An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Five hundred years ago, the Martials conquered the Scholar lands. Once the home to the world’s finest libraries and universities, the Scholar Empire is now enslaved and oppressed by the Martials. Now most of the people don’t know the difference between an armory and a school.

Laia’s parents and sister were killed by the Empire. She and her brother Darin live with their grandparents. When Darin sneaks back home in the hours before dawn one night, Laia confronts him about his sketchbook that she found. He wants to know if she said anything to Nan and Pop. She didn’t. He warns her not to tell a soul what she saw. It is too dangerous. Everyone’s life would be at risk. Laia asks if he is working for the Empire after all that they have done to their family. He is silent and Laia assumes the worse. Starting to berate him, Darin tells her that it isn’t what she thinks. Suddenly, he gets very quiet and whispers, “raid”. Daytime raids are held for the Empire to assert their dominance but nighttime raids are for covering up things that the Martials don’t want anyone to find out about. Laia questions why they are being raided if he is working for the Empire. He’s not and asks her to hide the sketchbook. It contains details about how the forges of Serra create the most precious asset of the Empire: “the unbreakable, curved scims that can cut through three men at once.” The Martials hoard their secrets of metalcraft and execute anyone who ventures too close to the forges. Laia wonders who Dariin is working for if not the Empire and how to get close enough to the forges to uncover their secrets. She drops the sketch book out of the window, into a bush.

Nan and Pop are now awake and tell their grandchildren to run for it. They will hold back the soldiers as best they can. They are to run through the backyard and hide in the east end of the Quarter. They all gasp when they catch sight of a liquid silver face outside of the window. A Mask awaits and that makes the situation even worse. There is more pounding on the front door along with an irritated voice. Darin comments that the voice can’t belong to the Mask and he and Laia exchange a look. If the Mask isn’t at the front door, where is he? Darin promises to keep her safe. They reach the back gate and Darin releases the latch. Darin pulls Laia behind him. Sensing nothing, Laia steps out and comes face to face with the Mask. The Mask subdues Darin and eyes Laia leerily. He takes them back into the house where Nan and Pop are bound and kneeling on the floor. Darin joins them but the Mask keeps Laia by his side. The Mask questions Darin about the sketchbook and threatens Nan. Laia tells him where to find it. A soldier retrieves it and the Mask flips through the pages. He wants to know about his association with the Resistance. Darin feigns ignorance. Some time in prison should loosen up his tongue, states the Mask. Pop speaks up, demanding that they leave the boy alone. In the blink of an eye, the Mask strikes down Pop. Nan screams and Laia knows that her grandfather is dead. Nan stumbles towards the Mask but he quickly slits her throat. Now, an hour before dawn, the Mask orders Darin taken away and the house burned to the ground. The Mask holds Laia’s gaze as the soldiers flanking her grin. Suddenly, Darin springs up, his bindings free, and tackles the Mask to the ground. The soldiers are stunned and Darin is able to grab’s the Mask’s knife before they can act. He yells at Laia to run and she knows if she stays, the Mask will rape and kill her. Backing away, the Mask notices Laia as Darin screams. He orders her brother to be taken to an interrogation cell and tells her to run. Laia flees into the night.

Running through the Quarter, Laia loses her pursuers. With no family left, she realizes that she has nowhere to go. Wandering the alleys of the Quarter, Laia notices a grate that leads to the catacombs of Serra. They are rumored to house the Scholars’ Resistance. If Laia can find them, maybe they can rescue Darin. Down in the catacombs, Laia feels like a hunted animal. Even though the Emperor states that the Scholars are free under his rule, they aren’t allowed to own property or attend school and live in fear of being enslaved. Only her thoughts of Darin keep her from going mad. After hours of literally feeling her way around, Laia hears a sound. Dropping to find a weapon, light floods the tunnel and she finds herself surrounded. A man’s voice asks a woman to check Laia for weapons. He calls her Sana and Laia realizes that it’s a Scholar name but she is too afraid to ask if they are part of the Resistance. She discovers Laia’s armband. Laia begs to keep it saying it is the only thing she has left of her mother’s. Suddenly, the leader, Keenan, realizes that they are about to be discovered by an aux patrol and the group goes to disperse. Sana doesn’t want to leave Laia behind but Keenan is steadfast in his refusal. He wants Sana to take Laia’s silver armband. Sana will not steal from her own people. She pushes Keenan and her hood falls back. Laia notices her tattoo and realizes that she is a part of the Resistance. Keenan says that now they must take Laia back with them.

The rebels take Laia back to their hideout. Taking off her blindfold, Keenan wants Sana to drug Laia and send her on her way. Sana thinks Laia looks familiar and Laia tells her that she sold jams at the market. Sana is about to ask why she was in the catacombs when Keenan voices his displeasure over Laia still being there. Someone lets it slip that Sana is the leader of the faction. Laia asks for help rescuing Darin but Keenan says that they are stretched too thin. Laia bravely says that it isn’t his decision. He looks her over and notices the armband. Keenan leaves to get someone named Mazen.

In the Quarter, no one knew who Laia’s parents were but someone in the Resistance is bound to notice her appearance. She stares at Sana’s tattoo because her father gave her mother the same one. Sana tells her the Resistance has changed. Mazen believes that they need to attack but Sana disagrees. Keenan comes back with Mazen. Laia interrupts by saying that he is the leader of the Resistance. She asks for his help since his men turned in Darin. Mazen looks to Keenan who confirms that two recruits were just found dead. He didn’t know what big thing they were working on. Laia keeps quiet over the sketchbook but pleads again. Mazen begins to walk off. Laia realizes that it is now or never. She tells Mazen who she truly is. Someone with the Resistance betrayed her parents and she has kept her identity a secret until now. Shocking everyone, the leaders of the divided factions of the Resistance meet privately to decide what to do. Mazen will attempt to free Darin if Laia agrees to spy on the commandant of Blackcliff.

Elias Veturia has been training with Helene Aquilla nearly every day for the past fourteen years at the Blackcliff Military Academy to become Masks. Helene is fiercely loyal to the Empire while Elias’ hatred of it grows by the day. He is making plans for desertion. They are both Senior Skulls and have just completed their last year of training. Elias’ Mask hasn’t melded to his skin yet, the only student not permanently marked. The reason is that he takes it off every chance he gets. The Commandant of the Academy is the only living female Mask until graduation the next day when Helene graduates. She is also Elias’ mother and they have a mutual hatred of one another..

Heir to Gens Veturia, Elias is a member of one of the oldest and most respected houses in the Empire. The first six years of his life were spent with the Tribesmen who taught him compassion and mercy instead of brutality and hatred. If he is successful, he would become the first student to desert after graduation. Elias has spent the past seven months planning his escape through the catacombs. At dinner that night, talk amongst the Senior Skulls turns to whether or not this will be the year the Augurs choose a new emperor. The current emperor is seventy with no heirs. Just like his grandfather, Elias doesn’t believe in their powers. Helene silently warns him to keep his doubts to himself. Soon, talk turns towards the morning’s execution of a ten year old student who ran. Marcus taunts Elias over his sympathy towards the traitor. Helene pleads with him to agree with Marcus and he finally relents. Marcus continues with his insults by calling Elias a bastard and talking about him deserting. (Elias has no idea who his father is.) Helene tells Elias to leave and cool off. Elias wonders how Marcus knows about his secret plans.

Outside, Elias wishes he could have seen Serra when it was still the capital of the Scholar Empire. Suddenly, a voice speaks at his side. “All things change Elias Veturius. You are no boy now, but a man, with a man’s burden upon your shoulders and a man’s choice ahead of you.” Elias places a dagger against his throat. Steady as a rock, his mind races as to where the man has come from Elias says, “Who the hell are you?” The man pulls off his hood and Elias finds himself in front of an Augur. The Augur knows of his beliefs about the them and his desertion plans. The Augur mentions that the price will be high. He is not there to punish Elias, his future will be punishment enough. The Augur tells Elias that they built Blackcliff 500 years earlier as a place to train the future emperor when the current line dies out. The Augurs know of Elias’ plans because of their ability to read minds. Knowing those plans, they knew that they would need to speak to him soon. This particular Augur, Cain, brought Elias to Blackcliff from his foster family. Cain tells Elias that he cannot escape his destiny. Tomorrow, Elias must make a choice; desertion or duty If he deserts, he will leave the Empire behind but his enemies will always hunt him. If he chooses duty, Elias will have a chance of unimaginable greatness and freedom. Elias will know his destiny when the time comes.

Who in the Resistance betrayed Laia’s parents? Will the Resistance be able to rescue Darin? Was Darin secretly working for them? Does Laia follow her parents’ lead and join the Resistance? Why does Mazen want a spy working for the Commandant? What are his plans? Who can Laia trust? What is Elias’ destiny? Why did the Augurs choose him? Will he choose to stay and face an uncertain future or will he run? Why does Helene help him? What is the story behind his mother? Why does she seem to hate him? Why was he chosen to be at Blackcliff? Who can Elias trust? What happens when Elias and Laia cross paths?

As of now, book two hasn’t been sold.

Visit Sabaa Tahir’s website.

The Heir by Kiera Cass (The Selection book 4)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in The Selection series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“35 Suitors. 1 Princess. A new Selection has begun.”

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! It has been twenty years since Prince Maxon Schreave chose America Singer to be his wife during his Selection. Now it is their daughter’s turn. Born seven minutes before her twin brother Ahren, her parents’ changed the succession rules to allow Princess Eadlyn, their firstborn, to become queen. When King Maxon first decreed that the caste system be abolished, the citizens rejoiced. Now, the citizens of Illea are rioting and Maxon nor Eadlyn know how to bring back harmony. When her mother suggests that Eadlyn hold her own Selection as a way to rally the country, she is horrified. Scared, she confides in Ahren on how she feels. He suggests that she work out some reassurances with her father. In discussing her own Selection with her father, Eadlyn wants a guarantee that she can have an out if she doesn't find anyone. She also asks if any boy can leave of his own free will and her father assures her that they can. He gently reminds her that as heir to the throne, marriage and a heir are a part of her ruling responsibilities. She promises that she will continue the Selection for three months. Her father believes that she will find her mate during the process. Eadlyn is not ready for thirty-five guys to invade her space. She is ready to find a way to make sure none of them want to stay.

It turns out, Eadlyn is a bit self absorbed. A young princess with the future weight of Illea on her shoulders, she likes to goes off alone to regroup. Preoccupied by only herself, she misses what is really going on with the people around her. Eadlyn cannot stand the Woodwick children who just happen to live on the same floor as the royal family. Josie, a few years younger, annoys her and her older brother Kile, is a bookworm that Eadlyn finds boring. King Maxon allows Eadlyn a luxury he didn’t have, she gets to choose the names of the Selected. She draws one envelope from each district and saves them to be opened during the Report. Opening the envelope from her home district of Angeles last, everyone in the palace is stunned when she opens the envelope and reads Kile Woodwick’s name. Once they are off the air, tensions soon rise. Kile claims that he didn’t enter his name. Eadlyn is furious and Kile tells her to choose another name. General Leger says that she can’t since the name was read on live television. Kile tells Eadlyn to eliminate him on the first day. She asks where does he plan on going since he will already be home. Kile offers to be sent away but his mother is adamant that he stay. Eadlyn is floored that he wants to leave, asking if the palace isn’t good enough for him. He retorts that it isn’t his and he is tired of her bratty attitude. King Maxon states that Kile is just one of several options and they should just go ahead to dinner. Eadlyn retreats to her room.

When the Selected arrive, Eadlyn meets each one individually. Several make either a really good or really bad impression. It is decided to hold a parade to unveil the boys to the public. Everything is going well until just before the end of the parade route. Eadlyn is hit with rotten food. The protesters on the route are demanding better jobs and saying the caste system still exists. She and the Selected are rushed back to the palace.Embarrassed,  Eadlyn runs to her room and cries on her maid’s shoulder. She doesn’t understand why everyone hates her. The Selection isn’t turning out as they expected it to. Ahren comforts her but lets Eadlyn know that she is seen as very aloof in the press. In an attempt to get some good press, Eadlyn decides to eliminate some of the boys. She keeps Kile because his mother wants him to stay around. The way she goes about it only further cements her distant demeanor with the public. Eadlyn is now in damage control mode but finds that some of the Selected might actually be worth knowing.

Can Eadlyn change her self-centered ways? Will Kile stay for the Selection or will he leave of his own free will? If he didn’t enter his own name, who did? Can the people of Illea move past the caste system? Does Eadlyn run off most of the boys chosen to participate? How will Eadlyn change the public’s perceived notion of her? Can she change her own perception of herself? Will any of the Selected capture Eadlyn’s cold heart? What happens when Eadlyn realizes the Selection is such a bad idea after all?

Eadlyn’s story will be wrapped up with book five of The Selection series in 2016.  Fans of the series will love seeing how their favorite characters from America’s Selection have grown over the past twenty years.

Visit Kiera Cass’ website.

Forged by Erin Bowman (Taken book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Taken and Frozen, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book in the series.

Epic Reads posted a series recap on their website.

“A rebel has to risk it all.”
“The time has come to take a stand.”

Two months have past and Gray Weathersby is tired of sitting around, waiting, and giving Frank an advantage. Two months of being in Pike with the Expats and nothing to show for it. Gray and his twin brother Blaine have drifted apart since their emotional reunion. Blaine wasn't there to witness their father’s death or Gray killing his own forgery. Blaine doesn’t life with the guilt knowing that half of Group A’s people died because of the decision he made to enter into an alliance with the Expats. Things are strained between he and Bree since she decided to put herself first. Gray knows that Frank still holds control over the real Emma and all of Claysoot. When Gray, Bree and the others are invited to a meeting with Vik, the leader of the Expats, and his second in command Adam, one look is all it takes for Gray to realize that something is wrong. Contact with the Rebel headquarters was lost earlier in the day.

It seems that Frank has attacked Cervice Valley without any warning. He either knew the coordinates or just struck the whole mountain range. Gray realizes that if Blaine had stayed behind, his brother would possibly be dead. Furious, Gary wants to know how long they're going to wait around while Frank strikes. Adam tells him that they have been trying to build support for their cause in order to be able to strike on multiple fronts. Gray notices Bree slightly shake her head and he realizes that she agrees with him but for now he needs to be quiet. Elijah and a crew will take a shuttle to the east and immediately survey the damage. Everyone else will meet back in the morning for another meeting. What should have been a night of celebration for Clipper's birthday, is now a night of devastation as he wonders if his mother is still alive.

Clipper is determined to still celebrate his birthday. At first, Gray is non-social but soon realizes that he can be with his friends and still worry about the future. At the bar, everyone including Bree is there. Clipper is happy throwing dates and Gray goes to get a drink. Soon, Jules comes over and starts to make a pass. Gray is having none of it and lets her know that there is only one girl for him. Jules spits back that Bree won't have anything to do with him. She leaves and makes her way over to Blaine. Before too long, they are flirting madly with one another. Sammy comes up and the two of them talk about what they hope their futures will bring. Neither initially mentions the girl of their desires. It's only been a week since either has talked about Emma. Gray realizes that he will always have feelings for Emma, just like he does for his family but his heart lies elsewhere. Sammy says that he should never give up on Bree and Gray lets him know that he doesn't plan on it.

The next morning, Gray sees Blaine freshly showered at the meeting. He never came back last night to his bunk and Gray is pleased that his brother has found someone. Vik tells the assembled group that they haven't received any word from Elijah. Adam busts in and asks if they know yet. Vik asks Gray if his group is still willing to play a part, there is something they can do. Their mission will be to see what the water treatment plant that lies on an island dividing the east from the west hides. Frank has had enough water for years. The heavily fortified plant has to be hiding something else. If Gray accepts, their mission will be to find out what it contains. Bree questions what they think is there in order to go after such a secured building. Seemingly insulted, Adam tells them that a spy has found a way in. Gray sees this as their chance to finally do something but Blaine disagrees, After their argument, Gray realizes that Blaine’s hesitation over doing things has always been an attempt to keep his brother safe. Checking on Bree before they head out, Gray tells her that he is never going to give up on her. She still trusts him but doesn't want anything more. He is not sure that he believes her but then wonders if he is just being insensitive. Giving her some space, Gray realizes that he has made more headway with her than he has in a long time by her reaction.

What will Gray and company discover on their mission? Can the Expats destroy Frank? Why did Frank have Harvey create forgeries? Has Cervice Valley been annihilated? Is the real Emma still alive? Will Gray be able to win back Bree’s heart? Will anyone return to Claysoot? Who makes it out alive?

Shocking twists and turns will have the reader racing to the end of these series. 

Visit Erin Bowman’s website.

The Replaced by Kimberly Derting (The Taking book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Taking, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

“How do you move forward after someone steals your past?”

It has been seventeen days since Kyra Agnew watched her boyfriend Tyler Wahl, her father and Agent Truman be abducted by the same aliens who took her five years earlier. The experiments/modifications they conducted on Kyra and the other Returned leaves their blood poisonous to humans. The only reason she and the others took Tyler to the Devil’s Hole to be abducted was a last ditch effort to save his life after he was accidentally exposed to Kyra’s blood. Her hope is that the aliens can cure him and be able to find him before the NSA’s Daylighter Division does.

While searching through a classified email that Jett intercepted from the NSA, they are discovered and locked out. Before that happens a popup containing only the word “supernova” is seen. Kyra is positive that it was from her father, a nickname he gave her. Simon and Jett try to convince her that it might be a trap, looking for the Returned. She takes in their looks of pity but is undeterred. The email from the NSA leads the to believe that the NSA might be holding Tyler at their Tacoma facility. Simon thinks that they should check it out even though it is the type of place the Returned should avoid. Kyra knows that Simon has his own reasons for going. She believes that the email is about Tyler because it was signed by Agent Truman, the same agent who disappeared the same night as Tyler and her father. Kyra is haunted by all that she has done and the unanswered questions. Jett knows that the Returned always come back after forty-eight hours. Kyra is the only known exception.

Simon, Jett and Kyra pack the SUV with supplies for their mission to rescue Tyler. Willow is tagging along but doesn’t think that the trip is a good idea. Things really take a weird turn when Natty decides to join them. The group is shocked even more when she and Thom share a tender goodbye. Things really get tense when Thom becomes the sixth man for the mission. He and Simon are able to put aside their differences during the trip. Throughout the drive, Kyra cannot help but wonder what Agent Truman might have in store for her.

Arriving at the Tacoma facility, they divide into two teams. Kyra isn’t happy that she isn’t initially on the team who will rescue Tyler. Plans are changed and Kyra will now be with Simon and Willow. She is floored to find out the plan for Jett’s team was to cause an explosion to draw attention away from their entrance. They make it to the enormous lab and find nothing. Willow goes off to search elsewhere, leaving Kyra and Simon in the main lab. Suddenly, the alarms stop blaring and the lights come back on. Hearing rushing footsteps, the two don’t know which way to run. Thanks to Kyra’s quick thinking and Simon’s steady hands, the two skip into a vent. Simon promises to take care of Kyra. Her worst fears come true when Agent Truman makes his presence known. He sends his best men out in hazmat suits to capture the dangerous teens. Looking behind them, Kyra sees a staircase leading down. They run through the maze of duct work until one of Truman’s agent grabs a hold of her wrist. He looks at her and says “It’s you!” Simon outs off some sort of knockout drug while Kyra holds her breath. The two are able to escape with Willow’s help.

Outside the building looking for the others, the three into Agent Truman again. He isn’t dressed in a hazmat suit like the others and is holding a gun. The trio is stunned when he pulls the trigger and shoots Simon. Willow goes to charge him and he shoots her as well.. Kyra cannot believe neither had blood spilled. Taking awhile to heal themselves, Several of Truman’s soldiers rush forward. They shoot a net at them, trapping Willow. Simon and Kyra run, leaving Willow behind, and meet up with the others.

Are Kyra and the others able to rescue Willow? Why wasn’t Agent Truman protected against Kyra’s blood? What has happened to Tyler? Will Kyra be able to find him? Was the popup message really from her father? Does Kyra’s heart completely belong to Tyler or is Simon worming his way? What is so special about Kyra that Agent Truman will stop at nothing to get her?

This trilogy will be completed in 2016.

Visit Kimberly’s Derting’s website.

The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Dorothy Must Die, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book in the series.

“My name is Amy Gumm - And I’m the other girl from Kansas. My mission? Kill Dorothy. And who is actually wicked?”

Oz is in disarray after Amy’s failed attempt at killing Dorothy. The Wizard has told her that the key to eliminating Dorothy will be to kill her three friends first. She does manage to kill the Tin Woodman and retrieve his clockwork heart. She and Ozma were carried off by Ollie and Maude to the queendom of the Wingless Ones and meet Queen Lulu. The members of the Order have disappeared and Amy is concerned about finding Nox. It seems that she has developed some feelings for him. When Pete resurfaces, she uncovers the truth about who he really is. As the landscape changes in Oz and the magic begins to flow again, Amy realizes one thing; she doesn’t know who she can trust.

Will Amy find Nox? Who is Pete? Can she trust the members of the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked? Will Princess Ozma ever be fit to rule Oz once again? And can Amy remove the Lion’s courage and take back the Scarecrow’s brain in her attempt to rid Oz from Dorothy’s rule?

Book three will be published in 2016 but two more prequel novellas will be released before the conclusion of the trilogy.

Visit Danielle Paige’s Facebook page.

Two prequel novellas have been published outlining Dorothy’s rise to power since Dorothy Must Die.

The Witch Must Burn - In which Jellia spends some time with Glenda at her castle.

The Wizard Returns - In which we learn what happened to the Wizard after he supposedly left Oz

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins (Rebel Belle book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Rebel Belle, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

“Some titles aren’t won - they’re earned.”

Since the disastrous night of the Cotillion, Harper Price, David Stark and Ryan Bradshaw have been trying to fulfill the duties of the roles that have been forced upon them. David is an Oracle and his “aunt” Saylor protected him, literally with her life. When she died, she passed on her powers as Mage to Ryan. With Harper as his Paladin, a superpowered warrior, and Ryan by his side, David hasn’t had a substantial vision since that night. A spell was cast at the Cotillion that intensified his powers, which included the ability to make more Paladins. David has no idea that Harper and Ryan have been working to keep his visions to a minimum and insubstantial.

While on a “mission” to keep a couple of Harper’s friends from a less than successful future marriage, David is struck by a substantial vision. All he will tell her is that they need to go, now. Harper sends Ryan a text to meet them at the twins’ house. It is an emergency. Ryan is waiting on them when they arrive and Harper fills him in on what he has missed. She has him alter the twins’ memories so that they don’t recall witnessing David’s vision. David is in a hurry, insisting that they need to leave right away. He drives the three of them out into the country and stops where a burnt plantation home once stood. In it’s place now is a beautiful replica that Harper can sense the magic surrounding it. Turns out that David has led them to the Ephors, the very group that Saylor died to protect him from.

The three walk inside the house. They are staring at a painting when a voice behind them says that it is titled, “The Oracle Speaks”. Standing behind them is a man in his forties, dressed in a suit. He informs them that the Ephors can help David with his visions. Harper reminds them about Saylor’s warnings but David asks Alexander where Bee is. Harper’s thoughts immediately turn to her missing best friend. The four of them move into a study to talk about the vision. Alexander states that the Ephors want to help David learn about his powers as the Oracle. He notices that David has grabbed Harper’s hand and finds it interesting. No other Oracle and their Paladin had a romantic relationship. With all of the visions, there isn’t time. Harper tells Alexander that the three of them have everything under control. That’s when Alexander drops the bomb that Harper isn’t a full Paladin.

Harper must undergo the Periamos ritual. She doesn’t have a choice in the matter and her test began when she arrived. Should she fail, a new Paladin will come forth, one that has already started her training. All three turn around and see Bee walk into the room. She looks completely unharmed. They rush her and David is stricken when he realizes that he cannot see either girls’ future. Alexander says that it would be an unfair advantage during the Periamos. Harper attempts to argue but Alexander cuts her off. She will have to complete three mental or physical tests by the end of the moon cycle. Either she will live or die at the end. Bee is her replacement should she fail. If Harper is successful, Bee will no longer have her Paladin powers. David accepts Alexander’s offer of help because he feels that they really need it.

Will Harper survive the Periamos? Can David trust Alexander or will Harper’s fears come true? Who is Alexander? What visions does David have of the future? Can Harper and David’s relationship survive?

The trilogy will finish out with a third yet untitled book sometime in the future.

Visit Rachel Hawkins’ website.

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

The graduation/welcome home party for Josh Mitchell doesn’t go as planned for Skylar Evans. The two worked together at the Paradise Hotel before Josh joined the Marines and shipped out to Afghanistan. Skylar briefly dated his younger brother Blake during his deployment. Not much happens in the blink and you might miss it town of Creek View, located just off of California’s Highway 99. In fact, at the end of summer, she will start at San Francisco State and leave Creek View behind. Looking everywhere for Josh to welcome him home, she hears him before she sees him. When Skylar turns around, she is stunned to see his gaunt face and lifeless eyes. It is only when he takes a step towards her for a hug does she notice that Josh has lost his left leg, courtesy of the Taliban. After Josh moves on to a new group of friends, Skylar questions Blake on the situation. Josh made their mother promise not to tell anyone. Leaving the party, Skylar recalls the last words Josh said to her before his deployment. “This is as good as it gets for me.”

The first week that Josh is back home, Skylar only runs into him once. She went to pick up her friend Dylan at the diner after she had finished her shift. While waiting, Skylar sees Josh sitting alone at a table, staring out the window, his food untouched. She  recalls how popular Josh was before joining the Marines. Knowing that it is only proper, Skylar walks over to say hello.The first thing Josh says to her is how good she looks. She jokes that he would hit on Marge, the hotel owner, given the chance. Nope, not going there but he is coming back to work as the handyman until he figures out what to do with his life. While driving Dylan to the nearest Walmart, Skylar finds that she cannot keep her mind off of Josh. Dylan says that she is wonders what he would be like under the sheets.

When Skylar gets home, she is surprised to find their trailer door unlocked. She and her mother are adamant about locking it. Her mother should be working at Taco Bell. Carefully opening the door, she hears her mother coughing from the bedroom. Skylar finds her sitting on the bed and just thinks she is having a bad day. Skylar is floored when her mother tells her that she has lost her job and breaks down. Skylar is so close to leaving Creek View behind and her worst fears have come true. She cannot leave her mother alone.

Skylar’s life soon spins out of control. Her mother begins drinking again and refuses to look for a job. And to Skylar’s horror, her mother starts having a guy over. Working at the hotel, Skylar begins to see Josh every day. She no longer sees the wounded warrior or the carefree boy before he joined the Marines. War has changed Josh. His life now revolves around physical and group therapy at the VA and trying to decide whether to stay on the Marines or take an honorable discharge. The two start to spend more time together and Josh becomes the one bright spot in Skylar’s life while everything else comes crashing down around her. Skylar finds herself falling for Josh, but when he starts running away from close encounters, she wonders if she has read Josh’s signals wrong.

Will Skylar be able to leave Creek View behind? Does she get to go to college? Can she help her mother turn her life around? Is Skylar getting the wrong message from Josh? What horrors and loss did Josh suffer in Afghanistan that haunt him? Can Skylar help Josh move forward?

Visit Heather Demetrios’ website.