New Books that look BRILLIANT

Here are some new YA titles that I'm looking forward to sinking my teeth into ;)

Book titles link back to original book descriptions.

Proxy by Alex London

Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death. Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Son to a master manipulator, Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

Lexicon by Max Barry

At an exclusive school somewhere outside of Arlington, Virginia, students aren’t taught history, geography, or mathematics—at least not in the usual ways. Instead, they are taught to persuade.The very best will graduate as “poets”: adept wielders of language who belong to a nameless organization that is as influential as it is secretive. Whip-smart orphan Emily Ruff is making a living running a three-card Monte game on the streets of San Francisco when she attracts the attention of the organization’s recruiters. Emily becomes the school’s most talented prodigy until she makes a catastrophic mistake: She falls in love. Meanwhile, a seemingly innocent man named Wil Jamieson is brutally ambushed by two strange men in an airport bathroom. It turns out Wil is the key to a secret war between rival factions of poets and is quickly caught in their increasingly deadly crossfire. In order to survive, he must journey to the toxically decimated town of Broken Hill, Australia, to discover who he is and why an entire town was blown off the map.

Charm and Strange by Stephanie Kuehn

Sixteen-year-old Winston Winters is awaiting the inevitable.

Stuck at a remote Vermont boarding school in the wake of unimaginable tragedy, Win knows it’s only a matter of time until he transforms into something dark, something wolfish, just like his father. Until he hurts people too. So in order to do the least amount of harm to those around him, he masters the art of shutting others out.

But meeting fellow cross-country runner Jordan Herrera thwarts Win's plans for emotional isolation. A scholarship student with secrets of her own, Jordan’s boldness and wit draw him in. And when she asks Win to accompany her to an all-night party in the deep New England woods, he’s torn. Because he’s not sure they should get any closer. He’s not sure Jordan will be safe with him. But she insists. And he goes.

Win wants to believe he’s not dangerous. That he would never hurt someone he cares for. But as he leads Jordan into the wilderness with his father’s blood running through his veins and wild wolves running through his fragile mind, Win knows this is simply not true…


Born of Illusion by Teri Brown

Anna Van Housen is thirteen the first time she breaks her mother out of jail. By sixteen she’s street smart and savvy, assisting her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, and easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums and mentalists in 1920’s New York City. Handcuffs and sleight of hand illusions have never been much of a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her true gifts secret from her opportunistic mother, who will stop at nothing to gain her ambition of becoming the most famous medium who ever lived. But when a strange, serious young man moves into the flat downstairs, introducing her to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, he threatens to reveal the secrets Anna has fought so hard to keep, forcing her to face the truth about her past. Could the stories her mother has told her really be true? Could she really be the illegitimate daughter of the greatest magician of all?

Born of Illusion is the first book in a new series. Each book in the series will introduce a new historical figure, whose legend is shrouded in magic, along with the young woman whose fate is irrevocably tied to his. The through line in each of the books will be The Ghost Club, the real life secret society that was founded in 1862 by the likes of Charles Dickens, Sir Conan Doyle, and W. B. Yeats to advance mankind’s knowledge of the paranormal. The first three books in the series will deal with Houdini, Aleister Crowley and Rasputin.

Geeking Out on YA Fiction News

Well, here is some YA News for you that will probably have you freaking out too :) 

1. Did you read Ransom Riggs' "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"? You didn't. Oh, heavens no! Go get it right now. Seriously, don't wait because the line at the library will soon be SOOO long. Why? Right, my point, they are making it into a movie. This book has the awesomeness of the X-Men and avoids all the right cliches by adding family mystery, adventure, and danger the likes that you don't expect. Who is good, who is evil. Seriously, read it now.

Even better than them making it a movie? They have Tim Burton (yes TIM BURTON) as the director of this creepy tale. I couldn't have chosen someone better if given the responsibility. Now, as long as they cast it well (please don't cast someone known to be Miss Peregrine, please!), this movie is sure to rock our socks of ... July 15 2015.

2. If that wasn't great news enough for this book - they are making a sequel (Hollow City) and there is a sneak peak at one of the creepy pictures!!

Here is the book description from GoodReads

This second novel begins in 1940, right after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends flee to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they encounter a dangerous madman named Caul, who also happens to be Miss Peregrine’s brother. Caul has discovered a way to rob Peculiars of their abilities and steal them for himself—and it will take all of Jacob’s efforts to save his friends from certain extinction.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly creepy) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

3) If you've been paying attention you know that I really, really like the Lunar Chronicles. I've read (and Reviewed) Cinder and Scarlet. Cinder was actually the very first book I reviewed here on the blog. Well, Marissa Meyer is writing away and a sneak peek of Cress, the Rapunzel story we are all awaiting, will be available shortly! Check out the Facebook page to stay updated. In the mean time, read the short prequels to Cinder (The Queen's Army) and Scarlet (Glitches).

By the way, Marissa Meyer, I wouldn't mind a post-story to what happens with Scarlet. Crossing my fingers that we will see more of her in Cress!

Marissa Meyer is awesome (as if we didn't already know) and responded to my statement via Twitter

4. This isn't really new news, but if you liked Shadow and Bone, you can read the first five chapters of the upcoming Storm and Seige from Leigh Bardugo. You do have to have some kind of reader to read this one, but I hadn't seen that was out yet and am excited to dig in!

My First Video Review

You've read my review for Dance of Shadows already - but how about a new format? 

Sneak Peak is a fun YA program at my library where the new books are all brought out at one time, red carpet style, with book talks as the entertainment. This year our super YA librarian, Joan, wanted to intermix some media into the program and asked me to film myself.

If I had more time to spend on this, it could have been really polished - but it turned out pretty awesome as it is! Stay tuned for more book talks and book trailers soon!!

Book Review: Dance of Shadows

Dance of Shadows

by Yelena Black

I read this without following my typical review format - so I thought I'd include my book talk on this here instead. This is a sneak peak because I won't give my book talk for a few more days.

The New York Ballet Academy. Dancers spend years dreaming of what it would be like to attend. They admit the most dedicated, talented, and graceful dancers each year. That was my sister – Margaret was amazing and dedicated and passionate. Which is why I know she didn’t run away like everyone has said. It is my turn to go, I’ve been admitted and it isn’t my passion for dance that brought me – but my dedication for finding my sister.

Before I can start looking I’m pulled out of bed in the middle of the night for what I thought was a hazing. The masked dancers hold out a scalpel that we are to slice into our own feet and drag a line of blood across the practice hall floor.

Barefoot, I stepped forward. The upperclassmen closed in around me, chanting in English. You’re not good enough. You’re not worthy. The words came out low and muggy through their masks. You will never be a dancer.

They’re right, I thought, searching their hollow faces. I gripped the knife and slashed the ball of my foot. The chanting grows louder all around me, words now in French that I do not understand. They grow louder, louder, until the words pounded through my head.

Later I discover their meaning, “Run Away, Flee for your life. Save your soul.”

Only a few days later my friend goes missing. A boy who is equal parts mysterious and dreamy starts seeking me out. Our instructor goes from demanding to sadistic. I’m cast in a lead role that seems cursed. First my sister, now my friend, maybe others have disappeared too - and instead of saving them, I might be next.

Check out the book trailer as well 

Book Review: Sisters Red

Sisters Red

by Jackson Pearce

May 23rd

This is one of the books I'll be book talking at an upcoming YA program. I totally "judged books by the cover" when I picked out my two books I was totally attracted to the covers. However, beyond the cover, Little Red Riding Hood is my favorite Grimm tale. It is dark and delightful. 

On to the book. It starts out with young Rosie and Scarlett March. Their grandmother is attacked (shocking), but on a delightful turn, a man doesn't show up to save them (Joseph Gordon-Levitt would approve). Now onto adulthood Scarlett carries the physical scars and Rosie carries the emotional burden as they band together with the help of  Scarlett's only friend, Silas, to fight the Fenris. 

Here are some problems: First, their names. Scarlett and Rosie? That is a little heavy handed with the red metaphor I think - couldn't one of their names been a French version of this? They are the March sisters, which in the literary world should only refer to the Little Women. Scarlett is covered with scars? That was just bad planning. The second problem? The pretty shallow development of Rosie's feelings toward Silas. Okay, so she likes the boy and knows she shouldn't. Now what? This has been going on for 147 pages now. Make a move or move on. 

New Graphic Novels

I've said it before, I'm not a graphic novel fan. However, as the collection developer for the graphic novel section at my library, I'm learning a lot. Additionally, I'm finding some things I really like.

First up, Hildafolk by Luke Pearson

a Norbrow Press Graphic Novel

You know how people (um, librarians?) are always saying you can't judge a book by its cover? Well, that should probably be that you "shouldn't" judge a book by its cover, because you totally can - and I do, often!

Hilda was so adorable with her bluish hair that I couldn't pass her up. However, not having done any research I didn't realize that this is book two, book one is Hilda and the Midnight Giant. There is also Hilda and the Bird Parade ... both of which I'll be ordering soon because this is a sweet book.

A mere 12 pages to tell an enchanting story about a girl and her adventures. Well, Pearson pulls it off. Between her desire to be cozy, her adoration of trolls, and the excellent artwork this story is one to read and re-read.

Struggling readers will enjoy the brevity of the story. Graphic art snobs will love Pearson's work, and anyone who likes a folky-fairy tale will be captivated by Hilda and Twig (a trusty sidekick). 

The publisher, who I gave some credit to above, hosts the 17x24 project, of which the Hilda series is a part, where up and coming graphic novelists can publish in a cost effective format. See more information on their website. 

Cardboard by Doug TenNapal

Cardboard was a book I picked up on a whim and decided to read. I had ordered it for the library and it had some great reviews. I decided to see what all the "fuss" was about. Now, this isn't my favorite art style and this adventure story isn't what I typically read. But this was fun and made me see why kids love a graphic novel. I liked figuring part of the story out for myself. 

When I'm reading in Story Time, I'm really picky about the kind of picture books I present. I like them to be witty and poignant, but they have to have EXCELLENT illustrations. Not art, not elaborate paintings, but great art! Great art is where part of the story is told in the picture. That is what a graphic novel does and I really saw that here.

The reason graphic novels are perfect for struggling readers is because they help to develop reading skills and interest, but they also promote reading comprehension in ways that I'm not sure teachers always understand.

I loved this story about a father and son and their adventures trying to make life happy for themselves. I'm not the only one, evidentially Tobey Maguire, Chris Wedge, and Fox Animation are interested in the book as well!

The Secret of Stone Frog by David Nytra

This book is a part of the "Toon Graphic Novel" series and is the reason I ordered it. Well, actually I read two different reviews that said if you liked Alice in Wonderland you'll love this. Seriously? Didn't I already face that disappointment in Coraline? When will I learn that nothing holds a candle to Alice?

Deep breath, vent over.

The illustrations remind me of The Littlest Prince and aren't something I cared for. However, the story captured me within the first few frames ... and then disappointment strikes. This isn't a story for Alice in Wonderland lovers - it is Alice in Wonderland. It is a cheep knock-off. Lost in a new land, strange creatures telling them which way to go, giant flowers, a huge headed evil woman, bee warriors rather than Card soldiers, talking animals, and magical rabbits and silly rhymes ... I could go on. 

In the end, I liked the book (didn't see that coming did you). The illustration style wasn't my favorite and the story has so many similarities to Alice that I was surprised it wasn't called Wonderland and the author didn't say Carroll was his favorite. However, the story was sweet and enchanting. Good enough for a second read I think. 

Book Review: Scarlet

Scarlet

The Lunar Chronicles: Book 2

Marissa Meyer

Picture from another great blog review on Nosegraze

Sunday, April 21

Two things. First, I haven't read a book in over a month. Second, anything Little Red Riding Hood related catches my attention. Wait, three things, third - I really, really, loved Cinder (it was my first review here on Lizz the Librarian!)

I started the story to be slightly disappointed that Cinder wasn't a part of the first chapter or two, but I so quickly loved Scarlet's character that I when Cinder did have a chapter, I found myself impatiently awaiting Scarlet's return. 

The character of "Wolf" (the name is totally heavy handed) was charming before we even meet him. Emile's description made me instantly want him to be the love interest of Scarlet. Laughably I was only about twenty pages into the book. However, YA books aren't known for their deep and unpredictable plot lines. 

Monday, April 22

Here is the thing I love about YA fiction - there is this tease that is so much better than the real thing. You know how two characters can spend five pages building up to that perfect moment ... and then it doesn't happen? Well, that is much better than the first kiss, every time! 

Tuesday, April 23

I was anxious to get off work and home to my book. That is almost a joke, except I'm totally serious. The ending was perfect! The characters, after spending so much time not doing what I wanted them to do, finally came around and made me happy. Meyer has really intrigued me with her fairytale turned dystopian YA novel style and I am so anxious for the last book in this series that I friended the series on Facebook for some more information. Turns out the next book doesn't come out until 2014 and is entitled "Cress". The brief description on GoodReads says that it will be about Cinder and Rapunzel. Um, excuse me? What about Scarlet? What about Wolf? What about the characters I'm REALLY involved with right now???? 

This isn't the best book trailer, and the guy's voice isn't deep enough for a voice over, but here ya go!

Character Review (minor spoilers, but not plot spoilers)::

Scarlet: This girl is no nonsense! She isn't going to let anyone push her around. She knows her name is heavy handed because of her red hair and she wears a ratty red hoodie her grandmother gave her. I wish that red hoodie had played into the story a little, but it didn't. Her grandmother is missing and she still continues on with life until a man who is unlike anything else falls into it. I felt that Scarlet went from naive to not so naive really quickly, but since I'm not quite sure about her age, maybe this was a natural progression.

Wolf: I'm fanning myself as I write about him. The man is shy, sweet, strong, and sexy. His animal instincts are pretty much the only thing that can scare Scarlet. Now, before this starts sounding like a Harlequin Romance Novel, let me just say that this book is all about the tease. In 400 and something pages there is a total of three kisses from any character pairing. But Wolf, I wouldn't mind him feeling the need to save me at any point in time. I loved how Meyer was able to balance the animal instincts with his innate tenderness. He was sweet and terrifying all at the same time.

Cinder: The girl is back and she is not going to let anyone keep her down. After escaping from prison (obviously she wasn't going to spend the whole book in a prison cell) she goes on a hero's mission with a half-pathetic accomplice in tow. I love how human she is, how she is loyal to her friends and wants to maintain her humanity, even though she knows it wasn't ever there to begin with. Although 65% of the book is dedicated to Scarlet and Wolf, Cinder's story moves along seamlessly. 

Thorne: First, his name is Thorne, which makes me thing that he has to be Sleeping Beauty's Prince Charming. However, Sleeping Beauty doesn't even have a book announced, so I may be wrong. Well, Cinder stumbles across him while trying to escape prison, interrupting his perusal of inappropriate pictures. Even though he is winey and overly confident (I'm being nice here), he really does help Cinder in ways that she couldn't have done without. One review describes him as her Han Solo and I think that is pretty apt. A girl as strong as Cinder (or Princess Leia) can balance out a guy like this. Unlike Han Solo, Thorne doesn't make a move, leaving our current Cinder/Kai pairing intact. 

Kai: This Prince, excuse me, Emperor, is a huge disappointment in this whole story. Doesn't he remember Cinder at all? He barely seems conflicted when ordering her recapture, is disappointed when they can't turn her over to the Lunars, then he seems to just give up on everything he once stood for. He isn't winey like Thorne, he is just pathetic and weak. Even though I loved their story in the first book, I find myself hoping that Cinder falls for Throne instead. 

Thorne cracks me up in his picture ... and I imagined Scarlet's hair longer ...