I was hoping to publish this on my birthday, which was incidentally the birthday of most of these books. But then life happened. This has been the worst month of my life, no exaggeration. So these are late, and probably not my best work, but kindly bear with me. (And any prayers or good juju you can send my family’s way is much appreciated ♥♥)

The Final Orchard by C.J. Rivera
The Threshing Floor by Steph Nelson
The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso
The Relentless Legion by J.S. Dewes
Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart

---

The Final Orchard by C.J. Rivera
Published by Angry Robot on November 19, 2024
Pages: 400
Format:eARC, Paperback
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley

From debut-author CJ Rivera, comes a harrowing tale of a parent risking it all for her child. The Final Orchard is perfect for those looking for a novel that captures them like television shows Silo and Black Mirror.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE?

In a society where bionic enhancements are the epitome of wealth and power, scientific researcher Dr. Rosio Arata threatens to topple the status quo with her pioneering organic enhancements. Yet when a horrific accident kills her daughter, Ro’s quest for answers leads her to becoming trapped in a twisted version of her life’s work.In a bleak underground colony, 18-year old Ever is primed to rise through the ranks, gain selection and become a Saviour. It’s her dream to journey to the Surface and fight the army of Others overwhelming the globe, catching up with the boy she loves in the process. Yet nothing in this world is what it seems and soon the secrets buried in her bunker begin to unravel, threatening the future of everything.

The Final Orchard was twisty, emotionally provocative, very morally gray (and gave me lots of The 100 vibes!), and kept me on the edge of my seat. I also feel like it might be a series? Or at the very least, I hope it is! I was sucked in from the start, when we meet Ro, who loses her daughter in a tragic accident. With a start like that, how could I not be invested! Now, I will say, I did guess one of the twists, but I think we might be supposed to know? Regardless, that is just one of the many exciting elements of this story, so who cares either way.

We’re then introduced to Ever, who is in this underground cult-y situation. And you can’t help but feel for her, too, because this mess is all she’s ever known. When the two worlds collide, things get even more bananas, and that is all I’ll say about that. There is a lot to uncover here, and you’re better off going in without knowing much. Lots of relevant commentary, tons of excitement, and sympathetic characters made this a win, and while the story does end to an extent (and tie things up satisfactorily), there is a ton of room for a continuation, which I’d be here for!

Bottom Line: Thought provoking and very engaging, I really hope for more of this world and these characters!

---

The Threshing Floor by Steph Nelson
Published by Dark Matter INK on November 11, 2024
Pages: 292
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley

She'll do anything to save her child. Even join a cult.

When single mom Dalice learns her toddler, Cash, needs a heart transplant, she gets desperate. There are no guarantees he’ll receive a donor heart in time. And even if he does, she can’t afford the expensive procedure.

Then Dalice meets Shane. He’s part of a mysterious group whose leader claims to be able to heal any disease or injury. Dalice is skeptical at first, and the ritual she witnesses makes her uneasy. But when a broken arm gets healed before her eyes, she can’t deny the truth, and she wants the same miracle for Cash.

As her son’s life hangs in the balance, Dalice must decide how far she’s willing to go to save him. Because the miracles in the secret group come at a steep price. A price that might be too high for even the most devoted mother.

CW at start:  “This novel includes body shaming, sexual situations, references to infertility, child loss, eating disorders, persons with disabilities and sicknesses being cured, a non-explicit, brief reference to the sexual abuse of a child, and non-explicit references to suicide. A rabid dog is euthanatized off-page, and a wild animal dies. Reader discretion is advised.”

I was a wee bit afraid when I started The Threshing Floor, because mostly I was worried that the “baby needing a heart transplant” part would be too hard to read. But it did not turn out to be! Sure, you had the Feelings™ because of it, but it was not too overwhelming that I could not enjoy the story. And what a ride it was! Now, first let me tell you my one qualm about the story: The premise that Dalice has to pay the hospital bills is just not accurate. I mean, it probably will be come January (thanks, half of America), but right now, any child with a medical condition, especially in progressive Washington, would be covered under Medical Assistance, regardless of the parent’s income (and Dalice definitely doesn’t make enough for it to matter). So I had to get over that, but once I did, and just pretended the story was set in 2025, I was fine. (Also, I hate it here.)

Anyway, Dalice is doing everything she can for her son, who was born with a very serious heart condition. She meets Shane, who not only provides the potential for a little romance, he provides a potential way to fix Cash’s heart. But Shane doesn’t want Dalice involved in his sister’s shenanigans, and soon we see why. Reva, Shane’s sister, has a literal cult following for her ability to cure people’s medical conditions. But nothing is free, is it?

I enjoyed Dalice struggling with these brutal decisions, I enjoyed Shane struggling with his own decisions surrounding both Dalice, who he cares for, and Reva, who he has loyalty toward, and I enjoyed learning more about how Reva (and by extension, the group) morphed into what they did. I also enjoyed all the relationships, and how the characters had to work through them all, even the more minor relationships that were featured. Plus, because the outcome involved a lot of people’s lives (including an innocent child’s), I obviously was invested in the story and could not put it down.

Bottom Line: It was high stakes and high adventure, and I loved the story and the characters.

---

The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso
Series: The Echo Archives #1
Published by Orbit on November 19, 2024
Pages: 384
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley

Follow a star investigator and her rival as they journey through layers of reality to save the world as they know it in this whip-smart adventure fantasy about rival guilds, reality-bending magic and unexpected mystery.

Kembral Thorne is spending a few hours away from her newborn, and she's determined to enjoy the party no matter what. But when the guests start dropping dead, Kem has no choice but to get to work. She's a member of the Guild of Hounds, after all, and she can't help picking up the scent of trouble.

She's not the only one. Her professional and personal nemesis, notorious burglar Rika Nonesuch, is on the prowl. They quickly identify what's causing the mayhem: a mysterious grandfather clock that sends them down an Echo every time it chimes. In each strange new layer of reality, time resets and a sinister figure appears to perform a blood-soaked ritual.

As Kem and Rika fall into increasingly macabre versions of their city, they'll need to rely on their wits - and each other - to unravel the secret of the clock and save their city.

I liked some parts of this a lot, and then I liked some parts of this less. I probably would give it somewhere around a 3.25, but I am rounding up because I am nice like that. And I really did like the characters, and some of the qualms could be more “me” than the book? Great.

What I Liked: 

So, I really enjoyed the characters in this one, and I also loved the premise. And, the action really picked up as the book went on. I loved the relationship that Kembral and Rika had going on, too. It was complex and snarky and wonderful. Also, the concept of the “Echoes” was really unique! Even when I didn’t totally “get” it, I appreciated it!

What Left Me Wanting More:

Honestly, just the worldbuilding and lack of answers. I know it is a series so I did not expect all the answers, but I did hope to understand more of the world, and what made these “echoes”, and basically answers to any of the questions I had.

Will I Read the Next Book?

That’s a resounding “maybe”.

Bottom Line: Loved the characters and concept, just wanted more in terms of worldbuilding and answers.

---

The Relentless Legion by J.S. Dewes
Series: The Divide #3
Published by Tor Books on November 12, 2024
Pages: 512
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley

J. S. Dewes is back with her acclaimed and action packed Divide series (The Last Watch, The Exiled Fleet) where The Expanse meets the Night's Watch.

The Sentinels have rallied under the leadership of Adequin Rake, and Cavalon Mercer has uncovered the horrifying genetic solution his grandfather is about to unleash on the unsuspecting outer colonies.

Both Rake and Cavalon race against time to save the universe once again. They'll need every resource, every ally who might answer the call.

It may not be enough.

I really enjoy this series. Like, a lot. But I do have to caution that it took me a minute to get back into the world. That part is probably on me, but man I did not remember a lot of stuff that had happened! Once I did manage to get a grip, of course I was thrilled to be back with the characters and the world. Now, the question I do still have is, is this the final book? Well, I haven’t a clue! My gut says no, because it didn’t fully feel like a final book? Like- it wraps up some plot threads nicely, but there is still tons of room to expand, so.

But as always, I enjoyed the complex bonds among the characters, and how they deal with all the high stakes adventures. The story takes some pretty interesting twists, too, especially a few things I did not see coming.  Overall, another solid installment in the series, and I would one hundred percent be here for more to come!

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a sci-fi series that will keep you on your toes but also has an incredible cast of characters, this is it!

---

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart
Published by Feiwel & Friends on November 19, 2024
Pages: 304
Format:eARC
Source:Copy provided by publisher for review, via Netgalley

Jessa has been raised to be the “perfect girl.” She is unfailingly polite, never rocks the boat, and always follows the rules―no matter what. Her friends love to give her a hard time for being such a goody two-shoes, but Jessa likes it this way. She knows what's expected of her, and she's happy to be the person her parents (and society) want.

When a freak storm takes out the power during a sleepover at Jessa’s creepy, old house, things go south before the pizza gets cold. Her friends are at each other’s throats, unexpected guests keep showing up (some more welcome than others), and it’s not just her brother serving up jump scares. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself―and her friends―alive until sunrise.
Who knew perfection could be so dangerous?

Look, I could not put this book down. Literally, I read it in one evening because I just had to know what was going to happen. And look, parts of it were a tiny bit predictable, but it was still tons of fun and provided plenty of excitement. I don’t even want to say much because it is a thriller, after all, and you should go in knowing very little. Just know that I was hooked, from start to finish. Adored the characters, and could not put the book down because it was exciting and compulsively readable.

Bottom Line: Everything a thriller should be- exciting, and unputdownable. Bonus for the great characters!

Have you read any of these books? Plan to? Let us chat about them!