Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms #4)

Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes is the fourth book in her Falling Kingdoms fantasy series.

The land of Mythica, divided into three kingdoms has been united under King Gaius Damora of Limeros. And now that Gaius controls all of Mythica, he is setting sail for the Empire of Kraeshia to seek an alliance with the Emperor.

His son, Prince Magnus and his new wife, the conquered Princess Cleo of Auranos, are working toward an uneasy truce - both in their marriage and in their rule. They agree that as much as they annoy each other, the real enemy is King Gaius.

Rebel leader Jonas Agallon and his few remaining rebels are on the run, with their faces plastered on wanted posters throughout the land.

The real test of who holds power will not be decided in politics, it will be who finds and controls the Kindred - four stones containing elemental magic. In the race for power, and in some cases justice, Rhodes is continuing to write a fascinating series. Each book looks deeper into the land of Mythica and its people and readers will devour this book and wait impatiently for the next.

Rhodes, Morgan. (2015). Frozen Tides. New York: Razor Bill.

Zeroboxer

Zeroboxer by Fonda Lee is a novel about a whole other level of mixed martial arts fighting - fights in a glass cube in zero gravity.

Carr Luka has been training most of his life to be a professional zeroboxer. Now he is one of the youngest ever to fight for ZGFA (Zero Gravity Fight Association) on Valtego - the floating city-station on the dark side of the moon.

When Carr wins a couple of key fights ZGFA decides to make him the face of zeroboxing - always more popular with Martians than Terrans. They assign Carr a brandhelm to oversee his public image. His brandhelm is Risha Ponn - a genetically engineered Martian colonist.

With Risha's help, Carr becomes more and more popular, becoming a hero on Earth, the planet that has fallen into the background of the more advanced settlements in space. But when Carr finds out a shocking secret all will be at risk - his career and his heart.

Lee has created a gripping novel that will thrill fans of sports and science fiction alike. Her world building and characters are completely drawn and will keep readers engaged until the last punch.

Lee, Fonda. (2015). Zeroboxer. Woodbury, MN: Flux.

Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is a heartbreaking story of refugees at the end of World War II.

In the Winter of 1945, with the Russian army marching into Poland and Prussia, Germany set up Operation Hannibal - the largest sea evacuation in history. Using dozens of ships, the plan was to move soldiers, civilians, and wounded across the Baltic into Germany and away from the fighting.

Joana is a Lihuanian nurse. She is traveling with a rag tag group of people fleeing toward the ports. She is with a shoe maker, a wandering young boy, a pessimistic large woman and a blind girl.  They have been making their way to the sea but trying to avoid the main roads.

Florian is on a secret mission. He wants no attachment but cannot help himself when he sees a Russian soldier attack a young woman. After he kills the soldier, Emilia thinks of him as the knight and keeps following them.

Emilia and Florian meet up with Joana and her group. After some grumbling, including the fact that Emilia is Polish, they travel together.

Alfred is in the German Navy. He is newly a member of the Nazi party as health concerns kept him out of the Hitler Youth. But now he is ready to help the Fuhrer in the evacuation plan. He will be assigned to a ship soon.

Told through the four viewpoints, Sepetys tells the story of refugees and the story of the ship the Wilhelm Gustloff - the worst tragedy ever at sea, much worse that the Titanic or Lusitania. The Wilhelm Gusloff disaster killed over 9,000 people. Sepetys tells of this little know incident with the stories of four people on board and she does it brilliantly. Salt to the Sea is an amazing book.

When is comes out on February 2, 2015 buy a copy.

Sepetys, Ruta. (2016). Salt to the Sea. New York: Philomel.

Truthwitch (Witchlands #1)

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard is the first book in her Witchlands series set in a world ruled by three empires that have been at war for centuries and are now almost to the end of a twenty year truce.

Safiya and Iseult are Threadsisters, their fates and emotions tied together through an earlier act that sealed their friendship. Now they do everything together - even though they are from very different backgrounds.

Safiya fon Hasstrel is a Domna (lady) of Cartorra. She has been raised to take her place in the courts with the other high born. Safi is a truthwitch - she knows when someone is telling the truth or lying. It is a rare witchery and could be used for political gain if she was found out.

Iseult is from despised people, the Nomatsi, who are wanderers. Her looks cause much prejudice in people. As a threadwitch she can see the threads coming from people, the threads that tie communities together - often made up of emotions. She can see the mindset of a crowd or if someone is scared or angry.


As the twenty year truce approaches its end, there is a summit between nations to try to continue the peace - or at least a couple people are there for peace. Others are positioning for the restart of the war.

Dennard has created a great beginning to the series. Her world building is great and her characters are wonderfully real and flawed. This is going to be an awesome series. Truthwitch comes out on January 5, 2016.

Dennard, Susan. (2016). Truthwitch. New York: Tor Teen.

Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3)

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for JK Rowling) is the third book in the Cormoran Strike series. Strike is a private investigator in London. He and his assistant, Robin Ellacott, have a lot of cases after the publicity of two previous cases.

As Robin gets to work one morning a messenger is waiting with a package addressed to her. She signs the sheet and takes it up to the office. But it is does not contain the disposable cameras she ordered - it holds a human leg.

With the police focusing on only one possible suspect, Cormoran and Robin start their own investigation into the dark and twisted world of three men who may be involved - all of whom have a reason to target Strike and the people around him.

Galbraith is a masterful storyteller. Both Cormoran and Robin are great character though very different. Mystery and suspense readers who have not discovered Robert Galbraith would be wise to run to the nearest library and start reading the first book.

Galbraith, Robert. (2015). Career of Evil. New York: Mulholland Books.

Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidant (Maggie Hope #5)

Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidant by Susan Elia MacNeal is the fifth book in her Maggie Hope series - about a spy during World War II.


Maggie is traveling to the United States as Prime Minster Churchill's secretary, though she has been promoted far beyond typing confidential memos. Mr. Churchill is on his way to meet President Roosevelt to insure the US military support of the Allies in Europe.

The day they arrive at the White House, one of Mrs. Roosevelt's staff members fails to come to work. By the end of the day with no call, Mrs. Roosevelt decides to check on the woman. Maggie Hope accompanies her to the apartment only to find the secretary dead of an apparent suicide.

While US involvement in WWII is assured by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt still needs support of the Congress. Racial tension over the death sentence of a black farmer is the main debate around D.C. and may affect how southern officials will vote - especially if the President interferes with the sentence like his wife would life him to. Civil rights lawyer Andi Martin is leading the protests and public debate about a man, Wendell Cotton, who was convicted not by a jury of his peers, but by white sharecroppers who paid a tax to be a part of the jury.

MacNeal captures the time period, December 1941, and seamlessly weaves a mystery into the politics of the time. Over two weeks beloved characters from the series add a new dimension to this wonderful historical series - the addition of the United States into the war. Fans of mystery, history, or just great writing will love this series - and the great protagonists whose stories guide it.

MacNeal, Susan Elia. (2015). Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante. New York: Bantam Books.

She's Not There

She's Not There by PJ Parrish (a pseudonym for sisters Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols) is a story about fleeing a past that will not let go.

Amelia wakes up in the hospital with no idea who she is or why she is in the hospital. She can remember the name Brody, but doesn't know if it is hers. Amelia has bruising that could be consistent with a car accident. A man in a pick up truck dropped her off in the emergency room and left.

Feelings come back before actual memories. She knows she is not safe where she is. When a man claiming to be her husband comes to her room, she pretends to be asleep. She fears him and/or a man with dark hair. It is all confused.

Amelia flees the hospital wearing a dress, hospital slippers and her diamond wedding ring. Her first need is clothing. Then she must come up with a plan to get far away.

Unsure of who to trust or where to go, Amelia leaves Florida to put distance between herself and whoever is following her. She is still not sure what really happened to her, but feels unsafe. She will keep moving while trying to regain her memory and find answers.

Parrish has written a fast-paced, suspenseful novel with a strong lead character. Even with amnesia, Amelia is a force with which to be reckoned. This is a great read!

Parrish, P.J. (2015). She's Not There. Seattle: Thomas & Mercer.

Make Me (Jack Reacher #20)

Make Me by Lee Child is his twentieth book in the Jack Reacher series. An ex-Army military police detective, Reacher has been traveling aimlessly around the United States, stumbling across mysteries that he helps solve.

Reacher is on his way to Chicago, but is intrigued by a town called Mother's Rest, Oklahoma. Reacher wants to know if the name comes from a place on the wagon trail where someone stopped to give birth or where someone was laid to rest. He figures if he gets off the train and stays for one night he can see the historical marker or grave.

When Reacher leaves the train, a woman starts toward him as if she recognizes him. She, Michelle Chang, is a private investigator and ex-FBI who is looking for a colleague. Keever was on to something and called her for backup, but when she arrived she could not find him.

Reacher, always interested in a mystery, decides to stick around and help look for Keever. Unfortunately, the townspeople, who have something they would like to keep hidden, don't want anyone snooping around.

Reacher is a practically unstoppable character. He is smart, logical and has his own code of ethics. Child is a great mystery writer who comes up with a new mystery set in a new location for each books. This series is well written and creative - a great bet for mystery and suspense fans. (Speaking of fans - us fans are still waiting for a spin-off series about Frances Neagley!)

Child, Lee. (2015). Make Me. New York: Delacourte Press.

What We Left Behind

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley is a book about first love and finding oneself.

Toni and Gretchen fell in love the night they met - at a Homecoming dance. Toni walked into the dance a local celebrity after winning a lawsuit against the all girl's school allowing Toni to wear pants. Gretchen came to the dance with a family friend after moving to town the day before - it was her introduction to her new school.


Toni and Gretchen are a couple that everyone envies. They are completely in love, never fight and are going to college in the same city. Except they are not. Gretchen tells Toni the night before they leave that she will not be in Boston because she will be going to New York University.

They are both sure that, though they will be a few hours apart, their relationship is strong enough to make it. Toni starts Harvard, making new friends and joining one of the queer groups on campus. Meeting new friends, including some trans people, has given Toni the idea that maybe instead of being genderqueer, maybe Toni is actually trans.

Gretchen starts at NYU. She meets a couple of new friends and runs into someone she competed against in debate all around the country. She is sad about the distance between herself and Toni, but excited to be back in New York where she grew up.

Talley has written a story of first love, expanding horizons and self discovery. Her debut novel, Lies We Tell Ourselves, established her a brilliant storyteller whose characters are people we would want in our own lives. Her portrayals, both race and queer issues, are thought-provoking and spot on. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. If you haven't yet read either of her books, start one now.

Talley, Robin. (2015). What We Left Behind. New York: Harlequin Teen.

This is Where it Ends

This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp is the story of a school shooting from four different student perspectives. The entire novel takes place over 54 minutes.

It is the first day back from Winter break at Opportunity High School in Opportunity, Alabama. As on the first day of each semester, there is an assembly during first period where the principal will give a speech. Of all students who came to school, only a few are not in the auditorium.

The track team is practicing. They have been in the championships for a few years and the coach will train them to death to win this year. Claire is running with her teammates. She and Chris just finish running when they hear two gun shots.

Tomas is in the principals office with Fareed. They are looking through student files to check on someone Tomas is worried about - a kid who dropped out but is rumored to be returning, a kid who scares Tomas's sister Sylv.

Sylv and Autumn are in the auditorium listening to the same speech they have heard every semester. When the speech ends they are talking and waiting for the room to clear, but people are not leaving. Someone has locked the doors, trapping almost every student and every teacher.

Told in two minute chapters, This is Where it Ends is both a thriller and a look at the life of four high school students through flashbacks. The story captures the horror of the shooting and characters within the try to figure out why the shooter is seeking revenge on his fellow students. Nijkamp offers no step by step process to explain the shooters reasoning, but looks at the ups and downs of the lives of a few students in the school - all of whom had a hard time but only one of whom decided to attack others. This is a great book on a subject that, unfortunately, is more and more common.

US release date for This is Where it Ends is January 5, 2016.

Nijcamp, Marieke. (2016). This is Where it Ends. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Fire.

The Scam (Fox and O'Hare #4)

The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg is the fourth book in their series featuring Fox and O'Hare - an FBI agent and one of the world's most successful thieves.

Kate O'Hare spent much of her career in the FBI chasing Nick Fox. But when she finally caught him, her boss made a secret deal. They now work together, slightly outside of the law, to get the bad guys who cannot be caught in the usual way. Fox is a mastermind at planning a con. O'Hare is ex-special forces and a great investigator.

After their previous success, Kate and Nick are being sent after a money launderer. Evan Trace owns a casino in Las Vegas and one in Macau. He is thought to lander money for everyone from the mob to terrorists. Nick and Kate are to come up with a plan to take him down.

Evanovich and Goldberg have created a fun series filled with both humor and brilliant scams. Fans of heist books will love this series.

Evanovich, Janet and Lee Goldberg. (2015). The Scam. New York: Bantam Books. 

Manners and Mutiny (Finishing School #4)

Manner and Mutiny by Gail Carriger is the fourth book in her Finishing School series - about a school that teaches girls espionage along with etiquette.

England is awash in the latest technology - mechanicals used as maids, butlers and more. They have all been recently updated with a special valve - a valve that Sophronia and her friends think will lead to something big. Months ago all of the mechanicals stopped working and started to sing the same song - surely a test.

Sophronia, Agatha and Dimity continue their education at a strange school that floats in a large dirigible in the moors of England. They seem to be having a hard time getting any adults to believe the severity of the problem.

In this conclusion to the series, Carriger continues her wonderful alternate history of England in the 1850s. Her characters are delightful - fans will be excited to see some of them in her other two series. If you are looking for a fun, light read, start one of her series today. Her world is brilliant!

Carriger, Gail. (2015). Manners and Mutiny. New York: Little, Brown and Co.

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah Mass is the forth book in her Throne of Glass series - about Calaena Sardothien who is the heir to the throne of a nation taken over by the king of Adarlan. She escaped the murder of her family and was raised by a thief lord who knew her true identity but never told her. 

Now Calaena knows she is really Aelin Galathynuis. She has promised to take down the evil king of Adarlan and free her citizens from his rule. But the evil that has been growing for years has other plans in place.

The Ironteeth witches have been training as a flying army, ready to attack on a duke's orders. While the witches are not used to taking orders from mere mortals, Manon and her elite team of 13 are an unstoppable force. But when the duke starts a program that puts some of her fellow witches in danger - and the lifetime of obedience wavers.

The different groups of people (and creatures) who have been building toward war come together in this volume of the Throne of Glass series. While some fantasy series have lulls in the middle or fade after a great start, these books keep getting better. If you are a fan of fantasy or kick ass female characters, read this series.

Maas, Sarah. (2015). Queen of Shadow. New York: Bloomsbury.

Walk on Earth a Stranger (Goldscryer #1)

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson is the first book in her Goldscryer series - a historical fiction series of the California Gold Rush in which the main character can sense gold around her.

Leah Westfall, 15, lives with her parents in Dalhonega, Georgia. She helps her father work the land, search for gold and hunt for their food. While most of the jobs she does are not what the other girls in town would do, she is happy with her family - and her best friend Jefferson McCauley.

Before school, Jefferson comes up to her with a flyer. Gold has been discovered in California - enough gold to report across the nation. And Jefferson wants to go make his fortune. He lives with his father who is more concerned with drinking than raising a son. Jeff has been keeping the homestead and finding them food, but wants to strike out on his own.

When Leah's parents are murdered, there is nothing keeping her in town. Nothing except an uncle who hints that he has uses for her. He is the only one left who knows that she can feel the gold in the ground. Leah gets a bad feeling from him and plans her escape. If she can catch up to Jefferson by Independence, Missouri the will travel together.

Carson has written a novel that feels a bit like the Grapes of Wrath, but set in an earlier time period. Leah's magic plays little role in the first book in the series, but will likely come more into play if she reaches California. In the mean time, this is a great historical novel of a time of change in American history when thousands of people headed west toward a vague promise of gold. Great start to the series!

Carson, Rae. (2015). Walk on Earth a Stranger. New York: Greenwillow Books.

To Hold the Bridge (Old Kingdom / Abhorsen)

To Hold the Bridge: An Old Kingdom Novella and Other Tales by Garth Nix includes an addition to his amazing Abhorsen or Old Kingdom series, which now includes four books and two short novellas.

Morghan has very little of value. His parents recently died and left him the clothes on his back and a piece of paper from his great grandfather. The piece of paper, however, while potentially worth some money is also a way to apply to one of the most well funded companies in the Old Kingdom.

On the northern edge of the Old Kingdom there is a large river - the Greenwash - that is difficult to cross. Just north of the river there is a market at the change of each season - a chance for those of the Old Kingdom to trade with the nomadic tribes to the north. Years ago a company was founded to build a bridge across the river - the Greenwash Bridge Company. People bought shares that would mature over the building of the bridge.

Morghan is not sure why his parents had not sold the share - as they had anything else of value. But he has spent the only and last of his money on passage to the bridge. The share gives him the opportunity to apply to be a cadet in the Bridge Company. If he succeeds, along with hard work, he will gain food and shelter for the coming years.

Nix has written a novella about a different part of the Old Kingdom. In the past we have learned about the Wall at the southern edge of the Old Kingdom, but the far north is new territory. With the Abhrosen series continuing (yeah!) reader will hope to see more of Morghan and the stories of the Bridge Company (please, please, please!). If you are not familiar with the Old Kingdom books - start Sabriel today! This is one of the best fantasy series ever created!

Nix, Garth. (2015). To Hold the Bridge. New York: Harper.

The Edge (Peak #2)

The Edge by Roland Smith is the sequel to his book Peak - about a kid who climbed Everest in an attempt to become the youngest person to summit.

Peak Marcello still loves to climb mountains and rocks, but is happy escorting his younger twin sisters around New York City for the summer.

When the film crew who documented his climb of Everest show up, Peak is read to say no to what ever they are asking. And a climb sponsored by the billionaire Sebastian Plank, were 200 under 18 year-olds climb on the same day for peace sounds terrible. Peak prefers to climb alone. But his friends will not get the job filming if he does not agree to climb.

So it is decided that he and his mother, a world class climber in her own right, will join the team. At the last minute they learn their destination - the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan. And when they arrive, the camp does not look big enough for 200 climbers.

Teams of five young climbers will be climbing mountains all over the world - all caught on film to make a documentary about peace that will air on television. Peaks team includes a climber from Japan, Ukraine, Australia and France. The two he notices are from Australia - because the guy is obviously more talk that skill - and France - because she is really cute and a great climber.

But before the day of the big climb, Peak awakes from a nap after a long afternoon of filming to find everyone missing. Two guards who were their to protect them are dead and the only other climber still in camp looks like he fell to his near-death from the wall. Peak's mother and the other climbers and crew have been kidnapped.Peak will do whatever it takes to follow their trail and find his mother and friends.

Smith has written a great sequel that could be read on its own. This is a great adventure book with enough technical detail to make the story come alive but not enough to overwhelm readers who do not climb. If you like adventure, suspense, mystery, or survival books - this is for you.

Smith, Roland. (2015). The Edge. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Half a War (Shattered Sea #3)

Half a War by Joe Abercrombie is the third book in his Shattered Sea series.

The kingdoms around the Shattered Sea are at war. The war has been coming for a while as the High King and his Ministers try to control more and more of what goes on within the different kingdoms.

The kings of Gettland and Vansterland have promised help in defending Throvenland from the High King's army - but that help has not arrived. King Fynn has had to make a deal with the High King. But the High King has betrayed the agreement. Bright Yilling, the king's champion, has destroyed the city and killed most of the royal family of Throvenland.

Princess Skara is disguised and escapes with the pirate Blue Jenner. She is taken to Gettland, to Queen Laithan - her cousin. But Skara vows to see herself back in her family's land. She will do what she must to save her kingdom.

Abercrombie has created a great fantasy series. There is a twist to the story that I will not give away, but please read it so we can discuss the hidden with  the story!

Abercrombie, Joe. (2015). Half a War. New York: Del Rey Books.

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Mystery #1)

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn is the first book in her Veronica Speedwell mystery series.

Veronica Speedwell grew up is an orphan who grew up with her two aunts. Now her second aunt has passed away. While she Veronica should feel sad her thoughts keep drifting to the fact that she will be free to do as she pleases - which in her case is go on expeditions and catch butterflies. Having moved every few years growing up, she does not feel attached to the village she happens to be living in at the moment.

Veronica is a lepidopterist. She has been on quite a few expeditions and has sold butterflies to fund future travels. And she is ready to be off on a new adventure, but when she returns to the cottage after her aunt's funeral, there is a man searching the place. Assuming it is someone who read the death notice in the paper and is looking for valuables, Veronica scares him off. A baron helps her chase the intruder away.

Convinced Veronica is in danger and unwilling to leave her alone, the baron offers her a ride to London. Because it will save her the train fare, Veronica agrees. Once in London, the baron hands her over to Mr. Stoker for safe keeping. Mr. Stoker is in the midst of trying to stuff an elephant for a wealthy client. While Veronica does not believe she is in danger, she humors the baron. So begins her argumentative relationship with Stoker, a natural history scientist as well. When the baron is killed, Veronica and Stoker decide to find out who killed him.

Raybourn has created a wonderful new mystery series which begins in the year 1887. Fans of Maisie Dobbs will likely enjoy this series, thought the books have a different feel and are set years apart. I am very much looking forward to Veronica and Stoker's future adventures.

Raybourn, Deanna. (2015). A Curious Beginning. New York: New American Library.

Torn Away

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown is the story of surviving a natural disaster and its aftermath.

Jersey Cameron has always lived in the Midwest. She grew up loving storms, even with the tornado drills they had to do at school. She loves dancing in the summer rain.

Now, a couple of weeks before the end of her junior year, all she wants to do is be lazy. When her little sister asks to teach her the East Coast Swing that she learned in dance class, Jersey says no. When her mother and sister leave for dance class, Jersey finally drags herself off of the couch to do chores and get dinner ready.

Just as she starts cooking a tornado warning siren goes off. She considers ignoring it. There are so many false alarms. Then she decides she should go to the basement where she spend the most terrifying fifteen minutes of her life.

When she emerges from under the pool table, bruised and battered, but alive, she is surprised to find that most of her house is missing. She has no cell phone service, and she doesn't know where her mom and sister are, or her step-father.

Brown has written the story of a girl whose life is ripped away from her. She has to grieve while also learning how to survive. She is sent to live with family who might as well be strangers - people her mother warned her about.

Brown is a great writer who tackles tough issues with amazing characters. Her books are strong and her stories thought provoking and sometimes heart wrenching. Check one out today.

Brown, Jennifer. (2014). Torn Away. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Half the World (Shattered Sea #2)

Half the World by Joe Abercrombie is the second book in his Shattered Sea series.

Thorn Bathu is one test away from becoming a warrior. Each year of study runs more girls out of the program until she is the last one. Now Thorn is the last. But something goes wrong during her last fight and a classmate is killed. Her teacher, who never wanted to pass her, accuses her of murder.

Brand watched Thorn's last test. It was unfair as she was set against three classmates. Brand tries to be good, but did not speak up at the unfairness of it. But when she is sentenced to the full impact of the law - which may include stoning to death - Brand has to speak up. He talks to Father Yarvi, the King's Minister, and doing so loses his place as a warrior himself.

Father Yarvi has use for both Thorn and Brand. He is about to leave on a mission to find allies in the ever changing political climate. The High King is exerting pressure on the kings of the land, as if he wants to usurp their power with his own. Yarvi and his crew will travel half around the world, fighting their way for the opportunity to have a few worlds with rulers who may stand at their side should war come.

Abercrobie's trilogy is a great work of fantasy fiction. His characters are compelling and readers will become fans quickly. Read this series!

Abercrombie, Joe. (2015). Half the World. New York: Del Rey.

The 7th Woman (Paris Homicide Mystery #1)

The 7th Woman by Frederique Molay is the first book in her Paris Homicide Mystery series - set in Paris around the Chief of Police Nico Sirsky.

Nico Sirsky is the head of the Paris Criminal Investigation Division, the famous Brigade Criminelle, tasked with catching the worst criminals in Paris. Working with teams of detectives and the medical examiner, Nico will have to find a serial killer.

When the first body appears, they don't know it is a serial killer, so they start looking at the family and friends of the victim. When the second woman if found, a note tells them that there will be seven bodies in seven days.

Molay's novel gives readers a look inside detective work in France - which is much different from the process here in the US. Her detective is competent and surrounded by helpful coworkers. Her killer is sadistic and likes to play games with the police. If you are a fan of France or mysteries, read it.

Molay, Frederique. (2012). The 7th Woman. New York: Le French Book.

Under the Lights (Daylight Falls #2)

Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler is the sequel to Behind the Scenes in her Daylight Falls series based around a new teen tv drama filmed in Los Angeles. Behind the Scenes focused on characters Ally and Liam while the new book alternates between their best friends Vanessa and Josh.

Vanessa Park is the lead actress in Daylight Falls. While she has the talent to the be the lead, her role is unique in that she is the first Korean American to land a lead in a teen drama. She has now been on the show for a year and tries to be a good role model for other young girls to follow your dreams. In that theme, her agent has set her up with a boy band boyfriend.

Josh Chester has a reputation as a bad boy in Hollywood. He is known for his parties but has very few real friends. His best friend, Liam, is the male lead in Daylight Falls. For the last year, Liam's girlfriend Ally has been Josh's personal assistant. But now she leaving for college in New York.

When Ally leaves, both Josh and Vanessa's lives change. Vanessa loses access to her best friend and someone she can talk to about anything. Sure Ally is still her best friend, but she is off in New York studying and finding other friends to hang with. Josh loses the one person in his life who will not put up with his attitude. While both Josh and Vanessa could use a friend, it seems unlikely they will fill that role for each other.

Adler's second book follows two changing lives. Josh has to decide what he wants to do with his life when he has to decide between a pathetic reality show or losing the house he lives in - because his mother owns the house and needs his name to land the show. Vanessa stops pretend dating guys her agent sets her up with and finds the person she never knew she was looking for.

Daylight Falls is a sweet series that will capture readers' hearts.

Adler, Dahlia. (2015). Under the Lights. New York: Spencer Hill Press

Wildest Dreams (Thunder Point #9)

Wildest Dreams by Robyn Carr is the ninth book in her Thunder Point romance series - set in the Oregon coastal town of Thunder Point. The series follows many characters in town and allow readers to see what previous main characters are doing now.

Lin Su Simmons has been working as a nurse for Winnie Banks for a couple of months. She and her son Charlie almost feel like a part of the family. Lin Su has, as a single mother, done whatever she has to do to make life safe for Charlie. Her life has been devoted to his health.

Winnie and Charlie spend afternoons on the computer together. Charlie, who suffers from asthma, has spent much of his time indoors and feels more comfortable around adults. Over this summer he has met a couple of kids his age and is looking forward to going to school in Thunder Point.

Blake Smiley just bought the house next to Winnie. He is a professional triathlete who competes all over the world. Charlie is instantly in awe of Blake. Lin Su is not sure it is a good idea with Charlie's asthma. When the local doctor, Scott Grant, proscribes working out to strengthen Charlie's lungs and stamina, Blake volunteers to help. Not only is Charlie a great kid, but it will give him more excuses to talk to Lin Su.

Carr has created a lovely romance series around a beautiful small town on the ocean. Her characters are the kind of people you hope to live near.

Carr, Robyn. (2015). Wildest Dreams. New York: Mira.

Honor Girl

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash is an autobiographical graphic novel of the summer she figured out that she likes girls - and the first girl she loved.

Maggie spent every summer at Camp Bellflower for Girls in Appalachia. Most of the other girls at the camp are from Kentucky, but her parents drive her from Atlanta. Her mother and her grandmother went to Camp Bellflower and Maggie is sure that nothing has changed in the entire history of the camp.

Each morning the girls start their day with a Civil War reenactment, where they yell Gray and Blue at each other for twenty minutes. The girls are separated by age and choose activities for the summer. Maggie is improving her shooting skills and is one of two girls competing for an award.

Maggie is joined by a cast of girls, from her best friend Shannon, to her new friend Tennis Bethany, to her first love Erin, in this lovely coming out story. Thrash tells her story with wit and sensitivity. Though it has a different feel, fans of Alison Bechdel's Fun Home will delight this novel.

Thrash, Maggie. (2015). Honor Girl. New York: Candlewick Press.

Half a King (Shattered Sea #1)

Half a King by Joe Abercrombie is the first book in his Shattered Sea series - about a prince who was never meant to be king.

Prince Yarvi is about to take the test to become a Minister. He has been studying most of his life. As the second son of the king he would not be king anyway, but being born with a deformed hand and unable to yield a sword doesn't help.

A few days before he leaves for the city across the sea where the High King lives, Yarvi's brother and father are killed. Suddenly he is the king of Gettland. His first duties are to bury his family and then lead a raid on the neighboring king who killed them.

His uncle has promised to keep him safe and fight by his side, but it is a set up. The uncle who was always kind is about to kill him and take over the throne.

When Yarvi falls over the side of the tower he is presumed dead. His uncle wants the body to bring back as proof of his death in battle. But Yarvi is not dead. He landed in the sea and somehow survived. Now he is alone in a foreign land.

Abercrombie has created a wonderful character in Price Yarvi. The trials and torture to which he is subjected form a great story and fine beginning to this series. Wonderful read.

Abercrombie, Joe. (2014). Half a King. New York: Del Rey.

Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is a beautiful book of friendship and love - the winner of the YA Printz award for best book and as good at the previous winner Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

It is 1986 in Omaha, Nebraska when Park sees the new girl get on the school bus for the first time. Since the school year already started, everyone else on the bus has already claimed the seat they wanted. And no one wants to share with a new kid - especially one who is dressed oddly. After a moment's hesitation, Park slides over and shares his seat with her. But he doesn't look at her or talk to her. He just didn't want her to make it to the back of the bus to the bullies.

Eleanor just moved back in with her family. Her mom's boyfriend (now husband) kicked her out a year ago. She went to her mom's friend's house to stay for a few days - and stayed a year. She has not seen her four siblings in all that time.

Eleanor doesn't know why the Asian kid moved over for her and then ignored her. But she didn't try to talk to him either. During her first day of school, she notices that he is in a few of her classes.

After a few days sharing a seat on the bus, Park notices that Eleanor is reading his comics while he does. A couple of days later, he brings her one to borrow.

So slowly begins a friendship between Park and Eleanor, one that grows into first love in this amazing novel. Rowell has created great characters in this must read story.

Rowell, Rainbow. (2013). Eleanor and Park. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Adrift

Adrift by Paul Griffin is a survival story about five teen off of Long Island, New York.

Matt and John are working in the Hamptons for the summer. They are from Queens and are trying to save money for college. They both work more than one job.

During their job selling ice cream on the beach, Matt and John meet three rich kids. Driana is from Manhattan and her cousin Stef and her boyfriend Jojo are visiting from Rio. Dri invites Matt and John to a party at her father's house.

Matt is instantly smitten with Driana. John does not want to hang out with them at all, but usually follows Matt.

When they see Dri and Jojo a couple of nights later they are looking for Stef. It seems she has borrowed the neighbor's wind surfing board and is hitting the waves - in the dark. Jojo and Dri are going after her with a small boat. Matt and John join them.

After they catch up to Stef, they are surprised to see how far out they have drifted. Since it doesn't seem like anyone has used the boat for a long time, there is not much fuel. They do not have enough to make it back to shore.

What follows is five teens stranded at sea and the tensions between them. As the story unfolds readers will learn of the character's pasts and the story becomes more complex than a simple boat adrift.

Griffin, Paul. (2015). Adrift. New York: Scholastic Press.

American Gods

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is the tale of what happens when people move to America, bringing their gods with them - and then, over time, forgetting the old gods.

Shadow is about to be released from prison after three years. He is getting nervous that something will happen to stop him from going home to his wife. He senses a change coming in the air.

On his way home there is a man sitting next to him on the plane. The man seems to know a lot about Shadow and offers him a job. But Shadow had a job all lined up. He was going back to his old job at his best friend's gym. Only now everything has changed.

After getting off of the plane at a stop along the way, Shadow rents a car to drive the rest of the way. When he stops at a bar in the middle of nowhere for food, the man from the plane is waiting for him.

The man, calling himself Wednesday, really wants Shadow to work for him. He is on the road and could use someone to watch his back. By the end of the night, he has convinced Shadow to work for him.

Now they are crisscrossing the United States while Wednesday tries to get an eclectic group of mostly older people to promise to join him. He knows a war is coming and they have to band together to stand against the new order.

Gaiman has written a great story of gods from all over the world and how they are trying to get by in the US without the support of people worshiping them. This is a fun book.

Gaiman, Neil. (2001). American Gods. New York: Harper Torch.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a coming of age story and a coming out story - sparked by blackmail.

Simon Spier is not out about the fact that he is attracted to boys. He has never said the words out loud. But while visiting an online board he found someone else as his school who is gay and not out. Now, using fake names, they have been emailing each other for a while. Simon is relieved to have someone to confide in - someone who understands the fears about coming out. He and Blue have a great friendship online and have no idea if they have classes together during school.

Then his secret email account is discovered. Simon checked his email at school and somehow forgot to log out. Now Martin is blackmailing him. He wants Simon to make it possible for him to hang out with Abby - one of Simon's good friends. Simon has to decide how to react - does he hang out with Martin and Abby so his secret is kept. Or should he figure out a way to come out before he can be outed.

Albertalli has written a moving and funny novel of coming out. She captures the feelings of what it is like to want to come out to the people you love with the fear of rejection. The online relationship gives both Simon and Blue someone to talk to in confidence, discussing thing they never would have the courage to talk about in person. This is a really sweet book.

Albertalli, Becky. (2015). Simon vs. the Home Spiens Agenda. New York: Blazer & Bray.

Everything Leads to You

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour is a the story of a mystery in the middle of a Hollywood movie.

Emi and Charlotte are best friends. They are days away from graduating from high school and are already working as interns on a movie. Emi is helping with set design and Charlotte is assistant to the art director.

For the final piece of furniture to complete the room Emi is designing herself, she needs the perfect sofa. Among the many garage and estate sales, Emi finds herself in the home of the iconic actor Clyde Jones - the biggest star of the American Western.

As huge fans, Emi and Char pick out a belt buckle (for Emi's brother Toby) and a Patsy Cline record. When they get back to Toby's apartment to play the record they get two surprises: Toby is giving them his apartment for two months while he scouts locations in Europe with the promise that something epic happens while he is gone. And a letter falls out of the Patsy Cline record.

A letter addressed to Caroline Maddox, in the handwriting of Clyde Jones - to be delivered in the event of his death - sends Emi and Char on a mystery. It will not be as simple as going to the address on the envelope - Caroline Maddox has not lived there for at least three years.

LaCour has created a lovely novel with elements of mystery, romance, movie magic, friendship and more, peopled with great characters. She made a book about LA and Hollywood, neither of which I am remotely interested in, into a delightful story.

LaCour, Nina. (2014). Everything Leads to You. New York: Dutton Books.

All Our Pretty Songs (Metamorphoses #1)

All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry is the first book in her Metamorphoses trilogy.

Friends since birth, two girls will have to choose between love and their friendship. Set in the Pacific Northwest, Aurora and the unnamed narrator are as close as sisters. Though they look like opposites - both in dress, houses and economic class - they are inseparable. Their mothers were best friends when they were younger, too.

During the summer before their senior year a musician comes to town; both girls are drawn to him. Jack has a musical gift, his playing put people into a kind of trance. Even though everyone else has picked Aurora, Jack likes the narrator. But she and Aurora are not the only ones who have noticed Jack's gift. His music has called a magic from below. A magic that may have been why Aurora's musician father disappeared when she was a kid.

It is up to the narrator to protect the people she loves - if she can - while they are drawn to the dark forces. How can they not see the sinister side like she can? And once they decide, how can she stop them?

McCarry, Sarah. (2013). All Our Pretty Songs. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

Looks

Looks by Madeleine George is a book about a new friendship.

Meghan Ball is practically invisible in her school - in spite of the fact that she is the largest person at Valley Regional High. People say things in front of her as if she is not there. She has no friends, but recognizes potential in a new student.

Aimee Zorn is as thin as Meghan is large. She is outwardly angry. And on the first day of her freshman year she sees a group of boys picking on a large girl and no one doing anything to stop it.

Meghan tries to warn Aimee when she starts to hang out with Cara. They are on the literary magazine together and Cara seems interested in her poetry. Meghan is sure it will end badly, like her friendship with Cara ended badly.

George has created a realistic book about how it feels to be different or invisible in high school. Her characters seem like stereotypes but are complete people who are not seen as whole by their shallow classmates. Looks is what can happen with the support of even one friend.

George, Madeleine. (2008). Looks. New York: Viking.

Tumbledown (Sequel to Desolation Point)

Tumbledown by Cari Hunter, a sequel to Desolation Point, is a thriller that will have readers biting their nails until the end.

Alex Pascal and Sarah Kent survived a terrible chase through the wilderness in Washington state two years ago. After their ordeal and escape, the FBI told them to lay low. They were not put into witness protection, but there was a chance that the white supremacist group would try to find them to exact revenge for spoiling their plans.

Now Sarah and Alex, using a new last name, are living in a small town in Maine. Alex is on the local police force and Sarah is a first responder studying to become an EMT. Their lives are good. They still keep a watch around their cabin and have a good lock on the gate, but life is what they want it to be.

When Sarah gets called to assist with a birth (because the only ambulance near by has already pick up a heart attack case) she gets her picture in the local paper. When Sarah and Alex find the picture, they are worried that it will be seen. But it is such a small town...

Caleb Deakin has not stopped looking for the two women he blames for his father's death. He has paid a lot of money for a computer that will scan for their names and images each day. When he gets a hit he immediately packs for a trip to Maine.

Hunter has created another book that will keep readers up late for the thrill ride.

Hunter, Cari. (2014). Tumbledown. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books.

The English Spy (Gabriel Allon #15)

The English Spy by Daniel Silva is the fifteenth book in his Gabriel Allon suspense / espionage series. Allon is an Israeli Mossad agent, though he has wanted to retire for years and keeps being pulled back in to take care of problems.

The death of an English princess sets off a series of investigations that quickly lead the head of MI-6 to conclude that there are only two men capable of capturing (or killing) the man responsible.  Graham Seymour meets with the head of the Office, Israeli's version of MI-6, and gets approval to contact Gabriel Allon.

Gabriel is about to become a father. His wife is about to give birth to twins. The last thing Gabriel wants is to hunt down an assassin - and one of the world's foremost bomb makers. But Gabriel does what needs to be done both to protect the innocent and to settle old debts.With the help of an ex-SAS officer who has turned assassin, Gabriel will hunt down the Real IRA bomber.

Silva is a masterful story teller. He is a brilliant writer. His books are fast-paced with realistic characters we hope are in the world protecting us. Start the Gabriel Allon series at the beginning with The Kill Artist. Or start with his WWII espionage masterpiece, An Unlikely Spy. You will  not be disappointed!

Silva, Daniel. (2015). The English Spy. New York: Harper.

A New Hope (Thunder Point #8)

A New Hope by Robyn Carr is the eighth book in her Thunder Point romance series. Thunder Point is a small, close-knit town on the Oregon coast. Carr's books do a great job in allowing readers to keep up with characters from previous novels in the series.

Ginger has been in Thunder Point for just a few months. She was sent to live with her aunt, Ray Anne, due to a depression her parents did not know how to help her through. Ray Anne gave her a make over and got her a part-time job at the local florist - things that she hoped would be small steps to getting Ginger out of her head.
Now Ginger loves her job. She is making good friends and she sees a future. 

Matt Lacomette has had a bad year himself. Since his divorce he has been know as Mad Matt by his family members - moping around without his previous lighthearted personality. And at his sister, Peyton's, wedding he made an ass of himself. Now he has to find the young woman he offended to apologize.

While neither Matt nor Ginger is ready to try another relationship, they hit it off right away. And both can use a friend.

Carr has created a lovely town filled with people who readers will befriend and keep in their memories for a long time to come.

Carr, Robyn. (2015). A New Hope. New York: Mira.

Taking the Heat (Girls Night Out #4)

Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl is the fourth book in her Girls Night Out romance series.

Veronica Chandler is Dear Veronica - an advice columnist for the Jackson paper. Her column is popular and readers assume she is an expert in love. But Veronica feels like a fraud. While she gives great advice, she has never been in love herself. She doesn't even let her friends know that after running away to New York to follow her dreams, it turned out she hated the city. Now she is home in Jackson Hole living in one of her father's buildings. To make matters worse, her boss has decided she should do a live advice show at the local pub.

Gabe MacKenzie is new to Jackson Hole. He is a librarian, specializing in digital collections. He has been hired by the Jackson public library to create a e-book collection. For Gabe, it is a dream job - good hours doing something he loves and lots of free time to rock climb. His coworker has asked him to join them for a night out - at a local advice show.

Dahl is a great writer who creates fully developed characters. Any of her books would break the stereotype that romance books are not well written or well developed. Her books are wonderful and sexy, filled with humor. Pick one up today!

Dahl, Victoria. (2015). Taking the Heat. New York: HQN.

Prudence (Custard Protocol #1)

Prudence by Gail Carriger is the first book in her new Custard Protocol series - set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate series, but twenty years later, in an alternate history Victorian England were supernatural creatures (vampires and werewolves) have equal rights as humans.

Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama, aka Rue, has three of the most influential parents in London. Her blood parents are a werewolf and a preternatural who both work for the Queen. Her adoptive father, raised by him for political and security reasons, is a rove vampire and also works for the Queen. Together, the three of them plus the greater werewolf pack and vampire drones, raised Rue to be a self-sufficient, strong young woman.

When Rue is gifted a dirigible by her father, Lord Akeldama, she immediately sets about setting up a crew to set sail for India. Dama is sending her to explore a new tea that could become all the rage in London. Joined by her best friend, Primrose Tunstell, her brother Percy Tunstell and Quesnel Lafoux, Rue is planning a one to two month float. What she does not know is that Dama has other plans for her along the way. Plans she may have been told if they had not unexpectedly left a full day early.

Filled with beloved characters from her previous series, and introducing the next generation, Carriger has begun another wonderful series. While it is difficult to pinpoint one favorite book, her Parasol Protectorate, Finishing School and now Custard Protocol series are definitely up there on the list of the most fun I have had reading. Carrigers books are creative and delightful. If you have not yet been introduced, start reading them today!

Carriger, Gail. (2015). Prudence. New York: Orbit.

Boyfriends with Girlfriends

Boyfriends with Girlfriends by Alex Sanchez is a story of two sets of friends.

Allie and Lance has been best friends for years. They tell each other everything. Lance has known for years that he is gay, but has never had a real boyfriend. Allie has been dating Chip for years.

Sergio and Kimiko are also best friends and share everything. Sergio is bisexual and just went through a breakup with his girlfriend. Kimiko is lesbian but has not yet dated.

Lance has a date with Sergio and wants Allie to come when they meet. They agree to meet at the mall. Lance and Sergio hit it off well and decide to go on a date. Allie and Kimiko also hit it off and Kimiko is smitten. Allie has a boyfriend but lately been thinking that they have grown apart.

Sanchez has created four realistic characters who are exploring the world of dating and sexuality. His writing is sensitive and his characters are well developed.

Sanchez, Alex. (2011). Boyfriends with Girlfriends. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Behind the Scenes (Daylight Falls #1)

Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler is the first book in her Daylight Falls series.

Ally Duncan and Vanessa Park have been best friends since they were three. Now seventeen, Ally is a senior in high school and Vanessa is an actor in Hollywood. Though their lives are very different, they remain best friends.

Vanessa is auditioning for a role in the hot new teen drama Daylight Falls. She was going for the part of the best friend, but is surprisingly cast as the lead. Surprising because in Hollywood the lead is usually a blonde girl, not a Korean American.

Ally is dealing with her father's cancer treatments and school work. When the medical bills put Ally's dream of going to Columbia, Vanessa offers her a job as assistant. While Ally is jaded about Hollywood and hanging out on the set with the other actors, she agrees. What she finds is that not all actors live up to her stereotype. Liam Holloway, the male lead, is not only more beautiful in real life, he is smart and nice and funny.

Alder has created a fun romance story set in a world few people can access. Her characters are great and fans will be excited for the sequel, Under the Lights.

Adler, Dahlia. (2014). Behind the Scenes. Contooncook, NH: Spencer Hill Press.

Hero

Hero by Perry Moore is a superhero story with a twist.

Thom Creed is a basketball start in high school but his teammates keep their distance. There is something about him that is different. And his father has an infamous history as the most popular superhero until a rescue went wrong and now he is an outcast.

Thom doesn't want to make his father's life harder so he is keeping secrets. Secrets about powers that he has. Secrets about who he likes. Secrets about who he wants to become.

When Thom is on a bus that is attacked by villains, he uses his healing powers to help the injured passengers. When the League superheroes show up to help, he is invited to a tryout to become a hero in training.

When Thom is assigned to a team of hero misfits - Scarlett who can control fire but not her temper, Larry who can infect people with diseases, Ruth who is an old lady who can see the future, and Golden Boy who has been demoted back to rookie - he does not tell his father. His father has no use for superheroes with powers. He didn't need powers in his day - plus they have been shunning him since his fall from glory.

Moore has created a fun hero story with some serious underlying themes. Thom is an unlikely hero with whom readers will fall in love.

Moore, Perry. (2007). Hero. New York: Hyperion.

Desolation Point

Desolation Point by Cari Hunter is a race through the wilderness running from a madman.

Alex Pascal was a Los Angeles cop. When chasing brothers who were wanted for rape and torture, Alex was captured and tortured before her partner could find her. After multiple surgeries, Alex went back to work, but her heart was no longer in it. Eventually, she took a job in Washington on a small farm.

Sarah Kent was in a car accident with her sister and mother. She was the only one who survived. After months of surgeries and physical therapy, she decided to do some traveling and get out of England.

Sarah and Alex are both hiking in the North Cascades. A storm is moving in and Sarah is hoping for a couple more days before weather runs her off of the mountain. Alex is sure it will storm soon, but when she reaches the last boat out, two men tell her about Sarah and that she is still on the mountain. Alex decides to look for her.

After reaching the top, Sarah gets disoriented in the fog. After hiking for a while she hears voices. But the voices are not friendly. One belongs to an escape convict who is the target of a state-wide manhunt. When Sarah flees, she grabs a bag instead of her backpack, but she is too scared to go back because of the armed man behind her.

Hunter has written a fast-paced thriller set in an unforgiving wilderness. Her characters are well developed and compelling. Fans will be glad to know that there is a sequel, Tumbledown, that takes place a couple of years later.

Hunter, Cari. (2013). Desolation Point. Valley Falls, NY: Bold Strokes Books.

Batwoman: Elegy

Batwoman: Elegy by Greg Rucka, drawings by JH Williams, is Batwoman re-imagined by a genius. After a break in the series, due to the main character being stabbed in the heart, Rucka has brought back a great superhero and made her better.

Katherine Rebecca Kane is Batwoman. The path she took to get there is told in flashbacks through the book. Kate grew up in a military family. When she was young, she and her twin sister, along with their mother were in a car accident. It was a kidnapping. Her mother and sister were killed. After that, she vowed to follow in her father's footsteps and join the military to help make the world a better place.

Kate was on her way to becoming a fine soldier, but was separated from the military under Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 125, known as don't ask and don't tell. Because of the honor code, Kate could not lie and say she was not guilty of being a lesbian.

It was still a long journey from the military to becoming Batwoman, and Rucka and Williams tell it with style and depth. I am not usually a fan of graphic novels or comics, but this series is awesome. Continue after Elegy with: Vol 1: Hydrology; Vol 2: To Drown the World; Vol. 3: World's Finest; and Vol. 4: This Blood is Thick.

Rucka, Greg. (2010). Batwoman: Elegy. New York: DC Comics.

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)

Timeless by Gail Carriger is the fifth book in her Parasol Protectorate - an alternate history of Victorian England peopled with vampires, werewolves, and the usually manners of the time period.

Three years has passed since Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, relocated to a house in London to raise her daughter with the help of the vampire Lord Akeldama - a compromise because of the unusual nature of the offspring between a werewolf and a preternatural.

Prudence Maccon Akeldama is a creature not seen for thousands of years. Unlike her mother whose touch turns werewolves and vampire human, Prudence is a soul-stealer. If she touches a vampire or werewolf, she will become one until the next sunrise, and he will become human.

A summons, in the guise of an invitation, arrives for Alexia and Prudence to visit the oldest living vampire, Queen Matakara, in Egypt. So, using the disguise as a traveling stage production lead by Ivy Tunstell, the Maccons set off for abroad.

Carriger has created a wonderful alternate world. Timeless is the last of the series featuring Alexia, but you can continue with her young adult series, The Finishing School, and then Prudence's own series, the Custard Protocol. This has quickly become one of my favorite reads!

Carriger, Gail. (2012). Timeless. New York: Orbit.

Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel volume 1, No Normal by G. Willow Wilson, and artist Adrian Alphona is the latest version of Ms. Marvel.

Kamala Khan is a New Jersey teen. She is a Pakistani-American Muslim who is a fangirl. She loves the Avengers. She is a normal teen until she sneaks out for a party one night after her parents tell her she cannot go to a party with boys and alcohol.

After just a few minutes at the party, she agrees that it is not a party for her. As she is leaving a strange fog descends on the town. She passes out, has a vision of the Avengers and wakes up with superpowers she doesn't know how to control.

At first Kamala appears to be Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel. But once she realizes she can shape shift, she can find a look that fits with who she is better. A look that fits within her ideals and beliefs.

Wilson's Ms. Marvel is a more diverse character than the traditional superhero comic character. Kamala is great and the first book is about identity. If you are a fan of graphic novels or strong female characters read this series.

Wilson, G. Willow (2014). Ms. Marvel: No Normal. New York: Marvel Now.

Volume 2: Generation Why
Volume 3: Crushed

The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy: A Handbook for Girl Geeks

The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy: A Handbook for Girl Geeks by Sam Maggs is an awesome guide for all types of fans - gamers, book nerds, Browncoats, Trekkies, Cosplayers, etc...

Fangirl is a term that has been used negatively by guys trying to keep chicks away from what they see as their areas - video games, science fiction, graphic novels - but it can also be a self affirming title. Women who are passionate about and invested in what they love are fangirls.

Maggs has included many of the possible targets of fandom, but writes in a way that if your particular passion is not listed, you still get great tips and ideas for advancing your passion and sharing it with others.

Subjects include: how to make nerdy friends, how to kill at cosplay, how to write fan fiction, how to react to trolls, and tips for attending conventions. And one of my favorite sections - Kick Ass Female Characters You Should Know - which includes some of my favorite tv and book chicks.

This is a great resource that everyone should have on hand. Buy a copy today. You can probably find Sam at your next convention and get her to sign it. She is the queen of fandom!

Maggs, Sam. (2015). The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books.

I Crawl Through It

I Crawl Through It by A.S. King is the story of four teens who are trying to deal with too much.

Stanzi is obsessed with biology. To calm herself she dissects frogs. The order of the insides calms her. For the last few weeks at school there has been an almost daily bomb threat. They are having most classes outside now. And when Stanzi gets home, a note says her parents are in bed, to make a frozen dinner and turn out the lights.

Gustav hasn't been to school in a long time. He spends all of his time building a helicopter in his garage - an invisible helicopter that he will use to fly himself and Stanzi away from their town.

Lansdale Cruise is a liar. She tells a lies all of the time. Her long hair grows each time she lies, like a hair-Pinocchio. She lies so much she doesn't remember how to stop.

China Knowles has turned herself inside out. Something bad happened that she is not talking about, but everyone knows. She mostly communicates by writing poetry, but has found a friend in an online support group and is thinking of running away to be with him.

King is a brilliant writer who writes weird book that make people think. Her characters are great and readers never know if they are going crazy or making a breakthrough. If you are a fan of reading, read something by A.S. King. It will be worth it and you will remember the book forever.

[I Crawl Through It will be released on September 22, 215.]

King, A.S. (2015). I Crawl Through It. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Just Girls

Just Girls by Rachel Gold is an amazing book that highlights many of today's civil rights issues and the ongoing need to push for equality - all in the guise of a coming of age, first year of college novel.

Jess Tucker is in line in her college cafeteria at the beginning of the school year when she overhears someone behind her saying she saw a memo about a trans woman in the dorms. The girl goes on to say pretty negative things about "him" and before Tucker can think anything past some poor woman has to deal with this crap all of the time, she outs herself as trans and confront the girl and her friends. Tucker thinks that she got through high school as an out lesbian, this will be similar.

What Tucker doesn't count on is the level of transphobia being much higher than that toward gays and lesbians. She tells her friends in the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex and Allies) student club what she did and they back her up. But when someone spray paints her dorm room with anti-trans slurs, her girlfriend decide Tucker should move in with her.

Ella Ramsey is the trans woman who Tucker is protecting. They have never met and only a couple of people in administration know she was born into a boy's body. She has a two suite dorm to herself as a result.

When Ella sees the paint on Tucker's door she stops and stares. Tucker catches her and is surprised she is not there to add insult to injury. After a short talk, Ella invites Tucker to move to her extra room so she can start over.

This is Gold's second novel featuring trans characters. Claire and Emily from her book Being Emily appear in this book, too. Gold creates real characters who readers will want to befriend. Her books are great. Buy a copy of each and start reading today.

Gold, Rachel. (2014). Just Girls. Tallahassee, FL: Bella Books.

A Book of Spirits and Thieves (Spirits and Thieves #1)

A Book of Spirits and Thieves by Morgan Rhodes is the first book in her Spirits and Thieves series - which partly takes place in her world of Mythica from the Falling Kingdoms series.

Crys and Becca Hatcher live in Toronto above their family's bookstore, the Speckled Muse. Becca and her mother love books more than anything. Crys stopped reading about the time her father left and is more focused on photography. When a package comes from their aunt, Crys opens it - even though it is addressed to her mother.

After Crys looks at the old book she passes it on to her sister. But when Becca opens the book, she is frozen in place. A light comes out of the book and swirls around her. Then she falls to the ground unresponsive.

Farrell Grayson is part of a secret society in Toronto. The Hawkspear society has been around for sixty years. And its members believe it is run by a god. Farrell is about to move up to the inner circle.

Maddox lives in the land of Mythica. He has the ability to see spirits, but witches are put to death in his land by decree of the ruler - the goddess Valoria. For his whole life, spirits have been a dark, angry presence. But now, Maddox can see a beautiful girl who says her name is Becca.

Rhodes created a wonderful world with Mythica. This new book combines that world with present day Toronto is an all new series. Rhodes is a great fantasy writer.

Rhodes, Morgan. (2015). A Book of Spirits and Thieves. New York: Razor Bill.

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)

Heartless by Gail Carriger is the fourth book in her Parasol Protectorate series set in an alternate history Victorian England.

Lady Alexia Maccon is not your average Victorian lady. While her manners are impeccable, she does not defer to  her husband or merely run a household. Alexia is on the Queen's secret council, married to a werewolf, very good friends with a vampire, and a preternatural - one who can cancel out supernaturals, making them human while in contact with her.

When a ghost who is almost dissolved visits and tells Alexia of a plot to kill the queen, Alexia jumps to investigate. All the while, the vampire of London have a price on her head, the latest attack utilizing what appeared to be zombie porcupines.

Carriger has created a wonder version of the Victoria era - complete with supernatural creatures, dirigibles, clockwork machines, and a lot of humor. Start the series today!

Carriger, Gail. (2011). Heartless. New York: Orbit.

Blood Will Tell (Point Last Seen #2)

Blood Will Tell by April Henry is the second book in her Point Last Seen mystery series about three teens who volunteer for Portland Search and Rescue.

Nick, Alexis and Ruby are still working toward their hours to become official Search and Rescue (SAR). They can be called to help with a search for a missing person or an evidence search. As long as they maintain their grades, they can leave school to help.

When the body of a woman is found, SAR is called to do an evidence search - basically a line of people crawling shoulder to shoulder looking for clues. They have one hour to meet at the Sheriff's office, but Nick has seen the ambulances and police go by and knows the scene is only a few blocks from home so he meets them there.

When the police find partial DNA on the body, Nick become a suspect. Alexis and Ruby know he did not do it. But the police see his drawings, video games and a large knife as signs of his guilt. Can his friends prove it wasn't him?

Henry has created a great, fast-paced mystery series with an interesting setting. The series reminds me of a young adult version of the Anna Pigeon books by Nevada Barr - set in National Parks where the setting is one of the characters.

Henry, April. (2015). Blood Will Tell. New York: Henry Hold and Company.