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Brief synopsis (no spoilers):  This is a collection of six short stories, each very different and taking place in their own worlds.  Category: YA  Why I chose this book: Liked the Divergent Series, also by Roth   My personal opinion:  I definitely liked some of these stories better than others. Hearkeners was my favorite. The last two stories are part of another series that Roth has written (Carve the Mark), which I have not read. I think these stories may have made more sense if I knew the other series better. Overall, I probably don't recommend because of the language and homosexuality. But the technology and the way Roth creates each world is cool.   Warnings Language: Several, spread throughout  Violence: Some, spread throughout  "Adult" situations: There is a homosexual couple that kiss in one story.  Death: Not to main characters Movie rating equivalent: Pg-13 / R  Protagonist description:  Each story has different c...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers):  " Amelia Jones has always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic. But then she botches her audition and her dream comes to an abrupt and humiliating end—until the school agrees to give her a trial period. Amelia is determined to prove herself, vowing to do whatever it takes to become the perfect musician. Even if it means pretending to be someone she isn't. ​ Between a teacher who really dislikes her and a roommate who wants to see her expelled, life at Mystwick is harder than Amelia thought it would be. And that’s not even counting the mysterious something that’s starting to make the teachers worry. When supernatural powers threaten the school, can Amelia find the courage to be true to her herself, save Mystwick, and prove once and for all where she belongs?" Author's webpage Category: Middle Grades/J Fic. Why I chose this book: Free on Audible My personal ...

Brief synopsis  (no spoilers): Blalock continues to attack Endar, in an attempt to wipe out the race and free himself from the spell that was cast on him and his city. Lord Rafel and his family continue to defend themselves from Jorthain and his magic wielders and army. Category : Fiction, fantasy, possibly YA Why I chose this book :  Next in the series My personal opinion : Very good continuation of the series. I like that this book does not end in a cliffhanger, or tying into the next novel with loose ends. The language is clean, the action is exciting, the characters are relatable. I do recommend this book and series. Warnings Language: none Violence: frequent fighting, with quite a bit of detail "Adult" situations: minor and infrequent Death: yes, and of main characters Movie rating equivalent :  PG, maybe PG-13 for fighting Protagonist description :  Arn appears to be a bad guy, but he extremely loyal to the people he likes. Carol is a powerful magic-wielder, an...

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Lord Rafel's people make it to a secluded valley that they can fortify and live in. Carol grows in her powers and is reunited with Arn. Arn gives Carol a spell book that might be too much for Carol to handle. Category : Fiction, fantasy, possibly YA Why I chose this book : Next in the series My personal opinion : Excellent book in an excellent series. It ends a bit abruptly, and it is clearly incomplete without the next book, but that's typical. I recommend the book to anyone. Warnings Language: none Violence: fairly frequent fighting "Adult" situations: no details, but there are two couples Death: yes, and of main characters Movie rating equivalent : PG, maybe PG-13 for fighting Protagonist description : Arn appears to be a bad guy, but he extremely loyal to the people he likes. Carol is a powerful magic-wielder, and growing Point of view of story : Third, focused alternately on Carol and Arn Book length : Medium-long Story flow : Excell...