Review: The Toll

The Toll by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rowan and Citra disappeared over three years ago and questions have still gone unanswered. During this same time, the Thunderhead has stopped talking to everyone except Grayson Tolliver. Since Grayson is the only one who knows what the Thunderhead wants, he has been turned into a prophet, The Toll, whether he wants to be one or not. Scythe Goddard is encouraging unrestricted gleanings and Rowan and Citra are working in the background to undermine his plans. What will be the result of this world gone haywire?

The Toll is the third and final book in the Arc of Scythe trilogy. Shusterman has taken organized religion and political superpowers to a new level and he explores the corruption that is underlying most human motivation. The action is constant as are the multiple narrators that encompass the story. The Toll is a great ending to a fast-paced read, even if it is long in pages.


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Review: Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Zélie and Amari have done the impossible and brought magic back into their land. The next task might be just as difficult. They need to bring together the maji, but since the nobles with magic in their ancestry also got their magic back, it is becoming harder. If Zélie doesn’t unite the kingdom then a civil war might become the only option. Will Orïsha be able to overcome magic being wielded? Will Zélie and Amari be able to unite the people?

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the second book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. This fantasy novel has everything a reader will want. It has magic and adventure with quite a bit of family rivalry mixed in. Adeyemi has taken the world that she built in the first novel and expanded the story and the characters. Zélie and Amari truly thought bringing magic back would fix all their issues, but nothing is ever simple and they continue to fight for what they think is right. I recommend this book to all fantasy readers, but please read the first book before delving into this one.


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Review: Chosen

Chosen by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nina has taken the castle used by the Watchers and is using it for displaced demons. This arrangement is far from perfect and now that Artemis is gone and the castle has so few people living in it, Nina is quite busy. It doesn’t help that when she got her Slayer powers back from Leo they included some side effects. This new layer of darkness is causing her to question her motives as she approaches the newest threat. Will Nina be able to overcome this darkness pulling at her soul? Is another near-apocalypse on its way?

Chosen is the second book in the Slayer series. The events in this novel take place shortly after the first book and the characters barely have time to catch their breath before more discord is thrown at them. This story is full of family drama, social conflict, and fantastic fighting. White has taken the world of Buffy and given readers the chance to enjoy more of the adventure. The story found in this book can be enjoyed, even if readers haven’t read/watched anything about Buffy.


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Review: Ninth House

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alex’s life can be called many things, but not uneventful. She dropped out of high school years earlier and was hanging out with a drug dealer and working jobs that were never going to take her anywhere. When she wakes up in a hospital bed and is given an offer to attend Yale on a full ride, she wonders why and how. Her sponsors give her one primary task; monitor the secret societies that interact on the campus. The people who network in these societies are the future leaders of the world. Many will run Wall Street or become major stars in Hollywood. What exactly are these societies doing in these windowless spaces? Is there a reason Alex was the perfect person to intermingle?

Ninth House is the first book in the Alex Stern series. This is Bardugo’s adult debut and it is great. I think it is listed as a book for adults because of the age of most of the characters, but readers who have enjoyed Bardugo’s young adult novels will still enjoy this new series. It has the occult, murder and a journey of self-discovery. All of these features come together to make a tale worth reading. There is a firm ending to this novel, yet there is also a clear path for a series to be penned. I look forward to the second book to be released.


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Review: Ali Cross

Ali Cross by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ali Cross wants to be a detective. He has the best example to follow, his father, Alex Cross. Ali’s friend has disappeared and he wants to find him. It doesn’t help that his house is one of many that was burglarized during the Christmas season. His father would like to help Ali, but he has his own issues since he is on trial for a claim of police brutality. Will Ali be able to track down his friend? Is Abraham’s disappearance related to the burglaries? Will Ali’s investigation cause more problems for the Cross family?

Ali Cross is the first book in the Ali Cross series. As a reader and fan of the Alex Cross series, I had no problem becoming firmly invested in this story right from the start. Even though I know the many years of Cross family back story, those who are new to this world with Ali will still have an easy time enjoying this mystery. I can see many young adults picking up this book and then going to find the adult series. It doesn’t matter what type of reader you are, this is a mystery that is worth every page.


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Review: Call Down the Hawk

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ronan Lynch is called a dreamer. He can take anything from his dreams and bring them into his reality. Jordan Hennessy is a good thief. As she gets closer to an object from a dream, she is pulled even closer. Carmen Farooq-Lane had a brother who was a dreamer and she knows what dreaming can do to a person and those around them. The damage of dreams doesn’t hold a candle to what is about to transpire.

Call Down the Hawk is the first book in the Dreamer Trilogy. Readers of the Raven Cycle will remember Ronan and his dark thoughts. I will admit that I was hoping this was more a new series than a companion series, but once I was able to get past those feelings I was able to enjoy this story. Stiefvater has found a way to bring more details to these characters and another story for readers to delve into. These three main characters are searching for answers and they must face many truths about themselves along the way. Call Down the Hawk will be enjoyed by those who liked the original series and anyone new to Ronan and his dreams.


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Review: Everafter Song

Everafter Song by Emily R. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everley is on the run and has been accused of murder and sorcery. She would like nothing less than to prove her innocence, but in order to do that she must find Killian, the prince who has actually committed these crimes. Her pursuit of Killian leads her to the Silver-Clouded Plain where creatures long forgotten still exist. Everley continues to have dreams of fighting and carnage, but her waking time is filled with even more threats against her clock heart and those she loves. Will Everley be able to outsmart Killian before time runs out?

Everafter Song is the final book in The Evermore Chronicles. This third story was easy to fall back into and the characters are even more fantastic and intriguing. King has wrapped up this adventure with some satisfactory endings, yet there are hints at the end of more stories to come. Of course, that is what life is, more story day after day. I recommend Everafter Song to everyone who read the first two books and if you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for?


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Review: Dark Age

Dark Age by Pierce Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darrow thought he was successful in taking down the color-coded Society that had developed, but now that he is an outlaw in his own Republic he is fighting in another war, this time on Mercury. Will Darrow be able to save the idea of Eo? Lysander au Lune has returned to the Core and would love nothing less than to have peace. He will have to face Darrow and the Gold families in order to end this war. This epic story continues with even more battles and more characters to follow. We have Luna, Lyria, Pax, Electra and Ephraim, each with their own story. How will Brown weave all these tales together?

Dark Age is the fifth book in the Red Rising Saga. My feelings about this series have always been mixed and this novel is no different. I felt that the story dragged in some places and was a page-turner in other sections. In the end, I loved it, but I still have a vague feeling that I missed some key parts. I hope the sixth book will leave me with a more satisfying read.


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Review: The Andromeda Evolution

The Andromeda Evolution by Daniel H. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been over 50 years since a microbe from space landed on Earth and nearly wiped out all humans. The Andromeda Strain was tracked down and put under control. In the years that followed, scientists continued to study this microbe. Everyone thinks they are safe, yet Project Eternal Vigilance is continuing to watch for the Andromeda Strain to return. There has been no sign of the microparticle and the program might be shut down. That is until a drone in the Brazilian wilderness detects something extraterrestrial in the jungle. Could this be the Andromeda Strain again? Whatever it is, it is evolving and the Wildfire team has a very short window to reach it and hopefully stop it before it kills all life on Earth.

The Andromeda Evolution is the second book in the Andromeda series. The events and release dates are 50 years apart and the increase in technology is represented in this new volume. Just like the first book, it is more science than thriller, but if readers like the first book they will enjoy this expansion of the story. Crichton has been dead for over ten years and Wilson did a wonderful job staying true to the original author’s style. This is not an easy read, but I still recommend it to Crichton fans.


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Review: Heart of the Moors: An Original Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Novel

Heart of the Moors: An Original Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Novel by Holly Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Queen Aurora is trying to learn how to be a great leader. Maleficent is no longer trying to take over everything and Aurora is learning how to be friends with Prince Phillip. She knows they aren’t in love, because his kiss did not wake her up, so she puts all of her energy into their friendship. But is their friendship becoming more?

Heart of the Moors is an original novel that takes place between the two Maleficent movies. Readers do not need to have watched either movie to enjoy this book. Just a little knowledge of the original fairy tale will let readers know some basic background about the characters. Black has definitely taken characters most young people know about and given them more depth and additional storylines. This is a quick read and I recommend it to fairy tale fans of all ages.


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Review: Blue Moon

Blue Moon by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jack Reacher is riding a Greyhound bus when he notices an old man sleeping with a bank envelope sticking out of his pocket and another passenger has noticed that envelope too. Once they leave the bus, a mugger tries to attack this man, but Reacher steps in and saves him and his money. Jack offers to help him home, but the man doesn’t want any help. Of course, Reacher knows an underdog when he sees it and decides to stick his nose into the matter. Now Reacher finds himself inside a city with two gangs fighting over territory. The Albanian and Ukrainian gangs don’t know what they are up against when Jack decides to help someone in their city.

Blue Moon is the 24th book in the Jack Reacher series. It is still amazing the trouble that Jack finds as he travels the United States trying to mind his own business. Readers of the previous books know that there is no such thing as Reacher looking the other way. If there is trouble, he is usually knee-deep inside of the solution. Child has taken the idea of gangs and mafia and spun it into a new light. The adventure is high and the action is fast-paced (as usual). Blue Moon does not disappoint; whether you are reading them in order or this is your first one, you will enjoy the story until the very end.


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Review: Deadly Little Scandals

Deadly Little Scandals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sawyer Taft has survived her debutante year and secured enough money to pay for college. It is now summer and time for fun and relaxation. That is until she is offered the chance to pledge with a very private, secret society called the White Gloves. During the first pledge “dare” the ladies discover a secret that has been hidden for over 20 years. Sawyer is now trying to unravel another family secret while also walking the fine line of high society. What else will Sawyer uncover along the way?

Deadly Little Scandals is the second book in the Debutantes series. I loved Little White Lies and this book was not a disappointment. I enjoyed the characters and the mysteries that may be separate or may be connected. Barnes’ characters are easy to relate to and have more depth than readers first believe. This is a very fun read with hidden truths that everyone should hear. I recommend Deadly Little Scandals to everyone who enjoys a fun mystery or just wants a little change.


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Review: Deception

Deception by Teri Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The epidemic is still going rampant and it has a 95% death rate. Unfortunately, the 5% who do survive are left with powers that can be dangerous. At least that is what the government says as it takes the survivors into custody for everyone’s protection. As the pages almost turn themselves, Kai is looking for Shay and Shay is looking for the truth behind this epidemic. Will either of them reach their goal? What is really behind this disease?

Deception is the second book in the Dark Matter trilogy. Events in this book pick up closely behind the ending of Contagion and readers will have no problem remembering the events that have already occurred. This book has everything readers are looking for: relatable characters, lots of action and a few twists along the way. I recommend Deception to everyone who enjoyed Contagion. If you haven’t read Contagion yet, then go get it.


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Review: The Stranger Inside

The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Rain was 12 years old her two best friends were abducted and one died. She has never fully come to terms with the fact that she got away. Their abductor didn’t go to jail; he went for psychiatric treatment and was released years later. But someone issued real justice when he was killed in the same manner that he killed Tess. Rain is now a stay at home mom and tries her best to not think about the events from her childhood. When another murderer who was not convicted is found dead, Rain feels the need to write about her own experiences. Who is this vigilante? Why can’t Rain just let it stay in her past?

The Stranger Inside is a psychological thriller with some well-placed twists included. I love Unger’s books because she always keeps readers guessing where the story will go and this one is no different. This novel is told in multiple voices, one of which is a killer. Readers will know what everyone is thinking and feeling, yet they will still be amazed that Unger is able to throw in a few unexpected twists. The Stranger Inside should not be passed up by anyone who enjoys this genre.


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Review: Lost and Found

Lost and Found by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ezekiel has been friendless for years because everyone thinks he is a thief. They believe this because he has a knack for finding lost items and they believe this can only be because he stole them in the first place. He is NOT a thief and he does not have a superpower … he has a micropower! Ezekiel feels it is a useless power, no matter what you call it, but when a police officer asks him to help find a lost girl, his first thoughts are no way. Not only because he doesn’t want to be accused of taking her, but because that isn’t how his power work. When his new friend, Beth, convinces them that it might work for that too, he decides to give it a try. Will Ezekiel be able to find this lost girl? What truths will he discover about himself as he helps the police with their investigations?

Lost and Found is a stand-alone novel about finding yourself and pushing your own limits. This is not like most of Card’s other books. Although there is a hint of supernatural powers with Ezekiel’s micropower, it is not a pure fantasy or science fiction story. The events that happen are truly plausible and readers will enjoy turning the pages as they try and uncover the truths that are being discovered along the way. Although it is a great stand-alone novel, I would not be disappointed if Card decided to make it into a series.


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Review: Exile from Eden: Or, After the Hole

Exile from Eden: Or, After the Hole by Andrew Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arek is sixteen years old and has lived underground his entire life. The surface is infested with six-foot-tall creatures that look like praying mantises. Arek’s dads left on a mission and have not returned. He wants to find out what happened to them and is willing to risk the unknown to look for them. He sets out in an RV without any set plans. His best friend, Mel, hid in the van and wants to help him with his quest. Will Arek find his dads in this big empty world? Are there any more humans left on the surface?

Exile from Eden is the long-awaited sequel to Grasshopper Jungle. Those who read the original story will not be disappointed in this next generation of pubescent boys discovering and thinking about all the changes that happen. The greatest part of this version is Arek doesn’t have the world of knowledge our boys get with everyday life; he was the only boy in the hole and the women of the hole kept many things hidden. Smith did a wonderful job describing what life might have been like in this post-apocalyptic world. I recommend Exile from Eden to everyone who enjoyed Grasshopper Jungle, but please don’t pick it up if you don’t want to know what teenage boys are thinking.


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Review: The Lady Rogue

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Theodora would like nothing more than to travel with her father on his treasure hunting missions. Unfortunately, he has a habit of leaving her with companions and seeking adventure on his own or with his protégé, Huck. She is not the easiest person to get along with and her most recent companion has abandoned her in Istanbul. Soon after, Huck arrives and asks her to help him find her father. She now gets to go on a treasure-hunting adventure, but with her father’s safety at stake, it is not fun and games. Will Theodora and Huck be able to unravel the mystery her father was following?

The Lady Rogue is a stand-alone gothic adventure that feels like a modern mystery. These two young people are traveling through the Carpathian Mountains and dodging mysterious men and women who have nefarious dealings with the occult. There is a bit of romance between the two protagonists, but the gist of the story is an adventure set in the early 20th century. Bennett has taken lore about Vlad the Impaler and weaved it into a compelling read. I believe readers who enjoy historical fiction or adventures will enjoy this book, even if they don’t normally like the other genre.


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Review: Batman: Nightwalker

Batman: Nightwalker by Stuart Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bruce Wayne has just celebrated his 18th birthday and is about to inherit his parent’s fortune. He should be thinking about graduation and everything that follows, but after getting involved in a police matter, he is assigned community service at Arkham Asylum. It isn’t just a mental hospital; it is a prison for the most violent convicts. It is at Arkham Asylum that Bruce meets Madeleine Wallace. She is a ruthless killer and one of the Nightwalkers that have been going after the Gotham City elite. What is Madeleine trying to keep secret? Who can Bruce trust in this crazy adult world he is trying to navigate?

Batman: Nightwalker is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel by Marie Lu. Moore and Wildgoose have done a wonderful job pulling the essential components of the original novel and crafting a graphic novel that was hard to put down. Wildgoose’s illustrations gave the story hidden depths while still allowing the reader to enjoy the story without a lot of distractions. Whether you have read the original book or not, this graphic novel is a must-read for all Batman fans (or even just those who like a good superhero story).


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Review: The Hive

The Hive by Barry Lyga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After social media went out of control, the government helped develop the Hive. If someone does something inappropriate online, people voice their opinion and if condemned, the crowd has the option to come after them. Cassie has changed schools at the start of her senior year and her new friends have encouraged her to send out a joke about the president’s daughter. She doesn’t think anything about it until the Hive decides it wants vengeance against her. She is now running for her life and doesn’t really know who she can trust.

The Hive is a stand-alone science fiction novel that is too close to being real. The technology discussed within these pages is either available or nearly so and a society like this is all too possible. Lyga and Baden have teamed up to write a story that will make readers want to turn the pages continuously. I had my own ideas on how I thought it would end, but the story just sort of fizzled out. As a stand-alone book, I was disappointed. If these authors decide to make it into a series, then I will be happy. Overall I recommend The Hive to anyone who wants a science fiction or adventure story.


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Review: The Tenth Girl

The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mari just wants a place that she belongs. She has lied about her age and teaching experience and it has finally paid off. She has been hired as an English teacher at a finishing school with a rocky and possibly haunted past. She is ignoring all of the warnings because we wants to hide from the military that has taken over the government and she also doesn’t want to face her mother’s disappearance. She is willing to overlook a lot, but when she can’t get a satisfactory answer about a missing student, her secret investigation uncovers more than even her mind could have imagined.

The Tenth Girls is a stand-alone gothic thriller with an added twist. The story is told through two different timeline viewpoints and readers must discover the connections. Faring has definitely provided a different ending than I was originally expecting. Although I would have liked my ending too, the unexpected twist was refreshing. This book will be enjoyed by many readers and it definitely should be tried by all triller fans.




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Review: Loki: Where Mischief Lies

Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Loki is still young and his stories have not yet happened … or have they? He knows that time is not linear and sometimes your future is someone else’s past. Everyone expects him to do bad things, even his father, Odin. The only person who believes in him is Amora and when she is sent away to Earth for something she and Loki did, he loses this one positive influence in his life. As time continues on Asgard without Amora, Loki slips deeper into darkness as his brother, Thor, is continually praised and loved. After magical murders are detected on Earth, Odin sends Loki to discover the source. He finds himself in nineteenth-century London and begins to learn more about himself and the secrets of his father.

Loki: Where Mischief Lies is a stand-alone novel about the creation of a character everyone loves to hate. Lee promises to write two more young adult novels about other Marvel characters but this book can definitely be read on its own. I love alternate storylines and character retellings, but this novel left me feeling that something was missing. It was still a good read, just not a great read. I don’t know who the other two novels will be about, but I will be looking for them to learn more about them.


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Review: The Liars of Mariposa Island

The Liars of Mariposa Island by Jennifer Mathieu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elena’s mother keeps a very tight rein on her during the school year, but when summer comes, so do the Callahans and the freedom that comes with babysitting their children. It is the summer of 1986, the summer before her junior year of high school and the summer she meets J.C. Joaquin is Elena’s brother and he has all the freedom he could want, except he wants to leave Mariposa Island. He is now a high school graduate and is thinking of going to California to find their father.

The Liars of Mariposa Island is a stand-alone novel that chronicles the summer of these two siblings with flashbacks to the teen years of their mother and her experiences in Cuba and moving to the United States. Mathieu has taken a family with many secrets and even more liars and has crafted a story for the masses. Whether readers are looking for a coming of age story, a summer romance story or a fun book with just a little bit of history, they will be happy with these pages. Although I enjoyed this book, it isn’t as good as Moxie. We readers need to make sure we don’t judge one book based on other books by the same author. This is a totally different type of novel and must be enjoyed on its own merits.


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Review: American Royals

American Royals by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the Revolutionary War, the people of America asked General Washington to become their king. He accepted and two hundred and fifty years later his heir is still sitting on the throne. Introduce Princess Beatrice … she has been groomed her entire life to become America’s first queen regnant. Beatrice knows what is expected of her and her parents say it is time to find a husband. Her sister, Princess Samantha, is the spare to the heir. She thinks she has found a guy for her heart until her sister chooses him to be her boyfriend. Prince Jefferson is Samantha’s twin and the third in the line of succession. If the rules hadn’t been changed, though, he would be the next king. He has two girls who would like to become his princess and he is trying to come to grips with what his heart wants.

American Royals is the first book in the American Royals series. The story is told in alternating chapters by various characters and the reader will learn secrets that the other characters have to go without. There is the usual backstabbing and rumor milling, yet there is more at stake. These young adults have a realm that is watching every move and the love the people have can be very finicky. American Royals is a very fun read and those who enjoyed The Selection series will find these pages exactly what they were looking for. I can’t wait for the next book to be released!


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Review: Mind Games

Mind Games by Shana Silver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arden has a side hustle at school selling memories. It doesn’t matter if you want to experience becoming a homecoming queen or want an easy way to study for a test; she has the memory for you. She feels like she has the best business in the school until she sees a new boy at school and asks for an introduction. She finds out that the boy isn’t new and has been her lab partner for years. Where have her memories gone? When she discovers that he has no memories of anything before that morning, she uses her hacking skills to try and uncover the truth behind the mystery.

Mind Games is a stand-alone science fiction thriller that grabbed my attention at the beginning and I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. I read A LOT of books and try to be stingy with my 5-star ratings, but I had a feeling that this was going to be a rarity. Silver has taken some modern science and interspersed it with more science fiction. This blend of truth and fiction gives the story just enough plausibility that readers will wonder if this might happen in the near future. I enjoyed this book so much I don’t want to limit my recommendation to only sci-fi fans. Everyone, just give it a try!


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Review: Into the Hourglass

Into the Hourglass by Emily R. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everley is on a quest into the otherworlds. Their task … to find the sword of Avelyn that was stolen by Prince Killian. Yes, the same Prince Killian who killed her entire family and left her for dead. If they don’t find the sword in time … the seven worlds will collapse. Like all quests, the path before them is not safe and with her heart clock beginning to fail, Everley wonders if she will even survive this experience. Will Everley be able to retrieve the sword in time? What secrets will she discover along the way?

Into the Hourglass is the second book in The Evermore Chronicles. King has taken the fantasy world she created in the first book and has expanded it even more. The adventure is high and drama is rampant as Everley sails the high seas and enters forbidden landscapes. The characters learn about the truths behind some myths and everyone must face the unknown head-on. I recommend Into the Hourglass to everyone who has already read Before the Broken Stars. PLEASE … don’t jump into the second book without it.


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Review: Rebel Born

Rebel Born by Amy A. Bartol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Roselle is a strong warrior and the crowds are eagerly awaiting the Secondborn Trials in order to see her in action. That is until she is kidnapped during the opening ceremonies in order to give her an implant and make her a mind-controlled assassin. But there are other plans in the works and one of the scientists implants her with a different technology that makes her faster, more powerful and possibly immortal. Roselle is now helping the resistance group, but who can she really trust? Will she lose her humanity along the way?

Rebel Born is the third book in the Secondborn series. Bartol has taken the world she built in the first book and has exponentially expanded on the characters (and brought in a few more). Emotions are high and the intrigue is at maximum as Roselle and other characters fight against the social machine that wishes to control everything. Although I can’t find anything about a fourth book, Goodreads has it listed as a series and not a trilogy. Readers will be happy with the ending, but if you are like me … you want a little more.


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Review: Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life and Work

Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life and Work by Victoria Ortiz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dissenter on the Bench is the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg that is a must-listen for people of all ages. Ortiz chronicles RBG’s childhood, education, marriage, and career over several decades while also including details about some of her more life-changing cases as a lawyer and a judge. Larsen’s narration is dramatic yet not distracting which enables the listener to lose themselves in the larger story even if they are not normally fans of legal stories or non-fiction. This book shows that the future that was changed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life has been felt by all American’s, even if they are not aware of it. I recommend Dissenter on the Bench to everyone, no matter what genres you normally enjoy.

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Review: Wilder Girls

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hetty has not left the Raxter School for Girls in over eighteen months. They have been under a quarantine that started with the teachers dying first. When the students became infected, it didn’t seem to kill them, but turn them. These girls have been cut off from all communications with the outside world and they can’t even go outside of the fence because the Tox has infected the local wildlife. Hetty was a rule follower until Byatt went missing. Now she is questioning everything about the quarantine, including what lies on the other side of the fence. What will Hetty learn about this mysterious disease?

Wilder Girls is a stand-alone science fiction story that was a fun escape read with just a little bit of science fiction thrown in. Even if readers are not very familiar with quarantines and diseases, most will be able to enjoy the bigger story that is included here. Power has created a few different characters for readers to explore and overall the ending was satisfactory. With that being said, it was not a drop everything and finish the book experience. I’m glad I read it and recommend others who like this type of book to add it to their TBR list.


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Review: Heartwood Box

Heartwood Box by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Araceli’s parents have decided that she needs to spend her senior year with her great-aunt Ottilie in a small New York town. They thought it would be a safe and quiet place for her to get ready for college, but they didn’t know that people have been going missing for over twenty years and there are mysterious lights in the woods that Araceli is explicitly told to NOT follow. After Araceli begins receiving letters from a GI during the First World War, she wonders whether it is all one big prank or is there really a mystery that needs to be solved.

Heartwood Box is a stand-alone science fiction mystery where the characters are easy to relate to and the story was very easy to fall in to. Aguirre has taken many mysterious storylines and has blended them into a superb novel. When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about the events and what might happen next. I also really liked that it was not part of a series and I was able to unravel all the mysteries in a short amount of time. I recommend Heartwood Box to all fans of mysteries, even if you don’t normally like science fiction.


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Review: Teen Titans: Raven

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After Raven and her foster mom are in a tragic auto accident, Raven loses both the only mother she has ever known and her memories. She moves to New Orleans with her foster mother’s sister in order to finish her senior year of high school. Raven quickly remembers anything related to school knowledge, but can’t remember the personal things. When she starts hearing weird things and some other unexplained issues arise, Raven begins to wonder if it is actually a good thing that she doesn’t remember her past. What secrets is Raven’s subconscious trying to protect her from?

Teen Titans: Raven is the first graphic novel in the Teen Titans series. Those readers who are looking for the group will need to hold off for another book because this volume is all about Raven. It really doesn’t matter if readers are knowledgeable about any other stories that include Raven because this book is intended to give a starting point for this character. Unfortunately, if you are a really big fan you might find flaws, but as a reader who just enjoys good stories, this book fits the bill. I will be looking for future stories about the other Teen Titans and hopefully Raven herself.


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Review: Before the Broken Star

Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everley is a survivor. She was the only one in her family to make it out of a massacre and she stays alive because she has a clockwork heart. Everley believes she knows who was behind her family’s deaths, but she quickly learns that not everything is as it seems. Now she is sentenced to 7 years on a penal colony and is expected to marry and help build a new world. She knows she must keep her clockwork heart hidden, but with love in the mix, that may not be as easy as she wishes.

Before the Broken Star is the first book in The Evermore Chronicles. This story begins like most steampunk novels and quickly morphs into a totally different adventure. It is hard to classify it into one genre, but readers of steampunk, adventure and fantasy will all enjoy these pages. King has created a storyline that made me want to return to the book often so that I could finish it quickly. The second book is scheduled to be released in August and I will be willingly waiting for the opportunity to continue this adventure.


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Review: Contagion

Contagion by Teri Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shay saw a young girl on the side of the road the day before going on a vacation. Months later she discovers that this girl, Callie, went missing that morning. She calls the number on the flyer and reaches the brother, Kai. They meet to talk about what Shay saw, but quickly find themselves in the middle of an epidemic that is causing quarantines across the country. Will Kai and Shay discover the truth about Callie’s disappearance? What is behind this contagion that is sweeping across the land?

Contagion is the first book in the Dark Matter series. At the beginning of the book I was having trouble getting into the story because the reader knows some of the things that have happened to Callie, but as the story progresses and the protagonists begin to unravel the truth, I quickly discovered that having that additional information gave me a better understanding of the larger picture. This novel is full of adventure, mystery and a little bit about diseases and outbreaks. Terry has taken a very real possibility and has crafted a story that many readers will easily devour. This book was great and I look forward to the second book in a few months.


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Review: The Evil Queen

The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everly has been living a normal teenage life when she begins to communicate with mirrors. She doesn’t know if what she sees is real or not, but some of the images shake her to her core. She soon finds out the truth … she is from another realm and destined to become the Evil Queen. Or is she destined to be Snow White? No one seems to have the final answer, but Everly is determined to find out. She travels to Enchantia to confront the prophecy head on, even if it means she must push through her internal battle between good and evil.

The Evil Queen is the first book in The Forest of Good and Evil series. Showalter has taken many beloved fairy tales and has included some modern day twists. Since most readers are already familiar with fairy tales in general, it appears that Showalter decided to spend only a minimal amount of time on world building. That is great for us because there is more story for us to enjoy. I am a huge fan of fairy tale re-tellings and this one was a fun example. I recommend this book and look forward to the next volume in the future.


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Review: Soul of the Sword

Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kitsune is still on her quest to take a piece of an ancient scroll to the Steel Feather temple to stop the summoning of the great Kami Dragon. If she fails in her quest, the Harbinger of Change will grant a wish to the bearer of the scroll. Unfortunately, Hakaimono has escaped the sword Kamigoroshi and taken possession of Kage. Hakaimono is working with the Master of Demons to try and break the curse to completely set him free. He wants to take over the land and plunge it into darkness, but he can’t complete this goal without the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. Will Kitsune be able to free Kage from Hakaimono’s possession? What difficult choices will she need to make along the way?

Soul of the Sword is the second book in the Shadow of the Fox series. In a world full of magic and adventure, readers will easily recall the basics of the first book in order to become fully invested in this second installment. Kagawa has taken the world building that has already been completed and woven deeper characters and more diverse plot twists. Although this book has a satisfactory ending, it is not a duology and readers will be anticipating the next book when it is released.


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Review: We Hunt the Flame

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Zafira began hunting in the cursed forest in order to ensure the people of her village wouldn’t starve. She had to do this disguised as a man because hunting is not woman’s work. Nasir is the king’s assassin and is also the prince. He doesn’t want to kill whomever his father wishes, but the punishments to him would be just as bad. Both individuals are now looking for a lost object. Zafira wants to restore magic to the world and the king wants to stop her, even if that means Nasir must assassinate her. What will happen when these two cross paths?

We Hunt the Flame is the first book in the Sands of Arawiya series. The characters inside this story are varied and complex with world building to match them. Although the land is inspired by Arabian history, this world is full of magic and a different past. There were times the story seemed to drag, but as I remembered that this was Faizal’s debut novel … all was forgiven. I look forward to the second installment to discover where this world is going next.


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Review: Breaking Bailey

Breaking Bailey by Anonymous
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bailey is trying to keep her mind off her mother’s death as she begins her life at a new school. Her dad has moved on and even has a new wife to go with his new life. She knew this boarding school would be hard, but she did not expect to be taken in by a group of students calling themselves the “Science Club.” Although they are very smart students, they don’t study when they are together. They are using their brains to make drugs and sell them in the local community. Now Bailey has money and a boyfriend, but it seems her academics cannot keep up with this highly demanding extracurricular activity. Will Bailey follow the crowd in order to stay accepted? Is there a line that Bailey is not willing to cross?

Breaking Bailey is a stand-alone novel about the slippery slope that comes with drugs. Whether the person is a drug manufacturer, drug seller or drug user … there are issues that get murkier as time continues on. Readers who enjoyed Go Ask Alice will be drawn to this title, yet the story in these pages is not as heart gripping as the other story. I haven’t read too many books about the people who actually make the drugs, so that was different, but overall it was just a good read. Many readers will enjoy it, but it won’t be as popular as Go Ask Alice.


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Review: Storm and Fury

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Trinity Marrow has many secrets, the least of which is the fact that she can see and talk to ghosts. Since she was a child, she has been hiding in a compound guarded by Wardens who protect humans from demon attacks. Humans have recently learned about these gargoyle shape-shifters, but they don’t truly understand the dangers the world holds over them. After a group of Wardens from D.C. arrives asking for help, Trinity learns that there have been more demon attacks than she thought. Will Trinity’s secret come to light with these increased attacks? Who should she trust in this world gone wild?

Storm and Fury is the first book in The Harbinger series. This is the type of book that I normally love, but for some reason, there was just something missing. It had a full and creative backstory, a supernatural element, lots of action and a little bit of romance … yet I couldn’t fall into the story. It isn’t an extremely long book, yet it seemed to drag in sections which made it seem about 200 pages longer than it was. Since Armentrout had to do some character development, I will definitely be looking for the next book to see if the storyline moves a little more smoothly. I still recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good supernatural read.


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Review: Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale

Under The Moon: A Catwoman Tale by Lauren Myracle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Selina’s mom has had a series of bad boyfriends that treat both of them like trash. After a tragic event pushes Selina out of the house, the future Catwoman finds herself on the street fending for herself. She creates a system where she only needs to count on her own wits and is content … or is she? Selina may have taken on the name Catwoman, but she has a lot to learn about herself and the people of Gotham. Will Selina find anyone she can trust?

Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale is a graphic novel with a new take on the origins of Catwoman. I was a little disheartened with some of the cuss words that were included, even though they weren’t excessive. There is a scene about self-harm and Myracle did a wonderful job ensuring that readers will understand that it is not to be glorified and asking for help should always be an option. Overall it was an enjoyable read, yet there just seems to be something missing. I hope that there will be more graphic novels about this strong female character so that I can learn how she overcomes her own demons.


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Review: That Night

That Night by Cyn Balog
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hailey has a lot of questions. She can’t remember anything from the weeks leading up to her boyfriend’s suicide, yet she can’t shake the feeling that he would not have done it. Her best friend, Kane, is also Declan’s stepbrother and he wants everyone to move on with their lives, not sit around and try to remember. As Hailey looks for answers, she begins to remember more and more. Did Declan really kill himself? What truths will Hailey find out along the way?

That Night is a stand-alone mystery with only a few twists and turns throughout the pages. Balog has created a story that readers will easily be able to relate to, they just need to pay attention to the timeline since this story is not told chronologically. That Night is not a very long book and can easily be finished in just a couple of sittings. Although it is not a drop-everything-and-read book, it was an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy mystery to relax the time away.


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Review: Road Tripped

Road Tripped by Pete Hautman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stiggy’s life seems to be in a downward spiral and he just feels the need to get out town. His father committed suicide a few months before, his mother is walking around in a fog and his girlfriend has left to stay with a friend. Stiggy takes his mom’s credit card and his father’s Mustang and decides to drive the Great River Road. He quickly finds out that life on his own is not any better than life at home and his road trip changes in ways he never expected.

Road Tripped is a stand-alone coming of age novel with a little bit of humor included. Stiggy runs into a variety of characters that challenge his way of thinking and encourages him to reassess why he isn’t at home. Hautman has taken the classic road trip story and given readers a new spin on teen issues. Road Tripped is a fun escape read that doesn’t take too long to finish.


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Review: Aurora Rising

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tyler Jones is in the top of the class and is looking forward to draft day. That is when he will be able to pick his dream squad and start a great career. Unfortunately, his inner heroism gets in his way and because he takes the time to save a girl who has been in cryo-sleep for over two hundred years, he is now stuck with the leftovers from the academy. Having a crappy team isn’t his only issue, though. It turns out that the girl he saved, Aurora, could be the very person to start a war that has been in process before humans were even started. Is this group of misfits the team that will save the galaxy? Is there a connection between Tyler and Aurora that runs deeper than usual?

Aurora Rising is the first book in the Aurora Cycle and is a wonderful science fiction adventure with a dash of comedy. Overall the story is serious and great, yet the characters have a comedic side that will have readers chuckling throughout the book. Kristoff has created a variety of characters that I truly enjoyed spending time with and the ending of this book left many future books available for publication. I highly recommend Aurora Rising and will personally be looking for the next book when it is released.


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Review: Finale

Finale by Stephanie Garber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two months have passed since the final Caraval was completed. Legend has claimed the empire’s throne and the Fates have been freed from the cards. Tella does not believe that Legend is the rightful heir to the throne and will risk more than she imagined to see her plans through. Scarlett has not gotten over Julian and is ready to meet with her former fiancé or is she? Scarlett has decided to have her own game where the winner gets to marry her. Is Scarlett in control of her destiny or are larger powers at work? Will Tella be able to stop Legend or is his fate part of her destiny?

Finale is the third and final book in the Caraval trilogy. The sisters have learned a lot about love and magic over these last few months and now they must determine what their own hearts desires are. Garber’s world is a wonderful place to escape into and readers who invested time in Scarlett and Tella during the first two books will not be disappointed to learn their fate. I am glad I was able to read all three books in a short amount of time because this trilogy is definitely devour worthy.


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Review: The Lovely and the Lost

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kira doesn’t remember much about her childhood, but she does recall being lost in the woods and being found by Cady Bennett and her search-and-rescue dog. Although she was adopted by Cady, she still has trouble feeling like she belongs in a family. She has no difficulties interacting with the canines used with the search-and-rescue business and she hopes to continue with this endeavor into her adult years. When Cady and her team are asked to help search for a missing child in the Sierra Glades National Park, Kira can’t stop thinking about this missing girl and her own experience being lost in the wilderness.

The Lovely and the Lost is a stand-alone mystery that leaves a lot to be desired. Even though there were some twists and turns as the pages were turned, overall there was just something lacking in the novel. Barnes usually has dynamic characters that make readers want to know more, yet these characters were a little flat and didn’t make me want to stay with the story. Overall I liked the ending and decided I liked the book, so I encourage those who want to read it to stick it out till the end because it is worth it.


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Review: We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susan Kuklin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These nine young people have a story to tell. They all have lived in the United States for most of their lives, but they are undocumented. They come from a variety of countries: Columbia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came for different reasons; most for an education, some were running away from violence and others were trying to leave a life of poverty. They all have a story to tell and this is it.

We Are Here to Stay is a non-fiction book filled with truths and heartache. These young adults have not only overcome the obstacles of getting to the United States, but they have also navigated a system that is not always looking out for their best interests. This was originally scheduled to be published in 2017, but with the changes in immigration procedures, this book was released later without many of the pictures originally planned. Kuklin is hopeful that the book will be re-released in the future with all of these pictures. Whether readers are current about all of the DACA information or this is their first glimpse at these issues, We Are Here to Stay will be an eye-opening read for all.

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Review: Shout

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been twenty years since Anderson published her book Speak, yet people of all genders are still struggling with talking about sexual assault and schools are still restricting access to content about sex and rape. In this book filled with verse, Anderson tackles a tough topic and leaves the reader thinking hard … long after the pages have been finished. She tells about her early childhood, her own sexual assault and the years following the publication of Speak. Whether readers have experienced sexual assault, know of a survivor of sexual assault or just wants to know more, Speak is the book that must read, must be considered and must be shouted about.

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Review: Summer of '69

Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucas’ plans for the summer are simple: hang out with friends, smoke some weed and take some pills along the way. His plans go off track when he finds out that he did not get into college. He is now at risk of being drafted and sent to the Vietnam Conflict. Also, his girlfriend is spending time in Canada and his friend Tinsley wants to practice her free love by temping Lucas to cheat on Robin. If his life wasn’t crazy enough it looks like his parents might be getting a divorce and his friend in Vietnam is in constant danger. What will Lucas do to avoid ‘Nam? What else will life throw at him?

The Summer of ’69 is a coming of age story inspired by the author’s own time in this iconic era. The drugs are abundant and the choices are less than noble, but the story will be appealing to readers of all ages. Since this is the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, some young readers may see articles and shows that talk about the events, yet this story will help them understand what was going through many young people’s minds in the months and weeks leading up to the festival. Strasser has based his characters and events on his own life and stories he heard from friends and this makes this book just a little bit more appealing.


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Review: The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees

The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees by Meredith May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meredith knew her parents fought a lot, but her world was turned upside down when her mother left her father and moved them to live with her grandparents in California. Her mother could not cope with the ending of her marriage and isolated herself from everyone. Meredith tried to just stay out of everyone’s way until her grandfather invited her to help with his beekeeping. She now had a way to escape her hectic reality and learn life lessons from these small creatures along the way.

The Honey Bus is a poignant memoir that reads like a novel. This book takes readers through the early years of a confused child and gives them a chance to watch her grow into a strong young lady. The memoir parts are great, but so are the lessons about bees and beekeeping. I recommend The Honey Bus to those who enjoyed The Glass Castle and The Secret Lives of Bees. It is a wonderful story about making a home where love is and the truths that can be learned about the life of bees.


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Review: Sky Without Stars

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been 500 years since Laterre was colonized and it is time for a revolution. It turns out that the planet wasn’t as perfect as excepted and the wealthy are living the extravagant life while the lower classes barely stay alive. It doesn’t help that the world is twenty-five years into an eclipse that has them in perpetual night. Chatine would do anything to leave her situation, including spying on a boy who has only shown her kindness. Marcellus is the grandson of the general and also the son a very famous traitor. Alouette fled underground with her father many years ago and has been trained to protect the secret library. These three young people have an unexpected role to play in this upcoming revolution. Will they have what it takes to stand their ground? What will they learn about themselves along the way?

Sky Without Stars is the first book in the System Divine series. This science fiction novel takes place on a distant planet in a distant future, yet the issues that are expressed are mirrored in society today. Brody has taken a timeless storyline and brought it to an audience that will enjoy this new spin. The story is told in the alternating voices of the three protagonists and readers will be blessed with the additional insight into the narrative. I recommend Sky Without Stars for all young adult science fiction fans and maybe even those who aren’t usually into young adult fiction. It is a real page-turner.


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Review: Veins of Gold

Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gentry and her siblings are working hard to keep the farm running and food on the table. They never expected to do it on their own in the rugged west, yet when their father leaves them in search of gold, that is where they find themselves. After a series of natural disasters put added strain on this young family, Gentry learns that the magic of the world is out of whack because of what the humans have been doing … specifically, removing gold from the ground. The earth’s reactions are slowly getting worse and Gentry must make a very grown-up choice to help her family. Will she marry a wealthy man that can protect her family or will she put her trust in Winn and his power over gold?

Veins of Gold is a stand-alone novel that takes place during the gold rush of the 1800s and is easy to relate to and fun to read. Holmberg has outdone herself with creating a cast of characters that has at least one person the reader can relate to. This is a very clean young adult novel and would be appropriate for even the youngest teen. The history is not overpowering and the hardships seem authentic. I recommend Veins of Gold to my readers, even if you don’t normally enjoy historical fiction stories.


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Review: The Iliad

The Iliad by Gareth Hinds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Iliad is an epic story telling about the heroic battle between two ancient people. Although these armies fought each other over three thousand years ago, readers are still turning pages and authors are still writing their own version. Hinds has created a new graphic novel interpretation of these events to help readers with many visual ques. This is a book about an extensive battle that transpired with close contact fighting. With that being said, the art work shows these graphic scenes, yet they aren’t distasteful in the least. This is a companion graphic novel to Hinds’s version of The Odyssey and readers who enjoyed that adventure should be pleased with this one. This is the story of The Iliad and not the story of the Trojan horse, just in case that is what readers are thinking.



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