A Great and Terrible Beauty

A Great and Terrible Beauty, written by Libba Bray, is the story of Gemma Doyle, whose wish is to go to boarding school in London. She does get her wish, but only because her mother was murdered and she had no other place to go. At Spence Acadamy, Gemma makes new friends, and yet harbors a deep secret, she saw her mother being killed in a vision; visions that keep appearing to her. Led by a young girl in the forest, Gemma finds the diary of Mary Dowd, who also claimed to have visions and visit strange places with her power. She belonged to a group called the Order, which Gemma realizes her mother was a part of, and so is she. The Order is her destiny, yet she can't yet believe it. Under the watch of Kartik, a mysterious boy who seems to also know about the Order, Gemma discovers her true past and future, and the secrets it holds. This book is captivating and filled with adventure and mystery. It is a great read and a wonderful story.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Immortals

The Immortals, written by Alyson Noel, is the 3 part series of the tales of Ever and Damon, two people destined to be together. Ever was in a car crash with her family, and she was the only one to survive. Yet that was no coincidence. Damon, an immortal living forever, saved her. She is his true love from centuries before, but kept getting killed by Drina, who is in love with Damon. Also, Roman, another immortal turned by Damon, is in love with Drina, and wants to kill Damon for her. Together, Ever and Damon must fight the power of the evil ones, and for their destiny to be together, forever. This book is suspenseful, exciting, and romantic. It pulls the reader into this other world, and really captivates the essence of each character. The writing is beautiful, as is the story.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Carrie Diaries

The Carrie Diaries, written by non other than Candace Bushnell, is the story of Carrie Bradshaw before Sex and the City. Carrie is a senior in high school, in a town much smaller than New York. Since senior year, Carrie and her friends were inseparable. However, when Sebastian Kydd arrives, the fun, flirty story becomes one of betrayal, that makes Carrie unsure of everything. Join her in this rich telling of the time when Carrie was not Sex and the City star, but a senior questioning life after a friend's misleading trust. This story is exciting, emotional, and a blast to read, bringing all the qualities of Sex and the City to a much younger story. This pre-story is full of fun and drama, one of the most perfect combinations in a tale.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Camp Confidential

Camp Confidential, written by Melissa J. Morgan, is the series of a group of girls and there experiences together through their summers at Lakeview Camp. Each adventure and story is fun and exciting, and sometimes even educational. In Alex's Challenge, you can learn about diabetes, and in Jenna's Dilemma you learn to always think before you act. In all of them you can learn about love, relationships, and friendships. Each character has a distinct personality that allows every reader to relate with at least one of the characters. Natalie is full of style and fashion tips and New York glamour, while Jenna is the tomboy and always pulling pranks. Brynn is the biggest drama queen, while Valorie is chill and down to Earth. The twenty book series is a joy to read; charming, exciting, and funny! They are hard to put down, and always make you go back and read them again and again and again.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Beauty

Beauty, written by Robin McKinley, is the retelling of the classic and beloved tale, Beauty and the Beast. Beauty, whose true name is Honour, has always thought her nickname unsuitable. Unlike her sisters, she is too thin and short, with large hands and feet. However, what Beauty has that her sisters do not is courage. On day, Beauty's father comes home with a story of an enchanted castle with a horrible beast. Her father tells his daughters about a promise he has made to the horrid creature. Determined, Beauty decides to go to the castle and tame the Beast. This is a story of adventure, romance, and elegance, showing that it is true beauty that matters in the end. This book is charmingly heartwarming, and a joy to read. Though it does relate back to the original version, this book takes its own path, bringing back the joy of the classic in a new way.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

A Northern Light

A Northern Light, written by Jennifer Donnelly, is the tragic story of a girl named Mattie Gokey. Mattie one day takes a job at a hotel named the Glenmore to earn the money that she needs. One of the hotel guests, Grace Brown, asks Mattie to burn a stack of letters for her. Yet when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie learns that the secret behind the murder is kept in the letters. This book intertwines mystery, romance, and even some history together into one compelling read, set in 1906. It is a tale of darkness, yet so rich with plot it seems to overflow. This book is a wonderful read, and the writing is beautifully done. It is unique it its own way, and contains a certain aura about it that pulls you in.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl, written by Shannon Hale, is the new rewritten version of the classic fairy tale. Anidorio-Kiladra Talianna Isilee is the crown princess of Kildenree. She was born with a word on her tongue, and spends her younger years learning the language of the swans. Then, a horse is born and Ani finds the secret to his language. However, as Ani learns more of the horse's language, the mistrust of her begins to rise. Feeling she has no other option, Ani's mother sends her off to be the queen of a foreign land. Yet one journey can arise so many problems. This story is charming and dazzling with wonderment, romance, and the epic tale of one girl's soul journey. It is sweet and filling, taking the reader on his or her own journey along with Ani. It is one of the most exquisite retellings of its time, and a joy to read and encounter.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

The White Darkness

The White Darkness, written by Geraldine McCaughrean, is the story of a young girl named Sym who is mesmerized by Antarctica and legendary Captain Oates. Captain Oates may be dead in real life, being part of the failing Scott's expedition, but he is alive in Sym's head. There he advises and mentors her, keeping her company through her fantasies. However, one day, Sym is taken by her uncle on her dream trip, to Antarctica. Yet once there, it is not so much as a dream then like a nightmare. Struggling to survive the frosted wilderness, Sym ventures across the ice plains, using everything she knows and treasures to stay alive. This book is gripping and exciting, chock-full of adventure and action. It keeps the reader on edge, wondering what will happen next. And with each twist and turn in the story, a new obstacle rises. It is fantasy mixed with reality, a perfect combination.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

The Lady of Shalott

The Lady of Shalott, written by Alfred Lord Tennyson and illustrated by Genevieve Cote, is the absolute timeless classic of the old romantic tale of Lancelot and Camelot. Weaving a story, this book shows a new Romeo and Juliet love and death story, filled with beauty, soul, and magic. It forms its own pictures when read aloud, and the illustrations are more gorgeous that a new budding rose. Mystical fantasy ties in with the myth of Camelot, bringing to life the old knighting tale. The story spills like rose petals across each page, dappling the brush-stroked paintings. It is a book to treasure and keep, and to read on cold winter nights or warm spring days. It portrays our greatest search for imagination, and fulfills our largest quench for beauty in a world filled with curses and darkness.

Star rating: * * * * *

Nine Days a Queen

Nine Days a Queen, written by Ann Rinaldi, is the true story of Lady Jane Grey's short reign over England. Jane Grey had never wanted to be queen, and yet she had no choice to decide for herself. This intricate story weaves through the nine days that she was queen; from her betrothal to her death. It is full of passion, love, betrayal, and secrets, the writing is wonderful to read. It is one of those rare books that are impossible to put down, and it leaves you yearning for more. How was Jane Grey suppose to know that nine days after she became queen, she would become a legend, for her short reign and gruesome death?

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Doll People

The Doll People, written by Ann M. Martin, is the timeless story of Annabelle's adventures as a doll in the human world. Annabelle has heard stories of her aunt Sarah; a great explorer of the human's world. However, Sarah has been missing for a long time, leaving many empty questions behind for Annabelle. One day, Annabelle finds her aunt's old journal, and decides to venture forth into the real people's house, to look for her lost aunt. On her quest, she discovers another doll family and her best friend, Tiffany. Together, the two use clues to lead them to the attic, where they believe Sarah is stuck. Yet they begin to realize the last few entries in the journals are not in the same writing. Has someone else been misleading them, or trying to help them? Or is it Sarah herself, giving false directions so she won't be found? This story is charming and full of fun adventure, including dodging the mean cat and avoiding being seen by the humans. Annabelle portrays a curious 8-year-old, and is a joy to follow through the pages of the book.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Fever

Fever, written by Laurie Halse Anderson, is the dramatic story of a Mattie Cook, a girl in 1793 who flees her home and city to avoid the newly spreading fever epidemic. It sweeps the streets, killing many and completely destroying Mattie's world. Since her feverish mother insisted, Mattie goes searching for safety from the disease, soon realizing that the fevers are everywhere. Since they are unavoidable, Mattie struggles to learn how to survive the burning sickness, and how to deal with all of the deaths. This book is powerful and effective, bringing out the ugliest in all diseases. It shows compassion, sorrow, and love in a time of tragedy, and is a novel written close to heart. Set in the old days, it gives a taste of the past, and also an scary look at what can come.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

A Countess Below Stairs

A Countess Below Stairs, written by Eva Ibbotson, is the romance story of a young Russian countess named Anna. When the Russian Revolution threatens her life, Anna escapes to England, taking a job as a servant. She hides her background from all, showing only her determination. However, Anna begins to fall for Ruport, the handsome and wealthy Earl of Westerholme. As Ruport begins to fall for her too, Anna finds it harder and harder to keep her past life a secret. And of course she also must deal with Ruport's gorgeous yet mean fiancée. This book is a new classic, bringing romance and adventure together as one. The writing is lovely, as are the characters that will keep you guessing.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Coffeehouse Angel

Coffeehouse Angel, written by Suzanne Selfors, is the story of Katrina, who one day discovers a homeless man sleeping in the alley of her grandmother's coffee shop. She leaves him some warm coffee and treats to help him, yet this simple kindness act turns her life into something she could never have imagined. The homeless man, Malcolm, claims to be an angel between missions, and he wants to reward Katrina for her selfless deed. Malcolm is determined on granting Katrina her deepest wish for true happiness. However, what happens when Katrina lies about what she wants the most? This book is sweet and exciting, and very fun for the audience to read. It takes you on an adventure with Katrina, and shows you to always be careful what you wish for.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables series, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is the timeless classic of a little orphan girl Anne. Romantic Anne Shirley lives with Marilla and Matthew Cuthburt, who originally sent for a boy. Anne's adventures with her "bosom friend" Diana Barry, and her competition, Gilbert Blythe, are both exciting and hilarious, from green hair to broken chalk slates. Anne's dreamy and curious personality make her unique, and her yearn for reading and talking makes her an entertaining girl to listen to. As Anne grows up, she has children of her own, and she learns from all her past mistakes. Join Anne on her quests for romance and happiness in Anne of Green Gables, a rare book that can make the reader cry or laugh along with its characters. The book is truly a treasure, and Anne the rarest gem of them all.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Maximum Ride

Maximum Ride, written by James Patterson, is the story about a girl named Max. She lives with her "siblings" other orphans like her. They were all part of a special experiment, but escaped. What's so special about them? They can fly. Each one of the group members has a large pair of bird wings, which helps them get around. Above all that, each has another special talent. Throughout each book in the series, the clan must fight evil, escape their creators, and even question each other's trust. This novel is gripping and adventurous; a story of wonder and fantastical realism. It is a book that will carry you away with the flock of orphans; hiding, running, fighting. Amazing and so unreal it is believable, these books get you lost within the pages, awaiting each new scene.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures, written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, is the romantic and mysterious story about a boy, Ethan, who has dreams about a girl he has never met. In his dreams, he is always grasping her hand, but she always gets pulled away. Then a new student shows up in his school, the girl from his dreams. Recognizing him from her dreams as well, the girl, named Lena, and Ethan join together to fight the evil force, Lena's turned-dark mother. Lena's mother is convinced that Lena will turn dark as well, once she comes of age. Lena, with the help of Ethan, tries to prove her wrong. This book is filled with romance, mystery, and mystical elements, pulling the reader in to a gripping novel. This book, like only a few others, is the rare type that stay in your imagination even after you have finished reading it. It is the classic forbidden romance novel, with a new, juicy twist.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

L.A. Candy

L.A. Candy, written by former Hills star Lauren Conrad, is the story about two best friends who just moved to L.A. Scarlett, the mysterious beauty, is there for school, while her best friend, Jane, is there for an internship. What started out as a fun adventure turns full-blast fame and fortune, when scouts ask the two girls to be on a reality show, called L.A. Candy. Accepting, the girls find out there is more action behind the camera then they could have ever imagined, and everyone is not who they seem to be. This book is fun and exciting to read, pulling the reader into the lives of two girls trying to make it in L.A. With the secrets, scandals, and romance, this book is a rich delight, leaving you waiting for more.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Shiver

Shiver, written by Maggie Stievater, is a beautifully written book alternating from the perspectives of Grace and Sam. When Grace was a little girl, she was taken by the wolves and nearly killed. Yet one wolf saved her, and came to the edge of the woods every year to see her. The wolf is Sam, a werewolf not by choice. He remembers Grace as the girl he saved, and the girl he has fallen for. Yet when other humans start to go missing, and the werewolf population increases, Grace ventures forth to clear up the questions, and finds a shocking discovery. Mystical, magical, and dark, this story is everything it needs to be, and more.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Stolen Voices

Stolen Voices, written by Ellen Dee Davidson, is about a young girl named Miri on a quest for her Talent. Every year, a group of fifteen year olds are bonded and masked together, a ritual in the town of Noveskina to silence the option of conflict. But when Miri fails to show any signs of a Talent, she is left behind. Upset, she sneaks in to watch her friends being masked, and watches as the Masker in fact sucks her friends voices to gain power. Disgusted, she tries to leave, but is found by the Masker himself. He orders her to be masked as a house servant for punishment, but with help of one of his servants, Miri escapes to the Hidden Valley, where she learns the true secrets of her town, and the gruesome events that lead to the Masking. This book is full of adventure, magic, and fantastical wonder, exploring the coming of age story with a new twist.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Dear American Series

The Dear America series are written like journals in the point of view of a young girl. Each book is from a different time and event, like the Holocaust, Gold Rush, and Oregon Trail. It educates the reader on history, while also engaging them in a heartfelt and adventurous story. In the back of each book, there are actual pictures of people and documents, as well as paintings, that show real footage from the real-life event. Though the characters are fictional, they capture the essence of people who truly lived in that time. The series is an entertaining and informative read, making the reader get lost in the time and story.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5

Mandy

Mandy, written by beloved actress Julie Andrews Edwards, is about a young orphan girl who dreams of a better life. Curious in nature, she one day discovers a small, abandon cottage in the woods behind the orphanage. Over time, she makes it her own, carrying for it and spending all her time there. Yet the people at the orphanage are getting suspicious, and Mandy refuses to tell anyone else of her secret hideaway, or the secret admirer who leaves her notes and flowers. But when she falls in and unable to make her way from the cottage to the orphanage, who will be able to find her? Will she be left alone in sickness, or has someone been watching her? This is a charming classic tale that captures the essence of love, determination, and dreams. It is one to have on the shelf to read over and over again.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

The Luxe Series

The Luxe series, written by Anna Godberson, includes The Luxe, Rumors, Envy, and Splendor. It follows the classic love tale poisoned with betrayal, secrets, and murder. Elizabeth is set to marry Henry, who both Diana, Elizabeth's sister, and Penelope, Elizabeth's best friend, are in love with. Only Elizabeth does not fall for Henry's wealth, charm and looks, instead falling hopelessly in love with the stable boy Will. Yet Lina, Elizabeth's maid, wants Will for herself, and will go to extreme measures to get him. As will Diana and Penelope for Henry. This series, set in old time New York, is the kind that is impossible to put down, capturing the interest of the reader. It is deep, entertaining, glamorous, and lovely, one of the best romance novels of our time.

Star rating: * * * * * 5/5

Lipstick Apology

Lipstick Apology, written by Jennifer Jabaley, is a story about a girl who's parents are in a plane crash. However, her mother leaves her a mysterious message written in coral lipstick on the tray table: Emily please forgive me. Now, along with finding new friends, moving to New York City, and getting used to living with her stylish aunt, Emily tries to uncover the secret message. But does she really want to know the truth? This book includes romance and mystery, and is a fun to read.

Star rating: * * * * 4/5