The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey focuses on the gruesome and dark adventures of twelve year old Will Henry, the monstrumologist's apprentice. Monstrumology is the study of monsters and Will lives with the town's elusive doctor of the field. When the narrative opens, Will Henry is awakened in the middle of the night by a knock on the door that will change everything and put all that he holds dear at risk. A gravedigger arrives with the body of a young woman that has been brutally attacked by a member of an exotic species: the headless, human eaters, Anthropophagi. The discovery that the monsters are in America is a stunning revelation that even shocks the doctor. The search for the previously foreign species begins and suddenly, Will Henry is on a quest to seek out and study the monsters, and when they attack his town he becomes part of the hunting party.

The Monstrumologist is a well-written and well-thought out story. The plot, as fantastic and unbelievable as it seems initially, actually seems plausible and the author's unique style of writing draws you into the life of Will Henry immediately. Will is a believable character as well as one that readers will identify with even in his bizarre situation. Will's friendship with the doctor is also interesting and complex,as well as evolving throughout the story. The mood is an ominous one throughout the novel; you can sense that there are twists coming your way but somehow don't expect them when they finally reveal themselves. The novel is written as a journal and it maintains that feel all through. The characters are dynamic and interesting, especially those of Will Henry and the doctor. The aspect of the novel that is the most remarkable is the author's attention to detail. There are many squirm inducing scenes in this novel and it involves plenty of gruesome and horrific descriptions. The language is effective and the detail makes the reader feel very much a part of Will Henry's unsettling saga. This is not a book for the squeamish but if you enjoy a fun, horror-fantasy novel then this is most definitely a must read and a story you will not soon forget.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: San Diego, CA U.S.A

Catherine Locke has always been overweight. It's hard for her to stay away from those candy bars, Diet Cokes, and chips. But when she has to do a science project on hominins, early ancestors of humans, Cat sees herself as the perfect subject. She decides to change her lifestyle and eating habits to those of the hominins, and see if she can be healthy for once in her life. Only eating organic and nutritious foods and walking instead of driving, Cat sees the pounds practically melt away. But with her new body comes a new problem: boys.

I loved this book! I could stop reading Fat Cat. I loved the characters, especially Cat. She was really smart and I thought her science project was so unique. I liked seeing her become healthy and was happy that she finally became comfortable in her own body. I also really enjoyed reading about her foray into the world of boys. Robin Brande really knows how to get into the mind of a teenager and wrote Cat's thoughts and ideas wonderfully.

I loved this book! I could stop reading Fat Cat. I loved the characters, especially Cat. She was really smart and I thought her science project was so unique. I liked seeing her become healthy and was happy that she finally became comfortable in her own body. I also really enjoyed reading about her foray into the world of boys. Robin Brande really knows how to get into the mind of a teenager and wrote Cat's thoughts and ideas wonderfully. I would recommend Fat Cat to any fans of young adult literature.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

The Trouble With Heroes by Denise Little

You've heard of heroes, kings, and Greek myths. Handsome, strong young men, the envy of guys, the want to-be boyfriend of girls, but have you ever wondered what its like to see them all the time, I mean when there's no halo around their head because they just did a great unselfish deed. Because your crazy if you think a cowboy smells good after he's been sitting outside, on his horse, all day, and Robin Hood, is it really too much to ask for you to change clothes every once in a while. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like trying to juggle H. P. Lovecraft's fights around dinner, and dinner dates hardly ever happen when you're dating a superhero.

This was a really creative, well put together book. All 27 stories were unique, and different. Some stories were the light-hearted and laugh out loud type, while others were more serious, some were full of suspense, and a couple were just action. All of the different authors personality's stood out, which helped to create this funny spin on the tales and encounters the girls and women, behind the hero's face. One of the things that really bothered me, though, was that I didn't feel the book was good for the recommended age group, young adult, because of all the innuendo. Some of the content didn't make me feel comfortable nor did it meet up with my religious views. A lot of the story's left me thinking wow but others weren't so greatly written, it's like the author was trying to get somewhere but it didn't work. I didn't enjoy the book so much; but I think someone who knows a lot about the tales of the Greek myths or heroes would REALLY enjoy it.

Mature language and sexual content

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Springtown, Texas United States of America

The Other Side of Blue by Valerie O. Patterson

Cyan is a girl like any other, but she is grieveing over the loss of her father. Every summer for as long as she could remember, her family has traveled to Curacao for summer vacation. Cyan doesn't see the reason of going without dad; especially since it was the place he died. This summer, Cyan does not just need to grieve over her late father but figure out why he was out to sea by himself anyway. Cyan will not stop until she gets some closure, even if it means she has to be nice to a certain island native. This book is a mystery and an adventure until the very end.

Cyan is one of those characters that you just fall in love with. She's a girl who won't give in to the crap her mother spits out but also a sweet girl who's lost her dad. This book had a great story from beginning to end, but the flow was a little slow. The beginning was a little dry, but I was still interested and kept reading. I think the ending could of been a little stronger also, it kind of left me hanging. All in all this was a great book. I loved how Cyan finally saw that her mother wasn't the evil witch of the west but someone who was burned. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little mystery along with some tragedy and grief.


Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mantua, NJ USA

Age 14 by Geert Spillebeen

Patrick Condon in 12-years old in Ireland in 1913. Bored with his everyday life, he leaves home and runs away to join the army. He says he is seventeen years old, takes the name of his older brother, and is known from then on as John Condon. One year later, World War I breaks out and John is swept up in the excitement and adventure. He joins his friends at the front and has his mind set on becoming a hero. No one could have predicted the disastrous end of this young boy's quest to become a hero.

Age 14 by Geert Spillebeen, translated by Terese Edelstein is a historical novel about a young Irish boy in World War I. I was initially drawn to the book because of the time period. History is my passion and I thought this book would be a good read. However, it didn't attract me at all once I'd started. The story was fast-paced and very depressing. I believe it was a true story, but I was very unsure throughout. I wasn't satisfied with the ending because it left much to speculation. A young boy leaving his family to join the army and their terrible reaction isn't comforting either. I personally did not enjoy this book but it's up to the reader to decide for themself.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Braintree, Massachusetts United States

Flash Burnout by L. K. Madigan

Blake is an average sophomore boy who loves photography, making people laugh, and his girlfriend. His perfectly normal life doesn't remain calm when he snaps a picture of an unconscious woman in downtown New York. Blake presents his album to his best friend, Marissa, and soon his life is turned upside down. With one scream of That's my mom! and before anyone could realize it, she is running down the dangerous New York streets searching for her methamphetamine addicted mother. When Marissa doesn't call or show up at school during the next week, Blake begins to worry. Even worse, Blake's girlfriend, Shannon, becomes concerned that he may be favoring Marissa more than her. Will Blake's life crack into two? Will Marissa learn to let go of her mother? Will simple mistakes lead to tragedy?

I loved Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan; I couldn't put it down the moment I read the first page. Throughout the book there are photography terms, so if you aren't familiar with cameras, it might be difficult to understand some parts. The situations are very up-to-date and realistic for today's youth. Flash Burnout is very witty but tragic. I recommend this book to any teenager who wants a surreal and intense comedy.

Has sexual conflicts and drug use.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Osseo, Wisconsin United States

Solace of the Road by Siobjan Dowd

Holly Hogan hasn't had the best life. She was taken from her home when she was very young and has been in and out of foster homes. None of those homes worked out, though, and Holly is done with them. When she is moved in with foster parents again, she starts to remember the good things about her mother. That's the problem, she only remembers the good things. She puts on her foster mom's blonde wig and hits the road, no longer Holly, but Solace. She wants to find her mom. She wants to get those good memories back and she wants to keep them. And besides, Solace is different than Holly was. She is smart and attractive. As she travels the road, she meets kind people and some not-so-kind people. It's a struggle and she has no money. Now that she is on the road as Solace, she remembers the bad things about her mother. Will Solace become Holly again? Or, will she find her mom?

Solace of the Road was a very good novel. It tells an amazing story of a girl, who just wants things to be the way they used to. Everyone feels that way at times so this story was very realistic. Siobhan Dowd did a very good job describing the setting and the character's actions. It was a very interesting, yet exciting novel, leaving me wondering what would happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to all readers who enjoy any young-adult novels.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fairborn, Ohio USA

The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

The book, The Hunchback Assignments is a mystery book about a young hunchback boy that has a mutilated body. The boy, Modo, has a power that allows him to change his face at will. He is raised by a secret orginization called the Permanant Association whose purpose is promote the welfare of London, mainly by fighting the Clockwork Guild, an evil orginization. When a demented scientist of this evil guild decides to put into action a plan that threatens the whole city, Modo and a friend of his must go on an adventure to save London. What they find, though, no one expected. Can the unlikely group find out the mystery to the disease that is overtaking London?

I thought this book had an interesting plot and idea, but the writing style was wrong for the book. The book was confusing at many times, and it lacked descriptive words. I found it a little hard to comprehend what the author meant to say, and it is very easy to get lost in the book. I enjoyed the adventures, and I also liked the main character, Modo. If the author had employed a different writing technique, I believe it could have been much better. As it is, however, I would not recommend this book to any for casual reading.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Towson, MD United States

Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Max used to be a normal person. She went to college, she had a brother and sister, she had a life. That all changed when witch named Giselle turns her into a Shadowblade, a warrior with extreme strength and speed. Max fights for whatever Giselle wants her to and there to be Giselle's personal body guard. Now, her skills will be put to the test. When the Guardians are planning to destroy the human world, they want the witches' help. Giselle wishes to refuse but does not know if how to protect her coven when she denies the request. Max thinks she knows a way but it involves making an alliance with an enemy witch's Shadowblade and fighting with, instead of against, Giselle. Max must decide which need is greater, the need to be free or protect the place she has come to think of as home.

Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis was and amazing book. After I began reading the book I was not able to put it down. There is a really good plot line and the book is filled with adventure along with a touch of romance. The author doesn't put too much detail into things that don't really matter which keeps the book from getting boring. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and likes to read books that aren't in the normal witches and vampires genre.

There is some adult references and some language that younger adults should watch out for, but the book is pretty appropriate for young adults.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana United States of America

What I Wore To Save The World by Maryrose Wood

Morgan needs to figure out what she's going to do with her life, and fast! Her senior year is coming up and she has nothing planned out. She doesn't know where to go to college or what she wants to do with her life. She should have spent time figuring out what to do last summer, but that's when she vacationed in Ireland, fell in love with Colin, a cute Irish boy, and discovered she is a half-goddess. One day, a mysterious note brings Morgan and Colin together again. When she's with Colin, Morgan realizes that she has to save the entire world. She knows she has to tell Colin the truth about her, now, but will he ever believe her if he doesn't believe in magic?

What I Wore To Save The World is a book that gets you hooked from the very beginning. It is a exciting book because it makes you want to keep reading to see what happenes next. Maryrose Wood is a creative writer and used a entertaining plot to make this a captivating book. What I Wore To Save The World is a story with a combination of magic and romance. I would recommend this book to any romance-lovers or anyone who likes anything about magic.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Enon, Ohio USA