Set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this latest novel by Kiersten White is sure to appeal to many different readers. Even if you have no previous exposure to the Buffy movie or TV series, this book will quickly grab your attention. Twin sisters, Artemis and Athena, have grown up in the world of Watchers – those who help advise and protect Slayers. Nina (Athena) has always felt like an outcast among her peers and family. This “weak” character soon finds herself thrown into the power of becoming the very last Slayer. Adventure ensues to try and take down demons that threaten the world. New found Slayer powers cause Nina to have to make quick decisions for the first time in her life – decisions that will have great impact upon those she loves. Deceit among characters is an underlying factor that helps drive the plot. There are many descriptive fighting scenes, fueled by strong female characters and minimal, secondary male characters. Readers of Fantasy will delight in the characters, setting, and plot of this novel.
Eighteen years ago, two princes, heirs to the kingdom of St. John del Mar, were kidnapped and murdered by the rivaling kingdom of Mondrago. Three friends, Elias, Mercedes and Ulises were all deeply affected on a very personal level. So what happens when maps show up hinting that the little princes are in fact alive just hidden? Should the friends go searching for the truth, even if it’s the most dangerous path?
In The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell, the author takes the story of Robin Hood and adds a new spin. The main characters are all based upon characters found within the original tale, but the adventures are completely new. The main character, Silvie, has escaped her town and home because of the cruel ways of her brother, the town sheriff. Silvie and her best friend Bird have made a new life for themselves in the forest. Here they welcome others who need help or want a new way of life. This small band of “rogues” slowly grows to resist the traditional ways. They all look to Silvie as their leader. Amidst the adventure and survival is also a story of love and family in the non-traditional sense. Although a bit predictable in the end, the story moves quickly and will entertain readers both familiar and not with the Robin Hood story.
Will deals with all of his emotions, troubles, and thinking by walking. Ever since his dad died 3 years ago, he’s been walking to try and rid of the past and make sense for what he’s feeling. Will has many people in his life that he cares about and who care for him in return. One friend, Playa, has been in his life since early elementary school. Although they are not in constant contact with each other, they still have a connection. When Will learns that Playa was raped at a party one night, he feels a sense of guilt – thinking he may have been able to stop it. After the incident he decides to show Playa his care and concern by bringing small gifts to her doorstep. In addition to trying to take care of Playa, he begins to spread small acts of kindness to others in his life. Although Will thinks this is caring for those in his life, it is also a great way to help him deal with the loss of his dad and the emotions that brings about.
The book Keeping the Beat is a murder mystery that keeps the reader’s attention by slowly revealing the details through multiple characters’ perspectives. The book begins with a murder then shifts back in time to chronicle the events that lead up to it.