Plot/Idea: The story opens with a charged sense of revenge as main character June contemplates killing Paul—the man she holds responsible for her brother's brutal death. Soon June discovers all is not as it seems, and her anger and frustration evolve as the story unfolds. The plot takes on weighty material, and some conflicts are resolved too quickly .

Prose: June's first-person perspective gives authority to her story, as she reveals events in an almost-reminiscent way that lays bare her tragic and painful memories.

Originality: Segregation and racism are addressed, though June's astonishment at the treatment of Black people feels implausible given the novel takes place in the 1930s. The story teases out other underlying themes that give it a deeper meaning. 

Character/Execution: June's transformation—as she thoughtfully reflects on her emotions, values, and decisions—is developed slowly but is ultimately believable and engaging.

Plot/Idea: Barnett once again delivers an underwater-centered plot that builds slowly, with intriguing elements added, such as using sign language to communicate while diving. Readers will be riveted by the story's exploration of dark and mysterious spaces at the bottom of the ocean.

Prose: The prose reflects diving terminology that elevates the story's authenticity, and Barnett crafts polished dialogue that feels relaxed and logical for the situation.  

Originality: Barnett goes out of her way to provide readers with educational tidbits throughout the novel—and the information on relevant sea life included at the end. Story-specific jargon gives readers an immediate connection with the plot, though some terms could be explained more clearly.  

Character/Execution: Lucy's first-person perspective rings true, and her growth into a self-assured advocate by the end of the story is admirable. 

Plot: Nightmare Hunt blends a bevy of supernatural dangers into an enjoyably frothy story of navigating high school dramas and dilemmas.

Prose: Martin has a clear handle on storytelling, even as the chaos erupts at the highest decimals. Well-played dark humor and believable interactions between characters, human and otherwise, keeps the story sailing along.

Originality: Nightmare Hunt relies on paranormal romance tropes, but the action is non-stop and Martin more than delivers on romantic and dramatic expectations.

Character/Execution: Belle Montague holds her own as a heroine, never settling for the role of damsel-in-distress. While the supernatural creatures don't all stand apart as unique, they'll have no trouble rooting for Belle's success and happiness...even if it means just graduating high school unscathed.

Plot/Idea: Ryder's high school setting will be absorbing for readers with similar experiences, and the themes of violence and loneliness running throughout the story are paired nicely with resolutions for coping and moving forward.

Prose: The narration is aimed at immersing readers into the novel's world through Ryder's second-person point of view—a tactic that is initially successful but eventually overwhelms.  Ryder writes with ease, but some sections of dialogue feel out of place.

Originality: The originality in this novel lies in the actions and events being driven by a character ascribed to the reader; unfortunately the style dominates the other events in the story.

Character/Execution: Nadine’s character is unconventional though not necessarily likable. Secondary characters run the gamut from relatable to otherworldly, including the presence of vampires and werewolves scattered throughout the plot.