Legend #1 by Marie Lu

No one knows what Dane looks like, but I'll track him down. And then I'll see him die. I can still see his knife sticking out of my brother's chest. Dane's a terrorist, but he's never killed anyone before. So why did he kill my brother? I know Dane must be injured after leaping from a hospital to steal plague suppressant, but he couldn't have needed the medicine for himself. Who is it for? I don't think Dane works for the Colonies, he's surely not a Patriot, but he still finds himself at the top of the Republic's most-wanted list. That will end when I find him. I, June, am the only one who's ever gotten a perfect score on the Trial, and I've completed my training years before anyone else. I will succeed where other soldiers have failed, and I'll avenge my brother's death. It's just a matter of time.

I saw this book in the past and decided to finally give it a shot. It had a futuristic setting in the former United States, and a quarter from 1990 was an ancient relic. Everything was fairly believable, so you won't find anything too wackadoodle. The Republic was now in charge and was at war with the Colonies. It was a corrupt system of government that manipulated "truth" and propaganda to maintain its power. As you might expect, the Republic stifled the freedom of citizens, and Dane found ways to disrupt its plans. The story was told from alternating points of view, as June tried to track down Dane. It was effective technique to understand the motivations and feelings of Dane and June. Dane's terrorist activities took a backseat, as he was focused on finding medicine for his younger brother. June was determined to capture Dane, as her anger and sadness took over her emotions. The plot became a game of cat and mouse between the two main characters. Clearly, the author was going to create complications once June realized the Republic's deceit. The plague was at the center of everything, as it had been going on for years. The book pits man versus society in an exciting story of individuals trying to do what's right. I recommend you give it a shot, and I've already reserved a copy of the sequel, Prodigy, at my local library.

Valkyrie #2: The Runaway by Kate O'Hearn

My name is Archie, and I'm thankful that Gee reaped my soul as I was dying. However, she always seems to find a way to get herself into trouble. I mean, Chicago was almost destroyed because of what she did, so she's on probation with Odin. Odin is now offering her a chance to get back her position as a Valkyrie if she completes an urgent quest. Gee needs to find a banished Valkyrie in Midgard and return her to Valhalla. Odin's given Gee two days to finish the mission, since a war among the realms might erupt at any moment. A couple of problems. The Valkyrie has established a life in Midgard and doesn't want to leave. Secondly, we've discovered a huge secret about the Dark Searchers that has Gee confused and angry. Odin will be furious if he discovers what's happening down here, but Gee doesn't seem to care. That can only spell disaster.

This book has a lot going on, and you need to read Valkyrie first. The series is based on Norse mythology, and Odin isn't known for being understanding, cooperative, or compassionate. Gee, or Frieda as she's known in Valhalla, is the main character, and her empathy for others has a tendency to get her into trouble. She's strong, independent, and doesn't always like to follow the rules. An interesting part of this book is the revelation of how Dark Searchers are chosen, something they don't know about themselves. They are Odin's special force and are feared because of their relentless pursuit of anyone leaving Valhalla without his permission. One of them has a violent vendetta against Gee due to her actions in the first book. The story also reveals unknown siblings that will take over the plot and potentially trigger the war between the realms. Consequently, this book includes a higher level of danger and creates more tension than the prior one. An added level of concern arises from the fact that the touch of a Valkyrie is deadly to humans. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend you give it a shot. I'm looking forward to the sequel, War of the Realms, and I assume it will end the series. 

Notorious by Gordan Korman

My name is Keenan, and I'm finally recovering from the fatigue and lack of energy that comes with tuberculosis. However, I'm not crazy about living with my dad in a tiny town on the border of Canada and the United States. The only interesting thing here, and a bit annoying, is a girl named Zeedee. She has all kinds of stories about the gangsters who once lived in this town, and I suspect she exaggerates quite a bit. Zeedee has an adorable dog that she ignores, since she thinks someone murdered her first dog. The first dog terrorized everyone here, and I've learned the people still hate the memory of it. Now, Zeedee won't even talk to me, because she thinks I prefer the kids from my school over her. However, I need to find some way to talk to her again because of what I found in the woods. Maybe she hasn't been exaggerating as much as I thought. 

I chose this book because of the author. You can depend on Korman to present an amusing story about an uncommon topic. The story is told by different characters, mostly Keenan and Zeedee, in alternating chapters, so you can read from different points of view. It's mostly about friendship and the problems arising from misunderstanding others. The second half of the book becomes a mystery, as Keenan tries to uncover what really happened to Zeedee's dog. Multiple suspects are presented and investigated, but Korman saves some surprises for later. You won't be totally shocked if you pay attention to the clues. Oh, a treasure hunt also develops as the plot moves along. The story includes a lot of interesting information about famous gangsters, Elliot Ness, and the unique problems created in a town literally split between two countries. Zeedee sees most of her problems arising from being the only kid in town needing to take a boat to Canada to attend school. Keenan helps Zeedee get beyond her misconceptions to possibly mend old friendships. It's inspiring to watch an outsider work to bring a community closer together. Overall, this is a very entertaining book and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Wings of Olympus #2: The Colt of the Clouds by Kallie George

My name is Pippa, and it's been two years since I was banished from Mount Olympus. I've never been one to settle down, so I hate my weaving lessons with Bas's mother. I don't see myself becoming someone else's wife and mother. I still enjoy riding Zephyr even though he's lost his wings, but I never expected to discover he has a son. I'm calling the young winged horse Tazo, but his kind are forbidden from walking on earth. The villagers have discovered Tazo's existence and think he's the cause of Poseidon's wrath. Zeus will know what to do about Tazo, so I must return to Mount Olympus without any other gods and goddesses knowing. I've met an annoying boy named Hero, who insists he's related to Hercules, and I can't get rid of him. However, once we arrived atop Mount Olympus, the only god left was Zeus.

You can probably read this book on its own, since you will learn any needed information from the first book. It's based on Greek mythology with gods, goddesses, and demigods being active participants. Poseidon is an antagonist, as he floods the villagers' crops with saltwater rain and releases his creatures into the stables of Mount Olympus. The author saves some surprises for later in the plot. A highlight is Hero's character, as he's clearly trying to make himself sound more important than reality. He tends to brag, is a know-it-all, and claims to never be afraid. However, he proves to be very loyal and has talents to share. He's a boy with low self-esteem who only wants to be accepted and to feel wanted. It takes Pippa awhile to recognize this. The story moves along nicely and includes bits of tension along the way. The author visits various areas related to Mount Olympus and introduces perilous obstacles. The absence of gods and goddesses gives the story an eerie feel, and the disappearance of the flying horses creates a mystery. Solving the mystery is Pippa's main motivation. Overall, I'm enjoying the series and recommend it for lovers of mythology and horses. The action's not super intense, but the story is entertaining. 

Maya Loop by Lisa Anna-Langston

This blue-haired girl never wanted to leave Baltimore and move to a farm down south in the middle of nowhere. I even planned to leave my grandfather's farm to return "home", although planned probably is the wrong word to use. I didn't have a plan, and visiting the neighbor's house changed everything. I released an Assassin Bug trapped in a jar, and it opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. Aliens called Landions want to eliminate humans from ever existing, and all they need is the last piece of a water clock to do it. My quest took me below the ground where I was aided by moles with goggles and a Shooptee. However, they said I needed to cross the river alone, and I had to find the Orb Weaver. I had no idea how I was supposed to do either of those things, but I was the only one who could save mankind from extinction.

I received an ARC through BookSirens, and the book exceeded my expectations. The basis of the story involved time travel, although this version didn't view time as moving forward and backward. Many books about time travel can become confusing, but the characters didn't do a lot of time jumping. The Landions wanted to erase humans from ever existing. The author pointed out some negatives of mankind, including the extermination of animal species on earth. It seemed like the idea for the story grew from our habit of killing most insects we find. Maya and her grandmother had special abilities, but Maya was the last person on earth with the ability to save humanity. This made her the primary target for the Landions. She was helped by creatures that often spoke cryptically, so their messages were sometimes a challenge to understand. This actually made them more endearing, as they were willing to break the rules to help Maya. The plot moved along with a blend of adventure, humor, and creativity mixed with absurdity. The climax presented an especially strange resolution to the conflict. Overall, this book was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Unwanteds Quests #7: Dragon Fury by Lisa McMann

My name is Florence, and Thisbe has finally finished explaining her support of the Revinir. We were all convinced she had sided with the Revinir, but Fifer confirms it was all part of her plan. I still think Thisbe is hiding something, since I can't understand how her Obliterate spell missed the Revinir. She never misses a spell she's perfected, so I'm not sure that I fully trust her. We're sure the Revinir is planning an all-out attack on our crumbling castle, but we'll hopefully be able to spring a surprise attack. However, the fact remains that none of our spells or weapons have been able to kill her, so how can we end her reign of terror? The answer might be found in the message saying "water" that Thisbe received from her sister.

You should read the whole series to understand the dynamics of all the characters, and there are a lot of characters. This book brings the whole series to a satisfying conclusion, as it even touches on the characters' lives many years after the final battle. The very last chapter addresses characters you might have forgotten. The story builds the suspense for a climactic confrontation with the Revinir's dragon army. In a way, it was anticlimactic, as the twins and Florence had created a detailed plan of attack. They seemed to have considered everything and didn't encounter any significant hiccups. I was expecting a more back-and-forth battle. The characters highlight the book's appeal. The twins are becoming effective leaders, but everything depends on teamwork. If you've read the previous books, you know the team consists of humans, dragons, statues, animals and other creatures. They all have their own personalities, but it's nice to see them uniting for a common cause. The author addresses an often-ignored issue with evil characters in that they're not always entirely evil. Thisbe struggles with knowing the Revinir was once a fragile young girl, so how much punishment is warranted? Overall, you'll definitely enjoy this book if you've liked the others, so give it a shot.

Thieves of Weirdwood: A William Shivering Tale by Christian McKay Heidicker and William Shivering

My name is Graham, and I think I've prepared my brother Wally for his difficult days ahead in the Mirror world. He may not believe what I told him, since I'm currently living in a mental hospital, but he's managed to find his way to Weirdwood Manor. The Manor's staff is committed to keeping Fae creatures from invading the real world and closing any Rifts between the two worlds. I met Wally's friend named Arthur, and I gave him a Golden Scarab to deliver to the Manor. It might have been nice to tell him what it would do, but I didn't want to. Wally has a very important role to play in the battle between Kingsport and Mirror Kingsport, and there's not much he can do about it. His fate has been determined. 

This book presents an innovative world of speculative fiction. Weirdwood Manor hides within the walls of abandoned buildings, and the staff is tasked with rounding up escaped, imaginary creatures. The plot contains mystery, adventure, and humor. Someone has found a way to travel between worlds without Rifts, which shouldn't be possible. The actual antagonists are unclear, and the author finds a way to constantly change our focus. Who's pulling the strings? The story is full of battles with monsters and other creepy things that originate from the imaginations of the Kingsport citizens. This book literally has ideas and stories come to life and gives authors immense power. Wally is the main character, while Arthur tries to become his favorite book character, a Gentleman Thief. Arthur has all kinds of wacky plans and has a talent to persuade others. I didn't originally see Graham as a significant character, but rest assured he plays an important role in the story. The plot offers many surprises with a full range of emotions. The cast of strangers go back and forth with trust, and there is one significant death. Actually, two deaths, but one of them occurred before the book begins. Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and I recommend you give it a shot.