Red Queen

I recently read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. This new young adult series is about a girl named Mare Barrow. She is a poor thief from the Stilts, dreading her upcoming conscription on her 18th birthday. For over a hundred years Red soldiers have fought a Silver war, spilling their common red blood to protect their gifted, silver-blooded kings. Mare's story is one of bravery and courage. She stands up for what she believes in and will do anything for the people she loves. That's why it is so important for her to avoid being sent to war. For Mare's people, war means death.

You see, there are two kinds of people in the Kingdom of Norta. There are Silvers (Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies) who have money, power, summer palaces and winter palaces. And there's everyone else, Reds like Mare, whose only purpose in life is to serve the Silvers. They are forced to be laborers, working hard for very little pay. The Reds outnumber the Silvers so why don't they fight back? Silver blood comes with supernatural abilities, powers that Reds don't have. Magnetrons can control metal, shadows can bend light, nymphs can control water, and strongarms have immense strength. But these are only a few of the amazing abilities silvers possess. 

Their blood is a threat, a warning, a promise. We are not the same and never will be. This is the true division between Silvers and Reds: the color of our blood. This simple difference somehow makes them stronger, smarter, better than us. (page 9) 

One day, Mare discovers that despite her Red blood she has a superior Silver ability, an ability that could save her or doom her. Of course Mare makes this discovery in front of the entire Silver community where all eyes were on her! No one can know of her Red blood, so she must turn her back on everything she has ever know, anyone she's ever loved, and lie to the world. Pretending to be the a Silver princess, Mare is forced to hide her true identity. 

She has only one choice to make... play along or join the rising rebellion. 

You'll have to grab a copy of Red Queen to find out!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. Victoria Aveyard expertly creates a world where anything seems possible. She makes the Kingdom of Norta feel like it's the town right next door. Best of all, Mare's story does not end here! After devouring Red Queen, check out the sequel Glass Sword and the novella Cruel Crown. Aveyard is still writing the third book in the trilogy and I cannot wait to see where Mare's journey ends!

 

Red Queen, Victoria Aveyard

AR level: 5.2

The Eighth Day

Our class just finished reading The Eighth Day, by Dianne K. Salerni. It is about an extra day of the week between Wednesday and Thursday. Not everyone gets to experience this magical extra day. The only people that are able to go into the eighth day are Transitioners, like Jax and his guardian, Riley. The eighth day was created to protect the “Normal” world from a race of magical people called Kin. Jax and Riley have to race to stop and evil Kin Lord from trying to destroy the world. Jax is courageous because he risks his life to save his friends.

A lot of exciting things happen in The Eighth Day.  When Jax first transitions into the eighth day, no one is around and he things it is a zombie apocalypse. Jax;s survival skills kick in and he steals canned food and bottled water from Walmart. When he wakes up, everyone is back and Jax thinks it was all just a bad dream. Until his school bus passes by Walmart with it's busted front door. When Jax finds out he is an inquisitor, with the talent to force others to answer his questions, his family crest is tattooed on his wrist. Further on in the story Jax is kidnapped. Not once, but twice!

I loved this book. Each twist and turn in the plot felt like a roller coaster ride. The nonstop action kept the story moving at a fast pace so I was never bored. The Eighth Day would be perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson series. You won't find any Greek mythology in this book, but you will discover a deep connection to the legend of King Arthur and his magician Merlin. SO if you like magic, epic battles, and cold burritos then this book is for you!

What would you do with an eighth day?

The Eighth Day, Dianne K. Salerni

AR level: 5.2

I wonder, are you enjoying Wonder? :)

We are in the middle of reading the amazing book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It's about 5th grader August Pullman who is starting public school for the first time. He's nervous, just like every other kid starting middle school, but Auggie is not your average 5th grader. His face is a bit of a medical mystery.

"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."

 I am loving this book and the positive message that it sends. What are your thoughts on the book so far? Since you are also starting middle school, can you relate to Auggie in any way?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below :)