The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater 

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book is the epitome of a great YA fiction book. Extremely well written with complex characters and a nicely structured storyline. The romance was slow and sweet versus hot and heavy - it was so lovely. And so sweet. I really enjoyed the slight tenor of fantasy in the book - without the water horses (vicious horses that live in the sea) this could have been contemporary fiction. I liked the sense of regional character evoked in the book (Ireland probably?) but it added to the book rather than distracted from it. Sometimes dialects and accents and word choices confuse more than they add, but not in this case. I can tell the author spent time writing this book - it is amazingly well crafted.

This book is written with two point of views, which can also be distracting sometimes, but worked well in this book. Hearing the story from both Puck and Sean gave us a fuller picture than we would have received from just one POV, especially during the race scenes. I really liked seeing the race from two different angles and two different focuses. As a reader, you connect with both main characters better when you see into their heads. It also made me conflicted - I wasn't sure how I wanted the race to end up, because I cared about two contenders. 

I think this is a great book for teens and adults who love both fantasy and contemporary fiction - the fantasy is so light that it is a great introduction to the world of fantasy, but the story is adventurous enough to delight hard core fantasy fans as well. This story is gripping and heart rending and 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. Violence: some vicious horses fighting both men and animals. Profanity: none that I noticed.. Sex: very mild kisses, an occasional mild innuendo that would probably go over most heads, a few comments about lovers from secondary characters.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent

by Veronica Roth 

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Hooray! Insurgent is here! And it was fabulous. Fabulous, fabulous. The story progressed! Which doesn't seem like a huge deal, but for the 2nd book in a series of 3 it is big news! This wasn't a placeholder! It was a real book with a real story! Hooray!

This book was heartbreaking and as intense a story as the first one. Ack! Betrayal and suspense and intrigue and sacrifices for love and all sorts of everything going on. And yes, it did have a bit of the"this is the second book in a series of three so the romantic couple who finally found a bit of peace will now go through some misunderstanding that threatens to pull them apart" thing, which is a wee bit formulaic and such. But I will forgive Tris and Four their misunderstandings because they both progressed and grew and made me remember why I loved them in the first place. And as another blogger mentioned, who knew a forehead lean could be so romantic?

I appreciate books that remember their characters are real people, if that makes any sense. Okay, I know they aren't REAL people. But they are supposed to be. I like how Tris struggles with events that happened to her in the first book - it was real to me that she reacted traumatically. This is one reason I loved Mockingjay, though I know many lovers of Hunger Games didn't - Katniss was allowed to be kind of a mess, because honestly, wouldn't we all be? I think it shows a character's strength when they react strongly but still carry on and endure - much better than not reacting at all.

Read this book! And can I officially give my vote for "Emergent" being the name of 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. Violence: a war is going on, so yes. Profanity: hmmm, can't remember. Should probably take this section out unless I actually notice any ... when I'm caught up in a story it has to be pretty blatant. Sex: intense kissing but not beyond

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

 

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Just simply a fabulous, fabulous book. A great one to pick up if you loved the Hunger Games or Uglies or Legend. I reread this to prepare for Insurgent, the second one in the series, and loved it even more the second time around. I loved Tris's strength and determination to make it in a brutal environment, despite her small size. I loved her realization that selflessness and bravery were often two sides of the same coin - she was a perfect mix of Dauntless and Abnegation. I loved her romance with Four (because of course every good dystopian novel needs a good romance). I loved the theme of sacrifice that weaved through the whole book. It makes me want to be a bit more Dauntless myself, despite my sneaking suspicion that in actuality I'm a Erudite. Alas.

I just love dystopian novels! I'm in a book group with my siblings and it is now a joke that I keep having them read some dystopian novel about a girl who meets a guy and saves the world, which sounds terribly formulaic but in actuality never is, at least to me. (But seriously, boys, you know you've loved every single one I've made you read.) I think it's time to add this one to the list ...

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. Violence: some pretty brutal fights. Profanity: none that I can remember. Sex: making out but nothing further.

 

The Knife of Never Letting Go

by Patrick Ness

 Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I could never really get into this book. It shows up a lot on my "if you've loved (previous book I read and yes, did love) than you'll love this one!" lists. So I tried it. And put it down. And read several other ones. And picked it up again. And put it down. And read a few more. And finally picked it up again determined to get through it. Which isn't really a sign that you love a book, hmm?

I thought the plot was extremely creative but didn't ever connect with the characters. This book has made me realize that I don't usually like books that are narrated by males, and I don't think it's because males are foreign to me - rather, I think I know them too well. I have three brothers (no sisters) and four sons. I know boys. (I still distinctly remember witnessing all of the drama and girliness of my freshman dorm and wondering "Who ARE these people?") And I think that's one of the problems - either the male narration is too off base or hits way too close to home. (I'm the same way with on-screen labors - they are either ridiculously "hollywood" or so close to home that I experience a bit of PTSD. But I digress.) I ended up skimming the second half of the book so I could finish it quickly - which means it was interesting enough to make me want to know what happened, but annoying enough to want to get it done quickly. I'm not sure if I will read the next two installments - I haven't decided yet. I'll probably do the unthinkable and wikipedia them instead ...

(Okay, I have to admit that hearing the dog's thoughts was generally amusing. And the sheep's thoughts gave me a chuckle. And of COURSE you couldn't hear women's thoughts, we are way too smart to spill our secrets to the world.)

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. Violence: yes! Profanity: yes! Sex: no.

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg

Take a Bow

by Elizabeth Eulberg

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book reminded me that I am NOT the target audience for young adult fiction. It was sweet and cute, I loved Emme and her relationship with her band, the romance was sweet, Sophie was annoying, but it was also more "teen" than I am interested in reading about. A great story for the teens in your life, but not necessarily the adults. Especially excellent for teens who love drama and/or music.

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. Violence: none. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: mild innuendos but nothing else.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power

by Maria V. Snyder 

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Maria V. Snyder, how do I love thee! Let me count the ways ... seriously, this lady weaves a great story. I loved and devoured her Study series - Valek and Yelena, I love you and miss you! I didn't connect as much with her Glass series, but still enjoyed it, and now she's starting another series. I kept hoping for a Valek cameo, but it was not to be. But still! Excellent book - reminded me a lot of Poison Study, which is a good thing. She is so creative with her creatures and fauna and characters and worlds. 

I liked Avry - she had a compassion in the midst of betrayal and a determination to always be true to herself. I always love a girl who is not a pushover! I connected with her and cared about her and loved her as much as I loved Yelena. I'm not sure why I didn't connect in the same way with Opal (heroine of the Glass series), but I never did. I loved Belen and "the monkeys" and Flea. I love stories where friendships seem real - teasing and supportive and unbreakable. This book was full of great heroes (even if it took awhile for them to get there!) and great evildoers. 

I have one small critique of this book, and it is similar to one I had about Poison Study - both ended with the romances consummated. Now, this isn't terribly surprising in a teen book, and was done in a very subtle and tasteful way (I can't even claim it was PG-13, a movie could probably still get away with a PG rating), but in both books it seemed forced and a little unnecessary to the plot - like the author wanted to sneak it in when possible, ran out of time, and then ended up doing it at the most inopportune time. I'm sorry, when a character is sick and at death's door maybe it's not the most natural time for passions to abound, which shows I'm a boring adult and no longer an impulsive teenager. I'm not even arguing it's presence in the book as much as it's timing. But ... just a small discontent. This is still a great book and one I will probably own someday, if the series continues as fabulously as it has started.

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. Violence: sword fights. Profanity: yes, a bit. Sex: yes, see above mentioned.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time

by Ally Carter
 

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This is the 5th book in the Gallagher Girl's series by Ally Carter. And they are still not getting old! I've loved the whole series and had fun with the latest book. Mysteries and puzzles to solve, great friendships, and extremely (extremely!) capable girls. They are very quick, very light, very entertaining reads. A lot of "girl power" but in a good way, not an obnoxious 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. Violence: mention of torture, some fighting and gunshots Profanity: none  Sex: light and innocent romance