Wings by Aprillyne Pike

A debut novel for Ms. Pike it had some interesting and adventurous parts in it about "fairies" among us.

Graceling

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 8 Up—In this debut fantasy novel, Cashore treats readers to compelling and eminently likable characters and a story that draws them in from the first paragraph. In Katsa's world, the "Graced," those gifted in a particular way, are marked by eyes that are different colors. Katsa's Grace is that she is a gifted fighter, and, as such, she is virtually invincible. She is in the service of her tyrannical uncle, king of one of the seven kingdoms, and she is forced to torture people for infractions against him. She has secretly formed the Council, which acts in the service of justice and fairness for those who have been accused and abused. Readers meet her as she is rescuing the father of the Lienid king, who has been abducted. The reasons for his capture are part of a tightening plot that Katsa unravels and resolves, with the help of Prince Po, the captive's grandson. He has his own particular Grace, and he becomes Katsa's lover and partner in what becomes a mortally dangerous mission. Cashore's style is exemplary: while each detail helps to paint a picture, the description is always in the service of the story, always helping readers to a greater understanding of what is happening and why. This is gorgeous storytelling: exciting, stirring, and accessible. Fantasy and romance readers will be thrilled.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Graphia; Reprint edition (September 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547258305
• ISBN-13: 978-0547258300

Joe and I enjoyed this read. I would give it three out of five stars.
I don't like the author's opinions about marraige which she reflects on Katsa who does not get married and can't think she ever will because she would lose her "independent spirit." Her character is not as memorable or developed as some and while entertaining was not an "instant bridge" for me into her world.

Hush by Donna Jo Napoli

This is a quick read. I picked it up intrigued by the back cover teasers. It is much different than I anticipated. This is more of a true life happenings to an Irish Princess. A well crafted story. Topics include: slave trade of children and women, sailing, Vikings, virgins,

A silent girl.

An awesome power.

Melkorka is an Irish princess, the first daughter of a magnificent kingdom -- but this all changes the day she is kidnapped and taken aboard a marauding slave ship. Trapped in a world both unfamiliar and cruel, Melkorka finds that her powerlessness gives her clarity. That she is the master of what she says. Choosing to take a vow of silence, Melkorka becomes an object of fascination to her captors. And then she realizes that any power, no matter how little, can make a difference.

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; Reprint edition (October 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689861796
• ISBN-13: 978-0689861796

A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdall

In this book, Mike Ramsdell tells the story of a clandestine mission in the Soviet Union that goes bad and his struggles to get out of the country. He is a CIA officer and a Mormon. He writes about the life-changing experiences he has on the train to a small Russia town of Potevka.

Castle Corona

The Bell at Sealy Head

The Bell at Sealy Head