Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Recently Added to the YA Bookshelf

Taking a look at some of the most recent additions gracing the shelves of our YA department.

Infinity Son by Adam Silvera

In a world where some people are born with powers and some people take them, Emil and Brighton Rey get swept up in a supernatural turf war generations in the making.

"With its raw, complex characters, Silvera's latest packs his signature high-stakes emotionalism alongside a politically charged premise. A bright spark of a promising series." -- Kirkus Reviews

The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles

Waking up on a distant planet, Chase Garrety is horrified to learn that he has no memory of his life and finds himself under the protection of a mysterious benefactor. Assigned a mission, will Chase be able to complete the task before time runs out?

"This fun, adrenaline-filled story is perfect for younger teen sci-fi fans." -- Booklist

The Stolen Moon by Rachel Searles

In this sequel to The Lost Planet, Chase has been reunited with his younger sister, Lilli. He still doesn't remember his past, but Lilli does. She remembers their parents and life before their planet was destroyed.

"Searles' action and intrigue-packed sci-fi thriller is peopled with characters who are sometimes confused, sometimes heroic, and sometimes brats. That is to say, always genuine. Star Trek for young fans of the genre, who'll be thrilled at the prospect of a sequel." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

As her senior capstone project, Pippa Fitz-Amobi is determined to find the real killer in a closed murder case. However, not everyone wants her meddling in the past.

"Fans of true crime will be hooked by the hunt for a killer, but there's more to this Guide than just a whodunit. It's a story of families, community and the ways a crisis can turn them against one another in the blink of an eye." -- BookPage

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli

Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local senate candidate.

"Buoyed by humor, enriched by a colorful supporting cast, and strung through with a charming (and charmingly awkward) romantic subplot, Jamie and Maya's story, their miscommunications, and their true connection will win hearts and inspire action." -- Booklist, starred review

The Blood Countess by Lana Popovic

In 1578 Hungary, sixteen-year-old Anna is elevated from scullery maid to chambermaid by the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Falling under the Countess's spell, Anna soon realizes that she is not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel and murderous Elizabeth.

"Hand to fans of dark historical fiction and powerful female characters." -- School Library Journal

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Pepper just wants to get through her senior year of high school, but her mother insists she put her powers of GIFing to use for their family burger chain's Twitter account. Jack knows he could do more for his family's diner on social media, if only his dad would let him. But when the two get locked into a genuine Twitter war over their respective restaurants' grilled-cheese recipes, things get complicated.

"A precursor to the way teen love stories will be told for years to come." -- Booklist

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

After another death, Stevie must simultaneously navigate mysterious riddles, a massive storm, and track down a missing David.

"This will be essential reading for the many fans of the first two books. The trilogy ender is fun, satisfying, and a genuine treat for teens and adult mystery fans." -- School Library Journal

Layoverland by Gabby Noone

When seventeen-year-old Beatrice arrives in Purgatory and is chosen to help others reach Heaven, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Caleb, with whom she shares a tragic history.

"Bea is a terrific antihero, as if the naysaying comic relief in a teen movie got the spotlight instead of the pretty ingenue." -- Kirkus Reviews

The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs

With his dying words, H -- Jacob's final connection to his grandfather Abes's secret life -- entrusts Jacob with a mission: Deliver newly contacted peculiar Noor Pradesh to an operative known as V.

"Character relationships are interestingly developed, lost friends are found, boundaries tested, and more surprising history is revealed. Riggs, as always, adeptly integrates vintage photos to further cultivate the eerie atmosphere of the narrative." -- Booklist

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Book Review: Escaping Peril (Wings of Fire, Book 8)

Plot Summary

Poor Peril, everything she touches she burns. Peril is a firescale dragon that used to be under control by Queen Scarlet (who is supposed to be evil, but dead...right?). The new queen doesn't like Peril, but with her beloved Clay in danger, she sets off on a quest. She is joined in the quest by an odd seawing named Turtle. Before setting off they find that Scarlet has an animus dragon on her side. Peril must choose wisely. One of those choices is where her loyalties lie.




Opinion


I personally love Peril. She says some really funny things and her story is sort of sad. She tries to help friends, but accidentally lets loose the big-time villain, Darkstalker. I think it was sort of surprising that Turtle was an animus dragon, but then again his sister was, too. When Peril first meets her father it's really funny because his name is Soar. She thinks it's the "sore" you get on your finger and that part is silly. I think Ruby turning out to be Tourmaline was surprising. Though was kind of scared that she would be as bad as Scarlet. Overall, I think the book was really good.


Score

4.8 out of 5