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Monday, February 13, 2023


Book Tour: JUNIPER HARVEY AND THE VANISHING KINGDOM review + favorite quotes

 


Book Details

Title: Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom
Author: Nina Varela
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 14, 2023
Genre(s): Middle Grade, LGBT, Fantasy
Pages: 320
     

Reading Details

Finish Date: February 10, 2023
Format: Physical
Representation: Lesbian
Trigger/Content Warnings: Violence, Blood, Physical Combat, Anxiety/Panic Attacks


Rating: 4.5/5

Review: 
I was hoping that I would love this book, but I wasn't sure. I had never read one of Varela's books before so I was a bit hesitant but hopeful. I am thoroughly obssessed and look forward to reading more of Varela's books in the future.

It did take me a bit to get drawn into the book. I don't think it was the story or writing though, I just was having an off day the day I started this book. Once I was feeling better, I was hooked to this book. I was constantly intrigued by this book and waiting to see where it was going to go.

One of my favorite things that this book did was have riddles (I'm fairly certain that was the term used). I love fantasy/mythological books that have riddles that the main characters need to figure it. I had a great time trying to figure them out next to them.

I also really enjoyed that this book had its serious moments and the moments where it was allowed to be more light-hearted. It wasn't all constant action or terrifying situations. Sometimes it was lines that made me laugh or times where the characters were given a bit of space to breathe. That helped the book feel balanced and well-paced.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent book. I absolutely loved reading it and getting to go on this journey with Juniper and Galatea. I had such a fun time but there were also points where it got my heartbeat up and had me waiting to see what was going to happen next. The author did a great job at balancing the book so that it didn't feel rushed or slow, but also so it didn't feel too heavy or too light.


Favorite Quotes: 
  • "I don't want to be a butterfly...I want to be a cicada."
  • "You can have a crush on whoever you want. Well, as long as they're cute. And nice."
  • "I'm as clueless as you are. More clueless, even."
  • "You might be wondering how I can tell they're monster sheep, despite having never encountered monster sheep before. Easy."
  • "Will someone tell me what a magnet is"
  • "Please tell me about the dragons."
  • "You could've just said..."
    "I prefer the visual."


  • About the Author

    Nina Varela was born in New Orleans and raised in Durham, North Carolina, where she spent most of her childhood running around in the woods. These days, Nina lives in Los Angeles with her tiny, ill-behaved dog. She writes stories about queer kids, magic, and the magic of queer kids. You can find Nina on twitter (@ninavarelas), Instagram, or at https://www.ninavarela.com/.

    Book Purchase Links:

  • Amazon
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Book Depository
  • Indigo
  • IndieBound
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