The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud

Scarlett McCain is an outlaw - a weapons at the ready, bank robbing, shadow in the night thief for hire.  Albert Browne is a clumsy, happy go lucky sort of fellow who gets himself in a bad situation until he is rescued by the fearless Scarlett.  Now the journey to a island where all are welcome begins but both are holding on to secrets and the bad guys who wish them both ill are getting closer. Any reader who appreciates high adventure, clever wit and a voice that doesn't talk down to younger audiences will devour this new series.  A bit of Oliver Twist meets Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in a futuristic England that could be the past - Jonathan Stroud never disappoints.  Perfect for older middle grade, young adult and adult readers.  5 stars

Why We Fly by Kimberly Jones

This is not your typical high school cheerleading/football drama. A timely look at the pressures of young athletes to succeed on the field and college applications as well as what happens when social issues are addressed on and off the field. Two best friends navigate the shark infested waters of senior year in high school with national cheer championships, standing out on elite college applications and a complicated romance threatens to break up a long-lasting friendship. This story calls attention to bigger issues and may help parents understand what young athletes are going through. At the very least it should open up the discussion.  4 stars

A Clash of Steel by C.B. Lee

A revisit of TREASURE ISLAND set in China with female adventurers. When Xiang discovers a treasure map hidden in the only thing she has of her father she knows what she must do. Teaming up and falling for Anha means that she has an ally in finding the treasure and she can prove to her mother that she is worth more than a marriage contract and more than capable of running the family business. A mighty female pirate, the stuff of legends, may also be looking for the same treasure and more. This book has it all - adventure on the China Seas, pirates, treasure, clues, family secrets and first love. The author's note and historical background is as fascinating as the story and should not be missed. This will appeal to older middle grade and young adult readers looking for updated classics from a different point of view. 4 stars

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke

3 1/2 stars
An Indiana Jones style romp around Ireland in search of a missing relic. Sam (Samantha) works at an antique bookshop in Illinois and spends her days with her nose in a book until the delivery of a strange diary and the bookshop being ransacked and burned to the ground forces her to travel to Ireland. Once there she finds her upper crust childhood friends and together they follow the clues and solve the ciphers that lead them to an ancient cult who worship the Celtic Gods. Sam is by far the smartest of the bunch and while I enjoyed the banter between the three I got tired of it and wanted to go back to the non stop action. There is some soul searching looks and hopeful romance between Bennett and Sam but nothing clicked. The adventure with the brush of danger and bit of the mystical struck me as a Rick Riordan style mythical story/ Indiana Jones mix for older readers. This would work for middle grade readers.

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin

A rigorous training camp for witches is where Clara lives. While most there learn to control the weather depending on what season they are born into, Clara is a very rare Everwitch. She can control various elements and work her powerful magic year round. It also means she feels all the mood swings as the seasons change. The Earth is changing rapidly and it is growing more difficult for the witches to control these wild storms due to climate change. She is with a new trainer, a botanist witch named Sang and falls hard for him even though she tries not to. Her magic is powerful and it is dangerous to Sang for her to practice her magic but it is her powerful magic that is needed most to control the storms and unusual weather. This debut reads like a cross between white witch romance and a superhero story whose powers are used to battle crazy weather and climate change. Written for the young adult market but there will be plenty of adults who will enjoy the atmospheric writing style.  4 stars

The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

Antonia (Toni) has a boatload of talent and a desire to make it big as a rock star without the help of her famous parents. Her big break is right around the corner in a temp gig filling in for a band member on hiatus in a hot new band and a chance to partner in a recording studio. It comes with a cost - her ex boyfriend works with the band and she needs to raise a bunch of money to buy into the studio. This is a romcom with a distinct rock soul and lots of paparazzi. There is much to delight lovers of DAISY JONES AND THE SIX as well as romance readers looking for an edgy story. It will also hit the right notes with the young adult audience.
4 stars

Malice by Heather Walter
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A new look at the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. In the kingdom there is a truce that balances the Fae and humans from the evil Vila. Wealthy humans buy beauty, grace and good health from The Graces who have been blessed with Fae blood. There is one Grace who has not been blessed but still serves the Briar with her mild curse and tainted blood. Alyce, nicknamed Malice is shunned by all except Princess Aurora who befriends her and seeks her help in breaking the curse that will end her life unless she finds true love. Alyce is starting to understand that she may be more powerful but that might not save her from being used for evil. This is a well thought out retelling and the start of a promising new series. Aurora is not your average Disney princess and Alyce is not your average bad fairy sorceress.
This will be a great crossover from young adult to adult fantasy readers.  4 stars

The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

A hard look at a young woman straddling the culture shift between Native Americans living on an island and her mainland family in the upper midwest.  Daunis is living with grief - her beloved uncle is dead, her grandmother has suffered a huge stroke and the death of her best friend. She is not going onto the big college further away but stays at one close to home.  Violence, drug use and hopelessness from lack of answers leave Daunis going undercover to bring justice and meaning to her uncle's death and the teens that have been lost to a powerful toxic version of meth that has infiltrated the island.  I listened to the audiobook of this and the native language is so beautiful and adds so much to understanding the culture.  A brilliant debut of Daunis becoming a "secret squirrel" for the FBI and keeping her Native American culture alive for future generations that will resonate with young adults and adults alike. 

Yesterday is History by Kosoko Jackson

Andre is a very lucky teen to receive a new liver at the last minute. He meets the donor's family only to discover that he has gained a new ability to time travel like that of his donor. The donor's parents enlist help from their youngest son Blake to teach Andre the ins and outs of his new skill. Easy right? It would be difficult for anyone to adjust to a new liver and time travel but Andre is black while the donor family is white and he is gay and attracted to Blake and the young man he visits back in time in the 1970s. Not only does Andre have some important decisions to make about his future he now has to find a way to be happy and let go of his own rules. There is a lot going on in this book but the upshot is discovering who you are, with whom you want to be with, and not worry so much about the when. This is a young adult title but I think it would work for savvy younger grades.  4 stars 

Wider Than The Sky by Katherine Rothchild
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Teen twins Sabine and Blythe are in chaos. Their dad has just died suddenly and mom has uprooted them moving to an old house that comes with Charlie an old friend who is very chummy with their mom. The town that they have moved to is trapped in time and is run by a grumpy older woman with complete control over keeping the town looking exactly the same as when it was founded centuries ago. The girls are attending a preppy school with the only saving grace being a couple of cute guys and a fashionista girl who take them under their wing. Like any small town there are many secrets and it all feels too much to the girls as they try to navigate grief, Charlie who appeared out of nowhere and seems to be calling all the shots , friendships, relationships and city hall. Sweet debut that expertly weaves around sensitive topics without pulling the thread of the story loose. For young adults but older kids will appreciate the themes. 4 stars

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 

A true memoir/novel about the author's difficult adjustment to immigrating to Oklahoma from Iran with his family.  As a kid he tries to relate to his new classmates but everything he says and does bring nothing but bullying and accusations that his "stories" are just lies.  So, just like the clever Scheherazade who made up stories to tell the king each night to spare her life, Daniel tells myths and stories to the class of his homeland and weaves in his own bits about his current situation with a stepdad who bullies him, learning a new language, religion, food and culture.  He has a beautiful way of telling these stories while sharing a little bit of himself.  While the story is heartbreaking in its truth, the humor and humanity that comes out of this 11 year old's mouth makes him wise beyond his years.  This is an excellent example of the immigration experience that you will want to share with middle grade readers, young adults and their parents.  4 stars

Voices in the Snow by Darcy Coates

This is a mash-up between a ghost story, the end of the world apocalypse, and zombie meltdown. Something weird happens and a sudden blizzard descends on England. In the middle of it is Claire who has an accident and wakes up in a strange bed in a strange house with a stranger taking care of her. No phones, little heat, no internet and a little bit of food but this is the least of their problems. Claire keeps seeing things in the shadows (no surprise in a mansion with candlelight) and thinks she is losing her grip on reality. Her roommate turns out to be a hero and cute (which always helps) but even he may not be able to win this battle. A giant pile-up of every scary book scenario that will appeal to lovers of this genre.  3 1/2 stars

Lore by Alexandra Bracken 
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Combining Greek mythology with a present-day adventure this story covers a more grown-up version of a PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF style fantasy. Every seven years for seven days gods walk among the mortals and if you can kill one you will become a god. Lore's whole family was killed during the last Agon and now she really wants nothing to do with any of it. The next Agon is happening and it is in New York City and Lore gets pulled into the battle to stop a demigod and avenge her family. Bracken does a fantastic job of world-building and holds us suspended between the world we know and what is happening in between. The action never stops and we also deal with the themes of family, grief, and big-time revenge. Fans who started out with and outgrown Percy Jackson, as well as readers of the RED RISING series by Pierce Brown or THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jamison will enjoy this young adult brutal fantasy.  4 stars

The Way Back by Gabriel Savit
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A fabulous dark journey to the land of the dead by two teens who find themselves bargaining with the Angel of Death, various demons including Lillith and her cat maidens,the feisty Mammon and the army of the dead. Told as an Eastern European fairy tale with its roots firmly in Jewish culture, this mystical journey will entice readers looking for a horror story as well as delight those who enjoy old world fairy tales. Fans of Katherine Arden's THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE or Leigh Bardugo's Grisha series will find much to love here. Written for young adults but there will be a lot of crossover. The audiobook's narrator has the perfect melodic voice and the correct pronunciation which adds so much to the story.  4 stars

Beautiful Wild by Anna Godbersen

Vida is a debutante with a lust for life, parties and adventure so when she and her parents book passage on the maiden voyage of a ship owned by the family whose son she is trying to snag as a husband, she is all in. Things don't go according to plan and some of the blue noses from the East Coast are not thrilled with her intentions but she has perseverance and charm on her side. An accident forces them to abandon ship and they find themselves on a deserted island. Ball gowns and knowing which fork to use won't help them but soon Vida and some of the other women discover they are more capable than they themselves and others thought. Vida learns a lot about herself and what is important in life and soon will have to choose to live the life that is expected of her or the one she chooses for herself. This is a period romance with a kick butt survival story included. It is intended for young adults but older middle grade readers and many adults will find much to love here.  4 stars

Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein
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Another historical stunner from Elizabeth Wein that speaks to both young adults and adult audiences.
Elizabeth Wein has blended a tale of wartime terror, spies and the total mix of ethnic and economic backgrounds that made up the RAF flyers and volunteers. Jamie is leading a ragtag group of pilots flying massive boats patrolling the skies above Scotland to Norway. When they get back they like to relax at a local boarding house/pub run by Mrs. Campbell and assisted by a women volunteers there to help the RAF. Mrs. Campbell's elderly aunt and her caregiver, Louisa are also staying at the house. They all share a pint, a song and a spin around the dance floor to relieve the stress of the war but after a young German pilot arrives delivering a precious message decoder their lives take a much more dangerous but intriguing turn. He mistakes Louisa as his contact and she begins decoding German messages that will keep the British flyers out of harms way. This is a fascinating look at the enigma machine and how everyday people showed unbelievable bravery. It portrays the war with all the terror and extreme bravery highlighting an unusual mix of backgrounds all fighting for the same country.  4 1/2 stars

Everything I Thought I Knew by Shannon Takaoka

Seventeen year old Chloe has had some bad luck - her heart failed. She has also had some great luck in the form of an organ donor just when she needed it. Ever since the heart transplant she feels differently and is living life more fully. She has secretly taken up surfing, parties a bit with a new set of friends and has a serious crush on her gorgeous surfing instructor. It is all in secret as is the strange dreams and feelings she keeps having that she can't explain. When Kai vanishes after she explains about her heart she needs answers. Could it be her new heart is reaching out to her in dreams or are they cellular memory? An interesting concept of science and the unexplained. For young adults but plenty of adults will enjoy this debut.  4 stars

A Golden Fury by Samantha Cohoe

A historical fantasy that blends a young woman's journey into the very male world of alchemy. Thea's mother, a brilliant alchemist, goes mad while trying to create the illusive Philosopher's Stone. It is decided that Thea should travel to England and take refuge from her father who isn't aware of her existence. Once he discovers that she may be as talented as her mother as an alchemist he uses her to create the stone for himself. Everyone is out to be the first to create the Philosopher's Stone and gain its power and they tend to disregard the curse that will destroy the alchemist who tries to control it. Basically it is a giant power struggle and Thea is in the center of it. The book is written for young adults but it will appeal to anyone who likes historical fiction centered around the mystical arts.  3 1/2 stars

Each Of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro

​Xochital is a Latino version of a Sin-Eater.  She lives in an apocalyptic world where the sun has dried everything and strange animals, spirit guardians and ghosts seem to be waiting just beyond the security of her village.  Water ensures their survival so when thugs use violence and seize the water supply and Xochital has taken in some troubling confessions, she knows she must make a quest to find answers and freedom from her ceremonial burden.  Xo and the thug's daughter, Emilia begin the journey as enemies and come together as kindred souls.  It is a journey that will be dangerous and one that will change them forever.  The audio is beautiful and there is much Spanish intermixed with English which only adds to an authentic voice.  This book is intended for young adults but adults will find much to love here.  My thanks to the publisher for the advance listen.  

The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Jennifer A. Nielsen is a true master storyteller who knows that her characters must be flawed slightly for us to take them seriously, the danger and excitement levels must always be kept high and the hero must learn at the end if the prize was worth it. THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM is a bonus book added to the popular Ascendance series. I still think THE FALSE PRINCE is one of the best fantasy mysteries for middle school and young adults. The series started with an orphan who is not who we think he is and ends up being the king we all knew he should be. His loyalty to his friends and kingdom is without question but we can't always follow his plan and he does love to run off and become a pirate king as well. This book takes the same twists and turns we have happily come to expect. Let's hope there are more books coming in this high adventure story that stresses friendships and loyalty.  4 stars to this and the rest of the series.

Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
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Mira and four strangers agree to share a rental car when a blizzard strands all of them at the airport Christmas Eve. The ride starts out ok but the weather and the other's behavior begins to make Mira uneasy. It is the perfect storm- a blizzard, rental car without chains and a car load of people all with something to hide. The author is very good at misdirection and spread throughout are letters addressed to Mira from an unknown admirer that ramps up the sense of foreboding. As a parent of girls, I would put this book in the hands of teens as a "don't do". Scary and intense this works for teens and adults who love train wreck thrillers.  4 stars

Furia by Camille Staled Mendez

​Camila is from the barrios in Argentina.  Her family depends on her brother's success at futbol (soccer) and it is Camila's plan to follow in her brother's footsteps and play futbol as well.  On the field she is La Furia but at home she is another girl who is seen as having few options and doing her best not to get pregnant and forced to marry like so many others.  She finds the perfect opportunity to shine in her first big South American tournament but pressures from home, girls going missing, her father's abuse and the love of her life who happens to be a huge futbol star all weigh down on her dreams.  It is a story of courage, hope and chasing your dreams.  The Spanish is well interspersed with the English and add to the authentic voice. This book for young adults will be a great addition to understanding the latino culture and issues facing young people all over the world. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.  4 stars

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi

The book picks up where THE GILDED WOLVES left off but now instead of Paris we find the unlikely group in the heart of Russia once more looking for treasure and to save one of their own. No spoilers but Chokshi digs deep and dark in this sequel. It has a lovely period French and Russian vibe to it with a mythology all its own. The team is made up of a mix of genders, ethnic backgrounds and personalities. They follow their leader Severin but he and the others have many secrets they won't share and while there is loyalty, there is also betrayal. This is geared for young adult but many adults fantasy lovers will enjoy this sophisticated world. Fans of SIX OF CROWS, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES will find much in this series.  4 stars

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
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Avery Grambs is working hard to get good grades, snag a scholarship and make her sister/guardian proud. She is just as unprepared as anyone when she gets the news that a wealthy man that she doesn't know has just left her the lion's share of his vast fortune cutting his grandsons and their mothers from the will. You can imagine their feelings on the matter but to inherit Avery must live with the family in the sprawling estate complete with race cars and a bowling alley. She will now go to a posh school and try to stay one step ahead of those who don't want her there and really don't want to give up the money they thought they were going to get. Clever, intense and full of mysterious clues, a little romance and a great deal of mistrust.
4 stars for this young adult title that works for older middle grade.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore
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3 1/2 stars
Based on the real life of social rights activist Donaldina Cameron who rescued girls and young women from the Chinese slave trade. She worked diligently to save countless people and ran the Occidental Mission House for 39 years, starting as a sewing teacher and finishing her long career as the Director.
San Francisco's Chinatown was a dangerous place at the end of the 19th century yet Donaldina "Dolly" armed with an interpreter and a handful of police would stand up to the Tong marching into brothels and opium dens to save those who were able to reach out to them and then keeping them safe. Many of these girls came from China escaping poverty with their parents duped into thinking they were sending them to arranged marriages. The girls were then transported to San Francisco , sold like cattle, drugged and left without any means of escape. Perfect read for someone looking for a little known female hero that isn't WWII. This would also be an excellent choice for young adults. 
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The Insomniacs by Marit Weisenberg

3 1/2 stars 
Ingrid is a competitive diver who is destined for a full ride scholarship and maybe even a shot at the Olympics but she has just suffered a serious concussion that has turned her life plan upside down. She can't sleep trying to figure out what happened and it turns out neither can the hunky boy next door. There are lots of interesting things going on after dark in their nice Austin cul-de-sac and the two form an unlikely partnership to help each other confront their demons, calm the high school pressure, get some much needed sleep and solve the mystery of the abandoned house next door. While Ingrid's attraction to Van and the mystery of the house next door feels a bit like hanging out with the Scooby-Do gang the book does tackle a few major issues like drug use, infidelity, single parenting and abuse of power. This book will resonate with teens and their parents and hopefully pave the way for serious discussions.

Kind of a Big Deal by Shannon Hale
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Josie is a drama queen or thought she was going to become a drama queen when she left high school to live in big bad New York City to follow her dreams. Things haven't worked out the way she planned so she really isn't that upset when she begins to "fall into" ala Alice in Wonderland the books she is reading. I liked the concept and have enjoyed Shannon Hale's middle grade books but this began to feel like career meltdown and adult avoidance. Yes it proved that she was indeed kind of a big deal but I needed more. Almost 3 stars.

The Angel Of The Crows by Katherine Addison

An alternate look at Victorian London that gives plenty of odes to the famous cases of Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It is balanced by an invented London littered with werewolves, named angels who partner with authorities to keep the peace, vampires, and the vicious un- named angels who, having fallen, wreak havoc upon the humans. Crow, the Angel of London, is rooming with Dr. Doyle (think Dr. Watson) who has just returned from the war injured. They begin working as the dynamic duo solving various crimes that have the police baffled. Katherine Addison has created a multi-layer, non gender specific rethinking of sleuthing in the 1880's. The wit is spot on, the characters familiar yet fresh and I hope there will be more. You think you know the characters, you think you know the stories - think again and be thoroughly entertained. Readers of Caleb Carr and Natasha Pulley will eat this up.  Works for YA readers who have a yen for the classic mystery story but love a reimagined world - 4 fun stars.

Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi
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This YA historical adventure has so much going on - a young treasure diver who is given the chance to assume the life of a lady and flee her brutal step father, sailing ships, spies, danger and romance. Frannie turns into Emmeline after a shipwreck and then travels to New York where she assumes the life of a gentle born English lady and one who gets pulled into spy service for General Washington. Dashing young men, danger at every turn and always the chance that someone from her past will find her. This is not just for young adults and will appeal to anyone who is fascinated by the bravery and danger of this country's first spy network. With plenty of adventure to go around and the fact that this is based on a true story and to this day we still don't know the woman's identity, this will be the perfect read for all of us who are landlocked this summer.

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
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Three teens in Guatemala who witness violence and death on a daily basis and who after being pressed into service by drug thugs realize that they must run or die. Pulga, Chico and Pequena all love their families and would stay in their local town if they could but terrified, they know they must go on the run with a half baked plan and only each other to trust. They follow "La Bestia" the deadly route known as the beast that will get them to North America and freedom. Sadly, this fictional account is all too real for so many adults, teens and children of Central America who leave their homes as a last resort searching for a better and safer place. Heartbreaking and written for teens but savvy older kids will gain much understanding and compassion from reading this. Note: there are some graphic images and a lot of violence that younger readers may not handle well.  4 stars

The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

This is one of those wondrous books that defy traditional genres. Teen brother and sister orphans run away to become pirates but when a young woman on board is about to be sold into slavery instead of being sold into marriage and the Captain becomes obsessed with catching and drinking illegal mermaid's blood, plans change. Flora, now Florian, changes her gender to become a pirate but really she isn't sure which she is more comfortable with. She is sure about her feelings for Lady Evelyn and it is this that will change the course of Flora's life. Violence, spies, magic, adventure and a love story all under an Asian umbrella marks this as something to delight everyone. I am hoping that this will become a new series. It is intended for young adults but there are plenty of adults who will enjoy it as well.

They Went Left by Monica Hesse

Zofia Lederman has spent months in a hospital trying to get well after the Allieds liberated her camp and now must find any way possible to find her young brother, the only family she has remaining. She relies on the kindness of a Russian soldier who is in love with her but then realizes that she is the only one who can retrace their steps and find Abek. Zofia's mental health makes her an unreliable narrator but you can feel the desperation and anguish she feels as she is powerless to locate Abek. She is suffering, as is most of the survivors at refugee camps, from PTSD and her health is fragile. The language, adult situations and violence of the camps make this intended for young adults but readers will appreciate her honesty and lack of sugar coating the horrific events of war. This is a story of the best and the worst of humanity told by a young survivor just trying for any remnant of her prior life.

Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson

This spinoff centers on a character from her popular series but can be read easily as a stand-alone novel. Red is a foundling who has been a servant and mistreated, later rescued by a royal family. She would lay down her life for them and was hoping to be adopted but it is not to be so she starts training as one of the coveted Royal Guards. As the only girl, Red must be tougher and more resourceful than the others. She will learn who is a friend and who not to trust. The story feels much like the Roman Caesars as well as elements from the Middle Ages. Fast-paced and full of action, Red is one character who is quick and smart but also a loyal friend. This fantasy will appeal to teens and older middle-grade readers who loved the danger and politics of HUNGER GAMES and other books in the series by Rae Carson.

The Warrior's Curse by Jennifer Nielsen 

I always enjoy Jennifer Nielsen's books and even though I messed up by reading this third book in the series without having read the second book, I was still able to understand and appreciate the story. It is a finely crafted fantasy series that hints at the middle ages and deals with loyalty and being true to your beliefs as does many of her other series. She knows how to write engaging characters and stories with non stop action which appeals to young adult and middle school audiences. I can almost always hand over one of her books to a middle schooler without fear of language or adult situations which I really appreciate.

Me & Mr. Cigar by Gibby Haynes

This is one wild ride - Oscar is your normal well off, ignored by his wealthy parents, kind of kid. That is until the day he is discovered by Mr. Cigar a very unusual dog with some out-of-this-world powers.
Lucky for Oscar he also has Carla who acts as a second mom and includes Oscar and Mr. Cigar in her revolutionary new ideas. Strange, funny and a true out-of-body experience to read, Oscar will have you believing and you will not be able to look at a dog again without wondering if he really does understand everything you say. This is for young adults but there are plenty of adults who will get a kick out of it.

The Night Country by Melissa Albert

This is the second book in the series and even darker and more mysterious than THE HAZEL WOOD. Alice is back from her other world and living half a life in London. She meets up with others from that world that have escaped but soon discovers that they are being picked off by a monster. She and Finch must find out what is going on and try to stop this new more dangerous world from being formed. A darker side of Narnia and all the best elements of gothic fairy tales, Melissa Albert creates a mysterious world that is as breathtaking and seductive as it is dangerous. For young adults but adults who love dark fantasy will leap into this with both feet.

Lady Hotspur by Tessa Gratton

This book continues the story of the ancestors of THE QUEENS OF INNIS LEAR but with a new twist. In a world caught unaware in a political coup a war is about to begin that will set three friends and lovers against each other. The unusual element in this story is the gender switch of traditional roles and titles. Here, princes and knights are women and it is not uncommon for witches and mages to be men. We also see the political pairing of these three women in traditional marriages where their heart is with another strong woman. Violent and very political but you get a true sense of the unfairness of having to rule. Because the roles are not gender-specific we see a different side of what would normally feel like a medieval battle or something out of GAME OF THRONES. The magic of Innis Lear mixed with the political backstabbing makes for an interesting twist on the Shakespearean classic.
This will appeal greatly to young adults as well as adults.

Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison

A very posh boarding school becomes a crime scene in this very twisty thriller. Mean girls and secret societies are not the only challenges for Ash as she tries to adjust to her life in the states after finding her parents dead at home. When the deaths start happening everyone is ready to blame the new girl and Goode girls wouldn't lie would they? As the dean, detectives and others find out they do lie and often. Intense pacing and a bit of a shocker ending so be ready to pull an all-nighter once you begin. Obviously, young adults will find this as appealing as their parents.

The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson

An updated retelling of the classic fairy tale of THE PIED PIPER OF HAMLIN but this one involves a tough heroine who must place her trust in a nobleman's son. We have all the classic themes here - mean stepfather, lovable but misunderstood nobleman's son, tough gutsy female heroine who doesn't need a man to take care of her business and a beast who is abducting children. The mystery of who and why is another matter and with that, we also have the potential romance between these two unlikely hunters. Romance driven young adults will enjoy this as well as older middle graders who enjoy twisted retellings of old tales.

The Wickerlight by Mary Watson

 Zara is torn apart by her sister Laila's death. The tale takes place in a remote village in Ireland where magic and old customs are still practiced and very much a part of daily life. When Zara discovers clues in the form of a scavenger hunt she feels that it will take her to the truth about her sister's death but what she finds instead may mean her own. Moody and mystical, this eerie tale is ageless and modern at the same time. Good and evil battle magic and modern love as well as an old family feud.
For young adult readers but it will certainly catch the attention of adults.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

One of the best books I have read this year- take a pinch of Dan Brown, a dollop of Lev Grossman and a smattering of Deborah Harkness and you begin to get a feel for the genius of Leigh Bardugo. She has created a kick-ass character with a checkered past who is asked to attend Yale on scholarship and all she has to do is use her gifts to help govern the secret societies and of course, everything goes wrong. She is tough, she does not always get along with people and she sees dead people (grays). Expertly written, perfectly paced and chockful of creepy ghosts and secret rituals - this book will appeal to a wide audience and I'm sure Yale will see a surge in applications. I sincerely hope someone has purchased the movie rights and there better be more where this came from Leigh Bardugo.  This is her first book written for adults but older teens will want this.

Words on Fire by Jennifer Nielsen

A classic story of heroism and self-sacrifice from the queen of historical, gut-wrenching stories for middle grade and young adults alike. This is the story of Lithuanians fighting to keep their heritage alive while being occupied by the Soviet Union. Audra is very young when the army comes to their farm and drags off her parents to prison in Siberia. As she learns the truth of what her parents were really involved in she takes on their work to preserve books and smuggle them under the noses of Russian guards. This brave girl will witness much hatred and cruelty but will risk everything to keep the power of the written word alive for her people.

Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Spain in the late 1950s is the setting for this imaginative historian's new book that like her others, speaks to a wide audience. A wealthy young man is visiting Madrid with his parents and while he is there he tries to capture the beauty and hidden brutality he sees with his camera lens. He falls for a housekeeper at the hotel and she, along with a couple of other Americans show him the less glamorous side of Franco ruled Spain. Hard-hitting and humanistic, Ruta Sepetys gives us the lush setting of Madrid and its embattled ethnic groups and juxtaposes it with American wealth, privilege and naivete. Adults, young adults, and older kids will fall for this beautiful story of a country brought to its knees by a dictator.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon is a badass swordswoman who must accompany her house necromancer to a meeting of the nine houses (planets) for sort of a magic jousting competition and hopefully get them both out of there alive. This is a space fantasy with more political backstabbing than House of Cards and a tough as nails rogue more charming and caustic than Han Solo and then there are the animated skeletons. Gideon has a soft side too but only for her talented necromancer Harrow. A wild ride that doesn't leave you much time to breathe before the next calamity strikes and this is only the beginning. Tamsyn Muir has created a hybrid between the magical fantasies and space battles with characters you like and wonderful wit that is sure to charm young adults and adults alike.

Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Another historical masterpiece that takes place in the Reconstruction Atlanta with a Chinese-American young woman who bucks the system. Jo Kuan works as a ladies maid in a house where she grew up but where she was considered a childhood friend she is clearly now a servant. She takes this in stride and puts her energy into other secret projects like writing an advice column under the name "Miss Sweetie" for the newspaper located where she and her adopted grandfather live. I loved this independent young woman who had to fight racial and sex discrimination in post-war Atlanta and didn't take no for an answer. This novel works well for adults, young adults, and ambitious middle school readers.

The Virtue of Sin by Shannon Schuren

This is a classic story of a cult built on misinformation and the powerful leaning on the submissive. It could happen anywhere to anyone. Miriam has grown up in the desert away from all the sin of the world and like her parents, believes that Daniel and his teachings are from God. She believes in prayer, peace and being virtuous until that wonderful ceremony when at 16, she will be chosen by a young man and become a wife. She has been told that her chosen will come to her in a dream and that he will have the same dream. What happens if the one you are certain of is not the one who picks you? Suddenly, all the teachings and stories begin to have cracks. Is the punishment of not going along with the plan worse than living your life with someone you don't want to be with? This young adult book will be a good pick for strong younger readers and adults alike.

  Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Life could have been very different for the stepsisters if Ella and her father had not come into their lives. But that path was chosen and each person played their part and now that Ella is queen and the cruelty her stepfamily had subjected her to is out in the open, the stepsisters are outcasts. Fate would have had her way had Chance not stepped in and the contest is on. This retelling of the classic fairy tale is not the sugar-coated Disney version instead, it is a brilliant jumping off point into a new story entirely. It is a story of love, courage, and forgiveness. Jennifer Donnelly has created characters who are not to be pitied but instead strong women who just needed a push to do the right thing and fight the image they have been given. It is a beautiful story of what happens to a girl who is labeled and forgotten until she took what chance offered and found her true self. This is written for YA but should be given to middle-grade kids and adults alike. I can't wait for the next one.

The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta

Danny moves from her father and home in Michigan with her mother out to the wilds of Northern California in a town called Tempest.
She feels right at home in the forest surrounded by giant redwoods and finds kinship with a group of queer witches called "The Grays".
They all have magic to be used for good or bad and love to kiss girls which is fine with Danny until she gets in over her head in her quest to find one of the Grays who has gone missing leaving a zombie-like version behind. Magic is abundant and the language is lush just like the landscape of the California forest. This is the perfect read for young people who aren't afraid to be themselves, fight for those they love and look for the magic within.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

It could be said that this book is a PRINCESS DIARIES for a new age. Alex, the President's son, is off to Georgetown, loves to party and can't stand Prince Henry of Wales. That is about to change when sparks fly at a very public event and the two of them are forced to tolerate each other to repair international relations. When they secretly kiss and make-up the sparks really fly. This is what could happen to the offspring of the world's leaders who are forced to comply with their nation's codes and inherited responsibilities. It is hard enough to understand new relationships and looking for love without the whole world watching and judging. Fun and full of witty banter you will enjoy the perils of Alex and Henry's foray into love and politics. Not your average rom-com but it will appeal to young and old.

Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser

1969 was a time of unrest and for Lucas is was also an awakening. He believes he and his girlfriend Robin will go to college out East, stay high on drugs and each other, and the glorious days of sex, drugs and rock and roll will never end. Except it does end. In the complete upheaval of his summer Robin will leave him, he won't get accepted into college and his draft number will come up. Off to last-minute adventures in a beat up VW bus and motorcycle to Canada and Woodstock where hopefully Lucas will come up with a plan and save his life. This is for older readers but still rings true as a good coming of age story for any decade. I did enjoy his attempts at Haiku.

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

This debut is the start of a new young adult series that mixes dark blood magic and Eastern European culture/religions to create a fantastic world at war. Nadya is a cleric capable of not just one type of powerful magic but the majority of magical skills. This makes her a wonderful ally or if you are on the other side - the top target to eliminate. There is a lot of violence as they are at war, light romance and many names and titles that can take some time to connect with. This will strike a chord with lovers of Katherine Arden's BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE as well as Leigh Bardugo and other far Eastern and European inspired fantasy.

A Thousand Sisters by Elizabeth Wein

Not many people are familiar with the brave Night Witches, a group of pilots who flew countless bombing missions during WWII. This is most likely due to these reasons - they were all women, Russian and they were told not to discuss what they did during the war and the pivotal role they played. Stalin needed pilots and agreed to a risky plan to train a select group of young women who would fly into enemy Germany and run nightly bombing missions. The work was difficult, required great aviation skill as many times they could add fog to the already dangerous night flying and was extremely dangerous. Stalin was also clear on something else - you could not be captured nor could you retreat or your family would suffer the consequences. As with all of Elizabeth Wein's books you are completely immersed into what these almost unheard of inexperienced women went through. In a world filled with and run by men, the 588th Night Bomber Regiment outperformed their male counterparts without complaint. This makes a great companion book to Kate Quinn's THE HUNTRESS coming out in February. 

The Expedition by Chris Babu

A solid dystopic thriller where a group of hand-picked teens who not only have their own lives at risk but also those of their families, must travel to no man's land and access if the killer virus has left any life. The group has been told that the danger from the killer virus is only outside their protected boundary of New America (New York City) and they must travel to Boston to check for survivors. They are accompanied by a group of military thugs who may or may not have their best interests at heart. There are all the elements of a successful young adult series here - violence, a romantic triangle, bathroom humor, tough warrior girls and as an added bonus, a warning about harming animals or people just because you can. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

Limetown by Cote Smith

This is a great pick if you love conspiracy theories, the Bermuda Triangle or are a fan of Stranger Things. Lia is a budding journalist who just wants a straight answer about what happened to the uncle she barely remembers and her parents won't talk about. Why did her uncle Emile and scores of others simply vanish one day from a strange nearby facility? Why won't her parents tell her anything?
We alternate between present day and Lia's search for truth and what happened years before when Lia's dad and his brother were young and Emile's story after. I haven't heard the podcast but the storyline here is promising, the tension ramps up and my curiosity is peaked.

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

This review is brought to you by Raj Kamat
Two warring kingdoms. A botched assassination attempt. Two unlikely allies. Brangwain Spurge is an elfin art historian chosen to deliver a peace offering to the dreaded goblin ruler. And to spy on the goblins for the glory of the elves. Unbeknownst to him, he is also part of an plot to assassinate the goblin ruler. Goblin archivist Warfel is Brangwain's host, and dreams of a shared exchange of knowledge between his guest and himself. What follows is a comedy of errors. Prejudices, cultural misunderstandings, and accidents tell different stories from alternating elf and goblin perspectives. When the assassination attempt goes wrong, both elf and goblin must reach a common understanding to untangle the mess between their two kingdoms. A great narrative exploring the effects of war and culture clashes. The story is told in both prose and illustrations.

A Lady's Guide To Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

This review is brought to you by Raj Kamat
This very enjoyable sequel to A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue picks up a year after the end of the first book and features Felicity, the younger sister of Henry Montague (Monty). Felicity is struggling to fulfill her goal of becoming a doctor in Edinburgh. Her attempts to enroll herself in medical school fail miserably as she faces up against the male dominated world of medicine and is met with suspicion, hostility, and contempt at every turn. On the verge of giving up her dream, she finds an opportunity to apprentice herself to her idol - who is coincidentally about to marry her ex-best friend Johanna. With the help of a young lady pirate, Felicity embarks on a journey to crash the wedding and take a step towards her dream. But things aren't as they seem. Her escort pirate, Sim, has her own agenda for crashing the wedding, one that takes Felicity, Sim, and Johanna off on an quest that leads them from Zurich, Germany to the depths of the Atlantic chasing a secret that has been guarded for generations.
Romance takes the backstage in this novel which focuses on the power of female friendship. Felicity, Sim, and Johanna are three strong women fighting to achieve their dreams in their male dominated world in their own, unique way. Felicity's growth as a character is wonderful to read as she learns that suppressing femininity is not the sole way to gain respect, and that strength can take many different forms.

Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu

 
Check, Please! is a funny and heartwarming coming-of-age story of Eric Bittle, hockey player for Samwell University, avid vlogger, baker extraordinaire, and desperately crushing on his hockey team captain. This is part one of a two volume series that began as a super popular web-comic by Ngozi Ukazu. It chronicles Bittle's college life as he enters University as a freshman and completes his sophomore year, all while dealing with his crush on Jack Zimmerman (his captain), playing hockey, and embracing his love of pies. This is a feel good sports story with multiple laugh-out-loud moments and a great message of inclusion and acceptance. The ensemble cast are hilarious and well-developed, the depiction of bro-culture and hockey life is spot on, and the romance is genuinely sweet. However, please know that the book features a lot of swearing. Definitely recommended for all teens!  (This review is brought to you by Raj Kamat)

 

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos

A Winter's Promise is a French bestselling YA novel perfect for fantasy lovers. A long time ago, the Earth was shattered into floating pieces called arks. Each ark is ruled by a family spirit, an ancestor from whom the entire ark's population is descended. Ophelia lives on Anima and is their strongest reader. She runs a museum and is a solitary misfit, with no patience for lies and pretense. She can see the past of physical objects and possesses the rare ability to travel through mirrors. When her family betroths her to Thorn, a stranger from a distant ark, Ophelia must leave everything she knows on Anima and travel to the harsh and icy Pole. There, she'll need all her wits and skills to survive the treacherous machinations of the Pole court. However, hidden behind Ophelia's quiet voice and misfit demeanor lies an iron will and a calm, rational mind. As Ophelia is met with hostility from her hosts, and indifference from her fiance, she slowly comes to realize that she plays a part in a bigger political game - one that reaches all the way up to the family spirits themselves. This book focuses on establishing setting and Opehlia's character growth as she learns to adapt to court games while trying to understand her place in Pole. Book one ends on a cliffhanger with a determined Ophelia ready to exert more control over her life and uncover the truth of her betrothal. Can't wait for book two! (This review was brought to you by Raj Kamat)

The Good Demon by Jimmy Cajoleas

From a very young age, Clare has been possessed. Named Her, Clare and her demon are closer than sisters. They are each others' Only, never envisioning a life apart from each other. Until the day the Reverend and his son tear them apart, exorcising Her and forcibly separating them. Now, Clare is desperate to reunite with her demon. With the help of the Reverend's son, Roy, Clare begins the quest to get Her back. Following cryptic clues left by Her, Clare is drawn into the dark side of her seemingly sleepy little southern town, discovering satanic clubs, ritualistic murder, and a mysterious figure known only as the One Wish Man. But the more deeply Clare dives into her town's horrifying past, the more Clare begins to wonder - is bringing Her back worth the price?
 
The Good Demon is set in a small southern town and has a dark, gothic feel to it. Clare comes from a troubled family and her friendship with Roy, the Reverend's son, is fraught with issues of religion, trust, and intimacy. The book also takes a look at the themes of faith, addiction, grief, and co-dependency through Clare's family and her friendship with Roy. Definitely for those who like Supernatural and enjoy twists on horror cliches.  (This review is brought to you by Raj Kamat)

Resistance by Jennifer Nielsen

Chaya Lindner is a Polish Jew who, after her family is uprooted and sent to the Ghetto, escapes and joins the Resistance. Her incredible story is heartbreaking and hard to believe at times but war ends childhoods and turns ordinary people into heroes out of need. She and the other couriers went in and out of some of the most dangerous ghettos in Poland risking their lives on a daily basis. Jennifer Nielsen proves once again that she can bring us a remarkable story with characters that we can relate to and be awed by. This is the story of the thousands who fought for freedom knowing they would most likely not see their families again, let alone survive. They knew the odds were against them but also knew that fighting back was the only way to live. It is vital that young people hear these stories of courage and the Resistance so that history doesn't repeat itself. This is a tough story that will foster discussion and leave a lasting impression as it did with me.

I Am Still Alive by Kate Marshall

Jess is a teen who after recently losing her mom and slowly healing from a leg injury, finds herself back with the dad she hasn't seen in years. He is a survivalist living in the Canadian Wilderness and has made some mistakes. One of those mistakes comes back to see him and Jess witnesses another tragedy. She must flee into the woods with a minimal amount of clothing, food and supplies and only her father's dog for company. Somehow she solves one problem after another and finds the strength to survive and avenge her dad's killers.
This is a tough book to read because you see a broken girl that must bounce back after so much loss and you prepare yourself for the end at the end of each page. It is also one of the most uplifting books I have read in a long time because she finds so much strength and hope. This is HATCHET for teens and adults. You will start paying more attention to building simple shelters or fishing without a rod just in case.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Tella and her sister Scarlet are headed back for another week of Caraval and more of Legend's cruel pranks and mysterious game playing.  After their first experience with Caraval you would think that both sisters would shy away from the possible danger but Tella has a mission to find and free her mother.  The setting is mysterious, the characters masks hide what they want hidden and Caraval's illusions are just that or maybe the danger is very real and the game deadly.  The second book is just as well crafted and rich in world building as the first.  This is for any lover of "The Night Circus" or anyone who just wants to be swept up in the magical illusion of Caraval.  Not just for young adults.

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

If you are a lover of tough female-led Medieval fantasy like Game of Thrones then this is for you. There is a very complex plot and intense world-building making it not a quick read but you will be rewarded. Both of the book's heroines - Rielle and Eliana are fierce fighters, loyal to their friends and are used as pawns by royalty and others. Their powers are a blessing and a curse. There is political backstabbing, violence, love interests, mind speaking angels and wolves. The young women's stories are set many generations apart but the chapters alternate between them to tie them together for future books. Designed for the young adult market but there is enough action and fantasy to appeal to a much broader audience.

Fatal Throne by multiple young adult authors

English history on speed! Each of Henry VIII's wives explains their hopes, dreams and inevitable pain of being dumped. Unlike today's version, these highborn ladies never got the chance to get back at Henry or tell their side of the story on social media. After each narrative, we get poor misunderstood Henry's take. It is a wonderful lure for anyone who wants to know more about the Tudors via this unique cliff note format. All the backstabbing, gossip, and pain that the Tudor court was known for as well as all the other challenges these ladies faced like a disease, Henry's decaying body, and childbirth. Written by a collection of terrific young adult authors but is a solid read for anyone.

Devils Unto Dust by Emma Berquist

Daisy Wilcox, aka Willie, is taking charge of her three younger siblings since their mother died of the fever and their pa is a worthless drunk who disappears for weeks on end. Her situation becomes worse though because their pa has run off with someone else's money and they are holding Willie responsible for it. She leaves the kids behind and hires two brothers to protect her as she strikes out to retrieve the money and her pa. There are things more dangerous outside the walled town of Glory and that is why she needs hunters to protect her. The same fever that killed her mom turns people into bloodthirsty zombies who then pass the sickness onto their victims. This is the perfect combination of Lonesome Dove and the Walking Dead. It is a true western with well thought out characters and a solid plot mixed in with the added danger and fantastical zombie like shakes. You will find this under young adult fiction but it is a must for anyone who enjoys their western with a bit of the bizarre

Big Water by Andrea Curtis

Christina runs from home unable to get over the loss of her twin brother. She boards the steamship Asia which her cousin works on to begin her new life. While crossing the Great Lakes a massive storm capsizes the Asia and only a handful of survivors manage to get away in a single lifeboat. Sadly , no help comes and they must fight off injuries, shock, cold and no food until just Christina and another young man are left. Based on the true sinking of the Steamship Asia in 1882, this is an amazing story of how strong the will is to survive and how people from different walks of life come to depend on each other for comfort.
This book is listed as a young adult novel but I think younger kids and adults would enjoy it as well.
For fans of historical disasters and adventure.

The Traitor's Game by Jennifer Nielsen

Once again Jennifer Nielsen finds characters that throw us off course and story lines that keep us involved.  While this new series pushes us back to a medieval like setting akin to "The False Prince" we now have a fierce female protagonist. There is the court intrigue, political backstabbing and misplaced loyalty.  Kestra has been sent away from her family manor to learn to be a lady and grow up but instead has become an expert in survival and fighting.  When her father, and I call him that in loose terms, summons her home she is kidnapped and her servants held for ransom unless she becomes a traitor to her people and finds a secret sword.  As in other Nielsen books, the bad guys aren't always bad and the good guys aren't always good and the lower classes have a shot at an uprising and getting justice.  There is nothing new here but Nielsen fans will find a heroine in Kestra and an interest in seeing where this deadly game she is playing is going.

Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman

This is actually part of the Seraphina saga and is all about one of the sisters, Tess. Tess suffers from an uncontrollable urge to speak her mind and to act as she pleases which gets her into a lot of trouble and public scorn. After she gets out of hand at her sister's wedding, she dresses like a boy and runs away rather than be sent away. Tess is like a character out of a Jane Austen novel and she takes to the road rather well although it is not always easy and her traveling companions are unusual. Even if you have not read the other two books in the series you will still be able to pick up on this new world. Her defiance and sassy wit makes this not an easy read but one that is well worth the effort. Fantasy feminism at its best.

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Alice Prosperpine is the grand daughter of a famous novelist with a mysterious allure. She wrote a strange collection of fairy tales about the "Hinterland" and then lived as a recluse in her estate called the Hazel Wood. Alice and her mother have been on the run all of Alice's life going from city to city like gypsies until her grandmother's death. Alice is back on the run after her mother is taken and strange people are after Alice. Joining forces with a Hinterland groupie, Alice goes out in search of Hazel Wood and her mother. What she discovers is not what she expected. This Alice, like the other fairy tale, tumbles head first down a very dark rabbit hole into a spirit world she didn't know existed.
This is a fairy tale turned horror story - a dream sequence that is worse during the day than at night where reality is what you fear the most. Great young adult crossover this will appeal to anyone who likes their fairy tales dark and fearful.

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

It is difficult to be a teenage Muslim Indian girl in a small Midwestern town.  Maya just wants the freedom her friends have - to date who they want, go to movies and go to school dances but her parents fight to keep her to the strict rules of their culture.  She falls for the football star and applies to the film school at NYU and gets hurt as all teenage girls do.  Racial tension is heightened when a young bomber strikes as Maya and her parents experience hatred and a general lack of understanding.  Timely - this book should teach all of us to look behind skin color, religion and all the differences and see the similarities that bind us.  Great read for young adult and adults.

UnEarthed by Aime Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Indiana Jones in outer space. Why look for artifacts only on Earth when you can unlock the secrets of other civilizations with advanced technology on other planets. Jules and Mia are on the planet for completely different reasons but they share the same goal. She needs to salvage enough treasure or useful tech to rescue her sister from the clutches of a bad guy and He needs to unlock the secrets of the past civilization to rescue his dad's reputation and save Earth. Easy right? A series of clues found in the ancient temple challenges them to a deadly game- one that they must win to survive and find what they came for. Plenty of danger, plenty of adventure and plenty of snark - this is a race not only to find what others are searching for but also understand how it can save them. Can't wait for book two!

Bad Call by Stephen Wallenfels

A bet leads to a dare leads to disaster when a group of well off boarding school buddies decide to go camping in Yosemite for a weekend.  The leader of the group - CEO throws everyone off by inviting a girl he met.  Ellie isn't quite sure what to make of this little expedition but goes along with it instead of immediately turning back home.  Things go from friendly banter to outright fights and from bad to worse weather wise.  Out of their element and grossly unprepared for what Mother Nature is about to throw at them, they must somehow survive fire, snow and bears as well as each other.  "Bad Call" is a twisty look at the people we pretend to be and the people we really are.  My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

 An intense gaming adventure where your life is actually in danger. Simon is a well off teen who really does nothing but play games all day and use up his parents money buying VR gear. A chance to save a gaming buddy who he really is in love with launches him back to Otherworld to find and save her.
There is one important change though- the company behind the game is using some heavy handed tactics to control comatose kids by inserting a disc that puts them in the game permanently. The game is not all sugar and fun and this scary landscape means real danger for Simon and the people he meets along the way. It has all the manipulation of "Maze Runner" with the adventure and tension of "Ready Player One" - marking it as the one book that both teens and adults will want to throw themselves into.

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

It is very difficult to describe what "Jane, Unlimited" is about.  On one hand it is Alice and her journey down the rabbit hole except that Alice is a teenage orphan and the rabbit hole leads not to Wonderland but a very strange mansion named Tu Reviens.  On another hand it is a montage of favorite mystery books melded into a trip to a mansion where there are art thefts, forgers and vendettas of crimes long past.  Janie has trouble trusting the family members clinging only to the sidekick dog, Jasper, for emotional support. It is also like watching reruns of "Doctor Who" and you are being pulled through multiple virtual realities each one stranger than the last.  Janie will make the trip to Tu Reviens as the guest of an old friend and is only going because her dead Aunt Magnolia made her promise to go if ever asked.  What she finds there and how it changes her will be a strange trip indeed. 

Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Far is working as a time traveling thief and is Captain of a time travel ship crewed by his friends. On a job grabbing some art before the Titanic sinks something goes wrong. Soon their time travels begin to go awry and they start to wonder about the new girl that no one knows anything about. Far discovers that he is the child of a time historian in the 2300's and a Roman gladiator and technically, shouldn't exist. This is a large book that moves as fast as time itself. It comes complete with a taste of romance, a smattering of dry wit, a ton of adventure and a wonderful world where time travel is the norm. You will find it under Young Adult but it will appeal to a much greater audience.

 Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

An otherworldly/medieval thriller that blends the excitement and back stabbing of "Hunger Games"
with the plot twists and court intrigue of "The False Prince". As a thief Sal excelled but now that it is a contest to the death to become the member of the Queen's protection/assassin squad Sal's skills will be truly tested. With Maud, the servant girl with just as much to lose as Sal, and Elise, the noblewoman picked to be a tutor who actually teaches Sal the meaning of love, contestant 23 has even more risk and weight to bear. Heart pounding suspense, court intrigue and danger at every turn, this book captivated my attention and left me wanting to know more. One refreshing note is that Sal's character takes on a gender depending on the disguise. In this world, the women and men are equally gentle or tough and very dangerous.

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles

A young adult novel that probes the question - what happens when you fall in love with someone not of this world?  Zoe is trying to keep it together after her dad's death in a cave accident and she has her hands full with school, friends and making a better life for her little brother who is autistic and having a tough time of it.  On one awful night she and her brother witness a horrible crime, are brutally attacked along with their dogs all during a huge blizzard only to be saved by a mysterious stranger who appears in the woods.  Z isn't just a regular bounty hunter but more like an avenging archangel who goes after the wicked and collects their souls.  Before you know it, Zoe's good heart is melting Z's non existent one and his mission will just get much more complicated.  Safe not steamy romance but plenty of violence might keep younger readers at bay.

Hell & High Water by Tanya Landman

 Caleb and his dad travel through the streets of old London making a living doing Punch and Judy puppet shows for coins from the crowd.  His life is a good one until the day his dad is taken for a thief and sent to a penal colony in Australia.  Caleb is told to find the aunt he never knew in a small town along the coast where he is taken in and slowly becomes one of the family.  The villagers don't trust Caleb's dark skin or the fact that his dad is a convict and trouble and danger only continue when a dead man is washed up on the beach and a greater cover-up is unearthed.  Good character development mixed with a great adventure makes this historical fiction that will appeal to kids and adults.

City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

Christina is a girl of the shadows.  Her mother has been murdered and she lives on the streets while her younger sister is safe in a convent school.  Tina has decided to pin down her mother's killer but as she goes after damaging evidence she is reunited with the killer's son and her childhood friend.  Michael is convinced of his dad's innocence so he agrees to help Tina find the real killer.  Time is running out until Tina must pass the stolen evidence on.  The two trek back into the Congo to speak to people who knew her mom and retrace her mom's steps only to find danger lurking around every corner. They will both find that it difficult to tell the saints from the thieves and friend from foe. The violence, political upheaval and mystery of Africa all add to the allure of this haunting young adult novel. 

The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius

This is one of those books that is hard to classify into one age group because it involves a murder, a very special gorilla, singers, sailors and a maharaja. Sally Jones is a very special gorilla who has grown up around so many humans that she fancies herself one as well. She has been cared for and worked beside the Chief acting as his First Mate, Ship's Engineer and best friend for years until they run into some bad luck collecting some cargo and the Chief ends up imprisoned for murder. Sally Jones is cast out into the world and on the run when she is again taken in by some kind souls before falling once again into people who sell her to make a quick buck. She shows a real aptitude for fixing things from motors, to typewriters, to accordions but her quiet nature is also good at fixing people. The book has been translated from the original German where it has taken Europe by storm. You will enjoy Sally Jone's adventures on the high seas and land and be captured by her good heart and kind soul.  Great for older kids and adults!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Scarlett and her sister Donatella will do almost anything to escape their tyrannical father. For Scarlett the end is in sight with her arranged marriage to an unknown man but for her feisty sister the worst could be coming. When hard to come by invitations arrive for Caraval the chance of a lifetime turns into a contest to save Tella. Scarlett will go to Caraval and with the help of a rakish pirate, win Caraval and be granted her wish. The Adventure begun, the contest has started, the magic changes with every nightfall - enter the world of Caraval. The imagery is perfect and the author sets the stage with increasing apprehension as the end of the contest looms. Scarlett must follow her heart through the maze of magic, secrets and violence to find her true heart's desire. If you love the upside down world of Alice in Wonderland or the surreal imagery of The Night Circus you will love Caraval.

Iron Cast by Destiny Soria

An alternate history that takes place in 1919 Boston with hints of music, magic and romance.  Ada and Corinne are friends who share a strange blood disorder that allows them to make people feel emotions through art, music or theater. First problem is that hemopaths are illegal.  They work at an nightclub called the Cast Iron where they perform illegally now that their show is banned and Prohibition is going to start - second problem.  If they are caught they will end up in an asylum - problem three.  The cast of characters is very diverse and Soria's world building will soon have you hearing the music, seeing the smoky interior of the club and getting pulled into the girl's act.  Anyone who loved the "Diviners" series will have found a new favorite in "Iron Cast".  Young adult but adults with a taste for the mystical and historical will enjoy it as well.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth is exceptional at world building and this first book in a new series has all the elements of great - a new world to explore, the balance of good and evil, corrupt government and a bit of romance.  Everything in this world is balanced and runs on the current and that energy gives a gift to its residents.  Some of these gifts others might consider a curse - there are those that can give pain with a touch and some that can relieve pain with another touch.  It is these gifts that will control the lives of several teens and their older siblings. Think of it like the Force in Star Wars and the balance between the light and dark side.   One thing is true of our world and these fantasy realms - there are always those power hungry souls seeking control over the other more gentle nations and people sometimes fall in love with those they are not meant to. 

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

We have entered a new age where disease and worn out body parts no longer claim lives and so to alleviate a massive needy population, scythes are trained to choose and distribute gleaning (a fancy word for death).  Two apprentice scythes are chosen and they go willingly because it means that their family will be spared and given special favors but this apprenticeship is not without problems.  Citra and Rowan are pit against one another and sadly have strong feelings for each other so the problem they have is how to outmaneuver the system and the teachers and avoid having to fight each other to the death.  This is a compassionate society on the outside but just as ruthless as ever on the inside.  Back -stabbing, competitiveness and politics have not gone by the wayside.  This Orwellian view of our future brings up many questions of the morality of chosen death and population control and will appeal to a wide variety of readers.  I love a book that makes you think and draws you in with action and great characters - this is that kind of book.

Heartless by Marisa Meyer

You thought you knew the story of Alice in Wonderland. You thought you knew the story of the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat but you know nothing. Marissa Meyer gives us the background of the relationship of the Queen of Hearts destined to be courted and married off to the King but really she loves the bad boy Jest. So many things make sense now that I have finished this book and we have the wonderful back story. Marissa Meyer is the queen of world building and as she did with the Lunar Chronicles, she brings us a new understanding of an old favorite.

Blood Red Snow White by Marcus Sedgwick

A riveting tale of revolution and fairy tale - of love lost and sacrifice.  Told as a fairy tale , the book tells the story of Arthur Ransome and his travels through Russia during a time of war and multiple revolutions.  Arthur Ransome was famous for his adventure stories but there was also speculation as to his involvement as a British spy and his marriage to Trotsky's secretary.  While all the major players in Russian history are represented, the way Sedgwick tells their tale leaves much for the reader to ponder the truth.  This easily could crossover between older kids, young adults and adults who like their history lesson given with a dose of the human spirit.

One Was Lost by Natalie Richards

Sera gets talked into a wilderness camping trip with kids from school and a teacher she likes only to discover that her old boyfriend, bad boy Lucas, is also on the trip. She has managed to ignore him at school but that is impossible hiking in the mountains. The other kids, a mixed bag of haves, have nots and assorted issues are not prepared for what happens next. They wake up after being separated to find that they have been drugged with no way to get help or get away. This is a deliciously twisted plot that keeps you guessing who the bad guy is and who, if any, will get away. The tension is there from page one and just keeps building until you finally finish the last page and can breathe again. Perfect crossover for young adult to adult audiences.

Replica by Lauren Oliver

Tandem story that can be started with either character - Gemma or Lyra.   Lyra is a replica, born to be a lab rat who by some strange twist of fate has been taught to read and yearns for human interaction and something more than her antiseptic surroundings.  Gemma is a human who goes off to search for answers about her father's business and a strange place called "the Haven".  She wants to escape her sheltered life where she has grown up pampered and protected due to poor health.  These two lives and a few others will become hopelessly intertwined after an explosion at the Haven.
Gemma and her new truth seeking friend Jake, along with Lyra and her fellow lab rat 72, will undertake a dangerous escape to the mainland to answers and perhaps more danger than any of them are ready for.  Explosive start to a great new series told in a new and interesting format.

The Island by Olivia Levez

A tough kid goes off on an Outward Bound camp for wayward teens only to have the plane crash on a secluded island in the Indian Ocean. She should have listened to the instructions, she should have kept the water and not swapped it for vodka but all the should haves won't help her survive being alone now. Frances acts like the monster she is told she is. The truth is the world has let her down, dragged her under like the rip tide and taken everything dear to her away. When her little brother is taken from her and placed in foster care something snaps. It will take being stranded on an island depending only on her wits and a few gifts from the heavens to help bring Frances back to the world
and able to atone for her past mistake. More frightening than "Survivor", more heart than a Hallmark movie and more page turning excitement than the latest bestselling thriller - "The Island"will have teens and adults rooting for Team Frances up to the last page.

Labyrinth Lost by Zoradia Cordova

Alex comes from a family of bruja and brujo able to perform powerful magic and it is looking like Alex will be the most powerful witch in the family, an encantrix. One problem - Alex wants nothing to do with magic or using her abilities which so far have cost her so much. As she prepares for her death day she thinks she is chanting a spell that will remove her magic powers but in reality she releases an evil spirit who takes her whole family and friends to Los Lagos which is kind of an island purgatory. She must risk everything to go there and bring them back safely so she pays for another young brujo to act as a guide. This is not your standard young adult witch or supernatural good guy/bad guy story but instead a beautifully woven story that explores the rich traditions of Latin American culture. The journey to Los Lagos and what they find there will get your heart racing faster than any chile pepper ever could.

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

Sometimes you have to go back to go forward. Tessa heads back to the town she grew up in to see her father who is deathly ill at the prison which forces her to relive the reason she left years ago. She and her best friend Callie witnessed the kidnapping and death of their friend and Callie's cousin at the hands of a serial killer and helped to put the man they thought had done it away for life. But now there is another girl missing and Tessa has doubts about who really committed the murders. She must endure every memory dredged up and follow her heart to find out what really happened. Fast paced plot and characters you care about, this is one young adult thriller that parents will have a hard time reading without fearing for their kids.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

A young woman from San Francisco's Chinatown doesn't have a chance to attend a finishing school like the other young ladies of society but that doesn't stop Mercy from working out a way to at least get a few months trial period.  Things are not going smoothly and then a massive earthquake and fire rips San Francisco apart.  Her classmates turn to her for leadership and she dives in with both hands even though she seems to have lost her entire family.  After following the advice of a book on women taking charge that is exactly what she does - organizing a food kitchen and help for those lost, shaken and alone.  She wins the respect of her classmates and the headmistress of the school.  Historical fiction at its best, the tale of Mercy Wong is not one you will soon forget. 

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.  Tessa heads back to the town she grew up in to see her father who is deathly ill at the prison which forces her to relive the reason she left years ago.  She and her best friend Callie witnessed the kidnapping and death of their friend and Callie's cousin at the hands of a serial killer and helped to put the man they thought had done it away for life.  But now there is another girl missing and Tessa has doubts about who really committed the murders.  She must endure every memory dredged up and follow her heart to find out what really happened.  Fast paced plot and characters you care about, this is one young adult thriller that parents will have a hard time reading without fearing for their kids. 

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

The perfect blend of time travel, history and romance. Nix has lived her whole life on her father's sailing ship not only traversing oceans but through time as well all to search for a magical map that will let the captain get back to his lost love. Along with Kashmir who doubles as a spy, tutor, thief and best friend; Nix and the crew will do almost anything to get the map that will save their captain's sanity. Nix wants nothing more than to learn about her mother who died shortly after she was born in Hawaii but worries that going back may threaten her very existence. Once she learns about her heritage will she ever be the same girl and will she lose her father to his obsession? Plenty of action scenes and a couple of handsome young men to boot, you will lose yourself in Nix's story.
Great crossover for adults, teens and preteens.

Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor

Hope travels to her aunt's estate in Scotland for a vacation but instead finds herself in the middle of a family group of time travelers.  She and two other young people are the only ones that must go back in time (12 century) to the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine, find her mother and bring her back to present day. Having a photographic memory helps her greatly but it still won't prepare her for the shock of finding her mother very pregnant and married off to a cruel man and that there is another group of time travelers who will stop at nothing to prevent them from succeeding. Knowing who to trust and getting out of the Dim at the right time presents Hope and her friends with multiple problems. This is the young adult version of Diana Galbadon's "Outlander" complete with interesting historical characters , court intrigue and a romance that must withstand time.

Riders by Veronica Rossi

Gideon was all set to become an Army Ranger until a parachute accident that should have killed him leaves him with special powers, a strange bracelet and a flaming horse. That is the good news. The bad news is a mysterious young woman tells him that he is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (War) and that he and the others must save the world from ruin at the hands of the Kindred. The story is narrated by Gideon as he is trying to explain himself to the military after destroying a huge park in Norway. Veronica Rossi is very adept at world building and this new series will appeal to fans of Pitticus Lore's "I Am Number 4" and Brandon Sander's "Steelheart" series.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

1945 Germany and a group of strangers meet on the exodus to the coast as the Russians advance. One nurse from Latvia, a young Polish girl , a secretive wounded young man on a mission and a handful of others. Against all odds they make it to the port where overcrowded ships will be cast out into the icy seas that are patrolled by Russian submarines and are joined by an overeager German soldier searching for glory. Their stories are told in alternating chapters. Each of them has a secret and each knows that their survival is dependent on staying together. There are no winners or losers in this war- only survivors dealing with pain ,loss and compassion. Heartbreaking but hopeful, Ruta Sepetys has written a gripping tale of the price of freedom that will appeal to young and old.

Front Lines by Michael Grant

An alternative look at history where young women head off to fight in World War II along side the men. Some join to help family finances but for others it is a way to escape a no where future where at best they will be seen as mothers and housewives. These young women grow up quickly as they suddenly go from classroom to battle. Michael Grant shares an in depth look at what war is really like - all of the ugliness and brutality comes to the surface and if you are a woman or African American it gets even worse. This is the story of the women of the greatest generation knee deep in the gore and glory of Nazi controlled Europe and Africa if they had been allowed to go to war. It is written for young adults but adults will enjoy the honesty and brutal look at people in war. This is the first book of the series.

The Rise of the Wolf by Jennifer Nielsen

This is the second book in the adventure myth/historical fiction series that pits an enslaved teen against Caesar's armies and the Gods. War is brewing and Nic is having a hard time trying to keep himself and those closest to him safe especially when Nic is still being tracked down by the praetors who need his magic icons to help them fight the Gods. Time is running out and Nic's magic is being sapped up quickly as he struggles to fight and heal those he cares about. Political strategy is happening not only in the Senate but also with those try to use him on the chariot race track. Mythical beasts and the Roman Gods and Goddesses blend seamlessly with the adventure of the chariot races and gladiators. There is something for everyone making this a great choice for a family read.

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Books involving children living through the Nazi occupation in World War II seem to stay with us and have a greater impact than those stories involving adults. "Anna and the Swallow Man" will be one of those books. Told through the eyes of Anna, a seven year old living with her linguist professor father in Krakow, the reader sees the horror of war but also the gentle side of adults and the quiet moments that adults miss. When her father is picked up and Anna is left to care for herself she is taken in by a stranger she knows only as the Swallow Man. She speaks many languages but from the Swallow Man she learns "Road". Road is the most dangerous language of all because it will insure their survival. From the Swallow Man and the young Jewish man they befriend and take with them, Anna learns the language of compassion and human kindness as well as the dark side of war.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Etta is about to have her concert violin debut when she has an episode of sorts and ends up with another girl from the concert on a sailing ship in a different century. They are on a pirate ship of sorts being hand delivered to a guy that wants to use her as a pawn to get at her mom - also a time traveler.
Of course there is a hunky misunderstood pirate captain who is trying not to fall for Etta and get himself out from under a bad contract. This is Back to the Future meets Indiana Jones - young adult but adults and tweens will love it as well.

This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

A group of harmless high school kids loaded into an auditorium for an everyday assembly and in less than one hour everything will go horribly wrong. Some will leave, some will not and all will be changed. This story could be the scene of any high school whose students are mainly good kids with troubles. What happens will shock you and make you think and I believe that is the message the author is trying to get across. The tension is very real and you can imagine how truly frightening it must be for the kids in that auditorium. The book also speaks to how everyone after a disaster goes back and searches to see how they missed the signals and how we never truly know what someone will do.

The Game of Lives by James Dashner

James Dashner has a gift. He can conceive of a story that has so many twists and turns that always leaves me wanting more and yet confused about the reality at the same time. The "Game of Lives" is just that type of book. It is the final installment of those wild and crazy VirtNet kids and the people who are trying to control them while they dive in and out of virtual reality to stop a power hungry tyrant from taking over or are they? We are always left with the same question - who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? I also appreciate the fact that not everyone goes home happy just like in real life. This series, just like the "Maze Runner" draws us in by the believable characters but unsure if they are trapped in a game or even real.
Fast moving and not dumbed down for teens, this series will appeal to older kids, teens and adults.

Illuminae by Aime Kaufman

Kady and Ezra broke up on a bad day - the day that their planet was attacked by a rival mining company and their family and friends were cast off into the atmosphere. After their world went sideways,they begin to send messages back and forth and as they do they realize that something is not right. Kady is a computer genius hacker and that is what will save them as she begins to piece together what looks like a conspiracy. Corporate greed, a wise-cracking A.I. and Star Wars awesome space battles, this is one fast moving new series. And if that isn't enough there is also a horrible virus that converts good people into psychotic zombies. The best part about this new trilogy is the manner in which it is presented. Told in emails, briefing notes and graphic representations, this story will appeal to the technology savvy teens . Amie Kaufman knows how to tell a great space drama but this is a whole new world.

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Imagine that you are on your computer one night and a new social media site is there inviting you to join along with others from your high school. It asks a simple question - "What do you need?" and grants those requests asking for you to do something in return. At first it is a harmless prank, a seemingly mundane errand but then people start getting seriously hurt and the powerful reality of the danger sets in. For Kaylee, it can mean finding a organ donor for her very sick little brother for others it means extra vacation, a new video game or better grades. Even Kaylee's best friend/ potential boyfriend needs something and just like that you are hooked and NEED to read more. Joelle Charbonneau has taken the power of social media to new heights with this start of promising series.

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Josephine Monfort is a society girl in the late 1800's in New York who doesn't want to have any part of the lifestyle. Instead, she strives to be the next Nellie Bly wanting to be more than just reporting the society news to privileged women. She gets her chance to do some true investigative work when her father supposedly kills himself in a gun accident and Jo sets out to see if foul play may have been involved. What she finds out may change her outlook on life if it doesn't get her killed first. Jennifer Donnelly does such a stellar job at creating a strong heroine in Jo Monfort, who doesn't fit into her prescribed role in life. This suspenseful look at turn of the century New York will be a page burner for older kids, teens and adults alike.

The Beast of Cretacea by Todd Strasser

A young man must leave Earth and his foster family behind to travel to a distant planet and work as a fisherman of sorts.  Ishmael soon finds himself on a ship run by a captain crazed by the endless hunt for a giant almost mythical terrifin.  A beast so huge and mean that the crew isn't sure that the fortune they will receive for catching him is worth it.  Ishmael must learn quickly who he can trust with his life and how to survive long enough to help out his family back on dying Earth. This futuristic retelling of Moby Dick has all the great adventure of the first story with the exciting touch of outer space travel.  Todd Strasser's characters come alive and we feel the excitement of each new discovery that Ishmael and the crew find as well as the fear that they may not survive the pirates, politics and the hunt for the beast.   Find this in the young adult section but it is a great choice for anyone who loves a great adventure story.

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston

This is listed under young adult but clearly will appeal to younger audiences and adults. The magic of Aladdin, the storytelling of 1001 Arabian Nights and the rich traditional voice of E.K. Johnston meld to create this fantastic retelling of Shaherzad. A common herdswoman of the desert becomes the latest in a prince's quest to find the perfect bride. The ones before her have died after a night or two so she is determined to save her beautiful sister and have the prince chose her instead. After the first night she is spared by the richness of the stories she tells him of her sister, their family and life in the desert. Can the dreams that come to her and her stories keep her alive night after night? Can she save herself and the prince? Is she strong enough to overcome the evil that lives in the prince's heart?

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

A young woman with a uncanny gift for sensing gold is a valuable commodity in the days of the Gold Rush so when Leah's parents are murdered and her slimy uncle is suddenly ready to step in and become her guardian, Leah is shaken.  She becomes a fugitive, disguises herself as a boy and joins a wagon team going west to California.  She finally meets up with the one person who knows her secrets, or at least most of them and Jefferson agrees to keep her true identity safe.  Hardships are deeply felt on the trail and both Lee (Leah) and Jeff will face many life threatening situations and grow fond of their new families on the trail.
Fantastic historical fiction whose characters feel real and honest.  This is young adult drama that will appeal to a broad group of readers.  I wish a mini-series was in the works but for now will have to wait for the next book in the trilogy.

Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow

A group of hostage prince and princesses are living in a very tenuous situation waiting for the day that an assassin comes and kills them because their country is at war. Greta thinks that the day has come but instead it brings a newcomer who will shake things up. Enter one wisecracking artificial intelligence who has a solution. Greta will become an A.I. which means she will have to die to protect the others. Brutal but thought provoking, this is one new young adult series that will have you thinking that the second book can't be written fast enough.

 Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman

Part fantasy, but mainly based on Alexander the Great's real life, this story is basically about a young man eager to prove to his father and others that despite being weaker physically, he is street smart and a brilliant war strategist. It is a story of Katerina who has revenge on her mind after the queen brutally killed her mother. The story of Alexander's best friend Heph, who will do anything to protect the young prince and follows him with blind loyalty. It is also the story of young beautiful princess Cyn, spoiled and used to getting what she wants and she wants Heph. But most of all it is the story of Alexander and how he must take whatever chances he can to prove himself and make his mark - at any cost.
Written for young adults, this book will be devoured by adventure seeking adults as well.

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

There are many versions of the classic tale Cinderella but this one takes us to a world that combines steampunk and faerie magic.  Nicolette loses her mother and then father at a young age only to find herself a servant in her own home thanks to her overbearing stepmother and two stepsisters. She does not complain but loses herself in her mother's hidden workshop where she creates fantastic clockwork creatures and inventions to help her finish the endless housework. When she sneaks out to sell her creations at market, she makes friends with two people who will be her salvation.  The author creates a believable world of mechanical creatures and half faerie people and then meshes it with the Cinderella story.  The best part in this new approach is that Nicolette doesn't see her life or future ending with a storybook marriage to the prince. She is in control of her own life and her dreams and that is refreshing. Found on the young adult shelves but easily works for younger readers.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle

A mixed family of step siblings have one very unusual similarity - every October they are felled by accidents.  Some are bruises or little cuts but sometimes October can be deadly. This doesn't stop Cara, Sam or Alice from pushing the envelope along with their friends. They are all good at keeping secrets but some secrets need to get out. Add a party at a haunted house, forbidden love and a ghost girl that keeps showing up everywhere and you have one unusual debut from Irish author Moira Fowley-Doyle.

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

The world of New York City during the wild and roaring 20's is back with a vengeance. Evie has made it big as the psychic queen of the celebrity circuit as her friends are eeking out an existence and following their dreams. The same wonderful world of mysticism, music and mayhem exists but now the group is involved in something much more dangerous. There is a new spirit that is leading everyone in a dreamworld and a new "sleeping disease" that is scaring everyone and causing trouble mainly for the Asians of the city. The gang must regroup and go after this spirit but it might take more psychic powers than they have. This detailed plot gives a true example of the racism,lure of the occult to escape and creativity that was going on during that time with the added bonus of one heck of a ghost story. As Evie would put it - "It's the cat's pajamas".

Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid

This book is about love. All types of love but mainly the one that happens when you are friends with someone forever and you go from "love ya" to "I love you". Dave and Julia have been friends that long and each has feelings that have gone unspoken until their senior year when they decide to do everything on their "never ever do" list. The list runs the gambit from dying your hair, to throwing a beer bash to running for prom king, but there are some things on the list that you just shouldn't do. Dave has a revelation of sorts after he meets a girl who could be "the one". But what do you do if you have already met "the one". Adi Alsaid writes the kind of characters you want to be friends with and this is one love story everyone will love.

Adrift by Paul Griffin

This is your typical "it seemed like a good idea at the time" kind of book.  A group of wealthy kids meet two townies and they end up out on the ocean at night going after one of the stupid wealthy kids doing something dumb.  You can imagine what happens - yep, they get into trouble and are adrift out on the ocean for days.  No food, no water and a lot of drama.  This is not the first time in "drama camp" for the two local boys either.  Emotions run high as the sharks circle and hope starts to fade. What they learn about themselves and the others will stay with them forever. Written for teens but pre-teens might get a lot out of it as well. Moral of the story is to not show off to win the girl.

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The Six by Mark Alpert

The severely disabled son of a brilliant computer scientist along with a small group of kids becomes a lab rat to save all mankind from a rouge artificial intelligence program. Adam has muscular dystrophy and is going to die soon so he and a few other kids are invited to live another life in a host body which just happens to be an amazing robot. They are part of a very select secret military program that will attempt to stop Sigma from threatening to take over the world. Learning to adjust to being mobile again and in these strange robot hosts takes some getting used to. There is so much action going on in this fast paced mix of science and transformers that I had to stop every few pages and catch my breath but adrenaline junkies will love it. I applaud the way the book changes the perception of kids with disabilities. It is their bodies that are limited but not their minds and with this technology soon they might not have anything standing in their way.

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Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

It is so hard to describe this book because it has so many elements - a bit of steampunk, a dash of magic, and tweek of Harry Potter and a pinch of The Discovery of Witches.  Jess and his brother run an dangerous operation for their father's business - book smuggling in a world where the only books are found in the Library in Alexandria.  You are able to record your memories in a journal but everything else is controlled.  Jess is smart and the obvious choice to take the exam and hopefully gain a seat in the Library but not as a scholar but a spy.  The competition is fierce, the skills to succeed unknown and the risks are many but Jess faces the ultimate challenge.  To not get caught while doing his father's business.  He will bond with his classmates and try to understand the system but can he truly get away from his past?  For scholars and magic seekers of all ages - this could be the next big thing.

Crossovers That Teens and Adults Will Enjoy

There are so many great books out there that both adults and teens enjoy - they just don't want to admit it.  Here are a few that combine dystopic adventures with sophisticated plots.
Ready Player One by Ernst Cline - futuristic gaming gets serious when high stakes and a fortune are involved.
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi - nations are fought and lost over a serious shortage of water in the future.
Boo by Neil Smith - a young boy dies and goes to heaven only to find that it is filled with 12 yearolds and a killer.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown - fantastic mix of ancient gladiators and futuristic class warfare in space.
The Fold by Peter Cline - teleportation is real and shouldn't fall into the wrong hands.
The Martian by Andy Weir - everyone wants to go into space on the great adventure but what happens when one gets left behind.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

For fans of Jennifer Nielsen"s "The Mark of the Thief" or Pierce Brown's "Red Rising" comes an "An Ember in the Ashes". Laia disguises herself as a slave to save her brother from execution and in the process becomes a spy for the rebellion. Elias is born into the upper class trained as a warrior but doesn't believe in the fight and doesn't like the way most people are mistreated. Both will be marked for execution if they are found out. The story is straight out of ancient Rome - the names, the brutality and the political backstabbing with a hint of magic.

Undertow by Michael Buckley

"West Side Story" meets "Alien" but in this case the sharks really are related to sharks. Lyric has grown up in Coney Island and suffers from horrific migraine headaches. The only thing that seems to help is yoga on the beach and the water seems to calm the brain storming in her head. Things could be better at school and she runs with a pretty wild crowd but it all spirals out of control when the Governor decides that the Alphas that showed up a few years ago from the water should be allowed to go to school with the humans. To make matters worse, Lyric is forced to tutor the hunky Alpha prince Fathom, or her secret connection with the Alphas will be exposed putting her family in great danger. Tensions are high and the very alien Alphas aren't helping make nice with the humans. Lyric is wonderfully witty and even the haughty no nonsense Prince Fathom has his own charm. This sea creature version of Romeo and Juliet will delight teens looking for edgy fantasy and high school drama.

The Game of Love & Death
by Michael Brockenbrough

Death and Love play a game where they choose a baby and bestow a curse of sorts marking them a player in their wager. In this case, the game is between a white orphan boy who has been taken in by a well off family who allow him to play his music and a black girl who is an exceptional pilot and owns a nightclub where she is a singer. The year is 1937 in Depression torn Seattle and jazz music is all the rage but society does not embrace differences which Henry and Flora learn all too quickly as does Henry's friend Ethan, who fears that his love of another man will make him lose his family. The wager goes on for years with Love and Death disguising themselves periodically to manipulate the players. This beautifully written tale has the behind the scenes feel of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" as well as the drama of the haves and have-nots in "The Great Gatsby". It is a story of courage and the power of love over everything else.