Pen Pal by Francesca Forrest Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Emlee (Em) lives in a tiny community known as “Mermaid’s Hands” in a sort of houseboat in the mudflats just outside of Sandy Neck. One day she decides to write a letter – a message in a bottle – which she gives over to the Seafather (the ocean) and which eventually finds its way into the hands of one Kayamanira Matarayi who … Read more
Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick Fantasy Interwoven stories Printz award winner * * * Stars (Pretty good) This collection of interwoven stories spans years and multiple lifetimes of two inseparable souls – Eric and Merle (spellings differ). When they are first parted Eirikr vows to return, “‘You cannot kill me. Do you not know my name? I am Eirikr. The One King! Forever Strong, and though you kill my body today, I will live again! I … Read more
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige Fantasy Dark * * * * Stars (Great!) Amy has been poor and picked on for most of her life and she’d like nothing better than to get out of her small town, but she really didn’t expect her trailer park home to get swept up by a tornado and to be carried off to the Land of Oz. And she certainly didn’t anticipate that her arrival would cause … Read more
Six Months Later by Natalie D. Richards Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Chloe’s future was uncertain when she fell asleep in study hall one fateful afternoon in May. Her GPA wasn’t the best, and she hadn’t made any efforts to apply to college. She knew there were uncomfortable conversations with her parents in her future. But, when she wakes up – 6 months later – her life is completely different. She’s … Read more
The Falconer by Elizabeth May Fantasy Supernatural * * * * Stars (Great!) Lady Aileana Kameron witnessed first-hand the murder of her mother by the Baobhan Sith (a powerful fae). It transformed her from a respectable young lady who cared only for the finer things in life, to a vengeful fae-hunter. Taken under the wing of another faery, Kiaran Mackay – also keen on killing his own kind – Aileana learns about her prey, hones … Read more
Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Jason Blake is twelve years old and autistic. He is smart and perceptive and has a very rich inner life, but it’s hard for him to verbally express himself and his feelings. He communicates best through his writing and has been sharing it on a website/online community called Storyboard for the past 3 years. Recently, he’s been exchanging emails with … Read more
If I Stay by Gayle Forman Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An aspiring violin player, Mia, dreams of one day playing at top locations around the world. Her family is as supportive as they can be, teaching her valuable lessons every day. Then, suddenly, a terrible incident occurs, and leaves Mia struggling to find answers which even she doesn’t know. Review #2 * * * Stars (Pretty good) A … Read more
Allegiant Divergent #3 by Veronica Roth Dystopian Science Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Allegiant, the final book in the Divergent series, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions as it brings the world of Tris, Tobias, Caleb, Christina, and the rest of the characters to a close. Allegiant was an impressive ending, and Veronica Roth should continue writing as she obviously has been extremely gifted in that … Read more
The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Sage is an orphaned child who’s hit a stroke of luck. Connor, a wealthy politician has adopted Sage and a few other boys to “try out” for the replacement of the late Prince Jaron. But what will happen to those who aren’t chosen? I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, as it was fresh, exciting, and kept me interested. Also, … Read more
Allegiant Divergent #3 by Veronica Roth Dystopian Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) After revealing Edith Prior’s message to the Divergent – to find out what lies beyond the city’s borders – Tris and some others who are unhappy with Evelyn Eaton’s tyranny (she and the Factionless have disbanded the faction system and forbidden anyone to leave) make their escape. They expect to find people who need their help, but instead, they find … Read more