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.

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.

Crescent City

First this is NOT a book that will go on my 8th grade bookshelf. But Sarah Maas is one of my favorites and this is her first foray into adult novels. And I do mean adult. This is the story of Bryce Quinlan, half fae, half human living in a world with wolves, archangels, angels, demons, vampyrs and every other creature you can think of. Her father is the Autumn Kind of the Fae but will not claim her as she is half human. When someone or something kills her best friend, she is forced to team up with Hunt Athalar- the Shadow of Death. What comes after is too much to tell. If you are old enough to read her other series- wait a couple more for this one, If you are grown- well, you can never go wrong with Sarah Maas's characters. They draw you in and keep you captive. Which may not be a bad thing. Happy reading my ADULT friends!

All the Stars and Teeth

There was a lot of buzz about this book on social media. Pirates and princesses and mermaids galore. Throw in a little misused magic and you have a high seas adventure. Amore was born to lead her people. All she has to do is prove herself in front of the kingdom. It shouldn't be a problem,  she has been learning to control her magic all her life. But we wouldn't have a story if that were true, now would we? When it all goes wrong and she is thrown in jail waiting to be executed, a savior comes along with the promise to get her to safety. What choice does she have but to follow Bastian? Little does she know that he has ulterior motives to helping her. And what she finds on her adventures makes her question all her father has taught her. Why had he lied to her all her life? What will she have to sacrifice to save her people? Amora's tale is filled with the high seas, magic, sea monsters, a deadly mermaid and human monsters. She will have to use everything in her to get through it alive in time to save the kingdom. This was a good story. I really liked the character of Mira the mermaid. There were no damsels in distress in this book- something I always appreciate. Did I love it- no, not really, but I don't regret reading it. Happy quarantine reading my friends!

The Downstairs Girl

Jo Kuan is living in a time where being Chinese is not looked upon favorably. She works in a hat shop until she is fired by her racist boss. She gets a job as a ladies maid for the most disagreeable girl in town. She and her protector Old gin live in the basement of the house where the owner of the newspaper lives. She can hear their conversations and grows up listening in until she feels like they are her family. When she hears the paper is in trouble, she creates an advice column called Ask Miss Sweetie. Miss Sweetie has some progressive ideas about how people of different races and genders should be treated. The column saves the paper but sets the town talking- who is Miss Sweetie? Jo knows if they find out, she will be in major trouble. There are many other subplots to this delightful book. Jo is fierce and determined and the people around her make her stronger- either because they try to keep her down or try to build her up. Of course there is a little, sweet, love story, some dastardly deeds, and a race to save her family and herself. I loved this book. It was different then anything else I have read in a while. I love historical fiction and I highly recommend this gem of a book. Happy reading my friends- stay safe in these strange times.