Katsa, in GRACELING by Kristin Cashore, has a killer power.  Yes, she is “graced” with the ability to kill.  She first kills at the age of eight.  Because she has this power, the king has chosen her to be his henchman, or henchgirl, to be more accurate.  This life has been chosen for her, and all [...]

Reading PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS  by Michelle Zink, was really good timing for me, because I am studying the book of Revelation from the Bible. The author has weaved mention of events from this source.  Coincidence?  I think not! Like any good story, PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS,  has a mystery to be solved . . [...]

I seriously wish that I could just read a book, and have a beginning, middle and end, all wrapped up nice and neatly.  THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner is book 1 in a trilogy.  It is good, but there are still too many unanswered questions in the end that make you go, “WHAT?!?” Thomas [...]

Ok, so if you like the Heir Series by Cinda Williams Chima, this new series, Seven Realms, will surely not disappoint!  The first in the series, THE DEMON KING, is good, but don’t just take my word for it . . . it is on the 2010 -2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List!  Han WAS [...]

If you enjoyed reading LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer, this seems to be the same premise as in THE DEAD AND THE GONE, also by Pfeffer.                The moon is hit by a meteor and is pushed closer to the earth, causing catastrophic weather conditions.  Daily routines of going to work, [...]

OH NO! I do not hate THE GREAT WIDE SEA by M.H. Herlong!  I love this book!  It kept me on the edge of my seat.  The reason I title this HATE! is because, although I don’t like to use such a strong word, it is the one word that pops in my mind after [...]

UNWIND by Neal Shusterman is a futuristic tale about a time after the second US Civil War.  This war was fought over a single issue. . . Abortion.  This is not a topic that is easy for many to discuss, but the book gives reason for teenagers to seriously think, and possibly take a position. Unwinds are teenagers [...]

HOW NOT TO BE POPULAR by  Jennifer Ziegler is LOL funny!  Maggie’s free spirited parents never stay in one place too long, causing Maggie to attend a new school every few months.   Although she has had many opportunities in her life due to traveling, she is tired of leaving friends. Her solution in her new [...]

I have seen adult movies where people are forced to compete for survival, but in THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, the contestants are 12-18 years old. Katniss lives in a futuristic time where food is lacking and she must kill or be killed.  If you are squeamish about blood and killing, then this is [...]

Did you know that there is not a patron saint of fig trees?  I am not Catholic, but fully was able to understand this coming of age story THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD by Donna Freitas.  Antonia is 15 years old and knows her saints.  She wants to be one. . . a living one.  Her [...]