Review of "I Am Not a Serial Killer"

"If you met me on the street, you'd never guess how much I wanted to kill you."

     For John Wayne Cleaver, fifteen-year-old protagonist of Dan Wells' I Am Not a Serial Killer, dead bodies are as common as English essays, and far more interesting. John spends every spare minute helping his mom and aunt clean and prepare the bodies that get shipped into the mortuary downstairs, but what Mom and Margaret see as a sad, if necessary, job, John sees as a chance to be himself. Maybe it has something to do with the way corpses never demand conversation, or get upset when he doesn't show empathy--which, as a sociopath with the self-diagnosed potential to be a serial killer, suits John just fine. His condition also puts him in the perfect position to inspect the torn-up carcass of Jeb Jolly, the auto mechanic who was recently murdered behind the Wash-n-Dry. John is the only person who recognizes the work of an emerging serial killer, but the question is not whether he can discover the murderer's identity. It's whether he can do so without becoming one himself.

     I Am Not a Serial Killer is positively chilling. John is not some depressed kid caught up in teenaged angst, but a true sociopath with the tangible potential to kill. To prevent his inner darkness from escaping, he follows a set of very strict rules that effectively disguise him as a normal teenager. You might think that John, with his dark humor and gruesome interests, would not be a sympathetic character, and you'd be right--but you'd also be incredibly wrong. Despite his sociopathic nature, his tendency to connect emotionally only through fear or fury, and his obsession with serial killers, John's head is disturbingly easy to slip into. Readers may find themselves thinking in line with Wells' protagonist, and connecting with him on a level he'd never understand.

     One thing that might turn readers off of this book is its crossing from crime-investigation to the supernatural-thriller genre. Many have made the claim that the transformation ruined the book for them. I tend to think that it is this transition that makes the book. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the supernatural forces in I Am Not a Serial Killer give John the opportunity to battle his internal demons while also humanizing the villain, in their own way. The Clayton Killer is one of the most enigmatic bad guys I've ever read. Is he evil? Is he heartless? Or does he simply make evil, heartless decisions out of a twisted sense of humanity? Wells doesn't tell us outright, leaving it up to us to pass judgment.

     The Young Adult label is a very odd thing. You can have sex, profanity, and drugs, or you can have violence and gore, but you can't have both. I Am Not a Serial Killer is an example of the latter. As the son of a mortician, John details the process of preparing a body for burial. He also watches men get torn apart by a supernatural force, and some of the death scenes would not be pleasant for those with sensitive constitutions. It doesn't, however, detract from the story. If anything, it adds to it.

     I would recommend this book to an adult or older teen looking for a story about death, inner conflict, and what it means to be human. Although it crosses genres a bit partway through the book, and despite the gore this leads to, Dan Wells' debut novel is perfect for an older reader looking for a bit of serial killer fun. John Wayne Cleaver is fascinating, his story interesting, and his voice chillingly real. Therefore I feel no qualms in awarding I Am Not a Serial Killer four solid stars.

Review of "Blue Willow"

"Janey Larkin paused on the top step of the shack and looked down at her shadow."

     In Doris Gates' Blue Willow, Janey Larkin is the ten-year-old daughter of an itinerant farm worker. She has spent nearly her entire life travelling from shack to shack, attending the camp schools and learning to be independent. When asked how long she will stay, her answer is always "As long as we can"--a phrase she has come to resent as the years pass. Then, one day, the Larkins move into a small hut on the edge of a large property, and from across the street comes a little Mexican girl with a baby. The girl's name is Lupe, and she wants to be Janey's friend. Filled with an emotion she has never experienced before, Janey reveals to Lupe her family treasure: a blue willow plate that once belonged to her mother. It is the prettiest thing the Larkins own, and to Janey it represents imagination, hope, and possibility. When trouble strikes the Larkins with all its might, Janey learns power of bravery and sacrifice as she decides between the fate of a loved one and her most prized possession.

     One of the wonderful things about Blue Willow is the point of the story. While there are some touching books about struggling immigrants, the Larkins' is not about an unlucky family from an ethnic minority. Their race isn't even a key point in this story. Janey, with her sunburned skin, blue eyes, and pale blonde hair, is short and excitable, and doesn't care in the least that her one and only friend is Mexican, or that her father competes against a black man in the local cotton-picking competition. Her indifference to race is admirable, almost as admirable as the way she views the world as a blank canvas of endless possibility. For Janey, the most important things are friendship, stability, and the blue willow plate.

     Gates' writing style is geared toward young readers, but it is not at all the kind of writing a child might be used to. Her vocabulary is mature and direct, and isn't patronizing or overly simple. Readers of any age will enjoy her straightforward narrative and the way she easily slips into the mind of little Janey. She captures our lovable heroine perfectly, from her appearance to her pride, her bibliophilia to her devotion to the blue willow plate. Every thought, every mannerism, is completely in character and fits the flow of the story wonderfully.

     Although lovable, the characters in Blue Willow are relatively flat. Lupe is straightforward and kind, Janey is imaginative and hopeful, and Bounce Reyburn is positively awful. There isn't much dimension to anyone, although we get to watch Janey emerge from her shell and shift her opinions over the course of the story.

     The plot of Blue Willow is also simple. Janey and her family move into an unoccupied hut in the San Joaquin Valley and make friends with the neighbors; Bruce Reyburn, a harsh man with a disgusting attitude, begins to collect rent; several experiences begin to change the way Janey values people, events, and material things; terrible events occur, leading to scenes that keep you holding your breath and hoping against hope that it'll turn out all right; and little details that may have once been overlooked become crucial to the ending. Although there are few, if any, subplots, and there is little in the way of secondary character development, the overall story of Blue Willow makes for a great read.

     I would recommend Doris Gates' Blue Willow to anyone interested in a short, heartwarming book about courage, hope, and sacrifice. Although the characters are rather flat and the plot is one-dimensional, it is full of gritty details, beautiful worldbuilding, and great characters. For all of these reasons, Blue Willow deserves four stars.

Review of "Legend"

"I've found another one."

     In Marie Lu's thrilling YA novel Legend, Daniel "Day" Wing is the most-wanted fugitive in the Republic of America. He is a master of disguise, the perfect thief. Day steals food and supplies as often as he destroys Republic property, but one thing he never does is kill. So when June Iparis, the Republic military's top student, finds a man Day has left behind with a knife in his chest, she has to wonder--has the nation's greatest internal threat changed his methods? Or is something far more sinister at work? The only way to find out is to go undercover and get close to Day...but she may discover that there is more to this criminal than she had thought, and nothing is ever what it seems.

     In other books, characters who live in a utopian society realize that everything is a lie, and they work hard to bring down their government and raise a new one. Legend does not do this. Instead, these characters live in the Republic and work against a plot within its borders. They fight certain government officials, yes. Soldiers are harmed, yes. Do our heroes take on the nation's leadership in a battle for superiority? Not at all. Legend is the story of a boy and a girl who live in hard times and struggle, in their own ways, to survive, and that is what makes the book fascinating: that it takes place within a dystopia, but isn't about it.

     Though it's primarily a romance, Legend is full of action. Day is a thief, and a good one at that, and with the help of his partner-in-crime-slash-best-friend, Tess, he is on a mission to cause as much trouble for the authorities as he can. He is also desperately trying to save the life of his brother, who has just come down with a terrible disease, and will do anything to help him. Meanwhile, June must solve a murder while battling her grief over the death of her own brother, who died in action. Her only way of coping is to pour all her energy into tracking Day down, which involves lots of fistfighting, running, and weapons, as well as a startling betrayal.

     The characters in Lu's novel are all fleshed out and well-written. Tess, Day's companion, is lovable but pragmatic; June's friend Thomas is serious but secretive; and even Kaede, the bartender who only appears in a couple of scenes, is so multi-dimensional it's impossible not to wonder about her own story. Day's point of view is written exactly as he speaks, soaked through with the dialect of the Lake sector--full of suspicion, vulnerability, and street slang. June, on the other hand, is the picture of military perfection with her precise grammar, parenthetical observations, and critical inspections. The two are fifteen, but their romance is so sweet, despite its rockiness, that it's impossible to look down on it. They never go beyond kissing. I would, however, have liked to have seen a little more roundness, as some of the characters stick to their basic personality and rarely go beyond it.

     I would recommend Legend to anyone looking for a great story about betrayal, duty, and thinking for yourself. Although the romance strays rather close to insta-love, it is believable and sweet; the action, where it happens, is brilliantly plotted and deliciously described. You really feel that you're right there in the street with June and Day as they fight to learn the truth about the man who died. And, most importantly, the story goes beyond the setting--a feature unique among Legend's dystopian counterparts. There were moments, however, when the characters seemed a little static. Therefore, I present Legend with a solid four stars.

Review of "A Little Princess"

"There's nothing so strong as rage, except what makes you hold it in--that's stronger."

     Today we review a classic children's tale of courage in the face of adversity. Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess tells the story of little Sara Crewe, whose father has decided to provide her with a proper education by sending her to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, a boarding school in London. The school is populated by dozens of rich girls, but none of them can hold a candle to Sara, who is considered by many to be a princess even without the plethora of dolls and fancy dresses her father provides for her. Kindhearted, even-tempered, and remarkably intelligent, Sara brings warmth and love into every friendship. When her father dies, leaving her penniless, Sara is faced with the hard life of a scullery maid. Now she must make a choice: to lower herself to her newfound position, or to remain a princess despite her rags.

     Many authors, were they to write this story, would focus their narrative on the horrible things that happen to Sara, from losing her father to having all of her possessions, save one doll, taken from her. They might write about her tears, or her grief, or a feeling of bitterness toward Miss Minchin and the staff, or envy of the girls in the classrooms. Burnett does not focus on these things. While she does write about the hunger, the scoldings, and the hard work, the focus is primarily on Sara and her method of coping--pretending. Sara is an imaginative creature with the ability to tell stories in such a way that those around her almost believe her, and it is these "suppositions" that get her through her troubles, combined with her friends and her belief that "the worst never quite comes."

     The characters in A Little Princess are as unique and rounded as real people. From the simple, lovable Ermengarde to the spoiled Lottie, the overworked Becky, and the unpleasant Miss Minchin, every character is distinct and perfectly portrayed. The elder pupils are spoiled and snobbish; the little ones are curious and well depicted; and the people Sara meets on the street are fascinating. 

     Throughout the book, Sara pretends she is a princess to ensure she will never speak harshly or be uncharitable. While she doesn't always succeed, everyone sees how hard she tries, and that is what they admire. But Sara is not perfect; she is incredibly proud, which gets her in trouble almost as much as it helps her to cope. She does not ask for help or beg for compassion. In her mind, if one does not wish to treat her well she must bear it with all her strength--only imagine what it would be like if the others realized she was a princess!

     This plot does not contain action, mystery, lies, or intrigue, but it is still full of hardship. Sara has become little more than an indentured servant, subject to the whims of a heartless headmistress, and must find a way to remain kind and loving despite her position. From trips to the bakery on an empty stomach, to the discovery of rats in her attic bedroom, our heroine is faced with great troubles that only someone with true strength of character can overcome.

     A Little Princess is a story about friendship, hope, and the power of imagination. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a classic story for their kids, or to a young girl who likes to dream. While I don't think it would make for a very good boy's read, there is no saying certain boy wouldn't like it. For excitement, sympathetic characters, and a heroine with lots of heart, I award Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess five stars out of five.

Review of "Grendel"

"And so begins the twelfth year of my idiotic war."

     If you ever attended college, or if you are interested in classical literature, you have probably read the epic poem "Beowulf", which follows a great hero on his journey to rid the Danes of two horrible monsters, rule his kingdom wisely, and eventually slay a dragon. But his is not the only side of the story. In 1971, author John Gardner published a novel entitled Grendel, which follows the life of Beowulf's first nemesis, the monster Grendel, up until his role in the poem. Grendel is a hairy, troll-like creature who constantly attacks the Danes but does not, according to Gardner, want to destroy them. In this novel, we explore the inner depths of a character who may be more than meets the eye--and get a front-row seat for all of his pillaging.

     You do not need to have read "Beowulf" to understand this story, as the vast majority of its twelve chapters takes place before the Danes welcome the hero to their lands. However, if you have read the poem you may find an added interest in Grendel, though you'll know how the story ends. I will not spoil the ending for those who are as yet unaware of it, but rest assured that the final two chapters, which document Grendel and Beowulf's confrontation, follow the original storyline closely.

     I must admit that I was rather disappointed with Grendel. Although I have not read the poem, pieces of metafiction have always interested me, especially if they are written from the perspective of a secondary character or the antagonist. However, from the beginning it became obvious that there would be no attempts to make Grendel relatable. He is morose, unstable, and isolated, and he hates anyone who is otherwise; nothing in him is human enough for me to truly connect with. At various points in the book, Grendel thinks back to parts of his life that have made him who he is; and while some of them make him a bit sympathetic, all of that is overshadowed by the gore, violence, and hatred in the others.

     The other characters in this book are interesting, however. We have Hrothgar, the king Grendel hates; Unferth, the hero Grendel refuses to kill out of spite, and who is perhaps the most sympathetic character in the book; Wealtheow, who is not explored much in the poem but whose backstory is much expanded in Grendel; and the Shaper, a blind harpist whose captivating songs infuriate Grendel. These characters are intriguing, and might be very fun to read about from another viewpoint, but unfortunately we only ever see them through the eyes of Grendel, the monster who hates them all.

     Gardner's writing style is very good--nearly fantastical without losing any of the gritty, harsh reality the narrator thinks in. Most characters don't curse--with the exception of Grendel, who uses some very crude and insulting terms to describe certain characters; there are a few sexual references, made mostly by the priests who go out at night to offer prayers to the idols they don't believe in. There is plenty of gore, from simple stabbings to scenes where Grendel breaks open heads and eats the brains. Trust me when I say that this is not a book for the faint of heart.

     I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cruel, heartless characters who hate humans as a rule. It is graphic and it is morose, but it is also well-written. Do not read Grendel if you're looking for a deep, fulfilling read about misunderstood villains, because you will not find one within these pages. Because of the writing and the side characters, I grant John Gardner's Grendel two star.

Review of "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You"

"No, Ms. Morgan, once this starts--it doesn't stop."

     In Ally Carter's I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You, we don't just explore the love life of one of the top teen spies in the nation--we get pulled right into her world, complete with parenthetical side notes and highly classified missions. Cammie Morgan is a chameleon, able to blend into any crowd and disappear into any background. At any other school, that might be helpful against bullies, but at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, it's the key to getting an "A". Because the Gallagher Academy doesn't only teach its girls math, chemistry, and English--it teaches them advanced martial arts, the history of chemical warfare, and the top five places to buy black market explosives in St. Petersburg. But Cammie is about to find out that there is a subject they don't cover at the Gallagher Academy, one that might just be vital to survival: boys.

     The plot of I'd Tell You I Love You is straightforward. Cammie Morgan, a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, is on track to become a top-rate spy, but first she has to get through her classes. That should be easy to accomplish--except that, this year, the headmistress has hired a new Covert Operations teacher. Young, direct, and fresh from the field, Joe Solomon immediately sends the class on a practice mission: follow one of the other teachers, a former CIA operative, through the town fair to figure out what he likes to drink with his funnel cakes. Everything is going well until Cammie--invisible Cammie, whom nobody sees unless she wants them to--is drawn into conversation by an ordinary boy. Thus begins a teenaged romance that combines 007 with Cinderella in the most delicious way.

     The characters in this book are incredibly lovable. There's Bex, who can make you think she's anyone; Liz, a technical expert with an IQ that's off the charts; and Macey, the senator's daughter who thinks she's just been enrolled in a school for snobbish heiresses. Each girl has her own quirks and habits that make them seem real. And the students are not the only ones who are depicted in detail; the teachers are also unique and distinct. From Mr. Smith, who changes his appearance every summer, to the accident-prone Dr. Fibs, the teachers at Gallagher are just plain fun to read. It's hard not to get attached to everyone, even Josh, the somewhat one-dimensional love interest.

     I love the way Carter weaves action into her plot. Whether it's a driving test or an undercover operation, each action scene is filled with tension and is realistic to a fault. As I read, I sometimes felt I could close my eyes and find myself right there with Cammie, taking down guards and disabling security systems. Although there is violence, nothing is even remotely graphic and there is no death. Characters do not cuss in I'd Tell You I Love You (with the exception of one "You b---!", which offends the protagonist greatly), and the romance never goes beyond a few sweet kisses.

     Carter's writing style fits the story well, filled as it is with parenthetical comments and teenaged hyperbole. However, this does have the effect of making the protagonist seem younger than she really is; I kept having to remind myself that Cammie was a sophomore and not a seventh grader. This was a little disappointing for me, as I've grown used to YA stories whose protagonists' internal voices match their age. Other than that, though, the writing in this book is perfectly sound.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatively short book about first love and teenaged spies. Cammie and her friends are great characters, and although I wouldn't recommend their story to adults I would definitely offer it up to any teenager looking for some fun. However, the protagonist's internal dialogue sounds a little too young, and characters don't change much over the course of the story. Because of this, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You deserves a solid four stars. Check out Ally Carter's novel the next time you visit the library for some super-spy fun!

Review of "Mila 2.0"

"If I'm not human, why does this hurt so much?"

     In Debra Driza's Mila 2.0, sixteen-year-old Mia Lana, or "Mila" for short, has just lost her home to a terrible fire. Her books, her clothes, and even some of her memories were taken by the flames, but the loss she regrets most is that of her father, who perished in the inferno. In the wake of this disaster, Mrs. Daily takes her daughter to the nowhere town of Clearwater, Minnesota, in the hopes that the small-town atmosphere will aid in the grieving process. Although Mila misses Philly dreadfully, she has finally begun to make friends and settle into a routine--until her boy-crazy BFF tries to show off to Mila's crush and nearly gets her killed. The only sign of injury is a long, alien gash in Mila's arm--which is filled, not with blood, but with the wires and tubing of a machine. Now Mila must face the truth about herself, her mother, and the people who want her in a lab.

     Driza's writing style is gripping. From the beginning, we connect with this girl who is struggling with the loss of her father, and the empty spot in her memory where that event should take place. She struggles to fit in with her friends at school, and doesn't seem to "click" with her mom. When a new boy, Hunter, comes to town, it looks like the beginning of a story of forgiveness and recovery. Then Mila is thrown from a truck, learns a terrible secret from her mother, and begins to see glowing instructions in her head. When the Dailys finally go on the run, readers truly feel the scope of the danger. Their enemy is ruthless, his enforcer cunning. Action and romance are balanced neatly with Mila's one-of-a-kind emotions, forming the basis for a great story.

     One thing I don't like about this book was the way the villain acts. In case you haven't guessed, Mila is an android; her enemy, General Holland, is in charge of the MILA program. Despite the time, research, and money that has gone into making the three MILAs--Mobile Intel Lifelike Androids--Holland treats them like prisoners of war. He runs tests that are designed to break them down to the bare technology, never mind the fact that their humanity is just what makes the MILAs so appealing to the government. I get that he's supposed to be this despicable head-scientist figure, but really--give him some humanity. His disgust at the "creatures" he's created is over the top to the point of irritation.

     Holland aside, the characters in Mila 2.0 are very well-written. Mila grapples with a thousand complex emotions as she comes to terms with her lack of humanity. Hunter is caring, if a little oblivious; Kaylee thinks herself superior to everyone else; and Nicole Laurent, Mila's mom, is truly concerned about her daughter's welfare. Although the characters are close to flat, they have just enough dimension to make them seem real. Mila goes through a lot of development over the course of her story, although most of it is subtle. Despite her emotional turmoil, she is a great character to read.

     As an android designed specifically for military espionage, Mila goes through a lot of fights. She beats people up, gets Tasered, rushes through a deadly obstacle course, stabs a man with a lamp plug, and rushes to save her mother from a horrible death. She is also put into a situation where she is asked to torture a young man. If you are squeamish around such things, this may not be the book for you. There isn't much in the way of cussing, although characters are prone to saying "Oh my God."

     I would recommend Mila 2.0 to any teenager who was looking for a book about trust, choice, and what it means to be human. Any adult who is willing to look past the angst may find that they like it, as well. It does feature violence and mild romance, all of which contributes to the plot. The villain is a little over-the-top, however. For excitement, tension, and writing that sucks you in, I grant Mila 2.0 four stars.

Review of "The Lost Island of Tamarind"

"There are enough problems here without having to worry about flesh-eating vines."

     In Nadia Aguiar's The Lost Island of Tamarind, we explore a fantastical land of strange creatures, glowing sea shells, and sinister mysteries. Thirteen-year-old Maya Nelson has lived her whole life aboard the Pamela Jane, her family's sailboat, along with her parents, her brother, and her baby sister. For a while, it was great fun, but now Maya longs for a life on land. When her parents are washed overboard in a storm, Maya and her siblings must take control of the Pamela Jane and steer her to shore in search of help. They find themselves on Tamarind, an island that is not on any map and is populated by thousands of mystical creatures. With the help of a one-eared hunter named Helix, the Nelsons must tear the island apart to find their parents, but the most difficult task might just be getting out alive.

     As a kid, I was always a sucker for a good fantasy story. If there were dragons, monsters, eerie glowing mushrooms, and toxic flowers, I probably read it and I probably liked it. The Lost Island of Tamarind is one of those books, but it far exceeds those requirements. Sure, there are no dragons or toxic flowers--instead, we have baby- and predator-eating vines, real flying fish, and a terrifying woman who rides about on a jaguar and kidnaps children. The towns, from the tree house village in the jungle to the bustling city of Port Town, are extremely unique, rich with detail, and populated with so many realistic characters it blows my mind. Everybody has a backstory--even the monkeys.

     The writing style used in Tamarind fits the story beautifully. It is geared toward younger(ish) readers, but it is clear and incredibly detailed. Dialogue flows smoothly, no matter the dialect, and foreshadowing is well hidden. The mystery of where the children are and where their parents have gone is unraveled slowly, one little bit at a time, and every piece is tangled together with another. You may find that the things that seemed important at first are worthless, while the insignificant "subplots" are actually clues vital to the characters' survival. This is done well, which makes for some pleasant surprises and startling plot twists.

     There is action in this book, but it is not the usual kind of action. Characters tromp through forests, break out of inescapable prisons, and struggle to escape a village reminiscent of Odysseus's lotus-eaters. Thus, the battles are primarily of a more social nature, but there are plenty of times when talking their way out of a situation is simply impossible. Barrel rides, pirate battles, and kidnappings force the Nelson children through a thousand stressful situations, pushing aside their misunderstandings to form strong, trusting relationships.

     Tamarind's characters are well-rounded and well-developed. Maya is stubborn, wary, and isolated in the way only a thirteen-year-old can be. Simon is curious and impossibly practical. Helix is mysterious, the Evondra is surprisingly sympathetic, and Seagrape the parrot is a wonderful character in all respects. They all start out fairly flat, but over the course of the story they show an impressive array of facets that shape out their personalities. Nearly everyone is sympathetic, even the villains, but not necessarily in a good way--rather, readers may find that the characters embody different pieces of themselves, whether the trait is flattering or not. In short, each character is individual and realistic.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a story about kids who go on adventures and overcome incredible dangers. It's a tale of friendship and trust, but mainly it is a story about choices. Adults and young teens alike will find themselves engrossed in The Lost Island of Tamarind, a trait that fully deserves five stars out of five. Parents, this might be a good one to crack open with your kids.

Review of "City of Pearl"

"They don't bluff and they don't negotiate."

     Today's title is a science fiction piece by Karen Traviss, entitled City of Pearl. It features Shan Franklin, the strong-willed ex-cop who once held ties to an eco-terrorist movement on the planet Earth. Days before her retirement, Franklin is approached by a politician named Eugenie Perault, who wants to recruit her for a special assignment. Franklin will be shipped to a planet approximately seventy-five years away from Earth, but aboard the spaceship Thetis, the journey will take mere months. She will accompany a crew of civilians, scientists, and soldiers on a hunt to discover new life, colonize the world, and search for the remains of a long-lost settlement. When they arrive, they find that nothing is as expected. For one thing, the settlement is thriving; for another, they share the planet with an alien race that has a wary eye on the Thetis and her crew. Franklin must struggle to keep order and deal with her own moral issues in this thrilling opener to The Wess'har Wars.

     If there is one thing that Traviss is good at, it is fashioning characters that feel real on a gut level. Shan Franklin is tough, logical, and persistent, but through internal dialogue she reveals herself to be just as vulnerable as anyone else. She wonders about her eco-terrorist past, her former job, and, most importantly, the future of tomato seeds. Aras is a wess'har (mostly) who acts as an intermediary between the Constantine colony, the Thetis colony, and the other wess'har. He is lonely and mysterious, but has a lot of heart. Josh Garrod, leader of the "Christian" Constantine colony, only wants to keep the peace. Lindsay Neville struggles to balance leadership with friendships and her sudden, unexpected pregnancy. Each character is unique and so multifaceted you get the sense you might never understand the extent of them, just like in real life.

     The writing style in City of Pearl is also beautiful, in a down-to-earth kind of way. The world-building is fantastic, the many cultures distinct and believable, and the pacing perfect. Every sentence is jam-packed with thousands of details. There are several subplots that weave around each other in a delicate balance which Traviss easily maintains. Each alien species--the vegan wess'har, the overpopulated isenj, the aquatic bezeri, and the helpful ussissi--features unique characters, customs, and vocabularies. Franklin sees bits and pieces of these cultures at first, enough to accustom the reader to their existence before diving head-on into the political battles that have the planetary system in turmoil.

     One thing I do not like about this book is the preaching. The scientists are all intent on sample-taking and hold no respect for the aliens or the Constantine colonists and their wishes. Meanwhile, Franklin, Aras, Garrod, and the wess'har are very environmentally driven, to the point of burying settlements underground so as not to interfere with the wildlife, some even going so far as to eat nothing but what falls from a plant on its own. While I would be all right with the characters having these beliefs--it makes for dynamic culture interactions--it is when the wess'har and the Constantine colonists attempt to force these customs on others that they become disagreeable. Humans are referred to as gethes, or "carrion eaters", by the locals, and the crew of the Thetis is suddenly prohibited from eating meat and taking scientific samples. With these restrictions in place, particularly when they are unexpected, it is no wonder that the crew begins to cause trouble.

     City of Pearl is, without a doubt, an adult novel. It deals with various moral difficulties and sexual situations, and characters cuss. The F-bomb, while not a commonly used term, is used in its intended context throughout this book and the series. Franklin is pragmatic about everything, and regards all euphemism a waste of time. However, do not think that this is an erotica novel full of characters who curse every few words. All instances of swearing are intentional and add to the situations presented. Most sexual situations take place later in the series, so in that realm, at least, the first book is relatively clean.

     I would recommend this book to anyone who was interested in a science fiction novel about an independent woman trying to deal with impossible situations, high stakes, and well-rounded companions. Again, THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK. Although it can be preachy at times and has few "action" sequences, it is remarkably well-written and features political battles with plenty of tension. Karen Traviss' City of Pearl features brilliant writing and realistic characters and cultures. Be sure to set aside a block of time if you are planning on reading this, because it is extremely difficult to put down. Due to the drawbacks mentioned above, I would rate it at four out of five stars.

Review of "Redwall"

"Martin is some sort of angel; I'm the opposite."

     The first in a long series by Brian Jacques, Redwall tells the story of Matthias, a young mouse living in the peaceful abbey of Redwall, settled at the edge of Mossflower Wood. Matthias and his friends are preparing to celebrate the Summer of the Late Rose, complete with feasting and song to commemorate the peaceful year they have had. Unbeknownst to the peaceable gentlebeasts, a shadow looms on the horizon: Cluny the Scourge, the legendary one-eyed rat, and his band of cruel fighters are preparing to wage war on Redwall! With hardly so much as a memory of the last warrior they raised, the abbey appears to stand no chance against the invaders. It is up to Matthias to find the long-lost sword of Martin the Warrior and bring peace once again to Mossflower.

     With its straightforward humor and its cast of woodland animals, Redwall might appear to be a children's book, but it doesn't act like one. Jacques writes in such a way as to inspire excitement and wonder, or revulsion and terror, in every passage. From descriptions of delicious feasts to the haunted dreams of a rat, the writing style of Redwall fits the story perfectly. The background of each character, place, and tradition is well thought-out and well integrated, just as the complexity of the various cultures--otters, mice, badgers, squirrels, ferrets, foxes, and more--is distinctive and easily discernible.

     Matthias' story is an epic tale about friendship, self-worth, and acceptance. Over the course of the book he encounters countless situations that will test his resolve and shape his character. Even the small moments play a role in who our hero becomes and what he does with his life. The subplots are rich and interesting, full of charm and mystique. Even the visions Matthias and his comrades encounter feel realistic.

     The characters in Redwall are complex and relatable, so much so that one might almost forget they are animals if not for the habits and idiosyncrasies, distinct to each race, which pop up just often enough to remind readers of this fact. From Matthias, the klutzy young mouse, to Abbot Mortimer, the wizened leader of the abbey, to the great badger, Constance, the creatures that populate this book are well-rounded and well-written. There are occasions where they are wordy, especially near the beginning, but don't let that turn you away. The plot is worth it.

     Pacing is not an issue in this book. Epic battles are balanced out by feasts and games, and tension is released with as much ease as it is built. The mystery of where Martin the Warrior's sword lies, and the quest to find it, is full of riddles and action, lies and hard truths, subterfuge and theft. Cluny the Scourge truly is a terrible beast, and his followers are just as bloodthirsty. Although they don't often end up carrying out their threats, some of the things they say are quite gruesome. Since the inhabitants of Redwall are kindhearted woodland animals, rather than humans, the characters do not curse--however, there is violence and there are a few deaths. This is a war, after all.

     I would recommend this book to any reader interested in a fantasy story about kindness, justice, underdogs, and the battle of good versus evil. The world is captivating, the writing style immersive, and the characters charming. For all these reasons and more, I applaud Brian Jacques' Redwall on earning five full stars.

Review of "Etiquette & Espionage"

“No one said learning etiquette and espionage would be easy, my dear.”

     For any lady or gentleman looking for a spot of steampunk excitement, Gail Carriger has written just the book. Entitled Etiquette & Espionage, this volume tells the tale of Sophronia Temminnick, a sprightly young woman whose mother is absolutely convinced she will never become a proper lady. Then, quite unexpectedly, the Temminnicks are paid visit by Mademoiselle Geraldine, the headmistress of a finishing school where girls are transformed into proper ladies, complete with knowledge of etiquette, décor, seduction, and the application of poison. The headmistress has decided to give Sophronia a trial period at her school, much to her unsuspecting mother's pleasure. But Sophronia soon learns that finishing is about more than foxgloves and handkerchiefs. Someone has stolen a valuable prototype, and it is up to her to get it back...and finally learn to curtsey properly.

     Sophronia's story is remarkable well-written. From mechanicals to dirigibles to evening attire, Carriger uses a distinctive writing style that fits the time period perfectly. The characters are unique and lovable, from the bubbly Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott to the boiler room worker known as Soap. Throughout the book, the young ladies meet a variety of personalities: a chivalrous werewolf, a fashionable vampire, and a woman who keeps a collection of fake pastries on her office walls. They face danger at the hands of flywaymen, Picklemen, and fellow students. Characters transform drastically throughout the book, a task that is sometimes difficult to write, but fear not: Carriger has mastered this particular skill.

     Though the story is designed for young ladies in their their teenaged years, it is my belief that anyone with an interest in steampunk adventure will find this book to their taste. Much of the action consists of subterfuge and subtle manipulation, but there are also flywaymen attacks, giant mechanimals, and airborne trifles scattered throughout. It is fascinating to watch the various factions fight so venomously over a prototype the reader does not know the purpose of, and it is exciting to puzzle over the clues and the costumes right along with Sophronia. In a word, this book is incredibly well-paced.

     Fans will be interested to note that Etiquette & Espionage, alongside the rest of the Finishing School series, is set in the same world as Carriger's Parasol Protectorate novels. Indeed, it has been stated to be a sort of almost-prequel, as it is set so many years before the aforementioned books. However, one need not have read the author's previous works in order to comprehend the Finishing School ones. Readers need also not fear profanity or sexual content, as such things are harshly discouraged among ladies of quali-tay.

     I would heartily recommend this book to any lady or gentleman, properly Finished or not, who is in the mood for some steampunk intrigue and fashionable intelligencing. Pack your trunks and your bladed fans before you set out--class is in session, and the topic of the day is Etiquette & Espionage. For such a proper book, I can hardly propose anything less than five stars. Welcome to finishing school.

Review of "Fortune's Pawn"

"If I don't shoot something soon, I'm going to pop."

     If you've never heard of the novel Fortune's Pawn, by Rachel Bach, you have been missing out on some serious action. The book features Deviana Morris, a strong-willed mercenary working for the Blackbirds, the greatest private armored company on the planet Paradox. With her suit of high-powered armor and a set of advanced weaponry, she has successfully completed eight tours of duty in the past five years. Now Devi has her sights set on a higher goal: the Devastators, the King's own guard. According to her friend-with-benefits, Anthony, the quickest way into the Devastators is to take a tour as a security chief on a beat-up freighter named the Glorious Fool. Although it goes against her grain to work security, Devi applies for the job...and gets more action out of the bargain than she could ever have asked for.

     Fortune's Pawn is the ultimate military sci-fi story. When Devi leaves the Blackbirds for her new job, she expects little more than a few pirate attacks scattered between long stretches of boredom. What she gets is xith'cal tribal ships, invisible monsters, and symbionts--large, human-shaped creatures covered in dark scales that can protect them from anything. With every encounter, Devi is sucked further and further into a mystery so deep she may never understand the extent of it. She will have to weigh her curiosity against her ambition and her recklessness against her survival, because the Fool holds onto its secrets with unbelievable force, and Devi might not make it out alive.

     This book has everything: action, mystery, romance, and games of dominance. Aside from the adrenaline-packed fight scenes, which are extremely well-written, Devi is faced with mystery after mystery surrounding the Glorious Fool. What is the invisible creature she encounters on that nameless planet? Where does the Fool get her money if she does no trade? And who is the captain truly working for? All these questions and more are woven into a fascinating plot filled with great characters. Also featured is a dynamic romance between Devi and an enigmatic foreigner, which is a little awkward at times but feels realistic enough that it works. As if to balance it out, our hero must also deal with a masochistic security partner whose life goal appears to be making her life difficult.

     Devi's story is 100% an adult read. There is violence, cursing, and sex (although nothing is too explicit), and characters occasionally call each other rather crude names. However, this is all scattered about in small enough doses that it does not overwhelm the story, so if you or your older reader are willing to take it in stride you will find it actually contributes to the story.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story about aliens, heavy armor, kick-butt soldiers, and plot twists. It is NOT a book for children. That said, for a brilliant plot, amazing writing, and well-rounded characters, I gladly award Rachel Bach's Fortune's Pawn five shining stars. Congratulations, Fortune's Pawn. You deserve it.

Review of "Found"

"Angela could see all the way to the back of the plane, and not a single person stood in her view, not a single voice answered her."

     In Found, the exciting series kick-off by Margaret Peterson Haddix, thirteen-year-old Jonas receives a mysterious letter in the mail: "You are one of the missing." At first he disregards it as some sort of joke, but when he and his friend Chip begin to receive more, they become concerned that something much bigger is going on. Things become more complicated when the FBI step in, concerned that the two boys might just be victims of an infant-smuggling ring. But as the mysteries begin to pile up, rational explanations become few and far between...until Angela, a strange woman with the ability to appear and disappear at will, steps into the picture, bringing with her an opportunity for the boys to change the world, and the course of history with it.

     Haddix has a refreshingly mature writing style for a YA/older-children's book. Jonas's tale is recorded in clear, concise writing. His parents are protective but not overdone, his sister annoying but not Put The Book Down worthy--in fact, she's a great character--and the story is both well-paced and intriguing. Clues and mysteries are introduced at believable intervals, dialogue feels realistic, and when the answers are finally revealed, it's like there was never another logical option. Plot twists aren't gasp-worthy, but the danger, intrigue, and stakes will keep you on your toes with every turn of the page.

     The plot of Found is great. Action, adventure, sibling rivalry, and time travel work together to create a fun, exciting read with great themes. Jonas, Chip, and Jonas's sister, Katherine, quickly go from ordinary kids to major figures in a plot to kidnap and make a profit off of infants and young children. This isn't ordinary human trafficking, though, and it isn't slavery. This is a matter of physics, adoption, and the application of mathematics sending people back in time to commit a terrible crime that will have repercussions--or "ripples"--across the time continuum. What Jonas and his friends must decide is which side to join: those committing the crime, or those who want to ruin their lives by stopping it.

     This is a kid's book--technically--but it is perfectly suitable for an older reader in the mood for a bit of fun. Characters don't cuss. Kidnapping is a major theme, as it's the source of one of the conflicts. Violence isn't used often, but it is used. Throughout the book, characters grapple, Taser people, and threaten to kill each other. One of the nice things about this book is that while the parents are relatively clueless, they aren't disrespected and they genuinely try to help with what they perceive to be the problem. The series is also a great way for parents to get their kids interested in history, as the characters spend a lot of time exploring it in future books.

     I would recommend this book to anyone in the market for a lighthearted read about adventure, time travel, and high stakes, told through great writing and a strong voice. The characters undergo some serious development, and by the end of the book it's easy to believe that they can change the world. For mystery, brilliant logic, relatable characters, and a great plot, I think it's perfectly reasonable to award Margaret Peterson Haddix's Found a full five stars.