyfriend (he does love Linus, doesn’t he?) and his best friend, Angela.

But all day long, old memories and new heartaches come crashing together, throwing Adam’s life into chaos. The bindings of his world are coming untied one by one; yet in spite of everything he has to let go, he may also find freedom in the release.

reviews2

I have such love for Patrick Ness, guys. I will forever adore the entire Chaos Walking series. If you haven’t read it, do. I even have an extra copy of The Knife of Never Letting Go that I will straight up give to anyone who needs it. It’s *that* good. (Also, seems a great time to remind you all of when I won Bookish Games.)   And I was also a huge fan of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and A Monster Calls. Seriously, his books are genius. Erm, anyway, onto this book!

There were parts of this book that I loved and found so, so important. And then there was a part that I kind of found… unnecessary maybe? But most definitely this was much more good than not.

I loved Adam’s story. Well, I didn’t love it, because it was all so damn unfair to Adam. His family was wholly unsupportive of him because of his sexuality. While they all behave like a bunch of asshats, Adam’s father is the asshattiest of the bunch. And he uses his conservative religion as an excuse to be cruel to his son. So yeah, to say I felt for Adam is an understatement. He’s at such a tumultuous time in life, there are changes happening all around him (being vague on purpose!) and the people he should be able to count on are simply not there for him. The thing is, this is heartbreakingly real- Adam is not the only young person who will go through this, sadly. Frankly, this made Adam’s story all the more devastating and important.

But Adam does have people in his life who are awesome! He has a best friend who is there for him, and I love their relationship! And he has a complicated love life that reads as so, so realistic. He’s struggling to get over past loves, figuring out his feelings for current ones. Another aspect of this book that I loved: it’s incredibly sex-positive.

The one thing I wasn’t a fan of? There are chapters throughout the book that focus on… some kind of supernatural entity. (Again, being vague purposely.) I just never understood the point of these characters or chapters? Even after the book was finished, I was left wondering why they were in the story at all. To me, it took away from Adam’s story more than it added to it.

Bottom Line: A fabulous story about a young gay man who is trying to navigate a time of upheaval in his life without the support of the people who are supposed to be in his corner. It’s heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting, and absolutely a book worth reading. I won’t blame you if you skip the random chapters, though. 😉


Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on October 10th 2017
Pages: 352
Format:ARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Edelweiss, ALA

Sasha Stone knows her place—first-chair clarinet, top of her class, and at the side of her oxford-wearing boyfriend. She’s worked her entire life to ensure that her path to Oberlin Conservatory as a star musician is perfectly paved.

But suddenly there’s a fork in the road, in the shape of Isaac Harver. Her body shifts toward him when he walks by, her skin misses his touch even though she’s never known it, and she relishes the smell of him—smoke, beer, and trouble—all the things she’s avoided to get where she is. Even worse, every time he’s near Sasha, her heart stops, literally. Why does he know her so well—too well—and she doesn’t know him at all?

Sasha discovers that her by-the-book life began by ending another’s: the twin sister she absorbed in the womb. But that doesn’t explain the gaps of missing time in her practice schedule or the memories she has of things she certainly never did with Isaac. As Sasha loses her much-cherished control, her life—and heart—become more entangled with Isaac. Armed with the knowledge that her heart might not be hers alone, Sasha must decide what she’s willing to do—and who she’s willing to hurt—to take it back.

Edgar Award–winning author Mindy McGinnis delivers a dark and gripping psychological thriller about a girl at war with herself, and what it really means to be good or bad.

reviews2

I… have no idea what to make of this book. This may be one of the hardest reviews I have written (which is saying a lot, because frankly, I feel that way a lot). So while you wait for me to come up with something to say, have a nice look at the ARC.

Crap, that didn’t actually buy me any time. Well, when I finished it, I had feelings! None that were really eloquent or anything, but I suppose it’s something.

And that’s still where I am with this book. I feel bad because I want to say more, and I feel like this review won’t even be helpful, but I am going to do my best. Here are some things I can tell you about my experience with this book:

  • It’s very dark, and quite twisted. The title doesn’t lie, this is not going to give you a case of the chuckles.
  • I read this book in one day, which means I was unable to put it down. This is a rarity for me, so it says a lot about the author’s ability to lure a reader in, for sure!
  • I was/am/always will be kind of confused? Like- I get most of the story, I do. But I am not wholly sure of everything, and I am kind of a more concrete thinker and I want someone to tell me, firmly, what the hell happened.
  • No seriously, this was messed up. In a mostly good way. I think.

Bottom Line: If you like books that don’t shy away from the dark stuff, and that also may leave your mind reeling a bit, this is the book for you. Mindy’s writing is on point as always, and the book is absolutely addictive. I’m just not sure I know what even happened.

Source

Have you read any of these books, or any other books by these authors? Who are some of your auto-buy authors?

Posted September 15, 2017 by Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight in In a Minute, Review , / 30 Comments

Divider

30 responses to “Auto-buy Authors Reviews in a Minute

  1. I’ve been so curious about both Odd & True and This Darkness Mine, so I definitely appreciate seeing your reviews! I am all for darkness, so I guess I’ll have to say bring it on to This Darkness Mine. I haven’t heard a whole lot from other people about Odd & True, so I’m super glad to see that you enjoyed it so much – I’m definitely going to have to check it out. Great Jordan Rose reviews!

    • I think if you like dark books (and some truly messed up characters!) you’ll like it. I liked the dark aspect of it, I just… well, I am not entirely sure I knew what happened in the end? But that could just be my problem! And I definitely liked Odd & True. I hope you love them when you get the chance 😀

  2. I have sadly read none of these authors? Mindy McGinnis though has been on my list to try, ever since Not a Drop To Drink, which was huge right when I started blogging, more or less. This one sounds so… different. Absorbed her sister in the womb? Okaaaay then… I’m intrigued!! Quite the cover too- my kneejerk reaction was noncomittal, but then I looked closer and the girls eye peeking out- it’s kinda eerie and I like it!

    Odd and true just looks messed up! 🙂

    • READ MINDY. I think you’ll like her. Not a Drop to Drink, start there. Not just because it’s her first, but because I think it’s the series you’d gravitate to the most. It’s dark- but really good and thought provoking. I read it pre-blogging I think, so I never reviewed it, but it’s really good, as is the sequel (which I did review!)

      Odd & True was way less messed up than TDM, actually 🙂

  3. I already knew you enjoyed They Both Die At the End and Release, so yay for that! I got an ARC of This Darkness Mine at Bookcon, and I’ve been hearing amazing things about it, so I can’t wait to read it! It’ll be my first McGinnis book, since I still have The Female of the Species siting on my bookshelf. ?

  4. I have Odd & Tru, This Darkness Mine, and Release from BEA. My only experience with Ness, The Rest of Us Just Live Here, was odd, but not bad. I love these kinds of stories, and reviews are generally positive, so I will probably read it. McGinnis is a little too dark for me, but my co-bloggers like her. Though, I am a little scared since you left off a rating. Odd & Tru is one I will DEFINITELY read. I love the whole idea of the book, and every review keeps lauding the family/sisterly focus, and I know that will work well for me. Great reviews!

  5. I LOVED RELEASE SO MUCH I CAN’T EVEN. ❤️? I hated Adam’s family but unfortunately they were very realistic. ? I was a bit weirded out by the faun plot too?? Like you can almost skip those chapters and whatever. It doesn’t even matter, hhaa. But still ajfdksald definitely one of my favourites of the year!

    Also SO looking forward to having my brain splattered by the new Mindy McGinnis book. she’s so amazing ahh!!

    AND THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END WAS JUST RUDE TO MY FEELINGS.? I think someone spilt Adam Silvera’s cornflakes because he just wants to make us all cry tho. I’m such a fan.

  6. I really enjoyed Release, but yeah, the whole ghost part was a bit odd. Loved Adam though! And I adored that it was sex-positive.

    I have They Both Die at the End but I still need to read it; I hear great things, and I LOVE Silvera so I’m sure I’ll adore it.

  7. LOVE this post! Cat Winters is one of my all time faves and Odd & True didn’t disappoint either. The ending was SO GOOD, I was actually mostly satisfied with the final chapter, BUT THEN THAT EPILOGUE CAME AND OMG SO GOOD. I’m pretty sure I’m physically incapable of being disappointed by anything Cat Winters writes. I’m a bit worried about Release, to be honest. I have conflicted feelings about Ness’s books – I loved A Monster Calls, put him onto my auto-buy list and everything, but then was totally let down by The Rest of Us Just Live Here, and now I’m too scared to pick up anything else by him haha. I’M WEIRD, OKAY, I KNOW. I’ve only read two of McGinnis’s books, A Madness So Discreet and The Female of the Species (ADORED both), but she’s on my auto-buy authors list, so I’m super-excited for this. I like knowing/understanding exactly what happened in a book, so I am a bit worried about This Darkness Mine, but I’m hopeful. As for Silvera, I liked More Happy Than Not, but didn’t love it. I’ll definitely read his other books, though, because they all have fantastic premises.

    Wonderful post!!

    Veronika @ The Regal Critiques

  8. I am so excited for They Both Die at the End and I’m happy that you enjoyed and recommend it! I’ve read Adam’s other books and I agree that all of the characters he’s written are always so relatable and human. I cried my eyes out with his other stories, especially History is All you Left Me, so I’m expecting no less from TBDATE.

    Mindy McGinnis’s The Female of the Species was amazing, so I’ll read anything by her. I do like dark stuff and weird plot twists, so maybe I’ll enjoy this one. I’m intrigued about that “WTF” feeling people are having about This Darkness Mine after reading the ARCs. Furthermore, I’m really liking that new banner for Reviews in a Minute! Good job!

  9. I have never read anything by Adam Silvera but I hear he is very “feels” oriented. I’m not ready for all of those feels. Happy to see that Odd and True was a success for you! I know you really like Cat, I’ve only read one book by her myself.

    And I always get a “wtf” feel when ready Mindy’s work.

  10. Oh my gosh, I am so, so, so excited for Odd & True. Cat Winters is never a disappointment for me. I find her books so refreshing. They’re unlike any other YA, in my opinion. 😀

  11. I read TBDATE and it was five stars! Just… I honestly expected more?? It was good! I just feel like I wasn’t downright crying or upset at the ending or anything. It just left me… kind of bleak, I guess.
    Wow that makes me sound like a horrible person whoops.

    I reallyyy want to read The Rest of Us Just Live Here! Everyone flails about it ALL THE TIME!

  12. Lovely reviews! 🙂 I only heard positive things so far about Adam Silvera’s new book. I’m really eager to read it someday, but on the other hand… I don’t know when I will be ready for it haha. I only read More Happy Than Not by him so far and really enjoyed it – I just loved ALL THE EMOTIONS and feels, also, Silvera’s writing style is very beautiful. I’m going to read his other books at some point but I feel like I need to be ready for it haha.

  13. Odd and True was my first Cat Winters book, but I’ve wanted to read her other ones, so now I should go see about getting to that. I do need to hurry up and pick up an Adam Silvera book as well. Mindy McGinnis is on my TBR list, but I have yet to get to her books either. Great reviews, I like the short and sweet to the point way you did them.

  14. Ness and Silvera are both auto-buys for me as well. I mean *ahem* for my classroom library. McGinnis has kind of been hit and miss for me, and I haven’t read any Winters. I’m to cheap to have actual auto-buy authors, but some of my auto-READ authors are Matt de la Pena, Becky Albertalli, A. S. King, Kwame Alexander, Jason Reynolds. Beyond YA, I’d never turn down a book by Ursula Le Guin, Sherman Alexie, Elizabeth George–okay, I’ll stop now. Fun theme and great reviews!

  15. I’ve been meaning to read The Knife of Letting Go for forever. SO many people rave about it. I picked up Release because I read a few really positive reviews, but now I’m afraid I’m just going to end up being aggravated with the religious aspect of the book. Sigh. I promise to read it soon anyway. And The Knife of Letting Go seems really… interesting. I have that one for review also, so I’m glad to be forewarned that it’s strange (but at least it’s a riveting read!).

  16. Actually all of these are books on my TBR that I want to read as soon as I can possibly get my hands on them. Mindy McGinnis sometimes has a weird way of writing, so I am not surprised by that response to her book. But I am sorry it left you so confused…

  17. HAHAHAH THE SHRUG PONY STRIKES AGAIN. I did like the unedited version of this post though. I would say more than the edited version, but that would be mean. And yay that you absolutely loved They Both Die in the End. It’s a book I need to get to at some point. No idea when though. And hahahah yes to Release. You know my thoughts about that one, I mean they are the exact same as yours.

  18. Alright, in This Darkness Mine, I think the author was somewhat leaving it up for interpretation about whether the MC is insane, or if she legit has some deeper-than-science connection to her dead twin. UNTIL the end, where she tries to rip out her own heart (in the only part of the story that felt truly unbelievable to me, because I think the brain would shut the hell down with pain before she got quite that far). At that point, it’s clear to the reader that the MC’s self-delusion and her slavish ‘mind over matter’ mentality is the core of what’s going on. I was wondering if it was more MPD, but I think the author was leaning toward schizophrenia. The MC is clearly under a LOT of stress and has basically no support structure *and* was pretty heavily coded psychopathic (no empathy, especially, and a delusional and overly high sense of self).

Leave a Reply