Dark Breaks The Dawn, by Sara B. Larson

 Dark Breaks The Dawn, by Sara B. Larson, of a battle between light and dark. The peace between them is finally broken by Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon after thousands of years. But, this isn't only a story about war, this is the story about Princess Evelayn who lost her father sooner than she ever expected and her mother on her 18th birthday. She is the only hope of her people and her kingdom. In order to defeat King Bain and his sons, she has to come into her ability of shape-shifting. But how can she use her gift when it never worked correctly, when she tried hard, but only a little bit of it happened? Does she need to rely on her fighting skill like ordinary people, her gift or both? What will be the destiny of Light Kingdom? What will happen to the only hope of Eadrolan? 

I liked most of the things in this book except the romance part and how the story goes a little bit slow at the beginning. I think the romance part was too early for the story and was somehow forced in. It could've been better if the author had the romance later in the book. However, this does not mean this book isn't fine. It is such an exciting and interesting book. The main character who is the Princess is so pure and innocent, she is too young and weak to face the war and reality of life. It made me sad a little bit of how she had to take a great responsibility, but as we all know, this is how life is. I believe this is a good book for teenagers and young adults. Those who like Game of Thrones or Falling Kingdoms would also like this book too.

Reviewed by Orkideh, Grade 12
Downtown Central Library

Fly on the Wall, by E. Lockhart

 The book introduces us to the character known as Gretchen Yee. She goes to Manhattan School of arts. She is a very lonely person because her best friend Kathy is always busy. She sits alone at school and is too shy to make friends or talk to her crush Titus.One day, Gretchen wishes that she could be a fly on the walls of the boys" locker rooms just to learn more about guys. This book shows the story of that wish coming true.

I would definitely recommend, Fly on the Wall, by E. Lockhart. An average teen would probably relate to Gretchen and some other characters. It also really makes you think about a wish coming to reality. It makes you think what you would do if you had that power. One thing I would change about the book would be a better explanation of how this happened. The author took the lazy way out by not including an actual logical way she could have turned into a fly. But, if you really think about it, that's not the main premise of the book. The book is trying to show how this kind of transformation affects Gretchen and what she learned from it, which the book did very well.

Reviewed by EB, Grade 8
Grandview Library