Month: September 2025

The Library of Unusual Treasures

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 8/5/25
ISBN: 9780525579045
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Gwen is forced by her terrible parents to spend her summer outside of Boston with her Uncle Matthew, whom she has never met, and his unusual dog Pumpkin.  She quickly realizes her uncle is nothing like her parents- he loves her and cares what she thinks and feels.  Gwen knows this is going to be a great summer.  Things get even better (and weirder!) when she starts hearing and seeing fairy-like creatures called Lahdukan at the library nearby. The Lahdukan are tiny and usually can only be seen by young children, but Gwen learns she is special and will take on the important role of protecting the Lahdukan, if she can only be brave enough to overcome her fears. She is faced with a big challenge she must complete by herself- without getting caught.

Elementary students will love this book. Gwen is a relatable and likeable character who readers will be pulling for.  The elements of magical realism are fun and not overwhelming. It’s perfect for kids who like realistic fiction.  There is enough danger and action to keep the pace of the novel moving and enough magic to keep it fun.  There are black and white drawings throughout the book that add to its whimsy.  This book is highly recommended for any elementary school or public library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Cruel is the Light

Cruel is the LightCruel Is the Light by Sophie Clark
on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 0593810724
Pages: 496
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

Selene, also known as the “Butcher of Rome,” is an exorcist working for the Vatican city in a VERY bloody battle against demons.  Jules, a talented Vatican soldier,  is an orphan with a mysterious background.  The two are forced to join together in an unusual alliance where Jules pretends to be Selene’s estranged fiance.  Together, they track down one of the most powerful demons wreaking havoc on the city, only to find out that not everything they have been taught to believe is true.  

This YA romantasy is advertised as an epic love story.  It has all tantalizing ingredients to make readers prepare to be amazed: war, forbidden love, religious turmoil, mysterious twists. Yet, it just doesn’t deliver.  The writing seems chaotic and it is very easy to lose track of what is happening.  The double point-of-view third person becomes tricky to follow.  The “dream” sequences come out of nowhere and the reader can’t determine if one is happening or not.  Constant backtracking is needed to keep things straight.  The pacing is all over.  There are ten pages of an index like handbook to introduce the reader to the world, the war, the characters, etc, only to have some of those characters killed off in the first three pages.  The amount of blood and gore is excessive to begin, and then the war fizzles out to attempt the romance plot line.  Of all the narrative structures, the romance is the most successful, but it’s still almost forced to the point of being false.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

two-stars

Grin

GrinGrin by D.W. Gillespie
Published by Delacorte Press on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 0593814886
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Middle schooler Danny can’t believe his mom is actually going to let him stay with his uncle Bill for a week. Bill owns a retro-style arcade, full of every 80s and 90s game imaginable, and Danny has high hopes of beating them all. When Bill shows Danny the new game he managed to track down, Grin, Danny realizes it’s the same one his favorite YouTuber has just described as being rumored to be haunted. As Bill falls deeper and deeper under Grin‘s trance, Danny has to figure out how to save him and destroy the game, once and for all.

Gamers will love this thriller and its numerous references to old school games. The suspension of disbelief is easy enough to roll with thanks to Grin‘s pace and setting, and Gillespie does a good job making Bill menacing while possessed but ultimately redeemable. Suitable for both middle and high school readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars