Check out these two YA mini reviews from Fall 2019 releases!
How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters
Published by Duet on September 10, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 340 Format: eARC Source: Publisher
4/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
Everyone on campus knows Remy Cameron. He’s the out-and-gay, super-likable guy that people admire for his confidence. The only person who may not know Remy that well is Remy himself. So when he is assigned to write an essay describing himself, he goes on a journey to reconcile the labels that people have attached to him, and get to know the real Remy Cameron.
Julian Winters’ second novel How to Be Remy Cameron is a wonderful story. It’s quiet with mostly internal struggle but Remy’s such a joy to read about. With supportive friends and family and his love of Reese’s, it was so easy to turn the pages and fall deeper into this genuine high school tale. I would totally recommend this book and anything Winters’ writes.
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Published by Delacorte Press on November 5, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Retellings
Pages: 342 Format: eARC Source: Publisher
4/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
There is nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl.
Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom’s borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution — send in Guinevere to be Arthur’s wife… and his protector from those who want to see the young king’s idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere’s real name — and her true identity — is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot.
To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old — including Arthur’s own family — demand things continue as they have been, and the new — those drawn by the dream of Camelot — fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land. Arthur’s knights believe they are strong enough to face any threat, but Guinevere knows it will take more than swords to keep Camelot free.
Deadly jousts, duplicitous knights, and forbidden romances are nothing compared to the greatest threat of all: the girl with the long black hair, riding on horseback through the dark woods toward Arthur. Because when your whole existence is a lie, how can you trust even yourself?
I am always down for an Arthurian legend retelling and Kiersten White’s twist on this tale is certainly an interesting choice. A changeling taking Guinevere’s place provides a totally different perspective. I really enjoyed the elemental magic and the moments delving deeper into the myths. The story is slow though and I was craving a little more action and excitement. I think it’s a solid series starter that many will love.
Have you read either of these books? Prefer one genre over the other?
Let me know in the comments below!
