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Sarah Leonard
- Dec 10, 2018
- 4 min
"The Wicked Deep" Book Review
Author: Shea Ernshaw Genre: YA Rating: 5/5 The Wicked Deep? More like Wicked GOOD. Don’t hate me too much for the pun…The Wicked Deep is a YA novel by Shea Ernshaw that earned its 5/5 easily. Why don’t we dive right into the plot? Another pun you’ll hate me for. Two centuries ago in the town of Sparrow, three sisters were accused of witchcraft and were killed by being drowned in the lake. But with that “death” came an evil curse. Now, every year on June 1st, they inhabit the
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Sarah Leonard
- Nov 27, 2018
- 4 min
"Caraval" by Stephanie Garber Book Review
Author: Stephanie Garber
Genre: YA Fantasy Rating: 3.8/5 (maybe round up to 4) Caraval: the game where you play to win in a world of fantasy and tricks, and this year, the winner gets a wish from the gamemaster himself, Legend. Tella, desperate for freedom from her abusive father, drags her sister, Scarlett, and guide/lover, Julian, to the games. But then Tella is taken by Legend himself. Caught in the world of Caraval, Scarlett and Julian have to look past the deceptive curt
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Sarah Leonard
- Oct 15, 2018
- 2 min
"Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" Book Review
Author: Becky Albertalli Genre: YA Rating: 5/5 Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda: Another edition to my LGBT reading list. The novel is a fun, quick, and packed to the binding with quotable, heartfelt moments. And, Albertalli, I appreciate the many Harry Potter references. You know how to reel a girl in. 10/10. The novel is about a gay teenager, Simon, who has been emailing anonymously emailing another gay teenager, Blue. Neither of them use their real name, because neither o
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Sarah Leonard
- Sep 9, 2018
- 3 min
"The Devil's Thief" Book Review
Author: Lisa Maxwell Genre: YA Fantasy Rating: 4/5 After my binge read experience with The Last Magician, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, The Devil’s Thief. And, overall, I wasn’t disappointed. Maxwell does an amazing job at progressing the story and making me love characters I already adore. We should all aspire to be Viola: amazing, badass, and loyal (although, I do not support murder). The novel begins where the last novel leaves off. Hiding from the threat
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Sarah Leonard
- Aug 31, 2018
- 2 min
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" Book Review
Author: Jenny Han Genre: YA Romance Rating: 5/5 To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han is yet another binge read of mine. It’s easy, fun, and so engaging. I’d take a letter from Lara Jean any day. Why would you, Sarah, take a letter from Lara Jean, you ask? How does that have to do with anything? Well, for those who haven’t read the book, let me tell you. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is about a girl who writes secret love letters to the guys she loves. It’s her w
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Sarah Leonard
- Jul 23, 2018
- 6 min
"The Hate U Give" Book Review
Author: Angie Thomas Genre: Young Adult Rating: 5/5 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is so good, I thought I’d have trouble finding enough words for this review. I guess I was wrong. I could have written more if it wouldn’t have turned into a fangirling/rambling session. This book definitely has a political standpoint. By the synopsis alone, that’s clear. But no matter what you believe—democrat, republican, liberal, etc.—read this novel. You can’t ignore the fact that it has m
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Sarah Leonard
- Jul 16, 2018
- 7 min
"Crazy Rich Asians" Book Review
Author: Kevin Kwan Genre: Adult Romance/Humor Rating: 5/5 Crazy Rich Asians makes Jeff Bezos’ finances laughable. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit. That man’s net worth is $112 billion. He just chooses not to drop it on dresses worth more than my house and rooms practically made of gold. But who does? That’s right, folks: crazy rich Asians. Written by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians is funny, culturally informative, and makes these people look so rich it could only be
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Sarah Leonard
- Nov 12, 2017
- 9 min
Creating 3-Dimensional Characters
Plot is, perhaps, one of the most important parts of a novel. But, what drives that plot? What gives it substance, conflict, and the sweet breath of life that keeps readers addicted? Character. However, a novel can only make those characters addictive if they are believable, if they are 3-dimensional. You should be able to imagine your character sitting next to you or having a drink with you at a bar. When first starting a novel, I recommend creating characters using internal
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