Elenium and Tamuli series by David Eddings

So...every once in a while I branch out from YA/Teen literature and read something different. I've been an avid fan of David Eddings since I discovered his books in high school. I, like most of his fans, started off with the Belgariad series. While most fans have issues with the Elenium and Tamuli series, I really do enjoy them. Actually, I enjoy pretty much everything by David Eddings, may he rest in peace, because he was a fabulous author. And I really got his humor (which is sarcastic or dry...like mine!).

So...we'll start with the Elenium series. This series is made up of 3 books...The Diamond Throne, The Ruby Knight, and The Sapphire Rose. They feature a knight in his late thirties--a hardened warrior who fights for his church, but also serves as the Queen's champion. The Church Knight's name is Sparhawk, and he really is a disagreeable fellow. He returns from exile at the beginning of The Diamond Throne to find his queen has been poisoned and is near death. His quest is to find a cure, save the queen, and then the world.

It's hard to talk about the Tamuli series without giving some things away, but suffice to say, Sparhawk survives the battles and such in the first series. The three books in this series are called Domes of Fire, The Shining Ones, and The Hidden City. Sparhawk is once again called upon to save the world, with the help of his friends.

What I love about these books: There are good guys and bad guys and they're battling over the world. There's humor, there's adventure, and no swearing or sex (well, the swearing is there, but they aren't our swearwords). It's good wholesome fun. There's violence, but I mean, when you're fighting evil gods and have knights...of course there's going to be fighting! Whenever I have a teen looking for a good fantasy, I direct them to these books.

The Price of Loyalty by Mike Castan

Manny starts middle school, relieved he's with his best friends Hernan and Cisco. When someone mentions they look like they're a gang during lunch one day, Manny jokes they're called the Conquistadors.

He may have meant it as a joke, but the joke gets serious fast. The guys suddenly take offense at the slightest things and dress and act alike. Manny goes along, unwilling to be a part of the group but afraid to break away.

The guys start getting into drugs, pulling pranks, and other kinds of trouble. Manny likes them less and less, but when a fight breaks out and two guys end up in the hospital, he struggles to decide the right thing to do. Should he stay loyal or should he tell the authorities what he knows?

Starts off slow, but it does get more interesting. Manny is a realistic and true character. While I'd like to believe these things are happening in middle school...reality is, they are. And middle school students will definitely relate to Manny.

Venomous by Christopher Krovatin

Locke has problems controlling his anger. He calls it 'the venom' and when he loses control, people get hurt. He doesn't want the venom to be in control at all, but he can't always help it.

Then Locke meets Renee and she seems to have the power to keep the venom under lock and key. His best friend Randall introduces Locke to her and to a whole group of people, including Casey, who has his own dark side to struggle with.

The venom won't stay quiet for long, though, and things are far from over. Can Locke figure out how to conquer it once and for all?

Fascinating book. Locke is a complicated character, and even though I was thinking about Spiderman from almost the beginning...you do want him to figure everything out. The supporting characters for the most part are well-drawn and have their own voices. The venom's voice, when it comes out, is a little creepy.

Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer

Maddy's Home Ec class has had some...problems. In the past three months, three girls have died. They weren't well known, but after the third death, people start to wonder.

Then Maddy runs into the new boy Stamp, literally. He asks her to meet him at a party one night, so she sneaks out. On the way, she's struck by lightning and dies.

She's not dead though, just undead. A zombie. And as such, she needs to follow the rules or be put down for good. But Bones and Dehilia--no surprise they're Zerkers--can't wait to take Maddy down. Going through everyone she cares about to do it. And Maddy must join Dane and Chloe to fight.

Too bad none of them know what to expect.

I enjoyed this zombie romance. Maddy's a fun character, but she isn't the only fully-fleshed one. The setting is well-done and even though almost everyone dies, highly entertaining.

Steel by Carrie Vaughn

Jill has been competing in fencing competitions for years. She knows she's good, but when she misses the chance to place third in a national competition by 1/2 second, she questions whether she's good enough to qualify in other tournaments.

On vacation with her family in the Bahamas, she finds a dull rusted tip of a rapier. Not sure why, she picks it up and puts it in her pocket. On a tour boat the next day, she falls overboard and is rescued by pirates. Early 18th century pirates. In the early 18th century.

Pirate life is hard and it takes Jill some time to get use to what's going on. According to Captain Cooper, the rapier tip she found is trying to find it's way back to its sword. The owner of that sword is Captain Blane, and Captain Cooper hates him with a passion. It's her mission to bring him down. Jill's main concern is how to get back to her time, since no one would believe that she doesn't belong in the 18th century. Until then, she joins the crew, learns about life on a pirate ship and how to fight with real rapiers.

Realistic fantasy all the way. Life aboard a ship is rough, but not as bad as it could be. The author did some research before writing the novel, and it really shows. There's action, adventure, and drama, and Jill's story is believable. There are a couple of spots that are a bit unbelievable, but on the whole, it's well done.

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Benny lives in Mountainside, the only town he's ever really known. He was 18 months old when First Night happened--the night people started turning into zombies. His first memory is of his mother pushing him into his older brother Tom's arms and telling Tom to run while she faces their father--already a zombie. Benny has disliked his brother for being a coward and running away.

Now Benny's 15 and it's time for him to get a job or his rations will be cut. He tries a wide variety before deciding he might as well become Tom's apprentice. His first time in the Rot & Ruin (what they call the area outside the perimeter fence) is eye-opening. His brother calls himself a closure specialist, instead of bounty hunter like the others. His job is to find people who have been turned into zombies and to put them down. On their journey, Benny sees men he's always admired torturing zombies for fun. He knows he'll never be the same again.

But his lessons aren't over. Soon Benny's friend Nix is kidnapped and her mother murdered by the very bounty hunters Benny has always admired. And Benny and Tom know they must go out into the worst of the Rot & Ruin to find her. Before she's handed over to zombies for entertainment.

Utterly believable and well-executed. Benny can be annoying and frustrating at times--especially in the beginning, but that's on purpose. He does mature and grow as the book moves on, thankfully. Enough action, adventure, characterization, setting, danger, suspense, and a little romance to keep the pages moving. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Warrior Woman by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Ok, this isn't really a teen book, but I love Marion Zimmer Bradley and thought I had heard of all of her books (knowing I hadn't read all of them!), so I thought I'd pick this one up.

This is the story of Zadieyek, who has no memory. The first thing she remembers is a trek across the desert and being raped. A lot. But soon she's sold to be the concubines for gladiators--until she defends herself against one gladiator and kills him. Now her 'job' is to fight in the gladiator arena.

For Zadi, that's not a bad life. It isn't one she would have chosen, but she has no memory of life before. She's taken into the home of a rich patron--a woman--and given the task of finding other warrior women who wouldn't mind fighting as gladiators. This takes her over the same desert she was dragged through before, only this time, her memory starts to return.

Ok, so I did enjoy the book, although it was extremely short. A lot goes on, many avenues are started and then not explored, and Zadi only fights in a couple of matches in the arena. This is definitely fantasy, especially when you find out who Zadi is. Maybe not Bradley's best work, but I enjoyed it all the same. Reminded me a little bit about the Darkover novels, although I only read the first one.

Clockwork Angel, book 1 of Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Tessa Gray crossed the Atlantic to join her brother in England. Instead of her brother Nathaniel, she's met and kidnapped by the Dark Sisters. They torture her into learning how to use her shape-shifting power, using her brother as bait. She learns their plan of preparing her for someone named the Magister, who plans on marrying her.

Before she can save herself, Tessa is rescued by William, a Shadowhunter. Shadowhunters hunt down the Downworlders who harm humans. Tessa is taken to the London Institute where she learns the Downworlders are beings like vampires, demons, and warlocks who thrive on certain humans--her brother being one of those humans. Tessa is determined to find her brother and rescue him, hopefully with the Shadowhunters' help.

As details unravel and the enemy becomes clear, Tessa may be making some hard decisions.

The first in a new trilogy, I couldn't put it down. This is a prequel series to Clare's Mortal Instruments series, which I haven't read yet. The story is well-written, characters fleshed out, and the plot is exciting. Lots of vivid action, setting, and plot to keep anyone happy. It is more in historical fiction, but that shouldn't stop anyone from picking up this great story.

Vampire Rising: Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson

I believe this is the first book in the Alex Van Helsing series.

Alex has been sent to yet another boarding school after an incident at the last one. As he's walking through the woods one night (yeah, he breaks the rules sometimes), he hears a scream. He finds a dead body and what appears to be a vampire. Not sure how, he stakes her and watches as she turns to dust. Convinced he was hallucinating, he returns to school and what he hopes is his sanity.

No such luck. Alex starts to wonder if the stories about Van Helsing are true. And if there really are vampires, is he destined to fight them? His friends are kidnapped and he knows he has no choice in the matter. He must charge into the lair of the vampires to save his friends.

An interesting premise and story. The story does waiver a little, but the action is solid and pretty believable. No romance here, just vampire hunting and plenty of it!

Zen and Xander Undone by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Zen and Xander lost their mother almost a year ago. And for the past year, they've been receiving messages from her, sent by someone on significant days.

The girls are handling their grief in their own ways. Zen, who tells this story, bottles everything up and buries herself in her karate and trying to keep the family together. Xander goes out drinking, wild parties, drugs, and dangerous men. When one follows her home, Zen allows her anger to push her to fight back.

Now Zen has to deal with her sister's antics and a bad back. She no longer has karate to look forward to, and as she tries to cope without it, she and Xander stumble upon a secret they didn't want to know about their mother.

Can they get it together before Zen paralyzes herself and Xander throws her future away?

A heartfelt and touching story with a lot of emotion. The girls have a hard time with their grief and struggle to overcome it in their own way. I found this to be a powerful and very moving story.

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

Lucy's best friend Solange Drake is going to become a vampire. And soon. She'll turn on her sixteenth birthday, or die. Vampires are coming out of the woodwork, wanting to be close to her, kill her, or just kidnap her.

Solange knows there's a prophecy saying she'll be a vampire queen. She's the first female vampire to be born--the rest have been created. But everything is happening too fast.

Before they know it, they're hunted by other vampires and vampire hunters, all with varying motives. The only people Solange can rely on are Lucy and her family, and strangely, one of the vampire hunters Kiernan. But she'd rather save them than the other way around.

Told from Lucy and Solange's points of view. Both have love interests (of course) and both fight for their existence. Lucy and Nicholas (one of Solange's brothers) take the stage towards the end as they race to save Solange before it's too late. Romance, action, and more vampire lore. Good thing I can't get enough of it!

You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay

Megan's a Settler--someone who helps the dead complete their unfinished business so they can move on. The zombies find her wherever she might be--but Megan's power has been dormant for many years. Or so she thought. Then a zombie appears on her doorstep one night and she realizes her powers are coming back.

Her power is stronger than anyone expected. An old friend comes back, Ethan, to help her control her powers and to make sure she follows all the rules. Unfortunately, it seems Megan is the target for a dark witch who is unleashing all sorts of zombies out to get her.

I enjoyed yet another zombie book. There's romance, action, and suspense, of course. A good combination of magic and zombies.

The sequel to this is called Undead Much? and it's pretty good--the storyline twists a bit. I enjoyed them both and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson appears to be an unremarkable boy who's only strike against him seems to be getting into trouble and getting kicked out of boarding school each year. His class visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the exhibit of Greek and Roman art and Percy can't believe it when his teacher attacks him. When it's all over, no one ever remembers there being a Mrs. Dodds.


Percy's mom decides it's time to send him to the camp his father has always wanted him to attend. Percy appears at the boundary of Camp Half-Blood after watching his mom die and killing a Minotaur. The camp is filled with demi-gods or half-bloods--children of the gods. Before Percy knows it, he's sent on a quest to recover Zeus' lightning bolt--which the gods think he stole.

A great first book in a series. The characters are pretty well-developed, and there's plenty of background to inform anyone who doesn't know their Greek mythology very well. All of the Olympians come into play in one way or another, and Percy's adventures as he crosses the country in 10 days are amusing. Lots of action and adventure to support his quest. I can't wait to read Sea of Monsters, book 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

Troy High by Shana Norris

Cassie goes to Troy High, but is friends with Greg, who goes to Lacede High. The two schools are intense rivals just as their Greek mythology roots--the Trojans (Troy High) and Spartans (Lacede High).

Tensions run higher this year when the district lines are redrawn and some students who attended Lacede now have to go to Troy, including Elena, Greg's brother's girlfriend. Elena soon falls for Paris, Cassie's older brother and dumps Lucas. Everything gets more complicated for Cassie as she and Greg are pulled into the feud.

This is a light-hearted chick-lit book with many action points. I found a lot of amusement out of the book because the author attempts to retell the Illiad. She does a fabulous job with the story--it's amusing to see how she does it. Even if you aren't familiar with Homer's tale, you'll still enjoy reading about the school rivalry.

Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor

Toby has a secret dream--he wants to be a chef. So when he gets a job at a new pizzeria, he's thrilled! He starts with Annabel, Strobe, and David, and can't imagine a better job. He's already thinking of opening his own place and what recipes he'd like to create when David reveals his true identity and the real purpose behind Killer Pizza.

Killer Pizza is a front for Harvey's true business--monster killing. There are monsters everywhere, monsters called gutlata. Harvey's team of MCOs (Monster Combat Officer) find, fight, and kill gutlata before they convert or kill humans. Harvey is hoping to take down the Alpha and take out the whole pack of gutlata, with or without their help. Even though Toby just wants to create pizzas, he finds himself unable to turn down the chance to be a hero.

An exciting story with many twists, turns, and action. The fighting between humans and gutlata are well done, varied, and throughout the novel. There are many creepy moments--not really scary ones--and Toby and his friends are completely believable characters.

Alibi Junior High by Greg Logsted

Cody has lived in almost every country in the world and knows five languages. He helps his dad profile suspects for the CIA. But one of those suspects gets too close, and Cody has to stay with his aunt while his dad tracks down the man trying to kill them.

Cody is unprepared for the dangers of middle school. He has no idea how to manage the other students and he already knows everything they talk about in class. The bright spots in his life have narrowed to his aunt, his aunt's neighbor Andy, and the girl he likes--Renee.

But someone is stalking through the yard at night spying on Cody. And before he knows it, that someone gets the drop on him.

Interesting story--it seems a little far-fetched. But Cody is a believable character, and anyone in or out of middle school will recognize a lot of his struggle to fit in and become invisible. There is enough action throughout the book to stay interesting. A good quick read.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Lyn is a typical teenager--in all but one area. Her family is part of the GSA (Gladiator Sports Association) and all that comes with it. Her mother has married seven times, and Tommy is Lyn's favorite stepfather. She and her younger brother Thad are pretty use to the life. Violence is a normal part of their routine.

When Tommy is defeated and killed in the ring and Lyn and her family's lives are thrown into disarray. Her stepfather's killer picks up her betrothal bracelet, and by GSA law, she must now marry him. Lyn, however, wants nothing to do with the GSA, especially as they threaten to take everything from her and her family.

Frantically, Lyn decides she must do the only thing she can to gain her freedom--step into the ring.

The story does lag at times, especially when Lyn is remembering things about her past or trying to figure out what to do next. These parts don't take away from the story at all--it's a breather between fight scenes and ensuing drama.

The Youngest Templar by Michael Spadlin

Tristan is an orphan, living at St. Alban's Abbey. The monks and the Abbey are all he's known in his short life. The work is hard but Tristan doesn't mind it too much.

His entire future changes, however, when a band of Knights Templar come through the nearby village. Sir Thomas, one of the most honored knights in England, seeks Tristan out to become his squire. The Knights are headed to the Holy Land to continue the Crusades, and Sir Thomas wants Tristan to go along with and train to become a knight.

Not all of the Knights are happy with Sir Thomas' choice or with Tristan himself. Tristan finds himself in danger before the Knights even leave England. Before long, the Knights themselves are cornered in a siege that looks hopeless. Sir Thomas gives Tristan one last duty--to see the Holy Grail back to England, through enemy lines. Tristan's in a far-off land with no idea of how to get home.

The first book in a series, this tale involves action and mystery. The story ends in a cliffhanger, so be looking out for Book 2!

The Moon Riders by Theresa Tomlinson

Myrina has always wanted to be a Moon Rider, what the Achaeons call Amazons. This isn't the traditional story of Amazons, however, as the Moon Riders marry and move out of the tribe after seven years.

Myrina gets her chance to train with the Moon Riders but she is not alone. Along with the other trainees, Cassandra--princess of Troy--joins the group. She can't stay for the whole seven years, but is looking for something new. The events in Troy, though, change the future of the Moon Riders forever.

This is a great retelling of the beginning of the Trojan War. Even if you know what's coming!