As we all know by now, it’s the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Here is the first (surely not the last!) AB4T review of a book based on those events. Kate Alcott’s historical novel encompasses both the tragedy itself and the subsequent Senate hearings, about which teens are likely much less familiar. The author did a great deal of research, immersing herself in the period, including, of course, the fashions. Actually, Kate Alcott is a pen name. As reported in the New York Times a couple weeks ago, author Patricia O’Brien received rejection after rejection for The Dressmaker, her sixth novel — until her agent submitted it under a different name. Then it sold in 3 days. It’s an interesting Read more…

By Ally Condie If you loved Matched I know you’ll love its sequel, Crossed, just as much! Great news – Entertainment Weekly has the first two chapters (!!) on their site. Click to read the opening chapters of Crossed here. Come back after you’ve read it and tell us what you thought of it – we’re dying to know. Crossed will be available for purchase on November 1, 2011. From Entertainment Weekly: As suggested by this snow globe-shattering cover, our heroine Cassia is exploring the wild, open world on the outer edges of the oppressive Society. Braving perilous canyons and dangerous terrain, Cassia embarks on a mission to save Ky from certain death. The locations make for a novel that has a look and feel that’s Read more…

by Schroeder, LisaWritten entirely in verse, this novel addresses one of life’s most difficult lessons, death. At 15, Ava has just lost her true love Jackson. She’s angry; she’s confused; she’s completely lost but soon she realizes that she’s not alone. Jackson is still around. Whether it’s a random radio turning on and playing a special song or a chilling of the air around her, Ava knows her dead boyfriend is still with her. This book is well worth reading. The writing style intensifies the emotions Ava is feeling and provides a unique reading experience. The chapters are short, and the pacing is good. This is a nice choice for the beach or by the pool.- reviewed by Tiffany, University City Regional, Read more…

by Kady Cross In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the thing inside her. When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she’s special, says she’s one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret. Griffin’s investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several Read more…

by Meyer, StephenieBella is now married to her beloved Edward Cullen, a vampire. They go on a honeymoon to Isle Esme. Edward discovers that Bella is pregnant. When they return to Forks, Jacob, a werewolf, does not believe that Bella was sick from a virus. When he discovers that Bella is pregnant he goes into a state of shock. Now the Werewolves are after Bella and the Cullens. Bella holds the fate of many in her hands. Enjoy this final installment of the Twilight series. – reviewed by Naya, , Read more…

By Lauren Oliver Delirium tells the story of Lena Haloway, who lives, contentedly, in futuristic Portland, Maine, where a medical procedure — compulsory upon turning 18 — cures individuals of "deliria," aka love. In a militaristic Pleasantville-feel, the absence of love enables evaluators to create marital matches according to class. Haunted by the deliria-induced suicide of her mother, Lena goes along with the program, until she meets a young man who knows what lies past the electrical fences. As they fall in love and Lena encounters the happiness and sorrow of love for herself, she discovers she’s tougher and more radical than anyone anticipated. Read more…

by MacLean, Sarah The social season in London has begun! Lady Alexandra’s mother has waited for this moment to introduce her daughter to society and get her married. Unfortunately Alex and her best friends, Ella and Vivi, have other plans. These young ladies have no desire to marry they want adventure not romance. Adventure is what they find, when the Earl of Blackmoor is killed and his handsome son Gavin is determined to discover the truth. As Alex and Gavin grow closer can true love prevail? Follow along for the longing looks and exciting twists and turns in this fun, quick read. – reviewed by Angela, Cornelius Branch, Read more…

by Osterlund, Anne Aerin is running for her life. When she requires help, she is taken aboard the Envoy. While aboard she is asked to take a test and she has no idea that this test will lead to her acceptance at Academy 7. There she meets Dane, a young man who has had a very privileged life. Both competitive, they strive to be the best in their class. Soon they are thrown together and begin to form a friendship. As they discover more about each other they realize that secrets can tear them apart or bring them closer then ever. Will Dane and Aerin be able to survive the fallout when secrets are revealed?- reviewed by Angela, Cornelius Branch, Read more…

by Herbsman, Cheryl Savannah Georgina Brown was named after a tornado that hit Savannah, Georgia on the day she was born. Plagued with severe asthma since her daddy left, she thinks she will never learn to breathe on her own, until surfer boy Jackson Channing comes to town. Savannah is so naive and innocent about love, and such a real character, that you will find yourself laughing and crying along with her. It’s amazing how much this teenage girl grows emotionally during the story. Set in the coastal Carolinas, this is a classic tale of teenage romance, heartache, and young love, told in a charming Southern drawl. This is a great debut novel from Cheryl Herbsman! – reviewed by Amy, Steele Creek Branch, Read more…

by Elliott, Mata Cassidy is single and is trying to keep her mind and heart busy with teaching and community/church work. She returns home to be with her great-aunt and discovers that they have guests. Trevor Monroe and his daughters have moved in after an accidental fire at his home. Despite his outward attractions and godly nature, Cassidy resists her feelings for him. Her past experiences of the heart have been painful and she doesn'twant to repeat any mistakes. And it doesn’t help that there seems to be more than one woman willing to become the next Mrs. Monroe no matter what! Intimate and sensitive issues are dealt with honestly and with understanding throughout the novel. Plus there is plenty of drama to keep the Read more…

by Cashore, KristenFans of the romance in Twilight by Stephenie Meyer might especially enjoy this story of a young girl, Katsa, graced with the ability to kill and the fellow assassin she meets one night, Po who is also graced. They seem two opposites but are thrown together in order to save a young princess. Through stubborn determination they have an unbelievable adventure that threatens to maim or even kill them at every turn. This is an unstoppable romance, mystery, fantasy story that blends together seven kingdoms and reveals a corrupt king with a horrible plan to end the lives of all who disobey him.- reviewed by Julie, South County Regional, Read more…

by Alers, RochelleMan of Fate is the story of Kyle Chatham a successful devoted lawyer in Harlem. He enjoys his single life and lives it to the fullest. When a minor car accident introduces him to Ava Warrick their lives are intertwined. What starts off as a good deal soon turns into a simple friendship that will lead to something more. But can a confirmed bachelor be ready to settle down and win the heart of a woman who’s given up on love? The story will entice you from beginning to end. This is the first of a three book series that will introduce you to Kyle and his two life-long friends Duncan and Ivan. After meeting Kyle you will definitely want to meet Duncan and Ivan! – reviewed by Vivian, Scaleybark Branch, Read more…

I wrote a bit about the BookExpo “YA to Adult Panel” a few weeks ago when we reviewed Graveminder by Melissa Marr. Today, we review the first adult book by another YA author, Melissa de la Cruz. In answer to the question of why she decided to write an adult novel, de la Cruz answered that many of her Blue Bloods series fans are in college or just out. She thought it would be fun to write for them. When asked what was different about writing this book, she said she wrote all of the sex scenes first. Actually, it was a fabulous moment – her first reaction was, “Woo-hoo, I can write sex!” The audience loved it. She continued by admitting that she did struggle at first, but then realized that it’s the same as writing for Read more…

By Suzanne Young We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten… Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need – a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger. But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become – her mark on this earth, her very existence – is in jeopardy Read more…

by Tim O’Rourke Detective Chief Inspector John Walker hasn’t a suspect or motive for the murders at Black Hill Farm. That is until sixteen-year-old Benjamin McCloud walks into Beechers Hope Police Station, asking to be arrested for the killings. During twelve police interviews, Benjamin gives a disturbing confession about his relationship with Andrea and how his love for her became a dangerous obsession. Finding themselves alone on a remote farm and desperate to stay together, Benjamin and Andrea’s world spirals out of control. And as they fight for survival, every step they take leads them into an ever darker world of deceit, blackmail, and murder. A dark romance for young adults recommend for sixteen-year-olds and over. My Read more…

By Jessi Kirby When Anna was little, she and her mother used to search for sea glass, but since they looked at night, they called it moonglass. Now, ten years after her mother’s mysterious death, her father is working as head lifeguard on the same beach where her mother grew up and her parents first met and fell in love. Reluctant to get close to anyone (including her father) and not pleased about having to start at a new school, Anna begins to spend more time alone, running the length of the beach and wondering about who her mother really was. After meeting a lifeguard named Tyler, she slowly lets her guard down and together they start exploring the abandoned houses that dot the beach. But when learning more about her mother’s Read more…

By Jenny Han Belly has only ever been in love with two boys, both with the last name Fisher. And after being with Jeremiah for the last two years, she’s almost positive he is her soul mate. Almost. Conrad has not gotten over the mistake he made when he let Belly go even as Jeremiah has always known that Belly is the girl for him. So when Belly and Jeremiah decide to make things forever, Conrad realizes that it’s now or never–tell Belly he loves her, or lose her for good. Belly will have to confront her feelings for Jeremiah and Conrad and face a truth she has possibly always known: she will have to break one of their Read more…

by Jeri Smith-Ready Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart. Shade was one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, so I couldn’t wait to read Shift. Just like I do with all sequels, I went in a bit nervous that Read more…

by Despain, BreeDaniel Kalbi is back. It's been three years since Grace Divine has seen Daniel; and three years since they found her brother, Jude, drenched in blood. Her family doesn't speak of it, doesn't speak even of his name. What happened that night? Grace wants to know. After Jude asks her to stay away from Daniel, she tries but her connection to Daniel is just too strong. Grace desperately wants to help him. But Grace also wants to discover the truth. Bree Despain's book becomes more and more exciting as you turn each page. The mystery surrounding Daniel and the romance between Daniel and Grace will keep you hooked.- reviewed by Carrie, Myers Park Branch, Read more…

by Cremer, AndreaAs the Nightshade pack's alpha and a “Guardian”, Calla's life has been decided for her; she will be the mate of the other wolf pack's alpha, Ren. After Calla saves a human, Shay, from being killed by a bear, her view on life slowly changes. Soon, Shay discovers the truth about the Guardian packs and their masters, the “Keepers”. Calla's life is turned upside down. Now she desperately wants to choose her own future, but can she go against her destiny? Andrea Cremer has written a suspenseful and original paranormal romance that has a great love triangle, shape-shifting wolves and phenomenal world building. Readers will be waiting impatiently for a sequel!- reviewed by Carrie, Myers Park Branch, Read more…

by Miller, KirstenThe visions Haven Moore have of Ethan started when she was a girl. In those visions, a woman named Constance loved him; Haven knows she was once Constance. But everyone in Snope City, Tennessee believes that Haven is possessed by a demon. She tried to forget her visions for years, but then she saw Iain Morrow on television. Could he be Ethan? Haven desperately wants to escape to New York City because she knows that's where all her questions will be answered. Will Haven ever discover the truth about her past life? What happened to Ethan and Constance? Brilliantly plotted and suspenseful, Kirsten Miller has written a superb love story that will make you believe in destiny.- reviewed by Carrie, Myers Park Read more…

by White, KierstenEvie works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, which is responsible for removing paranormals from the world of humans. But only Evie can see what paranormals really look like. Vampires, Faeries and Werewolves are part of her everyday life. Evie wishes more than anything though to be a regular teenager; she wants a locker, friends and most of all, a boyfriend! And then she meets Lend. Evie just can't stay away from him. As they grow closer, we discover that something, or someone, is killing paranormals. And Evie may be next. The world Kiersten White creates is very unique and the story itself is engaging and exciting. Fans of paranormal romance will love this book!- reviewed by Carrie, Myers Read more…

by Garcia, Kami and Margaret StohlEthan Wate is in love with a Caster girl who is cursed. A curse that has marked Lena Duchannes's family of Demons for generations has now become Ethan's curse. And now that he has entered the Caster world, there is no going back. Strange visions, a small town's tangled dark history, and a network of underground passageways lead Ethan to uncover secrets that could put everyone in danger especially him and Lena. Book two of the Caster Chronicles picks up where book one ends. As Ethan and Lena's love story intensifies, so does the 'darkness' of their world where nothing is as it seems and secrets hide in plain sight. Fans will be hungering for more in this Read more…

by Flinn, AlexTalia is the princess of Euphrasia. She was gifted with “beauty, grace, musical talent and intelligence”; everything a girl wants. Talia should be happy, but she's not. Talia is watched over all the time! And all everyone talks about is spindles! Her life is ruled by a curse that says she and her kingdom will sleep forever if she touches a spindle. Talia touches a spindle though on her sixteenth birthday and will only wake up when her “true love” kisses her. Then Jack stumbles upon Talia, three hundred years later! Alex Flinn tells a wonderfully imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale that not only helps us believe in true love but also in finding your dreams.- reviewed by Carrie, Myers Park Read more…

by Jordan, SophieJacinda is the first fire-breathing “draki” in a very long time. Draki are related to dragons and can transform into humans. Her “pride” is very serious about their ownership of her, especially Cassian, the pride's future alpha. But Jacinda's mother does not want her to be owned by the pride. She takes Jacinda and her twin sister Tamra and they secretly leave. Jacinda desperately doesn't want to lose her draki. So when Will's presence actually strengthens that part of her, she wants to keep him in her life. But will he find out what she truly is? Can they ever be together? Sophie Jordan gives her readers an intriguing world filled with secrets, suspense and star-crossed love. – reviewed by Carrie, Read more…