Haven by Mary Lindsey

Haven by Mary Lindsey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing and Entangled Teen for the ARC, Haven by Mary Lindsey in exchange for an honest review. I could not put this book down! I immediately loved Rain; he was a tough teen with a tenacious heart of gold for anyone he cared about. After living in shelters most of his life due to his mom’s drug addiction, Rain and best friend, Moth, use their fists to handle most problems. When his mother dies, an aunt he did not even know existed, brings him to the small town of New Wurzburg and his life is turned upside down. I was sucked into Rain’s intense feelings for Freddie, a strong girl who seems to be from the wrong side of the tracks. For fans of Maggie Stiefvater fantasy series, this book will hook you, drag you into a world of shape shifting, bullies, evil, lies, and secrets. As Rain learns more about Freddie, her father’s death, and her hidden world, he becomes such a hero in my book. He is all in when it comes to protecting those he loves- Rain is willing to die to help Freddie and she fights his offers to help (she is so afraid he will be killed). I loved both Rain and Freddie’s intensity, their romance was sizzling, and their combined skills made this a super thrilling paranormal read. Highly recommended!

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Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh

Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book on my kindle because I loved the review Rich in Color posted August 4 by Audrey. With a militaristic society of New Seoul and Old Seoul, Jaewon (LOVED him!!!) is a character raised in the streets (and was involved with a gang) after his father disappears and dies (for some higher good?!?) and is familiar with both worlds- he works a few jobs and is an elite soldier who got a scholarship and totally excelled becoming assigned to the Tower and partnering with Tera (a girl who has been raised/injected with Enhancers (along with her sister Ama) and is a killing machine. What I loved about this book was the worlds, I could not stop turning the pages, and Jaewon was tough but was as empathetic (he didn't believe it) as he was the perfect soldier. I hated his best friend, Yeoung, who abandoned him because it continued to cause him heartache and pain years later. Even more, I hated his best friend's father, oh was he evil, and I wished the worst for him. I was totally unimpressed with his friend at the academy whose father is The Director- he is rich, unfeeling, but also being abused by his father. I rooted for Jaewon and Tera-they were very strong characters who wanted better things for themselves in life. I really hope this is the beginning of a series because there is so much more I want to dive into with Jaewon and Tera's world!

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Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I have loved and continued to think about Willow Chance in Holly Goldberg Sloan's Counting by 7s, I am so in love with hilarious Julia Marks and will continue to think about her as such a special individual (her love and continued sorrow over losing her beloved dog, Ramon tore me us), thoughtful but also inwardly thinking about herself (what middle school child doesn't think self-centeredly about themselves?), funny, honest, and likable youngster who is a mover and a shaker. Julia is small, don't dare call her short, and now her mom has gone and signed her (and brother, Randy) up to audition for The Wizard of Oz. Thinking her summer was going to be a bust; Julia and Randy thrive as munchkins, Julia really takes to the director, Shawn Barr, who is always excited about everything to do with the show. Julia enjoys Olive, a self assured dwarf who partners with Olive for the show. Even more surprising, Julia becomes enthralled with neighbor, Mrs. Chang- her house is unbelievable- she has "cool stuff" an animal puppet collection, a coffee table made out of silverware, and a life-size buffalo made out of buttons...and Mrs. Chang has been in theatre and offers to make the munchkin and flying monkey costumes, as long as she can also be a flying monkey. As Julia becomes immersed in this summer theatre, her world changes, she changes, and the people she meets become role models re-shaping Julia. LOVED this book, just like I LOVED Counting by 7s. I can't wait for more impressive Holly Goldberg Sloan books, kids, teens, adults must all read -laugh and love the irrepressible Julia Marks!

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Patina (Track: Book 2) by Jason Reynolds

Patina by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd book in the Track series by Jason Reynolds. Once again I was immersed in the world of track, the competition, the comraderie, and tough young protagonists. Like the first book, Ghost, Patina is dealing with the loss of her father, becoming "adopted" by her father's brother and his wife, and moving to a new school. As she continues to deal with taking care of her cute little sister, Maddy- Patina also has to deal with a new elite school and the fake girls who go there. But the good thing is- she is still on The Defenders Track team and the kids and coaches help her deal with life, a new school, her mom needing dialysis, and her new parents. Jason Reynolds is the best author, both in middle grade and YA books (I have read and thoroughly loves ALL his books) - they speak to the guts and glory of the underdog, they root for their characters, and they show us, the reader- the pain of being in a tough world but finding a sport that helps them deal, can't wait for Book #3!

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Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book a part of the #yearofya twitter chat on trends in YA and this book did not disappoint. Loved the cover! Told from Jule's POV who I did not like at all- she was an unreliable narrator (once again, I do not like these kinds of characters) who finds her parents murdered when she is 7- she begins a life of being a genuine fraud and oh is she the best! The book goes in reverse chronological order as she tells of her many outfits, hairdos, and details the places where she finds her marks and sets to work. I really like Imogen and wished she had never crossed paths with Jules. She was rich, loved animals, loved her parents but did not like school or who she was and so ditches life and goes on the run with none other than Jules, who has been asked by Imogen's mom to find her and bring her home---so not happening! Loved Lockhart's writing, her characters were well drawn, and the jet setting places were so interesting. The ending is pure Jules "4 passports, 4 driver's licenses, 3 wigs, several thousand dollars in cash & a credit card belonging to Forrest Smith-Martin that would do for buying plane tickets." Jules was moving on.

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This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis

This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh boy, I could not put this book down, Sasha Stone is not someone I never want to know- she is the unreliable narrator dealing with some major problems (sister absorbed in womb, mental illness, bad girl) and as she spirals out of control, I kept turning those pages but boy did I dislike Sasha Stone as each chapter got darker and darker and more mysterious. Sasha is the one in control from page one, don't let her convince you of anything less- she does not love anyone but herself, even though she may have the perfect boyfriend, a few girlfriends, supportive mom and dad- this psychological thriller is controlled by Sasha and her belief she has her sister's heart and her sister loves having sex with bad boy Isaac and Sasha wants to get her control of her body and self back. Boy did I feel sorry for the men in her life, but the girls did not fair well at all either (especially in the cardiac hospital) Sasha just kept spinning and striking out in her world- read this book to find out who wins, good girl Sasha or bad girl Sasha?

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Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3) by Rae Carson

Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, loved this last in the Gold Seer Trilogy!!! The characters have become my family and friends as I listened to the awesome narration by Erin Mallon- the Glory family of Lee, Jefferson, Becky and her children, the Major, Tom, Jasper, etc were all such well defined characters with Carson's wonderful way of building the suspense and keeping it going, the whole story...I could not stop listening. How were Lee & her friends going to deal with the nasty likes of Hardwick and Dilly? Leaving Glory & traveling with her fiancé Jefferson (so so happy for them), Becky and her kids, the Major and the 3 college men to San Francisco puts them immediately into trouble once more as Hardwick is so much worse than Uncle Hiram and so much more powerful. All of his dealings are underhanded and he has and associate who seems to have some magical powers too- all helping Hardwick dupe people out of their money. I just loved how much Lee grew, she was a strong strong female who would stop at nothing to help her friends, but she also had so much compassion for the kids on the street, Indians, Chinese that she worked/magicked tirelessly to form a plan to get justice for all those wronged... Such a great ending to a thrilling trilogy.

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Into the River Glorious (Gold Seer Trilogy #2)

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in the Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson, but it was not an easy read. The treatment of the Indians, Chinese, even Lee was awful, heinous, and tough. I hated Lee's Uncle Hiram and his treatment of Lee and his Hiram Gulch gold mine workers which he treated worse than animals. I loved the settlement of Glory by Lee, Jefferson, Tom, Jasper and the Major- the working together, their belief in one another and their unwavering support. Lee has no family, Jefferson is her only friend but as they make their way toward CA -what they endure together and how they help one another was/is so important and welcome compared to the harshness of the gold miners, the foremen, and many of the white men who hated the Indians (always blamed them first) and Chinese, denigrating them (murdering them too) whenever they can. I know Lee was a captive too and the psychological (and physical) abuse at her uncle's hand will follow her (because she blames herself for those who suffer bc of something she did) for the rest of her life. Already downloaded #3, caa't wait to start listening, oh do I love Erin Mallon- her tone, her voices are perfect for this story.

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Disappeared by Francisco X Stork

Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read & loved all of Stork's compelling book, Disappeared has me wanting more-I hope Stork continues with the story of Sara and Emiliano. Juarez, Mexico really scared me; it was good to see the home of Sara & Emiliano from their viewpoint, but you would never find me living there and loving it. Sara is an investigative reporter for the newspaper, El Sol, but she has been following, researching, and broadcasting the disappearance of girls from their community, especially once her best friend, Linda vanishes. The injustice in the system of law seems overwhelming but when Sara and her family are targeted to stop looking into Linda's disappearance, they do find a few people they can trust-it is the strength of Sara's convictions, her family & friend support network that keep her continually investigating. The parallel story of her brother, Emiliano, breaks my heart because he is a good kid (star soccer player, part of a youth group that helps others, falling for a girl that is rich and too far out of his reach. I hated when Emiliano began to be drawn into the world of lies (because he cherishes truth so much) and easy money, and that is when he begins to have an inner war with himself. Paco his friend keeps telling him his choices will not get him what he wants, but Emiliano does not tell his friend anything while continuing to reach for the impossible. I really think Stork should continue this story, I want to follow Sara and Emiliano as they run for safety, into an unknown world.

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Shadowhouse Fall (Shadowshaper Cypher Book 2) by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowhouse Fall by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I get drawn into Sierra's world once again of shadowshapers and her spirit world, where she and her friends fight to keep the Shadowhouse world intact as other spirits threaten to destroy them and their families. Sierra is one strong Shadowshaper who is not afraid to use her tongue (she is a tough talker) and friends (Juan, Bennie, Izzy, Anthony, Robbie, Mina) to thwart the overthrow of her world. I rooted for her as her friends were thrown in jail or mental institutions, and she still rallied her troops to fight against the Deck of Cards, The Sorrows, and the Hound. I loved Older's world of urban Brooklyn, the spirits (the good and the bad) the shapeshifting and their clashes with the other houses- I could not stop reading---loved the beauty, magic, and urban feel of this urban fantasy- can't wait for #3!!!

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Walk the Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1) by Rae Carson

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Listened to and loved Erin Mallon's intense narration of this first in a series of the Gold Rush and a girl, Lee Westfall who has "witchy powers" and can sense/feel the presence of gold. She has a very happy family life with her mother and father and best friend, Jefferson until one day she comes home and finds her parents murdered! Lee is set to stay at home in her parent's home until her Uncle Hiram comes to claim Lee & the house as his own. It seems her father told his brother trustingly about Lee's powers & Uncle Hiram wants to use her. Jefferson follows the call of the gold and tells Lee he will wait for her at a certain spot and once Lee can't escape her uncle she rides as a guy to dodge her uncle and keep safe. Loved this audiobook & am now listening to #2, yay!!!

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Wrongful Death by Robert Dugoni

Wrongful Death by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Robert Dugoni's legal thrillers; the mystery is gripping, I just keep turning the pages, loving David Sloane and Jenkins and the way my heart beats as I read at break neck speed to find out how this mystery ends and the courtroom with judge, jury and Sloane doing what he is the best at. Can't wait to jump into #3!!!

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Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee by Alan Gratz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a must read for all; Alan Gratz crafts a heart stopping, gripping read about 3 young teens and their families as they become refugees trying to escape Nazi Germany in 1939, Cuba in 1995, and Syria in 2015- all devastating times in history where people are/were persecuted, preyed upon, murdered and desperately searching for freedom, acceptance, and a place to call home. I ached as I read Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud's courageous struggles with their close knit families as they fled homes they loved because of persecution and war. Gratz's use of different time periods to show how history keeps repeating itself in it's discrimination of cultures, genocide, and violence shows the refugee/immigrant plights keep continuing; wiping out families, communities, and homelands; this should be required reading for all students, teachers, parents, and leaders. Readers will not be able to put this book down; there is so much to discuss; things need to be remedied - this should not happen; the dangers are all too real; countries can't/won't handle the influx of refugees and people/families are disintegrating, suffering, losing hope. The Author's Note is essential, and What you Can Do just as important to read at the end of this book.

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Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz

Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Melissa de la Cruz nailed this historical fiction book about the love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler and oh was there drama!!! Not only is the American Revolution just around the corner, but the 3 daughters of the famed Schuyler family are looking for husbands with money to marry. Their father has suffered some setbacks and the girls need to marry well to help their family. Enter Alexander Hamilton, who has no family, no title, no money -but he is famous as Colonel Hamilton integral aide to George Washington, who meets and falls for Eliza Schuyler. Eliza is so different from her 2 sisters- she wants to marry for love and does not care about money, clothes, or station but she desperately loves her family too. As the world conspires to keep Alex & Eliza apart, the reader falls in love with these 2 characters who detest slavery, help soldiers with uniforms, inoculate soldiers against small pox, care intensely about soldiers, their growing love for each other will have readers turning the pages, falling for this important part of our history and the epic love story too.

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A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook read awesomely by Michael Chamberlain nails the Wow what a tear jerker, heart breaking story of best friends viewed from Matt's POV ( I would have loved to gotten Tabby's POV) as they enter high school. Matt & Tabby have been inseparable since they were babies (Matt's family helps raise Tabby because she has single Dad, no other family), lived across the street, played, and laughed. Matt loves basketball, has such an insecure brain (it does more harm than good) and fell in love with his best friend when they were 12 years old and they were being bullied and Tabby came to the rescue. Matt never tells Tabby about his feelings but hopes she knows. Mistake #1 because Tabby is a very special girl and as 9th graders, senior Liam Branson falls for her. Matt hates him (but Branson is nice, nice, nice) and after seeing Branson pick her up Matt stays up all night fighting jealousy and make a "do list" of the girls in the school. When Tabby finds this list and takes Matt to task- does he come clean and admit his feelings? No he makes it worse and so begins a few weeks of them avoiding each other. Reviews call this book funny, I never saw anything funny about it. Matt is a typical boy who does not confide in anyone- just us readers and what good does that do him. When life takes an even crueler turn, Matt may not be able to survive his crushed feelings, may not be able to relate to his family, and lose his coveted spot on the basketball team. What will Matt do? Reck's debut tore me up and will be one teens talk about and pass around for the authentic voice of flawed, insecure, yet lovable Matt Wainwright (his poetry is an added perk to the book).

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Rhyme Schemer by K. A. Holt

Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great novel in verse! Bully Kevin has it tough with being a bully, a family of mean brothers, trouble in school, teacher issues, and family misconceptions. Once his notebook is stolen, he is discovered as The Poetry Bandit, then Kevin gets bullied, gets detention in the library, and as life gets tougher, maybe Kevin gets tougher in a good way too. Bad boy Kevin maybe is not what everyone thinks - through his words, poems, thoughts and dreams, the reader will root for Kevin as life begins to give him nice things in the form of a teacher, a librarian, a girl, a band and a poetry slam. Highly recommended!

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Eliza And Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I love this book, it was gripping, Eliza is the author/creator of wildly famous fanfic, The Monstrous Sea but very few people know because that is what Eliza wants. Because Eliza is very quiet, very insecure, has no friends except her online world (she does not read comments!!!) but all that begins to change with new student, Wallace who does not speak, writes everything slowly, perfectly on paper and is a wild fan of Monstrous Sea. As he is being bullied (Wallace is huge, tall, football player-ish) by 2 nasty guys about Monstrous Sea; surprise of surprises---Eliza jumps in and defends Wallace!!! And so begins the unlikely friendship of Wallace and Eliza. They both have baggage but they share a love of The Monstrous Sea (of which Eliza never tells him she is the creator...) and as Eliza lets him in (he is funny Rainmaker in the forums- she is MirkerLurker) and her world grows bigger - but at what price??? I loved Zappia's characters, The Monstrous Sea world of fanfiction, Eliza's online friends and the new fanfiction friends Wallace introduces her to, Eliza begins to hope. I was crushed by Wallace's heartfelt email to Eliza and wished wished wished Eliza could have responded differently to him, but her reading it everyday and telling Wallace, "It doesn't change anything between us." was typical for geek Eliza. Read this book and fall into Eliza and Wallace's world and you will love their shared interests, friendship, and kinship.

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The Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As this series continues I am enthralled by Julian's love for his family and Emma. his parabatai. Their world of Shadowhunters, downworlders, Nephilim just continue to grip me as their world is plunged toward war because of Cold Peace rancor. I love the introduction of new and different characters - Kit and Mark, Christina and Hymie, Annabelle and Diana- so much is going on but they (Jules and Emma) continue to try to solve their problem... and keep the secrets of their world from the Clave and others who would judge them. Cassandra Clare's characters and worlds are multi-layered, deep and authentic. Can't wait for the next book in the series because I was crushed by the ending in this book.

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And The There Were Four by Nancy Werlin

And Then There Were Four by Nancy Werlin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Nancy Werlin and this mystery grabbed me from the first page! Five teens are called to a meeting via email about The Rockland Academy Student Leaders Club and what begins as a meeting turns into a nightmare as the building implodes. Everyone escapes but there is something not right and Antoine believes his mother may be responsible for the deliberate explosion. As he explains to all of the others why he believes this, the other 4 want to believe him, but why are they all involved? That is revealed all too soon when Antoine's brakes fail and he is killed. But Caleb was in the car with him and after hiding out in the woods, his friends come to find him and what begins is a fast moving suspense novel I could not put down!!! I loved all the teen characters and despised most of the adults/parents in this thriller. Werlin really keeps the pressure on the characters as they hide, try to stay safe, but solve the mystery of who wants them dead. I rooted for these teens to triumph in more ways than one, especially Caleb with what he went through with his father. Teens who loved Werlin's Rules of Survival, The Killer's Cousin. Black Mirror and Double Helix will all be clamoring to read this spine tingling mystery!

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