Pittacus Lore: United as One (2016)

    The Mogadorians have invaded Earth. Their warships loom over our most populated cities, and no country will risk taking them head on. The Garde are all that stand in the way, but they’ll need an army of their own to win this fight (Goodreads).

    United as One does not pick up where the previous book left off, with non-stop action. Instead, the start of the novel is rather slow, however the second half of the book takes a whole new turn, showcasing the darkness of full fledged war with excellent narration, but still with the bits of humor readers have come to expect. At some points, the hopelessness of the protagonists is overwhelming, especially since they have a backup plan prepared in case they all die. However with some confusing references to companion novels, the plot is almost disconnected and another unsatisfying ending makes readers unsure of whether the series is over yet. Overall however, a dark and rich conclusion to an epic series. 7.7/10

Adam Gidwitz: A Tale Dark & Grimm (2010)

    Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after (Goodreads).

    With a cliched premise (the 'uncovering the 'true' fairy tale'), A Tale Dark and Grimm does excellently to be unique, starting with the fairy tale in question: Hansel and Gretel is not generally a fairy tale authors twist up, however Gidwitz does wonderfully with the classic fairytale, with humorous storytelling, however his many interjections (although amusing) break up the story and make it seem choppy. Also, for all the hype about being gory, the book doesn't quite live up to it. Dark, for sure, but gory, not extremely. Still, this darkly humorous tale is a lovely bit of storytelling. 7.9/10

Rick Riordan: The Hidden Oracle (2016)

    After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour (Goodreads).

    Finally, Rick Riordan writes with new, fresh characters and an original plot, even though he is once again just modernizing ancient Greek myths. Apollo is an amusing, self-centered character, and although he is an ancient God, Riordan manages to dispense great character development. Riordan finally seems to let go of Percy, although now he seems to be a convenient plot device. The climax is entertaining, and there is a twist ending that leaves readers wanting more. New and old characters respectively are able to keep readers engaged with Riordan's universe, and a supporting cast is also well executed. As per the norm, however, we are yet again bogged down by repeated addition of Greek (and Roman) names and places that no reader could memorize all of. 8.0/10

J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, & Jack Thorne: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts 1 & 2 (2016)

    While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places (Goodreads).

    However many fond memories this eighth Harry Potter story brings up, nostalgia alone does not cover the fact that The Cursed Child seems like a fanfiction. With a few ridiculous story elements (see the fact that Voldemort actually had a child; or the trolley lady insanity), the story lacks the original charm of the Harry Potter series, whether that is because of the script format or that it is not focused on magic anymore, instead on relationships and character development, that admittedly is done rather well. Scorpius in particular is an excellent character who is one of few that are not flat.Even with some typical amusing Ron quips, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a somewhat confusing plot, although with some well done emotional scenes, and just manages to keep readers satisfied. 6.9/10

Lincoln Pierce: Big Nate Lives it Up (2015)

    Principal Nichols wants Nate to be buddies with new kid Breckenridge Puffington III and show him around. But that’s no easy task when Breckenridge is a plant-doodling total fun-sponge. There’s also something strangely familiar about this guy. . . (Goodreads).

    A decent 7th book of the series, however the Breckenridge/Nate conflict is resolved a little too quickly, in just one or two chapters. The writing, as usual, is written as though by an eleven year old, however Peirce manages to pull off a decent book, although he may be running out of ideas for this series. 6.5/10

Norton Juster: The Phantom Tollbooth (1961)

    For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different (Goodreads).

    Filled with hilarious puns and jokes based on the English language and numerical system, The Phantom Tollbooth is an enjoyable read, however by the end of it the jokes wear a bit thin and readers are left looking for an actual plot (however finding Rhyme and Reason is a great play on things). The first chapter gets readers right into it and does not give much room to get to know the protagonist, and Milo does not change much throughout until the very end in a satisfying finish that still leaves readers wanting more. The rest of the cast is quite flat although their various quirks make them endearing still. While sometimes confusing, The Phantom Tollbooth is an entertaining and hilarious read. 6.8/10

Gareth Roberts, Douglas Adams: Doctor Who: Shada (2012)

    The Doctor’s old friend and fellow Time Lord Professor Chronotis has retired to Cambridge University—where nobody will notice if he lives for centuries. But now he needs help from the Doctor, Romana and K-9. When he left Gallifrey he took with him a few little souvenirs—most of them are harmless. But one of them is extremely dangerous (Goodreads).

    Even for a non Doctor Who fan (which I am not), Shada would be a very enjoyable read, one needing only the most basic background knowledge of the television series. Gareth Roberts is excellent in making sure that Douglas Adams' classic storytelling is not all lost, however it still manages to not be completely ridiculous like the Hitchhiker's Guide. It is a testament to the greatness of this novel that you can really see this episode in your head while you are reading. Excellent characters of Romana, Chris, Clare, and of course the Doctor himself shine in this novel, while a dynamic antagonist in Skagra (although a tad boring) features wonderfully here. Although the title of the novel is really only explained about three-quarters of the way in, Shada is a light and enjoyable read. 7.6/10