Code Name Verity

For fans of historical fiction, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is hands down one of the best books in that genre that I have ever read. Set during World War II, the story revolves around two best friends, the Scottish Julie (Verity), a flight officer and spy, and Maddie, a British ATA pilot. Maddie accidentally ends up charged with bringing Julie into occupied France for her first mission. Unfortunately, the plane is shot down and Maddie makes Julie parachute out of the plane while she attempts to land. Julie is captured by the Gestapo and forced to write everything she knows about the British war effort. The book follows her writing about how she came to know Maddie and how she ended up becoming a spy. In the meantime, no one knows what happened to Maddie. And Julie doesn't know whether her writing will be enough to save her.
This novel is very moving and sad. I feel as if it does not just speak of the troubles of war, but of the ultimate bond of friendship. I highly recommend this book to anyone over fourteen. I also recommend the companion novel, Rose Under Fire, when it comes out. It follows the story of another female ATA pilot who is captured while flying back to her base in England from Paris. It is set chronologically after Code Name verity. I have been able to read an advance copy of the novel, and it is every bit as excellent as Code Name Verity.

Summer Reading 2013: Beneath the Surface

For those of you who are into summer reading at your public library, this year's theme is "Beneath the Surface". I have added a list of recommended books based off that theme that I found at my library below, edited down to what I have read. I included personal comments on each. I will most likely do some more extensive posts on some of these titles throughout the summer. I hope that those who read this will find at least one enjoyable title to read this summer. Happy reading! (Note: * symbolize that I will write a more extensive blog entry on specific titles. But these, despite lack of comments now, are excellent reads.)

Anya's Ghost by Vita Bosco- I read this for Battle of the Books a few years ago. It is a graphic novel. I didn't really like it, but that was mainly because I found it to be a little scary. Then again, I don't usually read ghost stories.
The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanigan-This is a good fantasy story, with messages about family. It was a little hard to follow at first, but I enjoyed it.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare- I have already posted a blog entry on this.
*Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
*Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*The Diviners by Libba Bray
*The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
*Graceling by Kristin Cashore
*Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald- I read this for a previous Battle of the Books. It wasn't my favorite book, but if you're looking for classics, don't pass it by.
Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl- This book was definitely a romantic comedy. I enjoyed reading it.
Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick- This tale of lovers across the age, was a bit dark at times, but really drove in the theme of undying love.
Paper Towns by John Green-Again, I read this for Battle of the Books. I thought it was a very interesting novel, but I thought that there were a few bizarre twists in it.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater- I read the first book in this series and found it to be a good fantasy story. I must admit that I found the romance in it a little predictable.
*Seraphina by Rachel Hariman
Ship breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi- Another former Book Battle title, Ship Breaker is a futuristic story. It is adventurous, with interesting characters and a fast-paced story line.

I think this list has some enticing books on it. Happy reading!

Throne of Glass

                 If you like high fantasy, you will probably like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Set in a kingdom ruled by a tyrannical, warlike king, where magic has gone from the world, the story’s heroine is an assassin. Celaena Sardothien is a girl with a troubled past and an explosive temper, who hates the cruel king above all others. Captured and imprisoned, she is given the opportunity to free herself through a contest. If she beats other assassins, thieves, and criminals to become the King’s Champion, she wins her freedom. Losing means being sent back to prison- and almost certain death.  Her troubles don’t end at that: someone is brutally killing other contenders one by one, and that person is using something dark and evil to do it. Also, she is torn between love for the gruff Captain of the Guard, and the Crown Prince, a member of a family she detests.  As events unfold, Celaena begins to realize that the contest may not only be determining her freedom, but the fate of her entire world. 

                The second book in this new series, Crown of Midnight, is due to come out on August 27th, 2013. I have been able to read an advance copy of this novel, and I think it is an excellent continuation of the series. It has several new twists and turns, and the ending is incredible.

                I would recommend this series for teens fourteen and older, because there are several violent or gory moments. I don’t believe that this should discourage anyone though, because I think that it is an excellent, well-written story. I would give both books a ten out of ten. I definitely recommend these books, and can add that it has become my favorite series.