A surly outcast, a homicidal savior, and an island on the precipice of being devoured - these are the main elements of this fantastic novel. Alessa is the would-be savior of an island that is in immediate danger. She cannot seem to keep her partners alive long enough to harness their powers and prepare for the war that is coming. While those around her slowly turn themselves against her, she hires Dante, an outsider with a secret, as her personal guard. As they work together to understand how her powers work, their chemistry is comical and full of tension. Is Dante’s secret the key to all of the problems, or the last straw that makes it all come down? Will Alessa become the Finestra that the island needs in order to survive, or will they all perish at the hands of the demon horde?
-Jo
Moreno-Garcia’s tale of vampires and adventure is refreshing in its uniqueness. The vampires are portrayed as various species with individual physical traits, abilities and weaknesses. The main storyline follows Atl, a descendant of the Aztec vampires. Nick is the main antagonist and comes from a line of Narcos – a nasty type of vampire that follows some of the traditional stereotypes of Transylvanian vampires, but with their own terrifying variations. Mixed in with these unpredictable creatures is a sweet, unassuming street-kid named Domingo. The story is sprinkled with Mexican culture, and I could not put it down.
-Joshalynn
Colfer’s first book in the trilogy is a must-read for middle-aged children. Artemis Fowl is a twelve year old criminal mastermind and genius, who also possesses an impressive vocabulary. He grew up with quite a grudge due to his family losing their fortune, leading him to the events that unfold throughout the book. Through his journey to restore his family’s fortune, he discovers a realm of fantasy creatures living in the real world. After he kidnaps a feisty fairy named Holly Short, he has his work cut out for him. He’s put up against a village of tech-savvy fairies, as well as dwarves, who all give him a run for his money. As unexpected friendships are formed, a story unfolds.
-Joshalynn
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Following the viewpoint of missing persons detective Anna Hart, this heartbreaking story follows the case of a teenage girl who went missing in the town where Anna grew up. While she follows the trail of the present case, Anna cannot help but see the similarity to a missing persons case from her childhood. While the book flashes between past and present the reader is pulled into not only one mystery, but multiple storylines that weave and wind their way to a chilling conclusion. In addition to the suspense of the present and past murders that are being studied, we learn Anna is also struggling with a very personal pain, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
-Joshalynn
The breadth of raw, uncensored topics discussed in this book is all at once overwhelming and satisfying. Rachel is the centerpiece character who is struggling with a large number of addictions and fixations at the young age of twenty-four. Growing up in a strict Jewish surrounding, her mother instilled in her that appearances matter - to the point that an eating disorder forms. Along with the eating disorder are other identity crises that seem to form and develop in the short time that we are exposed to the active mind of the main character. Rachel learns an immense amount about not only herself but also those around her, connecting to others in a way that I don’t believe she ever had before. This was one of the most raw, honest displays of religion, family-matters, and food relationships that I have had the privilege to read.
-Joshalynn
(This book cannot be returned.)
Libertie is a young Black woman coming into adulthood in a small community where her mother is a light-skinned practicing physician, which grants her an unusual level of respect. Although Libertie may have been born free from enslavement, she is still repressed by her womanhood. The constant criticism that she faces for wanting to pave her own path, along with her skin color, cause her to make firm decisions about where she stands in this new world, and what she desires of her own future. The reader is pulled into her story of self-discovery, awareness, and developing strength, which make for a marvelous display of individuality.
-Joshalynn
This sleepy murder mystery takes place in a small, cul-de-sac type community where everyone appears to be supportive, loving and kind to one another. However, trouble and spite brew beneath the surface for any outsider that attempts to make themselves at home within the community. As their world is shattered following the murder of one of their very own families, blame is quickly assigned, and allegiances begin to shift. The author keeps the reader guessing on the true culprit right up until the very end. Will you be correct in your guess of who committed such an unseemly act in such a quiet community?
-Joshalynn
In Hello, Cruel Heart, the reader is transported to London in the 1960s, just as fashion reaches an upswing. This young adult novel brings an engaging backstory to a timeless classic. In the two days that it took me to pour through this novel, I was pulled through the formation of Cruella De Ville’s iconic character. Before she became Cruella, this spitfire was known as Estelle, a young girl that was orphaned early in her youth. The process of reaching adulthood, with all of its struggles and betrayals, hardened her over time, and it was magnificent to observe her metamorphosis. From a young age she had her sights set on magnificent endeavors, and pity whomever stood in her way.
-Joshalynn