One of Us is Lying

When the biggest gossip monger at school dies in detention, the only suspects are the four students in detention with him. Bronwyn- the brain, Nate- the sketchy drug dealer, Cooper- the athlete and Addy- the girlfriend of the most popular guy in school. Each of them are harboring secrets that could change their futures and Simon knew them all. Did one of them kill him to keep him quiet? If they did, it didn't work as all their secrets are revealed through the police investigation. They decide to ban together and try to figure out who killed Simon as they believe someone is setting them up. As their investigation heats up, the four of them start to become friends even as their other friends pull away. Who had the biggest motive for killing Simon? How were the four of them connected? And who is pulling the strings after Simon is dead? This is told from the four characters points of view, each revealing a little more about themselves as the story goes. There are break ups, make ups and new romances to go with the twists and turns. This was a fast paced read that touches on so many relevant problems teens are facing today. Social media, cheating, drugs, abusive relationships and family drama all play a role in this novel. There is something for everyone. Happy reading my friends!

The Fates Divide

The sequel to Carve the Mark did not disappoint! Cyra, Akos, Cisi and the rest are working to overcome their fates. Cyra is fighting her family and all their evil deeds. She faces the guilt of being their enforcer- hated by all on her planet. Her brother controlling her every move. Akos is fighting his fate, the one that says he will die at the hands of the Noavek. Does he really love Cyra or is he just succumbing to his fate. Cisi must use her gift to stop all out civil war from happening as she manipulates those around her. Will she know when to stop? And what's this- Lazmet Noavek is still alive?? When the patriarch with mind altering powers gets back on the scene, no one will be safe. Then there's  the book altering twist that is revealed by the oracles. What will this do to the fates of these characters. I enjoyed this short, two book series. The characters were interesting, a happy ending wasn't assured- I don't trust Veronica Roth after what she did to Tris! and the settings were unique and deadly. Summer has started so I plan to pick up the reading pace, turn off the tv and put down Candy Crush and lose myself in some strange new worlds. Year 27 is done my friends so enjoy your summers and happy reading!

Obsidio

So the conclusion to the Illuminae Files. This is one of the most innovative series I have read. And the third book is not a disappointment. Our new additions to the family are Asha Grand and Rhys Lindstrom. They used to be a couple, but circumstances as they are, have been separated for a few years. When they meet back up, they are on opposite sides of the war. Asha is ANGRY and Rhys uses the old, I'm just doing my job excuse. But Asha knows she needs Rhys if she has any hope of getting a message to the WUC that they are alive and about to be exterminated by Biotech. Meanwhile, somewhere in space, Kady, Ezra, Hannah, Nik and Ella are struggling to be taken seriously by the adults in charge. They know how to get home, but the obstacles in their way are almost insurmountable. But wait, what about AIDAN you ask? The creepy AI is up to his old tricks that may or may not result in thousands more deaths. You can't live with him but you most definitely can't live without him. You can't start with this book, so the twists and turns don't need to be discussed until you start at the beginning. I honestly think this series is genius, novel and un put down able. (new word). I can't recommend it enough. If you want to take a wild ride through space, time and destiny, pick up the first book in the series. But keep your parachute on, you never know when you might need it. Happy reading my friends!

Tempests and Slaughter

I love Tamora Pierce and haven't read one of her books in a long time. Trickster's Queen is one of my all time faves. So when this popped up when I was ordering other books, I was excited. This is Arran's story. He is a young mage at mage school. His powers are impressive and out of control so the masters take him under their wings. (not literally!) He meets two friends Varice, a beautiful charismatic kitchen mage and Ozorne, one of the line of princes who may one day rule the land. But he is so far back in the line of succession he only wants to become a mage. These three form an unbreakable bond as they maneuver through the rigors of school, family and societal norms. That is a fancy way of saying, they struggle through school. But the more Arran sees of the world, the more injustices he wants to fix- especially slavery. The gladiators of the arena have caught his attention and he hope one day they can be freed. As Ozorne gets closer to the throne, Arran gets more hopeful that his friend will make this wish come true. Arran meets many interesting characters including the river god in the shape of an enormous crocodile. The god puts Preet, a rare and priceless sunbird, in his care and she is the most wonderful character in the book. I loved this book which is setting up great tales for the future. Will these friends be able to remain friends as their worlds shift into adulthood? Will the bonds be tested? Of course they will and I, for one, can't wait! Happy reading my friends!

Iron Gold

Well, it's been a while my friends! I finished this one a few weeks ago, but spent my spring break on a  dream river cruise of the Rhine River, so reading wasn't on the agenda for a change. This book brings us back to the Red Rising series that I thought was over. I had happily left Darrow a victor in his war, happily on the beach with his son and wife. But here we are again- more death, destruction and heartbreak as Darrow is now an older man- in his 30's making decisions that ruin his friends and family all so he can end the vicious war he started. Sevro stands by his side, even against his beliefs, but when their children end up in mortal danger, the ties of friendship are strained. Mustang is trying to lead the society, but she faces opposition on all sides. Cassius is off with Lysander who find themselves in tragic predicaments. Nothing good happens in this book 4. Betrayal, death and destruction is all it brings to the reader. I was almost glad when it was over, I needed a break. The good thing is that the only way (I hope) to go is up?? I love this series, but be warned it is a violent and mature one, not for the littles. It is almost now out of the YA genre and into adult sci-fi. But if you have started, you should get back on Darrow's journey and see if he can pull out one more victory for the Reds. Happy reading my friends- 7 weeks to a summer of books and the beach- but who's counting!?

Girls Made of Snow and Glass

One created from the snow. One with a heart of glass. Who will love these girls? In this twist on Snow White, Mina and Lynet take on the roles of the Evil Queen and Snow White. Mina has been told by her magician father that the only reason anyone would love her is because she is beautiful. When she meets and marries the King, she finds this to be true as even he rejects her love. Lynet has always loved the snow. Her father, the King, treats her as if she will drift away and break if she isn't protected. He knows she will grow up to be the exact image of her mother. A mother she never knew. As Mina and Lynet grow close, those around them do everything they can to drive a wedge between the two. Lyne, growing up to take Mina's place as Queen. Mina, doing all she can to push Lynet away. In a series of lies, misinformation and deceit, Lynet runs away to save herself from Mina. But Mina never meant to drive Lynet away. How will these two women break the cycle of hate and find a way to rule together to make the world a better place? This was an interesting twist on this classic fairy tale. It has a mirror, a huntsman and a love interest. No dwarves though I kept waiting for some. It was a statement about women who are often pitted against each other by society overcoming the norms and becoming allies instead of enemies. It won't make my favorite list, but for my fairy tale lovers, this is a new take they may enjoy. Happy reading my friends!

Renegades

In a world of superheroes and villains, who is to decide which side is more justified in their actions? Nova and her parents were supposed to be under the protection of the heroes. But when a rival gang came to their apartment and killed all her family, Nova swore revenge. With the help of her uncle Ace, Nova honed her powers and became the villain Nightmare. With one touch, she can put her victims to sleep. She teams up with the villains in an effort to take down the superheroes. Adrian, AKA Sketch, is the adopted son of the two most famous superheroes. He is also looking for a way to make his mark. He has created his own persona- The Sentinel- but no one knows that he is the Sentinel. And they aren't too thrilled with this creation when some of the heroes get hurt by him in a battle against Nightmare. At the annual search for new members of the superhero team, Nova is sent in by her team to infiltrate the heroes and learn about their organization while reporting back to the villains. But when Nova is chosen by Adrian's team, she finds herself unsure of which side is truly in the right. She spends more and more time with Adrian and is confused when members of her own team are making moves she doesn't understand. And Adrian is finding himself falling for Nova even while he searches for Nightmare. This is a great read with interesting characters and story line. It is hard to know who to root for when both sides have both positives and negatives, much like life. This new series by Marissa Meyer is a winner, much like the Lunar Chronicles are. You won't be disappointed, especially with the surprise ending. No spoilers here. Happy reading my friends!