Memory of Water by Emmi Itaranta is a speculative fiction and one of the first I have read. The writing is beautiful and the tradition of the tea master fascinating. Set against the harsh backdrop of a world changed by global warming and ruled by China, Itaranta shares with us the life of seventeen-year-old Noria Kaitio. Filled with politics and the harsh realities of an occupied town with a water shortage the language held me captive.
The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings
The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings is the first in the dystopian Murder Complex trilogy. Cummings blended science fiction and mystery into this futuristic Floridian thriller. This in Lindsay Cummings debut novel and I quickly devoured it.
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls by Katie Cross
I first learned about Miss Mabel’s School for Girls on Candace’s Book Blog where I mistakenly confused the author with another. Can you guess who? Therefore, when Katie Cross asked if I would like to review the first book of the Network series I could not help, but say yes. Miss Mabel’s School for Girls was a delightful, magical witch tale with moments of darkness and an overall plot that already has me intrigued.
The Taking by Kimberly Derting
I was excited by the premise for The Taking the first book in a new trilogy by Kimberly Derting. I am a science fiction geek at heart and love the concept of aliens. The Taking ended up being a book that left me feeling conflicted. It was an easy read and aspects delighted me but an equal number had me rolling my eyes and skimming.
House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple
House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple drew me in with its beautiful cover and a sample of the first paragraph. A curse has been haunting the Hemlock witches, and when a stranger appears at their door the trouble begins. Mini review: While aspects were enjoyable, it was predictable and more suited to a MG audience.