Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

SYNOPSIS:  Claudia's father is the warden of Incarceron, a vast prison which is a world unto itself.  Finn knows nothing except the prison, and wants to escape to the stars which seem more like a vision than a memory to him.  When they find they can communicate, they will stop at nothing to get Finn out.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was a dark but exciting story, and I found it quite entertaining.  Although their was a bit of violence and dark imagery, I feel it was appropriate for teenagers.  I would recommend it to those who enjoy dark adventure stories.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG13 for dark imagery and Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Leviathan, Cinder Series

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

SYNOPSIS:  Set in an alternate World War I, the Austro-Hungarians and Germans are set for war, and the British are prepared to meet them in battle.  The story follows Aleksander, a royal heir on the run, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in order to be a pilot in the war.  When their paths cross, they are started on a journey full of adventure and danger.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had enjoyed other Westerfeld novels, so I gave this one a try and really enjoyed it.  It was my first experience with the Steampunk genre, and I thought it was a fun book.  There is violence, as well as a few very mild sexual references, but otherwise, I would definitely recommend it.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with Violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Beka Cooper Series, Cinder Series

Frozen: Heart of Dread by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

SYNOPSIS:  Natasha Kestral is marked, which means she has special powers.  She has escaped from a government compound, and is hiding in plain sight in New Vegas, working as a blackjack dealer.  She knows her destiny is in The Blue, a paradise within the frozen wasteland, and all she needs to find is someone who can take her there.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I don't have much good to say about this book.  The story-line had potential, but I felt like the storytelling wasn't enough to fulfill that potential.  The characters were hard to be invested in, and their adventures seemed to be a bit contrived and sometimes too convenient to be believed.  Also, there was some sensuality and violence, as well as homosexual references.  I'd skip this read.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Sensuality

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Mystic City, Fathomless

Catherine by April Lindner

SYNOPSIS:  This Wuthering Heights retelling follows Chelsea, who has believed her mother Catherine to be dead most of her life.  However, when she discovers that she is missing, she goes in search of her.  Her search takes her through her mother's past, and into dangerous territory.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although this story is a fun-to-read mystery, it is quite dark (as you might expect, given its inspiration.)  Also, there was some adult language, as well as some sensuality and sexual references.  For that reason, I would only recommend it to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, Sensuality, and Language

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Life After Theft, The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

Young Sherlock Holmes Series by Andrew Lane

SYNOPSIS:  Sherlock Holmes' life is turned upside down after he encounters a body beneath a mysterious cloud on his estate.  With the help of his tutor, Mr. Crowe, he begins to make deductions that will throw him into danger, and help him to solve the mystery.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this was a good mystery for teens and older kids.  There is some violence however, along with some adventure, so I would recommend readers be aware of those elements.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

RATING:  PG for Violence and Suspense

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Theodore Boone Series, I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You

SYNOPSIS:  Sherlock is back, this time to solve the mystery of why the once-thought-dead John Wilkes Booth is in England.  His adventure will lead to the capture of one of his friends, and a resultant journey to America to bring him home safely.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I still thought the mystery was fun and adventurous, I thought this book was a bit gruesome for younger readers.  I will allow, however, that older boys may be interested in those aspects of the book.  I would reserve it for Teens and older, because of the violence and grotesque imagery.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with Gruesome Imagery and Violence

STARS: 2

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line

SYNOPSIS:  Taking up where the recent movie leaves off, this novel follows girl-sleuth Veronica Mars as she solves the mystery of a missing college girl.  When another goes missing, who turns out to be the stepdaughter of Veronica's absent mother, things get a lot more complicated.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I love a good mystery, especially with a competent female protagonist, this novel left me a bit disappointed.  I felt there was a lot less ingenuity than just luck, and predictable moments of suspense.  In addition, there was very strong language, as well as sexual references and violence.  I'd recommend skipping this book.

AUDIENCE:  Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language, Violence and Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Loves Music, Loves to Dance, Life After Theft

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

SYNOPSIS:  Hazel knows how her life will end.  As a terminal cancer patient living on borrowed time, she realizes that she doesn't have long to live.  When Augustus Waters shows up at her cancer support group meeting, she finds that change can bring happiness, even in the darkest of times.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although the narration was quick-paced and entertaining, I had a hard time with this book.  It seemed a bit predictable to me.  In addition, it seemed a bit gimmicky, with two cancer patients, meeting with death hanging over their heads.  I felt like it wasn't that creative, honestly.  In addition, there was quite a bit of sensuality, as well as plenty of language and sexual references.  I wasn't very impressed with this book, and would recommend skipping it.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sensuality/Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  A Walk to Remember, Girls Don't Fly

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

SYNOPSIS:  Anna loves nothing more than her 8-year-old son.  When she goes to visit her brother, however, she meets a young man who instantly attracts her attention.  She tries to escape his hold on her by returning home, but their attraction builds into an affair, which wreaks havoc with her family life.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Given my love for Jane Austen and happy endings, you can probably imagine how I felt about this book.  I was irritated with Anna and the way she snatched up everything she wanted, no matter the consequences.  I realize that this is partly Tolstoy's point, but it was still difficult for me as a reader to witness.  Also, there was quite a bit of political discussion which I found hard to get through.  On the other hand, it is a detailed and forthright depiction of life in Russia in the late 1800s.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Adult Topics and Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Middlemarch, Wuthering Heights

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

SYNOPSIS:  As Nitta Sayuri looks back on her lifeas a geisha, she sees times of hardship and poverty, as well as times of luxury and happiness.  As a possessor of rare blue-gray eyes, she catches the notice of those around her, who place her in an apprenticeship to become a geisha.  Along the way, there are many hard lessons for her to learn.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I was concerned with this book, mostly because of content, and my concerns were validated.  Although the book was entertaining, as well as historically detailed and accurate, it portrays the life of a geisha, employed to entertain businessmen.  Details I felt could have been left out are not spared, and there is some strong sensuality and sexual references.  I had a hard time getting through the book, and would certainly only recommend it to adults for its subject matter and explicit references.

AUDIENCE:  Adults

RATING:  R for Sexual references

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Chains, Between Shades of Gray

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 and Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans

SYNOPSIS:  Michael has always known he was different.  By "pulsing," he can cause electricity to flow from his body and into others.  However, he has always known he couldn't use this power.  When, for the first time, he meets someone else who can manipulate electricity, he questions his origin and the greater purpose of his abilities.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I very much enjoyed reading this book.  Although it was at times dismal and a bit hopeless, it had plenty of adventure and excitement.  I'd recommend it to older readers who can handle the darkness and violence.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with frightening imagery and violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson Series, Maximum Ride Series

SYNOPSIS:  This book picks up right where the first book leaves off, with Michael and his new friends traveling home after escaping their prison.  Michael 's first order of business is to find his mother, but he must first avoid recapture by the Elgen and their thugs.  Things only get worse when he realizes his mother is in the secure, heavily-guarded South American factory.  Michael won't give up, however impossible the odds.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was another page-turning adventure, with the same violence and dark imagery.  I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first novel.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG13 with strong violence and dark imagery

STARS:  3

Cinder Series by Marissa Meyer

SYNOPSIS:  Cinder has been a cyborg since her accident as a child.  It is all she knows.  However, she doesn't appreciate the way she is treated by those around her, especially her stepmother.  However, when she meets Emporer Kai, her life is changed forever.  And when she is enrolled against her will in a study to find a cure for the plague, she discovers an unsettling secret about her heritage.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I wasn't expecting to like this series very much, but I actually really enjoyed it.  Although the concepts were firmly in the realm of science fiction, the story was told in such a way as to make it believable.  The characters were realistic and endearing, and I enjoyed the retelling of the fairy tales.  There was exactly the right amount of romance and adventure to keep the story moving quickly.  However, there was quite a bit of graphic violence, especially in the second book of the series, so I would recommend it only to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Towering, Legend

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

SYNOPSIS:  Esther Summerson spent the first years of her life being told it would have been better if she had never been born.  However, through this adversity, she develops qualities of humility and kindness that endear her to others.  When John Jarndice takes her on as a companion for his cousin, she quickly becomes an indispensable member of the household.  However, there are secrets to Esther's parentage that would be devastating if they were to become public, and which come into play as she grows into womanhood.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was not my favorite Dickens novel.  There were so many characters, introduced with such rapidity that I had a hard time keeping them straight.  However, it had a good message of the value of humility and resiliency that I did like.  I would recommend it to older readers, especially those who enjoy dark stories, because of the allusions to murder and illegitimacy, and because of the advanced reading level.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Wuthering Heights, North and South

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

SYNOPSIS:  Aria has led a sheltered life--literally--in the Pod.  She can live a life of fantasy in the Realms any time she wants.  When her mother disappears, her search for her mother leads to her own expulsion from the safety of the Pod.  She is left at the mercy of Perry, a wild outsider who shows her life in the real world.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a hard time getting into this book.  Not only was the writing slow and the characters superficial and shallow to the point of annoyance, but there were some content that I felt was  a bit mature for the intended audience.  There was quite a bit of sensuality, as well as some reference to physical maturation, and some graphic violence.  I'd definitely recommend skipping this book.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality and Violence

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Alanna, Eon

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein

SYNOPSIS:  After Frodo Baggins inherits a ring from his uncle, and learns what it can do, he embarks on a quest to destroy it.  Along the way, he encounters many monsters, along with quite a bit of peril.  He will need the help of all who are willing to destroy the ring.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book is a classic fairy tale adventure that I think readers of any age could enjoy.  However, there is quite a bit of verse in it, and some of the description and phrasing may be a bit hard for very young readers to get through.  Also, there was some violence and frightening imagery that might be too mature for very young readers.  I would recommend it for older readers for these reasons.

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, and Adults

RATING:  PG with Frightening Imagery and Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Howl's Moving Castle, Inkheart

Ever After High Series by Shannon Hale

SYNOPSIS:  Apple White (daughter of Snow White) has always been at peace with her destiny.  She is more than happy to endure a poisoned apple because she knows it will lead to her Happily Ever After.  However, Raven Queen (daughter of the Evil Queen) is not content to follow her mother's footsteps.  She would rather choose for herself.  Unfortunately, there are others affected by her choices, and they are not happy with the changes she would like to make.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I have been a big fan of Shannon Hale's books, but these two were a little disappointing to me.  When compared with Princess Academy, which is intended for readers of the same age, it is clear that Ever After High is inferior.  While anyone, child or adult, can enjoy Princess Academy, these books seem simplistic and shallow.  However, I will admit that younger readers would likely enjoy them.  I just didn't feel the writing quality was equal to that of Hale's other novels.  Because the books are written for young readers, there was no mature content.  They were very mild.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

RATING:  G

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson, Small Persons With Wings

Middlemarch by George Eliot

SYNOPSIS:  Dorothea knows what she wants.  Or at least she thinks she does.  However, when her marriage to the much-older Mr. Casaubon proves restrictive, she becomes unhappy.  However, through fate's fickle hand, she is given another, much different choice.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I think this is a good book for discovering more about history.  I also think the book has a thought-provoking message, and an interesting plot.  That being said, there was quite a bit of description and scene-setting that weighs down the story a bit.  Young readers, especially, would likely be bogged down by the language and text.  Also, there is some discussion of love outside of marriage, and some references to murder.  I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG for Mature topics

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Jane Eyre, Little Women

Life After Theft

SYNOPSIS:  When Jeff's dad finally realizes his career goals, his family moves to California.  On his first day at a ritzy private school, Jeff sees a girl lying on the floor.  He is intrigued, then shocked when he realizes no one else can see her.  When she tells him she is a ghost, and that she must return the things she stole before she can move on to the afterlife, he feels compelled to help her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I liked the storyline, and the writing style.  However, there were quite a few sexual references, some language, and some sensuality.  In the end, I think I'd recommend skipping this book, or at least reserve it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Sexual References

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Heist Society, Numbers

The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

SYNOPSIS:  Caro has never come to terms with her much-older sister leaving home to become a nun.  So when she returns home, she is anything but pleased.  She acts out, even lying to her friends about where her sister has been.  Eventually, however, she realizes she is only pushing those she cares about further away from herself.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I checked this book out based on the author, because I enjoyed Tandem.  However, the author was the only thing the two books shared.  This book was a coming-of-age novel, full of teen angst and shenanigans.  In addition, it had some pretty strong language and references, as well as underage drinking, and some brief sensuality.  I wouldn't even say the writing style was a redeeming quality.  I'd recommend skipping this book altogether.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language, References, and Underage Drinking

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Impossible Knife of Memory, Dreamland Social Club

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry

SYNOPSIS:  Cady wakes up one day as a man is dragging her away to be killed.  She has no memories, and has to fight her way out.  When she meets Ty, who has mercy on her and tries to help her, she discovers horrible clues as to whom she is.  If they are true, she may not want to remember her previous life.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like mysteries, even if the plot or writing isn't as great as I would like.  This book was one of those.  It was definitely entertaining, and thrilling.  However, it wasn't the most amazing or thought-provoking book I've ever read.  Basically, it was an easy, entertaining read.  As far as content goes, there was some strong and disturbing violence, and some language content.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The 39 Clues, I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

SYNOPSIS:  Elder is destined to rule the ship headed for another planet, captaining it to its landing.  Amy has been cryogenically frozen for hundreds of years, headed for the same planet as cargo on Elder's ship.  With years before they land, she is thawed mysteriously.  When she sees how the people are living on the ship, she realizes that some things need to change, and tries to show Elder that view.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book started out all right, with an interesting plot, and believable characters.  Before long, however, there were several distasteful scenes, including strong sensuality and sexual references.  In the end, the writing quality and story were lacking, and I would recommend skipping this book, especially due to the strong content.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Sensuality and Sexual References, Violence, and Language

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, The Golden Compass

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

SYNOPSIS:  Roy thinks Montana is Heaven.  So when his family moves to Florida, he is miserable.  When looking out the school bus window, however, he sees a boy running.  Roy's decision to follow the boy and discover his story leads him to become involved in a fight for the miniature owls who make Florida their home.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I really enjoyed this story.  I think it would be an entertaining read for teen readers, especially those interested in animals.  I would caution, however, that there is some language in the book, so I wouldn't recommend it for young children.

AUDIENCE:  Preteens and Teens

RATING:  PG for language

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Holes, The Invention of Hugo Cabet

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

SYNOPSIS:  Alina, Quinn and Bea live in a time when the world has very little oxygen.  Everyone lives in pods, where they pay for the privilege of breathing.  Only the wealthy can afford to do strenuous activity or buy tanks to leave the pod.  When Alina has to run from the authorities, Quinn and Bea get entangled in her fight to make a better future.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this would be a fun adventure story, but in the end, I felt it was a bit heavily weighted on the environmentalism side.  Also, I felt the story was a bit weak, with too much drama, and oversimplified characters.  That being said, I'm sure other readers would enjoy the dystopian story.  For content, there was some sexual references and language, and violence.  I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References, Language, and Violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Divergent, Partials

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

SYNOPSIS:  Hayley's life hasn't been easy.  Since her father has been relieved from active duty, he has suffered from intense flashbacks, and has anger issues.  As she tries to hold it together for both of them, she has to sacrifice some things, however.  Eventually, she has to question what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like books that deal with important issues, but I think there was too much teenage angst and drama for me in this book.  In addition, there was quite a bit of sensuality and sexual references, plus some strong language and violence.  I would recommend skipping this book, or at least reserve it for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language, Strong Sensuality, and Violence

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Between Shades of Gray, A Corner of the Universe

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

SUMMARY:  Jane has been content to sit on the sidelines since her mother's death, but when she moves to Coney Island, she begins to see life might be better if she gets involved.  As she learns about her mother's past, she tries to figure out what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a hard time getting into this book.  There was a lot of teenage drama, and the story wasn't easy for me to relate to.  However, it may be more interesting to a young person, especially one interested in the carnival as a setting.  As far as content goes, there was some sensuality and language, so I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sensuality

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Along for the Ride, Lola and the Boy Next Door

The Golden Compass Series by Philip Pullman

SYNOPSIS:  Lyra has always been content with her life, until her friend Roger is taken by the "Gobblers," a group of people who take children from their families.  When Mrs. Coulter takes her on as a protege, she must decide what her priorities are, and stand for what she believes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had heard good things about this book, but I had thought it was a children's book.  After having read it, I no longer believe that.  There was some disturbing imagery, and some adult topics and symbolism that I think would be more appropriate for older readers.  However, for readers who can handle the Violence and Mature topics, I would recommend the book as a thrilling and exciting adventure story.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, and Mature Topics

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, Inkheart

SYNOPSIS:  Will is on the run from men who are looking for his father.  On his quest to discover what has happened to him, he finds a gateway to another world and meets Lyra, with her strange shape-shifting Demon and mystical compass.  Their meeting leads to more danger and adventure than either is prepared for.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Once more, I need to emphasize that this book has more violence in it than I would feel comfortable recommending to younger readers.  There is also some sensuality and references that I think are more appropriate for older readers, as well some dialogue which might seem sacrilegious.  That being said, it was an exciting story that I think others would enjoy.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Sensuality

STARS:  2 1/2

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

SYNOPSIS:  Mary has always been a sour, spoiled little girl whose parents ignored her.  Her life is changed forever, however, when she is sent to live at her uncle's estate in England.  There she meets Dicken, who can charm any wild animal; Colin, who is just as spoiled and sour as she is; and Martha, who states things plainly without sparing Mary's feelings.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a sweet and charming story about children, and the power of the mind.  It is a good reminder about how to be a healthful person.  I would recommend it to readers of any age, although I will caution that there is some racist language in the book, as one might expect from the time period.  I would recommend discussing this language and racism in general with younger readers before having them read it.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-Teens

RATING:  PG (with some racist terms)

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  An Old-Fashioned Girl, The Story Girl

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

SYNOPSIS:  Narrated as though it is a true story, this book follows the lives of several characters, primarily Jean Valjean.  After stealing some food out of necessity, Jean's life takes a downward spiral.  However, when he is shown mercy, he makes an effort to rise above his past and change his life for the better.  Along the way, he changes many lives.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book took me a long time to complete, mostly because of its length and language.  For that reason, I would recommend it to older readers.  There were also some very mild sexual references.  However, it is a great story, and leads to many questions of ethics and morality.  What makes a person good or bad?  How does each decision we make change our lives?  Definitely a wonderful book for any mature enough to handle it.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Short Stories by O. Henry, Jane Eyre

Linked by Imogen Howson

SYNOPSIS:  Elissa has been having horrible dreams since she became a teenager.  During these dreams, she feels like she is being tortured.  She wakes up with bruises and other injuries.  Because of the dreams, she becomes alienated by her friends and others who think she is a spoiled teenager trying to get attention.  So when a new doctor offers the opportunity for her to have a surgery which will cure her of the dreams, she leaps at the chance.  However, as the time before the surgery grows nearer, she begins to question if it is really a good idea.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was an exciting and interesting adventure story.  I definitely enjoyed it.  However, because of some brief references to maturation, as well as some disturbing imagery, I would recommend it only for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Disturbing Imagery and some mature references

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, Delirium

Variant by Robison Wells

SYNOPSIS:  Benson's life as a foster child has not been ideal.  So when he is accepted at a private boarding school, he jumps at the chance to make a new start.  However, when he arrives at the school, he is told that things are not all that he expected.  There are no adults at the school, and no one is ever allowed out.  From that moment on, his only objective is escape, by any means necessary.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I don't often critique books geared towards boys, so hopefully this book will offer some variety to my usual reviews.  I didn't particularly enjoy this book, mostly because of the graphic violence.  However, it was action-packed, and darkly mysterious, so I could see older readers enjoying it.  I would only recommend it to older readers due to the aforementioned violence and some language.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Language

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Maze Runner, Thirteen Days to Midnight

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

SYNOPSIS:  Lucinda's life has been miserable since her parents died.  She spends her days scrubbing the house and goldsmith shop for her cruel and begrudging aunt, and her timid uncle.  However, everything changes the day the Amaranth Witch comes into their shop.  Through a crazy sequence of events, Lucinda finds herself on the adventure of her life.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was a fun adventure story.  The writing wasn't amazing, but the story was sweet and entertaining.  I think teens who are fans of fairy tale remakes would enjoy this, as it seemed to echo of the Cinderella story quite a bit.  There is some mild violence, but otherwise, there is very little offensive content.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Bella at Midnight, Entwined

Revived by Cat Patrick

SYNOPSIS:  Daisy knows more about death than most people.  She's experienced it first-hand several times.  However, because she is part of a government study for a new drug called Revive, she is able to come back from death and continue her life, starting in a new location every time.  However, when she makes an effort to make friends, she finds it more difficult to live the life she has always known.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was a fun adventure, although a bit dark and dramatic for my taste.  There was also a bit of sensuality, however, so I would recommend it more for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Maximum Ride, I Am Number Four

United We Spy by Ally Carter

SYNOPSIS:  The Gallagher Girls series concludes as Cammie's mother and friends search for the few remaining Circle leaders before Catherine kills them off.  They are always one step behind, however, and wonder how they can come out of the battle alive.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was more violent and serious than the rest of the series, but I still thought it was a fun adventure story, and a satisfying conclusion.  I would recommend it to more mature teens who can handle the serious story line and violent imagery.

AUDIENCE:  Older Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Cahills vs. Vespers, Maximum Ride

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

SYNOPSIS:  Isabel is finally free.  Her mistress has died, and Isabel herself saw the will that included a provision to free her mistresses' slaves after her death.  Unfortunately, this is not what happens.  Isabel and her sister, who suffers from a disability which causes her to have seizures, are sold to a cruel couple from New York.  Isabel must find a way to protect her sister, and find the freedom she deserves.  Her quest places her in the path of British and Patriot soldiers, both of which seek to use her to further their own ends.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  As you might expect in a book about slavery, this book is very sad and somewhat disturbing.  There is quite a bit of violence, as well as graphic and disturbing imagery, and brief and mild sexual reference.  I would only recommend it to mature readers for those reasons.  However, it was an eye-opening and historic portrayal of life as a slave during the Revolutionary War.  For readers who can handle the subject mater and material, I would recommend it.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Subject Matter and Graphic and Disturbing Imagery

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Between Shades of Gray, The Mighty Miss Malone

Content Alert, Part II

I had a streak of bad luck with books again.  This usually happens when I run out of books or audiobooks, and have to take what is readily available.  In these cases, I don't usually end up being impressed, although I have been occasionally pleasantly surprised.

Like I have said, I am not a proponent of censoring.  Although I didn't personally agree with the content in the following books, I'm sure many disagree with me.  For my personal taste, which is admittedly conservative, I didn't enjoy these books, and put them down before finishing them.  However, I encourage everyone to make their own decisions.  Here are some books that, because of content, I decided not to finish:

  1.  The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

WHY?  I read this book a long time ago, but I still remember the strong sensuality, even in the first few chapters.  It was enough to cause me to quit reading it.

  2.  Numbers by Rachel Ward

WHY?  This book had potential.  It's about a girl who knows a person's death date just by looking at him. However, there was quite a bit of strong language.  I couldn't stomach it after a while, and put it down.

  3.  Liar by Justine Larbalestier

WHY?  I have a limit to how many times I can hear the F-word before I put a book down, but even though this book used strong language, I still stuck with it, because the storytelling was fluid and interesting, and I wanted to find out what would happen. There was some reference to body maturation, and some sexual references and sensuality.  There was also a scene of homosexual sensuality, so I didn't end up finishing the book.

  4.  Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

WHY?  I knew they were making a movie based on this book, and wanted to try reading it.  However, there were several sexual references in this book, as well as some offensive language.  In addition, a few chapters in, there was a scene of strong sensuality (including homosexuality), so I gave up on it.

  5.  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time  by Mark Haddon.

WHY?  I was enjoying this book at first.  The writing was great, and the story was interesting.  However, it passed my threshold for strong language, so I didn't end up finishing it in the end.

  6.  Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

WHY?  I was intrigued by the previews for the movie, and hoped the book would be cleaner than the movie (based on its R rating).  However, there was quite a bit of strong language, violence, and sexual reference, and I gave up on it.

A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King

SYNOPSIS:  It's been two years since Mary's accident.  She has all but finished up at Oxford, and she will soon be in charge of her own affairs (and fortune).  When a friend asks her for help, however, she finds she can't turn her down.  While trying to get to the bottom of a mysterious church sect's popularity, she will be forced to question her religious beliefs, as well as define her relationship with Holmes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and the second was also quite entertaining.  However, there are more sexual references in this installment (including a discussion of homosexuality), as well as a bit of sensuality.  There is also some language and violence.  I didn't enjoy the book enough to recommend it, especially to younger readers.

AUDIENCE:  Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References, Sensuality, and Violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, The Agency

Abandon Series by Meg Cabot

SYNOPSIS:  Pierce Olivera has never been the same since the day she almost died.  Everyone thinks it is because of the stress of her brush with death.  Really, it is because she met someone in the afterlife who won't let her go.  When she moves to her mom's hometown to try to get a new start, she realizes she can't run away from her problems.  They follow her wherever she goes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I have read enough Meg Cabot to know what to expect.  The writing's not the best, and there's usually some crude jokes thrown in.  Sometimes, however, you take what is available.  This book was a little darker and more exciting that other Cabot books I've read.  There still were some sexual references and offensive language, however, as well as some strong sensuality in the second book.  There was also some dark imagery.  I would only recommend it to older readers, for those reasons.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Kane Chronicles, Shiver

Tandem by Anna Jarzab

SYNOPSIS:  Sasha's life was forever changed the day her parents were killed in an accident.  By the time she is in high school, however, she has moved on and learned to live without them.  When she is kidnapped and taken to parallel universe, however, her world is changed once again.  She must decide whether to go along with her kidnappers, and return to her home, or fight against them, and say goodbye to the world she loves forever.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I didn't expect to like this book much, since I wasn't interested in the parallel-universe/theoretical physics discussion.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The novel focused more on Sasha's story, and kept the science fiction to a minimum.  I really enjoyed this book.  As far as content goes, there was some language and violence, so I would recommend the book to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with Adult Language

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Selection, Dark Star

Rules by Cynthia Lord

SYNOPSIS:  Catherine has always wished her autistic brother was different.  Especially when a new girl moves in next door, who Catherine would like to impress.  When she meets Jason, who can't walk or speak, her views change completely.  She learns things about her brother and others like him that she will never forget.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was poetic and thought-provoking.  I think it would make an touching and eye-opening read for pre-teens and teens.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-Teens, and Teens

RATING:  G

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Mighty Miss Malone, A Corner of the Universe