New Book Alert!!!

New Book Alert!!!

New Book Alert!!!

New Book Alert!!!

New Book Alert!!!

New Book Alert!!!

Here are some hot reads to burn the summer away!!!!

Angry Young Man by Chris Lynch

Alexander grew up constantly overshadowed and relentlessly, if good-naturedly, teased by his older brother, Robert, whose first-person narration provides the window into this complex sibling relationship. Both brothers take classes at the community college and fret about their single mother’s financial straits, but Robert is the more responsible brother, and Xan the wildcard. Xan finally finds an outlet for his frustrations and inability to connect when he falls in with a group of young activists, who justify their frighteningly extremist means with questionably beneficial ends. As a loan shark hounds the family and hints of violence whisper in, Robert wonders what his brother is really capable of. Lynch cuts to the quick during this short novel. He shows how two brothers can be a part of a sibling relationship but have drastically different interpretations of it. And Robert’s voice displays the claustrophobia of uncertainty about the forces that threaten the family even as he dwells on how he could have done better by his brother. It rings true, and hurts, at that. BOOKLIST

Throat by R. A. Nelson

Seventeen-year-old epileptic Emma’s truly bad day ends with crashing her mother’s car and swimming to consciousness in the presence of a vampire intent on making her his next victim. She stops him before he kills her, but he threatens harm to her family if she doesn’t bend to his will. Rather than endanger them, Emma runs away and eventually decides to eliminate the threat—if she can. These are brutal, old-style German vampires, a far cry from the elegant Cullens of Forks. Emma’s first-person narrative shows someone who is all prickly warrior, and tender moments are too few and one-note to evoke much sympathy for her situation. There is imaginative and original vampire lore, a detailed setting, and even romance in the form of a lovely nerd to assist the female hero, but unless readers click with the characters, the slow pacing may tempt them to skip ahead now and then. Those who prefer their vampires closer to the black-and-white version (but without the camp) should check into Nelson’s world—and watch their throats. BOOKLIST

The Visconti House by Elsbeth Edgar

Quiet Laura feels decidedly different from her classmates. Though an outsider herself, she initially lacks the courage to be seen with newcomer Leon, who lives near her home (known officially as the Visconti House and unofficially as the haunted house). Vacant before her parents bought it with plans to restore its faded grandeur someday, the shabby mansion begins to give up its many secrets when Laura and Leon join forces to explore the place and research its history. Convincing dialogue and well-drawn characters, both major and minor, bring energy to the story, which focuses on Laura, her slowly developing friendship with Leon, and the changes brought about by the experiences they share. The house's history tinges the quiet story with faded romance and sadness, but that tone is counterbalanced by the increasing vividness and confidence of Laura's character. A fine, sensitive first novel by an Australian writer. BOOKLIST

Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.