Suspicion by Alexandra Monir

Suspicion by Alexandra Monir  295 pages

Seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford has never forgotten the last words her father said to her, before he, her mother, and the gardens of her family's English country manor were consumed by a blazing fire.

For seven years, images of her parents' death have haunted Imogen's dreams even as she moved away and attempted to start over. But some attachments prove impossible to shake - including her love for her handsome former neighbor Sebastian Stanhope. When a letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to her family's estate, she quickly discovers the dark secrets that her father warned her about. At their center is Imogen herself - and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.

Elemental by Anthony John

Elemental by Anthony John, 326 pages
Book 1 of series

The population of Earth suffered a huge blow in the form of a rat borne plague. Cities have been replaced by colonies and modern technology no longer exits. Thomas has always been an outsider in his colony because he possesses no elemental gift unlike every other resident of the island... or so he's been told. The island is buried in secrets and Thomas knows none of them until one fateful night when truths began to reveal themselves one by one. Thomas, his deaf/lame brother Griffin, and other children born in the colony, will have to use their gifts to outsmart pirates, live through a hurricane and protect their home and family.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, 358
Book 1 of series

Alina and Mal grew up as orphans together in the care of a Duke. Together they joined the army - Mal as a tracker and Alina as a cartographer's apprentice. One day a glimpse of Alina's hidden power is revealed and her life is forever changed. The Darkling has seen her and wants her for his own. Alina's life changes from lowly orphan to one of the elite. Her training begins with her learning to fight and to use her power. Will she be the hoped for salvation of her people/world or will she be their destruction. The book was well written with many twists and turns. If you looked deep enough, you'd easily see what direction the story was taking -- predictable but still well done.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, 332 pages


Definitely not a Twilight book or even the P.C. Cast series -- This is a stand alone vampire series that actually reads very well. I liked the different type of vampires and guardians in the story. It seemed to take various myths and blend them into one good tale.
Ever since the accident that took her family, Lissa has been very close to her guardian, Rose. In fact, they have a bond that allows Rose to enter Lissa's mind and see/feel everything that she does. In the beginning of the novel, they are captured and taken back to an academy for vampires that they both attended before. Supposedly, it is for their protection ... Lissa's especially because she is royalty. When strange happenings at the school begin to occur again, it is very clear that Lissa is no longer safe. Will Rose be able to protect her best friend from the dangers that lurk around every corner?  And how do you fight a danger you aren't sure about at all? Filled with forbidden romances, vampires, parties, murderous villains, high school drama and everything in between, this series definitely has "TEEN" written all over it.

Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer, 50 pages

This small novella is just a taste of the adventure you'll find in the Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer. The story was short but packed full of adventure. To give any of the story line away is to tell the whole story.  Although I could tell you that it involves people born with the power of wind, earth, fire or water ... and people who want the more powerful of those dead. If the intent of the author was to draw you into the series and make you want more, she definitely succeeded. I already have book one on hold and am looking forward to reading more about the Elementals.

Legacies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill

Legacies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill, 320 pages
Book One of the Shadow Grail Series

When Spirit is left as the sole survivor from a terrible car accident with her family, she finds herself whisked away to a life of secrets and privilege at Oakhurst Academy. Spirit learns that she is a "Legacy" -- A child of two previous Oakhurst Academy alumnis ... and a mage. It's hard for Spirit to believe as none of her magical powers have manifested themselves and her parents have never shared about their life. However, with friends that are fire, earth, air and water mages, it's hard to deny that there is magic in the world. No one at Oakhurst has a family. They are all orphans with  parents, siblings and family lost in "accidents." So when a few students go missing, no one seems to care enough to find out what happened. It takes Spirit and four trusted friends to discover the sinister truth behind the disappearances ... but will the answers they seek lead to their deaths? Read the book to find out.