Featured Read: ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

What It's About:
When their home planet of Kerenza is attacked, Kady and Ezra (who broke up the morning of the invasion) are evacuated to two separate ships and headed to the far reaches of the universe to escape an enemy ship right on their tail. However, a plague on board one of the ships and a malfunctioning artificial intelligence may kill them before the enemy does.

Told entirely through IM conversations, incident reports, dossiers, email communications, and the ship's AI, Kady's hacker skills begin to reveal a cover-up among the the universe's rival mega-corporations, with the Kerenza fleet caught right in the middle.


Who Should Read It: 
Science fiction fans of any age or gender will eat this one up. While Ezra and Katie's relationship is a factor, it's not the main part of the story. Also worth nothing, it looks long and intimidating, but the format of the book makes it somewhat of a quick read.

*If you read and liked Illuminae, look for the sequel to be released in October! 

Featured Read: THE DARKEST CORNERS by Kara Thomas

Let's face it.  Monday's suck.  Here's a book to put on your TBR pile for your next trip to the library!  Mondays will still suck, but at least you'll have a good book to look forward to.

Kara Thomas' The Darkest Corners

What It's About:

Tessa returns home to Fayette, Pennsylvania when she receives word her father is on his death-bed. (She’s been living in Florida for the last 10 years with her maternal grandmother. Her father’s also in jail.) She stays at the home of childhood best friend, Callie, and her parents. (Callie’s mom, Maggie, was always a maternal figure for Tessa.)

But, Tessa’s too late. Her father died earlier the morning she arrived in Fayette. But there’s mysteries left behind. Her sister — who she hasn’t seen in 10 years — visited her father a few days before his death. Tessa wants to find out if Joslin (her sister) is still in the area, and if she is…she has some questions she wants answered.

Who Should Read It:

Anyone who's a fan of mystery, crime, and thrillers.  This book was reminiscent of a true crime narrative.  It's engaging and full of suspense.  It's definitely a good beach read.

This is a Staff Pick - 5/5 Stars!

Featured Read: EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR by E.K. Johnston

 

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston

What's it about?

For Hermione Winters, this year is her year. She is a driven, hard working co-captain of her school's hardcore cheering squad and ready to slay her senior year. But something goes horribly wrong.

Getting drugged at party at cheer camp before school even starts wasn't part of the plan.

Neither was getting pregnant by an unknown boy who left her half-clothed at the edge of the lake.

As Hermione's senior year pushes forward, she is forced to make some very difficult decisions that have nothing to do with dance routines or basket tosses. But one thing is for sure: Hermione is determined to not let her experience define her.

Who should read it?

This is recommended to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction with strong female characters. Athletes will be able to relate to Hermione's competitive edge and the drive to win, but anyone can appreciate her strength and courage, both in cheerleading and overcoming such an awful obstacles in her life.

This earns 5 stars and is a Staff Favorite.

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Have you read Exit, Pursued by a Bear? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments! You can also gush (or rant) about it with other book lovers at the Teen Chat & Chew!