Review of Break my Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters

Hyperion

Break My Heart 1,000 Times
By Daniel Waters
5 Scribbles!
To be released October 16, 2012

Since “The Event” years before, where millions of people were killed in an instant, ghosts have become a constant part of the world. Veronica cannot walk to school without seeing a ghost, sit through a class or have breakfast without a ghost being present—in fact so many ghosts exist, that ghosts are quite normal. People are accustomed to seeing them and have stopped trying to figure out why they appear—with the exception of Mr. Pescatelli, who is writing a book on the subject, and employs Kirk and Veronica to do field work observing and taping ghost appearances. But when Kirk and Veronica begin to uncover grisly clues to the murder of several local girls, they realize that they are putting their own lives in very serious danger.

First let me say that this is my first Daniel Waters book, despite the fact that he has written many successful YA novels before. How did I miss this talented author? The first noticeable strength of this work is the style, the prose is so rich that at times it borders on the literary, the tone macabre and sinister without being egregiously violent. Veronica and Kirk are typical, relatable teens who want a simple, uncomplicated relationship but face roadblocks at every turn, while the villain and murderer of the story is complex and more than adequately creepy. The reader will loathe the killer as they listen to his thoughts, but they will also sympathize with him, and this story element speaks for the sophistication of the writing and the author’s insight into human nature. And then there are the ghosts! It becomes clear as the novel progresses that ghosts are not simple creatures. Ghosts may differ in nature, some merely images, others harbingers of doom, and others bent on helping, facts that Veronica and Kirk discover through their chilling investigations.  Readers will be spellbound by the discoveries the protagonists make, and they will anxiously await the constant and seamless appearances of new ghosts at every turn.  In addition to the riveting story line, the reader is also led to ponder philosophical questions that make the mind bend; is time really linear? Is there life after death? Are there ghosts all around us? Why do ghosts appear?  A phenomenal work that successfully combines mystery with the paranormal and is impossible to put down, I encourage anyone with an interest in the paranormal, in mysteries, or anyone who just wants a fantastic, creepy read to buy this book the instant it hits bookstores!

Review of Stealing Air by Trent Reedy

Arthur A. Levine Books

Stealing Air
by Trent Reedy
To be released October 1, 2012
3 Scribbles

When sixth grade skater, Brian, moves to a small town in Iowa from big-city Seattle, he sees it as an opportunity to “start fresh.” However, it doesn’t take long for Brian to land on the radar of the class bully, Frank, and to fall for Frank’s sister, Wendy.  It seems like things couldn’t get any worse—that is until Brian’s parents can’t find an investor for their company invention, Plastisteel. Now Brian has bigger problems to face.  If Brian can’t help the company find an investor fast, Brian’s family will lose everything, and Frank will be the least of his problems.  

One of this novel’s strengths is the fact that its main characters are layered. Readers will enjoy meeting Brian, an everyday kid who struggles with everyday decisions. For instance, when class brainiac, Max, makes friends with Brian and they begin to build a flier made of plastisteel, Brian has no idea that he will be in Max’s class at school. Once faced with the decision to sit with Max at lunch, Brian wonders if being Max’s friend is worth being seen as a nerd, and he must meet cowardice head-on—not an easy thing to do at any age, let alone in the sixth grade. Frank is your typical bully but he has a sad past and a caring sister; Max is a genius with a sophisticated vocabulary but he hides a dark secret; and Alex is a successful “bookie” whose family seems rich but might not be. Readers are encouraged to look beneath the surface of the characters and to make real-world application of this lesson. Of course, in every good “guy book” there is action, and this novel is no exception. Brian and his crew face dangerous risks to create a flier that will fly like a regular airplane but with none of the safety features, and like typical guys, they jump into the dangers head first. Each trial run is fast-paced, easy to read, and makes the heart pump; and in between test runs, Brian’s confrontations with Frank amp up the tension. Reedy does a great job portraying the way young boys interact with one another, all the while keeping dialogue squeaky clean. Couple that with traditional values and multi-generational families, and this book would be at home in any library, especially in smaller communities. For guys who only care about action, this book is for you, but for books with similar stunts and lots of humor try How Angel Peterson Got His Name by Gary Paulsen or Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos.

Review of Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Feiwel & Friends

Enclave
By Ann Aguirre
4 Scribbles
With all of the dystopian novels flooding the market, it must be challenging to come up with truly unique outcomes for a post-apocalyptic world. Yet, in this novel, distinctive and separate social structures develop in the ruins depending on whether one is born above or below ground. Cleary, this is exactly what would be highly likely to happen in a country whose infrastructure and population has been decimated, yet Aguirre, to my knowledge, is the first author to tap into this unique dystopian approach of factions who are unaware of one another and who evolve separately.  This means that for Deuce and Fade, the main characters in the novel, survival in their own “Enclave” where hunting is strength, starvation is a real possibility, and the life-expectancy has dropped to the low-twenties, is easy compared to the world they face outside the Enclave. In fact, one of the strengths of the novel is the constantly changing environment fraught with dangers from sunburns to “Freaks,” zombie- like creatures starved for flesh.  There are bloody fight-scenes in nearly every chapter, and not just with the Freaks, because in this future, chaos reigns! Thus, the story moves quickly, teasing the reader with action throughout.  Notably, characters die and are injured, something that would really happen in such a future, and sometimes decisions death are made without regard for the value of human life.  Make no mistake, in this novel, the rules of humanity have changed. In fact, that change is best represented by Deuce, the narrator, whose cold view of murder and disdain for “breeders” is crystal. It’s an unusual tactic for a protagonist to be so difficult to identify with. Yet, slowly, the reader may begin to see the huntress coldness in Deuce diminish and want to watch her grow morally. What is not so crystal about the novel is the cavalier attitude that is developed towards rape. Without revealing too much, suffice it to say that I doubt that any girl who knew a boy was a rapist, or who had been a potential victim of his would later cuddle up to said rapist when such a solid, empathetic guy like Fade is available.  In fact, the inclusion of a rapist in the latter half of the book diminishes not only Deuce’s character development, but the novel’s overall value as an addition to YA literature. Perhaps the author was trying to show how value systems in society degrade without structure and easy access to basic needs—but since this novel is a YA work, that message may be lost in the cavalier view that a rapist makes for a good love interest. It is for this point that I have to give this novel 4 out of 5, not the full 5 scribbles.

Review of Hollowed by Kelley York

on Kindle now for
only $2.99!

Hollowed (Half Light Book 1)
By Kelley York
4 Scribbles
 

Since her sister Ruby disappeared, Briar Greyson has had a hollow place inside, but when she moves away from home and into the city to find a way to fill that emptiness, she never imagines that she will suffer the same fate as her sister—death. Or will she? When the virus that infects her begins to turn Briar, she discovers that the world is populated by all sorts of murderous monsters, and she must choose if she will become one of them.

Despite this story’s paranormal slant, Briar’s righteously angry voice keeps this mystery grounded in reality. At first an innocent and trusting character, Briar quickly changes into a sassy protagonist bent on finding who killed her sister and her best friend. And kudos to the reader who can figure it out before she does. Little does Briar know that the mystery surrounding this individual’s identity will lead her to form a new group of companions—companions she isn’t entirely certain she can trust—and for good reason. Briar’s “entire foundation has been yanked out from under” her in the space of one night, even those she thought she could trust seem changed. The development of Briar from lovesick waitress to cocky street fighter is one of the strengths of the story, although readers will love the mounting tension that builds continuously throughout.  Fans of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead will love Briar, and enjoy the mystery and action that weaves throughout the story, while fans of  works like Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia will enjoy the development of secondary characters like Oliver, Daniel, Noah and Cole. Here’s hoping we see more of these secondary characters in future installments of the series—even the brief snippets revealed from the pasts of these characters serve as appetizers to what promises to be a yummy new series!

Review of Paper Towns by John Green

Dutton Books

Paper Towns
By John Green
5 Stars

When Q spends the night helping gorgeous Margo Roth Spiegelman, his next door neighbor and secret crush, get revenge on her peers, he sees a side of her that he never imagined existed. He can’t wait to return to school and really become part of her world—but suddenly—instead of Margo, Q has a series of clues that lead him on a bizarre quest to find out who Margo really is behind all of the illusions.

Quention, aka, “Q” has idolized Margo since they were children; to him she is beautiful, brazen, and perfect. And it’s not just Q; everyone at their small Florida high school either worships or envies Margo, and why not? Tired and perhaps broken, Margo has no desire to perpetuate the “paper girl” image that others have substituted for who she really is.  And so, through a brilliant series of clues that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, Margo forces Q to “find her”—to begin questioning his view of first Margo and then other people he thought he knew. And yet, despite heavy and incredibly insightful themes about projection, roles, social norms and growing up, the story has no shortage of hilarity that will be sure to result in peals of laughter. Each character contributes to the fun; best friend Ben is obsessed with scoring a prom date and insists on calling women “honey bunnies,” best friend “Radar” has his own obsession with Omnictionary, an online wiki constantly in need of Radar’s intellectual gifts, and even Q’s clueless (yet strangly intelligent) parents contribute to the humor.  The fantastic dialogue that parleys between these three friends, coupled with the typical high school culture of recklessness  and adventure make this an authentic and entertaining road trip no high school senior will want to miss.  Fans of Green's previous works like Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines will not be disappointed.

Review of Pinned by Sharon Flake

Scholastic Press

Pinned
by Sharon Flake
3 Scribbles
To be released October 1, 2012.
Thank you to NetGALLEY for providing the ARC to review!

Autumn is a superb wrestler who struggles with reading and school in general, a problem which may prevent her from competing in the state wrestling championship. Adonis was born without legs, and an extraordinarily high intelligence who struggles with nothing except his humility.  In the simple, truncated voice of Autumn, and the precise, smug voice of Adonis, the reader quickly learns that Autumn “loves” Adonis, despite the fact that Adonis seems to hate her.  In fact, Autumn’s relentless indifference to Adonis’s snide remarks and self-centeredness seems to only cement her resolve to have Adonis as a boyfriend. In her eyes (and in his) Adonis is perfect. 

Flake does an excellent job showing how a person’s opportunities and their family background can shape a person’s values. For instance, Adonis, even after losing his father at an early age, has a highly educated mother who has taught him that, despite his disability, Adonis is not at a disadvantage in the world.  This, coupled with his natural intelligence, help him to succeed. Yet, “looking good” is a priority for Adonis. At one point, while admiring his reflection in the mirror, he describes his appearance as “perfect.” Clearly, appearance is all that is important to Adonis; in his own words he equates appearance with “integrity.” However, Adonis has little integrity. He doesn’t value people. He judges others ruthlessly. He considers himself above the “regulars.”  He is a self-absorbed snob who gives to no one.

On the other hand, Autumn’s parents are high school dropouts who work hard to provide for their child. Yet even when they try to support Autumn and encourage her to focus on her academics as well as her wrestling, they are unable to help her because they themselves are poorly educated. Yet, Autumn has integrity and at times seems wise beyond her years. She doesn’t cheat to get what she wants as some do. And rather than immediately announce plans to improve her situation that she does not intend to carry out, she waits until she is ready to face the challenge, then seeks the support of otherss by announcing her plan. Perhaps most admirable, Autumn doesn’t value others based on their physical appearance the way Adonis does. She simply doesn’t stand in judgment of others, even when they have done wrong. She’s a giver whose heart is pure. She is a selfless, humble athlete.

Perhaps Flake’s purpose in the novel is to show how Autumn’s purity, her longsuffering, and her patience with Adonis’ imperfections changes him.  However, Autumn’s tolerance of Adonis’ rudeness (she takes a stand only once when he belittles her) is hard to accept. What is more troubling is the fact that Autumn seems to virtually stalk Adonis at the start of the novel, and then accepts and encourages his secretive nature about their friendship later. Instead of creating an image of Autumn as a strong, healthy and independent protagonist with a pure heart, Autumn comes off as a desperate girl with very low self-esteem.  Instead of Adonis turning out to be a more humble, changed boy, he comes off as being even more concerned with what others think and his beloved image—at best he is simply confused, but unchanged.  However, despite its thematic shortcomings, the novel does reflect the reality of many young relationships. Perhaps this lack of sugarcoating is the novel’s appeal and redemption.

Review of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater

Scholastic Press

The Scorpio Races
By Maggie Stiefvater
5 Scribbles!

Sea foam-misted Thisby is the exotic setting for this unique retelling of the myth of the Water Horse, or “Capaill Uisce,” of Celtic Legend.  But the story is more than just a clever myth retold, it is the story of plucky, redheaded, orphan, Kate Connelly, a.k.a. Puck, who has the courage to challenge a cultural tradition hundreds, perhaps thousands of years old in order to save her family home. It is also the story of another orphan, mysterious Sean Kendrick, a quiet horse-whisperer who has won the traditional Scorpio Race the last four years, and whose restless spirit is searching for more than just a job on millionaire Mr. Malvern’s horse farm—Sean wants to own his beloved and dangerous stallion, Kor. Even though he knows that Kor is a killer, a breathtaking stallion that will feast upon human flesh if left to his own devices. When these two orphans come face to face, who will win the race and capture their hearts’ desire; or, will their desires change?

So much is admirable about this novel that it is difficult to isolate the magic that makes it one of the finest works in young adult literature today. First off, the mythology of the Water Horse is seamlessly incorporated into a modern Thisby—so much so that one cannot imagine that Water Horses might not actually exist. The descriptions of the horses are so rich, so precise, that one can smell the briny fish-stink of their hides and see the glitter of their slanted, dark fish eyes. Indeed, it is not hard to feel the horses, smell the horses, visualize the water horses and fear the havoc they can bring to Thisby. Additionally, minor characters are superbly developed—from mildy autistic Finn (Puck’s brother) who struggles to control his own grief over his parent’s death to Gabe (Puck’s older brother), a conflicted young man unsure of the future, to the three sisters who own a tourist shop and who function as wise, “aunties” to Puck—each character will resonate with readers.  And who doesn’t know an evil bully like Mutt Malvern whose jealousy and hatred consumes him?

Ironically, this bloody, action-packed story at times has romantic overtones but not in a traditional sense. The love that Sean shares with his horse, for example, is perhaps the closest relationship in the novel, yet the love that Puck feels for her family and the land that surrounds her mirrors Sean’s passion for Kor. Thisby is an island of wonder and magic that will certainly captivate readers. In fact, Thisby itself almost serves as a character, an island with a thirst for human blood, that is home for flesh-eating horses, but an island that Sean and Puck love and would be lost without. With an ending that is hard to predict yet more satisfying than expected, horse lovers, lovers of romance and orphan narratives, and readers of all ages will be beg for a Water Horse series upon finishing this book. Yet this novel is a masterpiece that would be difficult to improve upon.

Review of Blood Zero Sky by J. Gates

HCI Books

Blood Zero Sky
by J. Gates
3+ Scribbles
To be released, October 1, 2012.
May Fields never doubts that The Company is good. Thousands of Company employees have risen from poverty’s clutches, millions have embraced Christ, and innovation continues to create newer and better products for humanity. Proudly, she is part of the mechanics of The Company that makes such prosperity happen. But why then, does May long for something more? May isn’t sure--that is until she is kidnapped by an organization that wants more—but does she want what they are offering?

The narrator of the novel and protagonist, May, is very difficult to identify with. She is jaded, empty— and in case the constant reminders in the text don’t help you to remember—homosexual. Yet, her vapid nature and her vacillating values are reflective of the culture that she lives in—she is less heroine and more caricature, and her homosexuality opens the door to addressing sexuality in the eyes of the Christian church; so, in a clumsy way, her character works, so long as the reader remains open to the idea that the plot of the novel is more theme-driven than character-driven. “God, science and company policy” are intertwined in this novel, which can be somewhat jolting, especially when the narrative touches on so many issues, albeit timely ones, relevant to readers.  Whereas individual problems with society have been addressed by numerous authors before, such as implanted net-links and consumerism (M.T. Anderson, Feed), the decline of literacy (Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451), discrimination (Shine by Lauren Myracle for one), and Big Brother government (1984, George Orwell), no other novel has combined all of these issues with the corruptive nature of a prosperity-based theology and tossed in gay rights to boot; perhaps such all-encompassing commentary is a bit overwhelming.

However, there is much to be admired in this work. Without a doubt, Gates nails the dystopian genre, and uses current trends to predict the direction the globe might be heading. Standing apart, each issue seems slightly disturbing, but mixed together in an ever-simmering mixture of reality stew it doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to anticipate that our world pot might soon boil over. After all, aren’t larger corporations gobbling up smaller businesses? Aren’t some Christian religions now touting prosperity and blessings as the earthly benefit of being a follower? Don’t our youth (and adults) crave the next latest “thing” that is quickly trumped by the next, slightly-improved gadget?  Aren’t the same companies that finance us, also producing the gadgets that we slave to obtain? Aren’t politics and religion, slowly merging their lines into a muddled picture, with liberals being accused of secularism and conservatives holding the keys to the kingdom?” How much farther then until church and state become married?  Thus, is it really much of a stretch to see a world where The Company displaces government?  One where Company “bystanders” allow those who have acquired too much debt to be sent off to Company work camps? Or a world where “…experts agree that debtor-workers across the globe stand to benefit greatly from what’s being called the final consolidation” (and hasn't this sort of happened before)?

Yet, despite a few quirks, this intricate weaving of apparent flaws becomes its own clever style of “propaganda”—one that might achieve the writer’s purpose—a “call to awareness” that all people should stand up and take notice of.

Review of Eona by Alison Goodman

Viking Juvenile

Eona: (Eon: Book 2)

Alison Goodman

4 Scribbles
spoiler alert!

Eon returns to the stage as her true self, Eona, female Mirror Dragoneye in the service of the Pearl Emperor, Kygo, who is fighting to regain his throne. In order to win the fight against the imposter Emperor, Lord Sethon, Eona must discover how to control her connection with the Mirror Dragon and her power, otherwise, innocent people nearby will die. In her quest for mastery, she and her companions discover that the struggle for the throne might not be the only battle they face.

From the start, Eona struggles with sharing secrets and with each choice she makes, partly because she lacks trust in other human beings; clearly her lack of trust is understandable given her childhood and maiming. Although the reader may find it frustrating that she cannot share everything with Kygo, especially since she is fighting for him, it does show a more human side to Eona—that just because she is the heroine, she doesn’t have to be decisive and perfect—being loyal is enough. What the reader may not understand is the relationship that develops between Eona and Ido. The reader will be shocked to see that Goodman develops the theme "absolute power corrupts absolutely" by causing Eona to be physically attracted to Lord Ion. It seems a bit far-fetched that any woman, especially one so badly abused as Eona, would choose to become intimate in any form with someone who previously tried to rape her! Thus, the love triangle between Eona, Kygo and Lord Ion that the author attempts to develop is unconvincing at best. As in book one plot twists abound, sword fights and bloodletting are plentiful, and the tension builds in every chapter. Those who have not read book one will likely want to read that book first; it might be difficult to jump into the story and understand its complexity without the background. And, just as in the first book some characters are cross-dressers or eunuchs, so it may be a bit controversial to those not comfortable reading Asian-themed action epics. Overall, Eona is a satisfying conclusion to this epic action adventure.

Review of Erebos by Ursala Poznanski

Annick Press

Erebos

by Ursala Poznanski

4 Scribbles

Kids at school are huddled in corners whispering, and most of Nick’s friends are refusing to answer the phone. Nick suspects that something exciting is going down and he’s ticked off that he’s not invited—that is until a friend of his hands him a disk and invites him to experience the game of his life…so long as Nick remains sworn to secrecy. Once logged in, Nick discovers a gaming world unlike any for sale at the local game store. The game, Erebos, is uber-realistic, insightful to the point of mind-reading, and incredibly graphic and thrilling. Suddenly, Nick is one of those whispering in corners , avoiding responsibility, and falling asleep in class, all so he can spend just a few more minutes in the game. But is the game just for fun, or does it have more sinister ideas in mind?

Gamers will enjoy reading about Nick and his epic battles online, but what will really catch the reader’s attention is the way Nick and his friends are sucked into the game both online, and in the real world. Nick’s enthusiasm borders on obsession, and his obsession is contagious; the reader will want to return to the book as quickly as possible to see if Nick is still in the game. They too will wonder about the Erebos players’ real-world counterparts, and they will ponder the mystery of a game named after the God of Darkness. Yet, in a more subtle way, this book is about choices and consequences; eventually, all players are faced with decisions that could lead to the death or injury of someone in the real world. What will Nick choose, and will his choices make his character more or less likeable? While Nick is not the most likeable character, he is an appropriate choice for the protagonist in this story. Nick is not particularly moral—he thinks he is better than the geeky kids and feels especially good about himself when he abstains from bullying others. In fact, at one point in the story he is offended when his everyday common decency isn’t seen as a grand kindness by one of his classmates. He lies continuously to his parents, and doesn’t seem to feel at all bad about this. In short, he’s just an average kid, no better or worse than most kids. In the end, I was pleased that Nick chose the path he did, but I was really disappointed that a book so clearly concerned about the consequences of a person’s actions allowed Nick to escape this book with even one negative consequence. Overall, however, the plot was enticing, the action riveting, and the mystery nearly impossible to figure out before the conclusion. A fantastic read that fans of Epic by Conor Kostick and Brain Jack by Brian Faulkner will groove on.

Hallowed by Kelley York Cover Reveal!

An author I have previously reviewed has just selected our site as one of the first to reveal the cover of her new book! I am honored to publicize it! We have also been selected to recieve a copy of her new book before it is released. I will be reading and reviewing the novel here!

All 18-year-old Briar Greyson wanted was to figure out this whole living-away-from-your-parents thing. Apartment, steady job, cool roommate? Check. Noah, her adorable (albeit elusive) boyfriend? Check. Everything in the life of Briar was pretty good.

Then she and her roommate are attacked on their way home one night. Briar wasn't supposed to survive.

Instead, according to the two guys who saved her, she's turning into the things that attacked her: a vampire. Totally crazy and Not Okay. Now Noah's secrets are coming to light, and he wants Briar dead. Then there are the vampires who attacked Briar to lure out her sister.

Her sister...who died years ago.

(Didn't she?)

The city's body count is rising, and Briar wants to help put a stop to it. But first, she has to figure out who the real enemy is: the vampires, the boy she loves, or the sister she thought she'd lost.

Review of The Shifter by Janice Hardy

Balzer + Bray

The Shifter: The Healing Wars Book I

by Janice Hardy
4 Stars

Some would argue that humans have the power to heal through touch—and in this story orphan Nya has harnessed this miraculous power. But the pain Nya takes when she heals another does not simply dissipate once it is taken; pain must be endured by the taker or disposed of. Unlike the healers at "The League," who can dump the pain of sickness and injury into a charmed block of rock called Pynvium once they have removed it, Nya must either endure the pain she takes or "push" it into another human being, two options that both have terrible consequences at best! Thus, her "gift" is no more than a curse that might get her killed by the ruling powers, and so she keeps her gift hidden—that is until her sister, Tali goes missing from The League, and Nya must risk exposure to find her.

The main character, Nya, jumps off the starting block on page one courting trouble and running from the authorities for her life, and this frenetic and exciting pace continues throughout. Hardy is a master at making every chapter end on a cliffhanger, thereby forcing the reader to plow on in anticipation of the next action scene or plot twist. Meanwhile, the circumstances of Nya’s childhood and the country’s past war are artfully and naturally woven into the dialogue, building a world where innocent Nya and her sister are hated underdogs and social outcasts. Perhaps it is this or Nya’s courage that endears readers to her, but regardless, Nya’s character is easy to identify with and love. Nya struggles with her choices like we all do, and discovers that sometimes circumstances don’t always allow for a perfect solution. Sometimes one must choose between options that are less than ideal. Couple the events in the story with an ironic twist near the end, and readers will be anxious to read the next two books in this series already on the shelves. Book Two, Blue Fire, and Book Three, Darkfall.

Review of Torment by Lauren Kate

Delacorte Books
for Young Readers

Torment

by Lauren Kate

3 Scribbles

Book two picks up where book one in the series, Fallen, leaves off; Luce is whisked away by boyfriend Daniel to a temporary, yet safer, secret location to continue her schooling. Where Sword and Cross was all cobwebs and shadow, her new school, Shoreline, is sunshine and designer shades, but the bright setting does little to resolve Luce’s mysterious past. Here too, characters are not all that they seem. Shoreline is a school for Nephilim, kids with part-angel lineage, who serve to hide Luce from the dangerous "Outcasts" who are hunting her. A clever hiding place, but what Daniel doesn’t expect is that Luce might learn more than he ever wanted her to know, and this knowledge might cost him her love, and Luce’s life.

The strength in this novel is the illumination of the elusive "shadows" and what they actually begin to reveal to Luce about her history with Daniel. The flashbacks to Luce’s prior lives are interesting, although they would have been richer if they had delved even farther to Luce’s past (say, a thousand years back). Additionally, Luce’s roommate, Shelby, whose gruff snobbery at first seems off-putting, is a nice touch to the story and actually becomes a beloved character—someone who grows on the reader and enamors herself to readers through her sharp wit. What suffers in this story is the relationship between Daniel and Luce. Daniel comes off as a real jerk, always bossing Luce around and treating her like she’s fragile; who would want someone like this for a boyfriend even if he looks good and has supernatural powers? The chemistry between the two simply disappears in the midst of their constant bickering, and the new love-interest, smokin’-hot classmate Miles, isn’t a well-developed enough character to be a convincing temptation for Luce. Perhaps most disappointing is Luce herself. I understand that her love defies the ages and all, but I cringe when she actually says, "who am I without [Daniel]?" Ouch. Of course, those who adore Luce’s character (like every single supporting character in this novel) will forgive Luce her sappery and look forward to book three. But those who didn’t bond with Luce in book one might opt out of the next installment.

Review of Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Dial Books for
Young Readers

Three Times Lucky

by Sheila Turnage

5 Scribbles

Sixth grader Mo (Moses) Lebeau is a sleuth by nature—she’s been searching for her birth mother, the woman who tied her to a billboard post when she was an infant during a hurricane, by launching messages in a bottle addressed to her "Upstream Mother." It’s a good thing she’s a super-sleuth too, because Mo’s skills come in handy when her neighbor is found murdered, and it’s Mo Lebeau on the case, (with the assistance of big-city detective Jo Starr that is)!

While the murder mystery in the story is enough to keep readers hooked, it isn’t the mystery alone that will keep the pages turning in this charming story. Mo’s voice is so unique, so touching, and so hilarious that it’s simply fun to follow along to see what laugh-out-loud phrase or idea she’s going to come up with next, and yet— she’s still plenty intelligent. Her voice and her actions display a special spirit and a sensitivity that is beyond her years, especially when it comes to her best friend Dean and the pain he endures at the hands of his alcoholic father. And Mo alone isn’t the only exceptional character—each character in the story is quirky, interesting, and with just the right amount of Southern flavor. Take the Colonel and Miss Lana, Mo’s adoptive parents, and Miss Rose, Dean’s mother who despite their eccentricity, or perhaps because of it, illustrate that blood doesn’t make family, and it does indeed take a whole community to raise a child. Readers who enjoyed Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool and Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos will gobble up this tale and beg for more tales of Mo. And in my humble opinion, this one may be a contender for the Newberry folks!

Review of Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Feiwel & Friends

Monument 14

By Emmy Laybourne

5 Scribbles

There is no denying that high school changes people. Unexpected friendships form and some friendships end altogether—perhaps this is because high school seems to challenge a person’s character, and some people aren’t equal to the challenge. Bookish protagonist, Dean has no idea when he boards the bus for school one average morning that the world will change and he will be stranded with 14 kids from his school district in a Greenway department store. Tsunamis, hailstorms, earthquakes, and now something far more sinister has changed the United States forever. How will Dean meet this challenge, and who will he befriend in this unlikely mix of characters?

The novel’s killer first chapter is followed by a beginning reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, although the plot quickly evolves into something far more contemporary. Critics might think being stranded in a giant department store makes the struggle too easy for the characters, but what it actually does is focus the conflicts on the characters themselves, their interactions, and their inner turmoil. It also reveals how simply surviving isn’t enough; we all crave connection to family and friends. Dean’s simple voice (in easy to read, short chapters) reveals a sharp, dry wit that appears when least expected, and readers will chuckle despite the horror that surrounds the characters. On that note, the author has an uncanny sense of timing and knows exactly when comic relief is needed. Not only do Dean’s observations of the other characters create humor, but the voices of the small children, specifically Batiste and Max, make me laugh out loud! Humor aside, however, this narrative has a dark, disturbing edge and a startling twist at the end. Here’s hoping Monument 14 evolves into a new brilliant series that I will be following!

Review of 34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues

Simon Pulse

34 Pieces of You

by Carmen Rodrigues

4 Scribbles

To be released September 4, 2012

This novel reads like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky meets Looking for Alaska by John Green. Told in the alternating voices of Jake, Sarah and Jessie, the aftermath of Ellie's drug overdose is explored. Is Ellie’s death an accident, or did she commit suicide? When Jessie discovers a box with 34 scraps of paper hidden under Ellie’s bed she hopes it may hold the secrets Ellie could not share, and help to reveal the reason for her death.

It becomes clear early on that Ellie has been sexually abused, and this mistreatment has permanently scarred her young psyche. Yet, Ellie is not the only character riddled with scars; through the lens of Ellie's death the reader witnesses a kaleidoscope of coming-of-age experiences that accurately reflect the confusing and volatile emotions teens often face. The author expertly explores the murky and edgy waters of teen sexuality, drugs, broken families and the nature of love in this fast-moving work. Readers will applaud this somber work's realistic characters. Those who have experienced crushing grief over early death will connect to the narrative, and those who haven't will understand this grief more fully.

Review of Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Feiwel & Friends

Cinder: Book One the Lunar Chronicles

By Marissa Meyer

5 Scribbles

For a while there I lost my desire to read any book that was a fairy tale spin off, because a few of those I have read have been silly and trite, and so I fought reading Cinder; but then I saw all of the accolades the book is earning and I though, why not? Thank goodness that I finally overcame my apprehension and read this phenomenal book! Cinder is a cyborg living in New Beijing; she was made into a cyborg when she almost died at age 11 and scientists patched her together with artificial parts and internal computer programming to keep her alive. That makes her a second-class citizen to her stepmother, sisters, and pretty much everyone. Since she works as a mechanic to pay her "guardian" stepmother’s bills she devises a plan to run away and perhaps find her family—the family she cannot remember from before the accident. But then the plague comes to New Beijing, and suddenly Cinder finds herself the center of a study to find the cure for the deathly illness that might cost her everything, her freedom, her health, and maybe even her life.

The setting for the story is perfect and unique! Who would have thought that China (of the future) would be so appropriate for this story? Given China’s current manufacturing boom it totally makes sense, and China feels like any Western country, so it’s very easy for the reader to feel at home while reading the story! Cinder’s character, while facing daily prejudice and persecution, is so much fun to follow. The dialogue is very realistic, with Cinder talking exactly like teens today would talk, and sharing the same habits and hopes of teens today. For instance, when she meets the Prince and is asked to fix his Android, it’s all she can do to speak intelligently and not get too distracted by his good looks, even though she knows he’d never speak to her if he knew she was Cyborg! I adored Cinder’s calm under pressure, her love for her younger step-sister Peony, despite Peony’s privilege, and her sense of humor. She is a strong and admirable protagonist that any of us would like to have as a friend. And as for the plot? Perfect. Although anyone who has read Cinderella sort of knows Cinder’s destiny, it’s still a joy to find out how the author will spin the classic tale with Cinder’s character. I was riveted to this story and it’s action; I could not put it down. A great read for the middle grade, junior high, and high school ages—and for that matter, for anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale/sci-fi blend.

Review of Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

HarperTeen

Carrier of the Mark

By Leigh Fallon

2 Scribbles

Megan and her dad have moved nearly every year since the tragic death of her mother, and Megan hopes this latest move will be the last because she feels right at home in Kinsale, Ireland. Megan makes friends fast, even though (in very Twilight-esque fashion) the boy she is most interested in, Adam, avoids her. What Megan doesn’t know is that the odd gray-cloaked man she has seen in the strangest places has brought her to Kinsale for a very important event. There is something special about Megan that even she doesn’t know—and through a series of odd and mysterious happenings, Megan will soon find out what that something is.

Let me first say that while I loved the setting for the novel, I found the character of Megan…well…dull. Outside of being an American in Ireland, there isn’t anything particularly interesting about her. She doesn’t have any obvious skills, interests, or traits that make her outstanding (with the exception of her birth secret that comes out later). I loathe the fact that when Megan meets her beloved she falls head over heels for him despite the fact that she has never dated before. She doesn’t even seem to have any doubts about swearing eternal love to him and he does the same, even though they’ve only known one another for like, five minutes. The narrative seems to focus around him obsessing over her, her objecting to (but secretly relishing) his obsessing, the two sparring and then making up. What could have been a strong supernatural element gets overshadowed by the sappy romantic elements and the weak characterization. And, in true series fashion, the ending leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Sadly, this novel would have been stronger if some of those questions at least, had been answered. At this point I probably won’t pick up a next installment.

Review of Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas

Bloomsbury USA
Childrens

Throne of Glass

By Sarah J. Maas

5 Scribbles

To be released, August 7, 2012

Celaena Sardothien knows she will live out the rest of her days as a slave in the salt mines of Endovier, days that are numbered—that is until the son of the King of Adarlan, Prince Dorian, approaches her with a deal. Win a contest against the most ferocious assassins in the combined kingdoms and win her freedom. Not an easy task for most teenaged girls, but Celaena isn’t your average teenager; Celaena is a trained assassin, and she’s eager to win her freedom, even when she discovers she is fighting not just against earthly powers, but against the powers of a dark and supernatural otherworld that are hell-bent upon her destruction. Celaena is a strong female protagonist, the likes of which haven’t been seen since Graceling’s Katsa and Divergent’s Tris. Readers will love watching Celaena face off with brutes three times her size and at the same time keep her feminine edge. In fact, key male characters fall for Celaena, but what makes this read phenomenal is that the squeaky-clean romance supplements the story and does not dominate it. Celaena has a heart and a brain, and she comes off as surprisingly moral and compassionate for someone who has been defined as an "assassin." In fact, I hope to see another installment in this series so that Celaena’s background may be revealed. Secondary characters are equally interesting, and the chapters move at a rapid-fire pace that keeps readers riveted. After this work, readers will demand more from Sarah Maas!

Review of The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

Egmont USA

The Butterfly Clues

By Kate Ellison

3 Scribbles

17-year-old, Lo cannot walk through a door without performing a complicated routine; she collects random chatzkies and struggles to fit in socially—all elements of her obsessive compulsive disorder. Perhaps this is why, when a stripper named Sapphire is murdered in Neverland, where Lo hangs out, Lo obsesses over the case, determined to find the killer. Certainly Lo’s mental illness makes for an interesting ride; her disorder not only builds tension and conflict in the story, but it becomes a serious problem when Lo gets into dangerous spots. Lo spends a lot of time in Neverland, outside of Cleveland, a place with seedy strip clubs, crack houses, and drug-addled artists. Lo counts herself as one of these misfits; her parents have hardly noticed her since the death of her older brother years ago, and in Neverland she doesn’t have to hide her rituals from anyone—especially not from Flint, the handsome, eccentric artist who agrees to help her find Sapphire’s killer. But as the strange and sometimes over-the-top coincidences stack up, Lo discovers that her obsession to solve Sapphire’s death may have nothing at all to do with her mental illness. While necessary to the story, sometimes Lo’s rituals become tedious for the reader, and the novel concludes on a very rosy note. Otherwise, the identity of the killer is hard to predict, and this makes the work a solid read.

Review of Endure by Carrie Jones

Bloomsbury USA
Childrens

Endure

by Carrie Jones

(SPOILER ALERT)

3 Scribbles

I’ve been a fan of the Need series since book one when Jones took pixies out of obscurity and brought them to the YA audience. Thus, I was ecstatic to see book four of the series emerge after a long two-year wait. Zara is no different in this installment, soft-hearted, bull-headed, and intolerant of cruelty wherever it exists. Zara finds out the end of the world is eminent, and she is the one who will begin and end the apocalypse. She is an admirable, tough heroine. Unable to accept her role in the coming end, she and her entourage are forced to temporarily enlist new warriors in the fight against the evil pixies in Maine while they travel to Iceland to find the mythic "Hel," or Nordic underworld, and the secret to preventing the destruction of mankind.

Like other novels in the series, there is no shortage of butt-kicking action as Zara and her companions fight Frank and the evil pixies throughout the story. Jones isn’t afraid to sacrifice a human or two in the process either—which adds to the tension. The Norse myth of Hel in the story is very interesting, so different from the traditional Christian mythology of "Hell" that many readers in this country will find the narrative doubly interesting and the descriptions of Hel almost inviting. The keeper of Hel, also named "Hel" is perhaps one of the most interesting new additions to the series. Hel is a devil with a heart, and for some reason, she captures mine. I could see Jones developing a series of short stories based on Hel’s interactions with her "guests." But, I digress. What doesn’t really work in the novel is the changing relationship between Zara and Nick. Without revealing too much, Nick comes off as a major flake. And although the newly-developing relationship between Astley and Zara reveals that first loves (Nick) usually do not last forever, it is hard to make the shift to the new romantic duo—they just don’t sizzle. At times the novel lacks clarity (why does Issie’s mom keep her from going to Zara’s house after dark but let her travel to Iceland?), and it is difficult to suspend disbelief when the teens of the town start training. Despite these minor lapses, the finishing is satisfying even if it is not the best book of the four-book series.

Review of Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Katherine Tegen Books

Insurgent

By Veronica Roth

4 Scribbles

Short of sounding like Annie Wilkes from Misery, I can honestly say that after reading Divergent, book one in the series, I became Roth’s number-one fan. For one thing, I think Roth is a plotting genius, moving characters from conflict to conflict rapidly and leaving readers salivating for the next scene and chapter. Insurgent is no different. In fact, the quick, action-packed pacing is amplified in this installment because the remaining Divergent faction (namely Tris, Tobias and followers) who were not a part of the traitorous uprising with Erudite have no home and are forced to run from faction to faction for survival. Meanwhile, they must also decide how to best defeat Erudite and their limitless supply of soldiers thanks to the simulation serums that Erudite leader, Janine, has developed. How does one fight a war with limited resources, troops, and while being on the run? It’s a story rich with political dilemmas, family conflicts, and even dissension among friends. And what’s fabulous is that book two picks up right where book one, Divergent, leaves off!

There are a few flaws to this second book, and I suspect that these flaws are due to the fact that Divergent was such an overwhelming hit (sure to equal if not trump The Hunger Games) that Roth was forced to write and edit too quickly. Roth even comments about these glaring errors in her own blog .
My number-one beef with book two, however, a beef that I hope she remedies in book three, is that the main character Tris, who was tough, stoic, a strong female character who belongs in Divergent in book one…Tris she cries all the time in book two. It is over-the-top, it is melodramatic, it is exhausting to read about. It is too much. It’s just not Tris-worthy.

That being said, the twist at the end put my mind in a tailspin, and I cannot wait for book three, but I will so that quality of book three will be as stellar as book one!

Review of What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

Kindle Edition

What a Boy Wants

by Nyrae Dawn

3+ Scribbles

"…girls didn’t realize the power they held. That they were really the ones pulling the strings." --Sebastion

Sebastion is a self-proclaimed "Hook-Up Doctor" who has the inside 411 for girls on how to land a guy who seems to have no interest (which Sebastion will offer up for a nominal fee). All of his clients are online; it’s the perfect way to save up some cash for a car. What Sebastion doesn’t realize is that giving away hook-up information is like telling a fisherman what bait to use and where to fish when you are a bass. He doesn’t realize that he might just be the target for one of his clients.

A strength and a weakness in the novel is the voice of Sebastion the womanizer, and main character. His narration is a strength because the dialogue/slang he uses is colorful, a bit profane, and very reflective of the way many teens speak. However, when this book is released in print (it is currently only available on Amazon Ebook), and I have no doubt it will be picked up for print, it may become dated after a number of years. The main conflict, Sebastion’s desire for and fear of a relationship with his lifelong friend, Aspen, will be valid no matter the decade or era. Who isn’t a bit unsure and afraid when they fall in love? Girls (and guys for that matter) should read this book. The peek into the male psyche and way of thinking is very insightful. So many young women don’t realize that they have power over boys—if they realized this they might be more apt to make strong choices in the relationship instead of being unduly influenced or pressured into commitments they aren’t willing to make. And for both guys and girls, the message is clear—games are the worst way for a happy dating situation. Games suck! So guys, read this book and see if it really explains what a guy wants, and girls, read this book and pull those strings!

Review of Henry Franks by Peter Adam Salomon

Flux

Henry Frank

by Peter Adam Salomon

5 Scribbles

To be released September 8, 2012

Henry doesn’t remember the accident that gave him the scars on his body, and he isn’t sure why he is losing feeling in his hands. What he does know is that his mother died in the accident that caused his father to become eerily absent and caused Henry to forget. Something is not quite right on St. Simons Island. Could that something be connected with the series of murders that have been reported?

One of the most refreshing aspects of this gruesome mystery is the voice. Unlike so many novels now told in the first-person, "I" narrative, this novel is told from the outside looking in. This outside view, coupled with the sparse dialogue between the main character Henry, and those he speaks with gives readers a more crisp view of the action, but also a more limited view, very appropriate for a mystery. Clues are planted early, but they are subtle, and I challenge readers to decipher their meaning before the revealing climax. The novel’s setting is also a strength—it certainly ratchets up the creep factor. The environment is hot and steamy, causing Henry’s scars to nag and itch, thus building the reader’s feeling of unease, and the impending hurricane, coupled with Henry’s loss of feeling, builds pressure on the reader to discover the killer. Salomon’s technique is clipped, with the only true narration appearing in news articles, which not only builds tension, but drives reader crazy trying to predict the killer and the ending, making for an extremely satisfying read. This is Saloman’s debut novel—a promising beginning to a writing career I plan to follow!

Review of Skinny by Donna Cooner

Scholastic

Skinny

By Donna Cooner

3 Scribbles
To be released Oct 1, 2012

Any time Ever sees her father, her gorgeous stepsisters, her stepmother, her classmates, or anyone else for that matter, she knows they are thinking about the elephant in the room—and that elephant is Ever. She weighs 302 pounds and is 15 years old. Will gastric bypass surgery help Ever win her crush, Jackson, and stop the embarrassment and isolation she feels every day?

Ever is a difficult character to embrace at first. She is plagued by a constant inner voice she dubs her fairy godmother, Skinny; Skinny’s voice is brutal, nagging and mocking Ever’s weight with hateful insults on a constant basis. Thus, Ever is also hateful, slinging snarky comments and sarcasm in her path wherever she goes, even to those who don’t deserve them. However, as the novel progresses, the reader begins to realize that Ever’s bitterness is all a front. What she really wants is to find friends, find love, and to fit—whether that be in her clothes or in her school—and right now she doesn’t fit anywhere. With the support of her dad and her best friend Rat, Ever chooses weight loss surgery, and through that experiences she begins to discover where her pain comes from. Without the band aid of food, Ever must now begin first grieving her mother, and then grieve food. Only then can her soul’s true beauty shine. Although Susan Vaught’s My Big Fat Manifesto presents an outside perspective of weight loss surgery, Cooner’s novel explores heretofore untouched territory of a teenager’s personal journey with gastric bypass. And while the humor falls flat in some places, and the romantic angle is predictable, teens struggling with personal overweight, or teens supporting a friend with these issues will enjoy the book. It is a timely story about the definition of true beauty, and for those who hate fairy tale retellings, no worries here, this tale is only loosely based on the Cinderella original.

Review of Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Little Brown Books
for Young Readers

Story of A Girl
by Sara Zarr
5 Scribbles
One of the wisest women I have ever known used to say to me, “wherever you go, there you are.” And yet, who hasn’t felt like starting over in a new place might solve all of their problems at one time or another?  Deanna is only 13 when she gets caught in the backseat of a car with her older brother’s best friend, and from that moment on she is a slut in the eyes of her classmates. Worse yet, her father can’t even look at her anymore because he is so ashamed of her.  How long, and how far away from that backseat does Deanna have to get for people to see who she really is?
It isn’t difficult to have empathy for Deanna’s character. She speaks with a cynical voice that is wise beyond her years and angry, yet still belongs to a teenager. Even though Deanna is sexually experienced at an early age, she is still innocent in many ways.  What Deanna really needs is the love of her father and not his harsh judgment of her past.  She works relentlessly to restore her father’s love and respect, and yet she is continually punished, so much so that she begins to wonder if she really is as bad as what others (including her father) think she is. The setting also plays a huge role in the story contributing to the feeling of hopelessness and regret.  Deanna’s family is relatively poor, and this is evident in the peeling paint, messy yard, and stained carpeting of their home. Her brother, sister-in-law and niece live in the basement, and every member of the family has a poorly paying, but demanding job. No one really has time to spend listening to Deanna, and even her beloved brother seems to be moving away from her with his own family. Through Deanna’s eyes the reader has an authentic experience of a lower-middle class American. They see how difficult it is for struggling adults to keep their own disappointments from bleeding into the hearts of their children.  And better yet, they learn that the only way to change perception is to challenge it, to tell others who you are and who you intend to be, and usually that is done right where you are.

Review of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Quirk Books

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
By Ransom Riggs
3 Scribbles
Jacob grew up hearing his granddad, Abraham, tell stories about his narrow escape from the “monsters” that lived in Poland during WWII, and his flight as an orphan to a children’s home in Wales.  Granddad’s escape isn’t just from the Nazis, but monsters of the mythical type with bloodthirsty cravings for human flesh. When Jacob grows older he dismisses the stories about monsters as ravings from Granddad’s senile mind—that is until he witnesses a murder— and in his search for the killer, is forced to reconsider whether or not Abraham’s stories are actually true. 
There are three things that I find quite misleading about this book. The first perplexing point is most certainly the cover. Perhaps it is the intent of the artist to make the cover appear eerie and menacing, with the floating girl in vintage clothing, but what it actually does (in tandem with the long and lame title) is promote the book to primarily young female readers, even though the protagonist is a male, definitely not a good move on the part of the publisher. The third confounding element is the age of Jacob, the protagonist. At the start of the novel Jacob is an older teen using older-teen vocabulary and with an older-teen attitude. Imagine my disappointment when  Jacob seems to regress as the story moves on, acting more like a younger teen. Those errors aside, the action and the characters (including the monsters)  in the story are both excellent, feeling like a cross between the writing of Daren Shan in his Cirque du Freak series and Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus.  However, I would argue that there is nothing spooky at all about the story. The concept of possible time travel, while not unique per se, is made more interesting when described as time loops that eventually close.  And while the ending leaves a few questions unanswered (also leaving an opening for a second book in a series) this book has won several awards, and there is movie buzz surrounding it, so my average rating may fall well below the accepted mark.

Review of The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

St. Martin's Griffin

The Hunt

By Andrew Fukuda

3 Scribbles

There used to be humans in Gene’s life. There were his dad, his mom, and a sister—but that was so long ago he can barely remember. Now he lives amongst vampires. Each day he meticulously shaves all of his body hair, trims his nails, sharpens his fake fangs, and pretends to be excited about lunches of bloody, raw flesh served without anything to drink. If you’ve ever seen Ethan Hawke in Gattica, you know how little room there is for any error when one is passing as someone whose DNA is so markedly different from his compatriots. Discovery means being torn limb from limb by his bloodthirsty classmates and devoured. Gene knows he is perhaps the last human alive, and there is no future of family and friends to look forward to. The best he can hope for is survival. But then the Vampire Ruler announces The Hunt—apparently there are other humans, and the vampires are going to have a lottery to see who gets to hunt them and eat them—and guess who is chosen?

The concept of humans passing as vampires is an interesting spin on the tired vampire genre, so it’s not difficult to be drawn into the narrative of the story from the beginning. Descriptions in the book are vivid and quite well done, but in that richness is a slight flaw. Clearly, this is science fiction, and yet, it is difficult to suspend one’s disbelief that Gene can actually pass as a vampire. For one thing, he doesn’t have super-human speed, and I would think that would be very difficult to hide. Additionally, at one point in the story vampires are able to sniff out humans (Hepers) in the rain over an expanse of many miles nearly losing their sanity in the process with bloodlust—and yet, flimsy cover stories allow Gene to live amongst vampires without showering for several days undiscovered. At another point in the story Gene is near-death with dehydration, and yet he chooses to sleep rather than spend the safe hours while vampires are sleeping searching for water. Gene repeatedly makes errors that result in very close calls, and yet still seems to escape undiscovered. While this does contribute to the tension of the story, it’s a hard thing to overlook. However, if one is forgiving, the story is a bloody, action-packed start to a unique new series. Younger readers, and lovers of vampires will likely eat it up. But make no mistake, this is not the next Hunger Games.

Auction to Save Animals!

This no-kill animal shelter hosts an annual auction of items for book lovers including books, critiques, jewelry, swag and other perks. The bids are very reasonable! You have from now until May 13, Mother's Day.