Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Dertin

Violet has never been ordinary. She can sense the echoes of the missing dead, those who’ve been murdered. They call to her, wanting to be found so that they can rest in peace. She has only told a couple of her closet family members and friends about her special power. But, when she finds a dead boy and the FBI gets involved, many things could change. She doesn’t want her secret to get out for just anyone to know. She’s starting to feel as if there aren’t many people she can trust. She wants to talk to her best friend Jay, but now that they are in a relationship, she feels as if the rules have changed. And she is afraid talking to him will only make him more protective of her. Plus he has been spending a lot more time with his new friend Mike. Violet is beginning to wonder about Mike as he becomes closer with Jay. As she digs through his family history, she finds tragedy and a dark past. She isn’t sure anyone should trust Mike or his family. Is Mike really who he seems? Will Violet put everyone in danger if she keeps these dark secrets about Mike?

 Desires of the Dead is a very creative novel. This sequel to The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting is fantastic. Many times you will find yourself liking the first book in a series more than the second, but that was not the case in this series. I loved the first novel but I felt that Desires of the Dead was more focused and powerful with more emphasis on Violet’s powers than on the love story with Jay. It was a very exciting novel and I absolutely loved and enjoyed reading it. It was definitely one of those novels where you are kind of angry when it ends. I really hope that the story continues with a third book because Derting has a wonderful plots and ideas in this series. The romance, humor, action, and much more make it a perfect novel for any young adult reader.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fairborn, Ohio USA

Rumors of secret societies are always floating around,
especially in a city as big as New York. Nick, Patch,
Lauren, and Phoebe have grown up hearing whispers of a huge
clandestine organization, but they assumed that if there
ever was a secret society, it would have disappeared by
now. So imagine Nick, Lauren and Phoebe's surprise when
they discover that they part of a new class of Initiates of
the Society, a group dedicated to helping its members
achieve their greatest dreams and find sucess. Tattooed
with the symbol of an ankh on their neck, the high
schoolers are roped into lavish parties and find themselves
part of a society that may not be entirely benevolent,
which becomes apparent when body is found dead in Central
Park with the ankh tattoo on the neck.

I really enjoyed reading Secret Society. Secret societies have always
fascinated me and the fact that there could really be an
organization like the one in the novel gives me the creeps.
The Society is pretty evil, and has a lot of power
politically, socially and economically, which is good for
its members and not so good for its opponents. The story is
fast-paced and there is never a dull moment as Nick, Patch,
Lauren and Phoebe try to discover the mysteries of the
Society. The characters were a little boring and one-
dimensional with not much growth or development, but the
stellar plot and pacing make up for the novel's other
faults. Secret Society ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot
wait to read the sequel to find out what happens.
Recommended for fans of mysteries and prep school
stories.

Reviewer Age:19

Reviewer City, State and
Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

The Princess and the unicorn

"The Princess and the Unicorn" by Carol Hughes is a modern fairy tale. It mixes the age-old themes of mystical creatures and royalty with up and coming devices like laptops and cell phones. The plot jolts back and forth between Eleanor (the princess) and Joyce (the fairy). Basically, the unicorn helps keep Joyce's forest thriving. When Eleanor takes the unicorn with her, Joyce just try to get her back. Suspense ensues when someone close to Eleanor betrays her and prevents her from helping her newfound fairy friend.

With a majestic unicorn and blonde princess on the pink cover, readers expect the same old happily ever after story. The book is full of frolicking; right? WRONG. Hughes manages to weave a masterful plot that both engages the readers and makes them think. Additionally, the descriptions take readers to a far away place of fantasy and beauty. A page-turner in every sense of the word, "The Princess and the Unicorn" is a must have for girls that want to be lost in a book that is both girly and 'literarily' strong.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Staten Island, NY USA