Loss

In Loss, Billy Ballard, a bullied kid with a crazy grandfather and overworked mom, finds that an agreement he made as a five-year-old will change his life forever. He had agreed to wield the weapon of Pestilence, also known as the White Rider of the apocalypse. Now, he has to get rid of it. Unfortunately, Pestilence is hiding inside his own memories. 

I thought that the book was well written, with a good sense of humor. The personal struggles Billy faced were ones I could relate to (apart from being the new Pestilence). He was bullied, and couldn’t get up enough courage to face the things ahead. Those things happen to everyone. Some things became repetitive, but it was a good read on the whole.

Jacob, 12

Fly Trap

Fly Trap is a sequel to Frances Hardinge’s novel Fly by Night, and I found it every bit as engaging. This book is full of humor, while still dealing with some serious themes. I also liked the way in which the idea of the Beloved was further expanded from the previous book. Interesting character and unexpected plot developments will make you want to keep reading.

Jacob, 13

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

I found The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making to be incredibly imaginative and thought-provoking. It reads like a fairy tale, but has well-developed characters, an intriguing plot, and important themes. It combines the whimsical nature of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz with serious themes and ideas. 

On her journey, the main character encounters many magical creatures and people and confronts the truth about herself and others. Though this book looks as though it is written for younger readers, I think that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Jacob, 13

Moon Over Manifest

I found Moon Over Manifest to be a moving story that is beautifully told.  It is about a young girl who has arrived in a small town in Kansas in the 1930’s.  Her story is interwoven with a mystery she is trying to solve about two boys who lived in the town in 1917.  There are many wonderful characters, all of which you come to care about, who connect these two fascinating eras.  It is thought provoking and intriguing.  I think it is one of the best new books I have read in a long time and I highly recommend it!

Jacob, 13

The Steps Across the Water

The Steps Across the Water recounts the adventures of Rose, a ten-year-old girl,who discovers the city of U Nork, a massive metropolis similar to New York, but with all that city’s qualities magnified. U Nork is a fast paced and wild world that is in danger because of a greedy Ice Queen and Rose is called there to save the city. This is a creative story that will be especially enjoyable for those familiar with New York as well as those who simply love discovering new fantasy worlds.

Jacob, 13 

I Shall Wear Midnight

I always find Terry Pratchett, one of my favorite authors, entrancing because he is wildly creative, thought provoking, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. This is the fourth of Pratchett’s books about Tiffany Aching, the young witch, and her allies, the rambunctious blue pictsies known as the Wee Free Men. Though much of the Discworld series is written for adults, this portion is geared toward a teenage or young adult audience. I really enjoyed I Shall Wear Midnight, as it was in turns funny and dark. Fans of Pratchett’s other Discworld books will enjoy seeing some familiar characters and new readers will discover a fantastic series.

Jacob, 13