In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers.

They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind.

The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long.

Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Reason Why I Chose the Book:


I have been enamored with Colleen's series from the get go. I loved Tiger's Curse and after listening to it as an audio book, I ran right out and bought both the first book and the second. It has also been quite popular with my students.

Reason Why I Liked/Disliked the Book: 

Like the other two books in this amazing series, Tiger's Voyage finds Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan getting ready for another dangerous mission to break the curse that has kept Ren and Kishan tigers. It picks up right where Tiger's Quest left off with Kelsey reeling from Ren's loss of memory, and Kishan being support and caring.  Ren is unable to touch Kelsey or spend too much time near her without getting physically ill. While I am not a huge fan of the love triangle and often got anxious over the situation that Kelsey and her tigers find themselves in, Colleen does an excellent job creating unbelievable tension between these three wonderfully drawn characters.

I love how creative the mythology in this series is and Tiger's Voyage finds our protagonists on board a luxurious yacht in search of Durga's Necklace. In order to find it, they must visit five different dragon realms eliciting help from each, which is no easy task and the danger they face is filled with suspense and kept me furiously turning pages.


The only complaint I had with this one is that I felt the relationship between Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan was drawn out too much. I really wanted a resolution, and if I am completely honest, I wanted Kelsey to rush into Ren's arms as soon as it was clear that his memory was back and that the strength of his love declared. However, Kelsey continued to deny that she and Ren were obviously destined for each other and stubbornly refused to tell Kishan that while she loved him too, their love was not as strong or as passionate. 

Finally, I was quite surprised with the ending as I thought that Tiger's Voyage was the last book in the series. The ending, however, leaves the reader gasping and once again anxious for book four.

Reasons Why I Would Recommend This Book:

If you love mythology, beautiful settings, intense romance, and lots of action then this is a series you need to read. The characterization is perfect, and the plot so intricate, complex, and exciting that I guarantee it will hold you spellbound and gasping at every page.

 

 

ReviewCryers Cross by Lisa McMann

The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried (Summary from Goodreads)

Reason Why I Choose the Book: After seeing Cryers Cross on so many of the Halloween posts and lists last week,  I decided  to give to see why it was so popular. When the book first came out I had wanted to read it but never got around to it. I love books that have a creep factor to them and between the cover and the summary, Cryer Cross most definitely fit that requirement. Since I also needed a  new audio book, keeping the Halloween theme in mind, I added this one to my audio library.

Reasons I Like/Disliked about the Book: I loved everything about Cryers Cross. As an audio book it was terrific. Julia Whelan who is a wonderful narrator and someone I have had the pleasure of listening to with a couple other books, was perfectly pitched as Kendall. However, an audio narrator is only as good as the written narration and McMann's characterization of Kendall was perfection.

I have never read a book that featured a character with obsessive compulsive disorder, and I was fascinated with the way McMann was able to build Kendall's character around this disorder. It made Kendall so much more real in my eyes. Her thoughts and feelings about her disorder gave a reality to her character that I doubt would have been as prominent without it. Jacian was also a terrific character. His moody distant attitude made him both sympathetic and troublesome, and I really liked the progression of his and Kendall's relationship. Definitely not a love at first sight so prevalant in many YA novels.

Together with such fantastic characters, McMann's plot took on a suspenseful tension that kept me tuned into her story about missing teens. The pacing was flawless and the ending although not completely a surprise, was distrubing and eerie lasting just long enough to have my heart thumping and my breath bated for the resolution. 


Reasons Why I Recommend This Book: Without hesitation I would urge anyone who loves suspenseful stories with a certain degree of creepiness to pick Cryers Cross up. The characters bring this one to life with such an eerie realism that it is impossible to put it down, and if you are into audio books this is a sensational listening experience.

ReviewDark Passage by M. J. Putney

The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed.  Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers.

Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?

Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?

Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home? (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

I was lucky enough to read M. J. Putney's first book Dark Mirror last March and enjoyed it's unique blend of historical fiction with magic that when I was approached about reading the second book in the Dark Magic series I jumped at the chance. I really like historical fiction and cannot seem to find enough of it. I also really liked the characters and the budding romance between Tory and Allarde and was hoping to see it blossom.

I was not disappointed at all with Dark Passage. The book picks up shortly after book one. Starting off with the irregulars in 1940 France trying to help one of Jack's future relatives. When Tory, Allarde, Jack, and Cynthia return to 1803 via Merlin's Mirror, the school is shutting down for Christmas and Tory's sister invites her to her wedding leaving Cynthia alone. Things between Allarde and Tory start to heat up since Allarde is also home for Christmas, but their relationship is strained when Tory realizes that Allarde's connection to his land is so powerful and his love for her will ruin his chances to inherit. 

I really liked that M.J. focused a lot of the book around Cynthia, who is a hard character to like. She is snotty and entitled, but after being left alone over the holidays is invited to share her time with Jack and his family. We find out a lot more about the reason Cynthia is the way she is and Jack is such a great character, who obviously sees past Cynthia's personality and begins to bring out the best in her. 

The new mission they take on was quite exciting. Going back to 1940 in order to rescue a scientist from a German strong hold in France, puts everyone in danger. The feelings between Tory and Allarde once again flair when danger and the possibility of loss prove stronger than all of Tory's good intentions. The combination of their magic with Cynthia and Jack's weather magic, plus Jack's cousin's ability to locate people and Elspeth's healing magic worked in sync once again proving that the Irregulars make a powerful team of mages.

Even though Putney takes a lot of liberty with the historical aspects of this book, I really think  the magic, time travel, and history sets this book apart. The characters definitely come to life. If you like paranormal mixed with romance, or historical fiction then this one will appeal to you too. I will also be anxious to read the third book to see where M. J. takes the Irregulars next time and whether Tory and Allarde, and Cynthia and Jack can overcome the major roadblocks in their relationships.

Source: Received book from publisher/author for review

Audio Review Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history.

Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes. (Publisher's summary from Good reads)

Regency England, mummies, and Napoleon, Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury has is all. Add to this a wonderful narration by Elissa Steele, whose voice readily captures Agnes Wilkin's personality and allows listeners to become part of the action, suspense and romance, and what you have is a delightfully entertaining mystery that will have you begging for more and wondering why you hadn't read this book sooner.

There is just so much to love about Wrapped it's hard to know just where to start. First, I guess I should say that I am now a huge fan of the Regency era. I love the manners, the dress, and Bradbury does a fantastic job bringing it all to life. Agnes is on the cusp of her debut, and in the thralls of the romantic works of fiction by A Lady aka. Jane Austin. While Agnes understands that customs require her to come out in society for the express purpose of finding a suitable husband, she dreams of adventure and true love.

The plot revolves around Agnes finding they key to a missing standard that has mystical powers to raise armies of the dead, something Napoleon wants very badly. With the help of Cateman, a museum worker fascinated with Egyptian artifact and the Rosetta Stone, the two uncover a dangerous conspiracy to help Napoleon gain access to this frightening weapon. As they unscramble the puzzle they grow closer despite the differences in their stations. I loved how Bradbury kept the reader entangled not only in the mystery, but the growing romantic feelings between Agnes and Cateman, knowing even before Agnes that her attachment to Cateman was more than just platonic. The ending although neatly tied, was quite satisfying and left the door open for more adventures featuring Agnes and Cateman.

For fans of the Regency era, well crafted mysteries, and romance, Wrapped is an excellent read that will leave you wanting more. And if you are looking for a new audio book then I highly recommend you give this one a listen.

ReviewThe Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Reasons I chose this book: London and a boarding school setting, Jack the Ripper, gruesome murders, ghosts, and secret ghost police... how could I not choose this book?

Reasons I liked/disliked the book: I really like books set in London, a city that has always called to me as a place I would love to visit. Consequently, I immediately caught Rory's excitement over leaving her small Louisianna home to become a student at the Wexford School. London and specifically the area around Wexford was extremely important to the overall story since it was the old stomping grounds for the notorious Jack the Ripper murders; and therefore, became the perfect setting for the new Jack the Ripper's murder spree. Johnson's research on the events of the original Jack the Ripper murders gave authenticity to the present day murders and it was easy to imagine how both the historical murders and a present day reenactment could gain such attention. I loved how the tension built with each new murder. Johnson's use of the media frenzy was not only brilliantly played, but kept the events spiraling forward creating a suspense that kept the reader transfixed and propelled onward until the exciting and surprising climax and conclusion.

Rory was an interesting character, and made a fascinating narrator. She was the proverbial fish out of water. I think she was the perfect victim...not too weak, but also somewhat oblivious to everything happening around her. When Rory went from outside observer, to being a target, she gained my respect by not freaking out and running off to the comforts of parents and family. I also loved Rory's back story about her strange family, which I thought added a lot of layers to who she was. I found her reactions to her situation very realistic.

Reasons for recommending this book: If you love a good ghost story this one is a thrilling suspense ridden mystery, with a very original twist. Rory is a funny and endearing character who made me feel protective of her innocence. The romance is minimal but realistic and refreshing. All in all a very exciting read.

ReviewThe Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate. ( Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)

Reasons I chose this book: After reading a rave review by Sab at YA Bliss, I just had to check this entire series out. I am a big audio bluff and cannot even think about driving anywhere without tuning into a book. Consequently, I listened to the first two books in this series: The Demon King and The Exhiled Queen and totally fell in love. Unfortunately, The Gray Wolf Throne was not in audio format so as soon as I finished the second book I ran out and bought The Gray Wolf Throne.

Reasons I Liked or Disliked the Book: How do I begin to tell you how much I loved immersing myself in the world Cinda Williams Chima has created. It is a world of beauty, magic, and political intrigue, fraught with danger, and romance. Chima is a masterful story teller who knows how to transport readers not only through luscious and vivid prose, but with characters who burn their way into your heart and beg to be loved and loathed. This is high fantasy at its best. I truly adored Raisa ana Marianna and felt the same loyalty to her as all the other characters whose chief goal in life was to protect and serve. I felt drawn to her struggles to become the kind of person who deserved to take her place as the next Gray Wolf Queen. Forced to grow up too soon and face those who want her dead, I feared for her safety and watched enraptured as she grew from a young girl whose only wish was to be kissed and courted to a young women who desired to correct the evils of a kingdom on the verge of collapse. I also fell madly in love with Hans Alister, the street lord turned wizard. His heroic deeds were only over shadowed by his good nature and larger than life love of family and friends. As a couple Rasia and Han are two of the best. Torn between the destiny they have no control over and a love that seems impossible,  I ached and longed for their happiness to be achieved together.
 

Sadly, The Gray Wolf Throne ends too soon to find out whether these two larger than life characters will find their way around all the obstacles that are keeping them from each other. I will be waiting impatiently to read more about the Seven Realms.

Reasons I would recommend this book: If you love fantasy then you have to read this. If you love epic love stories they do not get more epic than this. If you crave action and intrigue then look no further. And if you seek great characters who live long after you stop reading then you have got to read this series. 

Thankfully, a fourth book, is slated to be released next fall, and I also found this amazing video, which embodies the essences of the books.

Review of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

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. (Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)

When I was approached by Sarah at St. Martin's Press about Glow I was immediately drawn to her passionate description of the book's merits and the rave reviews from other bloggers. Since I love dystopian novels, I was intrigued, especially with science fiction aspect of the book.

Glow is unlike any dystopian novel I have read! It grabs you, spins you around, and keeps the adrenaline pumping non-stop. The plot and setting are the strongest aspects of the novel and definitely what make it unique among the plethora of YA dystopia currently on hand. Not only are many questions raised and explored about leadership, religion, and reproductive rights, these issues are all central to the conflict for all the characters and especially the protagonists. The setting also plays an important role in the story's conflicts with the action taking place on two separate ships whose missions were to recolonized a nearly extinct Earth. Unfortunately,  one ship, the New Horizon,  has failed to produce children and their Captain and religious leader blames the Empyrean. 

Ryan carefully sets the main conflict up quickly in the first few chapters and subtly foreshadows things to come. When the New Horizon successfully steal all the female children aboard the Empyrean killing many adults including the ship's captain, Kieran and Waverly, the novel's protagonists are thrust into leadership roles and separately fight for their survival as well as the survival of those around them. Through their alternating points of view the reader experiences Kieran and Waverly struggles and watch as their individual ordeals strip them both of their innocence. By the end, each are transformed and their transformations leave the reader anticipating and predicting how things will play out in a second book.

Although I found Glow unique and exciting, I did have some ambiguity towards Kieran and Waverly. Part of the uncertainty stemmed in part from the relationship Ryan puts in place early on. I also never felt truly connected emotionally to either character. However, I was still able to appreciate and even admire Ryan’s characterization of them separately and in the end began to appreciate and even understand their individual changes.

Glow more than holds its own as a novel that brings together all of the elements I enjoy in a dystopian read. It provides suspense and sustains tension between characters throughout, and the ending left me anxious to see where the story will take me next.  

Source: Received copy for review from St Martin's Press
 

ReviewIf I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Reasons I chose the book:  

After receiving a request from the publisher and reading the summary I was definitely intrigued with the synopsis. I had missed out on Gurtler's first book I'm Not Her and was excited about reading a book by this contemporary author.

Reason I like or disliked the book: 

To be honest while I liked several aspects of the book, I had some mixed feelings too. Gurtler deals with a whole boat load of issues, all of which are important, but I found myself questioning why so many in one story. Jaz, the main character, is biracial and has dealt with so much in her seventeen years. Raised by grandparents because her mother had her when she was in high school and couldn't deal, Jaz not only has some abandonment issues, but has a difficult time dealing with her racial identity. She has suffered through years of bullying and has consequently withdrawn from making friends preferring to isolate herself and escapes through music. Even though the relationship with her grandparents was strong and nurturing, not having any black role models in her life has greatly affected Jaz's ability to deal healthily with her ethnicity. Other issues that are dealt with include teen drinking, sexual abuse drugs, and post postpartum depression, and while these issues are not the main focus they do play roles in Jaz's story.

Because Jaz's life is messy, I found myself torn between really liking her character and also not always accepting her. The one person Jaz felt closest to, her grandfather, had died leaving her alone to deal with her best friend's betrayal. The friendship and romance between Jaz and Jackson was well written, and I also really liked Ashley, a lesbian friend whose presence in the novel was sporadic, but always a welcome change from Jaz's BFF Lacey. 

Reasons for recommending the book: 

Despite some of the issues I had with the book, Gurtler's writing is engaging and If I Tell explores issues that need to be explored. It is a quick read and I found myself engaged through out. I would definitely read other books by Gurtler. 

 Source: I received a copy of If I Tell from Sourcebooks for review.

Show Me Five ReviewVanish by Sophie Jordan

Show Me Five review, which  was originally created by That's a Novel Idea as a weekly Saturday meme and has become a favorite review format of mine. The numbers correspond to the number of answers provided about the book.

 1 Name of the book:

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

2 Words that describe the book: 

Star-crossed Dragon love

 
3 Setting/characters: 

While Sophie Jordan's first book took us away from Jacinda's home and the pride, Vanish brings us back. We get to know a lot more about the place Jacinda and Tamara grew up by walking the streets. The setting is of particular importance because in order for the pride to survive, they must be able to hide their existence from the rest of the world. 

The town is positioned in some heavily forested mountains and because of Nidia's ability to shade the town, it would appear to the outside world as an ever present  fog cover, with the town itself never fully seeing bright daylight. 
 

With the manifestation of Tamara, who is also a shader, the pride's safety is once again secure. 

Jacinda's return to the pride has cost her much. A fiery red-head, Jacinda is shunned by the pride for manifesting  in front of humans. She proves once again how strongly defiant she is taking the ostracism in silent reservation. However, inside she is morning the loss of Will, even as she tries to understand the complex feelings she has for Cassian. Jacinda is also concerned about both her sister and her mother, and as much as she want to be with Will, her loyalty to her family proves to be a huge barrier to acting selfishly. 

I think Emma Stone epitomizes Jacinda. She has a haughty look that Jacinda would need to carry off the coldness she receives from the pride while she hides her the pain and loss inside from everyone including herself.

In Firelight, I disliked Cassian. He was arrogant and entitled. He wanted Jacinda and ignored and hurt Tamara. However, in Vanish, I grew to respect Cassian a lot. Despite the fact that Jacinda continued to spurn his attention, Cassian repeatedly came to her aid, showing that he really did care about her as a person not just a fire breather. He also attempted to show feelings for Tamara, but his passion for Jacinda proves to be too strong. It becomes very obvious that as much as Jacinda cares about Will, Cassian cares that deeply for Jacinda and is willing to go up against his father to protect her.


Brant Daugherty has the dark handsome features of Cassian although I see Cassian as more brooding and buff.


4 Likes/dislikes:

Vanish definitely gave a greater insight into the pride. I like learning more about the daily operation of the town. Jordan also allowed us to see more into the some of the other characters inlcuding Cassain's father and leader of the pride, Severin; Cassian's sister, Miriam, and a new anatagonist; Cobin, Cassian's cousin.

Tamara's character is also developed more, although I would have liked more about her than was given. I do expect that Jordan will continue to give Tamara more prominence in book three. What I really liked about Tamara's character in Vanish though is she finally shows that Jacinda and her do have a deep connection that despite their differences cannot be broken.

While Vanish ends without resolving any of the conflict introduced,  I do understand why Jordan wrote it this way.  I just hope book three will prove to be the most exciting of the series, and not be too neatly tied up.


I like and dislike that Vanish leaves us wondering about Way too many things. The biggest is what Will is or isn't. There is one scene that foreshadows a possibility, which I won't spoil, but it does lead me to think that Will's part in the next book will be big. I am also intrigued about Jacinda and Tamara's mother and what will happen with her and finally whether or not Cassian and Tamara will find love. 


5 Cherries or less:

 I have to give Vanish four stars. I really liked the action and learning more about the pride. I was also very concerned that the storyline would focus way too much on Jacinda's pining over losing Will, and was extremely pleased that did not happen. Like many second books in a series, I didn't love it as much as Firelight, but I did enjoy where Jordan took us and am very excited to see where she will take us next.

 

Review of Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Welcome to York, England.

Mist lingers in the streets.

Narrow buildings cast long shadows.

This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy — one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls? 

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous — and deadly — is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery — and find redemption. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Why I Chose the Book: I am a sucker for ghost stories. I love suspense and seeing how well an author can verbally, through prose, creep me out or keep me on edge. There is also something about an English setting that has the ability to grab my attention and reading a story set in "the most haunted city in the world" well that sealed the deal.

Reasons I Like or Disliked the Book: I enjoyed the setting of Dark Souls and its history, which was told as a back drop to the present day events of Miranda and her brother. While I did not check to see whether or not the historical aspect was real or made up, Morris' writing allows the reader to believe that the ghostly record of the town is true. Unfortunately, while this aspect of the book worked for me, my connection to the characters did not. I never felt invested in Miranda and her brother's inability to overcome the tragic accident that killed Miranda's best friend. The accident and Miranda's subsequent ability to see ghost felt contrived as did their trip to York.  Miranda's mysterious boy in York, and her fascination with him also felt uncharacteristically forced. Personally, I never warmed up to Nick, and doubted that he could attract anyone by his sullen, rude, antisocial behavior. The vengeful ghost's role was slow to unfold, and the excitement and danger was too little too late. The ending was also too pat for my taste.

Reasons for Recommending the Book: Despite the fact that Dark Souls will not make it to my top ten list, the setting and gothic feel is sure to entice readers. If you like ghost stories, this one has them and then some. 

ReviewNew England Witch Chronicles by Chelsea Bellingeri

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were an embarrassing stain on America’s revered past. Innocent people were persecuted at the hands of a few over-zealous Puritans. But what if there were real witches during those colonial hunts? What if there are witches in present day New England? That is what Alexandria Ramsey’s crazy grandmother believes. Grandma Claudia claims Alex descends from a long line of New England witches.

Modern day witches in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts? Unlikely, but strange things are occurring in the weeks preceding Alex’s seventeenth birthday, which also coincides with her family’s annual Halloween party. Alex is haunted by bizarre reoccurring nightmares of a man chasing her through the Hazel Cove Cemetery. On a few occasions, when her emotions have spiraled out of control, inanimate objects have shattered around her. But that’s just a coincidence, right? Alex isn’t so sure, especially after a local girl, who supposedly dabbled in witchcraft, was killed in the nearby forest.

Alex knows something strange is happening to her. With the arrival of a new boy in town, the mischievous James Van Curen, who is making her life difficult and causing problems between Alex and her best friend, Peter, Alex feels like her entire world is on the verge of chaos. Could Alex really be a witch? Is it possible Hazel Cove will become a battleground for modern day witches and witch hunters? (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Paranormal has become a favored choice among young adult readers and writers alike. It popularity is due in part because it places creatures like werewolves and vampires, witches and demons within the realms of more modern day settings. The genre also develops characters with whom the readers can connect because they are living real lives in real time. The genre also evokes in the reader not only an age old fascination with mythical creatures once believed to exist, but sparks the imagination beyond what is known to be logical allowing readers to dabble in “what if’s”.

One period of history that has always been able to evoke my fascination because of the tragic insanity and rampant hysteria that cost innocent lives is the Salem Witch Trials, so when Chelsea Bellingeri asked me to read her new book New England Witch Chronicles I jumped at the chance. What I found in the tale was a modern day protagonist that I could connect with and a mystery with ties to the witch hunts of our past, plus, enough twists and turns that kept me reading for answers right along with the main character.

Through the first person narrative Chelsea Bellengri does a spectacular job steadily building suspense as we get acquainted with Alex. We learn early on that Alex’s home life is sadly lacking. Her mother’s drinks her way through the day and her father is icy and distant. But Alex’s family life does not define her. She is out going and has maintained a seventeen year-long relationship with Peter her best friend. She also has a great deal of affection for her parents’ chauffer, and house keeper, both of whom are more parental than her mother and father. Finally, Alex is very close with her maternal grandmother, who lives in Salem. Each of these relationships prove important as strange things begin to occur that has Alex questioning everything. First, a new boy enters into her life, then she dreams about a missing girl who turns up dead the next day, and every time Alex get angry or scared lights explode. But the strangest event yet is when her grandmother reveals a family history that has her questioning everything about her life. As Alex begins to piece together a rather bizarre family past, the tension rises exponentially, and leaves the reader gasping at the surprise ending.

New England Witch Chronicles greatly surpassed my expectations holding me spellbound. Alex’s relationship with Peter provided just enough romance without taking center stage and offsetting the mystery, which is the main course and very addicting. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, Bellengri managed to shock me with another revelation that I did not expect, and I will be looking forward to finding out what is in stored for Alex next because the biggest revelation occurred at the end.

 Source: Received copy for review from author

 

In the Middle Monday Review of The Odd Job Squad by Karl Fields

 In the Middle Monday is a feature where I review books that while geared towards middle school readers are what I believe represent excellent examples of story.

The best way to get even is to get Odd... Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback. Especially payback. When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander leads an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Email Ander’s crew and, if your case if legit, they’ll get even on your behalf. It’s not easy to right wrongs and fly under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to help him and his friends stay incognito. But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle a score of his own, he ignores the rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention-dodging skill the guys can muster to keep a lid on their secret.(Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Middle school and bullies walk hand in hand down the locker filled halls of grades six through eight and Karl Fields takes this unfortunate fact of life and creates for his readers an entertaining yet realistic twist on getting even in his debut novel The Odd Job Squad.

Ander and his best buds Christian, Joe, and Shooter (the only girl in the group) have been trying to set things right for victims of bullying at Marina Middle since sixth grade. Together they decide which cases to take on from the various emails they received and follow a few simple rules: everyone has to agree to take on a case, the payback should match the crime, and it should never be personal. But when Ander gets a chance to payback an old nemesis he forgets the rules and the squad’s anonymity is threatened. What follows is a frantic push to set things right, and in the process, not only does Ander grow and learn about revenge not being sweet, but he also gets a glimpse at why bullies become bullies.

What makes The Odd Job Squad a perfect middle school read is equals amounts of charming relatable characters, interesting and original events, and real issues facing tweens and young adults. I loved Ander, who is a typical middle school guy who struggles with algebra and the fact that he lacks athletic abilities. But what he lacks in these two areas he more than makes up in personality and his strong sense of right and wrong. His intentions to fight for the underdogs is noble and his loyalty to his friends make Ander not only a fantastic narrator, but a character I wanted to succeed. He is a keen observer of human nature using what he labels as people’s preactions. Ander’s voice, as well as the other characters in the book, is authentic and gives credence to the story without compromising or watering it down as many middle school often authors do.

The events that move the story forward were completely original and fun to participate in. Part of the conflict involves a quest to score tickets to a boy band concert, which takes the odd squad on a scavenger hunt around San Francisco and ends up with Ander singing one of the band’s pop hits in Chinese.

But what I really appreciated most about the book was how Fields’ managed to deal with the issue of revenge without leaving the reader believing that getting even is an acceptable way to deal with bullies. The ending leaves the reader contemplating what causes a bully to be mean in the first place? And provides a few answers to reflect upon. I also enjoyed the other theme of friendship and the budding of romance that occurs between Ander and Shooter.

Although I usually prefer young adult novels, The Odd Job Squad is a book that will appeal to not only middle school, but many young adult and adult readers too. It is definitely a book I will be recommending to my students this year and will consider for next year's Area Wide Book Battle.

Source: Received copy for review from author

ReviewFallen Star by Jessica Sorenson

For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life. But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.(Summary from Goodreads)

While Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen had several elements that on the surface speaks to its originality in the paranormal genre, there were just too many aspects both major and minor that left me flat and struggling to finish the book.

First, the minor problems. As an English teacher, I get very distracted by typographical errors. When I read an arc copy, I am aware that the book may still have some errors present, but when I read a finished project I expect those errors to be fixed. Unfortunately, the copy I received of Fallen Star was a finished copy and there were lots of glaring mistakes throughout.

Another minor problem was the mishmash of paranormal creatures. While I found the Death Stalkers quite original and accepted that one of the main secondary characters was a witch, when the author threw in a vampire, I felt that it was just too much, and I never fully grasped the reason behind making this character a vampire to begin with.

One of the major reasons that the story fell flat with me were the characters. Gemma was a very annoying MC. She was immature, whiny, and spent most of the book vacillating between hating Alex or swooning at his touch, which was electrical (for real not metaphorical).  Personally, Alex was the last guy I would swoon over as he was arrogant and pompous and never really redeemed himself in my eyes. The only character who I actually liked was Laylen, the Keeper turned vampire, and I was disappointed when just as quickly as he was introduced he disappeared from the story.

Finally, while I feel that the plot had some very original aspects I also felt that the execution of these aspects were either overlooked, or dragged out. It took forever to gain answers about who Alex was and why his sudden appearance in Gemma’s life. The attraction Gemma held for Alex was also difficult for me to understand since he remained uncommunicative and secretive with her throughout the story and only showed a vague interested in her towards the end.

Overall, I had a tough time finishing this book. What caused me to see it through, however, was my belief that Sorensen original concept would eventually shine. The ending was quite the cliffhanger leaving the reader with more questions than answers, so I am sure that a second book will be forth coming. Hopefully, Gemma will mature and Alex will redeem himself. I am also in the minority of opinions on this one, so I would stress that you check out a few other reviews on Goodreads.

 Source: Received copy of book from author

Book Look/ Mini ReviewKara, Lost by Susan Niz

 

Book Looks are mini reviews of books I have read where I atttempt (key word attempt) to review a book using six sentences or less.  This format was created by Staci at Life in a Thumb .

Sixteen-year-old Kara flees the suffocation of her suburban life, trading in her home and family for a gritty, anonymous existence on the streets of Minneapolis. She begins a perilous journey, naive, well-intentioned, and isolated as she struggles to reconnect with her older sister.

In her debut novel Susan Niz chronicles Kara’s struggles living on the streets alone. I found Kara’s voice to be quite authentic and Niz’s prose definitely had moments that were stunning and poignant. However, I am not a huge fan of a story told primarily by narration and because Kara’s story mostly documents her day to day struggle there is very little dialogue to break up her thoughts and feelings. What I did like was Kara’s strength and perseverance. Faced with overcoming the odds of finding a job and a safe place to live, Kara manages to survive and even finds a way to go back to school. Niz definitely had me emotionally invested in Kara’s story, forcing me to keep reading to find out what would become of her. The climax felt a bit manipulative and the ending too rushed and a bit too neatly package to be fit the otherwise realistic portrayal of Kara’s story.

Kara, Lost is a raw gritty look at one teenager’s struggle on the street and Susan Niz is an author whose work I will definitely read again.

 Source: Received book for review from author

Review Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. 

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

 

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

 Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

For an uncommonly exciting read Ally Carter’s Uncommon Criminals definitely fits the bill. This fast paced sequel to Heist Society brings readers back into the world of Katrina (Kat) Bishop, whose family are master thieves. Kat who tried to run away from her family’s legacy has now embraced it, with one very important differences: she only steals priceless items in order to return them to their rightful owners. Consequently, when Kat is approached by a woman claiming to be the rightful owner of the Cleopatra Emerald, Kat’s inner Robin Hood goes into hyper drive. Knowing that the job is too big to do alone she turns to her crew, Gabrielle and Hale plus a new member of the family Uncle Charlie. Together they pull off  another carefully executed heist. Unfortunately, after returning the emerald, Kat quickly realizes that she has been conned and it is up to her to set things right.

Uncommon Criminals builds upon Heist Society and for this reason, I am not sure that it can be read and enjoyed as much as it should be if you have not read the first book. If you have read Heist Society and like me found Kat to be an engaging and refreshingly different female protagonist in YA contemp novels then you will once again be entertained by Carter’s well executed plot and may even questions where Carter gets her research to plan such elaborate and complex heists. 

Kat continues to be a strong female protagonist and grows stronger as a character in this book. After the high from pulling off the Henley job in the first book. Kat has taken to pulling off jobs alone. The fact that Kat steals objects that rightly belong to someone else allows her to separate what she does with what her family does. However, deep within her Kat revels in the adrenaline rush of her successes and the reader has to question Kat’s real motives. Eventually, with the help of Hale, her best friend and the romantic interest, Gabrielle, Kat's cousin,  Simon, the techy of the crew, and  some unexpected appearances from other family members, Kat comes to understand that the ultimate crew is family and there is strength in numbers.

While I found Uncommon Criminals as entertaining as Heist Society I am keeping my finders crossed that Carter’s next novel in this series finds Kat and Hale getting past the best friend stage and become a real couple. I also hope to see more of Gabrielle as I like her snarky, straight forwardness. If you like clever, twisty plots, with a strong female protagonists, and settings that have you wishing you were part of Kat's crew, both Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals will more than satisfy.