Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

Arc of a Scythe #2

If you are not familiar with Scythe (and you SHOULD be) basically the premise is that a perfect world was created in which there is no natural death. Then scythes were chosen. These humans would end life to keep populations under control.
"The idea of the wisest and most compassionate of all humans being the ones bringing life's conclusion to balance immortality was a perfect idea for a perfect world."
It's a terrifying and intriguing pretense for a book and one that led me to rate Scythe as 5 stars.

This sequel had everything I loved about the original. Great characters, themes related to politics and power, the battle between the dark and the light side inside a person, and a story line with surprises. On top of all that, this sequel packed a PUNCH in the form of an ending that left me breathless. This book gives us more information about the all-powerful Thunderhead, the computer program that basically runs the world and renders it perfect in every way. It deals with politics, corruption, internal struggles, and outcasts. This one is a MUST read.*

*Sidenote: This is one sequel you shouldn't read without first reading the first book.

I'll leave you with a final quote from the book that I connected with:
"How wise of the founders to hide a kernel of truth within something so absurd. Who among the rational would search for it there?"

Faithful by Alice Hoffman

What happens when life is turned inside out?

Alice Hoffman explores what tragedy can do to the people who survive it. The journey of these characters, including but not limited to main character Shelby, after a single event changes everything is realistic and relatable. The pain they all experience is raw. I loved Alice Hoffman's ability to capture their pain and their struggles.

This one is an emotional roller coaster, but I recommend you take the journey.

Four smiles.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

This book starts FAST, reals you in, and never stops going. HIGHLY recommended.

Enne Salta was raised a proper young lady who would never set foot in the City of Sin. That is until her mother disappears and the trail to find her leads directly there. Enne will have to interact with criminals and do things she never expected, including confronting her past. Because in the City of Sin, no one leaves uncorrupted.

I love Levi, I love Enne, and I love this book.

Five smiles.

Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio

Icy Sparks is the tale of a young girl growing up in 1950s rural Kentucky and experiencing "secrets" which will turn out to be Tourette's Syndrome once she is older and a name is attached to the disorder.

As a first hand account of Tourette's, which is what I was really interested in, this couldn't been better. The opening of the story, through when Icy first begins experiencing the tics, satisfied that description for me. I kept expecting it to delve more into that experience for her, but I was disappointed in that.

"Such visual disorder disturbed the silence in the room and upset my mind."

The treatment of this child and many of the others she encounters was appalling. It made me eternally grateful that my children are not growing up in the 1950s. It made me even more grateful for the amazing team of Special Education teachers I have met during my years in schools. The people in this book are not representative of the people who choose to work with children who have disorders, in my opinion.

I was disappointed in this ending. But the small glimpse into Icy's mind was worth a little. Three smiles.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

"It's the thrill of leaping without being able to see the ground right below you, right before you realize that's called falling."

I admit I grabbed this book because of the Twitter page the posts "Incorrect Cruel Prince". I laughed out loud at the way that person portrays Carden and Jude. I decided I had to give the book a read. I don't regret the choice.

The book begins with death. Jude's parents are murdered and she witnesses the event. From there, the story takes Jude and her sisters to the world of Faerie.

The masterful way that Jude interacts with the Faerie's was thoroughly enjoyable. The mystery was well done. The story kept my interest. I am looking forward to book 2, which is not available yet.

I recommend this one. It lives up to the hype. Four smiles.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Arc of the Scythe #1

This book is a wonderful example of how authors can spin creative realms to tell a story that seems just outside of possibility. Basically, this book exists in a future where humans have conquered death but still want to honor the tradition of death, mostly for overpopulation. Can you imagine being tasked with the killing of humans? Enter Scythes.

Citra and Rowan are the main characters here. Two teens who are chosen to apprentice a Scythe and learn the skill. I was completely entranced by their story lines and compelled to keep reading. I am starting book 2 today and cannot wait to see where it goes.

I highly recommend this one!

Five smiles

Infamous by Alyson Noel

Beautiful Idols #3

This is the conclusion to the trilogy.  I have previously reviewed Unrivaled and Blacklist in July of 2018, if you're interested.

This book wraps up the mystery that began in the first two books quite nicely. I would say this is one that you cannot read as a stand-alone book. I'd recommend this series be read all together, but I do recommend it. There were not as many issues in this book surrounding the unrealistic treatment and behavior of teens, or maybe I was just used to it by this book. I liked the ending, I didn't see it coming at all.

Overall, four smiles for this one. Give the series a shot if you like YA and/or mystery!

44 Charles Street by Danielle Steel

I liked the cover of this book. I think it was the red door, honestly. My grandfather always said a red door was welcoming.

This story is about a house. A woman going through a rough time has to rent out some of her house to strangers in order to make enough money to cover the mortgage. The story that follows connects those people in ways they didn't expect.

While it's an interesting premise I was underwhelmed by this one. I didn't agree with the cliche story line warning people to avoid online dating by scaring them. I didn't agree with the obvious romantic line. I didn't enjoy or agree with the way Charles Edouard treated his wife. 

Overall, I'm going with two smiles.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

I'm a fan of Mitch Albom books, in general. He has a great way of looking at the world and making you think about your place in it. This book was no different. Eddie winds up taking us on a journey through an afterlife that is much different than we may have expected. You'll think about your connection to people in a new way.

Five smiles. It's a quick read and I highly recommend it.