As per our usual, Literature Review focuses on reviewing and recommending one publishing year at a time.  With PSLA’s Annual Conference in full swing, our 2015 list is out, so it’s time for 2016 (Officially…several titles have already been added to the blog).  Happy Reading!

 

Rutkowski, Marie. The Winner’s Kiss. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers, 2016. 978-0-3743847-39. 496 p. $17.99. Gr 7-12.

Marie Rutkowski’s excellent Winner’s Curse trilogy ends with this epic, immensely satisfying conclusion! Arin is at war, both physically and emotionally; in his attempts to find allies and fight the Valorian army, he can’t seem to forget about Kestel, even if his memories are tinged with hatred. Kestrel’s father has betrayed her to the Emperor, and she’s now working in a brutal work camp in the North, her daily food and water tainted with drugs to keep her docile. With each day and each batch of drugs, Kestrel finds herself losing her memories, along with her sense of self. An encounter with a soldier and a maker moth begins to unravel Arin’s distrust; he begins to question both he and Kestrel’s previous actions and moves to rescue her, setting in motion a series of exciting events that will have readers on the edge of their seats. While much of the story focuses on the relationship between Arin and Kestrel, fans of action, adventure, and epic war battles will not be disappointed. THOUGHTS: A beautifully written, brilliant end to one of the best YA series in recent memory.

Fantasy    Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School