Beta – Rachel Cohn

Posted on October 13, 2012 by EHL

On future Earth, the wealthy have created a luxurious island for themselves, complete with human clones for servants.  Elysia is a newly made teen clone – a test model.  She was told that her “First” had to die in order for her to be made.  She has no memories of the person she was cloned from.  When purchased to be a companion to a family’s teenaged son, memories of her former self begin to emerge as does her free will.  The story follows the common theme of the oppressed rising up to fight their oppressors.   The plot and characters are simplified as if written for the middle grades, except that the sexual content makes this more suitable for older teens.

NetGalley review       Publication date 10.16.12

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Crewel – Gennifer Albin

Posted on October 8, 2012 by EHL

The author gives a whole new meaning to the fabric of life.  A unique post-apocalyptic Earth is created with Arras, a world that is ruled by an elitist Guild that control the Spinsters who truly weave the world around them.  The Creweler who makes the fabric of life for the others to weave is ancient and seeks a replacement.  Our heroine, Adelice, reluctantly enters the strict Spinster society when it is discovered she has the unique abilities needed to become the new Creweler so that life can continue in Arras.  Adelice can afford to be disrespectful and snappy at authority; she knows they need her, that their way of life depends upon her.  Still, she gets her share of punishments – physical and mental.  But there are stirrings of unrest in this created world and revolution is brewing underneath and is about to bubble over.

This is quite the unique world the author has created and the snappy dialogue moves the story along.  There is a bit of romance but no so much to make this book appeal only to girls.  It is a good read – intriguing and I am not quite sure where the author is going in book 2, so I look forward to reading more.

NetGalley review    Publication date 10.16.12

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Feedback – Robinson Wells

Posted on October 6, 2012 by EHL

Spoiler Alert!  If you have not read Variant, please do not read this review.

That Benson can take a punch and keep on going.  It is amazing that a teen with no training in combat sports can wallop and disable so many super strength robots.  Variant left off with our dynamic duo, Benson and Becky escaping from the school.  They find a precarious shelter of sorts at “The Fort”. Hmmmm. I just can’t do a review without giving away the plot.  This is another case of how much can a teen endure and keep on fighting (as in the Maze Runner series).  That being said, it is good.  The plot does fit nicely with book 1 and is the necessary bridge to book 3.  Non-stop action with a large supporting cast of perplexing characters.

Galley review   Publication date 10.2.12

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Anything But Ordinary – Lara Avery

Posted on October 4, 2012 by EHL

Bryce’s life was all planned out and just getting started at 17.  Graduate high school, go to the Olympics in diving, teach at a university or coach, and be with the man of her dreams.  But everything changed in an instant. Her timing was slightly off; she hit her head, and fell into a coma for 5 years.

When she wakes up, everything has changed.  Years have passed.  Her little sister has grown into a rebellious teenager, her father quit his job as a coach, her parents have grown apart, and the man of her dreams is engaged to her best friend. While she takes all this in, she quickly regains control of her motor skills with the assistance of Carter, a med school student who has been by her side for years. Her senses seem to be heightened after waking up . . . the sounds of cicadas are almost deafening, and she has strange, overpowering visions and auras.  After finally breaking free of the hospital and going home, though, she decides not to tell anyone about these changes.  Bryce learns to adapt to her new life and starts to make up for all the time she lost, and even falls in love.  But with all the progress comes a few setbacks, including a devastating explanation for her visions.

Anything But Ordinary is a worthwhile read that details Bryce’s emotional journey with varied characters, pacing, events, and epiphanies.  It’s a story that will appeal to many ages and hooks the reader from the first few pages.

NetGalley review    Publication date 9.11.12

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Jepp, Who Defied the Stars – Katherine Marsh

Posted on September 29, 2012 by EHL

Set during the late 1500s, young Jepp, a dwarf, is much loved by his innkeeper mother.  When a mysterious noble visits the inn, he convinces Jepp and his mother that Jepp should go with him to the court of the Infanta, the ruler of the Spanish Netherlands (modern day Belgium).  Jepp is surprised to see other little people in court where they are treated like pets.  The delicate Lia is abused and Jepp is caught helping her escape.  After a harsh beating, Jepp is punished and exiled to the servitude of Tycho Brache, the father of modern astronomy.  At this point, the story really grabbed my attention because the author delves into the marvels of Tycho Brache and his detailed charting of the stars.

I highly recommend turning to the back of the book and reading the Author’s Note first.  A bit of background knowledge about the Spanish Netherlands and the historical characters in the book would helped ground the story for me.  The historical aspects of this novel are interesting and well researched and unique to most young adult historical fiction books.  The writing is quite good.  “Poor Jepp” is what I thought throughout the book.  Even when fortune smiled, he could not be happy until he got some answers and is comfortable with his place in the world.  Jepp comes full circle and readers will enjoy the ending.

Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe did have a dwarf jester at his estates on Uraniborg.  The author includes the many wonders of Brahe’s castle, from fountains to automatons to the scholarly achievements and discoveries in astronomy.  The measure of good historical fiction is when the reader seeks more information after reading.  I did.  One website with more information about Tycho Brahe: http://www.tychobrahe.com/uk/uraniborg.html

NetGalley review   Publication date 10.9.12

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The Assault – Brian Falkner

Posted on September 24, 2012 by EHL

Aliens fleeing from a doomed planet wormed their way onto Earth by asking for a small corner of Australian desert for their new homeland.  Nope, they wanted the entire planet.  When the story opens, only the Americas have not been overrun by the aliens.  An elite force of highly skilled teens is tasked with infiltrating the alien headquarters that has been tunneled into the hard rock in the Australian outback.  Narrowly escaping death when his landing apparatus is tampered with during the air drop, the operations leader knows there is a traitor in the group.  But who and why would a human side with the aliens?  Non-stop action defines this military thriller with a “storm the castle” attitude.  Perfect for teens!

NetGalley review    Publication date  9.25.12

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Darkwater – Catherine Fisher

Posted on September 20, 2012 by EHL

Sarah’s ancestors used to be quite wealthy owning a huge estate, lands, and the people.  Her grandfather gambled away all of their wealth and Sarah is reduced to working as the school janitor.  Lord Azrael who won the estates from her grandfather many years ago, returns having not aged a bit and offers Sarah a deal – a deal she is cautioned not to take.  She can have her estates back and must atone for the misdeeds of her ancestors.  At the end of 100 years, Lord Azrael will gets her soul.  Flash forward 100 years to the present time and Sarah has done exceedingly good work for the locals.  Now a young boy is tempted to make a deal with Lord Azrael and gets caught up in Sarah’s plight.

Published years ago in England, the book is coming to the states.  It is a good middle school introduction to the ‘selling your soul’ plot device.  Perfect for the middle schooler because of the explanation about devils, angels, and the story of the angel who fell from grace.  These basics have to be covered before the teen reader should move to more embellished stories.  This is a stand-alone story, not nearly as involved as the author’s many popular series and is just right for the middle grades.

eGalley review   Publication date 9.27.12

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Dodger – Terry Pratchett

Posted on September 16, 2012 by EHL

Dodger is interrupted from his work in the sewers of Victorian London when he hears the screams of a lady being beaten.  Rescuing the lady, who has escaped from a horrible marriage to a German prince, is the first of many heroic deeds by the cunning streetwise Dodger.   Dodger sets plans in motion to save this damsel in distress.  Dust off your Oliver Twist with this salute to Charles Dickens. Coincidence that Dodger’s mentor is named Solomon?

The author calls this work a historical fantasy.  He succeeded in encouraging me to learn more about Victorian London, Mayhew, Bazalgette, and other famous people woven into the story so that’s the educational part of a historical fantasy.  The rest is pure wonderment at the author’s genius.  It took me longer than usual to read this book because I savored every word.  Dodger is someone I’d very much want to know – after my valuables were safely stowed away.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review   Publication date 9.25.12

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Monstrous Beauty – Elizabeth Fama

Posted on September 16, 2012 by EHL

In 1872, budding naturalist Ezra Doyle follows stories of sea demons to the fishing town of Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Ezra comes face to face with Syrenka, a mermaid who has lived for over 1000 years.  Over time, they fall in love, but when they are discovered by a local townsman, their future takes a horrific and drastic turn that will influence generations to come.

Fast forward to present day Hester who is determined to learn why for five generations, women die after giving birth to daughters.  This must be a curse but why?  She begins to uncover the history of this family curse when she happens upon a young man on the beach one day.  She feels instantly drawn to him, intoxicated by his touch.   But he never leaves the beach and she soon realizes that no one else can see him.  With his help, Hester dives into her family history and uncovers secrets and myths she could never imagine.

Monstrous Beauty is a captivating story that is expertly written, weaving together history, myths, ghosts, and love.  The story jumps back and forth from the 19th century with Ezra and Syrenka to modern day Plymouth with Hester, allowing the reader to uncover clues in just the right order and pace and from many points of view.  This is no sappy mermaid tale but creepy dark lore that hits the mark.  Mermaids and ghosts and curses, oh my!

Netgalley review   Publication date 9.4.12

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Black Fire: The True Story of the Original Tom Sawyer and of the Mysterious Fires That Baptized Gold Rush-Era San Francisco – Robert Graysmith

Posted on September 16, 2012 by EHL

A firebug some called the Lightkeeper was plaguing San Francisco.  He always struck when the Lightkeeper’s Wind was blowing away from the camps of ex-convicts on Telegraph Hill.  In the course of eighteen months he would burn San Francisco to the ground six times.  Among the volunteer firemen was Tom Sawyer.  Yes, the REAL Tom Sawyer.  Some years after the arsonist was stopped, Samuel Clemens, then a reporter in San Francisco, became friends with Tom and loved listening to the tales of his exploits.  One thing led to another, and Tom became the star of Mark Twain’s novel.

This biography of Tom Sawyer is filled with details about the early volunteer fire fighters and the torch boys who ran ahead of the engines to light the way at night.  In this era before steam pumps and horse drawn fire engines, much volunteer man power was needed.  The firemen were the heroes of the day. Companies were vying for fans with parades, banquets and balls.  Brawls often broke out between rival companies.  In the course of the book you will meet a U.S. Senator, the world heavyweight champ, a lethal gunfighter, Mark Twain, Brett Harte, a volunteer fire girl, and a dozen other misfits.

The author is at his best when describing the fires.  The flames swirl around you.  You smell the smoke and become totally involved in the beautiful and horrible spectacle. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a rather obscure period in the history of San Francisco.

eGalley review   Publication date: 10.30.12

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The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel – Alexander McCall Smith

Posted on September 16, 2012 by EHL

This is the 9th novel in the Isabel Dalhousie series.  As with most series, it helps to read them in order, but can be read randomly.  The books are classified as mysteries.  They are really books of philosophy with a bit of mystery thrown in.

Isabel is a philosopher by profession and an amateur sleuth by accident. She is editor of a small scholarly journal of philosophy. These are gentle stories.  Nothing much happens.  In this episode, Isabel is asked by a friend to look into an art theft.  His favorite, a very valuable painting by Poussin, has been stolen from his house and he is very nervous about meeting with the thief about a ransom.

Charlie, Isabel’s three year old son has shown an aptitude for math and she and her husband, Jamie are wondering what to do about it.  They have a disagreement with their housekeeper/babysitter, and that’s about it.  I know, it sounds dull.  But I love these books.  Isabel’s mind frequently wanders into musings about people and motives and life in general.  I was left feeling calm, refreshed and a tiny bit wiser.

eGalley review    Publication date 10.23.12

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Breathe – Sarah Crossan

Posted on September 8, 2012 by EHL

During the Switch, Earth was devastated when all plant and animal life was destroyed.  With the oceans ruined and the oxygen cycle non-existent, people fled to giant self-contained cities or pods.   Air is the most precious commodity.  Don’t exercise too much – oxygen is expensive.  Only the elite, the Premium, live in luxury and can afford the best food and enough oxygen to enjoy life.  Bea is in the lower class, where life is a constant struggle but her best friend, Quinn is a Premium.  There is a resistance movement that strikes here and there, not having much impact on the government.  Until Alina escapes outside the pod, helped by Quinn and Bea, and steals a military tank.  This sets a war in motion.

Told in alternating voices, the story moves along at a brisk pace.  Battles are covered in a few pages.  Fine with me!  I’m all for moving the story along and that includes the relationship between Quinn and Bea, our brave duo.  There is much more to Alina’s story, perhaps to come in the next installment.  This science fiction dystopia is perfect for the middle and high school readers clamoring for more books about the future being grim.  It should also get the reader to thinking about the air that we breathe . . .

eGalley review    Publication date: 10.2.12

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Rebel Heart – Moira Young

Posted on September 8, 2012 by EHL

Sequel to Blood Red Road – Spoiler Alert if you haven’t read the first book!

Saba and Jack separate but promise to reunite at the Big Water, a place they have long heard rumored.  So Saba and her followers head out across the rugged lands. When she gets word that Jack is in trouble, she sets herself on a mission to save him.   There’s a new guy, the Pathfinder, in charge of the bad guys, but then, are they really the bad guys?  Sometimes the weak have to be sacrificed for the greater good according to the Pathfinder.  The times they are tough and I can’t figure out how Saba has such allure for so many guys.  There is nothing new here, just the necessary bridge between the first book and the last.  Durned if I can’t stop talkin’ like Saba.

eGalley review   Publication date 10.30.12

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The Edge of Nowhere – Elizabeth George

Posted on September 5, 2012 by EHL

Getting used to her new name, Becca, is the least of her problems when she and her mother escape from her stepfather and seek new identities.  Her mother sees that she boards the ferry to Whidbey Island where she has arranged for her longtime friend to keep Becca until she can return to get her daughter.  No one greets Becca when the ferry arrives so Becca makes her way to the address and learns  the friend has just died.  Becca has nowhere to go.  Her calls from her emergency cell phone do not go through to her mother.  She finds locals who help her without asking questions and does her best to blend in.  With new friend, Seth, a high school drop-out, she goes to a popular forest trail to walk his dog.  In a secluded area, she discovers popular classmate, Derric, severely injured at the bottom of a ravine.  When she uses her cell phone to dial 911, she panics when the operator asks for her name and address and hides the phone along the trail.  Derric is left in a coma while we are left wondering who pushed him into the ravine.

Becca can hear snippets of people’s thoughts and learns that the islanders have many secrets and struggles.  This insight into the other characters adds a third dimension to the book.  While Becca is the central character, the supporting cast is equally strong.  Every person has a story to tell, usually a story of loss.  Everyone needs a strong friend like Seth who is big-hearted and does the right thing despite what people may think of him.  He helps Becca over and over again because he is genuinely kind.  This involved mystery is a wonderful read.  For a young adult book, I thought it was rather long so surely it must be a standalone book.  But the cliffhanger ending might signal more.  I am eager to go back to Whidbey Island and see how it all turns out.   I hope this popular author of adult novels comes back time and again to the young adult market.  Solid mystery with engaging characters.

eGalley review    Publication date 9.4.12

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Colin Fischer – Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz

Posted on September 3, 2012 by EHL

Colin Fischer has Asberger’s syndrome (high functioning) and begins high school without the adult specialist who has helped him strive to decode his classmates.   On the first day of school, the school bully shoves his head in the toilet.  Colin simply returns home to change, showing and feeling little emotion.  Colin is brilliant, cannot stand to be touched, cannot handle loud noises, and cannot understand human emotions but by golly he is determined to investigate.  His parents, both highly intelligent and employed by NASA, are wonderfully understanding and end up surprised at how Colin is handling high school.  A student brought a gun to school and it went off in the cafeteria.  Fortunately, no one was injured, but a student was accused and expelled. Colin has long admired detectives with his hero being Sherlock Holmes.  Using his organized mind, acute observations, and logical reasoning, Colin sets about proving the innocence of the accused, the teen who has been bullying him since elementary school.

The story is told in 3rd person and 1st person.  For the most part, a narrator tells the story but there are pieces from Colin’s ever present journal and also Colin’s first person voice making observations.  Colin Fischer could be the young Monk (TV show detective).  Colin’s mind is filled with facts that spill into the novel as lengthy factoid footnotes that I thought were quite clever.  I found it interesting that Colin’s younger brother isn’t supportive or understanding but resentful and embarrassed by his brother and does not hold back from name calling. That is real life; there are many siblings who are simply not very supportive of each other.  This book is tremendously well written.  Engaging, informative, fascinating.  I might put this one on my school’s reading list next year.  Highly recommend.

eGalley review   Publication date 11.8.12

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