Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
After claiming herself, Lena has found the solace and the relief she has been looking for ever since her sixteenth birthday. However, now that she has chosen to be both light and dark, strange things have been happening in Gatlin. Not only is is unbearably hot (hotter than usual), the fields are burned black, and the Lubber bugs are everywhere. What looks like the end of times for the mortal world is also affecting the Caster world where Casters are unable to use their magic properly and Lena's powers are more unpredictable than ever. Despite the possible end of the world, Link is getting use to his new life as an Incubus and Ridley is struggling without her powers, which makes him more confident and her more possessive and determined. Also, Ethan's father is recovering quite well and has decided to write a new book entitled Eighteen Moons, which instills great fear since Ethan and Lena know that the only person who communicates with that song is Ethan's mother, which begs the question: who is trying to communicate with Ethan's father? What's worse is that Ethan's dreams are becoming more vivid and dark and he is tarting to forget things he shouldn't.  With Abraham Ravenwood and Serafine on the loose, Ethan and Lena set out to find the truth behind Abraham's reappearance with the help of Marian and Liv. However, Ethan has other problems than Abraham Ravenwood--Marian has been accused of treason, which sets off a chain of events that reveal ever more treachery. In order to prevent the end of the world, Ethan and Lena must find the missing John Breed and find a way to bring order and balance between the mortal and caster world. The ending will leave readers speechless. 

Critical Evaluation:
In the third installment of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy, Beautiful Chaos delves into the history behind Serafine and the search for the mysterious John Breed. After her claiming, Lena's decision created a major problem where both the Caster and Mortal world are slowly falling apart; in other words, the delicate balance between Casters and Mortals has shifted where the Gatlin has turned into Moses' Egypt when Pharoh refused to let the Hebrews free. For the Caster world, their powers have be altered as if they are slowly losing their abilities to channel them properly. Although Lena chose to be both light and dark, this choice has caused a huge riff that even Abraham Ravenwood cannot fix unless he finds John Breed. The plot is literally filled with quite a few surprises that will not only add to the complexity of the story, but shed light an specific characters who have been severely misunderstood. I was very, very curious about the life of Izabel Duchannes (aka. Serafine), which, oddly enough, is quite the opposite of what we have seen thus far. It is actually possible to say that this horrible woman was once innocent and harmless; she was a person who actually loved and wanted nothing but to be a part of the Light .As Lena continues to uncover her mother's past, readers will hope that Lena will get the answers she has been longing for her whole life. However, the idea of John Breed was very perplexing simply because he is the key that Abraham Ravenwood is after. As a mutant/hybrid Incubus, John was purposely picked by Abraham for his powers. Readers don't learn a whole lot about his birth parents, but John lived a extremely unhappy life. The worst part about it is that John has no recollection of ever kidnapping Lena or hurting others; John, in many respects, has been an unwilling puppet for Abraham. What's great about John is behind the "jerk" facade, he develops a soft spot for Liv, which shows he is more than a "freak of nature." As readers get through the series, they realize that with every sacrifice, or decision, there is always a set of consequences. When Amma and Lena resurrected Ethan, they didn't realize that he would return with only one part of his soul. When Lena chose to claim herself as both dark and light, she created the rift between two worlds. When Ethan asked to Marian and Liv to help him find Lena, he didn't know that Marian would be tried for treason. It seems that no matter how noble, or terrible, our choices may be, someone is always going to suffer. However, what we also learn, is that with time, support, and love we can always get passed these decisions and find a way to make amends. This theme is constant throughout the series, which is not only hard to swallow, but very enlightening. The final installment, Beautiful Redemption,  readers may get the happy ending they are hoping for.

Information about the Author:
According to their website:

Margaret is a veteran of the video-game industry, and after working with Activision (now Activision Blizzard) and Westwood Studios (now Electronic Arts), Margaret became a cofounder of 7 Studios with her husband, Lewis Peterson. She has previously been nominated for Most Innovative Game Design at the Game Developers Conference.

A graduate of Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, Margaret earned a master’s degree in English from Stanford University and completed coursework for a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University. Margaret was a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford and in Film Studies at Yale. She attended the Creative Writing program of the University of East Anglia, where she was mentored by the Scottish poet George MacBeth.

Margaret loves traveling the world with her daughters, who are épée fencers, and living in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and two bad beagles.

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in her journals. She has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13” on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

Kami has an MA in education, and taught in the Washington DC area until she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher & Reading Specialist. In addition to teaching, Kami was a professional artist and led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She still lives in LA with her husband, son, daughter, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Beautiful Chaos:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:
"This richly imagined series has all the elements of a successful Southern gothic supernatural romance....The ambiguity of good and evil adds appealing complexity....Genre fans will love it." (VOYA ) 

Plot Summary:
Katsa is not like any other girl in the seven kingdoms. In her world, certain children, of gracelings, are blessed with gifts called graces where some are gifted with the art of music, dancing, cooking, etc. For Katsa, her grace is the art of killing; everyone knew Katsa was a graceling because of the color of her eyes: one green and one blue. When she accidentally killed her lecherous cousin, she thought her life was over and then her uncle, King Randa, took a chance on her. Rather than fearing her gift, he decided to use her as a weapon; whenever the kingdom was threatened, or Randa wanted someone dead, it was Katsa's job to see it through. Katsa never wanted her gift, nor did she want to have the responsibility to take human lives, but when she learned of the injustices that were occurring in the neighboring kingdoms, she decided to use her gift for greater good. With the help of her cousin, Prince Raffin, the head spy for Randa, Oll, and Giddon, a noble, she created The Council whose sole purpose was to protect the people from those who prey upon them. The riskiest aspect of the group's formation is that every meeting, every mission, and every detail must be kept secret and no one could tell King Randa. The latest mission from the Council is to retrieve the grandfather prince, Tealiff, from King Murgon. Although no one knows why the elderly grandfather of King Roc of Lienid would be kidnapped, Katsa and the Council set out to find those responsible. Although three of the neighboring kingdoms don't get along, the possibility of alliances forming to overthrow the other kingdoms is very likely. However, during the rescue mission, Katsa meets as a formidable opponent, named Po, who is not only the grandson of Prince Tealiff, but a powerful graceling just like her. The more she gets to know Po, she starts to realize her own vulnerabilities, which help her realize that she is not the monster that people make her out to be. As Po and Katsa set off to find Prince Tealiff's kidnapper, they not only learn the truth about a beloved King, they also learn the horrors that befalls those he ensnares.

Critical Evaluation:
Graceling is an amazing adventure filled with mystery, love, tragedy and triumph. Kristin Catshore has written an addictive story where the heroine is not only extraordinary, but incredibly insecure and vulnerable. Although this idea can be said about a lot of strong women, Katsa's experiences and skill convey just how complicated she really is. Known as lady killer, Katsa is seen as someone to fear. Although people avert her eyes, and her wrath, we, as the reader, have the chance to see Katsa as someone with good intentions, courage, and strength. Yeah, so she can break an arm with twist or snap a neck with a flick, she is finally given the opportunity to do something she never though she could do...control her power. I absolutely love the dynamic between the characters simply because they make up the family that Katsa never had. Her cousin, Raffin, is just downright adorable because he is the complete opposite of Katsa, which makes him endearing. Po, just like Raffin, is also the exact opposite, but in a good way. There is that age old phrase that opposites attract, but for Po and Katsa, that phrase doesn't do them any justice. For the first time in her life, Katsa is beginning to feel something more for Po than Raffin. Although she has said she would never marry or have children, Katsa forgot one major element when it comes to marriage and a family: love. Although Giddon proposed marriage to her, she refused because she didn't see her life as a queen and because she didn't love him. Granted, Katsa is a bit of a newbie when it comes to the opposite sex, readers see that she is falling in love with Po, which not only proves that Katsa is like any other human: she wants to love and be loved. What makes this book amazing is the character development, action, and plot twist so readers will be begging for the next book.

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

I grew up in the countryside of northeastern Pennsylvania in a village with cows and barns and beautiful views from the top of the hill and all that good stuff. I lived in a rickety old house with my parents, three sisters, and a scattering of cats, and I READ READ READ READ READ. I read while brushing my teeth, I read while chopping parsley, the first thing I reached for when I woke up in the morning was my book; the only two places I didn't read were in the car and in bed. What did I do then? The one thing I liked even more than reading: I daydreamed.

At 18 I went off to college-- thank you, Williams College, for the financial aid that made this possible-- and it almost killed me. College is hard, man, and the Berkshires are cloudy. A (phenomenal) year studying abroad in sunny Sydney revived me. After college I developed a compulsive moving problem: New York City, Boston, Cambridge, Austin, Pennsylvania, Italy, and even a short stint in London, where my showerhead hung from the cutest little stand that was exactly like the cradle of an old-fashioned telephone. The best phone calls are the pretend phone calls made from your telephone tub.

During my stint in Boston, I got an M.A. at the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College. (Thank you, Simmons, for the scholarship that made this possible!) Grad school almost killed me, but I felt a lot more alive than when I was almost being killed in college. The Simmons program is stupendous. It got me thinking and breathing YA books. It got me writing.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Adventure

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Graceling:

• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Divergent by Veronica Roth 

 Awards & Recognition:

• 2009 William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist 
• California Young Reader Medal Award Winner
• Starred review Publisher's Weekly (7/1/2008)
• Starred review Kirkus Review (9/1/2008)
• Starred review School Library Joural (10/1/2008)

After burying Macon, Lena is plagues with grief and regret. Although Lena survived her sixteen moon/birthday without having to choose if she will be a dark or light caster, her powers, as a natural are growing rather quickly. For Ethan, this last year has turned his whole world upside down and it seems like he is losing everyone he loves, including Lena. Although Ethan's father was able to get the help he needed to cope with his wife's loss, everyone, and everything, is changing. In fact, Amma has even stopped doing her crossword puzzles and drowns her sorrows in her cooking. It seems that ever since that fateful night, and Macon's death, an uncertain and disturbing series of events are making their way to Gaitlin. Although their relationship is at a stand still, Ethan refuses to give up on Lena and hopes that she will eventually bounce back. However, when a new caster, and Ridley make their way back to Ravenwood, its obvious they are up to something or Lena is not in her right mind. Furthermore, the visions have returned and without Macon to decipher the mystery behind, Ethan is on his own to uncover the mystery behind the Ravenwood curse. Not only does this task seem impossible, Marian could not be directly involved and Lena was not available, or willing, to help Ethan. Unfortunately, when Lena makes a rash decision to leave Gatlin with Ridley and John, a hybrid Incubus, Ethan not only feels abandoned, but leads him to think Lena no longer loves him. Unable, and unwilling, to let Lena go, Ethan enlists the help of his best friend, Link, and Keeper-in-Training, Liv, to not only go on a deadly journey beneath the Tunnels, but find the location of the Great Barrier. What they weren't counting on is the lethal group of incubuses, Serafine, and Abraham Ravenwood and their plot to force Lena to claim herself.

Critical Evaluation:
I have been this saying this a lot, lately, but I could not put this book down. I cannot express how much I love this southern-Gothic tale where secrets, magic, and danger lurk in every corner. Compare to some sequels that I read, I was really, really frustrated with the situation, which means that this story is only going to get more exciting. Lenna's characters is so grief-stricken that she literally convinces herself to leave everything because of the death of Macon. In fact, she is heartbroken that she takes it upon herself to leave everything behind to protect those she loves. Meanwhile, Ethan, who is just falling apart, refuses to give up on Lena because he knows, deep down, that something, or someone, is trying to convince Lena that she is bad. What he doesn't realize is that she is doing it out of love, which, to him, makes him more determined to save her because she was the one who brought him back to life. Readers will find themselves angry and frustrated because, like the main characters, we want Lena and Ethan to be together because love knows no bounds. However, we do get one very unexpected surprise in regards to forbidden love, which not only makes Lena and Ethan more determines to fight for their love, but bring an end to the nonsense between mortals and casters. I will re-iterate that the reason why I love this premise so much is because not only is the Civil War engrained in the community of Gatlin, it is also going on in the caster world. Civil Wars are never, ever worth fighting in any world since all it leaves is a path of destruction where people die and misery thrives. I am very, very excited about the next installment because with the re-appearance of Abraham Ravenhood, the battle is only going to get worse. I sincerely hope Lena, who claims herself both light and dark, will learn to control her powers.

Information about the Author:
According to their website:

Margaret is a veteran of the video-game industry, and after working with Activision (now Activision Blizzard) and Westwood Studios (now Electronic Arts), Margaret became a cofounder of 7 Studios with her husband, Lewis Peterson. She has previously been nominated for Most Innovative Game Design at the Game Developers Conference.

A graduate of Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, Margaret earned a master’s degree in English from Stanford University and completed coursework for a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University. Margaret was a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford and in Film Studies at Yale. She attended the Creative Writing program of the University of East Anglia, where she was mentored by the Scottish poet George MacBeth.

Margaret loves traveling the world with her daughters, who are épée fencers, and living in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and two bad beagles.

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in her journals. She has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13” on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

Kami has an MA in education, and taught in the Washington DC area until she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher & Reading Specialist. In addition to teaching, Kami was a professional artist and led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She still lives in LA with her husband, son, daughter, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Beautiful Darkness:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Shiver by Maggie Steifveter

Awards & Recognition:

Review quotes from Amazon.com

"The authors ground their Caster world in the concrete, skillfully juxtaposing the arcane, magical world with Gatlin's normal southern lifestyle. . . Fans will devour this latest book and plead for more." (VOYA, starred review )

"The southern gothic atmosphere, several new characters, and the surprising fate of one old favorite will keep readers going until the next book, which promises new surprises as "18 moons" approaches." (Booklist )

"This engrossing must-have sequel...will leave readers clamoring for the next installment." (School Library Journal )

"Readers eager to revisit Ethan and Lena's romantic tension and learn more about the Caster world and the Ravenwood family legacy will find satisfaction here." (Kirkus ) 

Plot Summary:
Nikki Beckett has finally returned home after 100 years in Everneath. During these 100 years, Cole, an immortal, has been feeding off of her emotions, ridding her of her availability to feel. When she finally awakes, Nikki has a choice to continue down the road to Everneath or go to the Tunnels where she will spend eternity in purgatory. However, the memories that have kept her alive all these years during the Feed, which, for most mortals is unprecedented, is the memory of her boyfriend, Jack, which gives her the will and way to return to this reality, but for only six months. Just like Persephone, who was swept away by Hades, Nikki finds herself face down in the Stop and Go mart, looking like an abandoned dog with no feeling. What Nikki doesn't realize is that during her escape, a Shade from the Tunnels has embedded itself into her, which will, eventually, bring her back to Everneath to endure an eternity of suffering. Although Nikki longs to be with Jack again, her disappearance, and re-appearance, has brought back a lot of pain and regret. However, Cole refuses to let her go. In fact, he takes it upon himself to enroll in her high school to not only taunt Jack, but to make warn Nikki that it's better to be in Everneath with him. What she doesn't know is that Cole has a secret agenda for Everneath, which involves war and rebellion and Nikki is the key to his ambitions. Knowing that her time is limited, Nikki has to make a choice: let go of her life and return with Cole or fight for the life and love she once had. The ending of this story is only the beginning.

Critical Evaluation:
I will not lie when I say that I absolutely, positively love Greek mythology. The moment I picked up Edith Hamilton's, Mythology, I have always been interested in Greek myths. When I saw that Everneath is based on the tale of Hades and Persephone, I was curious to see this played out during modern times and teenagers. Unlike the actual tale, Persephone was swept away instantly by Hades without any notice or choice. What I love about these "spins" is that readers actually get an insight into the thoughts and minds of the characters, which helps them see the thought-processes of these characters. Although Greek myths were written quite a long time ago, the modern story arc and use of prose leaving the tales rather stale. However, Brodi Ashton has managed to re-invent this story where the modern Persephone is given the opportunity to change her fate unlike the classical Persephone. Furthermore, this Persephone is much more complex, which makes her very, very human even though she is Forfeit. By intertwining another famous Greek myth (Orpheus and Eurydice), Brodi gives readers yet another alternative where Jack (aka Orpheus) chooses not to look back, but sacrifices himself to keep Nikki with her family, out of the tunnels, and free from Cole. Although the original Orpheus screwed up by looking back, Jack did the opposite by going forward. This story is about redemption, love, and courage where two young people will sacrifice everything to be together and, despite the whole gushy romance stuff, makes one heck of an entertaining story. In my opinion, Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Jack and Nikki and readers will be starving for the next installment, Everbound.

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Everneath:

• The Space Between by Breanna Yovanoff
• Matched by Ally Condie

Awards & Recognition:

Review Quotes from Amazon.com:

"I was pulled under by this bittersweet, beautiful retelling of the Persephone myth. Ashton's lovely storytelling and strong-on-her-own-terms main character set this one apart. Wonderful!"--Ally Condie, author of the MATCHED trilogy

"Ashton's debut, is complex and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from such myths as Osiris, Orpheus, and Persephone, it explores the nature of loss and longing and what it means to be alive."--Publishers Weekly

"Enthralling and suspenseful, EVERNEATH is pure indulgent escapism!"--Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO

"The author brings a fresh, innovative concept to young adult fiction with well-developed characters and a fantastic plot line .... Libraries are advised to buy multiple copies-this one will fly off the shelves."--Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)


"The powerful emotions, moving and painful rebuilding of strained relationships, and star-crossed love story is sure to resonate with teen readers."--School Library Journal

Hello, everyone!

 

Plot Summary:
Balsa is a great warrior whose mission in life is to save eight souls by working as a bodyguard. One day, as she passes through a new country, she ends up saving the life of the second Prince, Chagum. What looked like an accident, Balsa learns from Chagum's mother, the Second Queen, that the Mikado (Chagum's father)  is trying to kill his own son. The reason why the Mikado is doing this is because Chagum has been possessed by a water demon that could plague the land with a deadly drought. In order to save the people, Chagum must die. However, unwilling to sacrifice her son, the Second Queen asks Balsa to be the Chagum's guardian for the rest of his life. Although Balsa initially declines, she sees the Queen's desperation and reluctantly accepts her offer. After all, if she protects Chagum, he will be the eight soul to complete her mission. When Balsa and Chagum make their escape, they are hunted by elite warriors called "The Hunters" whose sole purpose is to retrieve the Prince and bring him back. While the entire kingdom mourns the death of the Prince, the head tutor, a star reader named Shuga,and the head star reader, are not convinced that murdering the boy is the right solution so they set out to find an alternative by researching a hidden text that reveals the legend that founded the kingdom. As time goes by, Chagum learns the life of a commoner, which is not only hard work, but enlightening and invigorating. Furthermore, he is making life long friends, which is something he has never had before. What Balsa did not count on is that she is slowly starting to care for this young boy, which forces her to reminisce about her own past and the man who raised her. As the story shifts from the past and present, Chagum learns about his destiny and Balsa faces the ultimate challenge of her life.
   

Critical Evaluation:
Moribito is a visually-stunning piece of work. I was completely blown away by the landscapes, the colors, and the use of technology. There were many times that I wish I could walk through my television so I could be a part of the city and the country. I have yet to read the manga, but I now I can't wait because the story is just absolutely beautiful. In many ways, I can relate to Balsa who is not only my age, but she is a strong, independent, and powerful woman who is willing to lay her life down for a complete stranger. The relationship between Balsa and Chagum is absolutely inspiring because although Chagum is not Balsa's child, she immediately accepts and treats him like he is her own. I truly believe that the nature of women is wonderfully portrayed because not only is Chagum an innocent child surrounded by treachery, he is in the exact same position she was fifteen years ago. Viewers will eventually learn about Balsa's past, which not only conveys why she took this mission, but how she will never, ever abandon Chagum. The action is amazing because it is not every day one sees the hero wielding a spear. I believe one of the warriors called the spear a weapon of a footman, which doesn't require skillful repairs; therefore, proving how formidable Balsa is. I also appreciate the fact that she is in appropriate attire for a warrior since other animes/manga tend to put their female characters in short skirts or wearing hardly any clothing at all. Balsa is beautiful, but, besides her pretty face, its her heart that makes he gorgeous.


Information about the Producer:
According to Wikipedia:

Kenji Kamiyama  was born on March 20, 1966 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a Japanese anime director. He has worked regularly with the anime studio and production enterprise, Production I.G, such as his work on Jin-Roh, Patlabor, Blood: The Last Vampire, and for whom he has directed the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex anime television series, which was followed on into a second season, Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG and a TV movie, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society.

After working as a background artist for productions such as Akira and Kiki's Delivery Service, he joined Team Oshii at Production I.G, contributing the screenplay of Blood: The Last Vampire and working as animation director for Jin-Roh. In 2002 he made his directorial debut with MiniPato, followed by Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG. In 2007, after almost six years of work on the Stand Alone Complex world, he directed the TV series Guardian of the Sacred Spirit and Eden of the East.

Genre:
Teen Anime

Rating:
TV-14

Number of Episodes:
26


Anime Similar to Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit:

• Nabari No Ou
• Mushi Shi
  

Plot Summary:
Reiko wants nothing more than to be an ordinary high school girl. However, Reiko has super powers that clearly show her peers, and family, is anything but ordinary. One day, Tachibana Ran barges into her classroom with a gun in hand and tells her that her life belongs to him. Translation: Ran wants Reiko to marry him. What makes Ran think he could do this to Reiko? Well, Ran is the heir to a the Tachibana empire and is worth millions of dollars. Reiko has no intention of marrying Ran and does everything she can to run away. Rather than chasing her all over the city, Ran makes a deal with Reiko: if Ran can catch Reiko within the next twenty-five hours, she will marry him. If he doesn't catch her, Reiko is free to go. What she doesn't plan on is that during these tumultuous twenty-five hours, she becomes victim to the people who want to assassinate Ran because of his high status and name. What the kidnappers and assassins don't know is that Reiko actually has a few tricks up of her sleeve...she is incredibly tough and flexible. Although the deadline passes, Reiko finds herself strangely attracted to Ran because he is the first person to like her for who she is rather than what she is not. What most people don't know about Reiko is that her heart was broken by a boy she though she loved; the reason why he didn't return her feelings is because she wasn't ordinary. However, Reiko and Ran are far from ordinary, which makes this pursuit hilarious and absolutely heart warming. 

Critical Evaluation:
I have read some pretty funny Shojo in my time and this one takes the cake so far. Not only is Ran outrageously crazy, he is so caring and loving that one cannot help but love him. As for Reiko, she is definitely not the traditional Shojo character who is looking for her prince charming, In fact, Reiko shuts out everyone because her heart was broken. I really, really admire her spirit and strength and that is what attracts Ran. Although Ran can have any girl in the world, he chose Reiko because she is extraordinary, which is what he needs. Although this story wasn't completed (it's only two volumes), readers can hope that when Ran is kidnapped, Reiko does what she can to rescue him. Along with the romance, the comedy is pure genius. I could not stop laughing simply because Takagi's dialouge is smart and quick. Although Ran has a tendency to be over dramatic, the tender moments are genuine and heart felt. I really, really wish there was more to this series, but I am looking forward to reading other series by Takagi-san. 

Information about the Author:
According to Baka Updates, Shigeyoshi Takagi was born on July 17 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. She has a twin sister and has been writing manga since 2009.

 Genre:
Teen Shojo Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Flower in a Storm:

•  Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Plot Summary:
In this anthology is a collection of steampunk tales that involve time travel, romance, flying machines, tragedy, technological weapons, heartache, robots, horror, wars, and growing up. Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have enlisted the help of fourteen amazing YA authors and steampunk experts. All of these stories paint a picture of a mechanized world wrought with mystery, suspense, love, death, and redemption. In Cassandra Claire's Some Fortunate Future Day, a young girl is tending to her home while her father is fighting in the world. Although her interactive dolls keep her company, while the home bots take over the chores and the cooking, she is left alone with her books and her father's inventions that keep her hidden from the real world. However, when she saves a handsome soldier, she believes that he will fall in love with her and whisk her away to his kingdom in the Capital. What she doesn't realize is that matters of the heart are rarely like those found in fairy tales; when she learns that he loves another she decides to measures into her own hands. In Cory Doctor's, Clockwork Fagin, is a gritty story of a bunch of children whom society has deemed unfit and are thrown into the factories where danger lurks in every corner and most of them are injured in the process. At St. Agatha's Home for Crippled Children, Sian reminisces about the time when Monty Goldfarb bested their headmaster known as the Grinder. Known for his cruelty and abuse, Monty does everything in his power and spirit to defy and humiliate the Grinder. When he murders Grinder, not only is Monty St. Agatha's hero, he is children's new headmaster and gives the order to make an automated version of Grinder; in order to keep their home, they must trick the nuns who stop by once a week to give them their alms. For the first time, the children are coming together as team and family, which will not only secure their futures, but keep them away from the cruel world that put them there. The ending is awesome and readers will be cheering them on through the entire stories.

Critical Evaluation:
This anthology is just plain brilliant. Although steampunk is a relatively new YA genre, it is a genre that very few authors can actually master. Every one of these stories is beyond creative where every twist and turn or surprises will leave the reader wanting more. For me, I am used to short stories that have a beginning, middle, and end; however, all of these stories don't provide readers with this structure. In fact, all of these stories don't provide an ending, which not only conveys that there is more adventure to be had, but that in this realm, nothing is certain. I absolutely loved Libba Bray's Last Ride of the Glory Girls because of the time period: the Wild West. Not only does Adelade have a thick country accent, it's the use of the language that draws the reader in. The Wild West was a time for new beginnings, revival, and danger  so intertwining steampunk into this rich history is ingenious. Despite what the movies show about homesteading and cattle driving, the Wild West was called the Wild West because the weather was unpredictable, disease was rampant, and violence plagued the new land. For Addie, in order to survive the new world of sin and tragedy, she must giver herself to the one and only God, but when she loses the boy she loves, reality sets in and she loses everything. With the help of the Glory Girls, Addie is able to find her strength again by repairing and re-building a gadget that will allow her to have control over time. Time travel and God are prominent themes in steampunk where science and religion are constantly debated. For Addie, she knows that God is the only way to salvation, but, after losing John during his baptism, her faith in God is stifled. When she is finally able to fix the time travel gadget, she is able to defy God by bending time at will. However, rather than abusing this new power, she uses it for good by saving her posse from the Pinkertons, which goes to show extraordinary gifts must be treated with respect. In the end, we don't know what becomes of the Addie and the Glory Girls, but we do know they will find each other once again somewhere in time. This story, amongst the other thirteen, unravel serious issues through goggle lenses where time, machines, and human nature collide. Amazing collection!

Information about the Editors:
According to their website:

Kelly Link is the author of three collections of short stories, Stranger Things Happen, Magic for Beginners, and Pretty Monsters. Her short stories have won three Nebulas, a Hugo, and a World Fantasy Award. She was born in Miami, Florida, and once won a free trip around the world by answering the question “Why do you want to go around the world?” (”Because you can’t go through it.”) Link and her family live in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she and her husband, Gavin J. Grant, run Small Beer Press, and play ping-pong. In 1996 they started the occasional zine Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet.

Gavin J. Grant is a firm believer in the do-it-yourself ethos that powers the steampunk movement. He started a zine, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, in 1996, cofounded Small Beer Press, an independent publishing house with his wife, Kelly Link, and in 2010 launched WeightlessBooks.com, an ebooksite for independent presses. He has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Bookslut, Xerography Debt, Scifiction, The Journal of Pulse Pounding Narratives, and Strange Horizons. He co-edited The Best of LCRW (Del Rey) and for five years co-edited the fantasy half of The Year’s Best Fantasy & Horror (St. Martin’s Press). He lives with his wife and daughter in Massachusetts.

Genre:
Teen Steampunk

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Steampunk!

• Corsets and Clockwork: 13 Steampunk Romances edited by Trisha Telep
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012 Indie Choice Awards Finalist
• Starred Review Publishers Weekly 08/08/2011 
• Starred Review Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2011
• Starred Review School Library Journal 09/01/2011
• Starred Review Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2011
• Starred Review Booklist 11/01/2011

Plot Summary:
After losing his best friend in a plane crash, Ken is terrified of death. Not only does he want to evade death, but he wants to live forever. After researching psychics, and other spiritual advisers, he finds an ad from a Cheri Buttercup in Queens, New York. After traveling quite a distance by train and bus, he manages to cheat death after an almost accident with a car on the way to Cheri. When he gets there, he is beyond disappointed with what he sees. In her ad, Cheri guarantees that she can hide Ken's soul so he won't be vulnerable to death. Although Ken is skeptical, he agrees to her instructions that involve powder and paste. After surviving the ritual, Ken feels like a load has been lifted from his shoulders and that the pain of his best friend's death has dissipated. When Ken musters up the courage to ask the hottest girl in the school, and angering the jock who has claimed her as his own, Ken is testing his new invulnerability by getting beaten up. However, no matter how many punches or kicks the bullies make, Ken can't feel a thing. After realizing that he is practically invincible, he tricks his parents in to taking a vacation in the Caribbean where he will swim in shark infested waters. When he meets Sabine, not only does he fall for her, but he learns the truth about his invulnerability and goes on a journey to save his soul. The ending is definitely unexpected.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, we have to give William Sleator some serious cool points for writing this original zombie tale. Some readers my be familiar with voodoo, but those who do not know about this art will get a slap upside the head. Although Voodoo tends to have a negative connotation to its practices, Sleator outlines the culture and the history of the people who practice. I will confess that Voodoo does tend to creep me out, but, from what Sabine tells us, it's not meant to be evil. With any religious practice, there is always going to be a good side and a bad side. Unfortunately for Ken, he made a deal with the dark side and he has no control, whatsoever over his mind and body. The irony of this story is that Ken wants nothing but control, but, now that he is a zombie under the control of a black magic user, he gave that up. The real issue at hand, in this story, is that we cannot escape because whether we like it or not, it will find us. For Ken, death found him and now controls his mind, will, and soul. Ken's character is very stereotypical rich kid who gets what he wants, but, in the end, he falls prey to his own ambitions that leaves him soulless and unsatisfied. Although this book is tiny, and quick to read, it packs a lot of serious consequences, especially when we deal with things that are beyond our knowledge. Call me a pessimist, but Ken really got what he deserved, but, as he develops his relationship with Sabine, he almost starts to look more like a human than a zombie. This story is seriously twisted and complicated, which makes it a great read for all of those who love a zombie love story.

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of The Boy Who Couldn't Die:

For more than thirty years, William Sleator has thrilled readers with his inventive books, which blend real science with stories that explore our darkest fears. His House of Stairs was a groundbreaking books for young adults, names on the best novels of the twentieth century by Young Adult Library Services Association. Critics call his writing "cleaver and engrossing...and just plain fun" (Booklist) and "gleefully icky" (Publisher's Weekly). Mr. Sleator divide[d] his time between homes in Boston, Massachusetts, and rural Thailand.

William Sleator passed away on August 3, 2011 at his home in Bua Chet, Thailand. The New York Times published the following quote:

Moody, psychologically probing and sometimes terrifying, Mr. Sleator’s work chronicled young people’s passage through all manner of dystopias. It was a fitting juxtaposition of age group and subject matter, for what, after all, is more dystopian than adolescence? In confronting the grotesque, the menacing and the outright evil, Mr. Sleator’s protagonists simultaneously confront their own identities and their relationship to their families, especially to brothers and sisters.

Genre:
Teen Zombie Lit, Teen Horror

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Boy Who Couldn't Die:

• Thirsty by MT Anderson
• Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred review ALA Recommended Reluctant YA's (2/15/2005)

Plot Summary:
In the future, specifically in Chicago, Illinois, society has been broken down into factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), the Amity (the peaceful), the Erudite (the intelligent), and the Dauntless (the protectors). The reason why society is contained in these factions is to eradicate the behaviors that lead to the downfall of humanity; Abnegation fights selfishness; Candor fights deception; Amity fights aggression; Dauntless fight cowardliness. For every 16-year-old, they are now at the stage in their life where they can chose which faction they want to belong to; in this reality, society still upholds the democratic right to chose where teens can either stay in their faction or transfer. However, those who transfer are not only shunned by their families, the factions will see this decision as betrayal. For Beatrice, she has grown up in the Abnegation faction and does not want to leave her family. The only problem is that she doesn't feel like she could fulfill her role. At her final examination, Beatrice learns that she is divergent--she has personality traits that fill into three factions, which is not only unusual, but confusing and upsetting. Not knowing what to do, Beatrice is terrified when she climbs the stage at her Choosing Ceremony. What should have been easy choice, turns out differently than she expected. After making her decision, Beatrice, now named Tris, is re-learning her new way of life and, to her surprise, she makes friends with other initiates and realized just how powerful she really is. What she doesn't count on is her feelings for Four, her instructor, and as she falls for him, she learns about his painful past and uncovers a despicable plot that could the factions apart.

Critical Evaluation:
I really did not know what to expect while reading this story and I was very, very pleased. I am not going to be one of those reviewers who will call this a "Hunger Games" read-alike simply because there is really no comparison. In this world, one city is divided into factions to prevent aspects of human nature that could lead to turmoil. For Tris, she has grown up in Abnegation, which focuses on selflessness and she knows she doesn't belong. Although she is Divergent, what makes her special is that, unlike her peers, she will not allow herself to be brainwashed or controlled. In many ways, readers realize that the purpose of the factions is to rid the world of chaos is admirable, but, as we all realize, that human beings are not capable of resisting temptation. As the years pass by, the factions start slipping where their desire to be the most honest, the most intelligent, the strongest, and the most selfless clouds their judgment. For the Erudite, they want to be free of the Abnegation rule simply because they cannot fathom that an entire of faction can be completely selfless and fair. Unfortunately, the Erudite have just cause when we hear about Tobias' father. However, it's the skepticism that gives those who want to rebel the ammo they need to start a war. Although all of this is in the background, these are the clues that Tris and Four put together as time goes by. For Tris, her training has not only been painful, physically and emotional, she has to battle the prejudice of her peers and prove to them that she is not weak or frail. As a characters, Tris undergoes so many changes, very quickly, that readers just want to cheer her on. I wasn't expecting the love stories, but that's what happens when you put a bunch of teenagers together in one setting. I will admit that the scenes with Four and Tris we pretty hot, but, aside from that, the story is absolutely awesome and I couldn't put the book down. 

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of Divergent:

Veronica Roth graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing. While she was a student, she often chose to worn on a story that would become Divergent instead of doing her homework. It was indeed a transforming choice. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth lives near Chicago. Divergent is her first Novel.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Divergent:

• Matched by Ally Condy
• Legend by Marie Lu
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (2/21/2011)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (6/1/2011)

Plot Summary:
Jakob's grandfather, Abe, was his best friend. Not only did Jakob grow up with grandpa's stories of traveling the world, he hear the tales of his grandfather's childhood at the Island known as Cairnholm Bay. Jakob's grandfather's past was not easy. After escaping the Nazis, during World War II, Abe lost his family and was shipped off to Cairnholm Bay to live at Miss Peregrine's Home. These were the happiest time of of Abe's life and the tragedy struck. Jakob's father, who was not as close to his father like Jakob was, said that he was hardly ever there for him, which struck Jakob as odd. As Jakob got older, he started to realize that the stories that his grandfather told were too goo to be true and then, eventually, he stopped believing them. Now, at sixteen, Jakob is convinced that his grandpa is losing his mind. One day, he received a frantic phone call from Abe about the "others" and that he must escape. Although Jakob is worried about his grandfather, he doesn't know what to believe so he told Abe that he would stop by when his shift at the Smart Aid was over. With the help of his buddy, Dylan, Jakob goes out to the senior community that Abe lives at. What was supposed to be a routine visit turned out to be a nightmare; Jakob found his grandfather's body in the forest and caught a glimpse of a gruesome creature; just before Abe passed away he uttered his final words to his grandson, which leave Jakob terrified, confused, and in shock. Haunted by nightmares, Jakob starts putting together his grandfather's stories at the behest of his psychiatrist, which not only take him on a journey to Wales, but on a quest to uncover the truth about his grandfather, Miss Peregrine's home, and the darkness that shrouds his grandfather's past.

Critical Evaluation:
Ransom Riggs has written an amazing story where reality and fantasy collide. What were supposed to be tales of magic and mystery, Jakob learns that these "fancies" were real, especially the people in the photographs. I really didn't know what to expect when I read this story and I was plenty surprised as to how the tale shifted from what could be an excellent horror story to a thrilling science fiction/fantasy. I really did not expect time travel at all and it was really exciting! I absolutely love all of the children and Miss Peregrine; not only are they unique, but of all the supposed "normal" people in the world, they are the most real and stable. Compared to Jakob's family and the people of Cairnholm, the peculiar people have it together; they feel joy, happiness, loyalty, and love for one another, which is hard to get nowadays. Furthermore, since this world exists in a time loop before the island is bombed by the Nazis, it is free from the fear that Jakob runs into when he first crosses over. This story takes place during an incredibly volatile time, which not only explains the uneasiness of something, or someone, out of the ordinary, but conveys how the beauty of isolation. Miss Peregrine created the loop to not only protect the children from those who condemn them, but it also prevents the children from leaving. In many ways, Jakob loves and despises the loop.  Although he understands the beauty of the loop, which saved his grandfather's life, he also understood why his grandfather left the safety of Miss Peregrine's home. As readers venture into the story, not only will they uncover some dark secrets, they will also see why Jakob had to take this journey and how the fate of Miss Peregrine's world depend on him. For most teens, they don't think themselves to be extraordinary, but, after reading this book, I hope the realize the strength within themselves to follow their hearts and find their purpose without fear and hesitation. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

I was born on a 200-year-old farm in rural maryland, where at the tender age of five I decided that I definitely wanted to be a farmer when I grew up, because being a farmer meant driving tractors.  Then, partially as a result of my new ambition, my mom moved us far away to Florida, where there were relatively few farms but lots and lots of old people and not very much for kids to do.  In retrospect, it was precisely because there wasn’t a lot to do, and because the internet didn’t exist and cable TV was only like twelve channels back then, that I was forced to make my own fun and my own stories -- and that’s what I’m still doing, only now I get paid for it.  So thanks, sleepy Florida fishing village!

I grew up writing stories and making videos in the backyard with my friends.  I knew I wanted to do one or both of those things in some professional capacity when I got older, but I didn’t know how.  For three summers during high school I attended the University of Virginia’s Young Writer’s Workshop, and I still consider it one of the shaping experiences of my life.  I met so many great, brilliant people, and it convinced me that it was possible to make a life for myself as a writer.

I also knew I wanted to make movies.  So I compromised, and went to Kenyon College first to study English,  then moved out to Los Angeles to go to film school at the University of Southern California.  Looking back, that was a lot of time and money spent on school, but I don’t regret it at all.  Being part of those creative communities gave me lots of time to practice writing things and making movies before I had to go out and try to do either of those things professionally.

Genre:
Teen Mysteries

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:

“A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel. The photographs and text work together brilliantly to create an unforgettable story.”—John Green, New York Times best-selling author of Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns

“With its X-Men: First Class-meets-time-travel story line, David Lynchian imagery, and rich, eerie detail, it’s no wonder Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has been snapped up by Twentieth Century Fox. B+”—Entertainment Weekly

“Readers searching for the next Harry Potter may want to visit Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”—CNN

“You'll love it if you want a good thriller for the summer. It's a mystery, and you'll race to solve it before Jacob figures it out for himself.”—Seventeen“Riggs deftly moves between fantasy and reality, prose and photography to create an enchanting and at times positively terrifying story.”—Associated Press

“It’s an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.”— Publishers Weekly

“An original work that defies categorization, this first novel should appeal to readers who like quirky fantasies. Riggs includes many vintage photographs that add a critical touch of the peculiar to his unusual tale.”—Library Journal

“His premise is clever, and Jacob and the children are intriguing characters.”—Booklist

“Readers will find this book unique and intriguing.”— School Library Journal
“Somewhat reminiscent of Jack Finney’s Time and Again, Rigg’s first novel is enchanting…highly recommended.”—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

“In a time when so much summer entertainment seems to be more of the same, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a pleasant surprise—a story that is fresh and new, engrosses and grips, and provides enough clues so that the ending makes sense and seems thoughtful.” —Popmatters.com

“Hands down, this is one of the best books of recent years...both creepy and terrifyingly delicious.”—Forces of Geek

Plot Summary:
In this alternate reality, the lives of men and women have been shortened by a deadly virus. After eradicating cancer, and other detrimental diseases, the first generation of disease-free humans started reproducing and their offspring were stricken with a genetic disorder that only grants each female child a life-span of twenty years and a male child a life-span of twenty-five years. For Rhine, she lives alone with her twin brother, Rowan, and she is never out of his sight. Since the disease has drastically slowed the growth of the human population, young girls are being abducted from the streets and their homes by the Gatherers who sell them to rich men for breeding purposes; those who don't meet the requirements are murdered on the spot. After being abducted by the Gatherers,  Rhine is sold to a man named Linden Ashby, the House Governor, along with two other girls: Jenna and Cecily. Convinced that Linden is a horrible monster who kidnaps young girls, Rhine wants nothing to do with him. However, Rhine finds comfort and solace in a boy named Gabriel, who is the apprentice of Housemaster Vaughn, House Govenor Linden's father. What Linden and Rhine don't know is that Vaughn is obsessed in finding an remedy to the fatal disease that will claim his son's life. When Lady Rose dies, Vaughn experiments on her body to find this cure, which is not only immoral, but Linden has no idea that his father is going behind his back to find this so-called cure. As time goes by, Rhine starts to see Linden's true nature, which not only changes her opinion of him, but her feelings for Gabriel make her place in the mansion unbearable. Rhine's only option is to escape and find Rowan before it's too late.

Critical Evaluation:
I could not, whatsoever, put this book down. Not only is the premise ingenious, but the idea of shorter life-spans is terrifying. DeStefano incorporates very real issues such as: the sex slave trade, genetic experimentation, and wide-spread panic. What's even more shocking is that this future could actually happen if science and ethics aren't treated with the respect they deserve. As much as we want to be rid of diseases such as cancer, at what cost are we willing to pay to be disease-free. In this world, viable embryos are genetically altered to create, what I consider, of a clone minus the mishaps. For those who aren't aware, clones don't live long because of their copied DNA, which explains why Rhine and her peers are dying so young. Another important issue, which is, in my opinion, disgusting, is the routine kidnapping of girls to be sold off to rich families to produce offspring. Not only is this morally wrong, but illegal in every way possible. For Rhine, her feelings about being in the Ashby household are true and legitimate, which not only encourages her right to want to escape, but the reader will cheer her on in every way possible. However, the escape is very bittersweet because Rhine starts developing feelings for Linden. What we don't realize is that Linden, himself, is a prisoner of the mansion and that his own father is the reason why he is ignorant of the ways of the world. The sister wives are very important characters because their presence is what keeps Rhine sane after being separated from her twin brother. Lastly, Gabriel was the unexpected glimmer of hope in Rhine's life. It is him that inspires her to be free because she wants to be able to love him without having to keep it a secret. Rhine also wants to show him the beauty of freedom, which compels her to take him with her. Clearly, there are a lot of heavy issues that have created this sad world, but it is the power of the human spirit to want be free, to love, and to live. I am so looking forward to the next installment!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Lauren DeStefano was born in New Haven, Connecticut and has never traveled far from the east coast. She received a BA in English from Albertus Magnus College, and has been writing since childhood. She made her authorial debut by writing on the back of children's menus at restaurants and filling up the notepads in her mom's purse. Her very first manuscript was written on a yellow legal pad with red pen, and it was about a haunted shed that ate small children.

Now that she is all grown up (for the most part), she writes fiction for young adults. Her failed career aspirations include: world's worst receptionist, coffee house barista, sympathetic tax collector, and English tutor. When she isn't writing, she's screaming obscenities at her Nintendo DS, freaking her cats out with the laser pen, or rescuing thrift store finds and reconstructing them into killer new outfits.

Genre:
Teen Romance, Teen Dystopian Thrillers


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9&up


Books Similar to Wither:

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver

  Awards & Recognition:

•  Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (1/10/2011)

 Reviews from Amazon.com
A “harrowing debut . . . DeStefano has an observant and occasionally pitiless eye, chronicling the cruelties, mercies, and inconsistencies of her young characters. . . . It will be intriguing to see how DeStefano develops [the larger world] as this promising trilogy progresses.”
– *PW STARRED review, January 10, 2010

"Creepy and elegant, shocking and romantic, dreadful and rewarding, and delivers unexpected twists. It'll leave you longing for book two."
--Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the WAKE trilogy and CRYER'S CROSS

“Lauren DeStefano crafts an all too believable future. I loved the world, the romance, the writing -- exactly the kind of book I've been craving to read.”
--Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH

"This beautifully-written debut fantasy, with its intriguing world-building, well-developed characters and intricate plot involving flashbacks as well as edge-of-the-seat suspense, will keep teens riveted to the plight of Rhine and her sister wives. The compelling cover will draw them in and the cliffhanger ending will leave them eagerly awaiting volumes two and three of The Chemical Garden Trilogy. This thought-provoking novel will also stimulate discussion in science and ethics classes."--VOYA

Plot Summary:
It's been 264 days since anyone has spoken or touched Juliette. Her parents no longer care for her and she has no one to call friend or someone to love. For 264 days, she spent her time in silence until Adam shows up. Juliette has no idea why this boy would be her new cellmate, but what she cannot help is the way she feels about him. Why would such a beautiful boy be locked up in the same room as her? Furthermore, Juliette cannot explain to him as to why she is there and why he cannot touch her at all. In this story, the Earth has been damaged by global warming where the seasons have ceased as well as the wildlife; everything and anything has been genetically modified so there is no need for birds to fly or for cows to graze. The Earth is a desolate wasteland until the Reestablishment came to the rescue. However, the Reestablishment has decided that since it has done such a wonderful job in restoring peace and sustainability that it has the right to take over. In other words, the entire planet is under the control of the Reestablishment. With each passing day, Juliette longs to go outdoors and to be free. Everyday she dreams of the birds and the fresh air and, to her surprise, Juliette has the chance to make that dream a reality. However, the price she must pay is not only frightening, but absolutely out of the question. The proposition: gain total freedom, but, in return, must provide the Reestablishment with her "talents". For Juliette, she can finally be free; however, she must use her powerful abilities, which could be dangerous.

Critical Evaluation:
Shatter Me is a chilling story of a future that could easily happen if we don't take care of ourselves and our environment. Although Global Warming is one of the back stories of this book, it's a a great representation of Juliette. Juliette has been thrown to the wayside to rot away in a jail and no one cares. Just like this planet, people take it for granted until its too late. Furthermore, because of her ability, Juliette has been treated unfairly, which not only conveys the sudden regression of humanity, but the signs of a failing culture. The relationship between Adam and Juliette is not only beautiful, its based off the fact that neither one of them have any prejudice or predispositions about who they are and why they have been locked away. Despite the fact that they are roommates, Adam provides Juliette with a sense of comfort and hope that she is going to be okay. In fact, Adam not only sees her,  and does not flinch, he actually wants to get to know her as if she matters. All her life, Juliette has been seen and treated as nothing but a monster, which is not only upsetting, but down right cruel. Although readers learn that her "gift" is very mutant-ish, Juliette has been given a choice: use the gift in order to gain her freedom or lean to channel her powers and utilize them to help her find her way out. I will admit the ending was cheesy and Omega 23 is very similar to X-Men University so the sequel should be interesting if one can get past the upcoming mutant/superhero story.

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

She’s 24. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Orange County, California, where she drinks too much caffeine and finds the weather to be just a little too perfect for her taste. When unable to find a book, she can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts. SHATTER ME is her first novel. Foreign rights have sold in 22 territories to-date and film rights have been optioned by 20th Century Fox.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Shatter Me:

• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Wake by Lisa McMann
  

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com
“Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance.
I’m envious.
I couldn’t put it down.” (Lauren Kate, New York Times bestselling author of FALLEN )

“Rip-roaring adventure and steamy romance scenes, with a relationship teens will root for as much as they did for Bella and Edward. Inventive touches propel the story, such as strikeouts that reveal Juliette’s inner thoughts. The final chapters leave Juliette, Adam, and Warner well poised for round two.” (Booklist )

“Mafi combines a psychological opener with an action-adventure denouement in her YA debut. This is a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” (Publishers Weekly )

“Fans of Cashore’s Fire, Oliver’s Delirium, and, yes, Twilight will find this addictive.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books )

“Teens will feel satisfied yet wait impatiently for more.” (School Library Journal )

Plot Summary:
Six is different then the rest of the agents in The Deck. Not only is he super strong, he can heal faster than the average human, he has perfect vision, and he is lethal. More importantly, Six is only sixteen years old. What most people don't know about six, is that he was the product of an illegal experiment at the Lab, which burned down sixteen years ago. Furthermore, if anyone at the Deck found out that he isn't a true human being, he could be hunted and destroyed. In the world that Six lives in, two major corporations have overrun the government and everyone is under the every watchful eye of ChaoSonic. In other words, ChaoSonic requires every citizen to have an assigned ChaoSonic ID, which means they can track every more that person makes. There is no such thing as civil liberties and those with the most money have total power over everyone. In this world, any rich man or woman can create and destroy whoever they want because they have the funds that supply ChaoSonic. For those who desire to defy ChaoSonic form their own syndicates like the Deck. The Deck is is literally a rebellion of cards: the hearts are the enforcers, the Diamonds are the negotiators, and the Jokers are the information resources. The goal of the deck is to expose and neutralize any activity that threatens the innocent and absorbs any assets belonging to those who seek to hurt humankind. In this world, humanity has become an endangered species where technology and greed threaten its very existence. For Six, his goal is to do his job, and do it flawlessly, while staying under the radar from the Lab. However, after being summoned by the King of Hearts to investigate a location that could be housing an operation that terrifies Six--the Lab is back.  Furthermore, when he meets Kyntax, Six's nightmares are about to come true.


Critical Evaluation:
In this stunning debut, Jack Heath has given teen readers an adventure of a lifetime. Not only is our hero a superhuman, he is the hunter who is being hunted. In this world is a very scary reality where no one has control over their own lives or futures. Furthermore, the idea that greed is so powerful that those who possess the money have the freedom to do whatever they want is down right scary. As for Six, all I could think of, as I was reading this, is a mixture of The Terminator and Judge Dread. For those who aren't familiar with these movies, they are old school action flicks starring two of my favorite action stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Since he isn't a machine, or liquid metal, Six has human DNA that has been altered and mixed with specific genes that make him invincible and powerful. Furthermore, the opening Prologue, is not only creepy, but makes the reader think hard about the possibility of human experimentation. Although its never really stated that Six is a clone, but the idea of altering fetuses is not at all impossible. Clearly, Six was created to be the ultimate weapon, but, at the same time, those who "created" him, didn't count on the fact that Six is capable of thinking and feeling. Six may not be the most personable being on the planet, but he feels fear and loneliness, which convey that beneath all of the superpowers is a teen looking for his place in this world. For me, when we meet Syntak, I had this surge of hope that Six would not be alone in this world. However, I am not so sure of Syntak's motives, but I guess I will find out in the sequel, Remote Control.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Jack Heath was born in Sydney, Australia, but moved to Canberra, Australia, until he was nine years old. He started writing his first novel when he was thirteen and earned a publishing contract when he was eighteen. His first novel, the Lab, has not only been adapted to a screenplay, hi second novel, Remote Control,  was a shortlisted sci-fi book of the year at the 2007 Aurealis Awards and, in 2009, he was named ACT Young Australian of the Year. When he was 23, he was invited to teach creative writing at the Canberra Institute of Technology and was featured at the the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. When he is not writing or writing:

Jack is performing street magic, composing film music, teaching or lecturing at schools and festivals, or playing a variety of instruments including the piano and the bass guitar. He stoically ignores his lack of qualifications or training in any of these areas. Also, now 25, he’s working on his seventh action book and compiling a list of every book he’s ever read.

Genre:
Teen Thriller, Teen Sci Fi

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Lab:

• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
• Double Helix by Nancy Werlin
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive review from Booklist
• Positive review from the Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books
• Postive review from School Library Journal
• Positive review from Kirkus Review