YA Book Reviews

d d d d d = the best rating for a book
Here are some YA Books that I read in September (and what I thought about them):

Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner d d d
Katherine's family makes a deal with her mad uncle. If she comes to live with her uncle and has no contact with her family for six months, her uncle will pay off the family depts. Little does Katherine know that her uncle plans to turn her into something no one has ever seen: a swordswoman. Kushner's novel has an interesting plot and a great deal of potential. While the reader does not feel overly close to the characters, the book itself is an interesting read.

Transformers: The Movie by Alan Dean d d d d
Based on the movie screenplay, this novel follows the Transformers and Decepticons as they battle for earth. This is a surprisingly good novel given that it is based on a screenplay. A lot more background and detail are given in the book than in the movie. Secondary characters are also more fully fleshed out. Altogether an enjoyable read.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman d d d d d
Eleven-year-old Lyra, accompanied by her daemon Pan, set off on a quest to the far north to rescue kidnapped children. As this adventure progresses, Lyra discovers a secret that could end the world. Talking polar bears, zeppelins, daemons and gypsies round out this tale. The Golden Compass is one of the better books I have read this year. It starts off slowly, but after the first 100 pages I was unable to put it down. A well-planned adventure.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr d d d d
Aislinn sees fairies; and they aren't anything like Tinkerbell. Fairies are scary and you do not want to draw their attention. However, the Summer King believes that Aislinn is his Summer Queen, who will save the earth from perpetual winter. Both the Summer King and Winter Queen want Aislinn. Will Aislinn overcome her fears and join the Summer King, or will she run and condemn the world to ice? I really enjoyed this novel. Aislinn is believable in her conflict and her wish to live a normal life. The descriptions of the Fey are both beautiful and disturbing. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys stories involving fairies.

Warrior Heir by Cinda W. Chima d d d d
Jack is a normal small-town boy with a big secret; one that he does not even know about. Two warring wizarding houses want Jack because he is a Warrior. As Jack's powers begin to manifest it becomes more difficult to hide. Now with danger threatening his family and friends he must choose: fight for a wizard house or fight for himself. The story and characters of Warrior Heir are both likable and believable. While the book gets off to a somewhat slow start, the reader is rewarded after the first 50 pages by a fast-paced interesting fantasy adventure.

Wizard Heir by Cinda W. Chima d d d d d
Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of every private school he as attended. It's not his attitude that's the problem; it's the accidents occur when he is around. Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained and his powers are escalating out of control. After causing a tragic fire at an after-hours party, Seph is sent to The Havens, a secluded boys' school on the coast of Maine. Does The Havens live up to it's name, or is it a trap for boys with magic? I actually enjoyed this companion novel to Warrior Heir more. The writing is quick and fluid; the characters very interesting. Seph is, in many ways, old for his years, but endearingly young at the same time. I would definitely recommend this book.