Review: Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russel

Pages: 376

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Library

Synopsis: When Jana Webster dies in a tragic accident, she finds herself transferred to 'Dead School' in the afterlife, where students fall into distinct cliques. Risers (good kids who died innocently), Sliders (bad kids, who have one foot tied to earth) and Virgins (there are fewer than Jana would expect). Jana's boyfriend and love of her life - Michael - is still in the land of the living. Michael is Romeo to Jana's Juliet and as the story goes...even death can't keep them apart. Tired of waiting for him to kill himself over his grief of losing her, Jana decides she needs to do it for him. To kill Michael she'll need the help of a dangerous and sexy Slider - Mars Dreamcoate. But Mars has a goal of his own: he wants to save a life to atone for having taken one in a drunk-driving accident. And to complicate matters, he was trying to save Jana when she died and saw what was really going on when her 'accident' happened. Jana decides to do whatever it takes to get Michael back, and nothing - not even Mars' warm touch or the devastating secret he holds about her death - will stop her.

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Dead Rules took me by surprise. I loved it! The characters made realistic choices, the story was interesting and the whole concept is one I'd love to revisit.

Jane loves Michael a lot. So much that she doesn't want to be dead without him. She'd rather he join her at dead school. That only made me like Jane. She was different. Some characters in books are so heroic and perfect that while I admire them and think they awesome, I'm intimidated by how good they are. Having a character like Jane who was good but wanted this over everything was refreshing. Jane was so unique and determined. She was ruthless to get what she wanted. I won't forget about this girl.

The plot itself wasn't too complicated. Somehow it was addictive though. The story wraps itself up at the end and it's satisfying, but it leaves you wanting more. I want to know more about Mars and the sliders and how they're different compared to the Risers. I wouldn't object to a short story.

There is a fair deal of darkness here too. Dead Rules makes you think of love, following the rules and morality. I loved that part. The story wasn't very unpredictable but I liked it a lot. Something about it hooked me in... Very readable.

Overall, Dead Rules is awesome, fun and entertaining. Teenage love, death, redemption, all the good stuff can be found here. 4 stars,

****

Review: Savannah Grey

Author: Cliff McNish
Pages: 234
Publisher: Orion Children's
Source: Library
Synopsis: 15 year old Savannah Grey has never felt she's belonged. She keeps her distance, so she's surprised by her attraction to the new boy Reece. Then strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave strangely; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah learns she has supernatural powers. Nature has a purpose for Savannah and her friends. For they are on course to meet the vile and evil Orcrassa, who wants to destroy the world by corrupting nature. And it wants Savannah Grey to help realise its savage intent.


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When I picked up Savannah Grey, I didn't know how I'd like the book. I knew there were monsters in the story and a certain creep factor but that's it. Was it a werewolf story? Vampire? Faeries? No, it's about monsters and it's an utterly unique story.

Savannah has this... thing in her throat. It's not something bad. Quite the opposite- it feels precious to her and she want to protect it. With that knowledge of her specialness we meet Savannah. Savannah is otherwise like any other teenager. Her friend Nina tries to set her up with guys but she's still waiting for the right one. She's been in foster care and has a hard time letting people in. But Savannah's loyal though and loves deeply. She's a compassionate person and I liked her. Her reactions made sense. She wasn't too heroic or too cowardly.

I have to say, the focus of the story was less about the characters than the actual plot itself which made for some interesting characters which weren't fully explained or explored. I don't think I know the cast as well as I want to but well enough so that I do care about them.

Now to the story... Wow, oh wow. Savannah Grey is told in predictably Savannah Grey's perspective but in some chapters/parts we get backstory about this very creepy villain, the Orcassa, a monstrous creature. I was so fascinated with the monsters. They were different and the backstory was so interesting and twisted but I couldn't help loving those parts and wondering how the plot would work. Then at the end when Mr. Cliff McNish revealed this hidden twist I was shocked. But also jumping up and down thinking that was an excellent plot device and very fitting of the villain. Needless to say, the story was the kind that pulls you in and at the end you feel content and happy.

I'm not sure at this moment if there's a sequel. The book ended in a way that a sequel isn't needed but if there was one, I'd be excited to read it.

All in all, if you're looking for a great story of love, with evil, friendship and nature, you should definitely consider Savannah Grey. It's a unique reading experience- in the best way possible. 4 stars,

****

Review: Bad Taste in Boys

Author: Carrie Harris
Pages: 201
Publisher: Delacorte
Source: Library
Synopsis: Someone's been a very bad zombie.
Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town  . . . and stay hormonally human.


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Wow. That'll teach me to actually read the synopsis before picking up the book. Bad Taste in Boys was a riot full of FUN! It had me jumping up and down and I loved the characters.

The idea here is that there is a zombie virus going around originating from the football team. Kate just happens to want to be a med student and she has various jobs on the team. She's our wonderful hero. Kate is so cool, even if she considers herself a now 50% geek (which she kinda is, but I love geeks so it doesn't matter!). She babbles a lot and has some really good friends and siblings. The only problem I had with the characters was that we didn't really go in too deep about them. Like for example, why did Kate like Aaron? He's sweet, sure, but what else does she see in him? That didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story though.

The zombie aspect to the book was again, fun. Zombies can be so depressing and that wasn't the case at all. While there was a sense of danger, Bad Taste in Boys was never really scary to me. It was amusing. The kind of book you read in one sitting and are happy because of the lack of angst.

I couldn't put this book down and I wasn't bored with it. The plot itself was satisfying but there were some points that were awfully convenient. That's okay though- I wasn't looking for a realistic read so much as an entertaining read.

If you're looking for some quick zombie fun Bad Taste in Boys is the book for you. A solid 4 stars,

****

Review: Once Every Never

Author: Lesley Livingston
Pages: 312
Publisher: Penguin
Source: Library
Synopsis: Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker… but trouble tends to find her wherever she goes. Also? She unwittingly carries a centuries-old Druid Blood Curse running through her veins.


Now, with a single thoughtless act, what started off as the Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find a stolen artifact, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born, and if there’s still time—literally—maybe even get a date.


This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every… never.


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I have just finished (edit- this review was written in August) the awesome book that is Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston. This book had it all- action, romance, history, war, time travel, geeks... everything. And all those elements together worked to make the kind of story that always keeps you guessing and that you'll love.

Clare (Clarinet Reid- I feel so bad for her having that name) is smart but not as smart as all the geniuses in her life. She's spunky and funny, plus a great friend. I had a lot of fun reading from her perspective. Clare talked like a real teenage girl which I loved. Books usually have smarter, vocabulary-wise characters. I like that Clare got distracted and her arguments with Al were awesome.

The characters were the best kind- quirky, nice, and you know they're going to go somewhere. They're like "the gang" of lovable characters. They support each other and have strong friendships. The romance is good too! It's an easy kind of romance, no need for it to be epic but more natural. That is so refreshing.

Clare can do this weird thing that she calls "shimmering" which basically means she goes to the past. Time travel. I really liked that part. I've never been too much into time travel but this book was different. It was like reading a historical book that had ties to the future. I loved reading about the Iceni and I thought everything was really well done.

There was magic too! Blood magic! And Druids! I would have liked more explanation of the. consequences of magic but I suspect that will be discussed in future books. The magic felt like a natural addition to the story.

The plot was so twisty and whimsical. There was so much action and something was always going on. I never wanted to stop reading and when the inevitable happened and I finished the last few pages, I was satisfied with the story. I know this is going to be a trilogy or something but this book could easily have been enjoyed as a standalone.

All in all, if you're looking for your next fun read with adventure, fighting and huge stakes, definitely check out Once Every Never. It's a very unique story that's not quite like anything else. 4 stars,

****

Review: Summer and the CIty

Author: Candice Bushnell
Pages: 409
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Library
Series: Sequel to The Carrie Diaries
Synopsis: Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream. 


 This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations as Carrie learns to navigate her way around the Big Apple, going from being a country "sparrow"—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined. 


 With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda, and what turned a small-town girl into one of New York City's most unforgettable icons, Carrie Bradshaw.


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I haven't watched Sex in the City (the movie or the tv show) or read the original series. So all I know about the characters are from reading Candace Bushnell's young adult series of Carrie's life.

I really enjoyed Summer and the City. I've always had a fascination for New York like Carrie. Carrie's experience in the city was interesting. I completely understood her motivations. It's New York- anything can happen. The story itself was realistic in ways but fictional enough to remain entertaining. There was a brand new cast of interesting characters and we met Samantha and Miranda.

Carrie was a flawed character. She wanted to make it big but had a hard time dealing with setbacks. She was a bit hypocritical at times without meaning to and was trying to find her path in New York so that she could stay. As a character, she was really cool though she did make her share of mistakes. I was rooting for her and her love interests.

The feeling the story leaves behind is important to me. It's the aftertaste, and Summer and the City's aftertaste was good. It's the kind of book that makes you want to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. It makes you remember that not all good things need to last, but not needing doesn't make them less good. That's the feeling I'm left with.

I really like this series. There's plenty of romance, friendship, and big city lights. 4 stars,

****

Review: Rage

Author: Jackie Morse Kessler
Pages: 213
Publisher: Harcourt
Source: Library
Synopsis: Missy didn’t mean to cut so deep. But after the party where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don’t find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was . . . different. That’s why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a new kind of blade—a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it’s with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control. A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power and refuses to be defeated by the world.


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If you thought Hunger was intense, wait till you read Rage.

Rage was brutal and raw. There was no sugarcoating anything. The events that happened were horrific but I could see them happening all the same. Missy's life was real in a way. Even though I was desperately hoping she wouldn't hurt herself, I could at least sympathize if not fully understand her perspective. The people around her were so evil sometimes and I couldn't blame Missy for wanting to hurt them. I admired Missy's strength.

Rage was the story of a girl who cuts and gets the choice whether to die or to become War, one of the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The girl chooses to live but has to come to terms with her choice and understand the consequences. I love this idea of Horsemen. I was really interested in all the interactions between them. Especially Death, who I'm extra curious about.

The main idea of the book was control. When Missy was angry and wanted to lash out, that line, control stayed with her. Missy's battle with control was realistically done. The book also got me thinking about violence. War, for all her scariness and destructive tendencies did give some lines that really make you think. Everyone wants something but so many people deny it. The idea of being who you are and having people accept that was well written in a non clichéed way.

Only other thing I can remark on is that these books clearly have a purpose and that's probably why they're so short. They stun you with the emotions, but they don't overwhelm you. It's an interesting balance.

All in all, Rage was beautifully written, honest and just an incredible story. I was hooked. 4 stars,

****

Review: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire
Pages: 400
Publisher: Egmont
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2011
Source: Library
Synopsis: One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. 


 So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. 


Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened? 


 Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.


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After finishing Hourglass, I'm so surprised. I actually liked the story!

Okay, I know that sound bad but for the for the first part of the book I was bored. I thought Emerson was okay, Michael was a bit too perfect, and I was a bit underwhelmed by everything that was happening. My favourite characters were Dru and Thomas for that part. I was tired of Michael's lies, and Em not trusting him. Then we got to the good stuff which completely changed how I viewed the book.

During the "good part", we met Kaleb (who I lurve) there's more action, more happens, more tension, more's at stake... Everything is more. The plot expands, there are startling revelations and I finally start liking Em and Michael. Especially near the end. Basically, this is the part that got me hooked on the book.

I really liked the way time traveling was done in Hourglass. It was cool that it had something to do with science and matter. The powers that the people had weren't too out there. Myra McEntire made it work. It was fresh and different from the regular time travel stories, even if you ignore the twists.

Now that I know how good Hourglass was I can not wait for the sequel. I want to spend more time with the characters to get to know them better. The story has me wondering what will happen next and it's just good. 3.5 stars,

*** & 1/2 *

Review: Haunting Violet

Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Pages: 342
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Source: Library
Synopsis: Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose. 


 Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?


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I'll admit I'm regularly not too fond of ghost stories. I usually find they follow a similar format but I actually enjoyed Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey. She's a great author who has a knack for making unique and entertaining stories involving the supernatural.

Violet is the daughter of a Spiritualist. Her mom can't really see ghosts though. She cons people using a variety of tricks and Violet is sick of it. Violet's situation is unique. Usually when we read about the late 19th century it's all about the debutantes attending fancy balls or young maids who accumulate wealth somehow. I've never read the story of a Spiritualist before so I was amused while reading Haunting Violet. The book takes a well known concept like ghosts and make it its own.

Violet is a relatable character. She's nice but independent. She doesn't want to be like her mother and take pleasure in conning poor grieving families. She likes Colin but she knows that there's not a huge chance of it working out. Her friendship with Elizabeth is fun and I admire her love of books. Overall a good MC.

The pacing of the story is good. I wouldn't call it fast paced but it wasn't slow either. You'll be entertained of reading about Violet and the suspense is also evident as you try to solve the mystery. I honestly had no clue who could have hurt poor Rowena so the end was well done and interesting.

All in all, Haunting Violet is a great summer read. It has enough romance, paranormal, and history to appeal to fans of all three genres. You'll be swept away by the story until the last page. 4 stars,

****

Review: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick
Pages: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. 


 Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.


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Forgotten was a great book to read. It was readable, fun, and had relatable characters matched with an original and interesting premise.

London Lane (loving the alliteration here) forgets everything at 4:33 AM. How does she live?! By remembering the future. Yes, London can see scenes and events to come. Not everything but important moments when she focuses. Forgetting everything would really suck. Enormously. London does try her best though and she writes little notes about the previous day that she rereads the next. It's a lot of work but it's the best solution for her problem. Writing the notes is smart and I had fun reading them.

London's character is just the kind of character you can't help but like. She's funny, has good relationships and ups and downs like every teenager. She has this voice that will keep you interested in the story at all times. She's also very relatable. It's easy to feel bad for London and to support her. She's that kind of person. Even though she has something bad happened to her, she sucks it up and deals with it. I admire that.

My only semi-issue with Forgotten is that besides friend troubles and a budding romance (which I totally approve of- Luke and London are adorable and have a real relationship) not very much happened in the book at the beginning. Then London learned something that changed her life which was interesting but by that time the book was almost over so this twist wasn't fully explored. It was done a bit quickly and I'm still trying to absorb it. The ending wasn't a hundred percent tied up and it leaves a bit to think about.

I'm not ever going to forget London and Forgotten was a a great debut. I really had a good time reading it (in one sitting) so I recommend everyone to check it out. 4 stars,

****

Review: Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write

Author: Victoria Hanley
Publisher: Prufrock Press
Source: Review Copy (Thank you!!)
Synopsis: Do you wish you had a published writer's secrets at your fingertips, ready to help you achieve your goals of publication, success, and the chance to be the next great teen writer? In Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write, Victoria Hanley, award-winning author of young adult fiction, spills the secrets for bringing action, adventure, humor, and drama to stories. All of the elements of fiction, from creating believable dialogue to exciting plots, are laid out clearly and illustrated with examples taken straight from story excerpts by excellent writers. The book is packed with writing exercises designed to encourage teens to tell the stories that are theirs alone. 


In addition, other published authors of young adult literature share their insights about the writing life. Teens can gain firsthand advice from accomplished writers T. A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Hilari Bell, Chris Crutcher, David Lubar, Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Nancy Garden, and many more.


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When I was asked to review Seize the Story, I was a bit hesitant. I thought the book sounded great but writing isn't something I do all the time, even though I like it.

I'm going to talk about my experiences a lot in this review as the book made me reflect on my writing. Two years ago I attempted to write a book. I had an idea that wouldn't leave my mind and it's still there! I made all sorts of promises and goals and outlines, but I never finished this story. I made the awful mistake of letting people read a first draft of the first part of the first book I've ever read. Over the next two years I've been thinking of my story, and it's something I always want to finish writing. I just never knew when. Victoria Hanley's Seize the Story reminded my why I love to write.

It's a book for teens so everything is written in a way I can actually understand and with lots of examples (like from Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games) that I was familiar with. I feel like I learned a lot about writing and it makes me want to write. For example, I've always heard that writing rule "Show, don't tell," but I never really knew what it was until I read the section about it. With all the examples given, it made sense. I know November is NaNoWriMo and though I can't participate, Seize the Story is a valuable tool to use.

Though there were many technical aspects of writing that were learned, the most important lessons were about writing as a craft. No one I know writes so learning that published authors feel like their first draft is crap, get bored with it and feel insecure just made me feel better. I felt strongly encouraged and like a writer. It made me see writing less as something I do randomly but like a process that people go through and that is different for everyone. It's a hard road, but rewarding. I respect authors even more now! I also think Seize the Story helps me review books better now that I know more about writing good stories.

There were many pictures and exercises and if I wasn't so constricted in time I know I would of stopped and just tried out everything to learn for myself. I know that at some point in the future I'll re-read Seize the Story and just write. For now, it has encouraged me to just get writing, which is enough for me.

This book is great for writers, especially teens. It's encouraging, informative, and interesting. I really liked it. 4 stars,

****

Review: Bite Club

Author: Rachel Caine
Pages: 340
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Source: Library
Synopsis: After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble. 


There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire- accompanied by her friends and frenemies-to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...


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I ♥ Morganville. Not the town because it sounds terrifying to live in but the books. Why? Imagine having a beautiful, perfect dream and then waking up. You're lucky though- the next time you go to sleep the dream continues. That is the Morganville Vampire books to me. I can't help if I'm addicted to them.

Rachel Caine has the best story ideas. I envy how she can always come up with a new heart-pounding action-packed novel with the same characters in the same setting and make it work. That takes major skill; that 10 books in, I don't want to ever stop reading these books. The second I pick up a Morganville book, that's it. I don't do anything except read that book. Any second not reading is wasted.

Bite Club (love the name) is about a dangerous new situation and this time Shane's the one in danger. He's not acting like himself- he's aggressive, dangerous, and withdrawing from Claire. Basically acting like a jerk, but he can't help it. Parts of Bite Club were written in Shane's perspective and I loved it. Shane is a complex guy, he's been through so much. He's scarred for life. I couldn't help but feel terrible for him and root for him.

The other characters were as awesome as ever. They're all such strong friends and work so well together as a team. There was a huge awesome surprise that I found totally welcome. I'm all excited about it. I think those who've read it already will know what I'm talking about. There were little bits of storylines that I think will be important in future novels. I'm really curious about them.

Overall, another great addition to the Morganville series. There's really not that much else to say. 4 stars,

****

Review: XVI

Author: Julie Karr
Pages: 325
Publisher: Puffin/Speak
Source: Library
Synopsis: Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world-even the most predatory of men-that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past-one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.


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XVI was a really cool book. The dystopian premise was interesting with the world building and the characters and their experiences were readable.

Nina dreads her 16th birthday where she will get a tattoo on the wrist proclaiming that she is legal for sex. She lives in a terrifying society where girls are taught that being a "sex-teen" is the way to be. These girls will go as far as the guy wants them to. They don't have a very big choice. Nina of course isn't like that- she thinks outside the box. Her mom taught her differently. I liked Nina. She was an obvious independent thinker but she didn't know what to do about the problems in her society. She focused instead on keeping her friends and family safe. Nina is a great character- strong but not a superhero, she has doubts and weaknesses too.

Nina's relationships with the other characters helped shape XVI's world and made it more real for the reader. You meet Sandy, typically wannabe sex-teen who Nina cares for deeply and you can't help but like Sandy, even if she annoys you 3/4s of the time. Then there's Sal, mysterious and gorgeous who you like but you're not sure whether to trust. Nina's romance with Sal is sweet and I supported it. It was a romance you'll root for. Nina also has other friends, Mike, Derek and Wei who are awesome in their own rights. I just loved the relationships and how real they felt in this book.

The world of XVI was different from ours with lots of strange lingo. When I first started reading I got confused and while I learned more what specific words meant, there are still some I don't know of. I did like that the author's world was well thought out enough to have lingo. This is not a society I'd like to live in and it's unforgettable in that sense.

While XVI kept me interested, it wasn't always very action packed. Nina was kept in the dark by her mother so she didn't act much and instead worked on getting the answers. I wasn't sure where the story was going at times. I hope the next book will feature more action and a bit less of mystery.

All in all, a good dystopian read, XVI is another title for your TBR list. 4 stars,

****

Review: Thin Air

Author: Lynn Seresin
Pages: 437
Source: Review copy (thank you!)
Synopsis: Alice Ayre is no ordinary teenager. She took her first name from a statue in Central Park, pulled her last name out of the air (literally), and she’s actually almost a thousand years old. In fact, the only “ordinary” thing about Alice is that she’s in love. 


 Alice was a sylphid—a winged air spirit—when she spotted Daniel Field camping in the Adirondacks and lost her heart to the handsome NYU student. Intangible to the human senses, her only hope of winning his heart resides in becoming mortal, even though transmutation is forbidden by Paralda, ruler of the air. Risking punishment, however, seems a small price to pay for a chance at true happiness. 


 Tracking down Daniel in New York City ends up being surprisingly easy. Getting noticed by him for all the right reasons is another story, especially when the human world keeps tossing challenges in Alice’s path. Just when she’s mastered zippers and buttons, she catches herself dropping a sugar packet into her coffee and mistaking a photo of John Lennon for one of Daniel’s relatives. 


 Her eccentricities raise the occasional eyebrow with Daniel and his friends, but her quirky charm, sweetness, and sincerity win out. Before long, she lands a job, begins a relationship with Daniel, and starts settling into her new life—until her past comes after her.


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Thin Air was a love story with action. a fantastic cast of characters, and a really interesting world. What would you give up for love? If you're Alice, you'd do quite a lot.

What's apparent early on while reading was the singular writing style. I don't usually talk about the writing as I'm no particular expert but there was so much distinctive voice here that made Thin Air feel different from other reads. I liked it and I thought it fit the novel well. It appeared elegant and whimsical, almost lyrical for me. If this book was a dance, it would definitely be contemporary/modern.

The world concept is intriguing. It's the kind of world you wouldn't mind knowing more about. Instead of regular fairies, there are elementals which are invisible spirits that are kind of in charge of nature (in a way). I enjoyed learning about elementals and their hierarchies. Salamanders in particular interest me, as do the specifics of how everything works.

I also really liked the variety of characters. The "gang" (Shane, Nicky, Wren, Daniel, Giovanni, and DANTE!!) were awesome. Guess who I liked reading the most about? The characters were unique in the way that they were very people like and not all the same. They each had problems and distinguishing characteristics and I would love more from them. I loved how Wren had feelings or how spontaneous and funny Dante was. Shane was so sweet in helping Alice and Giovanni was a character I wouldn't mind spending more time with. They were all decent, real people which was so refreshing.

Thin Air was very fairy tale-ish. By that I mean there were many times when I questioned how real the story could be. Sometimes situations seemed slightly too convenient. For example, when Alice was learning how to be human there were times when I thought she should have had more difficulty but that wasn't really needed for the story. This didn't take away from the story but it's something I noticed. I recommend just enjoying Thin Air and accepting what happens.

Now, on to the love part of the story. Something I know some people may not like is the insta-love. Thin Air has that, but at the time Alice is an air elemental so you know she acts differently. Maybe it's an elemental thing. Also, Thin Air is all about what happens because of that love so I think it can be justified. I was rooting for Daniel and Alice and I liked reading about them falling in love. Daniel's protectiveness was adorable. Daniel himself won me over early on. Pigs! :)

The plot was NOT what I was expecting at all. There were sweet scenes and scenes where my jaw dropped. The villain at the end fit and though I would have liked more development for them, I thought they were as good a villain as many. All throughout the book there was an urgent feel and I was constantly nervous for Alice. I'm certain she'll be fine though if she sticks to Daniel.

There was more dark material and mature subject matter in Thin Air than you'd expect. All the characters were in college and there were some disturbing scenes so I wouldn't recommend this to younger readers. I was actually so shocked at some of the events. Alice didn't have an easy time.

Overall, Thin Air is an original, fantastical tale of love with danger mixed in. There's a colorful cast of lovable characters and the book will leave you wanting more. You'll still be satisfied though- the book is long enough to give you that plus it ends without a real cliffhanger. There is mystery though! 4 stars,

****

Review: Something Deadly This Way Comes

Author: Kim Harrison
Pages: 256
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Library
Other books in the series: Once Dead Twice Shy (Madison Avery #1) (The Book Depository/Amazon) Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery #2) (The Book Depository/Amazon)
Synopsis: I'm Madison Avery, in charge of heaven's hit squad . . . and fighting it all the way. 


 When Madison died the night of her prom, she knew her life would never be the same. Now she has a powerful amulet, a team of rogue angels by her side, and the ability to flash forward into the future to see the shape of destiny. And of course, now she's finally with Josh—a perfect boyfriend who doesn't even mind that she's dead. 


 But being dead has its disadvantages, too. Madison feels caught between the light and the dark, and between her real life and her timekeeper status. When Madison has the opportunity to get her body back—to be alive again—she faces her most difficult decision yet. If she claims it, she could return to being a normal girl—and have a chance at a real relationship with Josh. But would having the one thing she wants most in the world also mean giving up everything she's worked so hard for?


Buy the Book (The Book Depository/Amazon)

Something Deadly This Way Comes was another addition to the fabulous Madison Avery series by Kim Harrison. It was probably my favorite of them all.

Upon starting the novel, I was a bit nervous because I didn't remember everything from the previous novels. I was worried I wouldn't understand what's happening but I shouldn't have worried since everything important came back to me. The book also had Madison explain or reference what had happened before a bit to refresh my memory.

I love Kim Harrison's world. She's using angels but in an original way that works. There is a lot of theory behind the magic and the angel hierarchies and it's well thought out. The main struggle of these novels is to find the middle ground between ending someone's life to save their soul or saving someone's life risking their soul. Madison wants it all: life & soul. I couldn't help but agree with her.

It's why Madison's such a great character. She wants change and she works for it. Hard. People throw her down and there are many setbacks and failures. There are also successes and Madison's courage is inspiring. She's a great character; strong, unique, but real. She's not totally selfless and works to get what she wants but she's a good person. The supporting characters are just as good and complex- even better sometimes. (I love Nakita! She's awesome!)

The best and worst thing about this book however was that it went by in a blur. That's great because I was hooked, flipping pages all through out but also not so good because the story kind of went by too fast. It's a short story and most of it is focused on one goal: saving Tammy's soul. As a story, it felt a bit short. This makes me sad because I enjoy these books. The world building and characters and overall plot is interesting but every time I read a book I'm left craving for more. That may be the desired effect though. Or it's just me.

All in all, another great installment to a great series filled with darkness, light, fate and choice. Madison Avery is a series you should be reading. 4 stars,

****

Review: Entwined

Author: Heather Dixon
Pages: 480
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Source: Library
Synopsis: Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it. 


The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation. 


Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest. 


But there is a cost. 


The Keeper likes to keep things. 


Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.


Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository) 

Entwined is another retelling of the story of the 12 Dancing Princesses. I wasn't too sure how much I'd like it since I've read many retellings lately but I shouldn't have been worried because I did enjoy it.

What I liked was the characters and their relationships. The Royal was dealt a great loss with the death of the Queen leaving Azalea, Princess Royale to care for the household and the younger princesses. Azalea is our main character and she is in pain herself but she still does whatever she can for her sisters. She's a brave character and somewhat impulsive but I felt her sadness when consulting the King, masked with anger. All her emotions made sense and I enjoyed reading about her.

The other thing I liked was that though the original story is about mostly the dignitaries trying to help the princesses, this retelling wasn't just about that. It felt less like something being retold than its own story. There were many more characters and much more action than the original story though some parts were the same.

The villainous Keeper was intelligently entwined to the story. He was genuinely scary. At halfway through when things began to get rough I shivered and from that moment on Entwined reached a whole new level. I love the magic involved, and the dancing which together made for a more sinister story than I was expecting.

I really did like this story and I'm glad I read it. I was never bored as the 12 sisters will keep you reading of their mischievous pranks and escapades. A great, fun read, 4 stars,

****

Review: My Soul to Steal

Author: Rachel Vincent
Pages: 343
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Library
Other Books in the Series: My Soul to Take  (Book 1) (Amazon, The Book Depository) My Soul to Save (Book 2) (Amazon, The Book Depository) My Soul to Keep (Book 3) (Amazon, The Book Depository)
Synopsis: Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back. 


See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives. 


And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository)

My Soul to Steal is the fourth novel of the Soul Screamers series and honestly, I wish this series would never end.

Rachel Vincent had managed to change my mind. Again. At the end of the last book I had some unpleasant feelings about one character and though he wasn't redeemed, she made me pause and think about that character again. I can't hate a character in her series (except hellions... How about I can't hate a part-human character?)

Take Sabine for instant. On one hand I'm with Kaylee and I want Sabine gone. On the other, Sabine has her issues and there are some redeeming qualities. You just have to take the time to look for them. Despite this frustrating aspect, My Soul to Steal was pretty good.

Kaylee wasn't in a very good spot in MSTS. She was very jealous and insecure but I understood it. She was impulsive at times which was fun to read of but when she thought things through later on, I cringed with her. I learned a ton about Kaylee in this book. Mostly her fears and I'm just as torn as she is about some decisions she'll need to make.

What can else can you expect in MSTS? Well, there is Tod and Nash, one of the hottest bros ever. They were both here and there with scenes that'll make you sigh and others that'll have you raging. There isn't a love triangle yet but I feel there may be one in the future... And judging by how delicious both boys are, it will be good. Wow. I actually want a love triangle!

Lastly again there was a big mess caused by hellions and not everything was revealed till the end. Both sides are getting warmed up and I have a feeling there's going to be a huge showdown. I can't wait to read it but I'm scared too. These hellions aren't exactly sunshine and rainbows. Rachel Vincent is doing a fabulous job piling the suspense.

What does this mean? I again read Rachel's book in one sitting. I am addicted. I can't wait for the next book and this is a good addition to a great, unique series which has it all. 4 stars,

****

Review: Clarity

Author: Kim Harrington
Pages: 242
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Source: Library
Synopsis: When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 


Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. 


When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository)

Clarity was an impressive debut. I love a good mystery and Clarity was just that, an interesting murder mystery with some psychics thrown in. Oh, and who can forget the kickass heroine? Yeah, Clarity was pretty good.

First thing I thought of: Clare is AWESOME. She's fierce and impulsive, rebellious but loyal too. She realizes she's no angel but she's a good person. She doesn't take crap from people. I felt awful for Clare for always being called a freak and I'm interested to learn more about her school life. She's cut out for the investigator biz. I was rooting for her all along.

The other characters in the story were cool too. I love how some of them had their own side stories. It helped make them real to me and overall enhanced the story's setting and believability. Some of them stole the scene. I enjoyed reading of Clare's mom particularly because she had a very fun and teasing personality. The boys for the mini love triangle thing were hot but I wasn't sure if the triangle was needed for the overall plot. Well, that's what I thought at least. I didn't pick a team- that'll come in the future right? Assuming the triangle continues.

I'd also like to mention the mystery. I applaud Kim Harrington for keeping me on my toes. I did guess the villain and at the end I was all "I knew who it was! I should be a detective!" but the truth is that I was sure the killer was at least 3 different people. You'll have a fun time trying to guess who's behind the murder- and yes, it makes sense!

Overall I want to see more of Clare and of Kim Harrington's books. Check out Clarity; you won't regret it! 4 stars,

****

Review: Shift

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Pages: 367
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Library
Other Books in the Series: Shade (Amazon, The Book Depository)
Synopsis: Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. 


Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. 


As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository)

Awww, Shift was an amazing read, so sweet and unique. This book reminded me why I loved Shade so much. I think I enjoyed Shift even more, and I can't wait for Shine.

The story was again about Aura but this time we got some answers as to her heritage. And they were shocking. I love how clever authors are, giving readers clues but remaining mysterious enough that you never see the twist coming. As Zach and Aura explored the origins of the Shift they learned many new things and I'm excited to see what happens at the end of the trilogy, as well as sad because don't want the story to end.

You know how some books in series feel more like a continuation of a story arc than an actual individual story? Shift wasn't like that. The book addicted me so I couldn't stop reading it but it also had it's own story and there was a conclusion. I did have teary eyes while reading it and a bunch of times I just sighed.

Let's get to the good stuff: the boys. Logan or Zachary? Zach or Logan? I was always hesitant to pick a side because they were both so good in their own ways. I will say that I love the growth both boys go through and that the way things turned out is the way they were meant to be.

All in all, Shift was a beautiful sequel to Shade. It has a bit of everything readable: action, romance, mystery, etc. If you haven't read this series, I encourage you to do so. It's one of the most original ghost stories I've read of. 4 stars,

****

Review: Desires of the Dead

Author: Kimbery Derting
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Previous book in the series: The Body Finder (Book Depository, Amazon)
Synopsis: Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life. As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.
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Buy the Book: (The Book Depository, Amazon)

Desires of the Dead was another good mystery with some romance by the awesome Kimberly Derting. It was also the sequel to The Body Finder, the first book about Violet's adventures. While I liked the first book a bit more, the sequel was still worth reading.

*warning, spoilers for The Body Finder*

The story ended off with Violet and Jay in their relationship. Now that they're a couple, they (Violet) are unsure of what being a couple means for their friendship. Obviously they have some issues and work them out, etc. I did want to kind of yell at them to just start trusting each other more sometimes but their fights made them a stronger couple. I will say that Jay is the perfect boyfriend. *swoons*

There was obviously death in Desires of the Dead. Again, someone wanted to hurt Violet. I had a good idea of who the person responsible may be, and it was kind of stupid for me not to consider anyone else because there was (of course) a huge twist that made me question my suspicions. That being said, once you think about it enough (and you're far enough into the novel) the villain/culprit is easy to guess. It's safe to say though that this wasn't the story I thought it was going to be.

There was a bit of development that I take is for future novels, such as adding Sara and Rafe, two new characters that believe in strange gifts. Rafe is described as your average dark mysterious guy with some romantic tension with Violet. I really don't want that to happen. Violet+Jay=truelove4ever and all that. ;)

Overall a nice good read with plenty of suspense, and mystery, Desires of the Dead is part of a great series you should read. 4 stars,

****

Review: Far From the War

Author: Jeffrey David Payne
Pages: 366
Publisher: Roche Harbor Books
Source: Review copy- Thank you so much!
Synopsis: Economic ruin and partisan rancor have pushed America to the brink of a new civil war. Esther is caught in the middle, serving as a page in the United States House of Representatives when rogue politicians and military leaders stage a modern day coup d’état. When the coup turns violent, she abandons Washington, D.C. for home. She must learn to survive on her own as transportation and financial networks fail, as the war disrupts food and water supplies. The result is a cautionary tale about political extremism and the true cost of war.

Buy the Book (Amazon)

Far From the War was a battering, brutal story of war. Honestly, it leaves me wanting to be more active and make sure nothing like that ever happens. But the shocking reality is that it does happen! How many stories do we hear on the news of revolutions and fights for control?

The strength of this book was the fact that it didn't shy down from the aspects of war. We met soldiers from both sides, we learnt of the obliteration of several cities. There were violent and painful deaths. There were good people, bad people, desperation, hope. There was an appropriately large range of characters each with their own quirks. I feel like crying right now thinking this is what people go through.

Esther is the main character here. She's strong, smart, and seriously witty. I liked Esther in the way I like a role model. She was so incredible and knowledgeable all the time. I couldn't relate to that part. Esther certainly doesn't have it easy. What she goes through... It's a heck of a journey. So much sorrow and tears.

With all the death, you'd expect this book to be a "sad" story. You know, the kind of book that is heart-wrenching and makes you tear up. With dramatic scenes and the whole nine yards. While there was plenty of material to make this a "sad story" it was more of a survival story. If you have nightmares, are squeamish or queasy, you may have trouble with Far From the War. It's very much smart a story for mature audiences.

Plot and interest wise, this book had me hooked. I learned early on to pay careful attention to what's happening and I'm a daydreamer so sometimes I wander off to another world. Not with this book. I reread certain parts to get the full impact. The story had me addicted and reading far into the night.

I do have to mention the little problems I had too though. First, Esther didn't feel like a normal teen. She's 17 and serious, yes, but she never really ever mentioned anything that someone in my generation would know. She used some language but some parts of her character had me thinking, "Hmmm, really?" I wasn't always convinced of her emotion. That may have been due to the fact that the story was written in third person so that we saw what was happening but didn't get overwhelmed. I could disregard this easily enough though.

Basically, Far From the War surprised me in the best possible way. It was a fulfilling story of war, peace, love, hate, and everything about life and survival. I was thoroughly compelled to keep reading until the satisfying end. The world needs more stories like Far From the War. 4 stars,

****