Reviews of Young Adult Literature: Sophie Jupillat Posey, Ariele Sieling, & Shay Lee Giertz

The Four Suitors by Sophie Jupillat Posey

It has a great title and good cover. But in early chapters the princess is annoying and her childhood actions may be at the root of the kingdoms problems. The four suitors are – four tutors. 

As the story begins to delve into what is wrong with the kingdom, it picks up interest. Curiosity is evoked and suspense. The princess starts to develop some character, as do her suitors. By the middle of the book, I was fascinated. 

There was a satisfying arc to the resolution, and the ending was really radical. The second half of the book is close to being worth five stars. (I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review out of my interest in literature.)

The Silver Arm by Ariele Sieling

This was a shorter read, which was suitable for young adult readers. I liked the fact that it was a science fiction reworking of Beauty and the Beast, but I would have preferred it worked from the classic tale, rather than the Disney cartoon. The characters of Maybelle and Gabor were a little obvious. 

Technically, the book was flawlessly written. This made it an easy read. It also made me want to read more by the same author. That pure style could do great things on the right plot!

I accessed a review copy, but I do recommend the story for its target young adult audience.

Falling Too Deep by Shay Lee Giertz

Young adult fiction written in an accessible style, with a likeable first person narrator.  I love the loop – is it memory or time travel? By Chapter 5, I can’t tell and long to read on… So we go into a Groundhog day sort of “do over”. It’s great that the heroine tries to make different decisions. The suspense builds. I wonder what has really happened, and whether trying to change the past will work. Is there a secret mechanism behind everything?

The surprises keep coming in a satisfying way. The book mentions God, and appears to have a moral compass, but does not preach. It is good as a fantasy, and also unexpectedly qualifies as Christian literature. I couldn’t put it down to do the things I ought to have been doing…

I had an advanced review copy from Book Sirens.

Lake of Secrets by Shay Lee Giertz

I am becoming a fan of this woman’s writing, although this book was dramatically different from her other one. This story would best be described as a dramatic mystery. It was also a ghost story. The intricacies of the plot defy description, but I can say that it will keep you guessing until the very end.

 The author described the ending as a “cliff hanger”, but I beg to differ. There is room for a sequel, but I would describe the ending of this book as satisfying. A twist, but complete in itself.

 Altogether well written and entertaining. Possibly suited for Young Adult audience, but I would suggest it would be of interest to New Adult readers, due to the fact that the characters are over eighteen, finished school and considering university/careers.