Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tamara Ireland Stone has written her first novel for YA readers and let's hope she continues to write more.  I'm not a great fan of time travel however, Stone's novel has a different twist and brings us some interesting ethical decisions.

Anna is from 1995 and Bennett is from 2012, but they meet when Bennett travels to Anna's time trying to find the sister he lost on a time travel adventure.

You will like Stone's characters and their friendships.  There is "lite" romance, adventure and a good ending.


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Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Five stars as usual for a Hiaasen YA book.  Mr. Hiaasen should just stop writing adult books and stick to YA novels.  He is the best.

Chomp is another entertaining Hiaasen Florida ecological YA novel; this time including the themes of:

 Reality TV
 Animal protection--bats, snakes, gators and more....
 Florida's Everglades
 Teenagers -Friendships and Abuse
 Humor

and lots of adventure and fun.  Just read it.




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Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not sure that I would like this novel since it is written by the author of The Clockwork Three which I thought was just OK.  But to my surprise it is very good.

Here is a review from Voices of Young Adults Journal (VOYA).  This reviewer says that Solveig's story is not compelling enough, however, I disagree.  This is a good example of why we all need to try reading different books on our own and decide what we enjoy reading. Reviews help, but everyone has different opinions.



Solveig is the King's daughter, but as middle child (and a girl, no less) she struggles to find her place in her father's kingdom. To make matters worse, Solveig's sister and brother, their attendants, and a chosen few others have fled the kingdom on the brink of war and now wait, protected behind a secluding wall of ice. Sitting ducks for the enemy army and with supplies running low, the group is anxious to be called home. Every day the fjord freezes a little more, squeezing out the possibility for rescue. In this fraught time, everyone must pitch in to survive, including the king's children. It is under these troubled conditions that Solveig discovers her own voice, her gift of storytelling, and her value to the community, not just as a helper, but as a story changer. Steampunk fans will enjoy the suspense and intrigue of this fantastic realm. The pace and tone is even; the characters and their reactions lovingly-drawn. The ideal audience for this book, however, will be the small (though loyal) genre fans. As interesting as it is, Solveig's story is probably not compelling enough to create crossover. VOYA Reviewer: Jennifer Miskec




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Tempest by Julie Cross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book.  The characters are older --college level, which is unusual for a YA book.  The plot of "time travel" is not new, however Cross has woven a unique tale around the theme.  Her characters are very likeable and very contemporary.  Protagonist is a guy.  There is enough suspense and action to keep you reading.

Fans of The Heist Society, older readers who liked Alex Rider when they were younger will enjoy this book as well as any others who like this genre of "lite" scifi and mystery. YA readers will like the contemporary characters.

8th grade and up.  Discussions cover all subjects, but not very graphic.  Sequel just came out and if I read sequels I would definitely read this one.


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