Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 8

Welcome to this year’s second batch of young adult (YA) fiction! I’ve got a nice variety in this compilation. There’s a sci-fi/fantasy space opera, a fantasy/mythology origin story and a historical, murder mystery noir.

Bemused (Jan. 7, 2025) by Farrah Rochon.

<This is a standalone novel.>

They are the Muses, Goddesses of Arts and Proclaimers of Heroes. Except they aren’t. Not yet. Right now, Calliope (Calli), Clio, Melpomene (Mel), Terpsichore (Ree) and Thalia know themselves to be five mortal sisters and daughters of Mnemosyne. Their mom forbids them from performing in public without explanation. The teenagers are all gifted performers with no audience. This changes when Ree choreographs an amazing public performance that’s also disastrous. Mnemosyne declares that they must leave Krymmenos, but before they can, she is abducted. They now know she’s a goddess, but do not know that she’s the goddess of memory. Under Calli’s leadership, the sisters travel to Thebes to petition the gods, and Apollo and Hermes answer the call. Trouble is, they don’t recall their mother. Unbeknownst to all of them – the sisters and the two Greek gods – they are being thwarted by Hades and his imps, Pain and Panic. As they journey to try to save their mother, through mythical trials and tribulations and the Underworld itself, they realize their own unique gifts crafted in them by their mother and lean on the strength of their sisterhood, present even when tempers flare. These sisters five have never been zeroes, but they’re definitely on their way to being heroines. “And that’s the gospel truth!”

            A fresh-faced YA fantasy take on Greek mythology, this untold origin story of the five Muses from Disney’s Hercules is a terrific exploration of the Muses, female goddesses that are not as well-known as other Greek gods and goddesses. Told from the viewpoints of Calli, Ree, Mnemosyne and Hades, it is an adventure that’s harrowing and heartfelt, devoted and dramatic (that Hades and his temperamental, color-changing moods). Rochon is clearly skilled in creating characters with distinct personalities – I had no trouble distinguishing each of the sisters – and taking on fairy tale adaptations. Like the sisters’ quest, Rochon’s writing is thrilling. She balances well sisterhood and risky adventure like the bestselling author that she is.

The Muses (oldest to youngest):

Muse of Epic Poetry: Calliope

Muse of History: Clio

Muse of Tragedy: Melpomene

Muse of Dance: Terpsichore

Muse of Comedy: Thalia

Kill Her Twice (Apr. 23, 2024) by Stacey Lee.

<This is a standalone novel.>

The pride of Chinatown, the one who was able to leave and become a star of the silver screen, has returned ... in death. Lulu Wong is discovered by the two eldest Chow sisters in an abandoned stable where they prep their flowers before selling: May, the responsible eldest who was Lulu’s friend and classmate, and Gemma, the fiery middle sister with a knack for ideas that may or may not land her in hot water. Peony, the youngest, often feels left out when Gemma and, grudgingly, May, complete their own investigation into Lulu’s death. It’s 1932, and the LA police don’t appear committed to putting in any serious investigation. Chinatown already has a bad rap, because powerful, rich, white people want to demolish the neighborhood, citing that the Chinese are “by nature, drunken and slovenly,” and fill a neighborhood that’s full of crime and “many hideous perversions,” to make way for a railway depot (Union Station). When the LAPD arrests one of Chinatown’s own for the murder of Lulu, someone they know couldn’t hurt a fly, even May truly doubles down on investigating, going so far as to become (accidentally, on her part) a part of the film production Lulu had been cast in. Unfortunately, the actual killer remains on the loose. Will May and Gemma wind up in the killer’s crosshairs?

            Firstly, while this YA murder mystery noir is a work of fiction, Los Angeles’ Union Station truly does stand where Old Chinatown once stood. Told from the alternating viewpoints of May and Gemma, this twisty, historical novel is witty, intricate, immersive and captivating, exploring prejudice, corruption, grief and familial duty within a swiftly-moving story featuring star characters and a little Old Hollywood flair. There are no love triangles or angst-y teens to deal with in this riveting, historical page-turner. Amid the glitz and grime, there is sisterhood and unity despite discord. It’s another smartly written novel from Lee.

Moonstorm (June 4, 2024) by Yoon Ha Lee.

<This is the first novel in a trilogy.>

Hwajin. Hwa Young. Two names, same person. When Hwajin was 10 years old, Imperials of the Empire of New Joseon destroyed her home, a clanner moon in the Moonstorm called Carnelian, where starblooms flourish. She’s orphaned and is rescued by a lancer, a giant martial robot piloted by a lancer pilot. From that day forward, she yearns to be the best and the strongest in order to achieve lancer pilot status. When an attack at her boarding school finds Hwa Young (a ward of the state, she has no last name due to no family affiliation) and her classmates in need of rescue, her dream looks to become reality. Eleventh Fleet is in dire need of pilot candidates, but the tricky part is, the lancer chooses the pilot. Only one lancer in the fleet has singularity lance capabilities, giving it extraordinary combat potential, and it’s also the one that’s killed multiple pilot candidates in the past. Will Winter’s Axiom finally choose another pilot? Hwa Young has worked so hard to hide her clanner past. Uncovering a conspiracy may jeopardize that past and the Imperial empire she’s been so loyal to for the last six years.

            Trust the Empress. Unity is survival. Imperial vs. clanner words. This explosive YA trilogy starter is a sci-fi, space opera force to be reckoned with. A teen with a past pushes herself to excel in a society where conformity is valued above all else and loyalty to the Empress generates gravity (and can weaponize it). This story is high-concept and mecha with an all-Korean cast. It’s a good choice for readers who are too young to read Xiran Jay Zhao’s “Iron Widow.” Nonbinary characters use zie/zir pronouns. This adventure has a definite theme of colonialism in an unexpected setting (outer space) and revolution with intriguing characters, powerful world-building and action-packed battles. It is intricate and high-octane.

"The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin

The Bletchley Riddle (Nov. 29, 2024) by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin.

<This is a standalone novel.>

They’re both bound by the Official Secrets Act. It’s the summer of 1940, and 19-year-old Jakob Novis has already been working at Bletchley Park, Britain’s top secret, eccentric, WWII codebreaking hub. Jakob is there with top minds like Alan Turing, Gordon Welchman and Dilly Knox. Everyone at Bletchley Park is doing their part to break the Nazi’s Enigma cipher. Jakob’s so fixated on the task at hand and takes keeping secrets so seriously that he neglects his younger sister, 14-year-old Lizzie (only their American, maternal grandmother calls her Elizabeth). Lizzie’s supposed to be on a ship with Mr. Fleetwood to America (and Cleveland, Ohio), but never doubt the guile of a girl with a mission. They’ve been told that their mother is dead, but since there’s no proof, Lizzie doesn’t believe it. She’s determined to unravel that mystery and enlists the help of Colin Tilbury (his family runs the Shoulder of Mutton Inn & Pub) and Marion. Two brilliant siblings must overcome their quarrels while dodging a threatening investigator called [William James] Jarvis with the M15 (a.k.a. Security Service), as they try to break Enigma and find a possible connection to their mother through invisible messages before Hitler hits London.

            Two teens are making a big difference in a dangerous world in this spectacular, middle-grade historical fiction, mystery collaboration from Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. Part of the reason I wanted to read this is that I was able to visit Bletchley Park in September of 2023. I also read a fair number of historical fiction novels, and WWII is well-covered. This one impresses me for its middle-grade target audience, because it blends history and fiction seamlessly and contains funny moments in spite of the seriousness of the time. It’s a high-stakes adventure with heart and heroism, brilliance and cunning. The short chapters make for fast reading, and they alternate from the viewpoints of Lizzie and Jakob. It’s a gripping tale that should have broad appeal for those who enjoy mysteries, WWII stories, fiction, nonfiction or all of the above.

"No Other Will Do" by Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do (June 7, 2016) by Karen Witemeyer.*

In an era where the men are the heads of the house (it is 1894), the credo of Emma Chandler, her suffragette aunts and the women of Harper’s Station is that men are optional. And more like, totally unnecessary and mostly unwelcome. The women of the colony all have good reasons for making a fresh start at Harper’s Station, and Emma has charged herself with protecting them. Unfortunately, someone harassing their camp is escalating in his aggression toward the station. Emma admits that she may need a man on-site.

            Malachi Shaw is that man. An explosives expert for the railroad, he has come a long way from his half-frozen, thirteen-year-old orphaned self. Emma is his angel, so when her telegram arrives, he thinks of nothing except getting to Baylor County, Texas, and the girl who saved his life. Except that girl isn’t a girl anymore. She’s a woman – “a handsome, well-put-together woman” – and one he hasn’t seen in ten years, since he was fifteen years old. Mal has always thought of Emma as his angel, though he feels undeserving of her. Time hasn’t erased all of those early years when he saw himself as nothing but gutter trash. But even that doesn’t stop him from wondering if Emma feels that he’s as precious to her as she is to him. (She does, of course, but as she tells herself, “Dwelling on old girlish feelings and dreams would serve no purpose.”) Besides, there’s a dangerous man (or men) out there. Protecting and fighting for Harper’s Station is the priority. But after that, what may or may not come?

            Previously, the only work I’d read by Karen Witemeyer was a short story which was part of a novella collection. That collection is what prompted me to select this novel, and I was not disappointed. One part mystery and suspense and another part historical romance all wrapped up with a strong female protagonist with verve and independence, a respectable man who respects independent-thinking women, a distinct cast of supporting characters, and deep faith, despite what life has (or has not) thrown at them. I loved the author’s idea of a women’s colony as the setting. It definitely worked, thanks to Witemeyer’s skill at creating prose that flows.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 14

The books for this compilation have been spread out over many months. I first saved this document, nicknamed “YA Reads 2,” back in April. It’s now already November! Yes, the following books all fall into the category of young adult. As before, I hope that you’ll read this post whether you frequently read YA titles, occasionally read them or refuse to read them but know people who do.

Fury (Aug. 30, 2011) by Elizabeth Miles.

Revenge is sweet in the fictional town of Ascension, Maine, but who’s on the receiving end? Emily Winters should be enjoying winter break. There’s no school, there are parties to attend, and handsome Zach McCord is finally noticing her. Perhaps he’ll invite her over to his house. But wait. Em shouldn’t want that, because Zach is the boyfriend of Gabby Dove. And Gabby Dove is Em’s best friend. Then there’s Chase Singer. He lives on the other side of town, but he doesn’t like it to show. He wears the right clothes, is star quarterback on the football team and can get pretty much any girl he wants. After all, he belongs. But Chase has a secret of cruelty. Luke 6:31 states, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (NRSV). That may ring truer than Chase could ever believe. Who decides their fate? Enacts the revenge? In this case, three beautiful, mystifying girls. They’ve come to Ascension for a reason. They want to make people feel sorry for their wrongdoings … But sometimes sorry isn’t enough.

            Although I mentioned the verse from Luke, “Fury” isn’t at all biblical. Think more mythological. The concept is a good one, and the writing is solid; strong language is used more than infrequently. The three girls really are as cold as deep winter and are deadly to boot. “Fury” didn’t seduce me, but it held my attention most of the time. While there are paranormal elements, it isn’t only young adult paranormal fiction. It can also bring about discussion of bullying and vengeance. The girls are all about the latter and sometimes even the former to reach the latter. Perhaps it will be addressed in later books, but the big question for me was: Why them? What makes them any worse than anyone else performing the same cruel or devious acts? Why choose someone who covets another over one who, say, takes lives? And why do these girls get to decide? Can they be bested?

Of Triton (May 28, 2013) by Anna Banks.

WARNING: UNAVOIDABLE* SPOILERS INCLUDED

Big secrets are fun, right? Emma McIntosh already knows about the Syrena and what it is to be a Half-Breed, but of course the news doesn’t end there. Now she’s trying to digest the fact that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess. Nalia has momentarily returned to the sea, but Emma has to stay on land. Where does she belong? She’s a freak amongst humans and an abomination amongst Syrena. But it turns out her mom isn’t having an easy time of things, either. She’s been gone for so long, and seeds of doubt have been planted by someone in the Poseidon camp. Seeds that say that Nalia isn’t Nalia the long-lost, long-thought-dead Poseidon princess, even though King Antonis is convinced she’s his daughter. He would know his own progeny, right? The troublemaker, unfortunately, is doing a better job of turning his Loyals against the Royals than the Royals are convincing them of the truth. A Tribunal, unheard of for Royals, has been called upon them. Things don’t appear to be in their favor, which could mean a trip to the Ice Caverns for them -- for their eternity. Emma may be the only one who can show them that the Royals are telling the truth and the troublemaker is the liar. But will she reveal her Gift to both Syrena kingdoms and let all the pieces fall where they may?

            Like its predecessor, “Of Triton” is told from the alternating viewpoints of Emma and Galen. Also like its predecessor, it is infused with humor, teenage sarcasm and overall literary entertainment value. The romance between Emma and Galen continues to blossom, though it’s not steamy. There aren’t any new, major, supporting characters introduced in this installment, but we do get to know some of the other supporting characters a little more (e.g. King Antonis). I highly recommend this book to anyone with watery intrigue interests.

            Book One in the trilogy: Of Poseidon

* Might the spoilers actually be avoidable? Perhaps. But considering the spoilers I listed are included on the inside of the dust jacket, I deemed them ‘unavoidable.’

Sapphire Blue (Oct. 30, 2012) by Kerstin Gier. Anthea Bell, translator.

Oh, to be a time-traveling member of the Circle of Twelve! But really, Gwen Shepherd would rather be a normal teenager. Instead she’s having lessons of historical period correctness with the dramatically unpleasant grouch called Giordano (“just Giordano”) and her horrid cousin Charlotte Montrose. The striking, green-eyed, time-traveling counterpart of Gwen’s, Gideon de Villiers, is also around, but Gwen doesn’t really know what to think of him half the time. Sometimes Gideon’s as hot as a blazing fire, and her mind is more blancmange than actual mind. Other times he’s as cold as ice, giving her such frigid glares that her heart could shatter like glass. No one knows what the Circle’s completion really means, and any other truths out there are being kept from Gwen, which she thinks is hardly fair. Most of the members don’t trust Gwen. Where does Gideon stand? Does he see her as a trustworthy person or as a traitor? At least she has her best friend, Lesley Hay, on her side. And don’t forget her new friend Xemerius, a stone gargoyle that’s the ghost of a demon that no other living person around her can see.

            Questions remain unanswered in this second book, though some are coming to light. This YA novel of light science fiction is one I find captivating. There’s also light romance, secrecy, adventure and more than a few tense and embarrassing moments. There are reunions in the past, if that makes sense; there’s even a Japanese kitchen knife (for protection, of course). “Sapphire Blue” contains plenty of humor, though I feel I chuckled aloud more reading the first book. Either way, I found this novel to be entertaining. And Gwen is a [mostly] typical teenager who’s filled with gumption and worries, not to mention schoolgirl crushes. She seems more real than not, which is not a small thing in a world of science fiction.

            Book One in the trilogy: Ruby Red

Transparent (May 21, 2013) by Natalie Whipple.

It’s one thing to feel invisible and another to actually be invisible. Just ask Fiona McClean. Invisible from birth, Fiona is a criminal syndicate baby, daughter of Jonas O’Connell. He controls Las Vegas and the northern west: Sacramento up to Seattle and over to Boise. Due to a drug called Radiasure, an antiradiation pill, much of the population has at least some mutation in their genes. Fiona’s the only invisible person, though, while her dad is a charmer. Her mom’s ability lies with telekinesis. After her dad makes a demand unlike one he’s yet given her, Fiona and her mom flee to Arizona and the territory of Juan Torres. She enrolls at a place as normal as Madison High School, where most people are wary/afraid/jealous of her. She makes a couple good friends in the process – Bea and Brady – and befriends many others. She’s gone through life with no friends and suddenly she has The Pack. All it took was a change of scenery and the strength to get away. But can she stay away forever? Jonas doesn’t want Fiona and her mom back because he misses them; they are valuable tools, and he wants his possessions.

            Debut author Natalie Whipple takes the awkwardness and pain of being a teenager and turns it on its head by adding in a drug and genetic mutations that run the gamut of fantastical abilities (e.g. Strong Arms) and strange phenomena (e.g. a green person or a baby born smelling like roses). It’s whip-smart, fast-reading and totally entertaining. There’s a cuss word here and there, but it shouldn’t make anyone cringe too much. Fiona frets more often than I would like, but it’s easy to ignore with Whipple’s fun writing. She’s definitely gained a fan in me!

Venom (Oct. 30, 2012) by Fiona Paul.

Venice, Italy, is La Serenissima: the most serene. But underneath its veneer of serenity lies a Venice that is dark and dangerous, sensual and sinful. Cassandra Caravello is a young noblewoman of society, though she lives with her aunt outside of Venice on nearby San Domenico Island. She is grieving the death of a young countess friend, but when she goes into the cemetery to say goodbye, she discovers the body of a viciously murdered woman who’s definitely not Liviana. That same night she crosses paths with a handsome artist. His name is Falco da Padova. Falco stirs feelings in Cass that she has not felt before. That’s very troublesome on two levels: First of all, he’s a commoner. Second, she’s already betrothed. Her fiancé’s name is Luca da Peraga. Luca is away studying in France, so together Falco and Cass turn into amateur sleuths. Because it’s apparent that the murderer knows who Cass is, and he wants her dead. But why? Will the killer be captured before more bodies turn up? For all of Renaissance Venice’s beauty, Cass is going to find that the most serene city can be quite dirty and ugly. And no, I’m not just referring to the emptying of chamber pots into the street … though there is that, too.

            “Venom” is Paul’s debut historical mystery and romance novel. I like how each chapter was preceded by an “excerpt” from The Book of the Eternal Rose. Nothing is mentioned of that fictional book within the novel, but my guess is that it will come into play before the trilogy’s end. I think Paul’s world-building is believable; I could picture Venice vividly through reading the author’s writing. However, I felt like this book was 100 pages too long, but it is full of detail. There are some potentially steamy and/or more mature moments (for any concerned). “Venom” is fairly predictable, but this is not a bad story, as the reader can tell that Cass is emerging from her affluently naïve cocoon and learning about the world outside her, even when that world is next door.