Fade by Lisa McMann

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

 

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

 

I love the Wake series.  I’ve been waiting for Fade ever since I finished reading Wake last year, and I was not disappointed.

 

Fade divulges more secrets about Janie’s ability, and the consequences that come with her power.  It also takes us further into the unique relationship between Janie and Cabel, a relationship that is taken to a new level.  I cannot wait until next year when the final book is released to see how Janie’s abilities and her relationship with Cabel have grown and changed.

 

Be aware, there is some vulgar language throughout the book.

 

Reviewed by Sara.

The Associate by John Grisham

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Kyle McAvoy, a Yale law school student, thinks he has his life planned out after law school. Or, at least he thought he had his life under control. One evening, a mysterious person named Bennie threatens to expose Kyle as an accomplice to an alleged rape that occurred several years ago. With evidence that could put Kyle in prison, Kyle must become an associate of the world's largest law firm, gain access and steal documents connected to a major lawsuit over military equipment in order to appease Bennie. As he enters the world of a fast-paced law firm, Kyle must find ways to cooperate with Bennie's demands and save himself from a future that suddenly looks bleak. Going against Bennie may just put Kyle in the greatest danger possible.

Grisham is a master at taking different aspects of the law and creating stories full of suspense and interesting endings. I have always enjoyed his nailbiting endings. While The Associate did have elements of suspense, I felt it was not his strongest novel to date. I was prepared to be at the edge of my seat as the ending drew closer, but I felt somewhat disappointed with the conclusion. Grisham's ending did make me wonder if he plans a sequel for The Associate. The storyline dragged a little bit from time to time. Fans of his earlier novels may be disappointed with his writing style, because of its lack of suspense-building tension, but overall I think it is still a good book. It makes me happy I never entered the law profession!

Incidentally, Kyle McAvoy is from York, so it was neat to have the close-to-home connection with a few of the characters.

Reviewed by Jessica