Author: Cassandra Clare Publication Date: August 31, 2010 Genre: YA Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Copy provided by: Myself (bought at Andersons for book signing) Summary (via Goodreads):
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. 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: Jem, 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.
Why I read this: How could I not? I really enjoyed Cassie's first trilogy and needed to read this one. And she was coming to town - so no excuse to set it aside for months.
Plot: I have to say that this book was so much more awesome than her Mortal Instruments series - to me. And I love that series... so it is really really good. I love the setting of the novel first of - I've always been a huge fan of historical fantasy. The story moved, it had action and danger and some seriously intriguing background that was revealed. I feel that a good story always leaves you with questions and a want for more and that is exactly what this book did for me. It was a fantastic introduction to the world, character, and a plot that you can't wait to see move further on.
Characters: I really liked Tessa right off. She's quite strong for being someone who hasn't been in trouble like she was. She's definitely not kicking any butts but you just sense that she's not the type of girl to break down and weep whenever in a terrible situation. I can't wait to see how Tessa deals with her ability in the later books and how her relationship with Will develops.
Will is definitely the darker of the two love choices (the other being Jem, although personally I didn't feel he really had a chance in this book). There is something he is hiding and I cannot wait to figure out what it is! He's one of those guys that acts like a horrible person and then secretly does good deeds. I really hope he turns into what Tessa needs or she may give up on him completely.
Relatability: Anyone who loves the genre will probably really dig this book. It definitely has a similar feel to her Mortal Instruments series, but I think this one is far better.
Author: Bill Willingham Publication Date: October 2009 Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling Copy provided by: Xmas Gift (thanks Uncle John!) Summary (via Goodreads):
A new stand-alone FABLES NOVEL from award-winning and wildly acclaimed author, Bill Willingham.
This story stars Peter Piper and his incorrigible brother Max in a tale about jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Set in two distinct time periods, prepare to travel back to medieval times and learn the tragic back-story of the Piper family, a medieval-era family of traveling minstrels. Then, jump into the present to follow a tale of espionage as Peter Piper slowly hunts down his evil brother for a heinous crime, pitting Peter's talents as a master thief against Max's dark magical powers.
Based on the long-running and award-winning comic book series FABLES, PETER AND MAX is its own tale. Readers don't have to be familiar with the comics to fully enjoy and understand this book.
Why I read this: The real question is why in heck did it take me so long to get around to reading this one??? My uncle bought it for me for Christmas last year and I have no idea why I didn't read it the next day. I absolutely love the Fables graphic novel series and was excited that there was an actual YA novel set in the same universe. I also love fairy tale retellings. :)
Plot: Amazing. Mind-blowing. Heart-stopping. Let's just say that this book certainly takes you for a ride. It's definitely upper YA. There's some serious gore and evilness in this book that I wouldn't recommend to middle school-ers. I loved it all the same. It basically follows the Piper brothers. Peter is the one who is good and he has a magical flute his father handed down to him. His older brother Max slowly transforms from a selfish boy into a horrible, evil magician who leads children astray from villages, attacks whoever he feels like and is set out to kill Peter once and for all and take back what he believes to be rightfully his - the flute that was handed down to Peter.
I love that it is set in two time periods. We get to see two worlds at once and a glimpse and curiosity as to why Bo Peep is disabled and how Max has been around for so long. The dual time-line really made this book better than it already was.
Characters: Peter definitely is not the perfect child, but he acts out of love where his brother Max acts out of hatred. I can understand Peter a bit because I was the younger sister that was better at certain things than my older sister, just as Peter was better at playing than Max. I love seeing Peter as a child and as a man, you can definitely see how he has grown and how his experiences have shaped who he is.
Max really is evil. He has washed away any good he once had in him by all the evil deeds he has done. I love his character because he so good at being bad.
Relatability: I think some of us can relate to sibling rivalry if we have sisters or brothers. This is a bit of an extreme form of it, but there's something to the emotion that first sparks Max's anger and his hatred that we sometimes can see in ourselves.
Cover Commentary: I love it. The colors.. the shadows.. so lovely.
So today is the beginning of Book Blogger Appreciation Week! :) Check out the BBAW site if you have no clue what the heck I'm talking about.
Today, bloggers were invited to share a blog they discovered this past year and why they keep going back to that blog.
So, one of my goodreads buddies Allison starting blogging this past year and I really love hearing her thoughts on books since we read a ton of the same books. She's fun to talk to and I just love stopping by her blog - The Allure of Books.
I'm happy to be taking a part of the blog tour for Ivy Devlin's Low Red Moon. Below is my review of the novel.
Author: Ivy Devlin Publication Date: September 14, 2010 Genre: YA Paranormal Romance Copy provided by: Publisher Summary (via Goodreads):
Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.
She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.
It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents...
But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben?
Why I read this: I am always looking for new paranormal YA to read and this one definitely piqued my interest. :)
Plot: I have to say that this book was a bit more creepy and suspenseful than I thought it would be. There's some twists in the book you don't see coming which just really made the book a great read. I love books where you can't quite figure out what's going on until the main character does.
Between the great flow of the book and the nonstop drama and action, I highly recommend this one.
Characters: Avery (first off, that's a great name) is basically Red Riding Hood... a little naive, but not completely defenseless. I really liked her character and the way that she dealt with everything that was going on. She wasn't unrealistically brave or overly depressing.. she just was her only grief-stricken and wanting to know what had happened.
Ben is definitely a great mysterious character. I feel like he attached to her a little too quickly, but that is late explained away or at least implied at. I'm not giving any spoilers away though, so I'm leaving it at that. Definitely the type of guy I wish existed when I was in high school.
Relatability: Anyone who has suffered loss can relate to this book, as well as anyone familiar with the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Definitely love the little things added in that fit with the store... like her last name is Hood.. :-D I love my fairy tales and retellings and modern tellings.. so I really enjoyed seeing this spin on it.
Cover Commentary: I love the colors on the cover and how it looks.
Woot! I finally am over 200 books read! 204 to be exact. See the full list here.
Alright, I figure it's time for incentive... comments are low and I know just the thing to motivate you guys to comment more! I'm going to do a monthly Top 5 drawing. Look at the sidebar, find the Top 5 Commentators. If your name is on that list at the end of the month, I will be drawing a book of choice from The Book Depository up to a $15 value for whichever of the 5 names I pick. If The Book Depository does not ship to your country, I will let you choose a book of choice under $10 that I can pick up locally and ship to you. What do you guys think?
Read more...
This meme is basically a pick-me-up - a way to get some extra comments on a post that didn't go so well on your blog the past week, month, or even year.
So, official rules/explanation below.
1. Please link directly to the post that you would like more people to comment on. 2. Posts should have 3 or less comments before posting the link. Only one link per blog/person. Also, these should be content posts - not giveaway posts... 3. Please pick 3-5 links yourself to comment on and write at least a sentence or two in the comments. No "great post" or "great review" comments. 4. I will be trying to comment myself on every single post linked in the Mr. Linky below.
How to Link: Title of Post (Name of Blog)
Example: Saturday Spotlight (Bookworming in the 21st Century) Link: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2010/08/saturday-spotlight-badass-bookie.html
"What's better than reading a book by one of your favorite authors? How's about reading a book by two of your favorites? I couldn't believe it when I heard that David Levithan and John Green had teamed up to write a book. How incredible, I thought. This is going to be genius.
And then I panicked that the book would not live up to my expectations. I had visions of disappointment. I stalled in buying Will Grayson, Will Grayson, lest I have to write a bad review connected with my favorite YA author, John Green. Finally, I decided to just go ahead and read the darn book. And now I can't stop thinking about it.
I don't really know why I was worried, because it's not like two amazing authors are going to not going to be able to write and revise and produce something incredible. I mean, talk about peer editing!
Okay, on to the review.
Meet Will Grayson. He's a little overshadowed by the leading man in his life, his larger-than-life best friend Tiny. Will is really straight and thinking about maybe being attracted to a girl that he's been hanging out with, but he's not outgoing like Tiny and is unsure of his emotions. Will is tired of playing Tiny's sidekick but doesn't know how to become the lead in his own life.
-Then-
Meet the other Will Grayson. He is living a lie. His best friend is not really his friend at all. When he meets a boy who finally seems to understand him (and who sounds super cute), he can think of no one and nothing else. Internet chat rooms and IMs and emails are not enough anymore. He wants to meet Isaac, wants to fall further in love and be loved.
-Then-
The Will Graysons collide. Not really meet, but have a collision of sorts. And once they do, their worlds will change forever.
Hi! So, I'm finally getting back into the grove with my Spotlights. I'm only going to do Saturday spotlights right now - I have about six after this so if you sign up below it won't come up until October.
Today I have a fantastic high school English teacher who also blogs! Give it up for Mrs. DeRaps!
Tell me a bit about yourself. I am a high school English teacher who loves to read YA books. I started DeRaps Reads because my classroom blog was filling up with book reviews and my students were having trouble finding their assignments. It was just getting too cluttered, so DeRaps Reads was born!
When and why did you start your blog? I started blogging many years ago and have blogged ever since on a variety of platforms. I decided to start a classroom blog about three years ago. DeRaps Reads is my youngest (but funnest) bog. I know funnest isn't a word, but it should be!
What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share? I do have a feature called Book 2 Book where I pair a YA title with a classic. I've created this feature for teachers who are looking to create what's called a ""bridge"" between high-interest YA reads and harder classic novels. I use bridge books all the time in my classroom, but I've found that a lot of English teachers are not used to thinking about books in this manner.
This feature is also for non-teachers who would just like the inspiration to read a classic or a YA novel based on a connection that I see. It's a pretty fun feature, if I do say so myself.
What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently? I love to read a variety of books and am reading seven or eight books at any given time. I guess that my least favorite genre would have to be romance, but all others are fair game. My favorite books right now are more realistic reads, like Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles and Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan.
How do you find out about the books you read? I follow as many blogs as I can to stay "up" on the newest reads. I also belong to several book clubs and have lots of conversations about YA and adult books. I feel like I need to stay connected to YA books in particular, because my students benefit from having a teacher who reads YA books with them. Actually, my students are probably my best source for new books--they tell me what they are looking to read.
Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog? Don't feel pressure to post a bunch of times a week or a day, if that doesn't fit your schedule. You probably started a blog because you love to read and want to share that love with other readers. So, being a reader should come first. Or, if you're a writer that should come first. Your blog should be about you and your passion, whatever that is. People follow passion.
Contest Alert: Currently, Mrs. DeRaps is having a contest for a copy of Crank by Ellen Hopkins, ends October 2nd.
Thanks Mrs. DeRaps! I just love what her blog! Stay tuned for a guest review by her.
If you're interested in being a spotlighted blogger, please fill out this form.
So, I really want an e-reader and there's been a slew of contests going on for them. I nearly bought one last night at Best Buy, but restrained myself.
If you've never been to Bitten by Books, they always have amazing contests going on. If you stop by there for their Kindle contest, make sure to check out their daily contests.
Author: Violet Haberdasher Publication Date: March 9, 2010 Genre: YA Historical Fiction Copy provided by: Library Summary (via Goodreads):
Henry Grim has never been in trouble for borrowing a sword from the headmaster's private stores. He has never discovered a forbidden room in a foreign castle, or received a death threat over breakfast.
All Henry knows is life as an orphaned servant boy at the Midsummer School, bullied by the privileged sons of aristocracy. But all that changes when Henry is the first commoner to pass the entrance exam for the prestigious Knightley Academy, where he will be trained as a modern-day knight alongside the cleverest and bravest fourteen-year-olds in the country.
Henry and his roommates, two other students from decidedly un-Knightley backgrounds, are not exactly greeted with open arms by their classmates. In fact, it soon becomes apparent that someone is going to great lengths to sabotage the trio's chances at becoming knights. But Henry soon learns that there is more at stake than his future at Knightley, and only he can sound the alarm. Is anyone going to believe a former servant on the brink of expulsion?
Brimming with wry humor, page-turning suspense, and surprising twists, this first adventure in a memorable new series is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.
Why I read this: It's a debut novel this year and it really looked interesting when I read the summary of it online one day.
Plot: Let's just say that I think it rivals that of Harry Potter. It has that same friendship interaction, forms of bullying, and the underlying evil plot that will hopefully bring everyone together by the end of the series. I think this is the next big thing. It's epic enough, involving enough and it has the diversity that every series needs. I have a big thing for underdogs getting what they deserve in life and this book is it.
Definitely check this book out if you want nearly 500 pages of engaging YA literature that will keep you thinking for days.
Characters: I said this a bit up there a bit - but the characters are diverse and they're underdogs. I really enjoyed how well they teamed up and got along, helping each other out of sticky situations. Definitely characters I want to get to know and root for throughout this series.
Relatability: If you've been an underdog, felt like one, or just really like rooting for them - you'll love this book. OR if you have a fascination with Knights... :-D
Cover Commentary: I really like it, gives it the epic feeling that this book deserves.
So, it's been a LONG week. I know.. seems like I've been around since there were reviews going up everyday.. but I haven't been. I just want to put my feet up on my coffee table and watch Glee.
I had a meeting after work on Tuesday, Open House until 8 pm on Wednesday and now I'm just exhausted and there's still Friday to get through work-wise.
To make it a great week (even with everything else), I received an email from CSN Stores about their Preferred Blogger program! Which just made my day. They have over 200+ online stores and I could just look around forever and still find even more stuff that I'd like to own!
Today, I have with me the fantastic writer Kathryn Lasky who was nice enough to answer a few questions for me. Her Guardians of Ga'Hoole series is soon to be a movie and I can't wait to see it! Stay tuned for a giveaway at the end!
Kathryn Lasky is the Newbery Honor author of over one hundred fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults. She lives with her husband in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You can visit her online at www.kathrynlasky.com.
1. When and why did you begin writing?
It was so long ago that I barely remember. But once upon a time I did a very boring kind of writing—fashion copy for a fashion magazine—describing dresses, stuff like that. When I got married my husband liked to sail, and although not a sailor by experience, I sort of went along for the ride. Some ride! We have sailed twice across the Atlantic in a very small boat. Yes, we’re kind of nuts. Storms, weather in general, and the scary as well as the beautiful things about being at sea in the middle of the Atlantic ocean on a thirty foot boat is –how should I put it—inspiring, way more inspiring than writing about dresses. So I started writing for a sailing magazine.
I now realize that I have not precisely answered you question. Why do I write? I guess I write because it is the one thing I do well. I am totally unmusical, I can’t dance. But I always loved to read. I often thought if I could have been a professional reader that would have been great. So being a writer is the next best thing.
2. Do you have a favorite theme or genre that you like to write about? Is there a genre that you'll probably stay away from and why?
I would have to say that my favorite genre is historical fiction. I love history. I always read a lot of history and historical novels when I was growing up. Even when I write fantasy I weave in a lot of history. In the Guardians of Ga’Hoole I have based the major battle in book six, The Burning, on the Normandy invasion in World War 2. In the final book, The War of the Ember, the last battle is based on Thermopylae in 480 B.C. when the Greeks went up against the Persians. Cool battle!
I’m not sure if there is a genre I would steer clear of –maybe outer space fantasy or romance novels. I don’t think I am cut out for that sort of writing.
3. How does it feel to have one of your books coming out as a movie?Did you take part in any of that process?
It feels incredible. For nearly ten years I have lived with these characters’ voices in my head and now to hear them and hear them voiced by such great actors like Jim Sturgess, Helen Mirren, Sam Neil, and Geoffrey Rush was overwhelming to me. I started crying. All I could think was ‘all this stuff in my head for so long and now it’s out there.’ This is strange to say but I almost felt as if I had been away—lonely and away for a long time and I was now back and being welcomed by long lost friends—even the bad guys!
Warner Bros and the people at Animal Logic, the animation studio in Sydney Australia—all of the creators of this movie from the producers, the director, the writers and the actors—have remained so faithful to the spirit of the books and the characters. I was particularly concerned about Soren. To me the most important thing about Soren is that he is not a super hero. He doesn’t have x-ray vision, or phenomenal strength. He is like the characters in many heroic stories that I loved as a child rather ordinary. But these characters possess something that makes them responsible in spite of themselves, and it is this that sets them apart. What I love about Jim Sturgess’s performance is that there is no bluster. Sturgess has managed to capture—and I’m not sure how—Soren’s vulnerability. And that to me makes Soren a believable hero.
As for my part in this process I cannot take too much credit, but I made a few trips to Los Angeles and the writer John Orloff called me often to consult with me. I did read the screenplay at one point and made several suggestions which they took! One thing I can say is that Warner Bros and everyone else were very good listeners.
To be honest, like all authors, I did go into this with some trepidation but what I have seen exceeds my expectations. In fact there are things the writers, animators, and director have added to the film that I wished I had figured out to do in the books. And I became even more aware of the hugely talented ‘movie village’ it takes to create such an exciting, impressive movie.
Now we are less than a month out from the opening. This cosmos I created all in my head is being realized and I feel as if I am entering a dream. A dream I sketched, but one that people with enormous talent have made come true. Of course there are some necessary changes—a book is not a movie. But I can say definitively that the movie has the same integrity that I tried very hard to maintain in the books.
4. What projects are you currently working on?
Right now I am working on the third book in my new series The Wolves of The Beyond. The first book Lone Wolf came out last fall. The second one Shadow Wolf will be out in October. The third as yet untitled—that’s what I’m revising right now. The wolves were introduced in book 8 of The Guardians of Ga’Hoole, The Outcast. They live outside the Hoolian kingdom in the Beyond. So in this series the focus is on the wolves and not the owls. The owls are in the background but there are some interactions between the two species. When I finish this revision I have a real change of pace. I have to start working on my third Daughters of the Sea book. I have a particular fondness for this series for although it is fantasy it is rooted at the turn of the last century. It is about three girls, sisters, who discover they are not quite human but are mermaids. The first book Hannah came out last fall and the next one will come out Spring 2011.
5. Do you have any advice for young writers?
Oh wow, that is like do you have five minutes tell me all you know. I would say that the first thing young writers should do is read widely in all genres. Read nonfiction—science, history. Read everything. They should figure out what they like in a hero. But they should also read myths and legends. As I said, I prefer characters who are not super heroes. Someone else might prefer another kind of hero. There is one thing that is very important—no hero or villain should be one dimensional—not all good or all bad. You need to show vulnerability in characters—their weak spots, their fears. That makes them accessible to a reader.
Thank you Kathryn! I absolutely loved Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture and can't wait to see the movie in theatres!
Here is a trailer for the movie, if you haven't seen it yet! Comes out in Theatres on September 24th!
Today, I am fortunate enough to be able to giveaway a copy of two of Kathryn's books to TWO winners! That's right, two books each for two different people.
What will you win if you are one of the two lucky winners?
* A copy of Guardians of Ga’hoole: The Capture by Kathryn Lasky * A copy the first book in Kathryn Lasky’s new series -- Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf
About the Book – Guardians of Ga’Hoole: The Capture
When Soren, a young owlet, mysteriously falls from his nest one evening, he’s plucked up and taken to the sinister St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. Once there, he must use his wits and bravery to escape his captors. If Soren can learn to fly, he might just be able to take refuge with a group of brave owls he’d thought only to be a legend—the Guardians of Ga’Hoole!
About the Book – Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf
In the harsh wilderness beyond Ga’Hoole, a wolf mother hides in fear. Her newborn pup, otherwise healthy, has a twisted leg. The mother knows the rigid rules of her kind. The pack cannot have weakness. Her pup must be abandoned on a desolate hill—condemned to die. But alone in the forest, the pup, Faolan, does the unthinkable. He survives. This is his story—the story of the wolf pup who rises up to change forever the Wolves of the Beyond. Find out more at http://www.scholastic.com/wolvesofthebeyond/.
Rules: 1. Open to US residents only. (Please no PO boxes) 2. Fill out the FORM below 3. Extra points will be given for commenting on the review and/or interview (check appropriate boxes on forms if did either of these). 4. Contest ends Thursday, September 23rd at 11:59 CST.
Author: Kathryn Lasky Publication Date: August 1, 2010 (first published June 2003) Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy/Adventure Copy provided by: Big Honcho Media/Scholastic Summary (via Goodreads):
When Soren, a young owlet, mysteriously falls from his nest one evening, he’s plucked up and taken to the sinister St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. Once there, he must use his wits and bravery to escape his captors. If Soren can learn to fly, he might just be able to take refuge with a group of brave owls he’d thought only to be a legend—the Guardians of Ga’Hoole!
Why I read this: When I heard this was being turned into a movie, I figured it was time to read it. We have the series at my school library and when I got offered a new cool looking paperback from the publisher, I dug right into it.
Plot: Amazing. Definitely a great start to what is now a 13 book series (WOW, what have I gotten myself into?) and I can see that this series will be full of adventure. I felt like the pacing was right on and definitely a great adventure that my students will be digging into. I'm actually going to set up a display for series this month around the time the movie comes out and will be proud to say I've read at least one so far. Back to the plot for a minute though - this book was a great starter - you follow Soren through where he came from and to the orphanage that will change his life forever. I love the sense of adventure and I really couldn't put this down for long.
Characters: Soren is a great main character. He's not your typical hero - he's smarter than the average owl but is definitely not the brazen type. Soren is smart and it shows in how he reacts to situations - he's careful and thinks things through - not just plowing in and hoping all goes well. He's really young too and has a lot more bravery inside of him than I think really shines through.
His sidekick Gylfie is a small Elf Owl who helps him realize he's right about something being wrong at St. Aegolius'. I really loved how Gylfie used long vocabulary and really was not the typical owl either. I can't wait to see more of these two in the rest of the series. I may be bringing the next one home from work tomorrow. :)
Relatability: I think my students could really relate to this book in many different ways. There's a sense of adventure throughout the book, but also the characters have their flaws and are very relatable. They really are young characters and it's nice to see smaller characters prevail in novels.
Cover Commentary: I love the movie cover - especially the blue colors. Definitely a book my students will want to pick up.
Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions): 1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name) 2. Give the end date in () after the name 3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use. 4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.
Author: Brenna Yovanoff Publication Date: September 21, 2010 Genre: YA Paranormal Copy provided by: Publisher Summary (via Goodreads):
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.
A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?
Why I read this: Look at that cover.. how can I not be interested in a book like that?
Plot: Wow, it was interesting to read this after I read The Iron King and I was like, okay here's the spin we don't normally see. The book had everything I wanted to find in it - some creepiness, a very supernatural plot, and something that will really set it aside from other faerie books. I definitely recommend this one if you want to see the less pretty side of faerie.
Characters: Mackie was fantastic. He kind of confirms that nature and nurture do have a role in who you become at the end of it all. Yes, he's a faerie, but he very much acts human and wants to be human. Mackie isn't aware of his otherworldy beauty - so much so that the reader does not catch it until a certain part where he attracts a few different girls' eye. I thought he was incredibly brave for fighting against who is really is to become who he wants to really be. I liked the many layers to Mackie and seeing who he really was.
Relatability: I think we can all relate to feeling a bit different at one time or another and this book really dives into that. Fighting against who we think we are supposed to be and who we really are.
Cover Commentary: God, LOVE it. It's so creepy. Reminds me of Peter Pan.. where the cradle gets left in the park and Peter gets taken away to Neverland ... only really really creepy.
Author: Artist Arthur Publication Date: August 1, 2010 Genre: YA Paranormal Copy provided by: Publisher Summary (via Goodreads):
When fifteen-year-old Krystal Bentley moves to Lincoln, Connecticut, her mom's hometown, she assumes her biggest drama will be adjusting to the burbs after living in New York City.
But Lincoln is nothing like Krystal imagined. The weirdness begins when Ricky Watson starts confiding in her. He's cute, funny, a good listener—and everything she'd ever want—except that he was killed nearly a year ago. Krystal's ghost-whispering talents soon lead other "freaks" to her door—Sasha, a rich girl who can literally disappear, and Jake, who moves objects with his mind. All three share a distinctive birthmark in the shape of an M and, fittingly, call themselves the Mystyx. They set out to learn what really happened to Ricky, only to realize that they aren't the only ones with mysterious powers. But if Krystal succeeds in finding out the truth about Ricky's death, will she lose him for good?
Why I read this: I thought it looked fantastic and I love stories lately that have ghosts in it.
Plot: Here is where the book fell a little short for me. It felt a little cliche personally and I guess I really don't understand how you can fall in love with a ghost. But teens are teens and overall, it had a great supernatural feel to it, with a decent balance of growing friendships and a mystery to solve.
Characters: Probably the best part of the book were the characters. There was such diversity, we have the somewhat normal teen girl - our main character Krystal - who is knew and just sort of fits in. There's the popular annoying and mean girl, the good looking African American ghost, and then the boy from the other side of the tracks who has more responsibility at home than the two girls combined. I will probably read the rest of the books to get a closer look at the other two characters with special gifts.
Relatability: Definitely has a lot of teen issues in it - dealing with parents who aren't around, moving to a new place and school, feeling responsible for things out of your control... and most of all just trying to be yourself.
Author: Tina Wells Publication Date: May 2009 Genre: MG Realistic Fiction Copy provided by: Publisher Summary (via Goodreads):
Meet Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee
She has it all—smarts, talent, humor, and style. . . .
Is it enough to survive middle school?
Countdown to a 7th Grade Meltdown
1. Your BFF moves away.
2. Someone steals your diary and reveals your deepest secrets—to the entire class.
3. You have one chance to become a rock star and one chance to totally blow it. Guess what!? All three happened to me! School's a disaster already. Don't get me wrong—I love Brookdale Academy and I have a fabulous crew of friends. (At least, I think I do.) But, if I'm going to survive, I need all the help I can get!
Why I read this: It looked like a series my students would love in 4th and 5th grade, so I had to check it out.
Plot: Typical realistic fiction plot set in middle school - there's a problem that by the end of the book turns out not to be such a bad problem. I really like these types of books that have the feel-good endings and sort of self-discovery that you want to see in kids that age. I love the drawings in the book - although I did feel like the kids looked a bit older than what I think of as 7th graders - more highschool-ish. I loved the mix of music and friendship and how everything works out in this first installment of what may be a many book series not unlike Abby Hayes or Judy Moody.
Characters: Mackenzie is so the typical happy go lucky 7th grader who is still a touch innocent while trying to seem mature. I really loved Mackenzie - she cracked me up and could definitely see a part of me in her when I was in middle school.
Relatability: I think this is a great book for middle school girls or even 4th and 5th grade girls. I think they can relate a lot to the relationships in this novel.
Cover Commentary: Very cute. I can see my girl students reaching for this one right away.
Read this past week: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (It was better than her first trilogy and I loved that one!) Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin (Surprisingly good!! Couldn't put it down!)
So, another slow week. Sorry about the lack of posting.. getting back into the groove of school and life has been a bit taxing. Hopefully will be doing some catching up today with the extra day off. Spent Saturday and Sunday babysitting and visiting family and using my parents' laundry machines to save some money.
Read more...
Kresley Cole is probably one of the few paranormal romance novelists I try and keep up with. Her books are amazing. :-D
So, I was bad and spend like $23 on 5 books from Half Price Books, along with Clockwork Angel (nearly full price) so I could go see Cassie at Andersons.
This meme is basically a pick-me-up - a way to get some extra comments on a post that didn't go so well on your blog the past week, month, or even year.
So, official rules/explanation below.
1. Please link directly to the post that you would like more people to comment on. 2. Posts should have 3 or less comments before posting the link. Only one link per blog/person. Also, these should be content posts - not giveaway posts... 3. Please pick 3-5 links yourself to comment on and write at least a sentence or two in the comments. No "great post" or "great review" comments. 4. I will be trying to comment myself on every single post linked in the Mr. Linky below.
How to Link: Title of Post (Name of Blog)
Example: Saturday Spotlight (Bookworming in the 21st Century) Link: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2010/08/saturday-spotlight-badass-bookie.html
Author: Cyn Balog Publication Date: July 15, 2010 Genre: YA Paranormal Copy provided by: Traveling ARC Tours Summary (via Goodreads):
Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.
But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her....
Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?
Why I read this: I really loved the plot premise of this book when I first heard about it, so I had to join up on a tour for it.
Plot: I think my only complaint is that this book was too short. As I read this book, I just ached to see what would happen once Eron was completely human again and if he and Julia would somehow come together. I won't say what happens but I felt like it ended too quickly. I just need so much more from the book to feel like it was complete. It worked but it didn't focus on the plot I wanted it to.
I'm not sure about the alternating character's this book was written in. While reading this, I really enjoyed Eron's voice but when it was Julia's turn - I felt like I was just waiting for Eron to appear. Personally, I could've just followed Eron around all day.. maybe I'm bias because I'm a girl..
Characters: I absolutely loved Eron right off - he had that kindness to him as well as a strong sense of himself. Julia wasn't as strong and I found myself annoyed with her at first and why she chose to become involved with her boyfriend - although it was interesting to see a girl dating someone she wasn't head over heels for - he was more of a stable point in her life than a blooming romance it felt like.
Relatability: I definitely can see a lot of girls relating to the relationship aspect of this book - seeing as a lot of girls don't date just because it was love at first sight. Also that line between friendship and more than that is a theme in here that I thought was quite relatable.
Cover Commentary: The book cover is really lovely - I like the colors in it.
Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions): 1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name) 2. Give the end date in () after the name 3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use. 4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.
