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Bone by Jeff Smith (review by Huck V. ’14)

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BoneBone by Jeff Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when Tin Tin goes to Middle-earth? Artist and writer, Jeff Smith shows us in his graphic epic Bone. Bone is unlike any other series; complete with hopeless sweethearts, sweeping battle panoramas, and quiche-loving rat creatures. The three Bone cousins, Fone, Phoney and Smiley, have been run out of Boneville and find themselves swept into a magical, wooded valley where their adventures begin. Smith moves the plot along consistently, all the while incorporating amazing artwork that makes Bone an enjoyable visual experience. Bone is suitable for a variety ages; while there is death and betrayal there are also clever puns and physical humor subtly woven in with more serious themes. Jeff Smith perfectly blends love, desolation and humor into an epic tale not easily forgotten. – Huck V. ‘14

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A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (review by Huck V. ’14)

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A Dance With Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

George R. R. Martin has rebounded with A Dance with Dragons, the fifth installment in The Song of Ice and Fire series. Many a die-hard Martin fan will rejoice as they reunite with their favorite characters. Jon Snow struggles with his new post of lord commander of the Nights Watch while Dany watches her dragons approach adulthood in the overseas city of Mereen. Martin’s vivid writing makes for what might be the most chilling set of character arcs that have appeared in the entire Song of Ice and Fire. While not all plot developments in A Dance with Dragons are interesting or relevant to the central action and main characters, the storyline is moved forward and will leave fans re-reading their favorite chapters to sate their hunger for Martin’s latest material. Those who endured the fourth book – which explored a tangential plotline – will be pleased that their favorite characters have returned. Multiple story lines end with cliff hangers all of which are underscored by an impending doom. The notorious and the long awaited winter, it seems, has finally come. Martin is back on track. – Huck V. ‘14

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Unwind by Neal Shusterman (review by Nikita R. ’16)

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Unwind (Unwind, #1)Unwind by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imagine a world where teenagers are at a constant risk to be “unwound,” or have their body parts harvested to be donated later, by their parents. This sociological dystopia can be viewed in Neal Shusterman’s novel Unwind, a must-read. Poignant and illustrative, the story not only fully draws the readers into a grippingly heart-rending world but also raises questions about many current societal controversies, for instance abortion. Told from the viewpoints of three different desperate teenagers, Unwind is an engaging tale about a fight to survive while questioning existence itself. The first book in the Unwind Trilogy, Unwind is especially recommended for readers who appreciate powerful, complex characters, but will be relished by people of any age. – Nikita R. ’16

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Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (review by Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian)

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Code Name VerityCode Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wein’s novel is wonderful! Deeply researched and eminently plausible, this fictional account of two young British women — one a pilot and one a spy — during WWII is gripping and heartrending. The novel is told from alternating points of view including the gripping narrative of the captured spy “Verity.” So involved in Wein’s plot, I felt as if I was abandoning the characters when I put down the book — and read it in one sitting. She’s done an amazing job a creating two powerful characters and embedding them in a thrilling tale of espionage, history and undying loyalty. Code Name Verity is an excellent choice for both adult and young adult fans of historical thrillers. – Mrs. Vaughan, Harker librarian

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