Imagine the world after a nuclear holocaust and it is completely taken over by an elite clan. This story is about a group of kids who are forced to enter a sudden death match in an arena with the victor winning fame and fortune and the losers suffering death by their own team mates’ hands. Peeta Melark and Katniss Everdeen, the main characters in this story, experience drama, love, and (for the more blood thirsty reader) violence. Oh, and there are a bunch of other starving kids in the arena who try to kill each other without weapons.
The genre is the greatest part of this book- it’s action, romance, and drama all together. This book is strictly for 10 years old and above because there is some graphic violence. The setting of this book instills fear into the calcium of your bones but at the same time it keeps you entertained and wanting more. What I personally liked was that it’s as “cool” as the cover says it is. What I mean is that this book doesn’t play around when it comes to the story - it’s deadly serious.
Reviewed by: Luis G. @ Hohokam Middle School
Edited by: cf
Image credit: http://www.pbs.org/parents/booklights/HungerGames.jpg
photo courtesy of Google
Atwater-Rhodes newest book, Persistence of Memory, is a roller coaster ride through fantasy. 16 year old Erin Mishare has spent half of her life in mental hospitals being treated for schizophrenia, but she doesn’t have schizophrenia, she has an alter person. Shivaun, Erin’s alter, is a centuries old vampire who is quite dangerous to Erin and her friends. In fact, Shivaun has come close to killing Erin more than once and has killed someone very close to Erin. This was a surprise to me. Adjila, Shivaun’s witch companion, has to figure out a way to separate the two females so each can have a life. With his mentor’s help, Adjila is able to save both Erin and Shivaun from self-destruction. I liked the characters in this book, and I especially enjoyed Erin’s friends, the shapeshifters. Mental illness, alter egos, vampires, shapeshifters, romance and danger will keep Atwater-Rhodes fans reading cover to cover non-stop.
Cynthia Cruz-Librarian-TUSD
This story takes place in an alternate past where airships and ornithopters are common and the airplane doesn’t exist. Matt Cruse is a cabin boy working on the luxury airship Aurora. A seemingly ordinary journey goes awry when the she is attacked by pirates and is damaged, forcing the huge airship to land on an uncharted island. Matt and a passenger, Kate DeVries discover that the island is more than it seems. Strange creatures live on the island, and soon they are running from more than pirates.
This is a wonderful book, especially for those readers who enjoy adventure stories. It is exciting and the alternate world is vividly depicted.
Continue the adventures of Matt by reading the sequel, Skybreaker. 
After being promoted to navigator’s assistant, Matt and the crew spot a craft flying far above them. It is the Hyperion and she is rumored to be bursting with treasure! With new discoveries and dangers, and surprises around every corner, this is one sequel sure not to disappoint!
Reviewed by: James E. @ Sabino High School / Edited by: kb
Photo credits: Google Images
In this book by the author of Artemis Fowl, the main character, Conor, was born to fly. It has even been said that he was born in a hot air balloon. Conor lives on an island off the coast of Ireland. He spends his days studying the science of flight with his tutor and exploring the castle with the king’s daughter, Princess Isabella. But Conor’s life is changed forever when he discovers a conspiracy to overthrow the king. When he tries to expose the plot, he is branded a traitor and thrown in jail, where the prisoners are forced to mine for diamonds in dangerous conditions. The only way to escape from prison is to fly.
This is another great adventure story. It takes place in a time before the Wright brothers and airplanes, and yet the main character is fascinated with flying and the idea of flight. It’s a good thing Conor is very smart and inventive, because he’ll need to use all of his wit to overcome adversity and succeed even when everything is against him.
Reviewed by: James @ Sabino High School
Edited by: kb
Photo credit: Google Images
Robert Neville may well be the only survivor of an incurable plague that has mutated every other man, woman, and child into bloodthirsty, nocturnal creatures who are determined to destroy him. By day, he scavenges for food and supplies, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But all the while the infected lurk in the shadows, watching his every move, waiting for him to make a mistake. The story of Robert Neville is very exciting in how he survives and keeps on going without putting a gun to his head and pulling the trigger. His sanity goes and comes around several times in the book.
Genre: Horror Rating: 5-Cactus Fantastic
Reviewed by: Christopher @ Sahuaro High School
Edited by: kb
Picture credit: Google Images
