Among the Hidden Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

SYNOPSIS:  Luke is a Third Child, in a time when having more than two children is illegal.  The government controls everything, even the decision to plant food or have a large family.  Somehow, Luke was born despite the government's control, and his parents, farmers, decide to keep him.  As a result, Luke isn't allowed to leave the farm, and must hide to prevent being taken away.  However, when he discovers another Third Child living nearby, he realizes life doesn't have to be that way, and begins pushing his boundaries.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This series was somewhat depressing.  It was thought-provoking and interesting to think about, but still depressing.  If you like upbeat stories, this is probably not the one for you. Also, there were some adult topics discussed, as well as some violence that might disturb younger readers.  I would reserve it for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Adult Topics

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The City of Ember, Dave at Night

The Runaway King and The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

SYNOPSIS:  Jaron's story continues in the sequel to The False Prince.  In this book, Jaron finds himself required to choose between two difficult options:  let himself be taken prisoner, or let his kingdom suffer the consequences.  As usual, his wit and cunning are more than a match for his enemies.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I enjoyed this book, just like the first in the series.  There is plenty of action and adventure, with unexpected plot twists and surprising plans on the part of the main character.  In addition, the book includes pirates, sword fights, and damsels in distress, so I imagine it would be popular with boys.  (I think I have mentioned that I probably don't include enough books for that particular audience.)  There is some violence, so I would reserve it for older readers, but I would definitely recommend it as a fun and entertaining read.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Dave at Night, Holes

SYNOPSIS:  Jaron's adventures conclude in the last book of the series as war descends on Carthya from all sides.  Things look hopeless as one by one, Jaron's closest friends and associates are captured.  Jaron, however, is up to his old tricks, and will do everything in his power to save his kingdom.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I love this series as a pure and simple adventure story.  I will say, however, that as the books went on, Jaron's capers became a bit more unbelievable, and his tight escapes seemed a little more far-fetched.  However, I would definitely recommend this to any adventure story lovers, especially those who like reading books starring a male protagonist.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:   PG13 for Violence and Disturbing Topics.

STARS: 3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The False Princess, Legend

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

SYNOPSIS:  Rachel is not like other girls.  She has no interest in attracting a husband, or learning to be a proper housewife.  She is more interested in learning to track, like her father, and fight off enemies.  When her father disappears, she makes up her mind to go and find him, whatever it takes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book had too much romance novel in it for my taste.  Plus, there were some strong fantasy elements that lost my attention a little.  However, these are mostly personal preference issues, and I'm sure someone else would enjoy the book.  There is some sensuality, as well as quite a bit of violence in the book, however, so I would reserve it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Sensuality

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Nobody's Princess, Eon

Partials by Dan Wells

SYNOPSIS:  After the world has been taken over by the Partials, a group of manufactured super-soldiers designed to help win the last world war, the remaining humans find themselves to be an endangered species.  Most humans died from RM, the virus spread by the Partials, and newborn babies die within only a few days, from exposure to the disease.  Kira is a medic, trying to figure out how to stop the disease from killing babies.  When she decides to capture and study a partial, however, she finds herself mostly on her own.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book is a suspenseful page-turner, for sure.  I couldn't put it down until it was over.  However, it did have some violence that was a little graphic for me, as well as some adult topics, including mandated teenage pregnancy and reproduction.  I think there was also some language in the book.  I guess I would recommend caution when reading this, and reserve it only for older readers.  

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, Language, and Adult Topics

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Wither, Divergent

Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler

SYNOPSIS:  Myra is the second oldest in a family of eight.  When her older sister becomes pregnant while still in college, Myra is left to keep the family together while her parents try to cope with the crisis.  Then, her longtime boyfriend dumps her.  She tries out for a science scholarship, and tries to discover who she is at the same time.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was not as impressive to me as Chandler's Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me.  The heroine was strong and kind, which I liked, but there was a lot of drama throughout the book, which kind of threw me off a bit.  Also, there was more sensuality and sexual reference.  Honestly, I would skip this book.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Sexual Reference, and some Disturbing Imagery

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Along For the Ride, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

SYNOPSIS:  Flavia is caught up in a murder investigation once again.  This time, she is thrown into the world of fame and fortune, as she (and most of their small town) find themselves snowed in for Christmas.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Since I have already said that I love this series, it will come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Once more, there is some discussion of adult topics, as well as some violence.  However, it is very mild, and should be suitable for teens and young adults, as well as adults.

AUDIENCE:  Adults

RATING:  PG

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  And Then There Were None, Anne of Green Gables