In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

Resistant is a novel about a deadly strain of bacteria developed by a terrorist group called the Neighbors, who want to overthrow entitlement programs such as Medicare, Social Security, etc., believing they steal dollars away from the needs of the rest of society.  The Neighbors consist of rich people, political officials, etc. so secret that even their names are kept hidden from other members.  Their scientists unleash the bacteria on unsuspecting injured patients in hospitals, hoping to blackmail the government into dropping the entitlement programs by not offering an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria, nicknamed the Doomsday Germ, until they get their way.  However, the bacteria mutates, and no one can control it.  ER doctor Lou Welcome and his best friend Cap are running on a mountainous track when Cap is grievously injured and later infected in the hospital with this horrible bacteria.  The Neighbors have their own lab, but when their researchers can’t control the bacteria, they kidnap a Muslim microbiologist, Ahmed Kazimi, known as the best in the field. Until that time, he was protected by the FBI day and night at his lab and living quarters.  Meanwhile, Cap is likely to lose one or more limbs, if not his life. and Lou pulls out all the stops to find a cure for him.   He befriends another brilliant microbiologist/lab technician named Humphrey, who despite his extreme cerebral palsy, has solid theories about the Doomsday germ, and convinces Lou that the other researchers are on the wrong track.  By setting up a clandestine lab, they may find a cure in time to save Cap.  Eventually Humphrey is also kidnapped by the Neighbors and forced to work for their leader, Douglas Bacon, Neighbor N-38, alongside Ahmed Kazimi.    Dr. Welcome and an FBI agent named Vale whose wife was murdered by the Neighbors, team up to make a final assault on Bacon’s ocean side compound.  While there are not happy endings for everyone, the book’s resolution is satisfying to readers.  Suspenseful and worth reading or listening to.  This was Palmer’s last book before his death in October of 2013. The 11 disc audiobook is read by Robert Petkoff.  Also available in regular print, and eaudiobook.

In her youth, Molly Anderson couldn't help crushing on gorgeous bad-boy Dylan Black—even though he only had eyes for her older sister. When things didn't work out between them, he said goodbye to Molly as well, vowing they'd have a great adventure when she grew up. Years later, dumped by her fiancé just before Christmas, she's finally ready to take Dylan up on his promise.

A guarded Dylan always had a weakness for Molly, and when she waltzes back into his life—grown-up and gorgeous—he's stunned. So why not whisk her away for some no-strings-attached fun?

Laughter-filled days and late-night kisses are changing Molly's life, for good. The only gift she truly wants now is Dylan's love, but when he discovers the secret she's been keeping, she may lose him again—this time forever.

This title is a re-issue of Susan Mallery’s 1998 book titled Wedding Ring Promise. I have only been reading Mallery’s books since I stumbled upon her Fool’s Gold series so this was a new story for me. I was entertained by Molly’s blunt request for Dylan to fulfill his promise long-forgotten. Both characters were very easy to like and hope for their stories to end happily. I have to say though that I am more than ready for more in the Fool’s Gold series and this re-issue was not quite up to filling that void.

VCPL has a copy of this title available in our New Fiction section! Happy Reading! 

Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate.

I really liked this adaptation from the Young Adult novel by the same title. This film gave readers the opportunity to see the struggle of Mia’s decision alongside her friends and family’s grief. Chloë Grace Moretz was close to how I pictured Mia when I first read the book so that helped me connect with the main character during the film.

The Vigo County Public Library has several copies available on DVD and BLU-Ray.

MPAA rating: PG-13; for thematic elements and some sexual material. CHV rating: PG; mature theme, language may offend.

How would you feel if the only birthday gift your parents bought you was a cardboard box? Would you be disappointed? Or would you see its potential for being the greatest present anyone could ever ask for?

When Cam’s down-and-out single father brings home a cardboard box for his birthday, he understands that it’s because they can’t afford anything more. Rather than being upset by this, though, Cam chooses to make the best of his situation. Only, the situation is far better than he could have ever imagined. When Cam and his father shape the cardboard into a man, they never expect it to actually come magically to life. Nor do they expect it when this simple piece of cardboard makes Marcus, the wealthy neighborhood bully, so jealous that he steals it and uses it to create an army of monsters that threaten to destroy them all! 

In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, Doug TenNapel takes readers back to their childhood days when a cardboard box was never just a cardboard box. The days when a cardboard box could be anything from a castle to a rocket ship to a time machine. Whether you’re just looking for a fun read or needing something to spark your imagination, Cardboard should definitely be at the top of your list!

Released this past summer, Jersey Boys tells the story of the rise of The Four Seasons, an American rock and pop singing group, that was formed by three juvenile delinquents: Frankie Valli (Francesco Stephen Castelluccio), the lead singer, Nick Massi, bass guitar and vocals, and Tommy DeVito, lead guitar and baritone vocals, who grew up around Newark, New Jersey in the 1950s. Bob Gaudio, a fellow from the Bronx formerly of the Royal Teens, joined the group in 1960 as tenor vocal on keyboards and wrote most of their early hit songs.

I will admit that I knew almost nothing about The Four Season prior to watching this film. I recognized the songs of course but I was unaware of any details of their personal lives. I was mesmerized by their story and found that the 2 hours and 14 minute film passed by rather quickly. I was a little confused at the beginning as why all of the people in Frankie Valli’s life seemed dedicated to getting him into a singing career but as he grew up I liked his character more and more. I highly recommend seeing this film or if you are lucky seeing the Broadway stage production. VCPL has several copies of the film available for check out! 

Four women who worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park have taken up civilian lives. Susan has collated data about a series of murders. She tries to convince the police she knows where another body is, but they are unable to locate it and dismiss her. She turns to her three friends and they work out where the next victim will be taken, find the body, and then decide they are the only ones who can track down the killer.

I loved this series! Such a great mystery and really showed another side of life in Britain post WWII. Stop by VCPL to check the DVD set today! 

County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch. Branna’s strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family—along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love… She had it once—for a moment—with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion.

Branna and Fin’s relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear. It will be Fin’s power, loyalty, and heart that will make all the difference in an age-old battle between the bonds that hold their friends together and the evil that has haunted their families for centuries.

This is the conclusion to Nora Roberts’ latest trilogy The Cousins O’Dwyer. The series was a little slower pace than Roberts’ usual trilogies. I think that she waited until this third book to really get into the magic side of the story. Check out Books 1 (Dark Witch) and 2 (Shadow Spell) before reading this novel! VCPL has several copies available for each of the titles!

After dying in combat against an alien race, Major William Cage finds that he must repeat the same battle and his ensuing death over and over again.  After many failed attempts to survive, Cage begins training with fellow soldier Rita Vrataski in an effort to end his cycle of battle and death.  Working together, Rita joins Cage in the repetitious battle, where the pair repeatedly makes it further along before ultimately dying again.  Eventually, Cage and Rita last long enough to have a fighting chance at survival—for themselves and the world. I found this movie intriguing, suspenseful, and action-packed. I also found parts of the movie to be unexpectedly witty and funny, which made me like it even more.

Lady Clare is an independent and of course beautiful (this is a romance novel after all) young woman running a huge business dealing in scents made from flowers and herbs which supports or employs most of the Isle of Desire's inhabitants.  She has inherited the Isle of Desire from her father, but her guardian now requires that she take a husband to become Lord of the Isle.  She develops her own recipe for the perfect husband, and awaits the suitors who fit the description to be sent by her guardian.  A large knight named Sir Gareth, the Hellhound of Wycknere, is one of the suitors, and she must decide if perhaps she got the recipe a bit wrong, although at least he can read, unlike at least one other suitor.  Treachery, murder and some heated romantic scenes keep the story moving along nicely.  This 9 disc set is read by Anne Flosnik.

Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé's wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there's really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won't get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she'll have to start by believing in him…

Em was a very likeable character. I had no problem immediately relating to her. Jack was an interesting character. He does seem to have a hero complex. Jack always seems to be rescuing a damsel in distress even if the damsel is a crazy woman who does not deserve his time or attention. This is Higgins’ 4^th Blue Heron book and I will have to admit I had forgotten several of the supporting characters from previous books. I had to use to Goodreads to remember the premise of earlier titles. Regardless of my lack of recollection, I highly recommend this title. Its fun and a fast read even though it was 480 pages. Please do not let the page length deter you from enjoying the lastest from Kristan Higgins. The Vigo County Public Library has a copy of this book in the new fiction collection!  

London, 1817: Stuck in a Mayfair ballroom, thanks to his lovestruck brother, Highlander Arran MacLawry wants nothing but a bit of distraction from an arranged betrothal—and a clever auburn-haired lass in a vixen's mask promises just that . . . until he discovers that she's the granddaughter of the Campbell, chief of clan MacLawry's longtime rival. Despite their families' grudging truce, falling for fiery Mary Campbell is a notion too outlandish even for this Highlander…

Raised on tales of savage MacLawrys, Mary is stunned to realize the impressively strapping man in the fox's mask is one of them. Surely the enemy shouldn't have such a broad chest, and such a seductive brogue? Not that her curiosity matters—any dalliance between them is strictly forbidden, and she's promised to another. But with the crackling spark between them ready to catch flame, love is worth every risk…

This title is book #2 in Suzanne Enoch’s Scandalous Highlanders series. I recommend trying to read them in order. The first book is called The Devil Wears Kilts. This was a Scotland twist on the classic Romeo & Juliet. Arran’s family is known for their hot temper and impulsive behavior but falling in love with a Campbell is too large of a shock for either family to handle. I think the ending was my favorite part when both familes converge on the couple. Highly entertaining! The Vigo County Public Library has this title in the Rack books collection. Happy Reading!

Drowned is the first book in a new series by author Nichola Reilly. Set in a post-apocalyptic world in which less than 500 people are left living on an island, teenager Coe fights for the survival of herself and her makeshift family made of her friends Tiam, Fern, and princess Star. Every day when the tide goes out it takes a little more of the island with it. With shrinking land and resources there are very few people Coe can trust.

When the the island's king becomes ill, he chooses Coe to be a lady-in-waiting for his daughter, Star, and chooses Tiam to be the new king upon his passing. Upon learning this the rest of the island's people become enraged and decide they should be the ones to choose their next king...and that there is no longer a place for Coe and her friends on the island.

This is a great read for anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic fiction. I look forward to the next book in the series!

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

This debut science fiction novel won the Hugo, Nebula, Locus and Arthur Clarke awards.  Ancillary Justice is a military space adventure set in the distance future. The Radch Empire rules a large part of the universe through large starships with Artificial Intelligence.  The ships also control a large number of ancillaries (human bodies controlled by fragments of the central AI).  A colossal starship Justice of Toren mysteriously disappears and Breq is the sole surviving part of the AI.  The story switches between the past and the present as Breq pursues a mission of and justice and vengeance. Annie Leckie creates rich and complex world. The story builds so by the end you will be eager for the next title (Ancillary Sword).

Sea of Glory will enlighten you as to the hardships of sailing in the early 1800s, and the at times vicious discipline that was doled out by the expedition’s leader, Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, who considered himself the Commodore.  Over a four year period the group of 6 ships sailed around the world, surveying 280 Pacific islands and making many discoveries of new species of plants and animals unknown until then.  Cannibals were the one group they encountered whom they hoped to avoid, but the aggressive handling of the situation by Wilkes after two sailors were murdered, made things even worse.  Due to his arrogance and unsympathetic nature, the majority of officers eventually turned against him, and were bitter for years thereafter, as their careers were in his hands, both then and in terms of recommendations.  Often referred to as the “Ex Ex”, the expedition was very important to the United States scientific community.  The long delayed military repercussions for Wilkes and his other officers will surprise the reader/listener.  10 discs read by Scott Brick.

London, 1817: Stuck in a Mayfair ballroom, thanks to his lovestruck brother, Highlander Arran MacLawry wants nothing but a bit of distraction from an arranged betrothal—and a clever auburn-haired lass in a vixen's mask promises just that . . . until he discovers that she's the granddaughter of the Campbell, chief of clan MacLawry's longtime rival. Despite their families' grudging truce, falling for fiery Mary Campbell is a notion too outlandish even for this Highlander…

Raised on tales of savage MacLawrys, Mary is stunned to realize the impressively strapping man in the fox's mask is one of them. Surely the enemy shouldn't have such a broad chest, and such a seductive brogue? Not that her curiosity matters—any dalliance between them is strictly forbidden, and she's promised to another. But with the crackling spark between them ready to catch flame, love is worth every risk…

This is book #2 in the Scandalous Highlanders series. Main characters Arran and Mary are told to stay away from each other which of course made it that much more exciting to be together. I enjoyed how the characters tried to ignore their feelings until they were forcibly separated. Suzanne Enoch writes wonderful romances with strong heroines and enjoyable heroes. I am excited to read more from this series! This book is available at VCPL! 

Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now's her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam's eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can't resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca's heart?

Join fans of Jill Shalvis in her fictional town of Lucky Harbor for book #10! But the book can be read as a standalone if you haven’t read any of the others. Shalvis is one of my must-read contemporary romance authors. She creates a good mix of fun, sexy, heartfelt and hilarious. I highly recommend checking this book out! 

The timeless tale continues... The most popular and beloved American historical novel ever written, Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind is unparalleled in its portrayal of men and women at once larger than life but as real as ourselves. Now bestselling writer Alexandra Ripley brings us back to Tara and reintroduces us to the characters we remember so well: Rhett, Ashley, Mammy, Suellen, Aunt Pittypat, and, of course, Scarlett. As the classic story, first told over half a century ago, moves forward, the greatest love affair in all fiction is reignited; amidst heartbreak and joy, the endless, consuming passion between Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler reaches its startling culmination.

Lee Child has many fans and has written numerous titles.  Gone Tomorrow starts with chief character Jack Reacher riding on the subway late at night and becoming suspicious that a woman in the same car is a terrorist, ready to blow up the subway train.  He takes us through the 10 point checklist of identifying suicide bombers.  Through twists and turns the plot evolves into something much more dramatic, sinister and dark.  Child is so graphic in his description of torture and killing by Afghan women that I could neither listen nor read parts of this book.  Reacher himself becomes a killing machine for self-preservation.  If you are not disturbed by such material, the book will hold your interest as the overall plot keeps you guessing.

Twenty-two year old Su's freak accident with a ceiling fan erases her past and affects her future.  How do you cope when you wake up to a husband and two children you don't remember, and your once extensive vocabulary is now limited to 100 words?  Written to be an inspiration for others who may have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), this is one woman's true story of learning to be herself again.

Family secrets and a hidden past-a woman's search to uncover the truth ignites danger and passion in the latest novel from #1 New York Times-bestselling author Julie Garwood. Cordelia Kane has always been a daddy's girl-her father raised her alone after her mother died in a car crash when Cordelia was just two years old. So when he has a serious heart attack, Cordelia is devastated, and the emotion is only intensified by the confusion she feels when he reveals the shocking truth about her mother. Cordelia can't suppress her curiosity about the woman who gave birth to her, and when she discovers the answers to her questions lie in Sydney, Australia, she travels there to get them.

Hotel magnate Aiden Madison is Cordelia's best friend's older brother. He's oblivious to the fact that she's had a crush on him for years. When he gets railroaded into taking her along to Sydney on his company jet, he's unwittingly drawn into a volatile family drama. Aiden wants to help Cordelia get answers about her mother, but threats from her wealthy, high-powered family are quickly becoming dangerous. Sparks are flying between Cordelia and Aiden, but after multiple attempts are made on Cordelia's life, Aiden realizes he must put a stop to the madness before he loses the thing he values most.

Fans of Garwood have been waiting for Cordelia’s & Aiden’s story for 10 years! Finally the bestselling author lets readers find out what would become of Cordelia’s crush. I loved this story. Cordelia was one of the most realistic female characters I have ever read. She experiences a roller coaster of emotions throughout the book but handles them as any woman would. Garwood made it very easy for me to feel connected to her story. VCPL has this title as a Bestseller, Large Print or Audiobook! 

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned... Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

 I loved this finale to a fantastic book series. I have to admit I was extremely annoyed that it was a long wait between Book 5 and Book 6. The characters are very compelling but I felt as though I needed to re-read the entire series to remember exactly what had happened prior. So I highly recommend this series and the final book. Stop by VCPL to check out a copy from Youth Services or visit Overdrive to check out our e-book. 

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.

There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.

What happens when you take the tried and true detective genre and mix in a little magic? The Dresden Files, that's what. Murder, mayhem, and magic rule the world in Jim Butcher's Storm Front. The first installment in the Dresden Files series, Storm Front is a fun, fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat!