The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Best of the "survivor" type books I've read yet. Interesting for the intro of woodcraft, the characters have been extremely well-written and the reason for the games to exist is brilliant. We've had woodcraft in Scott Westerfield's Uglies series, there was Arctic Survior which also featured teenagers, and of course D.J. MacHale has Pendragon competing in game-like challenges, but The Hunger Games is so well-written that I'm elevating it to one of my best books read this year. There's a sequel being released September 1...looking forward to another suspenseful read!

Untamed - P.C. Cast

This is the first of the post-Twilight vampire books that I've really enjoyed. The characters have unique quirks that make them intriguing, the plot is varied and well-paced. I'd say if anyone else had trouble getting through Vampire Academy like I did, but still wants to read contemporary vampire stories, this series is the one to try next.

Vampire Academy/Chloe King

I have two teen friends who are reading these and as I'll be organizing Teen Read Week in October, I thought I better catch up on the latest titles in fantasy and sf. And so Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead was the book of the day. Can't say I was moved by the characters or the plot in the least. Maria V. Snyder writes more interesting combat training. The Godfather already did the dead animals in beds, and we all saw Obi-Wan influence the Storm Troopers. Vladimir appears a tasty romantic interest, but certainly no Valek.

My other book was a reread of the first in the Celia Thomson Chloe King series, The Fallen. Quirky characters that are instantly likeable/hateable, contemporary references, unusual gifts, suspense, a little gratuitous sex and some strong language. Which means I probably can't push this book for TRW.

Must read fantasy

A few days ago one of our enthusiastic patrons asked for further recommendations in YA lit. Why am I able to rave about a book on a blog, or remember straight where to go in a bookstore, but not able to suggest a great YA book on the spot? For Debbie, then, and anyone who realizes YA lit is not just for teens:

Jane Yolen - a prolific writer who crosses age groupings without a hitch. She can write simple children's books, slightly more complex juvenile works and full-blown YA and straight fantasy. I've most recently been captivated by her Great Alta series: a religion formed around groups of warrior and priestess women who were raised by other women who were either left to die of exposure on the hillsides, or who sought out a sanctuary away from men. Each sister is partnered by a dark sister, pulled from the shadow world to share the earth when there is moonlight, candlelight and firelight. The pairings are sexual as well, though some women welcome the contact with village men and soldiers. Her tales are amusing in that they are presented first with the "archeological" reports and scholarly studies of these "Hames" followed by the local myths and stories that are told, ending with the action of the story itself. To add more credence to her tales, she partnered with a musician who scored the teaching songs and legends sung throughout the county. I will be buying these books to have to reread!

I wish I could use them at the library for the Teen Read week, but know that we'd get in trouble for the sexual aspect of the books. Yet we have so many classic fantasy novels in which women are paired but still cannot use them without fear of a backlash from the community. So sad. These classic books were where I first learned of lesbians, and while it was a hard notion for me to grasp at first, I was not emotional devestated or corrupted as some patrons would expect us to be. I guess when you're used to accepting mantis-like insectoids or otherworldly stuff in general it was easy for me to adjust to households with two supportive caring women in a relationship. Sigh

Sister Light, Sister Dark

White Jenna

Unread: The One-Armed Queen (the daughter of Jenna)