The Art of Exile by Andrea Max

What's summer without a young adult fantasy romance with action, intrigue, and...an academy (of sorts)? Since this type of read happens to be a 'must' on the YA summer-fun list, I was excited to get my hands on this read. It's the first in a brand new series and is sold as an exciting mix (read the blurb below to see what I need). I'm curious to see if this is worth grabbing up and diving in. So, let's find out!

THE ART OF EXILE

Academy of Muses #1

by Andrea Max

Margaret K. McElderry Books

YA Fantasy

448 pages

Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code in this captivating light academia contemporary fantasy following a teen who infiltrates a secret school for the descendants of exiled Renaissance masters to steal their long-lost arts and sciences.

Unlike the high-achieving members of her family’s secret society, Ada Castle has mastered nothing but the art of falling for the wrong guys. But now she finally has the chance to prove her worth: she just needs to gain access to a hidden school that her family has been trying to locate for generations. Granted, she accidentally goes on a date with the recruiter first, then is temporarily abducted, but Ada manages to secure herself an invitation to the Genesis Institute, where descendants of exiled Renaissance masters practice long-lost arts and sciences.

The school is a utopia of sustainable technology, medical advancements, and myths come to life, yet they are unjustly hoarding their resources. Ada goes undercover to steal their innovations for the rest of the world, but Genesis nurtures her creativity and challenges her views, and she can’t help but fall for the school…and maybe also for her frustratingly off-limits recruiter-turned-mentor.

Ada’s tangle of lies starts to unravel when one of her new friends goes missing. To rescue her, Ada is forced to work with a dangerous (and dangerously hot) classmate whose suspicions threaten her cover. And when the information she’s shared with her family puts her missing friend and all of Genesis in peril, she’ll have to choose whom to betray: the family she loves or the school that has helped her find herself.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON     /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

A rich world of magic weaves against reality with plenty of intrigue and tension along the way.

Ada is seventeen and the only member of her family, who isn't reaching the high-goal posts set by the rest of her family, but she has her own talent, which they don't fully understand. Trying to prove her special worth, she follows a friend's advice and heads to Paris with the hope of infiltrating a secret society, which trains and harbors people wither her abilities...and with the mission to expose them so that they will, finally, share their accomplishments with the rest of the world. Right away, she meets danger and discovers that there is so much more going on than she expected. Caught in a web of opposing forces and golden promises, she does her best to finish what she came to achieve, but the heart betrays and secrets run deeper than most even know.

A love triangle, budding magic, the blur of good vs evil, learning to know yourself, and a touch of academy drama make this a read, which slides nicely into the young adult category that so many expect and enjoy. It grabs right away as Ada goes from first nods toward romance to a very precarious situation within a couple pages, and shoots right into the magical world from there. It took a second to figure out what was really going on, especially since this necessary background information first comes over fifty pages in. But the author definitely keeps the pacing quick and builds the world along the way.

The world building and characters are done with thought, which adds plenty of richness while the read stays tropey enough not to weigh down, too. Of course, some aspects stretch imagination (this is fantasy), and there are moments where belief simply needs to slide in without explanation but all within reason. There are plenty of explanations behind various moments, some of these slow things down a tiny bit which had me sliding over sentences here and there. However, it does enrich the scenes and story, too, and that goes for the characters as well...although some carry more depth than others, and even here, there are some aspects which stretch normal sense. But all of this makes this exciting read snuggle nicely into the teen drama range.

There is romance, and it is a triangle. Both are swoon-worthy and hard to choose between. Ada has a lot on her plate, though, and does keep the adventure in mind while dancing her choices and discovering her own heart's desires. It's messy as triangles are and tropey...but this also will make those readers, who enjoy this direction, smile.

As for the intrigue...it gets going nicely and the foundation is well-laid for the upcoming series. There are layers to the intrigue and many surprises along the way. Ada faces many choices, and not all of them are clear cut. Plus, danger isn't exactly rare, so the tension stays high, too. So, fans of the genre will want to take a peek at this one and sink into the magical realm.

And here she is...

Andrea Max is an English teacher who previously worked as a clinical social worker with an MSW from New York University. Aspects of the history and magic systems in The Art of Exile were inspired by the Jewish tradition and mythology with which she was raised. Andrea lives with her husband and toddler in New Jersey.

From Earth to Eris by Greg Bradley

This time of year...when the sky is cloudless...we can almost see the entire Milky Way. Actually, we have to wait for Fall to see it completely, but star-gazing is a lovely thing when you live as rural as we do. Especially when the nights are enjoyable and invite to sitting an extra hour or two. So, today's read seemed like a fitting read.

The blurb reminds me a bit of a book my first born enjoyed when he was very little. It also had a child, who happened to fly into space one night. But the kid in that book flew on a washing machine. I've searched everywhere for the title (the book we had fell apart after years of reading) but can't seem to locate it. Oh well.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing how this adventure shoots into space and beyond. So let's get on board and find out.

FROM EARTH TO ERIS

by Greg Bradley

Illsutrated by Matthew LaFleur

Little Creek Press

Picture Book

44 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 8th!!!

Jay has always dreamed of traveling among the stars. One magical evening, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, leaving Earth with his trusty backpack named Jack. Together, they soar through the galaxy, meeting planets, exploring mysterious moons, dodging asteroids, and discovering wonder at every turn.

Will they ever return home?

From Earth to Eris is a heart-pounding, imaginative tale that will captivate young readers, inspiring them to dream big, embrace adventure, and never stop reaching for the stars.

GOODREADS    /    LITTLE CREEK PRESS

MY TIDBITS

A mix of facts and fantasy create an imaginative tale, where every moment means a new discovery and dreams open up to amazing possibilities.

It's time for bed, and Jay is ready to take his rocket and shoot off into space with his backpack named Jack accompanying him. They pass through the solar system, discovering this and that along the way. They head out into the space beyond to find lesser known moons and more. But the big surprise hits when they reach Eris...and the adventure there is bigger than Jay or Jack every expected.

This is a fun read for young space fans. Not only does it work in a few lesser known tidbits about planets and more, but it whirls in exciting bits of fantasy. The balance works nicely, especially for the younger end of the intended audience, and invites to amazing dreams right before bedtime. In other words, it makes a great sleepy-time read with enough tension to keep things interesting, but not so much that it destroys sleepier vibes by the end. Instead, it shows that anything is possible when kids close their eyes and let their imaginations soar. There are positive vibes, not only due to the wholesome moments of the family, but also with old and new friends as they celebrate and learn to get along. 

Written in verse, it flows well and creates a nice read aloud. The illustrations bring the mentioned information in the text across visually and with a sense of fun. The talking backpack adds humor and steering for Jay during the story. I was a bit surprised by the choice of object brought to life, but it works, and I wonder if it's there to guide through other adventures in the future (?). Guess, we'll have to wait to see. In any case, the illustrations are very well done, bold, and add let the more factual side come across while letting the imagination fly. 

Little space fans are sure to enjoy this one before heading off into dreamland.

And here they are...

Greg Bradley is an emerging science fiction author, debuting his original brand of storytelling with From Earth to Eris. Inspired by the awe of witnessing Halley’s Comet, Greg’s fascination with deep space drives his storytelling, in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in Studio Art, he uniquely blends nostalgic creativity with a passion for service in his work. Greg resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to craft compelling narratives and share his love for art and exploration.

Matthew LaFleur has been an illustrator for over two decades. He has drawn from the creative well to create various artwork that has appeared on beer cans and bottles, baseball trivia books, magazines, board games, t-shirts, greeting cards, and more. Matthew draws most of his breaths just north of Chicago in Evanston and is the proud father of two talented, art, book, and music-loving people.

Matthew has also illustrated The Toothless Fairy, written by Tim Jordan, The Isle of Stuck Faces, written by Brooke Saucier, and A Magnificent Misunderstanding, written by Molly Raske.

What's Coming in July?

With July, the summer temperatures are definitely rising...although I'm hoping for some cooler, rainy periods, too. If nothing else, it's time to head outdoors and hit the water directly (if it doesn't come to me, I'll go to it). Which should leave me with plenty of time to read, too.

A glance at my July's reading pile shows a larger array of middle grade reads with mostly nonfiction and fantasy piling up. So, I guess it will be both sides of the genre extremes on that front. There are some horror reads in the YA direction as well as tendencies to fun spooky ones on the picture book arena. Many of the spooks are first nods to Halloween (the publishing world always has to start a few months early for obvious reasons). Other than that, my reading pile is all over the place and will hold several surprises. 

Anyway, here's a peek at several books on my schedule for this month!

FROM EARTH TO ERIS

This read should reach for the stars with adventure and exploration. I'm not sure if it holds some information goodness or not, but it should be quite the imaginative ride with aliens and a boy on an unexpected cruise through space. Find out more with me on the 2nd.

Picture Book

THE ART OF EXILE

Since I've been rather light, this year, on the young adult front, I wanted to start this month off on a good foot in that direction. This is the 1st in a brand new series, Academy of Muses. It's sold as Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code. And that's all I know for now...but I love the cover, and I loved both of the tales this one is compared to. So, I'm hoping for the best and will expose everything on the 3rd.

Young Adult Fantasy

THE AI INCIDENT

This read hit upon a theme, which has been flying all over the media world as AI is, obviously, becoming more important. But it does it with adventure and a tad bit of ridiculousness? Or so it seems? There's a rogue robot involved, middle school, foster kids, biases, and so much more. So, I'm not really sure what to expect. I'll be discovering more about this one and sharing it on the 7th.

Middle Grade Science Fiction

THE ATLAS OF LANGUAGES

This read is supposed to filled with illustrations, maps, and tons of information surrounding word origins and more. It doesn't appear to be a dry look at the world languages, but instead, should explore questions such as which languages are considered beautiful or rare? Or where does the word banana come from? I'm hoping there is tons of knowledge fun and will be able to say more on the 9th.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

GROUCHO THE GROUCH GROUNDHOG

It was the idea of having a groundhog that's grumpy, which caught my attention on this one. And the bunnies surrounding him. The appear to pack a bit of nervousness, hesitation, and expectation. Is this a villain tale? Honestly, I have no clue. I assume there will be a message about being grumpy...or maybe not. We'll see what this graphic novel holds on the 10th.

Middle Grade Humor   /   Graphic Novel

OH NO THEY AREN'T: SCIENCE

I'm always on the lookout for fun, nonfiction reads, and this one caught my attention. It's part of a series, but I haven't had a chance to read any of them yet. I believe I've hit some other reads from this author, though (if memory serves me correctly). I also seem to remember the author being very good at delivering facts in a fun way. See if I'm right or my memory is failing me on the 13th.

Children's Nonfiction

AT LAST SHE STOOD

To balance out the nonsense on my list, I decided to add this one to the mix. It takes us into the nonfiction realm and exposes the brave tale of Josefina Guerrero, who was a guerilla fighter, honored with medals, survived leprosy, became a teacher, and worked for peace. She was a spy for the allies during WWII in the Japanese area. And that's all I know so far. I'm really looking forward to her tale and will be letting you know more about it on the 21st.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

BLOOD ON THE BOARDWALK

This is the first in an upcoming horror series and should include vampires, mystery, and more. I haven't read a vampire tale in awhile and thought this would be a fun change-up. Plus, horror always seems to find a big audience. It's said to be inspired by The Lost Boys and horror from the 90's. So, we'll see what that means on the 23rd.

Young Adult Horror

TRANCE

Orca publishers have a series of books, which specializes in short reads for teens, who aren't necessarily reading gurus. I enjoy taking a dive into these, so when I saw this upcoming psycho-thriller, wanted to give it a go. It involves a girl in a trance and should take on some paranormal aspects...or so I'm lead to believe. I'll find out more and share my thoughts with you on the 26th.

Young Adult Thriller

 

FLUFFLE BUNNIES: BIG CITY BUNS

This is the second in a graphic novel series for beginning readers...and nope, I haven't read the first one. I just loved the title and found the cover intriguing. Is it going to be mysterious? Maybe, adventurous? Or funny? I have no clue, but I'm excited to find out on the 29th.

Chapter Book   /   Graphic Novel

Like many reading fans, my book pile...piles are pretty high, and while I would love to read every single tale each month, there simply isn't enough time. But my schedule is always shifting, too, thanks to publishing changes, books not reaching me as they should, or simply other unexpected occurrences. So, I almost always can weave an extra book or two into my schedule. This month's joker read is....

THE GHOSTS OF PANDORA PICKWICK

I've been waiting to get my fingers on this book...and it suddenly arrived! Since I didn't have it in my schedule, yet, because of the shipping delay, I'm going to have to squeeze it in somehow this month. I'm not sure when, though, since my schedule is fuller than full. But there's no way I'm going to wait much longer, either.

So, let's see when I get to it.

Middle Grade Mystery   /   Paranormal

Invisible: Max Wheeler's Guide to (NOT) Fitting In by Ryan Andreassen

Today's read is one that I'm, at first glance, on the fence about. It's no secret that I'm very cautious when it comes to reads with message about social issues...as in that's their complete purpose of being written. I tend to be super critical of these reads, especially when it hits areas such as neuro-divergency. My circle is packed with individuals in this area, so my scrutiny level is very high. Now, there are very good reads out there, and that's why I take a peek when I think one might win me over. So, why did I grab this one up? Well... ready for depth?????

The cover. Yep, that's it. And that's why I'm on the fence because I'm well aware that a cover doesn't necessarily mean anything, but there's just a nice sense of playfulness in this one to make me wonder if it does stay true to the intended audience and doesn't weigh down.

I guess it's time to find out if it's worth my gamble on this one or not.

*******

And before I forget, it's Monday! That means there is tons of middle grade goodness over at the MMGM (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday) over HERE. Knowers and lovers of literature for this age group recommend all sorts of tales to dive into. So, if you're into middle grade literature, you're going to want to head over there and take a peek.

INVISIBLE:

Max Wheeler's Guide to (NOT) Fitting In 

by Ryan Andreassen

Salt & Light

Middle Grade Contemporary

178 pages

ages 7 and up

"So here’s the thing about brains- they’re all weird. Seriously. But some brains are weird in ways everyone understands, and some brains are weird in ways that make people look at you funny. Guess which kind I have?" – Max Wheeler

Invisible is a laugh-out-loud, deeply heartfelt middle-grade novel about being different, being seen, and finding the people who see you for who you truly are.

Max Wheeler’s brain is like a spaceship- sometimes launching into hyperfocus at lightspeed, other times spinning out in a cosmic storm of distractions. With ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences, middle school feels like a daily mission through unexpected noise, confusing social codes, and cafeteria smells that seem like they came from another galaxy. Thankfully, Max has Cosmo—his support dog and steady companion.

His latest plan? Operation Normal A foolproof strategy to blend in and avoid standing out. it fails. Spectacularly.

When Max gets partnered with the ultra-organized, hyper-focused Amelia Lin for a major science project, he's sure they'll be a disaster together. Amelia has every step of her life planned out, and Max... well, Max once got distracted mid-sentence and forgot what he was talking about. But as they build a project around space and craters, Max realizes that maybe the key to surviving middle school isn't becoming someone else- it's finding the right people who like you just as you are. "Maybe being invisible isn't the problem. Maybe I just need to be visible to the right people."

Full of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, this book is perfect for fans of Wonder, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Counting by 7s, and The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. It's a story about friendship, self-acceptance, and the unexpected ways we discover where we belong.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Max's determination to improve his social status slides in unexpected directions to increase awareness while putting a smile on the face.

Max has ADHD, dyslexia and sensory processing challenges...which means that life in school isn't always easy. But Max is on a mission to make himself more 'normal', which means figuring out what normal kids do, like, and talk about. Even with carefully laid out plans, nothing runs as planned, and he's about to give up...until he is partnered with the smartest girl in the class for a science project. Of course, he's well aware that this is destined to become a complete disaster despite his huge interest and knowledge in all things space. If he worked alone, he'd easily impress the teacher, but with a partner, he's pretty sure he's doomed. 

The first pages allow Max time to introduce himself and, especially, stress his special challenges. Even with the toss in of lists and various fonts/media fun, it almost became too much and concentrated on that front...but then, the tale shifts as a very entertaining and grabbing story unfolds. 

Max is a guy to like. He's well aware of who he is, how others see him, and what situations are most difficult to deal with. But for all of this self-awareness, he still can't manage to behave in a way to make him 'fit in'. This might seem like very usual set-up (and it is), but Max is a determined guy. Readers will have no trouble identifying with his well-planned missions to fit in and laugh as well as groan as one after the other falls apart in surprising ways. It's bitter sweet and lets lightness and humor coat the serious undertones without cheapening them. But this isn't the whole story...and that's great! Max has to work with the smart girl of the class, and she's quite the enjoyable character to get behind thanks to her very own, distinct quirks. The interactions between them are natural, adorable, funny, and hold just enough tension to make a reader wonder how in the world it will work out. The whole time, Max's thoughts and remarks (and lists and more) lead to awkward reality in the best ways.

The various challenges Max and others have in this book do help readers become more aware of such situations and open up a big door to better understanding. Especially since Max is, actually, very easy to connect with and understand. It doesn't shove everything into boxes, which I appreciate, but rather, lets the vastness flow in a very easy way for even 'normal' kids to identify with on some level.

Mostly, it's a fun read. Max carries tons of personality and is a character to root for the entire way through.

 

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight by Christine Mott

Today's read grabbed my interest for several reasons. Firstly, the owl soaring above NYC mixed with the title just seemed a little different that other picture books I've been grabbing up lately...and I love diverse directions. Secondly, it's written based on a true story, and I'm a sucker for those when done right. Add that animal stories (true ones) are especially heartwarming for this age group, and I decided to give it a go. 

Let's open it up and see if it's worth a read or not! 

FREE BIRD

Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight

by Christine Mott

Illustrations by Ofra Isler

Lantern Publishing & Media

Picture Book

52 pages

ages 4 to 8

Based on a true story, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is an inspiring picture book for children ages 4-8 chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.

Embark on an exciting journey with Flaco the owl in Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight! This captivating picture book, perfect for children ages 4-8, is based on a true story that will inspire and delight young readers.

Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.

Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!

This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.

50% of author’s book royalties will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Based on a true story, this book follows the adventure of Flaco the owl as he escapes from the New York zoo and finds freedom in the world beyond. It begins as Flaco stares out into the world from his cage, dreaming of flying with the other birds, which visit him now and then. His 'escape' is quick, leaving most of the book to deal with his adaptation to the wild and flying, since he's never had the opportunity to fly freely and doesn't have the strength right away.

The story is told through Flaco's eyes and shows how he struggles with various aspects of being free in New York. I appreciated this take, since it shows the reality of the situation and how being 'free' isn't an instant wonderful perfection but includes adjustment. The involvement of the zoo as they try to catch him is gently added here and there as a live trap peeks up in a couple illustrations and Flaco notices them with a phrase or two, but this isn't about the chase and doesn't press that direction. Instead, Flaco finds himself lonely and needing to learn. There are a few dangers, but these are also on the subtle side to slide with the age group well. By the time Flaco does sink into his new life, readers will be rooting for him and have a new respect for animals that make this change.

The writing flows well enough and fits the audience level nicely. It isn't written with over-excitement or adventure but still holds the pacing enough to catch the interest of more reluctant listeners on better days. The information slides right in with the story adding a little knowledge goodness. All of this balances nicely with the illustrations, which depict most scenes with depth and bring the world to life. 

This makes a lovely read for anyone visiting the theme of releasing animals back into the 'wild'. And since a portion of the profits also head toward the Wild Bird Fund, it also offers goodness on that side.

And here she is...

Christine Mott is an author, attorney and animal advocate with over fifteen years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to protect animals. She advises alternative protein companies, animal sanctuaries and other animal protection and sustainability-focused organizations. Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association and has served on the boards of various animal advocacy organizations. Christine received her J.D. from NYU Law and her B.A. from Smith College. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine currently lives in California with her family.  

Readers can connect with Christine Mott on Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit ChristineMott.com