Teen Book Review: Famous Last Words by Katie Alender

Famous Last Words by Katie Alender was a book that kept me up all night trying to finish it. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. The plot twists were amazing and in all the right places. Right when you think you know what's going on, the entire book flips on you. With creepy ghosts lurking in the corner, a terrible secret haunting the back of your mind, and a Hollywood Killer on the loose, this book is terrifying. But in a good way. This book deserves a five out of five star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 13, Western Middle School) 

Waiting On Wednesday: A Book Of Spirits and Thieves by Morgan Rhodes

“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:

A Book Of Spirits and Thieves

By Morgan Rhodes

Publication Date: June 23, 2015

From Goodreads:

Modern-day sisters discover deadly ancient magic in book 1 of this Falling Kingdoms spin-off series!

Worlds collide in this suspenseful, page-turning Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, which explores a whole new side of Mytica—and an even darker version of its magic.

Crystal Hatcher, Modern-day Toronto: It’s a normal afternoon in her mother’s antique bookshop when Crys witnesses the unthinkable: her little sister Becca collapses into a coma after becoming mesmerized by a mysterious book written in an unrecognizable language.

Maddox Corso, Ancient Mytica: Maddox Corso doesn’t think much of it when he spots an unfamiliar girl in his small village. Until, that is, he realizes that she is a spirit, and he is the only one who can see or hear her. Her name is Becca Hatcher, and she needs Maddox to help get her home.

Farrell Grayson, Modern-day Toronto: Rich and aimless Farrell Grayson is thrilled when the mysterious leader of the ultra-secret Hawkspear Society invites him into the fold. But when he learns exactly what he has to do to prove himself, Farrell starts to question everything he thought he knew about family, loyalty, and himself….

Fate has brought these young people together, but ancient magic threatens to rip them apart.

Why I picked it:

I’m always up for a good adventure novel, especially when it mixes modern day with the past. If you would like to put a hold on this book, click here.

Monday Meme Spotlight: Short Story Collections

     Sometimes you just don't have the time or the mental awareness to wade through a whole novel. Or maybe you just find that long books get too detailed- you want the action, and you want it now! In that case, short stories are for you! There are innumerable short stories floating around out there, and sometimes, publishers will kindly tie them up in a collection of similarly-themed stories by well-known authors.  Here are a few examples. 

1. Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd- Full of nerd culture references and fun illustrations, these short stories (by such authors as Cassandra Clare, John Green, and Scott Westerfeld) take a fun, lighthearted approach to a movement that is ever growing in the new generation. From comic-con to MMORPGs, this collection is a fun, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Here's a link to hold a library copy.

2. Corsets and Clockwork- Featuring 13 steampunk stories by such authors as Ann Aguirre and Maria Snyder, this collection is perfect for the history buff who likes a little bit of a twist in their stories. No matter who you are, these action-filled tales of airships and super-technology will satisfy your desire for a quick read. Here's the link to the library copy.

3. Zombies v. Unicorns- For the fantasy lover inside of you, here's a collection of fantastic, outlandish stories that portray the pros and cons of being Team Zombie or Team Unicorn. Featuring stories by Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan, and Meg Cabot, this anthology edited by Holly Black is a daring exposé that reveals the truth about how some of our favorite authors feel! 

So whether you're looking for a fun, light read or you're trying to decide what mythical creature to support, expand your world with some short stories and see what happens!

Monday Meme Spotlight: Awesome Box!

 We all want to be awesome. It's the life goal of many people in one way or another- they want themselves to be awesome, their kids to be awesome, or their products to be awesome. Well, here at KHCPL, we want to know what you think is awesome. That's why we have the AWESOME BOX. This is a box at return location where you can put your books, CDs, or movies to let us know just what you love. Here are a few YA selections that have been recently placed in the Awesome Box.

1. Frostfire- Amanda Hocking: A girl trying to be a warrior, a forbidden romance (well, two, I think) and a unique world, Frostfire is the first in the Kanin Chronicles, a series we carry here at the library. I've heard a lot of feedback about this novel but haven't actually read it myself, so if you want to check it out and tell me what you thought, click this link. 

2. The Wrath and the Dawn- Renee Ahdieh: This novel is a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, the classic story of a girl who keeps herself alive by weaving tales every night. And let me tell you, this is one tale you want to read. Right now, go pick it up, and read it. You won't put it down, I promise. The eloquent writing, the beautiful scene-setting, and the rich details make for a book that grabs you, sucks you in, and keeps you there with dizzying descriptions of setting, vivid characters, and electrifying turns. You'll want to click on this link and order a copy from the library.

3. Rook- Sharon Cameron: This is another page-turner, as well as another book inspired by a classic. The Scarlet Pimpernel was a big influence on the writing of this novel, and I very much enjoyed this tale of a Luddite society reverting to the methods of the French Revolution. With danger, deception, and lots of action, Rook carries itself through any doubt that a standalone novel is somehow less than, say, a trilogy. And you get a satisfying ending without having to wait three years for it. Click here to hold a library copy.

4. Ashes to Ashes- Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian: A tale of love, revenge, and deception, Ashes to Ashes marks the third book in the Burn for Burn series. Although I haven't read it, it was put in the Awesome Box, so it must be stellar. There's no excuse for falling in love in this novel- and if you fall for the wrong person, you'll have to pay. It sounds great, right? Find the whole series by clicking here. 

You can find more recently awesome picks, as well as 'most awesome' by going to this website in your browser: http://khcpl.awesomebox.io/. Once you're there, you can scroll through everything that's been named awesome at any of the three KHCPL branches. Thanks for reading! And remember that puppy says:

Waiting On Wednesday: Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

“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:

Emmy & Oliver

By Robin Benway

Publication Date: June 23, 2015

From Goodreads:

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

Why I picked it:

After I first read the summary, I really wished that I could read this book sooner than June 23. I wanted to find out how Emmy and Oliver dealt with all the things that happened over the last 10 years. I also wanted to see how they reconnected. This book also got bonus points with me right off the bat just for the fact that it’s recommended for fans of Sarah Dessen. If you would like to read Emmy & Oliver, click here to put your name on the hold list.