Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski

Title: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)
Author: Sarah Mlynowski
ISBN: 9780061701245
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: June 7, 2011
Page #: 254
Source: ARC from the publisher - yes, it's a late review

Summary:
"Like any sixteen-year-old would, April jumps at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free. Even though she had to tell her dad a tiny untruth to make it happen (see #1: 'Lied to Our Parents'). But she and her housemate, Vi, are totally responsible and know how to take care of themselves. How they ended up 'Skipping School' (#3), 'Throwing a Crazy Party' (#8), 'Buying a Hot Tub' (#4), and, um, 'Harboring a Fugitive' (#7) is kind of a mystery to them. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart... one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time."
_________________________________________
First Lines:

"I bolted awake. A police siren.
The police were outside my house. Ready to arrest me for underage partying, excessive flirting, and an overcrowded hot tub.
But wait."
Page 1
_________________________________________
Review:

There are only certain times when I really want to read a cutesy realistic book. And this book perfectly fulfilled the requirement.

This is the story of a girl whose parents both have moved out of her hometown (separately), but decided she could handle living there with her friend for the rest of the school year. Of course, her friend's mother is a flighty actress who will be in Chicago for the semester. They start to do some stuff that you would expect - big parties, random purchases, and issues figuring out how to do things on their own.

It's a fun trip into the irresponsibility of teenagers living on their own. Honestly, it was sort of the story that I wished I could be a teen with them. While there are things that seem to get them into trouble, I have to say that they seem super-responsible. Realistic, I'm not sure. I can't imagine too many parents finding out what their kids are capable of.

Anyway, I loved seeing April grow from a girl who depends on her dad for everything to a girl who can take care of herself and face very adult decisions. I think she is a very realistic character and grows in ways that are easily imaginable. I think the author does a good job of pulling in issues of birth control, sex, and STDs in a believable way. I think there are a lot of times that stuff is handled badly. I applaud this author for bringing those issues in without making it preachy.

Well, all in all, I truly loved this book. It took me a little time to get into the story, but once I was in I loved it. And I really didn't want it to be over, but the ending was really well done. I felt like things were pulled together well and realistic. I think that's been my buzz word for this review - realistic. I guess I just think the author did a great job keeping me involved in this story.

I will recommend this book to those that are into some definite chick lit stuff. I'm assuming it will be mostly girls - and it's a great book for relationships, dating and friendship. It's really well done. I haven't read other things by this author, but this book really makes me want to.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Chick Loves Lit
YA Reads
Jessica Lawlor
Taming the Bookshelf
Almost Grown-Up
The Book Scoop
YA Book Shelf
Stuck in Books

Out This Week Oct 30-Nov 5

Here are some wonderful books that are coming out this week...

• 11.1.11 iBoy by Kevin Brooks
• 11.1.11 Liar's Moon by Elizabeth C. Bunce
  

• 11.1.11 Last Breath (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine
• 11.1.11 Dark Eden by Patrick Carman
  

• 11.1.11 First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci
• 11.1.11 Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie
  

• 11.1.11 Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
• 11.1.11 Sound Bender by Lin Oliver
  

• 11.1.11 My Very Unfairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski
• 11.1.11. Reckoning (Strange Angels #5) by Lili St. Crow
  

Waiting on Wednesday (76)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week...

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)
by Cassandra Clare
To be released: December 06, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"As the Council attempts to strip Charlotte of her power, 16-year-old orphaned shapechanger Tessa Gray works with the London Shadowhunters to find the Magister and destroy his clockwork army, and in the process, she learns the secret of her own identity while investigating his past. Features a previously unseen letter from Will to his family."

It's a short summary, but I'm pretty sure everyone and their mother is already waiting for this book. If you haven't read any of Cassandra Clare's books, the first book in this series is a great place to start. I actually like it better than the first one. Historicalish... fantasy... sexy shadowhunters?! What more could you want?!

What are you waiting on this week?

A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Title: A Long Long Sleep
Author: Anna Sheehan
ISBN: 9780763652609
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Page #: 342
Released: September 26, 2011
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss.

Locked away in the chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten subbasement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose - hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire - is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat.

Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existance, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes - or be left without any future at all."
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"I'd try to hold on to my stass dreams as long as I could. It's a game I would play, struggling to keep track of those misty images that were always so easily lost. I'd try to keep myself in stasis, keep my heart beating too slow to feel, refuse to wake up my lungs."
Page 1
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Review:

I was absolutely blown away by this book. Honestly, I’m going to try not to gush all the way through this review. But I was surprised at how much I loved it and I’m contemplating purchasing it – which is a big deal with me. :)

Okay, so this is a retelling of the sleeping beauty story… in a sci-fi/dystopian kinda way. Rose has been asleep for 62 years. She was forgotten during the Dark Times and was only woken because someone stumbled across her on accident. The whole world has changed and everyone she cared about is gone. Rose had been the daughter of a famous businessman and she wakes up to find out she owns the world’s largest company. But she’s under-aged. So other people make decisions for her and tell her what to do. But that all changes when she realizes someone is out to get her. She has to start fending for herself.

I know the whole re-told story has been really big lately. And so has the dystopian stuff. This book brings those two things together seamlessly. I think the author does an amazing job showing you how things might have been if Sleeping Beauty had lived in the near future, but then slept for another sixty two years. Can you imagine?! I can’t imagine someone waking up today that missed the last 62 years, can you?

I just have to say that the description of the Dark Times gives me the heebie jeebies. Seriously. The whole start of it sounds just like where we are right now. I can only imagine the rest of it happening without too much trouble. It’s super realistic and I applaud the author on that. Let’s just hope none of it really happens. If so, I want to be in stasis! :)

There were a few times that I really wanted to shake Rose and get her to DO something. She’s a little bit of a passive character, but you realize why later on. Things come together really well and you understand her character much better in the end. I think she has the potential to be a really strong character, you just have to get through her weaknesses to get there.

The ending of this book (which I won’t spoil) has so many twists and turns and questions answered that it almost blew me away. I think I said “OH NO!” outloud at least three or four times. This book has been able to elicit some actual emotion from me. There were parts where I teared up, for sure. A few laughs. Some great suspense… it really does have it all.

Read this one. Just do it. I’m recommending to anyone who will listen. I think this book will surprise you just as much as it surprised me. Not to mention that this is a debut author. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in the future! And I'm just gonna say this... I want more. I want more of this story. I think there's something to build on in the end and I want more. Take that for what it's worth... :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

Blkosiner's Book Blog
Narratively Speaking
Walker of Worlds
IB Book Blogging
YA Book Haven
Feeling Fictional
That's What She Read
The Book Smugglers

The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

Title: The Ghoul Next Door (Monster High #2)
Author: Lisi Harrison
ISBN: 9780316099110
Publisher: Poppy
Page #: 241
Released: April 5, 2011
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Clopatra De Nile
* New pet snake *Has Deuce - the hottest guy in school - all wrapped up *Herve Leger bandage dress, strappy gold platforms
Cleo was the queen bee of the RADs, the normies, and everyone in between at Merston High. But now it's 'Frankie this' and 'Melody that'... these new girls sure know how to get their lashes in a tangle. When Cleo lands a golden Teen Vogue photo op for her friends, everything seems to be back on track... until they bail to be in some film... Frankie and Melody's film! Can't a royal get some loyal?

Frankie Stein
Frankie lost her head over Brett once and vows to never do it again. Not that she has a choice: Bekka is clinging to her guy like plastic wrap. But when Brett comes up with a plan that could help the RADs live free, sparks fly, and Bekka will stop at nothing to put out the flames... even if it means destroying the entire monster community.

Melody Carver
The clock is tick-tick-ticking. Melody has a serious deadline to save her boyfriend, Jackson, from being exposed by the vengeance-seeking Bekka. But Cleo is making it royally difficult for the normie while threatening her acceptance into the RADs' exclusive group... a group that Melody suspects she has more in common with than she ever thought.

Fitting in is out."
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"The amber-infused air snapped with anxiety. It crackled with anticipation. It popped with impatience. Still, Cleo refused to rest until the de Nile Palace was fit for a king, even if the staff thought she was a royal pain in the -"
Page 1
___________________________________________
Review:

If you haven't read the first book in this series, I highly recommend it. Lisi Harrison is quite a fun author - I'm quickly learning that I should just read everything she writes.

This book is the second in the Monster High series. Cleo is our main girl this time and she is kinda pissed that she isn't the head honcho anymore. Well, she is... people have just forgotten it. She has to find her way back to the top by bribing her friends with a photo shoot. It works... but not as well as she'd hoped. You also get a taste for what Frankie's life is like these days. She had a huge slip up in the first book and she is learning how to cope. And not expose all of her new friends. It's quite the twisty road! :)

Seriously, I think the most fun thing about this book is the names and the maladies. I mean, Frankie Stein?! Come on, now. Too fun. The rest are equally awesome. I think that alone makes for a clever story. I also love some of the new characters in this book. One zombie, one fire breather, and much more. It gives the RADs and interesting dynamic, for sure.

Frankie is really good at coming up with plans, but not always great in figuring out how to impliment them. She finds a way to get people to stop "head hunting" the RADs... and in turn making the normies question everything they saw. And then she comes up with another plan on how to get normies to understand that RADs are just people too. That one backfires a little... but I'm not going to spoil it for you. I think I've been friends with a few of those planners before - not that we ever carried out any of the big plans like that. :)

I am also really starting to like the character Melody. She's trying to fit in with the RADs, but she isn't special in any way. But she knows what it is like to be judged by your looks/talents. It pulls in that topic of acceptance and all - from both sides. There is a little hint in the end that she may not be as normal as she thought... but I won't spoil it for you.

I really will be recommending this series to anyone who loves fantasy humor. This book is lighthearted and a very quick read. It's probably time for me to go request the third book in this series now - since it came out recently. I can't wait to see what else this author has up her super-stylish sleeves!
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Other Blog Reviews:

I Read to Relax!
Reading Vacation
The Road Goes Ever Ever On
"YA" Need Books
Braintasia Books
Bibliopunkk
Badass Bookie

Out This Week Oct 23-29

Here are some books that are coming out this week. I think this is a week of wonderful covers, don't you?!

• 
  
  10.25.11 Destined (House of Night #9) by PC and Kristin Cast


• 
  
  10.25.11 Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

• 
  
  10.25.11 The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa


• 
  
  10.25.11 Amplified by Tara Kelly

• 
  
  10.25.11 Scored by Lauren McLaughlin


• 
  
  10.25.11 Desert Angel by Charlie Price

• 
  
  10.25.11 Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber


• 
  
  10.25.11 Phantom (Vampire Diaries: The Hunters #1) by L.J. Smith (ghostwriter)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
ISBN: 9781595143174
Publisher: Razorbill
Released: August 29, 2011
Page #: 421
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of the Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning."
________________________________________
First Lines:

"I couldn't breathe.
There was a hand covering my mouth and another shaking my shoulder, startling me out of a heavy sleep. A thousand frantic thoughts dashed through my mind in the space of a single heartbeat. It was happening. My worst nightmare was coming true."
Page 1
________________________________________
Review:

I will preface this review by telling you that I absolutely loved the Vampire Academy series. I consider it one of the absolute best vampire series out there. I've recommended it, I've talked it up, I've thought about owning them (a big deal, I promise)... basically I think they're wonderful. All of this to say, I'm probably preconditioned to love Bloodlines. And I did. I'm not sure if it's because I love VA so much... or if it's just that good. I'm gonna say it's just that good.

Bloodlines picks up Sydney's story post-VA. She's gotten into trouble for her involvement with our previous cast of characters and she's looking to redeem herself in the eyes of her father and the larger Alchemist group. She begs to be put on an assignment that takes her far away from things she has known in the past. She fights through her Alchemist training and learns to live with vampires and dhampirs... while her one nearby ally is actually an enemy from the past. In a tough situation, she deals with strange mysteries, teenage love, and learning to protect her charge.

All in all, I thought it was a clever divergence from the Vampire Academy stories. You are still looking at boarding school life - but from a whole different place and perspective. Not to mention that it's actually a human school... but it's a similar setting. The one thing that's not familiar is Sydney's outlook on the world. She was brought up differently and her view of the Moroi and Dhampir's is absolutely the opposite of what I'm used to. I think that's one of the things that makes this book a great companion to the VA books.

One thing that I seriously wonder is if someone who hasn't read VA would get lost in this book. I think the author did a really good job giving you some recap on what the world is like and how things work. I just wonder if it would get confusing for people who aren't into it already. Hopefully all is well. I've already recommended it to someone who hasn't read VA, so I'll let ya know :).

This author officially has my vote for the best endings. She does such a great job of wrapping up the story you're currently following - enough that you have closure to the issue in the book. But then she hits you with a little zing at the end to let you know what's coming and why you should get excited. I know I got excited at the end of this book - the second one is already in my pre-order cart. I just appreciate the author's ability to continue the story without keeping you from having an ending. Bravo!

As I mentioned earlier, I've already recommended this book to at least one person. I'm not done yet! I think it's a great urban fantasy novel - and I'm 100% positive that VA fans are gonna love it (and already do, from what I can tell). I applaud Richelle Mead for another great start to a series and I will be waiting desperately for the second book!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Missy's Reads & Reviews
That Chick That Reads
Bookish
Two Chicks on Books
Moonlight Book Reviews
IB Book Blogging
Feeling Fictional

Waiting on Wednesday (75)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week

Legend
by Marie Lu
To be released: November 29, 2011

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

Doesn't this book sound amazing?! It's another dystopian novel, but I'm definitely a fan of those. I think this story will be thrilling and political and very different. I cannot wait to read this one!

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This week Oct 16-22

There aren't a ton of YA books coming out this week, but there are definitely some to look forward to! Check it out...

• 10.18.11 Beautiful Chaos (Beautiful Creatures #3) by Kami Garci and Margaret Stohl
• 10.18.11 Seizure (Virals #2) by Kathy Reichs
  

• 10.18.11 Maya's Choice (Kimani Tru) by Earl Sewell
• 10.18.11 Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
  

• 10.18.11 How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
  

Waiting on Wednesday (74)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Here's what I'm waiting on this week:


The Space Between
by Brenna Yovanoff
To be released: November 15, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?
Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped - and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be."

I absolutely loved Brenna Yovanoff's first book. It was spooky and interesting and just really well done. I can only imagine that this book will be the same. Not to mention that it's set in a world made of steel. How crazy is that? I think this book looks and sounds wonderful. Don't you think?

What are you waiting on this week?

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
ISBN: 9780525423287
Publisher: Dutton Books
Released: September 29, 2011
Page #: 338
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion... she believes in costume. the more expressive the outfit - more sparkly, more fun, more wild - the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, returns to the neighborhood.

When Cricket - a gifted inventor - steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door."
____________________________________________
First Lines:

"I have three simple wishes. They're really not too much to ask.
The first is to attend the winter formal dressed like Marie Antoinette."
Page 3
____________________________________________
Review:

Stephanie Perkins is swiftly becoming my favorite author. I know she's already my fave for realistic fiction.

Lola dresses in crazy costumes and dates a lead guy in a band. She's pretty much the most awesome person you can know. Not that everyone else knows that. But when her old neighbors move back, lots of her old emotions and fears come back up. She starts to see things differently and worries about losing herself.

I cannot imagine someone being as cool as Lola. Seriously. I would have loved to know someone who literally dressed in costume every day and rocked it. I think some people felt like they were in costume... but didn't quite get the effect right :). But I can only imagine what every day would be like with her around. Can you?

So... I'm totally in love with Cricket. In a not-a-real-dude kinda way. And way too young for me. Ahem. But he's pretty much the perfect guy. Sensitive, Sweet, Funny, Original... I'm gonna stop now. I'm not sure how you can read this book and not be on team Cricket all the way. And I'm not even a fan of all the team whoevers! See? This book just changed my mind.

This story had me cheering... and booing... and almost crying (seriously.)... and then cheering again. There's something about how this author tells a story that is just perfect. I can't even put my finger on it. I just know that it's seamless and engaging and I had some trouble putting it down. Didn't get much sleep last night, ahem.

If you haven't read Anna and the French Kiss, you should really do that asap. And if you have, this book has a little peek into the life of Anna now. a very cool little addition to the story :). And don't worry, you don't have to read the first one to get any references. So seriously don't hesitate to read this book. It's totally worth your time.

I do think that the appeal is for girls, mostly. Hopefully some guys will read it to - if nothing more than to see how a real man behaves :). Anyway, it's a well written book and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who reads. To be vague. I truly urge you to get this book. I don't think you'll regret it.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Jessica Lawlor
Presenting Lenore
The Book Pushers
Bibliopunkk
Chick Loves Lit
Fictitious Delicious
Proud Book Nerd

I Love Him to Pieces (My Boyfriend is a Monster #1) by Evonne Tsang

Title: I Love Him to Pieces (My Boyfriend is a Monster #1)
Author: Evonne Tsang; Illus. Janina Gorrissen
ISBN: 97807613370796
Publisher: Graphic Universe
Released: April 28, 2011
Page #: 126
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Can love survive the zombie apocalypse?
Maybe Dicey Bell's first chance at a real relationship was dead from the start. She's the star of her high school baseball team, and Jack Chen's the star of the science program. Her idea of a study session includes sleeping in the sun, and his idea of a good game involves dungeons and dice. But opposites start attracting when they are assigned to be partners in a class project. When an outbreak of a weird infection hits the town - it eats your brains and makes you hungry for the living - it might not mean just the end of their first date. It might mean the end of everything.

Will Dicey and Jack's relationship fall apart faster than zombies in the Florida sun, or can they beat the odds and find a happy ending?"
_________________________________________
First Lines:

"'Where's Jack Chen? Jack Chen? Anyone?'
'I think Jack's in the Bio Lab.'
'Thanks! Jack Chen?'
'Yes?'
'Jack Chen, you're the father of my baby!'"
Page 3
_________________________________________
Review:

I don't do a ton of graphic reviews, but that's mostly because it feels a little like cheating. It takes me no time at all to read them, so I feel like I'm not doing them justice. But after reading this book, I just knew it deserved a review.

Girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. They decide to skip school together. Zombie outbreak ensues.

Okay, so it's not quite that simple (or is it?). They are high schoolers from two separate worlds - nerd-dom and jock-dom. All of Dicey's friends are boys, but they're her teammates. When she is forced to work with someone so intriguing and from a whole other world, she starts to fall for him. On their first date, the zombie virus takes over their town. Luckily, Jack's parents are scientists studying this particular thing. But for the moment, they are on the run and fighting for their lives.

I love Dicey's character. She's spunky, funny, and very real about things. She seems like just the type of person you'd want to be friends with. She's also a jock - and spends all of her time surrounded by guys. I think that allows you to build up a pretty tough skin. Jack, on the other hand, seems a little emo. It's a fun combination and I love how it's handled.

The illustrations in this book are very cool. Keep in mind that art isn't really my area, but I loved the way the zombies are portrayed. It's almost more like something is eating them than the other way around. Which is how the virus is described. I'm definitely a fan.

If your a graphic fan, I really think you'll like this one. It's realistic, it's fantasy, it's horror, it's a love story... it has everything. I have already requested the second book from the library - I'm sure it's going to be just as awesome!
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Other Blog Reviews:

An Abundance of Books
Book Dragon
Attack of the Book
Ana Mardoll's Ramblings
everead
1 More Page Please

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight
ISBN: 9781442421172
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Released: July 26, 2011
Page #: 393
Source: My local public library

Summary:
"Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She's struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve's violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California's redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her.

But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn't go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy her new school - being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot local park ranger - she discovers that a group of gods and goddesses has been unknowingly summoned to Blackwood... and she's one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she's got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one more time...

And when warm and cold fronts collide, there's guaranteed to be a storm."
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"Ashline Wilde was a human mood ring. Sixteen years old, and she was a cauldron of emotions - frothing, bubbling, and volatile. She had never heard of 'bottling it all up inside.' She was as transparent as the air itself."
Page 1
___________________________________________
Review:

I'm about 99.9% sure that I picked up this book because of the cover. Yes, the summary seemed really interesting, but it was the cover that sold me. I'm kinda superficial like that.

It's the story of a girl who has never truly found her place in life. Things start to fall into place when all goes crazy. She starts seeing crazing black-void creatures with blue flame eyes... and a blind girl keeps summoning her places and tells her she's a god. This is all way too much for Ash, but she's worried about her powers never showing up. All the while, her sister shows up and things get even more complicated.

I love any type of story that weaves mythological characters with realistic situations. For me, it seems like that's the way those stories were always meant to be told. Knight does a great job pulling in elements from each of the myth characters in this story - but none of them are all that familiar. The only one that's super familiar is a Siren. Otherwise, the characteristics were new for me. That was one of the things that made the story more interesting for me.

There's a huge love/hate relationship between Ash and her sister Eve. On one hand, they've been together through thick and thin. What's better than sisterly love? But on the other, Eve has developed these powers and only does evil with them. She seems to have no remorse and will do whatever she needs to get the end result she wants. It's a very realistic dynamic - with the supernatural thrown in.

I truly hope there is going to be a second book. Yes, the story has a satisfying conclusion, but I would love to know what happens next. The characters are built so well that I know the next chapter in their lives will be amazing. I haven't done the research to see if there is another, so I'll stick with crossing my fingers!

I will absolutely be recommending this book. It's a great story and I can already think of several people I need to tell about it. Of course, anything with a cover this amazing will be an easy sell. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. You should definitely give this one a shot!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Book Loving Mommy
The Book Addict
A Trail of Books Left Behind
Remarkable Reads
Candace's Book Blog
Fyrefly's Book Blog
Sarah Reads Too Much

Out This Week Oct 9-15

There are lots of wonderful books coming out this week. This is only a few of them...

• 10.13.11 Fox and Phoenix by Beth Bernobich
• 10.13.11 Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler
  

• 10.11.11 The Death Cure (Maze Runner #3) by James Dashner
• 10.11.11 Frost by Wendy Delsol
  

• 10.11.11 Devoted (Elixir #2) by Hilary Duff
• 10.11.11 The Survival Kit by Donne Freitas
  

• 10.11.11 Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
• 10.11.11 Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
  

• 10.11.11 The Silence of Murder by Dandi Daley Mackall
• 10.11.11 Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer