Reviews & Recommendations


Teen Critics' Reviews

    Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium

    by Sandy Mitchell
    © 2009   ISBN: 978-1-8441-6466-0
    Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium, Provides a window into the universe known as WarHammer40K. This is seen through the eyes and thoughts of Ciaphas Cain. This gritty novel puts the reader right in the boots of Ciaphas Cain experiencing the horrors of a war-torn galaxy first hand. Ciaphas is an Imperial Commissar of the Imperial Commissariat. He is perceived as the hero of the Imperium which has earned him the respect of his peers and made him an inspiration to his men - at least that's what the propaganda would have one believe. The reality is very different for Ciaphas, he is looking for a simple life and a way out of peril. Fate has other plans however, leaving him thrown into situations that would leave normal men scarred -  or dead. Fortunately Ciaphas has other plans as well. With his quick thinking and superb knowledge of self preservation, Ciaphas has been able to deal with each situation by the skin of his teeth.
    Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium, Will leave any reader on the edge of their seat, as this grim-dark story will take the reader through an exhilarating tale. While keeping every victory overshadowed by a greater feeling of dread as to whats to come.

    -        Khristian, 17

    One Piece
    by Eiichiro Oda

    One Piece, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, is an adventure fantasy action packed comedy about a boy named, Monkey D. Luffy, who is on the search for  a treasure called One Piece. It is a controversial series for 2 things: one being that the illustrations are very cartoony with the expressions being overly exaggerated, and the fact that it is 806 chapters and counting. One Piece  is slow paced in the beginning of the manga, introducing readers to the world and showing the characteristics and personalities of each individual character, but it in later chapters the action does pick up. As for the art style, Eiichiro Oda has actually been illustrating and writing since the age of 17. Over the coarse of the books his art style does improve, but still keeps the same familiar toony style.

    One Piece is definitely a good pick up for the reader who enjoys light hearted, easy to love characters with heart clenching backstories and tear jerking events that will shine some light into past, modern and future serious discussions.

-        Stephanie, 16



by Tamara Ireland Stone

© 2015   ISBN: 978-1-4847-0527-8

Every Last Word is a realistic fiction novel about a girl with OCD. Readers will get a real understanding of what having a mental illness is like on a day to day basis. This novel is an emotional and passionate read.  With its compelling content, reader's will not want to put the book down until the very last page. The major events gradually happen throughout the book and come together in the end. The characters in Every Last Word are extremely likable and will relate to readers in the young adult age range.

                                                         -        Morgan, 17
by Lara Avery

© 2016   ISBN: 978-0-3162-6753-3


The Memory Book features a unique conversational writing style that creates a strong connection with the reader early on. The novel comes in the form of a diary, which allows for an interesting point of view throughout, and really gives a glimpse into the main character's thoughts. This book has all the components for a quality teen drama: friendship, conflict, romance and heartbreak. The author did a great job of creating believable teenage characters who were unlike stereotypes in most teen-angst novels or movies. The relationships between the characters also seemed very authentic and made it easy to sympathize and relate to them. The ending was a bit disappointing however, because it was the only part where the romance seemed a bit too contrived and less passionate than the rest. All in all, this was an enjoyable read that brought awareness to an uncommon disease while still creating an authentic young love story that would make any teenage girl's heart flutter.

-        Danielle, 16




Poison Study
by Maria V. Snyder

© 2005   ISBN: 978-0-7783-2711-0

Poison Study is a very steady paced novel, nothing feels to rushed and it flows together fantastically. The plot, though some of its elements are used often, is very well executed and written in a way where it feels fresh and unique. The reader will very quickly find themselves ensnared by this thrilling story. There is some romantic subplot, but it is done in a way where the readers aren't drowning in romantic mush. All in all this is an amazing book, with a fantastic plot, relatable characters, and that will keep the readers wanting more. Thankfully there is a sequel.

                                                                -        Rose, 16






The Remedy
by Suzanne Young

© 2015   ISBN: 978-1-481-43765-3

The Remedy is a fast-paced science fiction novel. With this intricately plotted novel, every page has a new event and it keeps the audience enthralled and wanting more. This book is like no other with its uniqueness. Suzanne Young keeps readers entertained with the romance between Quinn and Deacon, the snarky remarks from Quinn, and the mystery of Quinn's identity. The compelling writing style will have readers on the edge of their seats not wanting to put the book down until the book is completely finished.

-        Morgan, 17 



Silence is Goldfish
by Annabel Pitcher

© 2016   ISBN: 978-0-316-26764-9

The cover of this book will capture you at first sight, not because of its complexity and beauty, but by the simplistic attractiveness of the image and title.  Silence Is Goldfish is contemporary, young adult fiction that deals with realistic issues. The book features a fictional story about Tess Turner who discovers that her current dad is not her biological dad and her journey to figure out who is her biological dad.  The novel is fast-paced with sympathetic characters.  The issue is about the main character, Even though the novel started with Tess rebel act to her dad but the ending is heart-warming.  Follow Tess's journey to figure out who her REAL dad is.

                                                                      -        Khai, 17
  




© 2014     ISBN: 978-1-4495-9
Available @ La Quinta Library

From the get go this book captures your attention and draws you in with the strange cover and seemingly unrelated title, you must open the book to discover the author’s meaning.  Although a work of fiction, Smith incorporates a rich lesser known history of the huge dam break by L.A., also known as “William Mulholland’s great failure”.  Throughout the entire novel you find yourself falling in love with Finn Eaton, an epileptic boy, and his troublesome best friend; a character-driven book that will have you jumping for joy and sinking back into your chair with all the bittersweet moments.  Watch as he goes through life not in days, years, or even time, but instead in miles.

-        Kiwi, 15





Available @ La Quinta Library

You may think you know the story of Alice in Wonderland, but you’re wrong. Wonderland exists, however it is not the lovably wacky place Lewis Carol would have you believe. It is a war torn realm that Princess Alyss Heart was forced to flee when she was a young child. Separated from her guardian, Alyss was raised by the Liddell family and made to believe that the events she remembered from her childhood were nothing but fantasy. Now an adult, Alyss must remember who she really is in order to save her people and reclaim the throne of Wonderland. Beddor introduces readers to a richly detailed world full of intricate characters and intriguing technology. The fast pace keeps attention on the plot, somewhat neglecting character development, but creating a wholly satisfying story which will keep readers enthralled to the very end.

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