Villains are Destined to Die, Volumes 1 - 4

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 1 - 264 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 2 - 270 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 3 - 288 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 4 - 272 pages

SUOL, Gwon Gyeoeul (Original Creator), Chiho Christie (Letterer), David Odell (Translator), Ah Cho (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

A villain living life in hard mode... whose every path leads to death."

Playing Daughter of the Duke Love Project as the easy mode heroine, Ivonne, makes charming the male characters a breeze. But once you switch to hard mode and step into the shoes of Penelope, the misunderstood villain, it’s nearly impossible to even stay alive! So imagine the shock of suddenly waking up in Penelope’s body―you know right away that your life is on the line. With love interests who will kill you if their affection meters drop too low and the inability to speak without choosing from pre-selected dialogue, it quickly becomes clear that Penelope’s chances have been rigged from the start―and this villain might just be destined to die!

Review

My initial impression did waver a bit, given that some of the "character development" can occasionally feel a little close to Penelope trying/needing to "fix" her abusers in order to make any progress, let alone stay alive.  I am glad I gave it some time, though.  While it can lean a bit heavily on internal monologuing, the pace and worldbuilding are still decent enough, without too much exposition.  What's more, the full-color illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!  

Freeing the Wild by Paisley Hope

Freeing the Wild by Paisley Hope -- 399 pages

She’s a star on the rise. He just wants to see her shine.

Rising country star Cassie Spencer, otherwise known as the Princess of Bluegrass, is just kicking off her music career when tragedy strikes during her tour. Seeking solace, she retreats to Kentucky to visit her sister Ivy.

Haden Westbrook, the charming heartthrob of Laurel Creek, only wants one thing: a peaceful life tending to the Silver Pines ranch and his beloved horses. So when the stunning, free-spirited Cassie arrives in town causing chaos, his world is turned upside down.

At first, Cassie and Haden seem worlds apart. Yet, as they explore the picturesque farmlands surrounding Sugarland Mountain, they discover first impressions can be deceiving and an undeniable chemistry soon ignites. Cassie’s stay in Kentucky was only meant to be temporary. But when their spring fling begins to turn into something more, can Haden convince her to stay lost in the country with him?

The promised Neverland, Volumes 2 - 5

The Promised Neverland, Volume 2 - 189 pages

The Promised Neverland, Volume 3 - 197 pages

The Promised Neverland, Volume 4 - 191 pages

The Promised Neverland, Volume 5 - 195 pages

Kaiu Shirai, Posuka Demizu (Illustrator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

Life at Grace Field House has been good for Emma and her fellow orphans. While the daily studying and exams they have to take are tough, their loving caretaker provides them with delicious foods and plenty of playtime. But perhaps not everything is as it seems…

Emma, Norman and Ray are the brightest kids at the Grace Field House orphanage. And under the care of the woman they refer to as “Mom,” all the kids have enjoyed a comfortable life. Good food, clean clothes and the perfect environment to learn—what more could an orphan ask for? One day, though, Emma and Norman uncover the dark truth of the outside world they are forbidden from seeing.

Review

Between the emotional maturity of the main characters, the lengths they're willing to go to in order to escape, and the level of mind games utilized, I tend to forget the oldest of the children in these books are only around 11-12 years old!  Many of the trials the children face, both internal and external, wouldn't feel out of place in a story about adult prisoners.  Even this early on, we're already seeing strong character development, particularly from Emma & Ray.  I'm looking forward to continuing this series!  

Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

143 pages

⭐⭐⭐.75/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

"Skim" is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls' school. When Skim's classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself, the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. As concerned guidance counselors provide lectures on the "cycle of grief," and the popular clique starts a new club (Girls Celebrate Life!) to bolster school spirit, Skim sinks into an ever-deepening depression.

And falling in love only makes things worse...

Suicide, depression, love, being gay or not, crushes, cliques, and finding a way to be your own fully human self—are all explored in this brilliant collaboration by cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki. An edgy, keenly observed and poignant glimpse into the heartache of being young.

This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux

This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux

272 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

At Wilberton Academy, few students are more revered than the members of the elite Wilberton Theatrical Society—a.k.a. the WTS—and no one represents that exclusive club better than Elizabeth Woodward. Breathtakingly beautiful, beloved by all, and a talented thespian, it’s no surprise she’s starring as Juliet in the WTS’s performance of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. But when she’s found dead the morning after opening night, the whole school is thrown into chaos.

Transfer student Abby Kita was one of the last people to see Elizabeth alive, and when local authorities deem the it-girl’s death a suicide, Abby’s not convinced. She’s sure there’s more to Wilburton and the WTS than meets the eye. As she gets tangled in prep school intrigues, Abby quickly realizes that Elizabeth was keeping secrets. Was one of those secrets worth killing for?

Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh

Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh

305 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It's the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program.

It's not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the "greater good" that Bayt-Sajji's military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined.

Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire.

The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon (The Hardy Boys #2)

The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys #2, 180 pages

⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Frank and Joe Hardy are investigating a mysterious old house high on the cliffs above Barmet Bay when they are frightened off by a mysterious scream. The boys return to the apparently haunted house and make a connection between the place and a smuggling case their father is working on. When their father goes missing, they start-out investigating the secret caves beneath the house and soon confront the gang of smugglers.