1. The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison – This is the sixth book in the Rachel Morgan series and it starts with a bang. The action continues throughout, the relationships between characters get tested, the protagonist learns more about her background and origins. It’s a good read, denser than many genre books (so it took longer to read), well-grounded in its fictional world. Unfortunately, I’ve read so many books since I read the fifth in the series that I was not so well-grounded there myself, which is probably why I had to read it so carefully (i.e., slowly). In general it’s one of the reasons I bitch about reading series fiction while the series is still being written. It’s not because the series gets interrupted, but because I get pulled into other worlds in the interim and have to find my way back. (Did I have this problem when I was younger?? Sigh.) As for the story here, it’s a good one and a worthy addition to the series. (finished 1/6/10)
2. The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman – Everything Hoffman writes is magical, and this book is no exception. Magic and mythology and science come together in unexpected ways, creating a beautiful tale of redemption and self-discovery. (finished 1/13)
3. Looking for Alaska by John Green – This YA novel won at least 7 awards, including ALA Best Book for Young Adults Top 10, and I can see why. It’s a coming-of-age story set in Alabama at a private prep school, but more, it’s a study of friendship and loss and recovery. The characters are believably and heartbreakingly human, and I really loved going on their journey with them. (finished 1/21
