Summary:
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Review:
Think of this book as a combination of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" and "I Am Legend" rolled all into one. Mary's world is one of a tiny village surround by the Forest of Hands and Teeth. All around her are the truths instilled in her by the Sisterhood and the Guardians. But what are they hiding? Is there more left of the world than Mary's tiny village? She has spent her whole life living on her mother's stories about the ocean and buildings taller than the sky.

But when the Unconsecrated turn on her village, Mary is forced to face the horrors that lie beyond the fence. Does the path lead anywhere? Or is theirs the only village left in the world? It is up to Mary to find out what the Sisterhood has been hiding from them for so long. Her only problem is that she is running out of time.

Ryan has created a dystopian society that believes they are the only humans left. This book pushes your boundaries and makes you questions the truths in your own world. It's not just another zombie book, but rather creates its own society with strict values. It continually makes you ask yourself, "What if...?"

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with new-found confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Review:
From the description, I thought this would be another Twilight wannabe, but Fantaskey as put her own spin on the vampire trend. In the middle of rural Pennsylvania, Jessica lives with her adoptive parents and is starting out her senior year. The last thing she suspected was for her past to track her down.

Lucius shows up determined to fulfill the pact his and Jessica's real parents signed--their betrothal to one another. But first he has to convince Jessica that vampires are more than just a myth--that they are real. As much as Jessica tries to deny her birthright and her fanged fiancee, she slowly discovers that there is no avoiding the inevitable. But is it too late? Has she lost Lucius to the dark side and the school's head cheerleader?

Jessica remains determined to win him back and stop their families' clans from going to war. She ditches her role as an average high school student and embraces her position as a vampire princess. Overall, this was a nice twist on the vampire legend. Fantaskey dismisses many of the stereotypes associated with the dark ones and develops her own brand of vampire. She also shows it's not easy being a vampire--especially for a teenager.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.

Review:
Alyson Noel's first novel in a new series has shot straight to the top of the New York Times Bestsellers. In Evermore, she has crafted a unique, paranormal romance. After a car accident claims the lives of her family, Ever has to pick up her life and move to Laguna Beach with her aunt. With her busy career, Ever's aunt does not have time to grieve or notice the recent changes in her niece.

Once the popular and beautiful girl, Ever works overtime to go unnoticed. Wearing hooded sweatshirts and headphones, she tries to tune out all the thoughts of the people around her and avoids their every touch. Then she's no longer the new kid anymore. Damen is gorgeous with an aura of mystery surrounding him, but he is the only one who can silence the thoughts in Ever's head.

But who is Damen really? What does he want with Ever? There is danger around every turn, and nothing is quite what it seems. Between dealing with her little sister's lingering ghost and Damen's rollercoaster of emotions, will she ever be able to lead a normal life?

The first installment in the Immortals series will keep you tuned in until the end. Though there are some dated cultural references, they seem to mock pop culture more than anything. This is a solid story with a very unexpected twist at the end.  Hint: There's no vampires here.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
In a world where some people are born with extreme and often-feared skills called Graces, Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace, the Grace of killing, and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.

Review:
Since she was eight, Katsa has been feared. She first learned of her killing Grace when a relative made one wrong move. He was dead before Kat knew what had happened. From that moment on, the people around her have kept their distance and her uncle, the king, has used her as his enforcer. Only a few friends dare to keep her company, but none challenge her abilities.

Then when Katsa meets Prince Po, she has finally found an equal. Graced with the skill of fighting, Po seems to know her every move, every action before she makes it. Together they give each other strength and set out on a quest to find out who is responsible for kidnapping Po's grandfather. When their true Graces are revealed, Katsa and Po become a formidable force that unravel the lies that have spread across the kingdoms.

Cashore's debut novel is stunning and captivating. With adventure, suspense, and romance, this fantasy makes you believe you are a part of Katsa and Po's world. You will hang onto every word, every image. This has everything you could ask for in a novel.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages.

Review:
You will have to put your skepticism aside for this one! Sure she's the new girl in a small town and clumsy just like another very familiar character, but Jones creates a unique voice in Zara. After witnessing her step-father's death, she is sent to live with her step-grandmother in the wintry setting of Maine. She keeps any anxiety and emotions about her past at bay by reciting phobias. Each chapter starts with a new phobia, but be careful--you might find some that apply to you.

Zara immediately finds a set of friends and a place in her new school, but she also gains some enemies. A mysterious man from her past begins to appear everywhere she goes--and he knows her name. Leaving behind nothing but a sprinkling of gold dust, Zara and her new friends must learn the truth before he comes after again. And next time, he isn't leaving without her.

Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr fans will see elements of both writers in this story but with a new twist. There is even a clever reference to "forks" that had me chuckling. To me, the story was a happy medium between both writers with a fast pace and supernatural elements without being too overbearing.

Reading Rating:
This was a quick and easy read. I will admit that someone mentioned it was a lot like Twilight before I started reading, so I had trouble getting that idea out of my head. But once you get past the basics, this is a story full of surprises and sure to satisfy those looking for more supernatural romance and suspense.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Review:
For the author of the Gregor the Overlander series, Collins creates a dystopian society that demonstrates the lengths that Katniss will go to protect her family and to stay alive. Growing up in one of the poorest districts, Katniss is a trained hunter and a survivor. But in the Hunger Games there are no rules, except one--only one winner can leave the arena alive. In a society where reality television has become a brutal death match, the citizens of the 12 districts are forced to watch as their sons and daughters fight to their deaths, unless Katniss finds a way to changes the rules of the game. Highly recommended for readers who enjoyed Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series or Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
There hadn't been any trouble out at the lake for years, and Sunshine just needed a spot where she could be alone with her thoughts. Vampires never entered her mind. Until they found her.

Review:
These are not your kinder, gentler brand of vampires.  McKinley has woven a dark and twisted novel.  There are no barriers between the real world and the Others.  Sunshine lives in a world where suckers, demons, and werewolves are commonplace. Spending her days as a baker, her life is uneventful and she appears unremarkable in every way, except for her obsession with the Others.  Then one night, she seeks out a quiet place to get away. 

It has been years since the Wars, but no one goes to the lake anymore.  There are too many bad spots and too many unknowns, but that does not stop Sunshine.  She drives to her dad’s old lake house.  She never even hears them coming.  When they are vampires, you never do.  Now Sunshine is in a battle for her life. 

McKinley’s story does not romanticize vampires.  They are cruel, heartless, and ugly.  Nevertheless, she has created a powerful character to carry the story.  Sunshine realizes her full potential and it could very well see her to her death.  Only through an alliance with a vampire named Con do they both stand a fighting chance against a common enemy. 

Sunshine commands the presence of every page.  Her untapped abilities and her own conflicts with allying with a vampire create a unique novel that is unlike any others.

Note:
This is an adult fiction novel.  Due to mature content, I would recommend it for older readers who are fans of this genre.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

Summary:
For Paula, accompanying her merchant father on a trading voyage to Istanbul is a dream come true. They have come to this city of trade on a special mission to purchase a most rare artifact—a gift from the ancient goddess, Cybele, to her followers. It’s the only remnant of a lost, pagan cult.

But no sooner have they arrived when it becomes clear they may be playing at a dangerous game. A colleague and friend of Paula’s father is found murdered. There are rumors of Cybele’s cult reviving within the very walls of Istanbul. And most telling of all, signs have begun to appear to Paula, urging her to unlock Cybele’s secret.  As time begins to run out, she must solve the puzzle before unknown but deadly enemies catch up to her.

Review:
In this companion novel to Wildwood Dancing, Marillier skips ahead in time six years.  Told from Paula’s viewpoint this time around, readers once again find themselves bending the lines between reality and the Other Kingdom.  Sent on a quest, the scholarly seventeen-year-old must follow the clues that her oldest sister, Tati, is leaving for her from the other side in the form of signs, dreams, and apparitions. 

Marillier has created another remarkable story with an unusual setting.  The challenges that Paula faces as a young woman in Istanbul can only rival her strong-will—a trait that sees her through to the end.  This story combines every element to spin a tale that will appeal to readers of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance.  Though it is not necessary to read Wildwood Dancing prior to this one, I highly recommend it simply because it is another fantastic book and it gives you the chance to get to know the family as a whole.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

If the cover and the title are not enough to draw you in, the premise of this book will win you over in a heartbeat. Set in New Avalon, the world's most self-obsessed city, Larbalestier (author of the Magic or Madness trilogy) has created a world where everyone gets their own personal fairy. No one can see or hear their fairy, but it is usually does not take long to figure out what kind everyone has. The lucky few have a really doos (cool) fairy like a clothes shopping fairy. But then there is Charlie, who got stuck with the most undoos fairy of all--a parking spot fairy.

Sure it is dead useful if you are old enough to drive. But to Charlie she would rather have no fairy at all instead of enduring the smell of gasoline and vinyl seats one more time. She is tired of her friends and family "borrowing" her in order to find the perfect parking spot. In an attempt to get rid of her fairy, she starts walking everywhere and this is where the trouble begins.

With a language and culture all its own, this story is not your typical fairy book. It will make you laugh out loud and cheer Charlie on in her attempts (and failed attempts) to get rid of her pesky parking fairy. With its fast-paced narrative, loads of drama, and a touch of romance, Larbalestier will leave you wanting more including a fairy of your own.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian

From the author of Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines, this book is one of the best books that I have read all year.  John Green has always written intelligent, funny, and heart-wrenching tales. He knows how to tell a story and create truly believable characters. Even though his books are all vastly different, they always have two things in common--it's a coming of age book (i.e. Catcher in the Rye) and it's always, always about a girl.

Quentin is a senior in high school--just weeks away from graduation. He has always played it safe and followed the rules. He gets good grades, is going to a great college, and like most people is living with the future in mind. But there's one thing in his life that isn't safe, his next door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. She's wild and unpredictable and lives in the present. She's everything Q's not and he's been content to love her from afar since childhood.

But one night changes all that, when she sneaks into Q's room and begs him to join her on her campaign of revenge. Suddenly, Q finds himself in crazy, unpredictable situations and even has the chance to love the girl of his dreams. He assumes after all they went thru that things couldn't possibly be the same. But by the next morning, Margo is gone and left nothing but a trail of clues behind. Clues that are meant especially for Q.

Green follows Q and his friends as he tries to follow the bread crumbs and find the girl he loves. But in the process, he realizes that he didn't ever know the real Margo Roth Spiegelman. The closer he gets to finding her, the more he learns about who she really is. This poignant story is heart-breaking and endearing. Green creates teens who are intelligent, diverse, and self-reflecting. There is no fluff here.

Though his language can be crude and vulgar (think teenage guys), he doesn't wimp out in this book or take the easy way out. He incorporates poetry, music, and books to reveal more about Q and Margo's true identities. This is a smart read (which is bound to appeal to both girls and guys) that will draw you in and stay with you long after you put it down.

By Allison Jenkins
Central Library
Teen & Adult Services Librarian