Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
ISBN: 9780062107794
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Released: April 24, 2012
Series: Masque of the Red Death #1
Page #: 319
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Everything is in ruins.
A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?
Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup... and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club - in the depths of her own despair - Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for - no matter what it costs her."
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First Lines:

"The charcoal sky spits cold rain as we rumble to a stop at a crossroad. A black cart blocks the road, and even in an armored carriage we know better than to force our way past. 
Burly men stagger to the cart, carrying something between them. Someone."
Page 1
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Review:

Originally, I thought this cover was very interesting - enough that it drew me to the book. But after reading it, I kinda wish it was different. But it served it's purpose... to bring me to this mesmerizing story.

Araby lives in a world where the plague is running rampant. She is the daughter of a scientist/inventor - who created the masks that keep the plague away. But they are only available to the rich and powerful. After losing her twin brother to the plague, she has nothing left to live for - so she spends her time at a club using various ways to forget about her life.  Until one night when Will - the handsome door guy - saves her from herself and she learns about other ways of life. Enough that it changes her own in unimaginable ways.

Okay, so my little overview of the story doesn't give you a full picture of what this book is really about. But there's only so much I can tell you! Let me just put it this way, I loved it. There are so many story lines and crazy things going on - it keeps you on your toes.

On one hand, you have the story of Will and his little brother and sister. The plague has completely ravaged every family - and it has taken his parents from them. Wen Araby learns about their life and how she can help out, they become a big focus for her. She sees them as people she can use her status to help - not just another poor family. Not to mention that she has a thing for Will - the tattooed, mysterious guy from the club.

On the other hand, you have Elliott. He's the brother of her best friend - and, in turn, the nephew of the Prince. He's focused on revolution and fixing the city the way it was always meant to be. In order to do that, he needs Araby. Her father is powerful enough that he could help change things. And Elliott sees her as a means to his ends. But then, of course, he starts to fall for her.

Sigh. Love triangles. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I just had to know what happened next! For me, that's the sign of a great story. I understand that this book is based on a short story written by Poe - which I haven't read. I believe she has really expanded the story to become this amazing steampunk historical thriller adventure. Doesn't that sound insane?! It is :). Though - nowhere does it say this is set in historical times. But there are some hints. I also think it's interesting that there is no designation of place.

Can I just say... darn cliffhangers! There is a ton of action at the end of this book - who betrays her, what happens to them, where they end up... it's amazingly crazy! And luckily, you can sort of see where the story is heading. You've got all of your main characters on their way to an unknown location... and that's all I'm going to give you. I'm hoping that means we will have all of them back in the next one! 

I do take one issue with the book. Because of the heavy drug use, I can only really recommend this book to older high school students. I think many teens could love this one, but that sort of takes it out of the younger set. I'm sure they'd love it to, but within the first ten pages, Araby finds herself in a club looking for absolute oblivion. It really didn't bother me, but I can imagine how that might go over for a few of my librarians.

Truly, I thought this book was fantastic. I'll be recommending it to every person I think could handle it. :) Honestly, this book might be awesome for the adult YA reader. Like moi. Goodreads says there is a second book in the works - and I am absolutely on board for that! I can't wait to see what happens to our characters! 
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Other Blog Reviews:

Candace's Book Blog
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The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
ISBN: 9780373210510
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 24, 2012
Page #: 485
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked - and given the ultimate choice. Die... or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal; including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced the flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend - a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humand and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what - and who - is worth dying for."
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First Lines:

"They hung the Unregistereds in the old warehouse district; it was a public execution, so everyone went to see.
I stood at the back, a nameless face in the crowd, too close to the gallows for comfort but unable to look away. There were three of them this time, two boys and a girl."
Page 9
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Review:

What do you get when you mix dystopian with vampire and a dash of paranormal romance? This book! I love it when genres collide.

Allison is a street rat. A scavenger. An Unregistered. She fights for her life every day. That is... until she gets caught in a situation she can't get out of. Once she's turned into a vampire, she learns all she can and then goes on the run. She meets up with an interesting group of people on the road - and meets Zeke. From there, drama ensues - especially because she cannot tell them what she is.

I love that Allison kicks so much ass. She is the only girl in her small scavenging clan... and then she fights for her life among crazed vampires. Then she takes to a sword like it was built for her - and she seems basically fearless. I really appreciated that she was able to make the hard decisions throughout the book. Particularly in the end... though it left me saying, "Nooooo!" :)

I've said this before, but to reiterate - I understand that the author has nothing to do with the cover. But it sort of bothered me that the face on the cover doesn't match the descriptions ofo Allison - namely, Asian. That's not to say it's a terrible cover - in fact, it's super creepy. And I truly put this book facedown and the spine turned away any time I wasn't reading. The face creeped me out too much.

Okay, so one word... Zeke. What a guy! He's painted as a total religious nthusiast - and a leader among the band of travlers as the adopted son of the preacher, Jeb. And his reaction to Allison swings a dangerous amount throughout the story. I'll just say that I was rooting for him as soon as he showed up in the book.

I feel like I need to thank this author for bringing back bad vampires. The whole tortured soul thing has gone too far and I love seeing them back in this light... or darkness :). They're demons and they don't apologize for that. While Allison holds on to a lot of her humanity, but she has to fight with herself to get there. Quite honestly, it's refreshing.

Those of you wishing for a creepy, wonderful vampire story will love this book. And it has that kick of romance to keep it smooth sailing. I loved (and still love) the Iron Fey series by Kagawa. And this book has proven that I will always read anything she publishes. Such a talented author and she's got another winner here. I look forward to the next one in the Blood of Eden series... next year... sigh. :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

Candace's Book Blog
Endlessly Bookish
Once Upon a Time
YA Booklover Blog
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The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Title: The Book of Blood and Shadow

Author: Robin Wasserman
ISBN: 9780375868764
Publisher: Knopf
Released: April 10, 2012
Page #: 432
Source: My Public Library

Summary:
"Nora's best friend, Chris, is dead. His girlfriend, Adriane, is catatonic. And Max, Nora's sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, is gone. He is also - according to everyone - a murderer.

Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora follows the trail of blood, wherever it leads. It ultimately brings her to the ancient streets of Prague, where she is drawn into a dark web of secret societies and shadowy conspirators, all driven by a mad desire to possess something that might not even exist. For buried in a centuries-old manuscript is the secret to ultimate knowledge and communion with the divine. It is said that he who controls the Lumen Dei controls the world - and unbeknownst to her, Nora now holds the crucial key to unlocking its secrets. Her night of blood is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life."
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First Lines:

"I should probably start with the blood.
If it bleeds it leads and all that, right? It's all anyone ever wants to know about, anyway. What did it look like? What did it feel like? Why was it all over my hands?"
Page 3
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Review:

Typically I love Robin Wasserman's books. Really, I do. But there was something about this one that I really couldn't get into. There are a few words I've found myself using when describing this book... none of them awesome: Dense. Confusing. Unbelievable (pieces of it).

So, the story is about Nora - who is a Latin scholar to the nth. She begins an independant study of translating an ancient text with two of her friends (one who becomes her boyfriend). But this text they are working on holds secrets that an ancient society in Prague wants to get their hands on. Then things start happening to them. There's a murder. There's a disappearance. There's instructions to go halfway across the world. And there's a guy following them.

This book has a very Da Vinci Code vibe. Mixed with The Historian by Kostova. With teens. There's a lot of knowledge that's thrown at you in the first few chapters. Things about Latin and text translating and the history of certain alchemists... stuff that's dense enough to sort of walk away overwhelmed. The bulk of the action and excitement in this book doesn't start, really, until you're over halfway through it. That's when the clues start coming together and things start to pick up. Unfortunately, the first half of the book is pretty bogged down with setting up characters, locations, and backtracking so you understand why things are about to happen like they do.

I know that may people loved this book - several of the reviews I've read have been wonderful. I guess I just wish the story had started at a different point. I also had a little trouble believing in some of the relationships. Nora and Max seem to be very... cautious. And she never seems so in love with him that she feels the need to go to Prague for him - even though that's what she does. It was a little like they dated for the sake of convenience... which doesn't follow for the intense-ness of the rest of the story.

I'm aware the author has nothing to do with the cover - but I really don't see how it relates to the story at all. I mean, you have the tiny reflection of a city in the eye. Otherwise? It doesn't give me any clues to the nature of the story. And it's a little creepy. I kept a post-it over the face when I had the book sitting out.

It's difficult to recommend a book that I had a really hard time getting into. But I do think that someone who has a real interest in foreign languages and alchemical history will think this book is amazing. Maybe it was just too much for me. I will continue to look into books by this author - because I loved her previous stuff. So... onward and upward! :)
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Other Blog Reviews:

Ladybug Storytime
{Bookish Comforts}
YA Book Queen
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I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Title: I Hunt Killers
Author: Barry Lyga
ISBN: 9780316125840
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Released: April 3, 2012
Page #: 361
Source: My public library

Summary:
"It was a beautiful day.
It was a beautiful field.
Except for the body.

Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer, some 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, even though Dad has been in jail for years, bodies are piling up in the sleepy town of Lobo's Nod. Again.

In an effort to prove murder doesn't run in the family, Jazz joins the police in the hunt for this new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret - could he be more like his father than anyone knows?
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First Lines:

"By the time Jazz got to the field outside town, yellow police tape was everywhere, strung from stake to stake in a sort of drunken, off-kilter hexagon."
Page 3
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Review:

This book was waaaayyy more than I was bargaining for. It was creepy. It was hilarious. It was sad. It was freaky. It was intense. And so much more. I was not prepared, I will say that.

Jazz is the son of a serial killer. His father spent his days teaching his son about the trade. Giving him pointers, helping him get started, etc. But now that his dad is behind bars, Jazz is trying to figure out who he is and what kind of person he's going to be. He fights the instinct to think of everyone as a prospect - a victim. Luckily, he has a couple of good friends who are able to talk him through things. Now that more murders are happening in their small town, Jazz feels like he needs to solve them because he has insider info. Well, that and it keeps the police from thinking he's following in his father's footsteps.

Serial killers are fascinating. That's just a fact. People write whole biographies on them just because it's interesting to see how their minds work - how they see the world. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have one for a parent. I guess that's why this book is so crazy. A teenage boy worrying more about whether he has the genes to kill - instead of thinking about parties, homework, and girls (to an extent and not in that order).

While this book has the potential to be the heaviest book ever - it's got some series comedy. Howie, Jazz's best friend... who is a hemophiliac... completely balances out the story. He's spent his life tiptoe-ing around and has learned that humor is the best medicine. I pretty much loved all of his quips and his attitude and his outlook on life. I'm pretty sure Howie was my favorite character. There's also Jazz's girlfriend, Connie. He's started to tell her all of his thoughts and worries and dreams and fears - and she still stands beside him. I think that's amazing... I can only imagine how many other girls would take it.

This story is also a mystery - there have been murders starting again in their small town and Jazz is out to catch the killer. He's got the skills, the knowledge, and the drive to find out what's happening. Even if it puts him and his friends in harms way. Oh! And his grandmother! I can't believe I forgot... she was hilarious! Well, unintentionally. She's basically senile. And Jazz lives with her. There's the dynamic of her having a serial killer son - and then totally losing reality altogether. But there are some amazing things that come out of her mouth. So watch out! :)

I will say that this book is super gory and a bit explicit. We're talking, very specific descriptions of murder scenes... or things from Jazz's memory. It was a little more than I was anticipating, but it really makes the story that much more edgy and believable. But be aware! Not for the faint of heart! Or the faint at the thought of blood-ers. Lyga is good at taking difficult subjects and turning them into heartfelt stories. Definitely something I admire.

If you're into real life horror stories, then definitely give this book a shot. It's probably one of those niche books. Not everyone is going to love it - but it's so well written that they just might! I'll definitely recommend it on to those readers who love a good mystery or scary story. Though, probably high school only. Wouldn't wanna scare the kiddies :). Seriously, I had trouble reading this book at nighttime. My imagination is way too good sometimes! So yeah, read with caution!
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Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Fever

Author: Lauren DeStefano

ISBN: 9781442409071

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Released: February 21, 2012

Page #: 341

Source: My Public Library

Summary:

"Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion. But danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trip, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine's twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can't seem to elude Rhine's father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion... by any means necessary.

In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano's harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever."
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First Lines:

"We run, with water in our shoes and the smell of the ocean clinging to our frozen skin.

I laugh, and Gabriel looks at me like I'm crazy, and we're both out of breath, but I'm able to say, 'We made it,' over the sound of distant sirens."

Page 1

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Review:

If you haven't read the first book - Wither - yet, I very much suggest you do so. I loved that book and was super pumped for this second one. I wasn't sure what to expect, but there's a lot going on in this story.

So, Gabriel and Rhine escaped. But not for long - they end up in the hands of a crazy woman who pretty much runs a brothel in a carnival setting. It's crazy-sauce. Then they're on the run again - trying to get to New York to find Rhine's brother. Of course, they find opposition again and get dragged into very strange circumstances. And THEN... the world falls apart. Well, Rhine's world, at least. I'll leave that vague for ya :).

If the first book shows you what life was like for a sister wife of a rich man and his son, then this book is all about the world outside. How things are dealt with. The perils young women face. The stark reality that there is no safe place. I was a little surprised that it's so different from our world, yet things like mass transit still are in place. I guess that means there are still enough people to continue the cycle of life. Because the first book is so sheltered, I pictured the world a bit more bleak. More... dead. I was wrong, obviously.

One thing that I had a hard time getting through in this book is the amount of it spent in a medicated or sickly haze. There's a lot of it. There's drugs that they take themselves - or are forced on them... and then there's the sickness that leaves reality a bit more colorful. I found it hard to read through these parts - mostly because there was a ton of hallucinating. I understand that it works with the ailments... it just made things hard to read for me. Of course, on the other hand, it gives you even more insight to how things are perceived by our main characters. It occurs to me that the book is aptly named.

While there are crazy things that happen at every turn, I'm not sure any of them are overly surprising. Well, except the very last page. That gave me a shock and hope for the next book. Everything else is almost expected. I have read a couple of reviews that said this same thing. Shocking stuff, but not unexpected. I had a few times that I thought, "Well, of course he did." And, "What did you think would happen?" I liked a few of the characters that were added into this book - Silas and Claire, specifically. I hope to see them in the next leg of the story.

Now, while there are a few things that I had issue with - I still really enjoyed this story. There's lots of action, insane situations, and hope for the future. So I really can't complain. I know that the third book will really pull it all together. I can't wait for that... whenever that might be. If you liked the first book, I absolutely suggest you read this one. And then tap your toes with me for the third. :). I just know it will be amazing.

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Other Blog Reviews:

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District YA

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The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

Title: The Compound
Author: S.A. Bodeen
ISBN: 9781606407837 (Audio)
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Page #: 6 hour audiobook
Released: April 29, 2008
Source: My Public Library

Summary:
"Eli and his family have lived in the Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone.
Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. Now, they can't get out. He won't let them.

Dad asked me if I wanted to see more of the Compound.
I didn't. We would have to wait fifteen years before it would be safe to go outside. Which left more than enough time to see the rest of the Compound. Our new world.

A world I would soon hate."
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First Lines:

"Therese dribbled past me, switching hands as I'd taught her. A few months shy of twelve, she'd gotten taller in the last year, but still came only halfway up my chest. With her dark hair in the same braids she always had, the shrimp looked closer to ten."
Page 1
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Review:

Thinking back on this book as a whole, there is one word that stands out: Distressing. Not in a bad-book kinda way... but in a "omg, can you imagine?!?" kinda way.

Eli's father has always been obsessed with nuclear attacks. He built a massive world for his family underground for just such an occassion. One night, they are forced into their new home - leaving two of their family members behind. Six years later, Eli is now a teen and has started to question the logic of staying underground. While his father tried to plan for everything, there are some things that aren't going according to plan and they are starting to contemplate drastic measures. Eli discovers that his father is hiding more than he thought...

I almost had a physical reaction to parts of this book. Namely, gagging. Seriously, there are some things about this story that are highly disturbing. It's the story about a family pushed to the edge - their food supplies are starting to run low, they're sure that they are the only ones left... just seriously dire circumstances. I actively gagged at the description of their solution to the no-more-meat problem... and their lack-of-milk problem. As I was listening to this book, there were a few parts where I had to stop and get ahold of myself before I could go back to it. whew... so disturbing.

That aside, the concept of being trapped underground with your family for fifteen years is intense. I think it would only work in the way it's described in this book - a gazillionaire builds this fortress that is stocked with everything you could possibly need or want. Otherwise you'd be miserable - and, of course, that's exactly what they were. But it's very interesting to think of the things you'd like to have with you if you know you'll be trapped for that long.

I was a little worried that there wasn't going to be much action in this story. I mean, there's only so much that these characters can do. But once Eli starts to figure out some of the lies his father told, it becomes nonstop drama. I could sort of see where this story was going to go - once one little piece fell into place. And the author did a great job leading up to the massive ending. I thought it was really well done and I was on the edge of my seat until we got there.

I saw that someone described this book as psychological thriller - and I agree 100%. If you love intense stories, I definitely recommend it for you. I'm not sure this story is for everyone, but I think those that try it will love it. I'm now tempted to check out the other stuff by this author. I do see that there is a companion coming for this book in the next year or so - I'll definitely be checking that out. I can only imagine where that will lead!
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Annette's Book Spot
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Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

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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The Obscured Vixen
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Department 19 by Will Hill

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..."
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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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Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

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."
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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
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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.
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Other Blog Reviews:

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Enclave by Ann Aguirre

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."
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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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Variant by Robison Wells

Title: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
ISBN: 9780062026088
Publisher: HarperCollins
Released: October 18, 2011
Page #: 375
Source: ARC from the publisher @ BEA

Summary (subject to change with final draft):
"Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life. He was wrong. Now he's trapped in a school surrounded by a razor-wire fence, where video cameras monitor his every move - and where breaking the rules equals death. When he stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that escape may be impossible.

In this pulse-pounding dystopian thriller, Robison Wells artfully blends the action of Gone with the tension and suspense of The Maze Runner and Lord of the Flies. The result is a story that is unpredictable and hauntingly real."
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First Lines:

(subject to change with final draft)
"'This isn't one of those scare-you-straight schools, is it?' I asked Ms. Vaughn, as we passed through the heavy chain-link gate. The fence was probably twelve feet tall, topped with a spool of razor wire, like the kind on repo lots and prisons."
Page 1
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Review:

I know that the description lists this book as dystopian, but I'm not sure that's how I would classify it. The story takes place within this school where the students are being watched and are being punished according to crazy rules. So the dystopian society is inside the school (or perhaps the people running the place), but it's set in today's world. That makes it a little more difficult to classify, but I'll go with it.

Okay, so imagine that you got accepted to this amazing school and they were giving you a full scholarship. You've been in foster care all your life and nothing has ever gone right for you. Of course you jump at the chance to go to this wonderful new life. Only to find out that when you get there, things are not exactly as you would expect. There are no teachers, no adults... just a bunch of kids who have separated themselves into gangs. You'd want out, right? The only problem is that you're locked in - and to attempt escape is punishable by death. Crazy, right?

The more Benson finds out about this school, the more he tries to plan his escape. The classes are barely that and they are required to play paintball at any time. It's as though they are a part of some huge experiment to see how they survive on their own. And when he starts to find out some of the secrets... that's when things really start to go down.

I got seriously sucked into this story. Enough that I just sat down and read most of it today. It pulls you in with the action of paintball and fighting strategies. It's also interesting to think of how they have segregated themselves into these gangs. I can't even imagine where I'd place myself if I realized what was going on. You spend a lot of the book trying to figure out the end game for the people watching the students. They are made to do some crazy things - and you can't help but wonder why they are doing those things.

I promise not to ruin the ending for you. I totally didn't see it coming, though. There were a lot of "hang on, what?!" moments toward the ending there. I also found myself saying "oh no! oh no!" throughout the last, like, 100 pages. It's craziness. Not to mention that there is a HU.MON.GOUS. cliffhanger. Now that I've finished the book, I think I'm more confused than I was during the story. But trust me when I say I will definitely be reading the next book!!

Those that love dystopian novels and action/adventure stuff will really get into this one. There's almost non-stop action and lots of conspiracy talk. I think boys especially will be glad they got their hands on this one. It's an amazing story of life and loss and friendships that will have you second guessing the whole time.

I will absolutely be recommending this book. I think lots of readers will love it and I cannot wait to hear their reactions. I need people to discuss the ending with - it's just that insane. :) I believe this is the first YA book for this author (please correct me if I'm wrong). And I am excited to see what else this he has to offer in the future! Well, including the second book to this novel - as I'm now in need of knowing what happened.
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The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Dark and Hollow Places
Author: Carrie Ryan
ISBN: 9780385738590
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Page #: 374
Source: My public library

Summary:
"There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face before Annah left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the Horde as they swarmed the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.

Annah's world stopped that day, and she's been waiting for Elias to come home ever since. Somehow, without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Until she meets Catcher, and everything feels alive again.

But Catcher has his own secrets. Dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah has longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And how it's up to Annah - can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?"
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First Lines:

"The city used to be something once. I've seen pictures of the way it gleamed - sun so bright off windows it could burn your eyes. At night, lights shouted from steel like catcalls, loud and lewd, while all day long white-gloved men rushed to open doors for women who tottered about on sky-scraper heels."
Page 1
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Review:

I could not possibly be more in love with the Forest of Hands and Teeth books than I am. But this latest book has pushed that even a little more. *sigh* love. See my other reviews:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
The Dead Tossed Waves

Okay, so these books are about zombies... but not in the typical zombie terms. The Unconsecrated, the Mudo, the Plague Rats. Can you imagine a world where they have taken over and it was only a matter of time until you became one of them!? Yikes. But the three books are about people who are surviving and trying to figure out how to stay alive and rebuild.

This third book in the series was absolutely my favorite. Perhaps it's because I already loved the first two and knew I'd love this one. But this third one pulled me in and I couldn't shake loose even if I'd wanted to (which I didn't). And there was nonstop action that creeped me out most of the time - enough that I had to put the book down, stand up, have an all-over heebie-jeebie dance, and sit down to read again.

Unlike the first book, the third one pulls in characters from the second one. The first one almost seems stand-alone-ish in that respect. But it's interesting to see the characters from a different perspective. You hear about our main girl Annah in the second book, but you don't get as much of a feel for her. But I found myself really loving her throughout this book. All of the girls in Ryan's stories are pretty darn kick-ass and I love that. Annah is no different.

While the whole mudo thing gives me the heebie jeebies, I really love the concept. I've often thought that here in NYC, something could spread like wildfire in a matter of hours. It would take nothing around here. Mostly because people don't even notice what's going on around them. I found it interesting that this third book is set in a city (ahem) just like this one. I can only imagine what it would be like.

Honestly, if you haven't read any of the Forest of Hands and Teeth books, you need to do it right now. Each one just gets better and better. They are super creepy (to me, at least), so I'm gonna recommend them for older teens. But really, it's great for everyone. Just violent. Well written violence :). These are some of my favorite books of... ever.

I really hope we get more about these characters - there's so much more to know! It's not so much a cliffhanger as a non-ending. I do hope there's more, but I haven't heard about any more in this series. If you have, please let me know! :) Happy reading (and don't get too freaked out).
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Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves

Title: Slice of Cherry
Author: Dia Reeves
ISBN: 9781416986201
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page #: 505
Source: My own copy (won from a contest, I believe)

Summary:
"Kit and Fancy Cordelle are sisters of the best kind: best friends, best confidants, and best accomplices. The daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, Kit and Fancy are used to feeling like outsiders, and that's just the way they like it. But in Portero, where the weird and wild run rampant, the Cordelle sisters are hardly the oddest or most dangerous creatures around.

It's no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire - the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren't killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from their father's mistakes and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities..."
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First Lines:

"Fancy only allowed three people in the whole world to get close to her: Daddy, who was on death row; Madda, who was working the graveyard shift; and Kit, who was dead to the world in the bed next to hers. And so when she awoke to find a prowler hanging over her, violating her personal space, her first instinct was to jab her dream-diary pencil into his eye."
Page 3
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Review:

Wow. This book blows all other horror/thriller out of the water. I don't think any book is creepier.

So, this one is about two sisters who are the kids of a serial killer - and they've taken on many of his attributes. Meaning, they love killing. Like, all the way to the core. It's a crazy premise, right? Well, that's just the base of the story. After that it gets to be about family and relationships. In a very twisted way.

Honestly, I loved the story. I just had to wrap my head around the whole sadistic thing before I could get to the meat of the book. But once you do, it's a very interesting concept. It's about sisters being so close that other relationships were difficult. And finding out how different they are - even though they have seen themselves as the same until that point. Just a very cool story.

There needs to be a warning label on this book :). I kid. I kid. Sort of. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. There's lots of killing, lots of sexual situations, plenty of language. It's just packed with crazy stuff. But all of that puts this book in the upper YA category. I can imagine that this book will be too much for some adults. So, read with care.

But that being said, I thought this book was amazingly written and thought out. It's so unique that I almost don't know how to classify it - other than horror. I will be recommending this book to those who can handle the intense-ness of this book. I loved Bleeding Violet by this same author. I think if you loved that, then you will really get into this book as well.
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Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Title: Darkness Becomes Her
Author: Kelly Keaton
ISBN: 9781442409248
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page #: 273
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood uot. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long-dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting too close. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: She must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush, rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very ... different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed."
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First Lines:

"Under the cafeteria table, my right knee bounced like a jackhammer possessed. Adrenaline snaked through my limbs, urging me to bolt, to hightail it out of Roquemore House and never look back."
Page 1
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Review:

I seriously picked up this book because of the cover. Period. I just got lucky that the story was awesome. Honestly, I loved this book enough that I'm going to attempt to review without gushing. Let's see if I can do it.

This is a story set in New 2 - New Orleans after major hurricanes and the government sells the land to the nine oldest families in the city. There are rumors about the place having paranormal activity and attracts strange attention for it. One girl, Ari, is strange outside of New 2. And she goes on a search for her birth parents - having been in the system all her life. When her search leads her into New 2, she finds out some crazy things and realizes there is way more to the story.

There are so many aspects to this story that I love.
A. New Orleans. Or New 2. Whatever. I love that city. It's a magical place where I can definitely see living for the rest of forever. It's got more personality than I can even get a handle on. Not to mention that it's just beautiful. It's the perfect backdrop for an urban fantasy novel. I felt like I traveled there every time I picked up the book. Even with half the city in decay, it lends the perfect feel.

B. Mythology. You get the mythology portion about halfway through the story - but it adds a layer that you couldn't have otherwise imagined. I don't think I'm giving anything away by telling you the main goddess in this story is Athena. I think she is one of my favorite mythological characters. I do wish there had been a little more backstory on her. There seems to have been a lot of drama between her and other gods that I would have like to read about. But perhaps there will be another book or something :).

C. Romance. It was a very interesting romance from the beginning. I did wonder that they fell a little fast for each other, but perhaps that's just part of the atmosphere. Nothing is normal, everything happens fast, etc. But I loved the imagery around Sebastian. He's one of those characters I'd like to meet, you know?

I really think that people who love paranormal romances will really get into this book. Or urban fantasy. Or Horror, really. There is a serious creepy factor in this book that gave me goosebumps. So, it's good for all! Well, I will say that there is language and one scene that puts this a little older. I'd say probably 9th grade and up.

Honestly, I'm now in love with this author. One book was enough. But I'm really hoping there is more to this story. Fingers crossed for a second book! The website gives nothing away... of course, this book only came out a month ago. Ah well. Great book! Recommending to everyone I know. Oh oh!!! I just checked out her facebook page and there IS a sequel! Already written and everything. Well, now I'm excited. :)
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