by ·0 Comments

Earth and Sky (Earth & Sky, #1)

Megan Crewe

17 year old Skylar feels wrongness. She sees things or events that shouldn’t appear or happen, yet they do.  She doesn’t understand or know why these panic attacks happen, but they never leave. After the panic attacks or feelings of wrongness go away, nothing out of the ordinary does or will happen. It isn’t until she meets a mysterious boy named Win when the truth is revealed. The humans on Earth are not alone. We are experiments to human like creatures called Kemyates. In fact, Kemyate scientists sit above earth changing and manipulating what should be normal; changing the past and the way circumstances should play out. This is causing the essential fabric of our world to become frayed and unravel. Eventually, the world we now have and know will disappear forever.

Luckily, Win is part of a rebel group who wants to shut down the experiments and leave Earth the way it should be. Skylar is the only earthling he has met that is sensitive enough to notice the feeling of wrongness or ‘shifts’. With her help, he plans on finding the pieces of a weapon that Jeanant (the rebel’s group leader from a different era) has scattered around the world in different eras. If they recover these pieces to the weapon, then they can shut down the experiments. Although it will be difficult to retrieve these pieces as enforcers will be right on their tail, determined to shut down the rebel’s operations.

This is not the usual genre I would read, however, I did enjoy reading it. This book includes science fiction, action/adventure, and mystery. Some parts of the plot were hard to understand but as you got deeper into the book, the plot and main idea became clearer. There are also two more books following the first one which I am looking forward to reading. – Juliana M.

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

Invisibility

Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

No one has ever seen what Stephan looks like, and that includes himself. Stephan has been invisible his whole life because of a curse he knows nothing about. He was invisible when he was born, and he is still invisible now at the age of 16. His mother took care of him when his father left them when Stephan was just an infant. It wasn’t until Stephan’s mother died from the toll of taking care of Stephan, that he felt totally lost and helpless. The topic of why he was invisible was never brought up and he now has even more questions than before, with no one to answer them. No one knew he was there. No one could know he was there. He got used to living this life, with everyone totally oblivious that he existed.

As Stephan was sneaking in the elevator to go up to his apartment as he does every day, somebody new to the building notices him. Her name is Elizabeth, and she has no idea that he is visible only to her. Both of their worlds are flipped upside down as they find out more about this other world. A world that involves cursecasters, spellcasters, and spellseekers. Terrifying truths are revealed as these two award-winning authors keep readers guessing and developing theories after every page they turn.

This book takes you on a journey involving many questions that include misfortunes and lifelong grudges. I would recommend ‘Invisibility’ to anyone interested in fantasy and action books, along with some romance. . – Juliana M.

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

Flame in the Mist

Renée Ahdieh

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor’s favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family’s standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

Zenn Diagram

Wendy Brant

Typically, being a math genius isn’t a great way to be popular in high school. To make it worse for seventeen year old Eva Walker, her classmates think that she is a neat freak. But they could not have it more wrong. Sadly this misconception is because Eva cannot touch anything or anyone. Eva can feel other people’s emotions like no one else. If she touches someone or their belongings -from cell phones to textbooks to jackets- all the emotions of that person’s past will swirl around in her head leaving her dizzy and tired. These emotions can be fun and happy but more often are sad and scary. So, Eva has adapted to her power and tries her hardest not to touch anything that isn’t hers.

Eva believes that because of her power, she will never have a romantic relationship, until she meets Zenn. Zenn is a cliché, a tall and handsome artist with multiple jobs to keep a roof over his and his mother’s heads. As her and Zenn grow closer romantically, Eva takes her chances and touches him. Shockingly, she is not overwhelmed by his emotions but rather by nothing at all. Eva believes that this is some sort of sign that they were meant to be. Together they connect in a way like no other, by sharing nerdy jokes and puns that most people would roll their eyes at.

But as the two grow closer, they begin to unravel the truth. The truth of how Zenn is somehow related to the fact that Eva’s parents died before she could even remember. Could this horrifying secret pull the two apart?

Zenn Diagram is written in a funny yet nerdy perspective of a girl who has had some large difficulties in her life. You cannot help but laugh at Eva’s sense of humor just as you cannot help but fall for Zenn. You will find yourself instantly connecting with Eva and wishing you had the relationship that she and Zenn have. This book will have you reading for hours in suspense, wondering what will happen next. – Melanie G.

Looking for another review of this book? Check out Angie’s review!

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

The Immortal Heights (The Elemental Trilogy, #3)

Sherry Thomas

This book is the sequel to The Burning Sky and The Perilous Sea.

The Battle has begun! Iolanthe Seaborne and Prince Titus have regained their memories and are still under the dome that covers the rebel’s base in the Sahara Desert. Surrounded by Atlantis’s chariots, they cannot hide forever, and the time has come to finally take down Bane, the Lord High Commander of Atlantis. Bane knows who Iolanthe Seaborne really is, and what she sounds and looks like. He’s threatening Titus to hand over Iolanthe, or else. Titus won’t ever hand over Iolanthe for reasons such as that Bane will live a good hundred more years with her and will become unstoppable, and Titus’s undying love for Iolanthe that he would rather give away his heir to the throne than hand over Iolanthe. Prophesied deaths and shocking facts won’t stop them from stopping Bane, no matter the cost.

The Immortal Heights was the book readers have been waiting for, anticipating the final battle between Titus and Iolanthe (with the assistance from Kashkari, his family and the rebels) against Bane. For sure it’s anticipation hasn’t disappointed readers. The Immortal Heights answered all questions that readers have been asking, and ended off in a way the reader will be pleased with. I adored this book! It never bored me one bit! The suspense and romance were something to remember. I know that when I was reading that I might have forgotten to breathe from all the action. I would recommend this book to people who are interested in historical fiction, magic, and a drop of romance. The series ended off perfectly! – Celine J.

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

The Hearts We Sold

Emily Lloyd-Jones

When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a demon—her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life—she finds the trade may have been more than she bargained for. And becoming “heartless” is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she could have ever imagined.

With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something grows between them amid an otherworldy ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give someone her heart when it’s no longer hers to give?

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy, #2)

Sherry Thomas

This book is the sequel to The Burning Sky.

Iolanthe Seaborne and Prince Titus are back from the summer break to resume school at Eton College (Iolanthe remaining Archer Fairfax) and training to hopefully defeat Bane, the supposed greatest elemental mage of all. Before the summer, Titus killed the Inquisitor and Bane with the help of Iolanthe. The Inquisitor stayed dead (I never liked her anyway) while Bane was resurrected, looking younger than before. Coming back to Eton, their focus is to take down Bane ensuring that he stays dead. Although the Blood Oath between them was finished, Iolanthe was more determined than ever to resume her training and see the friends she has made before the summer. Guided by Titus’s mother’s visions, Titus discovers something so shocking that it breaks his relationship with Iolanthe and changes his perspective of his mission and life altogether, concluding that maybe he won’t be able to take out Bane.

The Perilous Sea was a very interesting book. Continuing the same storyline as the first book, some events were expected while others were unforeseen. The relationship between Titus and Iolanthe took an astonishing turn that I was shocked me, but I enjoyed as it progressed through the major events. The novel is one that doesn’t seem to stop surprising me. I did, however, get slightly bored in the middle of the story as it almost went stale, almost making me stop reading the book or I would have given it five stars. As always, the story picked up again, leaving me breathless at the ending. A wonderful job, but could have done a bit better. I expect The Immortal Heights to do better and end the series right. – Celine J.

View in Library Catalogue

Finish the series with: The Immortal Heights

by ·0 Comments

The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy, #1)

Sherry Thomas

Iolanthe Seabourne can channel three of the four elements, Fire, Earth, and Water, making her an elemental mage. She was raised up by her guardian Master Haywood. Elemental mages are very rare nowadays and if they are powerful enough, the agents of Atlantis take them away. Iolanthe has always embraced her powers, and decides that she will put on a show for her friend’s wedding. Something as simple as putting on a show turns her life upside down, revealing that Iolanthe has a destiny that will alter the future forever.

Prince Titus is the Master of the Domain. His Destiny was to find the greatest elemental mage of all time, protect and train them to remove another mage who doesn’t deserve to be in that position. Prince Titus must risk his life to ensure that this happens as that is his sole purpose. As Prince Titus and Iolanthe cross paths, they realize that their missions are life-threatening and they have no choice but to complete their destinies together no matter what.

The Burning Sky is an excellent book by far. It keeps readers’ hearts pacing at every page. This fantasy was very creative and personally I enjoyed it in a way I can’t explain in words. The Burning Sky is the beginning of a trilogy, making sure readers will pick up the next book and the final book with excitement. This book also carries a romance making you scream “Why?!” out your window… it did for me. Just an amazing book you must pick up! – Celine J.

View in Library Catalogue

Continue with: The Perilous Sea, The Immortal Heights

by ·0 Comments

Before She Ignites

Jodi Meadows

From the New York Times bestselling co-author of My Lady Jane comes a smoldering new fantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Kristin Cashore about a girl condemned for defending dragons and the inner fire that may be her only chance of escape.

Mira has always been a symbol of hope for the Fallen Isles, perfect and beautiful—or at least that’s how she’s forced to appear. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret, Mira is betrayed by those closest to her and sentenced to the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles.

Except Mira is over being a pawn. Fighting to survive against outer threats and inner demons of mental illness, Mira must find her inner fire and the scorching truth about her own endangered magic—before her very world collapses.

And that’s all before she ignites.

View in Library Catalogue

by ·0 Comments

Hamilton

Lin Manuel-Miranda and the Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton

An exciting musical unlike any before. Bringing together these unlikely genres – hip hop, theatre, and history — with a diverse cast of people from various races playing the founding fathers, Hamilton is changing history.

With its Original Broadway Cast Recording available to all, makes it feel as if you too, are there watching the show. Follow the lesser known story of Alexander Hamilton, an ambitious young man from the Caribbean who against all odds becomes an important role in the birth of a new nation and an important figure in American History.

He starts his journey meeting new boisterous friends and people of history, and joining the revolution under General George Washington’s command. With Aaron Burr, his friend and rival narrating parts of his story, Hamilton quickly rises above expectations, creating allies and enemies. He is a rebellious and arrogant protagonist whose portrayal is excellently fleshed out.

The quick pace of each of the songs, the thought in the lyrics, and the emotions in their voices will leave you entertained for hours, and teach you something too. There is a momentum in each of the songs that leaves you breathless and excited. With characters you love and hate, scenes that lift you up and break your heart, this musical will make you care about the Founding Fathers, even if they aren’t from your country. Hamilton is a musical that is changing history, and is absolutely worth a listen. – Danielle A.

View in Library Catalogue [2 Discs]