Wildefire

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

"Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm."

WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE COMING OUT?

I am SO excited to review this book, I couldn’t spend my entire time trying to write a fair summary, so instead I borrowed from Goodreads. SORRY!

Anyway, yes, as soon as I was finished with the last words on the last page, I REALLY NEEDED TO READ THE NEXT ONE. I’m sad I have to wait now.

So I give this a 5 for a variety of reasons. I really liked the style writing. It was in third person, which I believe is hard to do. One has to reflect on not just the main character, but everyone else, and still keep all the characters separate. Ash was important, but so were the others, and you get a taste of what each one is feeling, from Lily’s heartbreak to Eve’s feeling of loneliness. I thought the Interludes were clever elements in the plot, where you could see the world from others’ eyes, not just Ashline’s. I liked the names (love Ade Saint-Cyr), characteristics, and flaws of the characters. All the gods show their teenaged side; Rolfe could be a dick at times, and Lily takes rejection about as well as I do.

Bonus points were given for the multicultural characters (Polynesian Jews, Haitians, and Hopi Indians in one story?! Mind-blown!), mentioning Philadelphia, and not having a completely happy ending. I like a good resolution, but not in the first book of a trilogy. Definitely gives me something to look forward to.

This novel is a great example of an original read. Ash might have quick wit, but she wasn’t the strongest of all the gods in the pantheon, as one might expect. Ash’s and Eve’s relationship was complicated to the extreme. There’s a lack of traditional love triangles. This would remind me of Vampire Academy or Poison Study, but it doesn’t. Not completely. Wildefire is in a class all its own and if Knight keeps doing his thing, I’m sure it’s going to be one of my favorite series.

The Probability of Miracles

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Grade: 4.8 5 (because oh gosh I can't stop thinking about that last line) stars out of 5

This is a very early review (about 6 months too early) but I have to gush about this book. It was bittersweet, beautiful, and aspiring. It hits you so hard. (The book hasn’t even been released yet and I’m already hoping for more books from Wendy Wunder.) The Probability of Miracles surprised just as I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan did last year. Both novels give the reader the chance to believe in coincidence and miracles and the need to live for what is perfect now.

Snarky Cam is hard on the outside but soft on the inside. Cam has a rare cancer that's slowly destroying her body that is if the treatments and trials don't kill her first. On a last ditch effort to live her life, Cam and her mother and sister move to Promise, Maine where rumor has it the place is full of miracles. After living and working in Disney World Cam is far from being a full believer. But from purple dandelions to flocks of flamingos to a unicorn in her back yard*, Cam may have to reevaluate her opinion.

With a mix of 13 Little Blue Envelopes and I'll Be There and something all its own, The Probability of Miracles will break your heart, glue it back together, and shatter it all over again. 

Hi Buddy!

Cam was the perfect heroine for me. She was a genuine sister and daughter who fights with her younger sister and mother, but ultimately loves and cares deeply about them. Cam wasn't a romantic or a dreamer. She was sarcastic, she was real. Can breathed life with all of its ups and downs into the novel.

Life isn't prefect, but it can be pretty darn good sometimes when you let people in and the negativity out. That was what Cam learned and we as readers learned with her. Promise was just one more hoax that Cam scoffed at, but the small town with its motley crew of people melted the ice around Cam. She became a softer version of herself and started to be the giver of miracles.

The Probability of Miracles had an array of characters, which gave the book an explosion of voices and personalities. And yet it remained harmonious because at its center was Cam. She brought them in together from the perky sister, to the ever-fighting mother, to the sassy Nana, to the boy who taught Cam how to love, to the best friend who gave Cam a purpose when she felt like giving it all up. They were a perfect cast of supporters to the perfect heroine of an amazing and profound book.

It was slow in the beginning, but worth it in the end. Oh, the end. The last line literally made me fall in love with the book all over again and again. There’s wickedness to the humor, but lightness to the romance.

Savor this book.

*The Probability of Miracles is a contemporary novel and not a fantasy one. So the unicorn was my attempt to throw a little curve ball to you, but it is in the novel, just not what you might expect.

Cover A-

Initially the pink made me flinch but after reading the book, I love the pink. And the feather. And the long luscious hair, which is a big symbol in the book.

Source: ARC from Razorbill

Published: 2011, December 8

Amazon: preorder

Uncommon Criminals

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Katrina Bishop is one of the youngest, smallest, but surely one of the best thieves in the world. Her currently heist is one of biggest thus far is for the world’s biggest emerald: the Cleopatra Emerald. Many thieves have attempted to steal the jewel and all have claimed that it is cursed. Even Uncle Eddie forbids Kat to even try. But things get personal for Kat when she gets conned. A thief does not get conned.

There is a low chance of me reviewing this book without gushing like a lovestruck teenager. Uncommon Criminals just hit that sweet spot that no other book for the past month had managed to strike. The prequel, Heist Society, was okay, decent, but no means better than Carter’s Gallagher Girls series. Uncommon Criminals, on the other hand, was almost perfection.

Ally Carter seems to enjoy teasing the audience by giving them enough clues that they think they’ve figured everything out. But then out of the blue, up pops an important fact that turns an entire situation around. A lose becomes a win. A clumsy fight because an orchestrated scene. A sweet innocent Kat becomes a focused thief playing her part without one thinking the wiser. And yet, it was just one single thread of the whole series that made my day. Kat kissed Hale. If I didn’t look so ridiculous fist-pumping, I would do it.

In the Gallagher Girls series, it’s taken readers several books for the romance to develop to be called a romance. I was expecting the same slow trickle of a smile, a touch, a hug, a kiss, for this new series. There was the same tension and the same voice in my head chanting “Come on, you know you want to kiss the boy”, but miraculously Carter decided to show mercy this time.

Ally Carter always keeps me in suspense in her well-crafted novel that screamed details. Her originality astounds me at times and the humorous names for cons leave me grinning. When Carter intentional leaves out very important facts, I found myself not being the slightest upset. Every author should have a trick up their sleeves and Ally Carter has many tricks. What came after each plot twist only made the reading experience more enjoyable.

Uncommon Criminals gave the readers a better glimpse of Kat’s inner turmoil about being a thief. It’s like delving into the murky mind of a brilliant girl who’s lost her own focus on her life. And as Kat begins to be submerged into her thoughts, her family and friends pull her out. The strength I found in their relationship was amazing and brought out some of the smaller character developments, which I instinctively search for in series.

I think you get the gist right? I loved this book.

The End.

Cover B-

Published: 2011, June 21; hardcover

Source: review copy from Disney Hyperion

Amazon

Magic Slays

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Grade: 4.8 stars out of 5. 

Sometimes starting your business isn’t all that much excitement. Kate Daniels has the reputation and the connections, but no one wants to hire her with the Order slandering her name and the possibility of pissing the Pack leader’s mate spelling trouble. When a renegade vampire comes barreling through streets toward Kate’s business, it means more than a little action for the day. It means a new adventure. Kate later gets hired to find a missing object and its owner and potentially save or destroy Atlanta’s residents including her own daughter, Julie. Trusty mutate poodle at hand and her best friend covering her back, Kate Daniels is ready.

Let’s face it I’m a shallow girl when it comes to book covers. I judge them, I rate them, I make rash decisions if I should buy a book because of covers. The covers for the Kate Daniels series had me avoiding the books at all cost in the beginning. The book ratings are high and the glowing reviews are numerous, but no, I just can’t. Let this be a lesson (which I’ll probably end up forgetting soon): never judge a book by its cover. The Kate Daniels series is action-packed, fun and sexy. Readers who liked Patricia Briggs’s Mercedes Thompson series will enjoy the Kate Daniels series.

The 5th book in the series doesn’t fail to impress long time fans. I’ve had ups and downs when it came to this series and I must admit Magic Slays has to be one of the favorites. For an author to continue to deliver to their fans without missing a beat or dragging the plot through the mud is such a welcoming sight. For so long I’ve been hooked on the first book only to be disappointment by the 2nd or 3rd. Magic Slays has all the elements that readers loved in its prequels and more. Magic Slays answers lingering questions while continuing to evolve the storyline.

As a not-so-big-of-a-fan of Curran and Kate in the beginning (because I found it to be so quick) I must say I look forward to their little scenes together now. While Kate and Curran definitely stand on their own without one another, together they create this dynamic relationship that just invites a grin. I love the power shifts which sparks some of the richest dialogue that deftly moves the plot along. The dialogue in the series is what brings the attitude, the somber tone, the teasing fun and the angst. Some of the important developments in the novel and not just their relationship occur in the dialogue between Curran and Kate. I enjoy that sometimes Kate wears the pants in the relationship while other times Curran does. There is nothing too cheesy about this couple; expect some strong fight scenes between the two that lead to, what else, some sizzling make-up scenes.

As far as the story line goes, Magic Slays further explores Kate’s powers and what she is capable of. Magic Slays deals with Kate’s blood powers and its properties. The novel also explores Kate’s extended family tree (you’ll never guess who is Kate’s aunt) and a couple of new characters and many old favorites. While I would have enjoyed some of the characters who were frequently mentioned actually make an appearance, I do find Ilona Andrews’ attempt to create more character struggles interesting.

Action wise, Magic Slays is spot on. Hope you won’t mind a little blood. Fight scenes are invigorating and a tad bit sadistic—always fun. The scenes are detailed without confusing readers about the very little (and pointless) nuances.

So yeah. This book is awesome.

Magic Slays was an excellent addition to powerhouse series that hits the spot. I cannot wait to see what else Ilona Andrews will come up with next, but I’m betting it’ll be good.

P.S. I've read this book twice in the past week or so. In the middle of finals week. No, I did not sleep. It was just too good for me to stop. And yes I realize these are fragmented sentences :)

Cover: see above. just not for me

Published: 2011 May 3rd

Source: unsolicited copy from Ace Fantasy

Amazon (available for pre-order)

Between Here and Forever

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Grade: 5 stars out of 5 (BUY IT)

Before picking up Between Here and Forever, I urge readers to read or reread Bloom, Scott’s debut novel. No, it’s not because I love that book (well partially yes), but because Lauren (Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf) pointed that the characters from Bloom make a reappearance. After making that connection, Between Here and Forever became so much…more in a way. Anyway I’ll gush about that later on.

Between Here and Forever focuses on Abby and her relationship with her sister Tess. Abby is always in the shadow of perfect, prefect Tess. Tess is always so careful, but fate decides to be ironic. Tess decides to leave a bit later from a party to avoid riding with a drunk, but on her way home she gets into a car accident. The car slips on black ice. Now Tess is in a coma and Abby is desperate to wake her up even if it means asking a random stranger, Eli, to talk to Tess. Only so Tess can leave.

Between Here and Forever rekindled by love for Scott’s works. This is really similar to Bloom where the main character has low self-esteem, somewhat overshadowed, and is afraid to be happy for the sake of happiness. Abby is constantly in the shadow of Tess even when Tess is in a coma. Her sister is perfect in Abby’s eyes and she’s nothing much in comparison. Between Here and Forever uses simple words to express dark feelings that pulls readers in. While Abby doesn’t turn to cutting, starving herself, or other very serious actions, she lives invisibly. Without a real goal, very close friends, or the drive to be who she can be, Abby isn’t truly living. Between Here and Forever emphsizes that no one is perfect—not Tess, not Abby—but there will be someone who thinks you are. And when you find that person be happy.

Another important element in Between Here and Forever is Eli. Eli has OCD and a mix heritage: “I’m half Japanese, part black—and this is what counts in Milford—part white….I don’t like being divided into little pieces of color” (101). That last line speaks for itself; it’s a strong sentence but comprised of very simple words. Eli’s OCD is part of Eli but doesn’t make him, him. I think Scott does a great job of depicting his life and his hardships and how it affects others’ viewpoints of him. Eli is a great hero for all his faults because he’s a supportive character who’s nice, gentle, and flusters easily.

Elizabeth Scott also doesn’t poke lightly on sexuality—particularly lesbianism—and death and teenage pregnancy. These two things build up the foundation of some of the side plots and characteristics. In ways I don’t appreciate living in a big city for all its advantages until someone points it.

Okay so going back to Bloom and its connection to Between Here and Forever. I really urge you to be familiar with the book because it brings to light some minor details that will cast Between Here and Forever that will elevate the book. At first I really liked the book but now I love the book. My heart broke more than once, but it also fluttered because you get a sort of happily ever after that I wasn’t expecting. For all its dark elements I can’t help but smile. And be giddy. And reread the book like a million times over again.

Source: unsolicited ARC from Simon Pulse

Cover A

Published: 2011 May 4; hardcover

Amazon: Between Here and Forever / Bloom

Fall for Anything

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Grade: 4.8 stars out of 5

After her father’s suicide, Eddie can’t seem to move on.

Straight off the bat readers’ find Eddie to be different from Summers’s typical heroine: quiet, fragile, and much more solemn. Going in I mentally prepared myself to dislike Eddie as I did to the previous other characters of her previous works. But there wasn’t that bitchy, outwardly hostile, and combative girl I was so used to and expecting from Summers’s. And I loved it. This was an uncharted area.

Courtney Summers keep readers on their toes who expected the worst of a situation. She always seems to surprise me with every new novel on how she’s stretching the line of no-man’s-land. How evil can a character be while still making them well-rounded and letting the reader connect to them? And with every new novel, I sit back and ponder that question: can I really blame so-and-so for acting in such a fashion?

Fall for Anything deals with the emotional trauma of not only a death, but an intentional death. Eddie deals with it by just not letting it go. She becomes obsessive with the reasons why her father killed himself. (Her father, might I point out, is much older than Eddie’s mother. He can possibly pass for Eddie’s grandfather.) When Culler Evans appears with the same obsession and a different link to her father than she has, Eddie is drawn to him. He is the connection to the world of photography and the apprentice of Eddie’s father. But Cullen does something unforgettable that makes the reader go ‘holy ****’. It goes back to the question, can you blame him? The intention was good, but did he overstep the line of no-man’s-land? There are some hints along the way that readers can pick up so this wasn’t something completely from left-field. The climax and the resolution was something that I really hoped Summers nailed and she did.

I love how open-ended the novel is. I love how not nothing can be solved because in real life the real reason why behind suicides are only known by the people who committed the suicide. While it’s frustrating not having a 100% positive sure answer after going on this journey with Eddie, it is a realistic ending. The novel itself is the journey to accepting this fact and moving past it.

Despite not having the spotlight on the mother, I believe she follows the typical behavior of dealing with deal that I seem to see in novels. Just this complete shut-down and shut-off. Fall for Anything has two characters who deal with death separately that affect the entire community and each other. Readers will come across classmates, acquaintances, best friends who are affected through ripple effect.

P.S. I love Summers’s sense of humor.

P.P.S. I love Summers’s novels period.

Cover: B

Source: St. Martin's Griffin/ accepted review pitch

Published: 21 December 2010; paperback

Amazon

Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Grade: 4.8 stars out of 5

"Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris until she meets Etienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home."

What can I say about Anna and the French Kiss that others haven’t already said? Oh that’s right—nothing. So I’m just going to outline why Anna, the character and the book, is so great.

You should read Anna and the French Kiss because:

• It's set in France. It may not sound like a big deal, but Perkins emphasizes on the difference between America and France. She also brings forth the insecurities and paranoia of what others may perceive of foreigners. Having considered myself as a foreign because I looked different from my peers I was extremely self conscience of how I acted and how my family acted. I can connect to Anna in that way and it only makes me so much more attached to her.
• Flaws: character flaws and physical flaws. The main hero of the story is not perfect by any measurement. Etienne St. Claire is short, doesn't have straight, pearly whites, and isn't the all knowing-mind reader. But he's comfortable in his skin and he understands feelings; he just doesn't know how to respond to his feelings and that's reasonable. Human beings have flaws. Etienne is human so he must have flaws. 
• Anna herself doesn't exactly have that modelesque beauty that some heroines have, but they just don't realize it. She, like Etienne, doesn't have that perfect toothpaste commercial smile. She's stubborn, kind of blind-sighted, but knows what she wants...half the time. 
• Wooooo everyone is still smoking in this novel though.
• Relationship wise I like how Perkins delve in straight into attraction at first glimpse, but then stepped back and reinforced everything. There were open dialogues and excursions that both members of the party participated in that built memories. Perkins took the initiative to move the story along from strangers to acquaintances to friends to possibly more.
• The punchline. Oh Nicholas Sparks attacks *giggles*

Anna and the French Kiss was a superb novel that made me have faith in contemporary novels yet once again after a few disastrous misses. While it tends to slow at some points it shouldn't deter readers.

Cover B-

Source: ARC from Dutton Juvenile

Published: 2 December 2010; hardcover

Amazon

Glimpse

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Source: Traded with Carrie (Carrie's YA Bookshelf I believe?)

Grade: 4.8 stars out of 5

Finding her sister
with a shotgun to her
head,
Hope tries to figure out
what would make her sister
do such a thing.

Glimpse had a high bar to reach after
The Chosen One
and Carol Lynch Williams managed to
deliver.

Written in verses,
Glimpse is a novel to breeze through,
but the emotional and tragic subject
for the novel is
not.

It is a stunning novel
of redemption for the soul
as Hope stumbles along
the road of her sister’s trauma.

It is a story of struggle of money,
of deaths,
of protecting the sisterhood.

Glimpse is only a
glimpse
of I foresee and expect of
Carol Lynch Williams.

This was literary
L
O
V
E
♥

Ah,
but I do question
some of the vague details
of their past life and of Hope.
Is she 13?
Or is she 12?

Cover B-

Buy Glimpse:
Amazon
Indie Bound
Book Depository

Harmonic Feedback

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Source: Personal

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Drea has obsessive interests. Before it was car parts now it's music. She loves producing music, adding beats, creating more depth and she just might have found her newest band members: Naomi and Justin. Naomi with her soulful voice and Justin with his sensual skills is all very new to Drea.

Drea has never been good at making friends. She has Asperger's, a current diagnosis, that might explain her social awkwardness. But in this town Drea is experiencing a whole spectrum of new emotions and companionships. With her fairy looks Drea just might attract the wrong crowd...or maybe just right.

After finishing Harmonic Feedback one thought came to mind: Thank God I bought this book. Harmonic Feedback was exactly what I was craving for at that moment. It filled my need for a sweet romance yet did not overdo it that would have left me gagging. Harmonic Feedback had a nice balance of intense drama and warm fuzzy feelings accompanying the blooming relationship.

Naomi was a little hard to swallow, but I still managed to read Harmonic Feedback, not once, but twice (and a half) in one sitting. As soon as I was finished, I wanted to read it again because I enjoyed it so immensely.

My words are not good enough for Harmonic Feedback so I am going to point out Courtney Summer's review of the book because it is AWESOME.

Cover B

Definitely buy yourself a copy: Amazon / Book Depository / IndieBound

Forbidden

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Source: Random House UK and Tabitha

Grade: 5 stars 

Lochan has always been the socially awkward—inept—boy whose beauty attracts the girls and whose written prose and intelligence delights the teachers. But Lochan has more than enough to handle than to deal with a love life for his father left for a new family in Australia and his alcoholic mother, who acts more like the child, begins to date again and with 4 siblings to take care of. Definitely more than enough to handle. Yet Maya—beautiful, strong, and gentle Maya—younger than Lochan by 13 months, is there to help him deal with the stress.

Lochan and Maya have always been close—best friends since toddler years. It is only recently that the prospect of Maya dating and kissing some other boy does the secret escape and become something they have always suspected: they love each other. More than what a brother and sister should be allowed.

But it’s an illegal act, disgusting even more so. So they must deny, hide, and escape from these feelings. It must be locked up with the key to be thrown away. A façade must be put in place to shield from the world from these feelings but with the mask in place they become hollow shells of themselves. With love they are vibrant; with denial they are ghost.

Brilliantly told in alternating point of views Tabitha Suzuma will have William Shakespeare run for his money in this modern-day adaption of forbidden love. The novel will leave its reader exhausted from the constant heart thumping, panic attacks, and shaky smiles. It is a riveting tale of struggle: against your own emotions, against your family and peers, against the world filled with people who do not know you, but will not hesitate to judge you.

The relationship between Maya and Lochan leaps from the pages as they battle what they deemed correct yet separately they still manage to glow intensely that at times it becomes dangerous. They present the dilemma from various view points on this controversial topic with a simplistic counterargument as showcased with the quote from the back cover: ‘You’ve always been my best friend, my soul mate, and now I’ve falling in love with you too. Why is that such a crime?’

I must say I also enjoyed the younger siblings for they provided the needed pause in the emotional rollercoaster to give a minute for me to catch my breath. It is well timed and devised. Though I will say I spotted some writings error, but I’m a bit hesitant to judge them harshly for my unsure differences between the British English and American English. There is also the concern of the ending, well more of the climax, that left me wondering—how did she get in anyhow?—and with concerns of Social Service. The overall ending, however, was shock-worthy enough to make my jaw drop and pause, but I wonder what the world in the novel thinks of Maya and Lochan’s relationship.

Tabitha Suzuma goes beyond than what I had expected to create such a gripping world in Forbidden. A world to love the finer moments of life that others might take for granted. A world where the dirty secret can grow from the cracked sidewalk, twining onto the barbed wire fence, and blooming into a blood-red daisy. And for that I thank Suzuma and gleefully applaud her for an intense 5 hour read.

Cover B-

Warning: Book is not suitable for the younger audience. Does include sex, topics such as incest as well as cuss words.

Forbidden is out in the UK, but Amazon currently has Forbidden listed as a 2012 US release from Simon Pulse.

P.S. I have an older brother so I have strong opinions on incest and the possibility of incest in the Mortal Instruments series disgust me as well, but something worked in Forbidden. That's all I wanted to say.

The Sky is Everywhere

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (March 9th 2010—Dial)

Source: Publishers from way back

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Summary: “Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.”

Review: It feels like I’ve been going on a negative ranting spree attacking whatever book I can. I’m a picky read, I get that, but even I get a little weary of what I’m posting! Like dang, home girl needs to stop trippin’. (Okay please accept my sincerest apologies for that last sentence; I have no idea where that came from.) Rants are easier for me to write, positive reviews ehhh not so much, but I’m going to suck it up.

The Sky is Everywhere was the last book to have gotten five stars from me on GoodReads, which was back in December (yes that is 3 whole months back). Jandy Nelson enveloped me in warm fuzzy feelings, grief, and recognition. Her writing was stunning, her prose was moving, and her characterization on point. However I will admit not everyone agrees with me. Heaven forbid all teen readers are connected to one brain. Lauren (from Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf) for example could not get into the narration and while I do believe it can be a little strong at times, I still fell in love with this novel.

Firstly I wanted to cover the author’s use of poetry. I love it as much as Sonya Sones’s work and Lisa Schroder’s contemporary fictions. By the time I finished the novel my mind thought: “If Nelson were to write a prose novel I would definitely buy it”. She is concise when choosing her words wisely and making her point across yet is able to continue this heavy onslaught of grievance. She can write about the most meaningless thing but I will still love it, it seems.

Secondly I love Lennie and Joe. I love them separately, but I love them together. I don’t, however, love Lennie and Toby together. Lennie and Joe are harmonious and sensual creating a rainbow with every tint and value in between. Lennie and Toby gives off the color brown—dirty, muddled, and only one (if not two different tones) emotion. I had trouble understanding how grief turns into such a palpable, high-strong lust.

Okay Joe needs a paragraph on his own, that’s how much I loved him. He’s easygoing, he’s comfortable, he’s new yet he’s soft like a worn childhood blanket. You feel like cuddling with him. You’re more than tempted to drag him everyone and show off. Yet despite those years he’s still sturdy. Joe doesn’t let his feelings overpower his brain, which deserves a ‘thank goodness’ all on its own.

Overall: The Sky is Everywhere is an intensely rich novel that leaves this reader extremely pleased for this debut author!

Cover C+
If you’re like me you are not really fond of the cover. But I really hope you see pass that because this debut novel is worth the pickup.

Love, Stargirl

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (April 28th 2009—Knopf)

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Summary: “Stargirl has moved and left everything behind: Arizonia, enchanted desert places—and Leo, her once (and future?) boyfriend.

He’s all that she can think about, and her life begins to feel like a parade of unhappy anniversaries. Then Stargirl meets her wonderfully bizarre new neighbors: Dootsie, the curly-headed five-year-old “human bean”; Betty Lou, who hasn’t stepped outside her house for nine years; her hot-tempered Alvina with hat one glittery nail; and Perry Delloplane, the blue-eyed thief who soon lays his own claim to Stargirl’s heart.

In letters to Leo over the course of a year, Stargirl comes to find hope in new places: mockingbirds, donut angels, and the Winter Solstice—that turning point day when dark tips to light. But life without Leo? Will he—can he—answer that one crucial question she asks every morning to the rising sun?”

Review: I must admit, pointblank, that I am bias when it comes to Mr. Spinelli (hey a girl has a right be bias at point right?). As a child growing up I devoured his books; grabbed everything and anything that had his name written on it. So when Random House sent me a copy of the companion to book Stargirl, I was elated, ecstatic, surprised, and jumped with joy.

Out of all his books, Stargirl had to be my favorite. So when I first heard about Love, Stargirl I knew right away I had to read it, I vowed to myself I would.

Love, Stargirl is a novel to the rawest form—straight from the heart, intense, and emotional unnerving. I love this book. Love.

Written through letter forms I was hoping, crossing my fingers, that it will serve the idea well. Many have tried before, writing a novel through letters, chatrooms, and diaries and have, in my opinion, did no justice to the plotline. So after I finished Love, Stargirl I gave a sigh of relief since it was glorious. You get Stargirl and just her alone against the world. Her inner thoughts, her worries, her frustrations, and her joy all comes through. It leaves the reader able to dissect each part of her life to the smallest detail and separate it. My heart raced, my throat clenched, my frustrating and fear grew, and I almost cried with relief and/or joy along with Stargirl in her life.

“My hands were shaking. It was a single piece of paper, white, small, folded in quarters, the way a little kid folds a letter. Fold by fold I opened it. There was one word, in royal blue marker ink, all capital letters:

YES

My heart took flight.”

This was the exact passage that made me teary. Give me two books that everyone cried over and I produce nothing. Give me a simple one syllable word: YES and I might start to bawl.

Dootsie made me thankful that I did not have a 5-year-old sister. Perry made me glad that I do not have a boyfriend. Betty Lou gave me a desire to get to know my neighbors a bit more. All the people that Stargirl encounters leave their mark in my heart as well as her own.

Overall: It was just pure entertainment and joy on my end reading. Expect me to read this book again and again.

Cover B

P.S. My only huge qualm about this book is that my copy is slightly bent. Nooooooo (yeah okay so that is not really an issue with the book).

Faery Rebel: Spell Hunter

Faery Rebel: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson (April 28th 2009—Harper)

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Summary: “As the Faery Queen's appointed Hunter, Knife alone has the courage and skill to fight the crows and other predators who threaten the Oakenfolk's survival. Yet neither she nor the Queen can do anything to stop a mysterious magical disease from claiming the faeries of the Oak one by one.

But there are humans at the bottom of the garden, and a glimpse inside their House convinces Knife that they have powers and knowledge that could help her people. Still, if the human world has so much to offer, why is the Queen determined to keep the faeries away from it? Is there a connection between the House and the Oakenfolk's loss of magic? And why is Knife so drawn to the young Paul McCormick — that strangest of creatures, a human male?

Knife determines to learn the truth about the Oakenfolk's relationship to humanity, no matter what the Queen might do to prevent her — a quest which threatens the growing friendship between herself and Paul, puts both their lives in jeopardy, and challenges everything Knife has ever believed about humans, faeries, and her own heart's desire. And when at last Knife discovers the secret the Faery Queen has been hiding, she is forced to make an agonizing choice between love and freedom that will change her life, and the lives of her people, forever.”

Review: This book was simply…wow. And that, my dears, is an understatement. Just when my hope begins to diminish on Team Faery, Team Zombie is popping out some good books, R.J. Anderson writes this beauty.

When I started to read Faery Rebel, my brother asked me what’s it about? [Yes, Yan has a brother--older] I passed the book to him which he promptly read the back summary. He said that Disney is bound to make a movie out of this to which I reply, they probably will. So why did I tell you this little exchange between brother dear and I? To showcase you the appeal that it has. This book shows great potential for middle school students and high school students, as well as adults who adore fairies! We are talking about awe worthy, sigh escaping, silly little grins, and childish giggles type of book! And that, my friends, is just the starting point.

What I love first about Faery Rebel was the fact that it is quite different from other fairy type novels coming out. Most of which dwelled in the “Fairy World” with kings, queens, courts, and all of that confusing stuff. This was more of the Disney type of world—where they are 7 inches tall, live in a tree, and in the human world. This might seem cliché to some, but after reading about 4 series with the same background information and whatnot, I am quite sick of it. This was considered a breath of fresh air for me!

Knife was too precious. She reminds me of a little child who I want to hug and pamper. The innocence of not knowing anything in the human world, the batch of new emotions surfacing when she meets Paul, that made me want to read more. But of course, human size she can probably kick my butt. The way she handles her tasks, her confrontation with humans, the way she tried to solve the mystery of the ever declining fairy race, it was tres magnifique!

The characters surrounding Knife were as equally impressive and divine. Each had a motive, a purpose, and executed it in a wonderful fashion.

The plot complex, well as complex as you can without boring anyway. The descriptive language was there. The build up in storyline, the climax, the ending, was…sigh. I cannot simply tell you how wonderful it all was. Read it. Just grab a copy and read it.

Overall: Faery Rebel impressed me and I eagerly wait for the sequel! It was a stunning piece of work that R.J. Anderson should be proud of.

Cover A-
My friend oh-ed and ah-ed over this cover so I do think that it is quite eye-catching.

EDIT: Based on the comments so far, I feel ironic is some way. Personally I really do not like the cover--in person it is quite better, but it still did not sell me.

Graceling

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (October 1st 2008—Harcourt)

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Summary: Katsa can kill a man without even batting an eyelash for she has the Grace of killing. Her uncle, Randa, had taken Katsa under his wing since she was an infant, but he exploits her ability and sends her on various missions to show that the king is always in power—murdering those who stole from the king, broken arms or fingers if you go against the king.

But Katsa has her own missions aside from the king’s orders. During one of theses mission she runs into this a skilled fighter, but not skilled enough to take her down. When she later arrives home she soon discovers that this stranger happens to be Prince Po from Lienid, an island country. While she is shocked about this, she later befriends him in the most extraordinary way.

Together they will go an adventure to discover what has happen in another country that left his sister, the Queen, locked up in her room. And they will also discover something about their feelings along the way…

Review: Graceling was gorgeously put together and packaged with a beautiful bow presenting itself to the lucky readers.

Let’s start with the world that Kristin has created. It is luscious, detailed, and filled with imagery. What is even more helpful is that if you do happen to be troubled, there is a map in the book that shows the countries and has symbols to point out key locations. Think of Eragon if you will. However, I do have to mention that the various names and overly descriptive backgrounds of each country may bog the reader down. I know for me, it forced me stop reading for some time. It was around the first couple of pages, 30 or so, that made me frustrated—it gave too much at one time. I got lost in the details, in the many names, and the situations.

After I got through the muck, Katsa turned out to be a thrilling character. She was a strong female character who can kick almost everyone’s butt. She had strive, devotion, respect, and a clever mind. However, her stubbornness may be a flaw at points, along with some others—which can also give dimensions to her ever expanding character. She desires to bear no children or wedding rings, which later aggravates me especially at the ending with Po. I am all for being independent, but remaining lovers despite equal feelings on both sides kind of does not make sense to me. Okay, it kind of does. Not being chained down, not being forced to think that someone owns you. It just a pet peeve I guess.

Po, weird name I know, was the pretend laidback, but highly sensitive character that played off Katsa very well. He brought out the feminine side of her, her love aspect. He, himself, also plays his own role. He was selfish but also unselfish; he was the sweet gentle man but also filled with anguish. And he can also kick some major booty as well.

Speaking of lovers, I feel that I have to point out that there is indeed sex in this novel. While it may not be explicit, explicit, I have to recommend to mothers who wants to know if their 12 year old daughter can read this or not. Do not unless they are mature enough. So I definitely recommend this book to the older teen group.

Katsa and Po’s relationship develops over a period of time. Nothing too elaborate or fast paced. I definitely felt that this love does not hinder the plotline at all. In fact, I think it may have helped it in some areas. It gave the reason behind Katsa’s decision to leave Po behind a bit of a small heartbreak. But overall more depth, that there truly was a decision behind it all—their reasons and actions. So was it cliché? In some aspects sure. There were twists and surprise, however, which left me smiling at the unexpected events.

Overall: A wonderful and amazing read! I am definitely stalking this new author and cannot wait to see what she has in store!

Cover A+
Gorgeous!

P.S. Me + summaries = Yan pounding head on desk...repetitively

North of Beautiful

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley (February 1st 2009)

Grade: 5 stars out of 5

Summary: “She’s tall, blond, and has an unbelievably gorgeous body. But what most people in Terra’s tiny, stifling Washington town notices is her unmistakably “flawed” face. Terra secretly plans to start a new life by leaving her small town and escaping to an East Coast college, but is pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision introduces Terra to Jacob, a handsome but odd Goth Chinese boy who immediately understands her battle with feeling different, she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?”

Review: This is a MUST read. I love this book. LOVE! I shall now stop using my monosyllabic words and actually explain why I love this book...

When first reading the summary the phrase “odd Goth Chinese boy” might have thrown you off, like it did to me and my friends, but I immediately fell in love with his character once the dialogue started to come out. What I greatly appreciated was the fact that he also had a birth defect like Terra. It gave an almost a deeper connection, a physical bond of some sort.

Here’s a simple quote from the book: “Other countries rose in power and knowledge, and China went to sleep. The dragon was waking now.” A fantastic metaphor. In one simple sentence you can understand what Justina is trying to convey: that it’s China’s rebirth, a powerful explosion of technology and science. The Olympics of 2008 was just a taste of what is to come from this once dormant nation.

The characters were also amazing! I love how not only Terra grew, but her mom and her dad as well! It was like having an egg, and bit by bit, a piece of shell was taken away and you’re left with a new hatchling. You can’t but help feeling awed and inspired. I feel that the development was well paced, greatly expressed through action and dialogue, as well as the interaction with the other characters.

But in general, this was a thought provoking book. Who truly is the victim here? Is it Terra, the one always in hiding even from herself? Or is it her father, a bitter man whose passion is destroyed by a single map? It goes so much deeper than that. It’s the need to feel important, wanted, and cared for.

But if you’re enclosed in a room and a relationship that chokes you, then flee. To many, reading can be an escape, a journey to take you far away even for a few hours. Art is Terra’s form of disappearing for awhile. This is where she makes her statement. And it comes to life through her eyes and voice and definitely on the pages.

Overall: A magnificent book! My only criticism is the length. It got a bit wordy in some areas. Kudos for the Mandarin terminology used correctly in the novel. North of Beautiful takes you on a journey to find true beauty, true serenity of oneself like Terra.

Cover B+