Ninja Librarian

Waiting on Wednesday (92)

2012-02-15T09:09:00.003-05:00

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

I Hunt Killers
by Barry Lyga
To be released: April 03, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?
Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.
But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.
And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.
In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?"

I think this book sounds fantastic. I've read other titles by this author and loved them - so I know this book will be well written and wonderful. Plus, how awesome is it to delve into the brain of a possible serial killer?! I'm definitely going to be picking this one up.

What are you waiting on this week?

Every Other Day by Jennifer LYnn Barnes

2012-02-12T16:01:00.003-05:00

Title: Every Other Day
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
ISBN: 9781606841693
Publisher: Egmont
Released: December 27, 2011
Page #: 329
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Every second day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to high school. She attends pep rallies (reluctantly). She's human.

And every other day... she's not.
Though she's not quite sure what she is on those days, Kali knows what she does - she hunts, traps, and kills demons, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures that threaten her world. On those days, she is practically indestructible.

But when Kali notices a mark on a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of those unworldly beings. And she knows she has only twenty-four hours to save her.

There's only one problem - it's the wrong twenty-four hours."
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First Lines:

"The decision to make hellhounds an endangered species was beyond asinine, but I expected nothing less from a government that had bankrolled not one, but two, endowed chairs in preternatural biology (one of them my father's) at the University That Shall Not Be Named. The same government that thought you could train a horde of zombies just as easily as Pavlov's dogs."
Page 1
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Review:

Can you imagine living in a world where preternatural beings are sort of the norm? I can't, but it's an interesting start to a very cool story. There's so much more to it besides what the summary mentions - I even felt a little confused when the summary was solved in the first hundred pages.

Okay, so it is the story about a girl who spends every other day as a super-hunter of preternatural beings. She doesn't know how or why this happens to her, just that there's nothing she can do to control it. That is, until a girl at school is attacked by one of these creatures and she has to take action. This sets into motion something much bigger than you'd expect. There's a whole world of people studying these beings and are looking for ways to understand them. And Kali throws that into a whirlwind.

I really enjoyed this story. Kali may be a confused teenager, but her core is a kickass girl - even though she's not sure what to do with it and needs to find out if she's the only one. But once things are set into motion in this book, she really starts to understand her purpose and why things are happening. It gives the story a little mystery and depth to it.

There's a whole mess of government stuff in this book - including Kali's father. She starts to realize that there have been cover-ups on top of cover-ups... and that her existence may just be one of those things. While she has always been a loner, she starts to meet people at school. But soon realizes that their friendship was on purpose.

It really is a great story and I'm having trouble explaining it without giving too much away. There are layers upon layers of story in this book. I know many people who are into the supernatural books will get into this one. I definitely think it is worth a read. I will be recommending it to many fantasy readers. Fingers crossed that there will be another book - there's so much more to discover!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Mundie Moms
Book'd Out
A Dream of Books
Bewitched Book Worms
The Book Smugglers
The Windy Pages
Moonlight Book Reviews
Book Passion for Life

Out This Week Feb 12-18

2012-02-12T14:29:00.009-05:00

Here are some awesome things coming out this week! And it's just a handful of them...

2.14.12 Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
2.14.12 The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

2.16.12 The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
2.14.12 The Nightmare Garden (Iron Codex #2) by Caitlin Kittredge

2.16.12 The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
2.16.12 Trafficked by Kim Purcell

2.14.12 Various Positions by Martha Schabas
2.16.12 My Family for the War by Anne G. Voohoere

Waiting on Wednesday (91)

2012-02-08T10:35:00.004-05:00

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

The List
by Sibhan Vivian
To be released: April 01, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.
It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.
This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two."

I have read one other book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I know the concept of the list in high school is sort of out there already, but I know it will be well written. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book.

What are you waiting on this week?

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

2012-02-05T01:49:00.003-05:00

Title: 52 Reasons to Hate My Father
Author: Jessica Brody
ISBN: 9780374323035
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: July 03, 2012
Page #: 337
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Famous teen heiress Lexington Larrabee has never had to work a day in her life. But all of that changes on her eighteenth birthday when her ever-absent mogul father decides to take a more positive approach to her life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever want to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there's anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it's dealing with the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her. Readers of all ages are sure to fall in love with Jessica Brody's delightful riches-to-rags comedy."
_________________________________________
First Lines:

"My father is going to kill me.
Actually, on second thought, he probably doesn't have time to kill me. But he is going to send someone to do it for him. He's really good at that. Sending people."
Page 3
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Review:

The story of a girl with too much money, too much time, and not enough common sense. Wouldn't that be a great problem to have. She does have problems though - the press. Her absent father. And her father's employees who seem to be out to get her. Because of her recent show of disregard for life in general, her father has decided to implement a year of menial jobs for her to do. Each one more tedious than the last. Not to mention that she now has a babysitter who is basically a robot.

In all honesty, I hated the main character from page one. Not in a "what a terrible chacter" or "I envy that life" kinda ways. It's more of a "I just want to shake some sense into her" thing. I do realize that I needed that opinion to really feel better about the ending. There are some changes that happen halfway through the book that make it all worth while.

This book was a little bit like watching a Disney movie. The characters are people you can really easily picture and understand. They seem to wear everything on their sleeves (for the most part). There are some funny parts where you think, "oh, that's just like her!" or something... then there are serious bits that don't seem so serious. See? Made for tv movie. Really, that's not a knock on the book - it's just an observation.

Um, update. I didn't see this article till after I wrote my review: http://www.jessicabrody.com/2011/01/52-reasons-film-option/

Because I'm such a girl sometimes, I would have liked a little more buildup into the relationship stuff. I was excited to realize where the relationship was going to go, but I had hoped for a little more of the pre-relationship jitters. I think smoe of my favorite characters were the ones at the different jobs. Especially Rolando. I loved that he made another appearance in the story later.

I really did have fun reading this story. It's light and easy and fun to think about an heiress learning to vaccuum - and other wonderful stuff like that. I think it will definitely find its place among all of the fun chick lit out there. If you're a fan of that genre, I'd suggest you get your hands on this novel as soon as it comes out. I've read other things by this author and loved them - and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in the future.
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Other Blog Reviews:

I've looked around, but I don't see any reviews out yet. So if you review this one, let me know so I can add it to my list here. Thanks!

Waiting on Wednesday (90)

2012-02-01T10:59:00.003-05:00

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

Goddess Interrupted
by Aimee Carter
To be released: March 27, 2012

Summary from the author's website:
"Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.
Henry’s first wife, Persephone."

I really thought the first book to this series was so much fun. Looking at this description, I may have had a few things that were wrong about it.... but I'm excited to get my hands on this second one. I'm always up for a modern myth retelling!

What are you waiting for this week?

Out This week Jan 29 - Feb 4

2012-01-29T18:07:00.011-05:00

Look at all the wonderful books coming out this week. And this isn't even all of them! :

1.31.12 The Edumacataion of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
1.31.12 Destiny and Deception (13 to Life #4) by Shannon Delaney

2.2.12 The Harbinger by Sara Wilson Eitenne
2.2.12 This One Time with Julia by David Lampson

1.31.12 Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
1.31.12 Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton

1.31.12 The Dead of Winter by Chris Priestley
2.1.12 The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin

1.31.12 Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
2.1.12 The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

2012-01-29T16:35:00.003-05:00

Title: Dearly, Departed
Author: Lia Habel
ISBN: 9780345523310
Publisher: Ballatine Books
Released: October 18, 2011
Page #: 467
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid's arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead - or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria - a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country's political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible - until she's nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she's suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting "The Laz," a fatal virus that raises the dead - and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, and noble... and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there's no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire."
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First Lines:

"I was buried alive.
When the elevator groaned to a stop in the middle of the rocky shaft, I knew I was buried alive. Trapped thousands of feet below the earth's surface and hundreds above the bottom of the shaft, dangling in the dimly lit ten- by ten-foot cage over the black bowels of the very mine I had been so bloody relieved to get work in."
Page 3
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Review:

This book was so much better than I anticipated. Not that I thought it would be bad - but you never know what you're going to get when you completely choose a book based on its cover. Seriously, what a gorgeous cover. How can you not be intrigued?!

It is a post-apocalyptic story that is headed into another apocalypse. Can you even process that?! The world has already been ravaged and the ones that are left are all along the equator. There are some who survived that want to revive honorable society - others just want to survive. At some point along the way, this virus starts that keeps people from dying fully... becoming zombies. Some are good and some are mindless people-eaters. Nora's father has dedicated his life to saving these people (not that she knew about it). And she soon finds herself fully thrown into their world - and finding impossible love among the dead.

So... Central and South America are the setting for this novel. I had to remind myself of that at every turn. All of the ideals and society stuff are so very Victorian England (hence the whole New Victoria name), but it was really hard to transfer those to a new setting for me. Though - serious props to the author for pulling it together and for the extremely original idea.

I'm just gonna say that there were parts of this story that scared the bejesus out of me! I truly shouldn't have read some of it before going to bed. My bad. But it definitely has that horror element that I know a lot of teen readers get into. But perhaps my imagination is too vivid... I was shaking in my booties. In a good way, of course!

The romance is what really got me into this story - that's what pulled me in so hard. It's really a beautiful story about doomed love. How heartbreaking is it to fall in love with someone who has only a few years left to live - or to be undead. Either way. It's an amazing thought and I know it's one of the things that got me very emotionally invested in the whole story.

Could you possibly have a more kick ass heroine? I think not. Nora is totally my idol right now. She has been raised in high society, but was recently orphaned. She only has her friend Pam to count on. Then she gets kidnapped (supposedly) while finding herself in a battle for her life. She's calm, calculating, intelligent, and much more. I wish I could be more like her. I'm pretty sure if I found out there were zombies taking over, I'd have a panic attack... or ten. Toward the end of the story, I was hoping we would see more of the kick ass side of Nora, but it drops off a little. I hope to see more from her in the next book.

Speaking of next book, I honestly CANNOT wait for this one to come out. You're not left on a cliffhanger, really. There's a full conclusion, but there's definitely a taste for what is to come. Unfortunately, I have to wait until September. But here's to crossing my fingers for ARCs to come along! I'm not holding my breath. I just know the next book is going to be just as amazing.

I can already think of all the people I will be recommending this book to. I'd say if you're really easily frightened, then this might not be the book for you. Everyone else? Read it. Seriously. You will not regret it. I know the image on the front of the book is decidedly girly, but there's so much to the story that I know guys will like it too. I mean, zombie wars? Come on. It doesn't get more dude than that. Anyway, read it. I know you'll love it.
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Obscured Vixen
Between the Covers
Katie's Book Blog
Candace's Book Blog
Steph Su Reads
Stories of My Life
25 Hour Books

Waiting on Wednesday (89)

2012-01-25T08:40:00.004-05:00

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

Cross My Heart
by Sasha Gould
To be released: March 13, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Venice, 1585.
When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust."

Honestly, the cover of this book caught my eye because I love masks. I collected them for a little while - and I just think they're gorgeous. And to find out this novel is set in Venice is even better. I think this sounds like it has a great mysterious and secretive story that I would love. Can't wait!

What are you waiting on this week?

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

2012-01-24T15:45:00.004-05:00

Title: Last Breath (Morganville Vampires #11)
Author: Rachel Caine
ISBN: 9780451234872
Publisher: New American Library
Released: October 31, 2011
Page #: 335
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Morganville, Texas, is a small college town that's had its share of problems, thanks to a sometimes volatile mix of human and vampire residents. But there is a new threat in town, and he's turning vampires from predators into prey...

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace.

She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone who has just moved to town - a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's newest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is Magnus a vampire - or something else entirely?

One thing is clear: Magnus is to blame for the disappearances. And if vampires are turning into victims, what chance does a human like Claire have?
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First Lines:

"Shane's lips felt like velvet against the name of her neck, and Claire shivered in delight as his breath warmed the skin there. She leaned back against him with a sigh. Her boyfriend's body felt solid and safe, and his arms went around her, wrapping her in comfort."
Page 3
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Review:

Just to put your minds at ease, that first line up there doesn't lead quite where you expect it to. I promise it's not as dirty as it sounds. Of course, that's mostly for those of you who haven't read this series yet. And if you haven't, what are you doing reading a review for the 11th book in the series? Silliness... go read the first ten and come back to me :). If you keep reading this, I'm sure there will be spoiler-y-ness.

So... eleven books. This one has the tables turned, for sure. The vampires in Morganville are no longer at the top of the food chain. And that is making the town fall apart and the vampires are running scared. Which, apparently, is what they've always done. This unknown threat is something that has followed them around for hundreds of years. Only now it has its sights set on Morganville. Of course, Claire and her friends have to rescue the town - per usual!

While this story starts out just like all of the others - the comfortable world of Morganville, Texas. Things are predictable in their unpredictability. Michael and Eve are wedding planning and the town is in an uproar because of it. The humans are starting to stand up for themselves - but they aren't aware of what is about to happen to the vampires. Shane and Claire realize what is going on, but they don't know what to do to stop it.

I'm trying not to spoil the story, but there's something that happens in the middle of this book that was shocking. I really thought it was going to change the whole course of the rest of the Morganville Vampires books. It didn't really pan out like I thought it would, but it was an interesting turn of events. Unfortunately, that doesn't have anything to do with the main crux of the story - the whole vampires under attack thing. Well, kind of... but not really. I hope it comes around in the next story.

Anyway, so there's a new baddy in town and it takes over. Amelie tries to run and take all the vamps with her... That's all I can tell you. The concept is very interesting - and it answers a lot of questions I've had about previous books. Such as... why in the world would vampires choose a sunny, dry place to live? You'd think they would like mostly overcast and lots of darkness. This book answers that question and more.

I really did enjoy having chapters from other points of view. I know the previous book did this as well, but it puts a whole new spin on the story. I'm probably wrong, but I think it was the first time to get Amelie's view - and that's a scary place to be! Well, frightening... not scary. She's not one I would ever want to come face-to-face with, for sure.

Okay, that's all I can give you without giving away the story. If you haven't read this series yet, I definitely recommend it. It's not one that I long for the next book - but once I'm in the story, I'm so glad I haven't given it up. It just keeps getting better. I'll definitely be looking for the next one, there are more questions yet to be answered!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Read It, See It
So Many Books, So Little Time
A Book Obsession
The Reading Date
Hippy, Beauty, and Books. Oh My!
Book Probe Reviews
Gone with the Words

Waiting on Wednesday (88)

2012-01-18T08:32:00.003-05:00

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

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters
by Meredith Zeitlin
To be released: March 01, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Let's say you're fourteen and live in New York City. You'd think your life would be like a glamorous TV show, right? And yet . . . You don't have a checking account, much less a personal Black American Express card. You've never been to a club, and the only couture in your closet is a Halloween costume your mom made from an old laundry bag.

In other words? You're Kelsey Finkelstein - fourteen and frustrated. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled. Kelsey wants to rebrand herself for high school to make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny. But just because Kelsey has a plan for greatness . . . it doesn't mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey's hilarious commentary and sardonic narration of her freshman year will have readers laughing out loud - while being thankful that they're not in her shoes, of course."

I think this book looks absolutely hilarious. I could really use something this light hearted at the moment. I'll definitely be looking for this one in the next couple of months.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

2012-01-14T18:21:00.002-05:00

Title: The Vespertine
Author: Saundra Mitchell
ISBN: 9780547482477
Publisher: Harcourt
Published: March 07, 2011
Page #: 293
Source: My public library

Summary:
"The summer of 1889 is the one between childhood and womanhood for Amelia van den Broek - and thankfully, she's not spending it at home in rural Maine. She's been sent to Baltimore to stay with her stylish cousin, Zora, who will show her all the pleasures of city life and help her find a suitable man to marry.

With diversions ranging from archery in the park to dazzling balls and hints of forbidden romance, Victorian Baltimore is more exciting than Amelia imagined. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset - visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. Newly dubbed 'Maine's Own Mystic,' Amelia is suddenly quite in demand.

However, her attraction to Nathaniel, an artist who is decidedly outside of Zora's circle, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own - still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. And while she has no trouble seeing the futures of others, she cannot predict whether Nathaniel will remain in hers.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia's world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she's not the seer of dark portents, but the cause of them."
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First Lines:

"I woke un Oakhaven, entirely ruined.
The ballad notes of a quadrille lingered on my skin, remnants of a chaine anglaise danced only in slumber. I heard a velvet voice against my cheek, and I burned in the dark and dreaming light of his eyes."
Page 3
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Review:

It seems like it's been a while since I've read a good historical novel. This was the perfect mix of mystery, history, and fantasy - very well done.

We get a peek into the life of Amelia - as she spends her summer with her cousin in Baltimore. Zora is outgoing, worldly, and beautiful. They immediately become friends and start sharing secrets. Amelia's secret is that she sees visions at sunset. The girls use this to become famous around town - which does nothing for her marriage prospects. Not that it matters, she's already got her sights set on the most inappropriate guy. He's an artist... and broke.

Speaking of the girls' love interests - I wish there was more in this story about the guys. Of course, then it would throw off the whole point of view thing. But I would definitely read something that delves more into their lives. Each of them has something very interesting about them... one is a doctor's assistant (his father...), one is a painter - and sometimes paints dead people - and has powers of his own... and so much more. There are other normal-ish guys in the story as well, but I think the author did a good job getting my interest piqued about these characters.

There were a couple of things that had me confused. Specifically, the beginning. I do realize that the book starts farther in the future and all of the drama has already happened. But it took me a little while to get to that realization and was therefore confused for a bit. And a little ps about that future stuff... I wanna punch her brother in the face. Seriously. What a jerk.

Ahem, anyway... there's something so magical about Victorian times - at least in books. And to throw in actual magical events make it even better. I did feel like Amelia was being used by Zora to further her popularity, but that didn't seem like a big deal in the book. But I kinda felt bad for her - that she was being taken advantage of.

Though there were a couple of confusing things, I really did enjoy this book. I plan on recommending it to anyone who is a fan of historical fantasies. The ending was almost exactly what I wanted - and what I expected. A good ending can really make a book for me. I've seen that there is a companion novel coming out soon and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Give this one a shot if you love the Libba Bray historical series (Great and Terrible Beauty) - I think you'll love this one too.
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Book Smugglers
Rebecca's Book Blog
Silent T's Book Blog
Madigan Reads
Refracted Light Reviews
Reading Teen
Fantastic Book Review
Anna Reads
YA Books Central

Department 19 by Will Hill

2012-01-12T09:47:00.003-05:00

Title: Department 19
Author: Will Hill
ISBN: 9781595144065
Publisher: Razorbill
Released: March 29. 2011
Page #: 540
Source: My public library

Summary:
"In an underground supernatural battle that's been raging for over a century, the stakes have just been raised.

When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency.

Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against..."
____________________________________________
First Lines:

"Jamie Carpenter was watching TV in the living room when he heard the tires of his dad's car crunch across the gravel driveway much, much earlier than usual. Jamie looked at the clock on the wall above the TV and frowned. It was a quarter past six."
Page 10
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Review:

Just to give you a heads up - this is a monster of a book. Well, no puns, really. It's about monsters and it's also humongus. And it took me forever.

So, this is the story of a boy whose father is killed early in his life and he and his mother move around a lot. One day his mother is kidnapped and he finds out what kind of monsters have taken his parents from him. He becomes a part of an elite fighting squad that deal specifically with supernatural terrors. Through them, he sets out to find his mother and bring down whatever monsters cross his path.

Sounds like a tall order for a fourteen year old, doesn't it? There are a few times when he isn't becoming a super soldier that you realize he really is a teenager with angst and crazy emotions. There's also a bit of a crush going on - which really helped me get through the story.

I really appreciated that the vampires were bad and the vampire hunters were good. I know that sounds strange. But we've had so much of the vampire love stuff lately that it's kinda romanced the whole thing. Instead this story goes back to the vamp basics - good vs evil. And there is some serious gore in this book. I mean, I think I was making faces through some parts. Just... gruesome. But you know that means boys will love it :). Me and my librarian brain.

One thing that sort of bothered me about this book was the jumping around in timeline. I do understand that it's necessary to the story - you need those historical figures before you can figure out what's going on today. But you jump from the 1800s to the present to the 1920s to the present. It's a little jarring every time. There is one chapter (the first one, actually) that says it's set in the 1800s. It's not. It's not supposed to say that. I will say that threw me off fiercly. I thought we were going to be time traveling or something because of it.

Okay, so all in all I did enjoy the story. It was super long, but I think you fully got into the character's lives. I really do think this will be best for middle school boys. It's gorey enough, it's actiony enough, it's overall a good story. So, I'll be recommending this one to specific people - maybe not to the general populace :). But I think it will go over really well.
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Book Zone
Iceberg Ink
Graeme's Fantasy Book Review
SciFi Chick
Empire of Books
Well-Read Wife
Books 4 Teens

Waiting on Wednesday (87)

2012-01-11T10:38:00.003-05:00

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

Fever (The Chemical Gardern Trilogy #2)
by Lauren DeStefano
To be released: February 21, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Rhine and Gabriel may have escaped the beautiful prison of Wither’s mansion, but they are far from escaping danger. First they’re chased for stealing a getaway boat, and then the fleeing pair ends up in the eerie den of Madame, an old woman who collects girls and sells them to the highest bidders. Worst of all, Vaughn, Rhine’s sinister father-in-law, seems to be on her trail every step of the way. Rhine remains determined to get to her brother in Manhattan—but the road they are on is long and perilous.
Now that Rhine has finally regained her freedom, what lengths will she need to go to in order to keep it?"

I really loved the first book in this trilogy. It was a strange but intriguing story and I know the second book is going to be the same way. I really am counting down for this one. Plus, I love the covers of these books - they're pretty without being obvious.

Out This Week Jan 8-14

2012-01-08T15:01:00.010-05:00

It looks like there are some great things coming out this week. Check it out..

1.10.12 The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges (The Katerina Trilogy #1)
1.10.12 Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

1.10.12 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
1.10.12 The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani

1.8.12 Shadow's Edge by Maureen Lipinski
1.10.12 Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

1.10.12 A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis
1.10.12 May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

Waiting on Wednesday (86)

2012-01-04T09:19:00.004-05:00

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

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)
by Jessica Spotswood
To be released: February 07, 2012

Summary from Ingram:
"Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. "

It's been a while since I've read a really good witch book. I'm glad to see that this one is coming out soon. The cover is gorgeous and it looks like it's the authors first book. I can't wait to see what happens!

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week Jan 1-7

2012-01-01T20:35:00.012-05:00

So many exciting books coming out in the new year! Here are just a few for this week...

1.1.12 Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant
1.1.12 What Boys Really Want by Pete Hautman

1.3.12 Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes
1.5.12 Love? Maybe. by Heather Hepler

1.3.12 Switched (Trylle #1) by Amanda Hocking
1.3.12 Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

1.1.12 The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis
1.3.12 Charmfall (Dark Elite #3) by Chloe Neill

1.2.12 The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
1.2.12 The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

2012 Debut Author Challenge

2012-01-01T20:06:00.003-05:00

It's time to start my third year of the Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren. I'm so excited to do this again - I read some great authors last year that I would have never picked up. Such a great thing. And anyone can join!

I will be posting the books I read as I read them here in this post. So check back for updates!
Here are some titles I'm excited to read:
Veera Hiranandani - The Whole Story of Half a Girl
Marissa Meyer - Cinder
Kristen Simmons - Article 5
Carley Moore - The Stalker Chronicles
Veronica Rossi - Under the Never Sky
And many more...

Ready to get started!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

100 Books in a Year Challenge

2012-01-01T19:33:00.009-05:00

Okay, so last year I kind of made a mess of this challenge. But I know I'll do better this year! Here you will find posted all of my books read in 2012. I'll update it as I finish each title, so check back. This challenge is hosted by the authors of Book Chick City. Check them out!

1. Department Nineteen by Will Hill
2. The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
3. Last Breath (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine
4. Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
5. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
6. Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
7. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (Currently Reading)
8.
9.
10.

Looking Back at 2011

2012-01-01T18:19:00.004-05:00

Well, 2011 has been insane for me - outside of book blogging and reading... Which means I've pretty much failed on the blog-side of things. My excuses are as follows: Wedding. Moving. New Job. Easy as that. I'll try not to mention those things too often in this post :).
But I figured I'd still look back at the books of this year and start with a nice, clean slate.

Okay, so I participated in the 100 Books in a Year challenge hosted by Book Chick City. And... I failed that one. I read 85 books this year. I thought about padding it with some quickie graphic novels, but I didn't. Which is why you should be proud! Ahem. I'll be giving this one another try in the next year - I was successful a year ago, so I know I can do it.

I also participated in the Historical Challenge through YA Bliss. I didn't finish this one either. I'm not sure I'll do this one again. It was fine and all, but I'm not going to force myself when there are less historical books that come out in a year.

And lastly, I participated in the Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren. You'll be proud to know that I actually finished this one! YAY! Well, it's not that difficult because I love reading things by new authors. But, that was one that I did finish and I'm excited to get started on it again for 2012!
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Last year, I filled out the End of Year survey and I was excited to see it around again! This is hosted by The Perpetual Page-Turner - check that out. And here's the survey:
1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

I really have a hard time narrowing this down. So I'm going to give you a few options:
Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Realistic: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Sci-Fi: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Re-told Fairy Tale: A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Fantasy: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Urban Fantasy: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

I have two:
Awakened by PC and Kristen Cast - it's #8 in the series and I really should have stopped a few books ago. I'm done now though.
Hades by Alexandra Adornetto - I loved the first book, Halo... but there was something lacking in this second book.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
I was expecting a fluffy chick-lit book... and it was so much more. Loved it!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Hands down:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
If you haven't read it yet, you're missing out.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

I knew of it before 2011, but I finally read them:
The Wake series by Lisa McMann

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Stephanie Perkins
Veronica Roth
Anna Sheehan
Lisa McMann

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

My only comfort zone is really fiction... and YA. And I didn't read any nonfiction (except graphics), so I'm not sure that I have an answer for this one.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

For me it was Last Sacrifice and then Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

I specifically read this book for the cover.
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

11. Most memorable character in 2011?

Sydney from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?

Absolutely, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I know everyone read this a year ago or more... but I was very impacted by this story. And I've recommended it up and down to anyone who hasn't gotten to it yet.
And I would also include XVI by Julia Karr. There were some intense topics covered in this one and what things would be like if. I really enjoyed it.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

The Wake series by Lisa McMann
People had talked about it for years and said how wonderful it was. I shouldn't have waited - they took no time at all to read!
Same for 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

I'm really bad about writing down quotes and things that I read. Perhaps I'm just reading too fast. I'm not sure. But I'll have to pass on this question.

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?

To be honest, I don't re-read much. And especially when I'm counting the things I'm reading toward a challenge. That being said, I probably will want to reread Divergent by Veronica Roth before the next book comes out!

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Geez. Every fantastic book that ended on a cliffhanger?! No, I think one that I really talked about with people was pretty much all of 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I could not believe the story and how things turned out. It just blew me away and I had to share it.

Now... on to a bigger and better 2012!!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-28T14:59:00.004-05:00

Title: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
ISBN: 9781416975885
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Released: December 06, 2011
Page #: 498
Source: My public library

Summary:
"In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street - and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister knows their every move - and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will - the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart."
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First Lines:

"The fog was thick, muffling sound and sight. Where it parted, Will Herondale could see the street rising ahead of him, slick and wet and black with rain, and he could hear the voices of the dead.
Not all Shadowhunters could hear ghosts, unless the ghosts chose to be heard, but Will was one of those who could."
Page 1
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Review:

If you have read my review of the first book in this series (Clockwork Angel), then you will know that I already love it and got my hands on Clockwork Prince as soon as it was possible.

This is the continuation of the first book - in that it picks up right after that one left us. It's Victorian London and Tessa is fully living with the Shadowhunters and becoming one of them (well, as much as she can). They have become her family. But one person in the Shadowhunter world threatens to take all of that away. They are tasked with finding the Magister and freeing the world of him... if not, the Institute would be taken over by - effectively - the bad Shadowhunters. Not good. With all of this happening, Tessa also gets bitten by the lurve bug. It's dramatic :).

Okay, so this book has way more romance in it than I remember the first book having. Do you see me complaining? No. Not at all. There were a few scenes (ahem) that I may or may not have read a couple of times. Whew! Are my cheeks flushed? Anyway, it's really well written and I love that the author gives us just enough detail to get imaginative. Was I pissed at points when I decided that Tessa was falling for the wrong guy? Yes. Yes, I was. But I think I'll be okay... maybe. It all depends on what happens in the next book.

One thing I really enjoyed was getting to know some of the many characters better. Sophie, Charlotte, Jessie, and even some of Henry. The author did a great job introducing some new characters as well. I'm very interested to hear more about Gideon and Gabriel - scorned brothers of the bad Shadowhunters. yay for drama! And I love that their new cook only sings crazy Irish ballads about murder and death. What a great detail!

There were a few things about this story that surprised me. I didn't realize it was going to be quite so heavy - in the topic arena. So much discussion of family and how they were each raised. I liked getting some of that background. I think it helped me love the characters that much more. There are a few mysteries revealed, and some you're given a few more clues about. Each one that came around, I was more impressed how the author handled them.

I know that these books are huge - page-wise - but I really flew through this book. I had to find out who Tessa would end up with and whether they would still have a place to live. I was all in. The first novels by this author don't have quite the same effect for me... but I recommend just about everything she does. I haven't been disappointed yet.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Bookpeople's Blog
Fictitious Delicious
Bookalicious
Rhiannon Paille
Mindful Musings
Penny Reads
The Reader Blog
Sophistikatied Reviews

Waiting on Wednesday (85)

2011-12-28T09:34:00.003-05:00

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

Dead to You
by Lisa McMann
To be released: February 07, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable..."

I loved the Wake series by Lisa McMann - and I know this book is going to be just as awesome. It has a heart-wrenching premise (just like Wake) and it sounds like there there's a tad bit of a mystery. What more could you want? I'm definitely excited for this one.

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (84)

2011-12-21T11:03:00.002-05:00

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

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
by Abby McDonald
To be released: January 24, 2012

Summary from Follett:
"Seventeen-year-old Sadie Allen has spent the last two years pining for her best friend, Garrett, but when he heads off to literary camp for the summer without her, she decides to kick her unrequited crush for good, with the help of her co-workers, another boy, and her own summer twelve-step program."

This book sounds 100% adorable. I could really use a book like this right now. Soemthing light, fun, and hilarious. I don't think I've read the other books by this author, but I definitely am interested in this one. Aren't crushes the worst?! :)

What are you waiting on this week?

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

2011-12-18T11:58:00.004-05:00

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset
Author: Kady Cross
ISBN: 9780373210336
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: May 34, 2011
Page #: 473
Source: My public library

Summary:
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help - and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on - even if it seems no one believes her.
_______________________________________
First Lines:

"The moment she saw the young man walking down the darkened hall toward her, twirling his walking stick, Finley Jayne knew she'd be unemployed before the sun rose. Her third dismissal in as many months."
Page 9
_______________________________________
Review:

There are times that I really want to get more into steampunk books... but there is some part of me that has a hard time re-learning history with machines/robots in it. I've had this problem before, so I'll try not to let it color my view of this book.

We have a girl - Finley - who is abnormally strong and sometimes forgets herself. Meaning, she has a whole other side. Think Jekyll and Hyde (in fact, that is referenced in the book as well). Her two sides like two different boys - both powerful in their own worlds. She falls into the lives of Griffin and his friends, who are figuring out what is making people so different. And there's someone who is using their power for evil. So there's mystery, intrigue, lurve, robots, and historical characters. Well, one really... Queen Victoria. Which was an interesting thing to throw in.

Honestly, I picked up this book because of its cover. How pretty is it?! And it speaks of a strong woman, I think. And strong, she is - stronger than most men in any age. But that's all physical strength - her mind is a bit of a mess at first. But you also have another strong woman character in this story, Emily. She's basically a robot genius and comes up with things no one could imagine. She really makes this story interesting for me and I wish we could have more about her. There's a lot more going on with her and you only get a taste of it.

Speaking of which, there's a lot going on in this one book. You've got characters trying to figure out who they even are and where they came from. You have characters that are just now joining the group and you learn very little about their backgrounds (see: Jasper and Finley). There's a villain who you only see enough of to hate him. There is the beginning of a love triangle that is only touched on. And a lot more...

The whole book starts about Finley and her affliction (if that's what you want to call it) - one that makes her lose herself. And you hear a lot about her struggle and how her life has been and what she's dealt with. You also get the feeling that this is something she has a really hard time with. I mean, who wouldn't - if your other half started taking over large chunks of your life. But about halfway through the book, it's like things are magically cured. Ta da! No more problems! Now you're just strong and awesome. I think it was a little abrupt for me. And if she was cured so suddenly, I wished for some more talk of adjustment to her new life. I dunno, I just missed Finley in the last half of the book - when we were fighting villains instead (and learning of other romance triangles that never resolve).

Of course, this book is left open-ended, and it's called part of the steampunk chronicles. The author's website says the next book will be out in summer '12. I hope there is even more development of these characters and their strange relationships. I look forward to reading this one, for sure. I'm crossing my fingers that this second book will be fantastic.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Feeling Fictional
A Fangirl's View
Geek Mom
The Small Town Book Blog
Refracted Light
Bookshelf Banter
On a Book Bender

Waiting on Wednesday (83)

2011-12-14T08:25:00.001-05:00

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

Truth (XVI #2)
by Julie Karr
To be released: January 19, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Nina Oberon's life has changed enormously in the last few months. When her mother was killed, Nina discovered the truth about her father, the leader of the Resistance. And now she sports the same Governing Council—ordered tattoo of XVI on her wrist that all sixteen-year-old girls have. The one that announces to the world that she is easy prey to predators. But Nina won't be anyone's stereotype. And when she joins an organization of girls working within the Resistance, she knows that they can put an end to one of the most terrifying secret programs the GC has ever conceived. Because the truth always comes out . . . and the consequences can be deadly."

I really loved XVI. And I know this book will be amazing too. If you haven't read XVI yet, I fully recommend it. It's one of those under-the-radar awesome dystopian novels. At the age of sixteen, all girls have an XVI tattooed on their wrists - and it has unwanted consequences. I loved reading about Nina's struggle to understand the world around her... and I know the next step is going to be amazing. So looking forward to this one!

What are you waiting on this week?

Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-12-10T11:50:00.004-05:00

Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
ISBN: 978052542362
Publisher: Dutton Books
Released: November 01, 2011
Page #: 367
Source: My Public Library

Summary:
"Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his sure death - only to find that he has escaped to the majestic, but treacherous canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever."
__________________________________________
First Lines:

"I'm standing in a river. It's blue. Dark blue. Reflecting the color of the evening sky.
I don't move. The river does. It pushes against me and hisses through the grass at the water's edge."
Page 3
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Review:

If you'd like to check out my review of Matched (the first book) from earlier this year, well here ya go. I probably shouldn't have reread it before I start this review, but what can ya do? :)

So, this is the second book in the Matched trilogy. Both Ky and Cassia have either been removed or removed themselves from the Society. They want to find the Rebellion, but they are taking different paths to do so. Or so we think. Ahem. But the things they find out in the wide world were more than Cassia expected. They learn more about themselves, each other, and the ways of the Society.

The first half of this book is filled with action, adventure, intrigue, etc. But then the goal is reached way before the end of the book. The thing that Ky and Cassia are trying to do is already accomplished. When I got to that part, I really did stop and wonder what in the world was going to come next. Were they really going to spend the whole second half of the book building up to the next one.

Instead, I found out that the second half was mostly them figuring things out and trying to decide what to do next. There are a lot of lies that come out and friendships that are questioned... and much more. But the action bit kinda stops. So, if you're only in it for the action... you might want to stop halfway through :). I'm only kind of kidding.

The relationship between Ky and Cassia is still sort of strange to me. In the first book, I was concerned because the connection happened so fast and everything revolved around it. And now this whole book is about them finding each other again. They didn't seem to know each other long enough for this sort of life-ending action to get them back together.

The ending does leave room for a little hope. I think I liked how it ended... but I think they revealed the end to a mystery without meaning to. Or sort of alluding to it. Now I have visions of what the third book is going to be like - and I really hope I'm right. Because I think it would be awesome... mostly because of how I hope Cassia's life will turn out. I'm not going to mention it because I don't wanna be super-wrong. Because then I'll probably be disappointed. So yeah, not saying anything. Also because it semi-gives away the ending of this book. And we wouldn't want that.

I will definitely be recommending this book to people who love the dystopian genre. This book reminds me of other dystopian novels in several ways... but it's still a good story. And I am excited to see how the next book turns out. It looks like we have another year until that happens, of course. But give these books a try. I think you'll enjoy them.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Blkosiner's Book Blog
YA Books Central
Alison's Book Marks
Finding the Write Way
Miss Remmers' Review
Emily's Reading Room
The Sweet Bookshelf

Waiting on Wednesday (82)

2011-12-07T08:30:00.004-05:00

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

The Whole Story of Half a Girl
by Veera Hiranandani
To be released: January 10, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.
At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she's dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parent—it's hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia's father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends are—and whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole."

It's not too often that I get excited about a realistic fiction title. But this story sounds wonderful. Not only does it deal with some of the issues in kids who are looking to find their identity... but also with some of the economic stuff of parents losing jobs. I just think it's going to be a very powerful and awesome story. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

What are you waiting for this week?

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

2011-12-05T22:07:00.002-05:00

Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
ISBN: 9780062003317
Publisher: Harper Teen
Released: October 11, 2011
Page #: 303
Source: My public library

Summary:
"First I find out that my boyfriend is cheating on me. Then he's pegged a the #1 suspect in a murder. And now he's depending on me to clear his name. Seriously?

As much as I wouldn't mind watching him squirm, I know that he's innocent. So I'm brushing off my previously untapped detective skills and getting down to business. But I keep tripping over dead bodies and I'm still no closer to figuring out who did it. And what's worse: all signs seem to point to me as the killer's next victim.

I really need to pick a better boyfriend next time."
__________________________________________
First Lines:

"There are three things you never want to find in your boyfriend's locker: a sweaty jockstrap, a D minus on last week's history test, and an empty condom wrapper.
Lucky me, I hit the trifecta."
Page 1
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Review:

I'm not ashamed to tell you all that I picked up this book because I thought it was going to be some awesome sci-fi. But instead I got a really fun, girly mystery! So it's all good :). Even if the chick on the cover is dead.

So, it's the story of a girl who just so happens to find a dead body in her boyfriend's bedroom. This kicks off a huge investigation - because she needs to clear his name. Even though he was cheating on her. And he's on the run. And she hates him now. But she has to know who is killing girls in their high school. She teams up with a badboy with serious internet savvy to give them an edge. I'm sure you can imagine that the mystery was solved in the end. Like any good light mystery novel :).

While there are lots of mentions of Nancy Drew throughout the book - and the fact that Hartley is nothing like her. But in reality, it's a lot like one of those books. Which can be a really good thing. It's an easy sell to the people who loved Nancy Drew... new or old. It's very formulaic... very action packed... and we have a girl out to save the town. And she does a better job than the cops... obvs.

I really grew to think Hartley was awesome. She's snarky and funny and intelligent and girly and sneaky... all rolled into one. I can imagine her being just about anyone. She doesn't seem cookie cutter and she has a mind of her own - that speaks out a little too often for her liking. I really thought some of the dialog was hilarious and would love to see more from her!

The mystery itself is a little transparent. I mean, I didn't know who did it until they finally announced it in the end... but there are a lot of very obvious "it must be this guy! or this guy!" stuff. Which is fine, but it's clearly throwing you in different directions so you don't know what's going to happen. I suppose that's a good quality to have as a mystery novel :).

One thing kinda cracked me up... Have you ever known Color Guard members to be popular? I mean, seriously. I was a band nerd 100%. And our color guard was not... at all... popular. In fact, they were just the ones who wanted to be in band but didn't want to play an instrument. Perhaps the situation would have been different in another school, but the whole concept really cracked me up. I mean, seriously?! Popular?!

Well, if you are looking for a wonderful, easy, fun mystery, then I highly recommend this book. It's a lot of fun - with boys and makeup and crazy outfits mixed in with intrigue and murder and suspects. It's a pretty good balance, if you ask me. And if you're reading this, you're asking me :). So I would give this one a shot. It was worth the time for me - and the cover is pretty. What more do you want?
__________________________________________
Other Blog Review:

A Fangirl's View
Ten Cent Notes
So Many Books, So Little Time
IB Book Blogging
Sony the Book Lover
Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog
YA Bibliophile

Just Your Average Princess by Kirstina Springer

2011-11-30T08:55:00.003-05:00

Title: Just Your Average Princess
Author: Kristina Springer
ISBN: 9780374361501
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: October 11, 2011
Page #: 197
Source: My Public Library

Summary:
"Jamie Edwards has loved growing up on a pumpkin patch - the miles of pumpkins, the corn maze, the smiling parents with their eager kids, the apple cider, the hayrides, and even the goats in the petting zoo that have ruined three of her jackets. But ever since her cousin Milan Woods stepped down from Jamie's dad's old red pickup truck and into the pile of rotten pumpkin guts, ruining her two-thousand-dollar shoes, things have really stunk.

Jamie knows she should feel sorry for Milan. She can't imagine it's easy for Milan to leave her friends and family back in Los Angeles and move to Average, Illinois - population 1,000. But it's kind of hard since (a) Milan's drop-dead gorgeous, (b) she's a gazillionaire and the daughter of two of Hollywood's hottest film stars, (c) she's captured the attention of everyone in town, including Danny, the hottie hayride driver who Jamie's been crushing on ever since she was old enough to start working at the Patch, and (d) she's about to steal the title of Pumpkin Princess right out from underneath Jamie!

But Jamie's not going to stoop to Milan's level. She's going to don her overalls and do her job the way she's always done it, pigtails and all. The people of Average will know she's the one who should be crowned Princess. They will pick the right person. Won't they?"
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"Thump.
Thump.
Thump, thump, thump.
'What the -?' The redhead woman standing across from me at the checkout pales and her dark brown eyes widen. She's looking at something over my right shoulder."
Page 3
___________________________________________
Review:

A-dorable. Just darn-tootin' adorable. :) It's always refreshing to have a little farm girl fiction, isn't it?

This is the story of a girl who lives and works on a pumpkin patch in Average, Illinois. Everything is perfect until her snobby, famous cousin rolls into town. Jamie doesn't know why she's there in the middle of the school year, but she can't wait for her to leave! Milan starts ruining everything Jamie loves - enough that she seems to be everyone's favorite. As you can imagine, there's a "moral to the story" in the end.

Okay, so I love books like this sometimes. They really are light and easy... but not fluffy enough to be irritating. Honestly, I loved this book. I think it's because the main girl was so strong, proud and awesome. She is everything I always hope girls will want to be. She's a hard worker... a great friend... and someone who understands what is important in this world. I think she may have made this book much better for me. I just wanted to be her friend :).

There is, of course, a love interest. A farm-boy love interest. Does it get any better than that? It's written in a way that isn't pathetic or anything - which really happens more often than it should. It gives the story a little depth and drive for our main girl, Jamie. Of course, she doesn't know what to do with herself when he's around... but I think it's well done.

Can I say how awesome the setting is? Can you imagine working on a pumpkin patch as a teenager? And having a love interest at work. And having your best friend working with you. And knowing that it's your family's farm and things are going well? It just seems kinda awesome to me. Perhaps because all of my jobs as a teen were drugery work. This just sounds like fun :). That's probably not how everyone feels about it, but it made the setting really fun. I appreciated that.

I really will be recommending this book to anyone who loves girly stories. It's great for any age because the themes really translate to almost anyone. I think it will go over really well. And based on some other reviews I've read, it seems to have done just that. I hope you give this one a shot. It's short and sweet... really!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Small Review
The Fiction Enthusiast
Me, My Shelf and I
I Like These Books
Simply Books
Paper Dreams
Reading Vacation

Waiting on Wednesday (81)

2011-11-30T08:42:00.004-05:00

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

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
To be released: January 03, 2012

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future."

Hellloooo sci fi! Doesn't this book look and sound amazing? I'm always excited for a sci fi that seems even remotely girly. They always seem to be a bit boyish. But this one sounds super amazing! Not to mention the retelling aspect - yay Cinderella! I think this one is going to be awesome. What say you? :)

What are you waiting on this week?

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

2011-11-29T08:50:00.003-05:00

Title: Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle #4)
Author: Christopher Paolini
ISBN: 9780375856112
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Released: November 08, 2011
Page #: 860
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chance.

The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to imagine. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaesia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the spellbinding conclusion to Christopher Paolini's bestselling Inheritance cycle."
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"The dragon Saphira roared, and the soldiers before her quailed.
'With me!' shouted Eragon. He lifted Brisingr over is head, holding it aloft for all to see. The blue sword flashed bright and iridescent, stark against the wall of black clouds building in the west."
Page 1
___________________________________________
Review:

I have two words for this book (and possibly just the author in general): Long. Winded. Or is that really one word? Whatever. It still applies.

So, if you haven't read the first three books in this "cycle," put down the review and walk away. There is a lot of ground for you to cover before you read this book. A lot. Not to deter you or anything...

This is the last book in the Inheritance Cycle - a very long, drawn out series of four books. This is the one that answers all of the questions and brings everything full circle. It is the conclusion to an epic story of a boy and his dragon taking on the most evil king... ever. Their whole society hangs in the balance and Eragon is feeling the pressure. He is the only one that can defeat Galbatorix and things are starting to look grim.

Inheritance took FOR.E.VER to read. When I got it from the library, I figured 21 days would be plenty to finish it - in fact, I scoffed and said I would be done in a week. I was wrong. It's due in a couple days and I had to do some concentrated reading time to get it done. So, my vote goes to this book for the Longest Book Ever. Okay, enough complaining about the sheer size.

I honestly love the bones of the story in the Inheritance Cycle. I love the story of Eragon and Saphira and all of the obstacles they overcome and how they are changed because of them. I do love many of the side characters - Roran, Arya, Nasuada.... I could go on. I truly think that the base story of these books is wonderful. I think that's why these books have become so popular with just about anyone who loves fantasy.

But... there's a lot of extraneous stuff that I'm not sure helps the story. There seems to be an excess of flowery language and desription of things that don't seem obviously important. I'm sure at some level it helps the story develop so you have a full understanding of the world. But there were times that I would just put the book down after some crazy description thinking it was highly unnecessary. Just as an example... in the last 50 pages, the author introduces a new city altogether. Why? Just because it is shown on the map and no one has talked about it yet?

Don't even get me started on the ending. The final battle was wonderful and more than I could have hoped for. I think it gave the right tone for the last big fight... it was well done. And maybe it ended just a little too abruptly. It's after that when I thought we should have just stopped. Instead, the author takes us on a journey to tie up every possible loose end throughout the story. Do we really have to go say goodbye to everyone? Even though the ending itself is over 100 pages long... it feels rushed compared to the rest of the books.

I have to mention one more thing that drove me crazy. Each time a plan was hatched...usually a battle plan... the reader is kept in the dark exactly the same way. It was all... "So and so described his idea to so and so. So and so thought it was sheer madness!" With lots of flowery language, of course. And then a chapter or two later you finally see what the plan was. I think this happened a couple times with Roran and a few with Eragon. Enough that it was noticably the same tactic all over again. I would have appreciated a little variety in that department.

It looks like I have a lot of negatives about this book, huh? Well, I think perhaps I'm bitter because it took me so darn long to finish it. That and I felt like the story could have been told without being over 800 pages long. Personal opinion, of course. Will I continue to recommend this series? Yes, I definitely will. I've always recommended it with a little piece of caution about the length of the books.

With that being said, I'm going to go read something short and light.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Book Infinity
Fantasy Review
Good Choice Reading
Ink Scrawl
San Diego Reader

Waiting on Wednesday (80)

2011-11-23T08:54:00.003-05:00

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

Switched (Trylle #1)
by Amanda Hocking
To be released: January 03, 2012

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"When Wendy Everly was six years old her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her, and eleven years later Wendy learns that her mother was right and that she is actually a changeling troll, who, at the age of seventeen, must be returned to her rightful home."

I'm sure you can imagine that the first thing that caught my eye was the cover of this book. It's beautiful! I love the use of color and the swirly bits are very cool. For some reason, I thought this book was only coming out as an ebook or something, but I just got excited when I saw it was being published soon! The plot sounds intriguing - enough to catch my interest, for sure.

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week Nov 20-26

2011-11-20T14:56:00.007-05:00

I could only find a few things coming out this week, but I'm definitely ready for them!

11.21.11 The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
11.22.11 In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2) by Kersten Hamilton

11.22.11 Saving June by Hannah Harrington
11.22.11 Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

11.22.11 Lightbringer by KD McEntire

Waiting on Wednesday (79)

2011-11-16T08:42:00.003-05:00

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

Everneath
by Brodi Ashton
To be released: January 24, 2012

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"Regretting her decision to forfeit her life on Earth to become an immortal on Everneath, a world between Earth and Hell, teenaged Nikki is given the chance to return to "the Surface" for six months, in this story loosely based on the "Hades and Persephone" myth."

I've always loved the Persephone story... and I can only imagine that this book will be a wonderful modern version. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. I will definitely be looking for this one when it comes out.

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week Nov 13-19

2011-11-13T19:14:00.008-05:00

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

11.15.11 Death Watch by Ari Berk
11.15.11 Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

11.15.11 The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
11.15.11 The Always War by Margaret Peterson Haddix

11.15.11 Void by Rhiannon Lassiter
11.15.11 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

11.15.11 Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman
11.15.11 The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Eve by Anna Carey

2011-11-13T18:01:00.003-05:00

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
ISBN: 9780062048509
Publisher: Alloy Entertainment
Released: October 04, 2011
Page #: 318
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Evocative, romantic, and at times terrifying, EVE is the powerful first novel in an exciting new trilogy.

The night before Eve's graduation from her all-girls school, she discovers what really happens to new graduates - and the horrifying fare that awaits her. Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust... and her heart. When soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.
__________________________________________
First Lines:

"By the time the sun set over the fifty-foot perimeter wall, the School lawn was covered with twelfth-year students. The younger girls leaned out of the dormitory windows, waving their New American flags as we sang and danced."
Page 1
__________________________________________
Review:

I'm going to have a hard time reviewing this book without thinking about the ending. I honestly hated the ending, but I really liked this book. Darn last five pages.

The story is about a girl living in New America who has been isolated in the School for her whole life. With no idea about the outside world - besides what the teachers tell her - she learns that everything is not as it seems. She was told of a wonderful life after School, but instead she found out the girls are all used for breeding. So she runs away... but is helpless to all the world throws at her. The gangs, wild animals, and just... men... have her baffled. It isn't until she meets Caleb that things start to make sense.

This is the second book I've read lately where the main chick starts out like a serious wuss. Like in a "shake them to make them understand" way. But it's always because of how their lives have been up until the point of the story. So I am going to try and ignore this portion of her character because there is a point at which she finally works for herself - instead of having other people do things for her. Not that it lasts long, but I don't wanna talk about it.

I think my favorite character in this book might be Arden. She's a hard-ass. She's got the world figured out and knows what she'll have to do to make things better. She runs away before Eve does and has survived just fine. The other characters I really like are the boys Eve meets in the hideout. The young ones are just so trusting... I seriously cried at one point about them. Can you imagine adorable 4 and 5 year old boys being abandoned to the wild? I don't even want to think about it.

Caleb seemed to be the most grounded character in the whole novel. He has knowledge that others don't, he has perspective, and he has the ability to help others that need him. Now, I'm not sure how he ended up so much different from everyone else, but I'm glad he was in the story. He kept everything rolling the way it was supposed to. Until the ending. Again, not mentioning it.

Well, I guess now is as good a time as any.... I hated the ending. Really and truly. I cannot believe what happened and I refuse to think it really ended that way. I know there's another book coming out next summer, but I want a whole redo of what happens in the end. Even just "Okay, I was wrong, let's not do that." That would suffice for me. Of course, I don't think the last five pages are going to keep me from recommending it.

I really will recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the amazing dystopian novels coming out these days. It fits perfectly into the genre and will add a new dimension. This story is based on there being a plague that takes over America and the chaos that happens afterward. It hits really close to home, I think... cause you never know. And it's interesting to think about them scavanging through people's houses. What would they find in yours?

Anyway, it's a good book and I really look forward to the sequel. If for nothing more than a reprieve from the ending in this first book. I know it has to get better. But definitely give this one a shot if you're a fan of dystopian fiction with a touch of romance :).
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Other Blog Reviews:

Book Briefs
Spades High Reads
Smart Girls Read
The Norwegian Book Girl
The Reader Bee
Anna Reads
Moonlight Book Reviews
The Story Siren

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

2011-11-10T21:44:00.003-05:00

Title: Cleopatra's Moon
Author: Vicky Alvear Shecter
ISBN: 9780545221306
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Released: August 01, 2011
Page #: 355
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Princess of Egypt
Cleopatra Selene is the only daughter of the brilliant Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and General Marcus Antonius of Rome. She's grown up with jewels on her arms, servants at her feet, and all the pleasures of a palace at her command, and she wants only to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a great and powerful queen.

Prisoner of Rome
Then the Roman ruler Octavianus, who has always wanted Egypt's wealth, launches a war that destroys all Selene has ever known. Taken to live in Octavianous's palace in Rome, she vows to defeat him and reclaim her kingdom at all costs. Yet even as she gathers support for her return, Selene finds herself torn between two young men and two different paths to power. Will love distract her from her goal - or help her achieve her true destiny?"
_________________________________________
First Lines:

"'Get rid of that body now, or my men will mutiny!' the captain yelled from the other side of the door.
A stylus on the floor rolled with the movement of the ship. The flame from the hanging bronze lamp flickered. Still, I did not respond."
Page 1
_________________________________________
Review:

I should have known this book was going to be super detailed when I saw the long character list at the beginning of the book. Yikes.

Well, this is the semi-historical account of Cleopatra Selene. Her family is destroyed by Rome - and one by one, she loses everyone she has ever cared about. Her parents, her country, her life, and even more. It's about her resilience and desire to continue her life as though nothing had happened. She spends all of her time in Roman captivity trying to figure out how to get back to her homeland and rule once more. On the way to searching for freedom, she finds herself torn between two guys - both in very different circumstance.

In all honesty, I had a really hard time getting into this book. After finishing it, I realize why we needed all the detail, but it sure starts out slow. There are lots of names, lots of faces, lots of instances to just show you later what she's lost. It doesn't seem to really flow very well. It jumps from year to year to show you important events and I got a little lost. I almost stopped reading before it got good.

It does get good. Once you are in "present time" as it were, you start to get into a flowing story that makes sense. They are captives in Rome and they start to figure out their new identities. It also picks up speed when the guys enter the picture - as love interests. Perhaps I just need that stuff for a good story, but it really helped me get into it.

At one point, I told my husband, "I don't like this book very much, but I really want to find out what happens." He smartly told me that it must be good in it's own way for me to care that much. He was right, I suppose. It's not a book to fall instantly in love with. It's a book to savor and realize the wonderfulness of it later.

I don't really know anything about the historical time that this book is written about. In fact, I know just about nothing. But I think this story does a good job of piquing my interest and showing me a new side of this ancient world.

One thing that bothered me in the beginning of the book was the emphasis on religion. Now, I do understand that Egyptians (and other ancient civilizations) were super involved in the lives of their gods and goddesses. But there's a whole sequence where Cleopatra Selene questions every other religion and dismisses them. Which is fine... but it's very abrupt and random-seeming. I do like to think about the Egyptian gods - praying to one specifically for one thing... and another for something else. It is just very interesting.

Okay, so I suppose it's time for me to let you know if I recommend it. And I'm not really sure. I think those that are really interested in Egyptian history will love it (assuming it's semi-historically accurate - and I cannot write to that). And maybe even people who want to know more about that time in history. I'm not sure the casual YA reader will find this one that enthralling. Interesting, maybe... but they'll have to give it a chance. Get past the first half of the book and see where you are. I think some others loved it more than I did... see below ;).

But for the record, I did enjoy the ending (as much as I could - there were other things not to like... story-wise). It left me feeling hopeful and wondering about what happened in their lives next. So, take that for what it's worth!
_________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Reading, Writing and Ruminating on Young Adult Books
IB Book Blogging
Fiction Folio
Book Drunkard
Library Lady
Supernatural Snark

Waiting on Wednesday (78)

2011-11-09T08:52:00.003-05:00

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

Every Other Day
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
To be released: December 27, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"Appearing as a normal 16-year-old girl every other day while hiding her alternate identity as a demon-slayer who tracks and kills hellhounds and other supernatural monsters, Kali recognizes a demon mark on a popular girl in school and is challenged to save the girl on a day when she does not have her demon-slayer powers."

First of all, how pretty is this cover?! I really think this book sounds amazing - I cannot wait to get my hands on it. It really sounds like a unique story.

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week Nov 6-12

2011-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Some wonderful stuff coming out this week...

11.8.11 Sparks: The Epic, Completely True Blue, (Almost) Holy Quest of Debbie by S.J. Adams
11.8.11 Faking Faith by Josie Bloss

11.8.11 Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough
11.8.11 Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger

11.8.11 Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
11.8.11 The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell

11.8.11 Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini
11.7.11 The Daughters Join the Party (Daughters series) by Joanna Philbin

11.8.11 Fetching by Kiera Stewart
11.8.11 Kill You Last (Thrillogy) by Todd Strasser

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

2011-11-02T13:04:00.005-04:00

Title: Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
ISBN: 9780385740166
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Released: October 07, 2011
Page #: 307
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, who made the sacrifice to ensure his own immortality. But Romeo didn't anticipate that Juliet would be granted eternal life as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light.

For seven hundred years, Juliet has struggled to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent, while Romeo has fought for the dark side, seeking to destroy the human heart. Until now.

Now Juliet has found her own forbidden love, and Romeo, O Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy their happiness.

Secrets unfold and surprises about in Stacey Jay's powerfully dark romance, which reunites literature's most tragic couple."
__________________________________________
First Lines:

"Tonight, he could have come through the door - the castello is quiet, even the servants are asleep in their beds, and Nurse would have let him in -but he chooses the window, climbing through the tangle of night flowers, carrying petals in on his clothes."
Page 1
__________________________________________
Review:

I truly picked up this book because I love the cover. It speaks volumes - and could very easily be the cover for so many books. You wonder about the girl, where she is, what's going on. Just very well done. It's the complete opposite from the turmoil in the book.
Except I'm a little worried about who she is supposed to be in the story. If it's Juliet herself, then yay. If it's the body she's in for the whole story, not so good. Here's hoping it's Juliet.

Okay, so this is the story of Juliet and Romeo.... way past their tragic end. When they killed themselves, they were pulled into an afterlife they did not expect. Juliet was charged with making sure soul mates find each other. She is always given a new body and tries to make their lives better before she leaves it. Romeo, on the other hand, is supposed to keep these soul mates from loving each other - through any means necessary. And if one kills the other, they get pulled to his side of forever as well.

During this cycle, there is something different - Juliet cannot find her guide (who meets her at every cycle) and she's not sure what's supposed to happen. And she starts to fall in love herself - which isn't supposed to happen. Romeo has started to have a change of heart, but isn't sure he can pull it off. And Juliet doesn't trust him in the least, even if he could.

I'm not sure if that summary made sense, but I hope it's close. Through the first (almost) half of the book, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what in the world was happening. It's a bit confusing. I do understand the basic principles... it's the specifics that throw me off. These two Light and Dark organizations.... run by... ? I'm not sure. Angels? No. spirits? I dunno. Anyway, it's a little confusing. You just need to know that they are the keepers of time... sort of. And that they send Romeo and Juliet to whatever time and place they are needed.

Once I sort of figured out what was going on, I really liked Juliet. Her character is very determined and keeps the peace wherever she goes. She's also a serious fighter - not willing to give up, even when Romeo is hot on her trail. It made me really root for her. It also helps that she was falling in love with the best-boy-in-the-world. I don't think any guy is that romantic, but he sure comes across as perfect. And I enjoy the irony of her falling into another forbidden love - how appropriate.

Romeo's character had me a little confused. You never really know if you can trust him throughout the story. There are a couple of chapters that give his point of view on a few things... and I think those left me even more confused about his character. All of his actions are terrible - then he'll say something about wanting to change. He just sounds like an awful guy... and even though he's described as attractive, I really couldn't picture him that way.

When I started getting closer to the end, I was really worried that I wouldn't like/understand the ending. The author proved me wrong - somewhat. There were still some mystical things that happened that I'm still not sure I understand. But the relationship stuff made me happy. No, I'm not giving away the ending... I just wanted to mention it because I was surprised at how it left me feeling like the story was complete. I had serious worries that I would put down the book with confusion.

All in all, I'd say this is a very unique story - even if it's taken from the original Romeo and Juliet. The author does a very interesting job in twisting that story around to make it mystical and modern. I truly liked the concept and I think it's executed well - for the most part. I just wish I didn't have the points of confusion throughout the book.

I will definitely be recommending this book to readers who love reworked stories (it's not quite that, but I think it will translate well). It's also great for those who love romance. The story also has a sense of thriller - what with Romeo stalking around - so it might appeal to those readers as well. I'm very intrigued by this author and wonder what her other books are like. I may have to go find out.
__________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

The Great, the Good and the Bad
The Book Smugglers
In the Good Books
Zoe's Book Reviews
IB Book Blogging
The Book Heist
Reading Vacation
Book Twirps
Poisoned Rationality

Waiting on Wednesday (77)

2011-11-02T08:53:00.002-04:00

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

Still Waters
by Emma Carlson Berne
To be released: December 20, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"Hannah can't wait to sneak off for a romantic weekend with her boyfriend, Colin. He’s leaving for college soon, and Hannah wants their trip to the lake house to be one they’ll never forget.
But once Hannah and Colin get there, things start to seem a bit...off. They can't find the town on any map. The house they are staying in looks as if someone's been living there, even though it's been deserted for years. And Colin doesn’t seem quite himself. As he grows more unstable, Hannah worries about Colin’s dark side, and her own safety.
Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and what lies beneath may haunt her forever."

I think this book sounds like a great romantic mystery. And I think the cover is very pretty - it and the title really make you wonder about the book, don't they? I'm excited to see how this book turns out!

What are you waiting on this week?

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

2011-10-30T20:59:00.006-04:00

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.
_________________________________________
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

2011-10-30T11:04:00.012-04:00

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)

2011-10-26T08:47:00.004-04:00

"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

2011-10-24T11:04:00.005-04:00

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
___________________________________________
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

2011-10-24T09:33:00.005-04:00

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!
___________________________________________
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

2011-10-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-19T09:01:00.005-04:00

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)

2011-10-19T08:55:00.002-04:00

"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

2011-10-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

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)

2011-10-12T09:02:00.004-04:00

"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

2011-10-11T21:30:00.003-04:00

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

2011-10-09T17:37:00.004-04:00

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

2011-10-09T16:26:00.004-04:00

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."
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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
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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

2011-10-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

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

Waiting on Wednesday (73)

2011-10-05T09:02:00.004-04:00

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

The Pledge
by Kimberly Derting
To be released: November 15, 2011

Summary from Barnesandnoble.com:
"In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…. "

I haven't read Kimberly Derting's other books, but this one sounds amazing. I love the whole linguist aspect to the story. Not to mention that it's a little bit dystopian, a little bit realistic, and a little bit fantasy. Sounds like the perfect combo, doesn't it?

What are you waiting on this week?

Geek Fantasy Novel by E. Archer

2011-09-29T09:06:00.003-04:00

Title: Geek Fantasy Novel
Author: E. Archer
ISBN: 9780545160407
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Released: April 1, 2011
Page #: 310
Source: ARC from the publisher (late review)

Summary:
"Be careful what you wish for. Really. Wishes are bad. Very bad.
They can get you trapped in a fantasy world full of killer bunny rabbits, evil aunts, and bothersome bacteria, for example.

But you already knew that, didn't you?
Ralph, alas, does not. He's been asked to spend the summer with his strange British relatives at their old manor house in order to set up their Wi-Fi network. But there's much more to it than that, of course. It's just that nobody told Ralph. He's a gamer, sure. But this game is much stranger - and funnier - than anything manufactured by Nintendo.

So put on your suit of armor. Take out your 20-sided die. Brush up on your warcraft. Or, at the very least, open up this book.
Geek fantasy awaits!"
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First Lines: (subject to change in final version)

"Wishes are dangerous.
Or at least that's what Ralph's parents had always told him. After all, why should a random fairy grant a child power out of nowhere, because, say, the child had wastefully tossed a coin into a fountain?"
Page 1
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Review:

I'm not sure I knew what to expect from a book with a nerdy cover and a geeky premise. I'm just going to say that I didn't know there would be geek references that I didn't really get. But I suppose I'm okay with that.

This is the story of a boy who has recently learned that he has famous relatives in England. They invite him to stay for the summer and figure out their wi-fi situation. He agrees and doesn't realize he's signed on for the biggest adventure of his lifetime. His parents had always kept him from making wishes, but he soon finds out the reason. Wishes are dangerous!

If this book is nothing else, it's definitely clever. The cleverist of clever. I'm pretty sure every fantasy character in the history of fantasy makes an appearance. It's got bunny bombs, fairies, crazy witches, and lots of waking up in strange lands. While Ralph is staying with his cousins, he learns more about them each - and accidentally gets sucked in to each of their wishes. I think that's a pretty fun premise, don't you?

I think my favorite characters were the non-main ones. I loved the random fairies they hook up with. I loved the narrator (mostly for what you find out in the end of the book that I'm not going to give away). I loved that inanimate objects came to life and Ralph barely blinked an eyelash. Those were just the fun characters that kept this story going for me.

There is so much geeky humor, that I think just about anyone would like this story. People who are into all of the heavily geeky stuff might get more out of it than I did. I'm sure there were references to things I didn't get. But it's done well enough that I wasn't missing out. I think this one will be a fun book to recommend - mostly because of the subject. Geek humor. Can you really go wrong with that?!
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Trades
Bookish Bethie
Beyond the Book
Laura's Books
WORD for Teens

Waiting on Wednesday (72)

2011-09-28T09:17:00.003-04:00

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

Crossed (Matched #2)
by Ally Condie
To be released: November 1, 2011

Summary from Barnesandnoble.com:
"In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."

If you haven't read Matched, I highly recommend it. It has a bit of a strange vibe, but I fully got sucked into the story. I know a lot of people are waiting on this book... so add me to the list! I can't wait to see what happens to these very strange characters.

What are you waiting on this week?

Out This Week Sept 25-Oct 1

2011-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

There are tons of things coming out this week. I'm just posting a sample of the things I'm excited about. Make sure you get your hands on these early!

10.1.11 She's With the Band by Georgia Clark
9.27.11 Lost in Time (Blue Bloods #6) by Melissa de la Cruz

10.1.11 If I Tell by Janet Gurtler
9.27.11 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

9.29.11 The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
10.1.11 Reasons to Be Happy by Katrina Kittle

9.27.11 The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
9.29.11 Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

9.27.11 Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
9.27.11 If I Die (Soul Screamers #5) by Rachel Vincent

Waiting on Wednesday (71)

2011-09-21T08:41:00.002-04:00

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

The Sharp Time
by Mary O'Connell
To be released: November 08, 2011

Summary from Barnesandnoble.com:
"Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge.
Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets.
Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she's offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance."

I don't often find myself wishing for issue books, but this one sounds really good. And the cover is beautiful. From the summary, it sounds like there are some really good things that are addressed in the novel. I look forward to giving this one a try.

What are you waiting on this week?

YA Top 100

2011-09-20T10:24:00.002-04:00

I've seen this list around the blogosphere, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Let's see how I do...

Bold = I've read it
Italic = I own it but haven't read it

1. Alex Finn – Beastly
2. Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
3. Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Ally Condie – Matched
5. Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
6. Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
7. Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
8. Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
9. Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
10. Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
11. Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
12. Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
13. Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
14. Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
15. Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
16. Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)
17. Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3)
18. Christopher Paolini - Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
19. Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
20. Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
21. Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
22. Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
23. Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
24. Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
25. Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
26. Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
27. Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
28. Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)
29. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
30. James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
31. James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
32. Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why
33. Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
34. Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
35. John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
36. John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
37. John Green – Looking for Alaska
38. John Green – Paper Towns
39. Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
40. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
41. Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)
42. Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
43. Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
44. Lemony Snicket - Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
45. Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
46. Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
47. Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
48. M.T. Anderson – Feed
49. Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)
50. Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
51. Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
52. Markus Zusak - The Book Thief
53. Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
54. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
55. Mary Ting – Crossroads
56. Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
57. Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
58. Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
59. Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
60. Meg Rosoff – How I live Now
61. Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
62. Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
63. Melina Marchetta – Jellicoe Road
64. Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
65. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
66. Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
67. Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
68. Neal Shusterman – Unwind
69. Neil Gaiman – Coraline
70. Neil Gaiman – Stardust
71. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
72. P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 )
73. Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
74. Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
75. Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
76. Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
77. Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
78. Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
79. S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
80. Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
81. Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
82. Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
83. Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
84. Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
85. Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan (1, 2)
86. Scott Westerfeld - Uglies (1, 2, 3)
87. Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
88. Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
89. Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
90. Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
91. Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)
92. Stephanie Meyer – The Host
93. Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)
94. Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
95. Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
96. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
97. Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
98. Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
99. Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
100. Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped

Hm. Looks like I have some catching up to do. How did everyone else fare?

Out This Week - Sept 18-24

2011-09-18T09:00:00.016-04:00

These books are all being released this week. Which ones are you excited for?

9/20/11 First Kill (The Slayer Chronicles #1) by Heather Brewer
9/20/11 Sacrifice by Laura J. Burnes & Melinda Metz

9/20/11 The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
9/20/11 Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2) by Anna Godbersen

9/20/11 Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
9/20/11 Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way (Monster High #3) by Lisi Harrison

9/20/11 Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions by Melissa Marr & Kelley Armstrong
9/20/11 Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

9/20/11 Game Over (Daniel X # 4) by James Patterson & Ned Rust
9/20/11 Goliath (Leviathan #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Chime by Franny Billingsley

2011-09-17T17:18:00.003-04:00

Title: Chime
Author: Franny Billingsley
ISBN: 9780803735521
Publisher: Dial Books
Released: March 17, 2011
Page #: 358
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Briony has a secret. Her secret killed her stepmother, destroyed her sister Rose's mind, and threatens all the children in the Swampsea. She yearns to be rid of her secret, but risks being hanged if she tells a soul; hanging's what they do to the Old Ones in the Swampsea - not the Boggy Mun or the Dead Hand, but Dark Muses, witches and the like.

When Eldric arrives - Eldric with his golden mane and lion eyes and electric energy - he refuses to believe anything dark about Briony. But he wonders what's been buried beneath Briony's memory and guilt, hidden in Rose's mangled thoughts, and whispered about by the Old Ones. And Briony wonders how Eldric can make her want to cry, especially when everyone knows, witches can't cry.

A wild, enchanted romance that is as beautifully written as it is captivating."
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First Lines: (subject to change in final version)

"I've confessed everything and I'd like to be hanged.
Now, if you please.
I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't bear to tell my story."
Page 1
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Review:

Halfway through this book, I seriously thought I was going to have to give a bad review. Well, not bad... but not great. But the ending really brought it all together for me and things truly started to fall into place. Pretty sure I picked up this book because of the cover... sue me. :)

This book is about a girl living in a community on the edge of a swamp. From what I could tell, it was set in a time before cars were prevalent and railroad tracks were just being laid out. But that also may be a little bit because of the back-woods nature of the area in the story. So it's about a girl who is a twin, but she is convinced that she's a witch. She's able to see and talk to all of the creatures that live in the swamp. Because she is a witch, she has done terrible things to the people closest to her. She lives realizing that she will be hanged and just wants to get it all over with. Either that or ride the new train to London and never come back.

Let me just say that this book is seriously strange. There is some serious genius in there, but I had some trouble getting used to the flow of language and some of the characters. You aren't given a plain description of anyone, really. Maybe of her father, the local religious man. And some of the outer characters. But our main people are sort of a mystery throughout the first half of the book.

I spent a lot of the book confused. Really, I did. I understood the little things that happened. I got that there were these crazy creatures in the book. But things sort of jumped around and I wasn't really sure what was being described. Of course, this could have been one of the reasons this book seems so unique. There are a lot of things going on - a lot of characters as well - and it's hard to make sense of some things. They do start to come together in the end.

Honestly, I wasn't sure how the ending was going to be. There were several possibilities - and with the strangeness of the book, I figured anything could happen. I really thought it was the perfect ending to such an odd story. And it gave me a sense of how things would be in this town from then on. I almost would be interested in a second book set in this same world. I didn't think I would be saying that when I started it.

I would recommend this book to those who are into strange fantasy. There are other things written by this author, but I don't think I've read any of them. It might be interesting to see what the rest of her books are like. But I think if you're looking for something different, this book is definitely for you.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Indie Reader Houston
Katelyn's Blog
Steph Su Reads
Strong in the Broken Places
Life After Twilight
I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read!
Wicked Awesome Books
The Reading Date

Waiting on Wednesday (70)

2011-09-14T10:21:00.002-04:00

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

Desert Angel
by Charlie Price
To be released: October 25, 2011

Summary from Publisher:
"Fourteen-year-old Angel wakes up one morning at her desert trailer home to discover her mother has been murdered by a lowlife named Scotty, who has vanished. Angel has no water, no weapon, but she knows that Scotty, an expert tracker and hunter, will surface soon in order to eliminate her as a witness. She has to run, to disappear, if she is to survive and tell the world what happened. Her flight takes her through a harsh landscape to places she never expected to be, forcing her to trust others for the first time and strengthening her in ways she doesn't even anticipate . . . until it's time to take a stand."

I do want to say that I certainly wouldn't select this book based on the cover... but I really love the concept. It sounds like an exciting thriller. I can only imagine what it will be like, but I think it will be great.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

2011-09-11T12:42:00.004-04:00

Title: The Queen of Kentucky
Author: Alecia Whitaker
ISBN: 9780316125062
Publisher: Poppy
Released: January 2, 2012
Page #: 376
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Fourteen-year-old Kentucky girl Ricki Jo Winstead, who would prefer to be called Ericka, thank you very much, is eager to shed her farmer's daughter roots and become part of the popular crowd at her small-town high school. She trades her Bible for Seventeen magazine, buys new 'sophisticated' clothes, and somehow manages to secure a tenuous spot at the cool kids' table. She's on top of the world, even though her best friend and the boy next door, Luke, says he misses 'plain old Ricki Jo."

Caught between being a country girl and a wannabe country club girl, Ricki Jo begins to forget who she really is: someone who doesn't care what people think and who wouldn't let a good-looking guy walk all over her. It takes a serious incident on Luke's farm for Ricki Jo to realize that being a true friend is more important than being popular."
___________________________________________
First Lines: (subject to change in the final version)

"'When we get to high school, I want you to call me Ericka,' I say, taking off my tan leather work glove to wipe the sweat from my brow. I've been blabbing to my best friend, Luke, all day because A) talking makes the time go by faster, and B) I'm a jabber-jaw; but I might as well be talking to one of our cows."
Page 1
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Review:

This is absolutely one of the cutest books I've read in a little while. OF course, I may not have been reading the right genre for cute stuff, but this one definitely wins. :) I'm also partial to a story about a Kentucky girl... as my mom's from there. Ahem... on to the book!

The story is about a girl named Ricki Jo (or Ericka for any new friends) who has decided she wants to reinvent herself at the beginning of high school. This is a little harder because she has a few old friends that don't love her new changes. She tries out for cheerleading, she's invited to the cool parties, and she begins to realize she's become part of the cool crowd. When tragedy strikes, she realizes who her real friends are and who she can count on.

I'll say it again, this book was adorable. I think I fell for Ricki Jo in the first few pages. She's such a fun and real character. She's spent her life working hard in the fields with her family and has decided to give herself a whole new image. She learns everything from teen magazines and spends her time obsessing about the boy everyone loves. Doesn't that sound like every other freshman you've ever known? I sure think so.

I loved Luke. Once you learn about his home life and his relationship with Ricki Jo, you realize just how awesome he is. There's something to be said for a friend who will stand by you no matter what is happening. He's that kinda friend. No matter what is going on with him, he'll always be there. Honestly, I was hoping Ricki Jo would get together with him instead of the jerky popular guy. Though... that's about right with real life, isn't it?

This is a little silly, but it was really nice to read a book that wasn't set in New York or some other really well known place. I haven't read anything lately that has been this unique in locale. There's something very quiet and easy about life in farm-town Kentucky. Of course, I also know this area of the country... but I think it comes across really well. It's also nice to see what constitutes a night out in backwoods places :). Yay roller skating!

I fully loved this book. It took me less than 24 hours to finish and I cannot wait to recommend it to people. I know that readers who love chick lit and realistic fic will get into this one. This is also the first book by this author - I really look forward to seeing what she has in store for the future. I'm sure it will all be wonderful. Definitely give this book a shot when it comes out in January!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Okay, I don't see any reviews for this one. I'm not fully surprised as it comes out in January. But if you review this one, let me know so I can add you to the list. :)

iBoy by Kevin Brooks

2011-09-10T11:09:00.005-04:00

Title: iBoy
Author: Kevin Brooks
ISBN: 9780545317689
Publisher: Chicken House
Released: November 1, 2011
Page #: 288
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Before the attack, Tom Harvey was just an average teenager. But a head-on collision with high technology has turned him into an actualized App. Fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain. And they're having an extraordinary effect on his every thought.

Because now Tom knows, sees, and can do more than any normal boy ever could.

But with his new powers comes a choice: To avenge Lucy, the girl he loves, will he hunt down the vicious gangsters who hurt her? Will he take the law into his own electric hands and exterminate them from the South London housing projects where, by fear and violence, they rule?

Not even his mental search engine can predict the shocking outcome of iBoy's actions."
_________________________________________
First Lines: (subject to change in the final version)

"The mobile phone that shattered my skull was a 32GB iPhone 3GS. It weighed 4.8 oz, measured 4.5 in x 2.4 in x 0.48 in, and at the time of impact was traveling at approximately 77 mph. Of course, I didn't know any of his at the time."
Page 1
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Review:

I've read a few of Kevin Brooks' novels in the past and I've always found them sort of strange. He has a certain way of telling a story that is very different. Even if I'm not sure I can put my finger on the difference. This story is no exception.

Our hero's name is Tom Harvey, but he soon begins calling himself iBoy. On his way to visit his friend July, someone calls his name from the thirtieth floor of a building and drops an iPhone on him. After weeks recovering, he starts to realize that his brain isn't working normally. Soon he realizes all of the capabilities - and all of the things he could do with them. Lucy was attacked that same night by a group of gangsters. Tom starts to give them trouble as iBoy - and he is soon labeled a vigilante.

It's an amazing story. And it's sort of written with little hints of truth - where you truly wonder if this is possible. I mean, they can't get all the pieces out of his brain without hurting him, so they fuse with his brain? Maybe. Then they start interacting with his brain and how his body functions? Hm. It's a very cool idea and I kinda wish it was possible. Of course, then it means there's a possibility of someone listening in to everything you do technologically - typing, calling, texting, etc.

I think the relationship between Lucy and Tom is the best part of this book. They are best friends in the beginning and the attacks on them almost pull them apart. But they find common ground and understand each other. There's something very organic about their friendship - it seems kinda similar to many friendships I've had in the past. I also love how things end up, but I'm not going to tell you what happens.

The most interesting part of this story for me was the setting. It's effectively the projects - Highrises that are low income families in London. And of course there's lots of gang activity. Tom has always been one to stand on the sidelines and not get involved. But when he realizes that the gangs are to blame for everything that happened, he starts to go after them in any way he can.

I think many people who love tech savvy stuff will like this book. There's something very cool about thinking what it would be like to have an iPhone in your head. Can you imagine the possibilities. So I definitely recommend it to those who can wrap their heads around that :). Now, I do caution you that there's a bit of gore and lots of mentions of rape. So I probably wouldn't recommend it to younger readers. It's a bit much, I think.

All in all, I thought this book was very clever and it definitely made me think. Hopefully others will enjoy it as well when it comes out in November. Keep an eye out for it!
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Observer (not really a blog...)
Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books
Fantasy Book Review
The Book Bag
Reclusive Bibliophile
I Want to Read That
Book Couture

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

2011-09-08T20:00:00.003-04:00

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
ISBN: 9780312650087
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: April 12, 2011
Page #: 259
Source: ARC from the publisher (Late ARC review)

Summary:
"Deuce lives in an enclave, deep underground. Her friends are her family; her life revolves around training to become a Huntress, one of the elite cadres who protect the enclave.

Deuce is partnered with a mysterious Hunter named Fade, who is said to have lived in the surface world as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - which seem to be growing more and more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade's long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known."
___________________________________________
First Lines: (Subject to change in final publication)

"I was born during the second holocaust. People had told us legends of a time when human beings lived longer. I thought they were just stories. Nobody even lived to see forty in my world.
Today was my birthday. Each one added a layer of fear, and this year, it was worse."
Page 3
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Review:

There are lots of things to love about this book and lots to compare it to other stories. It's a story about a girl who was born and raised in an underground community that survives each day on following the rules of the elders. Deuce is one of the Hunters in her community, so she goes out in the tunnels to search for caught meat and to fight the Freaks. In a couple of her trips out into the tunnels, she realizes that things aren't all as they seem. The elders seem to be keeping things from the citizens. Because of this, she is banished - along with her partner, Fade. She then has to learn how to survive under entirely different circumstances.

The Freaks, in my estimation, are zombies. That is never used. They are called Freaks, Eaters, and even Muties. The way they are treated in this book fully reminds me of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. They are treated as the sole source of terror for each of the books. In Enclave, they are just kept at bay by death - they happily feed on whatever meat they can get their hands on. I don't know that I thought of them as zombies at first... just these mutated humans who have not adapted to the world in the story. It was well done, really.

Our main girl, Deuce, is basically a hardass. In her world, people hardly live to see 30 - so you have to make every year count. She trained to become a Huntress for her entire life. Finally she got the chance to go out and do what she's been trained for. She treats every situation like a threat and hardly ever lets her guard down. Those few times she does, bad things happen to her. She also keeps her friends at a distance - knowing that Hunters have short lifespans. Like I said, hardass.

Because she keeps people at such a distance, it comes as a surprise to her that her partner might be interested in keeping her safe and secure. And that he might even have real feelings for her. But that is all tested through deaths of friends and enemies. They work together seamlessly, so it makes sense that they want to keep each other safe. There is a tiny bit of romance in this book, but it's really out of desperation more than anything else.

Looking back on this book, I'm going to say I loved it. By the end of the story, I was truly rooting for all of the characters (and trying to see beyond some characteristics of a few of them). But let me tell you... this book is truly frightening. Of course, the fear of things that go bump in the dark is a big one for me. So of course it's scary! I really couldn't read it right before bed. That's another way it reminds me of Carrie Ryan's books.

Anyway, it stands on it's own very well... and I think I will be recommending it along. Those who are fans of the dystopian novels will definitely love this one. I was just looking on the author's website and realized there is a second book coming out sometime next year. Very exciting! I think this book stands well on it's own, but I can't wait to see where this story takes us. I'd definitely give this one a try if you're into frightening books - and zombies. :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

One Librarian's Book Reviews
Small Review
The Discriminating Fangirl
Brave New Adventure
A Bookworm's Haven
Candace's Book Blog
Waking Brain Cells
Paranormal Haven

Waiting on Wednesday (69)

2011-09-07T08:37:00.004-04:00

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

Crave (The Clann #1)
by Melissa Darnell
To be released: October 25, 2011

Summary from GoodReads:
"Savannah Colbert has been shunned all her life by the kids of the Clann. And when she undergoes some drastic changes after a strange illness, Savannah learns secrets about the group and about herself—dangerous secrets. For the Clann are powerful magic users, and Savannah herself is half Clann and half vampire—a forbidden, unheard of combination. Falling for Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman isn't just a bad idea—it could be deadly if anyone finds out. But her attraction to Tristan—and his to her—isn't something either of them can resist for long."

This book sounds amazing. I saw one early review of it that made it sound awesome. I really think this book has some awesome potential. I look forward to reading it - and the rest of the projected trilogy. Not to mention that the cover is equal parts spooky and beautiful. I'm impressed :).

What are you waiting on this week?

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

2011-09-04T12:10:00.004-04:00

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
ISBN: 9780062026484
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Released: September 20, 2011
Page #: 422
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Chosen for an extraordinary - and fearsome - destiny, a sixteen-year-old princess becomes the heart of a revolution. Her journey from untried teen to young woman of fierce love and untold power is, simply put, epic. Lush, adventurous, and wrenching, this is the first in a trilogy for fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Tamora Pierce's Tortall books."
___________________________________________
First Lines: (subject to change in final version)

"Prayer candles flicker in my bedroom. The Scriptura Sancta lies discarded, pages rumpled, on my bed. Bruises mark my knees from kneeling on the tiles, and the Godstone in my navel throbs. I have been praying - no, begging - that King Alejandro de Vega, my future husband, will be ugly and old and fat."
Page 1
___________________________________________
Review:

Well, the ARC didn't have much of a summary on the back of the book (I'm sure that will change), so I'll try to give you a better sense of the story.

This book is about a girl who is the younger of two princesses who gets married off to a King in a far country. That sounds like a fairly normal scenario, except that there is something exceptional about this girl. When she was born, God blessed her on her naming day. She was given the Godstone - a stone in her navel that marks her as blessed... and it lives inside her. When she gets to her new home, she starts to realize that not all is as she thought it was. There is war looming and she is not as safe as she once thought.

I absolutely loved this book. Seriously. I know it's the start of a trilogy, but you can take this first book as a whole story. It's the journey of a girl from childhood to realizing her destiny. She starts off as soft and fat and ignorant... but she grows more than you can imagine. It's the type of journey we all wish to take - except without all of the hardships she faces.

There are a few love interests (obviously, with her new husband), but that isn't the focus at all in this story. It's more about the adventure, the fighting, the war. Our main lady is very interested in the art of war and strategy. This makes her a useful ally to the other cities and people she comes across - even if she is an unlikely advice-giver. I think that's one of my favorite things about Elisa... she's unassuming. People discount her knowledge and cleverness. She's able to do things that others wouldn't. Like, take charge of a revolution!

I'm not sure this is something that will keep people from reading it, but there is a large emphasis on religion in this book. Our main character has a direct line to God, so of course she spends a lot of time thinking about it, talking about it, and seeking out the priests. Though I appreciate that while she grows as a person, her take on religion is altered as well. She begins to question things and making her own decisions about things. It's very organic and makes for a great addition to the story. I love that she begins noticing that people continuously say that they are doing things - even if they're bad - because it's "God's will." I think that's not so different from how things happen today. I just thought it was a very interesting element in the book.

All in all, I loved this book. I just have one complaint... the cover. Now, I do realize they have changed the cover for the official release... but I'm not sure it's enough of a change. See, this book takes place in, what I can figure, Arabia. Or something like it. She often talks about her dark skin giving her away... The chick on the cover of this book? Not. Dark. Skinned. Not even a little bit. Now, the UK cover hits it spot on. I think it embodies everything about the story. I just wish I had that cover to look at while I was reading - it would have kept me in the right frame of mind.

Honestly, this book took me about 24 hours to read. It's one that kept me up last night trying to finish it. It is just so compelling and you really want the best for the characters. I cannot wait for this book to be released so I can fully recommend it to everyone. I think fantasy lovers will be all over this one. There are two more books (obvs... it's a trilogy), but the next one isn't for another year. I'm already excited to see what kind of story it is.

I highly and fully recommend this book. From middle school all the way up. There are a few gory and insane things that happen... but it's not written in a way that makes it all obvious. The author does a wonderful job. This is her first book and I absolutely cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us! You won't be sorry if you give this one a try.
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Book Bind
Cat's Thoughts
Poisoned Rationality
25 Hour Books
Bookalicious
The Lost Entwife
YA Highway
Supernatural Snark
Madigan Reads

Jane Jones: Worst. Vampire. Ever. by Caissie St. Onge

2011-09-02T20:54:00.004-04:00

Title: Jane Jones: Worst. Vampire. Ever.
Author: Caissie St. Onge
ISBN: 9780375868917
Publisher: Random House/Ember
Released: May 10, 2011
Page #: 227
Source: My own copy

Summary:
"For Jane Jones, being a vampire is nothing like you read about in books. In fact, it kind of sucks. She's not beautiful. She's not rich. She doesn't 'sparkle.' She's just an average, slightly nerdy girl from an ordinary suburban family (who just happen to be vampires). Jane's from the wrong side of the tracks (not to mention stuck in the world's longest awkward phase), so she doesn't fit in with the cool vampire kids at school or with the human kids. To top it all off, she's battling an overprotective mom, a clique of high school mean girls (the kind who really do have fangs), and the most embarrassing allergy in the history of the undead: she's blood-intolerant.

So no one's more surprised than Jane when for the first time in her 'life,' things start to heat up (as much as they can for a walking corpse, anyway) with not one but two boys. Eli's a geeky but cute real-life boy in her history class, and Timothy is a beautiful, brooding bloodsucker who just might hold the key to a possible cure for vampirism. Facing an eternity of high school pressure and fumbling first dates or a mere lifetime together with Timothy, what's a ninety-something-year-old teen vampire to do?"
________________________________________
First Lines:

"'Oh my God, you guys. I am sooooo wasted. Did you see me? I was totally chugging, and now I'm, like... totally wasted!'"
Page 1
________________________________________
Review:

So, basically this is about a girl in high school who happens to be a vampire. There's some mean girl stuff, there's some cute boy stuff, and there's some nerdy boy-love going on. Not to mention that she's allergic to drinking blood - which complicates the whole thing and spurs on the mean girls. She also really wants to go back to being human... at whatever cost.

I have to be honest, it was really hard to get through the first 100 pages (aka half) of this book. Typically, I am able to suspend belief for vampire stories. There has to be some of that. But there were a few details about this one that made it seem weird to me. Like... she's over 90 years old and she still answers to her mom? And that she's the most awkward girl in the world? Don't you mature at all - even though your body doesn't? There was a short mention of the whole, "sucks you're stuck in a teenage mindset" thing... but I had a hard time with it. Not to mention that I just wanted to shake her most of the time.

Now, the second half of the book is a totally different story. There was love, intrigue, and a little adventure. You just have to slog your way through the beginning to get to the good stuff. You learn why her teacher has been acting strangely, how her family became the way it is, and what she hopes for the future.

One big universal thing about this book was family. She is always thinking about and worrying about her family. It comes full circle in the end, but it's definitely a running theme. Of course, if you're eternally with those people, I suppose they become the center of your world. I did enjoy the characters in her family. I wasn't much expecting a ten year old genius :).

The love interests kind of hit me as odd. The one organic relationship is with Eli - the human geek who is a little obsessed with Jane. But it's the kind of relationship that is kinda cute. Aww! Little nerds getting together. Perfect! The second guy, Timothy, is much more of a mystery to me. There's never much of an explanation why he really wants to be with Jane for the rest of their eternal lives. There's one shared interest, but it's taken too far too soon. I just wasn't so sure about that one.

All in all, it's a decent story. There are several things that I had to suspend my belief for (much more than normal), but I think there's a good story in the bones. Those readers who enjoy a humorous take on the whole vampire thing will probably get a kick out of this book. It's definitely the kind of story that doesn't take itself too seriously. So I'd recommend it on that front. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Forever Young Adult
Midnight Bloom Reads
Dreaming in Books
Alexia's Books and Such
Bibliophile Support Group
BookLoons Reviews
Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Waiting on Wednesday (68)

2011-08-31T14:11:00.003-04:00

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

The Silence of Murder
by Dandi Daley Mackall
To be released: October 11, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"Seventeen-year-old Hope Long's life revolves around her brother Jeremy. So when Jeremy is accused of killing the town's beloved baseball coach, Hope's world begins to unravel. Everyone is convinced Jeremy did it, and since he hasn't spoken a word in 9 years, he's unable to defend himself. Their lawyer instructs Hope to convince the jury that Jeremy is insane, but all her life Hope has known that Jeremy's just different than other people—better, even. As she works to prove his innocence—joined by her best friend T.J. and the sheriff's son, Chase—Hope uncovers secrets about the murder, the townspeople, her family, and herself. She knows her brother isn't the murderer. But as she comes closer to the truth, she's terrified to find out who is."

Last week, I posted a mystery... so I figured I'd continue and make it a two week trend :). We'll see what next week brings. But I think this book sounds wonderful! I love that one of the main characters in the book is mute. For whatever reason. I think that will add a very interesting level to the story. Plus... murder mystery for YAs? Sign me up.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2011-08-26T21:51:00.005-04:00

Title: The Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
ISBN: 9780373210367
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: October 25, 2011
Page #: 367
Source: ARC from NetGalley

Summary (from GoodReads):
"Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice."
____________________________________________
First Lines: (from the ARC, so subject to change in final version)

"'Oy, ice-boy! You sure you know where you're going?'
I ignored Robin Goodfellow as we wove through the gray murk of the wyldwood, pushing further into the soggy swamp known as the Bone Marsh. Mud sucked at my footsteps, and water dripped from twisted green trees so covered in moss they appeared sheathed in slime."
Page 9
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Review:

If you haven't read the first three books in the Iron Fey series, there will most definitely be spoilers. This whole book is about post-trilogy stuff... so tread carefully!

Okay, so in an attempt to do a summary...
The Iron Knight is written from the perspective of the Winter Prince, Ash. It is after the huge war of the Faerie worlds - and Meghan Chase has become the Iron Queen. Ash has sworn to protect her and be with her forever, but he cannot do that as a regular faerie. He goes on a huge quest to earn a mortal soul so that he can be with Meghan. It's a much bigger thing than anyone expected - he literally has to go to the end of the world to succeed. And even then, it's a fight to the death.

One thing this author is good at is serious adventurous quests. :) The series started with a big one - and each book has had some version of one. This last book was the biggest quest of all. Ash is faced with all manner of crazy characters. I personally loved that the Big Bad Wolf was involved in the story. All so he would continue to be remembered. That's a very cool idea. There's also a lot more about Ariella who was mentioned in previous books, but she was gone before we met Meghan. It was very interesting to get that side of the story.

I truly enjoyed getting to know Ash better. There are some descriptions from his point of view that I think we missed a lot in the first three books. Also, I was surprised by some of the descriptions in Meghan. For some reason, I honestly hadn't pictured her the way Ash talks about her. But it really helps me love the other books more after hearing his whole story.

There was a part that I thought I was really going to hate the ending. I'm not going to give you much detail, but one of Ash's trials shows you something you didn't realize was going to happen. But I felt better after that part - I was just worried that I was going to hate how things turned out. As it was, I really enjoyed the ending. It's open enough to have more stories about different characters... but it fully completes this story. I really think it's well done and I fully loved it.

Well, all in all, I'd definitely recommend this entire series. I think this last book has been a wonderful addition to an already awesome series. I've handed these books to lots of customers and I cannot wait until this book is published and I can hand it around as well. I will be looking for the next thing by this author as well - she's definitely got my vote for anything she writes in the future. Definitely read this one... and if you haven't read the first three, you need to do that immediately :). They're wonderful.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Kait Nolan
Librarian Mouse
Open Book Society
Tea Mouse Book Reviews
The Book Heist
birth of a new witch.
Stalking the Bookshelves
Awesomesauce Book Club

Waiting on Wednesday (67)

2011-08-24T20:24:00.004-04:00

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

Deadly Cool
by Gemma Holliday
To be released: October 11, 2011

Summary from Baker and Taylor:
"When sixteen-year-old Hartley Featherstone finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her, she goes to his house to confront him and suddenly finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery."

This isn't much of a summary, but I'm always excited for another YA mystery. And I think this one sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Plus, the cover is really cute. What are you waiting on this week?

XVI by Julia Karr

2011-08-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Title: XVI
Author: Julia Karr
ISBN: 9780142417713
Publisher: Speak
Released: January 6, 2011
Page #: 325
Source: My own copy

Summary:
"Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist - sixteen. They say they're there for protection.

Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.

Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believe about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help - and he just may hold the key to her past.

But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure...
for Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet."
__________________________________________
First Lines:

"'Nina, look.' Sandy jabbed me in the ribs.
I glanced up at the AV screen expecting to see the latest vert of back-to-school fashions for sixteens.
'No, there.' Sandy jerked my arm, bringing my attention to the doorway."
Page 1
__________________________________________
Review:

I think I'm becoming a sucker for all things dystopian fiction. Seriously. As soon as I heard the premise of this book, I was so excited. Luckily, I had a right to be... :)

This book is about a girl, Nina, who lives in a world where girls become adults at 16. This means they are pretty much open territory for guys - a scary prospect. There are a few ways to be protected and Nina is taking all the precautions. Then tragedy strikes and she is forced into a different life and less security. She meets some new friends that have information about her past and begin to protect her from the unknown.

With some dystopian novels, there are twists on words that we use today - I guess to make it seem more realistic that our vocab would evolve that way. But there were a few words in this book that I had a hard time with. Specifically "trannie." It stands for transportation... car, I think. But honestly, my head wouldn't let go of today's version. I had to read some sentences twice... like, there was a green trannie following us. Wait, what?! Oh, right... car. :)

Those silly word games aside, I truly loved this story. I was totally on board with Nina's character. I can imagine that she reacted to situations just how a normal girl would. She has to deal with some things that were more than I could imagine. I was very much rooting for her and every turn, I hoped for the best. I also really enjoyed the character of Wei. She's a friend of Nina's in her new school - she's pretty badass. But she's also in-the-know and gives Nina a friendship that she never knew was possible.

There's definitely a bit of romance in this book. In a world where sixteens are also called "sex-teens," you can imagine that relationships can get a bit tricky. But there's room for real relationships, you just have to look hard for them. I think those that love romance stories will find the love in this book to be a bit heart-wrenching, but amazing.

I will definitely be recommending this book to teens. It's a well-written story and I loved all of the semi-lessons throughout about teen behavior and such. I will say that I'm not sure this book is appropriate for younger teens. It's very much about sex (though it's not all that), and there are some instances of abuse and other unfortunate things. They all go right along with the story, but I'm not sure if it's too much to handle for some readers.

While looking on the author's website, I just saw that there is going to be a second book with these characters. I am more than excited about this! I was hoping to get more of the story - it's a little bit of a cliffhanger, but not really. It's more that you don't know what happens next. I can't wait to see what happens! XVI is a wonderful book from a debut author and I am happy to recommend this one.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Bibliotropic
Down the Rabbit Hole
Book Nerd Reviews
The Bookworm Society
Smash Attack Reads!
Rhapsody in Books Weblog
Brooke Reviews
Me, My Shelf and I

Mission (un)Popular by Anna Humphrey

2011-08-18T23:21:00.003-04:00

Title: Mission (un)Popular
Author: Anna Humphrey
ISBN: 9781423123019
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Released: June 1, 2011
Page #: 403
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"Margot Button has a resolution for seventh grade:
Be more normal.
Easier said than done when you're:
*minus best friend (sent to Catholic school because of your "bad influence")
*minus new clothes (stepdad had a "moral objection" to his job)
*minus eyebrows (tweezer mishap)
*plus improvised bangs (see above)
*plus new nickname ("Hamburgler")
*plus an unpaid after-school job (babysitting triplet sisters - five days a week)

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. If Margot can just learn to control her big mouth (and hair), there is hope. The new girl, Em, from New York, needs a friend too, now that the popular girls have decided she's "weird." More accurately, Em is "intimidating." She dresses like a rock star, is quick with comebacks and doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks of her - especially Sarah J., the most popular girl in the seventh grade. Em has an agenda for change at Manning Middle School and wants Margot on her side. Progress!

So, okay, Em has a flexible relationship with the truth, and her secret campaign to turn the tables on the popular girls may involve bending some laws. But after years of enduring Sarah J.'s bullying, Margot finds it hard to resist. Her approval rating is finally up - and, it really couldn't hurt to take Sarah down a few notches ... could it?"
________________________________________
First Lines: (From ARC, check final copy for exact wording)

"Did you know that there are literally hundreds of ways to start the year off fresh?
When I was in second grade, my teacher gave us an assignment about it. Everyone had to pick a country and show how they celebrated."
Page 3
________________________________________
Review:

Longest. Summary. Ever. But that's what was on the back of the book. What can ya do!? Anyway, I was given this ARC after someone else had already read it... and I have to say that it must not have been meant for two readings. The pages are totally falling out. Here's hoping the final copies hold up better :).

Okay, so this is about a girl going into the seventh grade and really wants a new beginning. She wants to be more popular and to stop being referred to by unfortunate nicknames. When she begins talking to Em, the new girl, she finds someone who will stand up to the popular group. They begin scheming and making things miserable for them. It does involve some rule breaking, but it's worth it to see them squirm - especially when it results in Margot becoming more popular.

One thing I want to say right off the bat is that Margot drove me crazy. It's not the way she was written, I just know girls like her. They always are more worried about how people see them than anything else. It was almost painful to read her first day of school - walking up to random groups to say hi. Then being dismissed. I mean, pain. ful. I suppose I've always been a little non-conformist... so those people have always gotten on my nerves. Personal opinion, of course.

The cool thing about this book is that it's written about an Indian girl. You wouldn't guess it from the cover. You don't get it in the summary. She just is. That's my favorite kind of "POC" book. You're not hit over the head by their differences - unless it's necessary for the story. And you do get a little background about her father and how she sometimes feels out of place. But it was just done really smoothly and I was glad for it.

The character Em was really interesting to me. At first I was totally cheering for her and was so excited there was someone with a backbone in the story. But then you start learning more about her and how she isn't very good with the truth and she's kinda pushy... But you do get the feeling that Margot is better off from having met her.

I think there are lots of girls who will love this story. It's great for that middle grade reader because it deals with a lot of those bullying issues in school and how they can be dealt with (though I wouldn't recommend all of the tactics they used). It's definitely a light read - even though it's 400 pages long. I do recommend it, but I'm not sure it will be for everyone. Enjoy!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Ten Cent Notes
Literature Young Adult Fiction
Kirkus Reviews
Reading Vacation

Waiting on Wednesday (66)

2011-08-17T14:37:00.004-04:00

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

Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
by Anna Godbersen
To be released: September 20, 2011

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly."

I loved the first book in this series. Though they are similar to Godbersen's first series, there's still something so magical about the Jazz Age. I cannot wait to see what happens to the girls!