Review: THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD (BOOK 0.5), by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and believe me when I say I was beyond excited for the opportunity. The chance to read a book that I'd been anticipating anyway? Count me in.

L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain have done it again—they’ve created a unique world with the strangest unexpected twists. THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD takes place in the pre-apocalypse, while life as we know it falls apart around the main character. The story is rather soft and action-less, though it’s clear big things are coming in the sequel; this quick read is only getting the audience’s toes wet. As usual, Vargus and McBain have a distinctly original voice that emanates from the pages, sucking the reader in. Though the story itself is impressive, it’s the writing that makes this book stand out. Always engaging and never apologetic, THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD is not to be missed! I look forward to being the first in line to read the rest of this series.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Readers who love origin stories of the apocalypse (think: FEAR THE WALKING DEAD)

Review: OUT OF THE POCKET, by Bill Konigsberg

Let me start by saying I enjoyed OUT OF THE POCKET; the plot was intriguing and I'm happy with the message it presents. As usual, Bill Konigsberg does a great job of roping his readers in. However, I was disappointed to find that this book wasn't as good as OPENLY STRAIGHT and THE PORCUPINE OF TRUTH, which I read first. Though I applaud this story and will recommend it to others, the writing wasn't quite as tight as I would have expected.

Stars: 3.5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys sports stories

Review: CUT BOTH WAYS, by Carrie Mesrobian

CUT BOTH WAYS is addictive, emotional, and packed with layers. I had trouble putting this book down! It's easy to relate to the main character, Will, who has a touching and realistic perspective that will make any reader's heart break. Carrie Mesrobian has a way with narration, saying a lot with limited words. I was especially impressed with how she forces the reader to view each situation through the lens of the main character. I also strongly suggest reading the Author's Note at the end, which provides a lovely recap of Ms. Mesrobian's motivations.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for:  Lovers of realistic contemporaries and LGBTQ teen fiction