Monthly Archives: July 2012
Gods and Warriors – Michelle Paver
During the Bronze Age in ancient Greece, scrappy orphan Hylas, branded an outsider and banished from the village, has kept himself and his sister alive by tending goats. The story opens with Hylas running for his life after losing his … Continue reading
Garment of Shadows – Laurie R. King
This is the twelfth installment in the mystery and adventure series featuring Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes. Having awakened in bed with a skull throbbing so painfully she wanted to weep, she realized that she could not just … Continue reading
The Kingmaker’s Daughter – Philippa Gregory
Little Anne, nearly nine years old, is processing into the throne room at the Tower of London, come to pay her respects to the Queen who will be crowned tomorrow. She steps forward to make her curtsey and is stunned … Continue reading
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 – Richard Paul Evans
Following the common storyline of superpower kids fighting evil, Michael Vey is a very good read for the target audience. Teen Michael Vey can produce a killer electric shock upon touch, but he is a nice guy. Often bullied at … Continue reading
Liar & Spy – Rebecca Stead
The author’s award winning style in When You Reach Me is evident in Liar & Spy, but with a more straightforward storyline. When Georges’ architect father loses his job, the family must simultaneously move into an apartment and deal with … Continue reading
Something Strange and Deadly – Susan Dennard
I was dreading another zombie novel, and was pleased that this is more about necromancy and the determination of strong characters to fight evil forces. Against the unique backdrop of the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876, the author explains the rules … Continue reading
Before You Go – James Preller
A dramatic car accident begins the book. The story then switches to a teen’s summer job at a fast food place on the beach. The author spends the first half of the book introducing Jude and his friends and family … Continue reading
Life Happens Next – Terry Trueman
This is the follow-up to the author’s January 2001 Printz Honor Award winning book, Stuck in Neutral. It helps to read the first book but this novel can easily stand on its own. I have waited twelve years for this … Continue reading
Burn Mark – Laura Powell
In modern day England, witch burnings still occur, but now there is a more scientific way to prove someone is a witch. Bells will give a telltale chime if a witch attempts a hex, and every witch gets a small, … Continue reading
The Unquiet – Jeannine Garsee
Rinn’s bipolar disorder has wreaked havoc on her and her family. Promising to stay on her medication, Rinn and her mother seek a fresh start in her mother’s small home town in Ohio. Her new school has a ghost, an … Continue reading
The Red Chamber – Pauline A. Chen
In the spring of 1721 Lin Daiyu and her father are nearing the end of the Forty-Nine Days Mourning, keeping vigil beside her mother’s coffin. A strange man appears, like them, wearing mourning robes of un-dyed hemp. At first her … Continue reading
Sky Dragons – Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey
A deadly plague has killed most of the dragons of Pern and without the dragons, there is no defense against the next thread fall. Trying to save Pern from devastation, a group of dragonriders go back in time led by … Continue reading
UnWholly – Neal Shusterman
Spoiler alert – Please read Unwind first before reading this review. Unwind, one of my favorite dystopian thrillers, is another masterpiece by Neal Shusterman and so engrossing that I was a tad reluctant to read the sequel in fear of … Continue reading
Monument 14 – Emmy Laybourne
This engaging survival, disaster book is also a study of social dynamics and society’s response to catastrophe. Some rise to the occasion and some fail miserably. Set in the small town of Monument, Colorado, a sudden massive hailstorm hits with … Continue reading
The Importance of Being Seven: A 44 Scotland Street Novel – Alexander McCall Smith
Once again we are provided with a glimpse into the lives of the Edinburgh residents of Scotland Street, and once again it is a delight, filled with humor and philosophical musings. Matt and Elspeth are settling into life as newlyweds. … Continue reading
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