Review: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Title: Wonderstruck
Author: Brian Selznick
Genre: Juvi, Graphic Novel, Contemporary
Format: ARC
Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Taken from 'goodreads', "Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.

With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey."


What a fantastic read! Right off the bat, let me tell you that I've given this title 5 out of 5 stars. Having never read 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret', I wasn't sure what to expect with this Brian Sleznick book. The hefty 600 pages intimidated me a bit, too. 


All I can say is thank goodness I decided to pick up 'Wonderstruck'. It's very, very good. Part graphic novel, part narrative, 'Wonderstruck' is actually two stories set in very different times that somehow come together to create a perfect story.


The art is beautifully done and it's amazing how well Rose's story comes across in pictures alone. In the same respect, the narrative is just as well done. This is truly a great story that is hard to put down. While the page count is staggering, I completed this book in about an hour.


There's not much more I can say, but this book about friendship, adversity, and loving connections is a winner and is something that should be on everyone's 'to read' list. 'Wonderstruck' hits store shelves September 2011.

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Romance
Format: ARC
Perfect for: those young and old looking for good dystopian
Star Rating: 4/5 stars

Taken from Goodreads, "What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."


Oh, 'Legend', how I enjoyed reading thee! I received 'Legend' by chance and didn't immediately go to read it. The back blurb made it seem a little too much like a mystery, which isn't usually my cup of tea. Low and behold, I was totally wrong. 'Legend' is a fantastic read!


While I'm sure promotional material for this will mention 'Hunger Games' and in truth, the landscape and storytelling does have a similar feeling, you'll enjoy this book so much more if you don't compare it to 'Hunger Games'. As I mentioned before, the world feels similar in a militaristic sort of way, but oddly enough, 'Legends' world is a little more 'real'.  'Legend' is clean enough for younger YA readers, but has enough depth to entertain older YA readers, too.


The characters? To say the least, I really enjoyed them. I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the voices in the beginning, with the alternating chapters, but once I got the names of the characters down, it was smooth sailing.


Day, the 'Han Solo' of the novel, is a vigilante type you can really get behind. His cause, well, you really do begin to root for him fairly early in the novel. And June? She took a little longer to warm up to, but once she started interacting with Day and his partner in crime Tess, I really began to enjoy her character as much as the others. Towards the end of the novel, I was pretty much shouting to her character to do the right thing! (A sign of a good novel, I think!)


Author Marie Lu has a great novel on her hands, one that will surely pick up a lot of fans along its travels! Keep an eye out for 'Legend', which is being released November 2011, and for news of the movie currently being worked on by CBS Films. All in all, 'Legend' is  dystopian done right!


'Legend' gets 4 out of 5 stars.

Review: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

Title: Vixen
Author: Jillian Larkin
Genre: YA, Historical, Romance,
Perfect for: readers who need a break from 'current day' reads
Format: ARC
Release Date: December 14, 2010
Star Rating: 3/5 Stars

Taken from Goodreads:

"Jazz... Booze... Boys... It’s a dangerous combination.

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . . 

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry..."

Usually, a novel with the 'good girl gone bad' vibe doesn't catch my interest. Thanks to the historical nature of 'Vixen', however, this one did. To put it simply, I enjoyed reading 'Vixen'. A lot of the enjoyment came from the decade in which the novel is set-- the roaring 20's.  I've never read a novel set in the prohibition days and schools, well, they don't do a great job at teaching that era of US history. 'Vixen' was a nice chance to at least read a bit about the era, however romanticized author Jillian Larkin wrote it!


'Vixen' also touched home a bit for me because, while not a flapper, my great grandmother was a young adult in Chicago during the time period in which this novel took place. In 1923, my great grandma would have been twenty-two and was already married with child, but even for those who didn't 'party hardy' in speakeasy's, it must have been a neat time to live (albeit dangerous if you crossed the wrong person)!


Plot wise, I like the historical elements in the story. They were new to me and quite engaging. Larkin did a good job describing the prohibition period, as well as the novel's basic local's. The romance felt a bit weak, coming off forced or at least under-developed. I would have loved to see some scenes that 'built up' the relationship between romantic leads Gloria, white society girl engaged to be married, and Jerome, black jazz pianist, as opposed to the instantanious love connection we received in 'Vixen'. That being said, I like the pairing.


The characters are likable and interesting, though picky readers might find them to be a little flat. The main POV's of the novel are Gloria, Clara, and Raine. Each has their own storyline that nicely weaves together into the main one. Yes, certain elements of each seem too easy, but nonetheless, they're fun to read.


One of my favorite things about this novel? The language! I love the lingo that was used in this period piece. It kept the novel's writing fresh and gave us readers a bit more insight into the era.


For those worried about 'Vixen' having adult themes, don't worry. For all the drinking mentioned in this series, it's not as bad as you might assume it to be. Do the characters drink? Yes-- they're in a speakeasy, they can't exactly decline. Do they do anything that I think would be traumatizing for a 14 year old? Nope, not that I read. Compared to other popular series (think 'Gossip Girl'), this is nothing.


Should you pick up 'Vixen'? I think so. Forgiving the slightly under-developed elements, it is a good departure for those of us who don't always want something set in the typical 'present day, present time'.  It's a solid 3 out of 5 stars from me!  'Vixen' hits store shelves December 14th, 2010.

Review: Tigers Curse by Colleen Houck

Title: Tigers Curse
Author: Colleen Houck
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Action, Romance
Perfect for: romantics (who don't mind minor writing issues)
Format: ARC
Release Date: January 2011
Star Rating: 4/5

Kelsey is done with high school and on her own, well sort of. Her job at assisting the Tiger trainer at the circus parked in town has her pretty busy. Strange things begin to happen when she feels drawn to Ren, the Tiger she takes care of. When rich Mr. Kadam offers her a job in taking Ren to a preserve in India, she can't refuse.

Trouble is, Ren isn't just a Tiger. At least, not all the time. As it turns out, he's also a 300 year old Indian prince who was cursed by an evil man in hopes of de-throning him. As Ren and Kelsey try to break the curse that binds him, they feel more and more drawn to each other until they break.

If this sounds familiar, it might be because you've already read it. This book was available as an ebook last year for Kindles, as well as it's sequel. I, sadly, just found this via ARC and now cannot hunt down a copy of said sequel to save my life! And yes, I really want to continue this saga.

The story is pretty original. I mean, how many YA titles take place in India? And star an Indian prince who is cursed to play Tiger almost 23 and a 1/2 hours a day? Not too many. It's a nice change from Vampires, Werewolves, and that whole lot.

The writing has some problems. We are 'told' a lot, as opposed to learning it on our own. There are some big blocky paragraphs of texts that are just never fun. There's also a bit of redundancy sometimes, but the overall story and characters cover for the lack of refinement.

The characters are likable and you really do start rooting for them as you read on in 'Tigers Curse'. The romance between Ren and Kelsey is actually quite cute and (somewhat) more realistic than other supernatural YA novels. (My only complaint about the characters is that I really hate the nickname 'Kells' and the name 'Kelsey' in general, but that's just me. :p)

'Tigers Curse' is one of those reads that grabbed me without me even knowing. I found it hard to put down and I looked for info on a sequel almost immediately after finishing. All signs point to this being a fantastic series and I'm really looking forward to taking the journey with Ren and Kelsey.

I recommend you take a peek at 'Tigers Curse'!

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Genre: YA, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, romance
Format: ARC
Release Date: November 2010
Perfect for:  those looking to read about an interesting world with mind-boggling practices in place

In this dystopian society, love is not a spur of the moment thing.  You are 'matched' with your perfect mate via a video screen during a grand ceremony.   Cassia has always followed and believed in what the Society has wanted her to do, until she puts in her data card with her match information and sees not one, but two faces.  She knows her original match, her best friend Xander, would give her the life she's always dreamed off, but Ky...  Ky could give her so much more.  Faced with decisions she never thought she'd have to face, Cassia uncovers secrets about her Society that make her question not just matching but their practices as a whole.

Oh, 'Matched'...  How I loved reading thee.  Seriously, I loved the mysterious society Ally Condie created in 'Matched'.  'Matched' has a good mix of romance, quirky dialogue, and mystery. The Society is an intriguing thing to read about.  I found it really easy to slip into Condie's future.  I was never confused about the goings on and never felt like her world was 'too' futuristic.  Just like baby bears porridge, this story set up is just right.

As for characters, I loved them.  They're likable and fleshed out.  Cassia, in particular, has a unique perspective and is a great narrator.  Some heroines come off as selfish when dealing with love triangles, but that is not the case with Cassia.  You can see via her narration that she isn't using either boy.  She clearly can see a future with each.  Until she finds she must choose one or the other.

Xander is your typical boy next door, dependable as ever, sort of guy.  He could be considered stereotypical of other boy next door characters, but is one step above, I think.

Ky, well, first off, I love his name.  Condie has a great sense for naming characters.  Ky totally lives up to his name.  Just like Cassia, I looked forward to scenes with Ky.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for guys with good names and a mysterious past!  And Cassia's grandfather, the Obi-Wan of the story, I loved the role he played, as well.  Condie did a great job at creating characters who you actually care for.

'Matched' is the first book in a series and officially comes out November 2010.  There are cliff hangers-- big ones.  It's a great book for those who are sick of supernatural romances or who loved books like 'Birth Marked' or 'The Eternal Ones'.  I predict 'Matched' will gather a fan following very quickly!  (Actually, it already has from the stuff I've seen on other sites!)  Take a look at 'Matched'!  It's highly recommended!

Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Release Date: August 2010
Format: ARC
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance,
Perfect for: those who are tired of vampires and want a little more of an angelic read

Bethany and her two companions Gabriel and Ivy are angels sent from Heaven to help a small town that seems to be in need of angelic intervention.  The job is simple-- pretend to be humans and slowly spread joy throughout the town by working little miracles.  Gabriel and Ivy have worked on Earth before, but for Bethany it is her first time in a human vessel.  Because she is the youngest of the three, her charges are high school students. She runs into a bit of a hiccup, however, when she falls hard for a human boy. Will she be able to balance her mission and her newfound romance when darkness is on the move and aiming straight for her town?  'Halo' is the first in a planned trilogy written by young writer Alexandera Adornetto.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover and all that, but seriously, this book has a fantastic cover. I love the sunlit silhouette they decided for 'Halo'.

'Halo' is actually a really good book. The story is unique in the fact that the heroine is the angel, not the male lead. Bethany has a more grown up point of view, which is a nice change from some of the whiny, heroines we get periodically in YA titles. Her questioning ways kept Bethany from becoming flat or predictable. Her friends, fellow angels Gabriel and Ivy, are great secondary characters. I loved how alike, yet different they were from Bethany. They are parental units in this story, as well as confidants to Bethany. And the mortal boy in question, Xavier, falls a little flat, but overall plays his role well. You know how some main male leads just fall short of the other characters, Xavier felt a bit like that. Maybe he'll play a bigger part in the sequels...

The storyline had one main problem, I think. It's a problem that lots of YA books seem to have these days. It suffers from being too long! The book clocks in at 484 pages. I've read books that are longer that are just fine with their page count. 'Halo', however, looses its steam in the middle and takes a while to get it back. I think it could have been at least 50 pages shorter, if not more. Author Alexandra Adornetto takes time developing connections, which is fine, but she almost takes too much time. I repeatedly found myself thinking 'can we move this along, please'.

Overall, you should take a peek at 'Halo'. It has its problems, but is a good start to what could be a great series. 'Halo' will be on store shelves starting August 2010.

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance, slightly harlequin in feeling
Format: ARC
Release Date: October 2010
Perfect for: a wide variety of readers-- it's the Twilight of Werewolf books!

18-year-old Calla is the alpha female of her clan of were-wolfs (aka Guardians) and as the alpha female is promised to the alpha male of her brother clan-- the handsome Ren.  The union between the two alpha's will create a new clan-- one with the important job of protecting land which the clan masters deem forbidden.  But when Calla goes against her nature and saves the human boy Shay, she finds herself on a path that makes her question the ideals she's gone along with her entire life.

I'm the first person to tell you that I don't like werewolf books.  There's evidence of it in previous blog entries to prove it.  However, I really *really* enjoyed 'Nightshade'.  Very similar to how 'Twilight' was a book for those who had never read vampire books before, 'Nightshade' is a book for those who haven't read werewolf books before.  You'll definitely want to give this read a try.

'Nightshade' is told from the point of view of Calla, alpha pack leader. She brings an interesting perspective to the novel as she is the 'creature' in the story, as opposed to the confused human.  She's headstrong and should please readers who like strong-willed female protagonist stories.  The male leads, Ren and Shay, are equally as engaging.  And the love triangle?  Well done.  I think the best love triangles are the ones where the reader has a tough time choosing sides and I must say I was 'Team Ren' one page, and 'Team Shay' the next.  Speaking of Shay, he has secrets-- secrets that cold propel this story into something even more compelling in future novels.  That being said, be warned-- this is the first in a planned trilogy.  The ending is very open ended and will leave you wanting more!

'Nightshades' story and voice drew me in instantly and it had a good mix of romance, action, and dialog.  On the topic of romance, the romance in 'Nightshade' reminded me a bit of a harlequin novel.  Keep in mind when reading it that the characters are 18.  Even though characters don't go all the way, they do interact romantically.  While I wouldn't classify this for older teens only, I wouldn't be giving it to a pre-teen or young teen.  (Of course, that is my prerogative.)

Author Andrea Cremer has a fantastic novel on her hands that is sure to find a following fast.  Read 'Nightshade'.  It's fantastic.

Review: Morpheus Road: The Light by D.J. MacHale

Title: Morpheus Road: The Light
Author: D.J. MacHale
Format: ARC
Release Date: April 20, 2010
Genre: YA, supernatural, ghost story, action/adventure
Perfect for: fans of ghost stories who love series

Sixteen-year-old Marshall led a pretty normal life-- that is, until two key things happened. First, his best friend Cooper disappeared while at his families lake house. Second, he began being haunted. Worse, he's being haunted by a ghost who looks exactly like the creepy 'Gravedigger' he's been drawing for months. Together with Coopers' sister Sydney, Marsh takes it upon himself to find his friend, while trying to survive 'Gravedigger'.

As a fan of D.J. MacHale's Pendragon series, I was pretty hungry for this book! 'Morpheus Road: The Light' was a quick, action packed read. It definitely has a supernatural, spooky feeling to it that should please those who like to scare themselves with RL Stine or Christopher Pike.

The pro's of this book? I like the characters. I think Marsh and Sydney have good chemistry. Whether or not it will go the romantic chemistry route is still yet to be seen, but the two play off each other well. Coopers character is great because he is so different from Marsh. Where Marsh is still interested in shooting rockets and drawing, Cooper is more into, well, getting in and out of troubling situations. Their friendship brings in an interesting dynamic-- two best friends who are the opposite poles (if you will) of teenage-hood.

It was interesting reading a ghostly tale by DJ. Being so used to his fantasy worlds, I was a bit worried. Thankfully, 'Morpheus Road: The Light' didn't come out cliche, like other ghost stories directed at pre-teens and the ya audience. Worried about how scary it may be? While spooky at times, it never crosses the line into frightening. It seems just right for kids twelve and up.

The cons of this book? Like the first 'Pendragon' book, you can tell this is the 'introduction' book. Its goal? Tell the readers 'who', 'what', and 'where'. It has a story with a beginning middle, and end, but a lot of it is focused on learning about the series environment. Questions are thrown at you and you really don't get many answers to most of them. It took me almost half the book to really get into this supernatural tale, so expect a slow beginning. ('Merchant of Death', the first book in the 'Pendragon' series read similarly for me, but eventually became one of my favorite series.)

Overall, I enjoyed 'Morpheus Road: The Light'. It looks to me like D.J. has a solid series on his hands. While not everything in the book impressed me, I enjoyed it enough that I will definitely keep an eye out for future books.

Review: Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey

Title: Guardian of the Dead
Author: Karen Healey
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance
Format: ARC
Perfect For: Those looking for a different mythology in their supernatural romance

Inspired by New Zealand myths, debut author Karen Healey has crafted a story  packed with mythology, romance, action, and a bit of theatrics in "Guardian of the Dead".  Ellie attends boarding school in New Zealand.  When she unknowingly stumbles into her crush, the mysterious but not completely human Mark, he accidentally opens Ellie up to her own  hidden powers.  Not completely sure of what is going on, Ellie relies on Mark and quickly learns that myths and legends are all based in truth-- the good and the evil.   

"Guardian of the Dead" proved to be a worthwhile read.  The inspiration, New Zealand mythology, was a pleasant break from the current vampire and fallen angel trend in YA books.  Let's start with the characters... While main character Ellie reminded me a bit of Dru (Strange Angels) and Rose (Vampire Academy), she still had an interesting voice.  The fact that she has a 'girl power' attitude, yet still has body image problems should resonate with YA readers and bring them closer to the character.  Mark is your typical male lead, mysterious and endearing enough that readers will fall in love with him instantly. 

The story flowed nicely and the myths were explained in a way that read fun and not textbook.  The story is unique and is sure to please readers who are tired of the same old 'vampire story' found on bookshelves today.  I had trouble with the last fifty pages.  I'm unsure why-- it might have been rushed or maybe the mythology had finally gotten the better of me.  All I know is that the last bit didn't hold as much attention as the first 75% of the book.

With that said, I would recommend this book to YA readers, especially for those looking for something with a new, less predictable twist.  "Guardian of the Dead" comes out April 2010 and is available to preorder online and at your local bookstore!

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Title: Guardian of the Gate
Author: Michelle Zink
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Romance, Period
Format: ARC
Perfect For: those who read "Prophecy of the Sisters" or like historical supernatural pieces like "A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libba Bray

Lia knows it’s essential to find the missing pages of the prophecy her and her twin sister are woven into.  With Alice still aligning herself with the darkness, Lia is working towards ending the prophecy and closing the gateway to hell on earth before the need to open the gate consumes her.  With two human key’s missing and pages of important text missing, Lia goes on a quest that takes her to the mystical city of Altus, home to her magical bloodline, of the Sisters who know her cause, and the protective, yet authoritative Brothers of the Grigori. 

*Note: Slight spoilers on future romantic entanglements—You've been warned*

Sequel to the fantastic “Prophecy of the Sisters”,  “Guardian of the Gate” does not disappoint.  I devoured this book.  It’s been a while since I read “Prophecy…”, so I was a bit worried about jumping into this. Thankfully, the transition between “Prophecy” and “Guardian of the Gate” was pretty seamless.  

Where the first book was based heavily on character development and setting, “Guardian of the Gate” was purely story driven.   The action/adventure elements were present throughout but were never over done to the point where I would usually start skimming.  Like the first book in this trilogy, it read like a movie—I could see the scenes in my head.

The writing style is as lyrical as “Prophecy…” and the romantic scenes between Lia and Grigori Dmitri are perfect. The emotions Lia faces when thinking of James, the beau Lia left to save him from her troubles, and Dmitri, the protective companion who willingly accepts to stay by her side, are realistically portrayed and believable to the reader.

Overall, I really enjoyed “Guardian of the Gate”.  It is a page-turner you’ll want to clear an afternoon for.  “Guardian of the Gate” hits store shelves August 2010, but you can pre-order it online or at your local bookstore now!

Review: This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Title: This World We Live In
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Genre: YA, Post-apocalyptic
Perfect for: At this point, I'd recommend this series to everyone
Release Date: April 2010

Life hasn't been the same since a meteor hit the moon and moved it closer to the earth. We've seen it from the eyes of Miranda, the suburban girl, and from the eyes of the city dweller, Alex. Now we come to the stunning conclusion of the story that has made us all wonder 'what if'. In "This World We Live In", we are back in the suburbs with Miranda and her family. It's April and although they survived the harsh winter, life is not getting any better. Food shortages are a threat and you never know what the weather will be doing. When her father arrives with his wife, child, a middle aged man named Charlie, and two kids, Alex and Julie Morales, life is turned even more upside down. How can they feed so many mouths, including a nursing mother and infant? And then there's Alex, the city boy just Miranda's age... Is there a place for love in this crazy world they live in? You'll find out in the conclusion of The Moon Trilogy.

Goodness me... Goodness me... Is this really the conclusion? Can I have another book or two? I'm jumping ahead of myself...

Let me start off with the characters in "This World We Live In". It's hard not talking about the characters as if they're real living breathing people. I loved seeing Miranda, Alex, and Julie together. It made for an interesting dynamic. Characters from two different worlds meeting in this completely new world where their background doesn't matter-- just survival, and in the case of Alex and Miranda--love. Is it a healthy love? I don't know. Alex is definitely not in the most healthy mindset, in my opinion and Miranda, well, it would be hard not to be a little boy starved if you've been crammed in with only your brothers for the past year of your life.

The story read like its companions and could easily be described as a page turner. I read "This World We Live In" in one sitting, that's how into it I was. The tone follows suit with its companions, as well. While there are some pretty depressing bits, there are glimmers of light, albeit small glimmers, but glimmers nonetheless. The events that happened throughout the novel didn't feel forced or out of place. They felt like they belonged in the story, however much you wish they hadn't happened. I won't spoil you with specifics, but I think you'll understand what I mean when you read this book (and you will want to read this book!).

This is definitely one of those books you'll want to talk about.. I know I turned to my mom the moment I finished and started asking her about her opinions on the book. The ending is abrupt. You'll want more. Actually, the ending irritated me, because I'm a sucker for happy endings, but really, it wouldn't be fair to the story or the readers to give us a sugar-coated ending for the sake of the ending the trilogy. (I guess)

Overall, read this book (after the first two, of course). Excellent writing combined with realistic characters and a fantastic story make this a must read.

ARCS-- I love them!

My mom came home with a pile of ARC's waiting to be read and reviewed. Among the titles are: The World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer, Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink, Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, and The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

I'm looking forward to reading all of them, but am super excited about The World We Live In and Guardian of the Gate. Check back for reviews of these titles and more!

Review: Mistwood by Leah Cypress

Title: Mistwood
Author: Leah Cypress
Genre: YA (though suitable for younger teens), Adventure
Perfect For: 'Graceling' fans, young and old

As a Shape-shifter, Isabels' duty is to protect the king from any and all danger. But confusion has hung over her head since Rokan, the (then) prince, came into her woods, the enchanted Mistwoods, in order to bind her to him as his bodyguard. While she knows her sole purpose is to protect and defend the king, why can't she remember how to shift and, more importantly, why does she think and question less like the Shape-shifters of legend and more like the humans she has to protect?

I liked Mistwood. It wasn't completely what I expected it to be, but was full of likable, defined characters and had a good mix of action and plot development. While the basic story about a superhuman girl who defends the king is similar to Kristin Cashore's Graceling, the rest of the story was very different. Isabel's journey to find out her past caught my attention right away and held on to it till the last page turn.

The secondary characters were nicely fleshed out. I admit, I would have liked to see a little more of Rokan, the prince/king, and Ven, the sorcerer's apprentice, but what can you do? All the characters acted and spoke naturally, which is always a delight. The story became slightly predictable toward the end, but by the time it happens, you'll be so involved in the novel, you won't really care.

Mistwood has a good mix of fantastical elements, action, and even a bit of romance intricately woven together, making a story that I happily recommend to YA readers. Mistwood hits bookstore shelves May 2010, but is available for pre-order now.

Review: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

Title: Strange Angels
Author: Lili St.Crow
Format: ARC
Genre: YA, supernatural, action
Perfect for: Fans of supernatural adventures

Dru’s life wasn’t normal, she knew that. Traveling around with her father and taking care of herself when her father was hunting creatures that most believed to not exist was just how it was since the disappearance of her mother years ago. When Dru’s father goes missing on a hunt, Dru finds herself running from werewulfs, zombies, and other fabled creatures. Along for the ride is Graves, an awkward high school boy who befriends Dru just as these events start, and Crisophe, a mysterious boy who is convinced Dru is much more than a normal girl.

While I can’t say I devoured Strange Angels, I do recommend this book. It has all the elements a good intro novel should have. Strange Angels is very action packed and reads much like a Supernatural episode. Romance is not the main concern throughout this novel but is hinted at. I’m sure as the characters get closer to each other, we’ll see much more in that department.

Strange Angels is the beginning of a series. Strange Angels and it’s sequel, Betrayal, are on bookstore shelves now.

For the visual, here's the official book trailer for Strange Angels:

Review: Witch & Wizard by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

Title: Witch & Wizard
Author: James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet
Format: ARC
Genre: Fantasy, Scifi, Adventure
Perfect for: Fans of Maximum Ride

After siblings Whit and Wisty wake up to armed soldiers breaking down their door, they find themselves on a ride that will change their lives forever and possibly one that might change the world. Told from both Whit and Wisty's point of view, Witch & Wizard follows the two as they discover powers within them that they never knew existed, all while trying to survive the all-powerful 'One That Is The One' that seems to want them out of the picture permanently.

When I write anything, I tend to toss the reader into a situation they know nothing about to grab their attention. Patterson and Charbonnet take that idea to a whole new level with 'Witch & Wizard'. From page one, we find ourselves in the middle of events we don't understand. Essentially, we are as clueless as the main characters, learning the ins and outs of this foreign world just as they do. The style drew me in automatically and made this a roller coaster of a read. Much like Pattersons Maximum Ride series, the chapters are short, making it easy to step away for short breaks.

While I enjoyed the story of Whit and Wisty, I did have one problem with 'Witch & Wizard'. While action is great, I would have loved some back story to go off of while reading. Since this is the first in what looks to be a series, I'm sure we'll get more of it later, but it would have been nice if the reader wasn't left in the dark about everything till the final few chapters.

While I'm not over the moon about this fantasy adventure, I think it's worth checking out if you like action packed titles like 'Maximum Ride' or 'Among the Hidden'. 'Witch & Wizard' will keep you on you on your toes, I'm sure!

Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Format: ARC
Genra: Juvi/Scifi/Social Commentary/mystery
Perfect For: Sci-fi fans 12+, but also might work well for reluctant male readers looking for action and mystery


James Dashner’s The Maze Runner is a solid action packed title sure to please anyone who is a fan of ‘all or nothing’ sort of mysteries and sci-fi. We meet our main character in an elevator with no memories of how he got there. Thomas knows his name, but has no memories of his past, only vague whispers of memory. When the elevator door opens, he finds himself in a world where your main goal is to stay alive. Even more mind boggling is this 'colony' is surrounded by an ever-changing maze filled with creatures that no one wants to mess with.

Though Thomas arrives feeling like many of the other kids who have arrived before him, he soon discovers that he is different. Things that should feel foreign seem familiar and he finds himself drawn to tasks he knows nothing about. The mystery deepens when another person arrives in this strange camp, a girl, with a message that sends the whole makeshift world upside down. The kids need to discover the mysteries of their little world and discover them fast as the maze that surrounds them gets more tricky and dangerous every day.

Admittadly, this novel started out slow for me. The language took a while for me to get into and Thomas, I felt, was in the dark too long. Even with the rough start, however, I did enjoy The Maze Runner and am looking forward to the future titles in this trilogy.

This book has an Intriguing and original storyline that can be classified as not only sci-fi, but social commentary, as well. Many questions are posed in this book and, with a sequel on the horizon, many are left unanswered. Still, what we did get in The Maze Runner makes for a good action packed adventure that is sure to please and have you waiting at the edge of your seat for more.

Review: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Format: ARC
Genra: YA/Supernatural/Romance/Highschool
Perfect For: Teens and Adults who enjoy Supernatural Romance

Nora is your traditional high schooler-- smart, confident, and working hard towards a good future. Everything is planned out and going well, until Patch becomes her Biology partner. Patch is good looking, mysterious, and pretty much makes a habit of toeing the line and going with whatever suits him best, regardless of how it could be regarded. Nora is immediately aware that there is something dark about Patch, but can't help feeling drawn to him. When she suspects she is being followed, resulting in disastrous consequences for those around her, she doesn't know who to trust. Should she trust Patch, the boy who lives in shades of grey, even though it seems all the crazy things started after his arrival? Ultimately, Nora has to make decisions and those decisions will change her view of what's possible in the world.

I loved Hush Hush. Becca Fitzpatrick has a great standalone tale that exemplifies YA supernatural fiction. This angelic high school title pulled me in from page one and held my attention till the final word on the final page.

The characters are unique in the fact that they aren't all clean cut. Sometimes we girls enjoy rooting for the bad boy type and Patch is definitely that kind of guy. Nora is a strong character, insistent on trying to figure out what is going on and who she can trust. The connection between the two characters, however instant, catches the reader like kids to a candy store. Secondary characters are present throughout the novel and, though easily predicable, help even out the this supernatural tale of romance, action, and mystery.

Fitzpatrick has a hit on her hands and when you read it, you'll see why. The lack of vampires and werewolves is refreshing, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing more angel themed romances for teens to come based off the reception of Hush Hush. And those who are looking for a series? Good news! Even though this could easily be taken a standalone, a sequel is in the works! I highly recommend this title to supernatural romance fans of all ages. You are sure to enjoy it!

Review: The Roar by Emma Clayton

Title: The Roar
Author: Emma Clayton
Format: ARC
Genre: Young Reader/Sci-Fi
Perfect For: Kids 9-14

I'll admit it-- I took my time getting to this book. The cover didn't catch me, nor did the blurb on the back. Months of it hanging over my head, I finally gave in and I'm quite glad I did! This book turned out to be much more than I expected. It was a page turner, despite the lack luster cover.

The story follows Mika, a pre-teen boy who's sister disappeared a year prior and is believed to be dead by everyone but himself, as he finds himself involved in things much larger than he ever expected. Mika lives behind the protective Wall put up fifty years ago to save people from the dreaded and highly televised animal plague. After a new Pod Fighter video game is put up at the local arcade, Mika and his classmates are encouraged to play, as well as take a nutrient drink that is supposed to help them grow big and strong. But for what? That mystery propels this young adult novel. What is behind the wall? What has the government been hiding? What is the purpose of the new 'fit' regime and, most importantly, how do Mika, his sister, and his friends fit into that plan?

I couldn't put this YA novel down and recommend it those who might not be ready for Enders Game, Hunger Games, or The Uglies Trilogy yet, but want something that is fully planted in Science Fiction.

Review: Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Title: Tombstone Tea
Author: Joanne Dahme
Format: ARC
Genre: YA/Supernatural/Fantasy
Perfect For: Teens/Adults

You know you love a book when you read the last sentence and your first thought is 'I really want a sequel'!

A surprisingly engaging title! I'm very happy I picked this book up at ALA this year. The story follows Jessie, a sophomore in a new high school, who, on a dare from the 'in' group at her new school, spends a night in an old cemetery. The visit to the cemetery opens a can of worms when her 'gift' of sight makes her quite popular with the residents of the cemetery, especially one very negative spirit. With the guidance of her friend Paul, she faces all her fear about her gift and, in doing so, learns much more than she expects about what being living is all about.

The title and cover brought me in originally, the lyrical text sucked me in, and the unique characters sealed the deal. I loved Tombstone Tea. The characters didn't seem forced and the romance, however slight, was spot on. Jessie's journey from being afraid of her gift to accepting it seemed more natural than other 'ghost seer' titles. Everything just worked.

Fans of Laura Whitcombs, 'A Certain Slant of Light' will most likely enjoy this supernatural tale. Highly recommended.