Something Strange and Deadly Book Review

Author: Susan Dennard. Release date: 2012. Publisher: HarperTeen. ISBN: 9780062083265.

Annotation: After her brother goes missing and the Dead start rising in Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt turns to a team of Spirit-Hunters to help save her brother who, she fears, is being held captive by the necromancer that is raising the Dead.   

Personal thoughts: I had a difficult time deciding whether I liked this novel or not. It was a bit schizophrenic for me, almost as if the author wanted the story to be many different things that there wasn’t one thing that was done really superbly. The zombie element kind of came and went in importance, Eleanor’s plight to find a good marriage wasn’t really executed fully, and the support characters weren’t as developed as they could have been. I think the author definitely has the makings for a good series, but some editing and focusing of where the story is going and what the main themes are would help the reader to stay more engaged.

Plot summary: After her father’s death several years earlier, sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt, her brother, Elijah, and their mother were left with next to nothing. Eleanor knows that it is up to her to improve their fortunes by marrying well, something her mother reminds her of daily. After her brother mysteriously disappears, however, and the Dead begin to rise in her hometown of Philadelphia, Eleanor has a lot more than marriage to a wealthy bachelor on her mind. It seems that a necromancer is operating in the city, raising the Dead to do his bidding. Sons of well-to-do families in Philadelphia society are being murdered and Eleanor fears that Elijah, who she believes is being held captive by the necromancer, might be next. To help save her brother, Eleanor turns to a team of Spirit-Hunters operating out of a lab out of Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition. The Spirit-Hunters, consisting of a man named Joseph who can sense the supernatural, a handsome scientist named Daniel, and a young but fierce Chinese woman named Jie, are on the hunt for the necromancer themselves. Can Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters save Elijah and end the reign of the necromancer and his army of the Dead before it’s too late?

Review: Part historical fiction, part zombie thriller, Something Strange and Deadly, the first installment in a series for teens by debut author Susan Dennard, is a decent selection for readers who like supernatural novels with a bit of a twist. Set in 1876 Philadelphia, much of the story focuses on the plight of leading lady, sixteen-year-old Eleanor Fitt, in securing a marriage to save her family’s hemorrhaging finances. The rest of the novel deals with the supernatural elements, like zombies, ghosts and necromancers and the mystery surrounding exactly what is causing the Dead to rise. While many will enjoy this combination of history, mystery and horror, readers who want something that is only historical fiction or just about zombies and the supernatural might find themselves disappointed that the novel solidly identifies itself in one genre. Not enough focus is given to any element in the story to make it really appealing to fans of a specific type of book, so only readers who are interested in a combination of themes will enjoy reading the novel. Eleanor is a likable enough protagonist, but not enough depth is given to the support characters to really engage the reader in her interactions with them. A small romance does blossom, but not really in any way that feels organic. The story does have some promise, however, so hopefully the author can strengthen the characters and plot in the next installment, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, set to be released July 23, 2013.

Genre:  Historical Fiction/Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Magic Most Foul series by Leanna Renee Hieber, Gone With the Respiration series by Lia Habel, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury.  

Themes:  Zombies, necromancers, dark magic, ghosts, séances, spirits, Philadelphia, historical fiction, mystery, duty, marriage, murder.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Kirkus, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly and VOYA.   

Series Information: First installment in Something Strange and Deadly series. Second installment, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, set to be released July 23, 2013.

Discussion questions:

-         Do you think Eleanor’s mom truly cares about her daughter’s well-being, or is she only focused on improving the family finances? Why?

-          Why do you think Eleanor’s father passed away? How did his death impact the Fitts?

-        Do you think Clarence had feelings for Eleanor? Why or why not?

-         Who was your favorite character in the novel? Why?

-        The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 actually took place in Philadelphia. Research the Exhibition. Did the novel do a good job of describing it? What was the importance of the Exhibition in the story?

-         Were you surprised to learn the identity of the necromancer? Why or why not?

-        What would you like to see happen in the sequel, A Darkness Strange and Lovely?

The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart: A Novel of Magic Most Foul Book Review

Author: Leanna Renee Hieber. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire. ISBN: 9781402262036.

Annotation: After freeing him from his prison inside a painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Natalie and Lord Denbury are on the run, seeking refuge with one of Denbury’s longtime friends in Saint Paul. They soon discover, however, that their troubles are far from over, and the Society that cursed Lord Denbury is now working on a much larger, and more sinister, plan.

Personal thoughts: Darker Still was one of my favorite young adult books that I’ve read within the past few years. I was really excited for the sequel, so much so that I held off on reading it for awhile so that I could really enjoy it when I finally got to crack it open. Unfortunately, I was exceptionally unimpressed with The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart. I’m not sure what happened, it just took a complete turn into dullsville for me. Where Darker Still was original and charming, the sequel was very blah. I am really sad about how much I didn’t enjoy it because I still really love the first novel. Hopefully the author can turn it around for the third installment, but I do have to say, it’s unlikely I will bother completing the series.

Plot summary: Lord Denbury is free from his prison inside a cursed painting and the demon who was inhabiting his body has been vanquished. Now he and Natalie are on the run, seeking refuge with one of Denbury’s longtime friends in St. Paul. Not sure where the answer to their troubles lies, they are shocked upon arriving in St. Paul to learn that the Society that cursed Lord Denbury in the first place now has much larger and more sinister plans in store. It seems that the Society has capture Rachel Horowitz, a friend of Natalie’s from New York, who cannot hear or speak but has the ability to communicate with spirits. Through visions and premonitions, Natalie is able to see Rachel being held captive, forced to draw spirits out of objects, mementos, even body parts. What is the Society planning and how does it relate to the demon that once cursed Lord Denbury?

Review: Author Leanna Renee Hieber continues her love-affair with Victorian literature in this sequel to her 2011 novel, Darker Still. Unfortunately, where her first novel shone in its marriage of mystery, romance and suspense, the sequel falls markedly short. There are several reasons why The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart is not a successful follow-up to its predecessor. The first is that Darker Still had a very intriguing and well-written plot: Lord Denbury’s imprisonment in the painting, Natalie’s inability to communicate due to being mute, a murder mystery on the streets of Victorian New York. The plot of the sequel, however, is muddled, convoluted and not very entertaining. The “big reveal” at the end of the novel is very anti-climactic, and the build-up to that point is lackluster. Characters are introduced then never really expanded upon, and the romance between Natalie and Lord Denbury doesn’t really go anywhere. The charm of the setting in Darker Still is also absent, with little attention given to the Victorian surroundings and sensibilities that the author obviously cares for. There is an attempt at a cliffhanger that does little to motivate the reader to want to pick up the third novel which is set to be released in November of 2013. Overall, a disappointing follow-up to a story that had loads of potential.  

Genre:  Historical Fiction/Mystery

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber, Entwined by Heather Dixon, Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury, Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey.   

Themes:  Curses, demons, secret societies, ghosts, psychic abilities, Victorian era, New York City.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Booklist.   

Series Information: Second installment in Magic Most Foul series. First installment, Darker Still, released in 2011. Third installment, The Double Life of Incorporate Things, set to be released November 2013.    

Discussion questions:

-         How would you explain what the Society was trying to do with Rachel and her abilities?

-          Do you trust Mrs. Northe? Why or why not?

-         Do you think Natalie still struggles with her speech?

-         What was the significance of the runes in the story?

-          Who was your favorite character? Why?

-         Do you enjoy this novel more or less than Darker Still? Why?

-         What would you like to see happen in the third novel?

Ripper Book Review

Author: Amy Carol Reeves. Release date: 2012. Publisher:  Flux. ISBN: 9780738730721.

Annotation: After her mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Arabella “Abbie” Sharp leaves her home in Dublin to live with her wealthy grandmother, Lady Westfield, in the Kensington neighborhood of London. In an effort to get her granddaughter to appreciate her new life of privilege, Lady Westfield volunteers Abbie to work at the women’s hospital in Whitechapel. Abbie finds that she enjoys tending to the poverty stricken residents of the East End, but her new found love of medicine is cut short when Jack the Ripper begins terrorizing the dark streets surrounding the hospital.  

Personal thoughts: As I have said before, I am always ready to pounce on any novels that feature the brutal if intriguing Jack the Ripper case, so when I heard about Ripper I had to pick it up. I am also a fan of historical fiction, so I was able to enjoy Amy Carol Reeves’ story from both angles. Her knowledge and love of the time period is clear, and I definitely found some subtle and not-so-subtle references to classic novels that, hopefully, teen readers can pick up on as well. Although I found the supernatural components as well as the requisite love-triangle to somewhat detract from what I was really interested in, I think most teen readers will enjoy these aspects of the story, especially since so many young adult novels include them. I would easily recommend this book to a reader who wants historical fiction with a twist. I look forward to reading Renegade when it is released in 2013.

Plot summary: After her mother’s sudden death from dysentery, seventeen-year-old Arabella “Abbie” Sharp leaves the gritty streets of 1888 Dublin to live with her wealthy grandmother, Lady Westfield, in the well-to-do London neighborhood of Kensington. Before she was born, Lady Westfield disowned Abbie’s mother for eloping with a poor Frenchman, but now that Abbie has returned to her mother’s former privileged life, her grandmother is determined to ensure that Abbie doesn’t follow in her mother’s footsteps. In an effort to make her granddaughter appreciate her luxurious if dull new surroundings, Lady Westfield volunteers Abbie to work with family friend Dr. Bartlett at the women’s hospital in the impoverished Whitechapel neighborhood. Soon after beginning her work there, Abbie discovers a natural love of medicine and a genuine enjoyment of helping the poverty-stricken women of the East End. Her love of working in the hospital is brief, however, when Jack the Ripper begins his brutal killing spree, murdering women who were recently discharged from the hospital’s care. Like everyone, Abbie is terrified by the savage nature of the crimes, but she soon realizes that she and the Ripper have a connection: strange visions that show the Ripper’s victims just before their deaths. What is the link between Abbie, the Ripper and the Whitechapel Hospital, and can she discover it in time to save her own life?

Review: In her debut novel, author and 19^th century British literature expert Amy Carol Reeves brings one of history’s most terrifying figures to life in Ripper. Although not the first young adult novel in recent years to feature Jack the Ripper, Abbie Sharp’s story is one of many layers in which the infamous murderer is just another component of a larger mystery. Abbie herself is a very likable character, trying to reconcile her new life of corsets and tea parties with the knife throwing skills and street smarts she picked up in Dublin. Her devotion and compassion for the patients she finds herself caring for at the Whitechapel Hospital is very believable, and will hopefully prompt readers to research more into what life was like for women living in poverty in the 19^th century. Ripper fans will find some familiar faces, as Abbie meets and befriends several victims before they are brutally slain. The paranormal aspects of the story, from Abbie’s psychic visions to the increasingly obvious supernatural nature of the crimes, will also appeal to readers who want something more than just a simple historical fiction novel. As with all young adult novels, it seems, there is also a romance in the form of a love triangle between Abbie and two young physicians at the hospital. Since Ripper is the first book in a series, the love triangle will undoubtedly continue in the second installment, Renegade, which is set to be released in April 2013. Overall, Ripper proves to be an entertaining historical fiction novel that both Jack the Ripper fans and those not well acquainted with the killer can enjoy.

Genre:  Historical Fiction/Mystery

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman, Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber, Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury.

Themes:  Jack the Ripper, murder, mystery, conspiracy, secret societies, orphans, London, Victorian era.     

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from VOYA, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

Series Information: First novel in Ripper series, second novel, Renegade, set to be released April 2013.       

Discussion questions:

-        Were you familiar with Jack the Ripper before reading the novel? What did you learn about him?

-        Why do you think Abbie has such a hard time adjusting to life in Kensington?

-         Would you want to work at the Whitechapel Hospital? Why or why not?

-       How would you explain Abbie’s visions?

-      Who was your favorite character in the novel? Why?

-       What would you like to see happen in the sequel, Renegade?

Haunting Violet Book Review

Author: Alyxandra Harvey. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Walker Childrens. ISBN: 9780802798398.

Annotation: Sixteen-year-old Violet Willoughby has spent her life assisting her mother, a fraudulent spiritual medium, in tricking wealthy widowers and grieving mothers out of their gold and silver. After arriving in the lavish country manner of Rosefield, home to the powerful Lord Jasper, Violet begins to see the ghosts of the recently departed, including that of Rowena, a girl her age who mysteriously drown a year earlier.

Personal thoughts: I’ve never read one of Alyxandra Harvey’s books before, but after finishing Haunting Violet, I think I can safely call myself a fan! Harvey lists Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice as amongst her favorite novels, and their influence is clearly felt in Haunting Violet. I am also very fond of the Regency and Victorian eras, and really enjoyed how well she portrayed life in Victorian England. The characters, setting and plot were all well-developed in Haunting Violet, and the story was expertly paced. I look forward to picking up Harvey’s next novel, and highly recommend this one to fellow Austen/Bronte enthusiasts!

Plot summary: Sixteen-year-old Violet Willoughby has spent her life assisting her mother, Celeste, a fraudulent spiritual medium, in tricking wealthy widowers and grieving mothers out of their gold and silver. Life in Victorian England for a former housemaid left expecting a child after an affair with her wealthy employer was not easy for Mary Morgan. After Violet’s birth, Mary adopted the pseudonym Celeste Willoughby, posing as a grieving widow with the ability to speak with the dead. Now “Mrs. Willoughby” and Violet live a life of fraud: pickpocketing, scamming and conning the wealthy into paying them for any solace after the death of a loved one. Violet hates tricking people. Her only consolation is in the comfort of her friend Colin: her mother’s longtime assistant who has grown up alongside Violet and helps Mrs. Willoughby perform her “séances”. One summer, the family is invited to Rosefield, a lavish country estate owned by the very wealthy and powerful Lord Jasper. If they can pull it off, the grand séance they will perform at Rosefield will ensure their place in society, as many members of Lord Jasper’s esteemed acquaintance have been invited especially for the event. Upon arriving at the scene of their next scam, however, Violet makes a startling discovery: she has begun to see the spirits of the deceased, not in the fraudulent way her mother claims to, but for real. Unsure of what to do with her newfound power, Violet is faced with the stubborn and troubled ghost of Rowena Wentworth, a fifteen-year-old girl and former neighbor of Lord Jasper’s who mysteriously drowned the previous year. Rowena seems intent on Violet discovering the truth about her death, but as Violet learns more and more about the secrets floating through the halls of Rosefield, she also discovers that her own life may be in danger.

Review:  This charming novel from veteran author, Alyxandra Harvey, is certain to delight both fans of historical fiction, particularly the Victorian era, and ghost stories alike. The main plot of the story is simple: Violet must help the ghost of the murdered Rowena to reveal who killed her, resulting in an always popular whodunit mystery. Below the surface, however, there is quite a bit more to Haunting Violet than just figuring out who the bad guy is. The relationship between Violet and her con-artist mother plays an important role in the story. Life for women of low social status in Victorian society was grim at best, and the reader can almost sympathize with the devious ways of Mrs. Willoughby, a former housemaid, who wants a better place in the world. The abuse enacted upon Violet by her mother is one of the more thought-provoking aspects of the book, particularly since one can imagine that similar circumstances between parents who live dishonest lives and their children occur on a daily basis in today’s society as well. In actuality, the novel provides just as much of a social commentary on the Victorian era as it does a ghost story, making it an interesting read for teens who are not as familiar with this period in time. Overall, Haunting Violet is an entertaining and well-paced ghost-story that readers of all ages can easily enjoy.

Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: The Poisoned House by Michael Ford, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury, Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber.   

Themes:  Psychic abilities, spiritualism, ghosts, fraud/dishonesty, Victorian era, class warfare, mother/daughter relationships.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.  

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions: 

-  Why do you think Violet disliked tricking her mother’s clients so much?

-  Do you think that, in helping her mother to perform “séances,” Violet was just as guilty as Mrs. Willoughby in tricking people? Why or why not?

- Why do you think Violet wanted to keep her psychic abilities secret from her mother?

- Were you surprised by the ending of the novel? Why or why not?

<

The Near Witch Book Review

Author: Victoria Schwab. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Hyperion Book CH. ISBN: 9781423137876.

Annotation: After a mysterious stranger shows up in the small village of Near, children begin disappearing from their beds at night. Lexi is convinced that the disappearances have nothing to do with the stranger, a kind but distant boy named Cole, and are instead the work of the Near Witch who was brutally murdered by the townspeople hundreds of years earlier.

Personal thoughts:  I love historical fiction, ghost stories and fairy tales and The Near Witch seemed to be the perfect combination of the three! Victoria Schwab is a very talented author and her writing style really helped to transport the reader to the village of Near. I liked the relationship between Lexi and her sister Wren and her determination to protect and care for her sister. I also liked the slow but sweet romance between Lexi and Cole. While I don’t think the novel will appeal to readers who want something full of action or adventure, I definitely would recommend The Near Witch to anyone who enjoys quiet but intriguing mysteries.    

Plot summary: Like all the residents of the small village of Near, Lexi knows the legend of the Near Witch well: hundreds of years ago, a kind witch lived in Near and loved the children of the village. She could speak to the moor and control the winds and the rain and protected the village until the day she died. Most of Near thinks the story is an old wives tale, but Lexi, like her late-father, respects the story and the harsh but plentiful landscape of the moor that surrounds the village. One night, however, a mysterious stranger appears in the village. Curious about the handsome but haunted boy with dark eyes and pale skin, Lexi wants to learn more about how the stranger, whom she calls Cole, came to be in Near. Unfortunately, Cole’s arrival in the village occurs on the same night as the first of many children begin to go missing from Near. Lured from their beds by the wind, the townspeople are convinced that Cole is responsible for the disappearances. Lexi, however, knows that it is the work of the Near Witch who, despite what the legend says, was actually brutally murdered by the people of Near hundreds of years earlier. Desperate to protect her younger sister, Wren, and prove the innocence of Cole, Lexi must use the skills her father taught her to save the village from the wrath of the Near Witch.

Review:  Quiet but haunting, this debut novel from author Victoria Schwab paints a magical and unique fairy tale ghost story that thoughtful readers are sure to enjoy. Almost as important as the characters in the novel is the setting. The village of Near and the surrounding moor, a foggy grassland full of hills and valleys, play a major role in the story. Schwab does an excellent job of establishing the atmosphere of The Near Witch, describing in detail Lexi’s love and respect for her village and the moor and the importance of legend in Near. Although the time period is never stated in the novel, it is clear that the story takes place at some point in the past, likely the 19^th century, when tales of witches and enchantments would still hold a great deal of meaning for people living in an isolated village. The disappearances of the children, the arrival of the mysterious strange, Cole, and the resurgence of the Near Witch all fit perfectly into the world that the author has so effectively crafted, creating an intriguing story that can be enjoyed by tweens, teens and adults alike.  

Genre: Fiction/Mystery

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Sweetly and Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce.      

Themes:  Witches, kidnapping, legends, moor, historical fiction.  

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from best-selling authors Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, Carrie Ryan, Kendare Blake and Michelle Hodkin.

Series Information: N/A     

Discussion questions: 

- Research more about moors and moorland. What is it? Where are these habitats located? How do you think the landscape helped tell the story?

- How did Lexi use the skills she learned from her father in the novel? Which do you think were the most helpful?

-   Do you think the village trusted the Thorne sisters? Why or why not? How did that change during the story?

- What did it mean for the Near Witch to be “of the moor”?  

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair Book Review

Author: Elizabeth Laird. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780547341262.

Annotation:  In seventeenth-century Scotland, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair narrowly escapes execution after being accused of witchcraft in her hometown on the Isle of Bute. Now, unable to return home, she seeks out her uncle and his family in the town of Ladymuir, only to discover that danger has followed her.

Personal thoughts:  My expectations of this novel were so different from my experience reading it that, at first, I wasn’t sure what to think. The story is very well written and full of Scottish dialogue that makes for a really authentic read. I also found Maggie to be an interesting character. My primary issue with the novel is that it is somewhat slow and, therefore, not likely to be appreciated by a young adult audience. As a historical fiction novel for adults, I think it is wonderful. I would have a hard time recommending it to most teens, however, as I think this time period and setting would not really resonate with them.   

Plot summary: Life in seventeenth-century Scotland is not easy for sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair. An orphan, Maggie was raised from an early age by her Granny, a hot-tempered and cantankerous old woman, in a cottage on the Isle of Bute. Granny has managed to make enemies of most of the residents of Bute, many of whom believe she is a witch. In the midst of a society full of religious turmoil, Maggie suddenly finds herself and Granny on trial for witchcraft. In order to escape execution, Maggie flees Bute to live with her uncle, Hugh Blair, and his wife and children on their farm on the mainland in a town called Ladymuir. Maggie is unaccustomed to life off the island, but is happy to be free of the danger that awaited her on Bute. Her peaceful new life in Ladymuir doesn’t last long, however, when Annie, a girl her age who testified against her in her trial on Bute, arrives at the farm. Uncle Blair and his family are charmed by Annie, who claims that she has come to repent for her false accusations on Bute, but Maggie is not convinced. Can she maintain her new existence in Ladymuir, or has the danger of her past followed her across the waters of the Scottish coast?

Review:  Part fiction and part memoir, Laird’s historical novel The Betrayal of Maggie Blair offers a slow but ultimately interesting story about a period of time not often featured in stories for young adults. Most readers, both teen and adult, will find themselves learning a great deal about seventeenth-century Scotland and the religious fervor that was sweeping Great Britain at that time. Although the novel does include elements that will resonate with those familiar with the Salem Witch Trials, the majority of the story focuses on the Covenanters: a group of Presbyterians who’s refusal to acknowledge the English king as head of the church earned many an untimely death. Maggie’s story serves primarily as a way for the author to present an in-depth history lesson into what is likely an unfamiliar era for American readers. In the epilogue, Laird mentions that Hugh Blair, Maggie’s uncle, was actually a real person who actually lived in Ladymuir in the late 1600s. Other characters in the story are also historical figures, making the novel a blend of fact and fiction. Although the story is slow, especially in the beginning, it ultimately provides an interesting look into the past that patient readers will enjoy.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: N/A

Themes:  Scotland, seventeenth-century, religion, witchcraft, family relationships, betrayal.  

Awards/Reviews:  Starred review from School Library Journal, positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions:

- Research the living conditions of seventeenth-century Scotland. What would Maggie’s everyday life have been like?

- What did you learn about the “Covenanters” from this novel? Research how this group impacted religion in Great Britain.

- Why do you think this novel is called The Betrayal of Maggie Blair? Who do you think betrayed Maggie the most?

- Do you think that Granny was a good parent to Maggie? Why or why not?

- Would you have done what Maggie did to help her Uncle? Why or why not?

- Why do you think violence is often part of religious history?

Vixen Book Review

Author: Jillian Larkin. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Ember. ISBN: 9780385740357.

Annotation:  It’s 1923 and anything goes for seventeen-year-old Gloria, her best friend Lorraine and her cousin Clara as they try to infiltrate Chicago’s underground scene of speakeasies, flappers, gangsters and Jazz.

Personal thoughts:  I am a very big fan of historical fiction, and Vixen had just the right mix of history and romance for me. The 1920s has never stood out as one of my favorite periods in history, but after reading this novel, I grew to like the world of flappers and speakeasies much more. One of my favorite parts of the novel was the alternating voices that Larkin used to tell the story. Each of the girls is very interesting, but switching between their perspectives kept the plot moving forward. I definitely look forward to reading Ingenue as soon as possible!

Plot summary: Told in alternating voices, three beautiful seventeen-year-olds navigate the tumultuous world of speakeasies, flappers, gangsters and jazz in 1923 Chicago. Caught in an engagement she’s not so sure about, Gloria Carmody can’t get the handsome and charismatic piano player from the Green Mill, Chicago’s most notorious speakeasy, off her mind. The problem with Jerome, however, is that he’s black, and Gloria’s upper-crust family, along with the rest of society, would never understand or accept her feelings for him. Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s best friend since childhood, is tired of being an afterthought in Gloria’s perfect existence, and especially wishes Gloria’s good friend, the dashing Marcus Eastman, would give her a moment’s notice. When Gloria’s cousin, Clara Knowles, arrives in town, Lorraine is even more concerned that Clara’s goody-goody ways will rub off on Gloria, making her even less likely to join Lorraine in Chicago’s speakeasy scene. What Gloria and Lorraine don’t know is that Clara is far from the virginal and modest girl she pretends to be, and is, in fact, escaping a whirlwind, and at times dangerous, existence as a flapper in New York City. As Gloria, Lorraine and Clara’s lives become more entwined, will they be able to survive in the world of gangsters, liquor and jazz?

Review: This first installment in the Flappers series acts as a combination between a historical fiction and romance novel, resulting in a very engaging and pleasing plot and set of characters.  It is obvious, as well as stated in her jacket bio, that the author is a very big fan of the 1920s. The attention to detail in describing the setting, clothing, hairstyles, society, and even the slang of the period really stands out. This is a setting not often used in young adult novels, and one that lends itself really well to creating an interesting story. Larkin also does an excellent job of creating interesting leading ladies in Gloria, Lorraine and Clara. There are certainly elements in each character that readers, especially teen girls, will be able to identify with. The method of telling the story, in alternating voices between the three, makes the novel very fresh and allows for different perspectives on the events of the story, as well as the time period. This is certainly a very promising start to a series with a great deal of potential. The recently released second installment, Ingenue, continues to stories of Gloria, Lorraine and Clara, and will, hopefully, prove to be just as enjoyable.

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Ingenue by Jillian Larkin (second installment in series) and Bright Young Things series by Anna Godbersen.

Themes:  1920s, flappers, speakeasies, gangsters, interracial relationships, friendships.      

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Booklist.  

Series Information: First installment in Flappers series by Jillian Larkin, second book, Ingenue, released in August 2011.     

Discussion questions:

- How much did you know about the 1920s before reading Vixen? Research the period and determine if you think the book is historically accurate.

- What reasons do you think Gloria had for trying to avoid a relationship with Jerome? Do you think there are still prejudices in society with interracial relationships? Why or why not?

- Who was your favorite of the three leading ladies? Why?

- Which of the characters did you identify the most with?

- Do you think that Gloria, Clara and Lorraine are all protagonists? Could any of them be described as antagonists? Why?

Wrapped Book Review

Author: Jennifer Bradbury. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416990079.

Annotation:  Seventeen-year-old Agnes Wilkins is about to make her debut in 1815 London, but would rather spend her time studying languages and ready the works of Jane Austen than pick out fabric and ribbons. When she inadvertently becomes involved in a plot by Napoleon to steal a mystical Egyptian relic, however, Agnes gets the adventure she’s been looking for!  

Personal thoughts:  This was a fun book, and I especially loved all the Jane Austen references! Jennifer Bradbury does a good job of combining the adventure elements with Regency society, and throws in some Napoleon too. Overall, a fun story that can be enjoyed by Jane Austen fans of all ages!

Plot summary: In 1815 London, seventeen-year-old Agnes Wilkins is about to make her debut into society in hopes of making a good match. Agnes, however, would rather spend her time studying languages and reading books by her favorite author, A Lady (actually Jane Austen), than fret over her debut gown like her mother. To make matters worse, Agnes has attracted the attentions of a very rich suitor, Lord Showalter, who seems intent on marrying her. One night at a party held by Showalter, Agnes and the other guests are invited to partake in the unwrapping of a mummy in hopes of finding treasures and trinkets to take home. Agnes does find a trinket, a small item in the shape of a dog’s head. Intrigued by the item, Agnes decides to keep it even when Lord Showalter suddenly announces that the mummy in question is not the correct specimen and all of the trinkets must be returned. After the party, however, inexplicable things start occurring and Agnes’ social circle begins to believe that a mummy’s curse has been wrought upon their group. Agnes isn’t convinced, and begins to believe that the strange things that have been happening are actually part of a plot by Napoleon to infiltrate London. Agnes is determined to thwart the plot and, together with the handsome Caedmon who she meets at the British Museum, pushes the concerns about her debut aside to find out the truth of the “mummy’s curse.”

Review:  Chock full of Jane Austen references, this fun historical mystery is a must read for any fans of the Regency time period. Bradbury does an excellent job of integrating the adventure aspects of the story with the more Austen-like plotline of Agnes’ impending engagement to Lord Showalter. Agnes is a very likable protagonist and Bradbury makes a point to highlight the fact that her leading lady is not only beautiful but brave and intelligent. Through Agnes, Bradbury also comments on the life of women during this time period as well, and how society was far from equitable. The inclusion of Napoleon and his antics are a good introduction for younger readers who might not be familiar with all of the intrigue surrounding the controversial Emperor. Serving both as a history lesson, homage to Jane Austen, and fun mystery, Wrapped is an excellent choice for both teen and adult readers.

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Sally Lockhart series by Philip Pullman, works by Jane Austen.

Themes:  Regency time period, mystery, Jane Austen, women in society.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.  

Series Information: No sequels announced, but definitely left open for one.  

Discussion Questions:

- How do you think the works of Jane Austen influenced this novel?

- What was your first impression of Lord Showalter? How did that change while reading the novel?

- Did you learn anything about Napoleon while reading this novel? Did you want to learn more about his history?

- Do you think Agnes fits in with the typical role of women during the time period in which this novel takes place? Why or why not?

Willoughby’s Return Book Review

Author: Jane Odiwe. Release date: 2009. Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark. ISBN: 9781402222672.

Annotation:  Three years after her marriage to the Colonel, Marianne Brandon is happy in her life at Delaford Park. But when her first love, John Willoughby, returns to the neighborhood, will that happiness be enough to keep her from falling to the temptation of seeing her former flame?

Personal thoughts: I am a huge Jane Austen fan, and especially love the character of Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility (largely due to his portrayal by Greg Wise in the 1995 film version.) When I saw a novel that delved into what might have happened had Willoughby reentered the lives of the Dashwoods, I had to read it. Overall I enjoyed the novel, although the plot line with Marianne and Willoughby was the only one I found really interesting (there are also subplots about Margaret Dashwood and Colonel Brandon having a “love affair” with his ward, Willoughby’s ex, Eliza.) Despite  the mediocrity of these subplots, I still recommend this title for Jane Austen fans everywhere.

Plot summary: This sequel to Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility (1811) picks up three years after the events of the original story. Marianne Dashwood, now Mrs. Brandon, is happily married to the devoted Colonel Brandon, and has a child of her own. Her sister, Elinor Dashwood, now Mrs. Ferrars, lives nearby with her husband Edward and their children. This novel focuses more, however, on the younger Dashwood sister, Margaret, who is now sixteen and quite beautiful. When Colonel Brandon’s handsome nephew, Henry, comes to Delaford to visit his uncle, Marianne is determined to play matchmaker between her nephew and sister. Marianne’s plans seem to be going well, Margaret and Henry become increasingly attached to one another. But nothing prepares Marianne for the shock she experiences next: John Willoughby, her first love who spurned her for a rich heiress, has returned to Dorsetshire with his wife. It appears that Willoughby and Mrs. Brandon will be forced to spend time in eachother’s company at social events in the neighborhood, and Marianne is conflicted by a resurgence of feelings for the dashing man. She becomes even more unsure as her husband spends more and more time with his ward, Eliza, and her daughter, who happens to be Willoughby’s daughter as well, in Lyme. Convinced that Colonel Brandon may have fallen in love with Eliza, Marianne begins to wonder if Willoughby’s affections might be worth returning.

Review:  Although the story doesn’t have the same literary magic of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, this sequel provides an entertaining and interesting read for those who loved the original story. Marianne Brandon, neé Dashwood, is now nineteen-years-old and has been happily married to her husband, Colonel Brandon, for three years. The couple have a child, and everything seems to be going well for Marianne, although she does appear to be slightly bored in her new life. She sees an opportunity for excitement when Brandon’s nephew, Henry, comes to visit and seeks to play matchmaker between him and her sister Margaret, now sixteen-years-old. The storyline of Henry and Margaret is not as interesting as the return of John Willoughby, however. Fans of the original, both teen and adult, will clamber to see what happens when Marianne encounters her first love. In Willoughby, Austen truly created a dashing lothario, and left the novel open enough to leave the reader wondering what would happen if Marianne and Willoughby were ever reunited. Odiwe does a good job of entertaining these notions, with a lot of sexual tension, temptation and lust. The rest of the storyline, such as Colonel Brandon’s supposed love for his ward, Eliza, and the inclusion of the irritating Lucy Ferrars and her sister, Anne Steele, are not quite as satisfactory. Still, the novel will appeal to both teen and adult fans of the original and continues in the spirit of the iconic Jane Austen.

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Novels by Jane Austen, Old Friends and New Fancies: An Imaginary Sequel to the Novels of Jane Austen by Sybil G. Brinton.

Themes:  Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, roles of women throughout history, temptation, marriage.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and The Jane Austen Centre.

Series Information: Sequel to Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

Discussion Questions:

- Is this the only "sequel" written to a Jane Austen novel? What are some others?

- Why do you think people continue to write sequels and adaptations of Jane Austen's works?

- Did you like Odiwe's portrayal of Austen's characters? Why or why not?

- Do you think John Willoughby is a "bad guy"? Why or why not?

- How do you think this novel portrays the role of women in this time period?