The Rithmatist

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book The Rithmatist has received such good reviews, that I felt it might be worth my time, but I have to admit, the subject did not really appeal to me.  It is about a boy named Joel whose greatest desire is to be a Rithmatist.  Rithmatists are defenders of the American Isles, and they defend the Isles by creating strategic chalk drawings that will ultimately defend them from the wild chalklings of Nebrask. Joel has a scholarship to the Armedius Academy, where they train Rithmatists.  He has missed his opportunity to become a Rithmatist, or at least he thinks he has.  When Rithmatist students start disappearing from the academy, Joel is recruited by his professor, Dr. Fitch, to help solve the mystery.   It is the mystery combined with the intriguing detail of the chalk defenses, and the light romance with Melody, a Rithmatist, that makes this story a fun read.   Definitely worth my time. 



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The Mark of the Dragonfly

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book should become a favorite in the middle school crowd.  It is about a resourceful girl named Piper, who lives in Scrap Town # 16. The residents of Scrap Towns barely make a living from gathering objects that have fallen from the sky during meteor showers.  Piper's father died not too long ago, and she is left on her own trying to survive in the Scrap Town.  During one meteor shower, she finds an injured girl, Anna. with the "mark of the dragonfly" on her arm.  She rescues her and restores her to health.  Then a frightening man comes looking for Anna.  When Piper sees how afraid Anna is of the man, even though Anna seems to have no memory, she and Anna escape and board the 401 train out of town. They are headed to Dragonfly territory, which is the likely home of Anna.  The author does an interesting job of world building as the girls discover magical talents,in a world combining steampunk with mythical creatures. There is action, adventure, and even a little romance, as the girls make their way on the 401.  Who could ask for more?



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The Chosen One

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I missed reading this when it was on the Beehive Award list in 2012, but I'm glad I didn't miss this altogether.  It is the story of Kyra, who is part of a polygamist community.  Her father has 3 wives and she is one of twenty children.  Life is routine until she discovers the bookmobile, which parks at the edge of the community.  Reading opens a new world.  She also discovers Joshua, one of the teenage boys living in the community.  Both discoveries leave her very conflicted because they are against the rules of the compound.  When the prophet of the community announces that she is to marry her sixty-year-old uncle, Kyra feels she must leave.  It is hard not to be impressed with the natural voice of Kyra as she confronts her fears of destroying everything for her family if she leaves, and the marriage to her cruel uncle if she stays.  Emotionally moving.



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