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A Review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore

12/3/2018

Kristin Cashore’s novel Graceling follows Katsa, a girl Graced with the skill of killing as well as the different colored eyes that mark her as one of the Graced. Both feared and revered, Katsa’s uncle, King Randa uses her as his punisher and executioner. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that she agrees with everything she is tasked to do. Until one day she meets Po, a visiting noble from a neighboring country, who challenges her to become more than her Grace and the things others expect from her.

But Po is on a journey of his own. Tasked with finding out who kidnapped his Grandfather, both Po and Katsa embark on a quest to find out the mystery of his missing Grandfather. As they continue on their journey, the pair uncovers long hidden secrets that will ultimately change the way they see their world, themselves, and each other.

Cashore’s novel is a high fantasy story that will bring readers into this interesting, new world. Katsa’s strong character is unique and readers will find this an interesting addition to this fantastical work of fiction. Although the mystery surrounding the the kidnapping is the main focus of this book, readers will also enjoy an unexpected romance between Katsa and Po.

If readers really love Graceling, they can look forward to two additions to the series: Fire and Bitterblue. Although these other books are in the same universe, readers should expect to follow new characters, rather than continue with Katsa and Po.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like: adventure, romance, special abilities, fantasy, political intrigue, mystery, friendship, secrets, kingdoms, for fans of authors Marie Lu, Sarah J. Maas, or Cassandra Clare
Favorite Quote: “I'm not going to wear a red dress," she said.
"It would look stunning, My Lady," she called.
She spoke to the bubbles gathered on the surface of the water. "If there's anyone I wish to stun at dinner, I'll hit him in the face.”
Rating:

A Review of Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

10/16/2018

Alex is a witch. Not that she wants to be one. After seeing so much bad come from magic, how could she even want to? All she wants to do is avoid her Deathday, the day that strengthens her powers, and hang out with her best friend Rishi. Is that really too much to ask?

But when her powers finally awaken, her Deathday celebration will happen whether she wants it to or not. Alex must take matters into her own hands to stop it, but when she does, she mistakenly banishes her family to Los Lagos, an underworld of magic where souls are kept, and makes her presence known to the Devourer, a monster that wants to take the magic of all witches.

Alex must enter Los Lagos and get her family back before the Devourer can consume her family’s powers, killing them all, and make her way into the real world. Will Alex be able to accept herself and her powers to overcome the Devourer or will she give up her magic once and for all?

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Cordova gives readers a new twist on the traditional witch story and makes it her own. Readers may find Alex and her family life (outside of the magic!) relatable as the author blends together real life and fantasy life. Those who are looking for a spooky, magic themed book for Halloween will do well to pick up Labyrinth Lost.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like: fantasy, Latinx culture, LGBTQ books, adventure, books, romance, witches, magic, fantastical beasts, coming of age, other worlds, family

Favorite Quote: “They call her the Devourer.” “I’m guessing she’s not a unicorn princess.”

Rating:

A Review of Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar

10/9/2018

The next great addition to Louis Sachar’s long list of middle grade books is his new novel, Fuzzy Mud.

Deep within the forest in Heath Cliff, Pennsylvania something strange is going on. There have long been rumors of scary things going on there: packs of hungry wolves and crazy people who will attack anyone who goes into the forest. It has always been a rule that the students of Woodridge Academy should never enter the woods.

But when Marshall, a seventh grader, is challenged to fight a popular bully on his way home from school, it seems like the safest route home is through the forest. With Marshall’s fifth grade neighbor, Tamaya, in tow they make their way through the forest and encounter something much scary than they thought possible. Something so dangerous it could affect the entire world. It will take everything Marshall and Tamaya have to leave the forest alive.

Fuzzy Mud is a great, middle grade, adventure thriller without all the scary paranormal stuff that usually comes with scary stories. The thrills and scares are just scary enough to keep you excited to continue reading but not scary enough to make you close the book. This is highly recommended read for fans of Louis Sachar’s other books or for fans of Gordon Korman.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No

Recommended if you like: adventure stories, thrillers, books about science, disasters, the environment, bullying, friendship, a forbidden forest

Favorite Quote: When did the rules change? She wondered. When did it become bad to be good?

Rating:

A Review of There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

9/28/2018

Makani sticks out in her small town in nowhere Nebraska. Having been sent to live with her grandmother from Hawaii one year ago, Makani is still adjusting to her new life and hiding from the secrets of the past she left in Hawaii.

But when students start being murdered, everyone is considered a suspect. One after one students are dying in even more personal ways. Makani must look into the lives and secrets of others to figure out who is next and even confront her own past to find the murderer. But she may find that the killer is closer than she ever thought.

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins is a fun, murder mystery novel. Readers should be warned that while this book is a murder mystery, it is also a romance. Readers who like both genres will definitely enjoy Perkins’ novel. While most of the book is in Makani’s point of view, the author also lets readers get a sneak peak of the murders. These chapters are not marked in the book, so readers will be surprised when they pop up. Nevertheless, readers who are hardcore murder mystery or horror readers will find it lacking in that extra thrill that makes these books extra scary. I would recommend There’s Someone Inside Your House to a romance reader who wants to try something new.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: Yes, for language, violence, and some sexual scenes.

Recommended if you like: murder mysteries, stories about friendship, romance, revenge, bullying, popularity

Favorite Quote: “Makani peered over her grandmother’s shoulder and out the large window that looked across their front lawn. She scanned the yards for the boogeyman, the Babadook, Ted Bundy. The street was empty.”

Rating:

A Review of The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

5/21/2018

Ada’s inspiring journey continues in Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s new novel, The War I Finally Won. The sequel to The War That Saved My Life has readers once again following Ada and her struggles during World War II.

In the time she has been with Susan, Ada has gained so much. She has a home, friends, a pony, and she is even about the have a surgery to fix her leg. With so many changes, Ada struggles to understand who she is now. After all, who is she without her clubfoot? Who is she if her mother is dead?
As the war continues on, Ada, Jaime, and Susan are forced to live in a borrowed house with Lady Thorton. As if that were not bad enough, they also have to share their home with a young German girl named Ruth. Is she a secret spy for the Germans? But when tragedy strikes and they all must learn to work together to overcome their differences to survive the war.

Readers who were anxious to find out what happened to Ada and her new family will not be let down with The War I Finally Won. Readers will get a more detailed look at some of the minor characters from the first book and discover new characters that will help Ada in her journey.

But readers beware, remember to keep a tissue nearby. If readers did not cry while reading The War That Saved My Life, they certainly will when reading its sequel. Ada’s story is moving and readers will have a hard time putting this book down.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: historical fiction, realistic novels, WWII, England, family, survival, adventures, friendship, identity, characters with disabilities, labels

Favorite Quote: “You can know things all you like, and someday you might believe them.”

Rating:

A Review of The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

5/17/2018

Fans of historical fiction will love Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s novel, The War That Saved My Life and will root for the main character Ada as she lives her life in England during World War II.

Ada has never left her house. With her twisted leg, she can barely make it across the room to look out the window. Her only happiness is taking care of Jaime, Ada’s little brother. So when their cruel mother sends Jaime away from London to escape the war, Ada takes the chance to escape too.

Together they travel to the countryside and are forced into the care of Susan, a lonely woman who doesn’t want to care for them. As time goes on, Ada begins to grow and learn all the things she never knew by staying inside her home in London. She learns to sew, ride horses, and even write. Eventually, Ada and Jaime begin to trust and care for Susan and Susan begins to care for them too. But with war on the horizon, safety and security are hard to find. Will Ada be able to keep the trust and freedom she found with Susan or will the war tear their family apart?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this new take on World War II. With Ada’s story, readers get to see how World War II affected those at home during the war. But readers who expect more action in their historical fiction choices do not have to worry. There is plenty of action to see in the second half of the book and will leave readers excited for the sequel, The War I Finally Won.

The War That Saved My Life is a recommended pick for fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s other novels like Number the Stars. This book is also a good choice for fans of other historical fiction novels set during World War II like Jerry Spinelli’s Milkweed.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: historical fiction, realistic novels, WWII, England, family, survival, adventures, friendship, identity, characters with disabilities

Favorite Quote: “I don't know what to say," she said, after a pause. "I don't want to tell you a lie, and I don't know the truth." It was maybe the most honest thing anyone had ever said to me.”

Rating:

A Review of I am Princess X by Cherie Priest

4/5/2018

Cherie Priest’s first Young Adult book, I am Princess X, is a thrilling combination of graphic novel and excellent writing that will keep readers captivated until the very end.

When they were in elementary school, best friends, Libby and May, created a comic about the daring and brave Princess X. But that was a long time ago. May goes to high school now, and Libby has been dead for three years.

May has never fully accepted that the car accident that ended her friend’s life actually killed Libby. Somewhere out there May believes Libby is still alive. She finally gets her proof when she begins to see Princess X everywhere. Whether it is on stickers or signs found in her neighborhood, the evidence that Libby is still alive is everywhere through the appearance of Princess X. May enlists the help of a tech genius named Trick and together they set off to find the clues hidden inside the Princess X comics that will lead her to her friend Libby.

But not everything is as it seems. May and Trick have stumbled into a bigger mystery than they planned and disturbed some long held secrets that some would kill to keep secret. Soon enough it is not just a race to unlock the clues and find Libby, but also a race for May and Trick to stay alive.

I am Princess X is a fantastic novel that will have readers on the edge of their seat. The combination of the writing and the graphic novel like pictures (like the ones above) will keep readers interested. This reader expected an entirely different ending and was surprised that Priest did not make the choice that other writers of similar books usually make. This is what makes I am Princess X a recommended book for this reader.

If graphic novel lovers are looking to try out a more traditional kind of book, I am Princess X would be a great choice. Also, fans of the Chasing Vermeer series by Blue Balliett or John Green’s Paper Towns will also enjoy Cherie Priest’s I am Princess X.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: mystery, murder, adventure, comics, stories with pictures, friendship, hackers, chase scenes, secrets, finding clues, Seattle, WA

Favorite Quote: “Besides, if comics have taught us anything, it's that death is rarely a permanent condition."
"But we're not superheroes," May argued.
"Speak for yourself," Jackdaw told her.”

Rating:

A Review of Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

3/29/2018

Hold on tight, Readers! You are in for a real thrill ride with Neal Shusterman’s book, Full Tilt.

Blake is a sixteen year old with a lot on his mind. Between constantly saving his crazy, thrill-seeking brother Quinn, the stress of planning for college, and his messy relationship with his parents, Blake has enough to worry about. So when he decides to spend the evening at an amusement park with his friends, Blake does not even think about considering the mysterious girl and her invitation to a dangerous, new carnival.

At least not until Quinn steals his invitation and goes by himself. Blake and his friends decide to go inside the carnival to rescue Quinn, only realizing after that this is no ordinary carnival. Blake and his friends have entered a game of life and death. If they cannot ride seven rides before dawn, they will lose their souls and forever be imprisoned inside the carnival.
But these are no ordinary thrill rides. Each ride is specially designed for Blake and his friends. Each ride is made from their deepest nightmares and the darkest thoughts they refuse to think about. Will Blake be able to find his brother? Will they make it out of the evil carnival or will they be forever trapped within this terrible land of nightmares?

For readers who want to try a horror novel, Full Tilt is the place to start if you want to be scared. The author makes readers think about what their own fears are and what rides they might have to go on if they were in Blake’s shoes. However, if experienced horror readers are expecting Full Tilt to scare like a Stephen King novel, they should look elsewhere. Nonetheless, Full Tilt is a book I would recommend that is guaranteed to entertain most readers.

Fans of R.L. Stine and Mary Downing Hahn’s books will definitely find an enjoyable read in Full Tilt.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: thrills, horror, carnivals, secret fears, friendship, family, overcoming obstacles, a mysterious girl

Favorite Quote: “They say you never know who's the real hero and who's the real coward until you're looking death in the face. I've always been afraid of plenty of things, but fear isn't what makes you a coward. It's how depraved your heart becomes when fear gets pumped through it.”

Rating:

A Review of Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

3/20/2018

We don’t recommend you judging a book by its movie. But if this new movie trailer for Philip Reeve’s book Mortal Engines makes you want to read the book, we approve.

In the far future, it is a town eat town world. Cities must roam the land gobbling up other towns and reusing their parts in order to keep moving. And to keep from being eaten themselves.

At least that is all Tom Natsworthy, an Apprentice Historian aboard the roaming city of London, has ever known. All Tom wants to do is become a heroic Historian like his idol, Thaddeus Valentine. So when Tom has the opportunity to impress Valentine, he takes the chance. But Tom does not expect assassins to stand in his way. Or the secrets and dark plans the city of London has for the future.

Soon, Tom is pushed into a world he never knew existed. A world where he must question everything he knows to save his life and the lives of his friends.

Philip Reeve builds an interesting and detailed world in Mortal Engines. Readers will enjoy figuring out the conspiracy and sinking into the action packed adventures in this futuristic world. This reader thought that the story seemed a bit slow at times, but for readers who enjoy longer novels in a vivid universe, Mortal Engines is a good choice.

Fans of the Divergent or The Maze Runner series’ will enjoy the slightly more lighthearted Hungry City Chronicles, of which Mortal Engines is the first novel.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: science fiction, movies, adventure, futuristic worlds, friendship, pirates, airships, assassins, government conspiracies, secrets

Favorite Quote: “You aren't a hero and I'm not beautiful and we probably won't live happily ever after " she said. "But we're alive and together and we're going to be all right.”

Rating:

A Review of Hunted by Meagan Spooner

3/12/2018

The old Beauty and the Beast does not have anything on this retelling. Get swept up in the fantasy world of Hunted by Meagan Spooner.

Yeva does not fit in. Not with her sisters who are perfect. Not at the palace making boring conversation with the baronessa. And not with Solomir, a suitor who is determined to make Yeva his wife.

The only place she feels at home is in the forest where she grew up. When her father loses the family fortune, Yeva gets her wish to go back to her forest home. But she soon finds that her father has lost more than the family money but also his mind as well. Her father, once the best hunter in the valley, raves about a monster in the forest stalking him. Knowing her father is not well, Yeva goes after him and falls into a trap set by the creature that has been following her father.

Yeva is swept away and imprisoned in a world only known in fairytales. A land of dragons, mythical creatures, neverending winter, and castles. A land of curses. Will Yeva be able to survive in this unforgiving world or will she find the home she has always been looking for?

Hunted may be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but it is very different from the classic fairytale and Disney movie. Compared to the more popular tellings of the story, Hunted has little romance and more action. This Beauty is more focused on revenge and her freedom to spend much time focused on romance with the Beast. Even so, Yeva and the Beast form a friendship that slowly turns to something more, even if it is not fully formed by the end of the novel. The absence of tons of romance is what makes this story unique. This reader appreciates that focus is on the importance of happiness instead. In this reader's opinion, it is what makes this novel a recommended read.

Readers who enjoy fairytale retellings but are looking for something different than the usual story will have a made a good choice in choosing Hunted. Fans of Jessica Day George’s Princesses of Westfalin series will enjoy Hunted as well.

Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.

Recommended if you like stories with: fairytales, family, love, magic, freedom, forests, an abandoned castle, hunting, books, revenge

Favorite Quote: “There’s no such thing as living happily ever after—there’s only living. We make the choice to do it happily.”

Rating:

Authors

We LOVE to read & our book bags are usually overflowing with our latest reads! Here are some reviews. Hope you enjoy them :)

Ms. Molloy and Ms. McCarthy

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