Junk Magic and Guitar Dreams by T. James Logan was a really enjoyable young adult novel. It follows the story of a teenage boy who lives on his own after his mum died from cancer. He is estranged from his only family and does his best to pay the bills and live well so he doesn't get put into foster care. After his grandfather who he hasn't seen in years died, he receives a box of his 'junk' but soon realises the box is full of his memories. It was a really beautiful story about finding out who you truly are and how much music can influence your life. I loved the characters and the story. However I found some bits a bit bizarre and odd (Which is where the sci-fi element of the book comes in) but I won't give any spoilers! Something I do strongly believe in is the power of music, and how it can safe lives, and I loved how the book touched on that. Overall, it was a really wonderful read, and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the sci-fi element, I did find it interesting and a very creative idea. I 100% recommend this book!

This book is geared toward young adults. The book is well written but I failed to connect with any of the characters, perhaps because I'm no longer a teen. Then again, the adult characters were caricatures rather than relatable characters.

The main character is a 15 year old boy who must negotiate the many pitfalls thrown his way. He does so with the help of magical items imbued with his grandfather's memories and the help his friends provide.

I neither hated nor loved the book. I found it be a so-so read.

I received an advance copy of this book. I am leaving my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Michael “Otter” MacIntyre is an orphan at 15. Before his mother died, she helped him become an emancipated minor. But trying to be a grown up and being lost in his grief, Otter soon gets sucked into some very adult troubles. Throughout, he finds solace in music, something he shared a passion for with his mother.

This story highlights grief, sorrow, love, friendship, and healing. Reader beware of some significant trigger warnings such as abuse, death, religious discrimination, and hate speech.

I enjoyed the coming of age story of Otter but I didn’t love it. Some of the story felt forced, like the word count for that chapter was of paramount importance. The arc regarding Otters neo-Nazi neighbor who try’s to recruit him was somewhat unnecessary to the story. Otters world was shattering without that hate thrown in too.

Would I recommend it? Probably, but it probably wouldn’t be at the top of my list.

I loved the creativity that was fused in this book. It’s the kind of fantasy/reality humor/drama that makes me appreciate good speculative fiction.