The Hidden Prince by Jodi Meadows
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Since I enjoyed The Orphan Queen books so much I knew I had to read this novella as well. The Hidden Prince is told from Prince Tobias's perspective and is a sort of origin story for the vigilante Black Knife. We get an insight into Tobias's early life. After being kidnapped Tobias is forced to live a pretty sheltered life by his father. He is struggling with being who he wants to be and who he is expected to be.
We also get to see a bit of Lady Chey and Meredith and, of course, his cousin James. It was great to see James again and his relationship with Tobias before becoming his bodyguard.
I highly recommend this to be read after The Orphan Queen. There is also a 2 chapter excerpt for the next (and final) book, The Mirror King.
Pax by: Sara Pennypacker
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: February 2, 2016
Pax is a fox that has been raised by a
young boy, Peter, since he was found abandoned as a young kit. When Peter's father enlists in the war, he is sent to live with his grandfather. His father insists that Pax be set free in the wild. Shortly after arriving at his grandfathers house, Peter runs away to go find Pax. He doesn't get very far before he injures his leg and can barely walk. He is found by Vola, a gruff and stern woman who suffers from PTSD who now lives as a hermit. She sets his leg and agrees to let him stay with her until his leg is healed. During this time they learn so much from each other and form a very special bond.
Pax waited for Peter until his hunger and thirst forced him to leave his spot by the road. He encounters several other foxes and they teach him how to be wild again, but his thoughts never strayed far from Peter.
The story alternates between Peter and Pax's point of view. I love the way the author gave Pax and the other foxes a voice without humanizing them. It was interesting to see the world from their perspective.
The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful and capture the mood perfectly.
The ending was not what I had expected. It wasn't a bad ending, just not the happy reunion I was hoping for. I won't spoil it but just know that Pax does live and he and Peter do find each other.
It is a story of heartbreak and healing, loyalty and love.
Wires and Nerve, Volume 2: Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer
Published By: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
Ringer (Replica, #2) by Lauren Oliver
Published By: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia
"The mountains are calling and I must go." -John Muir
