Reviews written by Angela Blount, Staff Reviewer

Yes, this could technically be considered an “issues” book. And I don't consider it spoilers to alert readers up front that the theme revolves heavily around sexual abuse and the emotional/psychological damage that results. This book is a potentially important piece that could prove cathartic to those who've faced--or may...

More than deserving of its acclaim as one of the best of classic Sci-fi. The book is a complex examination of human nature, set to the backdrop of undated future earth after two alien invasion attempts. Population control is enforced, and the control of governments and...

This book was crucially character and perception-shaping for me when I first read it in sixth grade. Harsh, realistically poignant, and impactful--I credit this book with instilling in me a prudent but intense suspicion of anything 'utopian.' For all the story's bleakness and probing look at opression, the ending was...

Fun and memorable the first time around, when I was very young. I didn't understand it's allegorical attributes at the time--even after some of the symbolism was explained to me. So you see why I've never considered it heavy-handed. The second time around I could recognize...

Finally got around the this one, though I'd meant to long before the movie ever came out. After so much contemporary, this was a terrific palate-cleanser. Unlike 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' the movie version deviates significantly in certain places--though I'm pretty neutral in...

A vivid and enchanting bit of Middle-Grade fantasy. The idea of a secret preserve for magical creatures ought to capture the imagination of most who get a hold of this. The imagery and descriptions were decent, and the unfolding intrigue propels you along at a steady pace. (Though, the...

Lisa Mantchev takes the warm familiarity of Shakespeare and other classic plays and presents them in a fresh, fantastical way through Théâtre Illuminata. She presents her tale with a quirky irreverence—one that I believe holds the potential to restore the interest of many a high school student who've been,...

As YA urban fantasies go, this series debut has some promising attributes. The writing is solid and the first-person experience is brought to us by a quick-study heroine, who presents as neither whiny nor prone to wallowing in her own self-absorbtion. And the author's voice...

A retold fairy tale of sorts, this inspirational romance is set in a richly described medieval Germany. The heroine, Rose, is strong-willed and well principled, yet endearingly awkward at times. While she is young and innocent, she’s not at all naive or helpless. I found her both relatable and easy...

I'd like to start out addressing those who might miss the name of the publisher and then fault the author. This book is published by Zondervan. Yep, it's right there on the cover. And if you know anything about Zondervan, then you've already figured out this bit of light speculative...

An impressive series-starter. The concept was so unique and original, I had to give it a shot. The idea of existing inside of an alternate compressed dimension within an extra 'hour' of the day is certainly a fantastical basis for a plot, but the author handled the descriptions, rules, and...

Having truly enjoyed the first two books in the series, I was disappointed by this one. In Mockingjay, the tone and theme diverge drastically from the first two in the series, moving into what initially feels like the logical 'next step' in the rebellion...

Another solidly written plotline, and a continuation into the universe of the Hunger Games. In addition to the dilemma of kill-or-be-killed, the story becomes steadily more political. Some of the hows, whys, and histories are unfolded into a disturbingly believable scenario. The character development moves along at the pace of...

I was deeply impressed by this first book in the series. It most certainly stands well by itself, while leaving the reader with a desire for more of this futuristic, dystopian reality. Though it took me a while to get used to the first person present-tense perspective, which...

A refreshingly original piece. I'd initially been recommended it as a prime example of the budding Steampunk sub-genre, though I'd hazard to call it more of a lean toward Cyberpunk. I particularly liked the author's take on it--the idea of using a particular era as 'protocol' method of keeping...