An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Hellen's Rating: ★★★★

Review:

An Ember in the Ashes is an action-packed suspenseful and heart capturing novel. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia agrees to spy on the Commandant, a ruthless woman, risking her life. Then Laia meets Elias the school's most ruthless, yet reluctant, soldier. Together they go through trials but eventually find freedom. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Hellen's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is about a young boy whose life is dramatically changed when a giant bursts down his door. Harry discovers he is a wizard, goes to Hogwarts, meets multiple people, and save the world from an evil psychopath. Harry Potter is action-packed, with plenty of near death experiences.
I personally have read the book at least five times, loving it more with each read. 

Devils and Realist Vol. 3 by Madoka Takadono

Teodora's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

William Twining can feel the tension growing in the air. After defeating the school's pastor, Crosby, Twining notices that the church is acting rather cold towards him. Surprising for the school's star pupil, but even more surprising is that his butler, Kevin, is now the school's new pastor. Twining has many questions, but has no time to get his answers as he finds himself in the middle of a sketchy government group. Twining would never admit it, but their could possibly be some demons in this group. A very disturbing thought for our protagonist whose life is turning out to be all too busy.
On the back of the manga, there is a quote that reads, "Things are about to get messy..." and it could not be any truer. After Kevin became the pastor, I cocked my head in confusion. Why him? I she more than just a butler? I am very much interested to learn more about this character that I only have paid attention to. Twining also finds competition in his school, and I am always a fan of school battles. The student he must prove himself to be better to is not ordinary though, and the author explains how at the very end. I am excited to see what kind of trouble Twining will get into in the next volume. Like always, I have to praise the beautiful artwork that seems to get softer and cleaner every time, along with the gorgeous coloring on the covers and inside flap. Also present is the nice sense of humor and action scenes which are definitely improving in clarity. Devils and Realist is turning into one of my favorite mangas for all the right reasons. 

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Hellen's Rating: ★★★

Review:

Elsewhere answers the ever-present question, what happens after death? When Liz Hale dies and goes to Elsewhere, she just wants to leave. However, as time passes, she finds she might actually like it there.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wonders what comes after death. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Hellen's Rating: ★★★★

Review:

The Hunger Games is a jarring, violent, action-packed novel full of suspense. When Katniss' sister is called for the reaping, Katniss has little hesistation in volunteering to take her place. Katniss has to particpate in the 74th Hunger Games, meeting new people and fighting to survive.
I would recommend this book. 

Naruto Vol. 3 by Masashi Kishimoto

Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:

Time is of the essence as the trio trains for their next meeting with the demon ninja Zabuza. And how do they train? By climbing trees! The catch? They can't use their hands. As they fall and try again, a local boy claims to Naruto that heroes are not real. When Zabuza does indeed return and threatens the livelihood of everyone in the village, it is time for Naruto to prove him wrong.
I recall reading this volume a long time ago and one thing stuck with me: the reason for why the local boy does not believe in heroes. Rereading this volume, I was again touched by his sad backstory and the despair he felt. The beginning of the manga (in which the trio climbed trees) was very humorous and a nice change of pace after the life threatening battle from the last volume. If calm is not your thing, I can say that an even more dramatic battle begins near the end of this volume. I felt like the pacing for this volume was slower, but Kishimoto made up for it with an intriguing cliffhanger. Naruto's true potential as a ninja may be revealed in the next volume. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Hellen's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

Divergent is an action-packed dystopia with a hint of romance. When Tris Prior chooses Dauntless instead of her first faction, Abnegation, her life changes forever. She meets and falls in love with Four, the handsome Dauntless trainer. As the story progresses Tris discovers more and more about herself and the world she grew up in.
I loved this book right from the beginning, especially Four.