Description: Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.
But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together. What could go wrong?
  With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely. And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

Review: Starry Eyes is the perfect book to kick off your summer vacation. Zorie and Lennon are former best friends (and crushes) and now enemies, but they rediscover and fall for each other on a backpacking trip in in Jenn Bennett's latest sweet romance novel. Zorie and Lennon were once inseparable and potentially on the verge of becoming more during their junior year homecoming, but they haven't talk since Lennon stood Zorie up and broke her heart.
  Zorie and Lennon are completely different. Zorie becomes anxious when her day is not followed by a rigid schedule where everything is written down. She is fascinated by astronomy. Lennon is a horror fanboy, an amateur herpetologist, music aficionado, and a skilled hiker. These two characters collide when they discover they are both attending the same glamping vacation in northern California hosted by Reagan, the popular girl in school and sometimes friends with Zorie. Zorie Everhart uncharacteristically agrees to go, figuring she can still manage to meet up with fellow astronomers to witness a meteor shower on a nearby mountain.Whereas Lennon was invited by Instagram obsessed Brett who is always looking for the perfect selfie to post online. Like most YA dramas and romances, there is drama and misunderstanding between the groups of friends which leads Zorie and Lennon alone together to find their way home. I was actually thrilled to get away from the drama as Reagan and company got on my nerves.
   I have read quite a lot of books where friends turn to a couple, but you don't get to witness the romance. This is not true in Starry Eyes. You can actually see Zorie and Lennon interact and there is a lot of things to resolve and move past old hurts. I also liked that while these two were working out their problems figuratively, they were also doing it literally as they cover tough terrain and animal attacks.
  I appreciate the inclusion of diversity in Starry Eyes too. Zorie's stepmother is Korean-American. Lennon has two moms and an Egyptian-American biological father. It is so refreshing to see how both families have a positive and strong bond with their children. I also really enjoyed seeing some serious topics such as grief, betrayal, divorce, mental illness, and loss were also explored in the book along side humor which gives the book depth. While I didn't love it as much as Alex, Approximately, I still think it is a solid read and I would definitely recommend it.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is discussion of sex as Lennon's mothers own an adult store and the characters openly discuss it themselves. There is also a small consensual sex scene but not too explicit. There is also mention of suicide, underage drinking, and some strong language. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Description: Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from everyone he has ever loved, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City with a backpack, a desperate plan, and nothing left to lose. When a fateful accident draws these three strangers together, their secrets start to unravel as they begin to understand that the way out of their own loss might just lie in helping the others out of theirs.

Review: Gayle Forman's If I Stay and Where She Went were both cathartic reads for me that left me emotionally spent. I expected to feel the same with her latest book, I Have Lost My Way but unfortunately I felt underwhelmed and disappointed.
   I Have Lost My Way takes place in a span of a day where a chance meeting leads to intimate connections for three struggling teens who are all reeling from loss and aimlessness.  Freya is an up-and-coming singer who has lost her voice, to her controlling manager’s chagrin. She sacrificed her family for a musical career that seems ephemeral. It was not clear to me whether or not Freya wanted a musical career at all or if it was just an opportunity to have felt desired and loved which is noted by the number of fans she has on social media. Compared to Harun and Nathaniel, Freya was the weakest character and her problem didn't seem as important.
  Harun is a closeted Pakistani Muslim gay teen who is terrified to come out to his conservative family and let his family down. Considering my own background as a Pakistani Muslim, I was immediately drawn to Harun and I wanted to know more of his heartbreaking story. There is an attempt to explain Islamophobia post-9/11 that completely fell flat for me. Harun's parents also felt very much like caricatures too.
 Nathaniel just flew into the city, and he’s hiding the true reason for his visit. Nathaniel was a complete mystery to me. There are mentions of mental health issues with his story, particularly with the way his father behaved and I wanted some clarification as to what Nathaniel and his father ailed from rather than a vague notion.
  The book's structure follows the slice of life, twenty-four hour setting trope which, in my opinion, hinders the emotional impact of the book. After colliding into each other in Central Park, the teens each privately are drawn to one another and begin to develop connections as they open up to each other and become vulnerable. The narration changes among the teens’ perspectives which keeps the pace quick and lively, but the transitions between narrators is jarring and abrupt; making the execution too choppy. There are intermittent flashback chapters that focus on each character which allows the reader to understand their backstories, however, I still felt disconnected to Freya, Harun, and Nathaniel. There are many important issues brought up in the book from abandonment, mental health, and sexual identity but none of these topics are fully discussed. I would have liked to spent more time with these characters and really understand them. It is clear that they provide an important community for one another, but I would have liked to have seen it as a participant rather than a viewer. I don't mind that there are no easy answers for these characters, but I do want to have an idea of what happened next.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, mentions of sex, underage drinking, and a suicide attempt. Recommended for Grades 10 and up.


If you like this book try: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Description: Thanks to his relationship with the ancient Druid Atticus O'Sullivan, Oberon the Irish wolfhound knows trouble when he smells itand furthermore, he knows he can handle it.When he discovers that a prizewinning poodle has been abducted in Eugene, Oregon, he learns that it's part of a rash of hound abductions all over the Pacific Northwest. Since the police aren't too worried about dogs they assume have run away, Oberon knows it's up to him to track down those hounds and reunite them with their humans. For justice! And gravy! Engaging the services of his faithful Druid, Oberon must travel throughout Oregon and Washington to question a man with a huge salami, thwart the plans of diabolical squirrels, and avoid, at all costs, a fight with a great big bear.But if he's going to solve the case of the Purloined Poodle, Oberon will have to recruit the help of a Boston terrier named Starbuck, survive the vegetables in a hipster pot pie, and firmly refuse to be distracted by fire hydrants and rabbits hiding in the rose bushes.At the end of the day, will it be a sad bowl of dry kibble for the world's finest hound detective, or will everything be coming up sirloins?



Description: Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O'Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who's there to investigate. But they also recognize the body--or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can't handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it's time to investigate once more---for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos! Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim's home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels! But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world's (or at least the Pacific Northwest's) greatest dog detective?

Review: I picked up the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries novellas in order to softly re-enter the Iron Druid series after being behind a couple of books. They are quick, enjoyable, and humorous reads. These novellas can be read independently of the Iron Druid series though there are interesting tidbits for loyal reader's about Atticus's past. I would highly recommend them in case you are curious to see how Kevin Hearne writes his stories.
 The highlight of these novellas is Oberon's narration of the stories. Oberon is Atticus's prized Irish Wolfhound who is usually a lovable side character who can communicate with his human. This time Oberon is the lead character and Atticus takes a secondary but still important role. Both of these characters stumble upon mysteries that they need to solve; in the Purloined Poodle, show dogs have been suddenly vanishing and in Squirrel on the Train, a murderer eerily looks a lot like Atticus. These fantasy-mystery novellas are delightfully funny as Oberon tries to learn new vocabulary and idioms. I love how Oberon's and Atticus's banter plays off each other without being too much. Hearne balances the doggy humor, light touches of fantasy, and a good old fashioned mystery plot to entertain his readers. These novellas allowed me to comfortable get back to this action-packed series that wraps up this year.  

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language in the book and crude humor. Recommended for older teens and adults.

If you like mysteries featuring dogs try: Chet and Bernie series by Spencer Quinn, Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly, Raine Stockton mysteries by Donna Ball

Description: The day Grace is called from the slave cabins to work in the Big House, Mama makes her promise to keep her eyes down. Uncle Jim warns her to keep her thoughts tucked private in her mind or they could bring a whole lot of trouble and pain. But the more Grace sees of the heartless Master and hateful Missus, the more a rightness voice clamors in her head-asking how come white folks can own other people, sell them on the auction block, and separate families forever. When that voice escapes without warning, it sets off a terrible chain of events that prove Uncle Jim's words true. Suddenly, Grace and her family must flee deep into the woods, where they brave deadly animals, slave patrollers, and the uncertainty of ever finding freedom.

Review: Unbound is a story in verse that illuminates the horror of slavery without being overly graphic and informs the reader about the real history of the Great Dismal Swamp sanctuary. This book was heartbreaking to read but enlightening and showed the strength and power of hope and familial love in the face of adversity. Grace is a light-skinned, blue-eyed slave who is called to work in "The Big House," leaving behind her family and friends in the fields. Though she promised her Mama to keep her head down and cause no trouble, Grace can not keep quiet and incessantly questions the injustices she observes from the Master and the Missus, which gives her even more motivation to escape. When Grace crosses the line, she discovers the Missus's decision to sell members of Grace's family at the auction block. Soon, Grace and her family flee to the Great Dismal Swamp on their precarious journey to freedom and become "maroons" who survive independent of society. Though some young readers might find the language and format challenging, they will soon appreciate the rhythmic flow of the poetry and the well-executed pacing. I had never heard of the Great Dismal Swamp and the runaways' sanctuary and learned a lot from this book which in the author's note explains is based on the narratives of the formerly enslaved.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There are allusions to slaves been beaten and hunted by their slave owners though there are no graphic details mentioned. Grace is also light skinned with blue eyes and her father is believed to be a white slave owner though it is not verified in the book. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

If you like this book try: Calico Girl by Jerdine Nolen, Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

Description: The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath. Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.
 The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt 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.

Review: I was not a fan of The Wrath and the Dawn duology, which in my unpopular opinion is too focused on the romance and light on the fantasy/retelling apects, but I did see Ahdieh's potential as a writer so I decided to pick up her second duology. I enjoyed Flame in the Mist, which is set in feudal Japan, much more and though it resolved some of my major issues with her previous series, there are still some aspects that still need to be developed.  
  Mariko is bound to the empire's center and has been destined to marry the royal son as part of an arranged, political marriage. Her caravan is set upon by raiders who ambush, slash and kill their way through the convoy. Using her wits and cunning, Mariko is the only survivor. Mariko now sets out with a vengeance upon the Black Clan, whom she holds responsible for her attempted assassination and the murder of her convoy.
  Mariko is a fierce character who wants more out of life rather than be a political pawn to be used by her royal family. She is clever, but also inexperienced given her sheltered, privileged life. Her plan to disguise herself as a boy and infiltrate the ranks of the Black Clan is not clearly thought through and it does not take long for the leader of the clan, Takeda Ranmaru, to suspect her. The clan's broody, best fighter, Okami, or "The Wolf," is more complex than Mariko originally thinks. There is a slow burning, antagonistic romance building between them as both characters are trying to figure the other out. Interspersed with Mariko's interactions and understanding of the Black Clan, is the political intrigue and the real players behind Mariko's assassination attempt. When Mariko's twin brother, a famed samurai, finds her alive and well, Mariko has to make a decision between her blood family and the newly one that she created with the clan.
 Ahdieh's strength lies in her intricate characterizations and detailed descriptions, which held my interest. The continuous lines that invoke female power and gender injustices are anachronistic, but could have been better utilized if it was shown by Mariko rather than told to the reader. There were moments that were slow, but my biggest qualm about the book is the unbalanced amount of magic in the book. During the first half of the book, magic is in the background but then it immediately comes to the forefront without any explanations, especially when it comes to major characters who have the ability to shape shift. I wanted to know more about this aspect and I hope it is discussed in the upcoming finale. As a side note, this book is being pitched as a "Mulan" inspired story, which though it features an Asian female character discussed as a boy, Mulan is a story set in China not Japan. Despite my issues, I look forward to reading the conclusion.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong and violent images in the book such as a beheading and Hara-Kiri (death of a samurai by suicide). There is also some crude language too. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.


If you like this book try: Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh (coming in June 2018), Scarlet series by A.C. Gaughen