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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

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)

The Duff by Kody Keplinger Review

Published: September 7th 2010 by Little Brown/Poppy

Hardcover, 288 pages

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

I thought I'd at least like this book but I think I might just hate it. Hmm. Let's see....

At first the author gives the impression that Bianca Piper( The Duff) is a down to earth, smart, retro fun kinda girl. The brute honesty in the writing was funny and surprisingly, I was able to relate to The Duff from her distaste in grinding in the clubs to her love for the movie Atonement.

But the book didn't hold my interest long enough to even say it was okay.

Just as the climax appears, the books sinks like an anchor. Even from the beginning Bianca's relationship with Wesley Rush was odd and it got even more preposterous as I read on. The side characters are typical enough...not much to say about the obvious...I mean, is this really how highschoolers are. I'm nineteen and I don't remember it being like how it was in the story.

As for the writing, all that was exciting in the beginning of the book repeated itself but just in different words as it went on. I had faith in Kody Keplinger, I was hoping to be blown away by an author my age who had made headlines for her story. But if I wanted to read a story such as this I'd visit sites such as quizilla and wattpad...not that those websites aren't any fun, they have good stories written by amateurs but I think The Duff, published, could have been much much better.

Good heavens...what a disappointment. But do give it a try, you never know. I'd recommend this to someone in JHS who likes ranting teens and a big twist in his/her books.

P.S I'm out in a hunt to find a good book by a young writer because I know it's out there...
So if you know any good young writers, let me know.

Favorite Quote(s)...

""Oh, come on," I fumed, "The guy is a man-whore. I can't stand him. He sleeps with everything that moves, and his brain is located in his pants-which means it's microscopic.""


2/5

The Pace by Shelena Shorts Review

Series: The Pace Series, Book 1
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Pages: 302 (Paperback)

Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Surprisingly good read by new author Shelena Shorts. Ignorance got the best of me at first but never again I say!


The story is wicked awesome but reads nice and steady. I don't really like a very complex read and being that it's a science fiction novel, one would expect it to be just that but it's far from a drag. The suspense is excellent, these days ya fiction could get a little annoying and repetitive which would have me end up skipping pages...


But thank God for Shelena Shorts, she brought to life a marvelous story with clever, very likable characters.


Not only is Weston ageless, but in my opinion, near flawless...my gosh can the man be anymore breathtaking. Sophie is one lucky gal but I don't envy her because one can't help but be intrigued by her. She's got a good heart and a strong mind but in a way she's still like everyone else...it's easy to want know about a character when their thoughts and ways of doing things are so inspiring. However, the conjuring of such a character isn't so easy but Shelena does just that.


I was also impressed by the way Shelena Shorts intertwined the science fiction aspects of the novel with Weston's and Sophie's romance, the control she has in her writing is something to appreciate. By the way this story was put together, I can see the author's determination in making a well thought out story with catchy characters, original setting and good flowing dialog. Shorts is one sure debut author you can't miss.


5/5

The sequel, The Broken Lake(Book 2), has been released.

The third book, The Iron Quill(Book3), release date and cover Not Available

Unknown Magic by Evelyn M. Byrne Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


Title: Unknown Magic
Author: Evelyn M Byrne
Series: Daughter of Prophecy, Book 1
Publisher: White Bird Publications
Pages: 350 (Paperback)

Discovering she is a Tuatha Dé Danann straight from Irish Mythology, turns Megan’s life upside down. As if that was not enough, an arrogant, drop-dead gorgeous man tells her she is his mate.

Seamus escaped his mysterious captors seventeen years earlier, taking a little girl with him and returning her to her home. Returning to the one location he considers his safe haven, he recognizes Megan as the young child he rescued. Only now, she is stunning enough to make him forget, almost, just how treacherous his life is.

Megan soon realizes fighting her attraction for Seamus is a losing battle. But when the people hunting Seamus track them down, Megan and Seamus are faced with a much more immediate and deadly threat—a struggle for the lives of all the Tuatha Dé Danann. Can they overcome their pursuers and win?

(Note: There is some strong sexual content in this novel. Gets pretty Erotic at times.)

First off, I'd like to praise this beautiful cover art, it's actually what grabbed my attention first.

Now for the book itself, it was both very good and not so good in my opinion. Why? Because in short, the story is magnificent but it stumbles with too much details.

Throughout this story, Megan Tully tries to find her true self as a Magical Being with as much help as she can handle. Her father, Jim, isn't so carefree about the whole situation considering the trauma in their family that which Meghan barely remembers. Seamus who answers to fate and claims her as his match is the obvious choice for Megan whether anyone likes it or not, he as well as Megan's uncle's will try their best to help her recall most of what was forgotten before she becomes a full Tuatha herself on her 25th birthday.

The story was very exciting for the most part but I can bet it would've been better if it was cut down by a hundred pages or so. The magic was enchanting and the characters were just as appealing. I admired the pride of the Tuatha De Danann and was captivated by Seamus's love for Megan...he actually reminded of one of the the brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood books by JR Ward. If only the story didn't drag so much I would've favored it much more. It felt like I was stuck on the same subject for pages...and too many times I thought Megan as a teen rather than a women in her early twenties.

All together this was a worthy read and I will probably read the sequel when it comes out on Dec. 14, 2010

Favorite Quotes...

"She looked up into the most stunning pair of jade-green eyes she had ever encountered. She could see the rolling hills of Ireland in them and his face was that of a god."

"..."Oh, I do not think do. I will give you plenty of exercise to keep you in shape," Seamus said with raised eyebrows.""



3/5






Sequel: Stolen Magic

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

Like Never After by Dan Elconin, I first heard about this title from the Who,What, When, Where, Why Blog. (For some reason the blog is no longer available, really sad). This was back at early 2010.

At that time, the title was yet to be released but the cover captivated me so much that I was immersed into finding any information regarding this novel.

The story tells of a distant village girl Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle and an unfortunate run into a young Wizard, Wayland North, who says he'd like her to accompany him in return for his good deeds to the place where she lives. Unable to ignore North's bringing of rain to the village, Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle and her family have no choice but to accepts the wizards request. At first Sydelle lives in a small desert town that is about to be invaded by soldiers from another country. She’s saved from whatever fate occupation will entail by a traveling wizard called Wayland North. North claims that he needs Sydelle as his assistant (and guide – he has no sense of direction and can’t read a map to save his life), but there’s something he’s not telling her, some other reason she’s important to him. Syd is a talented weaver and has always dreamed of leaving her town, but under t ...more Sydelle is appalled by everything having to do with North and his sloven ways but soon realizes the importance of the task in hand.

I rather not spoil the story so I'll just say that the books side trips involve wicked fights among magical beings, suspenseful drama involving royals and battles that will keep your eyes glued to the pages. I'm impressed by Alexandra Bracken first novel, she mixed all these enticing elements with a glimmer touch of fantasy romance...it's not everyday an author gives their all into a true passion of writing.

To me, books such as this shouldn't be labeled a quick read because I like to relax as I get lost into a world of magic and absorb all the enhancement and battles that come way...just as long as the story comes together and makes sense, which Bracken does for her debut novel. I really hope there's a sequel for it.

Just to explain why I didn't give this a 5/5...there were times in this book where it got a little cliche which naturally zapped back into New York 2010, but for the most part it was imaginative.

I recommend this book for any young adult reader, there isn't much to dislike. It's a simple yet complicated, fantastical read.

4/5

Mistwood by Leah Cypess Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Excerpt:

"Isabel held her head up, swamped by a swirl of confusion, conflicting feelings. Cheif among them was a fierce urge to protect her prince, but from whom?

Her prince...The possessive came to her mind without forethought, and accepted it without question. He had summoned her to him, and she would keep him safe from any danger that threatened him. Even if she still had no idea why, or what that danger might be."

I can define this book in three words if I wanted to but I'll make the effort and explain why this book in my opinion was for the most...forgettable.

Prince Rokan sets out to find the shifter so that it can protect him form assassins and death in general: by the way this fact was reminded constantly throughout the whole book so don't worry, you wont miss it or get confused in the slightest...
Isabel, the shifter who was taken from Mistwood by the prince himself, has the misfortune of forgetting her past from before she was taken which I thought was pretty intriguing but lets' focus on the characters for now shall we...Clarisse, soon to be King Rokans sister, is some what of a "bitch" which is fine but it wasn't painted with that old fantasy aura that I had hoped for...rather, she seemed a lot like Regina George from the movie Mean Girls.

The land and setting descriptions of the book didn't hold my interest to well either.

I don't understand, was this book dystopian...set in medieval times...what? There was a lot of times where the dialog matched a high school setting....words like bitch and sweet sounded weird in the conversations. The whole book was half "Graceling by Kristen Cashore" half "Mean Girls movie written by Wisman and Tina Fey." As for the romance, I lost track from all the flirting and Rokans' lonely cries...did I mention he was to be crowned king and described as a live alone die alone kind of guy. Confusing.

There were times of admiration...but only to be suspended by dissatisfaction. Half way through the book; things got abrupt and infuriating, which I didn't like. I can't say I didn't like it because I did. Sometimes it was so new and enticing but the book never held my interest enough to be memorable or satisfying. It's too bad, I really liked the cover.

2/5






As for sequels...There is "A stand-alone companion novel..."

Nightspell by Leah Cypess (Mistwood #2)

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

Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Romeo and Juliet had the right idea. About dating the enemy, that is. They were true to their hearts.
Kaitlin Malone knows what it’s like to date the enemy. She was raised to hate the Crutchfields, and absolutely does until she meets Bram Crutchfield. It turns out he’s a great guy, one she can talk to, share things with…even love. But when Kaitlin gives her heart to Bram, her world spins out of control. Soon the Crutchfields are her friends and she’s a traitor to her own family.

To make things worse, Bram was raised to hate the Malones, especially Kaitlin’s father who murdered Bram’s dad. Bram doesn’t know Kaitlin is a Malone. If he did, he’d hate her too.

What’s a star-crossed lover to do?

I have to say, I got this book out of chance and have to put out there that I feel bad I hadn't known about this title before.

This story is basically a modern day Romeo and Juliet but that hype of Shakespeares' master work never wore the story down for me. Kaitlin slowly falls for the one person her and her family have known to despise, however, as the reader starts to grasp the power of love in this novel...it gives judgment a whole new meaning.

Mary E. Pearson knows what she's doing. I love the surprise, twist'n turns and the balance of drama, romance, and mystery in this novel. I'd recommend this to any young adult who are looking for that classic love story that we all love with a guarantee of a soft, exciting, original teen love romance. This book will have you appreciate and be more hopeful for that special person that you may or may not have come across in life.

Scribbler of Dreams is what every young adult needs.

4/5

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

Masked by Norah McClintock Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Rosie walks in on an armed robbery in her father's convenience store. Who is the masked man? And why does she think she knows him?

Everyone has something to hide.
------------------
There's a masked man in the store, and it isn't Halloween.
I duck down again—fast.
I hear someone say, "This is a stickup." It's the guy in the mask. He has a weird voice, like it's not a normal voice. He says, "Is there anyone else in the store?"
That tells me that the masked man hasn't seen me.
"No," my dad says without even a second's hesitation.

Excerpt:

...I feel her tremble, and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry I have to scare her. But there's no other way. I watch the old man lower his hands to the cash cash register. I wonder how much money is in there...

Masked for me was envisioning with many unexpected turn of events. Norah McClintock has done a few Orca books as well as her popular novels published by Scholastic Canada. This is my second book by McClintock and although this one is placed on the pile for reluctant readers, I can't help but recommended this book to any YA books fanatic.

When I read, I like the feeling that I'm right by the characters side, (depending on who was telling the story from their point f view; Daniel, Rosie, or the masked man) feeling how they feel, thinking the way they think...it's real, so true.

Rosie, the daughter of the man whose store is getting robbed finds herself in a very sticky situation...maybe even more than Daniel, the boy who walks through the doors hoping for a grab and go rather than a stick up by a masked man. Corey (Rosie's boyfriend) who's somewhat a minor character in the story turns out to be quite essential himself...poor kid is waiting for Rosie to run off with but finds that people aren't always what they seem to be. Which brings me to story's' message...people aren't really honest with themselves, therefore dishonest with anyone in their path.

I was very impressed by McClintocks ability to write such as interesting story in a matter of 108 pages...the story came together really good too. This gets a 4/5 only because it's a little too short.

4/5

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Review

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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

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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

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent Review

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Book Description:

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

My Review:

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Just to point out: It's hard for me to get into the whole sensing the near death and love triangles but I read this one because of the rave reviews and proof that there are exceptions to what people dislike. (For Example click hear for my review of The Body Finder).

In my opinion, My Soul to Take started out bland for me but promising myself to uphold the "100 page rule"...I kept on reading. As I read, I found the story original and tempting for the most part but there was just something I didn't like about it. Kaylee, the heroin, and the two boys never held my interest. Nash, the love interest, was as forgettable as the dialog itself.

To me, the book description gave me the impression that the story will be somewhat imperative and thoroughly heart pumping, but in the end, I felt let down and lost any interest to read any of the sequels. incent an "OKAY"

2/5

Prequel: My soul to Lose {0}

Sequals : My soul to Save {2} , My soul to Keep {3} , My soul to steal {4} , If I Die {5} .