Odd and the Frost Giants

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman, 2008 Bloomsbury

     Odd has always been a little different: his viking father drowned during a raid, he became lame as a child, and when his mother remarries Odd is neglected. When the winter begins to extend unnaturally life in the village becomes more and more strained.
     During a walk in the woods Odd comes across three talking animals including a bear stuck in a tree. The fox, eagle, and bear tell Odd a story of the Norse gods who have been evicted from their home in Asgard. The three are Odin, Thor, and Loki and they ask Odd's help in returning home.
     The boy agrees to help the gods and thus begins his adventures. Odin takes Odd to a magical well where he discovers wisdom and a vision of the past. Odd speaks with the giant and finds the root of the conflict.
     This short story is the tale of how the town misfit found a way to help the all-powerful Norse gods in a turn of events even Odd himself never expected. Gaiman's novella is aimed at younger readers, though readers of all ages will enjoy the story.

Twilight

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, 2005 Little, Brown and Company

     Bella Swan moves from her mother's home in Arizona to live with her father in small-town Forks Washington. Bella's move allows her mother to spend more time with her new stepfather. Forks is on the Pacific Ocean and borders on the LaPush Indian Reservation. Most of Bella's time is spent moping at being so far from home and spending time with her distant father. Until she meets the Cullen Family. Edward Cullen is a mysterious young man and he captures Bella's attention, just as she captures his.
     Edward is a vampire with the ability to read minds, except with Bella he cannot see into her thoughts. With his four siblings the Cullens are the outsiders who refuse to take part in the social structure. He pays close attention to Bella, even protecting her from a classmate's runaway vehicle. But the attention to short-lived. Thus begins a hot-cold relationship until Bella is rejecting perfectly normal young men for the possibility of a romantic relationship with the mysterious Edward.
     After a weekend trip to the LaPush Reservation where Bella met Jacob Black (son of her father's best friend). Jacob is a bit younger than Bella and her human friends but shares the local legend of the Cullen vampires. A quick internet search later Bella is convinced her mystery man is really a vampire, but she loves him too much to worry about the possible risks.
     Bella confronts Edward after he saves her from yet another threat (this time muggers in a dark alley). He reveals his secret and warns Bella away. Bella refuses to cave to his warning the two begin a tumultuous relationship which will draw them through another three books.
     Twilight is the first of four novels detailing the relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. The story focuses on the interactions between the two, sometimes at the expense of secondary characters. Younger readers will enjoy the ease of reading while some content may be mature. A quick read for experienced readers, Twilight encouraged young readers to explore the written word at a time when pleasure-reading had fallen out of vogue.

Beautiful Days

Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen, 2011 HarperCollins

     Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are no longer country bumpkins after a month in the Big Apple. Astrid Donal has drawn the girls into her plush world of the elite and privileged. But the money and fame comes at a price.
     While Cordelia works to understand her newly discovered family and enjoys the perks of being the daughter of bootlegging mogul Darius Grey she is still reeling from Thom Hale's betrayal and her father's death. She allows her brother, Charlie, to draw her deeper and deeper into the family business. Cordelia plots her revenge on Thom as the summer days grow longer, but is distracted by the young aviator Max Darby, his disdain for her lifestyle, his immunity to her charms, and his aeroplane.
     Letty has come to New York in hopes of becoming a star and she won't let anyone stand in her way. Her initial surprise at the number of pretty, talented, young girls flooding the city is pushed aside when the position offered in Cordelia's speakeasy is offered to another. Letty feels betrayed by her friend and decides to join the chorus line, stressing her relationship with Grady Lodge - who is not has he seemed. As she struggles to maintain her standards everything Letty has worked for threatens to come tumbling down around her now-fashionable shoulders.
     Astrid is swept up by Charlie and the glittering world he offers her. Believing herself ready to marry Charlie Astrid moves into the Grey mansion, but Charlie is a different man after his father's death. When Charlie's ambitions have business pushing into dangerous territory it may be the girls who suffer the consequences when Astrid is kidnapped by Thom Hale and his gang.
     Set in the glistening last days of the Roaring Twenties Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty enjoy the height of fashion and danger as they flaunt the Prohibition restrictions on alcohol. As the stakes rise the three young women focus on the ties that bind them both as an anchor and lodestone linking their futures. Aimed at teens, readers who enjoyed Godbersen's Luxe series will enjoy this second installment of the Bright Young Things series.

Elite

Elite by Mercedes Lackey, 2016 Hyperion Books

     After Ace and his mysterious partner attempt to murder Joyeaux during her Elite trials Ace is taken into military custody. The partner remains a mystery but Joy and her uncle, the Prefect, continue searching.
    As part of the Elite Joy is sent on assignment with other Elite for more dangerous and bigger monsters. Working with Hammer and Strike, brothers who use shield walls as weapons, gives Joy a different perspective on both her tactical and her magical skills. She gets a more thorough look at the bigger badder monsters getting through the barriers - evens allows her to discover new creatures.
     When the Prefect designates Joy to patrol the sewer and maintenance tunnels under the heart of Apex City, she discovers there may be something even bigger than Otherworld monsters roaming the city. Joy encounters the murdered bodies of several psimons - humans with particular mind-control and reading abilities. The head of Psi-Corps appears to have it out for Joy; when she confronts both Joy and her uncle in his private office. After the meeting Joy thinks she may have a better idea of who wants to use her as a pawn against the Prefect.
     But the Apex has greater problems than internal jockeying for power. The Otherworlders are beginning to band together. After the entire Elite force is called out to protect a smaller city nearby the hunters notice the Folk among relatively run-of-the-mill monsters. With these more brazen attacks becoming more pointed attacks on Human installations. Joy is surprised to receive an offer of camaraderie from the Folk Mage who waylaid her train from the Monastery.
     "Things are not as they seem." He warns just as the army loses control of Ace and he is taken to the Otherside. Joy's minimal downtime is reduced even further when Ace vanishes and the mysteries begin to mount even as the hunters discover new abilities and band closer together to form a stronger defence for the humans of Apex.
     Intended for teen and young adult readers Elite features mounting tension as the unknown looms closer and closer. Political maneuvering and secrecy drive the story as Joy and her uncle try to piece together why the Otherworlders have become so bold, who is helping Ace, and what is the point of the increased attacks? Readers of all ages will enjoy Elite highlighted by Lackey's irreverent sense of humor.

The Outlaw Demon Wails

The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison, 2008 Eos

    Rachel is back! It's been a couple months since her boyfriend's brutal murder and she seeks resolution when she isn't struggling to get out of bed. Rachel and Ivy share their grief and struggle to find a new normal. 

     Unfortunately, Rachel has voluntarily practiced forbidden demon magic and is experiencing the effects of working with a demon. Someone is releasing Algaliarept from his prison in the Ever After to hunt down the witch. Rachel and her family (both chosen and given) must hide from Al's revenge. In keeping her friends and family safe Rachel discovers her mother has been keeping secrets. 

     David, a friend, coworker, and Rachel's were alpha, encourages Rachel to develop her relationship with their pack and by extension her witch family. He helps her investigate who is releasing Al from his cell and endangering all of Cincinnati. 

     Trent returns and Rachel faces his criticism for dabbling in demon magic, but elven princess Ceri's friendship and support help Rachel stand strong. Ivy and Jenks are still the foundation for Rachel's continued fight even as they deal with their own loss and angst. Ivy has lost her childhood friend and Jenks is dealing with his growing awareness of his limited lifespan. 

     Not only does Rachel uncover personal secrets, but also secrets as to the history of the race of witches. The black and white nature of her relationship with Trent becomes more nuanced as Rachel works with Ceri, Quen, and Trent to solve not just the problem of the Rosewood babies, but also the elves. 

     In The Outlaw Demon Wails Rachel and her friends deal with the loss of one of their closest companions. As an adult novel, the story deals with death and ambiguous morals which create depth in the characters and their universe. 

Awakened

Awakened by Kristin and P.C. Cast, 2011 St. Martin's Press

    Zoey has returned from the Otherworld to her family and friends on Sgiach, the Island of Skye. She reaffirms her connection with her warrior Stark and Zoey discovers she can call on the ancient fey to support her elemental magic. Aphrodite, Damien, and the twins return home to Stevie Rae who is back in Tulsa with the red fledglings 

     Neferet kills Jack--Damien's boyfriend and a member of the nerd-herd--as a tribute to the Darkness. The loss of their friend draws Zoey and Stark back to their responsibilities. Kalona finds that he has a connection to Stark after breathing some of his immortality into the dying warrior. 

     Neferet uses Jack's funeral as a public display to try regaining the House of Night's trust. Zoey sees through the fake apology but in the same spectacle to order the Sons of Erebus to murder Rephaim and Stevie Rae for their association with Darkness. 

     Stevie Rae asks the nerd herd to protect Rephaim - who has only defended himself rather than actively fighting for his freedom. She asks Kalona to release Rephaim and he grants his son's freedom in a direct contradiction of his oath to Neferet. Not all of the members of the House of Night accept that Rephaim has chosen the path of Light. 

     Their goddess, Nyx, appears and forgives the Raven Mocker. She details her wish for the vampyres to move forward in life - singling out Damien and Dragon after the deaths of Jack and Anastasia. Dragon holds on to his anger and, with Neferet, drives Rephaim from the Tulsa House of Night. 

     To be with their friends Zoey creates her own House of Night in the tunnels beneath the city. Zoey is their leader and Vampyre Queen; Stevie Rae is their High Priestess; Kramisha their poet Laureate; and Aphrodite the Prophetess. The red fledglings and nerd herd are their students trying to maintain Nyx's teachings. 

     Neferet continues her quest for power by striking at those close to Zoey Redbird in her human life. Kalona experiments with the piece of his soul in Stark. Zoey and her friends struggle in the changing world and with the blows to their cause. The Vampyre High Council has cleared Neferet of wrongdoing and Zoey has lost significant supports in her system. Neferet's plan for revenge appears to be on a strong course. 

     Zoey has a more adult take on the events in her life--including a mature relationship with her warrior-protector. Older teen readers who enjoyed the first seven episodes in the House of Night series will enjoy the eighth installment of Zoey Redbird's story. 

The White Rose

The White Rose by Amy Ewing, 2015 HarperTeen

     After the Duchess of the Lake found her Surrogate Violet and her niece's Companion Ash together the two managed to escape, with a little help from the scion of the house and the Electress's Lady-in-Waiting. The Royalty have shut down the Jewel to find Ash and Violet as they try to escape the Duchess of the Lake.
     Violet managed to survive several months as the Duchess of the Lake's surrogate, even fell in love with the young man serving the House as Companion. When the Electress's Lady-in-Waiting Lucien gives her a chance to escape Violet uses the opportunity to get her best friend and lover out too.
     Though Lucien is  furious at two additional escapees Violet refuses to join Lucien's rebellion without Ash and Raven. Their escape through the rings of the city exposes Violet to Ash's past, both as a Companion and his family's home. With a little help from their friends in the Black Key Society including Garnet of the House of the Lake, the trio reaches the Farm and their protected destination.
     In the Farm Violet, Ash, and Raven find a new home at a farmhouse named the White Rose. The woman caring for the house is Sil, a former surrogate who managed to survive the birth of twins and escape to the Farm. In surviving Sil discovered the Auguaries which the surrogates were trained so extensively to use were perversions of an ability to connect with and use the four elements. She plans to teach Violet to control the elements and bring about the end of the Royalty.
     More practice and Raven's near-death bring a connection to all four elements which leads Violet to propose a plan - unite the surrogates against the Royalty and fight them at home in the Jewel. Lucien accepts the plan as head of the Black Key and work begins. Ash begins to chafe at his restrictions and jumps at the opportunity to become more and more involved. When the society is betrayed Violet discovers time is running out - the Auction is moved forward six months with much of the preparation left. And Violet is stunned to discover who the Duchess of the Lake has taken as her replacement.
   

Running Out of Time

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, 1996 Simon & Schuster

     Jessie Keyser lives in small-town Clifton, Indiana. Her family has settled in a village in the 1840s and they live the pioneering life. When a diphtheria outbreak begins to divide the citizens and there doesn't seem to be anything to help. Jessie's mother reveals they aren't really in 1840 Indiana.
     Mrs. Keyser reveals that Clifton is a settlement that recreates life in mid-nineteenth century America, they live in a tourist attraction. Now the children are ill and the owners refuse to provide adequate modern medical care - to preserve authenticity they claim.
     Jessie's mother, along with several other parents, fear for their families. Mrs. Keyser asks Jessie to leave Clifton and enter the modern world to find a cure. Jessie braves 1996 Indiana in search of Isaac Neeley. Along the way she almost loses the food and money her mother supplied, she is nearly captured by Clifton's armed guards, but Jessie escapes and finds Dr. Neeley.
     Neeley brings the overwhelmed teen to his apartment where he drugs her to kill her. Jessie manages to escape Neeley through a window and holds a press conference to get help from the general public. In the middle of the conference Jessie faints and it is discovered she too has diphtheria.
     Jessie is confused by the fantastic technology she encounters in the modern world, but she doesn't allow her amazement to distract her from her ultimate goal. With more and more of the true purposes behind Clifton Village coming to light the danger Jessie and the other families face becomes more apparent. Will she find help or will the children of Clifton run out of time?
     Older elementary readers and fans of both historical fiction and time travel will enjoy Margaret Peterson Haddix's Running Out of Time.

Hunter

Hunter by Mercedes Lackey, 2015 Hyperion Books

     Joyeaux Charmand has been hunting monsters since her hounds broke through the barrier between realms to protect her from the mythical creatures who seek humans as sustenance. The monsters feed off Manna - a lifeforce humans produce in abundance. The hounds team with hunters to protect humans who haven't been gifted with either hounds or magic.
     Since the death of her parents Joy has lived high in the American Rockies at a monastery where the Masters train Hunters and normal citizens alike to defend themselves. Above the snowline the monsters cannot last long and even the Fair Folk tend to avoid the snow-encased stronghold.
     When the Prefect - Joyeaux's uncle and the man in charge of the nation's hunters - requests the mountain civilisations send a hunter. The Prefect is aware that Apex City does not know how many hunters are holed up on the mountain and his request for Joy's presence is a subtle reminder of how precarious the monastery is. Joy goes to the capital and joins the Apex Hunters.
     Her journey is not without incident: when drakken follow their train and manage to break through the protective cage with the help of a Folk mage in a lavender costume. In Apex City Joy discovers the Hunters are more like celebrities than real hunters. They distract the cits from how many monsters are breaking through the barriers with rankings and cinematics. More and more dangerous creatures are getting through the barriers protecting Apex - so dangerous Joy can't help thinking someone inside the city is helping them.
     When Joy's friend and mentor is murdered by a vampire Joy and her uncle team up to discover who is behind the infiltration. Another batch of monsters calls out most of the hunters including Joy's greatest rival Ace and his younger brother. The battle ends with the death of Ace's younger brother and Ace blames Joy even attacking her in public. The politics of Apec City nearly cost Joy her life as she seeks to protect the cits and help the Prefect find his enemies.
     Though it may be too late to stop the human monsters ruling over Apex City Joyeaux finds she still wants to protect the cits--the people kept in ignorance. Teens and young adults will be able to relate to Lackey's take on government control of the populace and information. Readers who enjoyed Michelle Krys's Wicked and Liz Braswell's A Whole New World will find a similar attitude toward the global mythology featured throughout the story.

The Star-Touched Queen

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi, 2016 St. Martin's Griffin

     Princes Mayavati was born under a dangerous sign - in Bharata your horoscope can determine your entire life. Maya is the well-educated daughter of the Raja, but her horoscope dictates that she be wedded to Death leading her superstitious family to blame her for any bad fortune or il luck. Maya takes the opportunity to immerse herself in her studies and becomes the most educated of the royal children - even climbing the rafters above her father's councilroom to learn statecraft.
    When the Raja risks alienating his people through the marriage of his death-touched daughter he indicates a special surprise for the potential bridegrooms - Maya will meet the princes then commit suicide neg
ating the laws of hospitality and initiating warfare at Bharata's capital.
    The Raja isn't the only man trying to subvert old customs: the suitors bring their own armies to the wedding and in Trojan Style they bring the war to Maya's home. With her father's command ringing in her ears the princess is captivated by the handsome, hooded man who whisks her away with the promise of a kingdom where she will rule as his equal.
    Maya is infatuated at the chance to be important; she follows her new husband away from the massacre of her home through the mythical Night Bazaar. The festival of mystery and magic is a sort of in-between where Day and Night, good and evil, mundane and magical coexist in balance and anything is for sale. All the stories Maya had ever studied were real at the Night Bazaar, but the mystery of her husband begins when the creatures respond to him deferentially.
     At their new home, Akaran, Maya becomes more and more intrigued by Amar - while he shares her room, Maya's new husband doesn't insist or even suggest they take advantage of their married state and the feelings growing between them. He disappears before she wakes and returns after she falls asleep. The palace occupies Maya's attention: a voice calls to her and compels the new queen to find it. When she discovers a familiar nymph claiming to be an old friend the mystery of her husband and why he brought Maya back to his home drives Maya to stretch beyond the limits set before her.
    Maya begins to doubt her place and eventually the nymph casts her out from Akaran and her throne beside the man she has come to love. To find her way home Mayavati must complete a quest to review and sever the ties holding her to her mortal magic-less life and find Amar and her throne in Akaran.
    The seventeen-year-old princess is captivated with the magic and possibilities before her. The horoscope which dictated her growing-up no longer has control over her life and she has united with a man who claims to want her as his equal in a world where women are not considered full persons. When it all comes crashing down Maya struggles to rediscover her confidence and fight for what she wants.
     Aimed at young adult readers The Star Touched Queen tells the epic journey of a young woman with a destiny who changes the world to make a doomsday prophecy into a future filled with love and growth. The story is heavily influenced by Indo-Asian mythology and politics. Maya's story will be followed by her younger sister's in A Crown of Wishes in 2017.

Bright Young Things

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen, 2010 Harper

    Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey are best friends from the same Ohio town. Letty is the oldest daughter of a strictly religious family who dreams of stardom - and she has the talent to succeed. Cordelia is the orphan of the town's promiscuous black sheep being raised by a strict aunt.
     After Cordelia is caught skinny dipping with a boyfriend she is dragged to a shotgun wedding and the two girls see an opportunity to escape to New York City where they hope to find a better life. But neither girl is prepared for the shocks of big city life.
     Letty and her voice are one of dozens searching for a break into the biz. She takes a job as a cigarette girl in scandalously short skirts and high heels. When a Broadway promoter offers he chance at a big break Letty isn't sure about the sleazy man, and questions how far is too far to achieve her dreams.
     Cordelia is in search of her long-absent father, the bootlegger Darius Grey. Grey made his living and a fortune selling illegal alcohol and throwing lavis parties to capture the attention and trade of New York's bright, rich, and beautiful. But with the fame and money comes surveillance - someone might try to kidnap the boss's daughter to make a quick buck. Even worse is the discovery of her new beau's identity: Thom Hale is the son of a rival bootlegger.
     The friends part ways early in the story and come across the variety of 1920s New York City: Letty meets showgirls, a starving writer Grady Lodge, and normal people of all kinds, Cordelia is surrounded by the elite socialites, flappers, and thugs hired to protect them. Astrid Donal takes Cordelia under her wing, and as lover to Cordelia's brother Charlie, Astrid has a unique take on her lifestyle.
     No one cares where the girls are from, only where they're going and if they'll have a grand time on the way. The strict social structure of nineteenth century is crumbling as new money and illegal alcohol bring together the rich and beautiful of New York City. Readers who enjoyed Godbersen's Luxe series will enjoy her illustration of the high life at the end of the Jazz Age. With some promiscuity, Bright Young Things is aimed at teen and young adult readers.

For a Few Demons More

For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison, 2007 HarperVoyager

     After stealing back the Focus from her ex-boyfriend Nick and getting Jenks's son Jax to come home, Rachel Morgan must hide the artifact and hope it won't start an interspecies war. Enter David Hue, Rachel's werewolf Alpha (for insurance purposes only). The Focus is a curse which cannot stand being in the possession of anyone other than a were and Rachel asks for David's help in containing it and maintaining the balance.
    When a series of murders snakes through Cincinnati Rachel and Ivy are called in to investigate. All signs point to David attempting to tilt the balance. But Rachel, again, has bigger problems. Female demon Newt is back and causing chaos. When she somehow de-sanctifies the church Vampiric Charms calls home they no longer have that extra layer of security--a needed layer now that Piscary is back on the loose.
    Rachel can, somehow, twist demon curses and both Newt and Trent Kalamack want her help. Newt isn't sure what she's discovered in Rachel, but it triggers something through the insanity and Newt's remembers--what, she doesn't remember. But Newt is intent on finding her missing memory and manages to de-sanctify the church where Rachel lives with Ivy and Jenks.
     When the vampires join the fray and Piscary takes his revenge the Vampiric Charms staff is rocked. Not everyone makes it out, and the aftermath continues to follow Rachel.
     Rachel and Ivy fight to maintain their friendship and still help the other find their safe space. The drama surrounds the Focus and maintaining the balance between Interlanders. Newt and Al make appearances, but Rachel is generally kept from demonic society and politics.

The Jewel

The Jewel by Amy Ewing, 2014 HarperTeen

     In the Lone City life is broken into circles surrounding the royalty. Lords and Ladies and their households are in the center of the small city-state. Next comes a circle of the bankers and merchants. Around the non-royal rich are the factories, then a circle containing the farm. The final and poorest circle is the Marsh where the royalty pluck their surrogates from the ranks of young women.
     Young women like Violet are tested as they reach puberty. If they test positive for an enzyme which creates the Auguaries (Mystic magical abilities to manipulate matter) the girl is taken to a holding facility where she learns how to control the Auguaries and is prepared for a life among the royalty.
     Violet has passed through her training and is now going to the Auction with her best friend Raven. Beyond the preparation of the auction all life for the surrogates is unknown - they will be bought by either royalty or select wealthy merchants, then bear a child for that family.
     As one of the more sought-after surrogates of her year Violet is one of the last to be auctioned. She is purchased by the Duchess of the Lake for her perfect score on the Auguary Growth. The Duchess wants the child Violet will bear to be the perfect foil for the son of the Exetor (Leader of the City).
     Naively Violet expects to be cared for and to enjoy her time with the royalty, but when the ladies of court are not above murdering each other's surrogates it appears all is fair in their power games. An unexpected friendship and a forbidden romance have Violet questioning what it is to choose and whether or not the status quo is worth the cost.
     The Jewel shows how the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Dealing with mature content including reproductive medicine and family planning, Amy Ewing's debut is written for young adults, focusing on teen readers.

Lord Sunday

Lord Sunday by Garth Nix, 2010 Scholastic Books

     After seemingly falling to his death, Arthur Penhalion manages to escape into the Secondary Realms using the Improbable Stair. Under attack by giant insects Arthur cannot concentrate to use the key to protect himself or escape the bugs.
     Suzy Turquoise Blue, meanwhile, is being held by Superior Saturday's minion but manages to escape into Sunday's Incomparable Gardens where she tries to seek out the seventh part of the Will. Arthur's friend Leaf is back on Earth dealing with the results of nuclear strike (how the government dealt with Friday's Sleepers) when Sunday's Dusk attempts to bring her into the house for ransom. The plan fails when the Front door is under attack and Leaf remains as guardian.
    The house is at risk of collapse from Nothing and it appears Sunday, the last trustee, has little or no plan to save the House and its surrounding realms. Arthur attempts to unite the Architect's children against the Nothing which threatens total destruction: if the House falls all of existence will fall with it.
     Can Arthur unite all seen parts of the Will and save the House with all it entails? Or will the Piper, the Mariner, and the Old One stand in his way? In the conclusion to The Keys to the Kingdom Arthur Penhalion decides whether his journey has been worth the efforts or if he will give up the power and opportunity presented in the House to return to a world which has completely changed since he was swept away. Middle Grade readers will find the end of this epic satisfying, if somewhat predictable.

Cress

Cress by Marissa Meyer, 2014 Feiwel and Friends

     Cinder and Thorne have escaped the Eastern Commonwealth and speed back to the stars rescuing Scarlet and Wolf from Paris's chaos. Wolf makes it his mission to help Cinder control her Lunar gift. But the four, along with Iko piloting Thorne's Rampion, struggle to form a real plan to help save Emperor Kai from Queen Levana's clutches. Cinder suggests they contact the young woman who originally alerted her to the danger Levana poses.
     Cress has been locked in her satellite for nearly seven years. Queen Levana's head Thaumaturge, Sybil, has been her only method of socialization on those seven years and Cress has since given up trying to garner the lunars' positive regard. Cress is the reason Earthens have been unaware of hundreds of Lunar ships above and within Earth's airspace; she is the link between Levana and the information syphoned from Earth's leaders.
     When Cinder and their small crew contact Cress the girl is shocked and surprised. The small crush she'd developed on Thorne while researching became a fascination. The crew agrees to rescue the young woman and she joins their mission. But a wrench is thrown into the works when Sybil returns to the satellite early. Thorne and Cress are sent plummeting to Earth when Sybil returns to the Rampion. A small battle wages on the ship; Wolf is nearly killed, and Scarlet is kidnapped when the Thaumaturge flees. Sybil leaves her pilot and guard Jacin aboard the Rampion.
     Cinder, Wolf, Iko, and Jacin escape to Africa in search of Dr. Erland. The Cinder and Iko seek Thorne and Cress while Dr. Erland tries to rescue Wolf from the brink of death. Through a strange coincidence Thorne and Cress arrive in the small African town as the Eastern Commonwealth sends soldiers to pick up the band. But the locals, with their Lunar ancestry, help the Rampion and its crew again flee, this time back toward New Beijing and to stop the wedding.
     En route to the Commonwealth capital they plan to continue the fight against Levana on her own ground: Erland reminds Cinder that she'll need to convince the Lunars of her claim to the throne, not Earthens. Cinder and Iko, Cress and Wolf, Thorne and the Doctor head into the New Beijing Palace to kidnap Kai to gain his aid and delay the wedding to buy some time. They know any action which antagonizes Levana will result in war.
     Despite self-doubt and concern for their captured friend, the group plans and struggles to remain hopeful in face of the destruction around them and the damage certain to follow any success. Cinder and her newfound friends transition from merely refugees to rebels ready to survive the oncoming war. Readers who enjoyed the first two novels in the Lunar Chronicles will find this installment is more slowly paced and while the violence is more rampant and wide-spread the group is no longer in its midst.

An Abundance of Katherines

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, 2006 Dutton Books

     Colin Singleton has graduated high school and his girlfriend (the nineteenth) Katherine has dumped him. Colin's claim to fame, other than the number of Katherine's he's dated, is his propensity for anagrams and status as a child prodigy. After winning a televised competition Colin has funding to do whatever he'd like to get over this latest breakup.
     Hassan is Colin's best friend; the one who reminds Colin which subjects are uninteresting and what is interesting. Hassan is also an avid fan of Judge Judy and has decided to live off his allowance for the foreseeable future, despite the smarts to be accepted to North America's most selective universities and colleges.
     When Hassan suggests a roadtrip to get Colin over the latest breakup the two friends put Colin's winnings to good use--anything to get Colin back to himself, but no Katherines. Starting in Chicago and heading southeast across the United States the boys end up in small town Gutshot, Tennessee where they meet Lindsey Lee Wells. Lindsey helps her mother run the local store and is the town's darling.
     Colin and Hassan decide to stick around for a while - Lindsey's mother offers to pay them to collect the verbal history. While the boys work, sometimes with and sometimes without Lindsey, they find themselves partaking in the local pastimes. Colin begins a mission to find the Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability which will predict any relationship and bring justice to all dumpees everywhere.
     Examining his past relationships highlights the quirky nature of childhood love and young romance and teaches Colin that not everything is as simple as it appears. Colin, Hassan, and Lindsey turn a post-graduation, post-breakup road trip into a foray into new culture and possibly new romance.
     The three become friends as they learn to move away from the comfortable of home and childhood and into ever-changing adulthood. Written for teens and young adults, readers of all ages can enjoy the humor and somewhat sardonic tone which balances Colin's human- and emotion-centric search for an answer with complex mathematical rationale.

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, 2014 Bloomsbury

     Adarlan's king has ordered Celaena to assassinate the royal family of Wendlyn based on his Captain of the Guard Chaol's suggestion. Chaol trades his future independence to his father to allow Celaena to escape the pit she's fallen into since Nehemia's death. In Wendlyn the King's Assassin has no intention of killing the royal family, instead Celaena drinks and gambles and fights the nights away until she can spend the days in an exhausted stupor.
     When her aunt, Maeve Queen of Fairies, sends Celaena's distant cousin, Rowan Whitethorn, to summon her to a demi-Fae outpost Celaena meets her aunt for the first time and realizes why her mother delayed the meeting. Maeve wants to see the Fae magic Celaena has hidden, but Celaena wants answers about the Wyrdkeys. The two come to an agreement: Celaena will come to the Fae city Doranelle when Rowan believes she has mastered her power and Maeve will share what she knows about the Wyrdkeys.
     Rowan begins to train Celaena - her magic so deeply buried she has difficulty even shifting from her human to Fae form. But mangled bodies of demi-Fae begin appearing around the fortress and the creatures in the forest become restless. As the most able investigative force Rowan and Celaena seek answers to the impending danger, driving Celaena to find and use her power.
    Back in Adarlan Chaol and Dorian are trying to understand their new dynamic. Dorian's magic has somehow persisted in a world where magic has been frozen. The pair work to discover why magic has gone, but Chaol refuses to hear about Dorian's power for fear the king might somehow use it against them. Dorian seeks companionship with a comely healer who has been attending the Crown Prince, Captain of the Guard and King's Assassin through their adventures. Sorscha promises not to tell, but may have an ulterior motive in gaining Dorian's trust.
     Far in the North, the Ironteeth Witches are made an offer too good to refuse. When magic died Manon Blackbeak and her kin in the Blackbeak, Yellowlegs and Bluebloods lost the ability to fly. Manon is the Blackbeak heir, considered one the cruelest beings in Elirea; the witches enjoy killing and maiming simply for the joy of the act. The King on the Throne of Glass offers the witches a place in his army and wyverns in exchange for their freedom after he's conquered the world. The Ironteeth wish to return to the Western Wastes where their enemies the Cochran Witches have cursed the land.
     Manon and her Blackbeak kin work to become the tip of the Ironteeth spear. They become the best fighters both on and off their wyverns. Manon develops a resounding rapport with her dragon-like beast and her wing discovers something in the mountain is rotting the humans - this drives the witches further afield for sustenance.
     While the King rallies his forces, the rebellion and discontent build within Adarlan. Aedion, cousin to the missing Queen Aelin Ashryver Galathynius of Terrasen, is the King's General in the North and summoned to Rifthold to attend the King. Chaol discovers Aedion has been subtly undermining the king's agenda in Terrasen; the resemblance between Aedion and Celaena suggests why. Aedion joins the rebellion, bringing hope to the movement.
     Action comes to a point when the King of Adarlan sends a force into Wendlyn lead by three Vlag princes. Celaena, Rowan, and the demi-Fae face the oncoming army and Celaena nearly gives in to the Vlag power reliving her worst memories, some so deeply repressed even she is surprised by their brutality. The Ironteeth compete and Manon with her Blackbeak clan becomes wing leader, creates a somewhat-alliance with the Bluebloods heir and confirms an enmity with the Yellowlegs heir. Chaol and Dorian's activities are discovered by the king with brutal results, but news that Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is alive and well begins to spread across Elirea as Celaena accepts her crown and demands answers from her aunt, Queen Maeve.
     Like the preceding books, Heir of Fire is a young adult read. Political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and brutal violence have shaped Celaena/Aelin's life and as she makes the decision to return to the world she was able to abandon as a child she revisits the darker side of what it means to be a political force. That said, Celaena is a multi-faceted character and Maas's story is rich in its own mythos making for a compelling read.

Midnight in Austenland

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale, 2012 Bloomsbury

     Charlotte Kinder lives a normal life with a nice husband and two good children. She is a successful businesswoman but something of a pushover.  When Charlotte's husband remarries leaving her with the care of their two teenagers a visit to the Regency Resort Austenland seems like the perfect vacation. Charlotte becomes Miss Cordial spending her days with the lovely Misses Charming and Gardenside being romanced by the handsome gentlemen scrounged by Pembroke Manor's housekeeper.
     Things are going well until Charlotte discovers a real corpse during a Victorian game of Bloody Murder. The identity of the murderer becomes the focus of Charlotte's stay, prompting her to find something she thought her ex-husband had taken from her.
     The possibility of a romance with one of the men at Pembroke Manor reminds Charlotte she is a successful mother, successful businesswoman, and an woman worth spending time with. Everyone at the Manor is playing a role, but Charlotte questions whether Mr. Mallery is as dark as he seems, what does the recognizable pop singer suffer from, and who put the dead body in the attic?
     Scripted more along the lines of Northanger Abbey than Pride and Prejudice, Midnight in Austenland is a murder mystery which brings wallflower Charlotte Kinder away from blending into the wallpaper to become a debutante. Readers who enjoyed Austenland and Austen's novels will see the parallels and enjoy them. Charlotte's story is aimed at teens and older readers.

A Whole New World

A Whole New World by Liz Braswell, 2015 Disney Press

     In distant Agrabah Aladdin is a streetrat running from Razoul the guard. When a beautiful young woman appears in the marketplace and very obviously doesn't belong Aladdin finds himself saving her from her own folly. The royal guard comes from the Royal Vizier Jafar to capture Aladdin and the girl is discovered to be the Princess Jasmine - who no one knew was missing.
     Aladdin is besotted with the girl only a little shocked at her identity. Thrown deep in the dungeons below the palace Abu the monkey comes to save Aladdin. They are startled by a strange old man who speaks of untold treasure. The trio leaves the palace through underground tunnels. Once outside they travel deep into the desert to the Cave of Wonders. The creepy old man keeps speaking with someone who isn't there, someone he calls Iago.
     At the cave Aladdin discovers a magical carpet which helps him find the dirty old lamp the old man sent him for. When Abu triggers the cave to self-destruct the carpet helps them to escape. But freedom is blocked by the old man. Once he has the lamp the old man becomes Grand Vizier Jafar and flings Aladdin from the entrance.
     The cave swallows Aladdin, Abu, and the carpet - they are trapped, but the streetrat fights to escape. Digging through the sand takes several days and the carpet flies Aladdin and Abu from the Cave of Wonders back to Agrabah where Jafar has used his first two wishes to become a powerful sorcerer and sultan. Jafar takes the opportunity to kill the sultan and makes plans to force Jasmine into marriage. She repeatedly rejects him and makes plans to escape.
     When Aladdin discovers the threat to the princes he is quickly swept into her orbit. Aladdin helps Jasmine meet her people and become a rebel leader in the fight against Jafar. As Agrabah becomes more and more restricted and families turn against each other Jasmine and her rebels find a foothold from which to launch their attack.
     Just as the Disney movie shows how the lamp changes Aladdin's life in helping him win the princess, this Twisted Tale shows how the story might have played out if Jafar kept the lamp. Aladdin and Jasmine find themselves at a turning point in Agrabah's future.

Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, 2001 Harper Collins

     Addie admires her older sister Meryl; the two princesses of Bamarre are complete opposites. Addie enjoys the predictable routine and simple pastimes of a lady: hearing about adventures and learning what she can about politics and such. Meryl is brash and confident, adventurous and dreams of battling monsters to save her people just like the epic poem she recites to her sister, their governess and the young sorcerer Rhys.
    The two girls are best of friends, but when Meryl comes down with the Grey Death it is twelve-year-old Addie who must discover her own courage and find the cure. An old prophecy guides her path as Addie travels with seven-league-boots, a magic spyglass, a feast-providing tablecloth, and magical cloak. She meets ogres, specters, gryphons, and a fascinating dragon all the while hoping to return to her sister and the young sorcerer who shyly declared his affection.
     With a declared timeline until Meryl's death, Addie struggles against the monsters of her homeland and the wish to return to safety. She finds inner strength and confidence through the relationships she develops, but there is always a breaking point and as Meryl runs out of time her younger sister finds she can be the decisive young lady Meryl constantly pushes her to be.
     Through a bittersweet ending, a touch of romance, a magical quest, and the friendship of sisters The Two Princesses of Bamarre tells the story of Addie's determination. She discovers that not all heroes want to save the world, but if there's no one else with the tools or the will a hero (or heroine) must step up to the task, despite their fears. The story is written for older elementary readers, however, readers of all ages who enjoy Levine's work will enjoy this tale.

Shades of Doon

Shades of Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon, 2015 Blink

     Veronica Welling has committed herself to enjoying life. With the help of her best friend McKenna Reid and her fiance Jamie MacCrae, Vee throws herself into enjoying every moment. When Kenna and Vee are yanked back into the modern world they find themselves back home - McKenna in Chicago and Veronica at her mom's house.
     Without money or clothes the girls are stranded, without their cell phones they are unaware the other is been dragged out of Doon. When Kenna manages to make contact the girls team up and work to find a way back home.
     In the meantime Vee must deal with her high school tormentor. Stephanie appears to enjoy trying to take Veronica down a peg: using a disliked nickname, belittling her, reminding her that Vee's boyfriend cheated with Stephanie. At a class function - something between prom and a class reunion - Veronica finally puts her tormentor in her place with Jamie's support.
     Friendship and teamwork, and the MacCrae brothers, lead the two young women back home to Doon. They hope to discover how the Witch of Doon ejected them from the country and prevent it from happening again. Teenaged readers will identify with the girls' struggle through modern high school politics, even after high school. Shades of Doon continues the story of two young women who have found where they belong through the relationships which support them both independently and together.

Scarlet

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, 2013 Feiwel & Friends

     Scarlet Benoit is worried when her grandmother goes missing: it isn't like Madame Michelle Benoit to just vanish - especially without her ID chip or a bag. Scarlet has contacted the local authorities but they are hesitant to search for someone who doesn't want to be found.
     Counter to her personal problems, Scarlet is stunned when a young cyborg girl is imprisoned in New Beijing for attempting to assassinate the Lunar Queen Levana. The girl is barely sixteen and already a felon - and Scarlet has a hard time agreeing with the citizens of Rieux when they're happy to hand Linh Cinder over for certain execution
. When Scarlet's outburst begins a brawl at the local tavern a shy street fighter stands up for her. When the young man dogs her steps Scarlet discovers Wolf isn't exactly safe, but he is certainly fascinating.
     Meanwhile Cinder escapes from prison with a little help from the Emperor's personal doctor, Dr. Erland, and an American deserter calling himself Captain. Carswell Thorne believes he's Earth's gift to women and enjoys trying to catch Cinder's eye, but when the young woman finally reveals her somewhat relationship with the new emperor Thorne limits his participation to helping her escape New Beijing and tagging along for an adventure.
     Off-planet Thorne is little more than an annoyance while Cinder tries to come to terms with her true identity and the bio-electric gift that comes with it. The only clue to how Cinder became the adopted daughter of an Asian inventor is Michelle Benoit. Between avoiding the agencies searching the globe for her and managing her lunar gift Cinder aims for France and the Benoit farm.
     Scarlet and Wolf, in turn, head to Paris to search for Scarlet's grandmother at the den of a wolf-like gang. Arriving late, Scarlet discovers the man she believed she could trust has been a leader among the ranks of the very gang holding Madame Benoit hostage.
     Cinder and Scarlet's paths meet and converge when Levana forces Kai, Emperor of New Beijing, to either marry the Lunar Queen or face global warfare. Can the two young women come to terms with their changing circumstances long enough to save Earth from the Lunar Invasion?
     Scarlet takes elements from the story of Little Red Riding Hood and incorporates the into futuristic world where cyborgs are an accepted part of life and humans have lived on the moon long enough to evolve into a separate race. This is a teen novel with some mature elements including animalistic violence.

The Sign of the Twisted Candles

The Sign of the Twisted Candles by Carolyn Keene, 1959 Grosset & Dunlap

     Nancy Drew and her two friends, Bess and George, are stopped by a fallen tree and meets elderly Asa Sidney. Mr. Sidney lives isolated in an old mansion turned roadside inn with only the caretaker, his wife, and their adopted daughter Carol Wipple.
     They share afternoon tea and Nancy discovers Mr. Sidney is a distant relative of Bess and George. When the old man dies and Carol is named as his major heir a family feud creates a rift between Nancy and her friends. To resolve the issue with her friends Nancy must discover why Carol is named benefactress of such a large portion of the estate while the factions of Mr. Sidney's family fight over his money.
   Nancy must use all her diplomacy to maintain her friendships with the girls, while also finding the truth around the relationship between Asa Sidney and Carol Wipple. A straightforward investigation appropriate for readers who enjoy an uncomplicated mystery.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston, 2016 Dutton Books for Young Readers

     Cheerleading is the only sport worth anything at Palermo Heights High School and it means to world to Hermione Winters and her best friend Polly Oliver. The two friends kick off senior year with cheer camp - where they act as co-captains and the year looks to be off to a stellar start.
     Camp goes well, things get a little tense between Hermione and her boyfriend, Leon, but they figure it out. The last night of camp all the cheerleaders, male and female, attend a dance - pretty much a supervised party.
     At the dance Hermione spends time with her friends, but when she suddenly wakes up in the hospital all she can think is that an entire twelve hours of her life is gone. Polly is the one who tells her - someone slipped something in Hermione's drink at the party and raped her.
     Back at home Hermione has become "that raped girl" and their small town doesn't know how to handle her trauma, and Hermione isn't going to give her townsfolk an easy way out. Hermione continues to be cheer captain, she continues to focus on her friendships, she pushes herself through the examinations and the procedures  involved in the criminal investigation, she continues to focus on what she's always wanted and try to work through the trauma of her experience.
     Exit, Pursued by a Bear is the story of how we should deal with sexual assault and a story of friendship in changing lives. Polly and Hermione have always known they will make decisions at the end of Senior Year which will take them in their own directions, but Hermione's experience reminds the girls they will still need each other for life's sudden events. Parents may want to pre-read the book prior to allowing younger readers free rein.

Superior Saturday

Superior Saturday by Garth Nix, 2008 Scholastic Books

     When Arthur returns from his grapple with Lady Friday he discovers Saturday has unleashed the human army on his hometown. With five keys in his possession Arthur is over halfway to  being an immortal Denizen of the House. He leaves Leaf in the human world to sort out his home and hurries back into the Lower House where Nothing is on the verge of destroying everything.
     Arthur goes into the Great Coal Mine where he is partially protected by the sorcery around the Old One. The Old One provides cryptic direction, but Arthur doesn't fully understand it. He makes his way into the Citadel hoping to strike at Saturday before she has a chance to summon the sorcery she has been amassing in preparation for the Will's escape and the appearance of the Rightful Heir.
     Saturday has plans to reach Sunday's realm in the Incomparable Gardens and hopes to slow the growth by destroying the Lower House with Nothing. The Will, in the form of Dame Primus, urges Arthur to return with the final two keys before there is nothing left of the Lower and Middle House. The young man, along with several old friends, travels into the Upper House where Saturday has begun her assault on the Incomparable Gardens.
     The tale ends on a cliffhanger as the battle rages between portions of the Upper House. Saturday and Sunday, their portions of the Will, and their Keys are the last obstacle between Arthur and his place as Rightful Heir. Back at home Leaf calls to Arthur as all appears lost. The story is written for middle grade readers, though those who enjoyed the preceding books will enjoy this penultimate book of the series.

A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine, 2011 HarperTeen

     Elodie leaves her family on an island from the distant reaches of the kingdom to become a mansioner - acting is her dream! But when she arrives the troupes aren't accepting new apprentices. The resident dragon of Two Castles, Meenore, takes her under ITs wings and the two begin an uneasy relationship.
     While still trying to get used to the size and sights of Two Castles (it's the largest town she's ever seen) Elodie battles to be Meenore's apprentice to the best of her ability. The dragon is particular in every aspect of ITs life, but Elodie does make progress: when the Count, an ogre set to be engaged to the Royal Princess, seeks Meenore's assistance Elodie is placed in his castle in the guise of a kitchen maid.
     For twelve-year-old Elodie every day is another act in the play of her life: will she be able to discover who the traitor is and will she be able to continue her work with the dragon Meenore?
     Younger readers will enjoy the surprise of a mystery solved and characters who easily fall into their pre-determined categories. This story is a children's book with themes of persistence and independence woven into the story of a girl trying to pursue her dreams.

The Siren

The Siren by Kiera Cass, 2016 HarperTeen

     At nineteen Kahlen has always been an obedient child, her father takes pride in his little girl and her mother appreciates her daughter's beauty which reflects back her own looks. When a sudden shipwreck and strange music drives Kahlen's family into the ocean the young woman is frightened and cries out for rescue.
     Eighty years after her sinking and transition from girl into Siren, Kahlen has become weary of her duty. In exchange for one-hundred years of feeding Her, the Ocean has turned Kahlen and her fellow Sirens into somewhat invincible creatures. In the late twentieth and early twenty-first century there are four young women serving the Ocean's need while She serves humanity.
     The young women follow the tradition of sirens before them: calling humans to the ocean and their deaths with voices of beauty granted by the Ocean Herself. They must not reveal their secret, and any who hear their voices must be given to the Sea. She becomes a kind of mother and a kind of overbearing warden.
     Kahlen has become restless in the years - the faces of her victims haunt her dreams. She blames herself while still caring for her sisters and the Ocean which they feed. While staying in Miami Kahlen keeps her silence, but also finds friendship with a young man studying at the local college. She understands there can be no relationship, but when Akinli can see past her extraordinary beauty and strange silence Kahlen connects with him.
     She knows there can be no relationship because she cannot speak to him, and cannot reveal her secret to the one boy she wants to share it with. When their separation creates a rift between Kahlen and her sisters, and between Kahlen and the Ocean, the girl must discover if her love for this strange boy is enough to risk the wrath of the Ocean for her wayward siren.
     The Siren is a story of acceptance and what one young woman is willing to do for love: of her chosen family and of a young man she barely knows, but with whom she shares a strange connection. Kahlen's story is as passionate as Cass's Selection series on a both simpler and more grandiose scale. Teen and Young Adult readers will enjoy this story of star-crossed lovers appropriate for even younger readers of romance. Kahlen and her siren sisters briefly approach the abuse known to young women around the world throughout the ages and the virgin-whore paradox which is rampant throughout mythology.

Mystic

Mystic by Jason Denzel, 2015 Tor Books

     Generation after generation has competed to become High Mystic and each time the competitors are nobles, until Pomella AnDone is invited to join. Pom has never been trained in the Myst; she has no idea what the silver creatures she, and only she, sees are; she is enjoying the annual summer festival when the Green Man of legend appears and invites her to join the competition for High Mystic.
     The daughter of the local Baron threatens if Pomella does not achieve apprenticeship she will be declared Unnamed - an outcast without status and without name. Pom is terrified, but when her best friend sneaks in Pom's window that night she discovers a significant portion of the town supports her. Thus begins Pom's journey: she leaves for the High Mystic's stronghold, with the help of an old friend, Sim, she escapes the Baron's guard, and finally arrives at Kelt Apar to meet the other potential apprentices.
     When he parts from Pomella, Sim attempts to return home, but so far across the barony Sim is in a position to escape life as  simply a commoner - he could travel to one of the cities and become anything. But Sim's hopes are dimmed by his affections for Pomella, he decides to visit her at Kelt Apar and decide his future from there - he too will be Unnamed if he leaves then returns to the Barony.
     Pomella is thrust into a bickering of politics and attentions when the three nobles discover their compatriot is a commoner. She tries to rise above their expectations and to fight her own self-doubt as the trials progress. Sim is captured on his way by the Black Claw and the Mystic who has hired them on this journey. He fights to stay alive while the band travels deeper into the Mystwood toward what he doesn't know, but it has something to do with Pom.
     Denzel's debut novel is high fantasy at its finest: a magical quest, betrayal, friendships created and destroyed, and a side-line romantic plotline. Pomella AnDone is not a normal teen, yet the most difficult obstacles she faces are internal. Older teen and adult readers will find Mystic fast-paced with unexpected turns as ti follows Pom and Sim through the Mystwood.

Mary, Bloody Mary

Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer, 1999 Gulliver Books

     Princess Mary Tudor is the daughter of Catherine of Aragon and King Henry VIII of England. She is his only legitimate child when her story begins and she is betrothed to the young King of France. When Anne Boleyn catches her father's eye he requests an annulment from Queen Catherine which would make Princess Mary a bastard and remove her social standing. Mary is sent from court to Ludlow and the queen is sent to the north.
     When the king makes a drastic move and separates from the Catholic Church to form his own church, then become its leader, he finally gains the power to divorce Catherine. Henry marries Anne and their union is followed by a daughter, Elizabeth. The king creates a Dual Oath which forswears the Catholic faith to declare Henry the head of the church and Anne's children the heirs to the throne.
     Anyone who refuses to swear is declared a traitor, but Mary has a promise to her mother to uphold. Anne comes after the deposed princess to strengthen her position, but Mary survives while hundreds of Catholic citizens are slaughtered for their faith.
     Meyer's novel is based in history and looks at one of England's most tumultuous eras from the vantage of a young woman at the center of the upheaval. This portrayal of Bloody Mary Tudor imagines the events which shaped her entire life and how they affect teenaged Mary. Middle level readers can relate to a girl who feels like such an outcast as her life changes drastically.

The Death Cure

The Death Cure by James Dashner, 2011 Delacorte Books

     Thomas has escaped the Maze, survived the Scorch, and after one last test he and his friends will be free and cured of the Flare. The survivors have been whisked away to WICKED's compound where the last tests will take place.
     The group is allowed to spend time together, but Thomas has been separated and placed in isolation. With no way to tell time the young man begins to lose touch with reality, it takes a force of will to maintain his grasp of reality. Finally the rat-faced man who met the boys before the journey through the Scorch comes to tell Thomas of the next steps.
     Thomas and the rest of the survivors from both Group A and Group B will regain their memories; WICKED tells them this will help them all understand why they joined the experiment. Thomas, Minho, and Newt refuse to go through with the procedure. The Rat Man explains some of the survivors are immune to the Flare, others are not, escape would be worthless as the immune are despised outside the compound. But the trio are adamant; they flee to Denver, Colorado where a large group who have yet to be infected lives.
     Thomas hopes the trio will be able to save the rest of the experiment survivors, but first they have to get WICKED, and its locator chip, out of their heads. While searching for the man who can remove the chips Thomas and Minho discover Newt is among the infected and as he helps them brainstorm a plan the disease takes his mind. The authorities take Newt to a city filled with people in varying stages of the Flare.
     Again, Thomas is gripped by the need to save his friends and when he and Minho risk going into the Flare-infested city to find Newt the extent of the infestation finally strikes them. Thomas hopes there is a place the survivors from the Maze to finally find peace, but any resolution will mean going back to WICKED's base and facing the demon in its lair.
     Teen and young adult readers will be interested in the conclusion of the story in the Maze and of the Flare; some romantic tension remains, with a focus on making the right choice.

The Benedict Bastard

The Benedict Bastard by Cate Campbell, 2014 Kensington Books

     Margot Benedict Parrish has fought for every privilege she now enjoys as a female doctor in 1923 Seattle. After the drama of her younger brother's betrayal and subsequent incarceration in Walla Walla Sanitarium Margot and her husband Frank take a short vacation to visit his parents in Montana. Preston is not finished with his family, especially his sister. He continues to implore his shell-shocked mother to bring him the sapphire he believes holds a magical sort of power. His parting shot at the family is news of a Benedict child out in the world without the protection of his family.
     The reader meets Bronwyn Morgan of the Port Townsend Morgans. Preston seduced the young woman and, though she had no idea of the mechanics, impregnated her. Bronwyn's child is taken from her and sent to a well-known Seattle children's home. When she searches for the son who was taken from her she encounters first Margot at the children's home, then the rest of the Benedicts when she saves little Louisa (Dick and Ramona's daughter) from drowning in a wading pool.
     The Parrishes are enjoying their vacation in Montana, living the simple life and meeting local people. Margot learns from Frank's mother the various folk remedies and problems women faced without a nearby doctor and Dr. Benedict has a chance to show her in-laws her skill.
     While Margot and Frank are on vacation Mrs. Edith Benedict kidnaps Bronwyn from Benedict Hall and takes her to visit Preston in Walla Walla. Until she stands in his presence Bronwyn still believes Preston had died in the fire which destroyed Margot's original clinic. When the two do meet Preston's fury drives Miss Morgan from the Sanitarium.
     Bronwyn's presence confirms the family's fears - Preston has fathered a Benedict child who is missing in the Greater Seattle area. When Mrs. Benedict suffers a hysterical fit Dickson calls his daughter home to care for her mother and assess Preston's situation. The Parrishes cut their vacation short and return to Washington to support the family.
     The Benedict family has faced challenge after challenge despite the money Dickson Benedict has accumulated. Dick, Ramona, Margot and Frank are faced with holding the family together while Edith and Dickson face what could be the loss of their first grandson. When hope blooms they feel Bronwyn should be consulted on the fate of her son; yet still worry she could take him away.
     Three years after their story began the Benedicts have been confronted by their youngest son's psychopathy, they have lost and discovered members of the clan. The family has grown stronger as it has grown larger, yet the question remains: will the Benedict Family simply endure or will they thrive? The final installment of their story is not meant for younger readers with issues of birth control and race laced throughout the tale.

Eldest

Eldest by Christopher Paolini, 2005 Knopf Books

     Upon surviving Galbatorix's attack on Farthen Dur in the dwarven city of Tronjheim Eragon must recover from the injuries inflicted by the Shade Durza. Saphira and Arya destroyed the great rose sapphire to save Eragon's life and allow him to kill the Shade. King Hrothgar adopts Eragon into his house and the young man becomes a prince in the Dwarven kingdom. When the Varden's leader is murdered in the tunnels below Farthen Dur Lady Nasuada is elected to replace her father.
     Amid the turmoil and reorganization Arya suggests Eragon and Saphira return to the elven capital Ellesmere when she returns home. The pair join Arya and her party as they travel to Du Weldenvarden. In the Elves' city Arya introduces Eragon to Oromis, an ancient Elf Dragon Rider.
     Oromis and his dragon Glaedr are crippled and so must hide from the King lest Galbatorix and his enslaved dragon, Shruikan, murder them. The pair teach Eragon and Saphira the classics: logic, strategy, magic theory, and scholarship.
     During his time of scholarship Eragon's cousin Roran marries the butcher's daughter Katrina. When the Ra'zac return along with Galbatorix's soldiers and attack the village Roran and the men are armed by the Metalsmith Horst. At first the men are successful, but on the second attack Katrina's father betrays them all to the king's forces. The attack spurs Roran and the men from the village to join against the king and his forces.
     In the south of Alagaesia the Varden is no longer welcome in Tronjheim and travel to Surda. The neighboring country is at first welcoming - and becomes more so when Nasuada learns to make a special and expensive lace by magic. The lace becomes a way for the Varden to fund their activities.
     Eragon continues his education and his crush on Arya. Saphira attempts to catch Glaedr's eye; as the last female dragon it is her duty to continue the race, but Eragon is disconcerted by the attention his dragon pays the older dragon. Failure helps Eragon and Saphira bond even more. With their training comes the Blood-Oath Ceremony, in which Eragon becomes faster, stronger, and his abilities are enhanced even further than his dragon-bond instigates.
     When Eragon discovers that King Galbatorix plans to attack the Varden the different strains of the story begin to meet. Roran searches for Katrina and believes his best hope is to seek the Varden's assistance. With royal forces chasing them, Roran and the village survivors make it to the Southern border to join the rebel forces. A massive battle is building along Alagaesia's southern border and the clash promises to be epic.
     In the same vein as Eragon's great fantasy Eldest builds on Paolini's foundation to bring the major forces of Alagaesia back together. While the nation hasn't quite come to civil war conflict abounds and new forces are introduced. Eldest is a good read for young adult readers who need a bit more substance on their plate.

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, 2008 HarperCollins

     A toddler wanders from the home of his murdered family up the hill to a nearby cemetery. With the killer, Jack, following his footsteps the boy is protected by the ghosts of the graveyard. He is adopted by a couple who never had children themselves and becomes Nobody Owens. The boy is given the Freedom of the Graveyard and a mysterious figure neither alive nor dead, Silas, becomes his guide to the world outside the cemetery.
     Bod grows quickly in the eyes of the dead. He learns to talk and is educated by the ghosts. The cemetery no longer accepts new tenants, but a portion of the property is a nature preserve where families and couples come for picnics. Bod meets and befriends a little girl named Scarlett. He tells the girl about the ghosts who inhabit the graveyard, and though she cannot see them, Scarlett is fascinated. The two sneak into the oldest tomb on the property where they encounter the Sleer - a terrifying presence which is the impetus for Scarlett's parents refusing to allow her visits to the cemetery.
     The boy continues to have adventures: he meets and befriends the ghost of a young woman prosecuted as a witch; he goes to school outside the graveyard, confronts the school's bullies, and triumphs; he dances the Macabray with Death herself; Bod lives a unique life with his dead, unchanging family. With Silas as the voice of wisdom and Mrs. Lepescu a grueling taskmistress Bod is given tools to survive both the world of the living and the world of the dead. He will need those skills as Jack has not ceased searching for the toddling boy who escaped.
     Shaped by ghosts, goblins, friends and a haphazard kind of family, Nobody Owens must discover what makes life worth living. He cannot remain in the graveyard, but must move beyond the memories to truly live. Gaiman tells the tale of a child growing into a young man with a flourishing imagination, in a voice readers of all ages can enjoy.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, 1961 Doubleday Press

 
     Billy Colman is a 10 year-old living with his family in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. All Billy wants are two 'coon hounds; the family can't afford the dogs so he works odd jobs for two years and finally arranges with Grandpa to buy the dogs through a catalogue.
     When the puppies arrive Billy is the proud owner of a female hound he names Little Ann and a male hound who he names Old Dan. As puppies the duo scare away a mountain lion they run into in the mountains and the trio forms a strange and unique bond.
     As they grow and Billy trains them Little Ann and Old Dan gain a reputation in the area - Ann is small but brilliant and Dan is doggedly determined. They're challenged by the neighboring Pritchard boys to find a mysterious 'ghost coon'. The Pritchards' dogs fight with Billy's hounds and in the process Rubin, one of the boys, tries to kill Little Ann and Old Dan and is injured when he accidentally falls on Billy's axe .
     The Pritchard boy's injury haunts Billy and to cheer him up his family enters the dogs in a competition. Little Ann immediately wins the beauty contest and they are entered into the Championship where the dogs tree three 'coons, but as they begin the chase for the winning racoon a blizzard sets in. Billy, his father, and his grandfather finally find the dogs half-frozen with a 'coon up a tree.
     Billy and his family are ecstatic when Little Ann and Old Dan win the championship with its $300 jackpot. They return home and continue hunting in the mountains. When Old Dan stands between Billy and a mountain lion the Colman family must deal with the reality of a hunting dog's life. Little Ann likewise is affected and Billy is reminded of a native legend of the Red Fern planted by angels.
     Where the Red Fern Grows is told by an adult Billy reflecting on his childhood. Readers will follow in Billy's joys and sorrows as he fights for what he wants, achieves his dream, and deals with the reality of owning a working dog. Rawls's novel is ideal for later elementary readers, though readers of all ages can enjoy his plainspoken, down-home language.