Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

In the past few weeks I have been less forthcoming with my reviews. Despite the fact that I read everyday, I continually find myself stuck writing about those books. I have a million reasons for this, but the real truth is I am not sure why I am finding myself failing in this area. Consequently, I decide to give Three Reasons Review format a try especially for books that so many people have recently read and whose reviews are much more articulate than I seem to be able to accomplish.

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.(Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

1) Reason you chose the book: From the moment I saw the cover and read the summary I knew that this was a book I had to read. I love a good ghost story, and this sounded as if it would deliver.

2) Reason you liked or disliked the book: Characters! Kendare Blake did a phenomenal job creating characters who jumped off the page including secondary and minor characters. Often with first person POV I feel like I have a firm grasp of who the narrator is, but end up not knowing the other characters as well, but this was not the case here. Between Cas's thoughts and motivations, the dialogue between all the characters, and their actions I had no trouble picturing each and every one and becoming invested in their lives.

In addition, Blake's plot was so original and well executed that I was immersed in the action and the setting. Like Cas, I wanted to know more about Anna, her history, her reason's for killing, and why exactly she spares Cas's life. Blake's writing kept me mesmerized, and I never knew what would happen next. I also loved the ominous atmosphere that permeated the story throughout and Blake's ability to maintain that mood from beginning to end. And when the end came I was reluctant to stop reading. I can only hope that Anna Dressed in Blood is not the end of Cas's ghost chasing, because I am ready and willing to follow along with him an another adventure.

3) Reasons for recommending the book: Without reservation if you love a fast paced, ghost story with great characters then you should not miss Anna Dressed in Blood.  The combination of urban legends meets Ghostbusters is just too spooktacular to ignore, and for those of you who want a bit of romance with your spooks then you will like it too.

I want to thank Staci @ Life in a Thumb for turning me on to Jenny Loves to Read's blog where Three Reasons Review was created.

In the Middle Monday ReviewMoon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

In the Middle Monday is where I review books geared towards the middle school audience.

The movement of the train rocked me like a lullaby. I closed my eyes to the dusty countryside and imagined the sign I’d seen only in Gideon’s stories: Manifest—A Town with a rich past and a bright future.

Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.

Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.” Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.

For anyone who has read To Kill a Mockingbird and consider it a quintessential reading experience then Clare Vanderpool’s debut novel Moon Over Manifest will delight you with its compelling story and setting, powerful prose and endearing characters. I loved everything about this book from its double entendre title and adorable cover, to the way the narration unfolds Manifest’s historical past. All the elements work in tandem to bring together a tale that lives and breathes long after the last word is read.

One of the truly brilliant elements in Moon Over Manifest is how effectively Vanderpool weaves story with setting through the eyes of Abilene Tucker, one of the most unforgettable characters since Harper Lee’s Scout. The small town of Manifest, Kansas in 1936 is revealed primarily through first person narration. Vanderpool’s addition of newspaper articles, letters,  and Miss Sadie, a diviner who regales Abliene with stories about Manifest’s past, allows the reader to walk hand in hand with Abilene as she attempts to understand why her father sent her to Manifest. The historical aspects of WWI, immigration, coal mining and prohibition combine to add color and realism to this town. Conflicted, Abilene searches to find among Manifest’s past a connection to her father hoping to answer the question of whether his desertion is temporary. Moon Over Manifest plot holds the reader’s attention through the rich use of symbolism, history, and disarming characters.

Vanderpool’s impressively clever plot is greatly magnified by her spectacular array of memorable characters and beautiful yet simple prose. The reader is introduced to not only the current town’s folk but also those who lived and contributed to Manifest’s past and present. While certain characters certainly stand out more than others, they all enhance and enrich this tale of loss and redemption.  But the star is certainly Abilene. I ached for Abilene as she dealt with the possibility of never seeing her father again...

I remembered all these things about Gideon, but I couldn’t remember if he’d said the words or if I’d only imagined them. Those words I’m coming back for you. 

Memories were like sunshine. They warmed you up and left a pleasant glow, but you couldn’t hold them.

...And I loved how this 12 year-old girl looked at the world and used her observation of it to make sense of herself and those around her...

I thought I knew a thing or two about people. Even had my list of universals. But I wondered. Maybe the world wasn’t made of universals that could be summed up in neat little packages. Maybe there were just people. People who were tired and hurt and lonely and kind in their own way and their own time...If there was such a thing as universal---and I wasn’t ready to throw all of mine out the window---it’s that there is power in a story. And if someone pays you such a kindness as to make up a tale so you’ll enjoy a gingersnap you go along with that story and enjoy every last bite.

Abilene’s childlike wisdom and sharp observation makes her voice resonate and will continue to be heard for years to come.

While I have barely touched the surface of the magnitude of Vanderpool’s novel, there is no possible way to fully explain just how truly special Moon Over Manifest really is. This is a book that must be experienced first hand, and in my humble opinion is a true classic in the making. While categorized as a middle level read, the intricate fabric of the story will be enjoyed and appreciated by any adult who loves to read.

 

Review/Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

"I don't love Sonny Flannery." 

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City. 

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley. 

The intrigue and romance that began with Wonderous Strnage and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston’s ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

Once again, Lesley Livingston’s third and final book in her amazing fae series has successful transported me to NYC to follow Kelly Winslow as she attempts to make sense of the duel world that has become a part of her life. Tempestuous’ plot is not only complex, but suspenseful with several unexpected twists. I read this book in one sitting and the ending was completely satisfying, except for the fact that I will grievously miss Kelly and Sonny’s adventures. 

The title fits perfectly with the action in the story as both Kelly and Sonny are dealing with the aftermath and revelations revealed in Darklight. Kelly also is having a difficult time coming to terms with her feelings about her father, Oberon, and the fact that he is dying. As with Livingston’s first two books the action and suspense is non-stop. Much is revealed in this final adventure, and I loved every minute. 

I realize that this review is a bit short on details, but since Tempestuous picks up immediately after Darklight ends, any details would spoil the overall effect of the story. What I can say is that if you love stories about the fae and have yet to read this series then your are missing out.

Review/Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau

Freak of nature takes on a whole new meaning...

If she hadn't been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail? 

Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.

Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?

Jade is determined to find out. So how does a plus-size, aqua-phobic mer-girl go about doing that exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend, Cori, and to her crush, Luke?

This summer is about to get a lot more interesting...

Helene Boudreau’s Real Mermaids Don’t’ Wear Toe Rings surprised the heck out of me! It was funny with snappy dialogue, poignant in its quirky coming-of age portrayal, and totally engaging in its frank yet corny depiction of the protagonist’s struggles with puberty, relationships, and  dealing with her mother’s loss.

Jade is a terrific character, who is struggling with the loss of her mother and the fact that she has reached a crucial time in her development, when a mother’s advice is so important. Thankfully, she has an amazing father who is not afraid to step up and Google whatever information is necessary to help his daughter manage her first step into womanhood with hilarious results inside a drug store (picture dad, feminine hygiene products, and a boy, who Jade is interested in and you will start to get the picture).

I loved how close Jade and her father were, and their relationship, while very unusual, seemed completely authentic because of the humorous conflicts Jade was dealing with. Aside from the drug store scene, there is also the bathroom scene where Jade after soaking a while in an Epsom Salt bath discovers that she has a tail instead of legs. Dad rushes in and in a fairly calm and analytical way (he is after all an engineer) explains that Jade’s tail is hereditary thanks to her mermaid mother.

As if dealing with the fact that she is a mermaid should be enough conflict for any budding teenager, the real conflict comes when Jade discovers that her mother is not dead, but being held captive by some ruthless mer-folks, and it is up to Jade to find a way to save her.

Even though this novel is geared towards a middle level female audience, it is a very engaging and an immensely entertaining romp. The ending was almost as fun as the start, with an unexpected twist that left me smiling and completely satisfied. 

 Source: Received review copy from author

Review/ Cloaked by Alex Flinn

Think you know paranormal romance? Alex Flinn gives the genre a twist in this modern fairy-tale mash-up!

Johnny’s not your average hero. But a little magic changes everything. There isn’t a fairy godmother or any of that. It all starts with a curse. And a frognapping. And one hot-looking princess. And before Johnny knows it, he is on a mission in the Everglades, with only a flock of swans and a talking fox named Joe to help guide him against the forces of an evil witch. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

I am a big fan of Alex Flinn’s fairy-tale retellings. So much so that I am now using both Beastly and A Kiss in Time in my classroom to not only teach compare/contrast writing, but creative writing as well. So naturally, I was quite excited to get an ARC copy of Cloaked recently when I attended a conference in Orlando. While I did enjoy Cloaked, I have to admit that I was not as taken with the story as much as I was Flinn’s first two.

As the summary mentions Johnny the protagonist in Cloaked is a reluctant hero. Ever since his dad disappeared he has been working hard to help his mother keep the family’s shoe repair business going. He also hopes someday to design his own shoes. Johnny is a likable character who is very responsible and hardworking. His devotion to his mother is quite endearing. So when a Princess appear at the hotel where his shoe repair business is located, and she offers to pay him to locate her brother, who has been turned into a rat, he reluctantly agrees despite his skepticism. From here the story has some hilarious and unusual consequences that end up changing Johnny’s life completely.

As I mentioned I did enjoy Cloaked, but I found the combination of several different fairy-tales a little much. "The Elves and the Shoemaker", "The Frog Prince", "The Princess and the Frog", "The Six Swans", "The Golden Bird", "The Firebird", "The Brave Little Tailor", "The Salad", and "The Fisherman and His Wife" were all woven into  Cloaked. I do; however, admire Flinn’s ability to interconnect each of these fairy-tales into one complete story with modern settings and conflicts. While Cloaked from a reading stand point is mostly fluff, it is still a fun and entertaining read that once again highlights Flinn’s wonderful imagination and her love of fairy-tales, and to be honest there is nothing wrong with a little fluff now and again!

Source: received ARC copy from publisher

Review/ Nightspell by Leah Cypess

When Darri rides into Ghostland, a country where the living walk with the dead, she has only one goal: to rescue her younger sister Callie, who was sent to Ghostland as a hostage four years ago. But Callie has changed in those four years, and now has secrets of her own. In her quest to save her sister from herself, Darri will be forced to outmaneuver a handsome ghost prince, an ancient sorcerer, and a manipulative tribal warrior (who happens to be her brother). When Darri discovers the source of the spell that has kept the dead in Ghostland chained to this earth, she faces a decision that will force her to reexamine beliefs she has never before questioned - and lead her into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens the very balance of power between the living and the dead. (Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)

Leah Cypess takes ghosts to a whole new level in her exciting new novel Nightspell. To say I was spellbound by the world of Ghostland only touches the surface. While this is an extremely plot driven story Leah’s characters added layers of complexity and surprising twists that kept me  riveted until the very end.

The plot is greatly dependent on the setting in Nightspell, which is so unique that I truly marveled at Cypess’s imagination. Ghostland is a kingdom where both the living and dead tenuously co-exist.  The ghosts have the ability to be substantial, drinking and eating with those who are alive. The tenuous existence is because the ghost have all been murdered and unless their deaths are avenged, they are stuck living a nonlife in Ghostland. While the main conflict revolves around Darri’s need to rescue her sister, Callie, who was sent to Ghostland to marry the King’s son, it soon becomes evident, that a lot of political intrigue surrounds Ghostland, and if Darri is to save her sister and herself, she must break an ancient spell that binds the dead to Ghostland’s earthly plane.

Darri is an interesting character. Ever since her little sister, Callie, was sent to Ghostland by their father, Darri has thought of nothing else but saving her, which for the most part is both a strength and her greatest weakess. Darri is as fierce at riding and fighting as any man, including her brother, and has little regard for her father’s politics. Sadly, once she arrives at Ghostland, she finds Callie very different than the little sister she once tried so hard to protect. It is hard for Darri to understand how living with the ghosts and the court’s subterfuge has left its toll on Callie, and it clear that Darri has much to learn about Ghostland including how to keep from being killed herself. As Cypess carefully reveals the various subplots involved in this tale, I was amazed at the intricacies that went into the scope of the story, and just how difficult it was for Darri overcome her guilt and forgive herself.

Callie was also an engrossing character. Cypess’s use of third person omniscient point of view allowed the reader to see what four years of living in Ghostland was like, and just how much it affected Callie’s growth, from an innocent girl to a jaded and unfeeling young lady. In many ways, Callie blames Darri, for not saving her from being sent to Ghostland in the first place. She is cold to Darri and her brother. However, she does still care enough about them to save their lives. Callie is a very complicated character, and while at times I felt sympathetic towards her because of having been sent to Ghostland so young, I also felt angry at her coldness towards Darri, who was not to blame for her situation.

The story moves at a steady pace and build suspense for the reader all the way through. It also left me wondering how things would evidently play out. The climax was thrilling and the end unexpected. I was truly engaged throughout the book and left thinking what a fantastic and original ghost story Nightspell truly is. 

Source: Received an ARC copy of Nightspell from publisher

Review/ Mercy by Rebecca Lim

A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers. Who will show her Mercy?

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.

Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?

The first in a dazzling new series, Mercy masterfully weaves romance, mystery and the supernatural into a spell-binding tale.

I love a good mystery and when you pair it with strong characters and add a twist like a fallen angel to the mix well all I can say is Rebecca Lim has me hooked and kept me wiggling throughout the entire book.

I found Mercy’s plot to be brilliantly executed. When Mercy wakes up on a bus in the body of a shy and awkward girl, named Carmen, I felt Mercy’s confusion. As Lim built Mercy’s background and then began to unfold the reasons for her being in Carmen’s body, I was fascinated. I loved that her mission was actually two-fold, and although Mercy comes to understand what exactly she is doing in Carmen’s body slowly, the pace of the book never slowed. I also loved the tension and suspense created by Mercy’s dreams of Luc. This vague character inhabits Mercy’s dreams and definitely left me with unanswered questions about his part in Mercy’s life, I think the answers will forth coming as the series continues.

While this book is certainly a very plot driven, Mercy is an interesting character, and one I want to learn more about. Her ability to adjust to being in someone else’s body was quite surprising. She has some great instincts, and is able to use them in helping Ryan continue his search for his missing sister.

I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC copy of Mercy from the publishers, and I have to say I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, and since Mercy is not due to be release until May, 2011, I have a very long wait. 

Review/Clarity by Kim Harrington

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 

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

And a curse. 

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

Kim Harrington’s debut novel Clarity has been highly anticipated since the first peek of the book's beautiful cover made its rounds on the blogs. Like everyone else, I was excited about reading the book, and I am happy to say that not only was I not at all disappointed, but I  hope that Harrington has plans to write more about Clarity and her family.

Clare (Clarity) Fern is one terrific character. She lives in a small coastal town on Cape Cod with her mother, and brother. The family earns their living as psychics, which makes Clarity a freak in the eyes of most of her (townie peers). What I loved about Clarity was her ability to ignore or stand up to those who ridiculed her about her ability, and her unerring strength. Unlike many YA characters whose decision often stem from their emotions, most of Clarity’s decisions are well thought out.  I also loved the strong family unit and Clarity’s loyalty especially to her brother. Finally, I applaud Clarity’s wherewithal to stand her ground with her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her with the town skank, even though he did seem extremely sincere about his feelings for Clarity.

Aside from the great characterization, I was also very impressed with Harrington’s plot, which revolves around the murder of a teenage girl. Clarity is asked to help her ex-boyfriend whose father is the mayor of Eastport by using her psychic abilities in an unofficial capacity. She is teamed up with Gabriel, the son of Eastport’s new detective, who is less than thrilled to be working with a psychic. Sparks fly, both romantically and otherwise as Clarity and Gabriel investigate the murder. There are political implications thrown in for good measure, and the fact that Clarity’s brother, who is a bit of a player, spent part of the evening with the dead girl only adds to the suspense. While I tried to figure out whodunit, Harrington successfully threw in enough red herrings that the ending was not as predictable as I thought.

In the end, I found Clarity to be a fast-paced engaging read with a satisfying ending. I also am quite sure that there is much more to learn about Clarity and her family, and will be looking forward to Harrington’s next book.

Source: Receive ARC copy from Publisher

As part of my 21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash you can enter to win your own ARC copy of Clarity here.

Review/Desires of the Dead by Kim Derting

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

When Violet Ambrose's morbid ability to sense the echoes of those who've been murdered leads her to the body of a young boy, she draws the attention of the FBI. She is reluctantly pulled into an investigation that will endanger more than just her secret...but her relationship and possibly her life as well.(Publisher's summary from Goodreads) 

Anyone who has read The Body Finder will definitely enjoy Kim Derting’s new mystery Desires of the Dead. Many of the elements that made The Body Finder suspenseful and exciting are present again and will have readers turning pages to find out what happens next.

One of the many aspects of Derting’s first book that I thoroughly enjoyed was Violet and Jay’s budding relationship. I was very pleased to find they were not only very much together, but Violet, who was hesitant about committing to Jay is now totally and completely in love. Jay is still a strong protective guy and a very stable force in Violet’s life. However, not everything about the relationship is copacetic. Violet is still struggling with the fact that Jay was almost killed because of her ability to find the dead, whose desires to be discovered overwhelm her so completely that her normally ration decision making processes are in jeopardy every time her senses are assaulted.

Derting also introduces a new element in Desires of the Dead  that has me very excited about the Violet’s future and more books. When Violet finds what she knows is a dead body locked in a shipping container, she leaves an anonymous 911 call, which a new character, Sara, traces back to her. Sara, once a FBI agent now working on her own as a consultant, knows Violet has a secret and wants her to work with her.  Violet, however, avoids admitting anything to Sara about her ability. While I did find some of parts of this aspect of the novel tedious at times, I do see some very interesting possibilities that will stem from Sara’s appearance, including Rafe, another  new character with a secret, who works with Sara. I might even go as far as seeing a love triangle in Violet and Jay’s future. For now the book definitely leaves the reader wondering what is in store for Violet next.

Even though I really enjoyed Desire of the Dead, I did not find the mystery quite as thrilling as the serial killer in The Body Finders. Much of the plot was predictable and I was fairly certain about who was once again threatening Violet’s life. There is a twist in the end, but the climax was not as suspenseful as I would have liked. Still Desire of the Dead is a page turner, and Derting’s imagination and writing held my interest throughout. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more about Violet and have no doubt that Derting’s next book in this series will be a hit. 

 Source: ARC copy from publishers

Desire of the Dead is due to be released Feb. 15, 2011; however, I am giving away an ARC copy of the book here as part of my 21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash.

21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash: Day 3 Review and Giveaway of Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Welcome to Day 3 of my 21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash

Today, I have a review of Demonglass; Rachel Hawkins' second book in her Hex Hall series. The release date for this book is Feb. 15, 2011, but I have an ARC copy to giveaway, and trust me if you liked Hex Hall you will love Demonglass.

 

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning  is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she? (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

So, I have to say this up front, that while I really thoroughly enjoyed Hex Hall, I absolutely, unequivocally loved Demonglass.

In my review of Hex Hall last March, I predicted that in book two we would learn more about Sophie’s dad and my prediction was correct. Demonglass moves the action of the story across the ocean to a mansion in England, where Sophie, and her vampire friend, Jenna, and Cal, the hot caretaker of Hex Hall are spending the summer with Sophie’s dad. Once there she gets to know here father and finds out that one: she is betrothed to Cal, two: that there are two more demons teens, whose existence is a major problem for the Prodigium and three: that The Eye is still very much a threat to Prodigium and Sophie. The story is chuck full of new conflicts and Sophie is smack dab in the middle of it all.

Once again Sophie’s is a major reason why I love this series. Quick-witted as ever Sophie has a better understanding about herself than she did in Hex Hall. I was glad to see that her experiences over the course of a year at school helped her glean a better understanding of her magical capabilities. I was also happy to have Jenna, her vampire roommate, and best bud back. I will admit I was surprised to find that Cal, who was primarily in the background in Hex Hall, elevated to play a much larger role, and while Sophie’ heart still yearns for Archer, Cal makes for a great love triangle.

I was also glad that Hawkins brought back Archer. Because in Hex Hall Archer left us all wondering whether he was a good guy or a bad guy.  Archer’s role in Demonglass adds much to the action and suspense, and it will be interesting to see how things will play out between Sophie and him in book three.

While many questions that were left unanswered at the end of Hex Hall are brought to light, Demonglass opens up a mansion load more, which means that book three will be anxiously anticipated. Demonglass is a very fast read and quite satisfying. Between the new conflicts facing Sophie, the love triangle, and the surprising ending, I can honestly say that Demonglass is a fantastic addition to the series. 

An now here's your chance to win an ARC copy of Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins. Just fill out this form and leave a comment. Tell me what you liked about Hex Hall.

You can also enter the other day's giveaway posts here.

 

 

Review/Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen and David Levithan

“I’ve left some clues for you.

If you want them, turn the page.

If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.(Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

There is something so deliciously improbable about Rachel Cohen and David Levithan’s new book Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares that I found it totally irresistible and an utterly charming book. From the very first chapter I was caught up in the sheer whimsy of two of the most unlikely characters to ever to cross paths, and like Dash and Lily I was willing to read, “for the pure thrill of unreluctant desire.”

What makes this book so yummy is how seamlessly all the elements of fiction worked together. First, the setting added tons to the overall effect of both the plot and the characters. Dash and Lily are both native New Yorkers and that was completely obvious in their personalities and their different actions and reactions. But Cohen and Levithan didn’t stop with just New York as the setting, they added New York during the Christmas holiday, which took on significant importance by adding insights and backgrounds necessary in getting to know more about Dash and Lily as individuals.

Another element that made Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares a delight was the use of alternating points of view. One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much came from how easily I stepped into each character’s head. I absolutely adored Dash, who is cynical and snarly, and definitely not a fan of Christmas, but his love of the English language and wit made him a guy I could really relate to almost like he was my alter ego. Lily, on the other hand, loves Christmas, and unlike Dash is naïve and has led a fairly sheltered life, but she is smart, intense, and compassionate to a fault. Both these characters’ voices ring true throughout the entire book and I loved every moment I spent in their company.

In addition to loving both Dash and Lily, Cohen and Levithan created several other characters that played largely into the enjoyment of the book. Lily’s huge family, helped out in many of the dares. Her gay brother was the one who suggested the journal in the first place and offers up some sage advice about taking risks. Lily’s aunt and grandpa were also interesting characters and helped round out Lily’s personality. While Dash, unlike Lily, is not surrounded by a loving and over-protective family, he is not without friends. His best friend Boomer was a hoot, a true comic side-kick, who in the end offers up a very philosophical view about love not being a simple yes-or no question and helps Dash sort out feelings.

The combination of all these elements makes for one of the most pleasant romantic adventures I have had as a reader. As Dash and Lily interact via the pages of a red moleskin journal, I had the time of my life. Each dares takes on a life of its own. In fact, there is something almost magical about the dares and how each of the characters responds. The romance that develops within the pages of the journal was almost magical too. The story is certainly about the enormity of possibilities, yearnings, and love, and the realities of life. Dash and Lily not only find out about each other and themselves, but about how messy life and love can be, and how taking risks is worth the mess.

This is a fantastic book. A perfect December read. More than that it is smart, funny, and I dare you not to fall in love with it too!

Review/The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Some schools have honor codes. Others have handbooks. Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds. When Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

While Daisy Whitney’s debut novel The Mockingbirds, deserves applauds for dealing with the difficult issue of date rape, and I felt that much of the discussion surrounding this issue was dealt with great sensitivity, there were aspects of the book that I did have trouble accepting.

At first, Alex’s voice left me cold. Yes, Alex is a victim, and never dealing with such a horrifying experience myself, I tried to step into Alex’s shoes and wonder exactly how my personality would change, if in fact, I awoke naked in a guy’s bed without any knowledge of how I got there or what took place. Certainly, a very scary situation. Alex’s first concern, however, was getting back to her dorm without being seen fearful that the rumors about her  would spread around campus.

I also got that Alex’s memory of the incident is impaired by the fact that she was drunk, and as she tries to piece together everything that happened, as many victims of abuse often do, she blames herself. Consequently, instead of going to the police she chooses to ignore it until her friends convince her to go to the Mockingbirds, a student run organization that investigates, tries, and punishes other students’ wrongful acts.

As the story unfolds, Alex did grow on me. I began to accept the way she chose to deal with the situation even though I did not agree with it. I also found that Whitney’s message about rape: “no” means “no” and an absence of a “yes” does not equal a “yes” was unequivocally clear.  On the flip side, I fear that Whitney inadvertently is sending the message that talking with adults is not helpful since the whole reason for the Mockingbirds is that Themis Academy turns a blind eye to problems that will show the school in a bad light.  It also may give the wrong impression that vigilante justice is a viable, even acceptable option.

The Mockingbirds, however, is a very engaging and compelling read. Once I began the book, I read nonstop.  I loved that Alex was able to let Martin in and trust that not all guys are jerks like Carter. I also envied Alex’s ability to lose herself in her music, and I was happy that Whitney did not take this part of Alex’s personality and allow the rape to taint it. Whitney takes a difficult issue and shines a spotlight on it, so the reader can examine it from several distinct angles. We see the effect date rape has on the victim, the need to extract justice as a way to heal, and how teenage drinking leads to a lot more than a hangover. The Mockingbirds  is powerful enough to open the door to discussion about all these issues and more. 

Review/Deception by Lee Nichols

When her parents leave on a mysterious business trip, Emma Vaile has the perfect excuse to rebel throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of junior years. But when the cops crash her party, she finds herself in the hands of a new guardian her college-age knight in J.Crew armor, Bennett Stern and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friend with the popular legacy crowd but can’t shake the strange vision that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can’t explain, as if she’s returning home to a place she’s never been. Emma doesn’t trust anyone anymore expect maybe Bennett. And he’s about to reveal a ghostly secret, one that will explain the vision ... and make Emma fear for her life.

When Deception first came out this summer, I read some great reviews, which of course made me want to read the book for myself. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.

Deception introduces Emma Vaile, a normal teenager, whose family runs an antiquities shop in San Francisco. The plot quickly turns fast-paced, and Emma’s life turns into a nightmare when she throws a party that gets busted by the police, who find out she has been left alone by her parents. Enter Bennett Stern, a college friend of her brother, and to Emma’s surprise her guardian. While I found this set up a tad far-fetched, I also found myself going with it for the sake of the story and once over that bump, my curiosity got the better of me. Bennett sweeps in and uproots Emma to his home in Boston and to a new private school. Once there, Emma begins to have visions of another time attached to her new surroundings. Fearing she is going crazy (again) she does her best to ignore them.

What I like best about Lee Nichols' debut novel was the mystery behind what was happening to Emma. Nichols builds suspense throughout the story by revealing little bits of information slowly, but steadily. I found myself with lots of questions, but just as quickly as they formed, Nichols would provide enough of an answer that I then moved on the next question.The plot has some very interesting twists, which made the mystery fresh and unpredictable.

I also liked Nichols complete cast of characters. Emma was a very well rounded character. She has been left alone many times by her parents and does a good job at the whole being responsible thing. When things wrong Emma calmly takes it in stride and doesn’t freak out the way most teens would in the same situation.  However, internally she worries a lot, and with good cause. Her ability to see ghosts is tied to a dark and sinister twist in the plot and one that kept me quickly turning pages. Along with Emma’s character, I was also fascinated with her guardian Bennett, who Emma has a crush on. His character is a bit of an enigma, and like Emma, I was frustrated by his on again off again attentions.I also found the various characters at Emma's new school to be realistically imagined, and added an authentic touch to the story.

Deception is a fantastic debut novel, and  start to a series. The ending left me anxious to read more about Emma, and I will be first in line for the next book Betrayal due out in March.

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway, Oh My

I am very pleased to welcome Erin McCahan to Eating YA Books today as part of her blog tour. Erin was kind enough to write a guest post just for Eating YA Fans, and since I love some of the great themes and issue in I Now Prounce You Someone Else I asked if Erin could talk about self-identity vs peer pressure and sex.

Self-identity.  Peer pressure.  And sex.  Yikes!  These are three weighty issues.  Are you sure you don’t want to talk about something fun like monkeys or hamsters?  But I do address these thing in I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE, so, okay, I can write about them here.

Self-identity:  Find it
Peer pressure:  Don’t give in to it.
Sex:  Ah, geez.  It’s such a hyper-sexualized world anymore, and that’s just sad.

Am I done?  No?  More?

Okay.

Let me tell you about Bronwen.  She is seventeen at the start of the novel’s action, twenty or twenty-one – don’t you love how I don’t remember – at its end.  These aren’t Magic Years of self-discovery.  But they’re crucial.  I just don’t want anyone thinking that you hit twenty-one and somehow – poof – become endowed overnight with a fully formed adult identity.  You don’t.  No one does. 

It is formed over long years by experience, and experience is a mix of success and failure, trial and error, learning and application, practice and refinement.  And Bronwen is at the beginning of this process, which is, she discovers, learn as you go.

The one advantage she has, that some girls do, some girls don’t, is that she takes into the process of self-discovery some depth of understanding about herself already.  Some.  She knows a few things that are right for her – including no sex before marriage.  She has started this process already – whether she is wholly aware of it or not.  And much of it comes from the very good emotional and moral foundation laid by her father and reinforced, initially, by her step-father.  So no matter how battered she gets by heartache and loss or by the errors that are unavoidable as we all grow, she always has this foundation to return to and to build on.

So – now can we talk monkeys and hamsters?

Thank you Erin for stopping by today. Oh, and just in case haven't already read or heard about her debut novel I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, then all I can say is you do not want to miss adding this to your must read list, and I am going to help you do just that by giving away to one lucky reader a copy of Erin's new book. More about that later. First, here is my review of I Now Prounounce You Someone Else.

Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good.

Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants — and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he
proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do? (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Although I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a fun, light read that had me laughing and giggling and wishing I had been more like Browen when I was in high school, it is also a book that deals with some important teen issues such as self-identity, peer (and parental) pressures, and teen sex.

I adored Browen. She is strongly committed to not having sex until she is married. And I applauded her decision. While she stays true to her belief, she also has some deep seeded issue with her mother, which unfortunately caused her to feel like she doesn’t belong. In some ways, it is Browen’s whole switched at birth mentality that has her deciding in her senior year to marry Jarred, a college senior.

Browen’s decision to marry Jarred changed the tone of the book for me and had me worried up until the end. Don’t get me wrong I really liked Jarred, he was the perfect guy: attentive, sweet, and always the perfect gentleman. And although I felt that Browen and Jarred really did love each other, I am afraid my own mother instincts kicked in and I felt that Browen’s decision was based too much on her need to be a part of a family that was the exact opposite of the one she  had.

The true strength of the novel is Erin’s writing. The originality of the plot and Erin’s marvelous characterization was stunning. The fact that I wanted to have a long talk with Browen about her marriage plans proves that Browen was a very believable character. I also really disliked Browen mother and completely understood why Browen felt disengaged in her own family. None of these feeling would have surfaced in me if Erin’s writing had been anything less than perfect. 

Unfortunately, I feel that I have not even come close to adequately explaining just how much I enjoyed this book. Therefore, I really hope you will read this book for yourself because I am positive you not be disappointed.

And to back up my recommendation, I am very pleased to able to offer (courtesy of Erin and her publishers) one lucky person US resident their very own copy of  I Now Pronounce You Someone Else. And I am throwing in an additional copy from the Book Depository to all my international friends. All you have to do is leave a comment below. Make sure you also leave an email address and let me know where you live. Giveaway ends November 5.

Source: Received copy from publisher for review

Review/Freefall by Mindi Scott

How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . .

Mindi Scott’s debut novel Freefall is the third book I have read for the Contemps Challenge and so far is my favorite. The novel is a shining example of how a realistic storyline with real-life characters, can pull readers in and keep them engaged without the use of paranormal suspense, and fast-pace action.

One aspect of Freefall that made it a favorite read is how true to life the story is. Scott tackles several very real teen issues and does it in such a way that the reader can’t help but see through the characters thoughts and actions just how terribly lives are affected when alcohol, drugs and sex becomes a way of life. This is not to say that Freefall is preachy or a vehicle of a moralistic soapbox. Instead, Scott masterfully brings her characters and her readers to some painful revelations.

Seth is a very dynamic and well-rounded character. He is guilt ridden over the loss of his best friend who dies before the action of the story begins. Seth feels responsible for Issac’s death since he was the last to see him alive and the first to find him dead. Seth uses drugs and alcohol to escape not only his guilt, but his stage fright. Despite his grief, Seth begins to recognize just how out of control his life has become and begins to try to fix it. The challenge is to stop drinking and finish school, which he embraces reluctantly at first. But, Seth’s a lot stronger than even he realizes and as the plot moves forward Scott skillfully reveals Seth’s strength and growth in an authentic and believable way.

The romance between Rosetta and Seth was one of the most real and well-written parts of the book. It developed slowly over the course of the action allowing the reader to understand the motivations behind both these characters’ attraction for one another. Seth reminded me of Ponyboy from the Outsiders, and since Rosetta lived in the rich part of town, and Seth came from the mobile home park, there are some parallels that can be drawn between Ponyboy and Cherry’s relationship and Seth and Rosetta’s.

Freefall is a very complex novel about overcoming grief, learning how to communicate, and taking a hard look at the details in life that so often can paralyze our ability to move forward. It is heartbreaking, real, and so well written that it is hard to believe that this is Scott’s first novel. Bottom line: I loved this book!