City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare - 768 pages
Mortal Instruments #6

Sebastian launches his final attack against the Shadowhunters and their allies.  The final book in the series is a good conclusion to this series.  I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels.  I'm looking forward to reading the next Shadowhunters series.

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 9 by Yoshiaki Sukeno

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 9 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 208 pages

Rukoru and Benio conclude their fight against the kegar Hijimaru to save Sayo, however, there are unintended consequences to their battle.

This is the latest volume in the series.  It was interesting to see the series change as it did and look forward to seeing if the author continues with the current storyline or reverts back to the original.  It was very interesting to read the author's note and discover that this change in the series actually brings it closer to his original vision for the series.

Assassination Classroom, v. 17 by Yusei Matsui

Assassination  Classroom, v. 17 by Yusei Matsui - 200 pages

The class fights a battle to determine whether they should kill or save Koro Sensei.  The sides are led by Karma who wants to kill Koro Sensei and Nagisa who wants to save him.  Who will win in the end?

I enjoyed this volume in the series.  It really highlighted the strengths of the various characters and developed the relationship between Karma and Nagisa.

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 8 by Yoshiaki Sukeno

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 8 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 200 pages

Rokuro, Benio, Shimon and Miyura head to Magano to rescue Sayo.
This volume is basically one big long fight scene.  There are a couple of reveals such as Benio's guardian spirit and Miyura's source of power.

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 5-6 by Yoshiaki Sukeno

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 5 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 208 pages
Twin Star Exorcists, v. 6 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 216 pages

Rokuro and Benio continue to fight Yuto but they must train harder to get the skills to beat him.  We also learn of Rokuro's beginnings at Hinatsuki before jumping forward in time after two years of training to see if they can pass the examination to take the fight to Yuto.

I am really enjoying this series.  The pacing of the reveals is great leaving you wanting to know more.  The growth of the characters is also good.  I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

Victories by Mercedes Lackey

Victories by Mercedes Lackey - 255 pages
A Shadow Grail Novel #4

Spirit, Loch, Burke and Addie have escaped from Oakhurst Academy.  Now they must figure out a battle plan to fight Mordred and his plan to annihilate the world through nuclear war.

This is the final volume in the Shadow Grail series.  While I really liked the first three books, I did not think this final book lived up to the others.  It was too rushed.  Everything happened way too conveniently for the good guys.

Bleach, v.63: Hear, Fear, Here by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v.63: Hear, Fear, Here by Tite Kubo - 187 pages

Renji and Rukia enter the fight against the Quincies attacking the Soul Society.  Uryu learns the secret of the Quincy King.

This book revealed a major secret held by the Quincies.  It is why they are confident that there is absolutely no way they can be beat.  And I agree from the set-up that it seems that way.

Messenger by Lois Lowry

Messenger by Lois Lowry - 169 pages
The Giver series - book 3

The third book of The Giver series focuses on Matt.  He was the fierce young boy in Gathering Blue who made his way to the other village, a peaceful place guided by Leader (Jonas from The Giver).  Matt is now living in the Village with Seer, the blind father of Kira from Gathering Blue.  He takes messages around town and to the other settlements.  Unfortunately, he now has to take the awful message that the Village is closing its walls and accepting no new citizens.  He also has to lead Kira to Village to live with her father before it is too late.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book.  It was narrated by David Morse and his calm, peaceful voice was perfect.  I didn't remember as much of the story of this book as I thought I would.  It was a lot sadder of a book than I remembered.

Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassin Trilogy Book 3), by Robin LaFevers

Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassin Trilogy Book 3), by Robin LaFevers, 464 pages

Annith has watched the daughters of Mortain (god of death) be given assignments, even those not as highly skilled or hardworking as she is. When the abbess surprises Annith by sending out a younger initiate, she passionately challenges the order knowing it will end in the very young child's death.When the abbess says that Annith will never be sent out but become the next Seeress forever fated to stay on the island, Annith balks at the horrible life awaiting her and sets out on her own to serve as Death's Handmaiden. Her first night out, she is captured. But Death has plans for Annith, and not what Annith has trained for all her life. This was a grand finale to the fabulous trilogy. I look forward to reading more from the Author. 

The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman

The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman - 229 pages

One night a lightning strike animates a scarecrow.  The next morning a young boy, Jack, become the servant of Lord Scarecrow and they set off to make their fortune.  They have various adventures including facing brigands, acting in a play, leading a battle, and becoming castaways on a deserted island.  All while being chased by the lawyers of the family trying to make certain Lord Scarecrow never claims his inheritance.

I listened to this on audio.  It took a really long time for me to get into the story.  I don't think it was until the fourth and final CD that I really cared what happened to either Jack or the Scarecrow.  What mainly bothered me was how whiny Jack was.  He was always on the brink of starving to death even though he had only missed maybe one or two meals the entire story.

Bleach, v. 59-60 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v.59: The Battle by Tite Kubo - 192 pages
Bleach, v.60: Everything But the Rain - 192 pages

Ichigo's training to increase his power and restore his zampoktu is not going well.  He sent away from the Soul Society to discover the truth of his past and his mother.
I really enjoyed these two issues in the Bleach series.  It answered the questions about Ichigo's mother and father and their powers.  It also answered the question of exactly where Ichigo's powers came from. 

Bleach, v.57: Out of Bloom by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v. 57: Out of Bloom by Tite Kubo - 189 pages

Ichigo has been trapped between Heuco Mundo and the Soul Society just as he is needed most.  The Soul Society is under attack and he can hear his friends fighting and dying.
The next book in the manga series.  I loved getting the back story of General Yamamato.