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Brief synopsis (no spoilers) Gives back story on Helen, before she became Helen of Troy Category Fiction Why I chose this book Kindle First pick My personal opinion (the review) Wasn't able to finish it. I almost stopped when I hit the rape scene, but skipped over it instead. And when the extended love scene came up later, I dropped the book entirely. I do not recommend this book. Warnings Language: none Violence: some fighting, a rape "Adult" situations: too many Death: possibly (didn't finish) Movie rating equivalent NC-17 Protagonist description Helen is classic Helen. Unbearably beautiful. Born to be a queen. Point of view of story First or third. First only from Helen's perspective. Sometimes third from Helen's perspective. Sometimes third from Theseus's perspective Book length Long Story flow Plenty of story line, but kinda dragged Grammar and spelling issues None Character connection (no spoilers) N...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers) A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people. He must live for more. (From Amazon) Category Sci-Fi Why I chose this book Next in the series My personal opinion (the review) Sometimes sequels are let-downs, but not this one! The action get bigger, and Darrow leans a little too far toward "larger than life". When does the guy sleep?? He's diabolical in his planning and superhuman in general. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? He's an Iron Gold, Peerless Scarred. Warnings...

This was the last display I made when I worked for the library. The original list came from this website: http://www.epicreads.com/blog/an-epic-chart-of-162-young-adult-retellings/ The list below contains only those books that are available (at least in paper book form) from our local library system. There are about 25 books from the complete list of 162 that our library does not have.  I enjoy reading retellings and thought I would pass the list along for anyone who might be interested. There are some unexpected ones here too. It's not strictly just fairy tales.   Beauty and the Beast East by Edith Pattou Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison Stung by Bethany Wiggins The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle Beastly by Alex Flinn Beauty by Robin McKinley Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay ...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers):   Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. (Amazon) Category: YA Why I chose this book: I enjoy fairy tale retellings and it was recommended by a friend. My personal opinion: This book was so-so. The writing wasn't that great- about on par with Twilight (must be the last name Me...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again . Category: YA Dystopian Why I chose this book: Third in the series My personal opinion (the review): The conclusion to the series takes a very scientific turn after the plague comes into play. To me it was an odd and sudden shift away from the tone of the other books. And honestly I don't really feel like the uprising accomplished much. I don't really feel like the characters ended any better off than they started. And while she makes the point throughout the series that people need the ability to create and express themselves she doesn't quite follow this through to the end.  I did think she ...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers) Ceony Twill continues her apprenticeship as a Paper Magician under Magician Thane. She spends more time with her friend, who is also an apprentice, but as a Glass Magician. She is pursued by Excisioners (Blood Magicians) Grath and Saraj for her defeat of Lira in the previous book. Category YA Fiction Why I chose this book Next in the series My personal opinion (the review) Series can be tricky. Sometimes the sequels are let-downs, and sometimes they're great. This is squarely in the latter camp (great)! The author leads us on several adventures, we get to meet new characters, but not so many that it's overwhelming to keep up with them. I do find some of the actions and thoughts of the main character to be a little anachronistic, as well as some of the descriptions of the town. But that's a very minor thing. Excellent book, excellent series! Warnings : Language - none Violence - minor "Adult" situations - love inter...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers):   In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever. Category: YA Dystopian Why I chose this book: Second in the series  My personal opinion (the review): I have come to refer to the second book in most modern dystopian tri...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. (Amazon) Category: YA dystopian Why I chose this book: Recommended based on other things I have read, it's been on my list for a while My personal opinion (the review): Of the many popular dystopian/futur...