Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Title: Unbreakable
Author: Kami Garcia
Pages: 305
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316210171
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.9, Interest Level - 9th-12th, Points - 9.0
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12371862-unbreakable

In a nutshell: Kennedy Waters returns home from a night out with friends to find her mother dead from supposed heart failure, but weeks later, that theory is put to the test when two strange and gorgeous twin boys break into her home and save Kennedy from a malevolent spirit on her last night before her aunt ships her off to boarding school. Can she trust Jared and Lukas Lockhart? Besides saving her life, they seem to know more about her and her mother than even Kennedy does herself, and soon she's caught up in a world of secret societies and supernatural entities in a search to find her mother's killer and discover who she really is.

I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of Supernatural, Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series, and paranormal romance

What I liked most about this book: Just when I thought I was totally over paranormal romance, this came along. Kennedy is an excellent blend of strength and self doubt, and the romance in this one is electric but still tame enough for younger readers. Jared and Lukas are swoon-worthy, not-quite-carbon copies of my favorite flannel-clad demon hunter brothers; there's just the right amount of Sam and Dean Winchester in them...right down to their salt bullets and army jackets. In fact, there are quite a few tips of the hat to Supernatural but not so many that it feels tired. Plus, the Legion crew is rounded out by a kick-butt voodoo expert girl and a kid genius inventor boy who reminds me of Leo from the Heroes of Olympus series; they're a healthy and complex batch of characters. This is a fresh addition to the genre, and I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3. Side note: I actually listened to the audiobook, and it rocked. Props to narrator Candice Accola for the excellent interpretation.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): At one point, Kennedy and the Legion gang encounter a haunted well, and it's terrifyingly Ring-like. I had chillbumps for sure.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!!!

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: The Vanishing Season
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 256
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062003270
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18634726-the-vanishing-season

In a nutshell: Maggie and her parents move to the small town of Gill Creek just as autumn is fading into winter, and as it disappears, so are local girls. Amid a backdrop of snow, fear, and paranoia, friendship and love blossom on Water Street when Maggie meets her neighbors, Pauline and Liam, but the trio will discover just how harsh winter and relationships can be.

I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes their romance with a dash of eeriness and fans of We Were Liars

What I liked most about this book: Besides the fact that I am always, always, always enamored with Jodi Lynn Anderson's haunting writing style (If you haven't read Tiger Lily, DO IT NOW!), this one drew me in with its rich characters and keep-you-guessing twists. It's a beautifully disturbing mash-up of The Great Gatsby and The Lovely Bones. There's a coldness to it that lures you from page one. I feel like I read it in the wrong season though. It's the perfect read for a long winter's night or a snow day.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's way too much to accidentally give away here, so I'll just say that part of what grabbed me from the beginning was the description of Maggie's house on Water Street, which was built in the 1800s and, much like the characters in the novel, is both broken and beautiful.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 345
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
ISBN: 9780399256936
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8475505-rebel-belle

In a nutshell: Harper Price is a hardworking, overachieving junior who's already Student Government President and poised to become Homecoming Queen and possibly valedictorian in a small Alabama town, but on the night of the homecoming dance, a seemingly harmless beauty faux pas will put her on a path toward her true destiny - a destiny she's not completely willing to accept...especially since it involves pain-in-her-side, school newspaper reporter David Stark. Cotillion is the least of her worries now...or is it?

I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of Beautiful Creatures and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What I liked most about this book: This book is like red velvet cake - dramatic, blood-red, sweet, sassy, deliciously Southern, and a complete guilty pleasure. While the supporting characters are a bit flat, the main characters (especially Harper) are completely loveable (I'm probably more like Harper than I care to admit, and I always have a soft spot for the nerd boys/Davids of this world.), and the small Southern town setting is dead-on. There's romance, danger, humor, a healthy but light-handed dose of the paranormal, so there's something everyone is sure to like. Bring on book 2!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This book is filled with Southernisms, and the one that made me laugh out loud the longest was how Harper's aunts, affectionately called "The Aunts," use peroxide as a cure-all for every ailment no matter how severe. As a Mississippian, I will tell you that this was ingrained in me from birth, and I still keep a giant bottle under the sink. You never know when you might need it! ;)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

The Caged Graves by Dianne Salerni

Title: The Caged Graves
Author: Dianne Salerni
Pages: 329
Publisher: Clarion Books
ISBN: 9780547868530
Publication Date: May 14, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12394044-the-caged-graves

In a nutshell: 17-year-old Verity Boone is returning to her hometown of Catawissa, Pennsylvania after being sent to live with relatives following the death of her mother. It's been 15 years since she left, and Verity is looking forward to seeing her father and to meeting her fiance, Nathaniel, in person since they've only been exchanging letters to this point, but Verity's arrival in town stirs up an old mystery surrounding her mother's and aunt's deaths. She is horrified to learn that their graves are caged in and interred outside the churchyard, and she is determined to find out why. The real question is whether the graves have cages to keep the living out or to keep the dead in. 

I'd recommend this book for grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: historical mystery/romance fans

What I liked most about this book: I confess I picked up this book because when it came across my desk I was intrigued by both the title and the cover and immediately wanted to know why those graves had cages myself. Once I read the blurb in the book jacket, I knew I had to read it. Apparently the author stumbled across these real-live caged graves in Pennsylvania and did some research on them. She found out who the two women were but could find no evidence of the reasoning behind the cages, so she wrote this book as an imaginative, fictional explanation. Fun fact: the cover image is taken by the author's husband and shows the actual graves. Way cool. As for the story itself, it's definitely a page turner full of suspense and mini cliffhangers, and there's a love triangle too (not the best, but okay). It's a quick, intriguing, and entertaining read.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I won't say too much, but Verity's first encounter with her pen pal fiance doesn't go exactly as planned, and he's not quite who she imagined him to be. If only she'd had eHarmony, right? ;)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars (would be 5 if the romantic parts were a bit less cheesy)

Luminescence by Who Mee

This is an interesting review to write.  The author is 16 and requested that we review her book.  I'll be honest:  I didn't have high expectations for the book.  My mistake!  This one had me hooked by Page 10 and the character development was amazing.  The main character's relationship with her band-of-misfits friends reminded me of Wendy and The Lost Boys in Peter Pan (my favorite book).  The author has done a great job at weaving together life in the Caribbean, drug smuggling, zombies, voodoo, and teen angst.


Title:  Luminescence
Author:  Who Mee
Pages: Available only as an eBook (the PDF form is 213 pages)
Publisher:  Smashwords
ISBN:  9781301861187
Publication Date:  June 7, 2013
AR Levels: N/A
Goodreads link:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18078102-luminescence

In a nutshell:  Nyx is a teenage girl who moves with her family to the Caribbean.  There, she meets a group of boys who are pretty much raising themselves.  Tourists on the island are disappearing and the boys know the secret and have been secretly fighting the forces behind it.  Additionally, Nyx learns about the history her family has with this island and how what happened in the past is affecting her future.  Can she help the boys stop what's happening? Or will she even survive the evil that jeopardizes her, her family, and her friends?

I'd recommend it for grades:  7th and up.  Mild language and violence

I'd recommend it to:  Anyone who loves a good adventure.  If you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Indiana Jones, Peter Pan, or any others like these, this book is for you!!

What I like most about this book:  The character development was wonderful!  I actually cared about these characters and knew their stories.

Single favorite moment (Without getting spoiler-y):  At one point, the boys are in a prank war and one character references Peter Pan, referring to not growing up.  I'm a sucker for a well-placed reference to my favorite book.

Star rating (Where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious):  4 stars; If I could give 4 1/2 stars, I would!  

Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

Title: Ketchup Clouds
Author: Annabel Pitcher
Pages: 272
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316246767
Publication Date: November 12, 2013 (in America...originally released in the UK in November 2012)
AR Levels: unavailable
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17242447-ketchup-clouds

In a nutshell: Zoe has a secret, a secret so terrible she can't tell anyone, but she has to tell someone what she's done or the guilt may consume her. Zoe's solution? Become pen pals with an inmate on Death Row in Texas. Through this series of letters, "Zoe" (who does not reveal her real name) begins to process her grief and intense guilt over murdering a boy in her life. Who is this boy? What could have caused a nerdy teenage girl to murder him? "Zoe" answers these questions and creates more for readers in this dark yet romantic novel that is sure to keep you guessing.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up (mature content and mild language)

I'd recommend it to: mystery lovers and dark humor fans

What I liked most about this book: It's a backwards whodunnit with a lot of heart too. I laughed, I got a little misty-eyed, and I could not put this one down. It's a tough thing to introduce your main character as a murderer in the first chapter, but "Zoe" immediately draws your sympathy with her vulnerability and humor. I've never read another book like this one, and I mean that in the best of ways.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There is so much I can't give away in this one, but let's just say "Zoe" works part-time shelving books in a library, and there's some sweet nerdy flirting in the stacks that made my librarian heart happy. Also...any moment with "Zoe's" deaf little sister Dot is my favorite. She's adorable.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Title: The Archived
Author: Victoria Schwab
Pages: 328
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423157311
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.7, Interest Level - 9th-12th, Points - 13.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10929432-the-archived

In a nutshell: Mackenzie Bishop, the youngest girl to ever be named a Keeper, began her job when she was just 12 years old, and that important job is to keep the dead where they belong. Mackenzie serves The Archive, an otherworldly place where Histories, or records of the dead, are kept sleeping on shelves and guarded by Librarians. Once in a while, a History awakens, and then it's Mackenzie's job to return it so it doesn't reach the outside world. Mackenzie inherited this calling from her grandfather, Da, who himself has passed on recently along with her little brother, Ben, who died in an accident. In an effort to start afresh after those tragedies struck their family, Mackenzie and her parents move to an old hotel that's been converted to an apartment building, The Coronado. Mackenzie knows that old buildings hold more memories, more secrets, and more roaming Histories, but she has no idea just how dark its secrets are and how much she'll be tested in her duties as Keeper.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up (for mild language and heavy subject matter...but even adults will enjoy this one!)

I'd recommend it to: Neil Gaiman fans, Whovians, fans of The Giver

What I liked most about this book: It's the perfect blend of terror, romance, mystery, and suspense. Schwab completely sucked me into this world (It helps that there's a giant library.), and I am dying to read the sequel now. The writing style is gorgeous, and there's a small cliffhanger at the end of nearly every chapter, so you don't want to put it down, and I mean that in a good way! Also, Mackenzie rocks. She's such a strong yet vulnerable heroine. If I had to sum it all up in two words, I'd say haunting and beautiful.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Mackenzie meets a boy named Wes who has an aunt and cousin who live in The Coronado, and at one point they start discussing her required summer reading list, which includes Dante's Inferno, one of Wes' favorite books. He says, "It's a shame they do that....requirement ruins even the best of books." So true and timely considering our summer reading program starts this week at the library! Word of advice - read what you want AND what you have to this summer. :)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars 

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Pages: 592
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316126113
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th grades; Book Level: 4.8; Points: 23.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7728889-the-diviners

In a nutshell: When her parents insist she leave her dull hometown and live with her Uncle Will in New York City until the drama dies down from her latest embarrassing act, flapper Evie O'Neill is beyond thrilled. Nevermind the fact that her uncle is the curator for a creepy museum of all things occult and paranormal; she's living the high life - befriending a Ziegfield girl, getting caught in speakeasies, and showing off her unique gift for divination. But something evil is brewing in Manhattan, and it goes by the name of Naughty John. Before she knows it, Evie is swept up in a string of occult murder investigations, and she might be the only one who can stop them.

I'd recommend it for grades: 10 and up (The murders are grisly, and there's some strong language too.) *Adults will love this book too!

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes books set in the 20s or enjoys a dose of the paranormal with their murder mysteries

What I liked most about this book: The characters in this book are incredible. Evie is clever and hilarious and yet definitely flawed too. Plus, she wears AMAZING clothes. Some of my favorite parts in the book are the descriptions of the clothes. ;) Don't let that fool you though! This is not a girly book! The guys in the book are wonderful too. There's a handsome and flirty pickpocket, a brooding and intelligent museum assistant, and a jazz-loving, older-brother-type bookie. Their various stories weave in and out seamlessly, and by the end you just love them all! Even the minor characters make a huge impact whether they're spread throughout the book or only in one chapter. You connect with each character right away.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The scene where Evie and her friends visit a speakeasy that gets raided has such a chaotic Keystone Cops feel. The language and description are so vivid that you feel you should be running for cover too! I was so transported that I could see that bar in my head. Fabulous writing!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Pages: 292

Publisher: Walker Children's

ISBN: 9780802723468

Publication Date: February 14, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th, Book Level: 4.4, Points: 10.0

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11983940-scarlet

In a nutshell: Everyone thinks they know the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men who rob from the rich and give to the poor, right? You've got Little John, Friar Tuck, loveable ol' Much, and spunky little Will Scarlet. Except this time one of Robin's Merry Men isn't a man. Unbeknownst to anyone but the gang, Will Scarlet is *gasp* a GIRL! And a mighty kick-butt girl she is! The boys call her Scar for short, and she's no damsel in distress but rather a knife-throwing beauty hiding from her dark past and trying to make amends for her former life. While Scarlet's trying to find her place in the gang, she's also struggling with feelings for two of her band mates and plotting how to elude the evil thief hunter Sir Guy of Gisbourne who's been hired by the Sheriff of Nottingham to find and kill Robin and the gang, and to make matters worse, she's met Gisbourne before, and if he recognizes her, her life is over. Full of angst-y romance, gasp-inducing plot twists, and heart-pounding fight scenes, this book is sure to delight guys and gals alike. Personally, I'm really hoping she'll write a sequel because I need more!

I'd recommend it for grades: 8-12+ for some mildly sensual scenes (very mild) and PG13 language

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes a good adventure or who has a thing for Robin Hood (um...guilty!)

What I liked most about this book: Scarlet is an excellent heroine. She starts out pretty unsure of herself but not in a Bella Swan way because, hello, she throws knives and never pouts, but her character develops immensely throughout the book while still maintaining a healthy and admirable humility. Plus, she makes other characters better, and if that's not the mark of a true heroine, I don't know what is. Also, the love triangle is awesome. I can't give away too much, but let's just say I'm definitely Team Robin. You saw that coming, right?

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This is hard to say because almost everything would be spoiler-y, but I think I can safely say that Robin Hood has a few white-knight moments where he rides in and saves the day, and my favorite involves him saving Scarlet from a burning building. TOTALLY swoon-worthy. Honorable mention goes to the giant (yet somewhat predictable) plot twist at the end. I saw it coming from a mile away, but it was still AMAZING and quite clever on the part of the author.

Star rating (where five stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): a solid 4 stars