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