ARC Review The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.
The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.
All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

This book was dark and gloomy and even very sad at times. It had a slow moving plot, but as it progressed the intrigue and mystery increased and before long I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was enthralled. I was captivated by Lydia and all she was going through. I felt so deeply for her character. This is a book that forces the reader to feel. The reader will gradually realize that they are invested in what is occurring. I laughed with Lydia and I cried with her. I was shocked with her and at times I was angry for her. Yes this book has witchcraft in it, but the book does not revolve around the witchcraft. The family scandal is more center to the storyline, and what a scandal it was. This book is not for the younger reader, it is for a more mature, older audience, however it is a great read. Differnt from my usual, but as this author's debut novel she should be proud. I look forward to reading more from Hester Fox.  
I give The Witch of Willow Hall 4 out of 5 Stars

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.

This classic dystpoian novel is based on the terrifying premise that books are illegal because they are the source of unrest both politically and socially. Bradbury is dealing with multiple underlying themes. The fun part of being a teacher is having students read this book and after they understand the literal plot, helping them to uncover metaphorical meanings. Students never cease to amaze me. We are all different and the real life applications of this book are innumerable. READ this book, and determine what warnings Bradbury is presenting to you. Burning books, destroying knowledge, limiting what can be passed on, what stands out to us as we read will differ as we observe this book through the lens of our own personal experiences. I have even known students who were so caught up in firemen starting fires rather than putting them out that entire discussions were held on this premise. When you read this book you are reading a story, but you are also reading a metaphor, one that your own personal experiences will mold and shape. Good luck and enjoy. 

I give Fahrenheit 451 5 out of 5 stars for educational use
I give Fahrenheit 451 5 out of 5 stars 
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars 

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

This summary is so inadequate when describing all the elements within the pages of this book!!! Do not let that dissuade you! If you enjoy dystopian fiction/post-apocalyptic fiction then you will want to read this novel. 
 There are dual point of views used within this novel, however the author makes it clear which character is speaking and switches between voices are done at times when it benefits the storyline. The focus of this story is the characters more than the world building. This means the characters delivered are exceptionally well defined and realistic. However, the world building is not weakly done. It is just not the focus of the author. The reader gets a good idea of the political system, the breakdown between the two distinct groups of peoples and their cultures up to this point, and what is happening to the world at this point in time. To really appreciate this story one needs to combine all the elements of the plot and immerse themselves in the pages of the novel. I have read this book multiple times. I enjoyed all three novels in this trilogy and would highly recommend reading Under The Never Sky and its sequels. Just do not start it if you have to get up early in the morning, you might lose sleep over this one! 
I also find this book appropriate for high school aged students. It has a few scenes that would make it too mature for younger students, but most high school students would watch much worse on TV and movie screens. There are some political undercurrents that could be addressed or of course a teacher could just recommend this book as a pleasure read.

I give Under the Never Sky 4 out of 5 Stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars!