One of Us is Next

This is the third Karen M. McManus books I have read and I must say I have yet to be disappointed. This one follows up on the characters from One of Us is Lying. The siblings of the Bayview four find themselves embroiled in another text scandal. There is a new game in town, Truth or Dare. If you are texted, you must complete a dare or a secret about you would be spread around the school. Phoebe is target number one and when she chooses to ignore the text, a secret about her sister is exposed causing a rift in there relationship. Maeve is the sister of Bronwyn. She and Knox had been a couple but it didn't work out so they remain good friends. But she also ignores the text and a secret may just ruin her friendship with her ex. When another Bayview student dies, fingers get pointed and a complex scheme is revealed. Even after confessions are made, the culprit may get away. And it certainly isn't who you think. These books are un put down able. The characters are interesting and real and the consequences or our social media age are plausible. If you want to catch the attention of a teen reader, these books will do it. Happy reading my friends.

There Will Come a Darkness

Darkness is coming. It is in the prophecies. When the signs align, beware of what will come. Five lives will collide and bring the darkness. Unless they can figure out a way to stop it. Ephyra who can kill with the grace of touch. She only wants to keep her sister alive. Hassan is the prince in hiding. He is looking for a way to get his people back from exile. Anton is on the run from his brother. His grace is so powerful many are looking for him. He just wants to be left alone. And if he can't be left alone, he wants to die. Jude is set to be the sworn protector of the prophet. All he has to do is find him. He wants his best friend by his side when it happens, but that might not be in the stars. Beru is waiting to die. She must rely on her sister to keep her from death. But that means someone must die for her to live. When the five find themselves intertwined, none knows what to do. Any false move could mean the darkness comes, setting their world back and bringing an end to the Graced. Each has motives that are counter to the others. Who will win, who will die and who will lose their way. I liked this book, things weren't what you thought would happen. Characters did not act in predictable ways. And there were many times they did the opposite of what you might expect. It won't be on my favorite list, but I didn't regret reading it. Happy reading my friends!

Chain of Gold

Just when you think you've read the end of the Shadowhunter series- a new one pops up. And just when you think you can ignore it, you find out Will Herondale is back. Yes, Will Herondale, the only Shadowhunter who is on your top ten fictional boy list. While that is what pulled me in, the story follows Will's kids, James and Lucy. The Shadowhunters have been in a period of peace. This generation has not had to face what their parents did so they are not battle trained. When demons begin to show up in the light of day, killing people, the kids must pick up where their parents have left off. James finds that he is slipping into a shadow world, being lured by someone who has a vested interest in him. After all, no one knows who Tessa's father was and it is rumored he is a high powered demon. Could it be him who is calling to James from the other realm? As this gang- Matthew, Christopher, Thomas and Cordelia included- try to solve the problem of the demons, they also face problems within the Shadowhunter community. Can Will and Tessa's kids take on the adult problems? Can Jem (the Silent Brother version) help them solve the issues? Will the kids be able to pick up where their parents left off? Can they live up to their parents' reputations? Or will the dark win out? All these questions will be answered... if you have one more in you. Happy reading my friends.