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Librarian Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Summary:
It happened just like the movie/book said. Dorothy went to Oz and then returned to Kansas only to discover that she wanted to go back to Oz. When she went back, however, something had changed. Dorothy had changed and she was no longer the sweet girl we know her as--she was a magic hungry tyrant. ​Amy Gumm is transported to Oz where she finds a world unlike the one in the story. This world has been slowly destroyed by Dorothy and her desperate desire for more magic. Amy is recruited into the Order of the Wicked with the directive that she is to stop Dorothy's tyranny by any means necessary.

Review:
I love twisted fairy tales, and it was interesting to see how the author would twist this story. She takes Dorothy from the sweet girl from Kansas and turns her into a tyrant. Everyone is afraid of Dorothy and the evil of her minions the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion.

The story is well developed and the characters are interesting. Over and over Amy is told to trust no one, but when you need to trust someone who can you trust. This novel is fast paced and action packed. Amy is constantly stumbling into one deadly situation after another while trying to get her footing in this unusual land. The book is definitely a lead in for the other books in the series. You don't get the a solid conclusion in this novel and much is left up in the air.

Overall:
Overall, this is a fast paced action packed novel for those who love twisted fairy tales. This novel will take you back to Oz--a much more dangerous place than ever before.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: Some kissing
Language: Mild
Drugs/Alcohol: There might be some drinking at a party.
Violence: Some graphic violence and gore.

Librarian Book Review: Black Dove White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

Summary:
Two teens, children of mothers who were stunt pilots, grow up together as brother and sister even though one is black and the other white. In order to escape the discrimination in the United States, they move to Ethiopia with their mother where they can be treated as equals. There they find themselves at home in the beautiful country, but when the Italians decide to invade Ethiopia, they find themselves in the middle of a war.​

Review:
I love historical fiction, as you can often learn so much about the time period and events taking place in that time. This book is no exception. Prior to reading this book I knew little about Ethiopian history or about their conflict with the Italians, but Wein does a great job with the history in her story. The book even provides an author's note at the end where she provides more details about what was going on. The characters in this novel were very believable and likable. You wish for them to succeed. ​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: None
Drugs/Alcohol: None
Language: None
Violence: Some and some description of the effects of mustard gas.

Librarian Book Review: Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Summary:
After her father is killed in a fire and she kills a man who attempts to rape her, Chinese American Sammy escapes with the help of Annamae who is a runaway slave. Both girls know that the punishment if they are caught will be death. Together they head west along the Oregon Trail, hoping to find Annamae's brother and Sammy's father's business partner so they can start a new life. Along they way they fall in with a group of young cowboys, who help them survive the dangers of the trail.​

Review:
There aren't many young adult westerns written, so I was very excited to find this one. There have been two other young adult westerns written in the last year (Vengeance Road  by Erin Bowman and Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson), so I am hoping this is a new trend in young adult publishing. This book tells the story of a Chinese American girl who is on the run with a runaway slave after she kills a man who attempts to rape her. Sammy is a likable character and her history and background are well developed. She is a real person, but so often people judge her by the color of her skin. The story is fast paced from the very beginning when Sammy kills the man and doesn't stop moving until the very end.

Overall:
This was one of those books where I finished and I wanted more--it was just so much fun to read. The story has action, adventure, danger, and romance--a great combination.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: attempted rape
Drugs/Alcohol: some hard cider and other drinks are present in the novel
Language: mild
Violence: yes

Librarian Book Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Summary:
Meira is one of the few free Winterians left after her kingdom was captured when she was a baby 16 years ago. She longs to fight to free the captive people of Winter and to restore their prince to the throne. In a world ruled by magic and politics, Meira begins to realize that she is a pawn in a much larger game, and that her destiny isn't what she thought it would be.​

Review:
​Like many fantasy novels this one has a lot of world building and it takes a while for you to get used to the world Raasch has created. Meira is a fighter. She is strong, determined, and more than a little rash. She longs to prove herself, and free her people. In some ways this novel was predictable--as a saw the ending coming. Still it is a well written and entertaining fantasy for those who love books like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. 



Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Violence: Definitely
Sex: Vague references
Language: None
Drugs/Alcohol: Mild

Librarian Book Review: Slasher Girls & Monster Boys stories selected by April Genevieve Tucholke

Summary:
​This short story collection contains a number of horror stories from well known YA authors. From creepy birds to tragic tea parties, this collection has it all.

Review:
Normally, short story collections are hit and miss. You get really great stories, and then some not so great stories. This collection is different. While all the stories are greatly varied, they are all wonderful. Each story is inspired by film or classic horror tales. This is definitely for the horror fan as some of the stories are a bit disturbing, but fantastic. This is one of the best short story collections I have read in a while.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
​This one can be more than a bit disturbing. There are stories of abduction, cutting off body parts, and many other nightmare scenarios. Be warned, this one is amazing, but could be disturbing to the sensitive reader.

Click here to place a hold.

Waiting On Wednesday: Interference by Kay Honeyman

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

Interference

By Kay Honeyman

Publication Date: September, 27th 2016

From Goodreads:

As a Congressman's daughter in Washington, DC, Kate Hamilton is good at getting what she wants -- what some people might call "interfering." But when her family moves to West Texas so her dad can run in a special election, Kate encounters some difficulties that test all her political skills. None of her matchmaking efforts go according to plan. Her father's campaign gets off to a rough start. A pro tip for moving to Texas: Don't slam the star quarterback's hand in a door. And whenever Kate messes up, the irritatingly right (and handsome) Hunter Price is there to witness it. But Kate has determination and a good heart, and with all her political savvy -- and a little clever interference -- she'll figure out what it takes to make Red Dirt home.

Why I picked it:

1. Because when I think of Texas, I think of cowboys... And who doesn't love cowboys?
2. I'm curious to see how things work out between Hunter and Kate. I tend to fall for the books when the main character and the love interest argue and irritate each other at first... It makes them getting together at the end that much more satisfying.
3. But what if it's not Hunter and Kate together at the end? What if it's Kate and the star quarterback who end up as a couple? What if Hunter and the quarterback are the same person? These are the questions I need answered!
4. This sounds like one of those cute contemporary novels similar to that of Sarah Dessen, Kasie West, and Morgan Matson. And I am rather fond of those authors,.. So we shall see if this one lives up to my expectations.

Monday Meme: Social Media

Social media. It can be good, it can be bad, it can be ugly. Here are some novel choices inspired by the Internet world.

Girl Online- Zoella- The story of a girl who catalogs her life on a blog by a girl who is famous as an Internet personality. Click here to check it out at the library!

The Future of Us- Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler- In 1996, two teens discover a future Facebook where they can find out what their lives are going to be like as adults. When they realize that different decisions affect what their lives are like, they realize that even small decisions affect the outcome of their lives. Click here to check it out.

#scandal- Sarah Ockler- A story about how plastering your life on social media- or someone else doing it for you- can lead to unexpected consequences. Click here to get it from the library.

Librarian Book Review: Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

​Summary:
All Jess dreams of doing is running the Fives and being a competitor, but when a ruthless lord rips apart her family and takes her on as a student she finds that she is running the Fives to protect her mother and sisters. With the help of Kal, a friend way above her station, she will do what she must to protect her family.

Review:
It took me a little while to settle into this novel, but once I got past the beginning I was hooked. Jess's society was at first difficult to understand. In many ways it seemed reminiscent of Roman society. You have the high ranking Patron class and the commoners. Jess's mother was a commoner and her father a Patron, and as a result his family with Jess's mother isn't recognized and it leaves the girls vulnerable because they are not protected by the rights of either class. Like I said--it was a rocky start to understand all this, but as the novel progressed it began to make more sense. Jess's character is well developed and there is plenty of action in this novel. The second book Poisoned Blade will be out soon, and is definitely going to be on my reading list.

Overall:
Overall, this was an interesting adventure and I look forward to reading what comes next for Jess and her sisters.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Violence: Yes
Sex: References, but nothing explicit
Language: No
Drugs/Alcohol: Mild drinking

Monday Meme: Back to School Books!

Yep, it's time for back to school! Here are 3 such themed books to get you in the mood (except for #3-- that one just might scare you into never wanting to go back). Click the cover to go to the goodreads page or the link below to request a copy from the library.

Request

Request

Request

Waiting On Wednesday: P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

P.S. I Like You

By Kasie West

Publication Date: July 26, 2016

From Goodreads:

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?

While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

Why I picked it:

1. It's Kasie West, and I adore her books. All of them.
2. The summary of the book sounds absolutely amazing.
3. The cover is super adorable. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover.

If you'd like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list

Waiting On Wednesday: Recreated by Colleen Houck

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

Recreated

By Colleen Houck

Publication Date: August 2, 2016

From Goodreads:

From Colleen Houck, New York Times bestselling author of The Tiger’s Curse, comes Recreated, the second book in the epic Egyptian-inspired Reawakened series, in which a seventeen-year-old must literally go to hell to save the love of her life.

Lily Young thought traveling across the globe with a reawakened sun prince was a grand adventure. Now she’s about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

When Amon and Lily part tragically, he transports himself to the Netherworld—what mortals call hell. Tormented by the loss of his one true love, he’d rather suffer in agony during Lily’s mortal years than fulfill his duty to protect humanity.

Heartbroken, Lily seeks refuge on her grandmother’s farm. Yet she can feel Amon’s pain, and she has been having dreams—dreams of Amon continually suffering.

For before he departed, Amon gave Lily something very special, an item that connects them even though they are worlds apart. Now Lily must use this object to free him, and to free their realms from darkness and utter chaos. She will do whatever it takes.

Why I picked it:

1. The first book was so shimmery and pretty in person, and I'm wondering if this one is going to be the same way. {hopefully it is, because I'm not so wild about the color choice, though I do love the eye... Very Yu-Gi-Oh-ish}
2. Also, the last book kept me up way past my bedtime, because I could not put it down... Yes, it was that good. And the ending about killed me, so I'm curious to see where this one goes.

If you want to put your name on the hold list for this book, click here to be redirected to the library's Website

Monday Meme: Cinderella

Everyone loves a fairy tale, and one of the most popular is Cinderella. But we've all read Cinder by now and we know it's awesome (if you haven't, leave this post immediately to request it) so what else is there for the fairy tale insatiable? Try these.

Ash & Bramble: Sarah Prineas: "No one has ever broken free of the Godmother’s terrible stone prison until a girl named Pin attempts a breathless, daring escape. But she discovers that what seems to be freedom is a prison of another kind, one that entangles her in a story that leads to a prince, a kiss, and a clock striking midnight. To unravel herself from this new life, Pin must choose between a prince and another—the one who helped her before and who would give his life for her. Torn, the only thing for her to do is trade in the glass slipper for a sword and find her own destiny." Personally, I thought this one was a little bit out there, but it stayed true to the original and I think most people will like it. Click here to put in a request.

The Stepsister's Tale: Tracy Barrett: "When her stepfather suddenly dies, leaving nothing but debts and a bereaved daughter behind, it seems to Jane that her family is destined for eternal unhappiness. But a mysterious boy from the woods and an invitation to a royal ball are certain to change her fate...". Nothing is as it seems in this retelling from the evil stepsister's point of view. Click here to check it out.

The Captive Maiden: Melanie Dickerson: "When Gisela meets the duke's son, Valten--the boy she has daydreamed about for years--and learns he is throwing a ball, she vows to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined." I loooooooveeeee this book. I think it's awesome. Light, quick to read, and original enough to be unpredictable. Click here to grab a copy.

Waiting On Wednesday: Signs Of You by Emily France

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

Signs Of You

ByEmily France

Publication Date: July 19, 2016

From Goodreads:

Since sixteen-year-old Riley Strout lost her mother two years ago, her saving grace has been her quirky little family in the grief support group she joined as a freshman. Jay, Kate, and Noah understand her pain; each lost a loved one, and they’ve stuck together in spite of their differences, united by tragedies only they understand.

When Riley thinks she spots her mother shopping in a grocery store, she fears she is suffering some sort of post-traumatic stress. Then Jay and Kate report similar experiences. Only Noah hasn’t had some kind of vision, which is perhaps why he’s become so skeptical and distant.

When Noah disappears, Riley fears she’s lost another loved one. As they frantically search for him, she, Kate, and Jay are drawn into the mystery surrounding a relic that belonged to Jay’s dead father and contains clues about the afterlife. Riley finds herself wrestling with her feelings for both Noah and Jay—which have become clear only in Noah’s absence. If Riley is to help those she loves, and herself, she must set things right with the one she’s lost.

Why I picked it:

1. This isn't normally the type of book I go for, but it sounds like it's going to be amazing... Plus with all of the high star ratings it already has, gives me hope that it will be as amazing as it sounds.

If you'd like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list

Monday Meme: A Special Spy Series

Today, I would like to focus in on one author, on one series that I absolutely love to death. My love for it is being rekindled right now, because I miss the level of excellence this series brought to my literary life. Every book was amazing- even though I never finished the last one because I couldn't bear to have it end.

This series is the Gallagher Girls series.

 

Ally Carter, in Gallagher Girls, has created a fun, mystery-filled world of diverse characters, twisting alliances, huge surprises, and more. I loved this series when book 1 came out ten years ago, in 2006. I was 10. I listened to them on audio with my mom, and she loved them. Since then, I've done continuous rereads as each progressive book came out, and I'm getting ready to do another one, because they're appealing to every age, and because they feel like home. So if you haven't read them yet, and you want a fun, fast read about spies, you should go grab them, and then tell me about them! I work at the South Branch ;D Here's the link.

Monday Meme: For the Dragon Lovers

Dragons are cool. And in stories, they add an element of danger or even personality that can really get people interested. Here are three great dragon books (besides Eragon) that will satisfy your desire for more of these scaly beasts.

1. The Story of Owen- E.K. Johnston: The story of a modern day dragon slayer, as told by his friend, a classmate who agreed to tell his story. It's how one teen, a dragon-slaying prodigy, could protect his entire town from the dangers of dragons. Or could he?  Click here to check it out.

2. Talon- Julie Kagawa: Okay, so this one is about dragon shapshifters, but it's still cool. This is the first in a 5-book saga that is still in progress (book 3 was just released) but you can get in on it now! Click here to reserve a copy.

3. Seraphina- Rachel Hartman: In this novel, it's the dragons that turn into humans to lend their brilliant logic and mathematical skills to humankind. A royal assassination casts doubt on the dragon kind, and a young musical prodigy has to help find the truth while hiding her own secrets. Click here to get it!

Monday Meme: SEQUELS!

We all know that sequels to books are dangerous creatures. They can go a thousand different ways, and oftentimes they don't beat out their predecessors. But here are three sequels I think went above and beyond.

Fire (Graceling 2)- Kristen Cashore: This companion novel soared for me. It had luscious characters, intense world-building, and a beautiful, twisting plot that I adored. Graceling was amazing, too, but Fire really hit it out of the park. Click here to put a hold on it.

Pretties (Uglies 2)- Scott Westerfeld: A lot of people loved Uglies. I didn't. I had no interest in continuing with the series, but way back when it was so hugely popular my friends convinced me to continue. Pretties is the only book in the series that I own. I love the Pretty world, the characters, the flavor of the writing, and really, it was the only one (apart from Extras, which is a different story) that I really enjoyed. Click here to check it out.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls 2)- Ally Carter: I talk about this book a lot. It's one of my go-to recommendations for someone looking for a light mystery with a little bit of fun. I liked it better than the first book, mostly because of the appearance of a certain character I won't name for fear of spoilers. But if you're interested, click here.

Waiting On Wednesday: The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

The Problem With Forever

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: May 17, 2016

From Goodreads:

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Why I picked it:

1. It's a Jennifer Armentrout book. I have yet to meet a book by her that I did not like.
2. I want to see how Mallory and Rider reconnect.
3.  I want to see how Mallory handles all of the problems that she will end up facing.

if you would like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list

Waiting On Wednesday: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine, and it gives you a chance to spotlight a book that you are eagerly waiting to be released.

This week, I picked:

The Crown's Game

By Evelyn Skye

Publication Date: May 17, 2016

From Goodreads:

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown’s Game is not one to lose

Why I picked it:

1. For some reason, I thought of the show Yu-Gi-Oh! (A show that I was obsessed with when I was younger) when I was reading the summary for this book. I don't know why, because I'm certain they're absolutely nothing alike, but hey, it has to mean something... right?
2. I've not really read any books set in Russia, but this one really caught my eye. Kind of like a Russian, magical version of The Hunger Games.
3. I'm meserized by the cover

if you would like to read this book, click here to put your name on the hold list