Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

     When I first heard that Harper Lee had written another book with the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, I was equally shocked and excited.  To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my all-time favorite books!  So, needless to say, as soon as Go Set a Watchman was released, I rushed out to buy my copy.

     Before beginning the book, I read some of the comments posted online by people who had already finished it.  I was so disappointed and upset to read those comments.  Many people felt the book didn't live up to its expectations.  I disagree.

      Go Set a Watchman is not To Kill a Mockingbird.  However, it wasn't meant to be.  It was written before the classic, and it gives readers a deeper insight into the characters we grew to love.  As I was reading this book, I felt like I was reconnecting with old friends.  Scout, Atticus, Aunt Alexandra . . . they are all there.  Harper Lee gives us more information about the main characters, and it helps us to understand them better.

     In this book, Jean Louise is a grown woman living in New York City.  She returns to Maycomb to visit Atticus, whose health is failing.  There are glimpses into Scout's childhood (memories that include Jem and Dill), and we learn more about the Finch family, as does Jean Louise.  In fact, during her visit, she learns some things about her family and her town that make her question what she has always believed to be true.    

     I loved this book!  Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird owe it to themselves to read it!  It is fascinating to follow Harper Lee's growth as a writer and to see the development of her characters; to connect what is revealed in this book back to the classic.  I am thankful Harper Lee agreed to publish this book.  We still have much to learn from her and the characters in her stories!

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

     Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is an awesome read!  This story is set in a world composed of Reds and Silvers. The Silvers are born with magical powers.  They can read people's minds, manipulate metal, and control water and fire.  The lowly Reds can only obey and serve the Silvers in control of their society.
     Mare Barrow, a poor peasant girl and lowly Red, struggles to earn enough money to support her family.  Her older brothers have been sent off to fight a war started by the Silvers, and she is left to provide for her younger sister and parents.
     When Mare is brought to the palace to serve the royal family, an accident occurs, and it is discovered that Mare has supernatural powers that have in the past only belonged to Silvers.  Though she is red-blooded, Mare possesses Silver abilities.  In order to avoid a rebellion and upset what everyone has always known to be true, the king tells his people that Mare is the long-lost daughter of a deceased Silver war hero.  He tells the people that though Mare was raised as a Red, she is truly a Silver.  The royals are puzzled and threatened by the idea of a red-blooded girl possessing powers like them.  The truth of Mare's powers could ruin everything.  If Reds learn the truth, it could add fire to the rebellion that has been gaining strength.  Reds are tired of being second class citizens, and Mare's abilities prove they are not inferior.  What if there were more like her?
     Both the Silvers and the Reds want Mare to help in their cause, but which side will she choose?  Though Red by birth, she begins to have feelings for both Silver princes at the palace.  She begins to see that they are more than their titles and powers.  But how can she betray her family and the Reds back home?
     This book is full of exciting confrontations and twisted plot lines!  It is a fun and fast read for those who enjoyed Graceling and The Selection novels.  If you pick up a copy of  Red Queen, you won't be disappointed!