Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Title: Second Star
Author: Alyssa B. Sheinmel
ISBN: 9780374382674
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: May 13, 2014
Page #: 248
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"An irresistible summer romance about two young men who refuse to grow up - and a troubled beauty who is trapped between them.

This contemporary seaside adventure about loss, lies, and first love is tinged with darkness and a touch of magical realism as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy's journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove's charismatic leader, Pete, but she also becomes entangled with Pete's nemesis, the dust-dealing Jas, who lurks nearby. A radical reinvention of J.M. Barrie's classic, here is Peter Pan as you've never imagined it, a love triangle set in the endless summer of modern-day coastal California."
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First Lines: (Quoted from the galley. See final version for edits.)


"I can smell the bonfire before I even get out of the car. It's dusk, and the sun is low on the water. According to my watch, it's only been four hours since I officially graduated high school."
Page 3
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Review:

I'm not sure I've loved any retelling more than this one. It makes me wanna pack up and move to California to live the life of a surfer. With my zero athletic skill and pretty awesome stable job. Seems reasonable.

Wendy's twin brothers (John and Michael Darling, aww) went missing after traveling the coast to find a huge wave. It seems like they're gone forever, but Wendy can't accept that. She goes on a journey to find her brothers at whatever cost. She doesn't expect to find herself caught up in the surfer/runaway lifestyle, but she falls for it hard. Almost as hard as she falls for Pete. But soon she starts unraveling what may have happened and has no idea which way is up anymore.

I am going to admit that it's been a really long time since I've read/watched anything Peter Pan related, so I don't have the best knowledge of the story. That really didn't matter all that much to understand this book, but there were some things that brought back my memory of the original. The dog named Nana. The rival groups. The runaway kids. But I think this story is more subtle than that. It doesn't seem like an actual remake... just loosely pulling themes and characters from another. And I think it succeeds in that.

One of my favorite things about this story was the "second star" explanation. It made me really think about the original story and how the stars are such an important part of their lives. In this book, it's all about wishing on the stars. There is something very sweet, beautiful, and innocent about the way it's portrayed in this story. You find yourself wishing along with Wendy and hoping she finds everything she needs. 

While the book is based on Peter Pan, there's a lot that separates it. The setting is obviously California surfer culture... that easy, breezy lifestyle where nothing but the next big wave is important. It's easy to see how Wendy would fall down that rabbit hole. There's also the love triangle between Wendy, Pete, and Jas. The two tribe leaders that hate each other. One huge thing that seems different (unless I'm not remembering correctly) is the drug use. There's a drug called Dust that Jas sells to anyone willing and people almost immediately become addicted. It's actually an interesting cautionary tale in that way, but the semi-fantasy element of it makes it somehow more accessible.

I absolutely LOVED this book and I know it will find that perfect summer read sweet spot. There were some surprising twists and turns that keep you wondering what is going to happen next. In fact, the ending leaves you hanging a little bit - but in the best possible way. I've already got at least three or four people in mind that I need to pass this book to.
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Other Blog Reviews:

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The Reader Bee
Miss Fictional's World of YA Books
Cape Cod Scribe
Amanda's Daily Grind
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The Airship Library

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
ISBN: 9780312641894
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Released: January 03, 2012
Page #: 387
Source: ARC from the Publisher

Summary:
"Even in the future, the story begins with once upon a time....
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.

In this thrilling young adult debut novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer's rebooted fairy tale introduces readers to a heroine and a masterfully crafted world that isn't the Cinderella you remember - but it's the one you won't forget."
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First Lines:

"The screw through Cinder's ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the joint as she strugled to loosen the screw one gritting twist after another."
Page 3
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Review:

Cinderella is a cyborg?! I love it. I was on board as soon as I heard the premise. How cool could that be? The answer? Very. Very very cool.

Cinder is a mechanic - and a cyborg. Her stepmother and stepsister both hate her and blame her for everything. She is property to them... not a person. But when the prince takes notice of her, her entire life is flipped on its head. Everyone begins to take notice of her - for one reason or another - which is totally unexplored territory for her. As with Cinderella, there is a huge ball that she isn't allowed to go to. Dun Dun Duuuuunnnn.

This book was so good! Seriously. I think I'm going to put it in the hands of everyone I know. It's so well written and I loved how the Cinderella stuff is thrown in there. I honestly forgot that it was a rewritten story until there was some mention of something fairy tale-like. Which I think is really cool. It seems like such an original story - which it is! But the bones are from Cinderella. It was just an interesting concept and done so well. Love. It.

One thing I wasn't expecting was the setting. I mean, it's New Beijing. So, China. Ask me how many times I've read books set in China. The answer isn't many. But that makes the whole story seem even more exotic than it already is (which is a lot). It's also set extremely far into the future - after a couple of world wars. So the world has been rebuilt and things are not at all like we know it now. Even so, there are some things that hint back to Chinese heritage throughout the book. Enough that it keeps my mind set there (which is good because typically I end up mentally American-izing every story). So bravo to the author for that!

There are some things you find out at the end of the story that leave you totally questioning what's going to happen next. I cannot wait to find out what happens to Cinder. I do have to say that the mystery that is revealed is not all that shocking. I mean, I'm glad I guessed correctly, but I wasn't super-surprised. It just made sense! And it gives the story an extra layer of depth (as though it needed it).

The Lunars are an interesting addition to the story. They are a magical people who live on the moon. And they may or may not have carried a deadly plague to earth - for which there is no cure. Yeah, exactly. I love that their magic is sort of explained scientifically. And the idea that there is a whole civilization on the moon is very crazy. Of course, the Earthens hate them - with good reason. And they seem like terrible people. Their queen comes to visit Earth (and the Prince) and I couldn't help but dislike everything that came out of her mouth. Darn Lunars :).

Seriously, you have to read this book. I know that the next one comes out next year sometime - and seems like a companion rather than a continuation. But hopefully we will get the answer to the questions of Cinder's life. Who is she? What will she do? Where will she go? Will she survive?! EEEK! This book was amazing. I have already recommended it around the office and plan on making a few people read it. I'm definitely a Marissa Meyer fan at the moment :).
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Other Blog Reviews:

Reading for Sanity
Blueshelled
Kiss and Tell
That Blog Belongs to Emily Brown
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Novel Thoughts
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Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
ISBN: 9780062071132
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Released: January 24, 2012
Page #: 370
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Last Spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned - to her old life, her family, her boyfriend - before she's banished back to the underworld... this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack the person most devastated by her disappearance - and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen."
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First Lines:

"I was picturing his face - a boy with floppy brown hair and brown eyes - when the Feed ended.
At first I didn't know what had happened. I didn't know where I was or why it was so dark. I knew only that the pain inside me - the feeling that I was being drained from the inside out - had subsided, and now everything was numb. Maybe I no longer existed."
Page 5
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Review:

I'm not gonna lie... I was so very confused for the first, about, half of this book. I think I got everything figured out in the end, but it took me a little while to get there. All the same, I thought it was a really interesting book.

Nikki has spent the last century in Everneath being drained of her energy/life force by Cole. Typically, this causes the person to wither up and die soon after. But Nikki survives and Cole is convinced this means she is the one he's meant to rule the underworld with. But Nikki has another plan - there is one face she pictured through the entire Feed... Jack. Her boyfriend on the Surface. She has to go back to him and her family to explain why she was gone (since it was only 6 months of real time). She soon realizes going back was harder than she imagined. And that she won't be allowed to stay. She has six months to put everything back to normal.

So, this is less of a retold myth - more of a story built on top of a myth. Making it bigger, more interesting, and possibly true. I was expecting a Persephone story - which it sort of is... but really isn't. You have the whole six months up, six months down thing, but it's not a permanent arrangement. The Everlings (like Cole) take different people down each time to get the energy they need to survive. It just so happens that Nikki survived - I do think that the myth-like story will show through in the next book. If things go like I think they might.

Can I just tell you that I hated the ending of this story. No really. It does NOT turn out the way I imagined it would. I do wonder if part of that is the setting up for the next story (I checked the author's blog and it looks like there will be another one). I definitely will have to read the next book because I have to find out if things turn out better. But be aware... you may want to throw this book against a wall when you get to the ending. I sure did.

At the start of this story, I was really worried that Nikki would be a pushover character. She seemed weak and sad and just sort of pathetic. I did realize that was part of the draining that happened occurs before the start of the book... but it's hard to put those pieces together. You do have some flashbacks to her personality and such before, but I wished for more of that. I almost wish the first book had been before the Feed - it would have given me more to work from, I think.

Okay, so I realize that I've wished several parts of this book were totally different... but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Honestly, I thought it was a really smart and interesting story. It weaves in the mythology with ease and you are left wondering if it all might be possible. I know that many readers of paranormal stories will really get into this one. I'll definitely be recommending it. It's worth your time and I'm absolutely ready for the next book... whenever that might be.
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Other Blog Reviews:

YA Books Central
My 5 Monkeys
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Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
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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:

The Great, the Good and the Bad
The Book Smugglers
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IB Book Blogging
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A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blkosiner's Book Blog
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Walker of Worlds
IB Book Blogging
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The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
ISBN: 9780373210268
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 2011
Page #: 304
Source: ebook from NetGalley

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
"It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess."
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First Lines: (from the galley, so final copy subject to change)

"'How did it happen this time?'
Henry tensed at the sound of her voice, and he tore his eyes away from the lifeless body on the bed long enough to look at her."
Page 7
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Review:

I am a sucker for all reworked stories - or modern versions of ancient tales. That is exactly what this story is, but it comes with a few more twists. It's more like a modern story about gods and goddesses in our current world - and taking place after events in some of the stories. So cool!

This is the story of Kate who has moved from NYC to take care of her dying mother. She starts at a new school and meets a few people who change the course of her life. A huge turning point is where she has to bargain for the life of a classmate with someone who can save her. Unfortunately, she bargains with her own life.

Effectively, this is the story of Hades and Persephone reworked. It's post-Persephone, so Hades has been searching for a new partner to help him rule the Underworld. There's a lot of the Greek stories, but it's also fairly hidden in the characters you meet. You aren't told who people are until the end of the story - and I was shocked. I wasn't expecting some of the characters to be that important! Very cool thing to do. Though... they were a bit more human-like than I recall in the original Greek stories.

I was really rooting for Kate. She gives off the sort of sadness of someone constantly dealing with death. The sickness of her mother has shaped her personality and how she deals with things. But because of this, she eagerly accepts deals to help her and the people she loves. While she starts out a little sad... I ended up really getting excited about how things turned out.

There's a little romance in this story, but it's not at all the main theme. It actually is specifically the opposite. Kate isn't interested in guys and she's not interested in doing anything but saving her mother. But that base for a relationship helps it grow from friendship. It seemed a little more organic to me. I really liked that.

I think anyone who loves stories about gods and goddesses will really get into this book. Especially if you love paranormal romance as well. It's a great story and I definitely recommend it. As far as I can tell, this is the author's first book. It was wonderful and I cannot wait for more from her. The second book is set to be released next spring - I will definitely be in line for that!
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Infinite Shelf
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A Bookworm's Haven
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Artemis the Brave by Joan Holub & Suzanne WIlliams

Title: Artemis the Brave (Goddess Girls #4)
Author(s): Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
ISBN: 9781416982746
Publisher: Aladdin
Page #: 221
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Artemis's friends and classmates see her as the most courageous goddessgirl at school. Little do they know that despite her expert archery skills, the smelly Geryon, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and scorpions in Beast-ology class scare her as much as they do anyone else! But what's really bothering her now is that funny feeling she has whenever she looks at Orion. She's never had a crush before. Will she find the courage to talk to Orion, to make him see her as more than a pal, and to ace Beast-ology class?

Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythic skills."
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First Lines:

"On silver-winged magic sandals, Artemis zoomed through the Forest of Beasts, her feet gliding just inches above the mossy forest floor. 'Come out, come out, wherever you are.' she singsonged under her breath."
Page 1
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Review:

I reviewed the first three books in the Goddess Girls series here.

Yes, I lumped the first three books together, but the fifth one isn't out yet... so I'm just going to do this one by itself. Again, these are children's books (maybe middle grade), which is something I don't read very often. But the Goddess Girl books have really grabbed my attention - purely because they're adorable.

As I said in my last review, I've always been a big fan of mythology stories. The authors have taken those stories and put them in a school setting. It really works perfectly. Picturing those characters as young teens or middle graders is kinda weird, but it really is done well.

This story is all about Artemis and her amazing bravery when faced with challenges. Except this time she's challenged with a boy. Before this, she has found her friend's crushes to be irritating... but now she's caught in one herself. And not with a boy who anyone expected. I loved how disorganized and crazy Artemis seemed at times - she's one of my faves.

As much as this book is about Artemis, you really get a good look at Orion as well. I don't know much about his story, so I'm not sure how close it is to the actual stories. But I loved the ending and how things turned out with him. I won't tell ya what happened, but it was really fun.

I know that many people will love the Goddess Girls books - even if they are written for children. Guess that means they are just a fun and fast read for the rest of us. I'll be recommending them, for sure. I have a few Goddess lovers that I know will get a kick out of these. Get ready for April when the next book comes out!

Check out the websites for these two authors: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
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Other Blog Reviews:

Poisoned Rationality
In the Hammock Book Reviews
Ashley's Bookshelf
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Lost for Words

Cloaked in Red by Vivian Vande Velde

Title: Cloaked in Red

Author: Vivian Vande Velde

ISBN: 9780761457930

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Page #: 127

Source: From my public library

Summary:

"So you think you know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the girl with the unfortunate name and the inability to tell the difference between her grandmother and a member of a different species? Well, then, try your hand at answering these questions:

* Which character (not including LIttle Red herself) ist he most fashion challenged?

* Who (not including the wolf) is the scariest?

* Who is the strangest? (Notice we're not 'not including' anyone, because they're all a little off.)

* Who (no fair saying 'the author') has stuffing for brains?

Vivian Vande Velde has taken eight new looks at one of the world's most beloved (and mixed-up) stories. You may never look at fairy tales in quite the same way again."

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First Lines:

"Once upon a time, after fashion was discovered but before people had makeovers on TV, there was a young girl named Meg."

Page 16 (From The Red Cloak)

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Review:

This book was a lot different from what I was expecting. I didn't realize it was going to be several short stories that took the Little Red Riding Hood story and altered it. Though, what a cute idea?! There are so many different ways this story can be told - and tons of perspectives. I loved how the author explored every one of them.

From the "first lines" section up there, you can see that the author took a really humorous view of the Red Riding Hood story. And, to be honest, she's right about how it doesn't always make sense. Especially when you consider all of the weird things that happen in the original versions. But the author took those stories and gave them a facelift for the better. Not to mention the great first lines of each story - I'd write them all here, but I don't wanna give them all away :).

There are a few of the stories in this book that pull in a couple of other fairy tales or myths. My favorite was the one about the nearsighted old man who gathers wood in the forest. Very fun. And I also loved the one about the cloak being given the gift of being smart. The ending on that one made me smile.

I really think that anyone who loves retold fairy tales will get a kick out of this book. The author does a fantastic job deconstructing the story and putting it back together in weird and awesome ways. I'll definitely be recommending it to many of my teens - it seems that retold stories are seriously in vogue right now. This is also a really quick read with all of the stories broken up.

Check out the author's website to see all of the amazing books she's written. I'm in awe :).

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Other Blog Reviews:

Teen Book Review Blog
Small Review
Books4Hearts
Becky's Book Reviews
Amber's Teen Reads (negative)
Teens Know Best

Goddess Girls by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Titles: Athena the Brain; Persephone the Phony; Aphrodite the Beauty
Authors: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
ISBNs: 9781416982715; 9781416982722; 9781416982739
Publisher: Aladdin
Page #'s: 160; 137; 156
Source: From my public library

Summary:
"Athena has always been above average. She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact. When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history - Medusa!"

"As Persephone's mother encourages her to do, she often 'goes along to get along' instead of doing what she really wants. But then she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually listens to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that other goddessgirls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special - and so comfortable - can he really be all that bad?"

"Aphrodite delights in helping mortals in love, but she's pretty annoyed at the constant attention she gets from the godboys at Mount Olympus Academy. When she decides to give Athena a makeover, she's a bit unprepared for the result. She didn't count on all the interest Athena's new look would get. And she certainly never thought she'd find herself jealous of one of her best friends! Will she be able to put the jealousy behind her?"
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Review:

I don't read children's books. Really, I don't. And that's exactly what these are. But can you blame me? Look at how cute those covers are?! I honestly couldn't resist. And who doesn't love a good story about the gods and goddesses? That was one of my favorite topics in school - the Greeks and their deities.

As I said, these books are written for children. So they've taken the stories of Athena, Persephone, and Aphrodite and turned them on their heads. And put them in a high school situation. It's actually really clever to think of Mount Olympus as a huge school for all the gods and goddesses. They learn about spells, magic, heroes, and more. All the great characters make an appearance at some point, but all of them are high school aged - except for Zeus and the teachers, of course.

The first book, Athena the Brain, sets up the whole Mount Olympus Academy world. It starts with her finding out she is a goddess, along with finding out she actually does have parents. The book does a good job setting everything up and giving you the who's who in the school. It mostly shows Athena learning the ropes - things like, blocking your brainstorms so they don't rain down on earth. This one is a really fun start to this series.

The second book is about Persephone and her finding out who she really is. She's spent so much time pleasing other people, that she doesn't know herself. An instrumental part of her finding herself is meeting and falling for Hades - another god at the high school. You do have to suspend your knowledge of the original story for this one - because you don't have the whole kidnapping thing going on. But it's a cute retelling that children will love. Probably :).

And the third book I read was Aphrodite the Beauty. Her entire life is filled with concerns about looks and love and crushes. Aphrodite's story is the one that feels most like a regular popular high school girl. She gives a friend a makeover and the friend becomes more popular than she is. It's an old story, of course. But in the context of Aphrodite, it was a lot of fun.

I think I would describe this series (or at least the first three books) as an adorable retelling of some ancient stories. They really do pull in all of the elements of the gods - what they eat, what they can do, how they travel and more. These are a neat way of telling the stories to children in a fun and seriously cute package.

Check out the websites of the authors: Suzanne Williams and Joan Holub. I know there are more Goddess Girls books coming out, so I will probably have to read those as well. Too cute to be ignored!
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Other Blog Reviews:

GreenBeanTeenQueen
Wondrous Reads
I am a Reader, Not a Writer
Zoe's Book Reviews (author interviews)
The Trades
Biblio File

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

Title: Princess of Glass
Author: Jessica Day George
ISBN: 9781599904788
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Page #: 257
Source: From My Library

Summary:
"Having once been cursed to dance every night with her sisters, Princess Poppy has vowed never again to put on a pair of dancing slippers. Which is why she's reluctant to participate in the royal exchange program that her father and some of their neighbor kings have cooked up.

Life in far-off Breton isn't so bad, not when there's money to be won playing cards and a handsome prince promising friendship... and maybe something more. But when a hapless servant named Eleanora enters the picture and sets her sights on the prince, too, which girl will win his heart? And who is behind the magnificent gowns and slippers that the penniless Eleanora has been wearing to the balls? Only Princess Poppy can see through the magic that holds the rest of the kingdom in its spell. And having fought against one curse before, she's just the girl to take on another!

Ball gowns, cinders, enchanted glass slippers - and with a little luck, maybe a happily-ever-after, too - all play a role in Jessica Day George's romantic and action-packed story."
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First Lines:

"'Perfect,' the Corley said, lips stretched wide in a smile. She took a shallow pan of molten glass and set it in the air over her head. 'Yes, everything will be perfect this time.'"
Page 1
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Review:

I have said this before, but I'll say it again: I am (and probably forever will be) a huge fan of Jessica Day George. I have read several of her YA novels and officially loved it all. I think all of it is the retold fairy tale - or retold myth. And every single one of them is done beautifully.

Princess of Glass is a companion to the earlier Princess of the Midnight Ball. The first one was the tale of the dancing princesses... this one is Cinderella. This book is told from several perspectives, but the main one is Princess Poppy from the first tale. She is the character that ties the two stories together, but has a whole new adventure and story to tell.

I was hoping for a little bit more action in the end - more of a ka-boom! But it really worked out well, so I wasn't too disappointed. This book is written so beautifully, it makes me wish I lived during that time. Well, sort of. But the whole concept of balls and suitors and dancing and more... it's just really enticing. Wouldn't it be great if that's all we had to worry about?! :)

If you're into historical fiction, I'd recommend this one to you as well. It's not really historical at all, but it has the feel of being set in a time period. It's not exactly accurate or anything (at least to my knowledge), but it's very much worth your time to read.

I've been handing Princess of the Midnight Ball to tons of my teens - and they've loved it, too. So you should all give it a try. I think you can read this one without reading the first one, but I'm recommending them both. Hopefully you won't be too confused if you don't.

Check out the author's website. I'm keeping my eyes glued to it in hopes of another book with these characters!
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Other Blog Reviews:

The Hiding Spot
Pretty Wonderland
The Neverending Shelf
Leilani Loves Books
Readspace
YA Literature Lover
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Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Title: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Author: Jessica Day George
ISBN: 9781599903286
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Summary:
"When a great white bear offers a woodcutter's daughter untold riches in return for her company, she accepts, believing she has made a wise decision. Even though the lass is offered every luxury at the bear's castle, she begins to feel like a prisoner. Then, when servants start to disappear, the lass realizes the bear may know more than he will say. Determined to learn the truth, the lass sets out on a windswept journey east of the sun and west of the moon to fight for the man she has only just discovered is her one true love."
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First Lines:

"Long ago and far away in the land of ice and snow, there came a time when it seemed that winter would never end. The months when summer should have given the land respire were cold and damp, and the winter months were snow filled and colder still."
Page 3
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Review:

After reading two of her novels, I feel I can safely declare my love of Jessica Day George. She is an amazing storyteller that can easily make me lose grip on reality. There are a few reasons I didn't pick this book up until now... I mean, the title is a bit of a mouthful... the cover isn't exactly "pick me up!" material... the summary is about some bear?! So yeah, I'm ecstatic that my coworker convinced me to read this one. I promise, if you ignore all the silly outer stuff, you too will find that the inside is pure gold!

Apparently this story is taken from old folklore somewhere, but as I'm not a scholar in Norwegian folklore, the whole story was new and wonderful for me. The entire northern landscape was a bit exotic in my eyes - it's not something I know well. So the first part of the book had me completely hooked. At first, it seemed like everyone was living in fear of things that didn't exist - trolls, dragons, enchanted reindeer, etc. The fact that those things are real makes this story so very interesting.

I almost immediately fell in love with the characters. You follow them quickly through childhood in the first few chapters, but all of those events are important. This story is just so well crafted, you don't even realize how much information you are getting from the author. Because the family is so big (nine children), you never really get to know all of the siblings. I know you don't need them for the story, but it almost made me wonder why we didn't hear from any of the rest of them. That probably would have jammed up the beginning of the book too much - because most of them were married and gone by the time the main segment of the story starts - but it would have been nice to get a sense of all of them.

Can I stress how much I loved this book?! If you haven't read any of this author's novels, I would suggest getting your hands on one of them immediately. And you're in luck, because her next book Princess of Glass comes out this week! Ta da! Seriously, check out this author - especially if you love historical fiction... or retold fairy tales/folktales... or books in general. The writing is spectacular and I can't say that enough.

Here's the official website of Jessica Day George. I'm going to have to start following her blog! I didn't even realize there was one out there :). You should too.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Sonderbooks
Reality Bypass
Becky's Book Reviews
Book Rat
Reader Rabbit

Ash by Malinda Lo

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
ISBN: 9780316040099
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Summary:
"In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, re-reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love - and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief."
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First Lines:

"Aisling's mother died at midsummer. She has fallen sick so suddenly that some of the villagers wondered if the fairies had come and taken her, for she was still young and beautiful."
Page 3
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Review:

I'm very much a sucker for the retold fairy tales. This one is no exception. It's always amazing to see how the stories are altered to the imagination of the author - they always seem to take twists and turns that I wouldn't have thought of (not that I'm an author by any stretch of the imagination). While many retold tales seem to take place in modern times or something completely different from the original story, this one seems to give you another take on a tale that could have been more accurate.

Cinderella is a story that pretty much everyone knows - I mean, are there people who really don't?! Anyway, this retelling takes the original and tosses it in a world where fairies are more reality than fiction. You would think that with the amount of fantasy in the original story (what with the fairy godmother and talking mice and all that), this wouldn't be much of a stretch. It really feels completely different. In a really good way.

I'm going to admit one thing: I had a hard time not picturing the 1998 movie Ever After while I was reading this book. There was just something similar about the way they were done - at least the home life and circumstances of "Cinderella." But I loved that movie, so I guess that's not a bad thing. Their house and such were exactly what I imagined her living in.

One thing that I found interesting in this story is the difference of the love interests from any version of cinderella I've ever read/watched. I really liked that Ash was not completely enthralled with royal life and dressing for balls and such. This Ash was a more realistic (to my mind) girl who just wanted to be away from where she ended up. I could identify a lot more with her than a girl who desired to be someone important. I hope that makes sense.

I really did enjoy this book and will be happy to give it to others to read. It's a great retelling of a classic story and I think it will find many, many fans. I know lots of bloggers have already read and written about this one and were impressed with the story. I want to add my name to that list. It's a great book - really well written.

Take a look at the author's website for a look at her blog and other info. Enjoy this one!
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Other Blog Reviews:

Bookworm Extraordinaire!
Steph Su Reads
Eva's Book Addiction
The Story Siren
Read This Book!
GAL Novelty
Even Meg Cabot reviewed this book!

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Title: Radiant Darkness
Author: Emily Whitman
ISBN: 9780061724497
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Summary:
"Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more - something dangerous and exciting - something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who - and what - she really is."
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Review:

I've really gotten into the genre of retold stories, but up until now they've all been fairy tales. As a kid, I loved all things mythology. And I've read the stories that include mythological characters... but never a retold story from mythology! I thought this was the perfect intro to that genre I could have found. Are there even any others?

This story is so well written - as the story is written about the earth and plants and gardens... It's a sensual story in that way. There are some wonderful descriptions that make you wish you were experiencing them as well. I'm ready to move in to the vale! :).

One thing that I'm not sure I totally buy into is the description of the underworld. I guess I always pictured it in the dark, dank, spooky way that Persephone begins worrying about. But the thing is, I had a hard time realizing it as a place that someone might actually want to be. It works for the story - I mean, why else would Persephone want to stay there?! But that was all just me picturing it differently, but I really enjoyed the way it was described in the book.

This is a great book for any age reader - starting, really, with 6th or 7th grade. I think it would be interesting in a discussion about mythology in school. The more modern twist in this book would probably pull in other readers that wouldn't have been interested otherwise. By modern twist, I don't mean that it's set in a different world - it's just the attitudes and the language that are more modern. I very much tip my hat to the author on that front.

So, I recommend this one, for sure. And it was a very quick read. What more could you want?! Check out the author's website.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Presenting Lenore
GreenBeanTeenQueen
Juciliciousss Reviews
The Compulsive Reader
Reading Rocks
The Book Obsession