If you'd like to see my recent four-plus- and five-star YA recommendations, visit Robin ReadsnWrites.
* I didn't make it beyond the first 20 pages.
** I made it to the end, but I either skimmed or skipped large sections.
*** I might have skipped/skimmed, but I liked it and might read it again.
**** I read at least 95% of the book and it was good -- probably will be reread.
***** I read every word, and I loved it! A favorite and definite reread.
Sapphire Blue, by Kerstin Gier, transl. by Anthea Bell ***** Yes, the second in this trilogy is just as good as the first, imo. The tension has increased, the mystery has increased, and Gwen is just as spunky and enjoyable as in the first book. Also, she finally tells people about her gifts, so that's one mystery somewhat solved. The ending is kind of cliff-hangery, though, so if you can wait until October before reading this, you'll have number three (Emerald Green) to read right away (I couldn't wait, clearly, and now I'm chomping at the bit -- however, I actually ordered Emerald Green for myself, an indication of how much I love this trilogy). I'm definitely not happy with Gideon, but I've been informed that Gier does redeem him (by someone who can read German, *cough*
Blackout, by Deena Lipomi
Linked, by Imogen Howson ***** This was really intriguing! It reminded me of both Louise Lawrence (B is for Butterfly) and H.M. Hoover (Children of the Darkness) -- and since I loved both those books as a teen, I really took to this one too. Elissa is a good person, and that's definitely part of what drew me in. Her life is challenging, but she quickly realizes that as hard as she thought it was, it was nothing compared to what her twin, Lin, has experienced. Cadan is a wonderful character, and although I could tell from the get-go that he was more than Elissa realized, it was fun getting to know him through her eyes. I also liked how Lin grew throughout, and although the author led us a bit more than necessary (ie, she explained too much about the character changes in everyone), I still enjoyed it. The story: Elissa and her parents have finally found a doctor who can cure her strange dreams and weird bruises (her body seems to manifest the pain from the dreams). However, the day before the surgery, Elissa discovers that her dreams are actually someone else's life -- she's been experiencing someone else's pain. Elissa seeks out this other girl, and when she finds her, she's astonished to see her own face looking back at her. The other girl claims she's not human, that she was 'discarded' and taken into science because Elissa was the human twin. Elissa can't believe this, however, and she begins fighting for this girl...a fight that takes her away from her parents and into a planet-wide struggle. Elissa quickly realizes that she must get 'Lin' (Lissa's twin) away from the people who want to continue hurting her, and she runs to her brother. When her brother's unavailable, she settles for his best friend, a boy named Cadan, who's long been Elissa's unrequited crush. But as they escape Sekoia (their planet), more mysteries come to light...and the Sekoian government shows that they're not ready to let go of their darkest secret. (YA science fiction, released 6/13, publisher: Simon & Schuster)
Currently Reading: well, nothing, since I just finished the above ;)
On Deck: a nice pile still...and in about a month, I have two coming my way (Bitter Kingdom and the final Gallagher Girls' book -- I can't wait for either!)