Dahlia Adler

There are already a thousand other books, plays, and films based off of the Shakespearean canon (and let’s be honest, his stories and themes were never actually new in the first place), so what’s another anthology collection of stories to add to the mix? Adler edits and collects a set of 15 short stories by some popular YA authors inspired by the Bard’s most well-known plays, so inevitably there will be a few stories contained herein to please (or at least entertain) anyone familiar show more with the plays and give them some reframed ideas about Shakesepare’s themes. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is without a doubt my favourite of Shakespeare’s works (they had me at magical forests and fairy drama), and inevitably one of the memorable stories in this collection was Anna-Marie McLemore’s “King of the Fairies.” The story takes us through some scenes within the fairy court, told through the eyes of the unnamed foundling child who caused the original rift between Titania and Oberon’s court during the events of Midsummer, and explores concepts around “otherness,” gender, and fey politics. They meet another outsider child who returns briefly to the court, who has been banished for shirking their expected gender role (who knew fairies were so traditional and staid), and in this meeting finds their way to self-acceptance and the courage to finally leave the toxic home that they have known within the court. The story itself definitely doesn’t have enough to gain my true liking, since these themes, events, and characters definitely could have been expanded into a full length novel, but this small intrigue into another aspect of the fairy court was a clear standout amongst the stories herein. Other tales of (personal) note were Dahlia Adler’s “I Bleed,” (based on The Merchant of Venice) a modern exploration of racism and hidden agendas through the lens of high school cliques; Patrice Caldwell’s reworked Hamlet “Elsinore,” a trite but intriguing vampiric take on Denmark’s prince; and Kiersten White’s “Partying is Such Sweet Sorrow,” a Romeo and Juliet via melodramatic text messages. Like the Bard himself, it seems there’s something in this collection for everyone, no matter if you’re looking for drama, death, comedy, or romance. show less

An A+ young adult romance, mainly friendship focused—and not just between the two leads. The heroine is learning to trust and to build friendships again in general, beginning to open up again after a pretty impactful triple betrayal (the double betrayal, we are all familiar with. But the triple?! Unprecedented). This novel is funny, with great secondary characters. It's also really nuanced in its treatment of sex and teen relationships, with a lot of emphasis on honesty and trust and show more contrasting relationships with those integral aspects firmly in place with those in which it is lacking. show less

Oh, this was a lot of sweet YA romance fun. At a pivotal age for makign decisions about the future, a big choice of where to spend the summer can be followed along both options (ala Sliding Doors, or a way less melancholy and less sci-fi My Real Children) to two different, sweet romances. Both summers/romantic options/outcomes were so excellent I couldn't choose between them; in my mind the big decision of where to go for the summer sprang up alternate universes, Doctor Who style, so both show more can continue indefinitely in alternate timelines. show less

Where has this author been all my life? Wow, I am blown away by this beautiful coming-of-age story that captures the essence of finding friends in the most unexpected places.

I love the quirky and delightful Everett “Evie” Riley. Life has really dealt her a crappy hand when it comes to love, family, and friendships. I admire her bravery to pack up and move away to start fresh at a boarding school. Seriously, how many of us could make such a bold decision? My heart broke for the betrayals show more she faced back home, but I found myself cheering for her growth and the strength she shows while asserting herself in the chaotic environment of a smelly, loud boys’ dormitory. Watching her transition from the new girl to the cool chick in her dorm was hilarious, and it’s all thanks to her quirky and animated personality. Plus, her card skills? Absolutely on point! No wonder grumpy Salem Grayson finds himself drawn to her.

Salem has this mysterious vibe that intrigues and captivates. While he presents himself as a ne'er-do-well slacker, there’s so much more beneath that stoner persona. His relationship with his goth sister adds depth to his character, and it’s refreshing to see him accept Evie for who she truly is even when she comes up with some hare-brained schemes. Sure, he makes a few questionable choices that only a teenage boy might, but the way he ultimately shows concern for Evie’s well-being really sealed the deal for me.

What I loved most about this book, though, was the friendships. Evie has a knack for making friends effortlessly with her fantastic sense of humor and laid-back attitude. Salem’s sister, Sabrina, is a natural extension of his character, and their sibling dynamic is both fun and meaningful. Then there's Isabel, one of the popular girls, who surprises everyone (including Evie) by taking her under her wing. And let’s not forget Matt, the charming player who’s always got some witty banter for Evie. Their rapport is just perfect!

My favorite moment was watching Evie mend her relationship with her friend Claire back home. It opens up a whole new chapter in her life, especially in dealing with her nasty, spoiled sister, Sierra, who truly doesn’t comprehend the harm she caused.

If you’re looking for something vibrant, funny, and heartwarming, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I can't wait to dive into more of Ms. Adler's stories.

Thank you to Ms. Adler for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review. show less