Oh eek it's been a long time since I've written in this section, I know, and I'm sorry. It's been a crazy time and I haven't had the reading time I'm used to. So with my first free night in over a week I'm sitting here pondering what sequels I'm really looking forward to and I decided to share them just in case you haven't heard of any of them:

August 24, 2010 - Mocking Jay (YA)

I initially avoided the Hunger Games series, I did. I picked up the first book and thought the concept of a reality show where young people have to fight to the death sounded too grim. But I kept seeing the book around, and I kept picking it up, and finally I decided the reviews were just too stellar not to give it a chance. And oh I'm so glad I did.

Suzanne Collins handles a tough serious subject with such brilliance, and I'm just so inspired by the comments on the series and the anticipation for the third and last series. Yes this is an YA book, but the sophistication of the writing is really for anyone, especially those who care about the effect of violence on young people (and really, on all of us). And the characters of Katniss and Peeta and two of the most memorable I've ever encountered.

September 28, 2010 - The Exiled Queen (YA)

I'm eagerly awaiting book two in the YA "Seven Realms Series" by Cinda Williams Chima. I enjoyed the complexities of the characters, a world in which women are leaders, the mix of beliefs and drawing on indigenous wisdom.

October 12, 2010 - Beautiful Darkness (YA)

Beautiful Creatures had such lovely rich southern charm blended with mystery and danger and tough choices. I can't wait to see what our daring duo of authoresses of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl have in store for their heroes next. I'm sure we'll delve more into the mystery of the past, learn more about the old south, and nothing and no one are quite what they seem.

November 11, 2010 - The Foundling's Tale: Factotum (YA)

Oh I just loved loved loved book one and two of the Monster Blood Tatoo Series! What a unique crazy world the author/illustrator D.M. Cornish has created! I love Rosamund our boy hero with tremendous moral and physical courage, the brave but prickly Threnody, and the complex, complicated adults that pepper this fascinating place and show the young people that the world is definitely not black and white, and it's often the hidden monsters, not the apparent ones, we need to look out for. I can only imagine the sort of adventures Cornish has in store for our boy hero, and the elegant and mysterious Lady Europe.

I am sure that I have forgotten a book or two! If there's a series you love that I've missed let me know! As you can see in the Young Adult realm I have a preference for the fantasy genre. On my list is definitely Holly Black's new "White Cat."