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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Down Time (I Hunt Killers #0.1) by Barry Lyga

Down Time by Barry Lyga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this I Hunt Killers prequel!!! Billy Dent, the serial killer is mesmerizing as he discusses his life, his son, Jasper and in this prequel - how he shows the world outside Bill - normal and taking a vacation. Reading this reminds me how much I loved this series and want to revisit Jasper - definitely not Billy. A great teaser, Lyga is the best when it comes to describing serial killer crazy and demented!

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I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena

I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Matt de la Pena and was honored to see him speak at the Ocean City (NJ) Library this August where I purchased this book. I have read MOST of his books & love him and his books, his writing, and hearing him speak; I am in awe. I Will Save You was a tough book; it begins with Kidd seeing his best friend, Devon kissing Kidd's love interest, Olivia and losing it---pushing Devon down a cliff and maybe killing him? Kidd has had an awful life; a father who beat Kidd and his mother, but there have been happy moments, too. Kidd's mother sits him down at age 10 and tells him about his father's mental illness and reveals he will probably suffer from this disorder too. Kidd has so much trauma he deals with (he wants to be normal and happy); he is at Horizon's Group Home after he loses both parents. He has a best friend, Devon, who is evil- he constantly talks down to Kidd; berates him about everything (girls, boys, his parents) but he is also his one and only friend. then Kidd runs away before he is finished his therapy to a campground where he gets a sanitation job with Mr. Red, who is really kind to Kidd. My heart broke for Kidd; I wish I had known sooner about his severe health problems---this will be a book I will happily go back and read again---now knowing the whole back story. Tragic, yet hopeful, and highly recommended.

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The Agony House by Cherie Priest

The Agony House by Cherie Priest
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I loved Cherie Priest's book, I Am Princess X, The Agony House was such a great read-part horror, part mystery, containing graphic novel portions and blue font for texting each other and hearing what the ghosts have to say. Denise, her mom and stepdad, have returned to New Orleans after fleeing during Katrina (losing her father and grandmother) and move into a haunted house Denise renames as Agony House. I just loved the fear Priest writes into this story and the characters. Denise makes new friends who school her in what it is like to still be a native in New Orleans, and Denise's observations of the many shortcomings of this home and their venture to make it a bed n breakfast, endows the reader with the "real" situation of what Denise has walked into - as she explores, listens to the stories about ghosts, and unearths a comic with a kick ass female heroine---readers will not be able to stop turning the pages. I loved the comic book - Lucida Might Denise finds and as it raises lots of questions, Denise and her friends search for clues, answers, anything to explain why this house has become hazardous---is someone trying to scare them away, tell them something? Teens will love the blending of novel and comics, Priest is the queen of this format, I want more!!!

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The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Choksi

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the advance reader copy The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, Roshani Chokshi held me captive with her drama and taut suspense as she worthily worldbuilds France in 1889 as well as the science, math, magic, and mythology in this sweeping tale of chasing one’s birthright, stealing treasures, and keeping close to those you love/work with. Not only is the plot full of intrigue, tension, and drama, the characters are strong and believable. I could not stop turning the pages. Severin, Tristan, Laila, Enrique, and Sofia work well together with their different abilities but they also have secrets too ---I am not a fan of Hypnos and think there is more we will learn about him. Toward the end, I was put off by Severin in his treatment (separately) of Tristan and Laila. I was not fond of the ending either and that said, the readers deserve MORE redemption, closure, hope, and happiness and less horror, heartbreak, and evil in Book 2, please.

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Us Against You (Beartown #2) by Frederik Backman

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marin Ireland's awesome narration of this 2nd in the Beartown series was compelling, taut, and noteworthy. This book picks up where Beartown left off, talks about a particular time period afterword but also gives glimpses of the past with new and old characters. I did not particularly like Backman's constant repetition throughout...mostly about human failings, what ifs, and the constant microcosm of politics, people, and harsh realities. If you liked the first one, youwill certainly enjoy this book- there are so many rich characters, lots of plot twists, and a small town damn proud of hockey, their factory and hospital.

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Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book since I read it when it came out & now there will be a #2jennsbookclub chat Thursday 11/8 at 8PM EDT- join us for a great book discussion. I really liked the narration of Soneela Nankani - she got Maya's insecurities, her parents' with their restrictive suffocation, and best friend Violet, crush Phil, and awesome Aunt Hina. A must read, ripped from the headlines novel dealing with racism, hatred, terrorism, and smothering family expectations.

This debut novel by Samira Ahmed is one all teens need to read- not only does it cover love, longing, restrictive parents, Islamophobia, and bullying but Maya's life rings true as the only Indian and Muslim in her school, parents who came to America but have not really progressed as Americans-they are successful without being devout, and are suffocating in their love and expectations for their only child. Thank god Maya has a close friend in Violet, a job she loves at a book store and her trusty camcorder which helps Maya see the world as a worthy documentary to be filmed, cataloged and kept for posterity. As a senior, Maya has not told her parents she wants to go to film school yet has applied and been accepted to NYU. Maya has been crushing on Phil since 7th grade and with his break-up maybe Maya will have a chance now. I really liked Phil, Violet, and Maya's aunt, Hina ( a successful graphic designer, has not married and so so supportive of Maya) and the positive changes and strength Maya garners when there is a hate crime perpetrated close to home, make this a must read for teens. Highly recommended.

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Odd One Out by Nic Stone

Odd One Out by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What did I like about this book??? Everything---characters Courtney/Cooper (best friend & in love with Jupiter for 11 years) Jupiter (proudly gay, best friend to Courtney & interested in new girl) Rae is the new girl (afraid she will have no friends in a new school but gets Jupiter to acknowledge with words and actions as a new likable part of her personality) and is besties (interested in) with Cooper & Jupiter. Nic Stone hit another homerun with this must read book about teens, labels, friendships, romance, and love. I could not put it down, loved all their voices, insecurities, yearnings, and rants. Even Cooper's basketball & cheer friends, his mom, Jupiter's dads, and Rae's dad were real authentic characters, friends, and interested but not overdone family members. Teens will most certainly be interested in ALL that this relatable books covers; highly recommended!

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Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I just loved this graphic novel & memoir as the author describes his life being raised by his grandparents, never seeing his mother and never knowing his father---sounds bleak doesn't it? Add the argumentative, harsh grandparents and life must be pretty tough for Jarrett---but it isn't ---this memoir is a love song to his devoted grandparents who raised him with love, support, and deep pride. When Jarrett is given art lessons as a gift by his grandparents---he wants to make them proud too. This book is heartbreaking but it is also uplifting---Jarrett has a loving family without his mother (he misses her desperately as a child) ---he has cousins, aunts and uncles. As he grows up---he is told more about his mother (she is a drug addict and in jail---but she loves him deeply) and later in the book, meets his father and 1/2 sister and brother and builds and adds to his meaning of family. I especially loved the Author's Note---it made me cry (a happy cry) because Jarrett has learned through his wife, therapy, his children and the backdrop of his loving grandparents how necessary a stable family is for love, laughter and memories. A raw, honest must read YA readers will identify with, talk about and pass around to their friends!

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The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings, #2) by Mackenzi Lee

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moira Quirk's narration of Mackenzi Lee's 2nd book in the Montague Siblings was beyond enjoyable, awesome, and mesmerizing. I just could not stop listening to prickly Felicity, fiercely funny Monty, sweet Percy, best friend Johanna, and pirate Sym as they confront and confound the morals and sexism in 18th century Europe. The continuing deep abiding love between Percy and Monty made my heart glad while Felicity always fights to become a doctor, be visible in the world as a woman, and carve a place for herself in the world. Author Lee uses humor, adventure, and the marvel of little known sea dragons to reconnect Sim, Joanna and Felicity as strong women and strong friends. A must read!

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Tradition by Brendan Kiely

Tradition by Brendan Kiely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a good book, compelling read because even though it takes place at a private academy; the issues are in all high schools, whether public, private or parochial. Told from two points of view - Jules is the female protagonist who intimately familiar with the "traditions" taking place at Fullbrook Academy (and she is not going to take it anymore - thus earning her the "crazy" label and pretty friendless. Jamie is the male protagonist who is a new senior, had problems back home, and just wants to do the right thing. The only problem with both scenarios is the honest, real way Kiely writes about the school, the students, and the faculty. Timely issues being explored are sexism, rape, privilege, social class, and bullying. I loved Jules and Jamie and I ached for them and rooted for them. A must read for all teens, highly recommended!

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