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Tag: YA Fiction

  • What Happens When Your School Study Is Actually A Maze? This Moth Saw Brightness Reviewed

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    Book Overview: This Moth Saw Brightness

    Content Warnings: mental illness, neurodivergence, abandonment, government experimentation, conspiracy theories

    Summary: A weird and revelatory debut that vividly captures the dislocation of growing up BIPOC and neurodivergent in a country awash in both conspiracy theories and genuine conspiracies.

    “The invisible D in my name is my mother’s second most lasting contribution to my life.”

    ‘Wayne Le—known as “Invisible-D ‘Wayne” at school—has been invited to participate in a seemingly ordinary, innocuous adolescent health study by a prestigious university. The study has a few nice perks, but most important to ‘Wayne, is the opportunity to give his immigrant father an accomplishment to be proud of—something that’s been in short supply since ‘Wayne’s mother left.

    But the study quickly proves to be anything but ordinary and innocuous, and ‘Wayne, his best friend Kermit, and a fellow study participant named Jane (a girl who shall not be manic-pixied) find themselves sucked into an M. C. Escheresque maze of conspiracies that might be entirely in their heads or might truly be a sinister government plot.

    This Moth Saw Brightness By A. A. Vacharat
    Image Source: Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    1. Hooking You Before Page One

    You know what? Sometimes a book arrives and feels like it’s whispering in your ear: “Hey…I’m going to turn your assumptions upside down.” That’s exactly the energy of This Moth Saw Brightness by A. A. Vacharat. From the first line hinting at an “invisible D” in the narrator’s name, the novel signals that it won’t settle for comfortable. It invites you into a story that’s part coming-of-age, part speculative thriller, part identity essay, and yes, you’re going to like the ride!

    2. Who’s Narrating This Train-Wreck Disguised As Adolescence

    Meet Wayne Le, or “Invisible-D ‘Wayne,” as the school calls him. He’s BIPOC, neurodivergent (or at least navigating life in ways that don’t match the “neurotypical” checklist), and he’s invited to participate in a so-called innocuous adolescent health study by a prestigious university. The study promises perks: a chance to give his immigrant father something to be proud of, a small win in a life defined by absence (his mother leaving) and expectation. But things go off the rails fast.

    3. Weirdness And Conspiracies: High School Meets M.C. Escher

    Here’s where the plot takes the weird turn: the study is anything but ordinary. ‘Wayne, his best friend Kermit, and Jane (yes, a girl “who shall not be manic-pixied”) find themselves in an Escher-cornucopia of conspiracies; overlapping, bending reality, maybe in their heads, maybe not. The narrative feels breathing, alive, slightly off-kilter…in a good way.

    4. Identity, Neurodivergence And That Immigrant-Dad Pressure

    Beyond the twists and conspiracies, there’s the muscle of the story. What does it feel like to grow up neurodivergent in a world that assumes you’re “just like everyone else?” What does it mean to carry the weight of immigrant expectations on your shoulders when your mother has already left, when your father’s pride is something you chase? The “invisible D” in his name? Symbolic. His sense of invisibility? Real. Vacharat doesn’t shy away from those questions, and she doesn’t answer them neatly. That feels honest.

    5. The Tone: Quirky, Clever, And Zipping Along

    If you expect a straight-laced narrative, you’ll be surprised. The tone flicks between sardonic, anxious, reflective, bizarre, like life when you’re awake in the middle of a strange dream and someone hands you a biology textbook. The novel rewards readers who enjoy short chapters, playful breaks, and surprising shifts in rhythm. One moment you’re thinking of high school drama, next you’re wondering about Big Tech, surveillance, and your own concept of control. The result? You won’t just read this book, you’ll feel its pulse!

    6. Relatable Chaos: Friendships, Crushes, Awkwardness

    Despite the grand themes, the story keeps it grounded in adolescence. There’s the best friend who still codes and hacks (hello, Kermit). There’s the crush who complicates everything (hello, Jane). There’s the parent who expects too much, and the absence of the parent who left. There’s the feeling that you’re slightly off-center and everyone else is lining up like they know what’s going on. If you’ve ever felt side-lined, weirded out, or “why am I not normal?”, then ‘Wayne’s story will resonate. The conspiracies become metaphors for the nagging sense that the world is rigged, and you’re trying to find your spot in it.

    7. Why You Should Care (And Maybe Freak Out A Little)

    Because this book doesn’t just entertain. It pushes you. It asks: What is trust? What is identity? Who decides who matters? And in a world full of surveillance, half-truths, and algorithms, how do you even locate your own truth? Vacharat wraps it all in genre elements: thriller, mystery, coming-of-age, so you’re on your toes the whole time. The ending? It’s unsettling. Not because it’s bad. Because it leaves you thinking. Hey, that’s a win!

    8. The Caveats (Yes, There Are A Few)

    If you like your stories tidy, you might bristle at the sharp corners here. The plot layers move fast, and some minor characters veer into caricature. But honestly…the messiness is part of the point. Life is messy. Identity is messy. Conspiracies? Definitely messy. If you’re up for the ride, you’ll be fine.

    9. Final Verdict

    In short: This Moth Saw Brightness is weird, wild, heartfelt, and smart. It’s a debut that doesn’t play it safe. It introduces a narrator you’ll root for, a world you’ll question, and a genre-blend that sticks with you. If you’re looking for a book that lingers after you close the cover, that challenges you while making you laugh (and maybe wince), this is it!

    A. A. Vacharat’s This Moth Saw Brightness quietly teaches you that sometimes the conspiracy is simply that you were never invited to believe you belonged.

    If you enjoyed this review, grab a copy of the book, let those footnotes surprise you, and let the conspiracies swirl! Because the brightest lights sometimes hide behind the weirdest moths. What are your thoughts on This Moth Saw Brightness? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A. A. VACHARAT:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    Want more book reviews? Check out our library!

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    Asia M.

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  • Thirteen’s The Charm: Inside The Dark Enchantment Of Erin A. Craig’s The Thirteenth Child

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    Book Overview: The Thirteenth Child

    Content Warnings: death, parent deaths, gore, war, violence, illness and plague, cheating

    Summary: Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather, Merrick, the Dreaded End and Death himself, to arrive. When he does, he lays out his plan for Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.

    But all gifts come with a price. . . .

    Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked with ending their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court,where she meets Leo, a rakish prince, and against her better judgment, she falls in love. But Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet when she is called to heal the king. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death for the sake of love?

    The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

    Imagine being blessed at birth, not by a fairy godmother but by Death himself. That’s the haunting premise of Erin Craig’s The Thirteenth Child, a YA novel that spins a darkly enchanting tale from a Grimm fairy tale. It’s part epic fantasy, part romance, and it’s already topping bestseller lists. So what makes this gothic story stand out? Here are 7 reasons it’s casting a spell on young readers:

    1. A Grimm Inspiration Reborn

    Based on a Brothers Grimm tale, but far from a quaint fable. It draws inspiration from a lesser-known Grimm story called Godfather Death, but don’t expect a straight retelling. Craig uses that dark premise as a springboard for something much bigger! The novel nods to the original folktale’s themes of bargains and fate, then ups the ante with richer characters and higher stakes. It feels like a classic fairy tale at heart, but with far more twists and teeth.

    2. Hazel Trépas: A Heroine With A Dark Gift

    At the story’s heart is Hazel, a girl blessed (and cursed) by Death. Hazel Trépas is the thirteenth child of a poor family, promised from birth to the God of Death. When her eerie godfather finally shows up, he blesses Hazel with the power to heal any illness. The catch? She can also tell exactly when someone is beyond saving, and then she must end their suffering. Imagine the burden of that gift! Hazel is compassionate but haunted, determined to forge her own path despite the grim duty hanging over her. It’s impossible not to root for her as she fights for control of her life under Death’s shadow!

    3. Death As The Ultimate Godfather

    When Death becomes your mentor, expect the unexpected. Merrick, the god of Death himself, isn’t your typical hooded reaper. As Hazel’s godfather, he’s stern and otherworldly, yet oddly caring in his own way (more so than Hazel’s actual parents, frankly). He takes Hazel under his wing to mold her into the great healer he expects. Their bond is a fascinating push-pull of duty and affection. It’s not every day that Death plays dad, and here it’s equal parts chilling and touching.

    4. Gothic Atmosphere And Storybook Vibes

    Think candlelit castles, misty forests, and ghosts at the door. The book’s atmosphere is pure gothic goodness, from midnight chapel vigils to woodland spirits lurking by the road. Craig vividly renders a world where every blessing comes with a curse attached, making it feel like you’ve stepped into an eerie old storybook. Yet for all the dark, lush detail, the writing stays crisp and clear. It gives you goosebumps without ever getting you lost in the woods.

    5. Royal Intrigue And High-Stakes Twists

    Palace politics, family secrets, and fate hanging by a thread. When Hazel is summoned to the royal court to heal a dying king, the story kicks into high gear. Suddenly she’s navigating a den of vipers: scheming nobles, hidden agendas, and maybe even a murderous plot. In this kingdom, no one is entirely trustworthy, and danger lurks in every corridor. The novel delivers twist after twist as Hazel unravels what (or who) is behind the king’s illness. The stakes are sky-high, with Hazel’s own future tied to the fate of the realm, so by the climax you’ll be holding your breath hoping she can cheat Death itself!

    6. A ‘Romantasy’ Worth Swooning Over

    Amid the darkness is a swoon-worthy spark. Even in a dark tale, there’s room for love. Hazel’s chemistry with Prince Leo (the king’s younger son) brings a welcome glow to the gloom. Their banter is quick and witty (Leo’s cynicism meets its match in Hazel’s no-nonsense charm) and their reluctant alliance slowly blossoms into something more. Importantly, the romance never overshadows the main story; instead, it raises the emotional stakes. You’ll find yourself rooting for this couple to find a happily-ever-after, even as doom hangs over them. In a world so shadowed, their romance is a warm, defiant light.

    7. Haunting Themes With Heart

    A fairy tale that makes you think (and maybe cry). Beyond the magic and mayhem, this story tackles big questions about mortality and sacrifice. Hazel’s very role asks: What makes a life well-lived? How far should one go to save someone they love? There are definitely scenes that tug at the heartstrings (keep tissues handy), but there’s also a thread of hope shining through!

    The Thirteenth Child doesn’t just retell a fairy tale: it redefines it for a new generation, turning a morbid premise into a story about the fierce, fragile beauty of life!

    What are your thoughts on The Thirteenth Child? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

    Want more book reviews? Check out our library!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ERIN A. CRAIG:
    GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

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    Asia M.

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  • Book Review: So Let Them Burn By Kamilah Cole

    Book Review: So Let Them Burn By Kamilah Cole

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    Do you love dragons, magic, and mythical legends? Then you should add So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole to your TBR! We love diving into new fantasy worlds, and the one featured in So Let Them Burn is definitely immersive! Check out what we thought about it in our review below.

    So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
    Image Source: Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    Book Overview

    Summary: Faron Vincent can channel the power of the gods. Five years ago, she used her divine magic to liberate her island from its enemies, the dragon-riding Langley Empire. But now, at seventeen, Faron is all powered up with no wars to fight. She’s a legend to her people and a nuisance to her neighbors.

    When she’s forced to attend an international peace summit, Faron expects that she will perform tricks like a trained pet and then go home. She doesn’t expect her older sister, Elara, forming an unprecedented bond with an enemy dragon—or the gods claiming the only way to break that bond is to kill her sister.
     
    As Faron’s desperation to find another solution takes her down a dark path, and Elara discovers the shocking secrets at the heart of the Langley Empire, both must make difficult choices that will shape each other’s lives, as well as the fate of their world.

    Content Warnings: death, violence, war, colonization, racism, PTSD

    Intriguing Magic And An Exciting Plot

    Epic fantasies with in-depth histories and backgrounds are a staple in the fantasy genre. That’s why we really enjoyed how So Let Them Burn was filled with rich world history and intriguing mythology. We felt immediately transported into the world through the vivid description of its past. We were drawn to how Elara and Faron’s magic was rooted in their ancestry and how the dragons came to be in the Langley Empire. The interconnectedness of all of these contrasting aspects made So Let Them Burn a dynamic read.

    Dynamic Relationships

    Do you love sister relationships in books? Then you’ll enjoy reading about Faron and Elara! Both sisters have very different personalities but they definitely have one mission in common, protect the other no matter the cost. We also enjoyed the romances in So Let Them Burn which will have something for everyone. Are you a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope? What about the childhood rivals-to-lovers trope? Then you’re in luck! We’re also excited to see how the relationships between both of the girls and the saints change in the next book.

    Character Growth

    We enjoyed watching how both of the main characters grew throughout the course of the book. Faron delved deeper into her relationships with the gods and their history. Meanwhile, Elara learned what it was truly like to be in the spotlight. They each persevered and fought tremendous challenges head-on. Seeing how they adapted and changed while sticking to their core values was inspiring and encouraging to see. We can’t wait to see how these characters continue to grow in the sequel!

    So Let Them Burn is a story of family, self-discovery, and magic that will leave you wanting more!

    Grab your copy of Kamilah Cole’s So Let Them Burn here!

    What’s your favorite magical creature? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Looking for more book reviews? Check this out!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KAMILAH COLE:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

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    Paige Lobianco

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