So B. It Book Trailer

Princess Diaries Book Trailer

Icefall

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby


Summary (from Goodreads): Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst.


Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book.  I thought the characters were great and intriguing.  I swore I had it figured out the entire time I was reading.  Then...BAM!  What?!?  That person's the traitor??  Pretty compelling story.  Reminds me a bit of Ice Drift.

Supernaturally

Supernaturally by Kiersten White


This is the sequel to Paranormalcy.  I thought it was pretty good.  However, the action of the first book was missing.  It wasn't as jam-packed and seemed to focus more on wandering about in suburban Virginia.  It'll be interesting to read the third book when that comes out.

The Line

The Line by Teri Hall


Summary:  Rachel lives with her mother on Ms. Moore's property near the Line.  The Line is an impenetrable U.S. boundary that was put in place after an attack.  It was placed so quickly that those outside of the boundary were left to die...or worse.  While exploring one day, Rachel receives a message from some one on the other side.  A request for help.

Thoughts:  I thought this book was pretty good.  Although, at times, the political aspects of the book were overwhelming for me.  I thought the characters developed quite nicely.  There was a cliff-hanger ending that leads into book two.  That's always frustrating for me as a reader.  Overall its recommended.

The Water Seeker

The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt


Summary: What would you do if you knew you had a special gift—a sixth sense—that was passed down from one generation to the next? A gift that could help people in times of need, but one your father often saw as a trap. Would you use that gift? This is the story of Amos Kincaid, the dowser’s son.


Thoughts: A dowser is someone who can use a branch or divining rod to find water underground.  Dowsing is very much in the background of this story.  Amos is moved around a lot and switches home and is followed by the spirit of his mother.  This story is more about Amos and his situations than it is about dowsing.  Regardless, this is a good historical fiction novel that I would recommend.

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend

Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner


Summary (from SLJ): After the death of her best friend, Cass finds herself questioning her own identity, sexuality, and place in the high school hierarchy.  This funny, touching, and sweet coming-of-age story explores serious themes in a fresh way.  Cass's tentative questioning of her own sexuality and her hesitant approach toward her first serious romantic relationship will delight readers who struggle with similar issues, as well as those who simply enjoy a well-crafted story.


Thoughts: This is truly a sweet, feel-good story.  It's great to see a novel that demonstrates what a real teen would feel and how real teens might respond.  The parents are generally absent from the story and that frustrates me.  However, as you watch Cass grow (through flashbacks as well as present tense story-telling) you get to see some true high school problems work themselves out.  I know this books explores sexuality (Cass is gay), but it does so in a non-sexual, rather innocent way.  This is a great novel that I would recommend.