Review of We Were Liars-e.lockhart

Haunting, disturbing, smart and unforgettable, this novel is unlike anything else written by the author.  It's the kind of book that you want to talk about but can't because you don't dare discuss the ending.  So, all I can say about it is to read it.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of The Sorcerer Heir-Cinda Williams Chima

A welcome addition to the Heir Chronicle series, this novel wraps up the finale nicely but also leaves the story open for a sequel (hint, hint...).  The only issue I had with the book was following all of the characters and complicated storyline, especially since it had been awhile since I had read the previous books in the series.  I would recommend reading The Enchanter Heir at least before reading the final book.  4 Elves - Highly recommended

Review of Dirty Wings-Sarah McCarry

The second book in her trilogy, this novel is a punk-rock goth retelling of the myth of Persephone.  Maybe because the style was similar to the first book and not as fresh, I didn't love this book as much as the first.  But the characters draw you in, telling their story as a prequel to the tale of the two friends from All Our Pretty Songs.  I will be curious to read the series finale, About a Girl. 3 Elves - Recommended for teens

Review of All Our Pretty Songs-Sarah McCarry

A punk-rock retelling of the Orpheus legend, this YA novel is haunting with creepy images, lyrical prose  and romantic love mixed with magic.  It reminded me a bit of Wicked Lovely, especially the evil characters, but there is also much love between best friends and the love for a mysterious musician who threatens to tear the friendship apart.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens

Review of The Rosie Project-Graeme Simsion

Professor Tillman lives his life as a slave to his schedule - down to the minute.  He is socially inept and afraid that he'll never meet a woman, so he comes up with the idea of the Wife Project.  His survey is supposed to filter out smokers, vegetarians and other undesirable habits but when Rosie is introduced by a friend who's helping him with the project, he's shocked to learn that she smokes, is often late and doesn't eat red meat, among other faults.  The real surprise is that Rosie has brought fun into his life and though unlikely wife material, he may be falling in love - an emotion he's not sure he can feel.  I loved this book! The professor is unforgettable and so is Rosie; the novel is quirky & unpredictable.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for YA & adult readers

Review of the Queenof the Tearling-Erika Johansen

I loved this book!  Although it is intended for adults, this epic fantasy would be equally enjoyed by older juvenile and YA readers.  A young princess, Kelsea, grows up away from her family and the court.  When it is time for her to be crowned as queen, she must first battle her uncle for the throne and then try to repair the damage her late mother created throughout the kingdom.  As Kelsea becomes stronger and more focused, she find allies in unexpected places - allies she will need to battle an evil sorceress.  This is the first book in a trilogy, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.  4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of Glass Sentence-S.E. Grove

A century after the Great Disruption, mapmaking becomes very important in this world of continents with different time zones.  Sophia comes from a family of explorers & cartologers and lives with her cartologer uncle Shadrack after her explorer parents go missing.  When Shadrack is kidnapped, Sophia must set out into unknown territory to find & rescue him.  Helping her is her new friend, Theo, and danger follows them as they travel across a fractured land to an uncertain future.  I enjoyed the complicated world created by this author but craved a bit more character development.  Also, I was disappointed in the maps; for a book all about maps, some areas traveled by Sophia & Theo aren't shown. The epilogue points to a sequel (maybe the maps will make more sense in the second book).  3 Elves - Recommended for juvenile, teen & adult readers