The Storyteller (Sea of Ink anad Gold #3) by Traci Chee

The Storyteller by Traci Chee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book and am so sorry to see it end. I loved all the characters and the beauty in Traci Chee's world building was mesmerizing. I love the many relationships in this series- Sefia and Archer, Capt Reed, Ed, Lac and Hobbs, in many ways they all become family to the reader and Sefia and Archer. But Chee also does great bads/villains too! Sefia and Archer must use their wits time and time again to try to overcome the Guard, the Book, and save Archer---their challenges never drove them apart; they were truly in love. I could not put this book down, I didn't like one aspect of the ending (it would have been nice to have a happy ending) but this is a series I will miss.

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Ms. Marvel (Vol. 3:Crushed) by G. Willow Wilson

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 was a rousing read and visual treat; Kamala Kahn still delights as she fights for right and then she falls for a nice Indian boy (she knew as a child) and they both love World of Battlecraft!!! But be careful what you wish for...because there is a faction of the inhumans who want evil; a ripping good read!

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Favorite 2018 YA Books

My favorite books of 2018 by BJ Neary

In no order
1- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi














2- Pride by Ibi Zoboi














3- Dread Nation by Justina Ireland














4- Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed














5-The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo














6- The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
7- The Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
8- Fresh Ink: An Anthology by Lamar Giles

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love Neil Kaplan's stupendous narration of John Smith, resident teen alien trying to remain inconspicuous with his guard/Sapon Henri in Paradise, Ohio. Kaplan did such a great job with all the voices; he really kept me listening and I can't wait to read the other books in the series---will they be as good as this first thriller? I especially loved the dog's character and Sarah, John's love interest.

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Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this series and this final book resolved so much appropriately with characters; it made my heart happy. I will so miss these characters but I do believe I could read this series again; I loved the characters; they became like family- genuine, tugging at my heart with their sorrow, losses, and the pure evil that was Maeve and Erawan who threatened to tear apart the world with their evil domination plans of Princess/spiders, in addition to their enslaved Vlag princes/soldiers, etc. I enjoyed so many of the characters- female and male. They inspired me with their hope, courage, determination to see a better world---and their whole hearted support of Aelin. I loved Elide, Lysandra, Evangeline, Yrene, Manon, and Asterin. Their supporting male characters were just as supportive- I am in love with Rowan, Lorcan, Aedion, Chaol, Dorian, Gavriel, Ren, Murtague and Gavin. Even though I really really despised the evil characters; Maas created empathetic characters along the way which helped me as a reader not to lose hope. I love Maas' characters, worldbuilding, and fantastical/magic worlds- her plot in this final book hit all the points created in the series and hit them all to resolve many questions, mysteries, and give a very satisfactory ending to this sumptuous epic tale of an assassin who becomes so much more. Highly recommended!

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Educated by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julia Whelan's narration of this audiobook had me spellbound! Tara Westover's book was harrowing; this was definitely a story of a life harmed by parents. I ached for Tara throughout her life but I was also angry at her, too. As she ages, matures, Tara sees firsthand her family's dysfunction but she is unable/unwilling to take help when it is offered. Even after she leaves the mountain (time and time again) she is still its/their prisoner- she alienates roomates at BYU (and does not care), loses boyfriends because she can bear to share (and with boyfriends who see this behavior- rather than ask for help, she laughs maniacally, then shuns them for seeing what they should not). It was all pretty sick SH_T, I rooted for Tara as she left the mountain, and gained an education---but at what a cost! I am so proud of her but so sad (frustrated) it took her SO LONG to receive the mental health counseling she so obviously needed. She is a gifted reader, I will read anything she writes! Highly recommended!

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Ms. Marvel (Vol. 2 Generationn Why) by G. Willow Wilson

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series! Generation Why is Ms Marvel battling The Inventor who is stealing teens for nefarious purposes and I love her interaction with Wolverine! On to Vol. 3!!!

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The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook was full of drama as Andrew Eiden flawlessly narrates Mason Buttle, a large kid for his age, perspiring all the time and full of learning disabilities. Thank God for his special teacher who helps him express himself through a computer and she is a haven for him in school. Calvin and his family have been grieving the death of Mason's best friend, Benny Kilmartin so much so - their house is falling down, his uncle doesn't work on the farm anymore, and the police think Benny killed his best friend. As Mason tries to stay out of the way of the lacrosse bullies, his new friend Calvin becomes a target of those bullies too. I loved Connor's other book, Waiting For Normal, and she outdoes herself with Calvin, his problems; I could not stop listening to Andrew Eiden; I rooted for Mason Buttle and my heart was full as the audiobook/book ended- highly recommended!

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Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens

Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney C. Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved Billie and her Hexagon friends- she loved her hometown, her friends, but boy did she have internal questions that kept her second guessing throughout most of the book. I really liked Davey and his side story (esp the one about Billie as a mask wearing girl). A great read about small towns, clergy families, and the power and love that friendship nurtures, heals, and grows. I read this for #2jennsbookclub to be discussed Thursday, Dec 13 at 8PM EDT- it is a quick read so jump into it and JOIN us for a twitter chat that is absorbing.

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Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

Legendary by Stephanie Garber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am going to make this short and not so sweet- I got really tired of Donatella; her decisions, indecisions, vacillations with everyone and everything. There was not enough of Scarlett and Julian (loved them in the first book) I thought Tella and Scarlett were playing the game together! That did not happen. I could not put down the first book and was really disappointed with this book- hated the ending which really would have made my review better. The plot did not hold me in thrall the way the first book did; the characters not so much either, and I loved Scarlett's goodness in the first book- I am getting a little tired of the awful meanness in YA. Sorry for my rant but I really loved the audiobook, Rebecca Soler did a great job. I was disappointed with the plot- having to wring my hands the whole time reading a novel is just not my way of enjoying a good book. Ms Garber I am pleading for a book like the first!

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The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful graphic novel; the illustrations say what the characters don't- you will love Frances and Prince Sebastian---good friends who support one another. Frances has a dream to become a dressmaker and she is given a job by Prince Sebastian (she must keep his secret) and she begins to turn heads with the wonderful designs she creates for Prince Sebastian (also know as Lady Crystallia); such fantastic secondary characters too---a must read, you will laugh, you will cry but you will definitely enjoy this story!!!

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Sunny (Track #3) by Jason Reynolds

Sunny by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I just love this whole series and Sunny broke my heart and then gave me hope as he gives up track, stays on the team but now will try discus, loves to dance, wishes his mom never died and that his relationship with this Dad- who Sunny must always call Daryl was different. I can't wait for the next book in the series, but everyone should read these thought provoking, funny, angsty books about kids, sports and life- highly recommended!

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A Box of Bones by Marina Cohen

A Box of Bones by Marina Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this creepy, alluring middle grade story by Marina Cohen! Kallie is very comfortable in her skin, smart, and kind of a loner. When Kallie accompanies her grandfather Jess to a Local Festival of Fools she is confronted with some strange goings on beginning with a faceless man giving her a puzzle box. As she sets herself the task of unlocking the box’s secrets, Kallie is drawn into a mystery of another time and place where Liah is a bone carver in training who must overcome an evil empress with a box of bones. What readers will really enjoy about this book is the mystery and eerie plot that set Kallie and her friends investigating. Pole and Kallie have grown up together and are very much alike in their personalities. It is the new student, Anna and the fantasy book, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe that throw Kallie’s belief system into questions and turmoil. As the plot thickens and Liah, the bone carver’s chapters are interspersed; readers will be turning the pages as they race to find out how the stories, mysteries, and lies fit together. I particularly enjoyed Kallie’s discussion with her English teacher, Ms. Beausoliel about fact and truth especially “stories are the truth in our humanity.” I appreciate author Marina Cohen and #BookJunkies for sharing this novel with me in exchange for my fair and honest review. Highly recommended!

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The Lost Sisters (The Folk of the Air, #1.5) by Holly Black

The Lost Sisters by Holly Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a fan of this series, Jude or now, Taryn. Taryn supposedly loves her twin Jude- but this little novella points out that she selfishly picks Locke and all his secrets over the sisterly bond.

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Driven to Distraction (Road to Love #1) by Lori Foster

Driven to Distraction by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may be my favorite Lori Foster book- I loved both main characters (their personalities, insecurities, chemistry) and Howler the dog was just the best- he was a lazy dog but don't even try to hurt Brodie or Mary - he was fiercely protective but such a darling too! Brodie's looks are perfect for Mary, she just dislikes his laidback personality that really enjoys teasing her. It is his protective side that wins her over, begins to open up her secrets, and have her hope for a different future than the sad one she has embraced. I loved everything about Brodie, his family, his instincts, his nurturing side and his goal of complete honesty (both ways) with Mary. Totally loved and enjoyed this latest Lori Foster romance!!!

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Wildcard (Warcross #2) by Marie Lu

Wildcard by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, did I love this book & Nancy Wu's narration - Marie Lu and Nancy Wu had me on the edge of my seat throughout this kick ass, suspenseful, scifi/tech gone wrong novel. I loved the drama, angst of the plotline, loved the loneliness/friendship aspect of the Phoenix Riders & Emika, rooted for Emika and Hideo (even though there is so much questionable going on), hated the NeuroLink Algorithm & the Blackcoats and their despicable ends. The new characters were many and varied; the Zero/Suske character-OMG! I was totally satisfied with the ending- Lu is a master storyteller- love all of her books!

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An Honorable Man (Men of Courage #5) by Lori Foster

An Honorable Man by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a nice quick read and part of the Men of Courage series- I really liked both main characters, Liv Avery and Hamilton Wulf; I enjoyed reading about their history and what the present means for both of them. You can tell both love each other but Ham has made choices that did not allow a romance for Liv and Liv has pined for Ham but dismissed him because like her father, he has chosen the military over her. I enjoyed the way Lori Foster brings them together and since so much time has passed, now, both characters are more willing to speak and act on what they want; another great romance from Lori Foster! Jumping into Driven to Distraction next- a new series (Road to Love) from Foster!

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Twelve (The Naturals #4.5) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Twelve by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh do I love getting back with the gifted teens, Cassie, Dean, Michael, Sloane and Lia. In this prequel, we find out backstories of the main characters as they rush to talk a teen off a ledge who beseeches The Naturals to solve 3 teen "deaths" she knows are murders. I just love getting back into each of the Naturals "gifts" profiling by Cassie and Dean, Lia, the lie detector, Sloane the numbers and computer genius, Michael the face reader. I especially enjoyed how Barnes reveals how their past plays into their present job of FBI profilers and cracking impossible cases. Loved this series and would read love to read more with Cassie and crew solving cases using their gifts!!!

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Villain (Gone #8 Monster #2) by Michael Grant

Villain by Michael Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh do I LOVE this series and Villain did not disappoint! I devoured this riveting read in 2 days, with new characters (Dillon Poe, Francis Specter, DiMarco) and old characters I love - Shade, Dekka, Cruz, Malik, Sam Temple, Astrid, Armo and characters I hate - Drake, Peaks. As Malik suffers excruciating pain from burns, he ingests" the rock" and when he morphs he is able to give unbelievable pain to others. Dillon Poe is a horror, his power AFTER EATING THE ROCK- when he speaks all must do what he tells them and oh is Dillon awful. As things spiral out of control; Shade, Cruz and Malik want to work with Dekka to HELP turn the public tide of hatred and horror to their favor as superheroes. The government is mostly evil, working against everyone (DiMarco) and intent on wiping out the superheroes and supervillains. This book was action packed; filled with horror, battles, and the world in the clenches of crazy characters intent on evil, murder, and mayhem. But through it all I rooted for the superheroes and can't wait to see what Francis Specter does in future books! A tremendous wild read!

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Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to Markus Zusak narrate Bridge of Clay; it was a wonderfully sad story of 5 boys who lost their beloved mother, Penny and also their father (they refer to him as The Murderer) who abandons them. Because the story bounces back and forth between past and present often, it was sometimes disconcerting to listen to; I liked Zusak's narration but I think I might have gotten more out of it by reading the book. It is up to their brother, Clay, to go help their father build a bridge; he is the only one their mother told ALL the history and stories to before she died. It is also Clay who is best friends and later more with Carrie Novack, a jockey. I enjoyed all the animals, the references to the Iliad and the Odyssey; recalled Zusak's earlier books (Fighting Ruben Wolfe and Getting the Girl) about boxing brothers and loved Zusak's beauty and sadness in this story of family, the plot and the very human characters.

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