Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe Series #2) by Neal Shusterman

Thunderhead picks up right where The Scythe left off. Citra is a scythe and Rowan is taking out "bad" scythes.  Citra has a unique method for gleaning and it might cause trouble for her. Rowan and Citra have separate yet equally important storylines. 

Politics within the scythedom is getting complicated and ugly.  The Thunderhead plays a larger, important and rather intriguing role.  He might just be my favorite character. 

This book is filled with vigilance, politics. action and character development. This is a long read. There are some slower moments put when you push past them and get into the grit of the book you find it worth your time.

Cliffhanger ending but I will put off reading the next book so I can have some breathing room! 

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman

Technology is beyond advanced. Natural death is no more. Hunger, disease and war no longer exist.  The only people who can take life are Scythe's. 

Citra. and Rowan have been selected as apprentices.  Neither want to be a Scythe but they have to partake in the apprenticeship. They have to learn how to glean (take lives) and learn what it takes to be a Scythe. 

The Scythedom has corruption within it and it could cost Citra and/or Rowen their life. 

This is a dark, unique story. Well developed characters and a great storyline making this a fast read. 

Big Bad by Lily Anderson

Love this book. Perfect for fans of BTVS. Lots and lots of easter eggs. Anderson is obviously a fan and has seen the series more than once. A lot of characters make an appearance. I wasn't initially sure if I would like this book. Truth be told, I was hesitant to read it but I ended up enjoying it! 

This is a whole different take on the Buffyverse. Minor characters become major ones and major ones become minors. This world is full of chaos. It takes place when Buffy is a teen.  The mayor has put up a sunshade. It's dark in Demondale previously known as Sunnydale all the time. Vampires rule. Beloved characters and demons are different yet similar in ways we know them.  

Buffy is still trying to win the fight against evil. This book revisited many things from the Buffy series. You'll feel as though you watching a new yet skewed episode of Buffy. I hope Anderson writes more about the Buffyverse. 

The Daughter of Auschwitz: Friedman, Tova

 Tova Friedman and her parents lived in a Jewish ghetto. When she was four year old they were sent to a camp. At age 6 she was separated from her parents. Her father was sent to Dachau and her mother and her were in Birkenau. 

Tova's mom taught her how to keep herself safe. Those lessons helped her survive Birkenau - making her one of the youngest survivors. Tova eventually migrated to the US got married and had grandchildren. She continues to share her short so that we can never forget what happened. 

Tovas writes an account of her life and experience from age 4. It's harrowing and emotional read.  Tova's voice and emotions come off the pages and she pulls you into here life. This read will stay with you. This is a book you should read and share with others.