Legend by Marie Lu

SYNOPSIS:  This story is told from two points of view:  that of Day, a wanted criminal to the Republic, who plays Robin Hood by stealing from the rich to give to the poor; and that of June, a brilliant Republic official who wants nothing more than to find her brother's killer.When they find themselves on opposite sides, they must sort what is true from the propaganda they are being given.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was a fast-paced adventure story that kept me reading.  It did get a bit violent in places, and had some language content, but I would still recommend it to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Matched, Divergent

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

SYNOPSIS:  Cammie's story continues [click here to read about book 1], as she struggles to give up her past with Josh, and learns that Gallagher is not the only academy for spies.  When their school is overtaken by exchange students from Blackthorn (a school for boys), she tries to figure out who she can trust.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although there are some references to underwear, and other things of that nature, this book is pretty clean, and a fun read for teen girls.  I will say, however, that there isn't much substance to it, so I found it a bit boring, and I think older readers would be bored by it, also.  The characters are fun and endearing, though, so fans of the first book will probably want to read this sequel.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING: PG with some mild sexual references

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Agency, Princess Diaries

Towering by Alex Flinn

SYNOPSIS:  Rachel is locked away in a tower, watching her hair grow, and wishing for some social interaction.  Wyatt is looking to escape his social life, after the tragic loss of his best friend.  Somehow, they seem destined to find each other, and save each other from their dismal lives.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  As far as content goes, I have very few complaints.  There were some brief sexual references, including an illegitimate pregnancy, but aside from those, the book was very mild in content.  The writing and storytelling wasn't the best I've read, but it was entertaining.  I would recommend it to older readers who like fairy-tale retellings.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults, older Teens

RATING:  PG with some brief Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Wings, Beastly

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series by Michael Scott

SYNOPSIS:  Sophie and Josh thought they were ordinary twins, until the fateful day they began new jobs, and unknowingly met Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel.  After that, their lives are no longer the same, and they are thrown into a whirlwind ride of action and adventure, meeting famous historical figures as they try to save the world, and find out if they are the Twins of Legend.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although these books have potential, with both historical figures and action and adventure, they were a bit cumbersome to wade through.  The author is very thorough and descriptive, so it is a bit slow going at times.  Also, since most of the characters in the book are historical figures from all over the world, all throughout time, it gets a little confusing at points, with several stories being told at the same time.  Sometimes, the stories taking place are in alternate realities, or Shadow Realms.  As far as content goes, the only complaint I have is some action violence.  I would recommend the books to those who aren't bogged down by long and descriptive writing.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG13 for Action Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles, Inkheart

Heist Society Series by Ally Carter

SYNOPSIS:  Kat was trying to escape the life she has always led:  that of a thief.  However, she discovers that she can't run from her past, as she is called back into her life of crime to save the ones she loves.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I loved every minute of this series!  Kat is a strong, smart, and capable protagonist, and her ragtag gang of thieves is lovable and entertaining.  I will note that there were some brief sexual references, but they were pretty mild.  I would definitely recommend this series.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG with some lewd jokes and language

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Virals, The Agency

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

SYNOPSIS:  Nalia has been raised to believe she is the princess of Thorvaldor.  However, she discovers that she has been a pawn in a plot to protect the real princess, and is really the orphaned daughter of two peasants.  However, even this story is not as it seems.  Nalia must discover the truth, at the risk of her own life, and the true princess's.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I enjoyed this book.  It had just the right mix of fairy-tale adventure, romance, and mystery.  I would definitely recommend it.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with some Violence

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The False Prince, Princess Academy

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

SYNOPSIS:  Gwen's story concludes in the last book of the Ruby Red Trilogy.  While trying to unravel the mystery of Count Saint-German, she is also brooding over a broken heart.  However, she must pull herself together, or someone is going to die--probably her!

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I loved this series.  It had adventure, romance, and mystery.  I would recommend it to older readers, keeping in mind that there is some mild sensuality and sexual references.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References, Language, and Sensualty

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Agency, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You