Holly Schindler Interview!

About Holly:

I can’t remember the last time I left the house without a spiral notebook or some pages folded up in a back pocket. And I don’t think I've ever returned without fresh ideas, titles, or poetry fragments climbing every one of those pages, racing up the margins, crisscrossing in as many different directions as the highways and interstates on a road map of Missouri (my home state). I’ve spent my life making these notes in the margins—even as a little girl, my favorite summer activity was to write books bound by strips of red ribbon…and to scrawl comments next to my paragraphs like the most critical of editors. (Lessons learned from this childhood pastime served me well, even in graduate school, as I attempted my first novel.)
 After college? I kept scribbling as I taught piano and guitar lessons to pay the bills, this time jotting character sketches, mannerisms, phrases all inspired by my students. It soon became clear to me that I wanted to write for and about the children and teens who filled my home with music. Even now, as I delight in spreading the news of my publications, I recognize that the steadiest constant in my life has been those illegible margin notes. That blissful inch of space where novels are born and revision plans are hatched, where titles are brainstormed and closing sentences are finalized.

Did the idea for A BLUE SO DARK come to you instantly, or were you thinking about it for a while?


Here’s the idea, in a nutshell: Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose struggles to care for her mother Grace, an artist, as Grace sinks into the darkness of schizophrenia. Convinced that creative equals crazy, Aura shuns her own art—painting and writing—and her life unravels in the process…

Really, I remember the idea coming to me in pieces over a few weeks. I’ve always been interested in the arts…I’ve played piano since I was a little girl, guitar since I was a teenager, and I took as many art classes in high school as I did English courses…But I’ve also always been interested in the source of creativity…why are some people ALWAYS coming up with new ideas for songs, or poems, or paintings, and other could stare at a blank canvas for DAYS and never come up with a reason to pick up their brush…

A BLUE SO DARK allowed me to explore the idea that creativity and madness are somehow linked…I mean, so many of our “great” artists have suffered from some sort of mental illness—schizophrenia, or depression, or bipolar disorder…so really, Aura’s fear (that she could perhaps bring mental illness on by exploring creativity) isn’t entirely unfounded…


With the YA book market being so focused on paranormal romance and fantasy novels, were you ever doubtful that A BLUE SO DARK wouldn’t sell well or even be picked up by a publishing house at all?

Literary “trends” are kinda tricky…from a writer’s standpoint, you really can’t go to the bookstore, and examine all the titles and say, “Here’s what publishers want.” Because really, what’s on the shelf today is what publishers decided they wanted eighteen months to about two years ago…that’s how long a book is in development! Plus, a writer has to actually WRITE the novel…AND submit the book…all of this takes an inordinate amount of time…I don’t think it’s out of the ordinary to say it would take maybe a year to write and revise and hone a book, and at minimum a year to find a publisher…

To prove the point of just how much time it takes to go from the initial burst of inspiration to seeing a book on the shelves, I actually drafted A BLUE SO DARK late in 2006…the book went through about four total overhauls and several rounds of submission…and resubmission…I got the offer from Flux in January of 2009…and the book officially releases May 1, 2010!

…So I don’t think you should ever be afraid or doubt yourself because the book you’re working on is unlike the books on the shelves. (There was no WAY for me to know, in 2006, what my novel would eventually be competing against…)

Actually, I think working on a manuscript that’s completely different is probably a good thing (at this point, I would think it’d be kind of difficult to find a way to make vampires seem new or fresh…)

What is it that you want readers of A BLUE SO DARK to take from the story?


Really, I love a book that’s layered—that has multiple themes or meanings. A BLUE SO DARK tackles the mother-daughter relationship, friendship, high school culture…there’s even an art-as-addiction theme…

What I’ve always hoped is that A BLUE SO DARK would be rich enough for readers to take slightly different meanings from it (since they’ll all be reading it through their own eyes, from their own set of unique experiences and perspectives).

So far, I’ve been delighted to find that this really is the case…For example, I recently got a great review from a blogger—very insightful and smart—that commented on how “dark” was a perfect word to use in the title, because the book really IS dark in subject matter and execution. But when Crissa-Jean Chappell (author of TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER) blurbed the book, she used the word “funny” to describe it. Two different perspectives, two slightly different reactions. I think that’s fantastic…

Thanks, Holly Schindler, for taking the time to answer our questions. We can't wait to read A BLUE SO DARK!

Xoxo, Brent & Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties <3

Book Review: The Replacement!

Release Date: September 21, 2010


Title: The Replacement


Author: Brenna Yovanoff


Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Group)


Format: Hardcover, 352 pages









Synopsis from GoodReads:
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?


Brent's opinion of the novel:
     A brilliant writer, Alyson Noel, once said "Every single story, every premise, has already been told. So, as writers, it is our job to tell the stories in a fresh, original, crazy, beautiful way." And that is exactly what Brenna Yovanoff does in The Replacement. It is one of my top ten reads of 2010. Foreal. It's hard to say what I loved about The Replacement, because what is there not to love about it? The characters are intriguing (especially Tate, I <3 her!), the writing is effortlessly fluid, and Brenna Yovanoff writes like a pro. I'm not really sure which I liked more--Brenna's writing style, or the actual novel itself. It's a tie!
     As everyone knows, vampires and werewolves are the "it thing" these days. There is a never-ending supply of YA fantasy titles, and I'm starting to get sick of it! But Brenna Yovanoff's The Replacement is just such a refreshing read. She uses a not-that-popular topic, faerie changelings. And if the premise doesn't suck you in enough, the story is perfectly paced. There was not a moment in The Replacement where I was bored reading. The deepness of the emotion in this novel was matched equally with the action & suspense.
    I usually tend to shy away from novels with male characters (I mean, all they talk about is sex and sports, and like all I talk about is shopping and Teen Vogue, you feel me? Haha)  but with The Replacement, Mackie is very easy to relate and sympathize with. Like, wouldn't it suck if you knew your parents weren't your actual parents? And that you were a total freak, compared to everyone else? Yupp it sure would. Mackie, like us all, just pines to fit in. But, there's just a tenacious a barrier between him and society. He's a . . . . (don't wanna ruin the book for you) dark creature.
     Another great writer, Stephenie Meyer, once said "Love is the best part of any story." And she was so right. In my opinion, the relationships in The Replacement were the best. Mackie's admiration and love for his sister made me say "awwwwww." (Omg, I really did say "Aww." I was in class reading, and I said "Aww" and everyone stared at me like I was rambling and talking to myself! Gosh, what I go through for reading).
     I know you're not suppose to judge a book by it's cover, but we all know everyone does it. Who gives a fuck? Not me! I love love love pretty covers, and The Replacement's cover is crazy beautiful. (Oh and this Jesus-loving lady gave me a dirty look when she saw the cover of this, she told me "Is that about killing babies?! Read a christian novel, for god's sake." She needs to get up outta my kool-aid! I can read what I want!)
      One more thing: The Replacement isn't a novel you buy, read, then never look at it again. It's a story you read and read again, over and over. Now days, there is an abundance of fantasy novels, but The Replacement is the most original of them all :P

Cover: Five Stars!
Originality: Five Stars!
Characters: Four Stars!
Ending: Four Stars!
Plot: Five Stars!


    

Book Review: The Ghost and the Goth!

Release Date: July 6, 2010


Title: The Ghost and the Goth


Author: Stacey Kade


Publisher: Hyperion


Format: Hardcover, 288 pages








Synopsis from Amazon:
After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck here in spirit form with no sign of the big, bright light coming to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser/outcast type who hates the social elite. He alone can see and hear her, but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?


Emily's opinion of the novel:
     Thanks to Stacey Kade, I got a chance to read this book way early (the official release date is July 6, 2010) and I am so glad that I did!  I am not normally a fan of ghost stories.  I've just began trying to branch out of my favorite genres into the science fiction/fantasy realm.  While this book technically fits into both of these genres, it is so much more!  I can truly say that this book has something for everyone.  I liked the fact that although it was a story about a young man that could communicate with ghosts, there was still an aspect of mystery, a touch of romance, and a unique story line.  

     When I first began reading the novel, I wasn't a fan of Alona Dare, the cheerleader who finds herself half way between the living and the dead.  It's really difficult to like a character that most of the other characters in the book dislike.  As the novel progresses, you realize that there is more than meets the eye and that Alona has a lot of depth to her character.  In fact, all of the characters in this book have great depth.  
     I immediately liked Will Killian, the goth who can communicate with the dead, even though he really doesn't want to.  Once again, we find out that there are a lot of elements at play in making Will who he is.  I am trying very hard to praise this book without giving away to many plot twists and turns.  It was the unpredictability of the book that made it most enjoyable for me to read.  I take that back, it's the complexity of the characters. No, it's the author's writing style.  Okay, it's all of the above!  This is a book that you won't regret reading.  I'm just sorry that you have to wait until July.

Cover: Five Stars!
Characters: Four Stars!
Plot: Five Stars!
Ending: Four Stars!
Originality: Five Stars!

Book Review: Forget You!

Release Date: July 20, 2010


Title: Forget You


Author: Jennifer Echols


Publisher: MTV


Format: Paperback, 256 pages








Synopsis from Jennifer Echols's website:

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. With her life about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people—suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Brent's opinion of the novel:
     Ever since I read Going Too Far, I knew Jennifer Echols would have a high standard set for her future novels. And there is. Bloggers and readers all across the blogoshpere are anticipating this novel, hopeful that it will be just as genius as Going Too Far. And when I cracked open my ARC of  Forget You (Thanks, Jenn!) I was so happy to see that Forget You actually was as good as Going Too Far. Hell, in my opinion it was better!
     Forget You is so original--both in the premise, and characters. I was very interested in reading Forget You, because one of the biggest parts of the novel is memory loss, a topic in which a wrote a short story on. So I was definitely excited to see how Jenn would pull off a memory-less romance.
     I think  Zoey is a character that many readers will be able to connect with. She's struggling with family issues, her love life, and she's finding herself too mature for her social circle and group of friends. Problems all of us face, right? But no, Zoey has it extra, super hard. She feels as if she's finally found the boy that's right for her. Her long-time friend, Brandon. All is well until, she gets into a car crash. And awakes to  her enemy (well, ex-enemy) all over her, acting lovey-dovey and stuff. Zoey cannot remember a single thing of the crash, especially why her boyfriend, Brandon, is acting weird. Now, I don't want it give too much away, but as the novel progresses, it gets better and better. Oh, the tension! Fans of Jennifer Echols will definitely not be disappointed with Forget You.

Cover: Five Stars!
Characters: Four Stars!
Plot: Five Stars!
Ending: Four Stars!
Originality: Five Stars!

Book Review: Shade!

Release Date: May 4, 2010



Title: Shade



Author: Jeri Smith-Ready



Publisher: Simon Pulse



Format: Hardcover, 320 pages





From the inside flap:
     Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart. Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last. Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.Well, sort of. Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost. It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart, and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Brent's opinion of the novel:
     Have you read the summary above? Well, it sounds good, right? No, this novel is not good. It is GREAT. Seriously. I loved everything about it. The characters, the plot, and the ending. There was something about this novel, the romance, that reminded me of Elizabeth Chandler's Kissed By An Angel.
     The main character, Aura (pretty name, right?) lives in a very original world. A world, just like ours, except that everyone born after "The Shift" can see and talk to the ghosts that roam the earth. Sounds cool. But it's totally not. The ghosts do nothing but complain, and Aura can't stand it. Hell, some ghosts go as far as to terrify Aura. Especially what they call "Shades." Very, very evil ghosts. Aura feels as though she's finally found an escape from this uncomfortable life--her boyfriend, Logan. That is, until he dies.
     As we all know, it would suck to have your lover die. But what really sucks is having to see your dead lover's ghost, everyday. The torture Aura goes through, having to love someone really can't ever have a relationship with. I felt sorry for her.
  I thought Shade had some very original elements, it was a refreshing read. I usually don't go for ghost stories, but Jeri Smith-Ready puts a new twist on a newly-risen creature. I actually think that, Shade will be a trend-setter, and that we'll see ghost stories coming up in the 2010-2011 publications.
     Shade was perfectly paced. I hate it when there are boring parts in a novel that make the reader want to just skip ahead. I was so glad when I found out that there actually were no boring parts. Whether it was the tension between Zachary and Aura, or the range of emotions the characters in Shade feel, I was constantly intrigued. Though the summary for this novel focusses on the romance, there are actually some interesting Sci/fi concepts (don't say "eeesh," I usually hate Science fiction too.) As the novel progresses, we find that Aura and Zachary are huge contributions as to why teenagers all over the world are seeing ghosts, and we find out that there is an elaborate history to it all.
      Shade was a perfect combination mystery, romance, and supernaturality (pretend that's a word.) I cannot wait for the sequel, The Shift.

Cover: Four Stars!
Characters: Five Stars!
Plot: Five Stars!
Ending: Four Stars!
Originality: Five Stars!

In Our Mailboxes. (:

Wow, our first IMM.  If you don't know what IMM is, well, it's where bloggers tell their followers what books they received, bought, or borrowed. You can check out the official details at The Story Siren. 

Now, first up are the ARCs!

Yes, mofos. That is NIGHTSHADE. Major screaming going on when I opened my mailbox.

And she even SIGNED it! We love her!

I didn't think we were going to get this one--but we did! Yay! Thank you Simon&Schuster! (And let me just say: I'm on chapter two--ahmazing book.)

I LOVED this book. Go check out the review HERE.

This one sounds good. But I really don't think I'll even finish reading it, it's just... I don't like the way it's written :O

Emily LOVED this one. The review should be up soon!

Ooh, Forget You. This book is just as yummy as Going Too Far!

Yes, Jenn Echols even signed it!

This "middle grade" novel looks great! Though it doesn't come out until Fall 2010. Expect a review in six months! Lol.

This one looks amazing. I can't wait to read it!

Aaaaaaah! The Replacement! Isn't the cover so cool?

Lovely Emily will review this one. I love the title! (:













Thanks to the following for sending us these wonderful books, we heart you:
Andrea Cremer
Sara Zick
Mary Hanlon stone
Jeri Smith-Ready
Stacey Kade
Jennifer Echols
Laura Sullivan

I have flooded this post with pictures, so I will just list the books that Emily purchased *cough cough with her mother's credit card*

Once a witch- Carolyn MacCullough

Penitence- Jennifer Laurens

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove- Lauren Kate

Red Headed Step Child- Jaye Wells

Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys- Tom Dolby & Melissa de la Cruz

Thinking Straight- Robin Reardon

The Vast Fields of Ordinary- Nick Burd

The Everafter- Amy Huntley

Hearst At Stake- Alyxandra Harvey

Fairy Tale- Cyn Balog

Teach Me- R.A. Nelson

 

That's it, you all. Look out for the reviews for these in the weeks to come. (: 

Xoxo, Brent & Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties

(And Emily and I agree that The Book Soulmates make awesome IMM Vlogs, go scheck them out.)

Book Review: The Sky Is Everywhere!

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere



Author: Jandy Nelson



Publisher: Dial



Format: Paperback, 288 pages









From the back cover:
Lennie has always been the companion pony to her sister Bailey’s race horse. When Bailey dies suddenly while rehearsing the lead in Romeo and Juliet, Lennie is thrust into the spotlight. A normally reserved band geek who reads Wuthering Heights like a manifesto, Lennie is not prepared to deal with her grief. Nor is she equipped to confront the affection she feels for her dead sister’s fiancé. Adding to her emotional roller coaster is the gorgeous, musically gifted new boy in town who is clearly in love with her. Lennie is sympathetic, believable, and complex. Readers will identify with her and root for her to finally make the first steps toward healing. Nelson incorporates poems, written by Lennie and left for the wind to carry away, that help readers delve deeper into her heart. Bonus: teens unfamiliar with Wuthering Heights will likely want to find out what all the fuss is about. A story of love, loss, and healing that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading.

Emily's opinion of the novel:
I learned about this book after looking at lists on Goodreads for 2010 young adult author debuts. As beautiful as the cover is, you would never guess that it was a young adult novel. After reading the beautiful synopsis, and seeing its rave reviews from authors such as Susane Colasanti and Gayle Forman, I knew I had to add it to my book release list. Doing so may have changed my life. This book was breathtaking from page one. Lennie's character is so honest, and so raw, that you have no choice but to get tangled up in her story yourself. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about how fast things progressed with both of the boys, especially Toby, but Nelson's writing takes away all fear. She explains the overwhelming need and desperation for Toby that arises in Lennie. In contrast, although Lennie and Joe are abruptly catapulted together, Nelson does a beautiful job of making sure the relationship is given time to blossom.  I loved the Walker family dynamics which included Grams the Garden Guru and the eccentric Uncle Big, and Lennie’s thoughts on her absentee mom. I also loved how Lennie wrote poems and notes to be scattered by the wind for someone else to find. I knew that all those notes were going to be found and revealed in some sort of emotional climax, and I was right. I couldn't have been happier with who found them, and how it played into the storyline. It was so difficult to anticipate how this book would play out because of all the unexpected surprises, but that just made me appreciate the story even more. I was surprised by how much I found myself laughing in spite of all the tragedy. It was amazing to read a book that can make you laugh, cry, and burst with romantic happiness all at the same time. This book was beautiful, and I never wanted to put it down. This was an amazing debut from Jandy Nelson, and will be anxiously awaiting what she has planned next.

Overall Rating: Five Stars!

Blog Hop!

The Naughty Book Kitties have joined Blog Hopper!

The Book Blogger Hop was a meme created by Jennifer at Crazy For Books. It's purpose is to serve as a way for readers and bloggers to network and find cool new blogs! For the original post, click HERE.

Also, we will be doing our first In My Mailbox post on monday, so look out for that! Have a great weekend, everybody.

Xoxo, Brent & Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties

Book Review: Invisible Girl!

Release Date: May 27, 2010


Title: Invisible Girl


Author: Mary Hanlon Stone


Publisher: Philomel Books


Format: Hardcover, 288 pages






From the inside flap:
When poor Boston girl Stephanie is abandoned by her abusive mother and taken in by Annie’s Beverly Hills family, she feels anything but home. Her dark complexion and accent stick out like a sore thumb in the golden-hued world of blondes and extravagance. These are girls who seem to live life in fastforward, while Stephanie is stuck on pause. Yet when a new rival moves to town, threatening Annie’s queen-bee status, Stephanie finds herself taking sides in a battle she never even knew existed, and that feeling invisible is a wound that can only be healed by standing up for who she is. Brilliant newcomer Mary Hanlon Stone delivers a compulsively readable insider’s view of growing up in a world where money and privilege don’t always glitter.

Brent's opinion of the novel:
While reading this novel, there is one word I kept catching myself saying. "Awww." Whether it was "Aww I can't believe Stephanie has to go through that" or "Aww I love Stephanie" or "Aww that girl is such a bitch". This is one of those books where you find yourself going through a full range of emotions. Half of the time I was mad at some of the characters, and the other half I was in love with some of them. Half of the time I was feeling so bad for Stephanie, all sad and stuff, and then half of the time I was all giddy that Stephanie had found a friend. I really, really liked this book, and I'm very surprised this is a debut novel from Mary Hanlon Stone, you would've thought that she had been a big-time author, perfecting the craft for many years. Like a Deb Caletti novel of self-discovery, Mary Hanlon Stone writes about how hard it is to forget the tragic events of our lives, and how to forgive the ones who caused them. I love it when I actually learn something from a novel, like something moral, not educational. And from this novel, I have learned that trying to be something you're not is pointless, and that as long as you stay true to who you are, everything will fall in place. I read books to connect with the characters, to connect with the authors, to experience things I wouldn't normally experience. And I'm so glad to say that I did all three of those with INVISIBLE GIRL. Though the topic of child abuse is very present in this novel, the majority of INVISBLE GIRL is about what happens after the abuse. It's hard to say "I recommend this novel to people who love to read (insert genre here:_______)" because this book is very individual. I'm just going to end this review saying: Read INVISIBLE GIRL. You won't feel like it's time wasted, trust me. I couldn't stop smiling when Mary told me she has another book coming out next spring, because she is on my "authors to look out for" list. (:

Overall Rating: Four and a half Stars!

CONTEST WINNER!

And the winner of the Jenn Laurens Contest is . . .

Sierra Northamnson

Yay for Sierra! She has been emailed, and if she does not respond in the next week, another winner will be chosen. Thank you, everyone, for entering and supporting The Naughty Book Kitties. Emily and I appreciate you! And look for more contests coming up. (:

Xoxo,

Brent and Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties

CONTEST!

We are hosting our first contest! Yay! Okay, so here're the prizes:

A copy of A SEASON OF EDEN

A copy of HEAVENLY

Two bookmarks (A SEASON OF EDEN & HEAVENLY)



One winner will be chosen to receive the list of prizes above. A winner will be chosen on Thursday night, all you have to do to enter is email us at naughtybookkittens@gmail.com telling us why you want to read HEAVENLY and A SEASON OF EDEN.  Of course, you have to be a follower to enter, and you will have twice the chance of winning if you spread the word about this blog, whether it be through Facebook, or Twitter. Just send us the link! Thanks, and good luck!

Also: Jennifer Laurens is also having a contest. Check it out HERE.
And: the lovely Undercover Book Lover has a great contest HERE.

   Plus: A wonderful blogger, Amelia, is hosting and awesome contest HERE.

Xoxo, Brent and Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties

Book Review- A Season of Eden!

Title: A Season of Eden



Author: JM Warwick (Jennifer Laurens)



Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing



Format: Paperback, 244 pages









From the back cover:
He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

Brent's opinion of the novel:
Now, I'm always depressed when Sarah Dessen is in between novels, with nothing coming out or new. But with reading A SEASON OF EDEN, I'm super glad that I've found a brand new author to fulfilll my sweet-love-story-Sarah Dessen-esque book crave. So yes, this novel, and Jennifer Lauren's writing style, reminds me a lot of Sarah Dessen, which is saying a lot! I was very hesitant to read A SEASON OF EDEN, I mean, it sounded sorta creepy. Ask Emily, every time I saw her read it, I'd joke on her for reading creeper books. But, after a lot of persuasion, Emily got me excited to read this book, describing it with words like "sweet" and "romantic." I am so glad she convinced me to read A SEASON OF EDEN. I didn't know what I was missing out on. The main character, Eden, was just so admirable. She never flaunted her wealth, and was always kind, to everyone. All the boys at her school want her, and all the girls want to be her. So, it would seem like her life is perfect. But no, after her mother dying a few years back, and meeting her father's bitter second wife, she is doubting the tenacity of relationships. Eden is much, much more mature than kids her age, and feels bored with her friends. The novel starts off halfway through Eden's senior year of high school; Eden is starting off the new semester with Chorus, an easy A. In walks the teacher, Mr. Christian. 1) He's super attractive, 2) He's only 22, and 3) He's very mature. Eden is in heaven. And her crush on him only intensifies into love once she gets to know him. I don't want to reveal too much of the book, but I will say that I screamed a few times at both Mr. Christian (James) and Eden. I loved this book, and I'm excited to read a lot more of the other novels Jennifer Laurens has written (Emily insists I do so, so many books, too little time). I reccomend A SEASON OF EDEN to anyone who loves sweet, romantic, quick, light novels.

Overall Rating: Four Stars!

Book Review- Heavenly!

Title: Heavenly



Author: Jennifer Laurens



Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing



Format: Paperback, 294 pages









From the back cover:
I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

Emily's opinion of the novel:
This book was fantastic! I tend to be a critical reviewer, rarely giving a 5 of 5 rating to anything but classics, but this book earned all 5 stars. Zoe is a fairly mature teenage girl trying to deal with all the events in her life, trying to reconcile her beliefs with why bad things happen to her family. After meeting her autistic younger sister's guardian angel, she realizes some things about life--good things. She is a typical teenage girl in that she is overwhelmed by the pressures around her, and without a strong support system, she turns to alcohol and other negative outlets for relief. Hers is definitely a flawed character, but as the novel progresses, she shows an inner strength that both the reader and Zoe wonder if she has. The entire family seems incredibly real. The neglectful parents are still loving and caring; they are just so caught up in the care of their youngest child that they backburner the two oldest. Zoe's brother, Luke, is coping with the same problems in an even more destructive way, but Zoe learns how to reach out, both to him and to her younger sister, Abria. There is school-related drama as well, which Zoe also must face. She does so with reluctance and the uncertainty frequently attached to adolescence.  The writing style is engaging, a mix of movement, emotions and deep introspective thought. Matthias, Abria's guardian, is an enviable love interest. He is perfect as an immortal, but his humanity shows through his compassion and his revelations of his past life, removing him from the pedestal Zoe unconsciously attempts to put him on. The author gives a vivid picture of Zoe's feelings and reasoning, as well as the tension that the family feels as a result of Abria's diagnosis. Abria's autism is treated with dignity, painting a realistic picture of her actions with gentle humor thrown in as a coping mechanism. I could hardly put this book down, except to carve out time to sleep and eat. Even for an avid reader, I finished this in record time. The end of each chapter had me wanting more--What happens? What will Zoe do? I hope that she does this instead! And the ending! At first, I thought it was too much, but after thinking on it for a while, I realized that the ending is just perfect, tying up the novel none too tidily, but with the same grace and energy with which it was written.

Overall Rating: Five Stars!

Book Review- Will Grayson, Will Grayson!

Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson




Author(s): John Green, David Levithan




Publisher: Dutton Juvenile




Format: Hardcover, 304 pages






From the inside flap:
Will Grayson's best friend since fifth grade, nicknamed Tiny Cooper, is bigger than life in terms of his physical stature and his personality—the "world's largest person who is really, really gay." Tiny, while seeking the boy of his dreams, has been through the trauma of myriad short-lived romantic relationships and Will has supported him each time his heart is broken. Now, Tiny decides it's Will's turn. At first, Will resents Tiny's matchmaking efforts, but then an amazing coincidence that stems from it brings a new person into their lives. It's another teen named Will Grayson, who is sad and depressed, and captures Tiny's heart. While these and other relationships are connecting, intersecting, and eventually changing, Tiny writes and produces an autobiographical high school musical extravaganza that is really about life. On the night it premiers, everything comes full circle and further validates the presence of the Will Graysons. Based on the premises that "love is tied to truth" and "being friends, that's just something you are," this powerful, thought-provoking, funny, moving, and unique plot is irresistible. Told in alternating chapters from each Will Grayson's point of view (one in lower case, effectively individualizing identities), complete with honest language, interesting characters, and a heartfelt, gritty edge, this quirky yet down-to-earth collaboration by two master YA storytellers will keep readers turning pages.

Brent's opinion of the novel:
I cried. I laughed. I cried some more. And then I finished the novel laughing again. That's exactly what I did.
This is just one of those books, the kind that, as you read, you're either smiling giddily at what's happening, or you're on the verge of crying. Now, this was my first John Green/David Levithan novel, and I was very apprehensive to reading it. It's not really the type of book I read, I go for more romances written by women (I mean, here's my judging, but whatever) because, usually, women write the best romances. But wow, John and David really exceeded my expectations. It was kind of refreshing reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson. I picked up this book because I was curious about the whole plot, I mean, a straight dude having a gay bestfriend is pretty unheard of (well, in my town).   The book is written from two points of view, both main characters named Will Grayson. The novel starts off with Will Grayson, the straight dude with a gay bff, named Tiny. Will has seen Tiny hurt by so many boys, he is apprehensive about love. He just, can't seem to find the effort to start liking anyone, despite Tiny's efforts to kisk-start Will into the dating game. He also lives by two rules: 1) Shut up, and 2) Be quiet. Where on the other hand, Tiny lives by opposing rules: 1) Be loud, and 2) Be proud. throughout the novel, Will struggles with coming to terms that he actually likes someone (and I mean really, really likes, it's on the border line of love), a lovely, so-tough, Jane. Now, on to the other Will Grayson, the gay one. When we are first introduced to the gay Will Grayson, he is angry at the world. He barely makes it through life, glaring at people, observing the ignorance of society, coming to terms with his sexuality. He literally has no friends, unless you count the princess-of-darkness-esque girl, Maura, who Will just talks to so she'll buy him coffee (hehe). As the novel progresses, both of the Will Graysons' lives intertwine. now, I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say that they meet at a porn store, the gay Will Grayson heartbroken, and the straight Will Grayson bored. Though I only read this novel because it had some gay characters (Emily and I love us some good ol' gay books!), it had some other parts that I really enjoyed. Surprisingly, I found the straight Will Grayson's love life intriguing. He's just so scared of... failure, I guess? I really admire the straight Will Grayson, he sticks up for what he thinks is right, despite what other people might say. I thought that I really could connect with him, which is very unusual for me, haha I usually only connect with either girl characters, and gay characters. While reading this novel, I found some flaws in myself. I judge people, particularly straight guys. I realized that there ARE accepting straight guys in the world, and I really appreciate that John and David indirectly taught me this lesson. I think there's something to be learned from this novel, for everyon. Gays, as I, can learn that there are people who support you, and to not reciprocate the judgmentalness thrown your way. And, of course, straights can learn that homosexuality is about love, not some disgusting illness.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great, quick, sweet read.

Overall Rating: Four Stars!

Book Review- The Forest of Hands and Teeth!

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth



Author: Carrie Ryan



Publisher: Delacorte Books



Format: Paperback, 336 pages









From the back cover:
Mary knows little about the past and why the world now contains two types of people: those in her village and the undead outside the fence, who prey upon the flesh of the living. The Sisters protect their village and provide for the continuance of the human race. After her mother is bitten and joins the Unconsecrated, Mary is sent to the Sisters to be prepared for marriage to her friend Harry. But then the fences are breached and the life she has known is gone forever. Mary; Harry; Travis, whom Mary loves but who is betrothed to her best friend; her brother and his wife; and an orphaned boy set out into the unknown to search for safety, answers to their questions, and a reason to go on living. In this sci-fi/horror novel, the suspense that Ryan has created from the very first page on entices and tempts readers so that putting the book down is not an option. The author skillfully conceals and reveals just enough information to pique curiosity while also maintaining an atmosphere of creepiness that is expected in a zombie story. Some of the descriptions of death and mutilation of both the Unconsecrated and the living are graphic.

Emily's opinion of the novel:
Life can feel like a giant trap sometimes, a perimeter fence that surrounds you and hems you in, barring you from pursuing your own dreams and leaving you stuck in a rut of survival, while misfortunes and pitfalls hammer and moan against the barricade that doubles as both haven and prison.  Just sayin’… Sometimes when I’ve become particularly engrossed in a book–a dark, haunting, hopeless book–the end leaves me feeling surrounded by a shadowy fog, unable to shake my dark mood and the feelings that arose in me during the time I spent wallowing in its desolate pages. This is especially likely to happen when I devour the entire story in one day, stamping down the niggling voices in my head that remind me of all the things I should be doing and shutting myself in my room to read incessantly, as I did with The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Two hours later, I find myself writing this review in an attempt to exorcise my somewhat bleak mood. In this book, Mary, a young girl of marriageable age, lives in an isolated village surrounded by a fence that keeps out the forest beyond–a forest writhing and moaning with the flesh-hungry undead. In a world overrun with zombies, the village has been the only oasis Mary’s people have known for generations, and the villagers believe themselves the last bastion of humanity. Their only focus, as they go about their daily lives, is survival, growing their community and keeping the fences secure. When Mary loses first her father, then her mother, to the Unconsecrated, she is forced to join the Sisterhood, the village’s powerful holy governing body. Having lost her belief in God, however, Mary refuses to conform to their ways and through her inquisitiveness learns that the Sisters are the gatekeepers of sinister secrets that call into question everything the villagers have been told about their way of life. But before she can discover the full truth, Mary finds herself plunged into a fight for survival, a romantic triangle and a struggle to hold on to dreams of a place where the water is vast and unending and free of the Unconsecrated, a place about which her family has passed down stories through the generations. I enjoyed this book very much as both a haunting piece of zombie literature and an allegory for the way conformity can imprison you and only by throwing off its shackles and following your own path can you hope to find true freedom. Plus, the zombie gore made me shiver with some truly chilling moments, and tonight I think my dreams will be tinged with the constant moans of the undead. As a love story, however, I found it compelling but somewhat lacking. Despite Mary’s adamant inner wailings and yearnings for Travis, the brother of the boy to whom she has been betrothed, their love for each other seemed hollow, and I didn’t really find myself fully buying into it, despite the sacrifices they make for each other in the end. I was much more interested in her relationship with her brother, Jed, who throws Mary out of the house after their mother dies, forcing her to join the Sisterhood–but that relationship was also sadly undeveloped, sacrificed to the limping love story. I’m not sure this book would have read quite the same way for me had it not been for the 2004 movie The Village, which has a similar initial premise but takes a very different path than this book. Unable to ignore the striking similarities between the two, I immediately began questioning the origins and true nature of Mary’s village and took every plot twist and turn as a build-up to a big Reveal that would explain just how and why everything is not as it seems. I’m sorry to say, the Reveal never came. While I can appreciate the (sometimes) desirability of subtle storytelling, of offering only hints and allowing the reader to infer the rest, this book just left too many questions unanswered. It began with the promise of a mystery, but the mystery was never solved and I didn’t feel Ryan left me with enough information to draw any satisfying conclusions. And just when Mary reached a point where it seemed she might finally find some answers, the book ended. Ack! There’s a movie in the works that’s supposed to come out this year, and while I usually hate it when the storyline changes for the film adaptation, I find myself actually hoping that this movie will offer more answers than the book did–provided they bring the author on as a consultant and keep it true to her vision. (And please, please, oh please don’t cast Kristen Stewart as Mary…) Despite its flaws, however, The Forest of Hands and Teeth had me hooked from the beginning and completely engaged until the end. It’s also one of those books that continues to linger in my brain long after I’ve put it down, and those are the kind I always like to recommend to my friends.

Overall rating: Five Stars!

Book Review- If I Stay!

Title: If I Stay



Author: Gayle Forman



Publisher: Dutton Juvenile



Format: Hardcover, 208 pages









From the inside flap:
The last normal moment that Mia, a talented cellist, can remember is being in the car with her family. Then she is standing outside her body beside their mangled Buick and her parents' corpses, watching herself and her little brother being tended by paramedics. As she ponders her state (Am I dead? I actually have to ask myself this), Mia is whisked away to a hospital, where, her body in a coma, she reflects on the past and tries to decide whether to fight to live. Via Mia's thoughts and flashbacks, Forman (Sisters in Sanity) expertly explores the teenager's life, her passion for classical music and her strong relationships with her family, friends and boyfriend, Adam. Mia's singular perspective (which will recall Alice Sebold's adult novel, The Lovely Bones) also allows for powerful portraits of her friends and family as they cope: Please don't die. If you die, there's going to be one of those cheesy Princess Diana memorials at school, prays Mia's friend Kim. I know you'd hate that kind of thing. Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living.

Emily's opinion of the novel:
Astoundingly gripping, realistic, and heartfelt. If I Stay is incredibly unique in the basic plot- Mia has a choice- does she stay and live or die and pass on? That would be an insurmountable choice to face and Forman has pitched it beautifully, executing this one poignantly. Her fantastic idea was made even more memorable by Forman's phenomenal writing style. She easily pulls the reader into this one, putting them right alongside Mia as she watches her body, her family and friends, and thinks back on her life. Setting this book further apart is Mia's family. Her parents march to their own beat but are, by no means, bad parents. She is close with them, is very willing to spend a snow day taking a joy ride with them and her brother, and a large part of the book shows how close knit this family of four was. There is little animosity between them and that very fact made the entire book even more gut wrenching. If Mia stays, she will be returning to a world without the parents she loves, adores, and needs. The parents that have always been there. She would still have her grandparents- grandparents who have several of their own beautiful scenes- but she is still faced with the choice. Further compounding her decision is Mia's boyfriend, Adam. In the same way I loved learning about her family, I loved meeting and learning about Adam. Their relationship was explained in an amazing way and watching Adam's responses to learning his girlfriend has been in a terrible car accident and is now an orphan brought tears to my eyes. Adam's character, simply put, is as pragmatically well done as Mia's, enhanced again by Forman's ability to write raw emotion. Mia's final choice was executed perfectly and the ending of this book was fantastic. Yes, this one brought tears to my eyes and left me feeling gutted- often times, I felt this book was outright eviscerating when everything was taken into consideration. The basic idea may seem simple but the execution is astounding. Forman certainly hit a home run with this one and I highly, highly recommend it. This is one for the favorites’ shelf. On another note, recently announced is the title of the sequel to this book: Where She Went set to hit shelves in 2011. I can only imagine where things will go from there and with that title, rest assured- the ending of this book and Mia's choice is most definitely not betrayed. This one will be in Adam's POV which I definitely love the idea of. If I Stay could be stand alone but I am very relieved to know there will be more.

Overall Rating: Five Stars!

Book Review- The Reckoning!

Title: The Reckoning (Darkest Powers series, #3)



Author: Kelley Armstrong



Publisher: HarperCollins



Format: Hardcover, 400 pages









From the inside flap:
My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal. But normal is one thing I'm not. For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf. Not normal. My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently. Definitely not normal. And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying. As far away from normal as it gets.

Emily's opinion of the book:
In this third volume of Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers trilogy, Chloe is finally beginning to control her ability to raise the dead. The usual cast of characters—Simon, Derek, and Tori—are with her at a safe house and as they began to unravel the mystery of the Edison Group, Chloe also begins to sort out her feelings for Simon and Derek. I was hooked on this series after reading the first book, The Summoning. I loved the whole idea of a psychiatric ward for teens being a front for kids with supernatural powers. Over the course of the series, Chloe has gradually become more comfortable with her necromancy skills, scary as they are. While the second book in the series, The Awakening, fell a little flat for me as it served only to get Chloe and her friends from Point A to Point B with little character or plot development, this third volume has a lot to offer. I enjoyed reading about Chloe's developing feelings for Derek and about her growing confidence in her supernatural abilities. However...and this isn't a flaw at all, just an observation...I felt like there was more to Chloe's story. The ending was satisfying, action packed, and closed a lot of plot lines, but throughout this third book, several clues were dropped that perhaps this won't be the last book in the series. For example, Margaret, one of the adults who takes Chloe and her friends in, looks scared when Chloe mentions that the stone in her protective necklace changed colors, but we never find out what the changing colors means. Also, there are several allusions that the Edison Group isn't the only group that Chloe needs to fear. Finally, Chloe meets a demon at one point and his parting words made me think that it wasn't the last she would see of him. I don't mean to imply that this trilogy doesn't feel finished, just that it would be great to extend it into a four or five book series. One can only wish (:

Overall Rating: Four Stars!

Book Review- Wings!

Title: Wings (Wings series, #1)



Author: Aprilynne Pike



Publisher: HarperTeen



Format: Hardcover, 294 pages









From the inside flap:
Fifteen-year-old Laurel has led a sheltered, homeschooled life in a very small town, so when her parents decide to move and enroll her in high school, she has trouble getting used to her new life. A life, as it turns out, that’s not at all like those of other kids. One clear sign is a winglike blossom that blooms on her back. Oh, and her new best friend, the scientifically minded David, reveals under a microscope that her cells are more plant than animal. But it takes an encounter at her old home with the handsome but decidedly different Tamani to convince her that she is a faerie. She also learns it’s up to her to save her land from the evil influences that are trying to take it away from her and her family. This first novel is clearly designed to attract the Twilight set, though there’s significantly less edge (and blood). There is, however, a familiar triangle. Will Laurel choose solid, steady David, or will she be unable to resist Tamani’s lure? Stay tuned. Fine escapist fare, this neatly mixes the everyday with the otherworldly.

Emily's opinion of the book:
Laurel has never had much in common with other teenagers. For one thing, she has been home-schooled for all of her life, and is something of an introvert. In her sophomore year, Laurel’s parents move and decide that it is time for her to attend a public school, and Laurel realizes how different she really is from her classmates. It’s not just her home-schooled, “hippie” background or peculiar vegan and sprite-only diet; nor is it just because of her beautiful, willowy looks or her affinity for the woods and sunlight. One day, Laurel discovers a welt on her back that simply won’t go away…and it grows, blooming into a pair of stunningly beautiful, wing-like petals. Frightened and completely alone, Laurel turns to her new friend David for help and comfort, and she learns just how different from everyone else she really is. Aprilynne Pike’s debut novel Wings has received rave reviews from YA critics, and has garnered comparisons to Stephenie Meyer’s uber-popular Twilight saga (even scoring a cover quote from Ms. Meyer) – which is apt. Wings shares the same enchanting otherworldly feel with Twilight, as well as the awkward, pretty new girl in town premise – but that’s where the comparison ends. Why? Because in this reviewer’s opinion, Wings outshines Twilight in every possible way. Wings is a lush, beautifully written novel that encompasses romance, an imaginative spin on the realm of faerie, thrilling action and a strong heroine that would mop the floor with Bella Swan. Fifteen year-old Laurel sets herself part from the people she meets at school, feeling claustrophobic in the air conditioned classrooms and covered cafeterias – but instead of passively going with the flow and trying to fit in, she prefers to sit outside in the sunlight on her own. A few reviews seem to take issue with the book’s “slower” start, dealing with the day to day musings and uncertainties of Laurel – but this appeals to me, as a reader and grounds Laurel as a tangible, sympathetic character. When David talks to her, she welcomes his friendship and later confides in him when she cannot tell her adoptive parents exactly how different she is from everyone else – but she’s very careful not to lose herself in David’s comfort, or let her life become defined by their relationship. With David’s support and quiet strength, Laurel comes to grips with exactly who and what she is in a very nice twist on the faerie myth, and also a refreshing twist on the traditional ‘girl falls for supernaturally sexy boy’ story. I have to admit that I loved Laurel’s mettle and her positive attitude; despite the immense changes she is going through (and growing a giant flower out of one’s back is a pretty dramatic change!), Laurel keeps her wits about her. It is Laurel that discovers what her true parentage is; it is Laurel who recognizes the danger that threatens her family, and who saves them all from danger. As a strong, non-passive heroine, Laurel totally rocks. As a romantic novel, Wings is completely, winsomely enchanting. There’s a love triangle, which is to be expected in line with the Twilight comparisons – but the very human and calmly dependable David juxtaposed against the emotional, supernatural charmer Tamani are much more fleshed out as characters and more desirable (in my opinion) than the tawdry Edward and Jacob. I think what I appreciate the most about this blossoming love story is that it is not founded on obsession or unrealistic premises – Laurel is cautious with her emotions, and does not recklessly pin her entire self-worth on her truest of true loves. Both characters have their very different appeals, and the triangle is far from concluded – sure to draw some intense David or Tam debates. At this point, the triangle is engaging and fresh – I just hope Ms. Pike can keep the appeal going in the next few books without slipping into contrivance (I’m always a little ary when starting into a love triangle story. Somehow I always end up rooting for the losing guy.) So far as plotting and world-building are concerned, Wings is deftly written and freshly original. I won’t spoil the particular twist, but suffice to say that I was intrigued by Ms. Pike’s take on faerie. There’s action and danger aplenty in this novel as well, as a mysterious stranger tries to buy Laurel’s family land and threatens her family with mortal consequences. Murderous plots, death-defying escapes, magic and romance abound in Wings – what’s not to love? I finished Ms. Pike’s lovely debut in a single sitting, and cannot wait for the next installment in the series.

Overall Rating: Five Stars!



Also, here is a link to a wonderful contest for a chance to win an ARC of Wings's sequel, Spells: http://www.latebloomeronline.com/2010/03/spells-arc-giveaway_14.html

Book Review- Hex Hall!

Title: Hex Hall (Hex Hall series, #1)



Author: Rachel Hawkins



Publisher: Hyperion



Format: Hardcover, 336 pages









From the inside flap:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Brent's opinion of the book:
I'm furious, pissed. Not because this book wasn't as ahh-mazing as everyone has said, because it surely was! But because the sequel does not come out until 2011. Yes, this is one of those books that makes you want the sequel even when you're only half-way into it! By page 50 I knew this was going to be on my list of "Top Ten Books of the Year". It was just so refreshing, Rachel Hawkins has an ahh-mazing, new, fresh, exciting, blunt writing style. I love it when I find a new author that I can start worshiping.. and I have definitely found one of those with Hex Hall. One of my favorite things about Hex Hall is Sophie, the main character. I don't know what was so appealing about her to me, I guess the fact that she told it how it is. She's hilarious. On the back cover of the book, there is a quote from Becca Fitzpatrick that says "I laughed every page". Now, when I first got the book I didn't believe Becca, I thought she was just saying that to give a good review.. But once I actually started reading Hex Hall, I understood what she meant. Hex Hall actually does make you laugh, every single page you read. Whether it's the dramatic irony, Sophie's sarcasm, or something else Sophia says or does, you laugh EVERY SINGLE PAGE. On top of that, I also found that Hex Hall is a great mystery. The entire time I was reading it I was postive I knew who the culprit of the book's mysterious events was, but of course my guess was wrong. When I stay up reading into the night, I usually tell myself "Okay, ten more pages then go to bed", but with Hex Hall, counting pages was unimportant. The writing style and Sophie's real personality is what kept me reading late into the night (I'm glad I read Hex Hall over spring break! I would've failed my science test if I read it any other week!) As with any great debut series, there is romance. Sophie finds herself attracted to Archer (as did I!) I also loved how this book used "inapropriate language". Yeah, Sophie cussed. But it wasn't like a sailor, and it surely wasn't glossed over for parental control. It was perfect. Also, the paranormal/supernatural aspects of Hex Hall were great. The entire Prodigium world is very original, but sticks to a lot of traditional european mythology concepts. I'm soooooooooooo very excited to read the sequel. (When it comes out, ughhhhhh. Like are you serious? 2011? Fml.) I reccomend this book to readers who love boarding school-typish books, also fans of the House of Night series would love Hex Hall!

Overall Rating: Five Stars!

Book Review- Before I Fall!

Title: Before I Fall



Author: Lauren Oliver



Publisher: HarperCollinns



Format: Harcover, 480 pages









From the inside flap:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life? Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Emily's opinion of the book:
Lauren Oliver’s debut novel left me speechless. Well, I suppose I did a fair amount of babbling, but it wasn’t exactly coherent – I was in awe. I never expected that I’d be up all night because I simply could not put BEFORE I FALL down! The plot of BEFORE I FALL is not one that is new to readers, but it is classic. Samantha dies unexpectedly, but does not “pass on.” Instead she relives her last day repeatedly, until she figures out the key to escaping the limbo-like state. Oliver’s take on the premise added twists that made BEFORE I FALL truly unique. Oliver characterized her main character, Samantha, perfectly. She had so many layers and even as she did horrid, mean-girl things, she pulled me in and made me understand her. I can honestly say I identified with Samantha. She is now one of my favorite narrators! Samantha’s growth throughout the novel progressed perfectly. She does not immediately change her self-centered ways, she must make an effort to change. She must slow down and notice all the small details in her everyday life and how even her smallest actions make ripples and affect others. I am so glad that BEFORE I FALL was so lengthy, partially because I didn’t want it to end, but also because it allowed for the plot to unfold at just the right pace. There is a romantic plot line… and it was so, so good… but it was also so very painful. This aspect of the novel cemented my love for this novel. I adored the entire plot and novel, but his seemly doomed story was just so utterly romantic. I am a romance junkie and BEFORE I FALL totally fed my obsession. It made me cry, but was still satisfying. BEFORE I FALL is a must-read. And, I think, a must-buy! Oliver’s novels will all have a spot on my bookshelf… I’m already anxiously awaiting her next novel!



Overall Rating: Four stars!

Book Review- Hourglass!

Title: Hourglass (Evernight Series, #3)



Author: Claudia Gray




Publisher: HarperTeen




Format: Harcover, 352 pages







From the inside flap:
The third heart-pounding page-turner in the best-selling Evernight series follows Bianca, the teenage daughter of vampire parents who has both bloodthirsty and human qualities, and her mortal beloved, Lucas, to Manhattan, a “city with a serious vampire problem.” Posing as a member of the vampire-hunting group Black Cross, to which Lucas belongs, Bianca continues to take part in the war between humans and vampires, which rages everywhere from elegant apartments to Central Park. Once again, Gray balances the tense, relentless action with passionate romance all the way to the shocking conclusion, which will leave readers demanding the next installment.

Emily's opinion of the book:
Claudia Gray impressed me with this book. I loved Evernight, but when I read Stargazer I was very disappointed. It was slow, and on top of that, very predictable. I wasn't sure I was going to read Hourglass, but now that I'm finished I'm so glad I did. So many things happen in this book, it's almost hard to keep up! The twists and turns are intense and make you want to scream and go get an Advil. The changes in this book assure that there will be some very elaborate plots in the next book, and the cliff hanger you're left with will make you want to get your hands on Afterlife (Book Four) as fast as you can. With Hourglass, Gray has become more original. What I love about this book is that it surprised me. I wasn't expecting the events of Bianca and Lucas's lives to play out the way that they did. Claudia Gray pulled a fast one on me, and I'm happy she did! Usually it's easy to predict where the author is going to take the story next, but with this one, my guesses were completely wrong. So, be prepared for a big twist(s) at the end. The romance was still there of course, and I felt it was what held the story together. If the romance was nonexistent, I don't think Bianca and Lucas would be able to keep going as they did. But sadly, in this book, I didn't feel like their romance was as strong as it was in the previous books, but maybe it was just me. Another thing that I didn't like was that the story seemed disjointed and chunky in some parts. There were many parts in the story that didn’t end smoothly, and the scenes after would start too suddenly. Parts just didn't fit. Also, it seemed that something tragic was always happening. I mean, I can handle one big twist at the end, but two or three? This isn’t “One Life to Live” or “General Hospital”. It becomes too much after a while. Thankfully, it wasn't too hard to ignore the things that were bugging me, and replace them with the exciting aspects of the story. Astonishing, suspenseful, and creative, Hourglass will shock you. It has definitely surpassed anything I've read by Claudia Gray. The ending of this third book in the series will leave you gasping for more. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Afterlife. Even if you thought Stargazer was horrible, as I did, you'll most likely still enjoy Hourglass.



Overall Rating: Three Stars!