The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

If you enjoyed Kiera Cass' The Selection series but thought, "hey this needs more magical super-powers," then this is the series for you.  I enjoyed this book.  I liked the main character, Mare Barrow (pretty great name) and did not find her as self-reflecting, self-centered or generally whiny as ya heroines can sometimes become.  I enjoyed watching her grow into her powers but felt there could have been more of this.  And in the end, although I saw the two major plot twists developing as they happened, they were both very unique and satisfying.  I look forward to seeing more from this fascinating fantasy world.

Final Recommendations: if you like kick-butt heroines, x-men type powers, class struggles, forbidden romance, evil queens

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

The Orphan Queen was a slow start.  That being said, by the time I got to the end, I was racing through on the edge of my seat, and now I am dying to know more (and secretly building a time machine to the future to pick up book #2).  I loved the main character Wil in this novel.  She was solid, purposeful and while she did have some moments to whiny teenage angst, they were mostly justified (what with witnessing her parents murders as a child).  I LOOOVED the character Black Knife.  Jodi Meadows has a way with her male leads that draws you in with the first meeting.  The world building was adequate.  The world itself, fascinating and mysterious, however, our interaction with it as the reader was somewhat limited.  There are several novellas planned in the series, unfortunately, I do not think they will be enough to quell my desire to know more about the world and the ancillary characters involved in the story.  Overall, I did grow to really enjoy this novel and am sad that it is only a duology as I think there is so much material smooshed into this one book that could have been developed in a longer series.

Final Recommendations:  if you love high fantasy, mysterious organizations, even more mysterious vigilantes. swoony romance, royal jerks, strange magic

The Alex Crow by Andrew Smith

I love how Andrew Smith writes.  I would read his grocery lists and probably be enthralled.  That said, I do not think his books will appeal to everyone.  I am not one to pigeon-hole kids into a certain genre or specific narrator style.  I find that both myself and my students enjoy a variety of YA, but there are just certain students who this type of book appeals to more.  The Alex Crow is another masterpiece of all the stories coming together as one.  I loved the historical piece woven through the story of a young refugee escaping Syria.  I also am fascinated by Smith's use of "made up" and yet totally plausible science (both in this novel as well as in his previous gang-buster, Grasshopper Jungle).  There is less sex, drugs and cursing than in previous installments, however, more violence.  None of this really bothers me, though.  The novels are written for an audience of young adults who can handle these types of situations contextually through their reading, and Smith weaves together a story like no other.

Final Recommendations:  if you like weird science, boys bonding, refugee tales

In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken

I loved The Darkest Minds (the first book set in this post-apocalyptic world where children are die at an alarming rate due to some unknown pathogen, while others are plagued by terribly awesome super-powers).  The world building seemed both accurate and honest and the details surrounding the human reactions to these children and their horrifying powers was heart-wrenching and at times gutting (in the best possible way).  The Darkest Minds stands out in a marked saturated by dystopian teen novels.  Unfortunately, In The Afterlight was a very predictable 3rd novel in a trilogy.  Maybe there's something wrong with me but I cannot seem to be satisfied by the trilogy as a general principal.  Don't get me wrong, I cannot stand a duology (there are just not enough pages to solve all your conflicts within the confines of two books).  But most trilogies leave me disappointed.  This book was not overtly bad.  There was a lot of whining and self-doubt on Ruby's part (which should have ultimately been resolved by the 3rd book, no?).  There was a solid red-herring that I stupidly jump on board for but then it fell flat and I was obviously disappointing at the loss of this character with no chance of redemption.  Finally, I was disappointed by the totally predictable, neat ending.  I know, I know, this doesn't make sense.  I am also often disappointed when then ending is not satisfying.  But this ending was so perfect, I kinda wish it had been a little more realistic, messy like the rest of the series.

Final Recommendations:  totally read this series (regardless of whether or not I was disappointed in the ending, I would have still finished the book & it was not awful, just predictable and a little boring), if you like girls kicking butt, hot southern boys (also not enough of this in the 3rd book), evil governments, super-powered children

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

I understand that this book is technically filed in the "adult" category.  It is written under Victoria Schwab's "adult" pen name and was definitely priced for the "adult" market (thank goodness for teacher discounts and birthday presents), however, I firmly stand behind my review that it is totally readable by ANY group of people, especially young adults.  This book is magical, from its awesome cover to the awesome insides, it's all good.  The world is so unique, it takes me back to being a preteen who would give anything to belong to the world of Harry Potter.  The characters, as well, are so fascinating, I cannot wait to get my hands on future installments.

Final Recommendations: if you like magic, kick-ass heroes and heroins, fantastic world building, and simply great story telling

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

Let me start this review by stating that I really liked The Fifth Wave.  I liked its humor, realistic narrators and divergence from the traditional "evil government" post apocalyptic trope (I mean aliens was a refreshing change of pace right?).  I also loved the twist at the end.  For all its faults, I will say that I would recommend anyone to continue this series if just to get to that mind blowing twist toward the end (well done Mr. Yancey).  But this book, as a whole, was not nearly as funny or plot driven or even coherent as the first.  I had trouble differentiating between narrators or remembering who was who.  We did not spend nearly enough time with Cassie and the time we did spend with her was a bit of a downer (I guess alien invasions will eventually have that effect on you).  I did, however, enjoy getting to know Ringer.

Final Recommendations: if you like kick-butt heroines, aliens?, epic surprises

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

I love this world.  I love the dragons who shrink themselves down into people.  I love the odd half-dragons and their magical abilities.  I love the young Queen and analytically cousin.  And I love Seraphina, who she is and who she finds herself to be.  This book is so expansive, however, I feel like I miss out on some of the very things I grew to love in the first book, Seraphina.  There was just not enough Abdo, Orma and certainly not enough Kiggs (seriously though, there could never be enough Kiggs for my liking).  But oh was there adventure!  And the perfect unraveling of Seraphina at the core, both literally and figuratively.  She is one of my favorite characters baring none.  The worst thing I can say about this sequel is that I waited too long for its awesomeness and now am forlorn at the fact that I think it is the end.  I could read ten more smart, funny, introspective fantasies about these fantastic characters.  But, alas, I do not believe this is in fact a trilogy.  My heart is heavy.

Final recommendations: if you like fantastic females, epic adventures, heart-breakingly evil adversaries, and a wee bit of romance