The Word Exchange: A Novel – Alena Graedon

Posted on April 6, 2014 by EHL

word exchangeWhen Ana’s father inexplicably disappears, she tries desperately to find out what has happened to him, following obscure clues that only cause her more confusion. In a world where the written word is becoming obsolete her father is an anomaly. He is a man who felt the loss of books and letters, libraries and stamps, maps and take-out menus. He is the editor of the soon to be published North American Dictionary of the English Language and Ana cannot believe that he would voluntarily leave when such an important event was about to happen.

The setting is in the near future . . . perhaps the day after tomorrow. Everyone completely relies on their android phones, called Memes. These Memes are intuitive: ordering food, monitoring health and supplying meds, suggesting clothing, turning on appliances, calling friends. Whatever is needed is supplied before it’s needed and people are totally dependent on their Memes. Life is good. Well, it’s good until people begin to have little slips in their conversations, speaking gibberish. Then when the “word flu” infects large groups, communication breaks down and chaos erupts.

This is a book for people who still love the written word and feel sorry for those who will never receive a hand written note of condolence when a loved one dies, or a happy note of congratulations for things well done, or will never know the pleasure of turning the pages of a brand new book.

eGalley review Publication date 4.8.14

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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry – Gabrielle Zevin

Posted on March 30, 2014 by EHL

storied lifeThe brief summary could be: The life and loves of a bookseller on a small Massachusetts island. The expanded summary includes the tragic death of his beloved wife that plunges him into lethargy and depression followed by the adoption of an abandoned toddler who brings him back to life so that he can find love again. Zevin’s writing creates an effortless read that yields a book to be read by all literature enthusiasts. The characters, the storytelling, and the mild twists and turns make this quick read so enjoyable. I feel this author has an old soul twice her age replete with wisdom and grace. The bookseller’s comments about authors and genres are amusing and the author even pokes fun at her own best-selling young adult genre. So many poignant musings are worth quoting. My favorite quote:

“We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.”

There is more, so much more, that this novel could be read again and again, with different insights gleamed each time. Marketed for adults, there is a bit of language but should be fine for mature teens that have an avid love of literature. Highly recommend.

NetGalley review   Publication date 4.1.14

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The Here and Now – Ann Brashares

Posted on March 30, 2014 by EHL

the here and nowA future devastated with pollution and widespread epidemics leads a group to time travel to the past to carve out a better life. They assimilate somewhat into the community but must follow strict rules to avoid damaging the time line. It is 2010, and Ethan happens to catch the shimmer in the air and the sudden materialization of Prenna from the future. A few years later, he sees her again when she attends his high school and the attraction is quite mutual. Following clues left by another time traveller, the pair strives to halt the murder that has been identified as the key act that leads to the bleak future Earth.

When I read a time-travel book, I can’t help but think of Back to the Future and Dr. Emmett Brown’s warning not to mess with the space-time continuum. Even with the time travellers’ many rules, just living in an earlier time will cause infinitesimal changes to the future and that is not addressed. When the teens devise a plan to shift the time line and save future mankind, the couple is a little too lackadaisical in the days leading up to the prevention of the most pivotally destructive path in time. Let’s go have a little beach holiday before we save the world. Best for teens that want a bit of romance and mystery that nudges the brain into considering the staggering space-time continuum conundrum.

NetGalley review Publication date 4.8.14

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Noggin – John Corey Whaley

Posted on March 30, 2014 by EHL

nogginThe body of 16-year-old Travis Coates lost a grueling battle with cancer, but Travis’s head, his brain, is still going strong after a groundbreaking cryogenic experiment. Travis opens his eyes after what seems like a quick nap, but everything is different in the world, and 5 years have passed since he closed his eyes. His sick, frail body has been replaced with the strong, healthy body of a 16-year-old who died of brain cancer. Now Travis has a telling scar connecting his head with the new body. Everyone in his life thought they’d never see him again so he has to find out how he fits into the world. His girlfriend, Cate, is now 21, and is engaged, but it seems like no time has passed for Travis. His best friend, Kyle, is struggling with secrets he thought would die with Travis. Noggin is a charismatically told story of self-discovery and reinvention that will appeal to audiences of all ages and interests. Humorous, quirky and heartfelt, this book has it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from a brilliant author! Highly recommend.
eGalley review Publication date 4.8.14

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By Its Cover: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery – Donna Leon

Posted on March 30, 2014 by EHL

by its coverThis time it’s all about the books. Rare books, valuable books, are missing from the Biblioteca Merula, the Venetian library for rare books. And some have been stripped of their illustrations and maps. It is of course a serious offense, but not unpleasant like a murder, and it is spring in Venice. On the way to investigate a possible witness to the crime, Brunetti feels a surge of goodwill. It is a lovely time of the year. The scent of flowers brings welcome memories. Unfortunately, he finds that the witness has been brutally murdered and the whole atmosphere has changed.

As usual, the book is filled with family life and food. The story is more about the people and the place than the crime. I enjoy this. Commissarie Brunetti is very intelligent, a gentleman, and the relaxed pace in Venice is a welcome change from American detective stories. Although the book is one of a series, it easily stands alone and is highly recommended.

eGalley review Publication date 4.1.14

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The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender – Lesley Walton

Posted on March 23, 2014 by EHL

strange sorrowsAva Lavender is born with wings. Ava tells her story by recounting the series of tragedies that befell her relatives beginning with her French great-grandparents’ immigration to the tenements of New York. Tragic events fueled by broken hearts are written in such a matter-of-fact tone that I was spellbound over the eloquence of the writing while reading about the sorrows. It is not that the observer/storyteller is dispassionate because the emotional devastation is clearly shown in the characters’ reactions; it is more along the lines of accepting fate. The main characters and supporting players are all well developed and intriguing so that each has their own story that could be further told. I want to know more about steadfast Gabe who loves Viviane and her unique children, Ava and Henry. He just takes in stride that Ava has wings and Henry is autistic.  The minor characters that pop in and out of the story each have their part to play and it is so well orchestrated that nothing feels forced. I first thought a book about a girl with wings was just right for middle school, but no. This is certainly not for tweens but for older teens. It is the most unique and mesmerizing story that I’ve read this year and I will eagerly read the next book this debut novelist writes. Highly recommend.

NetGalley review    Publication date 3.25.14

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The Ring and the Crown – Melissa de la Cruz

Posted on March 23, 2014 by EHL

ring and the crownPrincess Marie-Victoria of the Franco-British Empire must marry Leopold, the Prussian prince to secure peace between their nations. The story is told from several points-of-view that reiterates the plight of women throughout history when they must sell themselves to the highest bidder to secure their position in society or save a kingdom. Princess Marie-Victoria, raised by Queen Eleanor who has reigned for over 100 years, faces duty to country while yearning for love. Aelwyn, the Merlin’s magical daughter and best friend to the princess, must choose between power and duty. Prince Wolfgang, brother to Prince Leopold is the spare heir and can do as he pleases and is possibly the only player who can marry by choice. Ronan Astor, the American debutante, is sent to London for the courting season tasked with landing a rich husband to save the family from financial ruin. Misused and discarded Isabelle of French royal blood rounds out the troupe that dances around Prince Leopold and the impending marriage.

This book defies labels. It is not exactly alternate history, rather political fantasy that mirrors an alternate European history if Merlin had lived a very long time. He is the power behind the throne since King Arthur and into the 1900s. Excellent characters, rapid storytelling, exquisite imagery and a delicious plot introduce the first book in this new series. Another winner from Melissa de la Cruz. Best for older teens. Highly recommend.

NetGalley review Publication date 4.1.14

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Salvage – Alexandra Duncan

Posted on March 23, 2014 by EHL

salvageMany generations into the future, there are “tribes” that live on space ships. Ava is the eldest daughter of the leader of the Parastrata ship and a repressive society where women are seen as useful in breeding stock only. Other floating communities are not as repressive, but arranged marriages do seem to be the way of things. When a marriage arrangement goes horribly wrong, Ava’s only hope of survival is to escape to Earth and find a long-lost aunt. She never spent time conditioning to gravity so when she reaches the Earth, she is ill for a long while. She has few clues to find her aunt but with the help of new friends, she journeys to Mumbai.

There is an interesting cast of characters, but the main character, Ava, is one that I didn’t particularly care for. Things happen to her but she survives due to the kindness of others and not from any real character strength or cunning. It is another futuristic book about a repressive society and an Earth that has been horribly polluted.

eGalley review    Publication date 4.1.14

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Elusion – Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Posted on March 16, 2014 by EHL

elusionRegan’s father devoted his life to developing Elusion, a computer program that enables people to mentally escape from their polluted world to a pristine virtual world free of worries. His partner was boy genius, Patrick, who is Regan’s best friend. Regan’s world falls apart when her father is reportedly killed in an accident. Allegations are now being made that Elusion can harm users. New friend, Josh, leads Regan to question the safety of Elusion and Patrick’s motives. Regan strives to put together the clues left by her father to discover the truth behind Elusion. A blend of mystery, adventure, and future speculation, Elusion invites the reader into the virtual world to enjoy the sensations and cringe at the destruction.  The story ends abruptly so this is the first of a series that should be a hit with teens and a worthwhile cautionary tale.

eGalley review    Publication date 3.18.14

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Side Effects May Vary – Julie Murphy

Posted on March 16, 2014 by EHL

side effects may varyAlice was prepared to die. Months of treatments for leukemia drained the strength from her, forcing her to quit high school and ballet. Believing she is in her final months, Alice is determined get revenge against the people she feels have wronged her. With her long-time friend, Harvey, at her side, plans are set in motion. Her ex-boyfriend, who betrayed her confidence, and a one-time friend who turned against her were at the top of her list. Alice also sets out to gain experiences. Over time, she and Harvey realized how much they care for each other. When Alice goes into remission, she doesn’t know what to do. She backs away from Harvey, denies her feelings, and ends up hurting herself and the people who love her. For Alice, it took almost dying to realize how she wanted to live. The story is told from both Alice’s and Harvey’s views and jumps around in time. It is extremely well-written and captivating. The author paints a vivid picture of these characters’ lives and emotions.

eGalley review Publication date 3.18.14

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Bracelet of Bones – Kevin Crossley-Holland

Posted on March 10, 2014 by EHL

braceletofbonesVikings!  The year is 1036.  After defeat in battle, Halfdan decides to follow his leader, Harald Sigurdsson, east to Kiev then south to the Black Sea.   He intends to join the Varangian guard, a troop of Vikings that serves the Byzantine Emperor.  He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Solveig.  Feeling little future with her stepmother, Solveig is determined to follow her father’s footsteps to the Black Sea and Miklagard (Constantinople).  Her skill in carving bones will for her passage aboard a trading ship traveling south.  Her adventure into the unfamiliar begins with danger at every turn.

Like most good historical fiction, the reader can accidentally learn a thing or two about history.  I had no idea the Vikings had a strong presence in the Byzantine Empire.  Viking traditions, religion, and slavery come into play during the treacherous journey down the Dnieper River to the Black Sea.  This is the first book in The Viking Sagas.  I always enjoy reading about Vikings – very glad I did not live during those times – but that time period is fascinating.  I enjoyed this departure from the many young adult novels about Viking raids and recommend it to any reader looking for adventure.

eGalley review       Publication date 3.11.14

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Death Sworn – Leah Cypess

Posted on March 2, 2014 by EHL

death swornCenturies before, an evil Empire gained control of the lands through the use of dark magic. Two groups formed an alliance of sorts, a sorcerer-based society, the Renegai, and a group of assassins training within a complex system of caves. The Renegai Elders are to send a tutor to train the assassins to use their magical abilities to further their murderous missions. This alliance is supposed to be aimed at destroying the mighty Empire. In other words, the peaceful Renegai get the assassins to do their dirty work then look down on them as murderers. The two previous tutors died within the assassin’s caves so the Renegai Elders send young Ileni to be the tutor. A promising future used to be hers, as perhaps the most powerful sorceress in generations, but her magical powers are leaving her, so the Renegai see her as useless. They might as well send her to be the new tutor with the mission to solve the murder of the previous teachers. She knows she is on a death mission, surrounded by trained assassins willing to die at the command of their master.

Extremely Good! I am a fan of the author’s other published fantasy novels and now this is my favorite. It appears to be the first in a series with more to come. Soren, the complex assassin assigned to Ileni had better be in the next book, but new characters are anticipated to be introduced to complicate my character alliances. This engaging read is sure to find a loyal following. Highly recommend.

eGalley review Publication date 3.4.14

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Citadel – Kate Mosse

Posted on March 2, 2014 by EHL

citadelSandrine is eighteen and is coping with the hardships of living under the occupation of the Germans, trying to keep life as normal as possible. Her early morning bicycle rides are a special pleasure. No one is stirring, and the city is hers alone. As she rides along the river something in the water catches her eye. She realizes that it is a person snagged on a rock and quickly pulls him out. He is barely breathing, but as she starts to revive him she is hit on the head and pushed, unconscious, into the water. She becomes aware of someone reviving her, kissing her, but he quickly disappears. The memory of his presence is pleasant, exciting. When she sees him again the next day at a Bastille Day demonstration, something instantly connects. She has to know more about him. When the demonstration goes wrong and becomes violent, the young man, Raoul, needs a place to hide and Sandrine comes to his aid. She lives with her sister and housekeeper, and the place often has overnight guests.

Set in southern France between 1942 and 1944, between the occupation and liberation, this is the story of an all-female resistance group. Interspersed is a legend of a hidden heretical codex with a strange power, a codex sought by both the Germans and the Resistance. The book is so very well crafted, with things starting slowly, detailing the small everyday chores of the Resistance, and gradually escalating into action and danger. The tension builds until by the end it is almost too intense. This is the third book in the Languedoc Trilogy.  I have not read the first two and although the novel stands alone, it might have been enhanced if I had read the others first.  I enjoyed the book and think I’ll read the other two to discover what I missed.

eGalley review   Publication date 3.18.14

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Liberty 1784: The Second War for Independence – Robert Conroy

Posted on March 2, 2014 by EHL

libertyThe defeat of the British relief fleet off Yorktown led to Cornwallis’ surrender and the successful end to the American Revolution.  But what if Washington had not been so lucky and the fleet had arrived on time?  What if Washington had been defeated and America’s revolution had failed?  Would that have been the end?  Would Americans have settled quietly into submission?  Or would the dedicated revolutionaries have fled the vengeful British and tried to live free in the west?  In this alternative history, the latter has happened and the colony of Liberty has come into existence near present day Chicago.  Unfortunately, the British decide that this tiny free nation is a threat and have sent an army under Burgoyne to eradicate them.

I enjoy good alternative history with a thoughtful evaluation of what might have been, but I didn’t find much of that in this book.  It is a good adventure story, though, with interesting, believable characters and lots of action.  Ben Franklin makes an appearance, as do several lesser known American generals (the famous ones have been captured and executed or imprisoned).  And Benedict Arnold is still trying to help the British.  It’s a quick, light read, just not what I was expecting.

eGalley review    Publication date 3.4.14

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Counting by 7s – Holly Goldberg Sloan

Posted on February 25, 2014 by EHL

countingWillow was adopted when she was quite young, by two loving parents, who embraced her quirkiness and genius.    When she was 12, both parents were killed in a fiery car accident.  With no family or close friends to take her in, she goes home with the Nguyen siblings that she met in counseling just weeks before.  Her misfit counselor along with the Nguyens and a taxi driver come together to give Willow a home.

Deserving of every award this book has garnered, Counting by 7s will appeal to readers of all ages.  The factual and observant way that Willow sees the world, her interest in nature, botany, medical conditions and other people are told in a sparkling and distinct voice.  Willow has a positive impact on so many people she meets, the author shows how they unite to care for her and in doing so, care for themselves.  Told in short chapters that focus on each character, this book works on every level of writing.  Highly recommend.

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