Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sophomore Nora Grey struggles with the death of her father and her mother’s long work-related absences. When she is paired up with Patch in biology class, her initial reaction to the mysterious, quiet guy is not exactly positive. Yet, she somehow feels drawn to him. As dangerous and frightening events start to occur in Nora’s life, her contact with Patch seems to keep her grounded. But, Patch is hiding a lot about himself, and his secrets could be deadly for Nora...

The first in the Hush, Hush series, this novel is perfect for those who enjoy supernatural romance stories. While there are some similarities to Twilight – girl meets mysterious boy in a science class being one of them – Hush, Hush focuses on fallen angels interacting with humans. I love Fitzpatrick’s writing style; I found myself turning the pages and losing track of time. The character of Nora shows resilience, strength and intelligence, traits that some young adult heroines lack. The reader also does not discover all of Patch’s secrets by the end of the book, which is a perfect way to draw readers to the next in the series, Crescendo. I am certainly looking forward to reading the second book.

If you have been debating upon reading the series, movie rights for the series have been optioned, so there could be a movie based on the books in the near future! 

Reviewed by Jessica

The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sylvie Davis would give anything to be able to dance again…The Accident that broke her leg forced her to end her ballet career. Her mother’s decision to remarry also adds to Sylvie’s distress. These two events lead Sylvie to Alabama and her father’s family home. Sylvie’s father, who had passed away years before, rarely talked about his upbringing, so Sylvie is surprised by the size of the house and the roots her ancestors had in the community. Plus, the two guys who hang around the house, Rhys Griffith and Shawn Maddox, are hard to keep out of her mind. Sylvie also begins to see and hear things – a man and a woman from a previous era and the sound of wailing somewhere in the woods. Is there more to Bluestone Hill than meets the eye, or has Sylvie completely lost her mind?

Readers of the supernatural, historical references, contemporary connections to the past, and/or romance should read The Splendor Falls. I tend to gravitate toward any book that examines the past and that may include some sort of supernatural element to the storytelling. For me, The Splendor Falls does not disappoint. I got caught up in Sylvie’s life and her struggle to find a different kind of normalcy. Despite what the adults around her feel, Sylvie wants to stay grounded in the present, not go crazy from her grief over the loss of dancing. There are also elements of mystery to the narrative, specifically Sylvie’s determination to find out exactly is taking place at Bluestone Hill, since no one else at the house will confess to Sylvie that they see and hear the same things she does. And, I have to admit, you’ve got to love Sylvie’s dog Gigi, who helps Sylvie through everything!

Reviewed by Jessica

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

**This is the first book in the Legacy Trilogy**

Seventeen-year old Princess Alera of Hytanica has a problem: by her eighteenth birthday, she must choose a suitor to marry and be prepared to rule Hytanica. Though her father the king says she can choose whomever she wishes, he thinks Lord Steldor, who Alera finds self-centered and obnoxious, would be the perfect choice. Meanwhile, a teen from Hytanica’s enemy Cokyri breaks into the Palace grounds and brings with him secrets that could cause turmoil in Hytanica. Despite the danger, Alera finds herself drawn towards Narian, which makes Alera question her kingdom’s beiefs, her father’s rule, and makes her reexamine her own future.

Legacy is the perfect book for those who love to read about medieval-like kingdoms and those who do not mind very descriptive passages. Kluver uses details to allow readers to vividly see the gowns worn by characters, the rooms in the Palace, the Hytanican countryside, etc. Readers who are not interested in a lot of description may be turned away from the 400-plus pages. However, I enjoyed reading the descriptions and seeing the characters, specifically Alera, develop throughout the book. Alera is a strong character who wants to desperately get away from the current ways of thinking in her kingdom but strives to find a way to do so without angering her father. I must admit, there were times I found Alera’s actions to be a little petty, but it seems that by the end, she does grow up.

I look forward to reading more about Alera and Hytanica in the other two books in this series.

Reviewed by Jessica

Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man by Walter Stahr

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

William H. Seward is perhaps best known for his purchase of Alaska from the Russian empire, nicknamed "Seward's Folly." He also served as President Lincoln's Secretary of State and was nearly assassinated by Lewis Powell, a John Wilkes Booth associate. In the first Seward biography in decades, Stahr uses manuscripts, articles and other sources to present Seward as a fascinating, powerful man who helped shape events in American history.

This is a perfect biography for Civil War buffs, political enthusiasts and history fans. Stahr paints a vivid, engaging picture of Seward the man. Seward comes alive for readers, thanks to Stahr's research and his easy-flowing writing style. Stahr shows Seward clearly was a controversial figure in his time, and yet, was deeply loved and admired by countless people. His stance on slavery detracted many supporters; his advice on matters in the Lincoln administration led many critics to feel (incorrectly) that he was the true power in the White House (which led to his assassination attempt). Overall, Stahr has written an extremely enjoyable biography about one of the nineteenth century's most interesting American politicians.

Stahr uses footnotes for his source citations and includes an extensive index in the biography. There are two maps included as well that detail Seward's New York and Seward's 1860 campaign. Photographs of Seward and his family also appear.

I highly recommend this biography!

Reviewed by Jessica

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Age Level: Young Adult
Format: Book

Cas Lowood is not your usual teenage guy...instead of hanging out with friends and attending parties, he spends his nights tracking down murderous ghosts and killing them.  Cas inherited this ability from his father, who was murdered by a ghost he was trying to kill. Armed with his father's athame, Cas and his mom move from place to place taking care of these harmful ghosts. However, their move to Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a bit different. Cas is drawn to Thunder Bay by the legend of Anna Dressed in Blood, a girl brutally murdered in 1958 who haunts her old home and murders anyone who dares enter its doors. For Cas, this sounds like every day work. Except, it's not. Cas soon discovers there's more to Anna then everyone knows, which prompts him to re-evaluate his mission.

Considering how many books I read with female main characters, it was extremely refreshing to read a book starring a male main character written in the first person! Blake's characters are quirky and very likeable. I liked this book for its unique concept - student by day, ghost killer by night - and for the characters. Though I have not seen the TV show "Supernatural," I have heard readers make comparisons between this book and the show. Blake's writing style keeps you reading to find out what happens next.

Readers who do not like violence or gory scenes may have to skip a few paragraphs throughout the book - killing ghosts is not a clean job. Though written for young adults, adults who enjoy ghost stories or the supernatural may enjoy reading this book.

The sequel to Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares, came out in August. I can't wait to read it!

Reviewed by Jessica