Review of Fated-Alyson Noel

When sixteen-year-old Daire starts freaking out and having hallucinations in Morocco, her mother calls in medical help and keeps her drugged.  Finally, she sends her to live with Daire's late father's mother in New Mexico.  Unhappy at first, Daire realizes that her grandmother is helping her to control these events and discovers this is part of her destiny.  When she meets a boy she's dreamed of often, this is yet another piece of her journey.  In a town filled with magic and Native American spirits, Daire and this boy become more powerful together and great things await them in future books.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens

Review of Tandem-Anna Jarzab

I randomly picked this book to read and initially, I didn't love it.  But I'm glad I stayed with it because it quickly became very interesting.  The concept of parallel universes is not new, but this book has a fresh take on it.  Sixteen-year-old Sasha suddenly finds herself in another world, posing as a princess with an arranged marriage looming.  Wanting to go home to her new life, she finds herself torn between two worlds and two young men, competing for her affection.  I'll be looking for the sequel, Tether, when it comes out this year.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens

Review of Gilt-Katherine Longshore

Set in the court of Henry VIII, this novel is centered around the best friend of Catherine Howard, Henry's ill-fated wife. Her friend, Kitty, is brought to court after a humble upbringing and is shocked at the luxury and decadence of court life.  She also sees her friend making catastrophic decisions, including taking lovers and trusting the wrong people.  The descriptions of living conditions in 15th century London are very thorough and also fascinating.  From the squalor of conditions outside court to the glitter (and gilt) of Henry's court, Longshore takes you there and keeps you interested.  I'll be looking for her sequels, Tarnish and Brazen.  4 Elves-Highly recommended for teens

Review of Speak-Laurie Halse Anderson

An award-winning and controversial book when it was published 15 years ago, this novel is still relevant for teens today.  In the summer before the start of freshman year, Melinda attends a party.  During the party, something happens and she calls the police for help, but her friends and classmates think she busted the party.  As she starts her first year of high school, her friends (and even students who don't know her) ostracize her but she can't speak a word in her defense.  Finally when the  horrible school year is ending, she is forced to speak out to save an old friend from a boy who isn't what he seems.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens 

Review of Night School-C.J. Daugherty

A debut novel by an award-winning journalist, this novel starts out predictably, but gets more interesting as it progresses.  Allie is a troubled teen who is sent to a boarding school after yet another school asks her to leave.  Hating the school at first, the academy grows on her as she begins to make friends.  But there are secrets and dangers hiding behind the strict rules of the school.  When a murder is discovered after a dance, Allie is afraid that she's next.  The ending leaves the reader awaiting a sequel.  3 Elves - Recommended for teens