Waterfall

Summary

Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.
Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved … and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know—and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. In Book One of the River of Time series, Gabi and Lia are stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, boring, and dusty archaeological site … until Gabi places her hand atop a hand print in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.
         
And thus she comes to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?


Afterthoughts
I loved this book for its mix of fantasy and historical accuracy. The time travel is enough to capture the imagination, but the world is believable and realistic.
Gabi is a fun protagonist and a joy to read. The story's fast-paced and contains emotional angst, the core of any good story. There are a lot of moments that made me hold my breath in anticipation and I was never bored with it.
My only complaint is that bad things seem to only happen to Gabi or the narrator. In one of the sequels (which are all really good!), the story is told from Gabi's sister's point of view and bad things only happen to her. This frustrated me a bit, but didn't draw from the story too much. I really, really enjoyed this book overall and give it a thumbs up!

Warnings
None.

Extras
Book Trailer:

The Lightning Thief

Summary
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.
(Summary taken from back of the book)

Afterthoughts
Greek mythology has always fascinated me and I love the way that Riordan has blended the ancient stories with a new one. Each mythological character is well-written and stays true to the historical character while also blending modern characteristics. The demigods powers and traits are also believable and consistent with mythology.
The story is pretty fast paced and keeps your attention. It's a great tool for learning about mythology and a great read, as well. Riordan's other books are also fun to read. I highly recommend it.

Warnings
None.

Extras
Movie Trailer:

Grave Mercy

Summary


Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
     Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
(Summary taken from the book)


Afterthoughts
I could barely put this book down once I had started it. It was captivating and fast-paced and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
That said, it was also a bit cliche and stale. LaFevers did a good job of taking an over-used storyline and making it interesting, but there were a few moments when I was rolling my eyes in exasperation.
Despite this, I did enjoy the book and was surprised by many of the plot twists and developments. I loved the historical aspect of the story and I'm very interested to see what happens in the sequel.
Warnings
Would definitely restrict this book for older teens. Part of Ismae's training includes the art of seduction and this results in some PG-13 content. Some mild language and sexual innuendos. One implied sexual encounter, nothing explicit but still present.
Extras
Book Trailer:

Legend

Summary
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
(Summary taken from the book)

Afterthoughts
Hunger Games and dystopian-genre fans will absolutely love this book. It is fast-paced, heartbreaking, full of mystery, and leaves you gasping for the next book!
The story is told from two perspectives, Day's and June's. Lu flawlessly switched between the two and convincingly portrayed them both. They both had their own voices and the transitions weren't confusing.
 I read this book post-Hunger Games and loved every moment of it. I was brought to tears and even had to put the book down in anxiety a few times. Lu's post-disaster America was believable and created questions that will hopefully be answered in the sequel. Highly recommended!

Warnings
A bit of mild language.

Extras
Book Trailer:

First chapter of Prodigy, the sequel to Legend