Review of The Sun is Also a Star-Nicola Yoon

I loved her novel, Everything Everything, and this new book doesn't disappoint.  While it's not as shocking or unusual as Yoon's first book, her characters are compelling and the format creative.  Natasha is an undocumented Jamaican living in New York.  With time running out and her whole family due to be deported that night, she makes a trek to immigration authority to make one last plea for clemency.  Also on his way downtown for a college interview, Daniel, a Korean American, is reluctant to go to this appointment because he doesn't really want to go toYale and major in pre-med as his parents insist.  These two teens cross paths and although an unlikely romantic pair, they fall in love and try to change each other's destiny.  You will root for the science-obsessed Natasha and Daniel, the poet, as well as their families and characters they meet in passing.  5 Elves - Highly Recommended for teens and adults

Review of Of Fire & Stars-Audrey Coulthurst

This is not your typical epic fantasy.  Denna goes to a neighboring kingdom to wed the prince and unite their kingdoms.  What the prince doesn't realize is that Denna has magic that she struggles to control; his kingdom punishes anyone suspected of having or using magic.  As Denna tries to keep her secret, she finds herself falling in love with the prince's sister who is engaged to another prince from another kingdom. As Denna tries to hide her magic and her love, an assassination brings the two women together as they try to figure out the murder suspects.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.  4 Elves - Recommended for teens and adults