The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (464 Pages)

Summary: Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. In this character-driven sci-fi story, the introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself has never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy―exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, this tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling sci-fi adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs―an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.

Opinion: I fully enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series, and I definitely see myself picking up the next book later in the year. The book is a little slow at first as the reader gets to know the characters, but once you get your bearings, the book is a smooth and fun read. Additionally, I was expecting the book to be told primarily from Rosemary's POV based on its blurb summary, but this book is told from many POVs, and I think knowing that ahead of time is beneficial. Would definitely recommend to any sci-fi fans, especially those that like Star Trek or slice of life sci fi. 

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans 259 pages

Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grieving Paul Wanless hasn't just given up on Christmas, he's given up on life. He can't imagine anything to keep him here -- not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in -- but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind. The mysterious stranger's name is Gabriel, and when Paul finds himself opening up to his visitor, Gabriel tells him, "I wouldn't do it, if I were you. It's not what you think." He then departs without another word. Paul brushes the experience aside as some trick of the imagination ... until he crosses paths with a young widow and her bullied son, who've also received a visit from Gabriel. Has Gabriel brought new people into his life for a reason ... but why? And who -- or what -- really is this Christmas stranger?

I know it is not Christmas, but I wanted to read it because it is new.  What a sad book with a surprising ending, but very enjoyable!

Little Robot by Ben Hatke

Little Robot by Ben Hatke

135 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Life outside the robot factory is confusing.

Little Robot has a lot to learn...

And that's what friends are for.

But with danger in the way, will friendship be enough to save them?

The Way Home (Owly #1) by Andy Runton

The Way Home by Andy Runton

Owly #1, 160 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Owly is a good-natured little owl, and he's always helping those around him. But despite his kindness, he seems to frighten would-be friends away before they even give him a chance, just because he's an owl. That all changes, though, once Owly meets Wormy. Like Owly, Wormy is in need of a good friend, too -- someone who can be counted on for a helping hand, a good laugh, and a great adventure!

My Hero Academia, Volumes 7 & 8

My Hero Academia, Volume 7 - 192 pages

My Hero Academia, Volume 8 - 192 pages

Kohei Horikoshi, Caleb D. Cook (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called “Quirks” at age four? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless?

Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but he hasn’t got an ounce of power in him. With no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes, his life is looking more and more like a dead end. Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny…

Review

I was hopeful that we might get to see a bit more development from Bakugo, as his character has hit a bit of a plateau.  Although I understand it would have detracted from the pacing, I would've liked to see at least a little more detail on each of the other teams' practical exams.  That said, I am still definitely satisfied with the depth that was added to Yaoyorozu's character.  

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark -- 430 pages

They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter…She’s my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me. Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this. But that’s how our world works - the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be. I’ll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give in to my hunger first...

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

208 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

How can you be yourself when no one sees the real you?
Five students meet in the school cafeteria when they’re forced to complete their school community service hours.

There’s Jorge: the brain
Sara: the loner
Dayara: the tough kid
Nico: the rich kid
And Miguel: the athlete

They immediately know that they have nothing in common with each other... even though their school administration has decided that they all belong together.
None of the kids wants to be there, and each has their own issues they're dealing with in their life outside of school. But when they encounter someone who truly needs their help, they might just be able to come together to work as a team—and help their community—after all.