Stratagem by Christina Hagmann

About the Book
Christina Hagmann's “Stratagem" is a young adult suspense/fantasy novel that revolves around a young girl with shape-shifting powers. The main character, Meda, is taken from her family to train as a shape-shifting operative. Her task is to discredit political figures! When she's kidnapped, her mission unravels and she must take her destiny into her own hands.

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Exile by James Cormier

Review
“Exile” is a fresh take on the dystopian YA genre. The book is set in a wild, chaotic world, centuries after the “Fall” turned society upside down. The protagonist in the story is Ever Oaks, a healer (called a Saint) with a remarkable talent who gets drawn into a political struggle that will shape the future. The author, James Cormier, does an excellent job of writing a character who reacts to her struggles in a realistic way that the reader can empathize with. Ever is a determined character with a strong-will who has a difficult path that is rivaled only by her resilience.

The world in "Exile" is hostile and unforgiving, and the author paints it with descriptive, affecting writing. For me, the book's standout feature is the plot. It is paced well, with lots of twists and turns (loved the rival factions) and solid character development. Highly recommended for any YA fans wanting a fresh dystopian read.

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MASE WARRIOR by Bryce Bentley Summers

 Review
The fourth book in the AMEN TO ROT series, "Mase Warrior" follows Michael, Ace, and Siri as they learn more about the evils in their post-apocalyptic world, including the secrets of their protector, Amen.

The author, Bryce Bentley Summers, does an excellent job of expanding the series' world in this book, sharing more about Orx's identiy and the future of earth. There are lots of exciting action scenes to keep the reader interested, and the plot is paced so it has 'down time' to let the characters think and full-force action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

In addition to its dark fantasy/YA elements, this is a coming of age story that is multicultural sensitive, which adds another layer to the novel. Overall, a great read if you like dark fantasy/YA novels. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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The Run by E.J. Summers

Review

E.J. Summers' "The Run" is an engaging YA novel about the homecoming of 23-year-old Kristina Schultz and the drama that ensues when five years of secrets and emotions are brought to the surface.

Kristina comes home (after five years of being away from her family), revisits her old diary, and road trips with her cousin, Leila, back to Mystic Lake where they spent their summers at camp as teens. It was here that Kristina fell in love with "Him" amidst the trees and against the backdrop of the calm lake, but after five years away, she's not sure if she can face him and tell him why she left...   

In addition to this central dilemma, Kristina faces issues with her critical mom, her brother, Andy, and his illness, with the sudden passing of her close Aunt Cecelia, with the parenting and relationship choices of Audrey, and with the wife and brother-in-law of the man she loved but waited too long to tell. 

Summers will have you engrossed in this story just as I was, from the interesting characters and plot twists, to the messages that are portrayed through Kristina's journey toward happiness. Key messages include: non-judgement, not to overanalyze things, paying attention to what others needs are, finding happiness, and overcoming things that are outside our control by realizing the power in our choices.

If you like YA novels you'll love this wonderful story about a woman learning that it is perfectly all right to make mistakes.

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Last Light Falling: The Covenant by J.E. Plemons

Reviews
J.E. Plemons' "Last Light Falling: The Covenant" is a contemporary fiction novel about fifteen-year-old twins who have been destined to change the world.

Arena and Gabriel Power lead relatively normal lives with the same worries as other teens. When their fifteenth birthday arrives, they are thinking about high school starting soon. But they don't realize that they are to receive a letter and key that will send them on a journey toward their destiny, entailing preparing the world for its final days.

This is a book you will enjoy from start to finish. It has some elements that are in the dystopian YA books that are popular today, but it has a fresh feel to it.

Arena and Gabriel work well as protagonists, and their unique personalities (one is sassy, one is geeky) make following them on their journey very engaging. The plot of the book starts at a moderate pace, but really gets going about a third of the way through the book. The writing in this book is top-notch -- descriptive, emotional, and compelling. You feel as though you felt everything Plemons wanted you to feel. Even his descriptions of day-to-day activities, such as sibling interactions, are spot-on.

This is a fantastic read that will make any fiction fan want more. Highly recommended!

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Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Light-Falling-Covenant-Book-ebook/dp/B00JFYNPPO 
Author website: http://www.lastlightfalling.com/

Unplugged by P.D. Quaver

Review
"Unplugged," by P.D. Quaver is a YA novel about a group of teens duped into attending a summer camp that is not what it seems.

Billed as a means of getting teens over addictions to video games and cell phones, "The Natural Path" turns out to be the sinister Dr. Zarkov's elaborate kidnapping scheme. The kids find themselves on a remote island struggling to save alive.

The large cast of characters comes from a variety of backgrounds, which makes it easy for readers to relate to someone. The dialogue is realistic for teens this age.

The plot is engaging and well-paced, and it is fun to see the kids problem solve together. The action scenes are incredibly fun. Quaver writes in a manner that is perfect for young adults yet also works for adults (such as myself).

"Unplugged" is a fresh, engaging young adult novel that teens thirteen or older (and adults) will love. Recommend!

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The Keeper of the Wind by Mark Shaw

Review
"Keeper of the Wind," by Mark Shaw, ­­is a young adult novel with elements of adventure and historical fiction.

The story revolves around three high school seniors who discover artifacts during a camping trip and subsequently try to sell them, only to get caught up in a web of drama, action, and adventure.

This is Shaw's first novel, but it certainly does not feel like it. The writing makes the book feel as though it were written by a seasoned veteran.

The characters are incredibly dynamic. Each of the main characters is very different in terms of personality, upbringing, etc, and Shaw does a great job with each of them.

The plot is very engaging. You'll start off interested in the story in the beginning, but soon find yourself NEEDING to know what happens next. There are enough twists and turns in the book to keep you up late at least a few nights, until you finish. There are also a number of lessons that young minds could take to heart in the book.

Overall, if you like YA books with a bit of history and adventure, then this is the perfect book for you.

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STRUGGS by Brad Hecht

Review

"STRUGGS," by Brad Hecht, is a young adult adventure set during 1775.

The main characters are an eclectic group of five teenage orphans, who serve the Patriot cause.

Each character has a unique talent to contribute, such as sailing skills and fencing abilities, and it is fun to see them use their different talents and grow as individuals along the way.

The book takes place in a variety of locations, from Bunker Hill to Puerto Rico to the streets of Boston, which keeps it interesting.

The writing is just the right level for young adults, with the good pacing and good descriptions.

The historical components of the book are grounded in reality and are compelling.

One of the highlights of the book is the amount of exciting action sequences, which are written flawlessly.

If you like historical fiction (especially colonial fiction) with lots of action, then "STRUGGS" is the perfect book for you.

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The Iron-Jawed Boy (Sky Guardian Chronicles) by Nikolas Lee

Review
The first book of the Sky Guardian Chronicles series, "The Iron-Jawed Boy," by Nikolas Lee, is about a boy, who, after being taken from his family, discovers he possesses an incredible power.

Set in 2300, "The Iron-Jawed Boy" begins when young Ionikus Reaves is taken away from his family and sold as a slave. But before he leaves with his captors, his dad imbues his jaw with iron.

Ion leads a miserable life serving Sir Dread, a cruel, powerful judge, until one day a god, called a Guardian, takes him away to an island where the rulers of Earth reside.

"The Iron-Jawed Boy" has an interesting plot that has a good balance of slow-paced moments and exciting action scenes.

The characters, especially Ion, are well-developed and fun to follow.

The greatest strength of the book is its world-building.

Although it is a fantasy book aimed at a younger audience, there is a fair amount of lore in the book that is very engaging.

Overall, "The Iron-Jawed Boy" is a great read for younger fantasy fans or anyone who likes approachable, imaginative books.

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