We Speak in Storms

I'll be honest, I picked up this book because I like the cover. I briefly read the flap to see what it was about and so when I went to actually read it, it was not what I expected. A tornado hit Mercer, Illinois in 1961. It plowed through a drive in movie and took the lives of many of the teenagers who had been in attendance. Most families were touched in some way by the devastating loss. Now it is the anniversary of this event and another tornado touches down in the same place leaving behind 2 cars. But no people are found by either of the cars. Three teenagers witnessed the event. Breanna, recovering from a break up, Joshua, the invisible boy who has come out as gay, and Callie, who is watching her mother slowly die from cancer. Each of them have heard or seen something unexplainable since the tornado. Each of them need something to help them get through this hard time they are going through. The ghosts of Mercer show up to help each of them, leading them to heal, find acceptance or work through an impossible time. As the teenagers get helped, they also must help the ghosts to rest, leading them on journeys of healing. This was a very different read that I enjoyed. All the kids had relatable problems current to today and the messages they received were touching and relevant. I am glad I picked a book by it's cover. Happy reading my friends.

Aurora Burning

   My favorite author pair is at it again. In this sequel to Aurora Rising, the squad is back trying to save the galaxy from the Ra'haam who wish to take over every living creature. Their secret weapon, Auri, a girl lost in time, is trying to find a way to control her immense power. Tyler, Scarlet, Kai, Finian and Zila round out Squad 312, the misfits of Aurora Academy. Each has a special talent and a mission that they are finding out on the fly. After their adventures from book one, they are on the run from everyone and to top that off, Kai's sister is trying to find him. And she is not someone you would like to tangle with. As all that is going on, they are on the hunt for the weapon that can end the Ra'haam, the cost of which will be more than any of they will be willing to pay. But what is one life in the battle for a galaxy- an age old question made all the harder when it is one of your own who will pay that price. Kaufman and Kristoff really know how to tell the tales of space in an engaging and fast paced way. This is their 2nd series set in space, their first being one of my favorites- the Illuminae Files. So if you haven't checked any of these books out, now's the time. You're trapped inside, nothing to do but watch Netflix, pick up one of their books and the whole galaxy will be yours. Happy reading my friends.