Rebel Angels

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

The sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty.

This story picks up a few months after the last book ended (warning there are spoilers to book one in this review so if you haven't read the first book stop reading now!!!!). Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are about to celebrate Christmas, but they don't want to seperate for the holidays.

Together the three concoct a story about Ann being Russian noblity in order for her to stay with Felicity. They just have to be together so that they can continue to enter the realms and search for the mysterious Temple, the only thing that can bind the magic now that Gemma has destroyed the runes. They also have to discuss a new mysterious teacher who has arrived at Spence.

As the girls journey into the realms, they meet new and old friends and enemies. Pippa is still in the realms, but this is worrisome since it is only a matter of time before she will turn evil. There are also new people in the realms such as the Gorgon and the Untouchables.

Back in the real world, the girls are dealing with family issues. Ann's cousins want her to be their governess, Gemma is falling in love and dealing with her father's addiction, and Felicity has a new sister and an old dark secret. Not to mention the fact that they still haven't found Circe!!!

For anyone who has read the first book, this is a must read. For anyone who hasn't read the first book, what are you waiting for!!!! I can't wait to read the final book in this triliogy.

The Death Collector

The Death Collector by Justin Richards

I found this mystery a little unusual. I don't know if I would clasify it as science fiction, fantasy, or both. Throw in the fact that it takes place in 19th century London, and you have one super cross-genre book.

This is the story of a pickpocket, an industrialist millionaire, a vicar's daughter, a knight of the Brititsh Empire, and a lowly museum clerk. The story begins when a young pickpocket named Eddie picks the wrong pocket.

The pocket that Eddie picks belongs to George who works at the British Museum. Two of George's collegues have just been murdered over some journals belonging to a scientist. George has in his possession the last surviving page of the final journal.

I don't want to go into too much detail, but the book does involve mechanical men and dinosaurs. To discover what else happens to Eddie, George, and the rest, you will just have to read The Death Collector by Justin Richards.