Review: The Bitter Side of Sweet

The Bitter Side of Sweet
By Tara Sullivan 

Publication Date: February 23rd, 2016
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Son 

Slavery in modern times?  You might think it’s impossible, but it happens in the THE BITTER SIDE OF SWEET. Brothers Amadou and Seydou left their home town of Mali to find work elsewhere, but they were not expecting to be slave laborers at a cacao farm.  For two years they’ve been working there, trying to collect a good amount of cacao each day to avoid getting beaten by one of their three bosses.  They have seen many other boys come in cars to work there, and they have seen people try and fail to escape.  But when a well fed girl shows up with a will to escape like no other, it re-energizes Amadou to take his brother and leave.  This is a fast paced realistic fiction book with many intense, well detailed, moments. 

Review: Blackhearts

Blackhearts 
by Nicole Castroman

Publication Date: February 9th, 2016

Publisher: Simon Teen 

Before Blackbeard became the notorious pirate he is known as today, he was just a young merchant’s son who dreamed of adventures in faraway lands. Anne Barrett, the daughter of an ex-slave and merchant is left with nothing after the passing of her parents. Forced to work in the Drummond household, she soon acquaints herself with Teach, her master’s son. Drawn together by a mutual longing for freedom, Teach and Anne learn that they might just be what the other was looking for. BLACKHEARTS is not your typical pirate book. In fact, I wouldn’t consider it a pirate book at all. Although, this is the story of one the most famous pirates of all time, it never takes place on a ship. This is truly the story of Blackbeard before he became Blackbeard. Castroman hooks you in by telling the story through the eyes of a young African maid and rich merchant’s son, both feeling like outcasts in the worlds they were born into. This romanticized retelling of Blackbeard’s beginning is great for fans of historical fiction and romance. 

Review: Front Lines

Front Lines 
by Michael Grant 

Publication Date: January 26th, 2016

Publisher: Harper Teen

FRONT LINES is the kind of story which you simply cannot put down. You get pulled into the action, and are either constantly thinking about the stories, or actually reading them. I was at first skeptical about the multiple perspective narration, which follows different characters who are completely separate from one another. I found, however, that in FRONT LINES, the characters are distinct enough from each other, and their personalities are strong enough by themselves that they hold their own; I didn't find myself frustrated or bored with their stories. Grant has you follow the individual characters as they are changed by the war, and become stronger not only in their physical endeavors in the war, but also in their personalities. I loved FRONT LINES, and all my feelings of hesitation, and uncertainty for the topics and themes raised, were not warranted and I was impressed by just how well they turned out. 

Review: Take The Fall

Take The Fall 

by Emily Hainsworth

Publication Date: February 16th, 2016

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/ Harperteen

TAKE THE FALL, tells the story of Sonia Feldmen.  After the death of her best friend Gretchen, she watches as her town, her family, and she, herself, fall apart. To the distress of everyone around her, she teams up with Gretchen's Ex- boyfriend, Marcus, the primary suspect.  She and Marcus attempt to uncover exactly what happened that night, and figure out their feelings for each other.  All is not what it seems, and the identity of the murderer will shock you. There are mature themes, and the topics the book discusses may be upsetting for a younger audience.  However, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting, and interesting read.

Review: The Girl From Everywhere

The Girl From Everywhere 

by Heidi Heilig

Publication Date: February 16th, 2016
Publisher: Greenwillow Books 

THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE is a fantastical novel about a girl, Nix, her father, and a crew who navigates to different places in different time periods, with a mix of mythological stories. Nix and her father have a very complex relationship because of her father's obsession with going back to the time when his wife was alive, risking Nix's existence. It was interesting to see their dynamic and how they both try to solve their problems. Adventurous, mythical, and with a hint of romance, THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE is a book for readers looking for a diverse, refreshing new read. 

Review: Starflight

Starflight
By Melissa Landers

Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

STARFLIGHT, is an action-packed intergalactic tale of two (pardon my pun) star-crossed lovers.  Solara, a genius engineer from the slums, ends up working for Doran, her high-school bully. However, one event leads to another, and the two soon find themselves on a spaceship with a suspicious crew-- whose secrets they must learn. Starflight is a brilliant YA novel for those who are interested in sci-fi and romance; yet, the sci-fi aspect is in no way overpowering, so even those inexperienced with the genre (like myself) can enjoy it. If you're looking for a sci-fi romance that'll take you on a ride-- Starflight's your next book. 

Review: Zero Day

Zero Day 
By Jan Gangsei

Publication Date: January 12, 2016

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 

ZERO DAY, by Jan Gangsei, is suspenseful to the core, with plenty of action.  Gangsei intertwines modern day politics with the haunted and mysterious past of the President, Mark Webster. His daughter, Addie, disappeared eight years ago, and she reappears at a strange time.  This thriller of a book kept me constantly anxious, waiting to see what happens next. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, action, and page turning suspense.