Review: Talon

Talon by Julie Kagawa 
Publication date: October 28, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

TALON is a young adult fantasy novel set in a world of mythical creatures, bordered by a false sense of normalcy. The human society in which this story is based gives the book a relatable edge, but still provides the escapism of a wonderfully created alternate world filled with dragons. I love the story sculpted by Julie Kagawa. It brings the glory and impressive nature of dragons to a world that we can relate to and enjoy. The mystery and excitement of the characters and relationships in the world of TALON make it irresistible to put down. I love reading books such as Eragon, and other novels with fantastic worlds that really capture your attention, and this book really does that. It takes a teen dragon out into society for the first time to discover that the world is not exactly as she expected.

Review: Panic

Panic by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publishing date: March 4, 2014

PANIC, by Lauren Oliver, is a story about an unspoken game played by the graduating seniors during the the summer in a poor town in the middle of nowhere. Heather and her friends compete in this game where the stakes are high and the reward is even higher, but only to some. It is a game where you have to be smart and brave, but not too courageous, because that will elicit consequences which can be deadly. This game changes people; it teaches them bravery, maturity, selflessness, and sacrifice. I loved Lauren Oliver's new book PANIC and how brilliantly she taught valuable lessons on growing up, and learning about what sacrifices to take, and which not to risk, for the greater good of others. The game Panic is not just about the reward, or the courage and macho required to participate; it is a game of wit and dedication, and the characters who go far, are those who are willing to take themselves to the next level. Those who participate develop and mature as they make it through the dangerous levels and come out of it a new person ready for anything the world has to offer, with an understanding of the greater goal.

Review: After the End

After the End by Amy Plum
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication date: May 6, 2014

AFTER THE END by Amy Plum is a story about a girl named Juneau who was born into a world of ignorance and danger. She believed that in 1984 there was a Third World War that killed most of the world in a horrific nuclear explosion. One day, however, when Juneau is off hunting, her family and friends are kidnapped and, for the first time in her life, Juneau finds herself crossing the borders of their clan to go rescue them when she discovers the horrible truth. There was never a bomb. The world never ended, just hers. She finds a fully functioning society 3 days from all she has ever known and she has been lied to for her entire life. While she is trying to cope with this new existence, Juneau goes on an adventure to try to save her clan, understand a prophecy, and escape the clutches of those who are after her, those who might just know the answers to all her questions. This story is filled with adventure and romance and sends you on an adventure in which you learn about the world, about trust, and has just enough magic that you just can’t put it down until you reach the last page. This book tells a completely different kind of story which is action-packed and filled with unexpected turns and leaves you excited, confused, and in love with all the characters. It was great!!