REVIEW: Exposed (Retribution) by Judith Graves

Thank you to Orca Book Publishers for a review copy on behalf of my ROYAL membership!

Exposed: Retribution is the third in a high interest YA trilogy which can be read in any order. Nearly sixteen-year-old Raven is aggressive, street smart and cunning after spending years defying dangerous situations as part of a large car theft ring.  She feels that she owes Diesel her loyalty, especially since he saved her from a life of hell.  Now she wants out but the only way is to train her successor to master her uncanny urban climbing skills.  When Raven learns that her boss and mentor is responsible for the senseless death of her "apprentice", she finally sees Diesel for what he is and sets out to bring him down with the help of some unlikely allies.

Characteristic of most high/low readers, the action starts from the first page and doesn't stop.  Raven is a kick-butt female heroine who is redeemable in spite of her flaws.  The supporting cast of characters are engaging as well even if some (i.e. Diesel) are a bit one note. 

The book is perfect for what it is intended to be.  A reluctant reader will be hooked on the action and the story.  For someone like me, the writing feels all too rushed and I wish there was more development and pacing because the concept is great. I was left wanting more and may actually pursue the next installment just to find out what happens with these characters and the promised next adventure to bring about justice. 

Recommended for purchase for school and public libraries. Audience appeal ages 12 and up for both male and female readers.  Action based, mystery thriller with a splash of romance and friendship. Readers will like the urban climbing element.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @judithgraves

#judithgraves #ocrabook #exposedretribution #YAlit #teen #highinterest #urbanclimbing #books #ROYAL

REVIEW: Chemistry (Inquire & Investigate) by Carla Mooney

*Thank you to Nomad Press for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL and the SWON Libraries*

Let me tell you a story...

Once upon a time, I manager to survive two full years of AP Chemistry.  This remains one of the most challenging times in my academic career.  Somehow I passed but that was due in part to my best friend and lab partner, a patient and dedicated teacher and my own 'never give up' attitude to persevere even what I hardly knew what to do next.

That being said, I wish I'd had an available text like Chemistry: Investigate the Matter that Makes Up Your World. The text is colorful, engaging and concise while appealing to multiple types of learners through visuals, text and additional activities.  

This is basically for beginners with chapters including:

1. Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
2. States of Matter
3. Changing States of Matter
4. Compounds, Mixtures and Solutions
5. Chemical Reactions
6. Acids and Bases
7. The Nucleus and Radioactivity
8. Other Branches of Chemistry

Recommended for purchase in public and school libraries for grades 6-9. This text would also be a stellar classroom resource for many teachers.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#chemistry #science #nonfiction #middleschool #ROYAL #learning 

REVIEW: The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire by Dan Howell & Phil Lester

*Thank you to Random House for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL and the SWON Libraries.*

With more than 11 million followers, YouTube stars Dan Howell and Phil Lester present an interactive and multi-genre peak into their quirky lives and how they achieved Internet star status with their unique and weird take on life. The book portrays an interactive narrative that is funny, offers some sound advice.

Recommended for fans and other reader wanting quirky, visually interesting nonfiction. Overall appeal and popularity is modest; therefore, this should be an optional purchase for a public or school library--ages 12 and up.

As a reviewer, my age is showing. Honestly, I have no idea who these two guys are. That being said, the book will appeal to readers who recognize these two from their online adventures or if the cover catches their eye. The format and visage make even browsing an experience, especially use of multi-genre visuals (i.e. collage, drawings) and other engaging forms of expression. They certainly must be trending since I just saw a right up in Entertainment Weekly

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow Dan and Phil: @danisnotonfire  @AmazingPhil



#TABINOF #nonfiction #YAlit #teen #humor #YouTube #review

REVIEW: Calamity (Reckoners #3) by Brandon Sanderson

Thank you to Delacorte Press for a copy in exchange for a fair review on behalf of my ROYAL membership through the SWON Libraries.

Calamity is the conclusion to Sanderson's Reckoner series. Much of David's life has led to this since that fateful moment Calamity appeared in the sky, granting certain people incredible powers. However, this moment doomed David's life as Steelheart murdered his father and set him on a profound journey to eliminate Epics as part of the Reckoners.  It has been a bumpy ride full of loss and love and with this final chapter, the group still has more good to do.

David and the others continue with their plan to save Prof (or kill him if they have to) and ultimately destroy Calamity. First they need some new allies and some cool tricks before they head in search of Prof. Overall, the action sequence are great as are the engaging characters.  There's good banter and general plot pacing.

However, I finished the book feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.

Why?

Well, for one, 85% of the book was about fighting Prof, which I liked, but if the novel is titled Calamity, I want to ending of that plot resolution to to feel rushed, which I believe it was.  There wasn't adequate explanation of all the big reveals and surprises introduced for the narrative and its characters.  As much as I adored Steelheart, this was a huge let down. As I reader, I was left with far too many unanswered questions and without a sense of satisfaction.  How is Prof going to deal with what he did? So, Calamity is gone, now what? What's up with Firefight? Where's Oblivion? What's going to happen now?

I do hope that Sanderson revisits this world to provide readers with more of these answers.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @BrandSanderson



#calamity #reckoners #YAlit #teen #books #superhero #villain #fantasy 

REVIEW: Unforgiven by Lauren Kate

Thank you to Delacorte Press for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL (SWON Libraries).

Unforgiven is a companion novel in Kate's Fallen series. With the wrap up of the final book, Rapture, Daniel and Luce found their happily ever after. Unforgiven is fallen angel, Cam's story.

Centuries ago he met and fell in love with Lilith; however, despite their great love, the relationship ended badly. Doomed to spend an eternity in Hell as a punishment for Cam's crimes, Lilith's only constant is a profound love of music and hatred of Cam.

In order to set her free, Cam makes a bet with Lucifer--get Lilith to forgive him and fall in love with him again in 15 days and they can be together forever.  If he fails, Cam must return to Hell and be Lucifer's second in command.

Way back when, I enjoyed Fallen but thought the rest of the serious failed to live up to the first book. Personally, I just didn't care for the direction of the characters or the overall story.  That being said, one highlight for me was always Cam.  He was such a sexy, brooding and mysterious character.  I loved that Kate wrote him with a lot of snarky, angsty personality.  When the series ended, I felt as if there were too many loose ends with some of the other characters and was pleasantly surprised in discovering Cam would get his own sense of closure in Unforgiven.

So what did I think?

Overall, this is solid with nice appeal to the right audience. It works well as a standalone but also as a tie-in to the series. This is well written and follows a common plot outline: star-crossed lovers separated, one seeks redemption and self sacrifice to save the other, a malevolent presence threatens the quest, but true love prevails, redemption is attained and they all live happily ever after.

One drawback is Unforgiven's timeliness.  Fallen, Torment, Passion and Rapture were published from 2009-2012. With 3+ years in between, much of the potential audience for this YA series has aged out of the genre. Furthermore, the popularity of angel-centric YA fiction has also waned in favor of other popular genres.

Recommended for purchase for public and school libraries.  The ideal reading audience is ages 12 and up. The target reader is female and one who enjoys paranormal romance, especially angels & demons.  Notable readalikes are the Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick, Angelfall by Susan Ee, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton and Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.


Final rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @laurenkatebooks




#Unforgiven #LaurenKate #YAlit #angels #demons #romance #teen #books

REVIEW: The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas

The Immortal Heights is the final book in the Elemental trilogy. Everything has led to this, the final battle with the Bane.  Prince Titus has used his many resources to remain one step ahead of his foes, but he just might fail as the Bane issues a ultimatum: hand over elemental mage, Iolanthe, or watch as the entire realm is destroyed. Titus, Iolanthe, and their allies must work together if they are to save not only the realm but themselves. Breaking into a near impenetrable fortress is the least of their worries when new prophecies indicate greater impending doom.

This final book is pretty much a non-stop thrill ride.  It opens with Titus, Iolanthe and their allies knee deep in an action packed battle with Atlantis. The adventure doesn't let up as the characters evade enemies, craft strategy and navigate unforeseen events in their quest to end the Bane's tyranny. The Immortal Heights is an exciting and fantastic end to the series.  There were plenty of surprise twists that I didn't expect and will keep readers enchanted from start to finish.

I admire Thomas' writing and ability to create such an imaginative story which really is epic fantasy at its best but also mixes humor, romance, and friendship with the magical landscape.  It isn't easy for fantasy writers to carve their own unique space in a post-Harry Potter world; however, Thomas does so with finesse--paying homage to Rowling while building something new and exciting. The relationship between Titus and Iolanthe is admirable--sure there are ups and downs but it comes across as meaningful and respectful.  I particularly liked the epilogue and what it did for the characters and their futures.

Thank you to publisher Balzer + Bray for the review copy as part of my ROYAL membership with the SWON Libraries.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @sherrythomas



#TheImmortalHeights #YAlit #magic #epicfantasy #teen #ROYAL #books

REVIEW: Velvet by Temple West

*Thank you to @SwoonReads for a copy to review on behalf of my membership in ROYAL for the SWON Libraries*

Having lost both of her parents before she even turns 17, Caitlin Holte is deservedly angry when she's forced to give up her entire life and move in with relative strangers in a dreary small town. She's counting down the days until she can escape and become the fashion designer of her dreams; however, when Caitlin witnesses a supernaturally charged occurrence, it seems as if her whole world will be turned upside down.  

Quickly she learns the vampires are real and that a powerful demon has his eyes set on her.  For her protection, Caitlin's new bodyguard is the most desirable boy in school.  A half demon vampire, Adrian is determined to protect Caitlin even if they have to pretend to be a couple to fool her family and friends but tensions rise when their feelings become no quite so pretend.

Now, stop me if this sounds familiar.  A moody teenage girl reluctantly moves to a small town and coincidentally garners the attention of the high school's most eligible hottie, who up until this point has never feigned interest in any girl or even guy.  Caitlin assumes he's gay until she discovers the truth.  He's rich. He's gorgeous. He's charming and seemingly perfect in every way except he's forbidden to fall for her, wants to drink her dry and he seems to be the sole reason why the "Big Bad" is targeting her.  Throw in a super secret supernatural Circle calling the shots and all of this starts sounding a tad familiar.

Velvet's only drawback is that is exists in a post-Twilight world.  The framing of the narrative adheres too closely to the structure of Meyer's novel. Any reader or film viewer can't overlook the startling parallels between the stories.  That being said, Velvet surpasses its predecessor in every way.  The characterization is spot on. Caitlin is spunky and sharp tongued, a trait Bella Swan was sorely lacking. Adrian is good looking, sexy and mysterious minus Edwards creeper vibe.

Overall, there is substance to the story even if there are still a lot more plot questions than answers. I found myself enjoying the book despite its I'd recommend this as a definite purchase for public and high school libraries.  The target audience is female readers, ages 14 and up. This is idea for those wanting a mix of romance and the supernatural or readalikes for Twilight, Vampire Academy and other similar titles.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @ByTempleWest



#Velvet #TempleWest #romance #vampires #YAlit #teen #SwoonReads

REVIEW: The Partials Sequence by Dan Wells

Partials is the first book of the Partials Sequence series by Dan Wells.  A take on apocalyptic dystopian fiction, this novel chronicles the state of the world eleven years after the fact. Nearly the entire human population has been wiped out. Survivors live in a small community on Long Island. What's worse is that a deadly plague continues to kill every infant born with the youngest of the 'plague babies' (those who were toddlers at the brink of the apocalypse) now turning 14.

Kira Walker, 16, is a trained medical technician determined to find a cure for RMS--that is if she can do so before it become mandatory for teens at young as her to become pregnant. Discovering that Partials--a bioengineered group of super soldiers, holds the key to the cure, Kira and a few select allies attempt to capture one of these highly trained soldiers in her search for a cure.  Little does she know that this quest will unlock secrets not only concerning the world ending war but also everything Kira ever knew about her past.

I enjoyed this book.  There is a graceful depth to this complicated world building with equally compelling characters.  Wells hasn't skimped on the details of this broken society.  These survivors truly are in dire straights, as are the Partials, when Kira learns that they too are on the verge of extinction.  This is a unique perspective within the oversaturated dystopian market that I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy the genre or who want a well written and though provoking series.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Fragments is this series' second installment.  Having learned some startling truths about her past, Kira has left everything and everyone she's ever known to scour the 'mainland' for answers concerning her lineage and her father's role in the company that ended the world. This search spans the entire continent as Kira joins forces with several unlikely allies.

This novel features parallel storylines as Marcus--Kira's best friend and one of her romantic options--endeavors on his own mission to take a stand and help his people.  This change in POV makes him much more interesting during this phase of the series.

Overall, the addition of these plots and perspective shifts enhance the world building and character development begun in the first book. Samm develops more personality the longer he stays with Kira and Heron is a really interesting character.  Readers' hearts will break for Afa--what he's been through and his fate. I know others have remarked that they thought this book was also a bit slow in pacing; however, I was more engaged by this novel than the previous one.

Final rating 4 out of 5 stars

Ruins is the final book in the series. Having voluntarily sacrificed herself as Doctor Morgan's guinea pig, Kira hopes that the answers for curing both RM and Partial extinction lie in her DNA. Unfortunately, she is not the answer; however, Kira deduces that the cure for both actually lies in these two factions living harmoniously with each other--the cure for one is the cure for the other. She sets out to find other Partial groups in an attempt to broker a truce and foster agreement toward working together for a common good. However, she meets resistance and some scary characters.

There's a lot going on in this book besides Kira's quest:

Wells continues the parallel storytelling of the previous book. Samm and Heron remained in Denver with the human settlement--they too discover that the cures long sought are mutually exclusive. Wishing to share the discovery, the head east to Long Island.  Marcus and his crew are trying to divert a nuclear attack; whereas Ariel and Kira's other adoptive sisters journey toward a scientific lab that may save the life of an infant infected with a deadly disease.

Did I mention that winter is back for the first time in nearly 13 years? Yeah, its a bit like Game of Thrones.

This final installment was a bit of a letdown for me as a reader. While the romantic element of the series has been subtle throughout, I didn't care for Kira's indecision and felt as if the ending was a rather forced. In general,  I had high hopes for Ruins, especially since I'd enjoyed the others so much. However, this book just dragged on and on. I was waiting for an epic conclusion but the ending seemed far too rushed for a book that the general pacing was so slow. There is a general thematic lesson that the author wishes readers to acknowledge--that a peaceful coexistence is the only way to repair the ills of the world. When I got to the last page I actually said aloud, "That's it?" I was left wanting more finality or at least an epilogue.

Final rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

#Partials #YAlit #teen #dystopian #science #DanWells

REVIEW: Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Silver Eve is book two in Waugh's Guardians of Tarnec YA fantasy series.  Evie Carew is a Healer and yet her own heart is broken following her abandonment of her village after the death of her beloved, Raif. She's determined to lead herself toward her own destruction until she learns that she has a greater destiny.

Meeting the Seer, Harker, who insists Evie find a specific shell, she learns that she is the Guardian of Death, the second of four Guardians--Life, Death, Dark and Light. Evie must find an amulet and combine it with the others to restore Balance to the world. To help her, she is paired with Rider, Laurent, with whom attraction sizzles as they form an otherworldly bond. Together, they journey on a quest to save their world from chaos.

I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem.  I hadn't heard of the series until I received this book to review for ROYAL.  I have not read the first book, Lark Rising, but wish to do so now.  In it, readers meet Evie's cousin, Lark, who is the first Guardian--of Life.

There is excellent writing, character development and word building while still making this a fast, accessible read.  I don't always love high fantasy but, Waugh pulled me in with Evie's story, the angsty passion felt by these potential lovers (Evie + Laurent = Forever) and the greater impact for adventure and an ultimate battle between good and evil.  Overall, I really enjoyed it.

Recommended for grades 7 and up. This series is a must purchase for school and public libraries. I wholly recommend it for readers who enjoy good fantasy and adventure novels with a dash of epic romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#silvereve #guardiansoftarnec #fantasy #YAlit #teen

REVIEW: Save Me by Jenny Elliott

"Witches,whales, and a forbidden soul mate."

Something strange is happening in Liberty, Oregon. Cara's life takes a surprising turn when a routine whale watching expedition turns dangerous. Tossed overboard by an aggressive, transient orca, Cara is thankfully saved by the dreamy new guy in town. Feeling an instant connection, she's hopeful that David is the guy of her dreams--too bad he ends up being her new journalism student teacher.

With her love life in shambles, Cara turns to her best friend, Rachel; however, it seems as if Rachel has taken a walk on the dark side, exploring witchcraft and forsaking her friends and family.  Her only refuge seems to be Garren--the school's drop dead gorgeous new student who's just a bit peculiar.  The true question if whether he' friend or foe, when exceedingly dark and dangerous occurrences being happening to Cara.

I can genuinely find redemption in nearly any read but this is almost an impossible task for me concerning this book.  Save Me wants to be a swoon worthy supernatural fantasy in the vein of Twilight and similar series but it falls far short.  The plot is far too scattered to keep readers' interest.  The supernatural twist just didn't work for me and there were huge holes inadequately filled in to try and explain events.  I'd hoped that what I'd encounter were shape-shifting whales rather than the poorly developed explanation we received. 

The character development didn't do much for me either.  You'd think you'd show more emotion if your best friend was possessed by a demon and you'd just witnessed a gruesome exorcism, but not Cara.  All of the characters are a bit too nonchalant about the weird and dangerous things happening in town.  Garren is just creepy, even if he's supposed to be an all knowing, guardian angel. Furthermore, David is not the slightest bit swoon-worthy.  Cara's mother was right to be concerned about her daughter's growing infatuation with a college boy and his rather complicated relationship with his father. Despite this 'connection' they both feel, there is no spark or passion to their interactions.

All in all, I finished it but wouldn't have it it wasn't a book I was reviewing for ROYAL. For fans of YA paranormal romance, there are plenty of better books.  If I had to gauge an appropriate reading level, I'd assign this to grades 8 and up. I would say this is an optional purchase for school and/or public libraries, if collection development is keen to purchase all the 'Swoon Reads' titles.

Final rating: 1 out of 5 stars

#saveme #paranormal #romance #YAlit #teen #swoonreads

REVIEW: Where the Rock Splits the Sky by Philip Webb

Years have passed since the Moon split, leaving the sun suspended in the sky. Night never comes and those humans left on Earth must struggle to survive.  Let's not forget the Visitors--aliens who have come to take over Earth and use human bodies as hosts.

Fifteen year old Megan is determined to travel deep into the deadly and unpredictable 'Zone'--the area at the heart of the strange planetary disturbance--in order to search for her missing father.  Not only does she solve the mystery behind her father's disappearance but also the unsolved questions of Earth's paralysis.

I just wasn't a fan of this book.

1)  It is not something I'd pick up to read on my own. The premise doesn't do it for me.

2)  If I hadn't been reading this for ROYAL, I never would have finished it.

Why?

1) The plot felt unfocused and jumbled. The better story here would be the events right after the Moon splits and the world falls into chaos.  The world building and cohesive story based on a merging of plot and characters just wasn't there.

2)  While some of the description was intriguing and the idea that Earth has reverted to the Wild West has potential, the characters remained flat. I had little interest in Megan or the rest of her 'posse'. Too much of the setting and dialogue felt stereotypical instead of blending modern world survivors with the reinvention of the Old West.

3)  As villains, the Visitors lacked depth and and real sense of purpose.  The one central "Big Bad" should have made an appearance much sooner. There is a glimpse of the end game toward the end but by that point I'd lost interest.

Overall, I've certainly read better and worse.  I'm not sure I see the general appeal to teen readers. If a teen does pick it up, I'd say this is for middle school age readers. This is not recommended for purchase.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars

#YAlit #dystopian #aliens #futuristic #bookreview 

REVIEW: The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Nielsen's trilogy is categorized as historical fantasy fiction with a plausible realistic flair.  The kingdom of Carthya is in shambles and a civil war is imminent. Nobleman, Connor, devises a plan to put his own 'king' on the throne by choosing a young man to impersonate the king's long lost son. Sage, along with three other orphans are subjected to a number of gruling tests in order to win Connor's favor and be chosen to complete this task; however, there is trechery and deceit at every turn.  The False Prince ends with a surprising twist.  

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Runaway King shifts gears. Prince Jaron has returned and taken the throne. However, when a deadly assassination attempt puts his life as king in danger, he must make some tough decisions to protect his life and the safety of his kingdom.  Jaron sets out on a journey amongst the pirates. This second book is filled with the same excitement and mystery. Jaron encounters a interesting mix of characters, some who'll have a large impact on his future and others who've shaped his past. 

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Shadow Throne is the final book in the series. The kingdom of Carthya is still in peril as Jaron learns that King Vargon of Avenia is plotting a hostile take over fueled by kidnapping Jaron's best friend and possible love interest, Imogen. He plans a daring rescue when everything goes wrong. Isolated from his his allies, Jaron make one last ditch effort to save his kingdom and everyone he loves. The real question is whether his characteristic wit and cunning will be enough or if he'll lose everything

In general, I enjoyed the series.  This is one that bridges the gap between juvenile and YA fiction. The recommended age is for grades 6 through middle school.  There is good world building yet I wouldn't say that I was all that connected to the characters. After I finished the first book, I wasn't compelled to read further other than the necessity to get to book three which was the subject of my review. I didn't feel as if Jaron changed all that much over the course of the series. 

Overall, I felt as if this final installment lagged a bit with book two being my favorite.  Maybe it is because I'm a sucker for a good pirate adventure or that I found it the least predictable of the three. I would recommend this for those emerging as teens who enjoy similar fiction. There is moderate violence and a touch of romance but all is age appropriate and not graphic. 

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

_________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Scholastic for a ROYAL review copy submitted to the SWON Libraries.

#AscendanceTrilogy #JenniferANielsen #teen #YAlit #review #fantasy #fiction

REVIEW: Breakout by Kevin Emerson

Anthony Castillo is pretty much like any angst ridden rocker.  He's fed up with the constraints of day-to-day life and wishes that he could 'breakout' from under the thumb of those constantly telling him how to live his life.  The only difference between Anthony and other rockers is the fact that he's still an eighth grader. He's tired of being told what to do by his parents (be healthy!), his teachers (do your work!) and his administrators (tow the line!).  What he really wants to do is focus on his band, the Rusty Soles, their musical debut at the school's Art Night, and play the latest version of Liberation Force with his best friend, Keenan.  Unfortunately, like for any teenager, if seems as if life is out to get him.

The countdown to Art Night is less than two weeks away when disaster strikes and the Rust Soles lose their singer.  When emotion gets the best of him, Anthony pens and mixes an angsty anthem, which when posted online, surges in popularity and quickly becomes garners some worldwide buzz. The song's sentiment of feeling trapped resonates with other listeners and Anthony and his friends quickly find themselves elevated to small time celebrity status.

Excited to play "Breakout" for Art Night, the true challenge becomes whether the song's blatant language should be allowed. While parents and administrators require censorship, Anthony is conflicted.  The band and their fans plan the ultimate act of rebellion; however, Anthony is uncertain if he will have the guts to go through with it.

The characterization and themes are realistic, poignant and relevant. I liked Anthony quite a bit.  He is very much like the type of eighth graders I've encountered over the years.  He is certainly flawed but shows great potential since he is so young and is learning about finding his place in the world and shouldering extreme feelings with the notion of taking responsibility for his actions. The supporting cast of characters are solid as well both as protagonists and necessary antagonists.

I enjoyed the greater thematic discussion of censorship.  Emerson introduces the issue from both sides.  On one hand, the administration has a point regarding language and target audience. On the other hand, Anthony's lyrics were written with emotion and intent rather than for shocking effect. The outcome of Art Night illustrates that sometime we fail or don't live up to expectations but there in life and rock 'n' roll there is always another performance.

The recommended reading age is grades 7 and up.  I would recommend for purchase for public and school libraries.  The target audience is for those interested in realistic fiction and who are feeling the 'growing up' blues.  This is certainly also recommended for music lovers or anyone who enjoyed Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John, Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons or This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


#breakout #music #YAlit #review #teenangst #censorship

   

REVIEW: The Third Twin by CJ Omololu

Adopted twins, Ava and Alexa (Lexi), have lived a privleged life. As children they playfully created a third twin, Alicia, whom they blamed whenever they got in trouble.  As seniors, the girls haved upped the game, giving Alicia a false identity, each posing as her for fun and to scam boys neither has the intention of seeing again. However, the game turns deadly when "Alicia's" last date turns up murdered. Both Ava and Lexi swear they had nothing to with the violent death, but suspicion grows as they learn someone else really is living life as Alicia and all criminal evidence in the mounting crimes points back to their identical DNA.

What I liked...

This is a well structured mystery thriller.  There are certainly enough twists and turns to keep any reader guessing whodunnit. I admit I had my suspicions but I was totally wrong which was refreshing. The characters are pretty well developed if a bit predictable with some of their actions. The Third Twin reminded me of some of those great R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike reads of my youth but I liked the modern update with the larger discussion of identity theft and to some degree a commentary on Catfishing.

What I didn't like...

There wasn't much I disliked other than the plot is so outlandish. I was betting on some switch up that reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's Marnie.  The stage is set pretty well for this to be some sort of twisted psychological created third person. I was pretty surprised when it wasn't. However, the next level of the villain reveal took it a bit far.  That being said, teen fans of Pretty Little Liars and the like will enjoy this book.

I recommend this for purchase for a public or school library.  Notes of caution are some graphic violence. The opening scene is Lexi's near rape in a dark parking lot.  The scene isn't all that graphic but the intention is implied.  Likewise, the description of later deaths are provided in realistic detail. No red flags for language per se. Target readership is ninth grade and up.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#YAlit #review #mystery #thriller #identitytheft #thethirdtwin

REVIEW: The Disappearance of Emily H. by Barrie Summy

Raine isn't your typical eighth grader.  Sure, she's nervous about starting another new school; but, how many teenagers do you know who can experience other people's memories via sparkles she finds in the oddest places? Soon Raine learns that she and her mom have moved into the former home of Emily Huvar, a teen girl her age who has been missing for months.  Using her unique gifts, Raine sets out to learn the truth behind what happened to Emily and makes some surprising other discoveries as well.

What I liked...

There's good character development throughout.  I liked Raine from the first page and think teen readers will also.  The situations that befall her and other like Shirlee make them highly realistic.  She's not perfect and certainly has flaws but she's representative of a typical eighth grade girl.

I found the bullying theme timely and appreciated Summy's writing style and ability to explore this issue not only with Raine's and Shirlee's treatment by Jennifer and Co but also the tie in to Emily's story.  I was also quite impressed at the foreshadowing and other layered hints throughout the narrative that hinted at the big picture and that more dire happenings were in store for the little town.

What I didn't like...

I had two strong dislikes. One was Raine's plan to get even with Jennifer, especially that she brings Shirlee into the fold too.  Catfishing Jennifer for spite, ruining Jennifer's relationship with her friends and then posting it all on YouTube is just as awful as what Jennifer had done to them. Yes, Jennifer is mean, nasty and shouldn't get away with treating others as she did; however, stooping to the same types of bullying isn't conveying the right message to teen readers. While truthful, it fails to acknowledge the severe consequences that all would face in real life.

My second dislike was (SPOILER ALERT) Emily's willingness to allow her family and everyone else to believe she was kidnapped or dead.  Yes, she had strong reasons for wanting to protect her little sister and the rest of her family but the emotional distress she causes shouldn't be dealt with lightly.

Overall, this was an interesting, quick read.  I'd recommend this for purchase to a YA collection for either a public library or at a school.  It would most appeal to middle school readers who are looking for a mystery but don't want it to scary or have a lot of gore.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars


#mystery #visions #disappearance #barriesummy #YAlit #review #bullying

REVIEW: What Waits in the Woods by Kieran Scott

Callie Valesquez is a city girl.  Nothing sounds more unpleasant or terrifying than spending several nights out in the wilderness. However, Callie is desperate to bond with her new popular best friends, Lissa and Penelope, and her boyfriend of six months, Jeremy. But strange things start happening in the woods, someone might be watching them and other events gone awry leave them lost with no means of communication and very little supplies.  It appears as if they've been "saved" when Ted finds them and says he has a cabin nearby.  But can he be trusted?

Already on edge, relationships are put the test when secrets are revealed.  Callie feels betrayed and terrified.  When one of her friends turns up dead, they all know that the murderer is among them, but who can Callie trust to make it home alive?

What I liked....

The basic story elements are sound.  If I'd encountered this while in middle school during my R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike phase, I would have gobbled this up and wanted more.  It's a perfect suspenseful read for a middle school or high school reader.  The violence is present--so any reader or parent leery of strangulation and gun shots should steer clear.  There isn't any bad language, sex or drug/alcohol use--just your basic teens lost in the woods who may or may not be in the sights of a homicidal serial killer.

The intermittent journal entries from an unknown psych patient and the murderer are intriguing.  This really ups the mystery-thriller element and keeps readers guessing who it might be.  The musings are pretty sinister and creepy. Fans of this type of psychological thriller will want to continue reading for the big reveal.

What I didn't like...

I found all the characters and plot organization a bit too stereotypical.  For me, there wasn't a whole lot of depth for the characters.  I understand that Callie is written in such a way as to depict a typical, self conscious teenager who just wants to fit in; however, her insecurities are a bit much to take in.  I ended up disliking her in the first chapter and my perceptions of her did not improve. Everything is described in extremes with little room to breathe--Lissa is a hardcore manipulative friend (i.e. Regina from Mean Girls) and Penelope is fragile and lets herself be picked on. Callie is just too grateful to be included to actually voice her discomfort and Jeremy is just along for the ride.

While the basic story elements all work, I just found it all too predictable.  I had most of it worked out before the big reveal but I can see where teen readers would enjoy the book.  I recommend this for purchase in a YA fiction collection. It would be a good read-a-like- recommendation for those who enjoy similar creepy yet realistic suspense fiction.

Final rating: 3 out 5 stars


#YAlit #camping #murder #thriller #mystery #friendship #realisticfiction

REVIEW: The Messengers by Edward Hogan

Frances is sent to her aunt's house for the summer in order to escape difficulties at home.  She fights feelings of abandonment against her mother and fears for her brother's safety since Johnny is on the run after punching an off duty police officer in a bar brawl.  Perhaps even more puzzling are the increasingly alarming blackouts.  After which, Frances must complete elaborate drawings of geometric shapes and swirls. She is uncertain as to the meaning behind these episodes until she meets Peter.

Significantly older, Peter is unlike anyone Frances has ever known.  He recognizes her as a messenger like himself; however, Frances is shocked to learn that his messages never bring good news.  In fact, he too draws mysterious scenes following blackouts but ensuring that those depicted in the scenes view these pictures seals them to a deadly fate.  Frances must decide whether to trust Peter or to use her gift to shape her own destiny.

What I liked...

The story is interesting and the fast paced.  It doesn't take too long for the characters to recognize each other as kindred spirits. I found Peter's story far more interesting than Frances. In fact, she was rather irritating at times.  I did like the message based on the outcome--that it is up to each individual to decide one's own fate and whether to use an extraordinary ability to make a difference or not.

What I didn't like...

The Messengers reminded me too much of Lisa McMann's Visions trilogy in which Jules and then others must decipher cryptic visions in order to prevent catastrophic events.  I prefer the McMann series for several reasons: 1) the average teen in the US will find Jules and her friends more identifiable than Frances based on humor, pop culture references and general characterization.   2) The general plot development and story events (a crash, school shooting , etc) are relevant to real world teens.  3) I really couldn't connect with Frances or really any other character. There isn't enough emotional complexity for me. 4) I didn't like that Frances and Peter's relationship was left somewhat unfinished.  I thought her family blowing the whistle on what they thought was inappropriate was realistic but frustrating. 

Overall, I would recommend this as a optional library purchase as well as recommend it for the select teen who liked the Visions books and might have already exhausted McMann's Wake trilogy and wants a quick standalone read.  

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

#visions #fate #death #consequences #resonsibility #YAlit