Ruin(Ruin Saga #1) by Harry Manners

[Ruin(Ruin Saga #1)] is a futuristic battle between good and evil except you can't tell which side is which at the end. [Harry Manners] creates characters that I can see becoming old friends to me much like my favorites. Norman is the most complex since he seems to be stuck in the middle. Things are expected of him but no one is telling him the whole truth. It reminded me of [King's The Stand] and [Stirling's The Change Series]. This is a good thing since they are some of my favorite books. I can not wait to read more of the [Ruin Saga] and get to know these characters better.

Bound by Bone by AB Bradley

I really enjoyed [Bound by Bone] by [AB Bradley]. The character of Arthur begins as an anti hero but grows into his own when the situation calls for it and is stronger than even he thought. I like how the Aztec gods were used as well as the Day of the Dead. I often feel these stories are not given enough time, especially since we are on the same continent. This is very much a coming of age novel along the lines of [Riordan]. I will be recommending it to my school library and to many students.

King Ruin by Michael John Grist

[King Ruin] continues the adventures and battles of Ritry and his chord. Just like the first installment the back and forth could get a bit confusing but was easier now that I know the characters. [Michael John Grist] is an incredible story teller and you feel as if you truly are there suffering through the trials with the characters. The overall theme of the book seems to be the battle of good versus evil and one mans own struggle to save his own soul. I look forward to the third installment.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

I read this book as part of a book club I am in. I really enjoyed the characters but I feel Crandall may have been trying to hard. The concept of a young child's whole concept of the world changing was a strong one though. I would recommend this book to people who like historic fiction.

Nighthawks at the Mission by Forbes West

[Nighthawks at the Mission] by [Forbes West] is a modern day explorer/exploiter story. I feel there was a political statement about colonialism within the novel. It was an interesting read and would have received a higher rating if the characters were more consistent but they all seemed to have multi-personality disorder. I would also like to know more about her sister.

Out of War by Sara Cameron

[Out of War] by [Sara Cameron] is the story of the  Children's Movement for Peace in Columbia. It is a non fiction book written for lower readers. The high interest of the topic, especially to many ELL students, will be a help but the way the stories are told is dull and could be written better.

The Only City Left by Andy Goldman

[The Only City Left] by [Andy Goldman] is a nice mix of fantasy and dystopia. The characters were very creative and the setting was fitting. I liked how Allin's goal was to see the 'top of the world' but that changed as he learned more about his past and the city. I definitely would recommend this book.