The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones

The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Eighteen-year-old Mererid is the last living water diviner. Many would kill for her power, and she has spent the last several years running from the prince who once used her powers to destroy his enemies. One night, Mer's old handler returns with a way they can bring down the prince who used them both: destroy the magical well that keeps the prince's lands safe. If all goes according to plan, they and their allies may finally be able to gain freedom and peace ... but things rarely go according to plan.

346 pages. 

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

Will Parry's father entrusts him with a mission: deliver the powerful and dangerous knife in his possession to Lord Asriel. A war is brewing, and it is essential he deliver it soon. But how can he do so without Lyra?  Lyra is missing, and Will knows he must find her before the two great powers of the worlds unleash open warfare.

465 pages. Book #3 in the His Dark Materials trilogy.

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Lyra finds herself in another world, this one known as Cittagazze, where Spectres haunt the streets, hunting for adults or those nearing adulthood, and the distant beat of angel wings can be heard in the air. There she meets Will Parry, fleeing from his world after taking another's life, and they become allies. As they move from one realm to another, nearing their destiny, they discover a weapon with extraordinary and fearsome power. 

370 pages. Book #2 in the His Dark Materials trilogy. 

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Lyra is seeking hurried passage to the freezing North, land of witch clans and armored bears, where her friend Roger has been taken hostage by Gobblers. Her brilliant, formidable uncle is also far North, attempting to build a bridge to a parallel world. There is a link between all the children who have suddenly disappeared and this bridge, and only Lyra can put a stop to all of it. 

399 pages. Book #1 in the His Dark Materials trilogy. 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1)

 The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1) by Carrie Ryan

Pages: 310

Rating: 5 out of 5

In Mary's world consists of her small village surrounded by fences and guards. They protect everyone from The Unconsecrated. No one ever leaves the village. But Mary dreams of the far off land her mother tells her about in stories she learned from her mother. Of land bordered by a vast expanse of water as far as the eye can see and were there are no fences. But Mary has learned you must always obey their religious leaders, The Sisterhood and the Guardians who protect the walls. Mary is approaching the age of adulthood and either marriage or a lifetime of serving in the Sisterhood. When the fence is breached Mary must make some fast, hard decisions. Will she stay with the life she has known, with her family, follow the one she loves or risk it all to find a place that may not even exist.

Rebel by Marie Lu

I read this series years ago, but the ending was left so open ended. I was excited when I heard Marie Lu was writing a follow-up novel. I love how she expanded both on the characters' past and future lives beyond the original three novels. We see Eden develop his own personality and connections to the Republic, and we finally get to learn how Daniel survived all those years on his own in the streets. Seeing the gamification society of Antartica fleshed out more was great, and the story, as ever, is that cinematic drama Lu is so good at! Daniel slowly gets his memories back and finally comes back to June. *yasssssss* The ending was so amazing, I cried a bit when it was over!


Fantastic series. Great final addition!

378 pages

Read Harder Challenge Task #9

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Summary: After a personal trauma, Cat shuts herself away from her friends and closes herself off from her emotions. But they resurface when a formerly close friend is the victim of a hate crime. When local law enforcement fails to make progress, Cat is determined to investigate the crime herself and in doing so, finds herself again.

My Review: I heard this author speak at the 2019 YALSA Symposium, so decided to check her out. This is a well-written story about complex issues.

Pages: 380 pages     My Rating: 4 out of 5

The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry

SUMMARY: In this science fiction quartet, Lowry creates what appears to be a utopian society that quickly proves to be dystopian in nature. Each book in the series centers on a different character overcoming obstacles to make the world a better place. The books in this series MUST be read in order.

REVIEW: I actually read book 1 in the series, The Giver, many years ago and found it engaging and thought-provoking, so when I landed on YA Novel in the most recent MOSL Book Game, I decided to give the rest of the series a try. In books 2-4, Lowry continues her masterful storytelling and challenges us to live a kinder and more empathetic life. I am sure there are excellent study guides available to foster good discussion.

RATING: 5 out of 5

BOOKS READ THIS MONTH IN THE SERIES:

Gathering Blue, Book 2, 256 pages

Messenger, Book 3, 192 pages

Son, Book 4, 400 pages

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Told through a series of letters, the reader is introduced to the titular wallflower, Charlie, who is just starting high school. Through Charlie's eyes, the reader is taken through the roller coaster that is being a teenager---first dates and family drama, loss and love, new friends and new books. Trying to live his life while trying to run from it, one is given a glimpse of what it's like to live life on the fringes all the while trying to feel infinite.

213 pages.

Solider’s Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers by Gary Paulsen

SUMMARY: Charley is only fifteen when he goes off to fight the Rebs in the Civil War. The horror of what he sees and experiences is deftly told by award-winning author Gary Paulsen.

REVIEW: This is a gritty read for middle and high school students. I noticed there are lesson plans that have been developed. I am sure this book would provide much fodder for discussions.

RATING: 4 out of 5           Pages: 130