THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater

If Blue kisses her true love, he’ll die. Bummer, right?

Blue comes from a family of psychics and for as long as she can remember that’s what she’s been told. She crosses paths with a boy named Gansey and his three friends, all from the local private school, known as Raven boys. She knows they’re trouble but can’t help but be intrigued by them.

What follows in the first book of Maggie Stiefvater’s newest series is further than anything you’d expect from a “love” story. Instead, it’s a story full of magic, mystery and adventure as Blue joins Gansey and his friends on a quest to try and uncover the resting place of an ancient Welsh king; if awoken, he’ll grant the person that finds him one wish.

This fast-paced book is full of twists and turns, and I promise, you will not see them coming. It’s a perfect choice for someone who likes a bit of a supernatural element thrown in, but done in a way that’s entirely believable. By the end of this book you’ll be so completely captivated with these characters and the story that you’ll wish it was September so you can find out what happens next!

--Submitted by ITBA Member: Susan B.

Name: Susan
Department: Circulation
Years at AHML: 10
Favorite thing you do at work: Checking in books! I love getting to see what’s new and popular.
Best place to read your book: Curled up in bed.
Why you like reading YA: I like reading about characters my age – it makes them easier to relate to.
 

"I read the book "In a Heartbeat" by Loretta Ellsworth. The story begins when, Eagan, an amazing figure skater, dies after attempting a triple-lutz in a competition. The story then is handed over to Amelia, a girl with CHF, or Congestive Heart Failure. She has waited months for  transplant, but is troubled when she is able to receive one. She knows that it means someone else must die for her to be happy. Slowly, things are revealed about Eagan's troubled relationship with her mom and Amelia's new attitude and cravings. Is her donor trying to tell her something, or is it just side effects from the drugs?

I highly recommend this book, as I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than 2 days. (around 2 hours). The coolest thing is that the book is dedicated to her mother and nephew. She began the story as therapy at the loss of both. Her mother had passed away from Congestive Heart Failure and her nephew, Jason, had a fatal motorcycle accident. Jason was an organ donor, as shown on his driver's license, like Eagan. She felt happy that part of him lived on, like Eagan's parents. This book was written in the memories of both and helped her keep writing through her grief.

This is a great book to read so don't hesitate to pick it up. The book is amazing and worth a try. It also teaches great lessons such as to enjoy life while you have it, because some are not as fortunate. The author did a great job with the tricky subject of death and turned the book into something you want to read."

~Rosy