Book Review: Need by Carrie Jones

Now fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour . . . Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother's pretty much checked out.

Now Zara's living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays & safe. Zara doesn't think she's in danger; she thinks her mother can't deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn't a figment of her imagination. He's a pixie and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he's trailing Zara. With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages.

What i thought: First of all. How about those gold lips? Shimmery! The color of those lips does a good job of representing the glittery-but-dangerous magic in this book. Just as the pale skin of their owner conveys the tone of the story quite well: pale, cold, and creepy. I'm pretty sure this is my first pixie urban fantasy and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did not expect was feeling like I was back inside the world of Stephen King's IT.

But apparently if a book's got Maine, winter, and a town with a curse on it, it will always evoke the same prickly, back-of-the-neck feelings in me. And Need's heroine shares my sentiments. Need is a good one to stay up late at night reading. Alone. That way you can take full advantage of the awful not-pretty pixies going to eat you factor. And, really, when was the last time you did that?

What I liked about Jones' writing is the way she created a truly scary world and villain with very little overt description. I have no idea what he looks like. In my head he's this huge blurry form with no face. Part of this is accounted for by the fog Zara is in when she first arrives in Maine, and part by the fear that seems to grow no matter how many names she gives it.

I liked that she had such good friends and that they were actually a part of the story, not just background music. Once I met Issie and Devyn, I wanted more and more of them. Nick is definitely a good guy and could probably have used a little more conflict for my taste. But I liked him well enough. His hero complex was indeed charming. I would be happy to read more in this world.

Fans of the Darkest Powers series (the Summoning and the Awakening) by Kelley Armstrong and The Immortals Series (Evermore) by Alyson Noel will fall in love with the characters, the theme, as well as the overall plot. Thrilling and chilling, Carrie Jones creates a story that will be in your mind long after you turn the last page.

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Book Review: Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out … and then emails the clips for Ryan to see.

In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

What i thought: This is the perfect book for the YouTube watching reader. What a great concept, combining the two medias! Before the book was even released there were tons of websites and YouTube videos available to garner interest in the book. Sites with easter eggs and conspiracy theories can be found just by googling "Skeleton Creek". It is quite amazing, really, and funny in some ways.

So, is the book worth all the hype?

If you are looking for a scary, fast-paced, thrilling and entertaining novel that will most likely keep you up at night, yes, Skeleton Creek is most definately worth all of the hype. The unique, one-of-a-kind combination of good-old-fashioned book and new, high-tech vlogs will catch interest and please even the most avid readers.

Carman puts together all of the things the readers are looking for from a novel like this (friendship, ghosts, murder, mystery, etc) and somehow finds a way to help it flow in a way only the greatest of authors can accomplish.

Both the journal entries and vlogs clearly portray the characters, especially Ryan and Sarah. Each and every word had an underlying touch of fear enough to drive the readers insane, and Ryans mysterious accident will leave readers speachless.

A great combination of everything a reader looks for, Skeleton Creek is the perfect scary, nighttime novel.

thanks for the book Pat!

POSTED BY Leah :)

Book Review: Vampire Beach by Alex DuVal

Jason Freeman is stoked when his family relocates to exclusive DeVere Heights, Malibu. The in-crowd at his posh new high school is surprisingly friendly -- soon Jason's hitting all the best parties. He even meets the token hot-but-unattainable girl.

Determined to enjoy his almost postcard-perfect new life, Jason tries hard to ignore the many strange things going down in DeVere Heights. But then a girl washes up dead the morning after one off-the-hook party -- and with no explanation but a suspicious-looking bite mark. Now Jason has to admit that what you don't want to know can hurt you.

What i thought: A unique side of Malibu--sand, surf, sun--but also death, mystery, and danger. Who ever thought a gang of vampires would be living in sunny California? (You know, Hotel California by the Eagles?)

Most of us (who live in the US at least) have seen Cali's bright oceans and sandy beaches, but would you ever suspect that there were VAMPIRES? Ha. Me either. You know the story, with the kid who moves to sunny California from not-so-sunny other place? Duval takes that story, and prestents it to you on a silver platter, not without a twist.

I like vampire stories. If you've read any of my other reviews, you might already know that. Because of my prejudice, I dove into the first in the series of Vampire Beach books with high expectations. And I did enjoy it. Yes, it has some problems in the long run, but what book doesnt?

This book gave a twist on both the high school popular crowd and sunny Cali. Duval offers a unique side to the place we all--well, most of us--know and love

The main thing i really disliked was how after Jason discovered the Vampires, Duval unfocused on the high school-aspect, and never returned. It was almost as if Jason had stopped attending the school, and, in result, you did too. There was clearly a lot of stuff going on in Jason's high school, but relatively little of it was explored.

When I was done with Bloodlust, I was grateful that there were three other Vampire Beach--i have the omnibuses--books and tore right into them. There is also a fifth one, which i plan to get . . . somehow:)

Although these novels contain breif sexual content and mention alcohol/drug use quite frequently, what good, [semi-]realistic, teen novel doesnt?

Duval does a great job of combining the vampire aspect with the regular teen aspect--no matter how brief it was--creating a story that is easy to read and flows extremely well.

A fun, light read, but, then again, one you cannot help but enjoy.

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In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at the Story Siren! Check it out!

This week i recieved two ARC's in the mail, got one book from the library, and bought three books at Borders. All but one are in the image to the left!

Those in the mail:

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith: Ida Mae Jones dreams of fl ight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didnt stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddys gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her.When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Womens Airforce Service Pilotsand Ida suddenly sees a way to fl y as well as do something signifi cant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP wont accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of passing, of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding ones racial heritage, denying ones family, denying ones self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.

i won this at Reader Rabbit! I'm not a big historical fiction fan, but i thought i'd give this one a try!

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman: Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out … and then emails the clips for Ryan to see.In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

i recieved this ARC from the author, Patrick. So creepy-yet so amazing! Plus, there is going to be a sequel! Oooooo! i will post this review either late tonight or tommorow morning! Thanks Pat!

From the library:

Now and Zen by Linda Gerber: Nori Tanaka is thrilled to be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, but it isn't exactly what she had imagined. She expected tranquil gardens and swoopy-roofed houses, not concrete and neon. And everyone assumes that, with her traditional Japanese features, she's a native instead of the naïve Japanese-American that she really is. Even Erik, a gorgeous German student, mistakes Nori for Japanese, and treats her like a personal tour guide. Nori is sure that he'll like her for who she is once he gets to know her, so what harm can come of temporarily pretending to be Japanese? It doesn't take long to realize that she has a lot to learn about Japan, and about herself, before she can pass for a native. But after exploring the karaoke clubs in Tokyo, the peaceful temples in Kyoto, and the tranquil heights of Mt. Fuji, Nori knows she has a good chance of finding the hidden Japanese spirit and Zen mindset within herself.

i really want to read Death by Bikini, but my school library is horrible, so i just checked out another book by Linda Gerber--the closest thing to it! Looks kinda cute, though, right?

From Borders:

Tan Lines by Katherine Applegate: Summer can't wait to get back to the Florida Keys. She, Marquez, and Diana have already decided to get an apartment so they can spend the whole summer together. But even with her friends by her side, Summer is in for more boy trouble.Summer's boyfriend, Seth, is ready to take their relationship to the next level, but he's all the way across the country in California. Enter Austin, the hottie from spring break whom Summer hasn't stopped thinking about. With Austin flirting 24/7 and Seth hundreds of miles away, Summer is about to learn about true love. . .

I recently read Beach Blondes, the first in this series (see blog archive), and just could not wait to get started on the sequel.

Imposible by Nancy Werlin: Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child's birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won't be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents and her childhood friend Zach beside her. Do they have love and strength enough to overcome an age-old evil?

Lizzie (from The Book Obsession) reviewed this a little while ago, and someone i know is currently reading it. They both loved it, so i say: why not give it a shot? Plus, i love the cover.

Need by Carrie Jones: Now fans of Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour . . .

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother's pretty much checked out. Now Zara's living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays & safe. Zara doesn't think she's in danger; she thinks her mother can't deal.

She couldnt be any more wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn't a figment of her imagination. He's a pixie and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he's trailing Zara.With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages.

For one thing, this cover is just fantastic! I truly was hooked before i even opened its glossy cover. And after i opened it . . . well, lets just say i was a goner. AMAZING! I will be finished with it by tomorrow night, so keep an eye open for the review!

Okay, thats it for my week! Dont forget to post your IN MY MAILBOX for this week! I'll be looking around!



POSTED BY Leah :)

Book Review: Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends--herlife. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over. Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.

Review:

Alice's story is so unforgettable, even more so than that of other book with a similar feel to this, like Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

Everyone has problems at home--I refuse to believe in the perfect family--and some of Alice's feelings you can relate to, like how hopeless and alone she feels throughout the story, even if your situation is nowhere near as horrible as hers. Elizabeth Scott's writing technique in this book is different than those of her other books, but it's still easy to read. Don't let the fact that it is such a short read--one that you could read in one sitting (it is 170 pages)--discourage you from reading it.

This book is about a very disturbing topic, one that many would not enjoy reading about. It contains events such as kidnap, rape, and murder--but not in such a detailed way that its readers are limited to a certain age. Living Dead Girl is not a light read, and cannot simply be read and placed on a shelf.

This book needs to be thought about and discussed. Rather than saying 'I could not put it down,' I will say that this is a novel that MUST be put down. . . and then be picked right back up again! It's so disturbing, but very captivating all at once; I almost couldn't stand to read some parts, but I had to. In this way, it is similar to watching a gruesome abuse scene in a film; it's so awful, so upsetting, but you can't look away. Living Dead Girl should come with a Warning Label: it will grab you and keep you reading into the last hours of the night, and keep you thinking deeply, hauntigly, after the final word.

This book is simply fantastic, and teaches you to be grateful for what you have, no matter how little or much that is. Living Dead Girl is unique in every way, and no similar novels I have read even compare. Some books demand to be talked about. Living Dead Girl is one of those books. A hauntingly fantastic novel, and one that must be read.

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Book Review: Beach Blondes: A SUMMER Novel by Katherine Applegate

Three Months. Three Guys. One AMAZING Summer.

Summer Smith is in for the best summer of her life. Between the cold weather and her boyfriendless existence in Minnesota, Summer is ready for sun, sand, and boys in the Florida Keys. And by the end of the first day, she has more than enough to keep her busy:

Adam, the senator's son, has looks, power, and all the money in the world.

Diver, the mystery man, is mellow, intriguing, and definitely unique.

And Seth, the perfect guy...only he has a girlfriend.

But with new friends, cute guys, and miles of hot white sand, Summer's in for more trouble than she thinks....

What i thought: This novel was fantastic! It is one of the completely original teen novels that were written in the 90s before all of the Gossip Girl and other clone-like novels were released.

From the moment you turn the first page, Katherine's got you in her claws (not that you have claws, Katherine). Summer's being miserable, Marquez's being sarcastic, Seth's being sexy, Diana's being Depressed (with a capital D) . . . it all comes together in one perfect pool-side novel.
Despite this book's length (721 pages), i breezed right through it, and was finished within two days. The plot itself was great, and is clearly geared toward the teen audience. Although i would not call it fluff (i NEVER call books fluff), this book does contain an every-day teen aspect (GASP!).

this is the perfect edge-of-your-seat-yet-relaxing novel, and one that is so easy to love. Applegate wrote this story in a way that, even just focusing on your average teens life, it is completely and utterly gripping, in a way so unlike other teen novels. She created a story that could cause you to read well into the night, despite what it was about: boys. Crazy, roudy teens. Summer (as in the season). Beach. PARTY!

Many people, when reading teen novels with no paranormal or supernatural backbone, get extremely annoyed with the . . . well, i must say, reality of the story. For example: the Clique series. A bunch of (i take back what i said earlier) FLUFF in which the only conflict is whether to buy the Jimmy-Choos or Gucci bag (did i spell that right?). I personally feel that this is ridiculous. For god's sake, if your so desperate to learn about this stuff, just go and stalk the popular kids at your school (ew). I mean, WHY would that appeal to anyone at all?

Anyway, Applegate completely broke through that pre-set outline of teen fluff novels and crossed a line: she mad the book INTERESTING! No paranormal, spy, supernatural whatever backbone at all, and it was good!

Now, i am not saying that other authors havent done this. Of course you all know that Sarah Dessen (i think that fact is well known), Ann Brashares (of course!), Lauren Bardenholdt, Jodi Lynn Anderson, Alyson Noel, Brad Barkely/Heather Helper, Lisa Barham, Meg Cabot (no, duh) and many others have done the same. But Applegate introduces it in a completely diferent way, and makes her readers crave for more in a way so different from others that this book is extremely unique.

Three novels in one book, going through June, July, and August, will take not only Summer but also the reader on a journey full of heartache, mistakes, and endings that will surprise us all. BEACH BLONDES literally has "beach read" written all over it, although it is great for any other time (like, hmm, February?). The perfect book for some fun in the sun. An utterly unique read you will not find anywhere else, i recommend you pick this up and . . . GET READING! Shall we?

Book Review: The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall by L. J. Smith:

Elena Gilbert is alive—again.

When Elena sacrificed herself to save the two vampire brothers who love her—the handsome, brooding Stefan and the sleek and dangerous Damon—she was consigned to a fate beyond death. Until a powerful supernatural force pulled her back.

Now Elena is not just human. She has powers and gifts that were bestowed on her in the afterlife. What's more, her blood pulses with an overwhelming and unique force that makes her irresistible to any vampire.

Stefan wants to find a way to keep Elena safe so that they can make a life together. Damon, however, is driven by an insatiable desire for power, and wants Elena to rule as his princess. When Stefan is lured away from Fell's Church, Damon seizes his chance to convince her that he is the brother she is meant to be with. . . .
But a darkness is infiltrating the town, and Damon, always the hunter, is now the hunted; he becomes the prey of a malevolent creature that can possess him at will, and who desires not just Elena's blood but her death.

What i thought (Review): Told in L.J. Smith's trademark style, this new installment in the Vampire Diaries will have readers gasping for more. Though much more gruesome--and gory--than others, this book truly is a perfect night-time read. The crazy twists and turns will have you turning each and every page eagerly.

Sorry guys, but this book mainly focus's on our bad boy Damon. Stefan is barely even in it--though that may be because he was forced away against his own will . . . well, i'm not going to spoil it. Damon really opens up in this novel. You get to see the side that he really tries to hide, and cant help but feel sorry for him.

The creepy new characters and eerie new plotline will not disapoint. Trust me, this book is absolutely fantastic, but you should be aware of the fact that this is not a book to just be placed on a shelf.

this book is unique in everyway. The gruesome images spelled out before you cannot be repeated in any other way. A haunting story, not without hope, The Return: Nightfall is impossible to ignore.

If you have read this and are looking for more, please visit L.J. at http://www.ljanesmith.net/

POSTED BY Leah :)

In My Mailbox (2)

This idea belongs to Kristi at the Story Siren--check it OUT!

Okay, this week was kind of slow, but here are the two books i got, both from the book store:

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: Rebecca Bloomwood just hit rock bottom. But she's never looked better....Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it—not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank—letters with large red sums she can't bear to read—and they're getting ever harder to ignore. She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something....Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life—and the lives of those around her—forever

I just had to buy this book before i saw the movie! Can't wait to read it!

The Vampire Diaries: The Return Volume 1: Nightfall by L. J. Smith:

Elena Gilbert is alive—again. When Elena sacrificed herself to save the two vampire brothers who love her—the handsome, brooding Stefan and the sleek and dangerous Damon—she was consigned to a fate beyond death. Until a powerful supernatural force pulled her back. Now Elena is not just human. She has powers and gifts that were bestowed on her in the afterlife. What's more, her blood pulses with an overwhelming and unique force that makes her irresistible to any vampire. Stefan wants to find a way to keep Elena safe so that they can make a life together. Damon, however, is driven by an insatiable desire for power, and wants Elena to rule as his princess. When Stefan is lured away from Fell's Church, Damon seizes his chance to convince her that he is the brother she is meant to be with. . . . But a darkness is infiltrating the town, and Damon, always the hunter, is now the hunted; he becomes the prey of a malevolent creature that can possess him at will, and who desires not just Elena's blood but her death. i finished reading this two days ago; it was amazing! I will review it as soon as i can!

Thanks guys! Dont forget to post your 'In My Mailbox' for this week! I'll be looking around!

Also, check out Sarah Dessens blog; she posted a VLog of her reading an excerpt of her new highly-anticipated novel Along for the Ride! Check it out!

POSTED BY Leah :)

Book Review: Old Magic by Marianne Curley

Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing, but Kate Warren doesn't know why.

The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom.

Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey -- one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

What i thought: Marianne Curley definately knows how to write a mesmorizing story. From the moment i picked this up, i could not seem to put it down. Jarrod's stubborness and Katie's odd qualities make it all the more enjoyable. This thrilling novel ultimately proves the one thing many doubt: the good never lose; the bad never win. I was literally chewing my nails as i read to reach the resolution--surprising as it was--as there was only one way for anything to be resolved: death. And boy did it happen.

Curley easily weaves in the peculiar qualities of Medievel Britain with the current-day teens. I personally loved the historical aspect to the novel, especially when it didn't disrupt the story's flow. In many ways, the combination of history and modern lives helped the story, captivating the reader in ways unimaginable. Katie and Jarrod's unsurprisingly intense relationship truly strengthens the plot and becomes the story's back bone in many ways, and even in times when the plot becomes slow, it provides a reason to continue--something i particularly enjoyed about Marianne Curley's writing style: there was always a reason to read more.

Overall, this book is a thoroughly thrilling read that will not disappoint. If you enjoy this novel, i recommend the Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray and Marianne Curley's other novels.

POSTED BY Leah :)

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power by L.J. Smith

Caught in the struggle between good and evil . . .
Cassie has joined the most alluring—and deadly—in-crowd imaginable. But power comes with a price, and it's more dangerous than she knows. Torn between the dueling desires of the two leaders of the Secret Grcle, she must ultimately choose between saving all of New Salem, and her own dangerous love for the bewitching Adam, which threatens to tear the circle apart. In the ultimate battle between good and evil, will Cassie's supernatural powers be strong enough to lead the coven out of danger? Or will she foil prey to the dark forces within?
. . . will she sacrifice her love for the circle to survive?

What i thought: this book is amazing. It is one of those books that you have to read, with all the drama, passion, forbiddon love and everything you just can't get enough of; sort of like Twilight with a twist: they're witches. They draw in attention, and sometimes not JUST because theyre attractive (yes, the guys are sexy--okay, not Sean or the Henderson brothers, just Adam and Nick, but still--and the girls are pretty attractive. . . especially Faye and Diana). They seem odd, and form this clique that basically rules the school; Faye being the one who rules the guys. Usually the taken ones. Nobody questions their authority. The Club is the ULTIMATE clique, but there's a hitch: You have to be from Crow Haven Road to join. Not only that, but you have to be a WITCH.

The only thing that i dislike a bit is that you have to get the other book in order to keep going from where it ended. The books with in the omnibus usually tend to end in the middle of scenes, sometimes even CONVERSATIONS. I wish Smith just kept it to one book, but then again I love the suspense. And, i must say, L.J. Smith is an AMAZING Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy writer. All of her books are filled with suspense and surprises; LJ Smith really delivers. This book will have you hooked untill you turn the last page .

You will hang on to each and every word, and the Secret Circle will be in your mind LONG after you turn the last page; I highly reccomend it.

The Secret Circle: The Captive Part II and The Power is the second book in this amazing series, and before you read this one, you must read the first: The Secret Cirlcle: The Initiation and The Captive. If you enjoy these books, i recomend The Vampire Diaries or The Night World also by L.J. Smith, and The House of Night novels by P.C. + Kristen Cast (and vice-versa).



POSTED BY THE TruNerd

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at the Story Siren.

From my totally-awesome fantastically-generous friend Hannah (and pretty much in order):

Old Magic by Marianne Curley
Loner Kate Warren has an extrasensory ability to see fragments of what people are thinking. When Jarrod, a new boy at school, is bullied by classmates, Kate notices that she can't sense his thoughts--a sign that Jarrod must also have supernatural gifts. Rattled by the taunts, Jarrod taps into his long-dormant powers. Together, the teens travel back in time to break the chains of an evil curse.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless.
Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

Saffy's Angel by Hilary McCay
In this hilarious companion to "Saffy's Angel," Indigo Casson returns to school after missing a semester due to mono, but he dreads dealing with the school bullies again. Soon Indigo meets Tom, an American who becomes his ally.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins
Do twins begin in the womb? Or in a better place?Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?

Vampire Beach (one and two) Alex Duval
Readers can sink their teeth in the first two books of this dark and sexy new series, as they follow Jason Freeman, who moves with his family from Michigan to Malibu. When he runs with the in-crowd of his posh new high school, Jason can't ignore that some strange things are going on.

Beach Blondes by Katherine Applegate
Three months. Three guys. One amazing summer. Summer Smith is in for the best summer of her life. Between the cold weather and her boyfriendless existence in Minnesota, Summer is ready for sun, sand, and boys in the Florida Keys. And by the end of the first day, she has more than enough to keep her busy:Adam, the senator's son, has looks, power, and all the money in the world.Diver, the mystery man, is mellow, intriguing, and definitely unique.AndSeth, the perfect guy...only he has a girlfriend.But with new friends, cute guys, and miles of hot white sand, Summer's in for more trouble than she thinks . . .

Indigo Star by HilaryMcCay
In this hilarious companion to "Saffy's Angel," Indigo Casson returns to school after missing a semester due to mono, but he dreads dealing with the school bullies again. Soon Indigo meets Tom, an American who becomes his ally.

Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith
For three teenagers, dark mystery has always lurked at the corner of the eyes and the edge of sleep. Beautiful Morgan D'Amici wakes in her trailerpark home with dirt and blood under her fingernails. Paintings come alive under Ondine Mason's violet-eyed gaze. Haunted runaway Nix Saint-Michael sees halos of light around people about to die. At a secret summer rave in the woods, the three teenagers learn of their true, changeling nature and their uncertain, intertwined destinies. Riveting, unflinching, beautiful, Betwixt shows a magic as complex and challenging as any ordinary reality.

From the Bookstore (Barnes and Nobles--sadly):

Evermore by Alyson Noel

(click here for my review of Evermore!)



POSTED BY Leah :)

Book Review: Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues.

As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoe. And although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything.

Beautiful and full of life, Zoe was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of.

When Zoe's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoe's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed--not even Echo.

Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book, but I would not say it was a light read. Not very many books can portray the things you feel after a siblings death (or disappearance) creatively and artistically, but I think that Saving Zoe did this wonderfully. I personally thought that it was hard to understand Echo in some parts of the book, like how she was feeling or why she was doing something, but it got easier to understand Echo later on.

The book is very good, with just a touch of romance, a ton of love, and a splash of hope. Although i would definately recomend this book to a very wide audience, you shouldnt read this unless your looking for an emotional ride. Don't get me wrong, the book was funny at some parts and you could see the bond Echo had lost through the entire book, but this book can make you cry just as much as it can make you laugh; make you smile just as often as it will make you frown.

Some of the feelings in this book were so thick that you could cut it with a knife, but at other times the emotions of Zoe and Echo were difficult to decipher, though if you actually tried it became easier to do. Noel did an amazing job of putting Zoe's entries in her diary and Echo's daily life together, and made the story flow in a way that some authors have trouble doing. Overall, i loved this book, and it is going up on my shelf of favorites.

I have not read many books involving death, but I can tell you that this book ranks high, along with Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, but is not as high as My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Also, some other books that fall under the same sibling relationship/disapearence catagory are Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten and The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor.

Grade: A

SIMPLY NERDY BOOK REVIEWS

Book Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.


What i thought: The characters, writing style, and storyline are a tad similar to those in Stephenie Meyer's, L.J. Smith's, and Melissa Marr's books, but written with a fasinating twist and voice that entirely remove the doubt of remake. After closing the cover, you, as i do, will want your own Damen, even if it means changing all that you have ever known.

Ever's character is so realistic that i could hardly doubt anything she said, even when discussing things as UNrealistic as Immortals. Her voice also flowed nicely with the dialoge, and it truly sounded as if a teenager was speaking, rather than an adult author. Also, Damen had a perfectly mysterious and dark air to him, which i really love. . . mmm. Tall, dark, and handsome. Why not? What could POSSIBLY go wrong?

A fantastic novel for all teens, and possibly even a few adults. Laugh out loud funny and thoroughly suspensefull, Noel creates an entirely other world within the one we know and love. This haunting story will have you looking down alley ways and examining the new boy with undeniable curiousity. Ever tells her story in a convincing voice, and one you are not likely to forget. An amazing book that will have readers eagerly awaiting those following it.

Also, i just love this cover. . . Because we all know that we judge books by their covers. (By the way, they are TULIPS not ROSES.) The purple backround with (my guess) Ever holding the red tulips (meaning undying love! Sorry. i had to say it) is just so eye-popping. I just love the two colors together, so long as they stay on paper (purple and red in any other circumstance. . . i shudder to think of it. lol) And the red of the tulips seriously stands out, but not in an annoying bright way, but in a way that is eye-grabbing and mysterious. Really, who wouldnt want to pick this up and read the back?

POSTED BY THE TruNerd

Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson

After discovering that someone saw what looked like Dan’s emergency EpiPen in A-lister Plum’s designer handbag, Scarlett and her tough American sidekick, Taylor, sneak into a posh London nightclub, where Plum has a private table. Scarlett is stunned to discover a piece of evidence that might implicate another girl in Plum’s exclusive circle, Lucy Raleigh. Which means Scarlett must cast a wider net in order to catch the right suspect. Back at school, groundskeeper Jase is hoping to take Scarlett’s mind off her troubles with some heart-stopping kisses. Scarlett can’t help but feel guilty for indulging in romantic rendezvous when she should be hunting down Dan’s killer. However, once Scarlett finds out how Lucy is connected to Dan, she knows she must drop everything and travel to the McAndrew estate in Scotland to hunt for more clues. But when she arrives, Scarlett becomes the target of a dangerous hunt herself.

What i thought: Wow. I just finished this book, and that is the word that keeps on running through my mind. In this fantastic sequel to Kiss Me Kill Me, Henderson succeeds in creating a fantastic novel, one that cannot go unread. Kisses and Lies was much more fast-paced than Kiss Me Kill Me, and much longer. I feel they were both very well written, but, as unusual as this may seem, i thoroughly enjoyed the sequel rather than the one preceding it. Overall, the storyline was just much more gripping/exciting, and just flowed very well. I think that the suspense sort of built up, and in this one it just explodes--its fantastically overwhelming.

The solution to the mystery you unsuccesfully will try to solve is so shocking that i simply stared at the page, my eyes partially glazing over, in horror. The truth was so unbelievable. . . . Henderson certaintly knows how to write a story

My advice is this: if you have read Kiss Me Kill Me but had doubts because of the 1/4 of slowness previously mentioned. . . go buy this book. It will literally have you gasping. If you have not yet read KMKM, give it a try. You will love this modern British murder mystery just as much as i did.

Interview with Jillian Cantor

Please give a warm welcome to Jillian Cantor, the author of the highly anticipated novel, The September Sisters, which will be releases on February 24th, 2009 (eeeep! Sorry i bombarded you with questions Jillian!) Please click HERE to read the summary!

Here is the AMAZING conversation i had with her:

1) Your first book, The September Sisters, which will be released in February 2009, discusses the constant conflict and bantering of siblings. How did you accumulate the feelings, or tenor, of two sisters?

I actually do have a younger sister. (And I have some pictures of us on my website in the “story behind the story” here: http://www.jilliancantor.com/Story.htm ). But yeah, living it, growing up with a younger sister, really did give me the background I needed to write about sister relationships in the book. In the first chapter of the book, the two sisters are fighting in the pool over an inner tube – absolutely a real occurrence in my own childhood. My sister and I always fought over things in the pool!

2) What inspired you to write The September Sisters?

I’m not sure it was one thing. Once I got into my twenties, and my sister and I actually became friends, I started to think a lot about what our relationship was like growing up. (We hated each other when we were younger!) At the time I wrote the book, there were also a lot of stories in the news about missing children, and it occurred to me to think about what might happen to the sister of a child who disappeared. I also wondered, how would my own life have been different without my sister?

3)What is it you want the readers to be thinking and/or feeling when they are reading your book? What is it that you want your readers to get from it?

Well, first and foremost I want readers to enjoy the book! I love becoming absorbed in a book –so that I feel the characters as real people and become emotionally involved in their lives, and I hope when people read my book they have that sort of all-consuming experience.

4)I hear you love to read (we have that in common. dont we, guys?). What is your favorite classic (Mine is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte)?

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – every time I reread it, I always fall in love with it all over again.

5)What are your five favorite books?

Wow! It’s tough to pick only 5, but here goes: Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb, and Birds of America by Lorrie Moore.

6) Random Question: What was running through your mind when you saw that i had sent you yet ANOTHER email, this one containing these questions?

I’m thrilled that you’re excited about the book.

7)What was the last book you read? What did you think about it? Why did you choose that book?
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston. Lesley and I blog together at The Novel Girls – http://www.thenovelgirls.blogspot.com , and I was totally blown away by how smart and beautiful the book is. Right now I’m in the middle of reading All We Know of Heaven by Jacqueline Mitchard – it’s depressing but also captivating. I found this one at the library!

8)For me, music is a key point in writing. Are there any certain types of genres and/or bands/artists/songs you were drawn to while writing both the September Sisters and its sequel (which, to my knowledge, is being released in 2010)? Were any certain songs inspirational?

Just to clarify – my second book will be out from Harperteen in 2010, but it’s not a sequel to The September Sisters. It’s called The Life of Glass, and it’s about a 14-year-old girl who learns about life, love, and beauty in her freshman year of high school. But back to your question: I never listen to music when I write. I need total quiet to think and become absorbed in the story and the characters – music always takes me out of that. Although I do love music (I’m even married to a musician/songwriter!) – just not when I’m writing! I love strong female singers like Sarah McLachlan, Kelly Clarkson, Colbie Callet, and Sara Bareilles. I also really like John Mayer and Jason Mraz.

9) From what I got from reading your About Me on your website, http://www.blogger.com/, you had to definitely work hard to even get the September Sisters written, let alone PUBLUSHED. Do you think that persistence is the key to getting a book written/published? If so, why? If not, please explain.

Yes, I think that’s a big part of it. You can’t give up on yourself even when you get a lot of rejection, or even if the first thing you write doesn’t sell. But I think it’s a combination of other things, too, good writing and luck. You could be the best writer but not get published if what you wrote isn’t what agents or editors are looking for. You still have to be in the right place at the right time. And that’s where the persistence and the luck come in. Hanging in there until you find that right one person who loves your work, even if 100 other people don’t, and being lucky enough to connect with that person to begin with – both play a big role in getting published.

10)What is something you would tell a young writer (like a young adult/adolecent) unwilling to pursue their dream to become an author?

Being a writer (usually) isn’t an easy choice or an easy career path. But if it’s what you love and if writing makes you happy, then find a way to write. Focus on becoming a good writer and on making your craft really excellent. Most writers have “day” jobs, too, so be realistic about it – there’s a very good chance you won’t be able to support yourself as an author when you first start out, if ever. But don’t give up on a dream! I didn’t give up on mine.

11)We are all really looking forward to the September Sisters. What is something you feel we should know about the book?

The September Sisters is about what happens to a girl’s life after her sister disappears, but it’s also a love story, about falling in love for the first time, in particular. This is one of my personal favorite aspects of the book! The September Sisters comes out on February 24th, and you can pre-order it on Amazon now. Oh, and stop by my website www.jilliancantor.com .

Thanks a ton, Jillian!