YA, We Read It!

The Return: Shadow Souls - Part 2 (The Vampire Diaries #6)

It's that time of week for Meggie and Laura to dive back into Young Adult world, and this time we're still in the Dark Dimenstion. From rags to riches (in quite literally 10 pages), we discover that Lady Ulma is the heir to a jewel fortune. Instead of using her money to get Stefan free, instead and our group of rescuers can climb the social ranks as they party it up through the realm and search for the two fox keys. And just when you thought Elena would stop kissing her boyfriend's brother, (since she is trying to rescue her boyfriend after all) well, let's just say things are heating up and not just because we're in demon territory. 

The Return: Shadow Souls - Part 1 (The Vampire Diaries #6)

Hoping to move on quickly from the mess that was book #5, Laura and Meggie are relieved that the book #6 vibes are far superior than what they once were. Elena is stuck on the run with Matt and Damon as they race to get to the Demon Gate that will let them into the Dark Dimension to finally rescue her one true love Stefan, but UH OH, Damon's looking extra in Elena's eyes lately. The ultimate love triangle is just getting started, plus can Elena reform the underworld?! (Probably not, but our little Miss pure of heart is going to try her best!)

The Return: Nightfall - Part 2 (The Vampire Diaries #5)

Wherever Meggie and Laura expected this book to go, they were completely wrong because the latter half is plot points on plot points and not in a concise way. The fox spirits are still wreaking havoc on literally everyone, Mrs. Flowers is now a witch and ready to fight, Stefan is still gone, Dr. Abbot's along for the ride, and our friends are doing their best to get everything under control. Get ready for snow globes, magic keys, and plenty of trigger warnings because this book, unfortunately, has it all. 

The Return: Nightfall - Part 1 (The Vampire Diaries #5)

Ten years after the fourth book ended, the fifth book of Vampire Diaries came into the world and picked up right where it left off. Elena is alive! Weirdly she has some baby energy as she's learning to be human again? Something is once again amiss in Fell's Church and Damon is too busy brooding to help at all. He's too busy focusing on how to get Stefan out of the picture so he can make Elena all his. Will he prevail? Or will a new mysterious creature get in his way?

Dark Reunion (The Vampire Diaries #4)

Okay, we'll admit it: we didn't expect the main character to die at the end of the third book! Bonnie takes over as our main point of view and she even starts keeping a diary to cope with Elena's death (aw cute!). Just when we thought the people of Fell's Church were destined for some peace and quiet, more trouble is brewing in the shadows and Bonnie's powers might be the only way the gang can get some answers to finally destroy it. Laura and Meggie are dishing HARD as things honestly get kinda terrifying in this book.

The Fury (The Vampire Diaries #3)

Rejoice dear listeners! Meggie and Laura are back to talk about the third book in The Vampire Diaries series: The Fury. Elena is a freakin vampire now! And it's finally discovered that all the badthat's been going down around town might not be Damon's fault at all? It's the ultimate mystery turned boss battle brawl as Elena, Stefan, and Damon team up to tackle the evil force that's haunting Fells Church.

The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries #2)

This week on YA, We Read It! Laura and Meggie are amped to continue right where the first book left off. Our new favorite protagonist Elena is not having ANY of Damon's bullshit. So what's the struggle here? Literally everything! We've got Elena trying to prove that Stefan didn't murder their history teacher, we've got the intro of creepy new teacher Alaric Saltzman, and we've definitely got jealous ex-friend Caroline trying to destroy Elena's reputation. Oh, and we have a whole lot of blood-sucking that you do not want to miss.

The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries #1)

Awakening from their short break between seasons, Meggie and Laura are flying high into season 5 where they are set to tackle The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith. Originally coming out with the first 4 books in the 1990s before continuing the series in the 2010s and inspiring a hit tv-show, this YA series is anything but ordinary. This episode, your hosts and best friends cover "The Awakening" where we are introduced to popular girl Elena and her quest to make the new student Stefan her brand new beau. Will she succeed? Or will she awaken a whole mess she didn't see coming?

Final Thoughts: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Let the final thoughts of YA, We Read It's 4th season begin! Join your resident hosts + best friends Laura and Meggie as they rehash their favorite thoughts and feelings about The Hunger Games trilogy and prequel. We're talking things we would have loved to see in the prequel, Katniss as a relatable protagonist, and (most importantly) Team Gale v. Team Peeta. It's safe to say that this series that originally debuted in 2008 still holds a special place in both our hearts. And, of course, we say where we are heading for season 5!!!

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Part 2 (The Hunger Games Prequel)

Meggie and Laura are once again joined by Brooke Smith and Ryan Stevens (hosts of Nation of Animation) to wrap up all their thoughts and feelings on the second half of the Hunger Games prequel. Coriolanus Snow really wants just three things: Lucy, Sejanus to leave him alone, and all the birds to go away. Let's just say it's a ... unprecedented turn for the story to take? Either way you don't want to miss this foursome's hot takes as they rehash their likes (and mostly dislikes) from their time reading.