"The Escape Game" by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

The Escape Game (Apr. 7, 2026) by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss.

<This is the first novel in a duology.>

In the finale of the fourth season, contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set. Six months later and season five is now underway, and there is one standout team right out of the gate. Not for their solve times (which are dismal) or their immediate camaraderie (nonexistent), but for Sierra Angelos, younger sister of the deceased and one of multiple suspects in Alicia’s murder. Sierra wants justice and prize money as she distrusts everyone and hides behind thick makeup. Also on the team are Aditya (Adi) Parvesh, the cryptographer with the face of a model; Carter Kelly, the math whiz and highest-ranking Solve Specialist on the Domain; and Beck Matheson, dexterous synesthete (he can taste sounds) and aspiring game master. As Team Helsing starts uncovering clues and someone on the Domain going by the Real Game Master says all will be revealed in the finale, it’s clear that the stakes are deadlier than they imagined. To win this season of Hitflix’s The Escape Game, the team will also have to survive. Nothing is as it seems.

            The opening story in a contemporary YA, murder mystery thriller is sarcastic and sharp with treachery, drama and some of the best escape-room puzzles imaginable. As soon as I started the novel, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Untimely death isn’t a delight, but the writing is consuming, the solve story is nonstop, the drama is compelling, the room maps provide a nice visual, interviews punctuate the steady pace, and the puzzles are complex. But be wary, for those puzzles might get you killed. Thanks to this topsy-turvy page-turner with its twists and turns, I’ll definitely be putting the sequel on my TBR!

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 11

To ramp up my young adult (YA) game, I’m posting another compilation featuring YA novels.

Legendary (May 29, 2018) by Stephanie Garber.

*This is the second book in a trilogy.*

Caraval has never happened twice in the same year, and now Legend has given his performers less than a week to recover since it was won. Another Caraval is going to begin in honor of Empress Elantine’s 75^th birthday. The other Dragna sister, Donatella (Tella), is playing this time. In the previous game, to believe it was too real was to go mad, but based on the first clue, is there truth to this Caraval? If it’s real, then the Fates are more than their pictures on a cursed Deck of Destiny, and history shows no kindness in them. There’s a “friend” who has tasked her with winning Caraval so she can discover who Master Legend truly is, and he doesn’t just want his name; he wants Legend himself. The only way Tella will meet Legend in the flesh is to win. And if she doesn’t win and therefore doesn’t deliver Legend to her “friend,” then her mother will remain lost to her, for her “friend” claims to know where she is.

            Tella gains a room at Elantine’s palace when Dante – insufferable, handsome, usually acts like a villain – claims Tella’s the heir’s fiancée. He means it as a jest, but then she receives a note and an exquisite dress from her fake fiancé. Enter golden-haired Jacks, who may be the Prince of Hearts. Known for his fatal kisses, Tella has kissed him. Whoops. All the bravery and cunning in the world will not help Tella if her life is in trouble. And if she can’t figure out Legend’s real name, then she’ll lose someone she loves besides.

            “Legendary,” the second book in the Caraval trilogy, shines with magic and enchantment. Love and betrayal twirl in a sensuous dance in this story with air that tastes like wonder and glitters with opulence. Seams of darkness run close to the surface, ready to ensnare the unwary and tempt the main character. Garber’s imagination knows no bounds, but I actually don’t care for Tella. She’s the epitome of a younger sister, the type that was pampered and constantly looked out for by an older sibling (Scarlett, from the first novel). Still, the story is dark and seductive and sweeps the reader away. Just try not to get caught in any sugared spiderwebs. I can’t imagine that would go well for anyone.

            Book One: Caraval

War Storm (May 15, 2018) by Victoria Aveyard.

*This is the final book in a tetralogy.*

War is coming. The world where Mare Barrow lives is volatile at best. She fights to secure freedom for Reds and newbloods (or Ardents) like her from the Silvers who would keep using them like they’re expendable. Other Silvers are tentative allies, and they include Cal, though Mare’s struggle is real since his betrayal. Cal is no Maven, but it’s crushing that his vision for the future does not match hers. And even as half brothers, they are still brothers. Despite the enmity, they are both “Constructions of their parents. Cal is built from his father’s dreams, and Maven from his mother’s nightmares” (--thoughts from Mare, p. 458). Their greatest allies are the residents of Montfort, especially the Ardents, some of which have abilities never before carried in a Silver’s blood. Montfort’s Premier Davidson gives them a glimpse of a piece of the world where Ardents, Reds and Silvers are encouraged to live amicably amongst one another. It’s a place where a man can marry a man or a woman a woman (Evangeline “stares at the man with such naked envy I think she might turn green.” --Mare’s thought, p.124). Will Mare return to Montfort where her family now resides? Or will the lightning girl be silenced forever? Is there a chance that the damage Elara did to Maven’s mind can be undone if an Ardent whisper powerful enough exists? Or is Maven truly gone beyond help? After all, “There’s no way to complete a puzzle with missing pieces, or put together shattered glass” (--Mare, to Maven, on his brokenness caused by his mother).

            As a concluding novel in a series, “War Storm” is epic and exciting. It crackles with glorious purpose like lightning in a storm and booms with the thunder and violence of war, revenge and mortal enemies. This dystopian fantasy has been inventive, exhilarating and dramatic all series long. It’s an intense duel of romance and revolution, power and balance, dominance and teamwork. It’s a great show without the theater screen or the stage, so strong is Aveyard’s writing in bringing all 657 pages to life for her readers!

            Book One: Red Queen

            Book Two: Glass Sword

            Book Three: King’s Crown

Winter (Nov. 10, 2015) by Marissa Meyer.

*This is the final book in a tetralogy.*

Things are not looking good. Linh Cinder and company are fugitives, both of the Earthen Union and Luna. They abducted Emperor Kaito (Kai), who has been engaged to Queen Levana, the Lunar queen. In his absence, Earth has been overrun with genetically-modified beings mind-controlled by thaumaturges. So much death. Cinder knows that Levana wants nothing more than to be made empress and control both realms once she assassinates Kai. Cinder is someone very important from the past, and she’s coming to terms with it. This means she isn’t only trying to save the Earthen realm she grew up in, but also a moon that she has no recollection of.*

            Princess Winter is like one of her pets in her menagerie, except she can wander around. Despite the scars on her face (blame Levana), Winter remains the most beautiful person anyone has ever met (no glamour necessary). Her beauty is unrivaled even by Levana’s carefully-constructed glamour of herself. Through no fault of her own, she’s gained an Earthen “pet” in Scarlet Benoit. Wolf (a.k.a. Ze’ev Kesley) is trying tirelessly to save her, though he doesn’t know if she’s still alive. Along with their allies, Crescent Moon “Cress” Darnel, Carswell Thorne, Jacin Clay and Iko, they need to get ahead of Levana once and for all.

            I admit that my interest in The Lunar Chronicles has waned, but since I’ve read the other books in the series, I wanted to finish it. I set this book aside multiple times; it took me months to get through. I don’t mind multiple perspectives, but there are too many perspectives running around this story. I suspect that’s the reason the trade paperback version is 824 pages long, which it definitely does not need to be. That said, I do feel that this series concluded in a satisfactory way. This world which Meyer created is well-developed and imaginatively immersive. I have liked that the author created a mosh pit of fairy tale and science fiction; I think it has worked well. Despite the sheer size of the final novel, this should appeal to anyone who appreciates strong heroines and the fractured fairy tale genre.

            Book One: Cinder

            Book Two: Scarlett

            Book Three: Cress

*Perhaps this is for the best. After all, how hard would it have been to live up to the name Selene Channary Jannali Blackburn?

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 6

See?  I read a lot of YA (young-adult) novels. I wasn’t kidding about that. These few extra books represent only a small number of my YA collection, but it’s something.

Heartless (Nov. 8, 2016) by Marissa Meyer.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Before she was all “Off with their heads!,” the Queen of Hearts was Lady Catherine Pinkerton, daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove. What Cath wants the most is something her parents would never approve of for a lady of her station and that is to bake. She’d gladly spend her own marriage dowry to open a bakery selling banana-butterscotch cobblers and lemon tarts and whatever else she and Mary Ann, her servant, desired. Their delectable pastries would be the best in the land. But her mother, Lady Idonia Pinkerton, has her sights set on Cath becoming queen. Unfortunately for Cath, her talent at creating delectable pastries has brought her favoritism from the unmarried king. The stress of an impending marriage proposal is enough to send her into fits. The new Joker – named Jest – is there for her in such a moment. He is handsome and mysterious and magical. Impossible is his specialty. They begin a secret courtship that is often interrupted by the king and the presence of a Jabberwock, the latter of which hasn’t been seen in countless generations, and it cannot be slain without the mythical Vorpal Sword. Cath will make her own path – choose her own fate. But that’s the thing about fate; it’s fickle, and in a land of madness, magic and monsters, what you want is certainly not what you’ll get.

            For anyone looking to read a fractured fairy tale, “Heartless” is the book for you if you haven’t read it already. Although not the best story I’ve ever read, it was a spirited read nonetheless. Meyer has some impressive world-building in this story with characters we are familiar with (e.g. Mad Hatter, Cheshire) and provides parallels to Lewis Carroll’s stories, while creating a showpiece entirely her own. I’ll admit that I do enjoy stories like this when they’re written well: you know, taking an antagonist (who’s “misunderstood”) and giving us a story showcasing how or why that character ended up the way he/she did. There isn’t a high level of danger in this story, but it’s an adventure all the same.

Mortal Engines (Oct. 21, 2003 – 1^st Amer. Ed.) by Philip Reeve.

*This is the first book in a tetralogy.*

The great Traction City of London under Lord Mayor Magnus Crome is up to something. Tier Three Apprentice Historian Thomas Natsworthy knows nothing of it, but Hester Shaw does. Tom meets Hester when she tries to kill Head Historian Thaddeus Valentine. But Valentine has shown him nothing but respect, and he can think of no reason for anyone to think ill of him. Plus, it’s his daughter, Katherine, whose pretty face fills his dreams of heroism. She’s out of reach as a Tier One. Life as a Tier Three Apprentice isn’t anything to brag about, but it’s a sight better than landing in Out-Country, which is where he finds himself with Hester. It’s a messy, muddy, tiring trek. They encounter Anna Fang, an aviatrix, Shrike, a Stalker/Resurrected Man that wants to kill them, and Chrysler Peavey, a pirate-mayor, to name a few. They want to make it back to London for very different reasons: Tom, because it’s home, and Hester, because she still plans to kill Valentine. Unfortunately, if Tom believes Hester, Magnus Crome and London are planning something atrocious. Can Tom and Hester save London? Can they even save themselves?

            It’s a town eat town world out there (literally) in landscapes where static cities are not the norm, and traction cities are. I really liked the premise of the first of four books in the Mortal Engines series. An entire city on wheels? What a concept! Like the Traction City of London going full-steam ahead, this YA dystopian steampunk novel never ceases its forward motion. The story is an adventure from start to finish, but no part of the adventure is fun or relaxing. The tone of the story feels very bleak. The air’s as thick with tension as the Deep Gut is with roiling heat. If the author’s intent was to express the seriousness of towns lacking resources (like lumber and metal) and the animalistic way in which traction cities pursue towns they want to devour, Reeve succeeded. If he wanted to express the bleakness through the harshness of the Out-Country and the life-hardened characters they encounter or the hard truth that Katherine turns up or the savagery, avarice and unethical treatment of people (including corpses), Reeve succeeded. I realize it’s a tough environment all around, except for, perhaps, the Top Tier, but I would’ve liked a supporting character with even the smallest of roles to provide occasional bursts of comic relief to break up all the despair. As interesting a tale as this is, I don’t currently plan to read the rest of the series.

Two Dark Reigns (Sept. 4, 2018) by Kendare Blake.

*This is the third book in a tetralogy.*

The island is calling. But this island is no sunshiny getaway in a beachfront hotel with one’s own personal lanai and umbrella drinks. This is Fennbirn Island. Arsinoe has been having vivid dreams. She is living scenes from the past, all the way back to the Blue Queen (a.k.a. Queen Illiann), but the dreams are from the perspective of Daphne, a mainlander of Centra. Arsinoe and her sister, Mirabella, have made it to the mainland with William “Billy” Chatworth Jr. and are staying with his family. Arsinoe and Mirabella do not belong, and so far from Fennbirn, their gifts are weak at best.

            The Queen Crowned is also whispered to be the Undead Queen. The people do not like Katharine. She’s just another poisoner queen in a long line of arrogant, selfish poisoner queens, who don’t care for the people, brought up by the Arron family. Her king-consort is no longer with her, but Arron relative Pietyr Renard still is. There is rumor of one who would attempt to steal her throne, one with the Legion Curse, born with two gifts. It is said that she has gifts as strong as the triplet queens, but is even stronger as she’s twice-gifted. On top of that, the mist is taking people from the island. Katharine cannot discern why the mist leaves some and lets them pass through while taking others and ripping them apart (yes, messy).

            Jules Milone is a naturalist; her familiar is Camden, a mountain cat. She’s also war-gifted, though it has been bound. She is Legion Cursed, and it is called as such because those touched by two gifts have historically gone mad. It was said she should be drowned at birth, but her mother, Madrigal, would not allow that, so she bound her war gift, which suppressed it for a long time. Madrigal bound it with low magic, which is not acknowledged as an acceptable practice by the temple. But it works, for Jules hasn’t gone mad (yet).

            “Two Dark Reigns” is Book 3 (of 4) in Blake’s Three Dark Crowns series. Blake has created characters so distinct that, even with the multiple perspectives, you never mistake one character’s POV for another. Her brilliant writing is a fast-paced delirium that is as exquisite as it is disturbing. From wind in one’s hair (guided by an elemental, of course) to blood soaking into the snow (blame the mist), this story has a little bit of everything. Just don’t expect any happy, gooey feelings. The ties that bind to kill remain, even if Katharine wants to convince herself that Arsinoe and Mirabella met their demise when they left the island. But it isn’t always Katharine as herself that wants to kill … With a Queen Crowned, a potential usurper and a malevolent mist, no ties are binding. Death has already come and destruction might be happening. Good luck reigning over that!

            Book One: Three Dark Crowns

            Book Two: One Dark Throne

            Companion Novel: Queens of Fennbirn

Rutabaga's Reads 2014: Part 8

Though I’ve nicknamed this post Part Scholastic Books 2, they aren’t only representative of +Scholastic. All four stories are also young adult fiction titles.

            This should be old news, but please note that I am not associated with anyone at Scholastic and receive no compensation for plugging them. I am simply an avid reader who supports the Scholastic brand, as so many others do.

Bewitching (Feb. 14, 2012) by Alex Flinn.

Do you remember the Beast? That was one of Kendra Hilferty’s success stories. Kendra is an immortal witch, and she’s lived for centuries. She likes to help people, but sometimes it backfires. She wants to help Emma Bailey, who has a conniving (evil) stepsister, but she didn’t move in with the evil stepsister. It’s the stepsister – gorgeous, flaxen-haired, leggy Lisette – who lives with Emma and her mother. Emma is your typical nerd/bookworm: she loves to read and write for the high school newspaper. She also participates in music and would rather read the day away in her childhood tree house than go to a rowdy party or a pep rally. She doesn’t like being in the limelight and likes the idea of a guy liking her. She wants to be “some girl boys wanted to kiss.” And Emma would really like that boy to be Warner Glassman.

            Emma is very kind-hearted and wants to hope for only the good in people. Naïve? Yes. But also commendable on some level. Her mother, Andrea, is suspicious of Lisette from the get-go and doesn’t disguise it. Also suspicious? Kendra. Kendra wants to help, but as her ”help” has gone historically awry at times, she hesitates to step in. Well, maybe she’ll help a little.

            The premise isn’t original, but the way Flinn presents it is. As I’m sure you’ve gleaned, “Bewitching” is like Cinderella with the roles reversed. Instead of Emma doing all the chores in tattered clothing, she’s well-dressed and living with a beastly stepsister who takes, takes, takes through lies and manipulation.  It is a contemporary fairytale with a witch who is eccentric but likable and is wise because of her years (centuries, even). There’s a sweet little twist at the end and Kendra’s reminiscences bring us historical fiction asides that feature a real-life prince, a plague that did happen and a familiar fictional mermaid who encountered the sinking of a very famous “unsinkable” ship.

            The story is pretty clever, and it isn’t without humor. The narrative moves right along and despite all of Lisette’s conniving machinations, Emma’s goodness counters it nicely. It’s easy to root for Emma, though I wish she knew how to stand up for herself. “Bewitching” is a tale also meant to make the reader think about accepting yourself for how you look on the outside and knowing that, just because you’re beautiful on the outside doesn’t mean you’re beautiful on the inside.

            See also: Beastly

The Elite (Apr. 23, 2013) by Kiera Cass.

The Selection began with 35 girls and is now down to the Elite six. This is a bit of a spoiler, but they are: Kriss Ambers, Natalie Luca, Celeste Newsome, Marlee Tames, Elise Whisks and, of course, America Singer. America is continually torn between her old flame, Aspen Leger, and the connection she has with Prince Maxon Schreave. With the Selection down to the Elite, the competition for Prince Maxon’s heart is, unsurprisingly, fierce. And with the advancement of the competition, princess training with Silvia brings more expectation to these girls, the most stressful of which are the inclusion of special assignments. These assignments, such as the coordinating of a reception to host visiting royals, have to be completed come rain or shine or rebel attacks. Yes, the rebel attacks have escalated in this book. Both groups are feisty enough to make it their aim to gain entrance to the palace, but while the Northern rebels seem to do nothing more than make a mess of things, the Southern rebels use force and violence.

            Despite the increase in rebel attacks, the focus remains on the Selection. As readers, we know that that is the major plotline of the story: Who will Prince Maxon choose? And: Who does America love more? At the same time, we know the rebel attacks are increasing, so why do we not have more background on the Northern and Southern rebels? Or at least speculation about them? Hopefully that will be addressed in the concluding novel (which was released this spring).

            As with the first book, “The Elite” reminded me of a literary version of “The Bachelor,” except on a grander scale. Grander, like living in a palace, having your own maids at your service, and, last but not least, vying for a prince. If you’re expecting brawn to be a mainstay in your dystopian fiction repertoire, I would avoid this one. However, if you’re okay reading about resplendent gowns and etiquette, this is a story for you. It’s not all fluff and fancy, though. The rebel attacks do add some harshness to the story, as does a public event in which America shows that she has a moral compass that points north, which I was glad to read. Of course, then she dissolved into a fit of teenage hysterics, but as she is a teenager, I guess I can’t deny her that. Even though it is not princess-like at all. But who’s to say she’ll end up a princess anyway?

            Book One: The Selection

Poison (Mar. 12, 2013) by Bridget Zinn.

A Master Potioner in the Kingdom of Mohr is desperate. Sixteen-year-old Kyra is a fugitive, on the run after her assassination attempt on the princess fails. That princess is Princess Ariana, who, by-the-way, is Kyra’s best friend since childhood. Now Kyra’s known as the Princess Killer. But she knows in her gut that something is amiss in the kingdom, and she is determined to save it, even if it means slaying her best friend. She’s armed with her impressive potions intellect (yay brain power!), the vital potions (poisons included), a cute Katzenheim pig (is apparently great at tracking) and a handsome wanderer named Fred (how is that helpful?). Unfortunately, she’s on the run from her Master Potioner ex-fiancé, Hal, and the King’s Army. Trying to kill a princess will incite them to hunt you down, apparently.

            From sparks to obeekas, this YA title is cheeky and fun with a setting reminiscent of a fairytale, complete with a royal family. Zinn has created a clever young woman in Kyra, whose rebelliousness and adventure-with-a-purpose may appeal to those who appreciate Disney characters such as Merida from “Brave” or Anna from “Frozen.” It is not a complex story, but it isn’t without twists. And despite the title and the poisons she knows how to use, it is not a story fraught with violence and death. (Kyra’s preference is actually a sleeping dart.) Any darker moment in the book is never scary, for those potential moments are overshadowed by the feisty heroine and the engaging humor. Read on for my favorite lines, which compose part of a conversation:

“… there’s a small rodent on your face. Thought you should know.”

“It’s a mustache. Kyra has assured me that it’s extremely convincing.”

            I’d like you all to know that I’ve tried this mustache-using-your-hair look. Suffice it to say that it did have the desired effect, which was NOT for it to look convincing, but to incite a chuckle from my brother. And it did, so yay fake mustaches! Who needs a pack of fake bristly face hair when you can use your own? Ha!

A WORD REGARDING THE AUTHOR: Sadly, Bridget Zinn passed away in May of 2011 after a brave battle with cancer. If this book sounds at all interesting, I encourage you to celebrate her dream accomplishment – to publish a book – by reading it!

Scarlet (Feb. 5, 2013) by Marissa Meyer.

New Beijing Prison is the new – and very temporary residence – of Linh Cinder. Cinder’s in lockdown and is not okay with Lunar Queen Levana wanting to take her back to Luna. She’s about to escape with Carswell Thorne, an ex-cadet for the American Republic air force, mostly because she unintentionally lets herself into his cell (it was supposed to be unoccupied) and he has a ship (stolen). Newly minted Emperor Kai is secretly glad that Cinder’s escaped, but he mentally decides to hate Carswell immediately on account of he’s “young and inarguably good-looking.”

            In Rieux, a small farming community in southern France, Scarlet Benoit is frantically searching for her grandmother. Her grand-mère, Michelle Benoit, has been missing for over two weeks. She’s been kidnapped for information, but what of import could her grandmother possibly know? She has no secrets as far as Scarlet is concerned, at least none that she’s ever heard, and why would Grand-mère keep secrets from her? Clues to her grandmother’s whereabouts may lie with the mysterious street fighter, Wolf. While she doesn’t want to trust him, she has no better choice.

            Cinder, Scarlet and Wolf will find themselves to be unexpectedly connected. And the more allies the better, as they’re going to have a time of it avoiding the cruel Lunar queen, who wants the handsome Emperor Kai as her husband for reasons of power. Cinder definitely doesn’t like that!

            I like how Meyer introduces new characters by highlighting them in a new story as opposed to throwing all of the characters into the first book – no matter how brief the mention – and having readers try to sort through them later. This approach works well. Like the first novel, this YA story is part science-fiction and part fantasy. It’s a dystopian adventure with fairytale ties, but don’t go expecting Scarlet to run around with a billowing red cloak.

            The Lunars’ ability to perform mind control and manipulation creates an ethics issue that would be good discussion material. And just a heads up, but the body count rises by the end of the story. There is some comic relief, though. Example: “Sadistic Kidnappers Parading as Righteous Lupine Wannabes.” I found the story to be intriguing, but that phrase alone sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

            Book One: Cinder

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 11

Here is another round of +Scholastic books. These were my first books by each of these authors. Please note that I am in no way connected to Scholastic except through my love of books and personal support of their brand.

            I thank my brother’s fiancée, Katie, for recommending Cinder!

The Apothecary (Oct. 4, 2011) by Maile Meloy.

It’s 1952, and Janie Scott is a fourteen-year-old who suddenly moves from Los Angeles to London. Her parents are television screenwriters. They’ve been blacklisted¹ by the House Committee on Un-American Activities². Still, Janie isn’t distraught by her parents’ predicament so much that she’s distraught for herself. The flat in London is cold, and Janie’s terribly homesick. On top of that, she has to wear a school uniform and learn Latin. But she meets Benjamin Burrows, son of the apothecary, and she’s moved by his defiance. Benjamin’s dad entrusts them with the Pharmacopoeia right before he goes missing. As they work to keep the book out of enemy hands, they uncover seemingly impossible things and encounter many faces. Who can they trust?

            I was pleasantly surprised by this middle-grade novel. It’s witty and inventive with enough intensity to move the plot along without making it scary and enough humor to keep it from being too serious. The book is part magic and part science with an element of history – a good choice for anyone who enjoys historical fantasy. There is mystery, danger and adventure. It contains the smallest bit of young romance, but it’s not enough that it should scare away a male readership. Make room in your imaginations for “The Apothecary!”

¹The Hollywood blacklist.

²This committee was abolished in 1975. (Yes, it was real!)

Cinder (Jan. 3, 2012) by Marissa Meyer.

In this future Earth, there are six Earthen countries. Linh Cinder resides in New Beijing, capital of the Eastern Commonwealth, and she’s a second-class citizen who’s more a possession than a body with rights. That’s because she’s a cyborg. She knows nothing of her past before she was eleven. She’s sixteen now and is a gifted mechanic. She pays her horrid stepmother’s bills. All of them. She has two stepsisters: one nice (Peony) and one not-so-nice (Pearl). Cinder’s life interconnects with Crown Prince Kaito’s, and she soon gains insight into his major stressors. His father, the emperor, is in the fourth and final stage of letumosis. No cure has been found for the disease, which covers the body in a bruise-colored rash. Fourth stage is reached once the finger tips turn blue-black. Furthermore, the ruthless Lunar people (they live on the moon) watch with Queen Levana trying to bedazzle her way onto an Earthen throne through the manipulation of bioelectricity. Any Lunar has this ability, except for shells. Queen Levana uses it for glossy bully purposes as much as for just plain evil ones. Cinder will find that her role will become far more important than simply being a cyborg-mechanic.

            I was initially unsure of “Cinder,” wondering if I’d like a book centered on a gifted-mechanic cyborg. It turns out that I did! “Cinder” is a YA science fiction book with fairytale ties set in a dystopian future. “Cinder” is not a remake of the Disney version of Cinderella, so don’t set yourself up for a classic retelling of that beloved story. It is Meyer’s take on the tale, and there are similarities. You may see the “pumpkin” in the car, and of course there’s the terrible stepmother. The characters are distinctive, and the storyline is decent. The book is perhaps too predictable at times, but the author’s writing is skilled, her world-building is sound, and the racism (even of an atypical kind) is still racism enough to rankle the nerves. This is the first book in a series.

Mockingbird (Apr. 15, 2010)  by Kathryn Erskine.

What would it be like to view everything in black and white? I’m not referring to TVs before they were in color. I’m talking about Caitlin Smith’s world. For her, everything is black or white, good or bad, easy or hard. She is an eleven-year-old with Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Her brother, Devon, taught her and guided her, but he’s dead now. She wants to find closure after she learns the definition of it. Caitlin works with her school’s counselor, Mrs. Brook, who wants her to find friends, learn finesse (the tactful kind) and show empathy. She doesn’t want to, because it’s hard and sometimes she just Doesn’t Get It. But life is more than black or white, and Caitlin may find that it’s not all so bad or scary.

            A National Book Award Winner (2010), “Mockingbird” is a realistic, middle-grade fiction novel. While the sorrow of the story stems from a school shooting, it is not a book that focuses on violence. It is more a book that focuses on the healing (closure) of a main character who lives with Asperger’s and the grieving community. This is a fine selection, not just for middle school students learning about disorders and realistic tough stuff, but also for high school psychology classes as a discussion topic. While she doesn’t wear a snazzy suit or have superpowers, Caitlin is still a hero who works to learn more, understand more and be more, as we all should.

Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus (May 22, 2012) by Kate O’Hearn.

An unexpected thunderstorm is ravaging the East Coast with NYC in the heart of it. Its intensity seems unusual, but not as unusual as discovering that Pegasus – yes, the winged stallion – has crashed onto Emily Jacobs’ apartment building’s roof. Pegasus is injured and is displeased with Paelen’s actions. Paelen is an Olympian thief, and he’s in a tight bind elsewhere. Meanwhile, Olympus is in danger of being snuffed out by the Nirads, smelly stone giants of gray marble sporting four arms. The Roman gods struggle to defeat them. To complicate matters in NYC, Emily, her friend Joel, Olympian Diana and Pegasus are being pursued, not just by kill-thirsty Nirads, but also by the CRU (Central Research Unit). The CRU deals with “unexplained phenomena,” and all taken by them are never seen again. But it’s imperative they stay alive. They must retrieve Pegasus’ bridle and find Vesta’s Flame (Hestia, for those more familiar with the Greek) and save Olympus. Will anyone be lost? Will Olympus be restored?

            The story is energetic, and it is a decent tide-over for Rick Riordan fans. I still much prefer Riordan’s writing; however, a review quote of his was on the book, which is what prompted me to purchase this title. The pain and anger (yes, there is violence) make this story especially strong emotionally. There is also plenty of daring and adventure mixed with fantasy in this upper middle-grade tale. I appreciate this story of modern mythology combined with our world and how O’Hearn distinguishes her world from similar ones such as those from Riordan.