Category: teen

adventure, fantasy, teen

Demons and Thieves

Bergers Book Reviews

Demons and Thieves
Author: Lynda Berger
Publisher: Fuluji’s Publishing Ltd
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
ISBN: 9780957374300
Pages: 268
Price: £6.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Bookstore.co.uk

Tad Bailey can’t take much more. After another fight between his parents, he runs from his home, wondering if things can get any worse. When he discovers a mysterious gate leading to another world, he’s offered a chance at happiness. He doesn’t know it, but he’s been living in the Shadows, and now he has the opportunity to get out.

All he has to do is find three Keys in Shiladu before time expires. If he doesn’t succeed, he’ll be stuck there forever. While he’s there, demons prey on his vulnerabilities, another visitor tries to steal his Keys, and a permanent resident of Shiladu upsets the time continuum, making Tad the scapegoat. Seeking the Keys is his ultimate goal, but he’s even more concerned with making it out of Shiladu alive.

Demons and Thieves is an exciting fantasy and adventure novel that grabbed my interest from the very beginning. Tad faces dangerous situations that he needs to escape from, and he never knows what lurks behind the next corner. Evil comes at him from every direction, keeping the reader hooked to find out what happens next. I enjoyed this story very much, and I look forward to reading the next two books in this Seven Keys Trilogy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy, romance, teen

Destined for Doon

Bergers Book Reviews

Destined for Doon
Author: Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon
Publisher: Blink
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
ISBN: 978-0-310-74233-3
Pages: 352
Price: $17.99

Author’s website
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In this sequel to Doon, Kenna has returned to her life in the theater, and now she’s missing the prince she left behind. She has only now realized that they had a true Calling, and Duncan is her soul mate. So when he suddenly arrives to bring her back to Doon, she heads back willingly, hoping for another chance. But Duncan is harboring illusions that Kenna is already spoken for, and won’t listen to any explanations.

Meanwhile, Veronica is attempting to stop the witch’s evil spell, which has created a zombie fungus that threatens to overtake Doon. She and Kenna have defeated the witch once before, and she needs her best friend’s help once again. Can Kenna help Vee save Doon, and can she salvage the relationship she once had with Duncan, before time runs out?

Filled with drama and suspense, Destined for Doon picks up right where Doon left off. Complicated relationships take center stage, as both Vee and Kenna struggle to make things right with their Doonian princes. And of course, good must triumph over evil. My one complaint about this story is that it ends in a cliff-hanger that felt completely out of place. But otherwise, this is a great read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen

Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets

Bergers Book Reviews

Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets
Author: J.A. Buckle
Publisher: Switch Press
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-63079-000-4
Pages: 224
Price: $16.95

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Josh is nearly 17, a metal head, and a nerd by his standards. He has a pet ferret, a mom and sister, and a couple of unusual friends, but no girlfriend – yet. Six months before the big birthday, he sets some lofty goals, but “real life” is getting in the way of achieving them.

In the journal his mother gave him as a release valve, Josh records his everyday thoughts and feelings. Girls, work, guitars, friends, and ferrets are all covered in some manner, as well as his regret at never having met his really cool and handsome dad. But life is going to throw Josh some big surprises he never expects.

Turning 17 means facing demons from the past, and requires an extra dose of courage and strength. Growing up isn’t easy, and guys will relate to Josh’s struggles in trying to get his life going in the right direction. Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets is a great coming of age story from a guy’s perspective, although girls will also enjoy reading Josh’s private journal. I highly recommend this entertaining and lighthearted book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

journal, teen

The Isobel Journal

Bergers Book Reviews

The Isobel Journal
Author: Isobel Harrop
Publisher: Switch Press
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-63079-003-5
Pages: 208
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Isobel Harrop has provided an intimate glimpse into teen thoughts in The Isobel Journal. Using a scrapbook filled with words and drawings, the 18 year-old artist comments on friends, family, dreams, school, fashion, cute animals, growing up, and first love.

Isobel’s thoughts run from topic to topic in a free-flowing manner, loosely grouped into categories. Ramblings are sometimes humorous – “Underwear shopping at the supermarket with Dad = embarrassment,” occasionally thoughtful – “I think I put you on too much of a pedestal,” and always very much herself – “I just can’t get over how much I love otters.” Accompanying illustrations dramatize her commentary.

Teens (and those who still remember their teen years) will enjoy reading Isobel’s journal as they ruminate on their own feelings about life and impending adulthood. Quirky and fun, The Isobel Journal is a great read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy, romance, teen

Doon

Bergers Book Reviews

Doon
Authors: Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon
Publisher: Blink Books
Genre: Young Adult/ Romance
ISBN: 978-0-310-74230-2
Pages: 400
Price: $17.99

Author’s website
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When Veronica begins seeing visions of a kilt-wearing teen boy, she wonders if she’s imagining him. But when he follows her to Scotland, she’s sure there must be something more to his appearances. After being transported to the magical kingdom of Doon, she finally comes face to face with him – as the formidable Prince Jamie. But after practically begging Veronica to come to him, he now rejects her, declaring that she and her best friend, McKenna, are in cahoots with the witch.

Thanks to the intervention of Jamie’s brother, Duncan, who is sweet on McKenna, the girls avoid a long stay in the dungeon, and begin to explore this new world. They have only a short time before they will be able to go back home, and they try to make the most of it. But will they both find true love before they’re forced to leave?

Doon is inspired by Brigadoon, and is more romance than fantasy. Although this story takes place in a magical world, it feels more down-to-earth as the girls discover modern plumbing and pizzas. Although Veronica and Jamie have a turbulent relationship, one hopes they can sort through their differences and work things out. But the reader may very well end up swooning over Duncan’s sweet and tender ways with McKenna. This is an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen, western

True Grit

Bergers Book Reviews

True Grit
Author: Charles Portis
Publisher: Overlook Juvenile
Genre: Teen / Western
ISBN: 978-1-4683-0125-0
Pages: 240
Price: $7.99

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True Grit was first published in serial format in The Saturday Evening Post in 1968. The following year it was released as a film starring John Wayne. This Young Readers Edition presents the adapted story along with reader’s guide discussion questions and commentary specifically written for teens.

Mattie Ross is a strong-willed fourteen year-old girl, intent on avenging her father’s murder. After hiring US Marshal Rooster Cogburn to assist her, and finding that Texas Ranger LaBoeuf will be joining them, she heads out into the wilderness to hunt down and convict Tom Chaney.

The idea that a fourteen year-old girl would join these men on such a dangerous mission is preposterous, but Mattie’s pluck and determination, as well as her obvious intelligence, make this story believable. This classic western novel would be a great read for all teens.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery, teen

Dead Man’s Hand

Bergers Book Reviews

Dead Man's Hand
Author: Eddie Jones
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Teen / Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-310-72344-8
Pages: 224
Price: $7.99

Author’s website
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The last thing Nick Caden wants to do on his summer vacation is spend a week at a ghost town tourist spot. Actors portraying famous old western heroes and outlaws mingle with the guests, and gunfights break out when no one expects them. But Billy the Kid has been shot, and Nick knows this time it was for real. Only trouble is, the body has disappeared, and no one will believe him.

Using his skills as a member of Cybersleuths, Nick attempts to discover what happened to Billy’s body, and who might have wanted him dead. But it’s hard to conduct a thorough investigation when no one is taking him seriously. Or is it just that someone has something to hide?

Dead Man’s Hand is an enjoyable and clever murder mystery geared toward boys. Nick is your average teenager, more interested in his cell phone and computer than spending time with his family. But he’s smart and determined to solve this case, no matter what anyone else thinks. After all, maybe a man was really murdered.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen

The Art of Secrets

Bergers Book Reviews

The Art of Secrets
Author: James Klise
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-1-61620-195-1
Pages: 272
Price: $16.95

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Saba Khan is playing an important tennis match while her family’s apartment burns. Although everyone is safe, they have lost all their possessions, so they are appreciative of the school’s efforts to help them get back on their feet. Then an unusual and potentially valuable piece of artwork is donated to the Khan family auction, and people begin to question who is entitled to the money when it is sold.

The Art of Secrets is told through a series of journal entries, interviews, articles, monologues, and official documents. Teachers, students, and those in the community all have their own motivations and thoughts about the art itself, the Khan family, and whether or not they deserve such a windfall.

As the plot takes unusual and surprising turns, the tangled situation grows more complicated. Finger-pointing and betrayal become the new normal. Fans of mystery, intrigue and psychology will really enjoy this well-written and thought-provoking novel.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen

The Summer of Letting Go

Bergers Book Reviews

The Summer of Letting Go
Author: Gae Polisner
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-61620-256-9
Pages: 320
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Francesca “Frankie” Schnell has been living in guilt for the last four years, since her brother, Simon, drowned. After all, her parents had asked her to watch him, and it was all her fault. Her family life has gone from bad to worse, and she wonders if they will ever let go of the past.

Now her mother is withdrawn, consumed with the anti-drowning foundation she’s created, and her father is spending too much time with the woman next door. And to make matters even more miserable, her best friend is dating her dream guy. How will she ever get through the summer?

A chance encounter with the Schyler family introduces her to Frankie Sky, a little boy whose uncanny resemblance to Simon seems like no coincidence. Can Frankie Sky help her heal her past and finally let go?

Frankie is a very courageous and strong girl, determined to move through her painful past and find peace. No longer content with the status quo, she does what she needs to do to finally heal. The reader will really relate to Frankie’s feelings and cheer for her to find happiness. I highly recommend The Summer of Letting Go.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy, teen

Aquifer

Bergers Book Reviews

Aquifer
Author: Jonathan Friesen
Publisher: Blink
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-310-73182-5
Pages: 304
Price: $15.99

Author’s website
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The year is 2250 and fresh water is scarce. Those above ground rely on a subterranean species of Water Rats to provide fresh water, when the annual contract is renewed by the Deliverer. Luca, now sixteen years old, is heir to the Deliverer’s position, and when his father suddenly goes missing, must step in to try to make things right again.

But not all is as it seems, and when Luca descends below, he finds out there is much more to the story of the annual exchange than he ever bargained for. His world turns upside down, and the position he is in turns sinister. Can Luca fix things before it’s too late?

Aquifer introduces some really great characters. Although only sixteen, Luca is mature beyond his years, with an admirable sense of responsibility. Various supporting characters are also strong and well-developed. There is a tiny hint of a Christian message in this story, with Wishers who gather to pray, and a Voice that speaks to Luca. A slow start builds to a crescendo, capturing the reader in a race to the conclusion. But there is also quite a bit of violence and darkness to this story, which ends in a disappointing way that leaves too much to the imagination.

Warning: Rated mature for violence

Reviewer: Alice Berger