March 30, 2011

Clockwork Angel


by Cassandra Clare
YA Horror Clare C
479 p. 2010 Supernatural
Grade: A-

The prequel to the City of Bones trilogy is a must-read. This steampunk novel is exciting as well as action-packed and delivers the laughs and twists that are unique to Clare. Will makes the book funny while adding a romantic flame for Tessa, the good little bookworm from America. All the characters, along with these two, contribute to the drama that is the Shadow World. You’ll come to love every single character, Nephilim or demon and be introduced to the infamous Magnus Bane. The only reason for an A- rather than an A++ was the absence of more background information on the future trilogy. Although this book isn’t hard to put down, it’s peculiar not-so-“happily-ever-after” ending is a breath of fresh air and will undoubtedly make a new mundane want to read the next part of this fun and thrilling three-book series.

Reviewed by TAB member Emily S.

March 28, 2011

New Eragon book FINALLY announced


Christopher Paolini has kept us in suspense long enough. His web site has announced the publication date of what will most likely be the final book in the Inheritance Cyle. The title? Inheritance, of course.

So for those of you who keep coming to visit the Library, hoping that the book has snuck into our collection without you knowing about it, rest assured. Your prayers will be answered on November 8, 2011. This gives you PLENTY of time to re-read the first three books. ;)

March 24, 2011

The Lost Hero


by Rick Riordan
YA SciFi Riordan R
557 p. 2010 Fantasy
Grade: A

If you were disappointed when the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series ended, then The Lost Hero is a must-read for you! I couldn't put this exciting book down, even to eat or sleep.

In the book, Jason is thrown into a confusing world of mythology with his two friends, Piper and Leo. They have to fight to save the world from Mother Earth and her army of mythical creatures.

Reviewed by TAB member Katie G.

March 23, 2011

Death Cloud


by Andrew Lane
YA Mys Lane A
311 p. 2011 Mystery
Grade: A++

I might not know a lot about Sherlock Holmes, but I do know that Death Cloud is a really good book. It is a must read for anybody who enjoys a good mystery.

Reviewed by TLC and TAB member Kyra B.

March 14, 2011

Flirt Club


by Cathleen Daly
YA Daly C
281 p. 2011 Fiction
Grade: A

I picked up Flirt Club expecting a quick, middle-school-type pathetically girly read. I found myself surprised by the engaging characters and plot. Although these girls do seem to have more guy-related experiences in one school year than I've had in my life, I found the story was just as much about the friends as it was the guys. I could relate to the characters who were definitely the, "Oh look! A male speciman! Let's flirt!" type of girls I expected. All in all, this book was fun to read, if not too deep or layered.

Reviewed by TLC and TAB member Allison P.

March 10, 2011

Anna and the French Kiss


by Stephanie Perkins
YA Perkins S
372 p. 2011 Fiction
Grade: A+

It's been a couple of days since I finished this book, and I already want to read it again. What can I say? I'm smitten. I'm not a huge fan of teen chick lit in general. Most of the characters seem to be going through the expected motions toward a happy ending in a flat, automatic kind of way. A few authors, however, seem to get it right. Sarah Dessen for one. Ann Brashares. And now Stephanie Perkins right out of the gate with her debut novel.

Anna and the French Kiss is delightful, charming and great fun to read. Yes, the plot is still what is to be expected of any self-respecting chick lit book. But it has a certain something....a je ne sais quoi (hee!), which made me tear through the book in a day.

Anna exhibits the kind of behavior and thoughts that are so genuine to girls her age. Heck, it's been over 20 years since I was 17, but I remember thinking some of the EXACT same things when struggling with a crush on a boy who--for all intents and purposes--is completely unavailable. She does seem to be a bit reluctant to embrace her Parisian situation (is the girl CRAZY?!), but I can forgive her a little for that because with little to say about the matter, she was yanked away from her home and friends for her SENIOR year. I'd probably hole up in my dorm room for a little while too.

Fortunately, Anna meets some friends (Étienne) who take her under their wing (Étienne)and help her see how truly great going to school in Paris can be.

Have I mentioned that I have a total book crush on Étienne? I could start talking about why, but I'm afraid I'll spoil too much, if I haven't already.

Anna and the French Kiss is not a weighty, message-heavy book, nor was it intended to be. It's light as a perfect soufflé and just as delicious.

Reviewed by The Librarian Chick.