Review: Mist, Metal, and Ash

Mist, Metal, and Ash by Gwendolyn Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is the nineteenth century in Italy and Elsa can create new worlds using script that is written in books. That is a powerful gift and someone has stolen the most powerful of these books – this book can rewrite the Earth. Can Elsa trust someone who betrayed her in order to find the book? What will she discover along the way?

Mist, Metal, and Ash is the second book in the Ink, Iron, and Glass series. This alternate history book is full of adventure and a variety of characters. Clare has taken the world she created and has extended the story with flair. Although Goodreads does not have a third book listed, the end will leave readers to believe that more stories will be on their way. Mist, Metal, and Ash was enjoyable but should only be read if readers have finished the first volume.


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Review: Courting Darkness

Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sybella is one of Death’s daughters and a trained assassin. Her current mission is to attend the duchess to France where she is to marry the king. She quickly discovers that she has enemy’s everywhere, but all isn’t over. She is also told that two fellow novitiates were placed in the French court many years ago, now she just needs to find them. Genevieve has been in the French court for so long she no longer believes she will ever be contacted. When she discovers a hidden prisoner, she befriends him and hopes they can help each other. Will Sybella be able to contact Genevieve in time? What are they willing to lose in order to complete their missions?

Courting Darkness is the first book in the Courting Darkness Duology. It is set in the world of the His Fair Assassin trilogy, but readers do not need to have read the first series to enjoy this book. LaFevers has outdone herself with strong female protagonists in a historically tremulous time. This is an action-packed novel told in alternating voices that will leave readers breathless after each chapter. Courting Darkness should be added to most reader’s TBR list, whether they like action, adventure or historical fiction.


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Review: Warcross

Warcross by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emika Chen was caught hacking into the most popular online game and was expecting to be arrested. She did not expect to be offered a job by the creator of Warcross. Now she is using her bounty hunter skills to catch another hacker of the game. Warcross is the first book in a new series on par with Ready Player One. Readers will enjoy the adventure and gaming, even if they are not gamers themselves. As the book came to a close I realized that the next book would be a necessary read; I'm just glad it is already out. Time to get it and find out what happens next.

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Review: The Truth About Leaving

The Truth About Leaving by Natalie Blitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucy’s boyfriend doesn’t want a long distance relationship, so he breaks up with her and then leaves for college. She is now starting her senior year alone when she meets the new Israeli transfer student entering the school on their first day. It doesn’t help that her world is completely out of control; her mother is teaching in California and her guidance counselor has her questioning her college choices. Will Lucy take a chance on a relationship that may not be long term? Will her post-high school choices be her own or what her parents want?

The Truth About Leaving is a stand-alone novel that explores how choices in high school may affect more than just a teen’s day to day life. Blitt has developed a story and characters that are captivating and simple at the same time. Lucy must struggle with relationship questions, family responsibilities, and college choices while also learning who she wants to become. The Truth About Leaving is a wonderful coming of age story that will please readers without all the tragic angst that seems to be in many young adult novels recently.


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Review: Goodbye, Perfect

Goodbye, Perfect by Sara Barnard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bonnie and Eden have been preparing for their GCSEs, well Bonnie’s been preparing and Eden has been trying to study. See, Bonnie is a straight-A student and Eden’s best friend. They know everything about each other or so Eden believes. When she wakes up to a text telling her that Bonnie has run away with her secret boyfriend, Eden must decide if she is willing to keep secret that she is still in contact with Bonnie. As the days progress and Bonnie is still not willing to come home, Eden must face the fact that she may not have really known Bonnie after all.

Goodbye, Perfect is a stand-alone realistic fiction story straight out of current headlines. Young people can love fiercely and sometimes that love is abused by those who should know better. Barnard has created a storyline that readers will be able to relate to, even if they have never had these experiences themselves. All of the events transpire in about a week, so readers will become fully vested in the outcome of the story. Goodbye, Perfect is a fun, yet thought-provoking read.


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