The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Review

Book Description:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

My Review:

I feel like I'm the only one about to give a rating below 4 stars but I must be honest:

This was a "bipolar read" for me. The story was gripping but exasperating at the same time. I appreciate the sip of raw/original teen characters but I kept wishing for the point of the story to come already. Why? Because the characters got way too "I'm unlucky but unforgettably gifted" AND irritating with their "impressive" remarks, speeches, etc...

I don't want to spoil the book in any way so lastly, I will admit that I was a little intimidated at times but what really made me want to run from this book was the moral of the story that seemed to grow like a never-ending mosquito bite. Itchy as hell too.

Verdict: give it a try.

Review: The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Paperback, 296 pages

Published July 28th 2002 by Distractions Incorporated

Book Description:

Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure-an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience-in the form of a man.

A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way-either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary.

Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden's unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man-Ransom Lake.

But there were other life's lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently convey to her as well. The darker side of life-despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden's dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?

My Review:

It all started with a blogger; I first heard about author Marcia Lynn McClure from Kathy from I am a reader not a writer Blog and I feel lucky because Marcia is a writer of admiration. I can already sense her books will be my "home away from home" kind of reads...what a pleasure it will be.

Visions of Ransom Lake wasn't as good as I had hoped but it did rob me of my sleep for a few nights because I even read a couple of pages over and over again because of how beautifully written some parts of the story were. The setting is a world I could never experience in real life but it doesn't matter because I had the craziest illusion I was one of the characters! Vonnie.

Vonnies' sister Vaden has a very fun personality and the more Ransom Lake ran into her, the more their love grew. Vonnie is the more "pretty", quiet one but what I mean by feeling as if I was Vonnie, I meant only her quiet ways. As much as she was quiet, I felt she was a dark horse just waiting to be loved. Don't we all sometimes. But this was Vaden's(her sisters') story and I adored it...

for the most part.

I couldn't get enough of the story, the characters and everything in between but the second half of the story felt wrong. I can't explain much on a count spoilers but man did I enjoy most of this. Really great read that first half was.

If you're looking for a clean, yet passionate romance...Visions of Ransom Lake is the book I recommend.

Goodreads | Amazon | Marcia Lynn McClure's Website

4/5

Review: What Can't Wait by Ashley Hope Perez

Hardcover, 240 pages

Published March 28th 2011 by Carolrhoda Books

Book Description:

Another day finished, gracias a Dios." Seventeen-year-old Marisa's mother has been saying this for as long as Marisa can remember. Her parents came to Houston from Mexico. They work hard, and they expect Marisa to help her familia. An ordinary life--marrying a neighborhood guy, working, having babies--ought to be good enough for her. Marisa hears something else from her calc teacher. She should study harder, ace the AP test, and get into engineering school in Austin. Some days, it all seems possible.

On others, she's not even sure what she wants. When her life at home becomes unbearable, Marisa seeks comfort elsewhere--and suddenly neither her best friend nor boyfriend can get through to her. Caught between the expectations of two different worlds, Marisa isn't sure what she wants--other than a life where she doesn't end each day thanking God it's over. But some things just can't wait...

My quick Review:

What Can't Wait was great realistic fiction story. With Marisa's parents wanting one thing and her heart wanting something entirely different, it's tough to keep everyone happy, for both yourself and your loved ones. Perez wrote about the love, hate, confusion and hope in Maris'a life...all of which I was able to keep up with and relate to by some degree.


The Characters were basic but they fit the story well enough to do the book justice. From her sister, Cecilia, to her best friend, Brenda...everyone had a part to make this book full of life.

As for the writing and dialogue...I think Perez did a very good job keeping the reader interested. There were times where I felt the book was lacking but I've been very picky these days so I wont say that anything was a ruin. In all, many of the events and situations that happened in What Can't Wait made it worth reading. I recommend this if you're in the mood.

4/5

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin Review

Hardcover, 450 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011
by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
My Copy: ARC

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

My Review:

Michelle Hodkin, aren't you the genius...

Yes.You.Are.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is WILD! The mystery, the suspense and the romance was written to perfection.

The Characters:

Based on the book description, Mara is suppose to be this very intriguing character right? Well at first I thought she can't possible fit the part but when everything came together, she was so absorbing. Her friend Jamie was great too, a classic. And Noah...ahh Noah, he was everything I found interesting in a guy. He had me from the start and he and Mara were the best pair with very likable personalities.

This was a great story and so I have to rave about the writing. It wasn't typical. I smiled whenever I read a scene that avoided the cliches.

The story:

One of the best YA book I've read this year. I couldn't get enough of the mystery(Even though it did get a bit draggy at times). But Every event was quality. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was everything I loved and hoped for so yes, another victory!

4/5

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan Review

Hardcover, 307 pages

Expected publication: September 13th 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin
My copy: ARC

Book Description:

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

My review:

I'm not usually into sc-fi reads but this wasn't all that bad... The beginning I'd say was a woosh for me, reading like soft waves of the ocean. The characters were developing and I guess I wanted more and more until...I was twitching with every word in this book.

The writing and the characters were like a same note over and over again. I was waiting for the story to...crack. Either that or the characters were too insipid for me too enjoy the rest of the book. To me It was the well known ya plot with your egg-shaped ships and sc-fi sprinkle. At first I actually compared this book to one of my favorite Disney movies, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Waverly being Zenon :)



But that's it, Waverly was the only character, to me, that had mettle and something to give to the story. She was this bright cherry on top a bad sundae. I didn't care for her relationship with Kieran, I didn't see any spark of romance between them.

Another mention,

I wasn't too thrilled by the way religion was merged into the story...I sensed many corrupt people with strange reasons. I did like the first half of the book but I don't know if I'll be reading the next book to the Sky Chasers series.

If you really liked Across the Universe by Beth Revis then you might like this.

3/5

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson Review

Paperback, 288 pages

Published March 22nd 2011 by Speak

Book Description: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

My Review:

Grief. Death. Cope.

That's what this book is suppose to be about, right? Well it wasn't. I expected a more emotional read but it some how steered to some basic coming of age story. It may have been a tiny bit realistic but that wasn't enough. If you're going to read a story about a girl whose sister died...I think you're allowed to make the small assumption that it will be......well, emotional.

The characters were not original. Their conversations and actions were like summer mosquito's. Flying around until they got the chance to bite you and cause you to feel itchy and irritated for the next six hours of the day. Yup, that's pretty much Lennie...a mosquito. The writing wasn't for me either but I think that's because I didn't like the story.

My oh my. I really feel bad for giving this book a low rating but I have to be honest.

2/5 (for the writing and the book cover)

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson Review

Hardcover, 344 pages

Published May 4th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Book Description: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

My Review:

*inhale*

Smell that? Smells like VICTORY!

To me this story was very attractive and mature; like that mysterious guy giving me a hot smoldering look in Red Mango today...sorry, got off topic, haha. Wait..what was I talking about? Oh yeah, Amy and Rodger's Epic Detour isn't really a story you hear about in real life but wish you or your friends could experience so that we can share the excitement. I mean, a road trip with an interesting male whom you knew back in the old days and has now become very personable...not easy to resist.

I'm honored to have found Morgan Matson's book because now I have another author to watch out for; her writing is extremely likable.

Also, I got to give credit to the characters development... Amy and Rodger are the exact type of characters I'm always in the mood for; exciting, classy and down to earth teens is what I admire in a story dealing with grief and love in the same 344 pages. The only reason I rated 4/5 was for the drag in the end but overall this book was excellent!

4/5

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley Review

Hardcover, 257 pages

Expected publication: February 14th 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Book Description:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.





Austrlian Cover:


My review:

Warning: This review may contain overused exclamation marks.

I never thought I'd say this but thank you Dymocks.com.au for your overpriced cost but very good service...*smile* because I may have bought this book from Australia to be shipped to the US for 15.45$ + 40.00$ shipping but shux! This book was worth it!

Cath Crowley is now one of my top favorite authors of all time; I was amazed by how she told this story through the minds of 18/19 year old characters...she nailed it! I loved every person in this story! They were true, entertaining, inspiring and unforgettable!

As for the story itself, well, do you ever have those moments when you read a book description these days and you say to yourself "this book is either going to be okay or great"? I had that moment and well, Graffiti Moon was phenomenal! I've been waiting a year and a
half to read this so I also had high expectations and you know what? I'm still going crazy about this story, it has it all; action, romance, adventure, suspense and comedy...I actually laughed out loud a couple of times.

Lastly but most importantly, the language of art is extraordinary and that was themed in the story perfectly.

Easily the best book I've read so far this year.

5/5

~*~

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson Review

Paperback, 320 pages

Published August 4th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Book Description:

Seventeen year old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. Or thereabouts.After a mugging on the streets of South London goes horribly wrong and exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex.

They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. Trying to uncover the truth of why her mother was killed, and the real remit of The Unit, Lila becomes a pawn in a dangerous game. Struggling to keep her secrets in a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them...

Book Review:

Hunting Lila. Although the start of the book is predictable and the characters are slightly typical, the story got pretty exciting towards the middle and end. Ironically, Lila wasn't really who I thought she'd be...I mean...poor Lila, in the beginning she was clueless with that power of telekinesis. I felt bad for her. That was until she ran to Southern California where Jack and Alex lived. She begins to try and get use to her situation and then collects information she thought she'd never know. I wont get into that on a count of spoilers.

The story is written pretty well for a debut author; Sarah Alderson writes in a good flow and that's key because Hunting Lila is filled with unexpected events, battle sequences and a few romantic scenes. I haven't read ya fiction like this in a long time and I'm glad I decided to read this when it first came out.

As for the characters: Jack, Lila's brother, was the protective, intelligent, sexy all in one kind of guy. Alex, Jack's friend and Lila's long time love interest, was intelligent too but not much different than any other male character who might or might not know if he's in love. I'm actually glad I wasn't head over heals for him, rather, he was really...likeable. I'd have to say my favorite character thou is Suki thou, her power rocked!

Definitely worth reading.

4/5







If you interested, it's not available in stores in the US(only UK) but you can buy it from Amazon...I bought my copy from The Book Depository. Free Shipping!

Look for me by Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn Reveiw

Paperback, 208 pages

Published September 8th 2008 by Graphia

Book Description:

When the mysterious Vincent Morthanos arrives to stay at her father's inn, 16-year-old Cynda is mesmerized. His charm and sensitivity are irresistible. His attentiveness is constant. Cynda's sure she's in love. Daring to hope that the stranger shares her feelings, Cynda is innocently blind to who he really is--or to the terrible danger of coming under his spell.

Book Review:

Young Adult 13+

This was an interesting one; 16 year-old Cynda is currently living with her single father in a hotel he owns when a seductive vampire around the age of 30 charms her so that he may suck her blood. I don't know about you guys but it sounded like a pretty amusing read. And it was...to some extent.

I'm really picky when it comes with the characters in a book and well, Cynda was a little too flat for a story like this, I was hoping for her to be more of a broken character dealing with harsh-realities resulting in epic flaws....

But you know what I did love; that vampire! He was cree-py! Good entertainment. I was always hungry for more.

And, well, that's it...this book could've been way better but I'm still glad I read it. I didn't have high expectations at first anyway. So if your looking for a creepy, slightly dark, not so romantic(haha!) read...then definitely give this one a try!

4/5

Divergent by Veronica Roth Review

Hardcover, 496 pages

Published May 3rd 2011 by HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Description:

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Book Review:

See. SEE! I told you I wouldn't like it. I should've never read this because I know the paths of these kind of books are not what I'm into.

Now what I mean by that is I don't like books that has the world revolving around one human being...or animal. It's unattractive. I mean I liked Beatrice sometimes when she was real...not when she was portrayed as a diamond on top of a pyramid. I refuse to believe that she was the only one of anything spectacular, she was normal enough to me.

Then there was the Factions. I thought that idea was neat (still do) but then it got too long and repetitive. I would've probably liked the book lots more if the author, Veronica Roth, hadn't made human personalities seem so complicated. I felt like the story was burnt and thought 99% of the characters were awkward and stupid, they weren't really proportioned with the storys' meaning.

Lots of cheap-predictable stuff going on in the story as well.

The only reason why I didn't give this ONE star was because I liked the beginning and the author knows how to write in a good flow.

2/5

Edge of Escape by Debra Chapoton Review

Published : June 28th 2010 by CreateSpace
Paperback, 244 pages

Book Description:

Edge of Escape reveals the fractured heart of Eddie, an emotionally impaired 18-year-old who has spent most of his school years in special education classes. Placed there by an over protective mother who also blames her son for his unintentional part in his father's death, Eddie is kept separated from normal student interactions. Eddie's guilt and his place among the unaccepted serve to keep him invisible to the rest of the students, especially the popular ones. His uncontainable obsession for the popular Rebecca compels him to devise a plan to pull her into his world and win her over. What should have been appropriate advances become, for Rebecca, the terror of stalking and abduction. She wakes up trapped, she escapes, and then she makes a wrong choice and is trapped again. Throughout her ordeal as she escapes again and again, there are flashbacks into both Rebecca's and Eddie's lives and how those lives have been intersecting all through their school years. If she falls for the fragile spirit who stalks her, does love erase evil intent? If she fails to see the innocent infatuation for what it is, will she be responsible for the inevitable tragedy that foreshadows their tangled fate?

Review :

I couldn't help but like this story. It has a good flow and events that reminds me why I love suspense books. Actually, a weakness of mine when I'm reading any story is the uniqueness of the characters.

For example, Eddie was a real fascinating boy. I was enthralled by the way he made me wonder about so many factors of life... As for Rebbecca, the girl acted as I would if I were in her position no doubt and that's actually what did it for me...it got me hating myself a little and loving the story that much more. I was also impressed by how the book came together, which reminds me...I hate Eddie's mother.

In general for me, it's hard not like something so different such as this. I did a lot rubbing of the chin actions throughout...

Basically a good physiological thriller but the only thing I didn't like was the times where I had to force myself to read through some pages. Eventually I figured because it was, to me, overdone too much before it got really good again.

3/5

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

The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts (mini review)

Published: August 19th 2010 by Lands Atlantic Publishing, LLC
Paperback, 304 pages
Book Series: The Pace, Book 2
Click here for Book 1, The Pace Review

Summary:

In the aftermath of Sophie's ordeal, Weston will make some uncharacteristic decisions to distance himself from the past in an attempt to change the future.
But, while venturing into the improbable, the present sneaks up in a chilling way that will lead to Wes' unexpected submission. Suddenly, Sophie will find herself watching as both his immortal secret and his own existence are threatened.
Continuously intriguing, The Broken Lake takes readers to a place where eternal bonds confront a division that is sure to leave everyone wondering whom they can trust.

Review:

Well this was a disappointment. The book was pointless if not painfully repetitive. It was like one long chapter with none or too many boring details.

I did like a few parts of the book thou, some scenes and dialog reminded me of how much I loved Book one, The Pace by author Shelena Shorts but...

I wish I hadn't disliked it so much because honestly, I couldn't find a reason to like the constant fluff-kisses and typical conversations this book offered. There was barely any "wow" to it.

2/5

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton Review

Published: November 15th 2010 by Clarion Books
Hardcover, 322 pages
Book Series: Goblin Wars, Book 1

Book Description:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

Favor Quote...

"...Did God create them evil?"

"Of course not." Mamieo stopped to pick up a piece of blue bleach glass. "Why would the Almighty do such a wicked thing? All creatures," she said when they walked on, "from the moment they exist, set about becoming through their own free will. Some are becoming more of what they were meant to be, and some becoming less..."

Review:

When I picked up this book...actually when I first saw the cover of Tyger Tyger I had hoped to be engaged into a vivid world filled with mythical creatures, adventurous characters and imaginative settings. Kersten Hamilton has done just that.

The beginning of the story starts with Teagan and her love for animals. Even thou the book wasn't love at first read, I had a lot of respect for the author's writing which made made it hard for me to keep my eyes off the pages. Come to think of it, the characters are what blew my mind away first. For a story dealing with goblins and Irish Mythology, Teagan and the others seemed so real. Abby, Teagan's friend, was so likable and hilarious...a true friend. Irish Traveler Finn Mac Cumhaill is one I couldn't get enough of either, he was smart, charming and the farthest thing from a cliche. I loved his accent, I even tried my best to portray the way he'd talk.

Basically it's a war against the Goblins and disgusting as they are, I couldn't help but love the ugly bad guys. Tyger Tyger only got more fascinating as I read but that actually became a small problem for me...

By the middle-end of the book I started to become more demanding but knew I'd have to wait for the sequels. The story had a few drags here and there but it was too good to consider it a bore. In all, kersten Hamilton has created a fun-enchanting read. I can't wait for more Finn, Teagan, and Abby...even the Goblins.

4/5

Over the Moon by Diane Daniels Review

Published: July 27th 2010 by Tate Publishing
Paperback, 256 pages


Book Description:

When seventeen-year-old Tiana moves to Hurricane, Utah, her comfortable world is turned upside down as she traverses the rough waters of adjusting to a small town and new school. Her father insists they were supposed to move here for some unknown, important purpose, and the voice in her head tells her not to argue. After resigning herself to being a miserable outcast, Tiana finds that she is not only accepted by most of the students at her new high school but is also the recipient of unwelcome attention from the opposite sex.

But then she meets the mysterious Andrew Martin and is soon Over the Moon crazy about him. Andrew seems to be the perfect boyfriend: protective, tender, good with her parents, and a fabulous kisser. But he also has a few unusual qualities: an intuitiveness that borders on mind reading, a touch that seems to heal, and almost superhuman strength. Tiana marvels at his talents but doesn't seriously consider the implications until she can no longer ignore the clues: Andrew does not belong on Earth. When Andrew admits his true identity, Tiana enters a world previously unknown to her and is plunged into mortal danger as it is Andrew's sworn duty to combat evil, extraterrestrial villains who wish to invade Earth and enslave mankind.

Review:

The author might as well have used all the names mentioned in Twilight, and I mean all of them. And what the heck, why not throw in the setting in there too.

Over the moon had a lot potential. There were times in the book where I was engrossed in learning all about the extraterrestrial and Andrew Martins' world. It was the only part of the story that was thought provoked. I could care less about Tiana...the only dialog that came from her was,

"The bell rang, and he was gone. How did he manage to get out of the room so fast? Was he trying to avoid me...?"

"...I feel so stupid. I was so angry at Jordan. He attacked me in a cave. I ran away..."

The passion in the novel was all to heard of by many of Twilight read-a-likes. However there were a few olden days love gestures that I liked but not enough to save the story in all. By the end of the book, I envisioned the author taking more time to make this a much more spectacular, unique read and thought...WOW, this could have been brilliant.

Too bad really. The best thing about this book was the cover art.

2/5

How to ruin my Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: June 1st 2007 by Flux
Paperback, 281 pages
Book Series: How to Ruin, Book 2

{Review for Book 1: How to ruin my Summer Vacation}

EVERYTHING in sixteen-year-old Amy Nelson Barak's life is going wrong! Her mom got married and moved to the suburbs, and now they are going to have a baby. Amy moves in with her dad in Chicago and signs him up for an online dating service. His first four dates are that night . . .

What else? Her dog Mutt impregnated her grumpy neighbor's prized poodle, so Amy will actually have to get a part-time job to pay for half the veterinary bill. And there's this totally annoying boy, Nathan Rubin, who just moved into her apartment building. Luckily, Amy has a cute boyfriend named Avi. Only he's more like a non-boyfriend considering Avi is in the Israeli army for the next three years.

What's a girl to do when everyone is conspiring to ruin her life?

Favor' Quote...

"You know what your problem is?" I ask him.

"Yes. I have a daughter who insists she knows everything."

"That's not your problem, Aba. That's your blessing."

Review:

This is the second book to the ruin series by Simone Elkeles. Now, I'm gonna be honest, this book was a little frustrating in the beginning...

Come on, Avi was no where in sight! Can ya blame me? Anyway, towards the middle and especially the end of the book, it got really hot. However, prior to Avi's return, I got a lot of laughs and fists in the air so surely, it was worth it from beginning to end.

Amy, who's back home in Chicago, is feeling more strained than ever. As if Avi's non presence until the summer isn't enough, her friends and family seem the least bit helpful in her love-sick situation. And Nathan, the dorky but mysterious new neighbor, seems to not only remind Amy of her "non-boyfriend" Avi, but might be intriguing enough to make her do something stupid. For reasons she doesn't know.

Hmm, what should Amy do indeed.

I'll admit, parts of the books were predictable but it was those kind of scenes I rooted for most. In general this book was really fun and entertaining. So thanks again Simone. Having such a unique way with words and ideas for young adult fans, it makes it hard, for me atleast, to dislike any of Elkeles books.

4/5

Other books from the "how to Ruin" series:

~How to ruin my Summer Vacation (Book 1)
~How to ruin my Boyfriends Reputation(Book 3)

*Ruined (Book 1,2, and 3)

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles Review

Published: October 1st 2006 by Flux
Paperback, 234 pages
Book Series: How to Ruin, Book 1

Book Description:

Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home.

Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci.

Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone…

Goodbye pride—hello Israel.

Review:

I'm giving this book a "don't judge a book by it's cover" stamp. Nice and bold so everyone can see.

The setting of this book is Jerusalem, which for me makes this an even more interesting read because I'm Palestinian and know the country and it's people fairly well. The characters are, as usual in Elkeles books, fascinating! Amy, who's 16, isn't so much in control as she'd like to be. Her dad is living in Israel and so when she is sent there by her mom, away from her best friend and "boyfriend",stubbornness gets the best of her.

She's half Jewish but doesn't consider that side of her heritage or appreciate much until she truly sees Israel and meets Avi, an Israel hunk who I'd love to meet. Amy struggles with her misfortune and it doesn't help when a few people close by can't stand her as much as she can't stand the smell of goats in the air. For one, Avi and Amy can't stand one another but as much as this sounds cliche, they soon start to fall for each other. For reasons that are inspiring. Something else that was a general inspiration was the relationship between Avi and a Muslim boy, Tarik. I loved how that scene went.

I can't stress the admiration I have for Simone's stories enough. Her style in writing is so readable and unforgettable. I could never compare Elkeles or her books because they're so different, she always does her own thing.

Although not my favorite from this author because of the few times I rolled my eyes at Amy's obnoxiousness, I definitely recommend this book.

It's fun, loving, smile-to-yourself brilliant!

4/5







Other books from the "how to Ruin" series:

~How to Ruin My Teenage Life (Book 2)
~How to Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation (Book 3)

*Ruined (Book 1,2, and 3)