Patron Book Review ~ Hollow City

Hollow City (Miss Peregrine #2) by Ransom Riggs
Published: 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal,
Description:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011 - an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled audiences and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it "an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters."

This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine's island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other surprises.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly creepy) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight fantasy fans of all ages.

Review by patron, Anonymous:   
The book is creative and original. It is an intense and gripping story that can be difficult to understand at times.

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Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may get published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Book Review ~ Angel

Angel (Maximum Ride #7) by James Patterson
Published: 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Description:
In the seventh book in the bestselling series, evil scientists are still trying to convince Max that she needs to save the world, this time by providing the genetic link in speeding up the pace of evolution. Worse, they're trying to convince her that her perfect mate is Dylan, the newest addition to the flock. The problem is that, despite herself, Max is starting to believe it.

Fang travels the country collecting his own gang of evolved humans, but the two separate flocks must unite to defeat a frightening doomsday cult whose motto isSave the Planet: Kill the Humans. And this time, the true heroine, for once, might just be little Angel.

Review by patron, Isabelle:
This book is very good and very detailed. With the great details you could picture everything happening. The book is very sad at the end and I don't understand how James Patterson can write this stuff.

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Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may get published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Review ~ The Kings of Clonmel

The King[s] of Clonmel (Ranger's Apprentice #8) by John Flanagan
Published: 2008
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Action/Adventure

Description:
Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?

Review by patron, Anonymous: 

Awesome book. good for reading on a trip.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Review ~ Erak's Ransom

Erak's Ransom (Ranger's Apprentice #7) by John Flanagan
Published: 2006
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Action/Adventure

Description:
When Erak, the Skandian Oberjarl, is taken hostage during a raid on the desert lands to the south of the Constant Sea, his second-in-command, Svengal, is sent to bring back a ransom for Erak's release. Halt and Will must go with Svengal to deliver the ransom and secure Erak's freedom, but a royal presence is needed too. The Princess Cassandra - or Evanlyn, as Will knows her - persuades her father to let her go with them. Horace and the Ranger Gilan round out the group to make sure that Evanlyn is well protected. But will violent sandstorms, warring tribes and danger at every turn keep them from reaching Erak in time? The seventh book takes us back to the final year of Will's apprenticeship, before the events related in Books 5 and 6.

Review by patron, Anonymous: 

Quick read adventure. Good book.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Book Review ~ The Hunters

The Hunt[ers] (Brotherband Chronicles #3) by John Flanagan
Published: 2012
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Action/Adventure

Description:
The bestselling epic continues!

Hal and his brotherband crew are hot on the trail of the pirate Zavac and they have one thing only on their minds: Stopping the bloodthirsty thief before he can do more damage. Of course, they also know Zavac has the Andomal, the priceless Skandian artifact stolen when the brotherband let down their guard. The chase leads down mighty rivers, terrifying rapids, to the lawless fortress of Ragusa. If Hal is to succeed, he will need to go beyond his brotherband training. He will need to challenge the pirate one-on-one, knowing only one of them will survive.

The epic series from Ranger's Apprentice author John Flanagan continues, delivering pulse-pounding adventure and fun.

Review by patron, Anonymous: 

Amazing book brings you closer to the characters.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Review ~ The Invaders

The Invaders (Brotherband Chronicles #2) by John Flanagan
Published: 2012
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Action/Adventure

Description:
The adventure continues in the Ranger's Apprentice companion trilogy!

Hal and the Herons have done the impossible. This group of outsiders has beaten out the strongest, most skilled young warriors in all of Skandia to win the Brotherband competition. But their celebration comes to an abrupt end when the Skandians' most sacred artifact, the Andomal, is stolen--and the Herons are to blame.

To find redemption they must track down the thief Zavac and recover the Andomal. But that means traversing stormy seas, surviving a bitter winter, and battling a group of deadly pirates willing to protect their prize at all costs. Even Brotherband training and the help of Skandia's greatest warrior may not be enough to ensure that Hal and his friends return home with the Andomal--or their lives.

Review by patron, Anonymous: 

Fast past fantisy. Hooked on the first chapter.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Book Review ~ The Outcasts

The Outcast[s] (Brotherband Chronicles #1) by John Flanagan
Published: 2011
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Action/Adventure

Description:
They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing.

John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books.

Review by patron, Anonymous: 

Well righten book. Suprising twists.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews or comments will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

Patron Book Review ~ Dragon Keeper

Dragon Keeper (Dragonkeeper, bk #1) by Carole Wilkinson
Published: 2003
Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Description:
An orphan slave girl becomes a Dragon Keeper when she heroically comes to the aid of an aging dragon and both go on a dangerous journey across China to protect a mysterious stone vital to the dragon's legacy.


Review by patron, Anonymous:  
I liked how a slave girl in the beginning changed into a hero at the end of the book.

Patron Book Review ~ The Sea of Monsters

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2 by Rick Riordan
Published: 2006
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Description:
Demi-god Percy Jackson and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp. But first Percy will discover a secret that makes him wonder whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or a cruel joke.

Review by patron, Jesse:

I liked the story and where it took them also learning about the monsters.

Have you been to a library program or read a book you'd like to review? Send it to kwill@lmelibrary.org and it may be published!

First names only are used in all reviews for privacy. Inappropriate or defamatory reviews will not be posted.

Reviews are typed exactly as patrons submitted them. The LME Library is not responsible for any incorrect or misspelled information contained in reviews by patrons.

New Teen Books 2/4/14!

We just got in 14 new books for our "Y" (young adult) section. There are long awaited sequels, fantasy, dystopian, sci-fi, paranormal and more.

Burn (Pure Trilogy #3):
The stunning conclusion to the trilogy that began with Pure, recommended by People for those who loved The Hunger Games. With his father now dead, Partridge has assumed leadership of the Dome, one of the last few refuges from the ravaged wastelands of the outside world. At first, Partridge is intent on exposing his father's lies, taking down the rigid order of the Dome, and uniting its citizens with the disfigured Wretches on the outside. But from his new position of power, things are far more complex and potentially dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

Pawn (Blackcoat Rebellion #1):

YOU CAN BE A VII IF YOU GIVE EVERYTHING.
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked--surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed...and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose--and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE NEW BOOKS!!!

Book Review ~ Witch and Wizard

Cover Courtesy of Fantastic Fiction.

Witch and Wizard (Witch and Wizard, bk 1) by James Patterson

Published: December 2009
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Description from Fantastic Fiction:

The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

YA Staff Review:

This book combines elements of Harry Potter, Matched, and Hunger Games in an interesting way. The government controls everything. There is no creativity allowed because it cannot be controlled. Everyone is under the rule of “The One Who is the One. You either do as he says or you are vaporized by The One. Magic is strictly forbidden. This book reads quickly and alternates narration between Whit and Wisty. Sometimes it gets a bit confusing but well worth the read.

There are currently three books out in this series with a fourth projected to be out in 2013.

Book Review ~ A Great and Terrible Beauty

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, book 1) by Libba Bray
Published: Sept. 2007
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Description:
A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.

Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy. (Ages 12 up) -Patty Campbell

YA Staff Review:
I really enjoyed this book. There are parts that make me think of Harry Potter (discovering you’re something more than you thought you were), Mean Girls (new girl dislikes the main clique of girls and the way they treat others but joins them to try), and Ghost Whisperer but is enough different to not be annoyingly copycat.

Book Review ~ Immortal Rules

Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, book 1) by Julie Kagawa
Published: April 2012
Genre: Fantasy/Horror

Description:
My vampire creator told me this: "Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. Accidentally or as a conscious, deliberate act, it is unavoidable. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?"

I didn't then, not really.

I do now.

YA Staff Review:
Human’s have become cattle to the vampires and they know it. Registered humans are required to give blood to the vampires in exchange for food, shelter and protection from the rabids, mindless monsters that will attack and devour any living thing. The unregistered humans refuse to be the vampire’s cattle and must beg, trade and steal to survive. Allison hates all vampires for killing her mother. She is an unregistered human and she refuses to support the vampire prince of her territory. On a scavenging run finds her life turned upside down. She has only seconds to decide…Die as a human or live forever as the thing she most despises.

Book Review ~ Wicked Lovely

Cover Courtesy of
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Published: December 2007
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Description from Fantastic Fiction:
The clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in this cool, urban 21st century faery tale. Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries. Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world, and would blind her if they knew of her Sight. Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer. Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King and has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost! Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working any more, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

YA Staff Review:
This isn’t your Tinkerbell fairytale. Based on Irish fairy lore this book explains some of the history of faery and one modern girls destiny to collide with it. Aislinn (Ash) is raised to dispise and fear the fae. Raised by her grandmother, Ash has learned important rules to keep her faery Sight unknown to the fae for her own protection. She has seen how faeries love to play tricks on humans whom can’t see them. If you like this book it is only the first in the series. Melissa Marr has finished this series so you don’t have to wait for the final book to be published to see how this series wraps up.

Series Order:

1. 1.       Wicked Lovely (2007)
2. 2.       Ink Exchange (2008)
3. 3.       Fragile Eternity (2009)
4. 4.       Radiant Shadows (2010)
5. 5.       Darkest Mercy (2011)

Book Review ~ My Boyfriend Is a Monster Series

My Boyfriend Is a Monster: I Love Him to Pieces by  Evonne Tsang

Cover Courtesy of
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

Published: April 2011
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy

Description from Fantastic Fiction:

Can love survive the zombie apocalypse? Maybe Dicey's first chance at a real relationship was dead from the start. She's the star of her high school baseball team, and Jack's the star of the science program. Her idea of a study session includes sleeping in the sun, and his idea of a good game involves dungeons and dice. But opposites start attracting when they're assigned to be partners in a class project. Now an outbreak of a weird infection--it eats your brains and leaves you hungry for more--might not mean just the end of their first date. It might mean the end of everything. Will their relationship fall apart faster than zombies in the Florida sun, or can Dicey and Jack beat the odds and find a happy ending?

YA Staff Review:
This was a cute quick read. I liked how Dicey never gave up on Jack or their relationship. The first time you see Dicey talk to Jack is quite entertaining. I actually was shocked when I got to the last page. I thought the story could have continued for a while longer. If you are in the mood for a quick romance give this a try. No need for long descriptions of characters or locations with this fully illustrated graphic novel. I find this gives my brain a rest from imagining these things so I can concentrate more on the dialog and story line.

Book Review ~ Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Cover Art Courtesy of  http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/. 

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Published: February 2009
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Description from Fantastic Fiction:

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn't fit into Jessica Packwood's senior year "get-a-life' plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth--and he's her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war--and save Lucius's soul from eternal destruction.

YA Staff Review:
Why do we fight the hardest when we are told we are required to do something? Our choices and free will taken away? To me this has a bit of a "Country Mouse; City Mouse" feel as Lucius grew up around strict decorum and Jessica is comparatively a country bumpkin. She learns to enjoy the regal things in life and Lucius finds denim and basketball quite enjoyable. I found if funny the letters Lucius writes describing his "Americanization."

Frankly, I don't know how I missed this book when it first came out? You shouldn't judge a book by it's publication date either, LOL! Currently there are just two books in this series along with an "online only" segue book filling you in on some things that happened between book 1 and 2. "Jessica 1.5" can be read on the author's site here.