Review of A Discovery of Witches & Shadow of Night

These two novels by Deborah Harkness are for adults, but a teen who likes a challenge would enjoy both of them.  The first book starts out a bit slow, but soon you're engrossed in a world of witches, vampires, daemons and alchemy.  The historical references are fun to follow and the love story compelling.  Shadow of Night takes us into the past, with a great feeling for living in earlier times surrounded by famous characters from history (many turn out to be daemons or vampires).  I'm really looking forward to the third and final book in this series.

Review of PRINCESS OF TRELIAN - Knudsen

This sequel to DRAGON OF TRELIAN has everything: lovely headstrong princess, brave young magician, fabulous dragon and an evil mage threatening their kingdom.  It's rare that a sequel is as good as the first book, but this book succeeds where others have failed.  The ending leaves you wanting the next book in the series to be ready to read immediately.  4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of LOKI'S WOLVES by Armstrong & Marr

This thrilling new middle-grade series from YA authors K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr, subtitled The Blackwell Pages, is loads of fun with plenty of Norse myths, wonderful characters and some teen angst on the side.  It reminded me a bit of Percy Jackson & The Olympians, but the characters in this series are descended from Vikings and it's up to them to gather other kids to save the world.  I can't wait for the next installment and highly recommend this fast-paced book.  4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of Wildwood by Colin Meloy

What a wonderful book!  Colin Meloy, singer/songwriter for The Decemberists, has created such an incredible world - set just outside Portland.  Full of magic, danger and fascinating characters with fabulous illustrations, I highly recommend this fantasy.  4 Elves

Review of The Unwanteds: Island of Silence by Lisa McMann

This is the sequel to The Unwanteds, a book that I loved.  The sequel is just as interesting and creative as the first book, but there are some deaths and events that are very disturbing; it is as dark as the last few Harry Potter books but without the character investment that made those books so appealing.  Some of the imagery could give younger readers nightmares -  frankly, it gave me nightmares!  I think this book works better for 11 or 12-year-olds - worth reading but only for older readers.  3 Elves- Recommended with reservations

Review of LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green

Continuing my John Green marathon, I recently finished LOOKING FOR ALASKA.  There were some great characters and interesting philosophical questions in this book, but I wouldn't recommend it for young teens.  Because of the excessive smoking and drinking, I would say readers 16 and up would be a better audience for this work.  Recommended - three Elves

Review of PAPER TOWNS by John Green

After loving The Fault in Our Stars, I'm now catching up on John Green novels.  The main character in Paper Towns is Quentin, a nerdish, video-playing senior in high school.  Quentin has always played it safe, at least until Margo Roth Spiegelman climbs into his bedroom window one night and takes him on a wild adventure.  Suddenly, playing it safe is less appealing and after Margo disappears, Quentin needs to step up his game and try to find her.  But the Margo he thought he knew is full of surprises and he realizes he probably never really knew her, but he is learning more about himself and his friends.  Recommended - three Elves