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

Book Looks/ Mini ReviewThe Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker&Angel Fire by Courtney Allison Moulton

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  where she reviews books using only six sentences for each review.

Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, she’s not so sure.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu
Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM
From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu
Subject: (no subject)

Kate,
I'm here…
sort of.
Find Cameron.
He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell.
They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. But secrets haunt the halls of her elite private school. Secrets people will do anything to protect. Even if it means getting rid of the girl trying to solve a murder. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

When The Liar Society was released in February, it created quite the stir among book bloggers because Lisa and Laura Roecker are part of this amazing community. Even though I caught the fever then, it has taken me almost four month to finally read their book. I can without a doubt say that The Liar Society lives up to the hype it created. I was immediately drawn to the book because of it’s unusual premise (dead BFF emails), and found the writing to be snappy, witty, and perfectly paced.  I love a good mystery and The Liar Society more than satisfies with its boarding school setting and all its secrets; I adore being an active participant in a book, and the Roeckers had me working through all the twists and turns making predictions about how it would all end. Kate was a terrific character with a strong identifiable voice, and I related well to her feeling of loss and her strong desire to figure out exactly what happened to Grace. The Liar Society is a fantastic debut novel that will keep you on your toes searching for answers and leave you wanting more from sisters Laura and Lisa.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

 Angelfire was another novel that I was excited about reading. Unfortunately, while I loved the concept of the book, it quite didn't live up to my anticipation. What I did like was all the action and Moulton's vivid descriptions of all the battles, which made the pacing of the book heart pounding. I also appreciated the originality of Moulton's angel mythology and how meticulously she revealed information about Ellie through Will. But I somehow just couldn't see Ellie as anything more than a character in a book and felt that she lacked depth. Despite the characterization,  I did enjoy Angelfire and found it to be an impressive debut novel, I also have high hopes that Moulton's next book will solidify Ellie's character and am looking forward to finding out more about Ellie and Will's relationship, and their epic struggle to overcome the Grim Reaper's plans to destroy the human race.

 

Book Look/ Mini ReviewWalk the Wild Road by Nigel Hinton and Son of Eden by Brianna J. Merrill

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  where she reviews books using only six sentences for each review.

 

Leo took one step forward and then stopped. This was it-the road away from everything he knew. He could turn back. But then who would save his family from starvation? No, Leo was their last hope. He must go on...

The journey is not easy-he'll have to sleep on the streets, steal food, and even fight off greedy soldiers. Along the way, Leo discovers the kindness of strangers and the loyalty of friends. But he also learns there are some people you just can't trust, especially when you're on the wild road to America.

The summary for Walk the Wild Road by Nigel Hinton does not come close to describing the impact felt in this historical fiction story about Leo’s journey to reach America.  Leo is a wonderful character who leaves home knowing that his staying would place his family in danger. He takes up with another boy, Tomasz, who is street wise and the two become best friends. Their friendship makes their journey easier and while they often find themselves in difficult situations you realize that as a team they will make it. Hinton does a marvelous job showing the hardships these two boys encounter as they travel hundreds of miles to reach the port of Danzig where they plan to board a ship to America. The ending while satisfying is emotionally draining.  The book is evenly paced and well worth the read.

Imagine a moment of unseen intervention on your behalf. What would you do if you discovered invisible beings surrounding you? What if you were the key to their survival? SON OF EDEN introduces a world where unseen beings really do exist, love has no limits, and the realization of one’s self worth is pivotal. Tormented by sadness over her mother’s death, Emily Wallace wonders if life really has any purpose. Her question is answered when she meets Alexander. After transgressing the laws of his kind, Alexander reveals his true nature to Emily and the two find life without one another is not an option. But, forming such a cosmically unique relationship comes with a price. It becomes apparent that some will stop at nothing to ensure an ancient prophecy surrounding these two is never fulfilled. Is the Opposition motivated by knowledge of Alexander’s true identity? Or, are they more concerned with who Emily is destined to become?

I have been reading a lot of angel book lately and while I have liked quite a few Son of Eden did not end up being one of my favorites. What I did like about the book was Merrill’s main character Emily. She was smart and thoughtful, and I loved the relationship she and her dad had. What I didn’t like was how quickly she became enthralled with Alex. For me Alex lacked depth. I never felt a real connection with his character and that kept me from really enjoying the rest of the story. The plot was complex, and Merrill’s mythology was interesting and imaginative, but I struggled with the narrative.   

Book Look/ Mini ReviewUnearthly by Cynthia Hand

 

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  where she reviews books using only six sentences for each review.
 

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . . 

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy. 

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. 

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny? 

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Let me just say that using my Book Look format for Unearthly (or for any book) does not indicate that it was inferior in anyway. The fact is there are already too many great review of Unearthly that I felt like I could not say anything better. What I can say though, is that if you have not read Unearthly as yet than you are missing out on a wonderfully character driven story with a plot that is original in its angel mythology, and different in its romance triangle than many of the YA triangles around. I adored Clara and as Nomes at Inkcrush so aptly put it she is a very Real girl aside from the fact that she is an angel. Both Tucker and Christian were swoon worthy, but for me Tucker was by far one of the greatest love interest EVER! If you have yet to experience Unearthly all I can say is, “What are you waiting for?”

 For more complete and fantastic reviews of Unearthly check out these reviews at... 

Inkcrush 

Supernatural Snark 

Daisy Chain Book Reviews 

Irresistible Reads

Book Look/ Mini ReviewsHaunted by Joy Preble & Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

 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  where she reviews books using only six sentences for each review.

Anne is trying her best to live a normal life, but she's still got some power sparking inside her. She's hearing and seeing things that she tries her best to ignore-like being haunted by a Russian sea nymph that claims the princess Anastasia is still alive.

That's when Ethan Kozninsky-he of the stunning blue eyes, thick brown hair, and former immortal status-returns. Anne soon realizes that everything she's been trying to forget might be impossible to bury. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Haunted by Joy Preble was an exciting sequel to Dreaming Anastasia, and while I did not read the first book in this series I can honestly say that Haunted did stand strongly on its own. What I truly enjoyed about this book was Anne’s attempt to adjust to life after Anastasia and Ethan. She has a boyfriend, but because of the previous events she and Ethan shared, she cannot seem to get him out of her mind. The Russian folklore was fascinating and I loved how masterfully Joy weaves it through the story. I also absolutely adored Anne’s best friend, Tess, who encourages Anne and has her back. Finally, I enjoyed the book’s fast-pace and the extraordinary ending that left me breathless and wanting more. 

 Source: Received book from publisher for review

It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin. When they're united for a project, they form an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. Grace plays along when Mandarin suggests they run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds plaguing their Badlands town. Because all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken, and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, no friendship can withstand betrayal. (Publisher's summary from Goodreads)

Like Mandarin is a quietly arresting contemporary novel that delves into two very different characters. Grace is smart, and lost wanting only to be like Mandarin, who is beautiful confident and sensual, and when Grace is asked to help Mandarin with a school project, she get the chance to befriend and get a close up view of the object of her obsession. Hubbard’s writing is often understated and certainly fluid and as the plot unfolds the reader is mesmerized by the story as much as Grace is with Mandarin. As is often the case, Grace ends up finding out that the life she thinks see wants is more broken than the one she has, but only after allowing herself to be subjugated to Mandarin’s whims. I loved Grace and ended up reveling in her growth over the course of the story. Like Mandarin is a book that provides a windy look at relationships and obsessions and the need to step back and see both from different angles.

Book Look/ Mini ReviewRed Riding Hood by Sarah Blackley-Cartwright

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  where she reviews books using only six sentences for each review.

The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace.

When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her?

As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart?

This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.

Although I was anxious to read Red Riding Hood when I first saw it,  I was disappointed in it. This is certainly a very dark version of the fairy tale, and while I think the plot was unique, I just felt that the characterization lacked substance. I have to admit that I have never cared a great deal for books written from a screen play and perhaps that it why this book fell short for me.  What I did like about it was that the Wolf hunter turned out to be as much a villain as the wolf. I am interested in the movie though as the cinematography alone is gorgeous, and it looks as if there is more attention to the romantic triangle that I found lacking in the book.

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

Book Looks/Mini Reviews of Clockwork Angel and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

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

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Clockwork Angel was my first novel by Cassandra Clare and I loved stepping into the world of the Shadowhunters. Clearly, Clare is a master world builder and I found myself lost in this my first journey into the steampunk genre. Her characters, even the secondary ones, were surprisingly effective in moving the plot forward adding layers that kept me reading and wondering what would happen next. I was especially taken with Jem whose even temper and caring loyalty to Will drew me to him like a moth to a flame, and I hope to find out more about him in the next book. I also loved Magnus Bane, a warlock and Camille, a vampire, whose roles in the story were pivotal.  Clockwork Angel was a fantastic introduction to Clare’s writing and while I came to this book first before reading any of the Mortal Instruments series, I felt Clockwork Angel was a terrific introduction.

Final Thoughts: Clockwork Angel has a complex and engaging plot with well-developed characters. The setting is expertly described, and it is a fine example of the steampunk genre because of its use of automatons and other inventions. If you enjoy science fiction, action, and the paranormal then Clockwork Angel offers up all of this and more.

Their hidden world is about to be revealed....

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary. 

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Even before reading Clockwork Angel, I was anxious to start the Mortal Instruments because of some amazing reviews I read about this series, and I can firmly attest that I was not disappointed. Unlike Clockwork Angel, City of Bones is set in the present day New York where Clary, the strongly independent and city savvy protagonist inadvertently enters the Shadowhunters world with catastrophic results; the world as she knows it is forever changed. I loved that the action starts immediately and continues almost non-stop as Clare unfolds her plot with the precision of a fine tuned car. I was totally immersed in the conflict and emotions that Clare felt as she searched for her mother and tried to make sense of dealing with demons bent on killing her. Clare has an amazing knack for throwing surprises at her readers and City of Bones provides a real shocker. As in Clockwork Angel, I loved the characters and was pleasantly surprise to see Magnus Bane, the warlock from Clockwork Angel reappear in City of Bones.

Final thoughts: This is an exciting start to Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series. Her characters are believable, which helps to make the Shadowhunters’s world realistic too. The setting is vivid and detailed, and the ending only adds to my desire to read the rest of the series ASAP.

Book Looks/Mini Reviews

Book Looks are mini reviews where I attempt to review books I have read in one of two formats, inspired by two lovely lady bloggers. Kate's Book Views at the Neverending Shelf attempts to review books in 75 words or less, and Staci's Six Sentence Saturday  reviews (gotta love the alliteration) at Life in a Thumb. 

 

Today's Book Looks are both in the 75 words or less format.

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High--from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death--and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing. (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Before I Fall is one of the best debut novels I have read this year. Although reminiscent of the movie Ground Hog Day, Oliver in-depth characterization and authentic YA issues is unique. As Samatha relives the day of her death, Oliver accurately portrayed the five stage of death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Samatha’s growth was one of the most dynamic changes in a character I have ever read. The ending was a surprise.

Final Thoughts: The unique plot, strong characterization, and compelling message makes this a fantastic read. This is definitely not a book you should miss. Oliver’s is a gifted writer and I am look forward to her next book.

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaws Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchants home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets including those of her own past. (Publisher's Summary from Powell's Book)

After seeing a lot of positive reviews for this novel, I have to say I was disappointed. While the overall concept was interesting, I found the characterization lacked depth. The relationship between Mary and James was flimsy and strained.  Some aspects of the action were suspenseful and because of this I did feel compelled to continue reading.  I did however, love the setting and thought Lee did an excellent job with her descriptions.

Final Thoughts: Although I did not love the book, I do think that Lee is a talented writer and will probably get around to reading the second Agency book, The Body in the Tower.

Book Looks/3 Mini Reviews

Book Looks are mini reviews where I attempt to review books I have read in one of two formats, inspired by two lovely lady bloggers.

The first format inspired by Kate's Book Views at the Neverending Shelf attempts to review books in 75 words or less.

The second format was inspired by Staci's Six Sentence Saturday  reviews (gotta love the alliteration) at Life in a Thumb. In this format like Staci, I will expresses my thoughts on a book using only six sentences.

Sisters Red by  Jackson Pearce

(six sentence review)

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.   Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for. (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

What is not to like about this cleverly, dark urban tale based loosely on Little Red Riding Hood? The plot is fast-paced and the prologue vividly grabs you. After you read Sisters Red, you will leave behind any romantic notions you might have about werewolves because the Fennis are just plain evil. I loved how Pearce built the sister’s relationship, their closeness and their differences. But make no mistake this story is very plot driven, and while I predicted some of what happened, I was still engaged throughout. This is a great read, and if you have not read it yet, I urge you to pick it up. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. 

The Gardener by S. A Bodeen

(review in 75 words or less)

 Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children's book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs--genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don't need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener. ( Publishers summary from Powell's Books)

Like many science-fiction novel Bodeen uses issues that face mankind as a jumping off point for this somewhat bizarre story. The Gardener is a short, fast read that keep me turning pages as the plot unfolds. Bodeen creates tension and suspense forcing readers to asks the question: How far is too far when it comes to the good of the masses over the individual? The story is definitely more about plot than character.

Final Thoughts: A good plot with enough suspense to engage readers. Characters are not well-developed, but are interesting. The main theme is thought provoking. Wasn’t thrilled with the ending.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

(review in 75 words or less)

When Wayland North brings rain to a region that's been dry for over ten years, he's promised anything he'd like as a reward. He chooses the village elder's daughter, sixteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabel, who is a skilled weaver and has an unusual knack for repairing his magical cloaks. Though Sydelle has dreamt of escaping her home, she's hurt that her parents relinquish her so freely and finds herself awed and afraid of the slightly ragtag wizard who is unlike any of the men of magic in the tales she's heard. Still, she is drawn to this mysterious man who is fiercely protective of her and so reluctant to share his own past. The pair rushes toward the capital, intent to stop an imminent war, pursued by Reuel Dorwan (a dark wizard who has taken a keen interest in Sydelle) and plagued by unusually wild weather. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers North's dark secret and the reason for his interest in her and learns to master her own mysterious power, it becomes increasingly clear that the fate of the kingdom rests in her fingertips. She will either be a savior, weaving together the frayed bonds between Saldorra and Auster, or the disastrous force that destroys both kingdoms forever. (Publisher's Summary from Powell's Books)

An exciting and well-written debut novel about magic. Characters are well-drawn as is the setting. A strong conflict drives the plot. I really liked Syd, who was strong and independent. I felt the romance between Wayland and Syd was a little hard to accept at first but by the end of the story it did make sense. I was impressed with the magical aspect. Bracken’s writing is a terrific mix of vivid description, realistic dialogue, and action.

Final Thoughts: A great debut novel and fantasy. Held my attention throughout the story. The magic, while low key, had some interesting elements and quite believable. Hope to read more from Bracken in the future.

Book Looks/Mini Book Reviews of Three Debut Authors

Book Looks are mini reviews where I attempt to review books I have read in one of two formats, inspired by two lovely lady bloggers.

The first format inspired by Kate's Book Views at the Neverending Shelf attempts to review books in 75 words.

The second format was inspired by Staci's Six Sentence Saturday  reviews (gotta love the alliteration) at Life in a Thumb. In this format like Staci, I will expresses my thoughts on a book using only six sentences.

The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

(six sentence review)

In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. Her friends feel like strangers. And her family is being watched. As the revolution's impact becomes more oppressive, Lucía's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States—on their own.Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucía struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?

The Red Umbrella is a historical fiction coming-of-age story about a young girl whose life if forever changed because of the political upheaval at the start of the Cuban revolution in 1961.  Through Lucia’s innocent eyes, I gained insight into some of the major changes that greatly affected, not only adults, but Cuban youths including the youth camps where Lucia’s best friend, Ivette, and others become indoctrinated with Castro’s communistic propaganda.  I found Lucia to be a very credible narrator because her world is focused on fashion and boys not her parent’s concern for the family’s safety until she sees for herself the brutality of the regime’s answer to those who resist.  Forced to leave Cuba without her parents, Lucia describes adjusting to life in America: learning the language, dealing with the loneliness of living with strangers, and fitting in with American teens.  Gonzalez captures the essences of Lucia’s struggles through her realistic dialogue and thoughts, and I found the headlines placed at the beginning of each chapter provided an authentic feel to the story. The Red Umbrella is a poignant story that shows that a home is not a place or a country, but people and the love they have for each other.  

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

(a review in 75 words or less)

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own. (Publisher's summary from Amazon)

The Karma Club is a fun, fast-paced story that is the perfect book for a light-hearted romp through romantic teen angsts. I adored Maddy and her friends delicious get even stunts and the trouble that ensues. I found Maddy's budding romance with Spenser appealing and the ending very satisfying. If you haven't yet read this then let me just say you are missing out on a fun, fun, fun read.

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
(a review in 75 word or less)

Joy is used to Hearing Whispers. She's used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people's deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good--to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people's lives--especially Joy's--miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica Whisper I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that's what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car, and running away with a boy she barely knows--a boy who may have a dark secret of his own. (Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

Whisper was an unexpected read with an original twist on the paranormal genre. The main character, Joy, was as easy to relate to as her sister was to dislike. I thoroughly enjoyed how Kitanidis’ skillfully interlaced the whispers Joy heard with her reactions to them. I was surprised but thrilled by the chemistry between Joy and Jamie abeit short. The last hundred pages were riveting and the ending extremely satisfying. This is one debut writer I am anxious to read more from.

In The Middle Monday/Book Look Reviews/ School of Possibilities by Seita Parkkola & Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser

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

Today I am using a mini review format inspired by  Kate at The Neverending Bookshelf.  I like her format so much that she graciously agree to let me borrow it.

My Book Looks then are mini reviews where I challenge myself to review a book in 75 words give or take. It is a great exercise in concise writing, which has never been my forte.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no excuse not to be decent...Especially when you're responsible for a kid.It just figures that fifteen-year old Victoria's dad fails once again to be at the train station like he's promised. Fuming, Victoria watches as a teen mom stashes her bruised little boy in the train's bathroom. When the mom gets off the train alone, Victoria decides she has had it with all the poor excuses who call them selves parents. Making a split-second decision, Victoria boards the next train out of town-taking the little boy with her. No, really, what would you do? Victoria's staying on the run until everyone responsible starts keeping their promises. This kid's not falling through the cracks. Not on her watch. (Publisher's comments from Powell's Books)

Jump the Crack by Stacy DeKeyser is a quick read that pushed my ability to suspend disbelief. Victoria is certainly a teen that I would like to know, but her responses and actions are a stretch. I doubt that a fifteen-year old could allude police after kidnapping a two-year old for even one day let alone two all while riding buses and trains. Victoria’s reasoning though flawed was commendable and the ending, thankfully, provide some real consequences for her actions, and was less predictable than I had thought.

Final Thoughts: While I liked Dekeyser's writing style, the story was hard to swallow. I was not too impressed with this 2011 Twain nominee

Source Disclosure: Borrowed

Storm Steele is an impossible child. Or so his parents believe thanks to the influence of his evil step-monster. Now Storm is being forced to attend the School of Possibilities for troubled youth. But Storm notices that something strange is going on at his new school. The students are not...normal. Soon he's being spied on, followed by classmates-and worst of all, forced to accept the headmaster's perfectly behaved daughter as his girlfriend. He can feel himself becoming more obedient, more like his classmates. Storm tries to resist, but he doesn't understand how or why the school is controlling him. Can Storm escape-or will he be turned into a zombie of good behavior like everyone else around him? (Publisher’s summary from Powell’s Books)

The School of Possibilities by Seita Parkkola is a bizarre tale with a futuristic feel. The setting is vividly described, and the action gains speed as Storm becomes increasingly aware that the school is more than a little strange. The book’s humor and creep factor should appeal to the middle school crowd particularly guys because, for the most part, Storm is a believable character caught in a very unbelievable situation. 

Final Thoughts: Some exciting action, makes for a fast read with lots to attract middle level readers. Some confusing parts including the resolution, and might be contributed due to an unusual sentence structure.

Source Disclosure: ARC

Book Looks/Mini Book Reviews

 Believe it or not I am still trying to play catch-up from the 24 Hour  Read-A-Thon. Admittedly, I continually struggle with my reviews. I have this inner critic that tends to lambaste me every time I write. I also have found that if I do not write the review shortly after finishing the book, I have even more difficulty writing it.

So in an effort to catch up I asked Kate over at The Neverending Bookshelf if I could use her mini review format, thinking that this might help me finish some of the reviews looming like a dark cloud over my head. Kate kindly agreed.

My Book Looks then, are mini reviews in which I challenge myself to review a novel in 75 words or less. 

Emerson Watts, 16 and female, loves playing video games, hanging out with her best friend, Christopher, and has made peace with her less-than-supermodel-esque looks. But when she's involved in a mysterious accident, she wakes up to find she's now in the body of...a supermodel. Who was behind this switch? What was the motive? And how can she get Christopher to realize she's still the same person inside? (Summary from GoodReads)

I love Meg Cabot! There isn’t one book that she has written that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed and Airhead definitely falls into this category. Who else can take a character like transform her physically into the exact type of person she disdains and see where she goes from there. Like all Cabot's book Airhead is funny and fast-paced and set in New York City. Lots of guys, twists and turns, and a goofy best-friend.

Recommendation: If you like funny, fast-fast paced reads then you will like Airhead. But be aware that Airhead is the first of a series and the ending leaves you wanting more.

Wabi was born an owl—a great horned owl, who grew to become such a strong, confident creature that he was afraid of nothing. But now he is afraid. He fears that he might never win the heart of the girl he loves. Somehow, despite his own intentions, he has fallen in love with a girl—a beautiful, headstrong human girl. And so he begins the adventure of his life. He shape-shifts into human form in order to be with her. But before he can win her love, he must face an even greater challenge in a land he comes to think of as the Valley of Monsters. (Publisher's Comments from Powell’s Books)

Wabi A Hero’s Tale by Joseph Bruchac is a wonderfully written folktale. From the very first sentence … “I almost died before I could fly.” I was hooked.  I love Wabi as an owl and rooted for him as a human. The pace was fast and Wabi’s quest was exciting.  I definitely went through a myriad of emotions as I read. As with most folktales the ending was completely satisfying.

Recommendation: If you love folktales or fairytales, this is a great read. It is fast, but extremely satisfying. You will love the characters. As for me I will be looking to read more of Bruchac’s works based on this one alone.

Thirteen-year-old Savvy's three-point shot is deadly. But she gets pushed around on the basketball court. Her older sister, Callie, is on varsity cheerleading, but she's not light enough to be a flier her coveted position. Both girls need to boost their level of competition to get into the action. How far are they willing to go to be the best? (Publisher's Comments from Powell's Books).

If you like basketball, Boost makes for a quick and interesting read. Savvy is one driven young girl. I liked how she knews what she wanted and works hard to be the best.  Mackel's descriptions of the plays and games seem very authentic. One thing that seemed a little too late was the revelation about steroid usage.  Still the ending worked and the lesson was not preachy.

Recommendation: This is a good middle school read about girls basketball, and making choices. I thought for the most part it was realistic, and I was happy that the family was a prominent feature.

Miri is the non-twin child in a family with two sets of them--older brothers and younger sisters. The family has just moved to an old farmhouse in a new town, where the only good thing seems to be Miri's ten-sided attic bedroom. But when Miri gets sent to her room after accidentally bashing her big brother on the head with a shovel, she finds herself in the same room . . . only not quite. 

Without meaning to, she has found a way to travel back in time to 1935 where she discovers Molly, a girl her own age very much in need of a loving family. A highly satisfying classic-in-the-making full of spine-tingling moments, this is a delightful time-travel novel for the whole family. (Publisher's Comments from Powell's Books)

This is a cute book with cute characters and a  fairly big idea about time travel. Geared towards the younger middle school reader, it will appeal primarily to a female audience. I actually really liked how Miria and Molly, were able to scare Horst, a truly horrible boy in order to ensure that Molly and the future would not be changed by Molly's disappearance from the past. I did feel the time travel explanations were a bit confusing at times.

Recommendation: Definitely a cute read for younger middle school readers. Miria had some very positive personality traits which could help in teaching character education, and Hort's personality would surely demonstrate the negative. The ending was a bit unrealistic and predictable, but did not detract from the overall story.

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke, who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind. (Publisher's comments from front of book)

This is a darkly satisfying tale of the fae impossible to put down. I was immediately enthralled by the story's complexity. There were so many twists and unexpected turns that  I often found my mouth open in disbelief. The climax and ending was so unbelievably, unexpected; I was dazzled. This is my first book by Stiefvater and I am anxious to read more. Here prose is as enchanting as her characters and plot.

Recommendation: If you are a lover of fantasy and paranormal genres and have not read this book, then make sure you grab it. Hands down it is a must read.  I borrowed this from the library and got the grey cover, which I think is a horrible cover. The black on is better, but I really love the green cover which was published in Germany.


So now I am almost all caught up. I have to agree with Kate when she says that doing mini reviews is not an easy task ... esepcially for someone like me who tends to be a bit long winded at times.
Let me know what you think of the Book Looks.