The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spoilers will be in this review! I loved this book so much, as always with any V.E. Schwab book, this book was compulsive reading, and courageous in plot, theme and characters! Addie LaRue is a favorite character for me; she was strong yet vulnerable, passionate about music and art, determined to live life (learning languages and also more about her curse as time dragged on) while being doomed to never being remembered by anyone. What disappointed me about Addie was learning late in the book about her sexual relations with Luc. I thought Addie and I were on the same page with our hatred of Luc and his despicability. It bothered me to learn this after her relationship with Henry was threatened. I guess if I want to give her a pass I have to understand just how lonely she was all those years and she gave in to her insecurity and Luc's abusive dominance- because let's face it---he is the god of darkness and one she should have never made her bargain with...
There was so much beauty in the places Addie travels to throughout her life, even if she can't thrive always looking for lodging, food, money, books, etc I loved Schwab's worldbuilding and her characters---one of my favorites was Estele and her oneness with nature. I loved Henry and his band of friends.
I will be thinking about this awesome, compelling book---Addie and Henry and Luc (him unfortunately) for a long long time--highly recommended!

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The Cold Nowhere (Jonathan Stride, #6) by Brian Freeman

The Cold Nowhere by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh do I love this series! Jonathan Stride, Maggie Bei, and Serena (I love Jonathan and Serena together) and this detective thriller also introduced Cat, a street kid who is running from someone who is stalking her and she has no idea why. She shows up at Stride's house because her mother was one of his cases years ago and told Cat she could always trust him. The psychological twists and turns had me turning those pages; I just love this series so much. There are usually cases that overlap, and this is how Serena enters Jonathan's life again; fingers crossed! On to the 7th book; Freeman really know how to write mysteries and delves authentically into Jonathan, Maggie and Serena's lives as police officers as fragile, tough, and relentless in their duties. A must read!

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Captivated By Love (Grangers, Book 4) by Brenda Jackson

Captivated by Love by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 4th book in The Grangers series; Shep is out of prison enjoying his life and wife and I totally loved this series!!! I highly recommend any Brenda Jackson series if you love romance, chemistry and family ties!

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With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved Author Elizabeth Acevedo's narration & story of The Fire on High, I grew up in Philly and now live in a suburb close to Philadelphia. I loved Emani, her story, her love of cooking & everything Philly. All librarians need to get this book in their libraries!!! Teens will love teen mom, Emani and her struggles within herself, with her family, and in school. I savored her love of cooking (the title of this book is just perfect), how she describes over and over her love for her daughter, grandmother, Philadelphia, and her friends. This book should be in all high schools; the themes are so important, the characters find strength despite their daily circumstances in urban neighborhoods, and I just wanted to eat all the food Emani cooked, discussed, and made in Spain. A must read; loved this book!!! Thank you so much for this ode to Philly I will be recommending it to all my friends.

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There's Something About Sweetie (Dimple & Rishi #2) by Sandhya Menon

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG did I love this funny, dynamic female protagonist, and troubled male diverse read! I loved Sandya Menon's voice- she really delves into what Sweetie feels each time her mother torches her with her "fat" comments, how she will be humiliated if she eats or wears something her mother thinks is off limits for a girl Sweetie's size. I loved Sweetie's resolve and her Sweetie project- she is proud, honest, and compelled to move forward (even as she is devastated by her mom's rejection and her Dad's non-support. The characters, teens and parents in this very diverse story, are real, supportive of Sweetie and continue the Dimple & Rishi series. What I really enjoyed was the slow, wonderful way Sweetie dazzled Ashish, changing him into a better person just by accepting him, talking honestly to him, and understanding his qualms about his previous breakup. I loved the unwavering support of her friends, and how Sweetie and Ashish's friends propel the story through their personal interests and involvement in sports. This ia a must read and now I MUST read As Kismet Would Have it (a Dimple & Rishi novella!

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The Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies #4) by Pittacus Lore

The Fall of Five by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The drama continues in this audiobook as the Garde is together in #9's Chicago penthouse. Ten and John are plagued by nightmares invaded by and of Setrákus Ra with lies and prophecies. They also find Number 5 and he does not really fit with John Smith and company. So glad to be listening to this series!!!

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The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book, the characters Clarice and Brandon and their sleuthing adventures as they struggle to solve the Parker Inheritance. The chapters shift between present day and the past where Clarice's grandmother tried singlehandedly to solve the Parker Inheritance mystery and loses her job as city controller. The book deals with the issues of racial discrimination, what is family and friendship, using puzzles to solve mysteries and right historical injustices. Elizabeth Bird's review from SLJ says it all; "The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson is a fun, casual middle grade puzzler that was, at the same time, socially conscious regarding the topic of race in America, with a clear, keen sense of how the past affects the present in every way. Come for the puzzle, then. Stay for the biting glimpse of America’s intolerant past." Varian Johnson's book is a sure fire winner and one that adults and young adults MUST read. Highly recommended!

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East by Edith Pattou

East by Edith Pattou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! Did I love this book---while I did not get to read it as a high school librarian----I follow Jennifer Hubert's Reading Rants and her review of East and her high recommendation to read the latest in the series, West--had me reading, enthralled and in love with Edith Pattou's worldbuilding, touched by strong characters Rose and the White Bear, Neddy, and Father and cheering for Rose to find her white bear. I could not stop reading, Pattou held me captive with her writing and like Beauty and the Beast fairytale---the theme of good over evil and true love. Each time Rose mentions the sadness and pain in the bear's eyes I wanted to cry...so poignant! Rose's empathy, her strength of character, and good will have many who help her in her quest. I have the next book, West, on hold at the library and can't wait to read it. Highly recommended!

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24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling

24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to #BookJunkies for giving me the privilege of reading Dusti Bowling's second awesome middle grade novel that will tug at your heart and make you laugh and cry. I will not soon forget what Bo, the bully, does to all the kids in the town of Nowhere. It was palpable the fear Gus, Rossi, and Jessie felt whether Bo was there or not. He took sick, awful behavior to a whole new level. Kids will love Gus and his friends, their adventures, their heart, and their will to survive. The setting of Nowhere was so vivid---dry desert, horribly hot, and a dead-end for most of those living there. But the mystery of the mine, the search for gold, and helping Rossi get her motor bike back begins to forge a special kind of friendship between these kids and I just kept rooting for them to succeed. Their pluck, resilience, and empathy will resonate with all kinds of readers. Highly recommended!

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Favorite 2018 Adult Books

In no apparent order:
 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2630469414

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2507851377

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2359536371

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2439131568

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2372737809

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2167965716

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2266555240

Favorite 2018 Middle School Books

In no apparent order; Middle School books published in 2018, I read and loved and Highly Recommend:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2573454967

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2570429340

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2481104661

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2479489269

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2539873674

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2527192806

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2339410673

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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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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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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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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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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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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