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Book Reviews
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Witchkiller
by Ashlee Latimer
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Ashlee Latimer’s Witchkiller is a breathtaking, knife-sharp reimagining of Hansel and Gretel that dismantles the "happily ever after" with devastating precision. It is easily one of the most compelling young adult fantasy novels of the year. If you think you know this story, prepare to be entirely proven wrong.A Brutal, Honest Look at AftermathMost fairytales end when the monster dies. Witchkiller starts there. Latimer brilliantly explores the psychological toll of survival. Gretel isn't a celebrated hero; she is a deeply traumatized young woman drowning in nightmares and the physical memory of violence. Her struggle with PTSD is written with an authentic, raw empathy that anchors the magical elements of the world in stark reality.Complex, Toxic Family DynamicsThe heart of the book—and its most fascinating horror—is the fracturing relationship between the siblings. Hansel's transformation is terrifyingly grounded. Instead of being united by their trauma, he uses the witch’s stolen gold to buy his way into a cruel aristocracy, turning into a controlling monster of a different kind. The tension between Gretel’s desperate desire to protect her brother and her growing realization that he is beyond her saving is incredibly gripping.Subverting the "Wicked Witch"The world-building shines brightest when Gretel ventures back into the woods. Latimer beautifully subverts the classic propaganda of the "wicked witch." Seeing Gretel confront her own biases as she encounters a peaceful community of healers is a masterclass in thematic storytelling. It forces both the protagonist and the reader to question who the real monsters are in a society built on greed and patriarchal control.Perfect Tropes and PacingFor romance lovers, the fake-engagement plotline with Prince Wilfried is a spectacular breath of fresh air. It provides the perfect foil to the heavy family drama, offering witty banter, genuine emotional vulnerability, and a slow-burn chemistry that balances the darker themes of the book. The prose is atmospheric, lush, and moves at a relentless pace that makes all 336 pages fly by.

Chainsaw Man, Vol. 11
by Tatsuki Fujimoto
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Chainsaw Man Volume 11 throws everything into overdrive with intense despair, hope, and a jaw dropping reveals. Denji confronts Makima, wrestles with power and purpose, and Pandemonium reigns. Ending with a brutal, emotional climax that reshapes everything.

The Same bright stars
by Ethan Joella
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Great summer read. Takes place in Rehobath Delaware. I’ve vacationed there and some parts of book bring memories of Rehobath. Book is about loss, love, and new beginnings.

The Fourth Closet: Five Nights At Freddy’s (original Trilogy Book 3)
by Scott Cawthon
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The Fourth Closet is wild, dark, and full of shocking twists. It dives deep into identity, grief, and the terrifying truth behind the animatronics. Just when you think it’s over, it pulls you back in. A creepy, emotional, and intense end to the trilogy.

P.s. I Still Love You
by Jenny Han
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I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about how Lara Jean devolps as a person and as a character and the relationships she is able to form and the ability to be able to fix broken bonds from her childhood friends and family. It helped me devolp amongst Lara Jean and I really enjoyed it.

Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
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I worked at Middletown Library during this book's first wave of popularity and never got to read it because we literally couldn't keep it on the shelf. I see why it's popular, but it definitely feels like a prequel to the next one, since it ends juuuuust as she finds her passion for drawing.

Love Elixir of Augusta Stern
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
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I loved this story - vibrant in place, time, setting and characters. Kept me so engrossed I finished it in two days. I'm going to read the author's other books now!

Tegan and Sara: Junior High SIGNED
by Tegan Quin,Sara Quin
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As an identical twin, I LOVED this book. I enjoyed how their conversations where actually accurate like normal siblings and they weren't arguing about who was older. Also, I loved how they fought over the guitar in the book because my sister and I share a piano and we fight over it ALL the time. Overall, this book was a quick yet fun read.

Dork Diaries 3
by Rachel Renée Russell
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I loved the book. It was so amazing and I can't wait to read another Dork Diaries book. Rachel Renee Russell did really really really great writing this! The Dork Diaries series is so fun to read and is very funny. I can't wait to see what Nikki does next!

Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguro
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4 stars My original rating was to be 3 or 3.5, but the third part of the book saved it for me. Our three main characters (Kathy, Ruth and Tommy) are Hailsham students;grew up there, moved to the cottages and out into the world as either carers or donors. There were certain science fiction elements I quite enjoyed (even though I can agree this is a Lit fic first, than a sci fic) it even reminded me of “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “The Promised Neverland” by Kaiu Shirai, which made me enjoy this a lot. I will say Ruth pissed me off and I’m glad we stopped hearing much about her towards the end. Kathy was a 70/30 love-hate relationship, and Tommy was so sweet I love him so much. There were confusing parts, part that could’ve been skipped or lightly glossed over. Parts that felt glossed over that should’ve been delved into further, but all and all it was a great book and I will continue to read more of Kazuo Ishiguro’s books.
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