Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

 Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
Lupine syndrome–also known as the werewolf virus–is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control. Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boy-friend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Reviewed by Shawn

A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix

A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix

You’d think being a Prince in a vast intergalactic empire would be about as good as it gets; particularly when Princes are faster, smarter, and stronger than normal humans. But it isn’t as great as it sounds. Every Prince wants to become Emperor, and the surest way to do so is to kill, dishonor, or sideline any potential competitor. There are rules, but as Khemri discovers, rules can be bent and even broken. Soon Khemri is drawn into the hidden workings of the Empire and dispatched on a secret mission. In the ruins of space battle he meets a young woman called Raine, who challenges his view of the Empire, of Princes, and of himself.

Reviewed by Shawn

The Witch and the Wizard: The Fire by James Patterson

The Witch and the Wizard: The Fire by James Patterson

 

Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. Its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has banned everything they hold dear: books, music, art, and imagination. Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. But her fight and her fire only channel more power to this already invincible being. In this stunning climax of the epic Witch & Wizard series, the stakes have never been higher-and the consequences will change everything.

Reviewed by Shawn

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

 Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home . . . or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior’s discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place. It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood . . . and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

Reviewed by Shawn

Spirit’s Princess by Esther Friesner

Spirit’s Princess by Esther Friesner

 

Himiko the beloved daughter of a chieftain in third century Japan has always been special. The day she was born there was a devastating earthquake, and the tribe’s shamaness had an amazing vision revealing the young girl’s future—one day this privileged child will be the spiritual and tribal leader over all of the tribes. Book One revolves around the events of Himiko’s early teen years—her shaman lessons, friendships, contact with other tribes, and journey to save her family after a series of tragic events. Once again, Esther Friesner masterfully weaves together history, myth, and mysticism in a tale of a princess whose path is far from traditional.

Reviewed by Shawn

Acoustic set with Michael Krapovicky, June 18th 4:30-5:30

Summer Reading Kick-off is this Monday, June 18th, from 4:30-6:00. Michael Krapovicky will be playing an acoustic set and will also share some insights on both music and the recording arts. Come share your love of music and learn a little more about the music recording industry. Refreshments will be served!

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

 

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship – or an early grave. Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood – not even from each other.

Reviewed by Shawn