Darkstalker

by Tui T. Sutherland 

Thousands of years before the time of the Dragonet Prophecy, Darkstalker is born to parents from warring tribes-Arctic, an Icewing; and Foeslayer, a NightWing. Arctic is an animus, a rare dragon so powerful and dangerous that some tribes don't even allow them to live. Each time an animus uses magic, he loses a piece of his soul. Darkstalker has inherited his father's magical ability, along with the gift of prophecy. He knows his future involves a NightWing named Clearsight, and she, a seer herself, is also aware that their fates are entwined. Far away in the SeaWing kingdom, a terrible tragedy brings another animus, Fathom, into their lives. Fathom is tasked with controlling the carefree and arrogant Darkstalker, who casts spell after careless spell, putting the dragonets, and all of Pyrrhia, at risk. This first book in the "Legends" series is a prequel to "Wings of Fire" and is middle grade high fantasy at its most fun. The story moves along at a breakneck pace as the dragons face dangerous situations, cast enchantments, and even fall in love. Fully fleshed-out worlds, sarcastic dragon humor, and an intriguing backstory will more than please the many loyal fans of the original series.

What Waits in the Woods

by Kieran Scott

Callie is the new girl at her school. She's surprised herself with somehow making it into the popular crowd, AND getting a cute popular boyfriend. She hates all things outdoors, but thinks she has to agree to this camping trip to maintain her popular status. At first, the trip is okay, but soon her friends tell her the story of the "Skinner," a crazy serial killer at work in those same woods in the 80's. Then weird things start to happen to her group--crazy laughing, glimpses of a white shirt between the trees, and crude voodoo dolls fashioned from twigs. Something is very wrong in these woods, and they won't all make it out alive.

While no great piece of literature, this book was really fun. It reads exactly like a teen horror movie, complete with lots of dumb teen decisions and drama.  I really was surprised by the resolution--I was totally on the wrong track, and I love that! I think you guys will really enjoy this one!

Cuckoo Song

by Frances Hardinge

When Triss wakes up from an illness, she's confused, disoriented, and has a fuzzy memory. Her little sister hates her, and since she has nothing but love for the girl, she can't figure out why. The "why" is something you'd never guess in a million years, and I love that about this wonderfully weird story. As it unfolds, it continues to be a surprise at every turn.

Frances Hardinge is a genius. This is historical fiction, a commentary on war, an exploration of grief and sibling rivalry, a twisted fairy tale, and a horror story. I absolutely loved every minute. I can't wait to use this as a read-a-like right next to The Thickety in the  library. Creepy, thought-provoking, and incredibly well-written.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

by J.K. Rowling

At the end of Deathly Hallows, we get a little glimpse into the future of our beloved characters, but get to imagine ourselves how they all turn out. It was a perfect ending. I, of course, like to envision them all happily living out their lives, but in this little continuation, that fantasy is shattered. Harry is not winning any parenting awards, Hermione works too much, Ron is kind of an idiot (not in a cute, charming way), and Ginny is just a bit on the overbearing side.

The story, quickly: Harry's kid and Draco's kid are both misfits. Albus Potter bears the burden of being Harry's son, and Scorpius Malfoy is rumored to actually be the son of Voldemort. (Huh? Since when did Voldemort show any interest in having a relationship with a woman? Okay, moving on.) They become friends on the Hogwarts train, and in typical teen fashion, decide to rebel against their parents. Only in the wizarding world, the type of rebellion they are planning could have deadly consequences.

First, it's a play, so it's a bit hard to read. Second, it starts out slow. Reeeaaallll slow. Like I almost didn't finish it slow. However, once I got used to the format and got through all the boring set-up, I actually ended up kind of liking it.