(2) YA Testing series. Despite Cia's unease over several issues (the ethics of the University, her choppy memory of the testing, and her boyfriend's secrets), she remains committed to being part of a solution to repair the damaged Earth. Occasional moments of philosophizing slow the action in this second series entry, but the vivid character development and sharp plot twists easily get things back on track.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) YA In this collection of seventeen original stories, wildly varied aspects and interpretations of "dark" are explored. The common thread is rather effective, even as the mix of stories address everything from monsters to nightmares to romance. Most thought-provoking here are the multiple understandings of the distinct quiet--and sometimes the horror--that can only be found in the dark.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) YA From the perspective of leading female authors, this collection of nine short stories offers varied examples of what dystopic futures may resemble. A brief introduction from editors Marr and Armstrong adds context. Inconsistent quality limits impact, but fans of dystopias will likely appreciate the wide-reaching explorations of the concept in short fiction.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(2) YA Ashes Trilogy series. In this trilogy-ender, Alex is still battling nature, herself, the humans who have turned into monsters, and the other "normal" humans whose ethics seem rather monstrous as well. Tom and Ellie are still separated from Alex, each struggling to survive. There are few wasted scenes and ample chances to say goodbye to these beleaguered characters.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(4) YA So Close to You series. This second book dives right back into examining the Montauk Project through the lens of an unlikely couple who are not from the same time period and whose lives are in danger because of what they know. While still likely irresistible for budding conspiracy theorists, readers with their feet planted firmly on the ground may find the whole concept difficult to swallow.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) 4-6 Ash's (The Savage Fortress) efforts at normalcy are quickly dropped as he returns to India, this time to fight an evil lord. But he cannot deny the excitement and increasing savagery that are in his own body (no longer human, after his rebirth as a living weapon of Kali). Thrilling fight scenes and intriguing cultural references compete with flat dialogue and an overly complex plot.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(2) YA Cia wants to pass the mysterious Tests and become one of the elite few helping to rebuild the world after the Seven Stages War. Along the way, she falls in love, struggles to define friendship versus alliances, and tries to keep a core of decency. A lightning pace and a vividly described setting compensate for occasional dialogue that feels like exposition.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2013

(4) YA Arcana Chronicles series. This second installment picks up with the world still having ended, teens who were fated to be representations of tarot cards still gathering to slaughter one another, and Evie still unsure what to do about her romantic life, especially now that sexy Death has complicated things further. Too many elements and occasionally overwrought love scenes compete with a genuinely clever concept.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(2) YA In this sequel (and conclusion) to Breathe, the world is still perilously low on oxygen, and the have-nots are still slowly dying. Alina, Quinn, and Bea are still trying to save themselves--and perhaps the world if they can survive. Crossan effectively portrays hope as a feral, desperate thing that fuels the book's romances, betrayals, and alliances.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) 1-3 Notebook of Doom series. Alexander has a new school and town to adjust to--does he really need a mysterious notebook, weird monsters, and vaguely threatening adventures to contend with as well? Sure, and Cummings integrates anxiety and excitement effectively as Alexander faces three worthy foes in these beginning chapter books. Well-developed characters and sillier-than-scary illustrations will keep kids reading. Review covers these Notebook of Doom titles: Attack of the Shadow Smashers, Day of the Night Crawlers, and Rise of the Balloon Goons.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(3) 1-3 Notebook of Doom series. Alexander has a new school and town to adjust to--does he really need a mysterious notebook, weird monsters, and vaguely threatening adventures to contend with as well? Sure, and Cummings integrates anxiety and excitement effectively as Alexander faces three worthy foes in these beginning chapter books. Well-developed characters and sillier-than-scary illustrations will keep kids reading. Review covers these Notebook of Doom titles: Attack of the Shadow Smashers, Day of the Night Crawlers, and Rise of the Balloon Goons.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(3) 1-3 Notebook of Doom series. Alexander has a new school and town to adjust to--does he really need a mysterious notebook, weird monsters, and vaguely threatening adventures to contend with as well? Sure, and Cummings integrates anxiety and excitement effectively as Alexander faces three worthy foes in these beginning chapter books. Well-developed characters and sillier-than-scary illustrations will keep kids reading. Review covers these Notebook of Doom titles: Attack of the Shadow Smashers, Day of the Night Crawlers, and Rise of the Balloon Goons.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(2) YA Internment Chronicles series. Internment, a city floating above Earth, is a narrow, careful society--that crumbles with shocking speed after a murder. Suddenly, protagonist Morgan's quiet life begins to fall apart as well, as a chance encounter with the "murderer" leads her to question nearly all she thought she knew. A cliffhanger ending will likely leave readers agonizing until the next entry.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(4) YA In 2250, access to water brings significant power. After his father disappears, Luca attempts to be a water bringer, though a mysterious culture underground, a gorgeous girl, and lots of folks who don't want him to succeed all shake up what he thought was his sole purpose. Unsubtle moralism, a forced romance, and some convenient plot twists mar the vivid futuristic setting.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) YA Gene (The Hunt; The Prey), Sissy, and Ashley June are still struggling with humanity, vampirism, and destiny in a ravaged world. This mostly well-crafted finale is slowed by an awkward love triangle that serves only to show how teenage boys are driven foremost by lust. Tense storytelling ensures readers will be as certain as Gene is that survival doesn't seem possible.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) 4-6 As the title suggests, this is the end of a series, the sixth volume about the epic battle between humans and the underworld Styx. Massive surprises, shocking deaths, and (mostly awkward) plot twists await, and fans may leave feeling more confused than resolved. The determined humans hoping to save the world are amiable protagonists and they balance the plot problems.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(4) YA In this gory conclusion to the Gone series, it's unclear whether any of the kids will be left alive once the dome that has enclosed them through the previous five volumes is finally gone; certainly none will survive unscathed. While this novel will be irresistible for series fans, newcomers will need to catch up before diving in; characters remain two-dimensional.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(3) YA Things are no better than in The Masque of the Red Death for Araby and the devastated world around her, as most humans are dying of plague and untended buildings collapse. Betrayal, romance, death, and extravagance form unlikely but intriguing dance partners, and Araby, desperately pretending at indifference while her heart crumbles daily, is a gripping central force.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(2) YA In this sequel to Slide, the ability to mentally slip into the mind of another person is still pretty undesirable. Sure, Vee finally got her guy, but she's got a lot of work yet to do in sorting out how to use her power responsibly. Vee is an appealing mix of brash certainty and absolute cluelessness--it makes her worth rooting for if at times exasperating.

Reviewer: April Spisak | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2013

(4) YA This unceasingly grim look at a future taken over by a murderous religious cult requires a strong reader with a taste for true dystopias. Aside from the dark content (even little brothers and cute stray dogs aren't safe), Hirsch occasionally threads his dialogue with far too much exposition. Still, Cal, searching for any semblance of peace, is a deeply compelling protagonist.

Reviewer: April Spisak