Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Split by Swati Avasthi

This book takes the reader on a train wreck of emotions, but you simply cannot stop reading. The main character, Jace, has not seen his older brother Christian since he left their abusive home years ago. But after Jace is kicked out by his dad, he drives from Chicago to Albuquerque and shows up on Christian's doorstep--beaten up and carrying a horrible secret. From the moment Jace arrives in Albuquerque to the very end, this plot hums along and sweeps the reader with it. The characters are well-developed, the plot is masterfully constructed, and despite its difficult topic, this is a beautiful book.

I recommend this book to mature readers who can handle reading about family violence and abuse, but who also like reading about relationships and second chances. It was an emotional read, but I definitely give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Shelter by Harlan Coben

If you like mystery and fast-paced action, you will love this book. Meet Mickey Bolitar--his dad just died, his mom is in rehab, and he's stuck living with his uncle Myron. Mickey doesn't have much to be happy about--until he meets his girlfriend Ashley at school orientation. Ashley is the bright spot in Mickey's days, until she abruptly disappears. Now Mickey will stop at nothing to find Ashley--and to figure out why crazy old Bat Lady said that his dad is still alive....

I recommend this book to readers who like mystery, action, and a small bit of romance. I really liked it, but I'm stingy with 5 star ratings. 4 out of 5 stars!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz



Normally, I struggle to find fantasy books that I like, but this won me over. Lizze Rose and Parsefall are two orphans who become assistants to evil puppeteer Grisini. They suspect that Grisini is trouble, but when wealthy, young Clara disappears after Grisini performs at her birthday party, Lizzie and Parsefall are more than suspicious. Their search for Clara leads them to discover just how evil Grisini can be, and takes them on an adventure to an enchanted castle in Scotland--little do they know that they were lured there by Grisini and a powerful witch named Cassandra. Will they find Clara and escape the castle?

I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy, magic, adventure, mystery, and historical settings. 5 out of 5 stars!