Sophomore Year Is Greek To Me

Sophomore Year is Greek to Me 
by Meredith Zeitlin

High school sophomore Zona Lowell has lived in New York City her whole life, and plans to follow in the footsteps of her renowned-journalist father. But when he announces they’re moving to Athens for six months so he can work on an important new story, she's devastated— he must have an ulterior motive. See, when Zona's mother married an American, her huge Greek family cut off contact. But Zona never knew her mom, and now she’s supposed to uproot her entire life and meet possibly hostile relatives on their turf? Thanks... but no thanks. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

This was a fun book to read. Perfect to get in the mood for Summer days...in fact, I may check out Zeitlin's other book , Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters while I'm on vacation this summer in San Francisco. Her writing seems like it makes for the perfect kind of book to take on a plane. 

I loved that in this book Zona felt like an authentic teen - the kind that I was - driven to succeed in school, happy with her few close friends, and comfortable in her own skin...until suddenly she wasn't at all. I can absolutely remember going through similar self-identity crises! Though I never had that exact scenario, having to meet an entirely heretofore unknown portion of family, I can remember for one reason or another having to learn on the fly to make new friends, and never really being comfortable doing it.  

In fact, one of the things I liked most about this novel, was though it was a quick read and one that I would loosely term a "light beach read," in fact, it wasn't really that light at all.  Zona deals with some pretty heavy family issues.  She has to navigate not only a new country, essentially alone, but a new school - one where she doesn't know anyone! She learns to make new friends and hang on to the old ones.  She learns that sometimes the right decision in life is the uncomfortable one. 

This book made me laugh and it made me tear up.  It ran the gamut of emotions in the perfect way that a summertime book can.  I definitely would recommend this one to someone looking for a little bit of romance, a little bit of fun, some great scenery, but with a real focus on personal and family growth. 

Full Disclosure: eARC received through Netgalley

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
by Holly Black

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown's gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself. (Description from Goodreads.com)

This one's been sitting on my shelves for more than a year and a half now...and I'd been stoked to read it when I got it at BEA! I love Holly Black's writing and I knew if I was going to read any more vampire fiction (I've been sort of anti-vampire in the last couple of years...) that she would be the author to trust for quality and a twist on the traditional genre. 

In fact, I started this book by listening to the audio and from the moment that Tana woke up in a bathtub at a Daylight Party gone wrong, I was hooked.  The characters are fascinating.  Each one either trying to hide or embrace the darkest parts of themselves and still not really knowing exactly how dark life (or in this case, the afterlife) can get.  Black manages to keep readers on the edge of their seat, constantly drawing Tana to a place that could mean safety, only to pull the rug out from under her again and again.  

I was awed at how strong a character she was...often I wonder how I would react in the scenes I read. I know that if the events that occurred in Tana's life were to happen to me, I would have instantly been vampire food, but she manages through wit and grim determination to triumph again and again.  She truly is the "Coldest Girl in Coldtown."  I would LOVE to read a follow up to this book to see exactly where the next part of her adventure takes her... to see how she manages to defy what seems to be the only options before her, time and again.  

Is there a book two? Does anyone know?  

Full disclosure: Book from my Personal Library (ARC received at BEA 2013)/Audiobook borrowed from the Library

Into the Fire

Into the Fire
Birth of the Phoenix, book one
by Ashelyn Drake

Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.

But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.

A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all.  (Description from Goodreads.com)

This book sucked me in from page one.  It has a great opening scene that really sets you right into the heart of the story. I was fascinated by the concept of Cara and her family being Phoenixes and the way the lore hits their family... my heart ached for Cara and Jeremy!   

While I'm not usually a fan of insta-love at all, in this case, with the way that Cara's genetics affected things I got it.  The way that both she and Logan felt it but also wanted to resist it really made sense.  Drake did a great job with that. The deeper they got it, and the higher the stakes got, the more I found myself rooting for Cara's happiness, no matter where it came from.  

And when we find out who the hunter is...well, I knew something was up with this character, but I have to admit to still being shocked at the big reveal! Well done. I love not being able to guess the bad guy.

AND with where this book leaves us... HELLO CLIFFHANGER!!!... I cannot wait to read the next one.  

Full Disclosure: Review copy received from publisher

Parched

Parched 
by Georgia Clark

Sixteen-year-old Tess lived in Eden, a seemingly idyllic, domed city where access to information and water is regulated by the governing Trust. After a rogue robot killed her scientist mother, Tess fled with a terrible secret to the desperate, arid Badlands, where she’s recruited by Kudzu, explained to her as a “nonviolent collective working to undermine the Trust and free the Badlands.” Learning Kudzu plans to destroy Aevum, the Trust’s latest advanced robot, Tess reluctantly returns to Eden, where she finds the luxurious life morally unconscionable and secretly trains with Kudzu. Living with her uncle, who’s involved with Aevum, Tess is strangely attracted to his sympathetic assistant, Hunter. During a Kudzu raid on the Trust’s lab, Tess discovers that Aevum will be used to eradicate all inhabitants of the Badlands—and that Hunter’s not what he seems to be. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

Okay, the very fist thing I am going to say is don't judge this book by it's poorly chosen cover! I don't know who designed it but it is somewhat off-putting. It's very unfortunate, too, because I was hooked on this book from page one! 

Clark is gifted with the ability to set the atmosphere and settings for this book right from the start. I never doubted the desperation of the people starving in the Badlands. I could feel the searing heat and my lips got dry just reading the first section of the book.  Then, when Tess returns to the domed city of Eden, Clark makes the shift to opulent technological excess so smoothly and believably that I felt as if I was in Eden.  The technologies were also clearly based from our own making it very easy to imagine and understand how things were supposed to work in Eden.  

I really enjoyed Tess as the main character.  She had spunk like many other dystphoic heroines, but also was well-rounded in the sense that she seemed truly concerned about others in her society (because she had personal experience living the lives that they did...unlike some other heroines just thrown into their new leadership roles) and the new friends that she made in Eden.  She felt guilty if she put others in danger, she aimed to clean up her own mistakes, and she thought about how her actions would affect the future of her world.  She was determined and brave and also funny.  I rooted for her right from the start.  

This book also had a great sense of immediate danger, though it takes place over the passage of weeks.  Clark threw Tess and her compatriots into some very hairy situations and there were believable consequences.  I was happy to find in the end, though, that things worked out for at least a few of them the way that I'd hoped.  

A book that I flew through, unable to put down, and one that deserves more attention than it may get if not talked up by those who have read it! So...go read it! 

ALSO - STAY TUNED...I have an interview with the author, Georgia Clark, here on Wednesday! 

Full disclosure: Review copy received from Publisher 

Quickie Novella Review: Goddess in Time

Goddess in Time
by Tera Lynn Childs
Oh. My. Gods Novella 

As a descendant of Greek gods, Nicole has attended the Academy alongside other students with magical powers on a Greek island. Life is pretty perfect—except for the fact that she was sentenced to stay there because of a childhood prank that also resulted in her parents' banishment. When Nicole discovers a book that teaches the forbidden magic of time travel, she knows she must take a chance to right her wrong. With the help of her friends Troy and Phoebe, Nicole sets off on a quest that will take her from the heights of Mt. Olympus to the ocean depths of Poseidon's home and to the bowels of Hades. Can she mend her mistakes? And is changing the past, what she really wants? The past and future combine in thrilling, unpredictable ways—especially when Greek gods are involved! (Description from Goodreads.com)

I was so happy when I finally got to read Nicole's story! Not knowing who her Greek God ancestor was had been driving me crazy with speculation. I loved who it turned out to be, too. Very clever TLC, very clever. It was neat to read a whole story from Nicole's perspective, too. It really fleshed her out into more of a fully-faceted character and made me feel more for her.  I truly loved diving back into this world and my only complaint was that this novella was too short! I hope there's more coming soon!! 

Full Disclosure: Purchased for my Nook 

Isla and the Happily Ever After

Isla and the Happily Ever After 
by Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss, book three

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. (Description from Goodreads.com)

Though my favorite book in this trilogy is still Lola and the Boy Next Door (go Cricket!!), I sincerely recommend this series, any book in the series, ALL the books in the series, to anyone looking for a romantic and joyous read.  

Each book has it's very serious moments, because no real relationship is all sunshine and roses, but you can have confidence that things will work out beautifully in the end.  There's realism and the type of romance we all hope and dream of here. In fact, while  this book focuses primarily on Isla and Josh's romance, the cameos that Anna, Etienne, Lola, and Cricket make are fabulous...and the final reason for their trip to France will leave readers of the entire series beaming! I shed a few happy tears myself. 

What I love best about Perkins' books is that ability to give me as the reader both a light, yet serious read.  The knowledge that there will certainly be sigh-worthy moments, but also ones that will reflect my own life, my own journey to figuring out not only who I was/am as a person, but what I wanted in life.  The questions that I had to answer to find (and keep) the love of my life.  You can feel the full and complex nature of Perkins' characters, relate to them, and cheer them on as they make their major life choices.  

Wonderfully done.  I wish there were more coming, but I will definitely read whatever Stephanie Perkins does next. 

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library 

Gold Star Interview: Barbara Dee!

Hello All! 

As you all know, when I LURVE a book, I give it a Gold Star Review here. Well, to liven up the blog a little, I'm going to (try to) interview the author of each book that receives a coveted Gold Star! I hope you'll enjoy these quick, little interviews. :D

Today I'm excited to have Barbara Dee here to talk about my latest GOLD STAR review book, THE (ALMOST) PERFECT GUIDE TO IMPERFECT BOYS! You can find my Gold Star Review from yesterday here.

Photograph by Randy Matusow

Welcome Barbara! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today. I have just a couple quick, fun questions for you:

1. How long did it take you, from first spark of idea to final proofs to write your newest book, The (Almost) Perfect Guide to Imperfect Boys?

This book has a funny history, actually. I wrote the first fifty pages of IMPERFECT BOYS in a couple of months, liked what I had, but was stuck. Then a friend who used to be an editor urged me to try writing a series. Since I had writers' block anyway, I thought I'd give it a shot. I worked for several months, but developing a plot that would span a number of books was harder than I'd imagined, and I could tell my writing was forced. Unfunny. Uninspired.

Finally I met my agent for lunch. She asked me what I was working on, and when I told her about the series, she just nibbled her salad. "Working on anything else?" she asked politely. I told her about those first fifty pages of IMPERFECT BOYS, and her eyes lit up. "That's your book," she said. But I was stuck, I protested. We agreed I'd scribble some ideas, and then brainstorm together. And maybe because I felt I was just "scribbling," I sat down and wrote the rest of the draft in about 5 weeks.

Two lessons from this experience. One: If you're stuck, let your manuscript breathe. Turn to another project, and then circle back to it when you're ready. Taking a break is NOT an admission of defeat.

Two: It's good to stretch, but don't feel pressure to write something that doesn't feel right, or that isn't fun for you. Maybe I'll try writing series fiction some day, but right now, it's not for me. And that's okay.

2. I really like the way that you were able to take a concept like the difference between boys and girls at the middle school age and seemingly encapsulate it within a scientific theory. It's both charming and makes the girls seem smart...and a little precocious. How did you come up with that idea?

It came to me one day when I was attending my daughter's eighth grade chorus concert. The girls sounded great, but the boys--well, let's just say they were a mixed bag of sopranos, tenors, basses and croaks. And I thought: how tough for these boys to be onstage, under a glaring spotlight, at such an awkward stage of development! They seemed like tadpoles developing frog legs right in front of your eyes! How could any girl "like" these half-tadpole/half-frog creatures? I started thinking about how I felt when I was in eighth grade, how I looked down on my silly, immature male classmates-- until I realized I hadn't figured them out as well as I'd thought. And that's what started me on the road to IMPERFECT BOYS.

3. If you could write a book under a pseudonym that no one would ever connect to you, are there any genres you would love to secretly explore?

I'd love to write a really juicy, gossipy novel about my small town. But yes, I'd need that pseudonym, or I'd have to move!

4. If you could cross one thing off your bucket list tomorrow, what would it be?

To learn how to play the piano.

5. Quick picks list:
Favorite vacation destination - Italy
Favorite childhood book - Harriet the Spy
Favorite writing snack food - Cookies and fruit. It's fall now, so apples!
Favorite clothing item - A pair of cashmere socks I splurged on a few years ago. They're pretty worn now, but still warm and comfy. If you want to treat yourself, I highly recommend cashmere socks--great for walking your dog in cold weather!

Thank you so much, Barbara, for letting me interview you. It was a pleasure! 

For more information about Barbara and her books, check out her website at http://barbaradeebooks.com/. You can find info about her newest book, THE (ALMOST) PERFECT GUIDE TO IMPERFECT BOYS at Goodreads.com

Gold Star Review: The (Almost) Perfect Guide to Imperfect Boys

The (Almost) Perfect Guide to 
Imperfect Boys 
by Barbara Dee

According to Finley and her BFF, Maya, middle school boys can be put into three separate categories: tadpoles, croakers, and frogs. Per their official Life Cycle of Amphibian Boys, while tadpoles are totally not developed yet (read: boys who still love fart jokes and can't have a normal conversation with girls without making fun of them), a frog is the top of the boy food chain--evolved and mature. Sadly, not many boys have reached that elusive frog status at Staunton Middle School.

Finley thought she had everyone pegged, until Zachary Mattison enters the picture. After suddenly leaving the year before, Zachary's surprise reappearance at SMS forces Finley to see him in a new light. And when the official life cycle list falls into the wrong hands, it causes a battle between the boys and girls that turns into an all-out war--one that Finley isn't sure anyone can really win... (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I love Barbara Dee's middle grade books.  I have fun reading them and as a Librarian I love to recommend them.  Let me tell you why: 

As a reader, I think that Barbara Dee has an uncanny knack for capturing middle school behavior in a fun and engaging way.  The characters are so relatable to both the middle schoolers that I meet now and to how I recall my middle school years.  The focus on friendship and smarts make me smile and there's the hint of romance but not in an overwhelming way.  Her books are all just FUN to read. And, in this one in particular, there's an awesome School Librarian - so, ummm...yeah. LOVE. 

As a Librarian, I find so many themes that I can use to help recommend her books to other readers. In this book, Finley and Maya are struggling to understand the way that the boys in their lives are maturing and how that affects their relationships with them.  They use science to help them explain the things they observe.  Though the main plot of the book revolves around their "Life Cycle," what I really loved was Finley's relationships with the other people in her life.  This is a book that I can confidently hand to readers looking for a friendship book, or a book with stellar parental examples. The way that her mother interacts with not only Finley, but also her friends... so great. 

Dee also builds up each of the girls into smart, talented characters who are NOT boy-crazy, just experiencing the normal blossoming interest in dating. These girls truly care about their academic success and their individual hobbies.  I loved the way Finley starts to really think about her photography as true art and not just snapping photos of friends.  The boys admire the girls in Dee's books for being who they are, not just because they're cute and I wish we had more and more books that we could hand to readers at this age that puts that point forward as the way things should be... 

To this fun and engaging middle grade read I grant a GOLD STAR. 

Don't forget to check back tomorrow when I have a fun interview with the author, Barbara Dee!

Full disclosure: Review copy received from Publisher

Fangirl

Fangirl
by Rainbow Rowell

Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind? (Description from Goodreads.com) 

As a fangirl, myself...though I don't write fanfiction...I really loved and connected to Cath.  Not only did I love her geeking out and feeling compelled to be an active part of the fandom, but I also really connected to her as I remembered what it was like to start college.  Thank goodness I met my friends, now my best friends, in the dorms in the first few months, and just like Raegan pulled Cath out of her room and made her interact, my friends encouraged me to do the same.  Without them, my college experience could have been totally different. Quiet, full of nothing but homework, boring... 

This is actually the first Rainbow Rowell book that I've read and I really enjoyed it.  It was sweet and well done in its own right and then had all these nods to fandoms that added an extra layer of fun.  My only complaints were that A - We don't actually get to read "Carry On, Simon" now and B - That even though the fictitious author makes a slight nod to Cath's fanfiction in basically refuting it, there wasn't a more direct sort of acknowledgment of all her hard work.  I know it's not realistic, but honestly I would have loved if Gemma had actually acknowledged Cath in some fashion... 

Now, I REALLY need to read Eleanor and Park, which I've heard is EVEN better! 

Full disclosure: Audio Book borrowed from my Library, eBook purchased for my Nook

Imitation

Imitation
by Heather Hildenbrand
Clone Chronicles, book one  

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.

Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.

Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.

When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met? (Description from Goodreads.com) 

Gosh, do I love science fiction books about clones...yes, yes, I do! All you need to do to get me to read a book is to dangle the fact that it's about teenage clones in front of me and I'll pick it up in a heartbeat.  There is just something so shiver-inducing about the fact that we're so close to these scenarios in real life - it creeps me out in a way that pure horror stories really can't.

I love contemplating the ethics of cloning.  The idea behind it is usually altruistic and worthwhile - organ replacement, etc.  When you factor in, though, that you are creating a human being, one who will be walking, talking, thinking, and feeling..that's when things get truly interesting.  Could you kill someone - a thinking, feeling someone - to save the life of someone else that you loved?  What if they had been created solely for that purpose?  Is it right?

Poor Ven.  She was created to be whatever Raven Rogen needed.  An organ donor, a temporary body double - but is asking her to be bait for attempted kidnappers/assassins too much?  Heck yeah! I loved the way that Hildenbrand set this novel up so that you slowly discovered things about it as Ven went into the "real world."  There were lots of surprises, even amid the tropes you knew to expect because the story wouldn't work without them.  Having to speculate about who might or might not be an Imitation and who might or might not want to grab Raven or Ven and why... I was on the edge of my seat for a good portion of this book!  

In fact, as I was trying to contain my drool over the fabulous and quite swoony bodyguard, Linc, I just found myself becoming more and more intrigued with the larger story in Ven's world.  What exactly is the true purpose of Titus Rogen's creating the Imitations? Will Ven ever truly be able to escape? Who can she truly trust?

I cannot wait to see where things head in the next book... So, if you're as intrigued as I am...keep an eye on the blog because pretty soon I'll be hosting an interview with author Heather Hildenbrand right here! 

Full disclosure: eARC received from Netgalley, eBook purchased for my Kindle App 

Mini Reviews: The Ever After High Edition

It's no surprise to my regular readers that I enjoy fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and I love middle grade books, though I don't always get to make time to read them anymore.  So...when Shannon Hale announced that she'd be writing the first novel in the new EVER AFTER HIGH series, I *knew* I would have to check it out.

The Storybook of Legends
by Shannon Hale
Ever After High, book one

At Ever After High, an enchanting boarding school, the children of fairytale legends prepare themselves to fulfill their destinies as the next generation of Snow Whites, Prince Charmings and Evil Queens...whether they want to or not. Each year on Legacy Day, students sign the Storybook of Legends to seal their scripted fates. For generations, the Village of Book End has whispered that refusing to sign means The End-both for a story and for a life.

As the daughter of the Evil Queen, Raven Queen's destiny is to follow in her mother's wicked footsteps, but evil is so not Raven's style. She's starting to wonder, what if she rewrote her own story? The royal Apple White, daughter of the Fairest of Them All, has a happy ever after planned for herself, but it depends upon Raven feeding her a poison apple in their future. What if Raven doesn't sign the Storybook of Legends? It could mean a happily never after for them both. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

As a fairy tale lover, I really loved the concept of this book.  Getting to see the future generations of our beloved characters is a real treat.  Imagining the little ways that they would be different from the originals must have been so fun for Shannon Hale! Overall, I was really impressed with how fun this book was and yet, how well it presents really deep themes to kids - the concept of detiny vs. freedom of choice, self-identity versus fitting into the crowd, etc.  A great read. 

The Unfairest of Them All 
by Shannon Hale 
Ever After High, book two 

It's the aftermath of Legacy Day, the day when the students at Ever After High are supposed to pledge to follow in their fairytale parents' footsteps, and everyone is in a huff and a puff! Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, has refused to sign the Storybook of Legends, rejecting her story--and putting everyone else's in jeopardy. 

The Royal Apple White doesn't want to think Raven is being a rebellious pain, but Raven's choice means Apple might never get the poisoned apple, Prince Charming, and a kingdom to rule. Behind Apple stands the Royals, those who want to play by the book and embrace their stories. The Rebels, supporters of Raven, believe in breaking free from destiny and writing their own stories. 

But when the chaos and rivalry land wonderlandiful Madeline Hatter in trouble, Raven and Apple must bring the Royals and the Rebels together to shut the book on their feud before it threatens to end all of their Happily Ever Afters once and for all. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I loved returning to this world and seeing how the tween characters struggled to find their place after Raven chooses to follow her own path...not the one laid out for her.  Again, the way that concepts and themes were presented was so very well done, though with Hale writing this book as well, I shouldn't really have been surprised.  Maddie is one of my favorite characters and seeing how things go for her in this book and knowing that we get to explore a little more of the Wonderland-ish story in the next one makes me really excited! 

If you want to get a little taste of this series without having to read the entire 300 page first book, you can check out the ebook character introductions - available on all ebook platforms, I think... - which are short and very cute.  There's a bunch of them, and a few even give you a little more insight into the individual characters, adding depth to parts of the storylines in the regular novels.  

Full disclosure: Books Borrowed from my Library, enovellas "purchased" for my Kindle App 

Treachery in Death

Treachery in Death 
by J. D. Robb
In Death series, book thirty two

Detective Eve Dallas and her partner, Peabody, are following up on a senseless crime—an elderly grocery owner killed by three stoned punks for nothing more than kicks and snacks. This is Peabody's first case as primary detective—good thing she learned from the master.

But Peabody soon stumbles upon a trickier situation. After a hard workout, she's all alone in the locker room when the gym door clatters open; and-while hiding inside a shower stall trying not to make a sound—she overhears two fellow officers, Garnet and Oberman, arguing. It doesn't take long to realize they're both crooked—guilty not just of corruption but of murder. Now Peabody, Eve, and Eve's husband, Roarke, are trying to get the hard evidence they need to bring the dirty cops down—knowing all the while that the two are willing to kill to keep their secret. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I hadn't read a book from this series in SO long... and I LOVE them. I really need to catch up. This is a phenomenal series if you've never read them.  Start with book one, Naked in Death, and go from there.  Though each book is its own murder case, there is an overarching story about Eve Dallas and the characters in her life that continues from book to book.  They are wonderful characters and seeing them grow and change over time is AMAZING.  Trust me. Seriously one of the best series of books...EVER. 

Specifically in this book I loved how Robb makes Peabody and Dallas grow once again in terms of their careers.  In the face of hunting down corrupt cops, Dallas has to confirm that she has made the correct choices about who she is going to be as a homicide detective, and this allows Peabody to reaffirm the choices she's made both for herself and in who she views as mentors/heroes.  There are some fabulous moments where the characters connect in really great emotional ways and when the bad guys get their comeuppance, boy you can't help but cheer! 

Another fabulous book in the series.  I can't wait to read the next one. 

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library 

BEA Middle Grade Reviews: The Fog of Forgetting

The four great early reader and middle grade books I got at BEA 2014.

So, I decided to try and review my BEA books in some kind of order that actually made a little sense... both to me and hopefully to all of you! Since I've covered my picture books, now, I'm trying to cover the early reader and middle grade books that I received at BEA.  Then, soon, we'll move on to more of the YA and adult titles. Enjoy!

The Fog of Forgetting
by G. A. Morgan

Sneaking out for a quick boat ride on a summer day, five children find themselves engulfed in a curtain of dense, powerful fog that transports them from the rocky Maine coast to the mysterious island of Ayda. Rescued by Seaborne, a machete-toting wayfarer of few words, the children suddenly find themselves at the center of a centuries-old battle between Dankar, the ruler of Exor, and three siblings that rule the other realms of Ayda. At stake are the four stones of power and the elusive Fifth Stone that binds them all.

When 9-year-old Frankie is kidnapped by Dankar, her older sister Evelyn and the three Thompson brothers must learn to harness the powers of the daylights, ancient forces of earth, fire, water, and air, to navigate their way through the realms of Ayda, rescue her, and find a way home. (Description from Goodreads.com)

This is the great start to an interesting new middle grade epic fantasy series. The main characters are siblings from two families, a little reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia.  What I really liked about this book, similarly to Lewis' or even Pullman's  His Dark Materials trilogy was how the children were definitely children and sounded authentically youthful and yet were also able to understand and define more adult concepts.  Something that we often, in real life, do not give children credit for being able to do for themselves.  We forget how strongly grief can affect anyone no matter the age, and how insightful and intuitive children can be as they observe the world around them. 

Thrust into a world full of dangers and new rules that they had not previously known, the children band even more strongly together.Even in the face of the worst sorts of danger, they are willing to stand up for each other, willing to throw themselves in front of man or beast to save one another.  These are some brave and compassionate kids.  Reading as they discover new wonders about the world they're now in and each other was a pleasure fitted neatly into a story that kept me on my toes.  

I look forward to seeing where book two takes us! 

Full disclosure: Received from publisher at BEA 2014

Rebel Belle

Rebel Belle
by Rachel Hawkins

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I had been so utterly excited for this book.  I loved Rachel Hawkins other series, Hex Hall.  She writes great snappy, funny dialogue and the storylines were great.  I had expected to LOVE this book.  Sadly, while I enjoyed parts of it, I found that this particular book just didn't hold my interest.  

The beginning was great.  I loved the set up and in the beginning I really liked Harper's character.  As the story went on, I also really enjoyed the introduction of the other characters.  Especially David.  I think that Hawkins is a super talented author at creating funny, realistic dialogue.  In fact, I would read a whole contemporary romance book just based around conversations if Hawkins wrote it! 

So, what didn't work for me?  I think that it was the whole mix of Southern culture and supernatural abilities/secret society/apocalypse stuff.  I just wanted it really to be one or the other.  I was so disappointed to have to admit that I just didn't care about the whole reason that Harper's life suddenly does a 180!  Until the twist at the end with the prophetic dream foretelling someone very important's death...and then I cared for a heartbeat.  Will I read the sequel?  Probably not....but if Hawkins writes another Hex Hall book or starts a new series you can bet your little tushie that I'll be reading it ASAP! 

Full disclosure: Book borrowed from my Library

Team Human

Team Human 
by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Mel is horrified when Francis Duvarney, arrogant, gorgeous, and undead, starts at her high school. Mel’s best friend, Cathy, immediately falls for the vampire. Cathy is determined to be with him forever, even if having him turn her could inadvertently make her a zombie.

And Mel is equally determined to prove to her BFF that Francis is no good, braving the city’s vampire district and kissing a cute boy raised by vampires as she searches evidence in this touching and comic novel. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

While this is not going to be one of my top books for 2014, it was generally an enjoyable read.  There were a lot of funny moments and it did make you think about prejudice in a nice easy way.  It is tongue-in-cheek about the whole human/vampire love trope and I thought a lot of the side characters were great.  

My biggest (and pretty much only) complaint was that I often found the main character, Mel, to be annoying. I honestly think that the authors wrote her to be somewhat unlikable...and they did a good job of it. Her sheer pigheadedness and sometimes whiny personality just grated under my skin. I think listening to the book also enhanced this rather than making her easier to swallow.  

Not a book I'd recommend to everyone, but there are readers I know who would enjoy it at least as much as I did, if not more. 

Full disclosure:  Audio book received to review for AudioFile

BEA YA Reviews: Let's Get Lost

Signed YA ARCs that I received at BEA 2014

So, I decided to try and review my BEA books in some kind of order that actually made a little sense... both to me and hopefully to all of you! I've already covered the picture books, an early reader, and a middle grade title, and though I haven't finished all my younger books yet, I really wanted to read this summery looking YA book, so.... here you go! 


Let's Get Lost 
by Adi Alsaid

Five strangers. Countless adventures. One epic way to get lost. 

Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named LEILA. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most. 

There's HUDSON, a small-town mechanic who is willing to throw away his dreams for true love. And BREE, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday—and a few stolen goods along the way. ELLIOT believes in happy endings…until his own life goes off-script. And SONIA worries that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost the ability to love. 

Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth— sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for is to get lost along the way. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

This book is sort of a perfect summer read.  It's easy to read.  Alsaid has a fluid, funny, poignant writing style that had me flying through the pages. And yet, as I read, I found myself wanting to linger.  Alsaid has a magic way of capturing small moments.  The ones that we usually only have a second to appreciate before we have to move on, and making them feel important and lasting.  

Leila is a catalyst in this book, driving the five teens who meet her to consider the larger things in life.  What's great about the book, though, is that even while she's changing them, drawing them into a better, deeper place in their own lives, she's gleaning things from them, as well.  Reading I found myself thinking, whistfully usually, about life and the relationships we build in it.  It was almost philosophical and done in such a way that felt natural and not at all pointed or studied.  

I loved the way that Alsaid was able to explore what could be such heavy, emotionally-laden chapters in these characters lives and yet managed to keep the whole tone of the book uplifting.  Engrossing and enjoyable. This is the type of book you want to read while enjoying the summer sun. 

About the Author:

Photo by Peter Ross.

Adi Alsaid was born and raised in Mexico City. He attended college at the University of Nevada, Las
Vegas. While in class, he mostly read fiction and continuously failed to fill out crossword puzzles, so it's no surprise that after graduating he packed up his car and escaped to the California coastline to become a writer.

He's now back in his hometown, where he writes, coaches high school and elementary basketball, and has perfected the art of making every dish he eats or cooks as spicy as possible.

In addition to Mexico, he has lived in Tel Aviv, Las Vegas and Monterey, California. A tingly feeling in his feet tells him that more places will eventually be added to the list.

I was lucky enough to meet Adi Alsaid at the 2014 Book Expo in New York City this year.  He was super nice and now that I've read Let's Get Lost, I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes out with next!

Full disclosure: Signed ARC received at 2014 BEA 

The Girl Who Never Was

The Girl Who Never Was 
by Skylar Dorset
The Otherworld, book one

Selkie Stewart thinks she’s a totally normal teenager growing up in Boston. Sure, her father is in an insane asylum, her mother left her on his doorstep—literally—when she was a baby, and she’s being raised by two ancient aunts who spend their time hunting gnomes in their Beacon Hill townhouse. But other than that her life is totally normal! She’s got an adventurous best friend who’s always got her back and an unrequited crush on an older boy named Ben. Just like any other teenager, right?

When Selkie goes in search of the mother she’s never known, she gets more than she bargained for. It turns out that her mother is faerie royalty, which would make Selkie a faerie princess—except for the part where her father is an ogre, which makes her only half of anything. Now, with enchantments dissolved and prophecies swinging into action, Selkie finds herself on a series of mad quests to save the people she’s always loved and a life she’s learning to love. But in a supernatural world of increasingly complex alliances and distressingly complicated deceptions, it’s so hard to know who to trust. In order to survive, Selkie realizes that the key is learning—and accepting—who she really is. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I really liked the start of this new series.  Skylar Dorset managed to take a lot of elements of traditional faerie lore (things like Elemental magic, running water, bells, goblins and ogres) and give her world a very unique spin.  It made reading feel familiar enough to be a breeze, but also kept me riveted as new elements were introduced to Selkie's world.  

I enjoyed the characters a lot, too.  I liked Selkie and felt for her as her world spun out of control.  I felt that Ben was a great love interest and was fascinating in his own right.  My favorite character, though, was Selkie's spunky human friend, Kelsey, who ends up becoming a sidekick because she doesn't care who or what is messing with her bestie, just that Selkie's in trouble.  We ALL need a friend like that! 

I am beyond curious to see where things go in book two.  There are multiple storylines that have to be explored and a certain prophetic statement made by a psychotic mom that needs to be avoided at all costs!! An excellent start to a series I will absolutely be reading til the end. 

Full disclosure: eARC received from Netgalley 

Pawn

Pawn 
by Aimee Carter
The Blackcoat Rebellion, book one

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

This book had me hooked from page one.  Aimee Carter set an immediately intense tone for the whole book, ratcheting up the suspense and basically never letting it drop.  Kitty's potential death was around every corner and I was amazed how fast I flew through this story! 

Kitty was a great character because even though her world was falling apart around her, she stands up for her beliefs.  She has strong morals and is willing to make sacrifices for them.  She's just the right mix of vulnerable and naive to help balance the strength, making her a very believable character.  I really liked seeing her assess what was important to the people around her and then making smart choices about how to trust and interact with them based on those observations. 

I liked the set up for the world, and though some elements felt familiar from other similarly conceptualized dystopians, the plot truly held me captivated.  I'm intrigued and looking forward to continuing the story with CAPTIVE in November!

Full disclosure: eARC from Netgalley 

Gold Star Review: Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Dreams of Gods and Monsters
by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone, book three

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz. Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world. What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.
At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter? (Description from goodreads.com)

Attempting to describe the beauty of Laini Taylor's writing is near impossible.  She is truly an artist and the visions of stories that she shares with us are incredible.  So, every time I review one of her books I feel as if you all must get bored with my gushing...does that mean I'll stop?  NO WAY. It means that I'm just going to keep effusively chatting about her books until I convince every reader I know to read at least one of her books! 

But, let me be more specific about this particular book. It's going to be a little hard, since it's the final in her epic trilogy and I don't want to ruin it for those of you who have yet to finish it... so...what can I say? I thought that Taylor was very clever to introduce a new character who has prophetic dreams to the series.  It allowed readers to explore more of the world building necessary to truly understand the angel/chimera conflict and to contemplate the past, present, and future of Eretz.  

The delicate balance of truthful pessimism in a war torn world and the hope for love in the future can only be done this well by truly talented writers.  The many facets that make up each character allow Taylor to credibly put them through the emotional wringer and then bring them back to the places that we readers want them to find themselves in the end.  In other books when circumstances and relationships can change so dramatically for characters sometimes I just cannot feel the reasoning behind and thus it will feel disingenuous to me, but Taylor never seems to disappoint me this way.  

Lastly, I just have to say that while I was floored with the ending of this book and even at the 600+ page count felt like I was amazed that she managed to wrap things up well... there is such a distinct possibility for a whole new book or series or SOMETHING to come after. I cannot but hope, truly, truly hope that she gives it to us someday!! 

This book is more than worthy of a gold star.  I would almost give it two! 

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile Magazine, Book purchased for my collection

Fragile Destiny

Fragile Destiny
by Suzanne Lazear
The Aether Chronicles, book three

Publication date: August 8, 2014 

Noli and her true love V fear the worst if the Staff of Eris—a potent Otherworld relic—falls into the wrong hands. Broken into pieces and hidden in the mortal realm long ago, the staff bestows vast powers on whoever possesses it. Ciarán, the dark king, is trying to rebuild the staff, intending to use it to install a new queen.

In a desperate effort to keep the Otherworld from falling into darkness, Noli and V plot the daring theft of a jewel Ciarán needs to complete the staff. But Ciarán is not so easily defeated. Through his devious machinations, he has set a plan in motion for a final showdown that will decide who rules the Otherworld once and for all. (Description from Goodreads.com)

I used this description of the book from Goodreads, but honestly, I don't think it really captures the heart of the book that well.  Though it is true that there is a quest to keep the pieces of the Staff of Eris out of the wrong hands, this book is more about Noli regaining her own identity and finding her place in the Mortal and Otherworlds. 

Let me say, without getting TOO spoilery, that when Noli does find her place,...it's a doozy.  I was not expecting that, but I think that she's a strong character who acclimated well once the initial shock wore off. I loved seeing her take charge of her own life once again and return to the character that I'd loved so much in Innocent Darkness. One character I did not love in this book, though, was V. Readers will find out there's a reason why he becomes an obnoxious prig in this book, but ugh... I kind of wanted to hit him a few times. 

The only other thing I really want to say, without revealing too much, is that there MUST be a book after this! Too much is foreshadowed but not truly explored.   True we get Noli to a point where I can imagine how her story continues, but I  DESPERATELY want to read it...and more about Jeff and Vix...and Elise and her new best friend... and how Tiana might get her comeuppance in the end... there's SO much more that could be explored! 

Full disclosure: eARC received through Netgalley