Rating: 
Summary: Stunning
Review: One of the best YA books I've ever read. Everything rings true - from the description of the gifted youth program, to the friendships Nic forms, to feeling uncomfortable that she actually gets along with her parents, to her infatuation with and later relationship with Battle. Some moments stick out for me - Katrina's reaction to the Nic/Battle relationship (which was delightfully true-to-life, and I loved it - Katrina is one of my favourite characters in the book) and Nic thinking she sees Battle while she's on an archaeological field trip, only to discover it's not her. Definitely one to reread. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Rating: 
Summary: Iffy book
Review: Overall, an okay book, from my perspective it is definitely relateable BUT she used a bit too much fluff and I think she kind of went the safe route with this book. it goes a bit in depth but not too too much...Even though I am only 15 I think this is a bit child-ish for someone that is around my age.
Rating: 
Summary: Ugh
Review: Really interesting characters - but nothing really happens with them. Author says one thing about a character and then portrays them as something different. Dialog is sketchy.
Rating:
Summary: Not just for the young
Review: Ryan could have made this book painful to read, because she sees teens so clearly. But her laser-like view is softened by her gentle presentation.
The combination makes this a book that stays with you, no matter your age or subculture.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting read, albeit a few flaws
Review: Sara Ryan makes her literary debut in this refreshing teen novel about a girl's summer fling with another female student during college courses. Nic, the 16-year old protagonist, isn't sure of anything in her life: she's never had any close friends and she's not sure what she wants to be when she grows up (archaeologist or no?). And when Nic starts having feelings for blonde, beautiful Battle, things only get more confusing. Isn't she supposed to fall for GUYS? Coupled with confusions over her sexuality are Nic's fears about discrimination from homophobes and her exasperation in helping two heterosexual friends hook up.While "Empress of the World" makes for an interesting, light summer read, I can't say it's a fantastic book. The action is a bit too breezy and "fluff" to thorougly enjoy, and the reasoning behind some character's actions isn't explained. The plot isn't that engaging, but it's still great to find a novel that forages into the new territory of teenage homosexuality. It's sure to at least help answer a few people's perplexed questions about their own orientation. However, the best part of the book is that there are no easy answers, thus making it seem all the more realistic.
Rating:
Summary: I was hooked
Review: Sara Ryan really got me hooked. This book deals with betrayal, love, and many other younge fragile emontions. Nicola, a girl who attends a gifted program; learns things that you could never get out of a text book. She has a Summer filled with, romance, friendships, and other drama. She falls head over heals for a blonde beauty named Battle. Battle and Nicola find that they have much more in common then ever thought possible. By the end of the long summer Battle and Nicola have gone through some amazing times and some pretty horrible times. They start out as "just friends" but soon Nicola can't stand her feelings and she tells Battle how she really feels. Amazingly Battle feels the same way. They start a relationship that makes them much much more then "just friends." But Nicola makes a mistake. At first it seems as though Battle would never forgive her. Though in the end it all works out in ways that you would never expect.
Rating:
Summary: That good
Review: The best first ya novel to come down the pike in sometime. Everything about it works: the characters, the dialogue, and the trappings of the teen romance experience. It will get hyped because it is a story about a bi teen, but the real story here is that Ms Ryan has written a touching, funny, totally heartbreakingly honest book about falling in love, with all the strings which come attached to that particular item. As good as Wittlinger's Hard Love, and that is some fast company to be in.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Summer or Anytime Novel
Review: This is a great book. It deals with emotions of young teens and has a great story line. I personally think this would be a great book from ages 13 and up.. Its very cute and interesting and i cant wait for more of Sara R.'s storys Highly Recomended
-sacha orlando,florida
15
Rating: 
Summary: A sweet romance
Review: This is a romance, and the two people who fall in love just happen to be two girls. What is refreshing is that there is no deeper message. It's about the joy of finding someone you like, who likes you back -- better yet, finding someone you love who loves you back. Nic's confusion arises from people's need to place labels: is she lesbian? bisexual? Nic has had crushes on both boys and girls in the past, but her relationship with Battle is her first real relationship. There are some weaknesses, mainly with inconsistent characterizations. The strengths, such as a believable love story and realistic situations and dialogue, outweigh the weaknesses.
Rating:
Summary: Very good book.
Review: This is the first lesbian-orienated book I've read, and I found it extremly intresting. I bought the book on a Saturday afternoon and finished the following Sunday morning. Nicola Lancaster is spending her summer at the Sigel Institute Summer Program for Gifted Youth. Nic's never really had friends, and she's certaining never had a relationship with a boy, so when she starts having feelings for Battle Hall Davis, a girl, she's confused. It's a sweet story about two girls falling in love, getting hurt, then falling in love again only to have to leave the school, and not know if they'll hear from the other again.
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