Review of Fate of the Tearling-Erika Johansen

Johansen's first book in the series, The Queen of the Tearling, was a fresh entry in the epic fantasy genre; the world she created was original and her characters well-developed.  Her second book, The Invasion of the Tearling, was as its title suggested: the horror of war as another kingdom invades; this novel was too warlike and gruesome for my taste, especially the torture scenes.  Her final book, The Fate of the Tearling, is less bloody and sends the reader back and forth through time.  Although at times I wished for a spreadsheet to keep all the characters from the past & present straight, I enjoyed this final book for its resolution to a complicated issue.  The ending is surprising but strangely satisfying.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for mature teens and adults

Review of Heartless-Marissa Meyer

I loved Meyer's Lunar Chronicles, a creative mix of science-fiction & fantasy, but didn't love her latest novel as much.  Her other series was a fresh take on classic fairy tales but in this book, she takes on Wonderland.  It tells the backstory of the Queen of Tarts, who never wanted to marry the king; she just wanted to open a bakery and be with the king's joker, the love of her life.  But there is political intrigue in the kingdom and finding out the truth may cost her her dream. Because Wonderland is already an established world, there wasn't as much room for Meyer to let her imagination soar. 3 Elves - Recommended for teens and adults

Review of What Light-Jay Asher

Because I loved his book Thirteen Reasons Why, I was excited when Asher's new book was published.  Unfortunately although it's a nice enough story, I felt like I was reading a script for a Hallmark holiday movie.  It was a light romance, without any huge conflicts or revelations.  Not a terrible book, but not a great one either.  2 Elves - Lightly recommended for fans of Hallmark movies

Review of Crooked Kingdom-Leigh Bardugo

I loved her novel, Six of Crows and this sequel is even better.  The world that Bardugo creates is very complex but these two books are more accessible than her previous trilogy, and the resolution more positive.  Her characters are complicated but so very likable.  The book is thrilling, with fascinating dialogue and gorgeous descriptions.  There is a steam-punk flavor to the story, along with capers, slavery and magic.  Fabulous!  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of Because You'll Never Meet Me-Leah Thomas

Ollie and Moritz are best friends but they can never meet.  Ollie is deathly allergic to electricity and lives like a hermit in the woods of the Upper Peninsula.  Moritz must have a pacemaker and other electrical implants to be able to see and function; he lives in Germany.  Because they are both lonely, a doctor brings them together as pen pals and their friendship slowly grows.  But, Ollie and Moritz are linked by more than their handicaps as each encourages the other to stretch their boundaries.  Both teens are unusual and compelling; you find yourself rooting for them, hoping they'll manage to meet someday.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of Ink and Bone

I loved this novel, the first in the Great Library series.  Set in a world where ownership of books is forbidden, the great library controls all the books and the populace.  War is raging worldwide but the library only cares about defending the books and its power.  When Jess enters training to be a scholar for the library, secrets are discovered and he learns that the library values control over human life.  The characters in this novel, including Jess, are compelling and stay strong even when confronting danger.  I am anxiously awaiting the sequel!  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child-Rowling/Tiffany/Thorne

Based on a new story by J.K. Rowling, this is a script from the new play rather than a novel.  Because it's a script, the reader must use their imagination to fill in the scenes but because of past visuals of the Potter world, I found it easy to supply scenery and details.  The story is a bit convoluted but always keeps your interest.  Harry's youngest son, Albus, tries to fix a problem caused by Potter's famous legacy and soon realizes that he's changed everything... and not for the better.  3 Elves - Recommended for readers young and old