Shift by EM BAILEY

Wow, Shift is a psychological thriller that will have you reading and second-guessing what is happening until the very end. Not many books actually have me gasping and saying, "Wow, I never expected that!"

Shift begins:
     There were two things everyone knew about Miranda Vaile before she'd even started at our school. The first was that she had no parents-they were dead. And the second? They were dead because Miranda had killed them.

Miranda is the new girl at school, and at first, she seems rather bland: mousy brown hair, pale skin, nondescript clothes- nothing really that would make her stand out. That is, until she makes friends with Katie, the most popular girl in school. Very slowly, Miranda's hair becomes blonder and thicker, her clothes more becoming, and her personality more outgoing. Katie, however, seems to be slowly fading away.

Olive, the narrator of Shift, has her own theories about what is happening. But Olive, has had some psychological problems of her own. Is there really something really different about Miranda, or is Olive losing her grip on reality.

This was a compelling story that has many surprises in store for readers. I loved it, and I think middle and high school girls will love it, too!

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Cate has six months to either announce her intention to marry, or the Brotherhood will select someone for her. But that isn't Cate's biggest problem: she and her two sisters are witches. If this is discovered by anyone, the Brotherhood will put them on trial, and they will be either expelled or put to death.

As if this isn't bad enough, Cate discovers a letter her mother wrote to her before she died:
     ...I do not know how to tell you this... 
If Tess is a witch, then the three of you may well be the three sisters of the oracle's last prophecy. The prophecy foretells that one of the sisters will be the most powerful witch born in centuries ...


Born Wicked is a fast-paced supernatural romance that had me reading and trying to guess what was going to happen next. Cate doesn't know whom she can trust or what she should do. Should she marry (and who should she marry?) Should she join the Sisterhood? And how can she keep her sisters safe when they refuse to try to harness their supernatural powers? This is a great book, if you want to just settle in and be taken to a different, strange world where there is not only love and romance, but also danger and intrigue.

Dead To You by Lisa McMann

I love when I'm on a reading tear - finishing a book every few days! It usually means that I'm choosing really good books, and this one is no exception.

Do you love books with surprise endings? This was one of those books that when I finished a chapter, I would have to read the next one, then the next ... I thought I figured out the ending several times and then kept changing my mind.

The narrator of this book is sixteen-year-old Ethan who was abducted from his front yard when he was seven years old. Ethan lived with Ellen, his totally unsuitable "mother" for many years, then she just dropped him off at a group home and never returned for him.

Things were so bad at the group home, Ethan runs away and lives on the streets. He soon finds himself at the library looking at websites about missing children. And happily, he finds  his family and is soon reunited with them.

But the reunion doesn't go as smoothly as Ethan hopes. His younger brother Blake, especially, is having a difficult time with Ethan's return. When completing a biology unit on genetics, Blake begins to suspect Ethan isn't really his brother.

Students who like shorter, suspenseful books will love this one; however, some of the language and themes are more suitable for grade 8 students and older.  I would love to talk to people who have finished this book about your feelings about the ending. I know what I think should happen next ... Lisa McMann, if you're reading this, please do a sequel where Ethan returns -

Shelter by Harlan Coben

Mickey Bolitar's life is a train wreck.  His father has just died in a car accident and his mother is in rehab. He is in a new school where he doesn't know anyone and is living with his uncle with whom he doesn't get along.

He does meet Ashley, a very demure and beautiful girl, but she suddenly disappears.Mickey ends up trying to find her in a very seedy part of town with very unsavory characters. But just who are the bad guys? It's sometimes hard to tell.

This is what I would classify as a real old-fashioned mystery where the characters are in danger and detective skills are needed. There are no vampires or werewolves, just good old-fashioned storytelling driving the story forward at a break-necked pace. I read this book over one weekend and recommend it highly.

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Wow, you need to read this book! It's been hard for me to concentrate on reading lately, but this book changed that - it kept me reading every chance I could get.

Gene isn't "normal." He must hide his true nature from everyone. He would be in extreme danger if anyone knew his secret. So he attends school trying not to attract attention; he doesn't have any friends and doesn't allow anyone to come to his house.

Gen is a "heper" and would be hunted and killed if anyone knew. He is human and only a few of his kind are left. He is able to conceal his true identity by plucking all his body hair, putting in his fangs, and joining the other "normal" people as they eat raw, bloody meat.

However, things suddenly change drastically. The government decides that it is time for a "heper hunt." They will randomly choose 5 hunters who will stalk and kill hepers that will be released during the hunt. Gene is chosen and he is quickly taken with the other hunters to groom him for the hunt.

This is a fast-paced, gripping novel that was very different from the other vampire/zombie/werewolf books I have read this year. The Hunt is great - read it now! Right now! Stop reading this blog ... go get a copy of The Hunt!

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

This novel is told in a very interesting way. Flashbacks, by way of letters Cricket writes to her boyfriend back home, inform the reader of Cricket and Janssen's history together. Meanwhile, Cricket and her extended family have gathered on an island off the coast of Washington to prepare for and celebrate her mother's impending marriage.

For the entire novel, I was wondering what Cricket did to make her relationship with Janssen (seemingly the perfect guy and perfect relationship) rocky. I couldn't wait to "meet" Janssen and was hoping he would show up at the wedding.

Cricket is the perfect narrator. She is very likable and intelligent, but certainly not perfect. Her extended family is hilarious! I really enjoyed reading this book and it flew by.

One word of caution: The Story of Us is for mature readers. There is some sex, although certainly not graphic at all.

Meet Zoey

Just in case you're wondering why I haven't been reading and posting reviews as much as I used to ....

Meet Zoey, our 11 week old miniature Australian shepherd!

I'll be back soon; I'm reading two really good books and should be finished soon.