Defy

Alex is the best swordsman of the Prince of Antion's guard. He and his twin brother fight side by side to protect the arrogant prince. Antion is a place in perpetual war where women are used to breed new soldiers. Alex hates the cruel king and his son. Oh, wait, Alex is really Alexa, who has been hiding that she is a girl so she is not sent to the breeding house after her parent's murder. But Prince Damian is starting to look at her funny. And he starts having cryptic conversations with her. Alexa doesn't know what to make of the this change, but finds herself changing her opinion of Damian. When they are kidnapped by a Blevonese sorcerer, Alexa must figure out what is really going on and how involved Damian is with their supposed enemies. Along for the ride is Rylan, who has always known Alexa is a girl and has feelings of his own for her. Alexa has to decide if she wants to trust Damian even as she finds herself falling in love with him. He is one big secret after the next AND the future king of Antion. What could become of a King and his guard- certainly not a royal marriage. And what of Rylan and his feelings? Meanwhile, this rag tag group must complete a near impossible plan to overthrow the evil King and his sorcerer. Many will lost their lives in this endeavor, but will it work? Will there be a happily ever after for anyone? This is a great adventure filled with romance and lots of sword fighting. Alexa is a strong. powerful warrior who doesn't rely on anyone. Damian is a dashing prince, determined to save his people. And the story of course, leaves us waiting for the next one. 2 days until summer vacation. Can't wait! Happy reading my friends!

The Scar Boys

Harbinger Jones is picked on a lot. So much, that one day a group of boys tie him to a tree. When a storm hits, they leave him there and run home. The tree is hit by lightning and Harry is badly burned. He becomes a loner with no friends and is set to muddle through school until one day a kid named Johnny decides to befriend him. Johnny makes him do things he normally wouldn't consider. And one day Johnny decides they should start a band. Thus, the Scar Boys is formed and Harry's life is changed forever. The band actually gets good, Harry is reborn through the healing power of music and they hit the road for a tour. But Harry isn't as wiling to be Johnny's sidekick as he once was and begins to see Johnny for what he is. When events lead to Johnny leaving, Harry becomes a new man. One who may have a place in the world regardless of his scars. This is a music lovers book. Each chapter is named after a song from the 80's. (the story takes place in the 80's) And it shows how a band can become family and how family can save you. The events that Harry puts in motion have quite an impact on the other band members and leads to a tragic conclusion. But through tragedy comes courage and understanding. This was a great story. There was no magic fairy tale ending, Harry's scars don't disappear, at least not the superficial ones. He doesn't get the girl and the band doesn't become famous. However, this shows that life is about the journey and not necessarily the destination. So get out your lighters and wave them in the air as Scar Boys take the stage! Happy reading my friends!

Midwinterblood

I'm at a loss as to how to explain this one to you my friends. But I'll try. This is the story of Eric and Merle. They have lived many lives together, each time in a different relationship. It is told from the future to the past in seven small stories. In each one, the main characters somehow find a way to be together. It may be as brother and sister, mother and son, etc. But each time, they effect each other in some profound way. As you get to the final story, you realize how it all began and what it all meant. It is a love story on it's deepest level. It shows that love does not have to be romantic to be powerful. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, because I was intrigued with how it was going to start (end). Each story had something to do with the next and you didn't realize that until you were in the past and saw how it would effect the future. Merle is always a joyous spirit and Eric is always looking for something.By the end you realize what he has been looking for. It is a well told story, but won't be for everyone. It is not typical YA with the characters ranging from old age to children. It won the Printz Award and deservedly so. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this little gem may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy reading my friends! (and you can look up the painting that plays a role in many of the stories and see it for yourself)

Half Bad

What if your mother was a White Witch and your father was a Black Witch? What if he was the most evil and wanted Black Witch in all of England? What if you weren't sure if you were going to be good or bad? And what if all you wanted to do was meet your father to see for yourself what all the hype was about? Well, then you would be Nathan. The black sheep of the family. The punching bag for all the pure bloods at school. The son who gets captured and kept in a cage for two years. Then, after all that, you would be the boy who uses his wiles to escape and find what he is looking for. On the way, he must find someone to give him three gifts and the family blood when he turns 17 or he will die. But who will do that for him? His mother and grandmother is dead. His half sister Jessica wants to kill him. And he brother Arran and sister Deborah must be kept away from him or they could be killed. Nathan sets out to find a witch who can help him, but everyone wants something from him. Most of all, they want him to kill his father Marcus. He refuses to do this deed. But sometimes other people's lives are put in danger and unless Nathan can find a way to get them to safety, he may not have a choice. This is a fast read, filled with action and adventure. It has all the typical themes, good vs. evil, father as an absent figure, the love story with a girl from the opposite side of the tracks and the typical, who can you trust when you can trust no one. Nathan is a great character, fighting within himself to see if he will become bad, even though he is fighting against it. Because quite honestly, the 'good' witches are the ones perpetrating the most trouble. If you like Harry Potter, or Luke Skywalker for that matter, give this new series a try. You won't be sorry. Happy reading my friends... 8 school days left... and yes, I'm counting!

Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Students ask me all the time what my favorite book is. I laugh. That would be like asking who my favorite students are. No, actually it is harder. I have some that are precious to me- The Scorpio Races, Eleanor and Park to name a couple. But I now have a definitive favorite series. This trilogy by Laini Taylor is exquisite. And this final piece of the puzzle, pure perfection. It has taken me a month to read. I don't know if it's because it's the end of the school year and things get crazy busy or because I needed absolute quiet to enjoy the writing in this book. Or perhaps it's because I knew it was the end  and I was savoring it. Whatever the reason, know that I enjoyed every one of the 613 pages. "Once upon a time an angel and a devil pressed their hands to their hearts and started the apocalypse" Karou and Akiva, who have literally been to hell and back with each other have reached a shaky peace. Both have done things they regret. Their people- the angels and the chimaera are enemies. But they are in love. Not sappy vampire love, but true, deep, soul crushing love. Their worlds are falling apart and only a crazy plan by Karou can bind the two sides into an alliance that could either save the world or end it. As this is the concluding book, I won't go into the whole story, you must start at the beginning with Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but know that the storyline is long and complex. But the payoff is amazing. The supporting cast of characters is back in full force. The cold, deadly Liraz, who may just fall in love. Ziri, who has given up his body to become the White Wolf to help Karou's plan. Zuz and Mik, the humans who venture into the world of the monsters to help their friend Karou and who have a few tricks up their sleeves. Strange Eliza, who may just save them all and lovely Issa, resurrected to help Karou remember who she is and where she came from. They must fight Jael, leader and EVIL father of Akiva, who has come to earth to gain weapons. But when that fight is over, they learn of another one even more dire that just may tear them apart before they even have a chance to get back together. I could go on and on, but I will just say in closing, the kids also ask me who my favorite angel character is- Patch, Daniel, Rafe, Jackson?? My new and final answer will always be Akiva. This one actually brought tears to my eyes as I sat at my desk finishing it today. I look forward to whatever Laini Taylor brings us next and to the summer of reading that is only a few weeks away. Please don't miss out on this smart, beautifully written series! I would never steer you wrong! Happy reading my friends!