My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry – Fredrik Backman

Posted on June 16, 2015 by EHL

my grandmotherGranny is Elsa’s only friend.  She’s also a superhero.  Lifesaving and driving people nuts are her superpowers.  She also tells Elsa wonderful stories of the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the six kingdoms.  Elsa is almost eight and is not very good at being seven.  She is intelligent, resourceful, uninhibited and is bullied at school because she is different and refuses to fit in.  And just when Elsa needs Granny the most, Granny up and dies making Elsa very angry! But Granny has left a series of letters apologizing for wrongs she has done to various people and asks Elsa to deliver them, sending her on an amazing treasure hunt.

This wonderful story told through the eyes of Elsa made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.   It’s complex, with unexpected twists and turns as Elsa meets the monsters and heroes from Granny’s magical kingdoms.  It’s a song sung in praise of individuality and I loved every minute.  Highly recommend and suitable for teens.

eGalley review    Publication date 6.16.15

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Daughter of Deep Silence – Carrie Ryan

Posted on May 25, 2015 by EHL

Daughter of Deep SilenceFrances meets Libby on a cruise ship and they become fast friends.  Frances also meets her first love, Greyson, the son of a US Senator.  The vacation with her parents quickly turns into a nightmare when armed terrorists board the ship and attempt to kill all the passengers.  Frances witnesses the murder of her parents and Libby’s mother before she and Libby jump into the ocean.  A week later, only Frances is alive.  The lack of food and water and the relentless sun lead to Libby’s slow and painful death just moments before a rescue ship, the yacht owned by Libby’s wealthy father, finds them.   Recovering from the ordeal takes a twist when she catches Grey and his father on TV saying the ship was destroyed by a rogue wave and they were the only two survivors.  There is no mention of terrorists, who systematically murdered every passenger on the ship.  Frances is an orphan now and has nowhere to go.  Libby’s father realizes Frances is in danger since she could destroy the Senator’s story, so he suggests Frances assumes Libby’s identity and sends her off to boarding school in Europe.  Frances spends the next four years becoming Libby.  After the death of her “father”, she returns home to seek revenge on the Senator and discover the truth about that night of terror.

The TV show, Revenge, kept coming to mind as I read.  The setting is similar with homes of the wealthy along a stretch of beach and a wronged girl avenging the deaths of her loved ones.  This is good.  It’s a good teen suspense novel with plenty of life-threatening close calls, bad guys, and a hearty sprinkle of romance.  Well-written with flashbacks to the cruise, the author deftly weaves the personalities of Libby and Frances into one girl.  This should be quite popular with teens.

eGalley review                  Publication date 5.26.15

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Hold Me Like A Breath – Tiffany Schmidt

Posted on May 19, 2015 by EHL

hold me like a breathLegal organ transplants are reserved for only the healthiest people.  Those that do not make the long government wait lists turn to the underground organ transplant “families”.  Penelope is the daughter of one of the mafia type families who obtain donor organs and for a price transplant into desperate patients.  There are a few families in the business that for the most part have a respectful rivalry.  Penelope has led a privileged but sheltered life because of a chronic disease that causes low platelets.  A bruise for a normal person could mean life threatening internal hemorrhage for her.  She yearns for more freedoms, a less controlling life and by golly, she gets it.  Her older brother is murdered, and then her parents are killed.  Now she is running for her life in the streets of New York.  Who can she trust?  People are not always as they seem.

While the plot twists are not so much of a surprise, the story is still quite engaging.  I liked watching sheltered Penny quickly grow into a resourceful, spunky force to be reckoned with.  The odds were certainly against her, but then it helps to have a personal connection with the vice president.  Nicely done and teens should enjoy this first entry to a new series.

eGalley review                     Publication date 5.19.15

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The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak – Brian Katcher

Posted on May 18, 2015 by EHL

improbable theoryEveryone has their own battles, their own pain, and their own issues, despite how they appear on the outside. To Ana, Zak initially seems like a slacker, a guy with no pressures, no destination, just enjoying a lazy journey with a weird love of comic book characters. Ana is driven. Her parents force her to abide by their rules and have high expectations for her academic success.  When Zak is forced into joining Ana and others on a Quiz Bowl team, their opinions of one another change over a very eventful night.  Ana’s younger brother, who is also on the team, escapes from the competition hotel on the first night and goes to the comic convention that Zak told him about.  In a panic, Ana asks Zak to help her find her brother.  Their night at the convention reveals characteristics and strengths that neither of them knew they had.  It’s an incredible experience that enables them to learn about each other and themselves.

The story is told in a back-and-forth style between Zak and Ana, and is told with humor, action, introspection, and revelations.  It’s the kind of story that keeps the reader yearning for more and rooting for the characters. Highly recommend.

eGalley review    Publication date 5.19.15

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The Gracekeepers – Kirsty Logan

Posted on May 18, 2015 by EHL

The GracekeepersCallanish was busy, performing at least two Restings a week.  She looked young, far from death.  People liked that.  She prepared the dead, said the words, and slipped them into the sea. Legally, all damplings had to be interred in a Graceyard.  The Graceyards were lined up along the equator. They were far from any destination. It was a fine place for Callanish, a landlocker, and for Callinish’s dark secret.

North was a dampling, and felt uncomfortable on the land that never moved.  She and her bear sailed on the circus boat Excalibur and were waiting for their circus act to begin.  Tonight it would be a simple dance with Bear and a kiss. North loved Bear and Bear loved North.  North also had a secret.  Callanish and North, two girls so very different, yet so very alike.

This lovely book reads like a fairy tale.  It is the story of a water world, our world, drowned and become a sea dotted with scattered archipelagos.  The little isles are peopled with landlockers who must be bribed and persuaded to share their food with the damplings who endlessly sail the world. I was totally drawn into this world, totally involved in the lives of the people, was enchanted by the beautiful prose. I came to love all the characters, even those who were not so nice.  The book is suitable for older teens and I highly recommend it.

eGalley review       Publication date 5.19.15

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Dust to Dust – Melissa Walker

Posted on May 4, 2015 by EHL

dust to dustCallie was in a prolonged coma following a car accident.  During that time, she was in an in-between place for souls who are misguided or have unresolved issues that prevent them from moving on.  She met Thatcher, who died many years before, and fell in love with him.  She also met some other teen spirits who are on the wilder side with hauntings and possessions.  Now she is awake and reunited with her boyfriend, Nick and best friend, Carson.  But she still longs for Thatcher and feels his presence.  Thatcher is warning her to watch out for her former spirit friends who are intent on possessing Callie’s friends in order to live again.  With Thatcher’s guidance, Callie begins a deadly game of cat and mouse aiming to thwart the rebel ghosts’ plans to posses Callie’s friends.

This is the sequel to Ashes to Ashes but can be read as a standalone.  The author does a good job in filling in the backstory.  Chock full of paranormal suspense and vivid characters, teens should enjoy this haunting story.

eGalley review                Publication date 5.5.15

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Rook – Sharon Cameron

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

RookHistory is doomed to repeat and the setting in Paris, France.  This dystopia features a society that has shunned all things related to old technology.  The ruthless leader of the revolution created a blood bath in killing the former ruling class.  Prisoners that survive the tortures of the dungeon meet their execution in public.  But someone is freeing the prisoners, leaving the red feather of the Rook behind.  Our heroine is the spunky Sophia who is being forced to marry Rene’ for a wedding fee that will save the family estate from her father’s bumbling mismanagement.  She does this for beloved brother Tom.  It is Tom and Sophia who have succeeded in smuggling prisoners from the dungeons.  On the verge of discovery, Sophia plans her most daring rescue while dealing with her empty-headed dandy of a fiancé, Rene’.  Ahhh, but is Rene’ really the fob he acts?

This delicious remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel is action-packed and tinged with romance.  Not too much, just a bit, after all, there is serious work that must be done.  Difficult to put down!  Highly recommend.

eGalley review        Publication date 4.28.15

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The Gospel of Loki – Joanne M. Harris

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

gospel of lokiI know a tale, o sons of earth

I speak it as I must.

Of how nine trees gave life to Worlds,

That giants held in trust.

So begins the authorized version of the history of the Nine Worlds as told in the Prophecy of the Oracle.   But this isn’t the authorized version.  It’s Loki’s version.  Loki:  the Trickster, Father of Lies, not everyone’s best bud.  Sure bad things happened to his friends, but it’s not always his fault.  Things just sort of happen.  He’s really not such a bad guy.  He’d rather be thought of as Loki: the Light-Bringer, the Misunderstood, the Handsome, Modest Hero.

This retelling of the Norse myths is off the wall excellent. Of course, being about Norse Gods, it is full of blood and gore, and much of the humor is dark.  But I liked it very much and it’s suitable for older teens.

eGalley review          Publication date 5.5.15

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Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back – Janice P. Nimura

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

daughters of the samuraiIn 1871, five little girls clothed in rich, embroidered silk, their hair elaborately dressed, were presented to the Empress of Japan. Two were teenagers, the smallest was only six.   The Empress commended them for their intention to study abroad.  No Japanese girl had ever studied abroad.  Most had not studied at all.  Soon they would board ship and sail to America, destined to stay until they were adults.  They had no choice.  Raised as obedient daughters of high ranking Samurai they simply did as they were told. Emerging from a civil war, Japan was rushing to embrace all things western. The girls were sent to become enlightened wives for the new generation of Japanese leaders. They were then to bring this wisdom to those at home.  Fostered to loving, supportive families, they soon became typical American schoolgirls.

This was a fascinating and well researched look into the lives of these girls and it was so well written that I felt as if I knew them.

 

eGalley review       Publication date 5.4.15

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Rock with Wings – Anne Hillerman

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

rock with wingsOfficer Bernie Manuelito couldn’t let go of the drug bust that didn’t happen.  The guy seemed nervous, even offered her a bribe, but he and his car were clean.  The only things found in the trunk were boxes of dirt.  She really hated loose ends.  And she hated being away from Chee.  She had to leave their vacation in Monument Valley to come home to take care of Mama. He needed to stay and help his cousin.  Then they each became involved in cases that needed a bit of help from Lieutenant Leaphorn.

Anne Hillerman continues the Leaphorn and Chee series started by her father. She writes with a respect for the Navajo culture and traditions.  The detailed descriptions of the landscape are excellent.  Her characters have many layers and are believable.  I enjoyed most of the book very much, however the wrap up of the two mysteries was unsatisfactory.  Pulling all the threads together seemed contrived and some deductions were not explained.  She is a fine writer and I hope the plotting of the mystery will be better next time.

eGalley review        Publication date 5.5.15

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Magonia – Maria Dahvana Headley

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

magoniaAza Ray’s parents were never aware that their daughter was switched at a very young age.  Aza Ray has miraculously reached her teen years after many hospitalizations as a result of a strange lung disease.  Her health takes a sudden bad turn when a feather in her lung is discovered.  She dies.  Or does she?  At the point of death, she is whisked away to the sky ship – think boat with sails – where she was stolen from all those years ago.  Her death leaves her genius best friend, Jason, despondent until he puts the pieces together and comes to believe she is still alive.  It turns out there is a whole other world in the skies where people have birds in their chests and the sky people steal food from the humans of earth.  This is the sky world of Magonia and it is in a heap of trouble but Aza Ray offers hope.

Hmmmm. I kept at this.  Trying to make sense of it.  Even though I am fine with parallel universes, magic, dragons, werewolves and time travel, the minutiae of this story – the whole bird in the chest thing – was one of many story elements that didn’t sit well.  For the reader who is willing to look past that, there is action, adventure, a bit of romance and boats that sail in the sky.

eGalley review       Publication date 4.28.15

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In a World Just Right – Jen Brooks

Posted on April 27, 2015 by EHL

in a world just rightWhen Jonathan was in grade school, he survived an airplane crash that killed his family.  He has many scars from the crash and he distances himself from his classmates.  He is raised by an uncle who is curiously absent from any interaction with Jonathan.  Now a senior in high school, Jonathan discovered several years ago that he can make worlds, worlds where his classmates are good friends and Kylie is his girlfriend.  Kylie barely looks at him in his real world. Jonathan just has to think about the world he chooses to be in and there it is, until his worlds begin to merge.  He has reached a point when he has to choose which world is “real”.

Slowly and deliberately, the characters are studied.  Jonathan is full of sorrow and mystery.  The plot twist comes a bit late in the story so that the less focused reader might give up, but I’m glad I stayed with it.

eGalley review       Publication date 4.28.15

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Dream a Little Dream – Kerstin Gier; translated by Anthea Bell

Posted on April 12, 2015 by EHL

dream a llittle dreamLiv and her sister have spent their childhood travelling from country to country and they want to land in one spot, a home.  Their mother has taken a job in England and there is a little country cottage with their name on it.  Oh but no, it looks like they will be moving in with her mother’s new fiancé’s family.  He has two children, also in high school, who are none too pleased with the new arrangement.  Soon enough, Liv starts having strange dreams where she spies four boys in some sort of ritual.  Turns out they are the cute, popular boys in her new school.  When they sleep, they can enter into other’s dreams – glimpse other’s nightmares or joys.  When the boys discover that new girl Liv shares their ability, they enlist her in the bargain they made with a demon.

The glib dialogue and spunky female protagonist that sparkles in Gier’s Ruby Red trilogy shines here as well.  Liv is a no-nonsense, sharp on her feet, kung fu kind of girl and so easy to like.  There is a bit of a romance and plenty of secrets.  A foretelling of trouble ends the first book in this new series.

eGalley review        Publication date 4.14.15

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The Lost World of the Old Ones: Discoveries in the Ancient Southwest – David Roberts

Posted on April 12, 2015 by EHL

lost worldIn a dim recess, they saw a wonderful basket lying face down, perfectly preserved, and beautifully woven. David Roberts and his wife Sharon looked at it in awe, took photographs, and didn’t touch it.  They left it just as they found it, as it had been for hundreds of years.  This amazing thing occurs often in this book.  David Roberts doesn’t pick up a shard, an arrowhead, nothing.  He and a growing number of archaeologists feel that artifacts should remain where they are found.

I enjoyed this book immensely. David Roberts takes the reader with him on his journeys into the backcountry of the four corners area, describing the scenery, the heat, the rock art, and pueblo ruins all in wonderful detail.  He makes the grueling hikes, breathtaking climbs, and river rafting seem like something any reader would want to do.  The book is suitable for all ages, and is recommended for anyone interested in the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly known as Anasazi).

eGalley review     Publication date 4.13.15

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The Last Bookaneer – Matthew Pearl

Posted on April 12, 2015 by EHL

bookaneerStart with a South Seas island . . . Samoa.   Add a large estate in the interior owned by a Scottish gentleman and his family.  Throw in some colorful natives and some Germans lurking in the background looking to cause trouble.  For the finishing touch include three visitors to the island up to no good.  Thus, you have the plot for a classic 1940’s movie.  As I read this book I kept seeing the scenes in black and white.

Before the 20th century poor or non-existent copyright laws allowed books to be published without the author’s permission.  Publishers got rich and authors suffered while the people called bookaneers searched for manuscripts to steal.  A new international treaty will soon be signed to protect authors and thus end the careers of the bookaneers.  In one last quest, three men, Pen Davenport, his friend, Fergins,  and their arch rival, Belial,  race to Samoa in order to steal the novel which the dying Robert Louis Stevenson is struggling to write.

Matthew Pearl is always a pleasure to read, with his attention to historical detail, his well-crafted plots, and his amazing characters.  To say that I greatly enjoyed this book is an understatement.  It is highly recommended and is suitable for older teens.

eGalley review                  Publication date 04.28.15

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