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!

Thunderhead

The first book in this series, Scythe, was one of the books my students have really gravitated towards. What's not to love?- kids their age becoming what are basically grim reapers. Throw in a little love story that can only end in tragedy and you have a hit on your hands. In this sequel, we get to hear a new point of view- the all seeing Thunderhead. AI that basically keeps society running, all the while adhering to some very strict rules. It will not interfere in the doings of the Scythes. And Scythes seem to be turing away from their original purpose and rules and turning towards a lawlessness that while the Thunderhead disagrees with, it will not get involved. Well, almost never. The Thunderhead finds way around it's own rules and tries to set people on a path that will help keep society from imploding.  Citra is finding her way as Scythe Anastasia. Her gleanings have attracted the attention of the other Scythes. Rowan has taken on  the robes of Scythe Lucifer and is determined to glean Scythes that are breaking the rules. This puts him in great danger. When Citra finds herself the target of an assassination, the Thunderhead sends Greyson Tolliver to warn her. By doing so, Greyson gives up the life he desires to save hers. To make matters worse, some dead Scythes find a way back to wreak havoc upon the Scythedom. Citra must use all her cunning to keep Rowan from being caught while saving humanity from the evil that has been unleashed upon it. This was an interesting sequel that I enjoyed reading, especially the author notes from each chapter at the end of the book. And while Rowan and Citra do not spend much time together in the pages of the sequel, I am sure they will get some time in the next book. Characters live, characters die and the Thunderhead lives on becoming more and more human as he goes.... I love Neil Shusterman's books. He knows how to tell a story that makes you question humanity and all it's foibles. Happy reading my friends.

Natural Born Angel

In this sequel to Immortal City, we find Maddy adjusting to life as a half angel, half human. She is trying to decide if she wants to join the Guardians and train to protect humans. Her boyfriend, superangel, Jacks is trying to recover from their encounter with a demon who shredded one of his wings. Jacks is finding life difficult without the ability to fly. Who is he, if not a Guardian? Just Maddy's boyfriend? That is not sitting well with him. To make matters worse, Senator Linden is trying to get legislation passed that would stop the Immortals from using any of their supernatural powers. The Immortals won't stand for this. On a third front, someone is disappearing homeless and blowing up humans. Demons have been spotted around the world. This is concerning to  humans and angels alike. Maddy seems to be both sides hope for the future. They want to fast track her Guardianship and she must learn to use her new wings to do this. They hook her up with Tom Cooper, a pilot. They hope he can help her learn to use her wings like he uses the wings of a plane. Surprise, surprise, feelings start to develop between her and Tom. With Jacks pulling away in his depression, she finds Tom understands her plight. All things come to a crashing conclusion, with Maddy left to decide which side she will stand on- human or angel, Jacks or Tom. No decision will be easy and consequences will be major in Angel City. Where will her heart leave her?? I don't know- cliffhanger!! I really liked the first book in the series, but this one wasn't as riveting. It may be that I have fallen for some other angels between books- Akiva, Patch.... But if you like a good angel v. the world book, try out this series. Happy reading my friends!