The Downstairs Girl – Stacey Lee

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Penguin Random House Canada
Published: August 13th 2019
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Race, Gender, Poverty

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REVIEW:

After reading a book with protagonists that did not inspire any reaction in me but one of absolute indifference, it felt almost magical to read a story with a character that absolutely popped off the page and claimed her rightful place as the heroine of this book. I live for these types of characters with personality, strength, ambition and a desire for change. Jo hasn’t had it easy at all but she’s working hard to support herself, survive and make something of herself. Historical Fiction is a hit or miss for me, because it can be more boring than watching a hamster go about its day. (Since I once had one I can tell you it’s very, very boring.) Luckily instead of incorporating every historical element possible in her story, Stacey Lee discussed key subjects that were of great importance to Jo, such as poverty, race and gender. All of which I was able to understand and all of which made me feel invested in this story.

Wicked Fox – Kat Cho

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Received: Penguin Random House Canada
Published: June 2019
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology

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REVIEW:

Somehow I knew this would not work well for me and I am all about mythology in my fantasy reads. But after reading the cheesy summary mentioning a forbidden romance that could potentially become Miyoung’s downfall, I was like, ‘‘I really hope YA Fiction moves on from this type of character arc, man.’’ I gave it a chance anyway because sometimes blurbs are awful but the characters wonderful so it’s always possible to be surprised when it comes to books.