Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Cath has always dreamed of owning her own bakery, but, as a lady, becoming a business woman is not an option. In fact, her only option, according to her mother. is to become Queen of Hearts and that is the last thing she wants. Although the King of Hearts is the the sweetest person around, there is no way Cath could ever fall in love with someone who bounces when the giggle. However, at the night of the ball, Cath and the entire kingdom met the new royal jester who not only stole show, but her heart as well. What started out as an inadvertent rescue attempt from an impending proposal from the king (and a super tight corset), Cath fell hard for the mysterious Jest. While trying to evade the King, and make her dream come true, Cath doesn't know what to do or who to trust. Meanwhile, there's a Jabberwocky on the loose and the people are concerned as it's been centuries since a Jabberwock has been seen around the land of Hearts. With each adventure, and mishap, Cath and Jest's attraction rapidly grows and, when the unthinkable happens, readers will know why the next Queen of Hearts demands that heads roll.


Critical Evaluation:
Marissa Meyer has done it again! Not only has she taken a beloved story and made it her own, she finally gives us the story we have all been dying for: the story of the Queen of Hearts. I will confess that this story not only me falling in love with "Alice in Wonderland" all over again, but the characters were my absolute fave. Cath is definitely my kind of gal as I identify with her in many ways. For most of us, we all have experienced, or will experience, deep loss. However, we all choose to handle our losses and grief in different ways and, for Cath, her grief turns to vengeance and, ultimately, destroyed the sweet girl that her family and friends loved. This story is a story about love and not a love story as the ending will have readers in tears and craving revenge as well. Very well written and I can't wait to see what Marissa will write next!

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.

Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
 
Books Similar to Heartless:

• Roseblood by A.G. Howard
• Stealing Snow by Daniel Paige

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com
"In Heartless, the nonsense that is Wonderland gets a reverential makeover, full of heart and its own idiosyncratic character."--Gregory Maguire, WICKED and AFTER ALICE

"The author’s best fantasy yet. ...Meyer has woven all the elements of darkness and light, fate and free will, and love and hatred into an unforgettable story of the evolution of the Red Queen from a young girl who dreamed of true love and freedom to a madwoman best remembered for the phrase 'Off with his head.' If you only read one fractured fairy tale this year, make it Heartless. A must-have title.--School Library Journal, starred review

Plot Summary:
In the final installment of The Lunar Chronicles, readers read about the life of Princess Winter, the stepdaughter of Queen Levana. While Levana scours the universe for Cinder, Winter finally learns the identity of Cinder who happens to be her blood relative. More importantly, Winter continues to communicate with Scarlet, who happens to be an ally of Cinder. In order to take down Levana, Cinder, Kai, Wolf, Cress, and Thorne devise a plan that is not only dangerous, but could result in the their deaths. In order to infiltrate the Lunar Kingdom, Kai convinces Cinder that they only way they will get close to Levana is to go through with wedding. In other words, Cinder must bring down Levana at the coronation, which is not only risky, but could seal the fates of every Lunar and Earthling. Despite the danger, Levana must be stopped because she is the key to supplying the antidote to the plague that is destroying the citizens of Earth. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the crew, Levana is planning something even more evil and that is to not only destroy Cinder, but Winter as well. As Cinder and her crew uncover the horrors of Levana's rule, they learn the real reason behind her hatred for both Cinder and Winter. This is an epic conclusion to an amazing adventure where five young women must not only battle evil, but they must for the sake of those they love and hold most dear.

Critical Evaluation:
 I will admit that I am a huge fan. Not only is it genius to put a science fiction spin on fairy tail characters, it's even more awesome when they know how to fly space ships, hack networks, and be all around bad asses while maintaining their beautiful spirits. I was very, very happy with this conclusion because it did not end in a WEDDING! OMG! Thank you so much Marissa Meyer for providing a story for strong young women where they decide their fates, who they love, and how they will live their lives. This series will be a forever fixture on my book shelf because I want to read it with my future children where everything great in literature collide. Although Winter is not tough like Cinder or Scarlet, her strength lies in her kindness. Unlike Levana, the people love her not just for her beauty, but because of her gentle spirit. More importantly, Winter refuses to use her powers on her subjects, which is why she suffers from hallucinations. Winter literally dies a little with each episode, but she refuses to hurt her people. More importantly, her love for Jacin is so beautiful and his loyalty and love for her is so refreshing! One thing I got to had to Marissa Mayer is her ability to create beautiful couples. Although I am a huge Team Scarlet/Wolf, Team Winter/Jacin is my second favorite. All in all, this was a fantastic ending and I can't wait to read Marissa Meyer's next series!

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.

Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance
 
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up
 
Books Similar to Winter:

• Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
• Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Awards & Recognition:

“In this final book in the Lunar Chronicles, the stepdaughter of the wicked Queen Levana joins Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress to defeat the Queen and restore Cinder―aka Selene―as the rightful ruler of Luna. Yes, it's another one of Meyer's very fractured fairy tales, in which she offers a new amalgam of Grimm's fairy tales, science fiction, violence, women's lib, and romance. Our Snow White stand-in, Winter, is beautiful in spite of facial scars, kind to all she encounters, mentally fragile, and in love with her lowly guard, Jacin . . . Meyer's series has sold well and achieved a degree of acclaim. This conclusion's cinder-block size should only drum up further interest.” ―Booklist, starred review

Plot Summary:
In Bone Gap, Illinois there aren't any mountains or hill...there is nothing but gaps. For Finn, Bone Gap is the place where his mother left him behind and trapped his older brother, Sean, forever. Finn is known as the Space Man who never looks anyone in the face. The thing about Finn is that he isn't clueless or empty-headed: he just has a hard time remembering faces. When Roza was kidnapped, Finn saw the man who took her, but, for some reason, he couldn't remember his face. Although everyone blames Finn for being unable to identify Roza's kidnapper, he never stopped looking unlike Sean. Just when he was about to lose hope, Finn sees the same man who took Roza and, when he tries tell the sheriff and Sean, no one believes him except for Petey (aka. Priscilla). Finn has had feelings for Petey for a long time, but, when the black mare mysteriously showed up in his barn, the mare finally brought him and Petey together. The problem is that Petey is the only face he remembers, which is strange because he can't remember his own face. As Petey and Finn dive into their relationship, Roza is trying desperately to escape from the man that took her, but something strange is going on because one moment she is in a house with unbreakable windows and then a castle out of a fairytale. What exactly is going on in Bone Gap where a person can be taken away in an instant and faces become unforgettable. In this riveting story where reality shifts, Finn must find Roza before it's too late.  

Critical Evaluation:
I really did not expect this story to turn out the way it did. My first impression is that it's a typical young adult mystery, but it intertwines mystery, fantasy, suspense, and romance into a story where two people who were lost and found again. I really thought Finn was in love with Roza, but it's actually quite the opposite. Finn literally brought Roza into his world so it's only natural that he would be the one to bring her back home. Roza and Finn have this relationship that isn't based on romantic love, but on a different kind of love that two lost souls need to find their place in this world. As for Petey, the love that Finn feels for he isn't only genuine, but forces Petey to realize that he loves her for who she is and not what she looks like. Love is the underlying theme of this story because it was the loss of love that made Finn and Sean's mother leave, but it was the want and need for love that provided the happiness and hope that everyone needed. I really didn't know what to expect when I read this story, but I am happy I did! 

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

Laura Ruby writes fiction for adults, teens and children. She is the author of the newly-released YA novel BONE GAP, as well as the Edgar-nominated children's mystery LILY'S GHOSTS, the ALA Quick Pick for teens GOOD GIRLS (2006), a collection of interconnected short stories about blended families for adults, I'M NOT JULIA ROBERTS (2007), and the forthcoming middle-grade trilogy YORK. She is on the faculty of Hamline University's Masters in Writing for Children Program. She makes her home in the Chicago area.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Bone Gap:

• The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie MacLemore
• More Than This by Patrick Ness
• Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“It’s a novel about actual changes in worldview, and all its science and myth and realism and magic are marshaled, finally, to answer crucial questions about empathy and difference, and the way we see people we love.” (New York Times Book Review)

“BONE GAP marks Laura Ruby as one of fiction’s most original voices. She is capable of moving you to tears, terrifying you on deep and dreamlike levels, and making your heart shout with happiness. This book is magic realism at its most magical.” (E. Lockhart, author of WE WERE LIARS)

“Ruby’s novel deserves to be read and reread. It is powerful, beautiful, extraordinary.” (SLJ)

“With rich characters, captivating world building, and a stunning secret at its heart, BONE GAP is utterly bewitching.” (ALA Booklist (starred review))

“Cleverly conceived, and lusciously written.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“The real magic in Bone Gap is the discovery of love, an idea many stories misrepresent but Bone Gap explores with the utmost honesty and truth.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)) 

Plot Summary:
Mare is a Red and Reds are subservient to the Silvers. In Mare's world, if a Red does not find work he or she is conscripted into the army and sentenced to death on the battlefields. Mare is near her 18th birthday and all she can do is steal what she can to help her family. With all of her brothers in the military, the only one who has the talent to escape conscription is her younger sister Gisa. Although Mare is aware of her fate, she is biding her time with her best friend who has able to land a trade. However, when she learns that he lost his job before it began, Mare searches for someone who can help him escape conscription, but it's going to cost. While desperately searching for money to buy her best friend's freedom, she tries to steal from a stranger who, inadvertently, will become her savior, especially when the Scarlet Army strikes and Mare is captured and taken to the castle against her will. While at the castle, Mare witnesses the strength of the Silvers and, when she faces a fierce opponent, Mare releases a power she didn't know she had and neither did the royal family. In this tale of mystery, action, and romance, an ordinary girl learns that she is not only the key to changing her future, but her heart is torn in two between two boys who she can never be with.  

Critical Evaluation:
I will say that it took me a second to get into this story because the plot is similar to other stories I have read such as the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. Despite these similarities, I soldiered on and I finally got into the stories towards the end of the book with a plot twist that made things interesting. Since this is a trilogy, there isn't a whole lot of character development, but the villains are absolutely fantastic! The Queen and Evangeline are absolutely terrifying and awful. As for Maven, I really got attached to him so I am still holding out for him to be the hero.  After finishing the story, I am a little curious to see what the next step is especially now that Shade, her elder brother, is back. Other than that, I wasn't completely blown away the story other then the fact that Silvers are almost mutant-esque and the Mare is a higher breed of mutant. I will say that there is plenty of action and the love story arch is actually a minor arc, which is nice since a lot of teen fantasy needs the love arc to attract readers. With that said, this would actually be a good title for guys and girls to read if they can get past the cover of the book. All in all, I would recommend this book to any reader who likes these types of fantasy stories.

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

I’m a writer repped by Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. I split my time between my hometown East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Los Angeles. After graduating with a BFA in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. My debut RED QUEEN came out of the terrifying, unemployed year after college.

Currently I’m revising the second book in the RED QUEEN series, along with pursuing other projects in literature and film. My proudest achievements are riding a horse in the mountains of Montana and navigating from London to Edinburgh without GPS.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

 Books Similar to The Red Queen:

• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“A sizzling, imaginative thriller, where romance and revolution collide, where power and justice duel. It’s exhilarating. Compelling. Action-packed. Unputdownable.” (USA Today)

“Aveyard weaves a compelling new world of action-packed surprises... inventive, character-driven.” (Kirkus)

“A volatile world with a dynamic heroine.” (Booklist)

“Breakneck pace and engaging characters.” (School Library Journal)

“ [Aveyard] sets her audience up for a gaspworthy twist that reconfigures nearly every character’s role and leaves Mare with no one to trust but herself... This blend of fantasy and dystopia will be an unexpected and worthy addition to many genre fans’ reading list.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

“Fascinating world building... Readers will be intrigued by a world that reflects today’s troubling issues concerning ethnic inequality, unfair distribution of wealth, pollution, warfare, political corruption, and the frightening power of the media.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)) 

Plot Summary:
After rescuing Alex from a horrible death, and bringing Kayla to the Underworld, Pierce has finally decided to be by John's side forever. However, now that they both have angered the Furies by reviving the ones the love, the Underworld is in danger of collapsing, which will ultimately bleed into our realm. In order to prevent that, John must quickly gather all the and ship them to their rightful after life, but the problem is that the Fates have abandoned him and the Furies are stronger than ever. When the boats approach the dock, John notices that the ships are barreling toward them and if they aren't stopped they will crash into the dock and all of those waiting will be lost. John's role is to secure the safety of all those souls, and, most importantly, Pierce. In a hast mood, John quickly dives in to the water to stop the boats from crashing into the them. Although Pierce begs him not to go because he would die, he quickly assures her he want and that he puts her in charge of getting everyone to safety. Not happy with this decision, Pierce does what she is told, but disaster strikes and the unthinkable happens: John Hayden is dead. Death deities aren't supposed to die, but, this time, John is not moving and he isn't breathing. Devastated, and angry, Pierce figures out what she has to do, but that means she must return to Isla Huesos to find a way to revive John. Meanwhile, Alex has been growing restless and is determined to bring his killer to justice and clear his father's good name, which means he is going with Pierce whether she likes it or not. In this final installment, Pierce must now face the Furies head on in order to save the man she loves. At the same time, she must find a way to not lose herself to her anger or more tragedy will strike.


Critical Evaluation:
In this explosive conclusion, Pierce has finally come to terms with her destiny and, to be honest, I wasn't jumping for joy. As much as I love the fact that that Cabot was able to turn this rather disturbing myth into an actual love story,  I just didn't quite get crazy happy with this installment. I will definitely say that Cabot had a whole lot going on in this novel and it almost made my head spin! I definitely hate saying this, but I wish there a fourth so readers could spend a little more time with Thanatos because that myth is definitely worth exploring a little more. Secondly, when we discover the secret that Piece's mom had been hiding all these years was also worth exploring a little more.Either Cabot was in a rush with finishing this story, or really, really didn't want to write a fourth book, I just didn't get everything I was expecting as the ending. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love all of the characters because they are all so beautifully crafted and they all have quirks readers will relate to. A part of me wants to go back and read the original Persephone/Hades myth simply because I want to know if Persephone really loved Hades; unlike Pierce, Persephone didn't have a choice and had NO CLUE that Hades wanted her. I think that some might see Piece being reckless with her wanting to stay with John, but we have to admit she at least had the choice and wasn't spirited away while picking flowers on morning. In fact, we need to keep in mind that John wasn't born a God (like Hades), but forced into his role so he was once a mortal man who knew how to love. Despite all of the hits and misses with the Persephone/Hades myth, Cabot did a beautiful job re-creating the story to make it more about love rather than possession. All in all, this series was enjoyable and I would have preferred a wedding rather than baby talk in the end (Pierce is still 17), but, when you are the Queen of the Underworld, you have loads of time on your hands.


Information about the Author:
According to her website:

After working for ten years as an assistant residence hall director at New York University (an experience from which she occasionally draws inspiration for her best-selling Heather Wells mystery series), Meg wrote the Princess Diaries series, which was made into two hit movies by Disney. While over 25 million copies of Meg’s nearly 80 published books have been sold in 38 countries, Meg’s most proud of the letters she’s received from fans thanking her for helping them to overcome their “dislike of reading.”
Some of Meg’s fan favorites include the 1-800-Where-R-You? series (which has been reprinted under the title Vanished and was made into the Lifetime series called Missing), as well as All-American Girl and Avalon High (on which an original Disney Channel movie was based), and several books told entirely in emails and text messages (Boy Next Door/Boy Meets Girl/Every Boy’s Got One). A fourth book told in this format, The Boy is Back, will be published by HarperCollins in 2016.

Meg’s first ever adult book in the Princess Diaries series, Royal Wedding, will be available in Summer 2015, along with an installment of the series for younger readers, From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess. Remembrance, a new book in the Mediator series, will be available in 2016.

Meg Cabot (her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming”) currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats. If you see her husband, please do not tell him that he married a fire horse, as he has not figured it out yet.

Genre:
 Teen Romance, Teen Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Awaken:

• Cress by Marissa Meyer
• Everytrue by Ashton Brodi
• Beautiful Redemption by Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia

Awards & Recognition:
While the souls of the dead stack up in the Underworld for want of a boat to take them to their final destinations, 17-year-old Pierce and her boyfriend, John, Lord of the Underworld, find themselves Earth-side in the middle of a hurricane, in a fight to defeat a corrupt developer whose son is possessed by Thanatos, the Greek personification of Death. All the while, Pierce and John are pursued by the Furies, bent on destroying the Underworld by killing off its lord and his consort. This is the concluding title of Cabot’s Abandon trilogy, loosely based on the Persephone myth, and readers will definitely want to read Abandon (2011) and Underworld (2012) first. Action rather than characterization moves this clever, agreeable tale along to a neatly negotiated ending, and the author keeps a light touch while dealing with dead people, judgment, and the consequences of getting involved rather than standing on the sidelines. Recommend to those who liked Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy titles or Cabot’s own Avalon High (2006). HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-seller Cabot wrapping up a trilogy? This ought to go out like hotcakes, so make sure you’ve got a full stack. Grades 7-10. --Cindy Welch

Plot Summary:
After a near death battle with the Darkling, Alina was spirited away from the Little Palace to the darkness of the underground White Chapel. Although she is weak, Alina is struggling with her confinement and suspects that the Apparat is keeping her locked up for his own advantage. However, after a coup, led by Mal and company, they escape the underground in search of Nikolai despite the fact they have no where he is or if he survived the battle at the Little Palace. Fortunately, Nikolai is a lot stronger, and cleaver, than anyone could have imagined so it should have been no surprise that he would rescue Alina and the others after encountering Second Army deserters. More importantly, while Alina spent months convalescing, Nikolai managed to create ever more extravagant machines, which takes our heroes to the most elaborate hideout ever: the Mountains. As Alina continues to struggle harnessing her powers, she is also battling the conflicting feelings about Mal and the Darkling. However, when Baghra tells Alina her life's history, it only makes sense why the Darkling is the way he is. Moreover, Alina is had to deal with the fact that if she succeeds, as is the Sun Summoner, she must join Nikolai, the heir to the Ravkan throne, to keep her not only keep Ravka safe, but say goodbye to the only man she has ever loved. As the group continues their search for Morozova's last amplifier (the Firebird) they set on a journey that will not only reveal the true origin of the final amplifier, but the sacrifice that Alina will have to make to earn it's power. There is a huge plot twist so get ready for the "HOLY COW" moment.

Critical Evaluation:
As much as I love this series, I was a little disappointed with how this series ended. IN many respects, I thought the story was rushed and could have used more plot development since the author actually revealed the history about Morozova, Baghra, and the Darkling. Although loved the fact that Alina and the Darkling could communicate with one another, especially when he revealed his real name and his feelings, there really is room for a fourth installment where Bardugo could expand upon Darkling's  inner turmoil. Personally, as a reader, I would prefer to have this struggle in the story because it would make his death that more memorable because, beneath the power hungry exterior, is a lost soul who wanted his country united, but went about it the wrong way. Granted, Baghra did explain that she was responsible for his ways, but I really wanted more drama and turmoil! What I did adore about this series is that all of the characters in this story have equally good and dark sides; the Darkling, at least for me, was not only appealing, but his loneliness pulled at my heart strings because, in the end, he really did love Alina and it was only natural that he would die because of her. The back story to Morozova was not only interesting, but actually deserves it's own story where readers can get the full story that not only shows how Mal, Alina, and the Darkling are connected. In my opinion, this love triangle is much more enticing than the Edward, Bella, and Jacob triangle (at least the Darkling didn't try to imprint on Alina's Child). In the end, Mal, Alina, and the Darkling where destined to meet, love, and, ultimately, experience some sort of loss and Bardugo delivered on that promise. Despite wanting more, the story ended the way it should and I was so happy to know that Alina got the happy ending she deserved. 

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising. She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, The Dregs, arrives fall 2015.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Steampunk

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Ruin & Rising:

• Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
• Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

"The magic Bardugo invents will surprise and delight readers." - The Horn Book
"Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to the conclusion that will generate much discussion." - Booklist

"Once again, Bardugo is a master at building an action-packed fantasy with extraordinary world-building and complex characters . . . Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed." - School Library Journal

"Triumphant . . If opener Shadow and Bone was a magical coming-of-age story and middle-volume Siege and Storm was a policial thriller, then this third book is an epic quest. . . Every time readers may think she's written herself into a corner, Bardugo pulls off a twist that, while surprising, will keep them turning pages furiously." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Plot Summary:
Karou has taken the rebellion from Thiago with the help of Ziri and walks a very thin line with the rest of her comrades. Meanwhile, Eliza's past returns to haunt her and is trying desperately to figure out why the Seraphim and Jael have come to Earth. For Akiva, he has to find a way to convince the remaining Misbegotten that by joining the Chimera they will be able to end Jael's tyranny and reclaim Astrae. For Zuzana and Mik, they remain at Karou's side to help her resurrect Chimera who were slaughtered by Thiago for defiance.  When Akiva returns with the Misbegotten, tensions are high especially when they are told that chimera and serigraphs will be fighting side be side. Although Akva and Karou are holding on to their dream with both hands, things start to fall apart when insurrections arise and allies betray them. With a plan in hand, Akiva and Karou will have to go to Earth to stop Jael from bringing earthly weapons to Eretz, but with one small catch: no more blood will be shed and that proves difficult with Liraz who wants Jael's head on a platter. What should have been a rock solid plan, turns to dust when Akiva is pushed into the Earthen portal with Karou, leaving Ziri and Liraz behind to fight off the Dominion, which leaves him devastated. However, with Karou by his side, they must sneak into the Vatican to convince Jael to leave peacefully, which doesn't exactly goes to plan. Lastly, when Eliza's past is exposed, she spins out of control and the only ones who can save her are Zuzana and Mik. Who exactly is Eliza and why is she linked to all of this. Moreover, after using Sirithat, the Stelian Queen, Scarab, is on a mission to find and destroy Akiva because his powers have the ability to not only bring an end to the Continuum, but release an evil that is laying patiently in the dark. 
 
Critical Evaluation:
HOLY COW! EPIC! Thank you jury duty for keeping me locked in a room with nothing better to do than devour this final installment. I was kinds of worried, at first, that if Taylor introduced any more characters, my head would spin. However, Eliza's story is essential in tying the series together. I will also admit that I am so unbelievably happy that Eliza, whose ancestors originated from a biblical story that's only recognized in Ethiopia, is, indeed, African. Honestly, as much as love YA fiction, it's still hard to find stories where there are important characters that are of multiple ethnicity so BRAVO Laini Taylor for including a part of biblical history that readers may not familiar with. Although the characters in this story relate to Christian mysticism (angels and demons), Taylor doesn't bash readers over the head with the idea of heaven vs. hell. In fact, what she does is pose the simple question of other realms being spliced together, unintentionally, through time and space. When readers find out about the faerers and the cataclysm, everything will make sense. More important, readers will learn the real reason why the Serpahim and Chimera loathe each other and it is a bit unsettling. Although the Stelians are seen as ambivalent and selfish, they actually bear a burden that forces them to not pick a side because they are trying to pick up the mess that the Magi started thousands of years ago. I did find myself hurrying through the book because I just wanted Akiva and Karou to have a happy ending; however, Taylor's decision to include final part of the story with the Stelians I think was a great way to not leave any loose ends. Granted, readers will be left for another installment, Taylor actually leaves enough room to begin a whole new series that could easily pick up where Akiva and Karou left off. Great story and I did tear up when Akiva and Karou finally went home together. Amazing trilogy and I can't wait to see what Laini Taylor has planned next!

Information about the Author:
According to Amazon.com:

Laini Taylor is the author of the National Book Award Finalist Lips Touch: Three Times, as well as the novels Blackbringer and Silksinger. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Dreams of Gods & Monsters:

• Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
• Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

*In the final book of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, Taylor revives the strong interweaving of reality and fantasy that gave the first story such cross-genre appeal."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"[An] ambitious, gorgeously edgy drama lit up by its coruscating characters and prose."— Kirkus

"New revelations, characters, multiple love stories, and constant plot twists and suspense will not disappoint Taylor's many fans."— Booklist

"For all the well-made trappings of fantasy and horror, the patchwork amalgamation of myth and legend, the machinations of plot, and the colorful menagerie of ensemble characters, this story remains, at heart, a romance-clear-eyed, tender, and satisfying."—The Horn Book

*"Though readers will be loath to leave this world behind, the trilogy ends with a sweet buffet of just deserts; the best balm for the bereft may be to start the series again from the beginning."—The Bulletin (starred review)

Plot Summary:
After learning about the deaths of her Chimera family, Karou found the portal, with the help of Razgut, to see what remains of her home in Loremendi. Sadly, there is nothing but wasteland and death, which fills Karou with utter rage that Akiva was responsible for all of this. Unwilling to believe that Brimstone was really dead, Karou went searching for them and stumbled upon something even more upsetting: Thiago was alive and that Brimstone was working on resurrecting fallen soldiers to create an army for Thiago to lead a rebellion bent on annihilation. Upon learning that Brimstone is truly dead, Karou has aligned herself with the very creature that executed Madrigal eighteen years ago by taking resuming Brimstone's work in order to take revenge against the angels, including Akiva. Although building an army of Chimera soldiers is dangerous in their realm, Karou's human form has been quite the advantage since she is resurrecting the soldiers in the human world. Meanwhile, Zuzana is desperately trying to reach her friend and is guarding her most prized possessions (her sketchbooks) and keeping the press at bay. When Zuzana learns that a woman has been breaking into museums and taking teeth, she knows that Karou is alive. However, she is angry that Karou hasn't tried to communicate with her until she receives an enigmatic email from her filled with odd familiar phrases. What is Karou trying to tell her? As for Akiva, he returns to Eretz only to find that Hazel and Liraz have not told anyone about his predicament. However, Akiva has decided that he will atone for his sins against Karou by saving Chimera rather than slaughtering them. Granted, his angelic siblings know something is going on with him, he has yet to reveal his intentions to them. In this sequel, readers will follow the main characters through their separate journeys and meet new characters who will make this saga even more epic because the ending of this story is really just the beginning of something beautiful or tragic. 

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, I never like sequels because they tend to be the weakest. However, Days of Blood & Starlight is literally the Empire Strikes Back of the trilogy. I absolutely appreciate the fact that all of the main characters go on their separate journeys because readers finally have the chance to get to know these characters more. Furthermore, by having each character take these necessary strides, this allows the author to fully develop the character, which is amazing because we see that Karou had to make some serious choices that she, as a human, has never had to make. For Akiva, we see a creature plagued with guilt and is desperately trying to make amends for what he did by trying to save Chimera from Joram. What is so unbelievably endearing about Akiva is the he refuses to give up on the idea of peace and Karou. Honestly, of all the characters who has endured the most suffering, he is the one who continues to cling to the promise he made Madrigal before her death. As for Zuzana, I love this girl!!! I am so happy happy happy that she has her own story because she complements Karou so beautifully it reminds me of me and my best friend. More importantly, I loved the fact that she and Mik were able to interact and communicate with the Chimera because it shows the simple truth that we can all coexist if we take the time to learn from one another. I have a strong feeling that when the chimera find out what Thiago is up to they will be more apt to protect than ravage because humans are really just naked chimera with the same capacity to love. This is probably one of the strongest things in the story, which is so utterly beautiful. Although the war between the chimera and angels is ancient, it's an necessary power struggle between to races where death becomes a never ending result.  Despite the Romeo & Juliet likeness, this is story about living and fighting to prove that in order to bring peace, everyone must embrace change otherwise everyone is doomed. I can't wait to the last one!!

Information about the Author:
According to Amazon.com:

Laini Taylor is the New York Times bestselling author of Days of Blood & Starlight, Daughter of Smoke & Bone, the Dreamdark books Blackbringer and Silksinger, and the National Book Award finalist Lips Touch: Three Times. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter, Clementine. Her website is www.lainitaylor.com.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Blood & Starlight:

• Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

Plot Summary:
Karou has no recollection of her past. She doesn't know who she is and has no idea how she inherited her special abilities. The only thing she does know is that she cannot tell anyone, even her best friend, that she has been raised by the very entities she draws: mythological creatures known as Chimera. Karou is currently an art student at one of the most prestigious academies in the Czech Republic. After breaking up with her two-timing boyfriend, Karou spends most of her time focusing on her art and running errands for her guardian named Brimstone. Although Brimstone is Chimera, he is actually known as a Wishmonger who collects teeth to make wishes. The trouble with the teeth part is that Karou is actually responsible for retrieving those items using portals that take her "Elsewhere." Although she calls them "errands" most of us would call outlandish adventures that could easily cost her her life. Despite all of the excitement, Karou is starting to realize the loneliness that resides in her heart. After Kaz, all Karou wants is to be wanted and love, but with the recent events, the only beings she loves and cares about are in grave danger. Recently, black handprints have been appearing on all of the portals that Karou uses and they are put there by other worldly creatures who are bent on cleansing the Earth of Chimera. When Brimstone summons her, in desperation, Karou notices how worried he is because his supply of teeth has run dry. On her journey to meet an old acquaintance, who was banished from the shop, Karou runs into a beautiful creature with dark eyes filled with hate until he notices the tattoos on her palms. What is it about the pair of eyes on her hands that stopped the beautiful, angelic creature from killing her? Secondly, why are all the portals closed off and what has happened to Brimstone and the rest of her Chimera family? Rather than living the life Brimstone told her to live, Karou wants answers as to who she really is and why an angel would risk his immortal soul for her.

Critical Evaluation:
This story is probably one of the most epic romances I have read in a while and I am just in awe. Not only am I drawn to Karou and Akiva (as mythical beings), but their loneliness and their reunion is what pulls at my heart strings. Once readers start learning about the Angels and the Chimera, it starts to makes sense why this war exists. In other words, the Angels thought they were civilizing a species, but, in reality, they were enslaving and oppressing the Chimera, which ended up in a bloody Civil War. The funny thing is that Angels really believed they were doing good, but, they took for granted the fact that the Chimera never asked for any of it; thus, the mess that brought Madrigal and Akiva together. In relation to Karou, readers are definitely thrown for a loop when we learn that she may be a reincarnation of a Madrigal that saved Akiva from death, which may, or may not, please readers. Karou is a strong, young woman who has her own soul (and personality) so it's a little condescending to read that Akiva is only attracted to her because she happens to be Madrigal in another form. Although Karou/Madrigal are really the same person, she was reborn with the memories, but her way of thinking has changed immensely. Personally, I think Karou and Madrigal are two separate entities, but they both represent the Chimera that shows they are not vicious monsters and that human are more forgiving and compassionate than Angels. For example, Brimstone didn't have to raise Karou as his own, but he did because he does have the capability to love. More importantly, to be human is compassionate and knowing what's true and what's now (why else would she go looking for the family she still loves despite everything). The part that I find ironic is that both both of the main characters are not human, yet the possess the will and the want to be loved, accepted, and forgiven. In essence, the question the author poses is what really makes us human or inhuman? Both Karou and Akiva love being in our world because there is so much beauty and life; for Akiva, this world has hope, which, coincidentally, is the meaning of Karou's name. For Karou, she has her art, her best friend Zuzana, and she has her childhood among the Chimera. Honestly, there is a lot going on this story that is so incredibly deep that readers can't help but to devour the pages in one sitting. Laini Taylor is truly a gifted storyteller and I am looking forward to reading the next installments.

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

I'm Laini Taylor.

I am a writer-artist-daydreamer-nerd-person,

and simultaneously a mom-wife-sister-daughter-person.

I can do a lot of things at once, like for example: I can sleep and dream and also lie very still,

all while also breathing and ever-so-slowly growing ten distinct toenails.

* * *

I write books for youngish people, 

but they can also be read and enjoyed by oldish people, aka grown-ups.

You know grown-ups? They tend to be a little bigger and hairier than kids.

But not always.

* * *

I live in Portland, Oregon, USA

with my husband Jim Di Bartolo, who is an amazing illustrator and who I'm

always begging to draw me things,

and with our wee droll genius, Clementine Pie.

* * *

Some of my favorite things are books and bookstores

and breakfast food and mangoes and chocolate,

and cake stands and table cloths and old houses,

and going places (like libraries and other countries),

and dreaming up stories,

and making stuff (like cupcakes or peculiar dolls),

and playing with Jim and Clementine,

and taking pictures,

and falling asleep (so cozy)

and waking up (exciting!).

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Daughter of Smoke and Bone:

• The Space Between by Breanna Yovanoff
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

•  YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults
• A New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
• A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
• A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year
• A Junior Library Guild Selection of the YearA Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Lush description of a gothic and ghostly Prague beckons readers from the first page and fulfills its promise, leading to a star-crossed romance that spans worlds and transcends death...[Leaves] the reader both satisfied and eagerly anticipating a forthcoming sequel."—The Horn Book, starred review

* "The suspense builds inexorably, and the philosophical as well as physical battles will hold action-oriented readers. The unfolding of character, place, and plot is smoothly intricate, and the conclusion is a beckoning door to the next volume."—School Library Journal, starred review

* "National Book Award finalist Taylor (Lips Touch: Three Times) again weaves a masterful mix of reality and fantasy with cross-genre appeal. Exquisitely written and beautifully paced, the tale is set in ghostly, romantic Prague, where 17-year-old Karou is an art student--except when she is called "home" to do errands for the family of loving, albeit inhuman, creatures who raised her. Mysterious as Karou seems to her friends, her life is equally mysterious to her: How did she come to live with chimaera? Why does paternal Brimstone eternally require teeth--especially human ones? And why is she "plagued by the notion that she wasn't whole....a sensation akin to having forgotten something?" Taylor interlaces cleverly droll depictions of contemporary teenage life with equally believable portrayals of terrifying otherworldly beings. When black handprints begin appearing on doorways throughout the world, Karou is swept into the ancient deadly rivalry between devils and angels and gradually, painfully, acquires her longed-for self-knowledge. The book's final pages seemingly establish the triumph of true love--until a horrifying revelation sets the stage for a second book."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Rarely--perhaps not since the author's own Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer (2007)--does a series kick off so deliciously."—Kirkus, starred review

* "[A]long with writing in such heightened language that even casual banter often comes off as wildly funny, the author crafts a fierce heroine with bright-blue hair, tattoos, martial skills, a growing attachment to a preternaturally hunky but not entirely sane warrior and, in episodes to come, an army of killer angels to confront. Rarely--perhaps not since the author's own Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer (2007)--does a series kick off so deliciously."—Kirkus, starred review

* "Taylor crafts both her world and her romance with meticulous care, building the first on a wealth of thought-provoking details and making the second equal parts tender and antagonistic...Fans of torturously star-crossed lovers a la those in Marr's Wicked Lovely and Black's Tithe will find much to enjoy here, but those who flock to innovative, character-driven fantasy with thematic depth will be equally enthralled."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"[A] breath-catching romantic fantasy about destiny, hope and the search for one's true self"—The New York Times Book Review

"An adventurous story of self-identity, "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" is written with high-stakes flair and a touch of humor...[It is] well-told and well-paced, raising intriguing questions about notions of identity, expectation, trust, betrayal and belonging."—The Los Angeles Times

"Author Taylor has created a variety of worlds, time frames, and creatures with such detail and craft that all are believable...Readers will look forward to the suggested sequel to this complex, exciting tale."—Booklist

* "Lush description of a gothic and ghostly Prague beckons readers from the first page and fulfills its promise, leading to a star-crossed romance that spans worlds and transcends death...[Leaves] the reader both satisfied and eagerly anticipating a forthcoming sequel."—The Horn Book (starred review)

Plot Summary:
After revealing herself to Cinder, Criss has put herself in danger. Locked away in a satellite, with no one to talk to other than "Little Cress," Cress has taken it upon herself to be a guardian of Earth. Although she has been instructed to report back to Levanna, through Lady Sybil, Cress has decided that she will protect Cinder and her crew. However, after taking a look at Thorne, Cress has taken an interest in this wanted criminal and is slowly developing feelings for him. When Cinder contacts Cress, they have decided that the best way to take down Levanna is with Cress, which means, they are on their way to rescue her. Excited, and nervous, Cress is ready to venture out on her own. What was supposed to be an easy rescue, turns awry when Lady Sybil shows up unexpectedly, which leads to disaster: Cress and Thorne are trapped in the satellite that is careening straight for Earth and Scarlet has been kidnapped by Sybil. With no way to communicate with the Rampion, Thorne and Sybil must face the Saharan Desert on their own while Cinder is trying to save a badly injured Wolf. Luckily, Cinder has decided to seek out Dr. Erland, who is in Africa, who not only has some even more devastating new, but is about to be reunited with someone he had lost long, long ago. On the other side of the planet, Kai is struggling with his decision to marry Levanna, but is desperately trying to keep her from destroying the Earth. However, with the new information he has in regards to Cinder and the Princess Selene, his feelings for Cinder are multiplying especially when he realizes that she isn't the monster her stepmother made her out to be in. In fact, Kai also learns that Cinder is immune to Leutomosis and that the antidote Levanna gave him is actually the cure they have been waiting for. Lastly, now that Scarlet is Lunar custody, she is trying to escape but is unable to fight their "powers." Fearing that she may never escape, Scarlet yearns for her grandmother and Wolfe, but then Scarlet does something that will change her fate forever.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, Marissa Meyer is so unbelievably awesome and is on her way to greatness. I cannot express how awesome and uplifting it is to read, and go on an adventure, with insanely powerful young ladies. Contrary to the "damsel in distress" that we are all accustomed to, Meyer's fairy tale heroines are smart, funny, quirkly, vulnerable, and down right adorable (especially Cress). In this installment, readers are getting to know the young lady who has been trapped in her satellite for many years and they will just fall in love with her. Could it be her naivety? Her innocence? Or could it be the fact that she is probably one of the most empathetic person we have come across? Cress may be a "shell" but her heart is so big that there is no way she was destined for a lifetime in a satellite. In fact, there is something about Cress that threatens Levanna so, by losing her, and Cinder, the holes in her plans are getting bigger and bigger. What I love most about these books is that all even though all of the young ladies have their "handsome prince," but, in reality, the ones who have needed the saving have been Kai, Wolf, and Thorne. Who would have thought!? In this day and age, women are taking on bigger, and larger roles, where it's about time they are being recognized for their abilities and Meyer provides young teens girls with amazing examples. I may not be a mother, yet, but I love to mother the teenagers I work with so I highly approve of this series because it is really meant for young people (in general). Now, I am not saying that the young men in this story are weak (quite the contrary), but they have met their matches in these young ladies, which is not only attractive, but worth fighting for. At the end of the day, all of them are fighting for one thing, which is freedom from Levanna and the desire to be happy and loved. I am SOOOOO anxious about the final installment and I am ready for any twists and turns that Marissa Meyer may have designed because, DARN IT, the woman can WRITE!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.
Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci-Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Cress:

• Towering by Alex Flinn
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

"Once again, Meyer offers up a science fiction fantasy page-turner that salutes women’s intelligence and empowerment . . . Old and new romances, unfinished story lines, and the prognostication of wartime horrors all pave the way for Meyer’s much anticipated next installment, Winter, expected in 2015." - Booklist "This multilayered, action-packed page-turner is sure to please series fans." - The Horn Book  

Plot Summary:
For the last two weeks, Scarlet has been looking for her grandmother who disappeared, leaving no note or explanation. Unfortunately, Scarlet's leads have run out and the police have closed the missing person's case because there was no evidence of foul play. In other words, the police have told Scarlet that her grandmother just left town and there us nothing they could do. For Scarlet, she know her grandmother would never do such a thing because she loved her home, her farm, and she loved her. While delivering a load of groceries to the local pub, Scarlet meets a fighter who is not only new to town, but there is something about his eyes and his tattoo that she can't quite figure out. Granted, this fighter (named Wolf) is as good as he says, but when she discovers that he is a part of a violent "wolf" pack she doesn't know if she can trust him. However, he is the only who can help her find her grandmother and she reluctantly goes with him to look for her in Paris. Meanwhile, Cinder has broken out of prison, only to gain an unwanted sidekick named Captain Thorne (thief and deserter). Although Cinder has no desire to form a relationship with this handsome, smooth-talking, criminal, she needs his stolen spaceship to track down her past and ultimately help her find out who she is. With Cinder on the loose, Emperor Kai is still reeling from all that has happened in the last few days and is trying desperately to let go of his feelings for Cinder. However, with Levana threatening him with violence, he must make Cinder disappear or a lot of people will die. In this sequel, there is a lot of action and excitement that will not only bring all of the characters together, but help them form an alliance that will prepare them for the imminent battle with the Lunar Kingdom. The ending will readers begging for more. 

Critical Evaluation:
Wow! All I can say is "WOW!" It's not an unknown fact that sequels aren't as strong as the first story, but this one is even better than the first! Not only do we meet Scarlet, Wolf, and Thorne, readers will start putting all of the puzzle pieces together and will yearn for more. I really didn't know what to expect from this story and I am very happy with the non-stop twists and turns. For the lack of a better term, this series is episodic so readers are anticipating other stories that will ultimately lead back to finding Princess Selene. In this episode/story/installment, Scarlet represents "Little Red Riding Hood" who not only packs a punch (like Cinder), but it willing to risk everything to find her grandmother, which leads to another interesting discovery that she is part Lunar. What I loved even more is that Kai, who refused to believe that Lunars lived amongst them, admitted their existence to only learn that he has been surrounded by one for years and is in love with one. Although the point of views switch, readers don't get lost because everything comes back full circle, which is why some books (i.e., Allegiant) falter; granted, all of these stories are told from an outside perspective, readers have a better sense of what's going on instead if trying to figure out who is speaking. The relationship between Scarlet and Wolf (in my opinion) is incredibly enticing. Not only will readers (male and female) be drawn to their personalities, but their developing romance is inevitable; they really do need each other because Wolf needs Scarlet to protect and Scarlet helps Wolf keep the monster (inside him) in control. I will say that I am liking this romance a little more than Kai's and Cinder's, but that has yet to develop so I am looking forward to that.  I am really, really, really pleased with story and will be moving onto Cress ASAP!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.
Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Scarlet:

• Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
• City of Bones by Cassandra Claire

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

* "A great choice for all ages, with strong appeal for both girls and boys, these novels will be read and enjoyed—repeatedly." —VOYA, starred review

* "It’s another Marissa Meyer roller coaster ride, part science fiction/fantasy, part political machination with a hint of romance. Readers will be pushed into a horrific alternate universe where violence, especially mind manipulation and control, create ethical and life-threatening situations for both teens. With at least one more Lunar Chronicle to come, the suspense continues. And which fairy tale will Meyer morph next?" —Booklist, starred review *

"Returning fans of Meyer’s Cinder will gladly sink their teeth into this ambitious, wholly satisfying sequel." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "The author has stepped up the intrigue and plot from the first novel, and readers will be eagerly awaiting the next." —School Library Journal

"Further development of this futuristic world plus plenty of action, surprises, and a fast pace will keep readers invested in their journey." —The Horn Book

 "The sci-fi elements are stronger than the fairy-tale allusions this time out, but the story remains just as absorbing. . . . Readers will be thrilled to discover that this steampunky fairy-tale/sci-fi mashup promises two more installments." —BCCB

Plot Summary:
Cinder knows what it's like to be an outcast thanks to the daily reminders from her stepmother, Adri, and stepsister, Pearl. The reason why Cinder is an outcast is not just because of her poor status, but she's a cyborg. Although she may not posses the fancy clothing and comforts like her adopted family, Cinder is good with her hands and can repair any mechanical object out there. In fact, she is so well known for her skills, Prince Kai brings his old android to her for repairs under the guise that his royal mechanics didn't have the abilities to fix it. Granted, Cinder can tell is someone is lying, she agrees to the Prince's demands because how can she refuse? Meanwhile, as everyone get ready for the Ball, Cinder is hoping her stepmother would allow her to attend as long as she completes her "chores." What should have been a simple fix, turned deadly when her stepsister, Peony, whom she loves and adores, follows her to the junkyard and contracts Letumosis (Earth's deadliest plague since the Bubonic Plague). In an effort to rid herself of Cinder, Adri volunteers Cinder for plague research and she is whisked away against her will. When Cinder meets Dr. Dimitri Erland, she notices that there is something very different about this man. What should have been her destruction, Cinder learns something so shocking and unbelievable, it changes everything she has known about her family and herself. Amidst this discovery, the Emperor has died from Letumosis, and the Lunar Queen, Levana, has decided to move in swiftly to forge an alliance that Prince Kai is against, but, if something isn't done, Earth may no longer be at peace with the Lunar Kingdom.As for Cinder, she finds herself caught between her feelings and her reality, which have not only caught the attention of Levana, but may find herself in serious danger.

Critical Evaluation:
I absolutely loved how fast-paced, and creative, this story is! Not only is it an ingenious ides to take a classic fairy-tale and turn it into a Sci-Fi, it gives readers another perspective on the meaning of the tale. Cinderella, as we all know, had been enslaved by her stepmother and the only was she could be rescued is through the help of her fairy godmother, a beautiful dress, glass slippers, and a handsome prince. Granted, everyone has heard a million different versions of this story, this take on the "damsel in distress" is quite the opposite because this damsel must rescue her Prince and their people. Cinder may be slave, like Cinderella, but, after her involuntary testing, her fate is in her own hands because no one expected her to survive, which kind of threw a wrench in everything. Another nice spin on the tale is that Peony, who not only adores her, but is relying on her to save her; Cinder may have carried a variety of responsibilities before, but saving Peony's life forces Cinder to do things she may have never wanted to do before (i.e., agree to continue the plague testing in order to find a cure and searching for the lost Princess). Although Cinder finds an ally in Dr. Erland, there is something about him she can't quite figure out (he has an uncanny ability of lying) and Prince Kai has actually taken an interest in her, but pushes him away because she fears that he might reject her because she is a cyborg. Despite the impending doom on mankind, I just love that this story still identifies the fact that Cinder is a teenager who is trying so hard to find her place in this world while dealing with issues like love and acceptance. Clearly, Cinder has a lot on her shoulders and, unfortunately, she is going to have to figure it out on her own with a little help from Iko (the family droid), Prince Kai, and Dr. Erland. This is a high-energy, fast-paced race to save the world from a tyrant and to help a cyborg regain her memories and finally find her place in this universe.     

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.

Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Cinder:

• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com: