Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Age Level: Young Adult
Format: Book

Tamsin Greene feels she does not fit into her family...all of her family members are witches, and she is not. While working in her grandmother’s bookshop one day, Tamsin meets a man who wants her help finding a lost object. Because her family is known to find lost objects, and she wants to prove her worth to her family, she agrees to help him. Little does she know, this simple agreement leads to life changing events, including finding out the truth about herself and the truth behind her family’s past.

An exceptionally fast read, I absolutely enjoyed reading Once a Witch. I like Tamsin, who while trying to prove her worth to her family also learns a lot of lessons that will help shape her personality and truly understand her role in her family. There’s adventure, romance, fantasy and humor throughout the novel.  Readers interested in fantasy novels, and novels especially about witches, should check out this book. 

This is the first book in a two book series; the second book Always a Witch is just as fun to read. 

Reviewed by Jessica

The Taker by Alma Katsu

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

**This is book one in the Taker trilogy**

While working the midnight shift at a rural Maine hospital, Dr. Luke Findley encounters Lanore McIlvrae, a young woman suspected of murdering a man in the woods.  As Luke attempts to tend to Lanore (Lanny), Lanny begins to tell a strange tale about her past.  As a young girl in the nineteenth century, Lanny fell in love with the son of the town's founder.  Her efforts to keep the two of them together forever envelops them in dangerous peril and a lifetime of changes.  Two centuries later, she turns to Luke for help; Luke finds himself so enthralled by her that he will do anything to help her, even if it means changing his own life forever.

Though at times the narrative did drag a bit, overall, I was captivated by the book and its premise.  Katsu's writing style had me hooked from page one, and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next to the characters.  Sympathy I did not have for most of the characters, as their own selfish reasons led them to their predicaments, but their flaws made the storyline.  And, the twists at the end have made me anxious to read the second book in the trilogy, The Reckoning.

It is rather hard to classify  The Taker into one genre - it contains elements of the paranormal, romance, historical fiction, fantasy and thriller.  Readers who enjoy any of these elements may want to read this book.  Some of the scenes are graphic, so readers who do not enjoy these type of scenes may want to pass on this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

**This is the first in the His Fair Assassin trilogy**

Seventeen-year old Ismae’s life changes dramatically when she is rescued from an arranged marriage and placed in the care of the convent of Saint Mortain, the god of Death. Ismae learns that she is a true daughter of Death, and as such, must be trained as an assassin. Her assignments are to dispatch those who are against the duchess of Brittany; Mortain leaves visible marks to Ismae on his targets. Her most important assignment leads her to the court of Brittany, where she must protect the duchess from enemies. But, what will Ismae do when she falls in love with one of Mortain’s targets?

LaFevers’ has created a wonderfully independent, strong character in Ismae. Ismae comes from a tragic background but yet rises to the challenge of becoming a handmaiden to Death. I cannot wait to see how Ismae develops as the trilogy progresses. 

Readers who like historical fiction may want to check out this book – it is set during the Middle Ages. However, do not let the setting be a deterrent from picking up this book. LaFevers makes the setting work perfectly. As the synopsis above suggests, there is violence throughout the novel, but it is not graphic. Religion, politics, love, death...these themes are discussed in the novel. Grave Mercy seems to have a little bit of every element!

This is truly a captivating novel and leaves the reader wanting more. Though it may be geared for teens, adults will enjoy this book too.

Reviewed by Jessica

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In the latest from Sophie Kinsella, Poppy Wyatt has a problem: she lost her engagement ring, a ring that belongs to her fiance’s family.  To make matters worse, someone steals her cell phone.  While panicking, she happens to see a cell phone in a trash can.  Out of desperation, she takes the cell phone and claims it as her own.  She soon learns that the cell phone’s owner used to work for businessman Sam Roxton, and he is not very happy that Poppy has laid claim to the company’s cell phone.  Poppy and Sam work out a temporary agreement in regards to the phone use, which leads to impossible situations involving the two of them.  As the novel progresses, Poppy learns a lot about herself and the people around her and becomes to see her life in a different way.

Once again, Kinsella writes a hilarious, light book perfect for a vacation read or a weekend escape from reality.  I started reading Kinsella years ago, with her Shopaholic series; she is one of my go-to authors for something quick and fun to read.  The characters come to life, and I can envision the whole scene playing out while I read.  For I’ve Got Your Number, there were times I laughed out loud – Poppy gets herself into some pretty funny situations.  Chick lit lovers should try out this one.

And, for those who cannot get enough of Sophie Kinsella: she also writes under the name Madeleine Wickham.  These books are just as fun to read!

Reviewed by Jessica   

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book


**This is the first book in the Outlander series**

In the year 1945, Claire Randall and her husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish highlands. One day, while exploring the countryside alone, Claire finds a henge of rocks. Upon touching one of the boulders, Claire is transported back in time to the year 1743 and meets James Fraser, a member of the MacKenzie clan. Claire also meets British Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, Frank's ancestor, who has a personal vendetta against James. Amid the danger and violence Claire faces, a deep attraction to James forms, which complicates her thoughts about her life in 1945. When opportunity to return to 1945 occurs, Claire must decide between the passion she feels in the 17th century and the life she's known in the 20th century.

I picked this up years ago upon the recommendation of a patron. Simply put, I love this book and have devoured all the books in the series. Part romance, part historical fiction, with a dash of science fiction...this book appeals to readers of basically any genre. But, don't let the romance descriptive deter you from trying this - people I know who despise romance novels cannot believe how much they enjoyed reading this book and the series.

Despite the over 600 pages in length, Outlander is a fast read. Gabaldon has an amazing storytelling gift that brings the readers into the story right from page one. The characters come to life and are well developed. Gabaldon's extensive research is evident in the descriptions of the 17th century and the conflicts of that era between the Scottish clans and the British. Before the reader knows it, he/she has finished the book. But be prepared - have the next in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, ready to read or go through withdrawal.

Reviewed by Jessica