Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede

This is the first book in a trilogy.  Yes that means more are coming.  What lead me to this book, is that I had read Patricia Wrede another series of books called the Enchanted Forest--As I liked to call them the Talking with Dragon books!  (Another must Read--fantasy, princess, dragons, enchanted homes, enchanted forests, and oh! knights in shining armor.  Anyway...

This books not only has a 13th child (who must be unlucky--however, she does change this perception by the end of the book) has a twin that is a seventh son of the seventh son (how lucky can you get!).  They become part of the western expansion movement.  Of all places, this place is quite similar to our own western expansion--with magic.  Can the western frontier really survive without the protective spells of the magicians?  Read this and find out.  Yes, I'll be buying the sequel soon--

If you want to learn more about Patricia C. Wrede and her other books, she has a webpage at:

http://www.pcwrede.com/

Currently sitting on my desk to read--Wich and Wizard and World's End
For a former mystery lover, I would have to say my students have really influenced my reading habits this year.  However, I will be including a variety of other books (even some that are not part of series.)

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

If a movie is based on a book, my friend prefers to read the book first--There is some logic to this--You get the whole story and not just a part.  Unfortunately the movie is never better than the book according to me anyway.  The movie lacks plot, or the character I envisioned is not the same as the movie makers vision, or I think that my imagination is better....whatever the case, I've read the book first. 
I Am Number Four, like all of the others I've read before it....is a heart thumping experience that doesn't end.  Yes folks, here's the spoiler, there will be another book to follow as well as another movie.  I'm not jumping in to see the movie just yet.  I'm kind of cheap, I'll wait for it to show at the dollar show, or come on television or netflix.  I would like to see what the special effect folks do with the powers and the monsters...

By the way the book will be on the shelf soon.

Favorite quote from the book:
From Henri to John Smith
 "It's the last thing to go.  When you have lost hope, you have lost everything.  And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope."

One other quote:  "Those things that are most obvious are the very things that we're most likely to overlook."

So who is Pittacus Lore?????

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

So where do vamps, shapeshifters, and witches go when they misuse their powers or are discovered by humans?  Try Hex Hall.  Sophie Meyers has no clue as to her true powers.  When she tries using her powers for good, her friend acuses her of being a witch.  Suddenly she is wisked away to Hex Hall where she must learn to control her powers, and learn to defend herself against those who choose to rid the world of "monsters."   The story is woven with humor, suspense, and romance.  It's almost a Harry Potter type book, except the stairways do not move when you are using them.