Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a five star book for me. I am in love with this story and Laini Taylor has captured my heart. Karou is a unique human with blue hair. No it is not dyed, but she was born this way. She is a young artist in Prague with hilarious friends who finds a mysterious man following her. No, it is not her strange acting vampire ex-boyfriend, but an angel. Who is he and what does he want?

Karou also has a strange second life where she had family that are beasts. These beasts are wonderful and caring to Karou and many times she is asked to adventure into the world to collect teeth for them. She never questions the reasons for these requests because she loves them unconditionally. This is the only family she knows. Until a catastrophic event changes Karou's life and her family is lost. She cannot find them or enter their world. She is all alone and the only one who can help her is the mysterious angel, Akiva, who shows up on her doorstep. This is the beginning of their love affair.

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Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This middle book kept me enthused and interested. I am loving the story of Karou and Akiva. Their love is epic and strong, but she feels betrayed by him. Did he kill her family? As the story unfolds, Karou learns of her other life and how her family saved her from the evils of Akiva's father. She grapples with the fact that she needs to save the people she only just found about about; her true people. The journey she and her friends embark is full suspense and adventure with a bit of humor. Laini Taylor has continued to capture my attention and crave for more. Bring on the next one!

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Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, I will say that this was a long third book. I truly enjoyed the first two stoies, but struggled with this one. I am not sure if I should have waited between each book to enjoy the books more, but I could not wait to finish. In this final installment, war was inevitable. Who would win? Would die or remain? There were a few tricks up the author's sleeve, but the ending was very typical. I would still recommend this series especially since I like the premise of the story, but I may advise a short break between each book. Reading, or in my case listening, to all three books straight through cauldron drag the story and by the third one, you may not want to finish it.

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Is it another Hunger Games?

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is it another Hunger Games?

The Testing, at first glance, could be considered a Hunger Games wanna-be, but I believe the message is quite different. Cia Vale is chosen along with three other candidates of the Five Lakes Region to participate in the testing. Once the candidate successfully complete the four parts of the test, they are chosen to study at the University and become a United Commonwealth Leader. Similar to Katniss and Peeta, these candidates must perform to survive the test, but that is as far as the similarities go. The first three parts of the test symbolizes what any student would encounter for an entrance to a prestigious school with written exams, hands on applications, and group collaboration. However, these tests are a step above, because if they are not careful, someone may die. The fourth test is based on survival where the candidates are placed many miles from the Tosu City, and with limited supplies, they must transverse the scarred nuclear-destroyed terrain and hollowed cities back to the original testing site.

Cia is a intelligent empathetic person who values family, friends and life. Trust in herself and others is challenged and brings doubt to her abilities and values engrained in her being by her loving parents and four brothers. She begins to doubt the leadership of the Commonwealth. She states "...I may not want to be a Leader if my country values murder over compassion." Trust is the overlying theme of this story. She questions love, friendship and leadership; eventually herself.

The story is a quick read with excitement around every corner. As Cia and friends move though the test, I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what may happen. The writing is simple and clearly describes the setting. I especially enjoyed the secondary characters with questionable motives who may be brought to the surface in the next book. Luckily we only have to wait until the fall! If you enjoy action and adventure dystopian novels, than I would recommend this one. It will definitely go on my library shelf.

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Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And the suspense continues. I actually enjoyed this book over the first. Although it was the typical middle book, I found the suspense nail-biting and a touch more romance. This is a good mixture for me. I am looking forward to reading Graduation which comes out in June 2014. Thanks Edelweiss.

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Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Exciting ending to a good dystopian series. I enjoyed these books with nail-biting suspense and courageous characters. If you like YA dystopian fiction similar to Divergent and Hunger Games, this is a series for you. All three books draw you into the experiences of Cia and her friends as they embark on heroic situations that challenge their abilities and question their rights as a human.

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Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Actual rating 3.5

Jennifer Donnelly has set the stage for a fantastical heroine's journey through the mystical life of mermaids. This is my first book about mermaids, so I was a bit puzzled by the unique names for people, places, and objects, but as the story unfolds, I dove into the adventurous tale. In fact, I could stop reading it. Will we find out who Mr. Blue is and will he surface in Serafina's story? Will they find the talismans and kill Abbaldon? Will each of the merls share the same fate as their ancestors? I am looking forward to the stories of each of the special mermaids that will save their world. Hopefully I will not wait to long for the adventure to begin.

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Defy by Sara B. Larson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Defy is definitely a love story wrapped up with adventure, love triangles, and sorcery. At first, I thought the plot would follow a similar storyline as Mulan with a strong willed heroine who must pretend to be a boy to protect herself. However, as the story unfolds I began to realize that like Mulan the author wanted Alexa/Alex to be a person with integrity, courage and strength who is willing to fight for her Prince as well as love him, but she wanted the reader to know that Damian and Rylan are willing to support Alexa and her secret. Although Alexa's story is typical to a romance with two suitors, one a friend and one a potential enemy, I found myself drawn to the characters. I wanted to learn more of Damian's secrets and how she fits into his plans to relinquish his country from his evil father, King Herrod. In the end, I find myself wanting to learn more about these characters and the obstacles they must overcome to find themselves and rebuild their broken country. I am looking forward to part two and I hope Net Galley will bless me with a chance to review it as they have with this title. Thank you.

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Mafia and Suspense

Sempre by J.M. Darhower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must say this was a great book! Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read it.

Haven was brought into this world under circumstances that are beyond many of our understandings. Carmine has many advantages in life, but due horrible events he can only feel anger and resentment. Sempre is a story of forgiveness and love where these two destined soles learn to overcome their fears and fight their demons to find love. It is also a story where lost love can be found and forgiven. As these teenager's find comfort, love and compassion in each other, the Mafia world Carmine's family is involved in comes crashing down around them. Each character is enslaved by the code of honor which binds the Mafia brotherhood as events lead to secrets exposed and lives are threatened.

As a librarian, I would love to recommend this book to my students, but with reservations. Although I know vulgar language is part of my student's lives, but there are times where I want their book choices to rise above this form of disrespect. This being said, Carmine's choice words throughout the book are at times needed and reflect his emotions or expressions bordering on humorous.

My other concern is for the sexual content. The author uses these scenes to express the emotions and raw desires Haven and Carmine have for each other and I believe these scenes are well written. However, I do need to explain to my students that a certain level of maturity comes with choosing this book and to respect the message rather than treating it inappropriately.

As I have done with other books which border on the New Adult versus the Young Adult genres, I will carefully recommend this title to students who may be interested as well as explain my reservations.

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Update: The second book int the series was published in December 2013. It' scaled Sempre: Redemption and the review will be soon to follow May 26, 2014 at 4:11 PM

Romeo & Juliet Remake?

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prince of shadows
Edelweiss

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been read by many including myself, thirty years ago. The Prince of shadows mirrors this epic love story though the eyes of Benvolio, Romeo's cousin. Although the author follows the events of Shakespeare's tale, Benvolio's retelling is a unique storyline which brings more mystery, action, sorcery, and love to the story. The author has done exception work in bringing forth direct events and quotes from the original piece, but adds more to the characters. The development of Mercutio's love and loss of the young boy Tomasso brings the story to a new level as well as the hidden romance between Rosaline and Bevolio. Of course, the camaraderie between the brother-like men of Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio strengthens the story which Shakepeare could not have brought forth in his works. This story is not only about the love between Romeo and Juliet, but about love and hatred between two families, and how revenge can turn their lost blood to peace and friendship.

I highly recommend this book and thank Edelweiss for allowing me to read it.

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Ink by Amanda Sun
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the death of her mother, Katie Green moves to Japan to live with her Aunt Diane. Although learning the Japanese customs and language was difficult for her at first, Katie began to make friends, especially Yuu Tomohirso. She first met him briefly while curiously watching him break up with his ex-girlfriend. As she tried to sneak out of the room, Katie picked up a crumpled paper Yuu threw on the ground which had a drawing of a young pregnant girl. Interesting, the ink drawing moved on the paper and the young girl looked up at Katie. As Katie struggled with her curiosity she began to follow Yuu to a deserted park to watch him draw. Eventually, Yuu invited Katie to sit with him and a friendship began. As this relationship bloomed and secrets shared, they began to realize the special bond between them; putting them both in danger. Katie must decide if staying in Japan to face this danger is worth her love and friendship for Yuu or to run to safety in Canada with her grandparents.

As I read this story, I felt I was reading a manga. Most manga has a twisted triangle with a touch of action and humor. However, with the animation of Yuu's drawings, having this in illustrated form may have been difficult. I liked how I could get more of the story with the use of words and imagery rather than pictures. Besides learning the Japanese language creatively used throughout the book and their customs, I was able to learn of folklore I have never read about. Although the story is typical to the young adult genre with a love story and a possible triangle, the unique fantasy theme and Japanese storyline makes this novel unique. I would purchase this for my high school library and to recommend it to the students who love manga.

Thank you Net Galley

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Update: the second book in the series is being published in June 2014. The title is called Rain. Review is forthcoming.

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The goodreads book description says...

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

I grabbed this book because the main character is male. I wanted a change. Even though my shelves are filled with heroines who change their world.The False Prince is now on my top ten list for great YA books. Jennifer Nielsen grabs your attention with mystery and adventure surrounded by three boys. Each characters have qualities that you believe will make a great king, but you can't help to wonder who is the false king and who is the true king.

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The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The orphan has found his family. The boy has become a man. A Prince has become a King. The Runaway King is the second book in the False Prince series by Jennifer Nielson. In the first installment, the male protagonist, Sage, an orphan and thief is bought by a Noble to join other boys his age and learn how to become a Prince. With many obstacles and lies, Sage finds truth and friendship leading him to the throne of his ancestors becoming King Jaron.

The Runaway King is the continuation of Jaron's story and his journey to becoming a friend, man, and a King. King Jaron must look beyond his advisors to find a traitor who would send his former friend and now greatest enemy, Roden to assassinate him. This quest for truth leads the reader through a tale filled with adventure, pirates, thieves, sword fights, and friendship. Not only does Jaron learn what he is capable of to fight for the country he loves, he learns to see his friends beyond his enemies.

I enjoyed this story as much as the first and I am looking forward to the nest and final adventure. As I read I enjoyed Jaron's quick wit and barborous comments; at times I would even giggle. The characters have depth and I find myself looking rooting for certain battles to be won or romances to start. Jennifer Nielson has captured my heart with these stories and I would recommend them to any of my students, friends and family.

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The Shadow Throne

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Through laughter, tears, and sitting on the edge of my seat excitement, King Jaron and his crew captivated me. I truly enjoyed reading and getting to know these characters and found myself wanting to never put the books down. As a librarian, I plan to recommend this series for many years to come. This was an exciting series for both male and female readers who love lots of adventure, betrayal, witty dialogue, and a pinch of romance in a story. This is a winner. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read all three ARC books.

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