City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - 473 pages
Mortal Instruments #2

Clary wished her life would go back to normal.  But what's normal now is her new life.  She's a Shadowhunter with a mother in a coma, a newly discovered brother, and best friend who thinks he's turning into a vampire.  Now her father is after the sword that is the second Mortal Instrument.

This is the second book int he series.  It furthered the story and added more depth to the characterizations.  A great entry in the series.

Liselotte & Witch's Forest, v. 5 by Natsuki Takaya

Liselotte & Witch's Forest, v. 5 by Natsuki Takaya - 192 pages

Anna travels into the forest to make peace with Vergue.  Then Engetsu takes Liselotte to the village for the fair.

This is the fifth book in the series.  I am enjoying each book more and more.  We finally meeting Liselotte's brother in the volume and I look forward to finding out more of his intentions during the next book.

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 3-4 by Yoshiaki Sukeno

Twin Star Exorcists, v. 3 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 202 pages
Twin Star Exorcists, v. 4 by Yoshiaki Sukeno - 200 pages

We continue the story of Rokuro and Benio as we discover the truth behind the Hinatsuki Tragedy and the subsequent attack against its instigator.

While I'm still enjoying the series, I am getting a little bored of all the posturing by the characters.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick -- 273 pages

This is certainly being added to my list of recommendations for children! It is a realistic and moving look at a teenage boy who's life didn't go as planned. Steven is a drummer, Steven is a thirteen-year old with a crush on the hottest girl in school, and Steven has a brother.

Steven's school paper about the most annoying thing in his life was all about his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey, but when Jeffrey comes down with Leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. The worst part is everyone is so concerned for Jeffrey, that during this terrifying time, no one is paying attention to Steven who's stopped turning in school projects and is growing ever more depressed.
It's hard, but step by step Steven becomes the brother Jeffrey needs.

It's a pretty touching story. A few times I felt like the way Steven thinks about girls was very stereotypical. And Dangerous Pie was only barely mentioned at the beginning of the book! Why is it in the title, except for the reason that it sounds interesting?

I listened to the audiobook. The narration was great.

The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne by Madeline Hunter

The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne by Madeline Hunter - 334 pages

Emma Fairbourne is deteremined to keep her father's auction house running after he dies.  She has a plan to have the auctioneer pretend to be running the house while she does all the work behind the scenes.  The problem is that Darius, the Earl of Southwaite, is a silent partner and he is determined to sell the business.  Now its a battle of wills between the two.

This was a fun historical romance read.  The elements of smuggling and espionage that were included were interesting.  I did think that it took a while for the the earl to figure out what was going on when it seemed fairly obvious, but the author played it well with him not wanting to believe the worst of Emma.

My Little Monster, v.2-4 by Robico

My Little Monster, v.2 by Robico - 167 pages
My Little Monster, v.3 by Robico - 168 pages
My Little Monster, v.4 by Robico - 167 pages

Volume 2 continues the story of the friendship between Haru and Shizuku.  It also reveals more about their home life.

Volume 3 tells of the school festival.
Volume 4 deals with Haru's jealousy of a rival for Shizuku's affections.

These volumes were great additions to the series.

Bad Magic by Psuedonymous Bosch

Bad Magic by Psuedonymous Bosch - 393 pages

Clay hates magic.  Unfortunately he is given a magic book that turns into graffiti on the school wall.  He's punished by being sent to a survival camp on a deserted island.

It was interesting to read.  A completely new plot.  Great for boys in middle school.

Murder of a Small Town Honey by Denise Swanson

Murder of a Small-Town Honey by Denise Swanson - 248 pages
A Scumble River Mystery #1

Skye is horrified to discover herself back in Scumble River after declaring it too small during her high school valedictorian speech.  But after being fired from her previous job for having too much ethics she doesn't really have a choice.  So now she is working for the local school district that doesn't really want her.  Unfortunately, one the first things that happens to her once back in town is her finding a dead body.  Then her brother is arrested the lady's murder.  Now Skye must figure out who the real killer is so she can save her brother.
I read the newest Scumble River mystery before picking up this one.  I really enjoyed it and decided to read the entire series.  I'm glad I did.  The book was very quick and fun to read.