Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer, 389 pages

parts of this book was interesting, parts of this book were so boring I skimmed pages, parts of this book were predictable. this is not to say it was a terrible book, the author is pretty great. she writes very well and if it weren't for some heavy borrowing of other tales in unflattering ways, and confusing world building, this book would have been fantastic. while this book was not great, I think her future work is definitely worth reading.

Siege and Storm / Leigh Bardugo / 435 pgs / Audiobook

"Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her—or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm."

This is the second book in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse Series, which is a fresh take on Russian fairytales and mythology! This book continues Alina's fight against The Darkling to save Ravka and the rest of the world. I enjoyed this book just slightly less than I did the first one. Actual star rating is 3.5. Sometimes second books in trilogies have a tendency to drag on without adding much to the overall plot of the series. This one did have some slow parts, but I loved the addition of the new characters, which made up for it. I'm curious to finish this series!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone / J.K. Rowling / 320 pgs

I probably have not read the first Harry Potter book in a decade, though I am a huge fan of the series. Since the ReadHarder challenge requires you to reread a book, I chose Harry Potter. I wanted to see if anything new leapt out at me, considering I know the whole story now. First, I had forgotten just how nasty Snape really was to Harry throughout this whole book. Second, Dumbledore explains to Harry that Snape was especially upset with Harry's dad because James Potter saved Snape's life at some point, and Snape hated being in Harry's dad's debt. Did we ever learn just what James did to save Snape's life?

If you've never read the Harry Potter series, do yourself a favor and start! The books become progressively more mature as the author's audience matured through the years that the series was being written. So, you find that the first book is maybe too juvenile for you, keep reading because you'll find that the writing becomes more and more sophisticated. Will happily recommend to anyone, no matter the age!

My Lady Jane / Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows / 491 pgs

Hilarious. Just--hilarious. Perfectly wonderful as an audiobook.

If you know the story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine-Day Queen of England, you know it has a tragic ending. This story, not so much. In alternate history at its best (or at least most fun), Jane's story has become an adventure and romance that involves shapeshifters, kings, thieves, and one husband who happens to be a horse (at least part of the time).

Jane prefers books to boys, and runs through lists of synonyms in her head when stressed. She is stubborn and smart and resourceful, but not enough to escape a wedding to a boy she's just met. After all, how do you refuse your dying cousin's last wish, when he also happens to be your best friend AND your king?

Gifford spends each day as a horse and each night as a human. As an Eðian (shapeshifter) who can't control his change, he is the despair of his father, Lord Dudley, who nevertheless plots to marry him off to Jane. G. is content to be a horse, most of the time, but his family's political maneuvering and the arrival of his bossy new bride might spell the end of his equilibrium.

Edward is the king, which you'd think would be satisfying. Except he's a teenager, dying of a slow disease, and the main problem on his mind is that he wants to be kissed. That, and take care of the country, which is gearing up for a bloody fight between the Eðians and Verities (non-shapeshifters). So he's easily convinced to change the line of succession and name Jane his heir, right before his oh-so-convenient demise.

At least, that's what's supposed to happen. What actually happens as we follow these three characters is a funny, perilous, snark-filled journey that goes from hilarity to danger and back as quickly as Jane can finish one of her books.

Those of a geeky persuasion will enjoy the added layer of references to popular culture and Shakespeare, but all readers who want a fast-paced, humor-filled adventure with a dash of romance will find this history is one worth learning.

Carve the Mark / Veronica Roth / 468 pgs

This was definitely a return to form for Veronica Roth after the disappointment of <i>Allegiant</i>. The story takes a few chapters to really sink in, since we are invited into a galaxy in which people develop gifts from the Current, a stream of energy that seems to travel along the galaxy and wrap itself around the several inhabited planets. The different planets, nations, people, and objects took a bit to fully understand, and I listened to an audio book, which sometimes hinders the process of understanding new world-building. Nevertheless, the story was very well done. It was original, and since I read so much, I highly value unique stories. I know I enjoyed the story, because at times I didn't want to get out of my car or shut my car's engine because I was so engrossed with what was going on.

The crux of the story is that in this galaxy where people develop Current gifts, one planet is divided between two peoples, the peaceful Thuvhe and the warrior race, the Shotet. When some Shotet soldiers kidnap the two sons of the Oracle of Thuvhe, the sons have to figure out a way to escape or else succumb to their fate, to die in the service of Shotet's ruling family, the Noaveks. Meanwhile, Cyra Noavek, the younger sister of the ruler of Shotet, is plagued by constant pain, a "gift" of the Current. Her older brother uses her as a weapon against his enemies and she's sick of it. Together with one of the sons of the Oracle, she might figure out a way to break away from her brother, Ryzek.
For those who enjoyed Red Rising, the Hunger Games, and the Divergent series, I highly recommend. Like those books, there's quite a lot of violence, but no worse than those books.

Red Queen / Victoria Aveyard / 383 pgs

I just finished the first book in Victoria Aveyard's YA dystopia series. Red Queen has a lot of elements that other books in the genre have. Poor girl, Mare Barrow, is part of a group of people in the future who are oppressed by the elite. In this case, the oppression is due to some sort of human evolution that has changed the color of blood in certain people to silver. The silver-bloods are also blessed with X-Men type powers. Some can control fire, some can control water, some can turn invisible, some have superhuman strength, some can heal, some can control people with their thoughts, etc. These superhuman powers, however, seem to be family traits, so one family is full of water-controllers, while the other family is full of healers, and so on. The king of Norte and his two sons are fire-controllers. The Reds, those with red blood, are just normal humans who slave for the kingdom. Mare, it turns out, is something new, a Red with the power to control electricity. Like a lot of other books in this genre, there's a bit of a love triangle, or quadrangle, There's revolution and violence. There's infiltration and betrayal. It's Hunger Games mixed with Divergent mixed with Red Rising mixed with Cinder.

Despite a lot of YA dystopian tropes being thrown about, I found the series rather new too. I liked the twist at the end and it made me curious to read the next book. For those who love the books I mentioned above, I think you'll enjoy this one too, even if some of the elements are the same.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay / J.K. Rowling / 304 pgs

First, I should note that this was a screenplay, complete with stage actions for the actors, how they should comport their facial features as they were saying their lines and the complete script. As such, although it was 304 pages, it is a very quick read. I have yet to see the movie, and so I did just spoil myself, but it was totally worth it. Since the movie is such a big deal right now, I don't want to say much about the story itself. Suffice to say, after the disappointment that was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which read as so much bad fan fiction, this is most definitely a return to form. It is completely evident that J.K. Rowling had her hands all over this screenplay, rather than the multiple names you find on the complete script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I can see why the movie is doing so well and I hope to get to see it this weekend if not the next weekend. Reading the screenplay has only whetted my appetite for the movie.

Newt Scamander, a Hufflepuff, lands in 1926 New York City with a suitcase full of magical beasts that get loose during a hilarious comedy of errors. Helping Newt are sister witches, Tina and Queenie, as well as a No-Maj (the American word for Muggle), Jacob. However, Newt finds that he has a villain working against him, as well as the Magical Congress of the USA (America's equivalent of England's Ministry of Magic).

Heartless / Marissa Meyer / 449 pgs

I went into Heartless thinking that I wasn't going to like it as much as the Lunar Chronicles. In a way, that's still true. The Lunar Chronicles is the pinnacle of the YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction Series genre. Heartless is a stand alone novel, which is good because the story, in my opinion, is complete and needs nothing added to it. I had read the first chapter in a sneak peek preview that appeared at the end of Winter and wasn't sucked in, hence why I wasn't as excited about Heartless. However, the book was way better than I imagined. I bow down to the greatness of Marissa Meyer and I intend to never doubt her again. 

Heartless is the story of how the evil Queen of Hearts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland came to be the cruel woman she is in Lewis Carroll's story. Before she was the Queen of Hearts, Catherine is the daughter of the marquess and marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove. Catherine dreams of opening up her own bakery, but finds that her parents are not as agreeable. They have bigger plans that include the King of Hearts. Catherine wants anything but the king's hand in marriage. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling in love with the court joker, Jest.

Marissa Meyer does a wonderful job of writing romance, and you will pull for Catherine and Jest, but this is a book about how Catherine becomes the Queen of Hearts, so don't expect a happy ending. Things do not wrap up as nicely as they did in the Lunar Chronicles

The Girl From Everywhere / Heidi Heilig / 443 pgs

I finished listening to the audio book of "The Girl From Everywhere" yesterday. This is a brand new YA fantasy/time travel fiction and I enjoyed its original premise very much. This is author Heidi Heilig's debut novel and she already has a sequel planned, which is very good as this was left a bit on a cliff hanger. Nix was born in 1868 Honolulu, Hawaii, but has actually lived in all sorts of places and times thanks to her father's ability to "navigate" maps. Once her father's ship, the Temptation, moves to the margins of a map, the crew of the ship find themselves in a completely different part of the world in a different era, all thanks to the new map they are using. Her father's one mission in life is to return to 1868 Honolulu where Nix's mother died in childbirth. But, if that happens, what will happen to Nix?

This book kept me guessing. I liked the characters, and my only two complaints would be another uninspiring love triangle and I am not the biggest fan of the narrator, Kim Mai Guest, who always sounds SO sad in every book she narrates. Her vocal fry is also pretty annoying. I wish I had read this book rather than listened to it. However, I am very excited for the sequel. I'd recommend to fans of YA and fantasy.

Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer / Rick Riordan / 497 p.

Having read the Percy Jackson series (and loving it!) I was happy to see this new series from Riordan: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard.  This one features Magnus Chase (cousin to Annabeth Chase in the Percy Jackson series) and Norse mythology.  Magnus has been homeless for two years at the start of the book.  While pointing out how the homeless are often treated (or ignored), he makes it clear that he doesn't feel sorry for himself and no one else should either.  He's sarcastic and irreverent and the kind of person I'd love to hang out with.  As always in Riordan's books, this 16-year-old is a bit surprised to find out he is descended from a God.  Readers of YA Fantasy will love this book.

Queen of Shadows/Sarah J. Maas/648 pgs.

In this addition to the Throne of Glass series, Celaena Sardothien, a.k.a. Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, is out to reclaim her throne. First, though, she needs to return to Adarlan to rescue her cousin from execution, and see if it is possible to save Dorian, the evil king's son, from the spirit that inhabits his body. This is such a good series--flawed characters, adventure, "other world" creatures, romance, fantasy--you name it, this series has it. I can't wait for the next installment. Highly recommended!

Heir of Fire/Sarah J. Maas/565 pgs.

This is book 3 in the Throne of Glass series--and is just as entertaining and action packed as the first two books! Celaena Sardothien  is now in Wendlyn having been ordered there by the King of Adarlan. Here she meets Rowan, who has been instructed to train her in Fae ways, by her aunt, Maeve--the aunt Celaena's mother kept her from. In this book, Celaena comes to terms with her true identity--Aelin Galathynius--Queen of Terrasen. She has lost those she has loved, and needs to learn how to manipulate her power in order to one day be able to conquer the King of Adarlan. It's a wonderful series, with great, but flawed characters, and a strong story line. Highly recommended!

Asylum / Madeleine Roux / 313 pages / October Challenge

This YA book features 3 high school juniors at a summer college prep academy in New Hampshire that happens to be held in the same building that housed Brookline Mental Asylum many years ago.  Dan, Abbie, and Jordan become best friends the first day of the academy, but forces beyond their control are driving wedges between them.  Dan suspects he may be related to the former director of the asylum and Abbie discovers her aunt may have been a patient.  Jordan has arrived without the knowledge of his parents who think he is at a "pray the gay away" camp in California.  Although parts of the plot remain unresolved, this is a good read.  It reminded me most of Shutter Island.  The themes may be a bit dark for younger readers, but ages 15+ will enjoy the fast-paced action and mystery surrounding New Hampshire College and Brookline.


This is the first book of a series that includes Sanctum and Catacomb.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire / J.K. Rowling / 734 pages

Harry Potter's adventures take a darker turn in this 4th book of the series.  The imagery and magical violence conjured in the text may be too strong for young readers.  The teenage angst common in young adult books is very present in this volume.  Harry finds friends who turn out to be enemies and enemies who turn out to be friends.  He seems unable to decide who to trust.  To make things worse, Ron gets angry with Harry (over Harry's fame and fortune) and ignores him for weeks.


Hermione takes on a crusade against prejudices of all kinds in this volume.  Fans of the movie may appreciate this deeper look into Hermione's psyche.  Another difference between book and movie is in how distant the teachers seem in the book.  Snape is even worse to Harry in the book than ever in the movies, Dumbledore and McGonagal seem to hardly notice Harry's troubles and rarely help him.  The only teacher seeming to help this year (besides Hagrid of course) turns out to be arranging Harry's death.  (What's a year in Hogwarts without someone trying to kill Harry?)


This book, like all the others in the series, is well worth the read.

Crown of Midnight/Sarah J. Maas/490 pgs.

This is the second entry in the Throne of Glass series, and the action picks up from where the first book left off. Assassin Celaena Sardothien is now the King's Champion--she is serving an evil king, but one who holds the key to her freedom. She realizes that the king also has many secrets. In trying to unravel the mysteries behind the king's power, Celaena comes up against the question of who to trust. It's a wonderful series, and I look forward to the next installment!

Throne of Glass/Sarah J. Maas/406 pgs.

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien, Ardalan's assassin, has just served a year in the salt mines of Endovier. She doesn't know who betrayed her in order for her capture, but she is close to death when Crown Prince Dorian makes her an offer she can't refuse--her freedom if she acts as his champion in the competition to find a new royal assassin for his father. If she wins the competition, and is the "royal assassin" for four years, she will be free. However, something is not right at the castle; some of the competitors end up dead: gruesome murders take place. In addition, magic has been outlawed for ages, but has it really? This is the first in a series, and quite an entertaining read. I'm all for strong female characters, and they don't come much stronger than Celaena. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Crown of Midnight.

The Crown of Embers / Rae Carson / 416 pgs / 10 discs

   I couldn't wait to start this middle book of the Girl of Fire and Thorn trilogy. The first book had ended with a bang and I wanted to see where the pieces had fallen. Elisa has won the war for her people but with a cost. The court has been maneuvering while she has been recovering and the people are not happy. During her birthday celebration chaos erupts when an enemy appears and tries to hurt her. Soon it is rumored there may have been spies living in the city all along. No one knows who to trust. Elisa tries to lead her people the best she knows but seems to be thwarted at every turn. While trying to find her way a possible solution appears but she will have to deceive her people in order to help them. Thus begins another exciting quest.
   This book picks right up where the first one ends. As the new Queen, Elisa is learning on the job with Hector her Royal commander by her side. The thrills of her story never let up as she fights off assassins, deceivers in her court and the demands of her own heart. It is almost a relief when she finally leaves the city to find the answers to the magical power at her command. The writing style is enthralling, crisp and free flowing. The pages/discs just keep flying as Elisa's adventures and choices becoming harder and harder. I wasn't sure how this book would end. There is still another one to go! I am not completely satisfied with the ending but maybe that will be fixed in the third volume. Would love a map - Elisa's journeys seem to be literally all over the world. Heartily recommended.

Six Degrees of Reading: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns / Rae Carson / 432 pgs / 10 discs

   Who is up for adventure, romance, fantastic escapes and some awesome writing?! I recommend this series with unreserved enthusiasm! Meet Elisa who is the second daughter to a king. She has a happy life with her nurse, tutor and secret visits to the head cook. One day her father announces she is to marry a man she has never met plus he lives in a far away kingdom. Elisa reluctantly does as her father asks and on the day of the marriage receives some strange advice from her sister "Be strong, sister."
    This is the beginning of a non-stop adventure with Elisa trying to find her place in the new court, figure out what her sister meant and how to help her husband become a strong leader. As she learns who to trust, Elisa begins to fall in love with her husband. Then one night, Elisa is kidnapped from her bedroom and begins a new role for a supposed enemy. As the days go by, Elisa discovers hidden strengths and untapped knowledge within her self and begins a slow transformation into a formidable woman. An excellent coming of age novel hidden within a quest, romantic and adventure novel.
    The narrator chosen for the audio is perfect. Jennifer Ikeda is perfect for the voice of Elisa and works in different accents and gruffness when dealing with multiple characters. I was racing through the disks trying to see how things would end. My only quibble with the novel is some unresolved story lines. I am not sure if we will meet Elisa's father and sister in the next books but they seem to left dangling. Also this book cries out for a map. I would have loved to keep track of Elisa's physical journey. I think this would have enforced the growth of the main character. I also recommend this for car journeys of higher middle grade and up.

Six degrees of Reading: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Defiance by C.J. Redwine, Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin by Robin LaFevers.

Cruel Beauty / Rosamund Hodge / 346 pgs

"Betrothed to the demon who rules her country and trained all her life to kill him, seventeen-year-old Nyx Triskelion must now fulfill her destiny and move to the castle to be his wife."

A retelling of Beauty and the Beast; this one will appeal to young teenage girls.  In fact I really felt like this reads like a Shojo Manga, in that the demon is (of course) gorgeous, powerful, and overprotective with that bad boy / mysterious persona.  Then the other male character is sweet, kind and also impossibly gorgeous; but is flawed in that he is cursed and is a servant to the demon.  So what is a teenage girl to do, when she is locked forever away in a castle with the two men?  Try to save them of course!  (Like I said, just like a Shojo Manga novel).

The most the characters ever do is make-out, so this book is safe for "tweens" (is that still a term?).  Pretty straightforward and predictable; but romantic and mysterious enough for a quick, straightforward read.

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy) BK. 1 / Jennifer A. Nielsen / 342 pgs. / Dec. Challenge "Lords-a-Leaping"

To avoid civil war (and gain power), Nobleman Conner gathers four orphans to train them for one of them to go on to impersonate the Kingdoms long-missing prince.  One orphan Sage, has the street smarts and wits to convince the nobles that he is the missing prince, but his willful nature and stubbornness may lead to his undoing.

Engaging, with lots of twist and turns as the story unfolds and you learn more and more about the plot to replace the prince.  The main character Sage is very sure of himself, similar to Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl", which at times can be annoying.  However, Sage does have a softer side as he gives his opponents second chances and helps them try to save face.

Recommended to any YA reader - even young/middle YA readers.