Storm Front: A Novel of the Dresden Files By Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden- Wizard.

Lost Items Found, Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. 

No Love Potions, Endless Purses,

 or other Entertainment

       Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange magical things.- and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a- well, whatever. 

       There's just one problem. Business  to put t mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name.And that's when things start to get... Interesting. 

     The Dresden Files are a creative twist on the classic loner detective novel.  Complete with gang leaders, magic drug deals, and dark magic, this first book sets the scene Jim Butcher's highly successful mystery series. Harry has all the trademarks of the loner detective; the intense and largely complicated love life, a wreck of a car, and the authorities breathing down his neck. Storm Front carries his strong, quirky voice all the way through. The story is compelling and fascinating as the Butcher takes us through the shady underbelly of the shady underbelly of Chicago. 

    This book may not be everyone's cut of tea.This truly is a loner detective novel with some magic thrown in. There is nothing else. It is simple and formulaic. As with many detective novels, the mood and tone is quite plodding and intense. It basically operates on one, very heavy, sarcastic level. 

    If you're looking for a fun mystery with some magic and quirkiness, this book is for you. If you're looking for a completely original , thought provoking read, this is not it. 

Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Love the first book in the Shadow Falls Series, Born at Midnight? Well you're in luck then because the second book in this series is just as addicting. From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how…But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside. Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear…and bring her closer to her destiny.

Love romance and supernatural creatures? Tired of the same old story told time and time again? Well then you better get your hands on the second novel in this delectable series. Why settle for a book about common mortals? This book combines very real emotions with exciting elements of fantasy to create a show stopping novel that will leave you more than satisfied. Not only does this book expose the true journey towards human identity, it creates a magical new world that will leave any one's imagination hooked. 


Those who enjoyed the first novel in this series will fall head over heels with the sequel. Enjoy reading Twilight, Shiver or pretty much any other fantasy romance novel? Then you'll love Awake at Dawn. It will give you an amazing escape from the pedestrian world, making you believe that you really are in Shadow Falls.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

To the world, twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne appear to live a picture perfect life. But of course nothing is as it seems. Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin. For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex. Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?

 The fifth book by Hopkins, following the similar trend of non-rhyming free verse. Yet again, Hopkins has exploded the private lives of teens, leaving no gritty detail to the imagination. This book will leave you raw and craving for answers. Maybe you'll even find yourself describing your own thoughts through poetry. You won't be able to put the book down and the twists of the plot will lead you to a very surprising resolution. So hold on tight, because this book will jerk you right out of your reality and into one of a darker caliber. 


I would recommend this book to anyone who has read any of Ellen Hopkins' other novels (Crank, Glass, Impulse to name a few). Like poetry? Then you'll love Hopkins' take on words. And don't be scared off by the length of these novels. You'll have reach the last page before you know it. So grab Identical now and find out the truth behind this mysterious set of twins. 

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Ever wondered about the things that go bump in the night? Ever wondered of you are one of them? One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 
Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

 This book is all about Kylie pulling through the hard things in life and figuring out who she really is. As teenagers we all have to deal with some pretty difficult stuff, parental divorces, being rejected and of course the temptations of partying. Born at Midnight takes what occurs throughout the adolescent years and puts a fantasy twist on it. Kylie may be different from teens in some pretty significant ways, but deep down she's just like every other teenager.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel. Are you a true twi-heart? Then you'll love the first book in the Shadow Falls Series. So don't wait another minute. Get your hands on this novel and find out the truth about Kylie.

Wither by Lauren Destefano

What if you knew exactly when you would die? Rhine Ellery lives in an age where girls don’t live past the age of 20, and guys don’t see their 26th birthday. Society is trying desperately to find a cure for this “virus” that is taking their young, but in the meantime, girls are often captured and sold as young brides for the gentlemen so that the race can continue, and so that the first generation can find the ever-elusive cure.Rhine is one of the girls that has been taken, and she finds herself in the home of — and married to — Linden Ashby, along with two other young girls, close to her in age. As Rhine tries to find a way out of her “prison”, she finds herself ever more drawn to one of the house’s many attendants, and developing a bond with her sister wives. But, she must constantly remind herself of where she’s come from so as not to get too comfortable with these new surroundings, and with the charm of her new husband

Love sci-fi as well as teen fiction? Well jump into this post-apocalyptic novel that puts a new twist on the phrase 'the good die young'. You'll be on the edge of your seat, dying to know what happens next in this intoxicating page turner. And while the world of Rhine may seem be strange, Rhine couldn't be any more human. It is like you're there with her on the journey, you forget that she's actually a character. One thing that can either be considered a positive or a negative was that it was strikingly similar to the Hunger Games. A post-apocalyptic world, impending death tied in with a glamorous world... but yet it is still original.

I would recommend this book to those who have read the Hunger Games Series. It takes everything that is to love about a futuristic novel and mixes it will a story line that will keep you on your toes. Or maybe you're tired of your usual white bread book? Well this one is certainly interesting as well as imaginative. So what are you waiting for? I know you're dying to know what happens next. Already read Wither? No fear fellow book lover! Fever, the second book in The Chemical Garden trilogy is out now.  

The Outcasts by John Flanagan

*Anonymous Student Review*
Looking for an action, adventure series that will grab your by the horns and pull you into a land beyond your wildest imaginations? Well look no further than The Outcasts. Hal is a young Skandian who is about to go through Brotherband training and must overcome two bigger and stronger teams with wit and teamwork. The third book in the Ranger's Apprentice series, which follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is taken as an apprentice Ranger, as he strives to keep the Kingdom of Araluen safe from invaders, traitors, and threats. He is joined on his adventures by his mentor Halt and his best friend Horace. This series is filled with adventure and will leave you craving for more.

This book drew me in instantaneous. I was able to see, feel and understand what it was like to go through Brotherband training. That's what truly marks a great novel. If it is able to transport you to another world and hypnotize you into believing that you're following along with the dynamic band of characters. Which the Ranger's Apprentice Series certainly does.

While I did enjoy this book I felt that it was a bit predictable. There were a few things that you just knew were going to happen. But all and all I liked reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Ranger's Series or loves action adventure novels. 

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Dive into the intoxicating world of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, where scandal thrives and secrets are waiting to be uncovered. It's one year after they solved the Harriet Vanger mystery and uncovered the truth of the Wennerström, and Mikael and Lisbeth didn't exactly leave off on great terms. Determined to rid her life of Mikael, Lisbeth isolates herself with travel to exotic lands with a new fortune she's mysterious acquired. While in Grenada she becomes obsessed with complex mathematical equations, especially Fermat's last theorem. When Lisbeth returns to Stockholm, we learn that she transferred a sum of three billion kronor (446,413,412.25 USD) into her bank account. She purchases a new apartment and leaves her old one to off-and-on girlfriend Miriam 'Mimmi' Wu. Her guardian, Nils Bjurman, develops a growing hatred for Lisbeth and plots to do whatever it takes to take her down.

Meanwhile Mikael has lost all contact with Lisbeth and focuses his attention on Dag Svensson, a young journalist who has written a meticulously researched thesis about sex trafficking in Sweden and the abuse of underage girls by high-ranking figures. Blomkvist immediately throws himself into the investigation, planning to run Svensson's story in an upcoming issue of Millennium. On the other hand, Salander hacks into Mikael Blomkvist's computer and learns of the publication. She becomes intrigued by the name "Zala." However, shortly before the printing of the story, Svensson and his partner are shot dead in their Stockholm apartment, and Salander is missing. Salander's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Prosecutor Richard Ekström assembles an investigation team, led by Inspector Jan Bublanski, who demands that Sonja Modig be included in the team. The team identifies Salander's fingerprints on the murder weapon. They find Salander's formal record which establishes her as a violent, unstable, psychotic woman with a history of prostitution, and is currently linked to Armansky at Milton Security and Bjurman. The stark contrast between Armansky's trust in Salander's high intelligence and her official records surprises Bublanski. Bublanski then visits Blomkvist and Berger, who are puzzled by Salander's psychiatric history and her involvement with the murders, but Blomkvist also insists that she has no cognitive or moral deficits. While investigating her social circle, Modig finds Bjurman shot dead in his apartment, with Salander being the prime suspect. In the light of these new data, Ekström holds a press conference and discloses Salander's name and psychiatric history to the press. Within a blink of an eye, a girl who once hid in the shadows now has her face on every major magazine in Europe as a highly dangerous criminal.Throughout the rest of the novel, the characters struggle to discover who is behind the murders and the secrets of Salander's troubled past. Is Lisbeth guilty of these crimes? Or is she innocent? Well you'll have to find out for yourself in this addicting page turner.

Dying for a delectable page turner that will leave you craving answers? The Girl Who Played With Fire is a perfect accompaniment to the equally as delicious first novel. Filled to the brim with mystery, scandal, murder, this book gives you the exhilarating sensation that can't be found anywhere else. Whether you're a secret bad-ass like Lisbeth, love a good crime novel or just looking for a great book to read, The Girl Who Played With Fire has got it all and more.

I would recommend this book to those who loved the first novel by Larsson, or those who love a great murder mystery. Already captivated by this series? Check out The Snowman by Jo Nesbo or pretty much any novel by Stephen King. While King is mainly a horror novelist, you still get the excitement from his page turners. So what are you waiting for? Don't you want to learn the secrets of the the mysterious Lisbeth Salander?

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Addicted to Gossip Girl? Love to emerge yourself in the drama and luxury of the young elite? Do you love that Historical Fiction takes you back to another time and culture? The Luxe follows the lives of five teenagers living in 1899 Manhattan. Elisabeth Holland is the golden girl and when her family's financial future is on the line, she is forced to choose between her duty and the love she feels for a member of her staff. But when New York's darling's carriage turns over and there is no Elisabeth to be found, the entire city falls into a state of grieving. Some wonder if the lifestyle was too much for Elisabeth or if someone wanted her to disappear...

This book combines the drama, mystery and scandal found in today's young media, with the glitz and allure of the Nineteenth century to create a masterpiece of literary genius. While the characters may have lives more than one hundred years ago, they fit seamlessly into the mindset and ideals of modern elite youth. This book is like fancy French chocolate, luxurious, rich and completely delicious. This series makes you wish that you were going to balls with the Holland sisters, living the life that we'd all love to have.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for an escape from the modern era. While this book is historical fiction it is anything but dry and boring. Think Titanic mixed with Gossip Girl, and you'll get The Luxe. Sorry guys, while we all know you love a little drama, this book is geared more towards young ladies ages 14 and up. So grab this book off the shelf, I bet you're dying to know what really happened to Elisabeth Holland.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo By Stieg Larsson

Dark, suspenseful and utterly page turning. All accurately describe the mysterious world of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Set in Sweden, the novel begins with Mikael, a journalist, loosing a libel case for allegations made on billionaire, Hans-Erik Wennerström. Soon after he meets with Henrik Vanger, who is the retired CEO of the Vanger Corporation. Mikael is unaware that Henrik has had an extensive background check done on him by the edgy, socially unique and most of all brilliant computer hacker. Henrik asks Mikael to perform a job for him that will last one year, he is assigned to investigate the murder of the sixteen year old Harriet Vanger which occurred 36 years prior. Mikael accepts, moving out to Henrik's estate and quickly learning about the twisted Vanger family. With the help of Lisbeth, Mikael dives into the secrets and scandals of this elite family, putting everything on the line to solve a case that haunts the Vangers to their core.

WARNING! This book is not for the faint of heart. Graphic. Violent. And at times disturbing. This book will turn your insides out while keeping you addicted like a drug. Consider this novel as the spiciest salsa a Mexican restaurant has to offer, you've got to have guts to take it in. But if you dare to open the pages of the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, you will be anything but disappointed or bored. Mysteries your thing? Well folks we have a winner. Throughout the entirety of this novel you will be solving the murder of Harriet Vanger in your head, never knowing the truth until it is skillfully unravel. When you set down this book you'll be left is utter awe at the beautiful written work that has captivated millions world wide. Not to mention, its hard not falling in love with a bad-ass like Lisbeth.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an edgy and thrilling escape from our pedestrian world.  Enjoy The Snowman by Jo Nesbø or the suspense of Stephen King? Then you'll love the spellbinding trilogy by Stieg Larsson.

Angus. Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

 The book begins with Georgia, a witty and imaginative teen trying to survive high school in the UK. From embarrassing parents to a body that won't behave, Georgia can't explain enough how very un-fabulous her life is. But when Robby, a.k.a the sex god moves to town Georgia can't help but fall head over heels. Georgia is set on making the boy her own but a few pretty little mean girls aren't going to let up that easy. Will Georgia prevail? Well I'm not going to spoil it for you silly! You'll just have to find out for yourself.

Do you enjoy reading about boring, plain and un-relatable characters? Then you probably should look into something else because Miss Georgia is certainly a colorful individual. Georgia's tendency to go off on witty tangents filled with adorable British slang will leave you laughing and unable to resist her charm. Don't know what a bloke or swiz is? Let Georgia spin her own definition with the glossary included in the back of the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read about a character who you'll laugh and cry along with. I'd like to introduce you to your new best friend Georgia, who will leave an impression on you long after you've put down the last novel in the eleven part series. Enjoy reading about Ruby Oliver in The Boyfriend List? Meet her UK twin!

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

 Turn the page to the life of Kristina Georgia Snow, the seemingly perfect daughter. But when visiting her absentee father, Kristina disappears and reckless Bree takes her place. Bree meets a boy, but this is no love story kids. She meets the monster: crank. And what starts off as a wild and thrilling escape turns into a battle through hell and back.

Hopkins writes unlike any other author I've experienced before. Every word, sentence, page is a poem that paints a very twisted picture. She creates art on the page, beauty spun by ink. This book will make you give poetry a second look, maybe it will get you hooked. Don't be scared off by the length my friends, this book is almost as addictive as crank itself.

Looking for a dark and twisted treat that haunts and leaves you craving for more? I'd recommend getting your hands on this baby as quickly as possible.  Like Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson? Then you'll enjoy Crank and all of the books by Hopkins that use clever prose to describe the sickeningly real lives of troubled teens.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Meet Tally. She's about to turn sixteen and in her world that means only one thing. Being surgically altered into a gorgeous version of herself. And once you're beautiful, you are sent to a world where your only job is to enjoy the new life you've been give. Even though Tally has been raised to think that looks are everything, a new friend convinces her that maybe she doesn't want to be pretty. And soon Tally learns the hard way that the pretty world is anything but pretty.

I loved reading this series. Westerfeld brings new life to an age old myth 'if beautiful really is better' and creates a world obsessed with perfection. You won't realize how fast this book flies until you've drank the last few worlds of this novel. This book is real and raw, exposing the graphic and bone chilling sides of beauty and it makes you wonder what is really important in life.

Uglies melts into the delectable and intoxicating genre of science fiction, creating images that could only exist in the vast depths of our imagination. Calling all Hunger Games fans? Here's a new guilty pleasure for you. And don't you worry, a series follows for those who can't get enough of Tally and being pretty.

The Boyfriend List by e. Lockhart

This book follows the complicated and lovable Ruby Oliver through a rather eventful ten day period. From boy drama to trouble with friends, Ruby quickly becomes over her head in teen chaos. Yet through the the mess, a witty heroine emerges and Ruby learns a thing or two about being a teenager.

I definitely enjoyed reading this book. While the story may seem repetitive to any number of  teen fiction, Ruby Oliver stands above the rest with handfuls of lists and quirky language to bring a creative spin on her daily life. Lockhart truly creates a character that you know and understand. This book is unique in that it includes footnotes that explain phrases or characters in the book all through the colorful perspective of Ruby. Take into consideration that you will have to keep looking at the bottom of the page to understand some of the jokes.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy breezy read. Be warned you probably won't be able to put this clever novel down until you discover how the drama is resolved. Those who enjoyed the witty banter of Georgia Nicolson (Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging series) will be at home with Ruby and her problems. Can't get enough of Ruby Oliver? Never fear! You can check out other books in the Ruby Oliver series and fall in love all over again.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

The novel begins with Emma, an imaginative teen stuck in foster care.  One day, Emma comes across a video online of a girl with a shocking resemblance of herself.  As Emma investigates further she realizes the identity of a secret twin and escapes to join the family she's always dreamed of.  But of course nothing is as it seems, and Emma is forced by an unknown stalker to take over her twin sister's life and try to solve what happened to her long lost twin.

I loved this book and all of Sara Shepard's novels.  Shepard is a suspense mastermind and there are so many twists that the reader can't help but crave more information.  The only downside to Sara Shepard is that all of her novels (Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game series) are a bit repetitive.

I would absolutely recommend this book to others.  If you enjoy the Pretty Little Liars books or tv series, you'll definitely love this new addictive series!