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

Company of Liars by Karen Maitland

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Camelot, a peddler of religious relics, narrates this story that shares similarities to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. A group of strangers meet up in 1348 England during the Plague breakout and decide to travel together, searching for an area untouched by the fatal disease. Each traveler lives a lie; balancing truth with the lies leads to dangerous secrets being revealed in each traveler’s story. Along the way, the travelers face starvation, lack of shelter, an ever-present wolf and death. The only thing that keeps the travelers marching to destinations unknown is the hope that someday they will reach a place of safety before death comes for them.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. While the topic of death and despair may not appeal to many readers, those who like to read historical fiction or are fans of Canterbury Tales should pick up this book. It is a perfect fictional study of life and societal fears in 14th century England. Each of Maitland’s characters bring a fascinating, yet sometimes horrific, secret to the group; once secrets are discovered, it is very interesting to see how the travelers react to one another. These reactions lead to a shocking ending, one I did not expect.

I look forward to reading Company of Liars again in the future!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ren cannot remember life outside the Catholic orphanage he has lived in for most of his life. Just like everyone else, he knows he was pushed through the trap door at the gate as a little child. The only thing that truly belongs to him from his past life is a piece of clothing with the letters R E N stitched into the collar. Ren, a thief yet deeply religious, also came to the orphanage without one of his hands; he knows there has to be a story about his missing hand. One day, Benjamin Nab appears at the orphanage claiming Ren as his brother. Ren really wants to believe, and loves to hear stories about his father and mother, but soon realizes that Benjamin’s art of storytelling lacks truth. Benjamin slowly reels Ren into his cons, and along with Benjamin’s associate Tom, takes Ren to the town of North Umbrage, a factory town that just may hold the key to Benjamin’s, and even Ren’s, past.

A truly remarkable book filled with rich storytelling, Tinti chronicles the seedy life of thieves, con artists and grave robbers in nineteenth century United States. Tinti’s novel is rich in characters that are ruthless and cunning and completely unforgettable. Despite his shortcomings, Ren is a very likeable character who has a very good heart underneath his bad deeds. In fact, most of the characters in the novel have a streak of goodness in their hearts, showing that even the toughest deviants can have a soft spot.

Full of adventure and excitement, I feel this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or adventure fiction.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Based on accounts of Kent's ancestor, Martha Carrier, this novel examines the lives of one family during the Salem Witch Trials. When the Carrier family moves to Andover to live in Martha's mother's home, they are immediately considered outcasts - the family is held responsible for a small pox outbreak several years before in neighboring Billerica. When Martha's son Andrew falls ill to small pox in Andover, the entire family is quarantined and are considered dangerous in the community. Sarah Carrier, Martha's eldest daughter and the narrator for the novel, recounts her bitterness towards her mother's lack of affection for the family and her outspokenness, causing even harsher treatment of the family by neighbors and townsmen. Soon, information from nearby Salem arrives in Andover, telling about young girls accusing townspeople of witchcraft. Eventually, Martha is accused of witchcraft, forcing Sarah to make the hardest decision of her life and opening her eyes to the real power of love.

Kent's writing style flows very smoothly, making the reader want to continue reading until the very last page. She takes great care in crafting her ancestors as characters in the novel: she combines family folklore and stories about the Carriers to paint an unforgettable portrait of the family and especially of a strong and defiant Martha Carrier. I loved the descriptions of daily life and shuddered at the pictures in my mind of prison conditions and the horrors facing those on trial. Kent even includes transcripts from Martha's trial, showing the many accusations placed against her ancestor. For me, the end of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster, an ending that will not be easy to forget. The Heretic's Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year and an amazing novel by a debut author.

Anyone who loves history will enjoy reading this fictional account about one of the darker periods in American history. To learn more about the Carrier family and of the Salem Witch Trials, Kent has a wonderful website: www.thehereticsdaughter.com

Reviewed by Jessica