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.

Monday Meme Spotlight: Trilogies

     Have you ever had that 'fish out of water' gasping feeling when you finish a book and realize that you have to wait (usually a YEAR) for the next one? Especially when you find out that you have to wait for not only one, but TWO years to get to the end of the series? I feel your pain. Here are a few trilogies that are already completed, so you can read them all at once without that panicked feeling when you hit the cliffhanger. 

The Graceling series- Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue- by Kristen Cashore: Although these books aren't all set with the exact same characters taking the lead, the world-building and extraordinary storytelling make it difficult to wait for the next book to be in your hands. They're set in a world of fantasy, but not so different that it's hard to grasp. It's creative enough to enhance the reading and set the novels apart, but you don't have to spend half the book figuring out what the world is like. Although these seem to me to be more geared to girls, certainly the boys can enjoy the swordfights and plotting that goes on throughout the series as well. You can order the books from the library by clicking here.

The Chaos Walking series- The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer, Monsters of Men- by Patrick Ness: A breathtaking look at the realities of life, even life on another planet, where certain circumstances have made life unbearable for some and easy to control for others, this series is like an undertow- it pulls you under, and if you're like me, you were sad the see the last page turn. If you like a slightly sci-fi setting with a lot of action, twists, and heart, you'll love these uniquely written installments (that are all already out!) These are excellent reads for boys and girls, and will appeal to a wide variety of ages. Click this link to order the series from the library.

The Ashes trilogy- Ashes, Shadows, Monsters- Ilsa J. Bick: This is a series with serious cliffhangers. It happens after every nail-biting page- even though the first book starts slow, once you're into it, the action doesn't stop. A wild tale of people going mad and those who have to survive in the midst of it, this series is one that will make your head spin, boy or girl. The covers are pretty fantastic, too. Click here to see for yourself.

So stop making yourself look like this: 

And start looking like this:

Monday Meme Spotlight: I Am the Warrior

     Everyone likes a strong main character- and who's stronger than the warriors of any culture? Here's a couple books or series that you might like, featuring strong warriors, male and female alike. 

1. The Graceling Realm series- Kristin Cashore: These are three novels set in different time periods of the same universe. Each has a pwoerful female lead, a strong male counterpart, and an interesting, unique world that captures your attention and won't let you go until you've finished all three in the series. I love these books, and they're good enough to read again and again. You can check them out by clicking here.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series- Rick Riordan: I'm pretty sure everyone has read these by now, but they're a prime example of what I'm talking about. They're all fighters, finding a way out of any situation using their smarts, their talents, or their sheer power. There are tons of epic battle in this five-book series, and I'm sure you won't have a hard time reading them (or re-reading) if you so choose. If you'd like them, click this link.

3. Girl in the Arena- Lise Haines: Gladiators, anyone? Neo-gladiators, that is. In a modern world where gladiatorial games have risen once more, one girl takes the stage. In a futuristic world startlingly easy to envision, Lyn must fight for her freedom to marry when a gladiator kills her stepfather and captures her dowry bracelet- meaning she must marry him, unless she can find a way to win her life back. Click here if you want to check it out.

4. Blood Red Road- Moira Young: Okay, I'll be straight with you- this is also a series, called The Dust Lands Trilogy. But I didn't like the second one at all, which was really disappointing, because this book, the first, is AMAZING. It's a struggle to survive and save the ones Saba, the protagonist, loves, with wild characters,  a silver-eyed fighter named Jack, and the relentless TonTon, who chase them through blistering deserts and precarious mountain passes. Anyway, everyone is a fighter- you have to be, in their world. Here's where you can request it: click!

5. The Throne of Glass series- Sarah J. Maas: I haven't read this series, to tell the truth. But it comes highly recommended by our YA Librarian Melissa and kwatanabe, a fellow contributor. It's a about an assassin- yeah, it's that cool- fighting for her freedom in a competition to find the newest assassin for the crown. I hear it's a pretty great read, so if you want to check it out, click here!

     Whether you think you're a fighter or not, read these books to feel confident and strong in everyday life. And always, always remember:

Book Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire by Kristin Cashore


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This prequel to Cashore’s first novel Graceling was a worthy addition to the world she created in Graceling. This story takes us back in time to events that occur before those of the first book. It is a standalone novel, so don’t worry if you haven’t read Graceling first, you don’t need to. Although, you will recognize a character from Graceling in Fire it doesn’t give anything away to read this book first.

Fire is a monster. She was born to a monster father and a human palace servant. As a monster, Fire must contend with attacks from other monsters and the startling effect she has on unprepared and unshielded human minds. In the Dells, monsters are common and distinct from the normal counterparts, because of their terrible and often mind altering beauty. Fire is the last human monster and with her beauty also comes the ability to control unshielded minds.

In her home in the Dells, Fire discovers strangers in the wood seemingly interested in her. To find out more about these strangers, she and her friend Archer consult with the royal family that is currently battling for control of the kingdom since the death and misrule of the last king who suffered under the control of Fire’s father. Fire becomes embroiled in a battle for the kingdom, and is a tool for the royal family to weed out the traitors in their midst.

This book is just as interesting and entertaining as Graceling. As a rule, I normally don’t like prequels, but Cashore manages to present an interesting and relevant new story for her fantasy world. I would recommend this book to teens who like fantasy and are willing to put in the time to learn the rules and politics for this interesting world. Fire is thoroughly enjoyable, and the characters are well developed and well rounded. Even the most perfect characters have flaws, and it is nice see that she is so thorough in her character development. I hope there are more books to come!

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is violence in this book due to the battles and frequent monster attacks. Some sexuality is present, although you won’t find any explicit descriptions in this book.

View all my reviews >>

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Graceling is a stunning debut novel by author Kristin Cashore. According to the book flap, the story grew out of the authors daydreams about a powerful girl. Let me just say I hope she keeps daydreaming because this book was a wonderful adventure.



Katsa was born Graced. In her land many people are born with many different types of graces. Some are graced with the ability to cook, to fight, to dance, or even to read minds. Katsa’s grace has set her on a lonely path, her grace is the ability to kill. Feeling more cursed than graced, Katsa is the unwilling arm of King Randa, who uses her as a threat to any who would oppose his will. Katsa feels like a hired thug. .



In secret, Katsa created the Council to help the kingdoms from the rule of unfair kings. It is her work with the Council that leads her to cross paths with the Leinid Graceling Prince Po. When Po’s grandfather is captured, Katsa rescues him, but they struggle to find the reasons behind the kidnapping. What they find leads them on an adventure that will threaten both their lives. Can Katsa become more than a thug, can she see her grace as a gift rather than a curse?



This was well written and very entertaining. In fact, it was very difficult to put the book down. Fans of authors like Tamora Pierce and other fantasy authors with strong female characters, will find themselves drawn to this novel.



Cautions for sensitive readers: There was no language in this book, but you will find a lot of violence. The main character does have sex, but there are no explicit descriptions or detail.


View all my reviews.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Graceling is a stunning debut novel by author Kristin Cashore. According to the book flap, the story grew out of the authors daydreams about a powerful girl. Let me just say I hope she keeps daydreaming because this book was a wonderful adventure.

Katsa was born Graced. In her land many people are born with many different types of graces. Some are graced with the ability to cook, to fight, to dance, or even to read minds. Katsa’s grace has set her on a lonely path, her grace is the ability to kill. Feeling more cursed than graced, Katsa is the unwilling arm of King Randa, who uses her as a threat to any who would oppose his will. Katsa feels like a hired thug. .

In secret, Katsa created the Council to help the kingdoms from the rule of unfair kings. It is her work with the Council that leads her to cross paths with the Leinid Graceling Prince Po. When Po’s grandfather is captured, Katsa rescues him, but they struggle to find the reasons behind the kidnapping. What they find leads them on an adventure that will threaten both their lives. Can Katsa become more than a thug, can she see her grace as a gift rather than a curse?

This was well written and very entertaining. In fact, it was very difficult to put the book down. Fans of authors like Tamora Pierce and other fantasy authors with strong female characters, will find themselves drawn to this novel.

I look forward to her next book Fire due out in October 2009.




View all my reviews.