Return To Paradise by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: September 1st 2010 by Flux
Paperback, 302 pages
Book Series: Leaving Paradise, Book 2
(Click here for review of book one of the series, Leaving Paradise)

Book Description:

Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She’s determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie’s accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

Review:

I literally can't get enough of Simone Elkeles books. It's almost like an addiction!

Caleb and Maggie's relationship is one I can't forget because I'd never expect such a romance in a teen book, to me it was inspirational. When they're stuck in a summer stumble, we meet a few other characters, all who really made this book almost better than the first. And like most of Elkeles book, this story felt real...

Something I hadn't expected was the humor. I mean it wasn't just a few chuckles here and there...it was laugh out loud HILARIOUS!

The sequel, if you've read Leaving Paradise, is a must read...regardless on whether you thought Leaving Paradise was good or just plain awesome! Have yourself some hot romance, fun dialog and wicked humor. Definitely recommended.

5/5

Book 1 : Leaving Paradise

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma Review

Published: May 27th 2010 by Definitions
Paperback, 418 pages

Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan have never had the chance to be 'normal' teenagers. Having pulled together for years to take care of their younger siblings while their wayward, drunken mother leaves them to fend alone, they have become much more than brother and sister. And now, they have fallen in love. But this is a love that can never be allowed, a love that will have devastating consequences ...

How can something so wrong feel so right?

FYI, This Book is not Suitable for Younger Readers. As said on the back of the book itself.

Quote(s): "...Her face glows like an old fashioned streetlamp, lit from the inside, and everything else in the room disappears as if into a dark fog" -pg 120

This book was, well, let's just say I have never in my life been so emotional distraught...and amazed. At first, I couldn't believe the praise this book got because lets be honest...rarely does a person relate to a book about incest but to my astonishment, I haven't related to a book as much as I did this one.

Forbidden stole my heart on November 26, 2010 in which I couldn't think anything more important to do than to learn as much about the characters lives as possible. Every part of me felt for them to the point where I officially believed they were real, the writing is that good.

I couldn't sleep well that night and on the day after I'd tear up now and then as I helped my 9 year old brother with his homework, or hung out with my big sister at Starbucks. Tabitha Suzuma writes a compelling story about every kind of love there is.

Officially my second favorite author and second favorite book. After Stolen by Lucy Christopher.

5/5







Goodreads link: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Amazon link: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles Review

Title/Series: Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise, Book 1)

Published: April 1st 2007 by Flux
Paperback, 303 pages

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.
After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

So as you may already now, I love this author. To me, Simone Elkeles never disappoints. Leaving Paradise was actually the first I've read from her books and so this is how the glorious discovery of this super spectacular author started...

I began reading this book in Barnes and Noble, my back lay against the teen favorites book shelf and when I saw that I couldn't stop reading I had to run to the cash register because whether I finished there or in my bedroom, I wanted
Leaving Paradise in my possession.

For Simone Elkeles, it's all about the characters and how they live. She works with the idea of confused and/or troubled teens who need a some positive energy to get them thinking of their life's worth and what better positive than love and forgiveness.

Caleb Becker for one isn't feeling to good about himself, he not sure if he wants to live life portraying a boy who physically impairs teen girl, Maggie Armstrong by crashing into her while driving drunk. He's done his time in jail but things just don't feel how they should be.

Maggie is trying to live as best she could with her permanent limp but she can't help her fury from being mad at the world...and Caleb. She finds no use in crying over the past but when she grows a curious relationship with Caleb she can't help but feel a number of emotions, ones that shouldn't even be worth a thought.

This story was the first and certainly not my last by this author. I can never fully tell the ways of how Simone Elkeles stories have this amazing affect on me...it's all life, love, raw emotions, and humor...it's some of the best ya fiction out there...

I strongly recommend Simone's books, you might hate it, you might love it, you might just think they're okay...but at least try them because one can never fully explain all the ways why her books are so likable.

5/5




Sequel: Return to Paradise (Book 2)

The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith Review

Title: The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, Book 1)
Published November 18th 2010 by Pyr Paperback, 320 pages


Vampire predators run wild in this exciting steampunk adventure, the first in an alternate history trilogy that is already attracting attention.

In 1870, monsters rise up and conquer the northern lands, As great cities are swallowed up by carnage and disease, landowners and other elite flee south to escape their blood-thirsty wrath. One hundred fifty years later, the great divide still exists; fangs on one side of the border, worried defenders on the other. This fragile equilibrium is threatened, then crumbles after a single young princess becomes almost hopelessly lost in the hostile territory. At first, she has only one defender: a mysterious Greyfriar who roams freely in dangerous vampire regions.

Whew , this book spoiled me. I loved it in so many ways...

But I must admit, I hadn't been quickly immersed in this book after reading the back description and I guess I was afraid by the presentation in the first few pages too because it was slightly intimidating in all it's alternative(otherworldly)history ...I was very wrong in my prediction. The promise of greatness in this read was fulfilled and there is no doubt that the on going Vampire Empire series will be epic. Enriched with wicked steampunk adventure, this read overachieves in all genres from soul-defined romance to impressive combative action. I was also enthralled by the glow of realism in the story too, it merged with the fantasy and paranormal romance aspects of the novel almost perfectly.

As for the cons, I waited for the eventual cliches but the writing was so crazy good that it distracted me from any that came. The love was something else too...it was a fine twist in the vampire romance part of the novel.

Clay and Susan Griffith are a fantastic duo.

By the end of the book I was completely blown away and excited for the upcoming sequels. The Greyfriar is a hidden classic, a thrilling story and I hope you consider this book because this book is too good to be missed.

Here is a video of the trailer for The Greyfriar if you'd like a peek at that:




4.5/5







Fav Quotes...

" "Greyfriar!" His tall figure leapt, and he drew his rapier while in the air, the blade falling as he came down. A bloody head lolled to the side. The swordsman didn't stop moving but rushed the vampire Adele was barely holding at bay...Clawed hands rose to strike the man across the face, but Greyfriar ducked and thrust through the chest of his opponent, twisting the blade to destroy her heart. The body fell to the ground and Greyfriar turned to Adele."

"Her hands astonished him. Her skin was so much darker than his alabaster flesh..."

Dooley Takes the Fall by Norah McClintock Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Right away, Dooley knows he's in trouble. For one thing he's got a record. For another, the dead kid isn't exactly a stranger - and he's no friend.

So slowly the net begins to close around 17-year-old Dooley, a troubled lone wolf who has a couple of strikes against him already. Not many are on Dooley's side; in fact at times he even wonders whether his uncle - a retired cop - thinks he's guilty again. There's a big question of trust in their uneasy relationship, and his uncle is the only one standing between Dooley and big time disaster.

The dead kid's sister Beth is someone Dooley would like to have think better of him as well - but she also suspects he's involved in the crime. And all around him are other teenagers at school and in the world he's drawn into who would like to pin him with responsibility for a growing number of murders that swirl through the city.

This book isn't my usual style of what I like to read but I fell in the mood for a book that wasn't too well known but has a great message and tells of a troubled teen. This story was just what I was looking for.

Dooley, the hero of the book, is not as typical as one might think after reading the book description: Dooley actually feels real, a loner who doesn't come off as desperate but rather so intriguing that it has the reader memorized by how he deals with problems and life in general.

The story in general was a great read. Full of drama, suspense and a tinge of romance that was just above satisfaction.

This is the second book I've read by Norah McClintock and certainly not the last. So far her books have shown so much truthfulness in all it's characters and generation that would make any reader stop and think why there isn't enough praise coming through for these stories(Click here for my Review for Masked).

When I realized there were more books to this series I was ecstatic. There are three books in total: Dooley Takes the Fall, Homicide Related, Victim Rights.

4/5





Homicide Related (Ryan Dooley #2) Victim Rights (Ryan Dooley #3)

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

I bought this Hardcover for $5.38(bargain price) at Barnes and Noble a little while back...let me just say this book is definitely worth more than a little over 5 dollars.

I had high expectations for this one and the result was pure entertainment; sweetness, humor, and intelligence...a pleasure to have read from start to finish. As for the plot, it seems impossible to have anything to do with "Hollywoods' Golden Boy" but Annika does just that. The story line seems typical...unrealistic probably but in truth it's so absorbing with all it's charms a young adult could ask for in a teen romance novel.

Janette Rallison has astonishing talent that takes the reader to full captivity as her story and characters draw you in with a promising flow. I appreciate the hard work put into Just One Wish.

This was Genius. I would recommend this to any twelve years and above.

5/5

Elixir by Hilary Duff Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

As the daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington D.C. politician, Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. And though she dreads the paparazzi who track her every move, she herself is a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world.

But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful young man begin to appear in Clea’s photos—a man she has never seen in her life.

When Clea suddenly encounters this man in person she is stunned—and feels an immediate and powerful connection. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance and discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond.

Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fate, together they race against time to unravel their past in order to save their future—and their lives.

This book is the first in the elixir series by Hilary duff and ghost writer Elise Allen. I wasn't too surprised when I found this book to be full of mystery, suspense, romance, and drama all in good writing. I've always thought Hilary Duff talented and I can sense her ideas as I'm reading the book. As for Elise Allen...I got my eye out for this author as well. I must admit the story had it's moments of similar YA concepts but it also had a lot of boldness as well.

As others have mentioned, I agree when they say it's challenging to write a likable story dealing with the term "soulmates"...in this case, it wasn't overdone which was a relief because the plot and background story of the novel is very intriguing.

The end was abrupt but it didn't bother me as much it did for others. In all, a thrilling read. As for the sequel. Can't Wait!

5/5

Stolen by Lucy Christopher Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

Excerpt:

"I thought you were going to...I thought..." The images were too horrible to get the words out.

"I know." You ran a hand through your hair, turning parts of it red from the sand in your fingers. You seemed serious. Your face was tired and empty-looking, your forehead wrinkled up.

"Just relax," you said again. "Please just relax. For once. Neither of us can go on like this. Just trust that it's all for the best."


This book I'm about to praise is not only directed to the story but to the author herself. I say this because it's a reminder to us readers that in a way, the story is the writer. Lucy Christopher is a true visionary and a giver of a life ignored. A story so vivid in "letter" form.

Entirely, the story is of a sixteen year old girl, Gemma, who writes a letter to her captor telling her story in her point of view. The situation is intricate but the story is told in a neat flow of lively words...promising to leave ya readers helpless with there wondering minds.

As Gemma awaits her faith trapped in an Australian outback with her captor, Ty, she begins to reminisce events in her life past and present that will shape her life to whatever it may come to be.( I can't believe the amount of realism in the events of this book, it merged perfectly with the characters.) Descions will be made, hearts will sink or swim...meanings will forever be changed.

Lucy Christopher is currently one of my top favorite authors. Her book is literally my favorite of all.

5/5

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

"In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart."

I thought the story prodigious,

I was completely engulfed with its' awesomeness as it turned out this book wasn't too cliched, unrealistic or typical at all. The story starts and grows with Brittany, an ordinary rich-cheerleader type girl and Alex, a male member of Latino Bloods Gang ...both gradually showing interest in one another. What I liked most about their evolving relationship is how conscious they still were of the real world; the characters felt real, alert, flawed and almost perfect in their own way.

I have to admit at first I told myself I wasn't going to be that interested in this book but I had a bit of trust Elkeles as I have already read leaving paradise before diving into this series. After just passing the first couple of pages, I hadn't realized the day moved three hours or that I had missed an episode of Supernatural.

I didn't feel too bad about that in the end.

Simone Elekeles is nothing like other YA fiction authors, the confidence and originality she gives way is remarkable. She goes out there writing stories that appeal to almost any young adult reader and never fails to exceed in her books... what ever thoughts one might have after reading a book description or observing one of her book cover art, the books always live up to that action, romance, intensity and humor one might be hoping for.

It's as if she goes away from all things heard of and creates a masterpiece to share with us to enjoy. I can't imagine living without reading her books.
5/5






Sequels: Rules of Attraction {2} Chain Reaction {3}

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Tennyson:
Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. So why is my sister, BrontË, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.

BrontË:
My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. There's a reason why Brewster can't have friends—why he can't care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can't be explained. I know, because they're happening to me.

Award-winning author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love.

This book was a web of astonishment. A true! ...but not so true story. Throughout the book, you have the voice of four unique characters that tie things up with a great message. In my opinion, this story told a message in the most unique way I've ever read.

In a nutshell, the story is about a girl, Bronte, who has been dating "the Bruiser" to soon find out by her brother, Tennyson, that there's more to The Bruiser then just a funny name. He has a special ability that I dare not mention because it's far more deserving than to just spoil you with.
Neal Shusterman has written a well thought-out book so I really recommend you get a copy or borrow it from a library.

The humor, action, science, and sheer wonder of the story is one of a kind.

4.5/5

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart.

The second I read this book I had an instant connection with Meghan Chase. Not only because my name is Meg too but because she has a little brother whom she feels protective of as I do... hence the the reason for her adventure through the bitter cold and pronged Winterland-the necessary fight against her love for IcePrince Ash and The Iron King himself to save her innocent kid brother. On top of all that not to long ago, she's filled in that she is the daughter of King Oberon and that forbidden to deal with anything that is anywhere below freezing temperature.

The Cover for one definitely does the story justice as well as the supporting characters that I must admit are surprisingly unforgettable in their own corner. Kagawa has that great way in her writing that makes you wonder if this book is in fact fiction. Zooming on the fantasy parts of the story, it's hard to believe that there ever was a place called Earth because the reader gets so deeply sucked in to the paranormal elements that it's difficult to get out. The characters are marvelously entertaining; Ash, Meghan, Puck, Grimalkin...they all have these great personalities from humorous to dangerously sweet to witty and seemingly carefree.

Another point I loved in this story is the absence of a wide range of old folk tale stories and dreadful information that would normally lead the reader to the actual, entertaining part of the story. It's a fresh story with enticing, cool mythical beings and typical yet original everyday characters that don't require so much energy to get into.

5/5

The Other Parts to The Iron Fey Series: Winter's Passage, The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen.

Book 1.5 Book 2 Book3

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Bravo Kimberly Derting! Your writing certainly has the likability factor.

I say this because although the book description comes off a little typical and heard of by any young adult reader who love YA fiction...the book is one that will have you second guessing the whole way through.

The main character Violet is certainly one individual to look up to. She has the ability to sense death and to me, it's nothing I haven't heard of before but then there's Kimberly Derting. She entwined love and paranormal powers in a unique way that is precious in YA books, which is the presence of maturity in the characters, in this case teens. I love for a book with determined and caring teenagers, it goes perfect with Jay's and Violet's growing love relationship.

Derting is a fantastic voice for teens and young adults alike, she supports old school and presents fun flowing dialog . I just loved the visible maturity in Violets and Jays words. They've been friends since childhood and find that they're falling for each other but the book doesn't come off as cliche at all in my opinion.

I also should mention that I don't favor in "feels/hears the dead" stories but again this book has this originality that ties this book and author to one of my favorites definitely.

5/5

The sequel_*Desires of the Dead*_ is to be released on March 1st 2011 and is on the top of my list of "to read"

Never After by Dan Elconin Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

There is no place like a dysfunctional home.

Leaving everything behind for the Island was Ricky's dream come true. When his happily ever after is not quite what it seems, he discovers that running away means running toward bigger problems.

Trapped on the Island, Ricky must join together with the only people he can trust to help him face his fears and return home. But the only way off the Island is to confront the person who trapped Ricky and his friends in the first place. With countless enemies and true peril staring them down, Ricky's mission to leave this so-called paradise will become a battle for their very lives.

This book is overall a great and highly original re-telling of peter pan. The story is so imaginative giving a great feel for young adult readers who are interested in a classic with a twist.


I found out about this book from a blog as many of you may get your way finding books as well, well let me tell you...fate was on my side that day because this book has it all.

Full of action, humor, some romance, and very likable characters gives this book a high rating from me. I consider this book a dark horse probably because Dan Elconin hasn't published anything apart from this book.

Elconin has the characteristic of grabbing you right from the start and giving a ride the whole way through for any young adult reader. The book isn't complicated reading wise but it has a good flow for any age reader so don't let this one pass.

5/5