One Sentence Debut Reviews: Spring 2012

Have you read these books? One lucky commenter will win a packet of Apocalypsies and Class of 2k12 bookmarks. Let’s get a discussion going!

The Wicked and the Just – J. Anderson Coats

Cecily’s father moves her to Wales where she must put up with her brazen servant, Gwinny, where every interaction between the girls is loaded with more meaning than Cecily initially understands, where heartache on both sides forges a shaky unity, and where the unflinching storyline cannot leave the reader unchanged.

Love & Leftovers – Sarah Tregay

Yanked from home by her mother when her parents’ marriage crumbles and longing to understand love, Marcie embarks on an exploration of boys, friendship, affection, passion, and understanding in this smartly written verse novel.

Scarlet – A. C. Gaughen

Robin Hood’s right-hand man, Will Scarlet, is recast as a delightfully complex girl, who’s feisty and fierce and secretly loves Rob — rollicking fun!

Chained – Lynne Kelly

I couldn’t resist letting CHAINED speak for itself:
“This must be what Ne Min meant about being brave. Never in my life have I been so afraid, but here I stand.”


Under the Never Sky – Veronica Rossi

A sweeping glimpse of a dystopian world that is equally strong in story and style, Rossi’s characters force readers to examine the difference between living life and merely existing.

A Voice for Kanzas – Debra MacArthur

Meticulously researched and lovingly written, A VOICE FOR KANZAS speaks to the power of words and a young girl’s courage to stand against slavery in Kansas Territory.

The Gathering Storm – Robin Bridges

Opulence, intrigue, secrets, and monsters — this fun, many-layered book is a Romanov history with a paranormal twist.