Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Just One Year

by Gayle Forman

 

Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.

Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....

When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Gayle Forman! I love you. I love your real, flawed, beautiful characters. I love the trauma and heartache and healing and closure that every book holds. I've been looking forward to reading this book since I read the last page of the first one and it didn't disappoint. I loved getting in Willem's head, learning of his past and seeing his progression. You will want to have the first book handy when you read this one, several times I had to check to see Where In The World Is Lulu during Willem's travels. SO many near misses, which was delightfully frustrated. I loved Willem's travel and his mother and his uncle and his friends and India and freakin BOLLYWOOD and the whole book was just so much fun. One thing wasn't perfect with this book - the ending. Yes, it was fabulous and happy but it WASN'T ENOUGH! I wanted more! More more more! I was greedy and wasn't sated enough. She needed an epilogue, because I have a feeling there won't be another book. Hopefully she will at least give us a lovely long cameo in some other book. Was there a Mia/Adam cameo? Not that I noticed. Darn. But I still loved it. One of my very favorite authors.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: yes; Sex: YES, way too descriptively steamy for a YA book

Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

Across a Star-Swept Sea

by Diana Peterfreund  

Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.

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I loved the last book in this series (Persuasion! One of the best and yet least lauded Austen) and had high hopes for this book. And loved it! This is based on another book that is fabulous but not lauded as often as others, Scarlet Pimpernel. Super fun book, both the original and this post-apocalyptic tropical redux. I loved the characters, I loved knowing the behind the scenes movements (I hate being in the dark) and loved seeing Kai and Elliot again. I wonder what the next book will bring - I didn't feel completely finished with these characters, it would be nice to see them again as more than a cameo.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: mild

Hero by Alethea Kontis

Hero

by Alethea Kontis 

 

Rough and tumble Saturday Woodcutter thinks she's the only one of her sisters without any magic—until the day she accidentally conjures an ocean in the backyard. With her sword in tow, Saturday sets sail on a pirate ship, only to find herself kidnapped and whisked off to the top of the world. Is Saturday powerful enough to kill the mountain witch who holds her captive and save the world from sure destruction? And, as she wonders grumpily, "Did romance have to be part of the adventure?" As in Enchanted, readers will revel in the fragments of fairy tales that embellish this action-packed story of adventure and, yes, romance.

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Super super super cute book. Just delightful in every way. I liked it even more than the first one, with it's gender bending mash up of fairy tales and stories. I love Saturday, loved getting to know her better as well as finding a bit more about some other sisters and brothers in their family. I can't wait for the next book! Lovely quick delightful reads.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: just kissing with random bathing nudity

Behind the Shattered Glass by Tasha Alexander

Behind the Shattered Glass

by Tasha Alexander  

A ruined abbey on a beautiful estate in Derbyshire, a murdered peer, and a most unlikely romance make New York Times bestseller Tasha Alexander’s new novel Behind the Shattered Glass absolutely irresistible

Anglemore Park is the ancestral home of Lady Emily Hargreave’s husband Colin. But the stately calm of country life is destroyed when their neighbor, the Marquess of Montagu, bursts through the French doors from the garden and falls down dead in front of the shocked gathering.  But who has a motive for murdering the young aristocrat?  The lovely cousin who was threatened by his engagement, the Oxford friend he falsely accused of cheating, the scheming vicar’s daughter he shamelessly seduced or the relative no one knew existed who appears to claim the Montagu title?  Who is the mysterious woman seen walking with him moments before he was brutally attacked?

The trail takes readers into the gilded world of a British manor house and below stairs to the servants who know all the secrets. One family’s hidden past and a forbidden passion are the clues to a puzzle only Lady Emily can solve.

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Another fun "let's solve a murder with Colin and Emily!". I liked catching glimpses of their home life, it seems like in past books they just aren't ever home. A pleasant and enjoyable book, so happy Emily got over her funk. She's not fun to read about when she's in a funk. Just one thing, this book screamed "anachronistic" much more loudly than the others, though they are all hugely anachronistic. Maybe I've just been watching too much Downton, but the whole Lily/Simon thing seemed a little (and by little I mean a LOT) far fetched, even for progressive Lady Emily. I also think they are making much ado about nothing in regards to Tom, hopefully that will simmer down in subsequent books. But still a fun read.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is an adult book, so everything is NOT within YA strictures. Violence: moderate (murder mystery!); Profanity: none; Sex: mild innuendos, attempted rape

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Enchanted

by Alethea Kontis 

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

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This was a fun fairy tale mashup - Frog Prince, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Golden Goose, with references to Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin. And probably others. I loved the sisters, expected the instalove (it IS a fairy tale), and enjoyed the book a ton. And even though the story ended well I also feel that there is SO MUCH more she can give us. I want to know about Jack and Monday and all the other sister's stories.  I look forward to the next book!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: mild

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant

by Veronica Roth 

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Oh glory. I rarely review books right when they are released, so for those of you who love this series but haven't read it yet I will be more careful than I usually am and attempt to be (mostly) spoiler free. I ended this books with a definite love/hate relationship. Was it worth the read? Absolutely. Did it finish the series well? Absolutely. Did it tear my heart out and stomp on it? Absolutely.

I've decided I won't talk about the ending. At least not yet. GAH. THE ENDING. Oh yes, not talking about it.

I loved Tris's strength in this book. She is a marvelously strong, empowering character. And even though there was SO MUCH INFORMATION in this book, I still felt it didn't drown out the previous two books. I found the dual narrators a little distracting in this particular book, mainly because they are sometimes so similar that it didn't make the impact it could have. They needed different "voices". But it also allowed for a much wider perspective, which is always helpful. I was a little disappointed by a certain main character in the book, by the 3rd book in a series I expect characters to be a little more solid and dependable. Be a man! Seriously! I loved the internal struggles/humility of this character in the 2nd book, but by this book I wanted him to be over his issues and just get on with it. (I'm sure NO ONE knows who I'm talking about. I am subtleness itself ;) But I also loved loved the relationship development. We are well beyond instalove, this book was into the enduring, forgiving, deliberate choosing kind of love that leads to a depth that is beyond initial infatuation. This was probably my favorite quote of the book: "I used to think that when people fell in love, they just landed where they landed, and they had no choice in the matter afterward. And maybe that's true of beginnings, but it's not true of this, now. I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me." Ah.

And now for the end. I know! I wasn't going to go there. But I changed my mind. I didn't love it, but if it's what the author felt it had to be, then so be it. (Trying to be gracious. It's hard.) And she did it so masterfully and passionately and heartfelt that I'm not sure she could have ended differently and still had that emotional impact (of course, she could have TRIED. Oops. GRACIOUS). I can still love the book while grieving my happy ending. So while there was no book throwing, there were plenty of tears and I'll probably rewrite the ending in my head …

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate/heavy; Profanity: none; Sex: possibly? slightly vague but certainly steamy

 

United We Spy by Ally Carter

United We Spy

by Ally Carter

 

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

 

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A good end to a fun series. I loved having all the roommates together again, awesome. And having Zach more in the picture is always awesome. I'm glad her inability to accept her life and skills is finally at an end and she can accept who she is. I loved seeing Liz more in the spotlight - I've always liked her. I would have liked to spend more time with the ending, I would have liked to spend a LOT more time dwelling in the epilogue. Oh well, perhaps there will be a cameo in some of her Heist novels. All in all this series is full of delightfully quick and entertaining books.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: none; Sex: NO, I know, amazing

 

Every Day by David Levithan

Every Day

by David Levithan  

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I'm not sure exactly what to say about this book. It was built around a fascinating premise, and though some general inconsistencies drove me crazy it was still a book that stayed with me long after the last page was read. I liked the main character and the ethical struggle he went through as he lived his life, or at least tried to, without unduly influencing others. And what a heartbreaking existence! So sad. I delight in solitude, as any good introvert, but I can do that because I also take great comfort in being loved, by belonging. By being surrounded by people and things that are cherished because of their continuity. And "A" had none of that comfort. What a horribly aimless, disconnected life.

The main problem I had with this book had to do with personal beliefs; I strongly believe that gender is an inherent part of a person. End of story. For A to claim to be ungendered, or bigender, or whatever, seemed unnecessary. Even transgenders still subscribe to a specific gender, though it be opposite to their biological gender. I also felt every "host" had an agenda - each was a short PSA on different social issues of the day. I was annoyed by A's inability to understand the difficulties Rhiannon dealt with. Could he really not understand how nigh impossible it would be to be in love with a different body every day? This book certainly opened up questions about the importance of attraction in a relationship, the importance of our physical shells. I think attraction is very important, especially during the initial stages of flirtation and budding relationships, but even more important is the familiarity of a beloved face. If my husband of (almost) 17 years underwent a huge physical change it wouldn't really matter - he would still be the man I married so many years ago (of course, if he all of a sudden switched genders on me there would be BIG problems. Would I still love him? Yes. Would I love him in the exact same way? Honestly no  - but I think for him to want to SWITCH genders he would have to be a significantly different person than he is now, but I digress. Wildly. BIG digression.) But oh so long ago if I "liked" a boy and he completely changed what he looked like every single day? From day one? That would just be weird. You could never get a handle on who he "was". You could never picture him or dream about him or obsess over pictures of him. Even in other fiction where there is transmogrifying (magical or otherwise) and such there is usually still a "person" after all the changes are done. A standard. A "real" and "true" appearance. And even A felt attraction was important - he waxes eloquent about how beautiful Rhiannon was. And then my next question, could A really not understand that it was difficult for Rhiannon when "he" (for lack of a better word) was a female? Really? Even in this day and age of relaxed social mores and sexual flexibility, it's perfectly acceptable to love and be attracted to only one gender. It was also unbelieving how A couldn't see the logistical barriers to a longterm, intimate relationship. Spending every day driving sometimes hours to see her? Abandoning someone's body far away from their home every single day? Or taking the time to then return it? And that doesn't consider Rhiannon's problem - dropping everything in her life, every single day, to spend time with him. Um, NOT a healthy relationship, but then again I thought she was manipulated through most of their relationship. Even if his theory about living in a large city was correct - could he really take someone away from their home/job/life just so he could live HIS life? Never being able to introduce your love to your friends, family, coworkers. Never having a life with him beyond the very confined walls of "coupledom". And those questions don't even take into account the question of intimacy. Wouldn't using someone else's body in that way be almost be akin to rape? And then the ending. No sweet closure here. There was no way to solve all of the problems but I can't say I loved how it DID end. REALLY? It's like if my husband died but before he did he set me up with his "replacement". REALLY? Poor Rhiannon, manipulated again.

As I mentioned, this book made me think. Obviously. A lot. Long after I had finished reading it, so in that way it succeeded in spades. A very thought provoking book filled with uncomfortable questions. I had to remind myself to stop stressing, it was FICTION. There really AREN'T benign (or otherwise) entities possessing random people for 24 hours before moving on to another Host. Phew.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: moderate; Sex: almost, with some discussion

Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

The Chaos of Stars

by Kiersten White 

 

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Super cute book, and get this - I think it's even a stand alone young adult novel. I KNOW! I too thought those didn't exist any more, or if they did they were elusive creatures with rare sightings. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing these characters again, they were charming and delightful, but the point is that I don't HAVE to see them in order to be satisfied with this book. Nice.

I have so far loved all of White's heroines, though they have all been different. Isadora seems to be a mix of the two we've already seen. A little tougher than Evie with a sense of realism that reminds me of Fia. Anyway, cute book. Some of the hemming and hawing and back and forthing of the romance got a little tiring, but this is YA, what do I expect. Still a cute read, and fun to be immersed in Ancient Egyptian culture for a bit.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: not directly, but some in the relating of egyptian myths

 

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

The Dream Thieves 

by Maggie Stiefvater  

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

(summary from goodreads.com)
 

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This book is beautifully, masterfully written. Stiefvater doesn't just write books, she crafts them. Each sentence is well thought out and she is delightful to read. I love the quirks throughout the book - little witty sentences that make me laugh even in the middle of tense scenes. I loved the brotherhood evident in this book, especially during the light hearted moments. As a sister of 3 and mother of 4 boys, I felt right at home amidst all these boys. SO glad Noah is still around, love Blue and Gansey, so interesting to get a better insight into Ronan. This book was definitely not the typical second book, hooray! The plot progressed leaps and bounds, my need to head bash was minimal. Adam was frustrating, but that just seems to be where his character is going. The scene between Ronan and Noah on page 78-79 was hilarious and pretty much made the book for me. Getting to know the inhabitants of Blue's house a little better was also delightful, and I loved the introduction of Ronan's little brother. I even liked the Grey Man, what a fascinatingly complex character. I hated Kavinsky, but I think that was kind of the point, though there was may too much of him. All in all, a delightful book to read … except for one thing. Maggie Stiefvater! The language! REALLY? Was it really necessary? A little over the top, don' t you think? Can YA books really HAVE that much bad language? And a little thing that drives me kind of bonkers, what does Blue look like? Every other character is richly and thoroughly described except her. She's petite with short hair and THAT'S IT.  No eye color, race, hair color (just dark), body shape, nothing. Let me be clear - it DOESN'T MATTER. But I like picturing my heroines and I can't seem to picture her yet. How can I not be entirely sure what she looks like this far into the series?

Otherwise the book was grand. Excellent ending, hooray for Ronan! With of course the obligatory twist but it wasn't terrible. A fabulous series, can't wait to read the next one so we can finally know the answer to WILL HE OR WON'T HE DIE?????

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: YES; Profanity: SO MUCH; Sex: lots of innuendos with possibly an off screen adult match up but very vague

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate

by Erin Bow 

 
A debut novel that's as sharp as a knife's point.

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch-blade" -- a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A very melancholy book. Beautifully written but a sad story with a decent ending for the main character but very unresolved for everyone else. Too many bad things happened to too many people for me to love this book. I liked the Russian angle of it, very unusual. I also LOVED the talking cat. But I also wanted Kate to be less alone in life and I'm not sure if that was resolved at the end. A sad book.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: heavy; Profanity: none; Sex: hmm, can't remember. Mild if anything.

 

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Blackmoore

by Julianne Donaldson 

 

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart. It is Wuthering Heights meets Little Women with a delicious must-read twist.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I loved it! Sigh. I love regency romances. This was another delightfully fabulous book by Julianne Donaldson - swoony and pure brain candy and the perfect book to curl up with. I loved her quirky heroine and the romance and the setting. Let's all go visit the moors of England! If you liked the first one you'll love this one. It was all I had hoped for and more. I love romance stories between best friends and I was swept away with the story. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is an adult book, though everything is still within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: no, regency vague innuendos

 

Crown of Midnight by Sarah Maas

Crown of Midnight

by Sarah J. Maas 

 

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I loved it! What an excellent book. Great characters, fabulous story, a plot with twists and turns that progressed a TON despite it being a second book. I loved the different versions of Celaena that I saw - much less frivolity, but still a complex character. I loved the poignancy and the drama and a few parts even bruised my heart. A fabulous continuation of a series I wasn't sure if I would like all that much.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: YES, tons and tons; Profanity: none; Sex: YES

 

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars

by Diana Peterfreund 

 

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I LOVE Jane Austen's Persuasion - it ties for my favorite Austen, so I was excited to read this book. At the same time, though, I'm fairly leery about most Austen "remakes" - her voice is very difficult to replicate and I think most authors fail miserably. But this wasn't a makeover or a redo - this was a beautiful tribute to a beloved book. Peterfreund took the premise of Persuasion and definitely made it her own. It's billed as a sci-fi book - not my favorite genre, but depends on the author. Happy to say this isn't really a sci-fi book - more dystopian post-apolcalyptic - and an interesting look at what would happen if the Amish ran the world. Kind of. I thought a few pivotal plot points toward the end of the book were rushed and wrapped up too quickly, but that's my only complaint. Elliot ("Anne") deals with a lot more than the original Anne did, has a father who is much worse, and an ex who puts her through a lot more but the poignancy of the story is still there and it was a great read. I love that there is a second book coming out - can't wait to read it!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: ??; Sex: reference to masters "taking advantage" of servants, sometimes resulting in pregnancy

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The Bone Season

by Samantha Shannon 

 

It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.

But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.

Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book felt like a mash up of A Discovery of Witches, The Immortal Rules and The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Even though there were no vampires and no zombies. So I guess not really like them at all! HA! Seriously though, Warden reminded me a lot of Matthew (Discovery), as did the dense world building and details and the structure of the plot. The harsh reality of the world and dystopian feel reminded me of the other two books.

There was a lot of hype surrounding this book and I was pretty excited to read it - it got rave review not only from media in general (ALWAYS taken with a grain of salt) but also one of my favorite book blogs. That said, I enjoyed the book but didn't love it as much as I thought I would. For one thing it was MUCH more complex than I expected, which isn't a bad thing at all but made my reading of it different than I expected. Some reviewers have compared it to Harry Potter, but I couldn't see it. Harry Potter is rich in world building and details and is highly organized, but it is still billed as a children's book about magic. This book's world building was intricate and creative but much more gritty and adult like and so much to take in. Plan to be lost for at least the first 1/4 of the book, but don't worry, it will soon start to make sense. And it is lovely to read a book that makes you think for a change, even if it sometimes give you a headache.

I also wasn't sold on the main romantic entanglement of the book. It didn't build naturally for me and seemed to kind of come out of the blue, even though I expected it because plot-wise of COURSE it would happen. I will definitely read the next in this series, which I heard is going to be seven books long. Yikes! Which is really when I realized I didn't love this book as much as others - the thought of 6 more books like it didn't thrill me to pieces, rather it exhausted me. I wonder if she will change main characters for the next book (always fun) or just stick with Paige. I liked Paige, but the other characters in her "gang" seem to have a lot of potential and we just didn't see as much of them as I would have liked. We'll see …

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: YES; Profanity: yes; Sex: brief but yes

 

The Twice Lost by Sarah Porter

The Twice Lost

by Sarah Porter  

 

Mermaids have been sinking ships and drowning humans for centuries, and now the government is determined to put an end to the mermaid problem—by slaughtering all of them. Luce, a mermaid with exceptionally threatening abilities, becomes their number-one target, hunted as she flees down the coast toward San Francisco.

There she finds hundreds of mermaids living in exile under the docks of the bay. These are the Twice Lost: once-human girls lost first when a trauma turned them into mermaids, and lost a second time when they broke mermaid law and were rejected by their tribes. Luce is stunned when they elect her as their leader. But she won’t be their queen. She’ll be their general. And they will become the Twice Lost Army—because this is war.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

 

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I didn't like the first book very much, really liked the 2nd, and found this one kind of in-between. I liked the ending and the resolution between friends and mermaids and relationships, but I also thought the book dragged for a LONG time, especially in the middle. The plot seemed to be nearing the end and it still had 200 pages left. Oh me oh my, it was way too long. I was also distracted several times by the writing - either too cheesy, or forced silliness, or out of the blue formality - it just seemed awkward. There were life and death issues and then random teenage silliness and relationship angst, which usually is great and lightens things up but kind of bugged me this time around. So … interesting premise, nice closure, never really loved the romance but that's okay, not a series I'll reread.

 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: heavy; Profanity: can't remember, possible; Sex: moderate

 

The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners

by Libba Bray 

 

Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he’ll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Someday there will be breaking news - Author Libba Bray actually two authors! And I will think - ah, NOW it makes sense. There are a few Libba Bray books (okay, maybe only one) that are silly and hilarious and a wild ride (Beauty Queens, SO FUNNY), and others that are dark and mystical and deep, with not much the same between the two. This book falls into the latter category, which isn't my favorite of the two styles Bray writes in. It reminded me a lot of her series "A Great and Terrible Beauty" which honestly lost my interest mid-2nd book and never recovered. I loved the setting (more books need to be set in the 20s! Fun!) but thought it was a little long winded and awfully dark through most of that long windedness. I liked the characters but also thought it was a little too adult/serious/violent for a teen book, despite most of the main characters being 17. I'll probably give the 2nd book a try, we'll see if I make it through the whole thing.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: YES, ick; Profanity: ??; Sex: yes, mostly married but abusive

 

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey

 

The Passage meets The Hunger Games in a gripping new series from Carnegie-shortlisted Rick Yancey. After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave. On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, until Cassie meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be her only hope for rescuing her brother and even saving herself. Now she must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up. Cassie Sullivan gets up.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Hmmm … I know! There I go again. First - I liked this book. There was a ton of hype, which I always take with a huge grain of salt, so it wasn't AS fabulous as the world seems to think it is, but I did like it. It was like Revolution meets the Host. Crazy world, poor lost soul of a heroine, aliens abounding. I loved how the book was written in so many different perspectives. This is a pro/con way to write - sometimes it drives me crazy, sometimes it opens up the book in fabulous ways. This time it wasn't confusing at all, and I think it's because the author didn't use first person. There were never "I"'s, only hims/hers throughout. I liked it that way. My main turn off with this book was her little brother. He was five. I HAVE a five year old, and every time something horrible happened to/around him I just kept thinking of my own kindergartener. Which was horrible! I don't mind reading about horrible things happening to fictional people I love as long as I can separate it from people I ACTUALLY love, but I realize this problem may be unique to me. Or at least unique to mothers/loved ones of precocious five year olds. But it was a great read, I loved the twisty twists throughout the book and am curious to see where this series goes. PLEASE don't start anything with Ben. That would be pure ridiculousness.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: YES; Profanity: don't think so??; Sex: just build up, infrequent discussion

 

Infinityglass by Myra McEntire

Infinityglass

by Myra McEntire  

 

The stakes have risen even higher in this third book in the Hourglass series.

The Hourglass is a secret organization focused on the study of manipulating time, and its members — many of them teenagers -­have uncanny abilities to make time work for them in mysterious ways. Inherent in these powers is a responsibility to take great care, because altering one small moment can have devastating consequences for the past, present, and future. But some time trav­elers are not exactly honorable, and sometimes unsavory deals must be struck to maintain order.

With the Infinityglass (central to understanding and harnessing the time gene) at large, the hunt is on to find it before someone else does.

But the Hourglass has an advantage. Lily, who has the ability to locate anything lost, has determined that the Infinityglass isn't an object. It's a person. And the Hourglass must find him or her first. But where do you start searching for the very key to time when every second could be the last?

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Hmm… (I wonder how many reviews start that way? I should start keeping track!) I have so far loved this series, and not ONLY because of the many Doctor Who references. This was more of the same - I really like how each book has a different main character. It allows the previously "finally got together after a whole book of angst" characters to rest for a minute and be happy and have a more relaxed, supportive role. I like happy used-to-be-main-characters. This book is the same - another side character from past books takes a central focus and off we go. But at the same time this book wasn't as fabulous to me as the other ones. The world building is starting to get confusing - SO many parts and people and chaos. What the crap is happening again? The different perspectives in this book came too quickly and was sometimes disorienting. WHO is talking right now? Let me skim back a few pages … again … okay, now I've got it. Proceed. And this time there was a bit more instalove than I prefer in my books, and WOW was it steamy. Just simmer down, folks, ya barely know each other! So in other words, my inner old lady reared her head a bit more than usual. I'll still read this series, I like this author's writing. I anticipate the next book to focus on Nate or Ava or Poe. Which one shall it be? But next time I'll reread all the previous books beforehand so I don't feel so lost.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: moderate; Sex: yes, unspecific but lots of build up

 

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

The Bitter Kingdom

by Rae Carson  

 

The epic conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.

Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I just love this series! Great characters, tense and dramatic and romantic and yet still funny at the perfect times. I love how Elisa is strong and independent and not an idiot - SO many, WAY too many heroines in books are kind of helpless idiots. I hate that. I love the Mula and the further development of both Storm and Mara. I love the ending and … darn, no spoilers. Hmm. Well, I love what her "act of service" ended up being and how much she did all on her own. I love her acceptance of who she was both mentally and physically. This is a fun series with a strong and empowering heroine. I hope there are more books in this world so we can see cameos of the characters I've grown to love. Give Red her own series! It would be awesome.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes; Profanity: no; Sex: yes, some discussion with a couple "fade to blacks"

 

The Gate Thief by Orson Scott Card

The Gate Thief 

by Orson Scott Card

 

In this sequel to The Lost Gate, bestselling author Orson Scott Card continues his fantastic tale of the Mages of Westil who live in exile on Earth in The Gate Thief.

Here on Earth, Danny North is still in high school, yet he holds in his heart and mind all the stolen outselves of thirteen centuries of gatemages. The Families still want to kill him if they can't control him…and they can't control him. He is far too powerful.

And on Westil, Wad is now nearly powerless—he lost everything to Danny in their struggle. Even if he can survive the revenge of his enemies, he still must somehow make peace with the Gatemage Daniel North.

For when Danny took that power from Loki, he also took the responsibility for the Great Gates. And when he comes face-to-face with the mages who call themselves Bel and Ishtoreth, he will come to understand just why Loki closed the gates all those centuries ago.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Pros: I liked it. I like the world and the story. I like the characters (for the most part). Will I continue the series? Yes.

Cons: I had another epiphany about Card - he totally sucks at romance. I'm not sure why I didn't notice - well, I did, I just didn't notice the consistency. He is either non existent or heavy handed. Nothing … nothing … and then "oh yes! I totally love her even though I never gave the reader any indication of it before!!" This book was especially bad, since the heavy handedness went hand in hand (ha, lots of hands) with the effort to make this an "adult" book. Yes, I said effort. Some books are naturally more adult, this seemed to make an effort to be such.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes; Profanity: moderate; Sex: yes