The Diviners- November 30

Grade: A

FANTASTIC! Yep, we said it, at the beginning of our review! The Diviners by Libba Bray packs a paranormal, murder mystery into an historical fiction, set in the 1920's. That's right- flappers, Harlem, Ziegfeld girls, speak-easys... pure heaven.

Evie O'Neill just wants to be a flapper. Unfortunately, Evie's partying ways land her in a bit of hot water and her parents ship her off to her uncle in New York. Of course this is the perfect punishment for a young lady who would rather spend time in the big city trying to become famous for being pos-i-toot-ly fabulous. But when her uncle is called in to help solve a vicious crime, Evie discovers her hidden talent. She is a diviner- someone who can glean information just from touching objects. However, touching the shoe of a dead girl is never a good idea, especially when the killer can see you! In order to stop a series of ritualistic murders from continuing, Evie must embrace her divining and find others like her to help. If they fail, a serial killer will return from the dead and begin terrorizing the city.

Now keep two things in mind as you read this one: 1) There will be another book, but the story of the killer is wrapped up in this one. 2) The story is broken up by chapters that describe the time period and setting. Some readers may find these historical parts boring, but they help explain why the characters act and react towards each other in specific ways. Don't miss out on this one. We fully expect to see it on numerous best book award lists. If our review didn't convince you to run to the shelf and immediately check this one out, take a look at the book trailer online.

Next Up- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, Dec. 7th

Ironskin- November 23

Grade: B

It's quite trendy now to re-imagine the classics. We've been pleasantly surprised by some and confused by others, but in the case of Ironskin by Tina Connolly, we think Jane Eyre has become quite interesting.

The Great War, which pitted humans against Fey, lasted five years and claimed many victims. It destroyed cities and scarred survivors. Some so badly, that they must wear iron guards to shield others from the Fey curses embedded in their skin. Jane Eliot, after surviving an attack on her family, must wear an iron mask that covers most of her face. Her curse is rage and if it leaks beyond her mask, it can greatly harm innocent by-standers. Seeking to aid others like her, Jane answers an advertisement for a governess believing that she will be teaching another Fey victim. However, after meeting Dorie (her new pupil) and Edward Rochart (Dorie's father), Jane begins to see that there may be more than just a Fey curse to contend with; not to mention her unexpected attraction to Edward. As the secrets begin to unravel, Jane must also face the truth behind her own mask.

A little Steampunk, a little Fey, and some interesting twists make this one of the better Jane Eyre type stories. We aren't generally fond of the Fey world, but it works here and it isn't so heavily overdone. Ironskin is the first in the trilogy.

Next Up: The Diviners by Libba Bray- Nov. 30th

Rebel Heart- November 16

 

Grade: B

Rebel Heart is the sequel to Blood Red Road which is part of the Dust Lands trilogy. We mention this for two reasons: 1) There may be spoilers in this review and 2) We think the covers are a bit confusing. See, they updated the cover for Blood Red Road before they issued the sequel and like the sequel, the title of the trilogy is the most predominant. We like the new covers, but hate that our first two books don't match.

Rebel Heart is divided chapter by chapter, in to one story line that follows Saba and the other that follows Jack. Saba, having freed her brother, Lugh from the Tonton thinks that everything from here on out will be a piece of cake. Having agreed to part ways briefly with Jack at the end of book one, Saba and her family set out for the West and a better life. Jack is returning home to deliver some bad news to a friend and has promised to meet up with Saba later. However, their journeys are fraught with growing danger from the Tonton and the misfortune of those in their way. Saba and Lugh fight. Saba goes a little bit crazy and starts seeing ghosts and having visions of the future. Jack is captured and possibly turned into a Tonton supporter. DeMalo resurfaces and manages to seduce Saba (seriously!). And Saba keeps being told that she has some mysterious power that will unite everyone against the Tonton.

We loved book one. Book two... kinda strange. In fact we started to focus on how dirty everyone probably was because they were always walking and rarely taking baths. That should not have been an attention grabber in what was supposed to be another action-packed book in the trilogy. We are willing to hope for the best with book three and we still recommend book one, Blood Red Road.

Next Up: Ironskin by Tina Connolly, Nov. 23rd

Pirate Cinema- November 9

Grade: C-

We have read several of Doctorow's YA books and appreciate how he always chooses a current technology debate for the basis of his story. If you're a fan of his, you'll want to read Pirate Cinema.

By reassembling film footage on his computer, Trent constructs new movies and essentially breaks several laws. But he's a brilliant hacker and knows how to cover his digital tracks- at least that's what he believes until the British government knocks down his door. Now, his family is cut-off from all internet access for an entire year! When your life and all that you need to accomplish during the day is web-based, not having access can destroy you. Trent, feeling bad about what he has done (or that he got caught), runs away and meets a homeless man named Jem. Trent learns all about living on the streets from Jem and discovers that quite a life can had using what has been discarded by others.

While it wasn't something we despised, it just wasn't one that we will ever want to read again. Doctorow has given us some food for thought concerning Copyright Laws and digital rights, but it was pretty heavy handed. If this is your first introduction to Doctorow, we suggest you begin with Little Brother or For the Win.

Next up- Rebel Heart by Moira Young, Nov. 16th

Shadows- November 2

Grade: C-

Have you ever read a book and thought, "less is more?" There is a fine line between gross fun and just... gross. We knew that there was a chance that Ilsa Bick would up the flesh eating action in book two- and she did. Fans of The Walking Dead will love it, but we advise you not to snack while you are reading.

When we last saw Alex, she was running for her life through a cannibal infested forest after having been dumped outside of Rule. Separated from Tom, she attempts to reunite with him and hopefully avoid getting chewed on in the process. Tom, eventually hearing that Alex is still alive, tries to free her from the "Chuckies" using his expertise in explosives. With the infected teens showing an ability to organize and fight in groups, evading capture is becoming almost impossible. Pockets of survivors are either supplying the "Chuckies" with captives or are mobilizing to take over secured areas. Basically, it's gotten MUCH WORSE for everyone.

There are two main story lines (one following Tom, the other Alex), additional characters are introduced (and eventually eaten in really disgusting ways), and the effects of the EMP are changing. Shadows ends just before the story lines all come crashing together, setting up what could be a chaotic mess in the final installment. Other on-line reviewers either love or hate this middle book, and many are declaring that they will not read book three. We haven't made up our minds yet. We do want to know how Bick is going to resolve the issue with the "Chuckies" and if Alex and Tom will live happily-ever-after. But... we don't want to have to read on an empty stomach next time.

Next up: Pirate Cinema by Cory Doctorow- Nov. 9th

Rotters- October 26

Grade: A

We had heard about Rotters by Daniel Kraus from several other librarians and we just couldn't pass up a book about a modern day grave robber. We'll let you know up front that this one is not an easy read. There are some pretty descriptive passages about what happens to a body when it is decaying and the hero goes through some really tough situations. But, we can promise you a positive ending to a well written story, filled with rich characters. We are even planning on reading his next book, Scowler, when it comes out in March 2013.

Joey Crouch just wants to go through his days playing his trumpet and avoiding the bullies, but when his mother is killed in an auto-pedestrian accident, Joey is sent to live with his estranged father. What he thinks will be a minor disruption to his Junior year, turns out to be the beginning of a life-altering journey. Joey's father, Ken Harnett, is a modern day grave robber. Joey is seen as an outsider at his new school and is relentlessly bullied by a group of students and his biology teacher. In his attempt to learn about his parents and avoid school, Joey accompanies his father on his nightly missions, and soon finds that he has been pulled into a dangerous, gruesome world.

Our hearts broke for Joey several times when reading about his trials and we found ourselves constantly cheering for his success -even when he was robbing graves. Although Rotters is not action packed, it is dramatic and a unique read that we hope you will appreciate. Fans of Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist series or the macabre in general will not be disappointed.

Next up: Shadows by Ilsa Bick- Nov. 2nd

The Immortal Rules- October 19

Grade: A

Our Titans love Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, but few have had the chance to read her new vampire series (probably because we can't keep it on the shelf). You won't find any sparkly vamps here, just some good 'ol eatin' to survive.

Allison Sekemoto lives in a world where vampires rule and humans must register as blood cattle. In order to avoid registration, Allison bands together with a small gang of other teens, who live in the Fringe. This run-down area on the edge of the vampire city, is divided by various gangs and rabids. Constantly hungry and in danger of discovery, Allison must venture outside of the "safe zone" to find food and supplies. But on one of these trips, they are attacked by rabids and Allison is left for dead. Kanin, a vampire, has stopped the attack and offers Allison a choice- die or become immortal. Choosing to live,  Allison sets out on a path to seek a cure for vampirisim and a return to the human race.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden series) is fast paced, full of action, and great characters. You'll be sad once you turn the final page and realize that this is only book 1.

Next Up: Rotters by Daniel Krause- Oct. 26th

A Monster Calls- October 12

Grade: A

Patrick Ness (Chaos Walking trilogy) continues to be one of our favorites. In A Monster Calls, Ness pays tribute to one of his favorite authors, Siobhan Dowd, who passed away before her time.

An ancient, wild monster comes for Conor at seven minutes past midnight- and it wants something. After weeks of terrible nightmares, filled with visions of losing his mother, Conor prepares for the worst. The monster strikes a bargain with Conor, he will save his mother if Conor will give him the truth. Each day Conor watches and worries as his mother becomes weaker and weaker. Each night the monster returns to show Conor a truth and asks for one in return. As Conor tries to deal with new responsibilities, grief, and loss, the monster waits.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself reaching for the kleenex as you near the end of this one. Ness has crafted a tale that shows the raw emotions of a child, trying to deal with death and knowing that there is nothing they can do to stop it. A Monster Calls packs a powerful punch into a small number of pages.

Next up: The Immortal Rules- Oct. 20th

Seraphina- October 5

Grade: A

We love those fantasy books where an entire world is created and we have time to get to know the characters before the last page. We also appreciate it when we don't have to learn an entirely new language in order to understand the story. Let's just keep it simple and we'll all enjoy the plot twisting.

Even after four decades, the relationship between the kingdom of Goredd and the dragons, hangs in the balance. Seraphina, a gifted musician, joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered and a new plot is hatched to destroy the tenuous peace treaty. Involuntarily thrown into the thick of the mystery, Seraphina is partnered with the handsome and dashing captain of the Queen's Guard, Prince Lucian Kiggs. Both have family secrets and one may end up destroying the entire kingdom if they are discovered.

Rachel Hartman has crafted a fantastic plot, involving shape-shifting dragons in an alternative- medieval world. Fans of Eragon or Lord Of The Rings, will quickly add Seraphina to their list of favorites. Our only caution with this one- read slowly, because you'll have to wait awhile for book two.

Next up: A Monster Calls- Oct. 12th

The Hunt- September 28

Grade: A

When we said that this was a cross between The Hunger Games and 30 Days of Night, we weren't kidding. Not only are we already including the sequel (The Prey) on our winter reading list, we are hoping that they make this one into a movie!

Gene, a human, lives in a world inhabited by vampires. How does he do it? He acts as though he is one of them. Every day Gene follows a strict regimen: don't sweat, don't laugh, don't draw attention to yourself, don't be seen in the sunlight, and don't ever let anyone know that you are human. Humans are considered a delicacy and these vampires don't just take your blood, they eat the meaty parts too. In an effort to boost morale, the vampires decide to hold a human "hunt." This one is really special because it will involve the last remaining humans who have been raised in a zoo-like enclosure. The hunt will be televised and hunters will be chosen by lottery. Well, it's Gene's lucky day when his number is drawn and he is chosen to becom a  hunter. With cameras following his every move, how will he ever continue to keep his true identity a secret?

This one moves fast and stops with a pretty wicked cliff-hanger. It's also not for the squeamish- remember, they eat the meaty parts. We like this rotation back to a non-sparkly vampire and we anticipate seeing more of this type throughout the year. Enjoy!

Next up: Seraphina- Oct. 5th

The Unnaturalists- September 21

Grade: C

When we initially put The Unnaturalists on the 2012 Fall Reading List, we were under the impression that we would be in for a great Steampunk read... we did not anticipate being knee-deep in fairies. We're not saying that the little pixies are a bad thing- they just aren't our thing.

Vespa Nyx works in her father's museum, cataloging Unnaturals (fairies and other magical creatures) while trying to avoid becoming a proper Victorian lady. Syrus Reed is a Tinker (changeling type) who is asked by the Manticore (magical creature of the forest) to find a witch in order to save the world from destruction. Vespa, is that witch- only she doesn't know it. At least not until her safety is threatened several times by other magical creatures. Luckily, she is always saved by the handsome Pedant Lumin, who may be an Architect (again, something magical).

The story is told in alternating chapters (one for Vespa, one for Syrus) and while that wasn't necessarily a problem, we found ourselves rushing through Syrus' to get to the Steampunk-ish parts of Vespa's. We also kept wondering if this was book 2 of some series. It just seemed like creatures and characters were presented as though we should already know them. We didn't really hate it, but we don't think we will be picking up the sequel. Give it a read if you're a fan of the Fae and let us know what you think.

Next up: The Hunt- Sept. 28th

Shadow & Bone- September 14

Grade: A-

A solid opening for a new trilogy that has Russian flare. We enjoyed reading this one and think you will too. Shadow and Bone is the first book in The Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.

The great nation of Ravka has been divided by a dark evil known as the Shadow Fold. Legend says that the mysterious Darkling, in an effort to expand his power, created the Shadow Fold by mistake. All those trapped in the area during the creation are believed to have been transformed into monsters who now feast on human flesh. Crossing the Shadow Fold is almost certain death, but in order to reach the coast to gather supplies, it cannot be avoided. The Grishas, powerful individuals with the ability to manipulate the elements, are used as weapons against the monsters of the Fold. Annual searches for such individuals keep the Grisha army strong and provide power to the monarch. But what they really need is a "Sun Summoner." Someone with the power to pierce the Shadow Fold with light, driving away the monsters and protecting all travelers.

Alina Starkov, seems like any other recruit in the regular army, until the day her regiment must cross the Fold. Immediately attacked by the Volcra, Alina emits a powerful ray of light before losing consciousness. Unable to explain her ability, she is taken to the palace to be tested and trained as a Grisha. While there, she becomes a favorite of the current Darkling who hopes to put an end to the Shadow Fold- or at least that is what everyone believes.

We like the world that Bardugo creates and the plot moves along quickly. We don't even mind the romance between Alina and her life-long friend Mal. Fans of Graceling and Tamora Pierce should pick this one up.

Next up: The Unnaturalists- Sept. 21st

Fall Reading 2012

We're back in the library, but we won't be abandoning the blog! We've put together a list of books to read and review this fall and we hope you will read with us. Hard copies of our list are now available in the library. Pay attention to the release dates on some of those titles when searching the shelves. Enjoy!

Sept. 14- Shadow & Bone- L. Bardugo (Fantasy)

Sept. 21- The Unnaturalists- T. Trent (Steampunk)

Sept. 28- The Hunt- A. Fukuda (think Hunger Games meets 30 Days of Night)

Oct. 5- Seraphina- R. Hartman (Dragons)

Oct. 12- A Monster Calls- P. Ness (Contemporary Horror)

Oct. 19- The Immortal Rules- J. Kagawa (Vampires)

Oct. 26- Rotters- D. Krause (Contemporary Horror)

Nov. 2- Shadows- I. Bick (Book 2 of Ashes)

Nov. 9- Pirate Cinema- C. Doctorow (Cyberpunk)

Nov. 16- Rebel Heart- M. Young (Book 2 of The Dustlands/ Blood Red Road)

Nov. 23- Ironskin- T. Connolly (Steampunk/Fae Jane Eyre)

Nov. 30- The Diviners- L. Bray (Historical Fiction & Fantasy)