The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 370
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

In an alternate version of America, Joel wants to be one thing--a Rithmatist. Unfortunately, only those chosen by The Master can be rithmatists, so Joel becomes a rithmatic scholar. When rithmatic students start disappearing, Joel uses his knowledge to help uncover the mysterious "Scribbler."

There are so many factors that go into how well you connect to a book, and unfortunately, the factors were not in my favor while reading The Rithmatist. Sanderson is an amazing writer and creator of worlds, and it was very apparent that this book was well written, the magic system thought out, and the mystery interesting and unpredictable. And the thing is, I really want to like Sanderson's books. I think he's a good writer, but his books just aren't my cup of tea.

Because of personal things that were happening in my life, I don't know if this book really got a fair chance. At the beginning I was only able to read a chapter at a time, which doesn't help one get into the story. By the end I was invested more because I sat down and finished it all in one go. I think that readers who are more used to reading a sort of epic fantasy will enjoy The Rithmatist from the start, especially those who are more familiar with Sanderson's writing. It's not long, and I think it's of a "lighter" nature than other Sanderson books that I have read (or tried to read).

This is the beginning of a series.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 225
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 16+

Two summers after an accident left her with no memories and debilitating headaches, Cadence is returning to her grandfather's island where she is determined to find out what happened. But no one will talk about it and she's left with dreams and flashes of memories as she picks up the pieces of the relationships she left behind.

I chose this book because I've previously read Lockhart's Printz winner, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and loved it. While Liars is well written and intriguing, it's a very different style than History is. Lockhart makes use of an almost disjointed writing style that mimics Cady's disjointed memories and family.

One thing that I found a little confusing was the metaphors--or what seemed like metaphors sometimes and didn't other times. Cady talks about "bleeding" over things, and most of the time it definitely seemed like a metaphor for how she was feeling while other times it could have been literal.

I really liked the twist at the end (I never see them coming, though other people seem to be able to figure them out before hand) and it made the book that much more interesting. I wouldn't say that this is the best summer book, despite it's setting, because it is a little depressing. It's a pretty quick read and I think would be great for high schoolers to read as an example of how literary techniques are used in contemporary writing.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 276
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

In the newest volume in the Aunt Dimity's mysteries, Lori and her neighbors in Finch are confronted with a new addition in their village. Jack came all the way from Australia to finish up his late uncle's business. While clearing the land around his cottage, Lori, Jack, and Bree come across a fairy-like well. Soon everyone in Finch is making wishes--and they start coming true! But is all what it really seems to be?

I love the Aunt Dimity books. My mom and I have been reading them and looking forward to them for years, so it's always a special treat when a new one is published. These books would be considered "cottage mysteries;" or, as we call them, "cozy mysteries." They focus on simple mysteries in simple settings, but with a cast of fun characters. The entire village of Finch is filled with gossips and busy bodies who make up the most caring of neighbors.

You don't have to read these books in order, though I might suggest reading Aunt Dimity's Death first so that you know the premise and are given an introduction to the cast. It's a fun light read, good for people who like mysteries, but don't want to read about murder all the time.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Just My Typo compiled by Drummond Moir

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Pages: 168
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

Can a line break change the entire meaning of a sentence? What happens when a typesetter makes a mistake? What about autocorrect? In Just My Typo, we are given a peek at some of the best (or worst) mistakes made throughout history, from Sir Francis Drake "circumcising" the world to being told that "Thou shalt commit adultery."

I loved this book. I started reading it before I went to sleep one night and couldn't keep myself from laughing out loud. Then, as I waited in a line for several hours, I pulled it out and read bits and pieces to those who were with me, which helped ease the stress of our wait.

This is a book that language lovers, readers, editors, English speakers, publishers, or anyone looking for a laugh will enjoy. The book is split up into chapters that focus on specific types of mistakes (e.g. Romance, newspapers, literary, biblical, etc.) and each of those chapters have an "interlude" and typos sent in from those in publishing. Really, my only complaint is that the organization didn't seem very natural. It wasn't enough to bug me a lot, but I did wonder about it here and there.

Also, there is some language which may not be appropriate for younger readers.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. 

The Nightmare Dilemma by Mindee Arnett

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 380
My rating: 3 stars
Ages:14+

In this second Arkwell Academy book, Dusty is thrown into a new mystery when Britney, a fellow student, is attacked. Throw in the ex-boyfriend who tried to kill her, a haunting dream, and a rebellion of magickind and the semester gets really interesting, really fast.

The first thing I can say is that Arnett is great at creating a magical society within the world that already exists. While the magickind may have their own government and systems, they still live in the world of "ordinaries"--they use technology, watch TV, etc.

The second thing I like about these books is that while they are a part of a series, each book ends--so far, there hasn't been a cliffhanger. While there is an overarching story that connects all the books, each book has its own story that is resolved by the end. Throw in an attractive boy, fun characters, and a good mystery and it all comes out to a good book.

There were some proofreading errors that should have been caught before going to print. And this isn't a book I'd go around telling everyone to read, but for those who like Harry Potter, or just want a fun book to read, I think this is the book for you.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher

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Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 211
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 12+

Jamie's family has been orbiting around the urn on their mantlepiece for five years. Then Jamie's mother leaves them and Jamie and his sister, Jas, move out of London with their father. Jamie is forced to face the truth of his dad's drinking, his sister's death, and his mom's new life.

This is Pitcher's debut novel, and while nominated for several awards, I found Ketchup Clouds to be a more superior read. Jamie is the narrator, and at ten years old, I found it hard to read. Then there was the way that there was no conversation--anytime Jamie recorded when someone spoke, it was written in italics. This ended up being draining on my brain. I just wanted conversation, set in a familiar way.

Other than that, the story is really interesting. The trials of a family still reeling from a child's death, how that effects their actions and thoughts, and what it does to Jamie who doesn't remember his sister. The end was hopeful, but honest, which seemed to make up for the frustration I felt while reading the book.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.