Review: The Conspiracy of Us

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
Publication date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Sixteen-year-old Avery Hall has never stayed anywhere very long. Her mom's job keeps them constantly moving from place to place. But then, one day in a small town, Jack Bishop shows up and changes Avery's life by telling her the truth about her family. He then leads her on a journey from Paris to the alleys of Istanbul with Stellan, another boy hiding many secrets. Of course, he is not the only one. Everybody is hiding secrets, including Avery, secrets that she didn't even know mattered. As Avery discovers more and more about who she really is, she also finds out that many people want to use her as a pawn, while others want her dead. What will she do to retain her freewill while rescuing those she loves?

THE CONSPIRACY OF US was an incredible book. It was action-packed and always suspenseful. I was rushing to get to the last page, was constantly wondering and needing to know every character's secrets, as they all were keeping something hidden. The characters all have fun and relatable personalities, and I loved the touch of romance and the forbidden love between Jack and Avery. I also loved the way that Maggie Hall created the Circle of Twelve. She did an incredibly good job introducing something complex and creative into today's already complex society. The only negative thing I can say is that the book ended on a cliffhanger, with the conflict unresolved. I can't wait for the sequel! (Because that can not have been the end, Maggie Hall).

Review: My Best Everything

My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp
Publication date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Yesterday, I found myself thinking about Lulu and Mason driving into the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains to go river rafting, as if it were a memory from my own life; that's how vivid and alive this book felt to me. The summer after high school, Lulu is desperately trying to make enough money to send herself to college, by making moonshine with the help of Mason and her two best friends. Sarah Tomp does a fantastic job of telling the story of a girl who realizes the rest of her life might depend on whatever happens in one summer. Lulu has always wanted nothing more than to get out of the small town of Dale, yet now she finds it hard to imagine truly saying goodbye to all she has known, and to the possibilities of what life could be like if she stayed. As Lulu faces bigger decisions than she ever had to before, she wonders about whether fate really does exist: is there such a thing as someone or something that's meant to be? This story perfectly captures emotions about the overwhelming idea of one's future I have often found so hard to articulate. I loved this book and wished it didn't have to come to an end! I would recommend it for anyone!

Review: Tracers

Tracers by J.J. Howard
Publication date: January 8, 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

I would rate TRACERS by J.J. Howard a five out of five. It is definitely one of my favorite books that I've read in the last few months, or even years. Not only is there a great love story between Cam and Nikki, but there is also a brilliantly woven plot. The writer expertly uses knowledge of parkour to enhance the experience for the reader and add an element of danger to this story. I could not put this book down. The characters are intriguing with their stories and struggles, and the complex web of relationships, loyalties, and betrayals leaves nothing to be desired. I am glad I had the privilege to read this book, because I really enjoyed it. With many a twist and turn, it is impossible to leave off at the end of a chapter, especially when you empathize with the protagonist, as you will, when you read it. I liked this book a lot and I think other people will too.