Reviewed by OHS Senior, Adelaide E.

Interweaving Arthurian legend with the harsh realities of slavery and its modern affects, Bloodmarked will be a compelling and educational read for people of all ages, but primarily the YA audience, as it has a young female lead on the path of discovering more about her heritage and newfound powers. This retelling of Arthurian legend will engage readers who enjoy books with themes involving confronting racial prejudice and discovering oneself and abilities.

Soon after the events of the previous book Legendborn, Bree Matthews is learning to control her powers as a medium and the Scion of Arthur in order to rescue fellow scion Nicholas, a quest on which her right to rule is questioned by the Order of the Round Table, and her relationship with the Kingsmage Selwyn Kane develops.

I liked that it had a strong female protagonist whose struggles included people challenging her right to rule and discovering the implications of her new status as a medium, which includes obtaining the powers, skills, and qualities of her ancestors, such as Arthur.

Personally, I didn’t feel that there was much development with her relationship with Sel or Nick. Nothing substantial happened because Nick was kidnapped throughout the entirety of the book, leaving Sel to remain his Kingsmage. There was some discussion about whether Sel would be able to be Kingsmage to the both of them, but this was an unresolved point in Bloodmarked.

Arden Grey is a coming of age story through a female protagonist who is struggling to make sense of her parent’s recent divorce and incessant harassment from her peers at school. Arden has fell in love with film photography, she carries her camera around everywhere, capturing the little things in life; one of her prints becomes featured in a local art show – giving her the credibility for her art that she’s longed for. This book has a very diverse cast of characters; Arden is wondering if she may be Aromantic/Asexual, and is definitely attracted to girls (hence being a target at school); and her best friend is a trans boy experience his first romantic relationship with a girl; and Arden’s father newly out status allows him to date an old acquaintance.

This book deals with some heavy topics – and Arden’s struggle is clear. Fortunately through the heavy, there are true moments of light and acceptance. I think many kids will relate to Arden’s experience – there’s so much goin on in her life that it’s easy to connect to something; however, this is also what makes the story a bit less believable. I do recommend this for high school libraries.

Reviewed by OSD Substitute, Jim D.

Does the intrigue into the lives of kings and religious temple life from distant tropical islands interest you?  How about gifted women who possess spiritual powers, enabling them to gain knowledge and secrets of the unseen world make for an interesting read?  Lizz Huertauses flowery, descriptive words to bring you into the hearts and minds of her characters as they interact with Indir, the Dreamer, the seer.

Royalty passes the throne of power from the father to the son and song with this succession, comes change.  Immediately, the new king tells his audience of the old traditions that, “I am here to usher in a new age.”  The tradition of Dreamers is now threatened.  What does Alcan, the new king want?  Power.  He believes power means having control over others. 

But Alcan is also an angry person.  Indir escapes from Alcan’s threats.  Not until three quarters into our story is Indir told the source of this anger, the secret brother of Alcan.  Even kings are not spared from the consequences of unfaithfulness in a family.  You’ll just need to read for yourselves how Indir’s lost Dreamer is found.

Reviewed by: OHS Library Secretary, Mikel

For readers who equate “corn maze” with dread, this is your book.  This perfect Halloween season story is narrated by Claire, a teenager who is about to testify in her sister’s murder trial. She’s a horror movie fanatic, but a total scaredy-cat of anything that moves in real life. The plot twists in cryptic ways and I certainly couldn’t have predicted the conclusion. It’s a real nail-biter and readers will have a hard time putting it down …to go to sleep (!?).

Reviewed by OHS Student Chloe D.

A Cinderella retelling.
In this book author is able to spin a tale threaded with fancy balls and sweet romance at every corner.

Even though Cendrillon’s father dies in an untimely manner, and her new stepmother is anything but motherly, Cendrillon is able to find her way through French society and steal the heart of the prince himself… and his younger brother. Leaving the horrors of living with her stepmother to be married to the prince would be a welcome escape for Cendrillon, but she doesn’t feel as much of a connection to the prince as she does with his younger brother, but she must make a decision.

Cinder and Glass stays with the main theme of the original Cinderella, but is able to tie in more current ideas and slip in historical elements.

I liked that the characters were diverse in their personalities and interests. I disliked that the beginning was a little bit slow, but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it.

For readers who equate “corn maze” with dread, this is your book.  This perfect Halloween season story is narrated by Claire, a teenager who is about to testify in her sister’s murder trial. She’s a horror movie fanatic, but a total scaredy-cat of anything that moves in real life. The plot twists in cryptic ways and I certainly couldn’t have predicted the conclusion. It’s a real nail-biter and readers will have a hard time putting it down …to go to sleep.

Reviewed by OHS Student, Chloe D.

In For for the Road, K.J. Reilly takes you on an unforgettable car trip with a mysterious cast of characters that you’ll root for all the way to the end.

When a car crash caused by a drunk driver tragically kills his mother, the only thing Asher sees in front of him is revenge. But during an epic car ride with newfound friends, he learns that there are other paths to chose from. Combining humor to make you smile, mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and interesting character dynamics, K. J. Reilly pulls you into a powerful read.

I loved the characters. All of the characters grieve differently, which shows that everyone is different. For example, Henry, a very old man who Asher made friends with. Henry’s wife died, and he hasn’t quite gotten over it. Henry carries his wife’s ashes in an urn that he takes everywhere. At restaurants, he’ll order for his wife even though she cannot eat it. Using characterization, readers can infer that he misses his wife very much.

Reviewed by OHS Student Matthew S.

Rees’s book is very well written and quickly immerses you into its world. There’s a plague that all young teens try to escape by seeking refuge in a run down castle; however, quickly realize that the plague is directly connected to demons. Most of the story is driven by the characters trying to stop the demons. Danger looms all around in this quick paced novel; characters are constantly questioning whether or not to risk the dangers in trying to survive, or to give up.

If you like creepy books full of unknowns and adventure; this book is for you.

Reviewed by OHS Student, Blaze

This graphic novel is a creative with an intriguing twist on a classic horror story (Frankenstein), a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys graphic novels. Fiction, Magic, Science, Psychology, and Coming of Age are blended well in this story as the author delves deep into grief and its consequences.

Summary: Frances Ai has failed in her attempt to bring back her sisters soul, instead creating a new mind in her sisters body. This new being, M, struggles with the pressure placed on her as Frances tries to find any hint of the sister she lost.

I believe that the mechanics of magic within the story were altogether unnecessary, as they did not serve as more than occasional mentions and did not serve much purpose. The story would have been perfectly fine without mentions of magic.