January 16

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

The Bane Chronicles is a book of 12 short stories following warlock Magnus Bane as he navigates the world throughout several different centuries. Magnus, being immortal, has faced much grief for his flamboyant style and has often found himself in the midst of chaos, but still approaches the world with a positive view, looking for friends and love.

I definitely recommend reading this book if you have read any other Shadowhunter books. I found that learning what has made Magnus so unique was really interesting. The contrast between watching his younger self struggle with his own personality to really embracing it was incredible. I actually kind of enjoyed seeing that experience backwards since I had read the other novels with the more confident version of himself first. The set of short stories is great for anyone who struggles with finishing whole books, as the individual stories keep your attention and never feel like they’re dragging on. This book is a great read!!

-Anna

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January 13

She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

If you want an in depth, character building story with romance and war, and decide to read She Who Became The Sun, be prepared to have to think.  This book is truly amazing as it builds the world of China during the rise of the Ming Dynasty, but it definitely takes time to read.  Parker-Chan is an amazing writer, but it definitely takes time to work through the book.  While I found the premises of the book extremely interesting, the actual attention grabbing abilities of the book left me wanting.  Now I am normally a YA reader and this was much more out of my comfort zone, but I still want to feel like I can’t put the book down.  I didn’t feel that with this book.

It is an amazing historical fiction, fantasy book and I would recommend it to everyone and anyone.  But truth be told, it wasn’t my favorite.  If you want a more challenging and complicated book to read then this is definitely what you are looking for, otherwise I might just listen to this on audiobook (so I don’t have to think about each word lol).  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and fantasy!!

-Luka

December 2

Where She Fell by Kaitlin Ward

Where She Fell is a story about a girl who is traveling in the swamps with her friends, when she
falls into a pothole and becomes stuck in a cave system underground, all alone. She travels the
caves, finding skeletons and giant insects, when she comes across a civilization of people who
are also trapped in the caves. They welcomed her in, and she began to get used to the routine
of going out to hunt bugs, keeping the fire going, and meeting the others. She meets Mary, a
geologist who is an outcast among the others. She warns the girl that this place makes you
want to stay there forever, and that she should leave while she still can. With the help of some
new friends, she tries to convince the others to leave with her, but most refuse. She and her
friends went exploring in the caves, finding another civilization of bioluminescent people, who
helped them find a way out. They come across lava, ravines, giant insects, and the other
civilization who try to stop them from finding a way out.

-Sophie

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October 25

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

The Last Graduate continues minutes after the conclusion of A Deadly Education, and follows El et al. in their senior year. The impending spectre of Graduation hangs over them, in which they must fight through the Graduation Horde of maleficaria which have snuck into the graduation hall over the past year and wait to consume the rush of seniors desperately trying to escape the school and return to their homes. El’s secrets begin to come to light, despite her best efforts, and she must deal with the increased distrust even as she comes to realize that she is half of the best chance that every student in the school has of surviving the school.

The book was, in the vein of the first book, rich in world-building, but, freed of the need to explain the world from the ground up, had more room to explore characters and expand the cast, which Novik does admirably. Unfortunately, despite being a well-written story, the book just barely falls into the sequel trend, in which the second book in a trilogy serves more to set up the finale than to stand alone. Potential trigger warnings for death in various forms, monsters human and otherwise, and actions ranging from morally dubious to manslaughter. Ages 13 and up.

-Sasha

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October 10

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The immersion of fantasy and warring people truly come together in The Jasmine Throne.  Tasha Suri, the author of the book, creates an extremely in depth mythology of the world that the story is in.  A world steeped in different cultures and beliefs, truly creates the intricacy of The Jasmine Throne.

I do have to warn anyone who reads this book; it…is…fantastic.  Dealing with many hard topics of marriage without love, destruction of personal beliefs, the burning of children and people, the possible overthrowing of a corrupt emperor, and attempted murder.  This is one of the most intricate books I have ever read; Suri really creates the world that these characters live in and helps bring you into that world.  The mythology of the book is closely related to many indigenous cultures, and how those who do not understand those beliefs act against it.  The Jasmine Throne is extremely emotional as you feel the characters go through betrayal and heartbreak and the corruption of power.

If you are someone who wants an empowering, emotional story of feminist lesbians plotting to take over the world, then this book is for you.  But be warned, this book does deal with some heavy topics, and is based on the tight-rope-walking love of a maidservant and the banished princess.

-Luka

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October 7

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

A book which dares to ask the question, “what might a magic school be if it were both a commentary on the heartlessness of education systems and a critique of the deus ex machina nature of Rowling’s work?”. The universe that junior El (it’s Galadriel, but she will hurt you if you try to call her that) Higgins lives in is infested with monsters – maleficaria, or mals –  which kill wizards like her. As such, the interdimensional refuge of a school that she attends is the best hope of any young sorcerer who wishes to have a better than a one in five chance of living to adulthood. Of course, the entire school, filled with young wizards, is also a giant attractor for those very mals, turning the hallowed halls of learning into a potential death trap – even before considering little things like murderous classmates. On top of all of that, the obvious Chosen One of El’s generation is rampaging through the school, saving hundreds and possibly making the mal attacks worse, even as El hides her own secrets.

 

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, centered on complex characters, set in a highly textured world in which every unexplained dark corner holds nuance, or, at the very least, a set of sharp teeth (or rending appendages for those without). Novik draws on multiple mythologies and stories – particularly that of the Scholomance, which her school is named after – to construct her world, and undercuts the inherent horror by introducing the reader to it through the grumpiest and most sarcastic character in her cast. Possible trigger warnings for death, implied and described acts of violence, detailed recollections of the aforementioned violence, bullying/attempted murder/ planned countermurder, and overall horror.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

-Sasha

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September 19

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel opens with Tessa Gray, who just moved to London, discovering that she has powers usually attributed with demons. Living in a world full of Shadowhunters, who work to kill demons each day, she is terrified and fascinated about why she has these abilities. She quickly becomes friends with Will and Jem, parabatai who are sworn to protect each other. Together, the three friends work to uncover Tessa’s true identity while managing with Jem’s deadly disease.

I absolutely loved reading this book (and the rest of the series)! Every single character in the book is exciting and realistic – battling their own internal demons that most people can relate to, along with the real demons too! Every time you think that you know what is going to happen, Clare introduces a new major plot twist that simultaneously clears up the plot while adding a whole new level. The relationships between all of the characters is really what makes this book so special and I would 100% recommend reading this to anyone.

Rating: 5/5

-Anna

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January 23

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

This was the culmination of all the previous books in the series, combining all the loose storylines and leading up to the climactic finale… which doesn’t happen in this book. It ends on a  huge cliffhanger! I can’t complain though, since the novel was a great read. I feel that after two of her novels, I have mastered the art of reading a Libba Bray book. Everything develops slowly and sometimes the reader will feel as if the story could be told in half the amount of pages. However, it is the attention to detail that makes the story so fantastic. Each step and thought causes me to come up with wild theories that add even more layers to the plot. 

I was especially drawn to the author’s interpretation of eugenics in the 1920s. She crafted her vision around it, using sentimentalities such as foreigner fears and radical views on race to not only illustrate modern struggles with these issues but also to enhance her story through a more personal appeal to characters. When they fight back against horrible institutions plaguing their society, even in little ways, it reminds me of the heroes of history standing up for what is right, not what society thinks. In no books that I have read or come across has the issue of eugenics been discussed so intensely with such relevance to a comprehensive plot. Most authors would be too timid to confront the dark chapter of history, but not Libba Bray. Her infusion of history and shining a spotlight on societal issues is the reason that I respect her writing so much. 

I cannot wait for the fourth and final book in the Diviners series, but until then I would highly recommend anybody who loves history and complex storylines to invest their time into reading the series (especially this book). 

 

Review by Ryan

November 22

Best Books of 2019 (Featuring Genres)

Do you need a modern and fresh read? Are you looking for a new genre? Are you looking for new books that are like your old favorites?

Well, look no further. 

Our list is split up by genre, featuring the best of Romance, Realistic Fiction, Fantasy, Sci Fi, and more.

 

Romance

Image result for i love you so mochi book

“I Love You So Mochi” by Sarah Kuhn

Right before the end of her senior year, Kimi realizes that she wants to be a designer, much to her mom’s shock and surprise. After they get into a huge fight, Kimi decides to head to Japan to visit her grandparents where she realizes how her mother grew up and how different Japan can be from America. At the same time, she meets a cute boy who dresses up a mochi mascot in the ultimate meet-cute story that you won’t be able to put down.

“Her Royal Highness” by Rachel Hawkins

Millie Quint decides to turn her life upside down when she moves to Scotland for boarding school after discovering her crush/BFF has been kissing someone else while also pursuing a relationship with her. When she gets the Princess of Scotland as her roommate, the two clash over their different lives and what they want out of being in school. However, when they discover that they’re each falling for each other, Millie must decide whether or not she wants to pursue a relationship with a princess or just finish off her year without the royal romance everyone dreams about.

“Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston

Alex Claremont-Diaz, America’s first son, always saw Prince Henry as his rival ever since their first encounter that didn’t go so well. But after an altercation causes a worldwide sensation between them, the boys are forced to pretend to be friends for the cameras. Their fake friendship soon turns into something more and they have to figure out what’s more important: what they want or what their country needs. Casey McQuiston created the book of the summer with Red, White & Royal Blue and you seriously won’t be able to put it down once you start.

 

Sci Fi

“Aurora Rising” by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

A band of misfits, a girl just out of cryo-sleep, and a galaxy on the brink of war make Aurora Rising an addictive space opera you won’t want to miss. Told from six alternating points of view, it promises to be an action-packed adventure set in the distant future.

“Girl Gone Viral” by Arvin Ahmadi

Desperate to learn more about her father’s disappearance, Opal Hopper enters a contest run by a virtual reality company. If she wins, she could meet the founder of the company — a billionaire who might know where her father is. This high-tech thriller is perfect for fans of Marie Lu’s Warcross and Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One

“Sky Without Stars” by Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell

Fans of Les Mesérables will enjoy this retelling of the famous story in space. Chatine, Marcellous, and Alouette are the three most likely people to lead a revolution, but after it is rumored that a group of rebels are finally taking form, they are brought together to help take out an elite regime.

 

Realistic Fiction

“We Walked the Sky” by Lisa Fiedler

As a third-generation circus performer, Callie feels lost when her grandmother dies. When Callie faces her new life attending public high school, she finds solace, comfort, and wisdom in the letters her grandmother wrote when she joined the circus 50 years earlier. This is a beautiful multi-generational tale of love and family.

“Barely Missing Everything” by Matt Mendez

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Juan and his friend JD hope to escape their hometown and follow their dreams. However, things start to get more complicated as their personal lives explode. The two of them set off on a road trip together and figure out more about themselves than ever before, while also dealing with the big surprises that come along the way.

“Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday” by Natalie C. Anderson

When Abdi’s family is kidnapped, he’s forced to infiltrate a Somali terrorist group and act as a spy for the American CIA. Both horrific and touching, this novel is about humanity, family, redemption, and hope.

 

Fantasy

“Wicked Saints” by Emily A. Duncan

Nadya, a young girl who has strong connections to gods, is able to gain powers by simply praying to them. Tired of the war that has plagued their land for years, Nadya must team up with a prince who is in danger and a boy who is out for both of them both in hopes of finally putting an end to the very thing that drove her away from her home.

“The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe” by Ally Condie

Poe Blythe is a river raider, looking for gold and wonder at the end of the Serpentine River. However, everything changed after her ship was attacked, which also resulted in the death of her one true love. A year later, she seeks revenge on those who took everything away from her, including the hidden traitor that is currently on her ship. However, she soon finds out that revenge is not as sweet as she thought it was and must come to terms with who the person she wants to be and who she really is.

“The Candle and the Flame” by Nafiza Azad

After surviving a massacre that killed almost her entire tribe, Fatima’s life is changed when she’s under the protection of Maharajah Arjun’s djinn, the Ifrit, who help protect her city. However, when one of them die, her entire life changes when she discovers that the fire of the djinn now lives inside her. She must now find a way to use her new abilities to help protect her family and stop the upcoming war that can tear everything she knows apart.

 

And More

Historical Fiction

“White Rose” by Kip Wilson

Based on the true story, Sophie Scholl distributed pamphlets asking the public to go against the Nazi regime in 1942 as a part of the White Rose resistance group. However, a year later she is sentenced to death alongside her brother. Kip Wilson tells her life story through a novel-in-verse that will leave you wondering why you didn’t learn of Sophie and the other members of the White Rose when you were younger.

Adventure

“Death Prefers Blondes” by Caleb Roehrig

Margo Manning lives a double life as a socialite by day and a high-stakes burglar at night. However, when their latest job puts them at risk, it’s up to her and her team of drag queen burglars to try to survive and finish the job before everything goes wrong.

Memoir

“Shout” by Laurie Halse Anderson

Award-winning author, Laurie Halse Anderson, is well known for her best-selling book, Speak, which continues to be one of the biggest books about sexual assault around the world. Now, she shares her own personal story with sexual assault in this moving memoir.

October 18

Villain by Michael Grant

This book is an incredibly fast read—whether because it is interesting or low level is difficult to tell. It would think both. I first became interested in this series years ago, in the original series, which could account for why it seems so easy to read to me, considering how far I have progressed in my reading level. But that’s beside the point. The book is very entertaining to read and combines many of the narratives for a final showdown at the end, which always builds suspense effectively and gives variety to what you are reading. I have always loved fantasy and things that stretch my imagination, which is exactly what the plot of this book can do. I also really enjoyed how the antagonist was a new character with an entirely different personality from anybody before. Finally, I always love gore in books. While the imagery is not the best at times, it leaves plenty of room for the imagination to fill in on the darker side of things. The fight scenes were quite entertaining and very twisted, making the reader feel like a Dark Watcher themself!

 

Review by Ryan