Review of Under the Never Sky-Veronica Rossi

Aria is a Dweller, living in a pod to protect the community from the hostile world outside.  Peregrine is an Outsider, with skills honed to protect him from the elements.  When Aria is forced out of the pod, her only hope for survival is Peregrine.  Together, they make their way across the dangerous planet, trying to find answers about their two different cultures.  You fall in love with these characters, as they fall in love with each other.  The world created by the author is fascinating and strangely beautiful.  3 Elves - Recommended for older teens.

Review of The Disenchantments

Another suggestion by a bookstore owner and another winner.  This was a great book by Nina LaCour, and I will look for her last novel, Hold Still.  Three interesting teens in an all-girl band (The Disenchantments) with their loyal roadie/supporter, Colby.  Colby has been best friends with Bev, the lead singer, since childhood and is madly in love with her.  He and Bev have big plans for traveling all over Europe in the summer now that they've graduated from high school, but Bev has other, secret plans of her own.  As Colby drives them up to Portland for the band's final tour in a borrowed VW bus, family drama follows them and secrets are revealed.  This book is for older teens.  4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of The Beginning of Everything

This book was suggested by a bookstore owner and I really loved it (thanks, Kathleen!).  Robyn Schneider has created some wonderful characters - you immediately feel their joy and pain.  Ezra is a sports jock/future homecoming king when an accident changes his life.  He no longer feels like a part of the popular kids crowd and reconnects with an old friend from grade school.  When a new girl appears at his high school, he falls hard and so does she.  But, the past comes back to haunt both of them.  This novel is for older teens, but the messages are universal.  4 Elves - highly recommended.