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Book Reviews

The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey

6/14/2017

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Picture
Avicen and Drakharin have been warring for centuries for complete control of Earth. They are magical creatures that live among the humans hiding behind magic and sunglasses. Both species closely resemble humans unless you look closely and see the feathers or scales on their skin. In this world lives one human - Echo, a runaway and thief who lives at the New York Public Library. She was discovered and adopted by the Ala - one of the elders of the Avicen. Now the Ala sends her on a secret mission - to find the mythical Firebird and end the war. There is plenty of action, a whole lot of romance, a few too many coincidences and some twists you won't see coming. This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Overall, it is a great story (if you can get past the romance). Well plotted, interesting characters and enough twists to keep you guessing. Ages 12-up

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The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

9/21/2016

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The imagery of the worlds that have been built here are sumptious and colorful. Indian myth is woven throughout the story creating an interesting setting. However, the age old trope of he keeps secrets but asks her to trust him, she promises to then starts doubting, then does something really stupid and then has to spend the rest of the book righting the wrong when she realizes she should have just trusted him in the first place is so obvious in this story it was hard to get around despite the really cool world you find yourself in. Therefore, the plot was predictable and I also found that I didn't like either of the main characters, though I did have an affinity for the flesh-eating talking horse. I would love a story about her! Unfortunately I can't recommend this one. This book is recommended for ages 14 and up. 

Adult: 2/5
YA: 2.5/5
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The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

9/19/2016

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I had a hard time putting this one down. The book's atmosphere was so well done and the story woven so well that I wanted to just read it cover to cover. The story takes place in London, 1952. Janie and her family have just relocated for political reasons. When Janie meets Benjamin they become quick friends. Soon they are caught up in a mystery that involves spies, birds, nuclear weapons and a book called the Pharmacopoeia. The pacing is perfect and the writing is fantastic. You can't help but root for Janie and Benjamin. This is the first of three books. It is recommended for ages 10 and up. 

adult rating: 4
Middle Grade rating: 4.5
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

9/19/2016

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The writing in the story is so lyrical, so magical they words just wrap around you and steal into your heart. Luna, Luna, Luna the girl who drank the moon, the beautiful, complex protagonist. This is a story that you will want to bury yourself into. It is so hopeful, so full of love and loss and magic.

Luna is abandoned in the woods, left for the witch in a ritual the town follows every year. But the witch they believe in isn't who they think she is. Xan, the real witch doesn't understand why the Protectorate abandons a baby in the woods every year, but every year she comes to save them. When she takes Luna, she feeds her bits of stars to feed her. When she accidentally gives her some of the moon she knows she needs to raise her herself to protect her from the magic she has received from the moon. What grows is a beautiful story filled with interesting characters.  Recommended for ages 10 and up. 

Adult: 4.5/5
Middle Grade: 4/5
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