The Adaptation staff has started reading quite a few books this month. Here’s what we thought:

Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden

I have just finished reading Knights of the Borrowed Dark, which is the first book in a new YA series by debut author Dave Rudden. It’s a thrillingly creepy and exciting book about a secret society fighting shadowy forces to protect the world. The main character, Denizen, is an orphan whose family history has always been a mystery—until his aunt arrives back in his life to introduce him to his heritage. His training in the shadowy arts is a mixture of physical and mental trials—yet while he is learning how to be a Knight, dark forces have secretly taken over the orphanage that he once called home.

-Jess

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

I started to read Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer…and I never quite finished. I got busy, but it also was not quite exactly what I was hoping for. The entire tone of the book is trying for a Percy Jackson vibe, but the story itself is far darker. Also the main character…I want to like him, but he’s just a bit too emo for me. I understand, what with being homeless and all, but it’s not the thrilling, whimsical adventure story I was hoping for. So I gave up for now.

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

I’ve alo started reading First Grave on the Right by Darhynda Jones. It’s a series that I hear is similar to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. The main character is a PI/Grim Reaper that solves crimes with the help of the dead, but she is haunted by a mysteriously sexy force…not really my cup of tea, but it sounded intriguing so I’m going to see where this road leads and at least finish the first book.

-Sarah

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

I’m still in the early chapters of this one, but I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s the first in a series (followed by The Rose Society) about Adelina Amouteru. She’s a survivor of the blood fever, with the markings to prove it that make her unwanted and unsafe in society. Sometimes, however, survivors have special powers and her father has spent her life treating her horribly in hopes of awakening them. She runs away and finds herself among The Dagger Society, a group of malfettos (survivors like her) with special powers that plan to take back the kingdom and make it safe for their kind.

It’s extremely dark, as is Adelina, and I picked it up because of the way the author described it at a panel about unlikable characters at GeekyCon last year. It hasn’t disappointed yet. I want to root for Adelina, but can’t in many ways and I’m truly not sure where the story is going.

-Kendyl

Studio Ghibli films by Hayao Miyazaki

I’ve been doing a watch-through of the Studio Ghibli films, one by one—specifically those by Hayao Miyazaki. I’m sure most everyone is familiar with Sutdio Ghibli at least a little bit by now, but what the heck—I’m always up to plug the amazing adaptations. 🙂 All of the films are beautiful in regards to storyline and animation. They each have their own charm, their own characters that you just can’t help but root for. As for my favorite? A more impossible question has yet to be answered!

–Jenn

That’s it for us this month, but be sure to leave your own recommendations in the comments!