A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

 By Sonia Purnell.     Viking 2019.  (Paperback by Penguin Books 2019)

Who knew that the French Resistance's success in WWII was primarily attributable to a woman?  One of the complaints that I have about the ways in which histories are told is that the narrative focuses primarily on men, warriors (generals), politicians, and warfare.  Of course, some of this is that most historical accounts are written by men about men  (The Guardian, undated).  Purnell's book helps address this deficit (as well as her previous book about Clementine Churchill--Winston Churchill's wife).

Purnell's biography of Virginia Hall is a well-documented account of this extraordinary woman's work as a "secret agent" during WWII and as an agent afterward in the American CIA.  In addition to being a compelling story, Purnell has carefully documented the story with extensive research including the study of previously unpublished primary documents and interviews of surviving participants.  The book is a delight to read!  Not only is it well written but includes many reader supports such as a map, listing of characters (it gets a little confusing--secret agents tend to change their names a lot!), photographs extensive footnotes of sources and a very useful index.  

My emeriti book club read and discussed this.  All members were wildly enthusiastic!  GoodReads gives it 4 of 5 stars with 3183 reviews.  I can easily see it used as part of "choice reading list" selection in a high school history course (or a literature course including a book like The Diary of Anne Frank or The Book Thief.

From the book, I learned some very interesting and important things about WWII and women in governmental organizations.  It's frightening how very near we came to disaster in WWII and how individuals of principle and courage saved us.  (And how the "good old boys network almost lost the war for us.)  It also helped me appreciate the mix of risk-taking, thrill-seeking, and determination required to serve as an undercover agent.  It's not necessarily the buff, handsome and athletic male who ends up making a difference.  

"Broken Ground" by Val McDermid. 2018

A Karen Pirie Novel

One of the peak experiences in my life was attending the Edinburgh Arts Festival.  As a result of my days in Edinburgh, a train ride to London, and my family's ancestry I have become very interested in Scotland.  Val McDermid's novels continue to tease me into commitment to a much longer sojourn to the country.  I had to pull out my Lonely Planet guide to locate the spots that narrative include.  As I have some free time I'm going to get busy Googling images from the area. 

McDermid is one of the best crime writers working today.  If you haven't read her various series and are a fan of crime fiction you have a very joyous year (or more) ahead of you.  I am not going to spoil anything about the Karen Pirie series here.  I will tell you how much I love the character and supporting cast.  One of McDermid's writing tools is to create well-rounded characters with plenty of personal flaws.  Karen is particularly compelling to me.  She has many of the same character defects that plagued me throughout my working life.  (If you're interested---a commitment to finding the truth, impatience with bureaucracy, and disrespect of superiors who do the politically expedient thing or are flat out dishonest.)

Back to my travel plans.  It looks like I'll need to travel most of Scotland to cover the territory of this book.  Honestly, I'm a bit hesitant.  The roads sound horrible to drive and in other books (not this one) the weather sounds quite unpleasant.  I'll let you know when I go there.

Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch, it's so good to spend some days with you again!  I've missed you.  Connelly has turned out another terrific read.  How he keeps Bosch fresh and avoids the pitfalls of some series authors/characters is admirable.  His characters are growing over time.  Bosch is developing new skills and trying out new ways to move through his work.

I think another  reason Connelly's books stay fresh is that he continues to tackle current events.  In this book, not only do we have two compelling mysteries, but also an exploration of the oxycodone epidemic.  Although the two mysteries are both well done what really engaged me was Connelly's treatment of the oxycodone epidemic. 

I don't want to say much about this----doing so might spoil some of pleasure of the read.  I found nothing in the novel to detract from my enjoyment!

The Fifth Wave, by Rick Yancey (2013)

There have been so many dystopian books that it is hard to imagine a "fresh take."  Yancey has managed to create something that feels fresh within the sub-genre and is compelling.  As soon as I finished this book I put a reserve on the next title in the series. 

This particular dystopia is created when an interstellar spaceship arrives above earth and circles for a bit and then begins a wave of invasions.  Their goal is simply to get rid of humanity.  And they are doing it in extremely clever ways.  Yancy's book pulls you into and through the story with a narrative and a voice that help you forget that this is the latest is a long series of "end of the world as we know it" books, movies, and tv series. 

I've read many of Yancey's other books (The Monstrumologist series and
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp).  I look forward to the next book in the series and his future novels.  He's definitely on my "alert" list as new titles come out.

The "readability" on this title is late 4th grade with an interest level of 7th-12th grades. It is a perfect choice for an older teen who has relatively undeveloped reading skills. I do worry a bit about what our young teens are reading.  I'd have a little trouble recommending it for 7th and 8th graders.  But then perhaps I am naive.  I know they watch Walking Dead.  This dystopian novel is not quite as obviously bloody and has more positive messages for young adults.  At times as I was reading it felt like an adult book.  Not because of any particular content but because of the literary merit.  At one point I actually double checked the age designation.

The book has been given many awards including:   
            Winner of the 2014 Red House Children's Book Award
            2014 Children’s Choice Book Awards Finalist for Teen Book of the Year
            A YALSA 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults
            A YALSA 2014 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
            A Booklist 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults
            A VOYA 2013 Perfect Ten 

The Fifth Wave is being translated into film to be released in May. 

The Finisher, David Baldacci (2014)

I think this is Baldacci's first entrance into the YA market.  With a "fifth grade" reading level and interest level of fifth through 9th I think the writing is a little challenging.  Learning Baldacci's new terminology for the world of Wormwood was a bit complicated.  However, it was well worth the effort involved.  Our heroine and hero are well crafted and the situations facing them nuanced and engaging.  The "Wugmorts" (citizens of Wormwood) are fearful of the surrounding "Quag" and the monsters lurking there.  As a result they are limited in their means and their visions of the world.  

Vega Jane, a 14 year-old, is not quite so fearful and over the course discovered her destiny to escape Wormwood and venture into what is likely to be a series of adventures that will lead back to Wormwood (just my prediction here).  The portraits of small-minded and fearful citizens in Wormwood and the effects of repression provide interesting discussion of contemporary issues facing our world.  I don't want to influence your own interpretations---but I found fertile ground for considering contemporary issues.

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny

I want to rush right out and buy this for my my friends, a couple--one a musician and the other a poet.  It inspired and moved me.  Louise Penny has quickly become one of my favorite authors.  In fact, I keep telling folks that my first retirement trip is going to include a literary tour of Quebec following the Inspector Gamache books.  I just hope I can find Three Pines (or something like it!).

Finally Three Pines is spared a murder!  This mystery takes place at monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups.  A monastery hidden from view for centuries and recently come to public attention through the making of a CD of Gregorian Chants.  But, success breeds dissent and hence Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir go together to investigate the murder of one of the monks.

The secondary plots of the series are nicely developed as well.

Take a day or two to savor this one (and maybe put some Gregorian Chants on as you read)!

Chief Inspector Gamache Series by Louise Penny

Everyone once and a while I run across a new-to-me author who has a substantial body of work.  That means I start at the beginning and read!  (And why I can be quiet for so long on this blog.)  I picked up Louise Penny's books because of coverage on NPR.  I'm delighted I did.

Penny's detective novels are richly written.  In each she brings in themes connecting to art, history, literature, and nature.  The solutions to the mysteries typically are nuanced and subtle portraits of communities, families, and minor psychological problems.  She does not typically include "mass-murderer" psychopaths as the antagonist.  Instead, they are the flawed human beings we run across in our lives who have just gone a step further than do most.

Gamache himself is a fascinating character.  He is physically imposing, loving toward his wife and family, but with some weaknesses and flaws that make him believable and admirable.  The approaches he uses to solving the murders are patient, methodical, and thoughtful.  Penny also uses a device in which the characters discover something, but she does not reveal the discovery until later in the book.

I have not visited Quebec, the settings of her novels, but will as soon as life permits.  In fact, I believe my first retirement trip will be to Quebec with books in hand.  Of course I will plan the trip for fall so that I may continue southward through the fall colors in New England and to Boston to visit Reverend, Doctor Nancy Taylor at Boston's Old South Church.

Flight, by Sherman Alexie

Once again Sherman Alexie has challenged me but ultimately delivered a profound reading experience.  The book addresses our foster care system in this country, contemporary and historical Native American/Indian issues, and the power of the individual to make decisions about their own life's journey. I read this as our world is being challenged by the conflict/genocides in Iraq/Syria and the Ukraine.  Flight offered a perspective for me to think about these events.

This is listed on NoveList as an adult/YA cross-over book.  I found the beginning of the book, as sometimes happens with Sherman Alexie's writing, a much too graphic/violent for my tastes.  I almost put the book down.  But, I'm glad I stuck with it.  Ultimately I think the book offers invaluable insights into violence and conflict.  Yes, it's very hard to read at times--but ultimately it helps us understand the causes of and actually offers a possible path to healing wounds and reducing  violence and conflict.

I'm not certain that I would use this as a book in a high school class, but it is certainly one I would want to have available in my classroom/school library.  It's also a book I would recommend to study groups who are trying to come to grips with violence, conflict, and the challenges of our foster care system. 

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny

I picked this up because of a review I heard on NPR. A Fatal Grace is second in a series about Armand Gamache, former Chief Inspector of the Homicide with the Sûreté du Québec.  The series is technically "detective fiction" or a "murder mystery" but the writing itself is literary.  I will be reading other titles in this series and hope to continue to be delighted with the artful weaving of the arts with mystery/detective work.  

A Fatal Grace is set in a lovely village in the Canadian province of Quebec.  The cast of characters include a poet, two artists, and several other interesting folk.  The poetry included in the book is lovely and inspired me to return a volume of poetry to my "to read" stack.  Inspector Gamache is a particularly compelling main character.  He is intelligent, sensitive, and wise about people.  Unlike many other detectives he appears not be to plagued by major personality quirks or haunted by demons from his past. 

If I'm reading her home page correctly I have quite a bit of reading to do.  I appears there are 11 titles in this series to date. 

http://www.louisepenny.com/

Newsflesh Series by Mira Grant

Sorry for being so quiet this spring.  I've had my ear buds on, nose in my e-reader/books, and fingers on the keyboard!

One of the reading projects that distracted me from posting was the Newsflesh Series by Mira Grant.  The books in order are:

• Feed (2010) 
• Deadline (2011)
• Blackout  (2012)

Mira Grant is a pseudonym that Seanan McGuire uses for this series.   http://www.seananmcguire.com/

Zombies!!! (Again!) But, much much more!

Really, I think this series is more about the communication of news and opinion in the 21st century than it is about zombies.  Grant (McGuire) combines issues related to biomedical research, politics, and the media coverage of these two issues in this series.  If I wanted a book that helped secondary-aged students see the importance of learning to write well, this would be it.

The protagonists of the series, George (Georgia) and Shaun, are bloggers.  In the post-apocalyptic world of @2039) they are journalists (bloggers).  In this future traditional news sources (television network news, newspapers, magazines) no longer have the dominant presence as ways that citizens obtain information.  Instead bloggers are the primary sources for news.  Georgia and Shaun, with their friend Buffy are the CEOs of a blogging "company" that is trying to maintain high ratings in the extremely competitive blogosphere. In this world there are "newsies," "fictionals," and "Irwins."  These are obvious names for the types of blogs each writes, except for Irwins.  These are vloggers (video blogs) who capture video of zombies and zombie killing.  Yes, there is some violence, but no more than other popular zombie-based books/video.  

 WARNING!  There is a scene in Deadline that is sexually explicit, but not terribly salacious.  (Mira/Seanan--wish you'd left this out!)   I would use the first book of this series as a book-club choice for high schoolers.  I'd recommend the entire series to individual readers (just try and get them to stop after the first book!).  There is such great content in the series about politics, national health organizations, business, news, media, writing, and the market place (and self-protection) that it would actually be a good inter-disciplinary study book.

A third book under this pseudonym that I really enjoyed is Parasite (2013).  This is another biomedical "issues" book.  During the time that I was reading this series I also hear an NPR Science Friday program on stem-cell research.  The resonance of the surety of the scientists about how carefully they were safe-guarding the work they were doing made me immediately turn to a skeptical stance.  I wish that a someone more conservative yet authoritative voice had been available to offer a little more counterbalanced discussion of the risk factors.  http://sciencefriday.com/segment/02/14/2014/stem-cell-research-update.html

Of course some of the content of all three books in this series is alarming.  It could lead readers to a reactionary position about biomedical research.  My daughter has been a biology major and I am a strong supporter of science in all forms.  I do worry however that the majority of America does not pay much attention to the research underway.  Generally, I believe that our research has out-paced our ethics.  The current political debates about the "flash point" medical and genetic research is far behind the issues we should actually be exploring.  I believe these books are a great opening to get students more interested/involved.

The October List, Jeffery Deaver (2013)

I apologize for being so quiet.  I have been reading!  Some haven't been worth the blog space.  (I actually quit reading a book--good heavens!  I don't think I'll share the title, it was a great disappointment from a favorite author.  Just a hint--watch out for successful authors who begin to write co-authored books in which they are the second author!)

Back to The October List

I began composing (in my mind) a negative review of the book.  I thought Deaver had jumped into a writing experiment that spun out of control.  If you pick up the book--be warned.  At first you'll think Deaver has gone over the edge.  About one third of the way in you'll get hooked.  By the end you'll be breathless.

I got this as an audio book.  (Old age is not kind.  If you want to live to read all the books on your list you have to start walking while reading so that you can live long!)  For a bit of time I thought it was the audio format that was diminishing my enjoyment.  That turned out not to be true--but be warned.  There are photographs that accompany the book.  I could have looked at PDF files that were included in the audio book, but my library loan period expired before I got to opening that file.  A great reason to visit my local bookseller!

I can't say much about the book--it would spoil it.  The story starts and the end and then works backward.  Deaver will keep you reading!  I recommend planning to lose track of time (or walk a few extra miles like I did!)  The plot begins with a single mom whose daughter is kidnapped.  It sounds predictable--but is far from it.

I'd love to use this as a cross-over adult/YA book.  There are a couple of topics introduced that might make some students uncomfortable.  Make certain you read it first.  If you want to explore issues of narrative structure and text complexity this book is a great example of how limited CCSS and most "curriculum" is.  Authors are endlessly inventive!

Kudos Mr Deaver!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly

2009
This books has received numerous awards including a Newberry Honor designation and an International Reading Association Book Award. It is historical fiction that explores life as experienced by an eleven year-old girl living in a small Texas town in 1899. (I may be over-generous with the historical fiction designation.  This may be realistic fiction set in an historical period.  But, it also has very nice connections to the history of science, so I'll be calling it historical fiction.) She does not easily fit into the expectations for a pre-teen girl in this time period.  She is something of a "tom-boy" and interested much more in exploring nature than working on her embroidery or tatting. 

Miraculously, her grandfather shares a passion for science with her.  They discover this shared interest when Calpurnia is "forced" to consult with him in an attempt to discover the difference between two types of grasshoppers that are plaguing the countryside in an unusually hot summer.  Once consulted, Grandfather helps Calpurnia on her path to learning scientific method and the research habits of a scientist. 

Much of the book details the research projects that Calpurnia and her grandfather undertake in this year.  It is a well crafted book that takes a broad look at life at the turn of the 20th century through the eyes of a preteen who doesn't quite fit in the role that society would dictate for her.  The International Reading Association calls this "intermediate fiction" but I think it may be better for older readers.  I shared information about this book with a friend who loved it so much she is now seeking out "used" copies to send to family member.  She suggested that it is really an adult book.  I do think that some "intermediate readers" would find the weight of this book a bit daunting.  It is not as "action packed" as other popular intermediate books.  However, with good teacher scaffolding it could come alive for this age group.  I can easily see this as a shared reading in an interdisciplinary unit looking at US History, biology, scientific method, and women's rights.

Crater, by Homer Hickam (2012)

My son is considering astro-physics as a career path.  When I came across this title I knew immediately that I needed to read it.  Hickam is most known for his book Rocket Boys  that was used as the base for the film October Skies.  Rockets, spaceships, and outerspace are not my first choice of settings in fiction.  However, Hickam has captured my imagination.  His possible world, mining for inexpensive energy on the Earth's moon, is believable and in the opinion of many scientists, likely.  His background as the son of a miner and as a NASA engineer makes the underlying science trustworthy.  I'll admit--the science is way beyond my knowledge level, but I'll trust Hickam to know what he's talking about.

This appears to be a promising series that will appeal to both boys and girls.  There is a love interest, strong family/community themes, and the adventures that the main character, Crater Trueblood survives.  I am actually looking forward to the next book.  As someone with more interest in biology and ecology Hickam conveyed the geology and energy science topics in an interesting and understandable fashion.  He even discussed the main object of the mining on the moon, helium-3, in a way that got me interested in this isotope. 

I recommend this book strongly to teachers as a good choice for a book club selection or even a whole-class reading.  If English language arts and science teachers are collaborating this is a great choice for physics and energy related units.

Amped, by Daniel H. Wilson (2012)

I've just become a Daniel Wilson fan!  This is a great read and addresses several important technology/bioethics issues.  Wilson has  Ph.D. in robotics from Carnegie Mellon.  I assume that the science is pretty sound.  The story, of humans with neuro-implants that amplify their abilities (the Amps) has many interesting routes that readers can follow.  There is of course, the bioethics that are the focus of the story.  This is done well and will help us see a bit into the future.  I don't think we can quite "amp" humans the way Wilson portrays, but I expect it will be possible in the future.

A second theme relates to genocide/discrimination.  I can easily see this as a companion piece to any holocaust unit or study of other genocides.  (Those of you who know me are aware that I'm weary of the Anne Frank units that I read each semester.  I think it's time to expand our explorations of genocides and discrimination.

The secondary character, Lyle, is also a good study in the effects of power on a human.  Between Lyle and Senator Joseph Vaughn the exploration of what power does to our politicians and CEOs could lead to some fascinating discussions.  This theme in the book can also easily fit into studies of extremist groups and terrorism.  The government reactions to amps is well done and makes for a nice platform for exploring our current concerns about the Patriot Act and digital surveillance. 

Of course the science elements of this book could fit nicely in any study of scientific trends and issues.

Also, there may soon be a film connection to his other book Robopocalypse.  Robopocalypse was purchased by DreamWorks and is currently being adapted for film by Steven Spielberg.

Every Day, by David Levithan

The quotation on the front of this book from Entertainment Weekly is true..."Wise, wildly unique."

"A," the narrator and protagonist of this book is a traveler.  His consciousness lives for a day in the body/mind of another human being.  Each day a different one.  Male, female, GLBT, fat, think, depressed, silly, artistic, athletic, mean, generous....  A has learned to adapt to this nomadic life.  He moves through each savoring what is good and trying to do no harm.  Sort of accelerated reincarnation.

Until...he meets a girl.

Then, he is drawn to a place, drawn to a person, no longer completely nomadic.

Levithan tells a wonderful story that will encourage all readers to consider point of view and moral choices.  Those of you unfamiliar with Levithan's work should be alert that he is one of the writers most loved by GLBT youth for offering them realistic (or semi-fantasy) literature to help them cope with their lives.  He has written spectacular books and brings joy to readers--including straight readers.  Levithan's writing is a marvel.  There are many fragments, sentences, phrases, paragraphs that I will treasure of many years.  (I fact--I probably need to reread it immediately and begin recording them.  I'm torn--there are several teachers whom I would like to loan the book to right away.

I won't say too much--this book needs to be discovered on its own by each reader.  Just be prepared to lose yourself.  Don't begin it when you have big responsibilities looming!  You'll miss deadlines.

Divergent, by Veronica Roth

I had hesitated to begin this series.  It felt too much like it was going to be "just another" dystopian novel.  I'm a little weary of the genre  (with a few exceptions).  I may be one of the few who didn't really like The Giver.

This book was a wonderful surprise!  The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention.  The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to  find her way and her future in a complex world.  She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life.  This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story. 

To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago.  In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing).  The factions were formed based on personality characteristics:  Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity.  On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction.  You can stay with your family's faction, or join another.  Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family.  They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good.  At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless.  In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.

Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless.  She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training. 

The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series.  I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it.  The publisher suggests ages 14-17.

The Gray Wolf Throne, by Cinda Williams Chima

2011, Hyperion

I am still enjoying this series very much.  Chima has managed to continue the characters in the Seven Realms series and added to the depth of most of them.  The plot developments continue to engage the reader.

In The Gray Wolf Throne, the action picks up as Raisa ana'Marianna is hiding in Fetters Ford trying to stay hidden from her various enemies and survive long enough to return home.  She hope to return to the capital city, Fellsmarch, and reunite with her mother, the queen.  Raisa has reached the understanding that she and her mother together may have the combined skills necessary for a successful reign.

The rest of the book is an exciting quest as Raisa, Han, and Amon work together and separately trying to return to Fellsmarch and return Raisa to the line of accession to the Gray Wolf Throne.  As always there is a wonderful combination of wizardry, woodsman-ship, military, and street-smarts.  Every moment of reading is a pleasure and in many parts thrilling enough to get the reader's blood racing.

I am adding "gaming" as a tag for this book.  I believe that students (and adults) who enjoy the role playing games will enjoy this book.  It is one that I would recommend to any reader who enjoys quest based games.

I'm just beginning my semester so life is about to get busy.  I am number eight on the wait list for the next, and final book in the series, The Crimson Crown.  I will need to work hard the next few weeks so that when my name comes up I can put work aside to read.

Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher

2012, ROC

My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive.  I saved this one for his Christmas present.  He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).

My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."

It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics.  It is also infused with humor.  Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me.  My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending.  I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.

This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents.  It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature.  It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning.  There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters.  For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.

Why am I such a fan?  First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals.  Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics.  Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters.  Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix.  It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions.  Finally there is Harry Dresden himself.  He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males.  But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series.  Cold Days is #14.  I'll try and be patient while waiting.  Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over.  But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review.  (My book club's choice.)

The Exiled Queen, by Cinda Williams Chima

I continue to enjoy this series, The Seven Realms.  It is fantasy with a medieval setting.  Lots of horses and a feudal sort of society.  Political intrigue and a struggle to retain/grasp power in the Seven Realms is the unfolding story.  Although the plot line is familiar to fantasy readers, Chima does a nice job of making the story fresh with engaging characters who have enough development to keep sophisticated readers engaged.

The queen-to-be, Princess Raisa, has gone undercover to escape a planned marriage (I'm going to try and avoid spoiling the plot line of the first book, The Demon King.  Meanwhile, the other major characters Han Alister, Hayden Fire Dancer, Amon Byrne, and Micha Bayar all end up together with Raisa (in disguise as Rebecca Morley) at the magic and military schools at Oden's Ford. 

The love triangle (or is in a quadrangle?) between Raisa, Han and Amon continues with "doomed" love between them all.  The fourth in the mix is Micha Bayar and he continues to play a part in the connection between the young protagonists in the book.

Of course there is magic involved.  Han, Fire Dancer, and Micha are gifted magicians while Raisa  and Amon are not.  Much of the plot that keeps the reader going is how Han is learning about his magic and dealing with other magicians who would like to use him for their own purposes.  Han has the Demon King's amulet as his magic "piece."  The implication is that he is the heir to the Demon King's great powers.  The Bayar's would like to regain the piece and its power.

While Han is learning about his magic, Raisa is learning about fighting and how to lead her country.  There is a sort of "King Arthur" flavor to her learning about her kingdom in the role of a citizen rather than leader.  

I will be finishing the series and will let you know if it falters.  Otherwise, assume that I still find it worth recommending to young readers who enjoy fantasy.  I think it would be a great recommendation to young adults who play World of Warcraft of League of Legends.  The plot/settings will resonate with the video games they play and will encourage some reading.

Team Human, by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan

I picked up this book because it was recommended through the Common Sense Media website.  (For their Halloween read column.)  In part I wanted to see the degree to which the Common Sense Media recommendations were actually good quality literature.  I'm happy to report that I think this book deserves glowing recommendations.  It is indeed a of paranormal romance/fantasy book.  However, I found the characterizations but nuanced and the plot line intriguing.

The stories set in New Whitby, a vampire/human city founded in the 1800s when a vampire ship landed to establish a community where vampires could be free from persecution and discrimination.  It is essentially a city like any of the other but cities in the original Colonies.  There are some unique characteristics including antidiscrimination regulations assuring that vampires and humans have equal rights.  However, it quickly becomes clear that the vampire and human populations are for the most part mutually exclusive.  They do live together peacefully for the most part.

Larbalestier & Brennan have done a masterful job of imagining the complexities of the vampires and humans coexisting.  This is not just a YA takeoff on True Blood .  It does echo some of the themes that Charlaine Harris has introduced in her Sookie Stackhouse series, however there is clearly enough difference that Team Human avoids imitation.  The authors are quite explicit and acknowledgement of the contributions of other vampire literature including Anne Rice, Stephen King, Richelle Mead, Stephanie Meyer, Bram Stoker, Scott Westerfield and a long list of other well-known writers who have also composed in this genre. (In fact they have created a reading list for me.)

Two themes that I find particularly compelling in this book are those of the qualities of true friendship and what true love looks like in practice.