Crown of Midnight By: Sarah J. Maas

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• Title: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
• Author: Sarah J. Maas
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
• Publication Date:  August 27, 2013 
• Pages: 413
• Genre: Fantasy/YA
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2017
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

Celaena Sardothien is the land's most feared assassin- and now she is serving as the King's Champion as well. And although she is a trained killer, Celaena has not taken the life of any of the men the king has sent her to kill. Instead, she plays a dangerous game, playing the part of a loyal assassin while all the while trying to discover the king's secret agenda. After a night filled with the terrible truths of the secrets swirling around her, Celaena must decide what to do in the face of her greatest challenge yet.

---

Oh. My. Gosh. I am absolutely reeling at everything that has just happened and even as I write this, I don't think I've completely processed everything yet. This was so good; who says sequels aren't as good as the original? I finished this in record time and all the intense action and information in this book made for a very quick read.

I think my favorite part about this book is seeing how much Celaena grows in such a short amount of time. I also loved how much we get to see just how badass she really is. One thing's for sure- I sure don't want to get on Celaena's bad side! I've loved Celaena from the moment I realized she loved books just as much as I did, and as I've gotten to know her better, I see how much she reminds me of myself- just you know, without the whole assassin thing going. I also really like this book because it depicts Celaena as capable of making her own, rational decisions without some guy clouding her feelings from what she really needed to do. Don't get me wrong- I fell in love with both Chaol and Dorian (and may have teared up a bit at *certain* scenes) but the focus of the series isn't solely on some lovelorn teenager who sacrifices everything for some guy.

The action was so intense and Celaena delivered on all those promises she made in the first book. And in this book, I can't think of anything I didn't particularly like. I know this is a fantasy novel and everything, but I kept wishing that I was half as athletic as she was. I also liked learning a bit more about Celaena's past, even though some of what I learned tore me apart.

And man, this book gave me feelings and made me gasp out loud at some of the background information that I got. I certainly didn't see that twist coming- that's all I'm going to say. And right after writing this, I'm diving right into the third book to see what comes out of all information that was revealed. I simply cannot wait.

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within us and a Grander View of Life By: Ed Yong

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• Title: I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life
• Author: Ed Yong
• Publisher: Ecco
• Publication Date:  August 9, 2016 
• Pages: 368
• Genre: Science/ Non- Fiction
• Recommended Age(s): 15 +
• First Read: 2017
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 stars

From the tiny caterpillar to the hulking whale, all organisms are filled with millions upon millions of microorganisms that stay with them from the moment they are born until the day they die. By shifting our perspectives, the microscopic world takes center stage. And through exploring the astonishing connections and relationships between animals and their microbes, we can better understand our place in the grand scheme of life.

---

I absolutely loved this book, especially because I had never read anything like it before. It took me on quite a fascinating ride, filled with witty, yet still informative writing. I thought that I would get lost in all the scientific jargon, but I was glad to find out that I understood almost all that was going on. The long, latin names of many of the bacteria were sometimes hard to remember, but that was just a small detail that I could quickly correct by a quick glance back a few pages. I loved how I was forced to look at things through an intensely microscopic outlook and as a result got to see all the relationships and processes that were happening inside of me.

I study microbiology in college, so this book was a total nerd's paradise for me; I got to learn about all the amazing adaptations that nature has devised for all its creatures, especially the section on parasites. I think my favorite part of this book though was the fact that it talked about the possibilities for the future and what scientists were doing to help eliminate diseases like malaria and how to improve someone's help by shifting their microbes in the human microbiome. It's this possibility that made me fall in love with science, so this book has made me incredibly excited for the future.

You don't have to be a scientist to understand this book because it is written in such simple, yet uncondescending language. I laughed out loud more than a couple times at the fun word play that the author uses. I love Ed Yong; he is possibly my favorite science writer and I highly recommend watching his TED Talk on parasites and also his talk on microbes for the Royal Institution. These talks are a great companion to this book and bring Yong's unique voice to life. We all contain a multitude of microbes within us so it wouldn't hurt to learn a little more about ourselves from a whole new perspective!

Midnighters: Touching Darkness By: Scott Westerfeld

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• Title: Touching Darkness (Midnighters #2) 
• Author: Scott Westerfeld
• Publisher: Eos
• Publication Date:  March 1, 2005 
• Pages: 336
• Genre: YA/ Sci-Fi
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2014
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 stars

Ever since finding out about Bixby Oklahoma's secret hour, Jess and her friends have been quite busy fighting off the creatures of the night. For a long time, the Midnighters have wondered why the generation before them disappeared without a trace. During their search, they encounter horrors worse than anything they could have ever imagined, and a secret more horrifiying than the creatures itself. With time running out, an extra hour may not even be enough to save the Midnighters even as they race to solve the puzzle.

---

After powering through the first Midnighters, I was super excited to start this one. Again, I read this one in practically one sitting, late into the wee hours of the morning. While still interesting, it was definitely more slow paced than the first volume and was filled with a lot more teenage ~angst~ compounded with super powers, naturally. I still enjoyed this book, and was thoroughly and appropriately creeped out at the *big* reveal that the whole plot centered on, but I couldn't help but feel that this book fell into the dreaded "middle child" syndrome where the first book outshone it a lot more and everyone's attention was already focused towards the anticipated final installment.

I was also a lot more annoyed at the characters in this book, particularly Melissa's, Rex's, and Dess' relationship. Honestly guys- you two have amazing super powers- would it kill you to communicate a little more? I did like all the information I found out from all their separate adventures, so I guess that's a plus. I do wish the book was longer though; there is so much more information that could have helped to flesh out the world more and honestly, I just couldn't get enough of Blue Time.

This book got its job done and set up the final installment, so I guess I can't complain about that. While it felt ironically rushed at times, yet slow in others, I am still fully immersed in the world of the Midnighters and cannot wait to see what happens next. I'll probably be found reading in some corner, curled up in my blanket, devouring this book series.

Midnighters: The Secret Hour By: Scott Westerfeld

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• Title: The Secret Hour (Midnighters #1)
• Author: Scott Westerfeld
• Publisher: Eos
• Publication Date:  March 1, 2005 
• Pages: 383
• Genre: YA/ Sci-Fi
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2014
• Source: Purchase  
• Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 stars

Bixby, Oklahoma seems like a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere. But looks can be deceiving, as Jess Day finds out upon moving there. Soon, she discovers that Bixby's time hides a secret hour filled with both wonder and terror. Along with others who share special abilities, Jessica and her friends must find out why the creatures that haunt the secret hour have suddenly become restless and are on the mission to hunt down Jessica and her friends.

---

I love this book series and whole heartedly think it is one of the under appreciated gems of YA literature. The premise is so original and interesting that I finished this book in one sitting, sacrificing my sleep for the sake of finding all I could about this secret extra hour of the day. I loved how this book was fast-paced and full of sci-fi action. It was also a little spooky, and to be honest I caught myself snuggling down in my covers and listening for unfamiliar sounds as I read late into the night.

The cast of characters was also really enjoyable; none of them are "perfect" in any sense and I liked that because it made them all relatable. I mean, as relatable as they could be while having kick ass super powers, you know? While Jess is supposed to be the main character, I found myself cheering on Dess the most because she reminded me a bit of myself and had a lot of the abilities I wish I was better at. All the others were all fascinating in their own ways too, and I loved getting to know them.

This book got me out of my reading slump and I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and delve more into the world of the Midnighters. As much sleep as I lost reading this book, I sure would benefit from having that extra hour in the day to catch up on some snoozing!

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women By: Kate Moore

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• Title: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
• Author: Kate Moore
• Publisher: High Bridge Audio
• Publication Date:  May 2, 2017
• Pages: Audio CD (13 discs)
• Genre: Non-Fiction/History
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2017
• Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewer
• Rating: 5.0/5.0 stars

At the turn of the century, it seemed that radium was the new wonder drug- capable of prolonging life and helping in everyday tasks. Caught in the whirlwind of the radium craze and the war sweeping the entire world, hundreds of girls answered the call to paint luminous watch faces with radium. These were the Radium Girls. To paint these tiny watch faces, they put the paintbrush- with radium on it- in their mouths without knowing how poisonous radium was. As the years went on, many of the girls started developing horrible sicknesses and dying because of their exposure to the radium. With the horrible knowledge that their work with radium had done this to them, these women fought for the justice they deserved- even in the face of unimaginable pain and darkness.

---

*I received this audiobook for free in exchange for a completely honest review*

This is one of the most eye-opening and heart-rending books I have read in a long time and is honestly one of those books that everyone should have on their bookshelf. It brings to life the stories of the famous Radium Girls and it let me understand the unique struggles each woman went through to fight for justice. I also could not stop tears from coming because I was just so heartbroken at the unnecessary suffering these women had to go through. By the end of the book, I was a pool of emotions and had to stop for a while before continuing on with the book.

I got to know each woman very well and was repeatedly amazed at their tenacity and courage in the face of certain death. There is much sadness- and anger- in this book, but there is also hope and the knowledge that these women's sacrifice was not in vain. Many of our current legislations and safety standards come as a direct result of what these women fought for. I think that's what blows my mind the most about this book- that without them- without their stories- we would be living in a very different world. I am eternally grateful for their contributions to science, culture, worker's rights, legislation, and for reminding everyone of the humanity in us all.

Throughout this book, I became extremely angry at the men who did this to them- the corporations that turned a blind eye and lied to the women just to make money. It was chilling to hear how carelessly these companies treated the radium and the women who had to handle it every day. It makes me proud to know that these women were able to stand up to those who did not think they were worth anything. I cannot even begin to comprehend the mental fortitude it would have taken to do this while also suffering intense pain.

I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I can, and it has earned a place on my favorites shelf. Important history like this shall not be ignored.

The Demigod Diaries By: Rick Riordan

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• Title: The Demigod Diaries (The Heroes of Olympus)
• Author: Rick Riordan
• Publisher: Hyperion Books
• Publication Date:  August 14, 2012 
• Pages: 256
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 9+
• First Read: 2015
• Source: Purchase 
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

These types of books are probably some of my favorites in the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians/Heroes of Olympus Series because they provide the most interesting backstories on the characters. 

This particular volume includes short stories on Percy and Annabeth, right after the Battle of Manhattan, as seen in The Last Olympian, as well as a story from Thalia and Luke from when they were still on the run. Additionally, there is an interesting interview with George and Martha, Hermes' snakes, and even an adventure with Leo, Jason, Piper, and a bunch of crazy Maenads who just want to party. 

Every single one of these stories was absolutely fascinating because I got to glimpse a little of what my favorite heroes were doing in their *free* time. It was really nice just seeing Percy and Annabeth together, attempting to have a nice day, and getting some of that classic Percy first person POV that I've kind of missed while I've been reading the Heroes of Olympus series. I thought that Luke's adventure with Thalia was especially eye-opening and I got a little sad, reading about Luke and seeing what might have been if things had gone in Luke's favor. And of course Leo's story was absolutely hilarious and I just couldn't stop imagining him and his friends getting into even more entertaining trouble!

The last story in this book is actually by Haley Riordan, Rick Riordan's son, who actually inspired Rick to write down the original Percy Jackson series after Rick ran out of the original Greek myths to tell his son. I thought it was great for Rick to debut his son's writing, because Haley's story, called "The Son of Magic" was by far my favorite story in the entire collection. It certainly was darker and grittier than his father's style of writing, but it was nonetheless fantastic. Haley addresses questions that I'm sure many of us have had about various aspects of the demigod world, like what's up with The Mist? And what happened to all the kids who were on Kronus' side during the war? 

I recommend reading this book after finishing the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and after the first Heroes of Olympus book, The Lost Hero, so that you are up to speed on everything that is happening. But regardless of when you really end up reading this book, you sure will not be disappointed!

Heartless By: Marissa Meyer

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• Title: Heartless
• Author: Marissa Meyer
• Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
• Publication Date:  November 28, 2016
• Pages: 453
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2017
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 stars

Catherine has stolen the heart- and the stomach- of the King of Hearts, but would love nothing more than to forget him and open her own bakery. Until she meets Jest, the mysterious, witty, and wonderfully refreshing court Jester. The two enter a whirling romance at the risk of her parents, and the king's, wrath. However, as it is in Wonderland, not everything is as it seems- and it seems that fate has other plans for her. 

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This book. Wow. I greatly enjoyed Marissa Meyer's writing in The Lunar Chronicles, so I picked up her new book excited for the ride I was about to take. And man, was I right!

This book follows the origin story, per say, of The Queen of Hearts, and it starts out nice and soft-frothy even, and I fell in love with many of the characters right away, enjoying the whimsy of it all. This book was also filled with descriptions of scrumptious sounding food, so that maaaaay have helped a bit. The fantasy also reminded me of the whimsy I loved so much in The Night Circus, though both novels end up having their own brand of magic. However, as the story progresses, it becomes very dark, very fast, and I absolutely adored this book for that. This book is a tragedy- a beautiful, emotionally writhing mess of feelings- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What I think I loved most about this book was the balance it had between familiarity and unfamiliarity. I have never read the original Alice in Wonderland books, and have had lukewarm feelings towards the Disney versions, but this world was still highly recognizable, while still bringing in a new twist. Even if you have read the Alice books, you wouldn't necessarily know what is going on because Meyer still brings in fresh characters that seem wonderfully at home in this setting. (ha- see what I did there?) There is a very Victorian setting amid all of this, with the lovely overtones of female oppression, and Catherine is not having any of it by the end.

I loved the characters in this book because, while they seemed a motley bunch at first, they all contain complexities and grow within the course of the novel. I loved the Jester and Raven in particular, with their wit, and Chesire with his trademark sass. They balance out the encroaching darkness of this book and the madness that pervades the edges of the novel- until even they cannot do anything about it.

So whether you're looking for madness, or you're already mad, this book will not disappoint. You'll find yourself in good company because we're all mad in here.

The Night Circus By: Erin Morgernstern

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• Title: The Night Circus
• Author: Erin Morgenstern
• Publisher: Doubleday
• Publication Date:  September 13, 2011
• Pages: 387
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2016
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

The circus arrives without fanfare, or any warning at all. Yet at night it transforms into a spectacle filled with magic and mystery for all to behold. At the center of the circus are the performers, from the contortionists to the acrobats, to the curious red-haired twins who have called the circus home all their lives. The most interesting performer of all however is an illusionist, an unassuming girl-Celia Bowen. She has been chosen to play a game fraught with magic that spans continents and decades. Her adversary? Marco, the boy she cannot help but feel complete with. When the two of them realize that their game's outcome affects everyone in the circus, they must find a way to save everyone and everything they know...or risk the unimaginable consequences.

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I went into this book completely blind after picking it up on a whim, so I didn't know what to expect. And wow. Wow. Wow. Any vague inklings I ever had about what this book was supposed to be was blown out of the water.  This book has honestly become one of my favorite books because of how the book just immersed me in the story. After I finished reading this book I had to take a few moments to compose myself because I was a roiling tub of emotions...and even a couple days later, I still can't fully process all the feelings...ugh...feelings.

Throughout the entire time I was reading this book, I felt like I was in a dream because the words danced so delicately on the page and painted pictures in my head full of magic. The writing was ethereal and the atmosphere made me feel heady with excitement and mystery and intrigue...it was seductive. I've read a lot of books in my life, but I've honestly read anything like this book because though the circus was the center point of the novel, I got to explore so much more without really trying. With such a simple plot, this book sure made me fall headlong into some very complex feelings about the characters and question some things about my own world.

I think this is one of those hidden gems that not many people would pick up originally because of the premise...a fantasy novel based in Victorian times. It's exactly up my alley, but not so much for others, so I hope that people leave any misconceptions they have about this book at the door because picking up this book was seriously one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was wrapped up in a dream the entire time I was reading this book and I didn't want it to end.

Dreams of Gods and Monsters By: Laini Taylor

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• Title: Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3)
• Author: Laini Taylor
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
• Publication Date:  April 8, 2014
• Pages: 613
• Genre: Fantasy/YA
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2016
• Source: Library
• Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 stars

Karou and her friends have accomplished much, but there is still so much left to be done, especially since Jael and his army are about to invade Earth. To save both Eretz and Earth, Karou and Akiva must struggle to unite centuries-old enemies in a parody of their long-ago dream for a new world. 

As storylines converge, destinies entwine, and fates collide, Karou and Akiva must realize that there is more at stake than they know...and that a power more terrifying than anything they can hope to imagine is only a breath away from destroying their fragile existence. Transcending worlds, defying fate, and overcoming the fixed definitions of good and evil, of right and wrong, Karou, Akiva, and their friends fight the true monsters: those within.

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This was a rollercoaster, a funhouse mirror, and a wonderful carousel ride all encased in a wonderful package. I was enchanted by the different storylines that converged beautifully at the end as I found out where everyone fit- like starting a puzzle thinking it was one thing, but in when you finished it, realizing it was something different- and way better- than you ever imagined it to be.

My favorite character in this book was Eliza because I didn't expect her storyline at all and was presently surprised at all the barriers she broke and her general badassery in this book. To quote Karou: "she's a pretty cool chick." Also, even though Karou and Akiva are clearly the main characters, I was more in love with Zuzana and Mik's relationship because it was just so sweet. Also Liraz...I am Liraz when dealing with emotions honestly and I just love her character development, from being incredibly unsure of her emotions to being able to accept them.

The plot was stellar; like I said, everything converged in this beautiful way that made sense in retrospect yet you couldn't see coming because of the possibilities. Combined with Taylor's always poetic writing with a splash of sarcasm and liberal amounts of wit, it was a perfect read. This one of those books that I thought about even when I wasn't reading it; I would catch myself thinking of the plot and characters when I was idly daydreaming and as a result would immediately want to get back to reading.  I was really sad when this series ended because it had been a while since I had a good series to sink my teeth into and this really hit the spot. I guess it's time to find another great series now...

Days of Blood and Starlight By: Laini Taylor

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• Title: Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2)
• Author: Laini Taylor
• Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date:  November 6, 2012
• Pages: 517
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2016
• Source: Library  
• Rating: 4.0 /  5.0 stars

Karou finally knows everything she has sought to know. And she hates it. Being an angel lover and betrayer of her people would not sit well for anyone, but for Karou, it's even worse because she dared to dream. Dared to dream with Akiva of a world where peace was possible.

And all that was wrenched away from her. Now, Karou tries to correct her past mistakes while suffering under an almost unbearable burden while Akiva struggles a world away with his own troubles. Whether they will ever see each other again is not the real question, but whether Karou will ever find it in herself to forgive Akiva for what he has done to her. Or if she can forgive herself for what she has done to her own world.

---

I was super excited to start this book after the cliffhanger that left me reeling in the last book, in general this book didn't disappoint. I think the best way to describe this book is that a lot of things happened without anything actually happening. It sounds a little bland, but like many middle books in a trilogy, this second book had to be a bridge between what had already happened and what would later happen.

I liked this book because I got to know Karou even better, especially through the internal dialogue that went on. Oftentimes I hate it when characters go too into depth with all their icky *feelings* and such, but in Karou's case, I think it allowed the readers to gauge the shifting perspectives and sense of worth Karou felt throughout the novel. She was never the helpless, lovestruck girl in a romance novel, and I admired Karou's sense of self in this novel even more because she was able to get through everything despite all her additional hardship.

I also loved getting to know a whole new set of characters within the chimera and seraph ranks, especially Liraz, Hazael,  and Ziri. I was immersed in their worlds and it gave me a greater perspective of what each side felt, giving very real feelings to mythical creatures and made me think of our own human conditions and the perspectives that drive our decisions.

As always, I loved Taylor's beautiful writing and I wrote down quite a few quotes for safe-keeping. I love the beautiful descriptions she is able to weave into my imagination and the depth of feeling she is able to convey without saying too much.

I did rate this book lower than the first book because the action was mostly centered on Karou and her internal conflicts, though done in such a way that the plot lines eventually converged. I think it's still a great book, but the lack of mystery with Eretz kind of dimmed the magic, even if by an infinitesimal amount. But that being said, I still cannot wait to read the next installment!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone By: Laini Taylor

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• Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone 
• Author: Laini Taylor
• Publisher: Little Brown Books
• Publication Date:  September 27, 2011
• Pages: 418
• Genre: YA/Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2016
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 stars

Karou. Silky blue hair. Beautiful sketchbooks filled with otherworldly creatures. She lives a double life that leaves many wondering who she truly is. And the person who wants this question answered is Karou herself. 

Part-time art student, part-time errand runner for monsters, Karou is about to become embroiled in a war filled with creatures both monstrous and beautiful. Then there is Akiva. Akiva with the orange eyes, Akiva who holds the key to her deepest secrets, if Karou only dares to find out the truth...

---

I was very pleasantly surprised with this book, and I honestly couldn't be happier. I loved Karou's character because she was unconventional without being cliched, mysterious without being ridiculous. She wasn't the helpless, lovestruck, ditz that I thought she was going to be and found her to be extremely believable, considering the fact that she was involved in a war between otherworldly creatures. I also liked her "no complaining" attitude, which tends to turn me off to other female characters who rely on the guy and keep moping around because of "love" or something like that. 

Don't get me wrong. This is first and foremost a love story between Karou and Akiva, but the circumstances that they find themselves in are intriguingly wrought and neither of them are dumb enough to do anything that makes this book  *sickeningly* sappy.

I also think I enjoyed this book so much because most of the book was set in Prague, (among other beautiful places) which was new for me. It added an extra otherworldly touch to the entire novel and I swooned at the beauty of it all. Yes. Swooned.

Many people these days seem to dismiss YA novels because they say that the writing is not on par with some of the "classics" or something like that. And yes, there are some books out there that are not exactly great, but that is true for all book genres. But guys, the writing in this book was beautiful. It was poetic. I fell in love with everything about this book and can't wait to pick up the next book in the series!

My only regret about this book? Putting off the day that I read it because it's honestly that great!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse By: Rick Riordan

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• Title: The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3)
• Author: Rick Riordan
• Publisher: Disney Hyperion
• Publication Date:  April 8, 2008 (2007) 
• Pages: 320
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 9+
• First Read: 2008
• Source: Purchase
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

Well here we are. Halfway through the series, and I'm as hooked as ever to this world I've become entrenched in.

The titan war is brewing ever closer and it's all Percy and his friends can do to keep the Titans from rising and monsters from killing them. But they do have more help: Thalia, Nico, Zoe, and Bianca all join Percy and Grover to save Annabeth. Can they do it and still stop the Titans from rising?

Hands down this is my favorite book in the series because all of my favorite characters are finally together in one amazing book. I can't bring myself to describe in words just how much this book encapsulates all of my feelings.

But I'm going to try.

Think of your favorite Christmas present or Hanukkah present or birthday present, whatever, then multiply that feeling you had when you first opened it by about ten, and you have an idea of how I felt when I read this book for the first time. And everything I read this book over again, I get that feeling.

The plot of this is simply amazing, and this is the first time that Riordan really pulls on my heart strings by not giving everyone a happy ending But it's understandable; the Titan War is almost upon them, Percy and his friends are maturing, it would be counter-productive if nothing pivotal happened.

So Zoe is hands down my favorite character of all time. She is the sassiest immoral teenager ever and has the perfect job description: a hunter of Artemis. The first time I read this book, I told myself that I wished I was a hunter too, and this wish hasn't yet stopped. Combine this with ominous prophecies, impending world doom, and blue food, and you have the perfect formula for an amazing demigod adventure!

Never Fall Down By: Patricia McCormick

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• Title: Never Fall Down
• Author: Patricia McCormick
• Publisher: Baltzer + Bray
• Publication Date:  May 8, 2012
• Pages: 216
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Recommended Age(s): 16+
• First Read: 2015
• Source: Library
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

I'm so glad I found this book because it has become one of my favorites for sure. This novel is based on the true story of Arn Chron-Pond and his experiences during the Cambodian genocide of 1975-79. It follows Arn's story of survival from the labor camps of the Khmer Rouge, working in the rice fields and becoming a musician and part of a dance troupe to the refugee camp in Thailand where his future ultimately begins.

Told from his perspective as a child, the novel eloquently captures the sights and sounds of Arn's journey. It is a young adult book that deals with incredibly mature themes in an incredibly tactful way, though there are many instances of graphic depictions, in order to reiterate the horrors of the situations Arn faces.

Before reading this book, I had almost no information about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge, so it was an incredibly eye-opening read. The language in this book contains no complex descriptions or sentences, as it is told from Arn's childhood perspective when he hadn't quite mastered the nuances of the English language. But the simplicity of the writing style brought a greater weight to the story being told and I just couldn't put the book down.

Though a novel, it is heavily based on Arn's life and reminds me once again just how resilient the human spirit is, and how an imperfect person can go on a quest to create a more perfect world. Arn wasn't anyone particularly special, but his kindness and will to help others strengthened his will to live another day. 

I read this book in one sitting and couldn't find any faults with it. It's simple yet complex, with the most important aspects about Arn's character shown indirectly through his deeds. It's a book I soon won't forget.

The end of the book includes additional information about Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, and though I'm not sponsored in anyway to mention this, I encourage anyone interested in finding out more about Arn and his humanitarian projects to visit Cambodia Living Arts as a starting point. I also found this Tedx video of Arn, recorded in May 2015, talking about how music saved his life, so I encourage you to check that out as well. When I watched it, after reading about his story, I cried when he played the flute at the very end.

You could say that Arn's just a little bit famous.

The Sea of Monsters By: Rick Riordan

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• Title: The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2)
• Author: Rick Riordan
• Publisher: Disney Hyperion
• Publication Date:  April 1, 2007 (2006) 
• Pages: 288
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 9+
• First Read: 2008
• Source: Purchase
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

Percy Jackson and his friends are not normal teenagers. For one, thirteen year old boys usually don't carry swords in their pockets that morph into pens. And it's definitely not normal to have a half-goat boy for a best friend and a Greek god for a dad. But that's the world Percy and his friends find themselves in, and they sure have a heck of a lot of adventures involving nothing short of *almost* certain death.

But it's all in a day's work, right?

Just like The Lightning Thief, this second installment in the Percy Jackson series is chock full of adventure and sassy comebacks that are sure to leave you with a smile, if not a groan exasperation. One of my favorite things about this book-and the series in general-is its ability to make even the direst of situations comical by slipping in an innocuous seeming comment that turns into the most hilarious thing in the entire book. I also like how Percy and his friends reach way outside of heir comfort zone-like in another country outside-in order to complete their quest. Sailing into monster infested waters isn't quite what many consider a *normal* day, if  you know what I'm saying! The fact that Rick Riordan also finds a way to weave a thousands of year old story into a kick-ass modern ale blows my mind. Maybe he should have been in that weaving test with Athena, and left Arachne in the dust. Ha. Get it?

*crickets*

Nobody? Ok.

And the word we're all looking for here is Anyway...

I don't think I have to say anymore. This book definitely exceeds my expectations and keeps the story going in such a way that I felt as if I didn't miss a single thing about the lives of any of the characters. Annabeth, Grover, and a few fresh faces are all here waiting for you, so be sure to pick this up, or Zeus might just smite you with his thunderbolt!

Midnight Pearls: A Retelling of the Little Mermaid By: Debbie Viguié

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• Title: Midnight Pearls: A Retelling of the Little Mermaid (Once Upon a Time #4)
• Author: Debbie Viguié
• Publisher: Simon Pulse
• Publication Date:  June 1, 2003
• Pages: 208
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 13+
• First Read: 2015
• Source: Library 
• Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 stars

I love fairy tales, the originals and the re-tellings both and I've read a few books from this series. Some are better than others, and this one is certainly one of the top ones on my list. Hans Christian Andersen's original The Little Mermaid is my favorite fairy tale, so I was very excited to come across this book. And I wasn't disappointed at all.

This re-telling is only very loosely based on the original tale, but I really enjoyed it because there were enough twists that it didn't become too cliched. It's a classic tale that was told in an interesting way. 

My favorite part of this book was the beginning and I was in tears by the first sixty pages, which is not an easy thing for a book to do to me. I was feeling emotions that I didn't  even know I had inside of me because you know, feelings. The exposition was extremely well written and I was sucked into the story by the first five pages. I fell in love with Pearl and her family, and cheered for her relationship with her best friend James.

I was fully intending on giving this book a full five stars, but I ended up lowering the ratings because halfway through the book, even more characters showed up who I did not know how to feel about and completely messed up with the love story that was already brewing. And after the first 100 pages or so, the plot started moving at a pace that I did not much appreciate, because I quite liked the existing state of things. Like I said, there were twists, and I couldn't come to terms with some of them, but I still gave this book a solid rating because I enjoyed the story as a whole.

I finished this book in one sitting over the course of a couple hours so it was a fun, fast read. And I'm writing this review just hours after I've read this book, so emotions are still kind of swirling around me. Not as much as they were when I was reading at two in the morning, but they're still there.

Definitely read this curled up under your covers at midnight because there will just be feelings that you can't control and if you're like me, you're in for an interesting ride!

The Lightning Thief By: Rick Riordan

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• Title: The Lightning Thief  (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)
• Author: Rick Riordan
• Publisher: Disney Hyperion
• Publication Date:  March 1,2006 (2005) 
• Pages: 377
• Genre: Fantasy
• Recommended Age(s): 9+
• First Read: 2008
• Source: Purchase
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

This is one of those books that I regretted not picking up earlier because it has become one of my favorite book series. 

Percy is not what you'd call a model kid. He has ADHD, so he's not what you'd call quiet, and  he's been kicked out of schools in New York faster than his mother can find new ones for him. And there's the fact that strange things seem to happen around Percy...

I fell in love with book. I had never before read about a main character who has had the spunk of Percy. Percy's witty and sarcastic first person point of view is what really sold me with this book because the guy is so freaking sassy. Even in the most dire moments, when he's about to be, oh I don't know, be eaten by a monster, he's still mouthing off and it's just amazing.

I think I liked this series so much because it incorporated Greek mythology in a way that I had never experienced before. I was that kid who loved-and I still do-all the Greek myths so I pretty much memorized them all. So you can just imagine how happy I was when I finally picked this up. Not only were the characters in the ancient stories given new life, but the main characters-who are just regular kids themselves (well other than being demi-gods obviously) were so relatable. I could see a bit of myself in each of them and I think that's what I good book should do to a reader.

Riordan concocted the perfect mix, not only in this book, but in the entire series as well: Greek mythology, sassiness, adventure, and characters who you can't help and fall in love with. I just can't see why anyone would not like this.

As for me? If I had an Olympian parent (though I do love both my parents, don't get me wrong!) I would choose to be daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom!

Who will you be, hero?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows By: J.K. Rowling

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• Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)
• Author: J.K. Rowling
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication Date: July 21, 2007
• Pages: 759
• Genre: Fanstasy
• Recommended Age(s): 9+
• First Read: 2007
• Source: Gift 
• Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 stars

Well guys, this is it. Seven books. Eight movies. And millions of fans all around the world. We grew up with Harry Potter. We'll never forget the magic that the series instilled within us. And there was no better way to go out than this book.

I cried. I laughed. But mostly I marveled at how this series became such a part of my life. And though I'm writing this review eight years after the release of the seventh and final book, the magic has has in no way left at all. 

Harry is finally of age. And he believes it his duty to destroy Voldemort once and for all. And though a majority of this book takes place away from the the halls of Hogwarts, there is no shortage of action at all. I really liked the development between the trio and the fact that they can survive the hardships they went through just reveals the lengths to which their friendship will go to. 

Were there deaths? Of course there were. It's war. And I cried-of course I did. But in the end, I felt like all the deaths contributed to the beauty of the overall story, even though I know I will never fully get over some of those who J.K. Rowling decided to kill off. 

What I marvel most about this series is its ability to bring in the past books and make connections with them that pertain with the present situation. It's foreshadowing to the max for sure.

I can't wait to read this book again and again because every time I open this book-or any book in the series really-I feel like I am going home.