Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this truly spine tingling YA mystery (even better, it is a series!!!) for #2jennsbookclub twitter chat taking place 10/11 at 8PM EST, join us for a great book and even better chat!!! Stevie is such an awesome female protagonist who knows who she is and what she wants - to go to Ellingham Academy and solve the Ellingham mystery & murders. She gets into the exclusive school despite her parents being against it (and Stevie) for a host of reasons that were so annoying. Stevie meets many different students, jumps into solving the mystery, and loves her classes. From day one though, Stevie senses something is weird and it will take the death of a student, tunnels, friends and their "isms" and makeout sessions that will scare Stevie into believing Truly Devious has struck again. Although I wasn't a fan of the ending; I was a fan of Maureen Johnson's awesome ability to write a detective/mystery thriller that had me gobbling up this suspenseful crime thriller. Highly recommended.

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City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake, #1) by Victoria Schwab

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just continue to fall more and more in love with Victoria Schwab (& pseudonym V.E. Schwab) books!!! I read this book as part of the #yearofYA twitter chat on Middle Grade Books taking place 10/6 at 8PM EST, please join us!!! Cassidy Blake died and was brought back by a ghost who becomes her best friend, Jacob. As she navigates her "new" life, the Veil, her parents who hunt ghosts for a living; she is part and parcel of a new adventure when her parents surprise her with a documentary TV show "The Inspecters" they are hosting that takes them to Edinburgh. I reveled in Cassidy, her joys and fears, her hauntings were riveting, and I can't wait to join her continued adventures (hopefully Lara will follow her) with Jacob as she is dragged to a new TV ghost location in Book 2!!! Highly recommended!

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China Rich Girlfriend (Crazy Rich Asians #2) by Kevin Kwan

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook by new narrator, Lydia Look- she was good but I had to get used to her because I listened to and LOVED Crazy Rich Asians narrated by Lynn Chen, too! I have to admit that that I love Rachel (and her college friend), Michael, Astrid, and Charlie Wu plotlines---and really do not enjoy any of the other characters and the family and social dynamics. So as I listened to this 2nd book in the series; I was once again reminded how awful many of these characters are- driven by money and surface judgments, not reality and human kindness. So I have already downloaded Book 3 but only to find out what happens to these characters and if there is not an uplifting ending; I will not be happy.

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The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the middle grade book twitter chat being held by #YearofYA on 10/9 at 8PM EST, come join us. I could not put this book down (CPC's writing is thought-provoking, powerful and true) but I wanted to turn away (the horror of what Cap'n Buck was & what he did to ALL people, but slaves mostly made my stomach turn) from the painful, fearful reality of 12 year old Charlie Bobo's once his father dies & Cap'n Buck enters. This book takes place in 1858 and features the South Carolina dialect which middle school kids (and some adults) might have problems with ---but I also think this is a perfect class novel, with a teacher's wonderful guidance, knowledge of history, and understanding of human nature enriching the middle school reader experience. There was so much stacked against Charlie (even his height) it didn't seem fair---but I loved that he was able to constantly recall what he was taught by his parents and that helped him as his fear and despondency threatened to take over. Little Charlie's ignorance, being raised on racism and bigotry, and the poverty he suffered really had me rooting for his courage and bravery. A must read for all; Curtis does a powerful job!

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Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (illustrator)

Illegal by Eoin Colfer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Goodreads description reads "a book for all children" & I read it as part of #yearofYA twitter chat topic, middle school books, but this timely graphic novel really calls to be read by EVERYONE. Beginning with a touching, truthful quote from Elie Weisel, this devastating fictional story uses Ebo's harrowing journey detailed with awesome artwork to show what illegal immigration, fleeing to find family in other countries, and the desperation of being a refugee look like in our world today. A compelling social issue that breaks your heart.

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The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Tor Teen for the advance reader copy, The Darkest Star by awesome author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, in exchange for an honest review. I am so happy Jennifer Armentrout is continuing the Lux series (if you have not read, YOU MUST!!!) with a new series, Origin, and The Darkest Star does not disappoint with Luc, an Origin (produced by a Lux and human mating) from the Lux series, who is young, powerful, and scary. Like the Lux, Luc is perfectly handsome, chiseled, and arrogant. But he is cares deeply for his Lux and Origin friends and will stop at nothing to help them. This NEW YA alien series brings back some favorite characters from Lux as the world has returned to normal (if humans accepting Lux as neighbors) and features Evie as a senior going to an underage club that is known to have both Lux and humans in attendance. When Evie meets Luc, he is arrogant and wants her to leave—but when a raid unexpectantly happens, Luc helps her escape—and the rest is oh so good! I could not put this fantasy/scifi book down, Armentrout’s delicious writing is spine tingling with mysteries galore. Teens will love this new series and race to read all other Armentrout books; verdict an epic read with humor and toe-curling romance.

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She Lies in Wait (DCI JOnah Sheens #1) by Gytha Lodge

She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advance reader copy, She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge, in exchange for an honest review. Oh did I love this book! There was so much suspense as a group of friends goes into the woods for a night of camping, fun, and drinking; and the next morning one of their group is missing. Fast forward thirty years, and the body is discovered very close to their camp site. I especially enjoyed the very capable but human police detectives being led by Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens as they painstakingly reconstruct the crime and investigate without sleep and food to catch a killer (maybe one of the friends?). As Jonah leads his detectives to track down the stories from the suspects, I was riveted until the last page. The suspense kept building and did not disappoint; I will definitely continue to read this thrilling new series. Highly recommended.

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Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook and the narrators - Fiona Hardingham, Katherine McEwan, Maxwell Caulfield, Steve West were all so awesome!!! But I found this book so hard to listen to get through...I am going to ask Ms Tahir who I love WHERE is the hope? I think teens need to have some redemption and closure and this book let me down. I hated what happened to all three main characters - Laia, Elias, & Helene!!! There was total frustration on my part as these characters were torn apart by the NightBringer, The Emperor, and lastly The Commandant (she needs to die---like the Emperor)time and time again and again. Why did Elias have to sacrifice his humanity? Why does the Blood Shrike keep making choices that will doom her and her people? Why does Laia have to lose everything? I loved Darin, Cook, Helene's sister, and Musa- I really would like to see MORE redemption, closure, hope, and happiness---LESS backstabbing, battles, and genocide. So please Sabaa Tahir, can the final installment be more rewarding and less heartbreaking?

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American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel in verse was awesome as it describes a close knit Italian American family, their restaurant and with the death of Connor's grandmother a letter that surprises and affects all, especially Connor's Dad. As Connor and his father deal with the earth shattering letter that Connor's Dad's father is not his birth father a whole host of things happen. Questions, mysteries and the Tuskegee Airman all shape Connor and his Dad (and family) to a deeper awareness of who and what make family and acceptance of what family really is. Impressive read!

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Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the #yearofYA Middle Grade topic for our Sept chat to be held 10/9/ at 8PM EST; join us! This book is also considered a crossover for middle and YA. Students are given a chance to talk freely in a room for the last hour of school on Fridays and what evolves is friendship of the truest sort. But these kids vow to only share in this room and on Haley's recorder- an immigrant father in danger of being deported, a father in prison, family fortunes rising and falling and racial profiling are safely/richly explored in the ARTT room A Room to Talk. These students will grow, cry, laugh, and share deeply. A must read from awesome Jacqueline Woodson!!!

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Here We Are: Feminism For the Real World complied by Kelly Jensen

Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World by Kelly Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this collection of short stories, comics, poems, lists, and articles from many YA authors as part of the #YearofYA chat featuring Empowered Females. This is a must read for everyone with many different chapters covering diverse aspects of feminism. Loved it!!!

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Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yetide Badaki did a stellar job of narrating this fascinating audiobook about young teens in Nigeria who have mystical powers and must help find who is maiming and mutilating and killing young children. Author Okorafor uses mythology, magic, fantasy, to weave a masterful mystery. Sunny, and her three friends Orlu, Chichi and Sasha made a great team as they become Leopard People and bond over juju, sports, and chittim. I can't wait to read Akata Warrior and jump right back into this world!

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The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book for the twitter chat with #2jennsbookclub being held Thursday, 9/13 at 8PM; join us for a great chat. I love David Arnold and his books, but I found myself getting a little confused with Noah. His friendship with next door neighbor twins, Val and Alan, was referred to as a triangle; they were such good friends and when Noah started withholding things from them; I wanted Noah to continue to be Noah. But as he tried to figure things out by revisiting his "strange fascinations," lying to everyone about his swimming, questioning everything--I felt like I had gone off the rails as the reader. The resolution made me very happy though, yay!

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The Brink of Darkness (Edge of Everything #2) by Jeff Giles

The Brink of Darkness by Jeff Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this kick-ass, totally awesome book as part of the #yearofYA twitter chat Empowered Female Heroines/Characters. Zoe continues to be such a great, strong female heroine---loving and fiercely protecting those she loves. First and foremost is X, who had been banished to the Lowlands forever, in order to save Zoe & her family from Dervish's evil machinations. Failing is not an option when it comes to Zoe's outlook, zeal and defending those she loves (her mom, Jonah, Rufus, friends Val & Dallas, & most of all from the Lowlands --Ripper, Maud, and Sylvie. I listened to The Edge of Darkness and was enraptured with Giles worldbuilding, his characterization of X, and the deep romantic bonds tying Zoe & X to each other. Once I realized Audible was not going to answer my question about an audio version of The Brink of Darkness, I consumed this book from the in 2 days!!! Giles once again did not disappoint--I was on a roller coaster about the fates of X and Zoe, the heinousness of the ever expanding Lowlands was widened with X's imprisonment and torture by The Countess and in the bowels of The Cave of Swords. I dared to hope for Zoe's and X's happiness; but they were both very serious and constant in their pursuit. I could not put this book down; a favorite series of mine- highly recommended.

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Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this awesome book for the August twitter chat to be held Sept 6 at 8PM EST with #yearofYA, come join us, in so many ways this book featured empowered females Sasha and her best friend support one another) and Sasha overcame overcame many challenges young girls face - she survives and returns HOME strong. Such a great thriller and lots of twists in this mystery from one of my fave authors!!! Sasha was one of the Groom's captives who got away. She was so traumatized she leaves her home for 10 years, abandons her friends and boyfriend, goes into therapy, has a great job that her travelling. But Sasha returns to help her mom run their inn and almost immediately she is a target BECAUSE she got away - but she doesn't know...but we sure do. What I liked about Sasha was that the 10 years away made her into a strong empowered female fighting back. If you love romance, suspense, mystery and serial killers - this book is a must read!

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Girl Man Up by M-E Girard

Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome book for the August twitter chat to be held Sept 6 at 8PM EST with #yearofYA, come join us, in so many ways this book featured empowered females (Pen and Blake) (Pen and Olivia)- Pen, Blake and Olivia supported one another and Pen overcame the many challenges young girls face. Pen doesn't have it easy- a group of guy friends who are total jerks, Portuguese parents that want Pen to confirm to a good girl look and label and although a girl, Pen likes short hair wearing her brother's shirts, and just always being who she is...which creates problems all around. I loved her voice, her honesty, her questions, and she dealt with all the crap that hits her as any teen would- she just knew who she was but could not explain why this was who she truly was and why shouldn't she be who she truly was? Girard's book is important for teens, I liked this quote from Miranda Reads review "Introducing Pen - the antidote to all those cookie-cutter YA heroines" a must read!


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Sovereign (Dreadnought #2) by April Daniels

Sovereign by April Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to/read this audiobook for the August twitter chat to be held Sept 6 at 8PM EST with #yearofYA, come join us, in so many ways this awesome audiobook featured many main characters -Dreadnught (Danny), Calamity (Sara), and evil villain Graywytch (she had a hidden agenda to overthrow men therefore taking insanity to wack level being an empowered female). Narrator Natasha Soudek was really super with the many voices/characters resulted in an awesome performance I thoroughly enjoyed!!! As Danny works really hard to be the best superhero, she is stretched thin and needs help. Graywytch continues to be evil to Danny because he is a boy but she goes totally off the rails with her villainy and it was tough to listen to Danny as Graywytch tortured her. I loved the addition of new characters, especially Charlie (loved narrator's voice for him) In the end, I liked the world building, how Danny's close friends always had her back and can't wait for the 3rs book!.

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