ReviewWishful Thinking by Alezandra Bullen

If you could wish for a different life, would you? What if that life changed everything you thought was real?

Adopted as a baby, Hazel Snow has always been alone. She's never belonged anywhere--and has always yearned to know the truth about where she comes from. So when she receives three stunning, enchanted dresses--each with the power to grant one wish--Hazel wishes to k...moreIf you could wish for a different life, would you? What if that life changed everything you thought was real? 

Adopted as a baby, Hazel Snow has always been alone. She's never belonged anywhere--and has always yearned to know the truth about where she comes from. So when she receives three stunning, enchanted dresses--each with the power to grant one wish--Hazel wishes to know her mother. Transported to a time and place she couldn't have imagined, Hazel finds herself living an alternate life--a life with the mother she never knew. 

Over the course of one amazing, miraculous summer, Hazel finds her home, falls in love, and forms an unexpected friendship. But will her search to uncover her past forever alter her future?(Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

I doubt that any one of us hasn’t made a wish about changing something in our lives ... a do over of sorts. I know I have, but in making that wish, rarely do we stop and think about how it would impact other life events, people or even the very essences of who we are. In Alexandra Bullen’s Wishful Thinking, a sequel to her first book Wish, Bullen explores the question, “If you could change your life would you?” The results of this exploration is a heart wrenching story with a main character who grows quite a lot from her experience and an ending that left me feeling that gaining a new perspective can truly make a difference.

Although I did not read Wish, this did not hindered my enjoyment of her sequel. One of the things that I really liked about Wishful Thinking is it’s very much a character driven story. I had a great deal of empathy for Hazel, whose life has always been difficult. From the beginning Bullen carefully develops how lonely Hazel’s life has been. Shuffled around between her step-father, a struggling alcoholic and several foster homes after her adopted mother dies when she is two, Hazel knows better than to get her hopes up because life always has a way of letting her down. But the biggest let down comes when Hazel goes looking for her birth mother only to find out that she has just died. Shattered, Hazel once again sees life as unfair and wishes she had gotten to the chance to know her mother first, and thanks to a magical dress Hazel finds herself transported to Martha’s Vineyard before her birth and takes up residence with the woman she thinks is her mother. 

While Wishful Thinking requires a suspension of disbelief, the elements in the plot such as the magical dresses, and Hazel’s ability to make three wishes was a small hiccup and easily overlooked if you are like me and love a good fairy tale.  The real story is how Hazel learns to let go of her past, allow people to into her life and to care about those around her without fear of disappointment. Wishful Thinking also has a few little plot twists. One was pretty obvious, but did not in any way distract from my enjoyment, and in some ways even heightened it. Others twists were important to Hazel’s discovery of herself and the vehicle that gives her and the reader hope that Hazel’s future will be better. 

Wishful Thinking is a charming and magical tale of self discovery with likable characters, a great setting, and it leaves the reader hopeful and satisfied.

 Source: Received ARC copy from publisher

Book Look/Mini ReviewsTrapped by Michael Northrop & The Ancillary Mark by Daniel A. Cohen

Book Looks are mini reviews of books I have read. Today I will be using a format created by Staci at Life in a Thumb  and attempt to review two books using only six sentences for each review.

The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive....

Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision. (Publisher's Summary from Goodreads)

I was looking forward to reading Trapped by Michael Northop as part of the Contemps Challenge. I loved the cover and thought that the premise of the book was quite original. It was a fast read, not because it was action-packed, but because it has enough suspense that I wanted to find out whether or not the kids would make it through the nightmare they found themselves in. As with all survival stories their is a certain amount of tension that is ratcheted up between the characters. I  especially liked how Northrop positioned the bad boy bully and the weird kid at school and showed how perceptions can be wrong. Scotty was a good narrator, and the dialogue felt authentic. I did feel the ending was too abrupt for my tastes and wished I had been given more of a wrap-up.

The legend of the Ancillary flower has existed for centuries. Foretold to bring out the limitless potential of its bearer, the flower and the legend have been forgotten by many. Recently, strange events in a shrouded Tibetan town have sparked rumors among those who still believe Jacob Deer is a quirky young man, bound for college, with an eccentric old librarian for a best friend, an obsession with sitting down in elevators, and a strange birthmark on his hand that's shaped mysteriously like the markings on the Ancillary's petals. When Jacob's mentor Mr. Maddock reveals to him his connection with the legendary Ancillary, it sets in motion a series of events that sends Jacob and friends across the world. Alongside an alluring young woman, a marine-reject, and a Tibetan kid obsessed with comic books, Jacob must face off against a vengeful maniac for the fate of the flower, the legend, and all mankind.  (Publisher's summary from Amazon)

I have very mixed feeling about The Anchillarys Mark. First, while I had a difficult time getting into the book, once the action picked up Cohen managed to keep me engaged till the end. Secondly, there were several little inconsistencies with characters that left me scratching my head and going huh? For example, when Jacob the MC meets Sophie, she is aloof, bored, and definitely seemed less than enthralled with being in Jacob's company, but this changes way too quickly as they set off on their quest. I thought the antagonist was way over the top, and that the inclusion of Jacob's, mother confusing since her existence did not move the plot anywhere. I did, however, like Jacob's character a lot, and I thought the quest for the Ancillary flower compelling and suspenseful, Cohen's humor well placed, and the story extremely imaginative. 

 

Source: Received copy for review from author

In the Middle Monday Review of Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson

Welcome to In the Middle Monday where I review middle level books geared towards grades fifth through eighth.

Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.

Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner! (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Priscilla the Great has it all, humor, adventure, secrets, one very hot ability, and a not so typical family unit, making Sybil Nelson’s new middle level book one very impressive tween read.

Told from Priscilla’s point of view I have to say I was immediately drawn into the book by Priscilla’s voice. She is a no holes barred kinda kid facing the world of middle school with the normal trepidation felt by most seventh graders. And if starting seventh grade isn’t difficult enough, Priscilla is facing it with a newly developed ability to shoot fire from her fingers. I think Nelson did a terrific job capturing the essences of middle school through her characterization of Priscilla, her best friend, Tai, and Kyle, who definitely had a thing for Priscilla, but didn’t quite know how to go about telling her.

Another aspect of this book that kept me glued to the page was the quirky family unit. Her stay at home dad was overly protective, which turns out to be warranted later on in the book. Her mostly absent mother made for a very strained relationship in the beginning, but as the plot unfolds Priscilla and her mother end up being very close. I loved Priscilla’s five year-old twin brothers who were hell on four feet and whose antics were hilarious. Finally, I also loved her other brother, who actually looked out for Priscilla and did a lot to round out this unusual family. My only problem with him was I would have liked to know a lot more about him than was provided in this story. Hopefully, there will be another book.

Priscilla the Great was a surprising and highly enjoyable read. I can’t wait to turn my middle school students onto this book and am recommending it as a possible addition to next year's book battle list.  

 Source: Received review copy from author

Review/The Jumper Chronicles by W.C. Peever

Charlie is an awkward twelve-year old living a normal life till he is abducted and thrust into a world of ever-looming danger, a world of Magic, of Angry Gods, and Creatures that are should only exist inside of fairytales. 

Charlie and his three friends must unravel the mysteries of their new found abilities, save the father Charlie has never known, and uncover a secret that will change their lives forever. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Peever's does an amazing job building his new fantasy series through a combination of myths and legends including Norse Gods, Celtic Druids, and Merlin. And while many readers will see some similarities to Hogworts in the setting of Thornfield School, and to Peever's characters, Charlie, Bailey, and Mick, the story is quite original in its complex and highly developed plot. 

The story places Charlie Burrow at the center of the action. Raise by his mother after his father’s disappearance Charlie and his life long friend, Bailey, whose father also disappeared are Quilted (a form of teleportation) to Thornfield School where they find that they each have inherited a special ability. Charlie, like his father, is able to jump between nine different worlds and dimensions; a rare talent and one that is important to both the forces of good and evil. Bailey has a talent for telekinesis, and their new friend Mick is a Guardian. Together they are searching for Merlin's Map in effort to located powerful crystals hidden long ago by Merlin in an effort to save Midgard (the human world). This brief summary is no where near as comprehensive or begins to touch the surface of the complexity of Peever's plot, but it is this complexity, the fast-paced action, and the world building that makes this book an exciting and engaging new fantasy. 

Peever adds to his complex plot some wonderful and diverse characters.  Charlie, Bailey and Mick are just as endearing as Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and as strongly teamed as Percy, Annabeth and Grover. There is also a werecat named Joelle, who provides a lot of important background, Lord Grayson, the school headmaster and shape-shifter, and a host of other secondary characters that help provides various conflicts and obstacles for Charlie and his friends to overcome.

With such a well-executed plot, relatable and endearing characters; lots of action, magic, myth, and lore, The Jumper Chronicles Quest for Merlin’s Map offers fantasy lovers a strong start to what is sure to be a brilliant new fantasy series.

Source: Received copy for review from publisher

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/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.

In The Middle Monday/Review of Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham

Welcome to In the Middle Monday where I review middle level books geared towards grades fifth through eighth.

It has been a while since I have posted an In the Middle Monday. Many of the books I have been reading of late have been either strictly YA or books that are both middle level and YA too.  Today's book while geared towards middle school is so good that I also think many YA readers will love it and it a perfect book for this time of year too.

When Teddy Mathews moves to Rickland, his main concern is making new friends. But something is not right about this quiet desert town: All the boy he meets seem to vanish before his eyes, while the imposing shadows of the giant tree outside his house appears to be hiding more than darkness.

With the branches of the massive sycamore scratching at his window, Teddy’s life becomes a waking nightmare that no one else believes. Can Teddy escape the tree’s terrifying grasp and solve the mystery of the missing boys before he becomes the next boy to disappear? (Publisher’s summary from book jacket)

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham is one of the most gripping and suspenseful plot driven stories that I have read recently. I literally lost track of time and couldn’t read fast enough to satisfy my curiosity about what was going to happen next. The action starts within the first eight pages and continues almost non-stop over the next 193.

I loved the concept of a tree being the antagonist in the story. I also loved that each chapter had a picture of the tree with two outstretched limbs like arm reaching for the figure of a boy running just like on the cover. With each consecutive chapters those outstretched limbs grow getting closer and closer to the running boy, but it is a very subtle thing and definitely added to the eerie atmosphere Buckingham masterfully created in the book.

Even though The Dead Boys is a fast plot driven read, Buckingham still managed to create a very believable character in Teddy. While he is not all that happy to move to Richland, he embraces the change by trying to find friends. He is curious, brave, and intelligent enough to outsmart the evil that is so desperately trying to end his life.

The Dead Boys is a fantastic middle grade novel that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. However, I also think it will appeal to YA readers as well. The story is one of a kind, and keeps you on the edge right up to the last page. It is a book I will be recommending for next years book battle list for sure!

Source: Received Copy from publisher for review

The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Gahoole/ The Movie

I don't usually go to the movies, despite the fact that I love them, I usually wait till they come out on video and watch from the comfort of my easy chair. I also have a difficult time paying the price of a movie theater and never ever grab a snack that ends up costing me as much as a good dinner out.

That being said, my daughter, grandson, and I took in The Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Gahoole last night, and I must admit it was worth the price of the tickets to see this beautiful story in 3D.

This was my first 3D movie since my youth when the 3D glasses were cardboard, and I was truly amazed at the technology (and the glasses). 

But what I really loved was the story and the characterization. Soreen, was a wonderful hero and his brother Kludd, a spiteful and jealous villian. I am now really excited that I picked up  Kathryn Lasky's book The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Gahoole Collection, last week and I can't wait to read the books that went into the making of this movie. It will also be a great addition to my classroom library.


If you have children, then I highly recommend you take them to this beautiful and poignant story about believing in one's dreams, having faith in things unseen,  and finding the courage to fight for what you believe. If you don't have children, then I still recommend this endearing tale. It will certainly bring out your inner child.

Review/ Firelight by Sophie Jordan

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Steam rises and sparks fly in Sophie Jordan’s new take on the world of dragons, Firelight. If you are like me and love dragons and dragon lore, Firelight will captivate you with its plot and characterization.

Jordan’s plot is quite original because Jacinda and those like her are draki, dragons, who over time have learned to manifest from dragon to human form in order to survive. Several conflicts propel the story forward. First, because Jacinda is the only draki with fire-breathing abilities, her pride wants to control her for their own purposes. This forces her mother to take Jacinda and her twin sister, Tamra (who never manifested) away from the pride and relocate the family in the desert, where her mother hopes Jacinda’s draki nature will die. Add to this dilemna, a forbidden love with a boy whose family hunts dragons and sells their blood, skin and any other part that bring profit, and you have an exciting mix of problems that definitely made for a very fiery climax.

As always characterization is a major factor in how much I enjoy a book, and I loved the different personalities that Jordan created.  I especially related to Jacinda’s rebellious attitude and her fierce need to keep her draki nature alive. It was this overwhelming desire to remain true to herself that formed the bond between her and Will. While Will’s need to be with Jacinda was not as clear, I think Jordan was purposefully holding back some important facts that will become more clear as the series continues, and this obscurity added suspense and helped drive the story forward.  Jacinda’s relationship with her twin sister was also an intriguing aspect of the story. Tamra, not being able to manifest made her despise being a part of the draki society and created conflict between her and Jacinda. Like Jacinda, there were times that I didn’t like Tamra, but I did understand her actions. Xander, Will’s cousin, made the perfect antagonist. He was cruel and ruthless, but charismatic. Finally, Cassian, the young draki prince was enough of an enigma that I am anxious to see how his character will round out in Jordan’s next installment.

Firelight has everything I love in a good fantasy: original world building, well-paced and suspenseful plot, and finely constructed characters that breathe fire into the story. I am extremely excited about this series and anticipating a terrific sequel in 2011.

Source: ARC copy from  We Love YA Tours

Review/ Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch-blade" — a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate's father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he'll give Kate the means to escape the town that seems set to burn her, and what's more, he'll grant her heart's wish. It's a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes that she can't live shadowless forever — and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed. (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

There is a lot about Plain Kate that makes this book an interesting read, and although I really liked the book I did not love it.

The first thing I like about the book was the setting. Bow’s vivid descriptions of medieval Russia does a lot to create the perfect backdrop and mood for Kate’s story. The country folk are a superstitious lot and quick to find evil even in a young orphan girl. I also liked the addition of the gypsies and the fact that while they operated on the fringe of society because of the superstition surrounding them, they were themselves a very superstitious lot.

The plot was slow moving and I never fully connected to Kate. I liked her and felt sorry that her life was difficult. I also liked reading about her ability to carve and the way Bow made her talent come to life, but I also felt that the deal she makes with the witch Linay felt wrong from the get go and that even Kate recognized this, but still made the deal. Later in the book, Linay tells, Kate that he chose her because of she was weak, but I never saw Kate as weak. She managed to survive after her father died without asking help from anyone. Does this sound like a weak character to you? What she was, was lonely and it is this loneliness that Linay uses to his advantage.

The best part of the book for me was Kate’s cat, Taggle. In exchange for Kate’s shadow, Linay must make her a gift and this gift is giving Taggle the ability to speak.  I think Bow must be a cat lover as she definitely had Taggle down pat. He is as loyal as any cat could be, but still very independent and self-serving.

While Plain Kate is a book I am glad I read, it did not grab me in the way I had hope it would. Bow’s writing is lovely, rich, even lyrical, but the plot was too slow for my taste.  I also feel that a middle school audience would find the book tedious and a YA audience would not appreciate the lack of action or romance.

Source: ARC copy received from Book It Forward Tours

Review/Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice? (Product description from Penquin.com)

Just when I thought that nothing new could be done with werewolves, Andre Cremer comes along and with a dazzling new twist on the subject. What sets Nightshade apart from other books is Cremer’s unique world building, fantastic characters, and a dangerous romantic triangle. Nightshade definitely left me hungry for more.

While I have to admit I was a bit confused entering the world of Nightshade, this only lasted for a short time. The main reason is that Cremer does something so totally unexpected it blew me away. Nightshade refers to one of two packs whose reason for existence is to guard the Keepers and their magical secret. Since the packs’ existence is tied to the Keepers, each pack member including the alphas are subservient to the directives and whims of the Keepers. It is this hierarchy that establishes the conflict in the story and kept me glued to the page throughout the book.

Nightshade’s tremendous cast of characters including many of the secondary characters had a lot to do with my total engagement in the story. I am amazed at how well Cremer portrayed each member of the different packs as individuals complete with problems and desires. I loved Calla because she is a strong alpha and teen. She is fierce, passionate, and independent, which also makes her an excellent leader.  Renier, the alpha of the Banes and Calla’s chosen mate since birth, is the perfect characterization of a strong, overly confident guy who uses his good looks and charm to his advantage. Normally, Ren would be the guy I didn’t like, but despite his “I’m all that bravado” he has some redeeming qualities that I couldn’t resist. However, Shay is the guy who had me telling Calla to go for it. His outsider status allows him to question Calla’s destiny. Shay and Calla’s physical chemistry also makes for a steamy and forbidden relationship and a very tense romantic triangle that culminates in a suspenseful, nail-biting climax.

Andrea Cremer’s debut novel more than blew me away, it left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to become part of this dazzling new world of wolves, and witches, and magic. Unfortunately, since Nighshade is not yet been released (it comes out in October), I will be waiting impatiently to find out what happens next.

Source: ARC provided by Philomel Books a division of Penguin Young Readers Group

Review A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Talia fell under a spell. . . .


Jack broke the curse.


I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic. . . .


I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.


I awakened in the same place but in another time--to a stranger's soft kiss.


I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.


Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner



Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels. . . . The good news: My parents will freak


Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all--even time? (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Alex Flinn has a real flair for taking a fairy tale and retelling it in a unique way that greatly appeals to today’s audience. She definitely wowed me with Beastly and after reading A Kiss in Time, Flinn is now one of my favorite storytellers.

A Kiss in Time is a very funny retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The plot actually begins where the original fairy tale’s happily ever after ends. Told in alternating point of views between Talia, an eighteenth century princess from Eurphrasia, a small kingdom in Belgium, and Jack, an American teen in the twenty-first century; this format was perfect because it allows insight into both characters. Both Talia and Jack have parental issues. Talia, has been protected and pampered all her life, and Jack feels like his parents ignore him and thus, goes out of his way to get their attention and usually not in a good way.

The combination of spoiled pampered princess and rebel teen is hilarious. Imagine waking up after being asleep 300 years and having to acclimate to the wide range of technological advances so common place today.  Talia is quickly thrust into the twenty-first century of cell phones, airplanes, and  must deal with the cultural differences such as dress (jeans, T shirts, and bikinis instead of gowns, and keg parties instead of balls). Flinn does a fantastic job highlighting just how different the twenty-first century might look to someone raised in the eighteenth century and does it in a humorous way.

At the same time as Talia is dealing with her new world, Jack is stuck with taking responsibility for a princess, who is spoiled and cursed, and believes she and Jack are destined to be together. Try explaining all that to parents who never listen.

What surprised me most about this book though is how much I enjoyed the romance. According to the curse, Talia was supposed to be awaken by her true love and that means Jack. However, Jack does not buy into the whole destiny thing. As these two characters interact, both learn things about themselves and end up saving each other. Although the ending was cheesy, it was in keeping with the total lighthearted atmosphere of the entire story and besides I like happy endings.

A Kiss in Time is a fun romp with a romantic spin, a little magic, and a message about finding one’s destiny in the most unusual of places. If you are looking for a quick lighthearted story that will leave you smiling, then you cannot go wrong with.

Review Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

Claire is having the perfect sixteenth birthday. Her pool party is a big success, and gorgeous Matthew keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever?

In the last few weeks, I have read a total of four books on werewolves. Like each of the previous books, Christina Johnson’s Claire de Lune offers something original not only her in werewolf mythology, but her plot as well.

There are several elements in Johnson’s book that I liked. I was impressed by the idea that her werewolves were female and that they had to mate with human men. I was also impressed how she carried this through by providing background on how pregnant werewolves could only go full term if the baby was a girl. It was also interesting how she showed the pack’s devotion to the goddess and to tradition.

Johnson skillfully maintains tension throughout the story by weaving several different conflicts. First, there is the budding romance of Claire and Matthew. The romance itself was tense because it is Claire first crush, and she is shy and unsure of herself. Johnson adds to this tension by creating further conflict between Claire’s mother and Matthew’s father, Dr. Engle, who has a drug that supposedly cures lycanthropy. In addition to the romance, when Claire finds out she is a werewolf she must deal not only the knowledge, but also the secrecy that comes with it. Finally, there is a renegade werewolf killing humans, whose existence is threatening the pack’s safety. Needless to say, these conflicts add up to a compelling story that kept me engaged.

The only element that I found less than perfect was the characterization especially of Claire. Johnson went out of her way to portray Claire as sheltered. Her mother was away a lot and because of this Claire has as au pair, so yes, I could understand her being naïve. However, Claire all too quickly begins taking risks that I found hard to believe her capable of, such as going out alone and practicing her transformation, meeting Matthew, after being told not to see him, and lying a lot. I just had trouble accepting all these changes occurring in such a sort period of time. I also felt that much of the dialogue seemed forced and that the relationship between Claire and her best-friend was more contrived than real. Finally, Matthew was just so so, which made the romance so so, too.

Christine Johnson definitely has created a good first novel, that more than adequately shows her potential as a writer. I did enjoy Claire de Lune and will certainly read more from this new author.

 

Review/ Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons. Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them. But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter-actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war? (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Author Carrie Vaughn and I share something in common; we both have a fascination with dragons. In Voices of Dragons Vaughn, however, takes her imagination and creates a world where dragons coexist with humans, and the result is a delightful, modern day fantasy.

First, I was genuinely impressed with the premise for this fantasy primarily because of the setting. The small town in Montana where the story takes place borders Dragon, a territory given to dragons after they awoke some 60 years ago from the nuclear blasts at the end of WW II. Vaughn’s did an excellent job at providing details that allowed me to accept the setting as real. She gave information about the Dragon Treaty that discussed the terms of how the dragons and humans would peacefully coexist. This treaty included a Federal Bureau of Border Enforcement, whose job was to keep people out of Dragon. In return for being left alone, the dragons agreed to leave human kind alone. Another example of specific details that helped make the setting to come alive were the dragon-raid drills run at the schools along with fire and tornado drills. Finally, Vaughn’s combination of historical information and dragon myth strongly established a realistic world that I not only enjoyed reading about, but would love to live.

Vaughn’s characterization although to a lesser degree, also allowed the suspension of disbelief in the story. From the beginning, Kay the protagonist is portrayed as a risk taker. She rock climbs alone, and chooses to do so right on the border, despite the fact that both her parents’ jobs are concerned with protecting the border. While the events that lead to Kay meeting Artegal, a  dragon, might be seen as somewhat contrived, Vaughn’s consistency in both characters’ actions and dialogue, were more than enough to allow me to accept her reality. Through these two characters, Vaughn gives us a lot of information about the history of dragons. I really did like Artegal, who could speak and read and his desired to practice his speech with Kay gave her a reason to meet him again. As their friendship develops, Kay’s natural risk taking leads them to experiment with flying, which is certainly one of the things I would want to do if I had a friend who was a dragon. While I did not feel that Kay’s character was as dynamic as she could have been, this did not stop me from enjoying the story.

Finally, I liked how Vaughn was able to build some universal themes into the story. Certainly the most obvious one is the power of friendship, which is easily identified through Kay’s and Artegal’s interactions. However, in addition to this Vaughn incorporates ideas about discrimination and prejudices as seen by man’s misunderstanding and fear of the dragons, society’s use of military might over diplomacy to settle problems, and individual sacrifices for the greater good. The ending while hopeful in some ways also left me sad that society’s fears always seem to win out over reason.

Although Vaughn is an experienced writer of adult fiction, Voices of Dragons is her debut into YA fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more YA books from Vaughn in the near future.

Living and Loving Lesley Livingston's Wondrous Strange and Darklight/ A Review

 For the past two days I have been living in New York City and hanging out with faeries, my new BFF Kelly Winslow and her hunky guy Sonny Flannery. My visit to New York, courtesy of Lesley Livingston and her novels Wonderous Strange and Darklight, was definitely the highlight of my summer. I only wish that I could have stayed longer because to be quite honest, I had an amazing time and never wanted it to leave.

 Here is what happened on the first day...

Seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow always thought faeries were just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery. He's a changeling--a mortal taken as an infant and raised among Faerie--and within short order he's turned Kelley's heart inside out and her life upside down.

For Kelley's beloved Central Park isn't just a park--it's a gateway between her ordinary city and the Faerie's dangerous, bewitching Otherworld. Now Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her, but to the heritage that awaits her . . . a destiny both wondrous and strange. (Publisher’s summary from Powell’s Books)

And on the second day ...

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt. Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power. Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart. (Publisher’s summary from Powell’s Books)

After stepping into Livingston’s brilliant and dazzling world through Kelly’s and Sonny’s adventures, I can only say that these two books blew me away. Livingston’s plots are as complex as they are compelling. I read fascinated by her imaginative creation of a faerie world that lives side by side with its mortal counterpart, and I love how both Kelly’s and Sonny’s destinies are so intricately woven into the storyline. I am still entranced by how smoothly Wondrous Strange segued into Darklight without missing a beat, and yet, how easily Darklight could stand alone without confusing a reader. Finally, I am delighted at how seamlessly Livingston incorporated Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet into the books.

Livingston’s cast of characters are also very impressive. I adore Kelly. She is independent and outspoken, yet vulnerable. Sonny is also an intriguing character because he is strongly capable as a Janus Guard (a changeling who guards the Samhaim Gate located in Central Park, and allows fae to crossover whenever it is open), but he has a dark yet deeply compassionate side that makes him a dichotomy. Livingston provides enough background about these two dynamic characters that they became extremely credible, and I actually am sad that I had to leave them. I also thought that Livingston did a marvelous job bringing Auberon, King of the Winter Court, Mabh, Queen of the Autumn Court, and Puck, alive. With the exception of some of the other Janus Guards (thirteen total), all of the secondary characters were developed enough that I felt I knew them.

Both Wondrous Strange and Darklight are exciting and captivating reads, I love the romance between Sonny and Kelly, the entire cast of characters, and the setting that brought to life Livingston’s world of faeries and mortals. My only complaint is that I have to wait until December to revisit this extraordinary world and the characters who live there.

Review/ The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is des-perate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

Several things brought me to borrow The Demon’s Lexicon. First, I had read reviews on other blogs, which piqued my interest. Secondly, I had not read any books about demon’s so that too had me wondering just what this tale had to tell. Third, the protagonist was male, and I am always looking for books to turn my male students onto and the cover made me think that most of my eighth grade boys would think a sword, wheeling guy might be someone cool to read about.

I must admit I had a difficult time getting into the book. Brennan’s sentence structure was jerky and it took me a while to get use to her style. I also had a hard time relating to Nick, which after reading the book through I realized there was certainly a reason for my distaste. As the story unfolded I did get very intrigued by the mystery surrounding Nick and his mum, and I really like Nick’s brother, Alan and wanted to know how the story would end.

I am glad I stuck with the book because Brennan did create a fascinating story of magicians gaining power through the use of demon’s. Had I stopped reading I would never have understood the unusual bond between Alan and Nick. I especially enjoyed the idea behind the Goblin Market and the allusion to Chritina Rossetti’s poem, which is one of my favorites. The ending was quite surprising and one I did not see coming, and I feel that Brennan’s wrap-up was very well done. So much so that I definitely want to read the sequel Demon’s Covenant to find out what happens to Nick, Alan, Mae and her brother, Jamie. I think the series will have some very interesting things to offer. 

In the end, The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, turned out to be a remarkable read that offers a very different story about loyalty, sacrifice, magic and power, and will appeal to the young adult audience, especially guys.

Reivew/ Beastly by Alex Flinn

Like many fans of YA book, I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. So when I saw a trailer for the new movie, Beastly, I wanted to read the book the movie is based on. I am glad I did because I loved it!

Beastly is a modern urban take on Beauty and the Beast. From the outside, Kyle Kingsbury is a popular, handsome, hunk at a prestigious private school in New York: a place where good look and money is the key to success, but inside Kyle is an arrogant, self-centered jerk. He is also cruel and snubs anyone who is not beautiful.  When Kyle is transformed into a beast by Kendra, a witch, and given two years to find true love Kyle is isolated from his friends, school and even his father, whose main concern is to keep Kyle’s “condition” hidden because it might ruin his TV career. Kyle’s only contact with other humans is through the Internet, and with his blind tutor, Will, and his housekeeper, Magda. When Kyle catches a thief breaking into his house, the man exchanges his daughter, Lindy, for his freedom. The questions is can Kyle transform enough for Lindy to look past the outer beast and love the person he is inside?

Alex Flinn did a marvelous job with this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. He effectively gives Kyle a voice that made me cringe from his arrogance and cruelty to those who did not measure up physically to his superficial standards. More importantly, through Flinn’s excellent characterization, my initial reaction to Kyle slowly transforms along with him. By the end of the story, I was elated with how everything turned out.

I loved the way Flinn took aspects of the original fairytale and either incorporated or completely changed them into his retelling. For example, the rose, which in both the original tale and Flinn’s is how both fathers are caught by the Beast and made to promise to return with their daughters. The rose in Beastly takes on an even stronger significance because it becomes Kyle’s way to bring beauty into his otherwise ugly world, and because Lindy loves roses. The rose also helps Kyle begin his relationship with Lindy.

Another aspect Flinn incorporated into his story that was also present in the original was the magic mirror. In the original tale, the Beast allowed Beauty to use the mirror when she told him how much she missed her father. Her father was so distraught over Beauty living with the Beast that she was allowed to visit him for a week with the promise to return. Flinn, expands the use of the mirror to allow Kendra, the witch to be in contact with Kyle, and allows Kyle to see anyone he wants to see. Kyle begins to use the mirror to watch Lindy and finds out that she loves books, and that her father, a drug addict, abuses her. Kyle gains important insights about Lindy, and these insights eventually help him change things about himself by finding similar interests with Lindy through the books she reads. The mirror also becomes Lindy’s reason for leaving Kyle and helps add suspense to the climax of the story.

Some fresh elements that Flinn creates in Beastly adds a lot more depth to the retelling than is found in the original tale. I loved both the addition of Will, Kyle’s blind tutor, and Magda, Kyle’s housekeeper. Both of these characters were important in Kyle’s transformation from the person he was to the person he becomes. I also liked the New York setting, which certainly helped give a modern urban feel to this fairytale. Finally, I absolutely loved how Flinn uses several unselfish acts at the end of the story to show Kyle’s complete transformation.

While the basic theme of both stories is about judging an individual based on what is outside verses what is inside, I think Flinn’s version provides a dimension that is lacking from the original. Beastly effectively shows that if love is true it has the ability to transform us into a person who is willing to unselfishly act in the interest of others.

If you have not read Beastly and love fairytale retellings, I highly recommend that your check out this dazzling, and enchanting book. I am also very interested in seeing the Beastly movie even though I can already see that the script takes some typical Hollywood liberties with Flinn’s story.

Review/ Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is. (Publisher's summary for Powell's Books)

In her debut novel Radiant Darkness, Emily Whitman revamps the Greek myth of Persephone as a coming of age story meant to appeal to YA readers. Unfortunately, for me this story fell short. I found Persephone lacking a strong voice, which made the narration tedious. Several times I thought about not finishing the book, but forced myself to continue reading hoping that it would get better. I thought the relationship between Persephone and Hades seemed superficial and emotionless, and the characters flat and one-dimensional.

The one aspect of the story I did enjoy was Persephone’s friendship with a secondary character Melita, a mortal who helps Persephone with her garden in the underworld and tells her about the mortal world. Through this relationship, Persephone learns about Melita’s daughter, Philomena and eventually helps save the girl. This was an original element to the Greek myth and added some suspense to story that otherwise had very little.

While I have always been a huge fan of Greek mythology, I found Radiant Darkness a real disappointment.

Review/ Ivey's Ever After by Dawn Lairamore

Princess Ivory (Ivy) is not the picture of a proper princess. Raised by her nursemaid, Tildy, after her mother died in childbirth and her fairy godmother disappeared, Ivy prefers archery over music lessons. She’d rather pick flowers with her friends Rose, and Clarinda, daughters of kitchen maids, than learn how to embroidery, and she would rather read in the castle’s dusty library than practice elocution and etiquette. Shortly before her fourteenth birthday, Ivy finds out about the Dragon Treaty: a time-honored tradition that decrees that all princesses of Arendale are to be imprisoned in a tower guarded by a dragon until a prince slays the dragon, marries the princess, and becomes the new king. As upsetting as her pending imprisonment is, Ivy is horrified when Romil, a haughty, arrogant, and greedy Prince from Glacia sails in to fufill the requirements of the treaty. When Ivy discovers that Prince Romil plans to kill both her and her father, and end the ban on hunting dragons, she realizes that it is up to her to save the kingdom. With the help of Elridge, the faint-hearted dragon sent to guard her (a job that will no doubt end in his death), she goes on a quest to find her fairy godmother and stop Romil’s evil plan.

While I like vampires, werewolves, and faeries, dragons have always been my favorite mythological creatures. The lore that surrounds them is fascinating. In my twenties, I read every book in the Pern series by McCaffrey, which added fuel to my passion because riding a dragon just has to the coolest thing ever! Well, Dawn Lairamore has successful rekindled my enthusiasm over dragons with her debut novel Ivy’s Ever After.

I was first drawn to Lairamore’s book by the cover. What’s not to love? A young girls atop a beautiful dragon flying over castle walls definitely screams adventure. Once I began reading, the story Lairamores’s characterization took over and held me spell-bound. Told in fairy-tale format, it is clear that Lairamore knows how to write. She easily set up credibility in the story with vivid and detailed descriptions of Arendale and all its inhabitants. Ivy’s character was extremely well-developed and I immediately related to her feisty personality.

Elridge, the dragon is also a wonderful character. Smaller than most dragons, he is a total misfit compared to his kindred. He has no fire, and is timid, but because of his size he is a very good flyer. One of my favorite scenes is when Ivy decides to climb out of the tower to warn her father of Prince Romil’s plan and is saved by Elridge. The two form an immediate bond and together they courageously embark on a quest to save Arendale and the dragons. The only flaw (and it was a small one) that I noticed was Lairmore’s sentence structure was often too complex, and I occasionally had to stop and reread to make sure I understood the thought.

Ivy’s Ever After is a delightful new fairy-tale that evokes a sense of whimsy. Both Ivy and Elridge overcome their conflicts on their quest to save Arendale and together they save each other. I highly recommend this imaginative and exciting adventure to anyone who loves fantasy and happily ever after.

Book Source: Copy sent by Blue Slip Media Publishers