Book Review: Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan
Llona has distanced herself from her peers her whole life, desperately trying to keep her Light hidden from those hunting her. Finally feeling safe her senior year with her first friends and sorta boyfriend/protector, her world is slashed apart, and she needs to do the forbidden: use her gentle powers for defense.
This is a classic plot with fresh twists. Llona’s strong and independent character is made much more realistic by her bouts of insecurity and crying – and the dismay she has when her tough girl persona wavers. However, some paragraphs seemed poorly written, almost juvenile in their wording and construction. They stuck out and didn’t fit with Llona’s very mature voice. I’d rate this 3 stars — it was okay. I would recommend this to a 12 or older audience, only due to some rather graphic and gory descriptions.
-Reviewed by Marissa, grade 9
Book Review: Outlaw by Stephen Davies
Jake Knight is the privileged 15-year-old son of the British Ambassador to Burkina Faso. When he is suspended from his oppressive boarding school, he is excited for what he anticipates to be a vacation in the dry heat of Africa. Instead, he finds himself kidnapped by the most wanted outlaw/terrorist in Africa. He must tap into his wits and sense of adventure to save himself, his sister and his friends.
I loved the twists that defined this novel – it turned an obvious plot into a labyrinth that I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in. I’d rate it four stars — I liked it a lot. Jake’s wall-walking talent certainly caught my attention, but the lessons he and his sisters learned about assumptions, loyalty and right and wrong held me until the very last page. The characters were all strong and unique and extremely easy to fall in love with. While I think anybody 10 and up would be perfectly able to read this, an older reader would be able to fully appreciate the complex questions it poses about loyalty, government and wealth distribution. All in all, Outlaw is a thrilling read.
Reviewed by Marissa, grade 9
Book Review: Pure Red by Danielle Joseph
This book is about a girl named Cassia Bernard and her journey to find her passion. She has to deal with old memories and crazy changes taking place in herself and others. Why is she going through all this trouble? Well, because a school counselor told her she wasn’t important and Cassia wants to prove her wrong. I liked everything about this book because it reminds me of me and gets me thinking about my life. I wish it was longer! I’d recommend this book to a friend and I’d rate it five stars — I loved it!
Reviewed by Koryssa, grade 8
Book Review: A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
When Ari learned she was the next in line to receive the ages-old curse of Medusa, she wanted to deny and ignore her tremendous powers. But with Violet held captive by Athena and the twisted games Athena is playing with all those Ari holds dear, including kind-of boyfriend Sebastian, Ari has no choice but to accept and implement her powers, even if it means losing herself.
Ari’s story went from gripping to binding. I couldn’t put it down until I had read every last page, and then I checked for more. With chilling descriptions and grotesque games, this is a novel for older readers. Ari faces a timeless dilemma of fear versus love that is made fresh by the Greek lore and the darkness of New 2. It’s a creative masterpiece with just the right combination of mystery, action, romance and heartbreak. With its relatable characters, this pair of books, Darkness Becomes Her and A Beautiful Evil, will always be in my Top Ten.
Reviewed by Marissa, grade 9
Book Review: iBoy by Kevin Brooks
Tom Harvey was just trying to get by, avoiding the gangs that run his neighborhood and trying to get childhood friend Lucy to notice him. But then Lucy is gang-raped and Tom is impaled by a falling iPhone. Everything in their world is shattered. Tom finds that he can now access anything on the web, as well as make calls, take pictures, and hack various sites, simply by thinking about it. Meanwhile, Lucy is terrified of leaving her apartment and is the victim of continued harassment. Tom appoints himself as Lucy’s protector, but soon gets into more trouble than his new ipowers can handle.
In a world of technology, this is the next step. Though I’ve read about mental technology before, it’s never been by accident and never as intense as what iBoy has. This was an interesting as well as an emotionally tense read and I enjoyed the facts that headed each chapter.
This novel had many parts to it, from action to romance. Tom’s vigilante actions are admirable, and the way he struggles with his powers is somehow realistic. I would recommend this to older readers because of the gang rape content, but all in all, this is a wonderful story.
Reviewed by Marissa, grade 9
Book Review: Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler
Piper doesn’t really believe in love. She’s seen the ugly side of it, watching her friends and mom go through it. She suddenly finds herself in a relationship, but is she happy? I liked how this novel talked about swimming to which I can connect. I also really liked the chocolate shop — it made the book original. However, I kind of saw the ending coming. Still, I’d rate it 5 stars. I loved it!
- Reviewed by Lauren, 7th grade
Book Review: Girl Meets Boy, edited by Kelly Milner Halls
This book is about teenage boys and girls dealing with their relationships and their life battles, as well. I liked it because of how each one of the characters tells their own side of the story. I didn’t like the beginning of the book because it was a little confusing. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes love stories with a twist.
Reviewed by Koryssa B.
Book Review: Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
This book is about a depressed mother who has recently gone through a divorce. She has escaped with her daughter to New Hampshire for a “summer vacation.” While there, her daughter finds out she can’t take care of her mother and herself. Thsi book is very well written and keeps the pages turning and keeps you guessing. There was nothing I didn’t like about it. The format is a poem style, which is perfect because it makes you turn page after page. Great book!
Reviewed by Jessica, age 14
Book Review: How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
This book is about two teens, Mandy and Jill. They each have their own perspective. Jill is a senior in high school who lives with her mom and her dad has dies in a car accident. Mandy is a 19 year old who has recently become pregnant. She was raised by her mother and has had a rough childhood. Jill’s mother wants to adopt Mandy’s baby.
There is a lot of conflict throughout the book to keep you interested. Though I don’t find that the cover design directly related to the book, there was nothing I didn’t like about it — amazing book!
Reviewed by Jessica, age 14
Book Review: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Grace, Gretchen and Greer find out that not only are they triplets, they are descendents of Medusa. And are therefore monster hungers! I liked that there was always a surprise at the end of every chapter. There was nothing I didn’t like — I’d rate this 5 stars — I loved it! I’d recommend it to ages 12 and up. Also, I love the cover design!
Reviewed by Vanessa, age 13
