An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Reviewed by David L.
Grade 9

"VOW YOUR BLOOD and BODY to THE EMPIRE. KEEP your HEART for YOURSELF." When you read a book, it is the questions it asks that you give your undivided attention to. Questions like what truly is freedom? By the side of my loved one or my family? Should I give up when hope seems to be lost? What road to take when my fate is already foretold? Duty or Family?

These are what Sabaa Tahir has in hold for her readers of An Ember in the Ashes. In An Ember in the Ashes, the female protagonist, Laia, goes undercover into the Blackcliff Military Academy to save her beloved brother. In this process, Laia cross paths with the second protagonist, Elias. He is one of the finest warriors of Blackcliff, but secretly trying to escape the harsh reality of Blackcliff. As he tried, he was chosen for the trials to become the new Martial Emporer. This leads both protagonists down their fate, in search of freedom.

In Sabaa Tahir's book, I really loved how she displays her characters and the way the plot unfolds. First the characters, she started off portraying both Laia and Elias as weak and fragile. Then, the characterization fits perfectly with the plot. The plot as in something like against the odds.

Given all of that, I would love to recommend this book to someone else. The author creates the setting of this book in a whole other world, where fantasy exists. Personally, fantasy and supernatural is the type of theme for me, and I would recommend that to anyone else into it. Sabaa also creates this mood throughout the story where things happen, and the protagonists try not to give up to reach their ideal freedom. This of course can be interpreted into a moral of don't give up until you reach your goal, and that is point I can recommend this book to another.

Skink -- No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

Reviewed by Gillen M.
Grade 7

“She was supposed to meet me here…” These are the words spoken by Richard Sloan to a crazy old man who erupts from the sand while he is walking on the beach. The man says his name is Clinton Tyree, although he hasn’t answered to it in years. He is trying to catch a turtle egg thief by sleeping in fake turtle nests. Richard is speaking of his cousin Mally. She says she was grounded, but she always sneaks out. Richard knows something is up. The next morning, Mally’s friend Beth says that she is gone and won’t say where. Her parents think she left for “early orientation” at the Twig Academy, but Richard figures out that she has run off with Talbo Chock, an older dude she met online. After alerting her parents, Richard runs into the old man on the beach. Skink, as her prefers to be called has just beat the heck out of a turtle egg thief. He tells Richard that his next project is to find his cousin, would he like to come?

With that Richard sets out with Skink on a crazy quest to find Mally and her “boyfriend”. Mally soon alerts him that she wants to leave but that Talbo Chock won’t let her go. After receiving several hints to her location, Skink and Richard find mally but have to face down a crazed kidnapper, a giant alligator, and a monster storm, all while eating roadkill stew.

Skink No Surrender is a fantastic book filled with witty humor, great characters, and a monster gator. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Carl Hiaasen. The reason behind this is the witty humor present in almost all of Carl Hiaasen’s books. From Richard's stepfather's “intellectual limitations” to the all-around air of sarcasm and amusement, Skink No Surrender has quite a few moments of humor. The characters are just as crazy, from level-headed Richard Sloan to adventures and crazy Mally Spence. However, the crazy ex-governor with a shady past and a crazy beard is the character who really sets this book off.

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan

Reviewed by Josie K.
Grade 7

Has anyone ever told you that you’re special? Have you ever wanted to join the circus? In Circus Galacticus the main character, Trix has been told she is special ever since she was little by her parents, but going to Bleeker Academy has made her feel about as special as a piece of dirt. Then having the circus come to town opened her eyes. It gives her hope that maybe she is special and important.

One main thing you should really know is that the Circus Galacticus is an alien circus. At many points through the story Trix feels out of place until the end. Another thing is that the aliens look like humans but have special powers. She finally has real friends unlike at Bleeker and she isn’t sure if it’s real. Circus Galacticus is split up into 4 main groups The Techs, The Principles, The Freaks, and The clowns.

There are many characters that are mentioned and play different roles in the book Circus Galacticus, but I feel the main ones are Trix, Ringmaster, Nola, and Nyl. There’s one more but she kind of just provokes Trix and Nola and that’s Sierra. Nyl is the bad guy in the book. He just seems to always be there lurking around Trix in the shadows. He mainly tries to get this stone from Trix the entire time and will do anything to get it. Plus he always tells Trix that she needs to be cleansed. My outlook on Nyl would have to be annoying, creepy, and persistent. Trix on the other hand is quite confused and sort of lost and very curious. She feels needed then will do something stupid and ruin either her life or someone else’s repeatedly through the book. Nola is smart, brave, and a great friend. She is always there to help Trix out no matter what the consequences may be. Ringmaster is confusing. He never takes a complete character in the story he different all through the book. One chapter he is brave and bold the next he running or hiding, etc. As I mentioned the 4 main groups: Nola is a Tech, Trix is not officially anything at the beginning and it’s not until later in the book when she finally gets classified but until then she is a Clown, Nyl being the bad guy isn’t a part of the circus, and Ringmaster is well the Ringmaster.

I would definitely recommend Circus Galacticus. The book was definitely a page turner for me and I loved it. The theme I believe the author was trying to get through is to always believe in yourself and to take the chances life presents. Another theme could be true friends may turn their backs for a while but will always be there for you when you need them. This is a very good choice for you if you enjoy mystery/drama/adventure/crazy just intriguing book. This is 5 stars and I have recommended it to all my friends.

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

Daughters Unto Devils
Coming soon to WPPL

When sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner's family decides to move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, she hopes it is her chance for a fresh start. She can leave behind the memory of the past winter; of her sickly ma giving birth to a baby sister who cries endlessly; of the terrifying visions she saw as her sanity began to slip, the victim of cabin fever; and most of all, the memories of the boy she has been secretly meeting with as a distraction from her pain. The boy whose baby she now carries.

When the Verners arrive at their new home, a large cabin abandoned by its previous owners, they discover the inside covered in blood. And as the days pass, it is obvious to Amanda that something isn't right on the prairie. She's heard stories of lands being tainted by evil, of men losing their minds and killing their families, and there is something strange about the doctor and his son who live in the woods on the edge of the prairie. But with the guilt and shame of her sins weighing on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or deep within her soul.





Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 2
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 4
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 3
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 3
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? (ARC did not include final cover)
Rank the jacket blurb. 5
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Horrific

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: More knowledge of the demons and how Amanda fought them

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Intense, scary, sisterly, demonic

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Damage Done by Amanda Panitch

Damage Done
Coming soon to WPPL

Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.

After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.

Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.

One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . .



Spoiler Alert reviewer: Alexa
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5!
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 4
How well did the author's language add to the book? 4
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 4
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5! 5!

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5! 5! 5! 5!
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 4
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 5! 5! 5! 5! 5! 5!

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 4
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: I love this book too much to hate anything about it!

Pick 5 words to describe this book: suspenseful, saddening, mysterious, drama, AWESOME!!

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston

A Thousand Nights
Coming October 2015

Synopsis:

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.

And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time.But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.

Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.

Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.


Spoiler Alert reviewer: Heather

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 4
How vivid was the setting? 5
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 4

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 4

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 4
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Magical

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Really wasn't feeling the "thousand" part, more like 2 months

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Fairy tale for young adults

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: The Murdstone Trilogy by Mal Peet

Murdstone Trilogy
Coming September 2015

Synopsis:

Award-winning author Philip Murdstone is in trouble. His star has waned. The world is leaving him behind. His agent, the beautiful and ruthless Minerva Cinch, convinces him that his only hope is to write a sword-and-sorcery blockbuster. Unfortunately, Philip - allergic to the faintest trace of Tolkien - is utterly unsuited to the task. In a dark hour, a dwarfish stranger comes to his rescue. But the deal he makes with Pocket Wellfair turns out to have Faustian consequences. The Murdstone Trilogy is a richly black comedy from an author described by one American critic as 'the best writer you've probably never heard of'.

Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 1
How vivid was the setting? 5
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 2
How well did the book hold your interest? 2
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 3

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 3
How readable was this book? 1
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 1

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 1
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 1
How memorable was this book? 1
How did you feel about the ending? 1
How creative was this book? 1

Marketing
Rank the jacket blurb. 1
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Melodramatic

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Style of writing

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Lost opportunity; droning; rambling; dull

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: We'll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean

We Will Never Be Apart
Coming October 2015

Synopsis:

Murder.

Fire.

Revenge.

That’s all seventeen-year-old Alice Monroe thinks about. Committed to a mental ward at Savage Isle, Alice is haunted by memories of the fire that killed her boyfriend, Jason. A blaze her twin sister Cellie set. But when Chase, a mysterious, charismatic patient, agrees to help her seek vengeance, Alice begins to rethink everything. Writing out the story of her troubled past in a journal, she must confront hidden truths.

Is the one person she trusts only telling her half the story?


Spoiler Alert reviewer: Madison

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 4
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 4
How well did the author's language add to the book? 3
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 4

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 4
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 4

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 4
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 3
How memorable was this book? 4
How did you feel about the ending? 4
How creative was this book? 4

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 3
Rank the jacket blurb. 3
Rank the title. 3
How well does the title match the story? 3
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Unique

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Lack of character description (it NEVER described the main character)

Pick 5 words to describe this book: unique, interesting, strange, different, mysterious

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: Illuminae by Amy Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae
Coming August 2015

Synopsis:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.


Spoiler Alert reviewer: Kyra

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 3
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 3
How well did the book hold your interest? 2
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 3

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 2
How readable was this book? 3
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 2

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 4
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Intellectual

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: that it took awhile to get into

Pick 5 words to describe this book: interesting, thought provoking, sad, unique

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: A History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz

A History of Glitter and Blood
Sixteen-year-old Beckan and her friends are the only fairies brave enough to stay in Ferrum when war breaks out. Now there is tension between the immortal fairies, the subterranean gnomes, and the mysterious tightropers who arrived to liberate the fairies.

But when Beckan's clan is forced to venture into the gnome underworld to survive, they find themselves tentatively forming unlikely friendships and making sacrifices they couldn't have imagined. As danger mounts, Beckan finds herself caught between her loyalty to her friends, her desire for peace, and a love she never expected.

Spoiler Alert reviewer: Savannah

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 4

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 4
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 4

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 3
How memorable was this book? 4
How did you feel about the ending? 3
If you did not finish, how did you feel about the beginning? finished it
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
Rank the cover (only if the final cover version has been released).
How well does the cover match the story? 4
Rank the jacket blurb. 3
Rank the title. 3
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Unique

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: First few chapters confusing; no character development until later

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Fast paced, original, different, fantasy, adventure