MISSING by Kelley Armstrong

Young Adult Romantic Thriller
MISSING
Kelley Armstrong
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD

Kelley Armstrong creates an enthralling story-line in this blood-pumping romantic thriller. Written in the first person limited point of view, this book flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, with many twists and surprises. You will laugh and cry throughout this fast-paced tale. The whole book takes place over a few short days and keeps you guessing. We share the shocks and confusions of well-portrayed characters. You will not want to miss this one and will be up late in the night just to see what happens next. Written as a young adult novel for ages 14 and up, this is a well-written, clean book recommended for all who love a good thriller. Please use discretion when purchasing due to violence/mild gore and items found by main characters to prevent pregnancy. There is also a minor discussion about religion.

SUMMARY: Winter Crane is in her last year of high school and can not wait to leave her town, just like her sister and numerous others have. A run down cabin in the woods is her secret place away from her father and his drunken temper. One day, she stumbles across a bleeding, battered, unconscious guy in a tree, who claims he knows one of Winter's friends. Once she nurses him back to health, he disappears saying he will fix everything. Has he and everyone else truly left on their own or has something happened to them all? Winter is determined to uncover what happened to everyone, even if she doesn't like the answers she uncovers.

(CROWN BOOKS, Apr. 2017, 384 pp, $17.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN: 978-0399550324

REVIEWED FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Historical Young Adult Fantasy
WINTERSONG
S. Jae-Jones
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD
Turn of the 19th Century in Bavaria

S. Jae-Jones creates an enthralling story-line in her debut novel. This is a coming of age novel written in the first person limited point of view. You will laugh, cry, be shocked and annoyed in this reality blended with fairy tale. A young adult novel that is for ages 12 and up, however, due to some language and non-descriptive intimacy scenes, that use musical terms as descriptions, discretion should be used on the younger side. This book will leave you with some questions as to what happens next, setting up for a second installment. Suggested recommendation for ages 15 and up for lovers of romantic fantasy, you will not want to miss this amazing tale; you will be up late in the night just to see what happens next.

SUMMARY: Liesl and her brother and sister have heard tales all their lives about the Goblin King and the Underground where the Goblins live. Liesl must figure out how to get to the Underground to save her sister after she is abducted by the Goblin King. Liesl has a deadline but magic clouds her memories and delays her. The Goblin King must take a bride to save the world from eternal winter. Will Liesl be able to keep her wits about her while the magic is working against her?   (THOMAS DUNN, Feb. 2017, 448 pp, $18.99)

Reviewed for RT Book Reviews
ISBN: 978-1250079213

STEALING SNOW by Danielle Paige

STEALING SNOW
Danielle Paige
4 1/2 stars Top Pick

A grand adventure to a different world, Paige weaves an alternate tale written in the first person limited point of view that follows Snow Yardley aka "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" as she discovers who she really is and reveals all the lies that surround her whole existence. Moderately paced with some fast, heart racing scenes, we get sucked into the life and story through the ups, downs and numerous, unexpected surprises. In this coming of Age, Snow will face deceit, heartbrokenness, lies, truth, confusion and more as she must determine who is actually the truth tellers. Recommended for young adults but great for all, especially those that like an interesting twist to original fairy tales.

SUMMARY: Snow Yardley has spent about the last ten years of her life in a high security mental hospital after she tried to walk through a mirror with a friend at the age of six. Her friend Bale is the only thing that keeps her sane throughout the years. Now he has been taken through a mirror. She must break out of the hospital and find him in the land of Algid, where nothing is quite what it seems.

(Bloomsbury, September 2016, 384 pages, $18.99, ISBN: 9781681190761, HC, 14+)

Book 1 in Stealing Snow series 

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS