"Irena's War" by James D. Shipman

Irena's War by James D. Shipman is based on a true story, and what a story it is!  Irena works as a social worker in Warsaw, Poland.  When the Germans take over, she works out a deal that she will be the head of a food bank.  When she finds out that the Jews are being rounded up, she joins a resistance group to save as many people from the Germans as she can.  

I thought this book was really good.  I could feel the tension as Irena was trying to get people out of Poland to safety.  It has good action and the writing and the ending were well done!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (the first of a series)

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer is told by two people--Tessa and Corrick.  Tessa is a young girl who wants her kingdom to take better care of the poor people.  She wants things to change.  Corrick is a young man who rules his kingdom with his brother.  They have a bond between them and both have a desire to improve things for their people.

This book is really good!  I loved both of the main characters and it has good action as well with a great story line including an early surprise that my wife nor I saw coming!  I look forward to book 2 in this series.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Karen's review, Oct. 27, 2021:

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer was an enjoyable read for me.  It is a fictional read about Prince Corrick and his brother who rule over the land of Kandara.  People are dying from an illness that is throughout the land and medicine is scarce and hoarded by the elite.  Tessa mixes the ingredients that Wes brings to her to make medicine and together they deliver it to the poor in need during the night.  Wes saved her life once and she loves him.  When a revolution breaks out, everyone is in danger!

I liked this book because although it is primarily character driven, there was enough action to keep it interesting.  I really liked the two main characters, Corrick and Tessa.  Corrick is the king's justice who is fighting his own personal battle.  (4 stars)

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"Dread Locks" by Neal Shusterman is Dreadful

Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman was a dreadful for me.  I enjoyed many of his other books, but this one was too stupid.  The beginning was intriguing but that didn't last for long.  It's about Tara, a lonely teenage girl who turns people to stone and gives Parker her "gift."  I did not care for any of the main characters and really disliked Parker.  The best thing about this book is that it is short so didn't waste too much of my time.  Teens may enjoy it much more than I did though, as that is his primary audience.  Still, I would suggest you read other books by Shusterman instead of this one.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)      

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"Elevator Pitch" by Linwood Barclay

In Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay, something is very wrong with the elevators in New York. There have been three elevator accidents in three days.  People are being killed!  What is going on?  Is someone doing this and why?  This book was pretty good.  The action was good, but could have been more.  There were long stretches of just talking.   The story line and characters were okay.  It wasn't great, but good enough to get 4 stars from me.  (Gerard's review) 

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Steelstriker by Marie Lu is Great!

Steelstriker by Marie Lu is the sequel to Skyhunter (which I have not read).  This story is told by Talin and Red who are trying to free their land that is ruled by the Premier  Talen better obey the Premier because her mother's life depends on it.  

I liked both Red and Talin, but it is Talin that really drives this book.  Marie Lu's books are always good and this is no exception.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

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