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