Song of the Lioness: Lioness Rampant, by Tamora Pierce

Alanna is now a true knight and her gender has been revealed to
all. She is on a quest to find the Dominion Jewel, a precious gem
which, in the hands of a true ruler, will allow Tortall to flourish.
But as she searches for grains of truth among myths and hear-
say, her old enemy Duke Roger comes back from the dead
determined to stop her.

I enjoyed this rousing end to the Song of the Lioness series.
Bold, realistically-flawed characters, excellent writing and an
intriguing setting make it an awesome read for people who
enjoy fantasy.
5 stars,
Emme

Quidditch Through the Ages, by Kennilworthy Whisp

What Harry Potter reader hasn't wanted to know more about
Quidditch? This handy little book explains the ins and outs of the
game, rules, and teams. It has a section about different
broomsticks and even a nice section on the evolution of Quidditch.
It even talks about a few other popular wizarding sports played on
broomsticks.
5 stars,
Emme

Dealing With Dragons, by Patricia Wrede

Cimorene is not a proper princess. She has bribed or ordered
people in the castle to teach her fencing, magic, philosophy,
cooking, economics and juggling, but just as she gets into a subject
her parents find out and make her stop. Finally she just snaps and
runs away to become a dragons princess. Now she cooks, cleans
and does odd jobs for Kazul, her dragon.

Enjoyable children's book. I LOVED it when I was a tween, it seems
a wee bit flat and simple to me now, but still makes me laugh.

4 stars
Emme

Throne of Jade, by Naomi Novik

When England captured a French ship and took a dragon egg that
turned out to be a rare Chinese breed they though they had gotten
lucky. But now China wants the dragon back and are threatening
war if they don't get him. England quickly agrees to send him back,
but they are about to find out that if a dragon doesn't want to go
somewhere it is very difficult to make him.

Really, really brilliant! I highly recommend this alternate history
series to fans of good writing, great dragons and witty characters.
5 stars

Daughter of the Forest, by Juliet Marillier

: Sorcha lives with her six brothers and widower father. Her father
is too sad and distant to really take care of her, but her brothers
raise her as best they can, teaching her all their skills. Then one
day a their father brings home a strange woman who he says he
is going to marry. The children are frighted by the woman, who
seems to have bewitched their father, causing him to do
whatever she says and ignore her threats and harm to others.
The children try to convince him of the danger so the witch
curses the brothers and Sorcha escapes only by luck.

This lovely and elegant retelling of the Story of the Six Swans
was captivating. I just couldn't put it down! I loved the
characters and beautiful settings. I warn any readers who dislike
crying over a story to avoid this book, I am not a person inclined
to cry very much but I admit to having cried both sad and happy
tears.
5 stars,
emme

The Seer and the Sword, by Victoria Hanley

Princess Torina has always lived the pampered life of royalty. One
day her father brings home the son of one of his enemies to be her
slave. Torina frees him and befriends him. Raised as royalty among
his people, he has no problem talking to Torina as an equal and he
opens her eyes to a larger world then her castle.

Interesting story. Although I found the plot rather simple, even
dull, I liked the writing and the characters. Both villains and heros
are complicated folk. Good teens book.
4 stars

Neuromancer, by William Gibson

Case is living a hard and fast life. He runs drugs, arms and any
other illegal thing. He doesn't care if he gets caught and doesn't
care if he dies. He doesn't care about much. Then one day he
comes home to find a leather-clad, gun-wielding girl with
knives under her nails and glasses permanently attached to her
eyes sitting in his house. Her boss has a mission for him, and
she is here to make sure he can't refuse.

I found this book very interesting, but a wee bit too fast paced. I
would have liked a few more details on many things, rather then
skipping on to the next happening. The writing was great and
the characters were fresh and engaging.
4 stars,
Emme

The Devil Inside, by Jenny Black

Morgan is an exorcist, she removes demons who have taken over
unwilling hosts. She is one of the best, and almost never fails. After
a particularly nasty job, in which the demon almost beat her in the
fight for the host, Morgan heads home. On night she sleepwalks
and writes a note. The note is from a demon that has gotten inside
her. Morgan now has to face her worst fear... sharing her body.

Average book. Not too boring, but not fascinating either.
Characters felt a bit stereotyped. Plot, not overly engaging.
3 stars
Emme