Prodigy by Marie Lu
Allee's Rating: ★★★

Review:
This book is about a future United States that is warring with itself. Day and June are tasked with assassinating the new Elector of the Republic, and are part of a grand scheme to take it over and restore peace with the hope of returning the United States to its former glory. But is June, originally born and raised in the Republic, ready to kill? Loyalties will be tested.

Children of Icarus by Caighlan Smith
Teodora's Rating: ★★★

Review:
Every year, children from the ages ten to sixteen are chosen to become angels. Their task is simple: enter the temple dedicated to Icarus. A dream for many, but a lie for all. There are no angels, only monsters. When a girl enters the maze with her best friend, Clara, she learns just how cruel the labyrinth is. Will she, and her new acquaintances in the deadly maze, ever find the end and return home safe?
Children of Icarus could've been a really good book if it weren't for one fatal flaw: the main character. She is so dull that she is hardly given a backstory and lacks any name. This is a bold play from the typical main characters as she seems like a background character more than anything. This is the first book in a trilogy; so I am hoping for some redemption for this poor character. More mystery prepares the next books for one high-paced adventure and even prepares the main character for change. Every time the author describes the interactions between the characters and the monsters of the labyrinth, I could not dare to put the book down. I'm looking forward to future books in this series and would recommend it to people who enjoyed The Maze Runner series.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Lydia's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Through the eyes of 3 women in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi you are able to see and feel what is is like to be in a southern town during segregation. Abileen and Minny, two black maids, tell the tale of fear and depression for what their lives are and what they could become. Skeeter Phelan learns that although she has had a hard life, she is white and better off than black people, but she can't leave it at that. Skeeter has an idea, write a book telling what it is like to live as a black maid, but will it become a success or fail even before it starts?
This book is worth at least one read through if not more!

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Kai's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
The Hobbit is a great book about an ordinary and rich hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo goes on an adventure to help the Dwarfs take back their home.
I really liked this book because it was a great page turner and was very exciting. There was a lot of fantasy involved and I think that people who love to read adventure and fantasy stories will love to read this book.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, non-adventurous life, living in The Shire. Then Gandalf the wizard and thirteen dwarves show up on his doorstep and tell him they want him to accompany them on a dangerous adventure to reclaim the hoard of treasure stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug. Bilbo reluctantly joins them on their quest, encountering trolls, goblins, elves, giant spiders, and deep within a cave, a creature known as Gollum protects a special ring. 
This is an amazing book! It has a really good story line and it can make you laugh (and possibly cry). There aren't a lot of details that Tolkien threw in there that you have to get through. It's a great book and I think anyone would enjoy it! 

A World Without You by Beth Revis
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Bo has a secret. He is a hero learning how to control his time-traveling powers at an academy meant for kids just like him. But it's all in his mind. When his girlfriend at the academy with the "power" to turn invisible commits suicide, Bo believes that she is only stuck in time and he can save her. Bo's world quickly falls apart as he begins to understand reality and break away from the fantasy in his mind. 
A summary can not do A World Without You justice. The entire time reading it, I was delightfully surprised by just how vivid and convincing Bo's mind really was even though I, the reader, knew it was all a lie. For example, Bo describes the time stream as being a collection of strings, a tapestry of fate, with frayed ends leading to numerous futures. Such colorful writing that really exemplifies 'show, don't tell' is just one of the reason's why Beth Revis's book is a must-read. Bo's sister, Phoebe, gives her point-of-view in various chapters; a clever plot device to bring readers in touch with reality including her own story with all its troubles. Filled with so many great characters, beautiful writing, and a most intriguing concept, I was sucked into this book. The ending, though I won't spoil anything, managed to make me feel sad, yet smile. Would recommend to all; especially those who are interested in the inner workings of the mind. 

Story Thieves: The Stolen Chapters by James Riley
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Owen Conners and fictional magician Kiel Gnomenfoot wake up in a burning library with absolutely no memory as to how they got there. Then they're told by a weird guy in a question mark mask and a Sherlock Holmes hat, that Bethany , their half fictional friend, is in great danger, and if they don't figure out where they are, where she is, and why, she'll drown. Unfortunately they can't figure out why Kiel has lost his magic, why the police are after Owen, and why they can't remember what happened before they woke up. Can Owen and Kiel save Bethany and escape? Or will it be too late by the time they get to her?
This is a really great book! There are so many twist and turns, you won't want to put it down! Since their memories were erased, the books starts several chapters in, so that kind of gives the story it's own original twist, which admittedly, I found confusing at first but once you read the first chapter it all makes sense. The author is really talented and knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! This is the second book in the Story Thieves series, so if you've read it's prequel and you liked it, you'll fall in love with this book as well! 

Magi Volume 3 by Shinobu Ohtaka
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
After being found by the desert-faring Kouga tribe, Aladdin begins to learn about the legendary bird-like Rukhs that he can see when others can't and what they symbolize. Adjusting to the tribal life for only a short time, Aladdin and the rest of the Kouga tribe are offered the chance to join the Kou Empire to achieve peace. An offer that seems so fair, yet may lead to bloodshed when the wrong people get involved.
Magi Volume 3 created a more serious atmosphere to the series with the corruption of the general of the Kou Empire's army. The lesson of solving problems with words is very prevalent. It was exciting to discover more about the Magi of this world and especially be given a more formal introduction of a Magi by the name of Judar. I'm already looking forward to his role in this wonderful manga series.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Craig Gilner is an ambitious New York City teenager who has big plans about his future. He has managed to get into the prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School after studying diligently and that's the first step in completing his plan. Overall, Craig is a model teenager that others can admire. Then, one night, he breaks and his life is never quite the same. Suffering through depression, Craig struggles to continue being a model teenager at school, forcing himself to eat food, and becoming obsessed with his condition. After planning to kill himself one night, Craig takes action and gets checked into a mental hospital. With five days to get better will Craig be able to "shift" his brain out of depression? And will he finally learn what it means to live?
It's Kind of a Funny Story is also kind of a realistic story. Craig Gilner suffers through depression just like many other teenagers his age, making the story all the more relatable. Ned Vizzini gives a powerful insight of the daily struggles that one has to go through and tugged at my heart strings. It was quite suprising that Ned Vizzini was facing his own depression like Craig, but unfortunately lost the battle and took his own life. All of the characters presented something new to me (especially those in the mental ward) and there was barely a dull moment. My only issue with It's Kind of a Funny Story was the rushed ending and lasting character development; but overall this is a must read for all teenagers.

Magi Volume 2 by Shinobu Ohtaka
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Following the first volume of the Magi, the young Aladdin and his newfound friend, Alibaba have managed to defeat their first dungeon baddie, but at the expense of Aladdin's strength. Wile looking over his friend while he rests, Alibaba has the displeasure of coming face-to-face with the downright cruel Lord Jamil and two of his highly skilled slaves. Taking Aladdin for mysterious reasons, Lord Jamil then forces Alibaba to lead them to the treasure room and is given no choice but to comply. But Alibaba has some tricks up his sleeves. 
What a great second volume from the series! With more entertainment and character development, I was flipping pages with no plan to stop. Alibaba took the spotlight and used it well, showing his cleverness, loyalty and other character traits along with an unexpected backstory. Paired with amazing art (especially during an exciting fight scene), Magi is one manga I'll be sure to continue. 

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Volume 1 by Magica Quartet and Hanokage
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Madoka Kaname is your typical school girl who is about to go through some not-so-typical events that might just change her life forever. After dreaming of a teenage girl and a catlike creature asking her to make a contract to become a magical girl, Madoka is shocked to see the characters from her dream come to life when she wakes up. What's even more shocking is that magical girls are real and that she and her friend, Sayaka, can become one too! But is being a magical girl all it's out to be, even if her greatest wish can come true?
Being a magical girl is not all about pretty dresses and defeating bad guys in this world. There is a cost to pay that maybe is not worth it. Madoka Magica had created a darker side of the happy-go-lucky franchise; which I congratulate the authors for managing to deal with this risky move. The artwork was very clean and depicted emotions and actions fluidly. All of the characters had a set personality that made them different from each other with plausible motives that made them relatable. The story was quick-paced though sometimes lingered too  much with details on how the world works; even for a first book. My biggest problem with this manga has nothing to do with the story, but the dark theme which I am not a fan of. With no doubt, I would recommend this manga to those who would enjoy a dark twist on a light topic. 

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★

Review: 
Prince Frederic. Prince Liam. Prince Gustav. Prince Duncan. They are the Princes Charming who longed to be called by their real names, not "Prince Charming" as the bards had named them in their tales. But after they stopped an evil witch set on destroying their kingdoms, they finally got the fame they so desperately sought. But after a failed attempt at a rescue mission, their fame didn't last very long. Then the princes discover a powerful magical item that could fall into the wrong hands. The League of Princes must once again band together to save their kingdoms: fighting off bladejaw eels, the mysterious Gray Phantom, and an evil warlord bent on ruling the world.

Much like it's prequel, The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, this book is really interesting, very funny, and really fun to read! A lot of the time, sequels are never as good as the prequels are. However, that is not the case with The Hero's Guide trilogy! They are all equally as intriguing as the one before, if not more! The last book in the trilogy is The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw. So if you liked the first two books, you'll definitely like the third one too! 

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★

Review: 
Princess Cimorene's parents want her to be the perfect, proper princess... Something she's not. Cimorene is headstrong, tomboyish, and smart. But she's bored. So she runs away to find some excitement. In doing so, she manages to hook up with the dragon Kazul, one of the most powerful and dangerous dragons around. Pretty soon she has to deal with a witch, a stone prince, and some very irritating wizards. 

This is a very good book. It's really intriguing and also really fun to read! It is the first book of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, so if you like this one there are more following! 

Story Thieves by James Riley
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★

Review: 
Owen thinks his life is boring. Well, other than the fact that he's reading the Kiel Gnomenfoot series. Then one day he sees his classmate Bethany climb out of a book. Soon, he finds out that Bethany is half-fictional and she has been jumping in and out of books trying to find her father who is a fictional character. Pretty soon Owen cooks up an idea that would definitely make his life NOT boring anymore: By tricking Bethany into bringing him into a Kiel Gnomenfoot book so he can be the hero. But his idea could totally ruin the book series if he goes through with it. So will Bethany figure out his plan and stop him before it's too late? Or will Owen end up making a mistake he'll regret?
I thought this book was very intriguing! It is a great book and I recently found out that it's the first book of a series. I was pretty ecstatic when I found out! So more books will be following! The author has also written the Half Upon A Time trilogy too. What's funny is that he has the characters mention it in this book! 

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Prince Frederic, Prince Liam, Prince Gustav, and Prince Duncan. If they don't sound familiar, then you might know them better as "Prince Charming." They are the Prince Charmings of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White. They are completely different people, yet they all have two things in common: they all hate the name "Prince Charming" and they don't like bards. Nobody knows their real names thanks so those bards who simply named them as "Prince Charming" in their tales. But when Cinderella runs away and Prince Frederic goes off to find her, he meets up with the other three princes. Together, they go off in search of Cinderella, encountering a giant, a thief, and an evil witch who cannot stand the Prince Charmings. So will they all come out alive and succeed in their mission? Or will they fail miserably like everyone expects?
This book is hilarious! I think anyone who read this book will burst into laughter. It made me laugh a lot! It is the first book in The Hero's Guide trilogy. They are all really funny and have very interesting story lines. I think people of all ages will enjoy this book.

Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young
Teodora's Rating: ★★★

Review:
Audrey Casella's life can't get worse. She doesn't know how to reject the guy who likes her romantically and whom she likes platonically, she is grieving over the death of her mother who died three months ago, and now she and her brother are going to be sent to live with their grandmother. Everything is going downhill... that is, until her father checks them in at The Hotel Ruby for the night. Audrey is whisked into all the addicting glamour of the hotel and the attention of the attractive Elias Lange. Who would ever want to leave? But The Hotel Ruby is not normal, as Audrey soon discovers. Parties in ballrooms every nights, eerie music playing on the thirteenth floor, and the always smiling concierge are only a few of the strange things going on. The hotel staff warn her about the dark history  of the hotel. A history that she may become part of.
The Hotel Ruby contains many thrilling genres such as romance, mystery, and horror. Unfortunately, many of them are weak in execution. The premise of the book is interesting and instantly reminded me of The Lotus Hotel in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan. The hotel captures its guests due to its intoxicating nature and keeps them. This may lead the reader to many heart pounding moments. However, the only heart pounding is Audrey's. Her romance with Elias seemed a bit forced with barely any time for them to create chemistry, but it still works. Audrey's brother and father were definitely not on the top of her mind and she instead spends her time swooning over her new found crush and partying with the hotel staff. The first half of Hotel Ruby had me ranting a bit as many of the questions Audrey should have been looking for answers for were ignored until two-thirds into the book. At that point, things were certainly getting more interesting and thrilling. The ending was the most powerful thing about Hotel Ruby, in my opinion. If only this great thrill could have an equally enticing mystery element at the beginning. I would recommend this book to anyone who has time to get to Hotel Ruby's great ending. 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Lydia's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Samantha Reed is just a teen girl and basically a shoo-in for ivy league colleges, but she hasn't had the chance to live like a real teen. With a politician mother in the public's eye, she didn't get much living outside her mother's perfect box until now. She meets her next door neighbor, Jase Garrett, who comes from a hectic family and instantly falls in love. No matter how much her mother hates it, the two of them are destined to be together.

Newt's Emerald by Garth Nix
Teodora's Rating: ★★★

Review:
Set in the Regency era, Newt's Emerald follows the story of Lady Truthful as she solves the mystery of a priceless and powerful heirloom's (the Newington Emerald) disappearance and possible theft. Knowing that a young woman shouldn't be searching the streets of Europe in search of the Emerald, she disguises herself as a man. In her disguise, she meets Major Harnett, a man who is almost as mysterious as the stolen Emerald. Major Harnett agrees to help the disguised Lady Truthful search for the heirloom. However, they may be searching for something much more powerful that could already be in the wrong hands.
I'll admit it: A Regency era romance with magic seems like a hard premise for a story. Did Nix nail it? Sort of. I felt as if the magic elements (which include glamour magic, talking to animals, and weather control) were poorly executed. The story would have read the same without them. The pacing was also uneven. The first two thirds of the book moved smoothly, albeit rather slowly. However, the last third was moving so fast; making the climax and conclusion hugely rushed. The characters were nothing special and experienced little to no character development, however I don't think that was necessarily such a bad thing. The romance aspect was fine and plain. The best part about this book was the writing. The language easily captivated me. Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of the Regency era or fans of Garth Nix's works.

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Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
Michaiah's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
When Sasha Silver and her horse Charm arrive on the Canterwood Crest boarding school campus, she is both nervous and excited! But when her arrival doesn't go as planned, Sasha soon wonders if she really belongs at Canterwood. It also doesn't help that a few of the girls there don't like her and that they are SUPER competitive. Do you think Sasha will stand her ground and stay? Or will she pack her bags and leave?
Whether you like horses or not, I think this is a great book for anyone to read. I LOVED it! It has a little bit of humor at times, but it also can have you so into it, you don't want to put it down! It is the first book of the Canterwood Crest series, so if you read this book and like it, there are more to read!

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The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Allee's Rating:  ★★★★★

Review:
The Lovely Bones is about a young girl who is murdered by her newest neighbor in the quiet town of Norristown, Pennsylvania. The young girl, Susie, watches from her own personal heaven as her death affects her family. It is a tragic tale, but also an inspiring one. It is a good read for teens as it teaches a lesson on the value of life. The Lovely Bones is a wonderful book and a must-read for teens.

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