The American Heiress

by Daisy Goodwin

What an exciting tale of an American high-society "princess" and her ties to the English Duke of Wareham.  During the 1890's this was not uncommon, but fascinating nonetheless.  The first few chapters were a little slow, but I was soon enveloped in the spacious rooms, over-the-top clothing, and speculative scandals.  Great book!

****

Clockwork Prince

by Cassandra Claire

Book two in "The Infernal Devices" series.  I was so excited to see how this tied into "The Immortal Instruments" series...I guess I'll have to wait and see after another book.  Well written, exciting, quick, and captivating.  I want to be a Shadowhunter myself :)

Clockwork Angel

by Cassandra Claire

This is the first book in the series "The Infernal Devices"; prequel to "The Mortal Instruments" series.  I absolutely loved the initial series.  And, I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed in Clockwork Angel.  New characters, familiar situations, but still new enough not to feel repetitive.  Excited to begin the next book!

***

Cinder and Ella

by Melissa Lemon

If you like fairy tales this one is a fun one.  Not really a traditional fairy tale, but gives an explanation as to who Cinderella might have been.  Cute and fun; a little dark, but nothing scary.  Ages 12+ (there's a little kissing).

***

Too Stubborn to Die

by Cato Jaramillo

This is the tale of a Holocaust survivor, in her own words.  Cato shares her story of pain, sorrow, sadness, horror, and peace.  It isn't necessarily a book of joy, but there's truly inspiration to find the best in the worst of situations and to be true to yourself no matter what.  It was a quick read; I was sucked in immediately.  Definitely recommend for anyone who needs a boost in a non-sappy, painfully realistic way.  There's a little language, implications of graphic abuse, and thorough descriptions of death...just be prepared, especially if a young person reads this - may be best to discuss throughout.

****

Diva

by Jillian Larkin

This third book in the Flappers series was released earlier this year...I've been waiting!  Prohibition is becoming sort of an obsession with me when it comes to historical periods.  I love the drama, romance, even the violence that was so prevalent then.  This book has it all:  romance, intrigue, laughter, sadness, music, drama, and violence.  What a great ending to the series!!

****

Ingenue

by Jillian Larkin

I have been waiting to read this book for a while now.  It is the second in the Flappers series.  I love the format that's used.  Each character's viewpoint is a chapter, similar to a soap opera.  All the storylines intertwine and relate, eventually coming together in the end.  Fun book!  Set during Prohibition-era New York/Chicago, young people make their way in life.

****

The Witches of Santa Anna (Books 1-7)

by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine

So, as I got into this series, I realized it's like a teen soap opera. Lots of high school drama, lots of catty girls, and lots of boys. In spite of that fact, I quite enjoyed it. I wouldn't say I loved it, but I'll probably read the next "season". It's a quick read. Light, exciting, interesting, and fun!

***

Frost Moon

by Anthony Francis

An interesting book with werewolves, vampires, other paranormal characters. The main character is not just a tattoo artist; she is a magical tattoo artist. It makes for a variety of characters and a liberal value-set. There was a lot of swearing - f-words - and sexual innuendo/tension, so I'd say it's more adult-appropriate. Not the best I've ever read, but still a fun premise. It's the first in the Skindancer series. Next book is, "Blood Rock". I might give it a go...

***

Drowning Ruth

by Christina Schwarz

Ok. This is a book from Oprah's booklist. Having said that, I personally don't put a lot of credibility in Oprah's choice in books. So. I was talking to a friend and found a great way to describe this book: Not entertaining, but worthwhile. It is written for adults (no language, but a little disturbing). I found this story to be an interesting comment on society's acceptance of mental illness years ago and the changes in treatment from the 1930's to present. If this story had taken place in more recent years, it would have been a completely different story.

I can't say I liked it, but I didn't dislike it either. I found it disturbing and emotionally draining. When I closed the book, I was...relieved. If you like a heavy storyline, with depth and emotion, this is a great book! It was complicated, but well-written.

***

Armageddon Summer

by Jane Yolen & Bruce Coville

I read a few of Yolen's books and always found them to be interesting, but borderline boring. I expected the same with this book. While it wasn't "high adventure" or full of twists and turn, it was worth finishing. The end made the book worth reading. I realized that no matter what life throws at you (or you bring upon yourself), you can endure, recover, and go on. And, be a better person for it. A great tale of two young people caught up in a religious fervor. Great for 12+

The Outsider: A Novel

by Ann H. Gabhart

I guess I needed something to make me do a little soul-searching, because that's what I got out of this book. Unintended, of course. As Sister Gabrielle enjoyed her life as a Shaker, she soon found herself questioning the very foundation of her religion. This gave me the opportunity to ponder a few things, as well. I absolutely enjoyed this book. I found it frustrating that it didn't follow my expectation in storyline, but I was enthralled, nonetheless. Great for young adults or older children, as well.

****

Extras

by Scott Westerfeld

Fourth book in the trilogy (?). liked the idea of an add-on; like the point-of-view. Forgot how the twists were so crazy. Still liked it!

Specials

by Scott Westerfeld

The last in the trilogy...love it, mostly. I don't like the ending...ugh. Everything else is great!

Pretties

by Scott Westerfeld

Read it, loved it. Read it again, loved it again!

Uglies

by Scott Westerfeld

Impressive. Young girl excited to become "Pretty" on her 16th birthday finds out about another option...plot twists, unexpected turns, great story! Futuristic earth, makes the reader a little more aware of our wasteful society. Great for a 12+age reader.

****