The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection

by Kiera Cass 

 

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I heard this was a book similar to Hunger Games, so I kept waiting for the deaths to start. I figured it was a game show similar to this episode of Doctor Who, but then it NEVER HAPPENED. So … um … NOT Hunger Games, but a very fun take on reality shows in a dystopian setting. There are mysteries surrounding the country and the rebels that I can't wait to delve into, and I appreciated the extra facets of this book. Not JUST a dystopian Royal Bachelor. I loved the characters, I love America's family as well as the royal family, I'm not a huge Aspen fan and hope he drops off the face of the earth. Lame-o. But a fun book and now I need to get the next from the library ...

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: steamy but no sex

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where the Stars Still Shine

by Trish Doller

 

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This was an unexpected book - much harsher than I was expecting, more reminiscent of Elizabeth Scott than a typical YA book. It dealt with some heartbreaking realities, but I loved the characters and the progression of the characters and the healing. (Warning, this book deals with some serious issues like mental illness and kidnapping and molestation and child abuse. Generally in a palatable way, but certainly evident and key points of the 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: yes; Profanity: yes; Sex: yes

 

Black Heart by Holy Black

Black Heart

by Holly Black 

 

In a world where Magic is illegal.

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Holly Black is not one of my favorite authors. She is an excellent writer, just generally a little dark for my tastes, but for some reason I can't stop reading this series! I like it much better than her Modern Fairie Tale series, which I never finished. (Of course, I just remembered she also writes the Spiderwick books, which are fabulous and my kids adore them, so maybe it's JUST the Modern Fairies I'm not a fan of. Who knew.) This book is an awesome continuation of the story. Cassel is a fabulously flawed main character, as is Lila. I love the newest reincarnation of Barron, as well as Cassel's friends. And the ending? So so fabulous.

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 (?? probably); Sex: yes

 

Kissed by Cameron Dokey

Kissed: Belle; Sunlight and Shadow; Winter's Child 

by Cameron Dokey

 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder—and love grow stronger—in three romantic fairy tale retellings from the author of Once.Belle lacks her sisters’ awe-inspiring beauty, so she withdraws from society to focus on her art in Belle. But when her father is held captive by a terrifying Beast, Belle is the only one with the courage and creativity to save him...though she must first believe in herself.



In Sunlight and Shadow, Princess Mina is kidnapped. Desperate to be reunited with her daughter, the Queen of the Night promises Mina’s hand in marriage to the prince who can rescue her. Yet as Mina and her prince encounter trials of love and fate, Mina must summon the strength to find her own happiness.



In Winter’s Child, Grace’s best friend is lured from home by a dazzling Snow Queen. Grace sets out on a dangerous, mystical journey to find him, and along the way, she discovers the meaning of true love.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Another set of Dokey fairytales. This set seemed a little cheesier than the last set, more cliched. Belle was cute, I love a great Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I couldn't help comparing it to my favorite of all times retelling, which it didn't measure up to (but no B&B ever has, so no big surprise.). Sunlight and Shadow and Winter's Child were both interesting, especially since I wasn't familiar with the original stories/myths they came from, but the love stories were a little too cheesy for me and not as convincing. But all three were still fun, light 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: none; Profanity: none; Sex: none

 

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars

by Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner  

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Lovely book! Fun fun fun. Space travel and aliens and two worlds colliding in so many different ways - this book was a conglomerate of a ton of what I love to see in books. Huge crazy twist (um, WHAT happened?) and fabulously fleshed out characters. I'll definitely read the next book, especially since it looks like it's based on two new people, which means Lilac and Tarver can rest for a bit. Phew. They deserve 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: none; Sex: yes but not descriptive

 

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm 

by Leigh Bardugo 

 

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Sigh. A typical second book. I would have liked to see Alina stronger and more confident at this point, Mal drove me crazy beyond belief, but I loved the introduction of Sturmhond. Fabulous character. This book was darker and had less lighter moments to temper it, so it felt pretty grim, and the ending was shattering and horrible in many ways. The romance was frustrating because of it's typical Second Book Syndrome cliches but still wrung me out and broke my heart (at one point I was close to tears at a wrestling match. Awkward.) Very well written, I hope for light and a wee bit more happiness in the next (and maybe last?) 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: moderate

 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone

by Leigh Bardugo  

 

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A great first book - hugely imaginative, loved the characters, loved the conflicted heroine. The use of the term "Darkling" threw me off a bit, since the last book I read also used that word in a completely different way. I survived the confusion. Very fast paced but not too rushed, very dark with a few precious light moments. It will be interesting to see where this one goes.

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: moderate

 

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Rose Under Fire 

by Elizabeth Wein 

 

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

 

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Even better than the first one! Gripping from beginning to end, poignant and heart wrenching, another fabulous look on women in WWII and the best concentration camp book I have ever read. Short review, amazingly excellent book, just 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: yes; Profanity: yes; Sex: minor

Blythewood by Carol Goodman

Blythewood

by Carol Goodman 

 

Welcome to Blythewood.

At seventeen, Avaline Hall has already buried her mother, survived a horrific factory fire, and escaped from an insane asylum. Now she’s on her way to Blythewood Academy, the elite boarding school in New York’s mist-shrouded Hudson Valley that her mother attended—and was expelled from. Though she’s afraid her high society classmates won’t accept a factory girl in their midst, Ava is desperate to unravel her family’s murky past, discover the identity of the father she’s never known, and perhaps finally understand her mother’s abrupt suicide. She’s also on the hunt for the identity of the mysterious boy who rescued her from the fire. And she suspects the answers she seeks lie at Blythewood.   

But nothing could have prepared her for the dark secret of what Blythewood is, and what its students are being trained to do. Haunted by dreams of a winged boy and pursued by visions of a sinister man who breathes smoke, Ava isn’t sure if she’s losing her mind or getting closer to the truth. And the more rigorously Ava digs into the past, the more dangerous her present becomes.   

Vivid and atmospheric, full of mystery and magic, this romantic page-turner by bestselling author Carol Goodman tells the story of a world on the brink of change and the girl who is the catalyst for it all.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A fun fantasy book - fairies and angels and schoolgirls oh my. I liked the characters, the twists, the mythology behind the whole thing. The ending felt a little rushed, especially compared to the slow pace of the rest of the book, but it continued to hold my interest throughout. I'll definitely read the next one.

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: talk of lovers but very mild "on screen"

 

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet

by A.C. Gaughen  

 

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I didn't know what to expect from this book, except it had been on a few lists by trusted book lovers. Come to find out it's a Robin Hood book! Hooray! I love Robin Hood books almost as much as Cinderella books. This book has some fabulous gender bending, a fabulously expected yet still enjoyable twist, and lovely chemistry. The language was a little annoying - I don't mind reading accents or slang when people speak to each other, but when it's in a book-long narrative it gets a little old. But otherwise it was a great ride, sad and tragic and woebegone at times, but still a great tale. I look forward to the next one.

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: moderate

 

Once by Cameron Dokey

Once: Before Midnight; Golden; Wild Orchid 

by Cameron Dokey

 

Read "happily ever after" with this magical repackage that includes three enchanting, retold fairy tales.

In this value-priced bind-up of three beloved retellings, readers will journey to faraway fairy tale lands. Before Midnight revisits Cinderella's story in France, Golden puts a new spin on Rapunzel's romance, and Wild Orchid reimagines the Chinese tale of Mulan. With so much real-life drama in today's busy world, Once allows readers to escape into whimsical realms where every story has a happily ever after.

 

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book is a collection of three of Dokey's fairy tales. I was pretty sure I had read a few of her books, but only one of these seemed familiar. And they are adorable! Fun and fresh takes on fairy tales, imaginative uses of cliches, unexpected twists. Plenty of instalove, of course, these ARE fairy tales. Before Midnight was my very favorite, I forgot how much I adored Cinderella retellings (Ever After! Ella Enchanted! Swoon!). I loved how the typical best-friend-boy-next-door was flipped on its head. Golden was also fun, who knew a bald Rapunzel could work. And Wild Orchid was a great retelling of Mulan, I loved how the father-daughter relationship actually improved. Sweet stories.

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: none

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

The Fiery Heart

by Richelle Mead  

 

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I have been enjoying Adrian and Sydney way more than I enjoyed the other crew from the first series. Still fun books, but I like these better. Maybe because the main characters are more adult like? Maybe because the movie of the first series makes it look WAY too teeny boppery? Or maybe I just like a tad less vampires and tad more main characters who are human. Regardless, fun series, fabulous chemistry, fantastically flawed yet delightful hero, and horribly dramatic ending. A great continuation of the story, now please write the next one quickly. (And is it only me who thinks the woman on the front cover looks like Billie Piper? I can't look at it without thinking of my favorite Doctor's Rose.)

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: yes

 

Champion by Marie Lu

Champion

by Marie Lu  

 

He is a Legend.

She is a Prodigy.

Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A lovely end to the series. I still loved June and Day and their adventures and everyone else they interacted with. Ms. Lu did an excellent job finishing up the story - this is how it's done, oh book-that-shall-not-be-named! Did any main character die? NO. Could they have? YES. Was there still a potentially traumatic and realistic and dramatic ending? YES. There was even possibly a "Hi Mom-Who-Died, am I done yet?" conversation. AND IT ALL WORKED OUT. SEE. It CAN happen.

Sorry. Got a little distracted. Moving on. The end of this book was all tense dramatic heartbreaking sacrifice and such but thank goodness for epilogues. Though I would have loved a bit more. Just a bit. Maybe an epilogue of an epilogue? Fine, I won't be greedy. I really enjoyed this series and the world it was created in.

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, but very understated

 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Code Name Verity 

by Elizabeth Wein  

 

I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.

That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.

He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.

We are a sensational team.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book has been on my radar for a long long time and I finally got around to reading it. FASCINATING. The first half of the book seemed glacial, I read a bit, moved on to another book, remembered it again and picked it up. This went on a few times until I reached a point where I couldn't put it down and raced through the rest of the book. Such a fabulous take on women in WWII and a poignant tale of best friends. I loved 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: yes; Profanity: yes; Sex: groping and such

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Mistwood

by Leah Cypess  

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Interesting read, I found it frustrating to know only as much as the main character. Which was … annoying. I HATE not knowing things in books. I didn't love any of the characters as much as I wanted to, though I enjoyed the book enough to want to know what happened to them after. I had the second book already waiting for me, but after skimming it I realized it didn't contain any of the characters from the first one (well, maybe one) with only a brief sentence mentioning them. So … I didn't love it enough to read the next book or want to semi-care about another set of characters.

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: no; Sex: no

The Enchanter Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Enchanter Heir

by Cinda Williams Chima 

They called it the Thorn Hill Massacre—the brutal attack on a once-thriving Weir community. Though Jonah Kinlock lived through it, he did not emerge unscathed: like the other survivors, Jonah possesses unique magical gifts that set him apart from members of the mainline guilds. At seventeen, Jonah has become the deadliest assassin in Nightshade, a global network that hunts the undead. He is being groomed to succeed Gabriel Mandrake, the sorcerer, philanthropist, and ruthless music promoter who established the Thorn Hill Foundation, the public face of Nightshade. More and more, Jonah’s at odds with Gabriel’s tactics and choice of targets. Desperate to help his dying brother Kenzie, Jonah opens doors that Gabriel prefers to keep closed.

Emma Claire Greenwood grew up worlds away, raised by a grandfather who taught her music rather than magic. An unschooled wild child, she runs the streets until the night she finds her grandfather dying, gripping a note warning Emma that she might be in danger. The clue he leaves behind leads Emma into Jonah’s life—and a shared legacy of secrets and lingering questions.

Was Thorn Hill really a peaceful commune? Or was it, as the Wizard Guild claims, a hotbed of underguild terrorists? The Wizards’ suspicions grow when members of the mainline guilds start turning up dead. They blame Madison Moss and the Interguild Council, threatening the fragile peace brokered at Trinity.

Racing against time, Jonah and Emma work to uncover the truth about Thorn Hill, amid growing suspicion that whoever planned the Thorn Hill Massacre might strike again.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Wow. This book wasn't what I expected. Each of the other "Heir" books have been stories in themselves, usually wrapping up fairly well without leaving things hanging, but with a definite story progression throughout the books. This book is an entirely different beast! The writing reminded me a lot more of Demon King than other Heir books, which was kind of fun. I loved the Demon King series. Chima took the basics from her other Heir books but threw in a whole different set of problems and made me throw what I thought I knew of her "guilds" out the window. This book definitely leaves us hanging, so she'd better write the next few quickly. I loved her characters, her "tormented" hero, and the musical threads throughout the whole book. There were a few cameos from our favorite Heir books but this book could definitely be considered the start of a separate series. I look forward to seeing where she goes with her savants and hope there is an information dump in the next book, I wanted to know more than I was given.

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: no; Sex: infrequently mildly suggestive