Teen Reading Challenge - Highlighted Reviews

Every year my library participates in the SWON Teen Reading Challenge for February and March. This year, I read 27 titles:

Cheesus Was Here by J.C. Davis

Long Way Home by Katie McGarry

HellHole  by Gina Damico

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman - The first installment of an adventure featuring stolen books, secret agents and forbidden societies - think Doctor Who with librarian spies! Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission - to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. This is a fun series with humor, fantastic creatures and adventure. Not marketed for teens but with plenty of crossover appeal, especially for those who enjoy the Great Library (Ink & Bone, Paper & Fire) series by Rachel Caine. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (original screenplay) - I can't say that this was a particularly exciting read since I'd already seen the film but as you'd expect, it is literally the screenplay complete with stage directions. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Wires and Nerves Vol 1 by Marissa Meyer -  the first installment of these graphic novels picks up where Winter and the end of the Lunar Chronicles leaves reader favorites following the end of the series.  The story follows Iko, the android with a heart of (mechanized) gold. as she tracks rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers who threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna.  She takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. The story is funny and engaging with plenty of cameos from other series' favorites.  One downfall for me is the illustrations.  I'm not a fan on the bluish, monochromatic style and would have preferred full color panels to make the narrative really come alive.  Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

Gilded Cage by Vic James

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux - ever a classic and actually a category for this year's Pop Sugar Reading challenge to read a book mentioned in another book Roseblood by A.G. Howard. It was just 'okay' for me - kinda over the top dramatic and a bit silly.  I think I'll still with the theater adaptations. Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken

Game by Barry Lyga 

Blood of My Blood by Barry Lyga

Exposure by Kathy and Brendan Reichs

Terminal by Kathy and Brendan Reichs

Trace Evidence: A Virals Short Story Collection by Kathy and Brendan Reichs - a companion volume to the series which includes the 'wedding' novella following the end of the series. Definitely recommended for reads who loved the books and want just a bit more of Tory and her boys. I loved the wedding hi-jinx! Final rating:  4 out of 5 stars


The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine -I enjoyed this twist on Snow White. Princess Lorelai of Ravenspire is forced to flee her kingdom and live the majority of her adolescence in hiding as a fugitive, when her evil stepmother kills her father and poisons the land with her dark magic. The princess vows vengeance and studies to hone her magic to eventually defeat the Evil Queen. In an neighboring kingdom, readers meet Kol, newly crowned dragon-king after the demise of his father, mother and elder brother. He must solicit the Ravenspire Queen's magical help if he's to save his people from ogres. The price: Lorelai's heart in a box.  What he doesn't count on is Lorelai's fierce spirit and beauty.  Together they work toward defeating the Queen and saving their lands.  This was fun, action packed and romantic with plenty of good fantasy and sass. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Starfall by Melissa Landers - Starfall follows Princess Cassia Rose who fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend...with occasional benefits. Lots more happens (almost two much in the romantic, space adventure). Fans who enjoyed Starflight will be happy to see other characters. In general, an entertaining read even if the plot seems to meander a bit in the middle. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir - in a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, Laia lives with her grandparents. When her older brother is arrested for treason, she has to make a choice. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined.

I'd always heard a lot about this book.  I wasn't disappointed, per se, but it was unlike what I'd expected. Nothing in particular stood out regarding the character or narrative.  Entertaining but not to the point on infatuation.  I remain curious enough to continue with book 2.  Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Lifeboat Clique  by Kathy Parks - this is a funny, yet dark, story of Denver--notoriously unpopular girl who decides to attend a party, only to be swept away by a tsunami and stranded out to sea with a host of mean girls, including her former BFF.  This book in definitely for fans of Libba Bray's  Beauty Queens.  It is funny but harsh.  Read it in print and avoid the audiobook (WHICH WAS TERRIBLE!) Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep - Gwen Frost attends Mythos Academy following the death of her mother. The students have abilities and significant ties to mythological lore. Gwen has psychic abilities and is drawn into an investigation when a fellow student is killed.  Action packed with good angst, humor, romance and characters. I could tell that this was some of Estep's earlier writing but still enjoyable enough to pursue the rest of the series. Definitely a readalike for those who enjoy mythology and Rick Riordan but want more teen angst and less silly humor. Final rating:  3 out of 5 stars



Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes - Dinah is the princess who will one day reign over Wonderland. She has not yet seen the dark depths of her kingdom; she longs only for her father’s approval and a future with the boy she loves. But when a betrayal breaks her heart and threatens her throne, she is launched into Wonderland’s dangerous political game. Dinah must stay one step ahead of her cunning enemies or she’ll lose not just the crown but her head. Queen of Hearts is everything Meyer's Heartless should have been--dark, edgy and filled with mystery as to just how exactly the Queen of Hearts arrives on her throne as a cold and malicious ruler. I enjoyed the twisted nods to the original tale and look forward to the rest of the series. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


The End of Oz by Danielle Paige - this was a nice finale to the Dorothy Must Die series.  Amy and her allies find themselves in the land of Ev, trying to thwart the Nome King and his new 'bride, Dorothy. There is plenty of humor, action and romance.  The ending is satisfying but Paige adds in just enough hope that there might be room for a spin-off series down the yellow brick road.  I continue to be a huge fan of these audiobooks. Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi


Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman - this novel is a stunning masterpiece which attempts to chronicle mental illness in a young teen named Caden Bosch. His friends and family notice a significant change in his behavior. Shusterman does an amazing job at conveying the narrative as well as alternating chapters characterizing Caden's dive into madness and the journey out. I cannot stress enough how brilliant the audiobook is--so if you are reading for the first time or just want to experience the novel again, try it in this format. Final rating:  4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Slammed (1-3) by Colleen Hoover

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old high school senior Layken travels from Texas to Michigan with her mother and younger brother.  Grieving the loss of her parent and life as she knew it, things unexpectedly look up with she meets charming and attractive neighbor Will Cooper, who has a passion for slam poetry. Within days of their introduction, they've formed a real connection, giving Layken a new lease on life until a startling revelation slams them both back to reality.

Slammed is told entirely from Layken's POV and explores her feelings at dealing with all the challenges life throws at her from the loss of her father, her complicated relationship with Will, as well as the secret news leveled at her by her mother that will leave her wrecked beyond belief.

This is very much a coming of age novel with a strong emphasis on negotiating responsibility and relationships.  While characteristic of Hoover's writing angst ridden, complicated characters, I could certainly tell this was her debut novel.  The style, structure and word choice lacks the sophistication which she's developed over the past few years.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Told from Will's POV, Point of Retreat is a continuation of Slammed.  The couple have weathered the storm surrounding the unfortunate beginning of their relationship, extreme personal responsibilities and unspeakable loss. When someone from Will's past re-emerges, the core of their relationship is tested.

Honestly, for me, the majority of this book is about Layken being stupid and blowing circumstances completely out of proportion to the point that I wanted Will to 'retreat' and run as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Once Will and Layken get their ducks in a row, readers experience the expected "You've Got to Be Kidding" moment which puts multiple characters in peril but pushes the narrative through to the happily ever after.

I am still a bigger fan of Will and other secondary characters than the female protagonist who is sometimes just 'butterflying' obnoxious.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

In this final book, Will and Layken have managed to work out their issues and have gotten married.  During their honeymoon, she asks Will to recount important moments of his life before he met her as well as key instances of their relationship from his POV.

There are a few surprising confessions on Will's part, mostly serving the purpose to rile Layken up so she acts like a brat, giving this narrative some drama so that the characters can fight, talk and make up.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy but these books aren't my favorite examples of Hoover's writing.  She's come light-years as a writing in just over 4 years with respect to honing her craft and style. She's tightened her structure and vocabulary to omit a lot of the repetitiveness which I disliked about the Slammed series.

Follow the author on Twitter: @colleenhoover



#slammed #newadult #grief #relationships #responsibility #romance

REVIEW: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

The first in Clare's new Dark Artifices series centering around character first introduced in The City of Heavenly Fire.  Orphaned at the age of twelve by Sebastian Morgenstern, Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn are parabatai, fighting partners, confidants and best friends. Parabatai can be everything to each other--but they can never fall in love.  At 17, their feelings for each other are changing and the true question remains whether passion and love can outweigh the law of the Clave.

Both have had to grow up too fast. In the absence of his parents and older siblings, Julian has had to raise his younger siblings as well as secretly run the Institute on behalf of his mentally incapable uncle.  Haunted by her parent's gruesome murder and convinced that Sebastian Morgenstern wasn't involved, Emma is determined to discover the truth. 

When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents , an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks while keeping their investigation secret and staying alive.

Each clue reveals some surprising secrets and betrayals, especially Julian's hidden feelings, more into the Clave's history of cruelty and why it is forbidden for parabatai to fall in love. These answers are just as eye-opening as they are heartbreaking.

I am hooked on these new characters and their dynamic within the Shadowhunter world. Emma is intelligent and fierce. Julian is dreamy, determined and optimistic. I love their relationship. It is heartfelt but also sexy and passionate; however, the angst and bittersweet status of their declaration will leave readers hoping for resolve but understanding that things will only get much worse before they get better.

Fans of the Shadowhunter world will be glad to see some familiar faces in cameo appearances.  Overall, it is a fun, exciting and engaging read, if a bit long. The audiobook narrated by Morena Baccarin was very well done. Great cliffhanger!!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @cassieclare


#ladymidnight #darkartifices #Shadowhunters #YAlit #romance #angels #demons #teen #audiobook

REVIEW: Wednesday (Timeless #3) by E.L. Todd

Hawke and Francesca are back in this third installment to Todd's Timeless series.  Having weathered a turbulent storm, they've found each other again.  For a time all is perfect; however, when a devastating loss resurfaces Hawke's past, his dark side returns and so do their woes.  He fears he'll endanger Francesca and as their relationship crumbles, she vows to never make the same mistake again.  But even as she moves on the memory of having Hawke's love lingers and he's determined to win her back but knows he has to work to overcome the fear and anger associated with his past.

I continue to enjoy this series even if the on again, off again relationship between these two is an emotional roller coaster ride. Just when they make progress, they jump several steps back. While this works in fiction, if this was RL, we'd never encourage a fellow friend or family member to continue to engage in such a draining and sometimes toxic relationship.   Within the narrative, such behavior creates tension and drama for excitement toward the big make up.

I still feel for poor Kyle. He's a good guy and certainly deserves more than he's gotten with Francesca but he is also a bit of doormat and needs to man-up and move on from her.

Overall, I understand the series format but stand behind my view that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday would be that much stronger as an edited and combined piece of work.  I'm looking forward to finishing the series and reading more about Axel and Marie's romantic backstory.

Check out my previous reviews of Monday and Tuesday!  A big thanks to @InkslingerPR for the review opportunity.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_L_TODD



#Wednesday #Timeless #ELTodd #romance #realisticfiction #angst #relationships #books

REVIEW: Forever and Always (1-3) by E.L. Todd

This collection includes the first three books in Todd's Forever & Always series.

#1 Only for You

Scarlet and Sean have been best friends for years. A wreck when his girlfriend dumps him, Sean and Scarlet spend time together but when one drunken night they sleep together, Scarlet confesses her feelings and he doesn't feel the same. Heartbroken, Scarlet flees to Seattle to be with her brother and put the pieces of her life back together including repairing their damaged relationship and rebounding with her brother's hot best friend.
Both Sean and Scarlet are miserable but she probably would have moved on if Sean hadn't arrived to profess his love and apologize.

For me, this started out okay. I'm a sucker for the best friends to lovers trope but Scarlet and Sean's relationship felt forced and lacked finesse. I just do not care for Scarlet's character. She's not much by the way of admirable female protagonist. She stays silent about sexual harassment at work and at the slightest setback with her love life, Scarlet drops everything and runs away.  I just can't admire and feel for her in any way since once in Seattle she continues to make irrational choices that hurt herself and others.

Sean isn't much better and isn't your typical 'hero' character.  In fact, he's pretty douchey.  I'll give him a bit of credit that he probably didn't know Scarlet was as into him as she said she was but don't sleep with your best friend, then bed her friend and co-worker (in your friend's bed) the morning after.

I'd have been okay with the ending but moving on ruined things for me.

#2 Forever and Always

Scarlet and Sean are back together but don't blink it probably won't last...and it doesn't.  Sean wants her to come back to New York but she just isn't ready. Agreeing to a long distance relationship, Sean heads home only to find his ex, Penelope, at his doorstep claiming that she's pregnant and he's the baby daddy.

Pretty much acting like a huge jerk, Sean breaks Scarlet's heart again before learning that Penelope is using him. When Scarlet learns Sean has gone on a depressed bender, she gets him back on track but says they can't be together since he's hurt her too much already.  He shows back up to woo her by the end and prove that she is what he really wants.

This book made me really angry. Sean is a big jerk and Scarlet is an idiot.  I'm not sure I like the secondary characters either who are supporting this destructive relationship between the two. More alarming is the violent characterization of Sean when he all but attacked Penelope - he may not have hit her but he thought about it and I really disliked the verbal abuse.

#3 Edge of Love

Sean and Scarlet are happy and engaged. They travel to his family home in CT to share the news but it is a pretty terrible visit. The environment is tense, family secrets are revealed and there is an unexpected visitor that ruins the weekend. If that wasn't as bad as it could get, when they return to Seattle, they argue over the wedding, leaving Scarlet to move out. When another secret is revealed, their relationship reaches a downward spiral with their future in question.

At this point, I kept reading to find some redemption for the characters but there was none. These two are just not good for each other. Their relationship is destructive and degrading.  Okay, they are really into each other physically and like having sex. Is it necessary for Sean to call her a slut and a whore even if he admires her behavior? Totally uncalled for and not sexy to read.

Sean's reaction to basically everything should have Scarlet and readers seeing red flashing warning lights. Freaking out about who she talks to and what she does? Then...Scarlet has to grovel and apologize?  No. Thanks. This is abusive behavior plain and simple.

At the end, I was just over it all. These two deserve each other and I wasn't all that shocked or surprised by the ending and what the outcome might mean. It reminded me a bit too much of the forced and added plot twists in Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed by E.L.James to try to make it seem like there is more content that just relationship drama and hot sex.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed especially since I enjoyed Todd's Timeless series (books 1 & 2). Scarlet and Sean are just so flawed and unlikable that I couldn't move past these feelings as a reader. Even the erotic scenes just didn't work and lacked tension and finesse due to the toxic relationship between the main couple.  I do think Todd has improved her writing over time and the evident characterization and pacing flaws are less prominent in other works.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 stars


Thank you to @InkslingerPR for the review copy.


#foreverandalways #eltodd #romance #angst #newadult #review

REVIEW: Tuesday by E.L. Todd

*A big thanks to @InkSlingerPr for making me part of the E.L. Todd team!*

It's been two years since the events of Monday. Frankie has finally moved on from losing Hawke; however, the pain still cuts deep.  She unwilling and unable to pursue any other meaningful relationship despite the fact that a few great guys have come along.  While her personal life is in shambles, her professional one continues to flourish as her Manhattan bakery The Muffin Girl is a huge success.

Following the engagement of her best friend Marie and Frankie's brother, Axel, she has to prepare herself to see Hawke again--he is the best man after all. Swirling emotions resurface for both of them.  Hawke's successful in his own right but his personal life is still hallow. He wants to make a go of things with Frankie but she's not sure if she could handle the pain of loss and rejection again.

Tuesday is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. What I did like was the continuation of Frankie and Hawke's story and the process of moving forward. Both characters are a little frustrating. Hawke is still set in his 'player' ways but realizes what he needs to do much sooner this time around.  His character shows some growth but he is still too alpha and impusive. I hate the reoccuring, blind jeaousy. It is off putting and a serious red flag for any real relationship. Frankie is equally infuriating. I'm pretty upset with her for being horrible to Kyle. Yes, I know these are just book characters but still! He got the short end of the stick. I hope there is a book for him to find some happiness.

Overall, I still enjoyed the story despite some flaws. The pacing and flow felt a bit off, leaving me to wonder if it all couldn't be one really epic book by combining Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday into a stellar and more cohesive narrative.  That being said, I still want to see what happens with their story in Wednesday.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: @E_L_TODD



#Tuesday #romance  #erotic #angst #Timeless #eltodd #books #InkSlingerPR

REVIEW: Unforgiven by Lauren Kate

Thank you to Delacorte Press for a review copy on behalf of ROYAL (SWON Libraries).

Unforgiven is a companion novel in Kate's Fallen series. With the wrap up of the final book, Rapture, Daniel and Luce found their happily ever after. Unforgiven is fallen angel, Cam's story.

Centuries ago he met and fell in love with Lilith; however, despite their great love, the relationship ended badly. Doomed to spend an eternity in Hell as a punishment for Cam's crimes, Lilith's only constant is a profound love of music and hatred of Cam.

In order to set her free, Cam makes a bet with Lucifer--get Lilith to forgive him and fall in love with him again in 15 days and they can be together forever.  If he fails, Cam must return to Hell and be Lucifer's second in command.

Way back when, I enjoyed Fallen but thought the rest of the serious failed to live up to the first book. Personally, I just didn't care for the direction of the characters or the overall story.  That being said, one highlight for me was always Cam.  He was such a sexy, brooding and mysterious character.  I loved that Kate wrote him with a lot of snarky, angsty personality.  When the series ended, I felt as if there were too many loose ends with some of the other characters and was pleasantly surprised in discovering Cam would get his own sense of closure in Unforgiven.

So what did I think?

Overall, this is solid with nice appeal to the right audience. It works well as a standalone but also as a tie-in to the series. This is well written and follows a common plot outline: star-crossed lovers separated, one seeks redemption and self sacrifice to save the other, a malevolent presence threatens the quest, but true love prevails, redemption is attained and they all live happily ever after.

One drawback is Unforgiven's timeliness.  Fallen, Torment, Passion and Rapture were published from 2009-2012. With 3+ years in between, much of the potential audience for this YA series has aged out of the genre. Furthermore, the popularity of angel-centric YA fiction has also waned in favor of other popular genres.

Recommended for purchase for public and school libraries.  The ideal reading audience is ages 12 and up. The target reader is female and one who enjoys paranormal romance, especially angels & demons.  Notable readalikes are the Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick, Angelfall by Susan Ee, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton and Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.


Final rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @laurenkatebooks




#Unforgiven #LaurenKate #YAlit #angels #demons #romance #teen #books

REVIEW: Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler

The Infinite in Between chronicles the lives of five teens from the beginning of high school through graduation. Readers experience the highs, lows, triumphs, heartbreaks and everything in between.

Zoe feels like she'll never out shadow her famous mother.  Sent to live with her aunt, Zoe has to shoulder yet another one of her mother's rehab stints and attempt to fit in at a new school and claim an identity that is hers alone.

High school is never easy, but for Jake, starting out as openly gay proves challenging, especially with the now awkward relationship between him and his former best friend.  Luckily, Jake has family support as he struggles to find the right connections in friendship and love.

Mia comes across as the strange loner.  She keeps trying on new identities hoping to find the one that fits. Mia feels liberated and finds happiness when she discovers that she doesn't have to be just one thing.

Whitney is the popular girl who seems to have the perfect family and friends.  However, when her world appears to crumble around her she learns what and who matters.

Gregor begins high school believing that he wants to be more than a band geek. Oh, and to declare his love for Whitney.  However, when unexpected loss hits his family, through pain and regret Gregor finds he just might be able to do both.

With significant echoes of The Breakfast Club, readers will be intrigued by the lives of these five teens and how their separate stories touch each others lives.  I enjoyed this book.  It is a fast, easy read with compelling characters and situations.  I wasn't always a fan of the transitions, but overall, these flaws are minute when compared to the overall concept of the story. The characters and situations are relevant for contemporary teen readers and the themes and story construction feel timeless.

A word of caution if you are recommending this as YA reader's advisory, based on the themes, language and situations this book is for a mature teen--ages 14 and up.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @carolynmackler



#InfiniteInBetween #carolynmackler #YAlit #teen #BreakfstClub #angst #romance #realisticfiction

REVIEW: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything focuses on Sydney, a teenager who has never quite been the star of the family.  That role belonged to her older brother, Peyton, who received that majority of the attention and now concern.  When his increasingly troublesome behavior results in a tragic accident and consequences, Sydney is set adrift and struggles to find her place within the family and the world. She feels anger and resentment that her parents remain fixated and worried about Peyton, but show little to no regard for the accident's victim or the unsettlingly creepy vibe from Peyton's friend, Ames, who seems determined to weave himself into every aspect of their lives.

Sydney's circumstances shift when she meets the Chathams, a friendly, yet chaotic, family who run a local pizza parlor, love music, each other and welcome her into their lives with no judgement or expectation. Sydney finds the emotional support and communication lacking at home plus romance with Mac, gentle, protective, handsome, and the first person who makes Sydney feel truly "seen".

This was my first Dessen read; however, the themes seem to remain on par with what I know about her other books.  Saint Anything explores change, family and self-discovery within a realistic landscape.  The setting, plot and characters are well developed with good pacing making the scenarios that much more believable. If I could make suggestions for improvement, I would have made the situation with Ames a bit grittier.  I'm used to some YA realistic fiction that is a bit edgier and while the creep factor was there, I didn't feel that the writing or story line conclusion adequately addressed this issue.  I wasn't quite happy with how quickly everything was wrapped up. Overall, I enjoyed the book and plan to read more of Dessen's novels.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @sarahdessen



#SaintAnything #sarahdessen #romance #family #angst #realistic #whatimreading #YAlit, teen