Call Down the Hawk

It is fitting that my last completed read of the decade (where does the time go) is the newest by Maggie Stbievater. My darling Rylee bought this for me (my book soulmate and former student) and I have been eagerly anticipating a return to Ronan Lynch. Now if you haven't read The Raven Cycle, you do need to back up and start there. This is about the brothers Lynch. Ronan, the dreamer, Declan the reliable and Matthew the dream. After the death of their father, they are finding a way to make their way in the world amongst some mind shattering secrets. On top of all that, someone is hunting and killing dreamers to save the world from an apocalypse. When they meet Jordan Hennessey, another dreamer, they are in even more danger than they realize. A mysterious man named Bryde may be both the answer they are looking for and the most terrifying of them all. I loved this book, I like the world they live in. I enjoyed getting to know and understand Declan more and loved the glimpses of Gansey and Blue and Adam. It was like meeting up with old friends after graduation and helping them solve some world changing issues. I haven't read anything by this author that I haven't liked and she wrote one of my top 5 in The Scorpio Races. Give it a chance in this new decade and as always, Happy reading my friends!

Angel Mage

It is prophesied that Liliath will return and bring about destruction. Anyone who shows signs of her powers is sent to the Tower for safe keeping. But what they don't know is that she is already among them and searching for the last pieces of her puzzle. When she finds them, she will bring back a powerful angel that may destroy the earth. In this time, people have the ability to call on help from the angels using icons. This has a cost, usually in bits of your life. Four strangers are brought together by Liliath as they have pieces of an angel inside them. She needs them to unleash her love. They don't know why they have been brought together, but feel they have known each other all their lives. They work together to figure out what is going on. But will it be in time to save themselves? I don't think I would recommend this book to my students, The subject matter requires a thoughtfulness and patience that most of my students don't possess. And there isn't enough action to keep them engaged. I may be saying this because I really didn't enjoy this one, and it was hard to me to finish. Especially knowing what I had waiting on my shelf. Not every book is for every reader and this one wasn't for me. Happy reading my friends.

The Black Witch

I loved this book, it was my favorite of the week. Elloren is the spitting image of her grandmother, the infamous Black Witch. But she has none of her powers. At least that is what she has been lead to believe. Her uncle has hidden her in the forest to give her a normal life. When she reaches the age where she should be getting wand fasted (engaged, but magically) her Aunt swoops in and takes her away to the university. Elloren wants to be an apothecary, but her aunt wants her to marry the amazing Lukas Gray. Elloren doesn't want to be wand fasted to someone she doesn't know so she does everything she can to avoid it, but she is intrigued by Lukas. One problem, the evil Fallon Bane wants Lukas for herself and will do anything to get Elloren out of the picture. This book is so much more than a love triangle. It has lupines, icarals, fae and all sorts of different types of people and Ren finds herself amazed by those in society who are discriminated against becoming her best friends. They all must work together as a new leader is being chosen who will make being different a crime punishable by death. Ren will not let that happen to her friends so she teams up with someone who hates her and all her family represents. Of course, Ren finds herself having feelings for the mysterious Yvan, who is harboring secrets of his own. I loved everything about this book and am so excited that the sequel came in the mail today. This reminds me of Sarah Maas's worlds, where you can get lost in the characters, each more interesting than the next. Give it a try! Happy reading my friends!

Goodbye Days

If you are looking for a book with a clear villain or happy ending, this isn't for you. It was the only book I read this week set in modern times in a real place. Blade- nickname- sends his friends a text asking where they were. When Marcus tries to respond, he crashes the car into the back of a semi, killing all three of Blade's best friends. Blade reveals his guilt through a series of flashbacks and funerals. Some of the parents blame him for sending the text, some don't. But Blade most definitely blames himself. As he works through his grief, he befriends Eli's girlfriend, the only person willing to give him a chance. But there is guilt in that too as he finds himself attracted to her. Blade also spends one day with each of his friends' families living the day as the friends would have wanted. This has mixed results. This is a powerful novel of those who are left behind after a tragedy. And it is made worse, because texting and driving is completely avoidable. I think my students will love this book and maybe it will stick in their heads when they take the wheel in a few years. Highly recommend. Happy reading my friends.

The Merciful Crow

This was my second favorite read of the week. In this society, people are broken into castes. Each has power except for the lowest caste- the Crows. Their job is to come into plague towns and remove the bodies as they are immune. But they are looked down upon and discriminated against. Fie is the future leader of her clan. When they are sent to the royal palace to claim some bodies, she finds that her father has been keeping a secret. They have smuggled out the Prince and his body double under the guise of the plague. The Queen is out to dethrone the Prince's father and has been trying to kill the Prince. Fie isn't happy with the deal that her father has made, but as things get dicey, she makes her own deal that will protect the Crow's from those who will do them harm. But in return, she must get the Prince and Tavin, safely across the country to Tavin's aunt, who will protect the boys. Along the way, traitors appear and put everything Fie loves in danger as she is left on her own to drag the boys to their destination. I enjoyed this world and this story. It was a new take on plague and plague masks in an alternate world. I love a strong girl protagonist and Fie is formidable. Of course there is love story, but I won't tell you between who. Happy reading my friends!

The Traitor's Game

I love Jennifer Nielsen's books. In this one, Kestra is forced to become a traitor when she is kidnapped and told if she doesn't help find a mythical blade, her guardians will be killed. She has been living in exile as her father is working for the evil ruler Lord Endrick. The blade will make him immortal once he destroys it. This is the last think Kestra wants. But her kidnappers also want the blade since it is the only thing that can kill Lord Endrick. All Kestra wants is to save her friends. When she realizes one of her kidnappers is her old friend Simon, she tries to use their friendship to help herself escape. But Simon is harboring old wounds and is not exactly on Kestra's side. As they tromp all over to find the blade, Kestra and Simon get closer and closer. The problem is that Kestra has a mind of her own and is not looking to follow along with what others want. She is out to save her friends, and it won't matter who tries to get in her way. I liked this book, it was interesting and the story moved along quickly. The characters were likable and the dilemmas intriguing. Happy reading my
 friends.

Once a King

Lirra is a Channeler. She can control the wind. But Channelers have been persecuted and driven underground, her mother having been killed for her powers. Lirra's father became  a traitor to Malam when he tried to bring the two sides together and now he says for the King of Malam. Lirra helps her father whenever she can but is angry when he won't be back in time for the Jubilee where LIrra will be showcasing her amazing gliders that could change peoples' view of Channelers. When her father sends her with a letter for the new King Aodren, Lirra finds herself intrigued by what her father has so say to the young King. She makes a deal with him, she will help him sneak out of the castle if he will tell her what is in her father's letter. Aodren and Lirra make a great team and as their feelings for each other grow, they find themselves in danger as they run down an illegal drug. But the Channeler behind the illegal drugs may be closer to Lirra than she realizes, turning her world upside down. I loved this story, Lirra is a firecracker and Aodren is adorable. The story line was interesting and characters were in constant peril. I ordered the two books that come before this one, but they are different characters so I am curious to see how Aodren is introduced. Definite thumbs up for this one! Happy reading my friends.

Treason of Thorns

Violet loves her house. In this world, the great houses have magical power that keep the countryside fertile and maintained. But her house is failing and Violet's father is it's caretaker. When he is accused of treason, he is punished by being locked inside the walls until the magic kills him. Violet gets news of her father's passing and head home to Burleigh house to see if she can bring the house under control. Her childhood playmate is there waiting for her as he had been locked inside the house for the seven years. He wants her to leave and start  life elsewhere but she won't leave. Reluctantly he stays to help her find the missing piece of the house so she can set it free. But the cost is high and the house is not in the mood to negotiate. I have to say I didn't like this book very much. It was flat and the house thing was not interesting to me. So I won't recommend my friends, I read many more interesting books this Thanksgiving break so read on... Happy reading my friends!

I Hope You Get This Message

What if Earth was the alien experiment? And what if we were put on trial to see if we were a worth species? If you knew the verdict would be rendered in 7 days, what would you do with your time? Three teenagers must face this very challenge in this thought provoking book. The search for family and forgiveness takes the lead as each one races to get to those they have lost. One is looking for her father, whom she has never met, one for his sister who ran away after coming out and one is just looking for a meaning to his life. All roads lead to Roswell where the three lives connect in the most fluid of ways. Jesse creates a hoax to make money to save his mom's home all the while running from any human connection. Cate is fulfilling her mother's wish before she commits herself to the hospital to find Cate's dad and Adeem is looking for the sister who left without saying goodbye. The story is in the journey, interspersed with accounts from the trial taking place on the other planet. Not all is solved and not all is satisfying, but such is life I suppose. I liked this book and the message it puts out there, we can all be bette and we are always better when serving others. Happy reading my friends.

Fountains of Silence

Ahhh, Ruta Sepetys is a master of language and worlds. All her books deliver you to another time and place. Always with a historical edge and always teaching me something new. This one is no different. This book transports you to Franco's Spain in the 50's. Ana is the daughter of resistors who were both killed for opposing Franco. She lives on pins and needles so as not to attract attention. She has a job at the Hilton which services rich Americans. Ana is hiding a secret the could get her sent away. Daniel is the son of a rich Texan who is in Spain to make a deal with Franco for oil. His mother is originally from Spain and is anxious to return to her home land. Daniel and Ana's paths cross at the hotel and it sets them on a lifelong path that has heartbreaking twists and turns. A secondary plot is the story of the thousands of babies that were stolen from Anti-Franco mothers and handed over to supporters up until the 1980's. WHAT?? The more I learn the more I am horrified by the crimes we commit against each other in the name of power. But every country has scars that must be brought to light no matter the embarrassment. If we don't learn from them, then we are no better than the perpetrators of these crimes. I couldn't put this down and I know I will be a better teacher and human after reading it. Run, don't walk to this author's catalogue. Happy reading my friends!

Ninth House

Let me start with, this is not YA. That being said, after a rocky beginning, I found this to be an interesting and adventurous book. Alex has always been able to see ghosts. It terrified her all her life. When she wakes up in the hospital after a bloody crime scene, in which she is the only survivor, she is given a new chance at life. Join the Ninth House at Yale. Be a student and moonlight as a protector of the other 8 houses during their rituals. See, the secret societies at Yale are all supernatural and are responsible for many of the economic and social systems of the world. They must be fed with ritual and often blood to keep the rich rich. The more Alex is involved, the more she is convinced something is wrong. When her mentor Darlington goes missing, she is determined to find a way to bring him back to this world. But forces are working against her and if she is successful, he may reveal her darkest secret. There are some scary moments in this book. These ghosts ain't no Caspers for sure. But as the story moves along, it gets more difficult to figure out who is good and who isn't, And isn't that quite a bit like life? Happy reading my friends!

Rebel

When I read the ending of Champion, I was absolutely devastated. How could she leave Day and June that way? For the next few years, I went about life believing that somewhere out there, they had the happy ending I was denied. So when I found out about Rebel, I was absolutely giddy with joy. And fear. Was Lu going to do it to me again?? I am not going to spoil this book for you. It is about Eden and Day taking on the government AND a mobster in Antarctica. That is the plot. But for me, it was only about Day and June. The rest was background. That is all I'm going to say, if you have never entered this world, start with Legend and you can begin the journey with two of my all time favorite fictional characters. If you have read the trilogy. Let me know when you get to the end of this one so we can have a moment together. Thank you Marie Lu for righting a wrong and bringing back my faith. Happy reading my friends!

Orphan Monster Spy

I really don't like WW2 books as a rule. Too sad, too terrible, too sad. This one was a different version so I decided to try. Sarah has lost everything in trying to escape Germany. Her actress mother has spent her whole life teaching Sarah to be someone else. When her mother dies, Sarah has to use every lesson she was taught to survive being a Jew in the times of the Holocaust. She meets an American spy who takes her in after she saves him from being arrested. Sarah is given the chance to go undercover at a German girls' school to try and make friends with a scientists daughter. The scientist may have created an atom bomb, and Sarah needs to get onto the estate and survey the situation. This takes all her acting skills as she tries to fit in with the tall, blonde master race of mean girls. She lives in constant fear of being caught and knows the consequences if she is. It tests her very soul to try and fit in with these girls but knows the future of Germany may be in her hands. This book was a great read. I especially liked the appendix about the actual teenagers who were sent behind enemy lines as spy. I also liked a sort of happy ending to a book about this awful topic. This is a series so Sarah's spy games continue on. Happy reading my friends!

I Am Still Alive

Jess has just survived a car crash that killed her mother and left her body broken. She is forced to go live with a father she has not seen in years. But he is hiding in the Canadian wilderness from a troubled past. Jess isn't interested in that life, learning to hunt and fish and survive winter in a cabin. She is certain that she can convince her father to let her go back to civilization. He asks her to give him a year and then he will take her back. When his past catches up to him, Jess is left alone to try and fend for herself with only her dog as company. All the while she is plotting revenge against those who took her father from her. She fights through a rough winter with only her wits keeping her alive. I liked this book, it was sad and depressing at times but showed what determination and ingenuity can do in difficult circumstances. Jess is no damsel. She gets up each day and faces what comes at her with strength and pride. If you liked Hatchet as a younger reader, this is a more advanced version of that story with more adult themes. Wear a warm coat while reading! Happy reading my friends.

Sky without Stars

I love Jessica Brody's books. So when I saw this one with her name on it, well, that was all I needed. Then as I began reading and discovered it was a retelling of Les Miserables in space- game on. This is the story of Chatine, Marcellus and Aloutte who are all living on Laterre. Chatine is a street thief who steals for her family. She is bitter over the loss of her little brother who was killed by an orphan her family had taken in. Marcellus is the grandson of the General who rules Laterre at the side of the Partiarche. He is ashamed of his criminal father who is on Bastille, the moon prison. Marcellus doesn't know if he is cut out to take his grandfather's place one day as his heart isn't really in it. Then there is Aloutte, who lives underground with her father and the Sisters who protect the books that are left and kept hidden. She is unaware of most of what is going on on the surface. As the rebel forces start to make trouble, the three teenagers find their paths crossing with mixed results. If you know the story of Les Mis, then you know the general outcome. But the space setting adds a new and refreshing twist. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing what happens next. There were enough twists to make it unpredictable. Happy reading my friends!

The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe

     Poe is an orphan who works on the gold digging barges. They destroy the rivers they run to get the gold out with no regard to the natives who live along the river banks. But she and Call have a plan to make one final run and then disappear into the forest. Fate, of course has other ideas, and leaves Poe broken and desperate for revenge. She creates armor for the barges that run the river to punish those trying to stop them. When the General puts her in charge of a barge for one final run, Poe cannot turn it down. She will see what she has created in action and will finally be able to get revenge on those that ruined her life. When someone starts leaving notes in her cabin, she doesn't know who on the crew to trust. Then truths begin to come out and her world is turned upside down. All she believed to be true has been a lie and the very people she was seeking revenge on might actually be the ones in the right. Poe has to make many decisions that will change her world. I like Allie Condie's books for the most part. This one was not one of my favorites, it didn't have a lot of payoff or interest for me int he long run. The characters just didn't connect for me and I wasn't too invested in the outcome. Happy reading my friends!

Pyromantic

Lish McBride just doesn't write enough books! I love the supernatural world she creates, because they just might be plausible. This is the sequel to Firebug, which I read a long time ago. This is Ava's story and she is a Firebug. This means she can create fire. She is friends with a Were Fox named Ezra- who is the most charming of foxy foxes and a Dryad named Locke- who she just might be in love with. The team is coming off a battle with the evil Veronica who ran the Coterie- a supernatural group of assassins. Allistair has taken her place and Ava isn't sure she can trust him or his new policies. But she doesn't have time to think too much about it as there is some kind of fungus that is turning supernatural creatures into crazed monsters. Ava and her team have to track down the fungus and it's creator and try and stop it before it takes out more of her friends. And to complicate the situation, she is trying to get used to the fact that Cade is her father and that her mortal friend Sylvie is involved in the problems and knows more than she should. Plus there is the Locke problem- should she or shouldn't she? (of course she should, he's amazing ) What's a Firebug to do? I love these stories, they are well-written and flow so nicely along, you don't even realize you're at the end. I highly recommend her books. Happy Reading my friends!

The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever Made

Justin likes to make movies. As a 15 year old director, he hasn't had a lot of success. But he does have two loyal best friends, Gabe and Bobby by his side, helping with his dream. When they decide to write a zombie movie, everything that can go wrong, does. Casting problems, money issues, location dilemmas and oh, someone gets hit by a car. There's also the problem that they promised they'd pay his grandma back with interest, and she isn't playing around. This book is truly funny and I'm glad I found it. Kids always ask me for funny books and James Patterson is just too young for my 8th graders. Justin and friends are in constant turmoil as most 15 year olds are. They face romance issues, parent issues and time management issues. This was a quick, fun read. Happy reading my friends!

The Wicked King

Cardan is now on the throne thanks to mortal Jude. She has control of him for one year and a day and she has a lot of work to do. Forces are aligning against her and someone she trusts will betray her. Will it be Cardan, her father, or someone even closer? Cardan seems to be going along with her, but you really can't trust a fairy, because while they can't lie, they sure know how to twist the truth. Jude gets a whiff of a conspiracy from the sea and while she is trying to keep her plan on track, she is kidnapped and kept in the Undersea for a month. When she returns she is weak and worried. Can she trust Cardan when he proposes a preposterous plan or she she go with her instincts and keep on track. You can never trust a fairy. Especially one who has spent his life on the sidelines waiting for his chance to cause chaos. This is book two of the series so it of course leaves you hanging. Cardan is a mystery still at this point, do you like him? Is he just trying to protect Jude? Does he want the throne for himself? One can never tell with a fairy. I am enjoying this series as I do most of Holly Black's books. Happy reading my friends!

Nocturna

Prince Alfie has lost his brother to the void- a magic place from which there is no return. Forces working against the royal family set him up to be assassinated. Now Alfie will be expected to take the throne when his father dies. He has other plans- namely finding a way to bring his brother back. Finn is a thief who can change her face. She is tasked with stealing a book of magic, the same book Alfie is searching for. When their paths cross, their actions unwittingly unleash a potent, ancient, powerful evil magic. Alfie must convince Finn to help him track it down and contain it before it reaches full power and becomes unstoppable. Along the way Finn must decide if she is going to help another person for the first time, or stick to her usual plan to only help herself. But Alfie sees something in her that no one else ever has- good. As they race against the magic, they put themselves in danger to save the kingdom and each other. I really liked the fight that Finn has with herself, to overcome a bad beginning and work her way out of it. And I like Alfie’s faith in her. AND there was not the typical ending, boy meets girl, boy chases girl, girl changes and becomes queen... nope, not in this one. No damsel’s in distress here. Happy reading my friends!

Devouring the Gray

Four Paths is one of those places people don’t leave. And if they do, they don’t remember. On the edge of the town is the Gray. People who go in, don’t come out. Something lurks in the Gray waiting for some slip up. The founding families protect the town. They are bestowed with certain powers when they reach a certain age. Violet’s family is from Four Paths. When her sister dies, her mother returns to Four Paths. Soon Violet begins to notice some odd things. Like she can bring back things from the dead. She attracts the attention of Justin, Isaac and Harper, members of the other founding families. They all come together to try and keep the Gray from infiltrating the town and destroying more lives. Unfortunately none of them know the whole story about the founding of the town and they will find themselves up against evil from even unlikely places. This book reminds me of Stranger Things and Vampire Diaries combined. Founding families, supernatural roots, friends becoming more than friends and death. I enjoyed the story and would go back to read the sequel when it arrives. Happy reading my friendsQ

The Rest of the Story

What would summer be like without spending at least part of it in the world of Sarah Dessen? This time we are on the lake, reconnecting with family. And the family has part of the story that Emma Saylor doesn’t remember. She hasn’t seen her mom’s side since she was little and when complications arise with her summer plans, she finds herself at her grandmother’s hotel on the lake. The poor side of the lake. This is where her parents met, where their story started and where her mother’s troubles began. As Saylor discovers the family she didn’t know she was missing, she begins to fill in her story. She has help from her cousins, aunts and grandparents. And Roo. Roo is the boy in the pictures of Saylor when she was young. Roo is the son of her mother’s best friend. Roo is the boy who will become something more to her by the end of the summer. Saylor has to battle her father and his notions about the lake and her relatives as he struggles to let go and trust Saylor. She has to prove that she is not her mother and can embrace her new family without letting go of the old one. I didn’t cry as much as I expected to- which is a good thing. I want to spend a summer in one of Sarah Dessen’s settings, small towns where everyone knows everyone and the days are long and filled with memories. For now, I’ll have to settle for reading about them. Happy reading my friends!

The Cruel Prince

Carden, Carden, Carden. I kept hearing about this character and even received a pillowcase with his image on it, so I thought I should find out what he was all about. Well, Carden is the youngest son of a Fairy King. Don’t mistake these fairies with the cute little Tinkerbell variety. These are brutal, ruthless fairies who would slaughter their entire families for a chance at power. Then there’s Jude. She and her twin sister along with her older sister were kidnapped to fairy when their parents were murdered by Madoc, the Fairy General, who was her older sister’s father. They are humans living in the world of the fairies, where no one can lie but them and no one can be trusted. In a world of immortals, human life is frail and cheap. Jude wants nothing more than to become a real part of fairy. She loves it there, even as she fears it. But Jude has a way of antagonizing the royals, especially Carden. When she makes a deal with one of Carden’s brothers to help him take the throne, she finds herself on the wrong side of things. And possibly the only person who can get her out of trouble is Carden. He, of course, is willing to make a deal with her, but one rule of fairy is that making deals isn’t for the weak of heart or mind. When Jude double crosses Carden, she may find herself in a situation she can’t figure her way out of. I am glad I finally met Carden and look forward to seeing how he is going to take his revenge on Jude. If you love a good fairy tale or are a fan of Holly Black, check out this series. Happy reading my

friends.

Sorcery of Thorns

Elisabeth has been brought up in the library. She loves the grimoires, the smell of books, and even the book lice. Her plan is to one day become a warden. Their job- to protect the books from the sorcerers. But something is different about her. She can sense things others can’t. And she’s apparently immune to sorcery. A chance encounter with a Magister leaves her questioning if all sorcerers are bad. Nathaniel must be- right? He comes from a necromancer family. He is mysterious and sullen.  He has a demon serving him. But when Elisabeth finds herself in massive amounts of trouble, it is Nathaniel who comes to her rescue. She know something is going on in the libraries, but will anyone believe her? Even if they don’t, she must step up and fight or it just might be the end of the world. I love the idea of a sword carrying librarian who can talk to the books. Sounds like an exciting life. Throw in a dashing, brooding sorcerer and what could be wrong with this book? Oh and wait- a demon with a (maybe) heart of gold?? Sign me up. I absolutely enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. She was no damsel in distress- we need more books with empowered girls, ones who may not be queens or assassins. I highly recommend this one! Happy reading my friends.

Stepsister

Run, don’t walk , to get this book. In this retelling of Cinderella, the focus is on the ugly stepsisters. But these stepsisters are not the ones found in the classic tale. This is Isabelle’s tale. After her mother forces her to cut off her toes to fit into the slipper, Isabelle cant’ take it anymore. She is tired of being ugly. She is tired of wearing fancy clothes when all she wants it to rider her horses and sword fight with Felix. But her life doesn’t allow that making her jealous of Ella. After Ella is swept off to the palace, Isabelle makes a deal with the fairy queen to be pretty. But first she must find the broken pieces of her heart. Unfortunately she doesn’t know what those are. Behind the scenes, Fate and Chance are working to effect her life. Chance steals Isabelle’s fate map, setting a battle in motion. Fate wants the map back and is willing to send every obstacle into Isabelle’s path to keep her fate in control. Chance wants her to have a chance to change her life. So this is the story of Isabelle realizing that pretty isn’t the answer. That ugly is in the eye of the beholder. And that when you let those titles go, you can be anything you dream. And that forgiveness is divine. And that all is not what it seems. And that a smart, fierce girl with moxie can change the world. I LOVED this book more that I can say and it’s message isn’t just for young girls, but all girls, even if they are in their 50’s. The mirror shouldn’t determine our worth. We are who WE say we are. I can’t recommend this book enough. It should be required reading for all. Happy reading my friends, take your chances and determine your own fate..

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

What if the story of Frankenstein was told from a female point of view? This retold tale is from the mouth of Elizabeth Lavenza, the orphan girl sent to be Victor Frankenstein’s playmate. She is desperate to have a home and sees early on that in order to stay, she must find a way to control the odd, young boy. She suppresses who she is, becoming who he needs. As they grow older, she stays determined to keep him by her side. And so it would seem, is he. He is extremely possessive of Elizabeth and does not want even death to separate them.. Thus his experiments to defeat death begin.   When Victor runs off, Elizabeth goes on her own journey to find him. But what she finds is what the legends are made of. Who is really the monster? And how can Elizabeth defeat what she has helped to create. This was an interesting take of the classic story by Mary Shelley. I didn’t care for any of the characters though, so I really became uninterested in what the outcome would be. I do appreciate that Elizabeth wanted to clean up the mess she created, but I never really warmed up to her. Onward, and happy reading my friends.

The Gender Game

One side of the river is Matrus- a matriarchal society and on the other side of the river is Patrus- a patriarchal society. Violet lives in Matrus.. But due to some unfortunate circumstances she is incarcerated for her violent actions. Just as she is about to be released, she kills a fellow inmate. In Matrus that means death. But someone wants Violet’s help and she finds it’s her only way to escape the death penalty. She must go into Patrus and recover some technology that they had stolen. The only way she is allowed to enter that society is if she is married. So she marries another ‘agent’ and begins to help formulate the plan. When she and Lee decide that someone must take the fall for their theft, Lee (her husband) chooses Viggo, a warden who is already in trouble with the law. Violet must gain Viggo’s trust in order to frame him. Of course, that doesn’t go as planned once Violet gets to know him- and to know him is to love him. But Violet has a lot on the line, if she doesn’t go along with the plan, she may never see her brother again. She finds herself torn in two as the night approaches. All hell breaks loose and Violet must make some rapid decisions that may change both her and Viggo’s lives for good. I enjoyed the premise of this book, a society where there is no middle ground. No where is safe, and no where is simple. I think both genders would like this book. There is enough action for the boys and enough romance for the girls. Is that gender biased? Ironic I suppose. I will look for the sequel to see where this cliffhanger lands. Happy reading my friends!

Enchantee

Paris, Marie Antoinette, Versailles and Magic? When Camille finds herself responsible for her younger sister after her parents death, she must use all means necessary to keep them from living on the streets. She uses her magic to turn metal into coins, but the magic isn’t holding. She is desperate to find a solution and does what her mother told her never to do- use dark magic. Camille works her spells to become a member of the aristocracy so she can infiltrate the card games at Versaille. She meets a circle of friends and finds herself intertwined in the goings on at court. But she doesn’t notice the darkness swirling around her at every turn. Meanwhile, as herself, she meets a balloonist named Lazare, who takes her for a ride in a hot air balloon and changes her views of life and the city. The more time she spends with him, the more she wants to know more about him. When their two worlds collide at the palace, the have to find a way to save each other from the evil reaching out for both of them. I love some historical fiction, especially this time period. So the added twist of magic made it even more interesting- what if  Marie Antoinette used magic to keep herself relevant or beautiful? Hmm. I enjoyed this novel, don’t know if it will work with the kids but I’ll find out in a month or so.. I however, found it easily readable and fun. Happy reading my friends!

Two Can Keep A Secret

Karen McManus’s first book- One of Us is Lying was a show stopper of intrigue and action. Her follow up is no different. Girls keep going missing in the sleepy town of Echo Ridge. When the Corcoran twins are forced to move there to live with their grandmother while their mother is in rehab, they find themselves in the middle of mystery. Ellery is fascinated with all things crime related. She immediately throws herself into the middle of the investigations. See, her mother’s twin sister was one of the girls who went missing in high school and no one will talk about it. The twins make friends with the brother of one of the suspects in one of the missing girl cases and see first hand what an accusation like that can do to a family. Ellery  on the homecoming court and a target for the next round of killing. As one of the girls on the court goes missing, the entire town is on edge. And the last person to see Brooke- Ellery’s new friend Malcom. As the kids get closer to the truth, they find themselves in extreme danger. Dun dun dun... This is a great who dunnit with a killer last line. Every classroom bookshelf needs books like this one. An easy read, lots off intrigue, interesting characters, a little love story and a whole lot of page turning moments. It’s rare to find a stand alone novel and sometimes you just want to be done at the end. No cliffhangers, no waiting for a sequel. So both of these books are perfect for a summer read. Happy reading my friends.

Internment

Sadly, this one is a scary glimpse into the possible future of our country. Layla is an American who is also Muslim. The President has decided that Muslims are a threat to the country and decides to start an Exclusion Camp in the desert outside Independence, California. When Layla’s family is rounded up and sent to the camp, Layla doesn’t know what to do. She is incensed that she is ripped away from her boyfriend and her life to be stuck in the desert under the watchful eye of the Director and an whole lot of white guards. Things at the camp slowly descend into unlivable conditions. People going missing, guard brutality, rules, regulations and an all around feeling of helplessness. Layla and her friends decide that can no longer sit silently, that someone needs to speak up. And it may as well be her. With the help of a sympathetic guard, Layla somehow gets under the skin of the Director and is set on a path of a deadly confrontation. The question is asked, what does it mean to be American and how can that be protected? This book was an unpleasant reminder that we are on the brink of some critical decisions and people will need to take a stand. How many rights will be lost before more people speak out against hate and discrimination? Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. I hope we do not repeat the atrocities of Manzanar. Happy reading my friends. 

King of Scars

Back into the world of Nikolai Lantsov, last seen in his demon form flying over the Fold as the Darkling was burned by the Sun Summoner. Nikolai is now leading his people as king, with Zoya by his side. But the darkness is still inside him. And it is starting to take over. With the help of Zoya, Genya, David and the Twins, he is determined to find a way to remove the darkness from inside him while keeping his kingdom safe. Meanwhile, Nina, of Kaz Becker's gang is on a mission of her own to round up and protect the Grisha. She is mourning the loss of Matthias and needs time to figure out who she really is. Her Heartrender powers have gone awry and she is lost, searching for purpose. What she finds is horrifying. Grisha girls being forced to have babies to be used as weapons hooked on Parem. Nina cannot let this atrocity go unanswered and devises a plan to free the girls. But it will take a lot of lies and deceit to make it work. As these two factions work towards their goals, a movement to make the Darkling a saint has begun. Nikolai must be very careful while playing the game, to make sure all his cards make a winning hand. Can he defeat the monster inside him, keep his country safe and stop the Darkling once again? This is a familiar world with characters you can't help but root for. You have to start with Shadow and Bone and meet the characters where they begin to appreciate their journey. Remember- "No Mourners, No Funerals" Happy reading my friends.

Furyborn

What could two girls, with amazing powers, separated by a thousand years possibly have in common? More than you realize! Rielle is the Sun Queen. The one who was prophesied to arrive amidst other signs. Or is she the Blood Queen, the other queen said to rise at the same time. Rielle wants nothing more than to be the Sun Queen, the good one, the kind one. But her nature and desires drive her in other directions. And when Corien, an angel, decides to take an  interest in her, all hell breaks loose. Eliana is a poor girl, the Dread of Orline, the assassin of the King. She is indestructible, a secret she must keep to herself. She will do anything to protect her family. When girls start to go missing, she takes it upon herself to find out what is happening. When her mother is one of the missing, she joins forces with an enemy to find her. As their stories unfold, the connection between them takes shape and sets Eliana on a path that may destroy all she loves. Or she just might save the world. While I liked this book, I don't know that I really liked either of the main characters. Their dark sides really rule them and it is at the cost of those who love them. But I love a good girl empowerment story as much as the next person so I didn't put it down. I am not sure I will read the sequel, my summer pile is high and I am determined to make my way through it. At least before I buy any new books. with the exception of the new Sarah Dessen! Wish me luck- happy reading my friends!

Aurora Rising

Last year I read three of the most interestingly told stories- The Illuminae Files. The authors of this series have done it again. While this novel isn't told in an interesting fashion, it is un-put-down-able. Aurora climbs on board a ship to meet her father on the planet he is colonizing. Over 200 years later, she is saved by Tyler, an alpha out on a run. In order to save her, he has to give up all he has worked his whole life for. When he returns to his ship, he is stuck with a team made up of leftovers, instead of the dream team he had planned. His sister and 3 other misfits are forced together to help keep space in order. But Auri isn't all she appears. Tyler finds himself drawn into her mission, a mission that even she is unsure of. As forces align, the only way to save Auri is to go on the run with her against his own people. And as the tangled web untangles, Tyler realizes that he must have faith if he even stands a chance to save the galaxy. This is another novel filled with interesting characters who do not do the typical things. Each one could fill a novel of their own. And when the real reason Auri is alive is revealed, it is as creepy and scary as it should be. The imagery will make a great movie, which I'm sure must be in the works. I enjoy these civilizations the authors keep creating as I don't believe space is something I will see in my lifetime. It's fun to go into a world better explored in the pages of a book. Looking forward to the rest of this series! And anything else Kristoff and Kaufman choose to write. I'm hooked. Happy reading my friends, let the summer of reading begin!

Dry

I have never been thirstier than I was reading this book. This is the story of the drought in California. The water has run out. What do you do? How do you deal with the incredible thirst? Do you leave? Do you go to your bunker? Do you attack your neighbors for their supply? Alyssa and Garret are brother and sister. They live next door to Kelton, whose family has been preparing for this day all their lives. When Alyssa's parents disappear on a water run, they set out to find them. Kelton volunteers to go with them to protect them. Along the way they meet Jacqui- a girl who know what it's like to be on her own and Henry- a boy who knows how to work the system. As the kids try and make their way to water, they have to navigate the water zombies, the military and each other. This book was terrifying in the fact that it is a real scenario we may one day face in California. We don't tend to view all the signs as credible and we may find it is too late to fix it one day. I know I want to stock up on all the water I can buy. Shusterman is one of my favorite authors. He has a wide range of books to satisfy most young adult readers. This book was interesting and informative. Read it with a big glass of water next to you. You'll need it! Happy reading my friends!

Refugee

This is the story of three refugees in three different times. Josef, fleeing from Hitler, Isabel, fleeing from Castro and Malmoud, fleeing from  Syria. Each of these characters face life changing dangers as they try and get somewhere safe. It isn't an easy trip for any of them. They all lose someone on the way but to stay where they were was not a possibility.  The story is told in alternating chapters that follow the harrowing journeys each face. While none of the refugees are real, they are based on a mixture of real people. I cannot imagine what it would be like to leave everything and everyone you love to face an unknown future, not knowing where you would be laying your head down that night. Or not being able to trust anyone as these situations bring out the con artists and criminals to take advantage of those in peril. Not all the stories end well, but they are weaved together in the end. I can't say I enjoyed the book as the subject matter is depressing in that it is a current problem for so many people. We must learn from the past to hopefully prevent these situations in the future but I don't hold much hope for that. This novel put a face on the stories in the news every day. I will not look at it the same. Happy reading my friends.

Shout

If you have ever wondered where an author gets their ideas from, this book is for you. The author of one of my favorite books Speak has offered her readers a glimpse inside her life and thought process when writing her books. She shares her own experience with sexual assault, a dysfunctional family and her battle with censorship in a book of poetry. She takes the reader on a journey of victims and perpetrators and the way both are treated through time. She shares her time with young adults, and older adults and the way everyone reacts to her books and messages. She shows that you can overcome your trauma with time, and understanding and extreme acts of courage. She gives you permission to feel the feelings you have and not be ashamed of them. Lauri Halse Anderson has a way with words that will somehow cause you to all of a sudden be crying on the couch for the state of the world and the sheer number of victims there are out there. The incredible amount of evil in the world is only tempered by those who stand up to it and speak out against it. Or in this case, shout from the rooftops. Couldn't put this one down and I'm not one for non-fiction. If you haven't read Speak, please remedy that as soon as possible and then pick up this gem and round out your experience. Happy reading my friends!

Deathcaster

I love when a series gets to the point when all the characters, who have been living their own lives, come together finally. Deathcaster is the point in this series that it finally happens. Siblings reunite, love finds love, parents find children, those thought dead reveal themselves alive and dragons win your heart with their internal thoughts. This series follows the kids of Raisa and Han from the Demon King series. Alyssa, heir to the throne, and Adrian, the healer, and their ragtag bunch of friends are fighting the evil empress Celestine, who is trying to take over the Seven Realms. Now, I'm not going to talk plot, you really need to start at the VERY beginning to appreciate this world and story. I am going to say that every new character that enters this universe is interesting, diverse, and current. And the DRAGONS, they are absolutely hilarious and lovely and exactly what you want a dragon to be. Williams is one of my favorite authors and having had the pleasure of meeting her, I can't say enough nice things about her books. They could keep you entertained for months and months. So if you like a fantasy world with magic, deception, betrayal, love, and yes- DRAGONS, then start at the beginning and enjoy the ride. I envy the adventure you have ahead of you my dear readers. Happy reading my friends!

Four Dead Queens

Quadara has always been ruled by the four queens. They are kept in the castle so no outside influence can mar their judgement. Keralie is a thief. She is a highly regarded member of Mackiel's crew. She can get in and out with no one the wiser. When he charges her with stealing a comm chip, she accepts the challenge. Varin is the unfortunate carrier of the chips. When he realizes what Keralie has done, he must get the chips back. Together they discover what the chips hold. It is the assassination attempts on all four queens. They decide they have to try and stop this from happening, but who to trust. Certainly not each other. As the story of the queens unfold, this novel pulls you into the four realms of Quadra. Each unique and different at their queens. I don't know that I loved this book. It was a quick read with some interesting ideas. But none of the characters really held my attention and I don't think I'd read a sequel. That being said, I didn't dislike it. So I will leave this one to you my favorite readers to decide. Happy reading my friends.

Courting Darkness

If you have read Robin LaFevers Her Fair Assassin's series, then this is the book you were waiting for. It follows Sybella as she is trying to help the new Queen find her way in an unfriendly court in France. Mortain is dead and she is questioning her role as his assassin. She knows she must find the youngest initiates of Mortain to keep the order alive and well. But they have been in hiding and Sybella doesn't know their true identities. As she makes her way through the intrigues of court, she must protect not only the queen, but her young sisters from their evil brother. With only Beast to protect her, Sybella has to use all her wits to keep those she loves alive- and not always succeeding. On the other end of the story is Genevieve. The young initiate of Mortain. She is waiting for the call, a crow feather, to jump into the action she has been waiting for all her life. When she gets news that the convent has closed, she finds a way to break away from the castle to hunt for her fellow assassins. Before she makes her escape she encounters a prisoner left to rot in a cell in the ground. She takes pity on the man and feeds him in exchange for a dueling partner. When she finds out his true identity, she realizes he will make a great pawn in her negotiations. What she doesn't expect is the feelings she winds up having fore Maraud. Can she really use him to save her order? The book, of course, ends in a cliffhanger so the wait begins to see if either woman can outwit, outlast and outplay those against them. I love this series for the strong, independent women it presents, with the men in the backgroud appreciating what the women can do. It's a message the world needs, and so do I! Start with Grave Mercy and meet the assassins, then catch up with Sybella and Beast in this one. You will be transported to another time and place where anything is possible if you are determined and confident enough. Happy reading my friends!

On the Come Up

If you loved Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give, you are about to take another trip into the Garden. This is the story of Bri. She is the daughter of a slain rapper. She is the daughter of a drug addict who has finally gotten clean. She is the niece of an affiliated drug dealer. She is the best friend of Malik and Sonny. She is the sister of Trey, who has just graduated from college and can't find a job. She wants to help her family get out and has to decide what or who she is willing to become to achieve her goals. Bri has inherited her father's rapping skills. When she goes to battle in the Ring, she becomes a neighborhood sensation. But at what cost? The girl she portrayed in the rap isn't her and the neighborhood is coming to their own conclusions about what her words mean. Bri is torn between the need for money and success to help her family and remaining true to her own voice. This novel is timely, relevant and another reminder how even the simplest things can go terribly wrong if you are the wrong color in society's eyes. The issues are straight from the news and the answers are not always readily available. I couldn't put this down and know my students will devour this book like they did the last. Nothing resonates more with teens than stories that could be happening to them. Happy reading my friends.

Queen of Air and Darkness

And the Shadowhunter saga continues. This is the third volume in the third series inside this world. It picks up where the last one left off with the Blackthorns reeling from the death of Livvie at the hands of Annabel. Julian and Emma are fighting their love for each other lest their parabatai bond burn them out. Ty and Kit are in the throes of a new friendship that could be something more. Mark, Kieran and Christina are deciding what their relationship will become and oh, there is a group of Shadowhunters trying to register all Downworlders. So not much going on at all. Plus there is a parallel world that may or may not be the answer to all Emma and Julian's problems. This over 800 page book is filled to the brim with love, mystery, grief, intrigue and bravery. You can't start with this one so it doesn't really matter what I tell you about it, you need to go back to the beginning and start there, otherwise you will be as lost as Jace would be without Clary. See- to even get that reference you need to start at the beginning. You won't be disappointed, there is much to celebrate at the conclusion of this book. But unfortunately, the ending will leave you in fear for one of the original's lives. Darn you Cassandra Clare. So enjoy my friends no matter where you are in the journey of the Shadowhunters from Will to Jules to Kit and everyone in between. Happy reading!

Bridge of Clay

Markus Zusah has written two of my favorite books, so I was very excited to read his newest. It is the story of a family of boys who face tragedy after tragedy. Each boy is more interesting than the last. The fighter, the thinker, the gambler, the animal collector, the protector and Clay. They collect animals named after characters in The Odyssey, they terrorize the neighborhood, they skip school and they love each other fiercely. But at it's heart, this is the story of Clay and how he holds the family together. This book is told in flashbacks and flash forwards. It is told in stories and timelines. It is told as a love story, a tragedy and a comedy. It is not for a casual reader. It is not for the feint of heart. It is for a reader who likes to go on a journey, who doesn't mind shedding some tears, who likes to be challenged. This book tells the story of what happens when all the structures that make up a family fall apart and new structures have to be built. But again, it is the story of Clay and his heart, and all the ways he takes on the troubles of those around him until he can't anymore. Then it becomes the story of the brothers who help him pick up the pieces. Happy 2019 my friends and happy reading.