This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was packed with science fiction (advanced science and technology) so much so I couldn't plow through it because I really had to slowly read to understand all the terms, how they evolved, how they were existing in the world for example: gene technology allowing people to program & hack their bodies, and downloading vaccines, cures, hormones as apps on a panel implanted on one's arm. When a virus threatens to destroy the world, tough, determined Catarina Agatta is the one who might be able to save it. This was a thriller I could not put down, I was on a constant roller coaster as I read it, and will be pre-ordering the 2nd book in this series- many thanks to debut author, Emily Suvada for her knowledge of science and data and code---her book was explosive in all that it covered! The dystopian world Suvada crafts is so chilling, the characters so thoroughly fleshed, the plot intriguing and horror-filled when contemplating just how deranged those in power (or wanting power) will be to control the vaccine that will conquer the virus. Highly recommended scifi read!

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Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved this book and now can't wait to finish the series!!! Katie McGarry is a favorite YA romance author and it has taken me too long to get to this series!!! I loved the relationship between Emily and Oz - she is a good girl, protected by her parents, and endured a tough childhood (afraid of the dark, woods, etc) while Oz loves his life, soon to become initiated into the Reign of Terror Motorcycle Gang, and loves all the members of his extended family. I think my favorite character though was the thorny grandmother who really pushed for Emily to find out her true roots. There was so much cover-up, lies, and nastiness from Emily's mom and head in the clouds by her adoptive Dad, you really had to feel for Emily----but her real Dad, Eli, had a part in the cover-up too and I did not like the way all those adults messed things up!!!! But as a result of this shady history, Oz is assigned to protect Emily and from there their attraction and anger toward each other just gets better and better until the anger disappears and like begins to bloom. I loved Oz's world, his friends and family and his interest in treating handicapped kids the same on the ball field just grabbed my heart! And I rooted for Emily and Oz as a couple - even though it had many hazards...what will be in their future???

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Fast Burn (Body Armor #4) by Lori Foster

Fast Burn by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read and enjoyed all the books in the Body Armor Series! I loved the sizzle and signals (wrong ones & right ones) between Sahara and Brand. As Sahara is kidnapped and still sought by the kidnappers, Brand is the one (even though he does not work at Body Armor) who Sahara chooses to keep close and protect her from the kidnappers. I really liked Sahara's take charge, bossy personality and even more, how Brand can set limits an d still win with Sahara. I liked the mystery, is her brother still alive, and who is pursuing her and I enjoyed seeing how she secretly helped Brand's (biological mother) mother get well. And as in the previous books in this series, I like the MMA fighters, their tight friendships, and how these tough guys do stellar security jobs. I am definitely going to preorder Cooper's Charm due out this summer, I love Lori Foster romances!

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Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld & Alex Puvilland

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and also for the March twitter chat with #YearofYA to be held on Monday 3/26 at 8PM- please come join us as we discuss the award winners we have read. There has been a catastrophic spill in Addison's hometown where many, including her parents did not survive. Her little sister does not speak and Addison takes pictures of the horrors that remain and sell them on the black market. I can't wait for the 2nd book in this awesome series!!!

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Saints and Misfits by S. K. Ali

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and also for the March twitter chat with #YearofYA to be held on Monday 3/26 at 8PM- please come join us as we discuss the award winners we have read. LOVED Janna's journey---she is a 10th grade Muslim wearing her hijab, attending mosque, and praying 5x a day. Her parents are divorced, her brother comes home to live, and there is a monster who attacked her (now how does she deal with that???). I liked everything about this book, Janna makes mistakes over and over because she doesn't (can't) know h0w to deal with "the monster" who has assaulted her (& continues to try to trap her) as this overwhelming situation enrages and saddens her. She is taking her 94 year old neighbor, Mr. Ram, to the Senior Center, dealing with a crush on a non-Muslim boy, and edits answers to her Uncle Amu's questions from the mosque community members. I think my favorite part of this book was the answers to those questions---I really learned so much about Muslim faith, beliefs, and ways to live (and dress) in the answers to the congregants. Ali's gorgeous writing takes the reader into a Muslim girl's world of family, friends, school and will root for Janna and her group of saints and misfits! Highly recommended!

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The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials #3) by Philip Pullman

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this series way back when I first began as a librarian, loved each book in the series! I have to say, I listened to all the books this time and loved the narration by the author, Philip Pullman, and a host of other very capable narrators!!! But as I listened to this 3rd book in the series, I was constantly weighed down by disturbing feelings about what was going to happen. Suffice it to say, I was totally annoyed with the ending, and that took my 5 star down to a 3 star. I will just leave it at a few thoughts- I hated the ending for Lyra & Will; Lord Azriel and Mrs. Coulter were awful people, blinded by their own ambitions, and also selfish and filled me with horror at what they would do (did) to achieve their own ends. I know not all books end happily...but I rooted for this book...

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An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard

An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book for the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and for the March twitter chat on AWARD WINNERS for #yearofya to be held Monday 3/26 at 8pm- there are so many book award winners from 2017- come share your titles with us! This amazing book won an Alex Award, the title really lets you know the dark side of magic that takes place in this book. I absolutely loved the strong female protagonist, Sydney- she suffered her way out of the Shadows and had a few plans for revenge, retribution, changing the Shadows & The Unseen World from their horrific practices. This is a Turning year and Sydney is elected champion for House Prospero and as she stormed her way to truth, she made many friends (always a few enemies) and works tirelessly to upend the Houses of Magic that have been taking from magic for years. That said---I hated the ending---that is why 4 star rating. I rooted for Sydney and Laurent and Ian, Grace, Harper, Madison, and Verenece; other than Sydney, there was resolution for all these good characters. I will just quote Sydney (p.348) to Ian "Magic was who I was. I felt it in my blood and bones, Ian. It was me, and now it's gone, and I don't know who the fuck I am anymore." "You'll figure it out," he said. "Who you are now. And I'd really like to stick around and see who that is if you'll let me." So, for all her plans, always having back-up plans, going against the world of magical dominance, what did she get??? I rooted for Sydney--she was someone who deserved a happy ending...

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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance reader copy, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by awesome author, Robert Dugoni in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, the voice of Sam captured me and held me spellbound as he looks back on his life. Most significant was being born into a loving, Catholic family with an eye condition, resulting in red eyes (ocular albinism). From kindergarten through age forty, I could not stop turning the pages as Sam tries valiantly to figure out his purpose in life. His mother always told him he was going to lead an extraordinary life but Sam struggles with himself, relationships, faith and religion, bullies, prejudice, and insecurity. I loved the depth of Dugoni’s characters from best friends Ernie and Mickie, his religious mother and introspective, wise father, to a thoroughly evil bully. Life is not always easy for Sam and his journey is dramatic, honest, and insightful. Such a very special book about an extraordinary guy and his supportive family and superb friends! Don’t miss Dugoni’s Author Acknowledgments at the end, they always mean so much to me; I get great, warm feelings from such a wonderful author, thanks for another great, inspirational book! Highly recommended!!!

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Roughneck by Jeff Lemire

Roughneck by Jeff Lemire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome graphic novel as part of the 2018 HUB Challenge because it is an Alex Award winner. Jeff Lemire's discussion of indigenous people, fractured families, ice hockey, and violence in this harshly, real illustrated graphic novel really moved me. Derek and his sister's plight- a violent father and sweet mother taken from them too quickly is just one thread in this must read graphic novel that takes place in Pimatamon but also explores their lives- Derek's with ice hockey and the violence afterward and drug addicted, Mary with an abusive boyfriend. The secondary characters were so authentic and really fleshed out the plot. Highly recommended. If you like to read about ice hocky and it's grip- Bear Town by Fredrik Backman is good also.

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Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones

Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for the advance reader copy Fire Song by Adam Garnet Jones in exchange for an honest review. I was so moved by the story of Shane, an Anishinaabe teen, who is reeling from his sister’s suicide, his mother’s withdrawal into grief, his conflicting feelings for his girlfriend, Tara, and his secret relationship with David, are just a few of the REAL things. Just as key to the plot is Shane’s lukewarm commitment to his indigenous heritage, at one with language, beliefs, and traditions. He ignores the defining elements of being an Anishinaabe but luxuriates in all that nature offers. Conversely David is proud of his heritage, has a strong belief system, and loves where he lives but wants to hide his relationship with Shane. But Shane’s need to leave the rez is absolute, going to school in Toronto, with David by his side. But can Shane make his future happen? I could not put this book down; teens will be reading, sharing, and loving this emotional, gripping book! A must read, highly recommended! #Firesong #NetGalley

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Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands #3) by Alwyn Hamilton

Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Amani's development throughout the series; but Book 3, for me, saw her really selfless-caring and torn up about so many of her decisions, losing friends (and family) in the fighting, and her growing love for Jin, which she keeps subverting because she must get Ahmed on the throne--- and the awful, twisted Sultan off the throne (oh is he one character I have hated- he has done so much harm to his family, his subjects, really to anyone!!!) like yesterday. There was so much suffering in this third book, but I saw so much cooperation among Amani and her compadres (but Amani still keeps too many secrets...) I could not stop turning the pages, this is definitely one of my favorite series! I loved how Amani loved the desert, how Tamid loved his home enough to return to it, Amani meeting her brother Noorsham again, ghouls, Djinni and magic, Leyla the back stabbing daughter of the Sultan, and always the question, who will survive the rebellion. There were many stories about Amani, the princes, etc., will these stories survive or will they become legend in the telling?

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The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials 2) by Philip Pullman

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook and author Philip Pullman does a masterful job as well as a full cast for the many characters in this saga and series. In this book, Lyra meets Will and another story line evolves but Will also becomes someone just as important to Lyra as Lee Scoresby, witch Serefina Pekkala, and physicist, Mary Malone. Will is searching for his father Commander Parry, and shows Lyra how to travel between worlds. There was much world building; specters, mean children, horrible Mrs. Coulter and her daemon continue to terrorize. I have a question, at the end of The Golden Compass, Lord Azriel reveals himself (to me at least) as just as awful a person as Mrs. Coulter when he takes Roger and splits him from his daemon (just as Mrs. Coulter is doing with the Gobblers) so why is Lord Azriel being held up as a man people want to help?!? I really did like the growing, fractious friendship of Lyra and Will and so want them to strike out and do good---but I feel the forces of evil are becoming too overwhelming to all involved, yikes!

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Panic by Sharon Draper

Panic by Sharon M. Draper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a timely, jarring novel from award winning Novelist, Sharon Draper. Diamond is a dancer in a close knit, Crystal Pointe Dance Studio who is abducted from a mall (a predator dangles the lead in a movie being cast immediately) imprisoned, drugged, raped, and so many more horrors. Another side story is important as well; Layla, also in the troupe is in an abusive relationship. Draper uses convincing characters: shaken dance members, devastated family, girlfriends and boyfriends, are all authentic and realistic. The many ripped from the headlines topics are treated believably providing suspense and caution to teen readers of a world that is scarily real. A must read but not an easy one.

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Monster by Michael Grant

Monster by Michael Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved the Gone series in 2008 when it was published and gobbled all the books in this series up, my students loved this series too! Now Grant is back with a new series but tied to the FAYZ after the dome is broken and the horror that was Gaia is now contained in the rock that was TAKEN from inside the mountain and as it hurtles through the sky, where it breaks up and a whole new horror of deadly powers is unleashed (alien rock/virus is ingested!!!) in teens and adults (Shade Darby, Armo, Justin, Vincent, Drake and Peaks) but I was so glad to see Dekka return (relived her nightmares, memories of those kids at Perdido Beach, and her last 4 years as no one). I also loved Malik's steadfast love and support (even when he did not support Shade) of crazy Shade Darby and her friend, Cruz. Can't wait for Villain which will be out last quarter 2018!!!

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The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was just beginning my time as a librarian (1996) and Oh did I love this series with Lyra and Pantalaimon as Lyra's dæmon (they are bound to each other in her world)!!! Now listening to Philip Pullman's narration (with a cast of characters to help with the many voices) it was just so lush, divine, and exciting to listen as I drove to West Chester to watch my grandchildren. Pullman's voice was melodious, awesome & frightful. I loved the interplay of good characters ( Iorek Byrnison, Iofur Raknison, Lee Scoresby, Roger Parslow, Serafina Pekkala) and the evil characters (Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel). Lyra's & her daemon's voice were perfect and the adventures took her to many places, taught her how to lie, be a spy and further cemented that she was a very special child indeed with a legacy she must forge. If you like witches, magic, fantasies, series, this book begins and awesome series you can't put down (but sometimes the horror made me want to!!!) you must read how little Lyra rises to the challenge England and beyond!

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Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein by Jennifer Roy

Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein by Jennifer Roy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jennifer Roy's collaborative voice captured Ali Fadhil's life in Iraq with his two brothers and sister, mother and father during Operation Desert Storm. Through Ali's eyes the reader sees what life was like right before Iraq was bombed in 1991 during Saddam Hussein's reign of terror. Roy realistically shows the effects on families during war time due to rationing, executions, bomb shelter living, and the importance of video games and comics in a youngster's life. An honest, realistic portrayal of life during war from a child's point of view; a must read for middle school students.

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The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton

The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Tor Books for the advance reader copy Winner Take All by Laurie Devore in exchange for an honest review. I did not realize I received only an excerpt, because that definitely doesn’t help in an “overall review”. All of a sudden the book ended and I was “WHAT!!!” So I will give a short review of what I did read. I loved the SciFi/Fantasy element, the world building, but the many hints at what happened in the past and Ban’s secret spying ideas left me wondering about too much. I will definitely be reading this book when it comes out because I did like Ban, Aefa, Kayo as characters that were authentic. I did not Elia’s character (as much as was in the excerpt) she is so idealized by Ban, that I truly wanted to like her character and Elia had a wonderful childhood with (Ban) but she is conflicted and can’t make decisions since after her mother’s death, Elia decides to side with her father (what does she see in him???), stop practicing earth magic and using the language of trees. This results in her sisters’ animosity towards her and isolates her, thankfully Aefa is always trying to fins ways to help Elia. I so appreciated the magic-rich nature world of Ban, Gratton’s language was heady and beautiful as Ban would commune with the trees, animals, and water. There was so much good vs evil, magic vs no magic that I loved turning the pages to revel more in the fantasy of this world of kingdoms, kings, queens, lords and ladies.

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