Indiana Jones Read Alike?

Unearthed (Unearthed #1)

by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner 

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: January 9th 2018 by Disney-Hyperion

ISBN 9781484758052

ARC From Publisher

About:

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race… 

(Goodreads)

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

Not what I expected, but in a good way. It was kind of a repetitive Indiana Jones knock off throughout the middle of the book. Don’t get me wrong. I do love me some Indy, but it would have been nice to do something different or make this area of the book shorter. The book switches it up and gets really exciting and fast paced towards the end. Space ships. Uninvited “guests”.  A WTF moment. All this and more helps redeem the slowness in the middle. 

The characters evolved got more and more interesting throughout the book. I usually don’t enjoy shifting view points from chapter to chapter but this book surprisingly got it right. Our two main characters are so different, yet so alike, that getting to see what each one was thinking and why really added to the story. 

The new planet that they’re on and the search for alien technology made this story similar to other sci-fi books out there and yet different at the same time. There was a certain charm that came from the writing that other books don’t have. The “romance” was definitely YA like. “I love you. I hate you.” kind of stuff. But it was still kind of cute and didn’t hurt the story too much. 

That ending though! WOW! I’d really like to know what's going to happen next! It was a pretty “clean” read so teens of any age who enjoy sci-fi and adventure will gobble this one up and be begging you for the next book! 

“To The Rift!!!”

Kat and Meg Conquer the World

by Anna Priemaza

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published November 7th 2017 by Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780062560803

Checked Out From Library

About:

For fans of Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything, Emery Lord’s When We Collided, and Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, Anna Priemaza’s debut novel is a heartwarming and achingly real story of finding a friend, being a fan, and defining your place in a difficult world.

Kat and Meg couldn’t be more different. Kat’s anxiety makes it hard for her to talk to people. Meg hates being alone, but her ADHD keeps pushing people away. But when the two girls are thrown together for a year-long science project, they discover they do have one thing in common: They’re both obsessed with the same online gaming star and his hilarious videos.

It might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship—if they don’t kill each other first.

“Kat and Meg Conquer the World will hit home for anyone who has ever been waist-deep in fandom, doubt, or new relationships; Kat’s and Meg’s unique voices are outstanding, and their friendship brings this story to vibrant life."—Francesca Zappia, author of Made You Up and Eliza and Her Monsters

(Goodreads)

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: 

Unique Friendships, Family Drama, School Projects, Video Games, Romance, Youtube, Anxiety, ADHD …. All of this is in this amazing book. The author does a wonderful job of creating a world where two friendless girls with two very different disorders become best friends. The girls learn from each other and create bonds that will hopefully last a life time. They learn to deal with their problems and work together. Meg and Kat are very relatable characters. They both have their flaws but they have their talents and amazing personalities too. This book surprisingly moves along very quickly, switching from one girls point of view to the others each chapter. It has so much nerdy goodness and fun references in it! Yes there is a bit of “mature” content in it. One character has sex, but it leads to a lesson learned for the girls. Younger teens may be intimidated or not ready for that. Teens or Adults with ADHD or Anxiety (or who know someone with either) might really enjoy this book. It gave me a bit of insight to some of my coworkers lives.   

Not So Much Stalking....

Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1)

by Kerri Maniscalco

Hardcover, 326 pages

Published September 20th 2016 by Jimmy Patterson

ISBN: 9780316273497

Copy Bought And Autographed At YA Conference

About: 

Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget. (Goodreads)

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Review:

A disappointing 3.5 stars for this read. I met the author at a YA conference and she seemed so cool and into exploring all things creepy for her research. It made me expect a lot more from this book. I was very interested in Jack the Ripper growing up so I was very curious to see what Kerri could do with him in a YA novel. I can tell that she did her research on the time period and the cases, I had no problem with the story there. I also liked that at the back of the book she tells the reader what facts she changed and why. My problem was that she promised thrills, twists and turns, and horror; and though we had dead bodies from the Ripper, none of that was present. The “love” story was generic and simple and just got in the way. The book was predictable, and I felt like our main characters were never really in any danger. The main character Audrey has been done before, though I always do appreciate a good strong female going against the norm. I enjoyed the ending and the unveiling of the Ripper, though I had an idea of who he might be from around the middle of the book. I don’t think I cared for the cover up of who the Ripper was, though since their identity was never solved in real life it makes sense that they did that. Besides the violence there wasn’t anything to “mature” in the novel. It’s recommended for 15 and up by the publisher, but younger teens might be ok with it too, if they enjoy historical fiction. Despite my disappointment I am curious about the second book in the series “Hunting Prince Dracula” and I might give it a try some day. 

A Surprising Read...

The Hazel Wood

by Melissa Albert

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Flatiron Books

ISBN: 9781250147905

Received ARC From Publisher

About:

Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent most of Alice’s life on the road, always a step ahead of the uncanny bad luck biting at their heels. But when Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood, Alice learns how bad her luck can really get: Her mother is stolen away―by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother's stories are set. Alice's only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.”

Alice has long steered clear of her grandmother’s cultish fans. But now she has no choice but to ally with classmate Ellery Finch, a Hinterland superfan who may have his own reasons for wanting to help her. To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to the Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother's tales began―and where she might find out how her own story went so wrong. (Goodreads)

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

This book reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland, a bit of the TV show Once Upon a Time, and a bit of the Deathly Hollow stories told in Harry Potter. It was dark and creepy with a twist of not knowing who the main characters might actually be. Are they just normal people? Are they fairytale people? And who are these weird creepy characters who keep stalking Alice? Yes there are similarities to Alice in Wonderland, as probably many people will point out. There is the Hinterland which could be Wonderland. There are strange characters that Alice meets that could resemble Wonderland characters if you squint. Other than that I didn’t connect the two, though I haven’t read anything Wonderland centered in many years. The tales within the story were amazing. I’d love to read Alice’s Grandma’s actual book. Alice Three Times, The Door That Wasn’t There, and Twice Killed Catherine were so addicting and creepy and gave me that same Deathly Hollows feel. There was a unique feel to this book that is hard to put into words. The story is intriguing and will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The end wasn’t what I was expecting. It could possibly leave it open for a sequel, but at the same time it ties up most of the loose ends. The characters weren’t perfect. Alice had some annoying flaws, but without them the book wouldn’t be the same. The mother, grandmother, and Finch all bring mystery. The Hinterland characters make great suspense. Are they good? Are they bad? I will say originally the cover kept me from picking it up right away. It’s kind of dull with black, white, and golds. After reading the book the cover makes more sense, in that it seems very old time fairytale like. On the back of the book it says that Sony has picked it up to become a movie (possibly, you know how long it takes for that kind of thing to happen… if it actually happens). If there is a movie I’d definitely go see it. There is swearing and violence in this book, but if the teens ok with that any age will enjoy this read. 

Marvel Does It Again!

Runaways: An Original Novel

by Christopher Golden 

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 2nd 2018 by Marvel Press

ISBN: 9781484782019

Received ARC From Publisher

About: 

"The Pride, back in L.A.? Their parents, alive? Karolina had never realized hope and fear could feel so much alike."

Written by New York Times best-selling author Christopher Golden, Runaways: An Original Novel is a fresh take on the Marvel fan favorite. Including the first issue of the revived Runaways comic series written by Rainbow Rowell and with art by Kris Anka, it's easy for fans of the comics, fans of the new Hulu TV show, and first-time readers to all enjoy this new take on an old classic.

Turns out murderous Super Villains don't make for good parents. The Runaways had no choice. They had to kill them. Well, more or less. Now Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly are on the run again, hiding out and trying to regain a sense of normalcy. But kids with super powers don't get to be normal.

The city is overrun with criminals, each faction bent on murdering them for one reason or another. It's only when the Runaways uncover the truth behind their parents' past that they realize the evil isn't just in L.A. (Goodreads)

Rating: 4

Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by this read. After being disappointed by DC's new Batman novel I didn't have high hopes for another superhero book. This one however, was actually pretty good. It stuck close to the graphic novel origins (yes I have read the series). It gave good back story from the comics so those who haven't read the comics will still be able to follow and enjoy.  I do wish there was more character looks descriptions though. Sometimes I had a hard time picturing the main heroes in my head, despite the fact that I’ve seen them countless times in the comics. I feel like the "good guy" characters kept in character from the comics. The bad guys were very "Marvel" bad guy like. All super powered and in costumes for the most part. There were a few “hidden” bad guys that made the end more exciting. There was plenty of action and plot development to keep the story moving and to keep the reader interested. The ending wasn't really a big surprise, but it was still done in a clever way. Due to swearing (mostly done by the youngest Runaway member) and sexual content (Two members end up naked in bed but it doesn't end up going all the way... if you know what I mean) I'm not sure I'd give it to younger teens. Those who are looking for a decent Marvel read or who are getting ready for the Runaways TV show will probably enjoy this read though. 

A Hidden Ghost Gem...

Haunt Me

by Liz Kessler

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published July 11th 2017 by Candlewick Press 

ISBN: 9780763691622

Checked Out From Library

About:

Haunting and intensely romantic, Liz Kessler's latest novel features a teen girl for whom falling in love could mean losing her heart -- and maybe her life.

When her family moves after a rough year, Erin feels instantly at home in her new bedroom -- even after she realizes that she's not the only one occupying it. As Erin becomes accustomed to Joe, the spirit of the teenage boy who lived in the room before her, she starts to sense an inexplicable connection between them. Meanwhile, Joe's brother, Olly, is trying to find a new normal since his brother passed away. Before Joe died, Olly was king of the school -- and it's not until Olly meets a new girl that he realizes just how many ways he's changed . . . including the type of girl he could fall for. And when Erin finds herself caught between two brothers, and two choices, will her decision destroy her completely, or can she save herself before she's lost forever? From Liz Kessler, the best-selling author of Read Me Like a Book, comes a young adult novel about how love can overcome the ultimate divide.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

I will admit I picked this one up because of the names of the characters. They have special meaning to me and I thought it was funny to see them all in a book together. I’m glad I did snag this one though, because it turned out to be a hidden gem. 

Yes it is kind of a typical YA paranormal romance, and of course that makes it a bit predictable. There was more to the story though. This book represented the misfits, the lonely, and the bullied all waiting for someone to come along and understand them. It’s a story of love, loss, and hope. It deals with tough topics like bullies, depression, self-harm, and suicide. The characters all start out in dark places, but with each other, they come to find peace. It has a great setting. A tad dark and creepy, but not too much to make it fall into the horror genre. It had a different perspective on the boy meets girl love story in that we have a ghost thrown into the mix, but the story doesn’t end the way one might think it would. It’s no “Twilight”. Any age teen who wants a paranormal romance or those who feel like they just don’t fit in anywhere right now might really enjoy this book.    

Yuck!

Landscape with Invisible Hand

by M.T. Anderson

Hardcover, 149 pages

Published September 12th 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 9780763687892

Received ARC From Publisher

About: 

National Book Award winner M. T. Anderson returns to future Earth in a sharply wrought satire of art and truth in the midst of colonization.

When the vuvv first landed, it came as a surprise to aspiring artist Adam and the rest of planet Earth - but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Can it really be called an invasion when the vuvv generously offered free advanced technology and cures for every illness imaginable? As it turns out, yes. With his parents' jobs replaced by alien tech and no money for food, clean water, or the vuvv's miraculous medicine, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, have to get creative to survive. And since the vuvv crave anything they deem "classic" Earth culture (doo-wop music, still-life paintings of fruit, true love), recording 1950s-style dates for the vuvv to watch in a pay-per-minute format seems like a brilliant idea. But it's hard for Adam and Chloe to sell true love when they hate each other more with every passing episode. Soon enough, Adam must decide how far he's willing to go - and what he's willing to sacrifice - to give the vuvv what they want. (Goodreads)

Rating: 2 Stars

Review:

I’ve read other things by Anderson in the past and enjoyed them, so I was expecting so much more from this book. I know a lot of other people out there love this one, but I just couldn’t get into it. The only reason I finished it was because it was short and I was hoping something would happen at the end, which it didn’t and left me very unsatisfied. I did not care about the characters at all. I had no feelings except for annoyance and hate for all of them. I didn’t care what happened to them. I didn’t care about the new Earth the Vuvv had created. If anything I wish we would have gotten to learn more about the Vuvv as a species instead of the whinny humans. Yes the book is written well. Anderson always seems to do good with his descriptions and wording.  I just wasn’t hooked by any of it this time. This book might interest older teens who are really into sci-fi, but for the most part I don’t see to many of them picking this title up. Recommend Anderson’s book “Feed” to them instead. 

Once Upon A Midnight Dreary...

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel 

Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

Hardcover, 120 pages

Published August 1st 2017 by Candlewick Press

ISBN: 9780763681128

Checked Out From Library

About:

In a thrilling adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe s best-known works, acclaimed artist-adapter Gareth Hinds translates Poe's dark genius into graphic-novel format. 

It is true that I am nervous. But why will you say that I am mad? 

In "The Cask of Amontillado," a man exacts revenge on a disloyal friend at carnival, luring him into catacombs below the city. In "The Masque of the Red Death," a prince shielding himself from plague hosts a doomed party inside his abbey stronghold. A prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, faced with a swinging blade and swarming rats, can t see his tormentors in "The Pit and the Pendulum," and in "The Tell-Tale Heart," a milky eye and a deafening heartbeat reveal the effects of conscience and creeping madness. Alongside these tales are visual interpretations of three poems "The Raven," "The Bells," and Poe s poignant elegy to lost love, "Annabel Lee." The seven concise graphic narratives, keyed to thematic icons, amplify and honor the timeless legacy of a master of gothic horror.” (Goodreads)

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: 

To begin with, let me just say, I’m a huge fan of Edgar Allen Poe. I’ve probably read the majority of his work and even have a few of his things (including The Raven and Annabel Lee) memorized. I always love finding new versions of his work. I’ve read a few different graphic novel adaptations and I have to say this one is by far my favorite. 

It has the full text of some of Poe’s more famous work including "The Cask of Amontillado," "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven," "The Bells," and "Annabel Lee." The art work is consistent drawing wise throughout, though he does change tones/colors depending on the story he’s illustrating. His pictures are very atmospheric, colorful when need be and dark when suspense is high. I loved his version of the Raven. It’s done in a black and white sketch and the main character definitely resembles Poe. I also loved his version of Annabel Lee. It was like a collage of everything the poem was describing. Beautiful, heartfelt, and sad. I loved how the introduction page for each story/poem had that date of the item and a slight description (Scary, Death, Creepy Animals, etc.). It gave this version a bit of humor/cleverness in between all the darkness. I think that anyone who is a Poe fan or who needs to read him for school will enjoy this adaptation. 

Would You Save Someone You Don't Know?

In 27 Days (In 27 Days #1)

by Alison Gervais

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published July 25th 2017 by Blink

ISBN: 9780310759058

Checked Out From Library

About: 

Hadley Jamison is shocked when she hears that her classmate, Archer Morales, has committed suicide. She didn't know the quiet, reserved guy very well, but that doesn't stop her from feeling there was something she could have done to help him.

Hoping to find some sense of closure, Hadley attends Archer's funeral. There, Hadley is approached by a man who calls himself Death and offers her a deal. If Hadley accepts, she will be sent back 27 days in time to prevent Archer from killing himself. But when Hadley agrees to Death's terms and goes back to right the past, she quickly learns her mission is harder than she ever could have known.

Hadley soon discovers Archer's reasons for being alone, and Archer realizes that having someone to confide in isn't as bad as he'd always thought. But when a series of dangerous accidents starts pushing them apart, Hadley must decide whether she is ready to risk everything - including her life - to keep Archer safe. (Goodreads)

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

This book kind of had a strange plot line. This girl Hadley randomly goes to a funeral of a kid she hardly knows and feels so bad for his family that when a stranger offers her the chance to go back in time and save him she does. Nice but strange jester in my eyes. She also is willing to sign a document that is in another language that she can’t read. From all of my reading of supernatural books, I know this is a huge no no! After all of that weirdness the story is kind of cute. She slowly becomes friends with Archer and his family and learns why he might have killed himself. She fights off accident causing demons and works really hard to save a life. It was kind of a different fun plot. It was a tad predictable, but still a fast read. I would have liked to see more background story for the characters and to see how they’re all connected more. I loved the theme of the story which is to learn to appreciate life, not only our own but others too. Teens of any age will probably gobble this one up.