The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief begins the adventures of Eugenides, or Gen, who once bragged that he could steal anything. He stole the King's seal ring--but got caught doing so, and was thrown in prison. Now, he's out, as the King's magus needs a talented thief. What's he going after? Only an ages-old treasure in a foreign kingdom that gives its owner the right to the throne. The magus believes Gen is only a tool--but this thief has plans of his own.

While this book was a little slow pulling me in, it quickly made up for that with wonderful adventures, three-dimensional characters, and amazing writing. Gen is a character readers are sure to fall in love with, and I know I won't be alone in reading his further adventures in The Queen Of Attolia as soon as possible. Megan Whalen Turner keeps her readers guessing--just when you think you've got it all figured out, Gen surprises you! She's a talented writer, with a gift for world-building and characterization that readers will love. This book is one that shouldn't be missed!


Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Princess Nevermore by Dian Curtis Regan

Princess Quinn of Mandria, one of the hidden underground kingdoms that magical beings fled to long ago, has always been curious about Outer Earth, the whole other world on the surface. She has seen many Outer Earth people come and go from the footbridge above the wishing pool in the wizard Melikar's chamber, the only window between the two worlds. She and her childhood playmate, the wizard's apprentice Cam, have long dreamed of a fantastic journey to Outer Earth, but when Cam finds the spell to send them there, things do not go as planned. First of all, only Quinn makes it to the surface. Secondly, and most gravely, she does not know how to return to Mandria.

Princess Nevermore is a wonderful modern-day fairy tale sure to be a hit with readers of all ages. I think I would have enjoyed it just as much at age nine or ten as I do now, and it'll surely remain a favorite of mine! It's full of magic, adventure, mystery, and wonderful, relatable characters. There's also a nice love story mixed in! Quinn's world is a fascinating one, created by a talented author, and one to which I will be glad to return when I pick up the sequel to this book, Cam's Quest.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes

Martha Boyle had never known Olive Barstow very well. She had always known her as the quiet on in the class of which she had to feel sorry for. No one really liked Olive and now, she was gone. Not much of a disappearance to anyone though, such a shame to find such a young and beautiful girl on the side of the road. She had been hit by a car one day while riding her bike. Olive's Mother found her way to Martha's house with a diary entry that she had written. Never seen the Ocean? How did she think Martha was so nice since, she had never really talked to her before. Martha visits her GrandMother, Godbee, near the ocean and finds far more than she ever thought she would. Love, betrayal, confusion, and fear surrounds her trip. Soon she finds her heart's desires and without a doubt, a heart desires her. It's no use lieing to the world anylonger. Martha's secret will dwell no longer!

Olive's Ocean was a very quick read and I must admit that, this book did not catch my interest quite as I had hoped. This book is definately for younger readers. It was a beautifully written book although it did not quite catch my interest for a few reasons. The character in the story is 12 years old and young romance is too slow moving for older teenagers. When you find yourself further in the book, it definately starts to get Juicy!

This book is meant for younger readers but does mention subjects such as sex but in a modest manner. Kissing and holding hands is also in the book but that is of no matter.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

The Shalamar Code by Mary Louise Clifford

This book is about Mumtaz's adventures in Pakistan's criminal underworld. Mumtaz is a girl from a wealthy family in Pakistan. Her brother likes to gamble, and he owes fifteen thousand rupees to his bridge friends. In order to make up this debt, he promises to deliver a package of cigarettes to a seedy character who calls himself Moocher. However, when there is a mix up, Mumtaz is forced to help her brother get out of a tight spot. She enlists the help of her friend, Rashid. Mumtaz and Rashid discover that there is more to the package of cigarettes then what first meets the eye. Hidden in the package is a secret message. Together, Mumtaz and Rashid discover a plot that could endanger none other than Mumtaz's father. They create a plan that will destroy Moocher's plot. However, when the plan backfires, Mumtaz and Rashid are in serious trouble. They will have to do some quick thinking if they wish to save Mumtaz's father and themselves!

This book is a quick read; it is very fast paced. The description of life in Pakistan seems very realistic. The characters are also well-developed. I especially liked the author makes the criminal Moocher's character believable. I also really liked that the author shows the reader some the motives of the criminals. It gives the reader an unusual perspective. However, I thought the plot was rather predictable. The book's plot seems like a thriller, but the action in the book is slow.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana , Illinois United States

Private by Kate Brian

Reed Brennan has waited a long time to get away from her family problems, so when she receives a scholarship to Easton Academy, she leaves as soon as possible. She immediately stands out as the new kid, not as smart, or rich, or beautiful enough as everyone else. But when she is allowed to hang out with the Billings Girls, the most exclusive girls on campus, Reed jumps at the chance and does their every bidding. The more Reed spends time with the Billings girls, the more she realizes how dangerous they really are. But the girls aren't her only problem. She also isolates her roommate and has bad luck with boys on campus. But when Reed realizes what she's gotten into, it's too late to get away.

I thought this book was great! Kate Brian gets better and better with every book she writes. Private exceeded my expectations. Once I started this, I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Reed was an interesting character to read about. The story really sucks you in as well. I was really excited when I found out that there are 3 three other books in the series. I'm giong to pick them up as soon as possible.

Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

Busted by Phil Bildner

As a lot of us know, High school has way to much drama. It's a wonder that most of the adults you see even made it through those tedious four years. But in Phil Bildner's new book Busted, if you get caught, you don't make it. It doesn't matter if you are busted for being high, bullying, gambling, or breaking the zero-tolerance policy. If you are busted, you will have a lot to pay. Your consequences could include not going to prom, not being able to graduate, or even being sent to jail. If you are ever sent to Creek High school, you better watch out and obey the rules. Don't get busted like they did.

I enjoyed reading this book. I felt like all the stories and ways that people were acting prepared me for High school. But if these stories are based from a teachers experiences, it also made me fell a little scared. Especially because of Andre, the school bully. All through the story I hade chills running up And down my spine. Listening to him terrorizing people the way he did made me want to run away and hide. But I couldn't do that. It was almost as if the book was hypnotizing me, making me read all the thrilling stories that Phil Bildner created. So if you want a terrific school story, get caught reading this new book, Busted.

sexual references, drug use, laungauge

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America

Holdup by Terri Fields

A group of seventeen and eighteen year olds who don't know each other. The only thing they have in common is the grease stains on their uniforms. Until now. When two gunman come to the fast food joint where they work, they must all band together to fight the people who are capable of killing them. All they have to do is give the man his money. If only it were that simple. In the captivating novel by Terri Fields, Holdup is unlike other novels. You are able to read from nine point of views from the lives that were affected that night, as the drama unfolds. Will they make it? And when the gun goes off, who's hit?

I have never read a book like Holdup, but now that I have, I am thirsty for more Terri Fields novels. In this dramatic book, you are unable to leave the book unread. I had to know what would happen next, all the time. You could feel the pain, suffering, confusion in each of the persons lives. Not a lot of people can do that, and that Terri Fields can makes her a truly special author. I believe that this book is for people who like thriller tales and for those who like knowing how all people react to the same situation. But this books is one of the best book I have read in a while, so I think just about anyone could enjoy Holdup!

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America

The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

The Mother-Daughter Book Club is comprised of four girls; Emma, Megan, Jess and Cassie; and their mothers. Well, all except for Jess's mother, who's off in NY acting on a soap opera. The club was started by the mothers, and the girls aren't particularly happy with having to hang out with each other. Megan would rather be spending time with her popular friends; Cassie would rather be playing hockey; Jess would rather be with her mom; and Emma would like to be writing or reading quietly. But who knows - maybe a whole year of reading and discussing Little Women together will bring the unlikely quartet into a fresh outlook of each other.

The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA

The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

The Mother-Daughter Book Club is comprised of four girls; Emma, Megan, Jess and Cassie; and their mothers. Well, all except for Jess's mother, who's off in NY acting on a soap opera. The club was started by the mothers, and the girls aren't particularly happy with having to hang out with each other. Megan would rather be spending time with her popular friends; Cassie would rather be playing hockey; Jess would rather be with her mom; and Emma would like to be writing or reading quietly. But who knows - maybe a whole year of reading and discussing Little Women together will bring the unlikely quartet into a fresh outlook of each other.

The chapters in the book rotate between each of the girls' viewpoints. Their voices weren't particularly distinct, and I found it difficult to keep track of all the names. The writing wasn't outstanding, but it certainly was a cute little book. A fun, fluffy story that's perfect for a rainy day You'll especially like it if you're familiar with Little Women.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA

Tasting the Sky by Ibtisam Barakat

After her entire life being told to forget, Ibtisam Barakat will remember and piece together her childhood in war-ravaged Israel. Her memories show the hardships of war and truly what it is like to be a refugee. As a child Ibtisam finds happiness and relief in her Arabic language, the way someone would when seeing family. When older she writes pen pals around the world, giving her tastes of different cultures, governments, and freedoms from language. As more of a six-day war, a goat, and a lost shoe, comes back to Ibtisam, she will have to put these shards of memory together, to fully remember her childhood.

The insightful memoir Tasting the Sky, by Ibtisam Barakat, gives us a glimpse of a misunderstood culture through the blood-shot eyes of a 3 year-old refugee. Right off the bat, I was pulled into a gritty world as Ibtisam barely squeaks out a word, with an almost soulless looking soldier frighteningly barking broken Arabic down her throat. She is defined through her childhood memories, and as the book progresses, you see the evolution of the character, and how she grew up into who Ibtisam is now. Although the beginning of the novel was fast paced, the middle slowed down and I found myself losing some interest, like being handed puzzle pieces that don’t fit together. What kept me reading was the beautiful detail, which felt like reading art, like on page 7, when it states “Lighting a cigarette from the dying ember of the one he has just finished and filling his chest with the flavor of fire, he makes frog cheeks and blows smoke rings that widen like binoculars as he glances at us through the smoky panel. He looks at us as though we are only suitcases in his custody.” Towards the end, the picture formed and all the pieces fit together. If Tasting the Sky was consistent with the pace throughout the entire book, it would be a great deal better, but with believable characters, an original story and simply beautiful detail, this memoir is a fantastic read.

Content:2
During a walk home from school Ibtisam was almost raped, but fought back and got away. This only takes place on about 2 pages though. Also, the mother was almost sexually assaulted by two soldiers forcing the family to move. It could have been more graffic or detailed so I gave Tasting the Sky a 2 as a content rating.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mount laurel, New Jersey USA