I picked up "The Coming of the Dragon" by Rebecca Barnhouse, after reading a review of the companion novel "The Peaceweaver" that is soon to come out.
We have "The Coming" in Juv fiction, but it is well-worth picking up if you love good fantasy. I'll be recommending it to all my teens and some adults as well. It follows the story of Rune, a foundling boy who grows up beneath the watchful gaze of Beowulf, King of the Geats. When he is nearly grown, a tragedy strikes the kingdom - a Dragon awakens and begins to raid the nearby farms and halls. The King, his finest warriors, and Rune, all go out to seek it and slay it before it destroys their lands.
So far, and I'm about halfway through the story, this is a beautifully written tale of adventure, legend and magic. The pacing has been excellent, Rune is a fantastic boy-hero with strengths and flaws, who makes mistakes but has honorable intentions, and carries them out to the best of his ability. The secondary characters are interesting and likeable, and the world-building is very good. Viking/Norse culture really comes alive to the reader.
I would say that if you've read and enjoyed the Ranger's Apprentice series, or the Eragon books, or The Hobbit, you'll love "The Coming of the Dragon" and probably "The Peaceweaver" as well!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
New Books
Graphic Novels:
Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine -- When Spider-man and Wolverine become lost in the time-stream together, they must find the villains who put them there and get home, as a team.
X-Men Legacy. Vol. 6 Aftermath -- After a terribly narrow victory over Bastion and the Sentinels, the X-men are exhausted. When one loses control, another retaliates with unthinkable results.
Marvel Masterworks Present The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 4 -- classic X-men stories include the mutant menace Proteus, trickster Arcade, and the White Queen.
Superman. War of the supermen -- Superman and his friends attempt to protect the worlds they love from the invading forces of General Zod.
Wandering Son vols 1-2 by Shimura -- two 5th grade Japanese children, a boy and girl, face their growing adulthood with the realization that each wishes to be the opposite gender.
Gotham City Sirens vol 4 Divsion -- Catwoman and Poison Ivy must put aside their differences to help out their old friend Harley Quinn, after the Joker is returned to Arkham Insane Asylum.
T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents -- would you rather burn out or fade away? If gaining superhero powers would lead to your death, would you take them on?
Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long -- in 1967 Texas, a poor black Houston family and a white family from the most racist side of town cross color lines to save five college kids wrongly accused of a crime.
Nonfiction:
Manga by Stuart Kallen -- A history and explanation of manga and its outgrowth into anime.
Fiction:
Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr -- a group of short stories about characters from the Wicked Lovely novels, and new characters as well.
Croak by Gina Damico -- a delinquent sixteen-year-old is sent to live with her uncle, only to discover that he's a Grim Reaper, and that it will be her role too, very soon.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews -- Greg, at seventeen, has managed not to have any friends until his mother insists he befriend Rachel, a girl he knew in grade school, who now has leukemia.
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta -- Lumaterre Chronicles #2 - Froi is sent on a secret mission to another kingdom where he must unravel the mystery of a half-mad princess.
Catch & Release by Blythe Woolston -- Polly and Odd share little but their survival from attacks of flesh-eating bacteria, when they set off across country to go fishing and discover what life holds for them.
Where It Began by Ann Stampler -- Gabriella knows she was in a horrible car accident while she was drunk, but she can't remember anything leading up to the accident? What REALLY happened that night in her hot boyfriend's car?
Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade -- sequel to the Ghost and the Goth - Alona's only been dead 2 months, and she's back in our world, "helping" other lost spirits, when she discovers that her family is already moving on from her loss...
Girl Meets Boy: because there are two sides to every story edited by Milner Halls -- twelve pop teen authors team up to tell stories from the guy and girl's poins of view.
Awkward by Marni Bates -- Marni is a bit clumsy, but when she gets put on youtube and becomes a sensation, her whole life changes; is it for the better or worse?
Mercy: the Last New England Vampire by Sarah Thomson -- Hayley, at 14 is struggling with her stepmom, baby brother, beloved cousin's illness, and life generally, when a school project causes her to discover an old horror story with close links to her family.
Predicteds by Christine Siefert -- in the near future, one school is testing a new computer program that can predict the future of students. The only question Daphne wants answered is will Jesse ask her out, but he's a predicted, and there's a secret he's keeping...
Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter -- Gallagher Girls #5 - Cammie awakens in a monastery high in the Alps, with no memory of the past 4 months. Gradually she realizes she's been kidnapped and tortured by a secretive, ancient terrorist organization that is still hunting for her.
Glass Swallow by Julia Golding -- sequel to Dragonfly - Ruby and Peri, each with secrets to keep, join forces in the hopes that their love can protect them from looming disaster.
Crossing Lines by Paul Volponi -- When Adonis realizes that his football teammates have elevated their bullying to tormenting a new, transgender student named Alan, he tries to stand up for what he knows is right.
Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell -- Widdershins, a thief with the blessings of the god of Thieves, has always taken care of herself. But now something evil, dark and unavoidable is reaching out for her, from the past...
New Girl by Paige Harbison -- when you're the new girl, everything is odd. Especially when the spot you're filling at Manderly Academy was previously filled by the most perfect girl who ever lived. And maybe she's out there, watching, trying to return...
Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine -- When Spider-man and Wolverine become lost in the time-stream together, they must find the villains who put them there and get home, as a team.
X-Men Legacy. Vol. 6 Aftermath -- After a terribly narrow victory over Bastion and the Sentinels, the X-men are exhausted. When one loses control, another retaliates with unthinkable results.
Marvel Masterworks Present The Uncanny X-Men Vol. 4 -- classic X-men stories include the mutant menace Proteus, trickster Arcade, and the White Queen.
Superman. War of the supermen -- Superman and his friends attempt to protect the worlds they love from the invading forces of General Zod.
Wandering Son vols 1-2 by Shimura -- two 5th grade Japanese children, a boy and girl, face their growing adulthood with the realization that each wishes to be the opposite gender.
Gotham City Sirens vol 4 Divsion -- Catwoman and Poison Ivy must put aside their differences to help out their old friend Harley Quinn, after the Joker is returned to Arkham Insane Asylum.
T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents -- would you rather burn out or fade away? If gaining superhero powers would lead to your death, would you take them on?
Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long -- in 1967 Texas, a poor black Houston family and a white family from the most racist side of town cross color lines to save five college kids wrongly accused of a crime.
Nonfiction:
Manga by Stuart Kallen -- A history and explanation of manga and its outgrowth into anime.
Fiction:
Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr -- a group of short stories about characters from the Wicked Lovely novels, and new characters as well.
Croak by Gina Damico -- a delinquent sixteen-year-old is sent to live with her uncle, only to discover that he's a Grim Reaper, and that it will be her role too, very soon.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews -- Greg, at seventeen, has managed not to have any friends until his mother insists he befriend Rachel, a girl he knew in grade school, who now has leukemia.
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta -- Lumaterre Chronicles #2 - Froi is sent on a secret mission to another kingdom where he must unravel the mystery of a half-mad princess.
Catch & Release by Blythe Woolston -- Polly and Odd share little but their survival from attacks of flesh-eating bacteria, when they set off across country to go fishing and discover what life holds for them.
Where It Began by Ann Stampler -- Gabriella knows she was in a horrible car accident while she was drunk, but she can't remember anything leading up to the accident? What REALLY happened that night in her hot boyfriend's car?
Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade -- sequel to the Ghost and the Goth - Alona's only been dead 2 months, and she's back in our world, "helping" other lost spirits, when she discovers that her family is already moving on from her loss...
Girl Meets Boy: because there are two sides to every story edited by Milner Halls -- twelve pop teen authors team up to tell stories from the guy and girl's poins of view.
Awkward by Marni Bates -- Marni is a bit clumsy, but when she gets put on youtube and becomes a sensation, her whole life changes; is it for the better or worse?
Mercy: the Last New England Vampire by Sarah Thomson -- Hayley, at 14 is struggling with her stepmom, baby brother, beloved cousin's illness, and life generally, when a school project causes her to discover an old horror story with close links to her family.
Predicteds by Christine Siefert -- in the near future, one school is testing a new computer program that can predict the future of students. The only question Daphne wants answered is will Jesse ask her out, but he's a predicted, and there's a secret he's keeping...
Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter -- Gallagher Girls #5 - Cammie awakens in a monastery high in the Alps, with no memory of the past 4 months. Gradually she realizes she's been kidnapped and tortured by a secretive, ancient terrorist organization that is still hunting for her.
Glass Swallow by Julia Golding -- sequel to Dragonfly - Ruby and Peri, each with secrets to keep, join forces in the hopes that their love can protect them from looming disaster.
Crossing Lines by Paul Volponi -- When Adonis realizes that his football teammates have elevated their bullying to tormenting a new, transgender student named Alan, he tries to stand up for what he knows is right.
Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell -- Widdershins, a thief with the blessings of the god of Thieves, has always taken care of herself. But now something evil, dark and unavoidable is reaching out for her, from the past...
New Girl by Paige Harbison -- when you're the new girl, everything is odd. Especially when the spot you're filling at Manderly Academy was previously filled by the most perfect girl who ever lived. And maybe she's out there, watching, trying to return...
Monday, March 19, 2012
new books
Graphic Novels:
Ouran High School Host Club vols. 6-10 - more humor and hijinks plus romance.
Romeo and Juliet (Manga Shakespeare) - a simplified graphic novel retelling of Shakespeare's classic, with beautiful illustrations.
Sailor Moon vol. 4 -- a new group calling themselves Black Moon is after Usagi and the other Sailor Guardians. Sailor Moon is forced to travel to the 30th century to find out what's happening.
X/1999 vols. 1-4, 6-11 -- Haunted by his past, Kamui struggles to understand his destiny; is he angel or devil?
Toradora! vol. 3 -- Ryuji and Taiga are finally finding some common ground; but when rumors start that they are DATing, Ryuji's embarrassment is incredible.
Jim Henson's The Storyteller -- fabulous folktales and fairytales told by the master puppetteer and his faithful companion.
Donald Duck "Lost in the Andes" -- Donald and his nephews embark on a trip to Peru to find the source of square eggs, among other hilarious adventures.
Same Difference by Derek Kim -- short stories follow the lives of 20-somethings as they navigate life, relationships and jobs.
Gilgamesh by Andrew Winegarner (adult) -- Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, protects his people from many dangers with his companion Enkidu, but when the Goddess Ishtar becomes angry, he must go on the greatest adventure of his life.
Nonfiction:
Gifts From the Gods by Lise Lunge-Larsen -- facts and stories from Greek and Roman mythology bring history to life
Petticoats and Frock Coats by Cynthia Bix -- fashion and clothing from the 1770's to 1860's America.
Hoopskirts, Union Blues, and Confederate Grays by kate Havelin -- Civil War fashions
Hunger Games: the Official Illustrated Movie Guide -- fans can go behind the scenes of the movie and see all the details!
Hunger Games Companion by Gresh -- fascinating guide to all the facts about the trilogy.
Fiction:
Unwelcome by Michael Griffo -- Archangel Academy #2 - Michael, newly made a vampire, is still discovering what his new life entails, when a feud among vampire species, leads to trouble...
Unafraid by Michael Griffo -- Archangel Academy #3 - The feud has grown worse, and Michael has discovered that caring for the wrong person can lead to regrets that will last as long as he will live...
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley -- Lucy and her least favorite acquaintance, Ed, spend a night hunting the mysterious graffiti artist Shadow, whom Lucy admires. Unknown to her, ED is indeed the Shadow.
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey -- Vampire Princess Jessica must fight for her new husband's life, and her right to the throne of Romania, when he is accused of a horrible crime.
Survivors by Will Weaver -- Miles, Sarah and their parents are hiding out in a cabin in the wilderness, fighting to survive after a devastating volcanic eruption...
Drummer Girl by Karen Bass -- Sid's good enough to play for her high school band, but how far is she willing to change who she is to keep the gig?
Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera -- Khalid is only 15 after 9/11, when he is kidnapped during a visit from England to Pakistan, and ends up in prison on Guantanamo Bay, accused of being a terrorist.
Goblin War by Hilari Bell -- Goblin series #3 - Makenna and Toby return from the Otherworld, where they had been in mortal danger, only to find that they must aid Jeriah in preventing barbarians from overwhelming their homeland.
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts -- a small group of teens comes together to fight for survival when earthquakes destroy most of the major cities and civilization, and magic turns most humans into terrible monsters.
Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler -- Piper is wary of romance and relationships, after suffering through her mother's second divorce. All her friends want to set her up with the hottest guy in school, and then Piper begins to receive mystery Valentines from an unknown admirer.
Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger -- Hattie and Dolores rescue Speed, an old horse about to be put down, and are now seeking a place to set him free, while they also seek a way out of the dead-end lives they see in their small town.
In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton -- Goblin Wars #2 - Teagan and her friends have escaped Mag Mell, but Tea's goblin blood will not sleep easy. Her goblin cousins arrive, happy to torment her family as they wait for her to return with them. But Tea's determined to resist.
Ingenue by Jillian Larkin -- Flappers #2 - continues the story of three young women of the 1920's as they scheme and manipulate their way to New York City; but their actions in Chicago still have consequences, as a hired killer stalks them.
Sea Wolves by Christopher Golden -- Secret Journeys of Jack London #2 - Jack is kidnapped from the Yukon by pirates who have dark secrets in this adventure starring the famed writer of "Call of the Wild".
Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Moulton -- Angelfire Trilogy #2 -- Ellie is the reincarnation of a reaper-slayer of Heaven; when she falls in love with her immortal guardian Will, while she is hunted by ever-more-powerful demons, her life becomes complex and dangerous.
Rock On : a Story of Guitars, gigs, girls and a brother by Denise Vega -- Ori Taylor, younger brother of Del Taylor, famous high-school sports star, is a singer/songwriter for a nameless band. When Del returns home from College, Ori finds everything slipping back into old patterns... can he ever be his own person?
Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin -- Lida is sent to the Alice Marshall Wilderness School for girls; there she makes friends with two amazing girls, but when their secrets begin to spill out, so does danger, in this tale of surviving wildernesses of several kinds.
Love & Leftovers; a Novel in Verse by Sarah Tregay -- Marcie finds herself torn between her depressed mother, who takes her to New Hampshire, and her father back in Iowa, who is now dating another man. Where does what she wants fit in?
Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum -- High School junior Kate goes out sketching for art class; but when she sketches an escaped killer, she finds herself an instant celebrity with police protection and danger surrounding her.
First Descent by Pam Withers -- Montana-born Tex journeys to South America to kayak down the river El Furioso; he hires Myriam Calambas as his guide. She longs to go to college and become a journalist; can the two avoid the militants and guerrillas long enough to complete their dreams?
Ominous by Kate Brian -- Private #13 - Reed and Noelle are descended from the original Billings Girls, and thus carry their magical powers; what will happen when the other girls discover it?
Vengeance: A Novel by Kate Brian -- Privates #14 - Noelle and Reed confront each other about the past and the decision whether or not to rebuild Billings.
Uraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook -- in this gothic thriller Isobel and her mother travel with her new stepfather to an isolated island, where Isobel begins to have strange, frightening experiences; is she losing her mind the way her father did, or is something more sinister going on?
Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily Danforth -- in this early 1990's novel, gay teen Cameron Post fights against the conservative values of her small town, until her parents send her to a gay-conversion clinic in an effort to change her rebellious ways.
Tina's Mouth: an existential comic diary by Keshni Kashyap -- Tina Malhotra creates an existential, illustrated diary for a class assignment; a clever, funny, ironic look at the world.
Summer Storm by Kristina Dunker -- in this German novel, Annie and her friends are enjoying a late afternoon by the lake, when a sudden storm sweeps over them. As they seek cover, they realize Annie's cousin Ginnie is missing.
Darkfall by Janice Hardy -- Healing Wars, #3 - with the rebellion in full swing, 15 year old Nya must choose between saving her sister's life or leading an army against the Duke.
Trafficked by Kim Purcell -- a Moldavian teen whose parents have been killed is smuggled into the United States and finds herself working as a slave to a family in Los Angeles.
Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison -- Lo has suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder all her life. Since her brother's death, she's been wandering farther astray, stealing things to organize her obsession; when she nearly witnesses a murder, she feels compelled to find out who committed the evil act.
No Ordinary Day by Deborah Ellis -- in India, the lepers are monsters to be feared, their condition dreaded. When Valli discovers that she has contracted the disease, she refuses all help and begins an uncertain life on the streets
David by Mary Hoffman -- a stonemason in medieval italy becomes famous after his sculptor stepbrother uses him as a model for what will become one of the world's most renowned pieces of art; Michaelangelo's David.
Diviner by Bryan Davis -- Dragons of Starlight #3 - Elyssa discovers new aspects of her diviner's gift, while the others prepare for battle with the dragon king's followers.
Disenchantments by Nina LaCour -- Colby always expected that he and Beth would spend the first year after High School touring with their band; when Beth announces she's going straight to college, his world is rocked - why the change? And what will he do now?
Song of the Red Cloak by Chantel Acevedo -- two Spartan boys grew up together; one is a prince, the other a slave. When hints of slave uprisings and oracular prophecies cause their lives to change, the boys struggle to remain true to each other.
Ouran High School Host Club vols. 6-10 - more humor and hijinks plus romance.
Romeo and Juliet (Manga Shakespeare) - a simplified graphic novel retelling of Shakespeare's classic, with beautiful illustrations.
Sailor Moon vol. 4 -- a new group calling themselves Black Moon is after Usagi and the other Sailor Guardians. Sailor Moon is forced to travel to the 30th century to find out what's happening.
X/1999 vols. 1-4, 6-11 -- Haunted by his past, Kamui struggles to understand his destiny; is he angel or devil?
Toradora! vol. 3 -- Ryuji and Taiga are finally finding some common ground; but when rumors start that they are DATing, Ryuji's embarrassment is incredible.
Jim Henson's The Storyteller -- fabulous folktales and fairytales told by the master puppetteer and his faithful companion.
Donald Duck "Lost in the Andes" -- Donald and his nephews embark on a trip to Peru to find the source of square eggs, among other hilarious adventures.
Same Difference by Derek Kim -- short stories follow the lives of 20-somethings as they navigate life, relationships and jobs.
Gilgamesh by Andrew Winegarner (adult) -- Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, protects his people from many dangers with his companion Enkidu, but when the Goddess Ishtar becomes angry, he must go on the greatest adventure of his life.
Nonfiction:
Gifts From the Gods by Lise Lunge-Larsen -- facts and stories from Greek and Roman mythology bring history to life
Petticoats and Frock Coats by Cynthia Bix -- fashion and clothing from the 1770's to 1860's America.
Hoopskirts, Union Blues, and Confederate Grays by kate Havelin -- Civil War fashions
Hunger Games: the Official Illustrated Movie Guide -- fans can go behind the scenes of the movie and see all the details!
Hunger Games Companion by Gresh -- fascinating guide to all the facts about the trilogy.
Fiction:
Unwelcome by Michael Griffo -- Archangel Academy #2 - Michael, newly made a vampire, is still discovering what his new life entails, when a feud among vampire species, leads to trouble...
Unafraid by Michael Griffo -- Archangel Academy #3 - The feud has grown worse, and Michael has discovered that caring for the wrong person can lead to regrets that will last as long as he will live...
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley -- Lucy and her least favorite acquaintance, Ed, spend a night hunting the mysterious graffiti artist Shadow, whom Lucy admires. Unknown to her, ED is indeed the Shadow.
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey -- Vampire Princess Jessica must fight for her new husband's life, and her right to the throne of Romania, when he is accused of a horrible crime.
Survivors by Will Weaver -- Miles, Sarah and their parents are hiding out in a cabin in the wilderness, fighting to survive after a devastating volcanic eruption...
Drummer Girl by Karen Bass -- Sid's good enough to play for her high school band, but how far is she willing to change who she is to keep the gig?
Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera -- Khalid is only 15 after 9/11, when he is kidnapped during a visit from England to Pakistan, and ends up in prison on Guantanamo Bay, accused of being a terrorist.
Goblin War by Hilari Bell -- Goblin series #3 - Makenna and Toby return from the Otherworld, where they had been in mortal danger, only to find that they must aid Jeriah in preventing barbarians from overwhelming their homeland.
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts -- a small group of teens comes together to fight for survival when earthquakes destroy most of the major cities and civilization, and magic turns most humans into terrible monsters.
Love? Maybe by Heather Hepler -- Piper is wary of romance and relationships, after suffering through her mother's second divorce. All her friends want to set her up with the hottest guy in school, and then Piper begins to receive mystery Valentines from an unknown admirer.
Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger -- Hattie and Dolores rescue Speed, an old horse about to be put down, and are now seeking a place to set him free, while they also seek a way out of the dead-end lives they see in their small town.
In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton -- Goblin Wars #2 - Teagan and her friends have escaped Mag Mell, but Tea's goblin blood will not sleep easy. Her goblin cousins arrive, happy to torment her family as they wait for her to return with them. But Tea's determined to resist.
Ingenue by Jillian Larkin -- Flappers #2 - continues the story of three young women of the 1920's as they scheme and manipulate their way to New York City; but their actions in Chicago still have consequences, as a hired killer stalks them.
Sea Wolves by Christopher Golden -- Secret Journeys of Jack London #2 - Jack is kidnapped from the Yukon by pirates who have dark secrets in this adventure starring the famed writer of "Call of the Wild".
Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Moulton -- Angelfire Trilogy #2 -- Ellie is the reincarnation of a reaper-slayer of Heaven; when she falls in love with her immortal guardian Will, while she is hunted by ever-more-powerful demons, her life becomes complex and dangerous.
Rock On : a Story of Guitars, gigs, girls and a brother by Denise Vega -- Ori Taylor, younger brother of Del Taylor, famous high-school sports star, is a singer/songwriter for a nameless band. When Del returns home from College, Ori finds everything slipping back into old patterns... can he ever be his own person?
Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin -- Lida is sent to the Alice Marshall Wilderness School for girls; there she makes friends with two amazing girls, but when their secrets begin to spill out, so does danger, in this tale of surviving wildernesses of several kinds.
Love & Leftovers; a Novel in Verse by Sarah Tregay -- Marcie finds herself torn between her depressed mother, who takes her to New Hampshire, and her father back in Iowa, who is now dating another man. Where does what she wants fit in?
Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum -- High School junior Kate goes out sketching for art class; but when she sketches an escaped killer, she finds herself an instant celebrity with police protection and danger surrounding her.
First Descent by Pam Withers -- Montana-born Tex journeys to South America to kayak down the river El Furioso; he hires Myriam Calambas as his guide. She longs to go to college and become a journalist; can the two avoid the militants and guerrillas long enough to complete their dreams?
Ominous by Kate Brian -- Private #13 - Reed and Noelle are descended from the original Billings Girls, and thus carry their magical powers; what will happen when the other girls discover it?
Vengeance: A Novel by Kate Brian -- Privates #14 - Noelle and Reed confront each other about the past and the decision whether or not to rebuild Billings.
Uraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook -- in this gothic thriller Isobel and her mother travel with her new stepfather to an isolated island, where Isobel begins to have strange, frightening experiences; is she losing her mind the way her father did, or is something more sinister going on?
Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily Danforth -- in this early 1990's novel, gay teen Cameron Post fights against the conservative values of her small town, until her parents send her to a gay-conversion clinic in an effort to change her rebellious ways.
Tina's Mouth: an existential comic diary by Keshni Kashyap -- Tina Malhotra creates an existential, illustrated diary for a class assignment; a clever, funny, ironic look at the world.
Summer Storm by Kristina Dunker -- in this German novel, Annie and her friends are enjoying a late afternoon by the lake, when a sudden storm sweeps over them. As they seek cover, they realize Annie's cousin Ginnie is missing.
Darkfall by Janice Hardy -- Healing Wars, #3 - with the rebellion in full swing, 15 year old Nya must choose between saving her sister's life or leading an army against the Duke.
Trafficked by Kim Purcell -- a Moldavian teen whose parents have been killed is smuggled into the United States and finds herself working as a slave to a family in Los Angeles.
Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison -- Lo has suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder all her life. Since her brother's death, she's been wandering farther astray, stealing things to organize her obsession; when she nearly witnesses a murder, she feels compelled to find out who committed the evil act.
No Ordinary Day by Deborah Ellis -- in India, the lepers are monsters to be feared, their condition dreaded. When Valli discovers that she has contracted the disease, she refuses all help and begins an uncertain life on the streets
David by Mary Hoffman -- a stonemason in medieval italy becomes famous after his sculptor stepbrother uses him as a model for what will become one of the world's most renowned pieces of art; Michaelangelo's David.
Diviner by Bryan Davis -- Dragons of Starlight #3 - Elyssa discovers new aspects of her diviner's gift, while the others prepare for battle with the dragon king's followers.
Disenchantments by Nina LaCour -- Colby always expected that he and Beth would spend the first year after High School touring with their band; when Beth announces she's going straight to college, his world is rocked - why the change? And what will he do now?
Song of the Red Cloak by Chantel Acevedo -- two Spartan boys grew up together; one is a prince, the other a slave. When hints of slave uprisings and oracular prophecies cause their lives to change, the boys struggle to remain true to each other.
Book Review
Over the weekend I finished "The False Princess" by Eilis O'Neal. This adventure story starts with Princess Nalia's discovery that she is NOT the princess, but instead an ordinary girl named Sinda, who has been disguised all her life, so as to protect the real princess-in-hiding from a prophecied evil fate. She is sent off to live with an unknown Aunt, and thus begins to discover what real life is about. Sinda is a remarkable girl, bruised but not broken by the blow fate and her step-parents delivered to her. She struggles to find a life for herself, making mistakes along the way, but able to find her own way in the end, and become who she needs to be to save her kingdom and the people in it from evil. The secondary characters are also very well-drawn. Orianne, the true princess, is a gentle and kind girl who becomes Sinda's friend, and Kiernan, who was Nalia's best friend growing up, is a complex and interesting love-interest for Sinda.
Overall, if you love strong, adventurous heroines and well-drawn plots with interesting world-building, this is a story you will enjoy.
Overall, if you love strong, adventurous heroines and well-drawn plots with interesting world-building, this is a story you will enjoy.
Monday, March 12, 2012
And even more new books
Graphic Novels:
Joe the Barbarian by Grant Morrison -- Joe is 11. He is bullied in school, shy, and suffers from diabetes. When he misses taking his medicine one day, he begins to have delusions of an epic adventure; or ARE they just delusions?
Bleach Vol. 37 -- Captain Shinjo Hirako has discovered Aizen's betrayal, but is it too late? And back in the present, a great battle is gearing up between the Thirteen Court Guard companies and the remaining Espada.
Naruto Vol. 3 -- as the bridge nears completion, Naruto and his friends wait for the next attack on Tazuna's family.
Code Geass:Lelouch of the Rebellion, Queen Vols. 1, 3-4 -- Short,humorous stories about the women of the Code Geass world.
Code Geass:Lelouch of the Rebellion. Knight Vols. 1-3 -- Short, humorous stories about the men of the Code Geass world.
I Am Here Vol. 2 by Ema Toyama -- Hikago Sumino has always felt invisible to her classmates until the most popular boy in school talks to her, and things begin to change.
Dengeki Daisy Vol. 9 by Kyousuki Motomi -- Teru tries to come to terms with Kurosaki's past wrongdoing, but at the same time, he discovers that someone is trying to resurrect his "Jack Frost" virus. Will he have to intrude on Teru again, in spite of his promise, to keep her safe?
Story of Saiunkoku Vols 1-5 by Sai Yukino -- Shurei, poor but noble, has always dreamed of a position at court, but women cannot serve as clerks; then she's given the chance to become the Emperor's consort, and teach him to rule well. But will he listen, or does he prefer the company of others?
Amulet Vol. 4: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi -- As Emily struggles to win a seat on the Academy council, she begins to discover an evil secret, that could destroy everything she has fought for.
Princess Knight part 1 by Osamu Tezuka -- Princess Sapphire is disguised as a boy so she can inherit the throne; she becomes a dashing hero(ine) of her people. This was one of the FIRST manga written for girls.
Fairy Tail Vol. 18 by Hiro Mashima -- After Wendy is kidnapped by the Dark Guilds, she is exposed to the destructive properties of NIRVANA, which drastically alter the light and dark energies in her body.
Nonfiction:
Drawing From Memory by Allen Say -- an autobiographic picture-book tells the tale of a Japanese boy who loves to draw, and the struggles he goes through in learning his art and becoming independent.
Fiction:
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand -- sequel to Unearthly -- part angel Clara struggles with her feelings for Toby while she tries to decipher the meaning of a new vision, and also understand her destiny.
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton -- Ari has discovered that she is the descendant of Medusa, and struggles to control the evil within her. But Athena tries to destroy her, provoking an epic battle between Good and Evil.
Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers -- Jocelyn follows the clues her now dead brother Jack left her, in and around the foster-home where they grew up, as she tries to solve the mystery of his death.
Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood St. by Peter Abrahams -- Robyn is given a strange bracelet by a homeless woman; with it, he and his new friends form a band to fight injustice on their Brooklyn Streets.
Fairy Lies by E.D. Baker -- half-fairy Tamisin and her boyfriend Jak have been arguing about whether it is safe for her to return to Fairyland, when she is kidnapped by King Oberon, and Jak must rescue her.
Where Things Come Back by John Whaley -- when a supposedly extinct woodpecker is seen in Cullen's hometown, sleepy Arkansas summer turns into woodpecker frenzy. Then Cullen's brother vanishes, and Cullen must struggle with holding his family together.
Crow by Barbara Wright -- In 1898, in small-town North Carolina, 11 year-old Moses is enjoying a summer vacation, but life is changing as blacks and whites struggle with social change, and a true historical event shows how prejudice can affect a whole city.
Amplified by Tara Kelly -- when Jasmine's father kicks her out of the house, the privileged teen takes her small life savings and runs away to Santa Cruz, Ca, to become a rock musician.
Curveball: the Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick -- when Peter's baseball future is ended by an injury, he takes up sports photography, which leads to a new girlfriend, and a new friendship with his grandfather, who is slowly going senile.
Double by Jenny Valentine -- When Chap is mistaken for a missing teen, he takes on a new life that turns out to be as chancy and dangerous as life on the streets and in foster-care.
Ripper by Stefan Petrucha -- Carver, adopted son of a Pinkerton Detective, longs to find his real father in 1885 New York, but when he gets involved in tracking down Jack the Ripper, he discovers truth can be worse than ignorance.
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver -- Delirium Book 2 - Lena has fled to a resistance community, leaving her beloved, Alex, behind and most likely dead, in this dystopian story about a culture that treats love as a disease.
Aristole and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Saenz -- fifteen year old Ari Mendoza is angry, a loner with a brother in prison, but he'd never questioned his family until he meets Dante, an interesting new acquaintance who gives him a new outlook.
Bewitching by Alex Flinn -- Kendra is a witch, and for the past 300 years has lived through the London Plague, the sinking of the Titanic, and other famous events; today, she has a plain step-sister named Emma, whom she'd really like to help; can she manage to get things right THIS time?
Joe the Barbarian by Grant Morrison -- Joe is 11. He is bullied in school, shy, and suffers from diabetes. When he misses taking his medicine one day, he begins to have delusions of an epic adventure; or ARE they just delusions?
Bleach Vol. 37 -- Captain Shinjo Hirako has discovered Aizen's betrayal, but is it too late? And back in the present, a great battle is gearing up between the Thirteen Court Guard companies and the remaining Espada.
Naruto Vol. 3 -- as the bridge nears completion, Naruto and his friends wait for the next attack on Tazuna's family.
Code Geass:Lelouch of the Rebellion, Queen Vols. 1, 3-4 -- Short,humorous stories about the women of the Code Geass world.
Code Geass:Lelouch of the Rebellion. Knight Vols. 1-3 -- Short, humorous stories about the men of the Code Geass world.
I Am Here Vol. 2 by Ema Toyama -- Hikago Sumino has always felt invisible to her classmates until the most popular boy in school talks to her, and things begin to change.
Dengeki Daisy Vol. 9 by Kyousuki Motomi -- Teru tries to come to terms with Kurosaki's past wrongdoing, but at the same time, he discovers that someone is trying to resurrect his "Jack Frost" virus. Will he have to intrude on Teru again, in spite of his promise, to keep her safe?
Story of Saiunkoku Vols 1-5 by Sai Yukino -- Shurei, poor but noble, has always dreamed of a position at court, but women cannot serve as clerks; then she's given the chance to become the Emperor's consort, and teach him to rule well. But will he listen, or does he prefer the company of others?
Amulet Vol. 4: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi -- As Emily struggles to win a seat on the Academy council, she begins to discover an evil secret, that could destroy everything she has fought for.
Princess Knight part 1 by Osamu Tezuka -- Princess Sapphire is disguised as a boy so she can inherit the throne; she becomes a dashing hero(ine) of her people. This was one of the FIRST manga written for girls.
Fairy Tail Vol. 18 by Hiro Mashima -- After Wendy is kidnapped by the Dark Guilds, she is exposed to the destructive properties of NIRVANA, which drastically alter the light and dark energies in her body.
Nonfiction:
Drawing From Memory by Allen Say -- an autobiographic picture-book tells the tale of a Japanese boy who loves to draw, and the struggles he goes through in learning his art and becoming independent.
Fiction:
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand -- sequel to Unearthly -- part angel Clara struggles with her feelings for Toby while she tries to decipher the meaning of a new vision, and also understand her destiny.
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton -- Ari has discovered that she is the descendant of Medusa, and struggles to control the evil within her. But Athena tries to destroy her, provoking an epic battle between Good and Evil.
Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers -- Jocelyn follows the clues her now dead brother Jack left her, in and around the foster-home where they grew up, as she tries to solve the mystery of his death.
Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood St. by Peter Abrahams -- Robyn is given a strange bracelet by a homeless woman; with it, he and his new friends form a band to fight injustice on their Brooklyn Streets.
Fairy Lies by E.D. Baker -- half-fairy Tamisin and her boyfriend Jak have been arguing about whether it is safe for her to return to Fairyland, when she is kidnapped by King Oberon, and Jak must rescue her.
Where Things Come Back by John Whaley -- when a supposedly extinct woodpecker is seen in Cullen's hometown, sleepy Arkansas summer turns into woodpecker frenzy. Then Cullen's brother vanishes, and Cullen must struggle with holding his family together.
Crow by Barbara Wright -- In 1898, in small-town North Carolina, 11 year-old Moses is enjoying a summer vacation, but life is changing as blacks and whites struggle with social change, and a true historical event shows how prejudice can affect a whole city.
Amplified by Tara Kelly -- when Jasmine's father kicks her out of the house, the privileged teen takes her small life savings and runs away to Santa Cruz, Ca, to become a rock musician.
Curveball: the Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick -- when Peter's baseball future is ended by an injury, he takes up sports photography, which leads to a new girlfriend, and a new friendship with his grandfather, who is slowly going senile.
Double by Jenny Valentine -- When Chap is mistaken for a missing teen, he takes on a new life that turns out to be as chancy and dangerous as life on the streets and in foster-care.
Ripper by Stefan Petrucha -- Carver, adopted son of a Pinkerton Detective, longs to find his real father in 1885 New York, but when he gets involved in tracking down Jack the Ripper, he discovers truth can be worse than ignorance.
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver -- Delirium Book 2 - Lena has fled to a resistance community, leaving her beloved, Alex, behind and most likely dead, in this dystopian story about a culture that treats love as a disease.
Aristole and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Saenz -- fifteen year old Ari Mendoza is angry, a loner with a brother in prison, but he'd never questioned his family until he meets Dante, an interesting new acquaintance who gives him a new outlook.
Bewitching by Alex Flinn -- Kendra is a witch, and for the past 300 years has lived through the London Plague, the sinking of the Titanic, and other famous events; today, she has a plain step-sister named Emma, whom she'd really like to help; can she manage to get things right THIS time?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The last of the new books
Graphic Novels:
Rave Master Vols. 3, 4, 6, 7 -- The search for the Rave stones has led to a city underground, which is being besieged by a mysterious army of demons led by a man named Gale. Could it be Haru's missing father?
Sakura Hime Vols. 3-6 -- Sakura is still grieving over Oumi's death, but must fight the powerful youko of Umii anyway.
Barefoot Gen Vols. 1-3 -- Gen, his brother and sister and parents, live in Japan during World War II. When the Americans bomb Hiroshima, his life goes from difficult to disastrous. An autobiographical novel.
Pluto Vols. 1-8 by Naoki Urusawa -- in a world where men and robots co-exist, a robot is destroyed, and a robot rights activist is murdered. How are these crimes linked? Robot Detective Gesicht must solve his most difficult case ever, in this retelling of the classic Astro Boy.
Fairy Tail Vol. 17 -- After Wendy is kidnapped, she is exposed to destructive NIRVANA waves, which threaten to destroy the balance of light and dark inside her. Can Fairy Tale rescue her in time, or will her soul be destroyed?
Library Wars. Love and War Vol. 7 -- Hikaru's big brother is working for the enemy, but wants to be reunited with Hikaru. And someone is posting negative reviews on the Library's website. Can Kasahara find out who it is?
Fiction:
Everneath by Brodi Ashton -- Nikki has fled from Everneath for six months, desperate to find a way to escape the underworld before Cole comes back to claim her as his queen.
Beneath a Meth Moon by Woodson -- a young girl who loses her mother and grandmother in Hurricane Katrina turns to Meth for comfort, and then must struggle to overcome her addiction.
Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast -- this House of Night novella follows Lenobia in her early years, as she travels from France to New Orleans, trying to escape an arranged marriage and hide from an evil bishop.
Pink Smog: becoming Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block -- When Weetzie is 13, she loses her beloved home in the hills to a fire, and then her father leaves her alcoholic mother. Weetzie must learn to find beauty and hope in even the ugliest situations.
Visitors by Patricia McKissack -- Clone Codes, book 3 - Clones and Cyborgs are uprising, the Topas Corporation is fighting back, and the Visitors are trying to help humanity, in this conclusion to the Clone Codes Trilogy.
Rivals by Daisy Whitney -- in this sequel to the Mockingbirds, Alex and the secret justice group are challenged by students abusing prescription drugs and cheating, while school officials turn a blind eye.
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons -- Ember has learned not to attract attention in her repressive society, but when her mother is arrested, and Chase, the only boy she ever loved, is both present at her arrest, and then volunteers to help her rescue her mother, she must choose quickly, and correctly, who to trust and when to act.
Halflings by Heather Burch -- when Nikki finds herself the target of evil,three young men who call themselves halflings - secretive half-angels - become her protectors. But when she begins to fall for her guardians, will love cause them to lose their heavenly powers and expose her to evil without their protection?
Populazzi by Elise Allen -- When socially awkward Cara moves to a new school her junior year, it seems the perfect time to use the concept of "the Ladder" to become upwardly mobile and remake herself into the most popular girl in school. But inevitably things go wrong, and Cara must try to salvage her life from the wreckage.
Price of Loyalty by Mike Castan -- When a group of Manny's middle-school friends decide to form a gang, he must decide whether to go along without causing trouble, or do what he knows is right and cut his ties with them. As run-ins with the police and violence both hit closer and closer, Manny sees his time running out in this tense novel about loyalty and self-reliance.
Unbecoming of Mara by Michelle Dyer -- Mara can't remember the deaths of her three best friends, but after moving away to Florida, and finding love with Noah, she realizes that recovering her hidden memories may save both her family and other lives as well.
Without Tess by Marcella Pixley -- Lizzie misses her imaginative older sister Tess, and struggles to understand what made her delusional, beloved sister first cling to a fantasy life, and then die tragically.
Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry Mazer -- after being wounded in Iraq and coming home with a badly impaired memory, Ben struggles to recover physically and emotionally, while his family, including his autistic brother, try to reconcile the healthy, handsome, outgoing boy they knew with the damaged man Ben has become.
Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard -- Lying Game #3 - Emma is still trying to solve the murder of her twin sister, while taking her place; Sutton looks on from the afterlife and attempts to remember what truly happened. Now Thayer, Sutton's best friend's brother is back, and his return threatens everything Emma has done up til now.
Dead to You by Lisa McMann -- having been kidnapped at age 7, abandoned, left in foster care, and eventually homeless, Evan is overjoyed to be returned to his true family, but a terrible missing memory threatens to tear the reunited family apart.
DJ Rising by Love Maia -- Marley's career as DJ Ice is taking off, but his mother's heroin addiction keeps dragging him down. Will he give up his potential career for family obligations, or can he succeed if he abandons them?
Rave Master Vols. 3, 4, 6, 7 -- The search for the Rave stones has led to a city underground, which is being besieged by a mysterious army of demons led by a man named Gale. Could it be Haru's missing father?
Sakura Hime Vols. 3-6 -- Sakura is still grieving over Oumi's death, but must fight the powerful youko of Umii anyway.
Barefoot Gen Vols. 1-3 -- Gen, his brother and sister and parents, live in Japan during World War II. When the Americans bomb Hiroshima, his life goes from difficult to disastrous. An autobiographical novel.
Pluto Vols. 1-8 by Naoki Urusawa -- in a world where men and robots co-exist, a robot is destroyed, and a robot rights activist is murdered. How are these crimes linked? Robot Detective Gesicht must solve his most difficult case ever, in this retelling of the classic Astro Boy.
Fairy Tail Vol. 17 -- After Wendy is kidnapped, she is exposed to destructive NIRVANA waves, which threaten to destroy the balance of light and dark inside her. Can Fairy Tale rescue her in time, or will her soul be destroyed?
Library Wars. Love and War Vol. 7 -- Hikaru's big brother is working for the enemy, but wants to be reunited with Hikaru. And someone is posting negative reviews on the Library's website. Can Kasahara find out who it is?
Fiction:
Everneath by Brodi Ashton -- Nikki has fled from Everneath for six months, desperate to find a way to escape the underworld before Cole comes back to claim her as his queen.
Beneath a Meth Moon by Woodson -- a young girl who loses her mother and grandmother in Hurricane Katrina turns to Meth for comfort, and then must struggle to overcome her addiction.
Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast -- this House of Night novella follows Lenobia in her early years, as she travels from France to New Orleans, trying to escape an arranged marriage and hide from an evil bishop.
Pink Smog: becoming Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block -- When Weetzie is 13, she loses her beloved home in the hills to a fire, and then her father leaves her alcoholic mother. Weetzie must learn to find beauty and hope in even the ugliest situations.
Visitors by Patricia McKissack -- Clone Codes, book 3 - Clones and Cyborgs are uprising, the Topas Corporation is fighting back, and the Visitors are trying to help humanity, in this conclusion to the Clone Codes Trilogy.
Rivals by Daisy Whitney -- in this sequel to the Mockingbirds, Alex and the secret justice group are challenged by students abusing prescription drugs and cheating, while school officials turn a blind eye.
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons -- Ember has learned not to attract attention in her repressive society, but when her mother is arrested, and Chase, the only boy she ever loved, is both present at her arrest, and then volunteers to help her rescue her mother, she must choose quickly, and correctly, who to trust and when to act.
Halflings by Heather Burch -- when Nikki finds herself the target of evil,three young men who call themselves halflings - secretive half-angels - become her protectors. But when she begins to fall for her guardians, will love cause them to lose their heavenly powers and expose her to evil without their protection?
Populazzi by Elise Allen -- When socially awkward Cara moves to a new school her junior year, it seems the perfect time to use the concept of "the Ladder" to become upwardly mobile and remake herself into the most popular girl in school. But inevitably things go wrong, and Cara must try to salvage her life from the wreckage.
Price of Loyalty by Mike Castan -- When a group of Manny's middle-school friends decide to form a gang, he must decide whether to go along without causing trouble, or do what he knows is right and cut his ties with them. As run-ins with the police and violence both hit closer and closer, Manny sees his time running out in this tense novel about loyalty and self-reliance.
Unbecoming of Mara by Michelle Dyer -- Mara can't remember the deaths of her three best friends, but after moving away to Florida, and finding love with Noah, she realizes that recovering her hidden memories may save both her family and other lives as well.
Without Tess by Marcella Pixley -- Lizzie misses her imaginative older sister Tess, and struggles to understand what made her delusional, beloved sister first cling to a fantasy life, and then die tragically.
Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry Mazer -- after being wounded in Iraq and coming home with a badly impaired memory, Ben struggles to recover physically and emotionally, while his family, including his autistic brother, try to reconcile the healthy, handsome, outgoing boy they knew with the damaged man Ben has become.
Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard -- Lying Game #3 - Emma is still trying to solve the murder of her twin sister, while taking her place; Sutton looks on from the afterlife and attempts to remember what truly happened. Now Thayer, Sutton's best friend's brother is back, and his return threatens everything Emma has done up til now.
Dead to You by Lisa McMann -- having been kidnapped at age 7, abandoned, left in foster care, and eventually homeless, Evan is overjoyed to be returned to his true family, but a terrible missing memory threatens to tear the reunited family apart.
DJ Rising by Love Maia -- Marley's career as DJ Ice is taking off, but his mother's heroin addiction keeps dragging him down. Will he give up his potential career for family obligations, or can he succeed if he abandons them?
New Books
Graphic Novels:
Axe Cop – Malachai Nicole -- hilariously illogical cartoons about a cop with an axe...
iZombie: Dead to the World – Chris Roberson -- Gravedigger Gwen, a zombie who eats a brain a month, inherits the memories of everyone she eats; her last victim remembers a murder that Gwen and her friends must now solve.
Mangaman – Barry Lyga -- Ryoko is a manga story character who falls through a rip into our world, and must survive life as a typical American High School student.
Batman: Streets of Gotham - Huntress is amazed to find herself the "reliable" member of her team when she's paired with Man-bat; Batman and friends try to solve a mystery involving Gotham's kids.
Superman: Secret Origin -- Young Clark Kent discovers his alien origins, meets Lex Luthor and has other early-life experiences.
Superman: Return of Doomsday -- Doomsday killed Superman once, and he's now hunting down all Superman's friends; can they discover his evil secret and stop him?
Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles: the authorized graphic adaptation –Dennis Calero and Ray Bradbury -- When Astronauts arrive on Mars, things are very different from their expectations. The inhabitants seem totally unsurprised by the visitors, but soon things take a very odd tack, in this classic Science Fiction story.
Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Relations, and Other Nonsense – Corinne Mucha -- follow the adventures of Annie, an ordinary high school freshman, through her first year of crushes, failures and successes.
Hopeless Savages: Greatest Hits 2000-2010 – Jen VanMeter -- The Savage family, with their famous Rock Band parents and straight-laced runaway brother, find endless trouble, ranging from kidnappings to international intrigue.
The Homeland Directive – Robert Venditti -- Dr. Laura Regan researches infectious diseases, learning how to stop their spread, but when her virus research is stolen and her partner killed, she finds herself on a quest to stop her own government from using her discoveries as weapons of terror.
Americus – MK Reed -- Teen Neal Barton stands up for his favorite fantasy novel series after fundamentalist Christians try to have it banned from the Americus Public Library.
Level Up – Gene Luen Yang -- Dennis, son of Chinese immigrants, longs to play computer games, but his parents pressure him to become a doctor, in this classic coming-of-age story.
Feynman – Jim Ottaviani -- a biography of the physics genius Robert Feynman, focusing on his humor, his adventurous nature and his discoveries, rather than the actual physics he did.
Ouran High School Host Club volume 17 – Bisco Hatori -- Tamaki's family are behind the suspension of the Ouran High School Host Club and the plan to ship Haruhi abroad. Can the club band together and save their family?
Sita’s Ramayana – Samhita Arni -- this retelling of the Ramayana from Queen Sita's point of view, reveals much about classic Hindu teachings, and the Indian way of life.
Fiction:
Prom & Prejudice – Elizabeth Eulberg -- a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice with Lizzie Bennet, a music student, unwillingly attracted to the arrogant best friend of her room-mate's boyfriend.
Evermore – Alyson Noel -- Ever can see and hear the dead, since the death of her family in a car accident. She hides the ability until she meets Damen, another teen with psychic powers, and his own secrets.
Thirst: No. 2 – Christopher Pike -- Alisa has converted from Vampire to human, and now it is up to her to build a new identity.
Thirst: No. 3 – Christopher Pike -- Alisa tries to protect herself and Teri from mysterious enemies, all the while her guilt over her previous actions grows.
You Against Me – Jenny Downham -- 18 year old Mikey's sister claims to have been raped, but when Mikey tries to investigate, he meets Ellie, sister of the accused, and finds himself befriending her, complicating the situation a great deal.
And there should be more soon!
Axe Cop – Malachai Nicole -- hilariously illogical cartoons about a cop with an axe...
iZombie: Dead to the World – Chris Roberson -- Gravedigger Gwen, a zombie who eats a brain a month, inherits the memories of everyone she eats; her last victim remembers a murder that Gwen and her friends must now solve.
Mangaman – Barry Lyga -- Ryoko is a manga story character who falls through a rip into our world, and must survive life as a typical American High School student.
Batman: Streets of Gotham - Huntress is amazed to find herself the "reliable" member of her team when she's paired with Man-bat; Batman and friends try to solve a mystery involving Gotham's kids.
Superman: Secret Origin -- Young Clark Kent discovers his alien origins, meets Lex Luthor and has other early-life experiences.
Superman: Return of Doomsday -- Doomsday killed Superman once, and he's now hunting down all Superman's friends; can they discover his evil secret and stop him?
Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles: the authorized graphic adaptation –Dennis Calero and Ray Bradbury -- When Astronauts arrive on Mars, things are very different from their expectations. The inhabitants seem totally unsurprised by the visitors, but soon things take a very odd tack, in this classic Science Fiction story.
Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Relations, and Other Nonsense – Corinne Mucha -- follow the adventures of Annie, an ordinary high school freshman, through her first year of crushes, failures and successes.
Hopeless Savages: Greatest Hits 2000-2010 – Jen VanMeter -- The Savage family, with their famous Rock Band parents and straight-laced runaway brother, find endless trouble, ranging from kidnappings to international intrigue.
The Homeland Directive – Robert Venditti -- Dr. Laura Regan researches infectious diseases, learning how to stop their spread, but when her virus research is stolen and her partner killed, she finds herself on a quest to stop her own government from using her discoveries as weapons of terror.
Americus – MK Reed -- Teen Neal Barton stands up for his favorite fantasy novel series after fundamentalist Christians try to have it banned from the Americus Public Library.
Level Up – Gene Luen Yang -- Dennis, son of Chinese immigrants, longs to play computer games, but his parents pressure him to become a doctor, in this classic coming-of-age story.
Feynman – Jim Ottaviani -- a biography of the physics genius Robert Feynman, focusing on his humor, his adventurous nature and his discoveries, rather than the actual physics he did.
Ouran High School Host Club volume 17 – Bisco Hatori -- Tamaki's family are behind the suspension of the Ouran High School Host Club and the plan to ship Haruhi abroad. Can the club band together and save their family?
Sita’s Ramayana – Samhita Arni -- this retelling of the Ramayana from Queen Sita's point of view, reveals much about classic Hindu teachings, and the Indian way of life.
Fiction:
Prom & Prejudice – Elizabeth Eulberg -- a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice with Lizzie Bennet, a music student, unwillingly attracted to the arrogant best friend of her room-mate's boyfriend.
Evermore – Alyson Noel -- Ever can see and hear the dead, since the death of her family in a car accident. She hides the ability until she meets Damen, another teen with psychic powers, and his own secrets.
Thirst: No. 2 – Christopher Pike -- Alisa has converted from Vampire to human, and now it is up to her to build a new identity.
Thirst: No. 3 – Christopher Pike -- Alisa tries to protect herself and Teri from mysterious enemies, all the while her guilt over her previous actions grows.
You Against Me – Jenny Downham -- 18 year old Mikey's sister claims to have been raped, but when Mikey tries to investigate, he meets Ellie, sister of the accused, and finds himself befriending her, complicating the situation a great deal.
And there should be more soon!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
New YA
Graphic Novels:
Batman. Gates of Gotham by Scott Snyder -- a mystery involves Batman and all the greatest detectives he can summon, and touches on the history of the city of Gotham and the Wayne family, among others.
Fiction:
Fever by Lauren DeStefano -- Chemical Garden #2 - In this dystopian future story, Rhine escapes from her enforced marriage and struggles to get back to New York to find her twin brother.
Deadly Fae by Terry Spear -- World of Fae #2 - Lady Sessily is a fae assassin, but she longs to retire and start a more normal, fun life; that is, until a tall dark stranger interrupts her new life with deadly intent.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi -- Aria, exiled from her world of technical wonders, and Perry, a survivor in a desolate world, deeply mistrust each other, but must work together to survive and accomplish their journey under the Never Sky.
Tempest by Julie Cross -- Jackson can travel in time; it seems like harmless fun until strangers burst into his apartment and his girlfriend Holly is killed. Jumping two years into the past, Jackson struggles to identify his enemies,understand his power, and save Holly.
The Lost by Anne Schraff -- Urban Underground #20 - Pretty, popular Carmen is excited when handsome, dangerous Paul asks her on a date.But can she convince her family he's safe and respectable enough, despite his gang-banger friends?
Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic -- seventeen year old Austin is dying, and he convinces Kaylee, his best friend and secret love, to take him around Tacoma to visit people and places in the hopes of making a difference before he dies.
Rapunzel, the One with All the Hair by Wendy Mass -- Twice Upon a Time #2 - Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin are both trapped, one by an evil witch, and one by his duties, but when their paths cross, things begin to change for them both.
More new books will be posted in the next day or two, so keep looking!
Batman. Gates of Gotham by Scott Snyder -- a mystery involves Batman and all the greatest detectives he can summon, and touches on the history of the city of Gotham and the Wayne family, among others.
Fiction:
Fever by Lauren DeStefano -- Chemical Garden #2 - In this dystopian future story, Rhine escapes from her enforced marriage and struggles to get back to New York to find her twin brother.
Deadly Fae by Terry Spear -- World of Fae #2 - Lady Sessily is a fae assassin, but she longs to retire and start a more normal, fun life; that is, until a tall dark stranger interrupts her new life with deadly intent.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi -- Aria, exiled from her world of technical wonders, and Perry, a survivor in a desolate world, deeply mistrust each other, but must work together to survive and accomplish their journey under the Never Sky.
Tempest by Julie Cross -- Jackson can travel in time; it seems like harmless fun until strangers burst into his apartment and his girlfriend Holly is killed. Jumping two years into the past, Jackson struggles to identify his enemies,understand his power, and save Holly.
The Lost by Anne Schraff -- Urban Underground #20 - Pretty, popular Carmen is excited when handsome, dangerous Paul asks her on a date.But can she convince her family he's safe and respectable enough, despite his gang-banger friends?
Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic -- seventeen year old Austin is dying, and he convinces Kaylee, his best friend and secret love, to take him around Tacoma to visit people and places in the hopes of making a difference before he dies.
Rapunzel, the One with All the Hair by Wendy Mass -- Twice Upon a Time #2 - Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin are both trapped, one by an evil witch, and one by his duties, but when their paths cross, things begin to change for them both.
More new books will be posted in the next day or two, so keep looking!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Two Book Reviews
I just read two very good books - and neither one is YA!
However, I think that most YA readers like to go "beyond" their genre, so I'm going to comment on both of them.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is Science Fiction. Wade Watts is a 17 year old Oasis-player, and a 'gunter' who seeks to solve the riddle posed by James Hathaway; if he can, he'll win a fortune worth billions -- unfortunately, a lot of people are determined to make sure he doesn't win - and are willing to kill to succeed. The story follows Wade through his slowly-collapsing world, into the alternate reality of Oasis, and his quest to find the three keys. It's exciting, soaked in 1980's geek memorabilia, and it even has a nice slightly romantic element. If you love pacman, 80's music and movies, and always wanted to live inside a computer, you'll love this book. And if you're a fan of Cory Doctorow or Conor Kostick, you'll find this just to your taste.
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George is a juvenile fiction story. Told by 11 year old Princess Celie, it is the intense, adventurous, funny story of the royal family of Castle Glower - when Celie's parents are killed, she and her brother and sister must save the kingdom from wicked advisors, an evil prince, and more; their only ally is the magical castle, which can add and remove rooms, move hallways about, and provide Celie with many useful items. There's quite a feeling of suspense and danger in this fairy-tale-with-a-grim-touch. If you like Tanith Lee, Shannon Hale or Robin McKinley, you may like this.
However, I think that most YA readers like to go "beyond" their genre, so I'm going to comment on both of them.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is Science Fiction. Wade Watts is a 17 year old Oasis-player, and a 'gunter' who seeks to solve the riddle posed by James Hathaway; if he can, he'll win a fortune worth billions -- unfortunately, a lot of people are determined to make sure he doesn't win - and are willing to kill to succeed. The story follows Wade through his slowly-collapsing world, into the alternate reality of Oasis, and his quest to find the three keys. It's exciting, soaked in 1980's geek memorabilia, and it even has a nice slightly romantic element. If you love pacman, 80's music and movies, and always wanted to live inside a computer, you'll love this book. And if you're a fan of Cory Doctorow or Conor Kostick, you'll find this just to your taste.
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George is a juvenile fiction story. Told by 11 year old Princess Celie, it is the intense, adventurous, funny story of the royal family of Castle Glower - when Celie's parents are killed, she and her brother and sister must save the kingdom from wicked advisors, an evil prince, and more; their only ally is the magical castle, which can add and remove rooms, move hallways about, and provide Celie with many useful items. There's quite a feeling of suspense and danger in this fairy-tale-with-a-grim-touch. If you like Tanith Lee, Shannon Hale or Robin McKinley, you may like this.
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