Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Brilliance Corporation, September 20, 2010

8 hours and 45 minutes, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Book Source: Public Library/Overdrive

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden talismans are so fine that some even call her “witch-blade”: a dangerous nickname in a country where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate’s father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he’ll give Kate the means to escape the angry town, and what’s more, he’ll grant her heart’s wish. It’s a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.

Judging by the cover...: It's plain, which in this case is good, considering the name of the title character. It's understated, it doesn't give away the depth within.

Favorite Elements:

• Companion of the Year - Taggle was by far my favorite character in this book, and without him, it would have been a much different (not better) story. He sticks by Kate through thick and thin, and proves that he is much more than a cat.
• World Building - Bow has made Plain Kate's surroundings extremely intricate and vastly different from any story I've read before. Everything is believable, including the magic.

Overall:  B+ story / B+ audiobook / D like-ability

Like I said above, Kate's world was built extremely well. As far as fantasy novels go, it was above and beyond many that I've read before. I'll even overlook (for now), the creep factor of the magic rules. The characters were authentic human beings, neither perfectly good or totally evil, and they didn't always do what you'd expect them to. I kept listening, long after I wanted to stop, because I needed to know how the story would play out. Some parts were obvious, and if you've read it, too, you'll know what I mean. But I was kept guessing about how other elements would play out, and I totally did NOT see them coming.

Campbell's voice was a good match for Kate. Though it was sometimes hard to tell her voices apart from each other (there were several moments of confusion when I thought one character was speaking and it was another), there aren't enough different voices for it to have too much of an impact on the story.

That brings us to my like-ability score. Please do not get me wrong; this is a well-written fantasy novel that I'm sure would appeal to a wide variety of people. However, there were a few drawbacks for me. I am not the sort of person who enjoys hearing about bloody scenes. There are several instances of cutting one's skin and blood-letting/spilling, and since descriptions of these usually cause me to pass out, highly frowned upon while operating a motor vehicle, I was not particularly comfortable listening to them. I believe the technical term is "having the willies". This book should also come with a disclaimer on it: Do not read before an important engagement, since this book has been known to cause significantly puffy eyes and red face due to extreme crying.

Recommendation: You've heard the good and the bad, and I'll let you form your own opinions. My own thoughts are to only read this book if you like to have your heart thrown on the ground and trampled on.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Lynburn Legacy, Book 1

Random House Books for Young Readers, September 11, 2012

370 pages

Book Source: ARC copy provided by NetGalley

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the- Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

--Summary provided by Goodreads.com 

Judging by the cover...: When the cover art was revealed, I had no idea what the book was even about. Seeing it MADE me want to read it. It's a gorgeous cover (you know I have a thing for reddish covers), and I can't stop looking at it.

Favorite Elements:

• Small Town Feel - Creepy stories are much more spooky when set in a town where everyone knows your business. It's much scarier to think that someone you've grown up with is out to kill you, rather than a complete stranger.
• Kick Butt Heroine - Kami is a sassy, driven lady who knows what she wants and will not let anyone, not even a drop dead gorgeous boy, get in her way. She has her head on straight, and is Top Choice Role Model material.
• American Boys - Too often it's the American girls who are swept off their feet by British boys. Why can't it be the other way around? The Lynburn boys prove that American accents are just as sexy.
• Bestest BFF EVAR - Angela, with her penchant for napping, is a girl after my own heart. I'd be proud to have her by my side in a fight with a powerful family any day.

Overall: A

Unspoken doesn't make its debut until September, which makes me sad in a way. I'm so anxious for this to be in the hands of readers everywhere! I normally wouldn't put out a review this early, but I needed to share it with my readers NOW. Brennan takes everything that is associated with Young Adult supernatural romance stories and throws it out the window. Kami is a strong main character, not one of those girls who will drop everything for the new boy in town (not naming any names, Bella!). I won't say too much more about these newfangled ideas, but suffice it to say they're awesome. 

The plot had me hanging on for dear life, and it took effort to put it down and go do those unimportant things like, you know, work and sleep.

Recommendation: Put this on your To Read list now, so that when September comes around, you'll remember. Though the cover screams, "Lady Readers!", guys won't be put off by the story, since there's no unrealistic romantic garbage in the way.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Poppy, January 2, 2012

236 pages

Book Source: ARC from the publisher

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

--Summary from Goodreads.com 

Judging by the cover...: Smart, simple, and cute. People might actually believe you're not reading a teen romance novel.

Favorite Elements:

• Phobia Besties - Hadley and I share three phobias. 1. We are both claustrophobic, though hers is much worse than mine. 2. Dentists are panic inducing enough BEFORE they stick sharp metal objects in your mouth and then tell you to relax in vain. 3. Mayonnaise. It's a healthy fear; imagine all of those calories I save!
• Gorgeous Boy - Oliver (all boys from Britain should be named this) is a seat mate to totally flip your claustrophobic lid for. Plus, he comes equipped with a sexy accent. Sa-woon!
• All Things English - Trainers! Adverts! Loo! Lift! Am I British yet? No? Well, I'll keep trying.

Overall: B+
The main reason this didn't get on the A List is because of its length. Don't get me wrong, this short novel will draw in reluctant reasons, but the potential is there for a much longer story. With that aside, it's a non-stop flight to first love that avoids turbulence and lands smoothly, and early at that. At the end, you'll find yourself cheering for the pilot and wishing you could make the return trip the same way. 

Recommendation: Teen girls will get the most out of this. Thankfully it's a romance novel that I would give to a twelve or eleven year-old girl. There's just enough kissing to qualify it as a romance, without any of those pesky sex conversations. 

Similar Reads: Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins; Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson; Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson.

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

Simon and Schuster, January 17, 2012

218 pages

Book Source: Reading Copy (final) from Barnes and Noble

It started as a school project…but turned into so much more.

Growing up, Gaby Rodriguez was often told she would end up a teen mom. After all, her mother and her older sisters had gotten pregnant as teenagers; from an outsider’s perspective, it was practically a family tradition. Gaby had ambitions that didn’t include teen motherhood. But she wondered: how would she be treated if she “lived down” to others' expectations? Would everyone ignore the years she put into being a good student and see her as just another pregnant teen statistic with no future? These questions sparked Gaby’s school project: faking her own pregnancy as a high school senior to see how her family, friends, and community would react. What she learned changed her life forever, and made international headlines in the process.

In The Pregnancy Project, Gaby details how she was able to fake her own pregnancy—hiding the truth from even her siblings and boyfriend’s parents—and reveals all that she learned from the experience. But more than that, Gaby’s story is about fighting stereotypes, and how one girl found the strength to come out from the shadow of low expectations to forge a bright future for herself.

--Summary from Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: Holy bad covers, Batman! For the brief period of time I carried it to the break room, I made sure it was hidden. It just screams CRAZY TEEN DRAMA GOING ON HERE!!!! Thank God I didn't have to go out in public with it! At least I would have been able to take off the dust jacket, but that wouldn't happen with a library or paperback version. I'd recommend getting an ebook version.

Overall (out of Pass/Fail): Pass

Congratulations for being the first non-fiction book reviewed with yattitude! As a teen non-fiction title, it's certainly a doozy. No one can tell Gaby that she doesn't have guts! She's a smart girl for realizing how her family's decisions have affected all of them, and she knew from a young age that she didn't want to repeat those mistakes. Her project showed an incredible amount of foresight, complete with fake baby bump and borrowed sonograms.

While the story is compelling, Gaby's writing is what you would imagine for a teenager, though she certainly has potential to become a great writer. The writing is halting yet heartfelt, and very factual. This girl has done her research and drawn conclusions that the rest of us should have. She reminds us that every teen mom needs love and support, no matter what, because her health and the baby's are at stake if they're not taken care of. As a society, we can not continue to look down our noses at these girls.

She's not suggesting we glorify them, either. Somewhere along the way there has to be a happy medium between shunning and making celebrities out of teen moms.

Recommendation: This is the type of book you read because your sex ed teacher has thrust it in your hands. Short and to the point, it's great for any high-schooler or anyone who wants to defy the stereotypes and live their own life.

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Chemical Garden series, book 2

Simon and Schuster, February 21, 2012

368 pages

Book Source: ARC copy provided by the publisher

*WARNING: If you haven't read Wither yet, I suggest you read no further. Spoilers ahead!

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com 

Judging by the cover...: My husband took one look at the cover and said, "That book looks extremely emo." And he's right, of course. But the entire book feels emotional and hopeless, therefore it works. Even the props tie in. My only question: What happened to the Mandy Moore look-alike model they used for Wither's cover?

Favorite Elements:

• Maddie - For such a small child, she's certainly endured more than her fair share of hardship, yet she manages to keep her wits about her and enjoy the small stuff.
• Madame's Heated Ground - Life would be a whole lot easier if we could heat the ground just like they do at Madame's. No coats and bare feet in winter? Yes, please!
• The Edge of My Seat - It's a well known fact that once you pick up DeStefano's books, you CAN. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. The only way to get it out of your hands is by surgically removing it.

Overall: A-
The story picks up right where Wither left off, with Rhine and Gabriel running away from the mansion, and does not stop. Even though they are away from Vaughn, there's still danger no matter where they look. It's another roller coaster adventure that refuses to let the heart-pounding action quit.

While she's keeping you wired with action, DeStefano is also enveloping you in rich detail. Her descriptions are so plush, you'll imagine that you're smelling the sea and the incense right along with Rhine. 

Recommendation: I had heard rumors that ARC copies of the book were being given away at the Simon and Schuster booth at this year's ALA Midwinter. I thought that I was so close, yet so far away, until I found out I could purchase an exhibit pass. And so, on the last day of the conference, I made my way to the booth and asked if they had any left. 

The answer was no. 

BUT THEN I found out they were giving away books, but you had to stand in a line and wait. I was third in line. They had one copy left. And the school librarian in front of me had her eyes on it, too. 

What's the point of this story, you ask? This is what I would go through to get a copy of this book, even though it was set to release in one month's time. I offered that librarian my soul, and she let me have it. Bonus: I got to keep my soul! 

While you may not have to offer your soul for this book (you could actually purchase it with money instead), it is necessary to go out and get. So preorder or put your name on the waiting list now.

Variant by Robison Wells

Variant by Robison Wells

Variant series, book 1

Harper Audio, October 4, 2011

8 hours and 5 minutes, narrated by Michael Goldstrom

Book Source: Audible

Benson Fisher thought a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

--Summary From Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: I'm about to say something that I can't say very often. Get ready folks... It actually depicts what's going on in the story. I know! I was shocked, too!

Favorite Elements:

• Private School - A common favorite on this blog, but it's true. Although, judging by what goes on at places like this, I'm extremely glad that my parents kept me in public school. Good lord those places are scary, but ripe for good fiction.
• Becky - I can't say much without giving it away, but that girl has a lot of things going for her.
• Paintball - I don't normally like battle scenes, so I was surprised when I found myself looking forward to the paintball wars.

Overall: C- story / C audiobook

If you're looking for a story that makes sense, has a well thought out plot, and does not annoy you once a minute, please do not pick this up. The narrator is too far out of his teens to make a convincing voice for Benson, and I almost stopped listening simply because of this. Benson has a knack for whining about the same idea over and over again, becoming obnoxious after the millionth time he states that he plans to escape. Hey, Benson, let's have less talk and more action!

I was under the impression that it was going to be a stand alone novel, but I was wrong. There's a sequel. Oh joy.

Recommendation: Push the fast-forward button and bypass Benson and Maxfield Academy all together. Variant is predictable, boring, and repetitive, and these are things we can all live without.

  

I am Half-Sick of Shadows by C. Alan Bradley

Happy 2012! It's hard to believe that last year went so fast. The full weight of the summer months seemed to have dampened my writing gumption, so my one resolution for the new year is to have more YAttitude!

It seems only fitting to do a post on the first book I finished in 2012, I am Half-Sick of Shadows by C. Alan Bradley. Do not fear, this post will contain no spoilers. The Flavia de Luce series does not need to be read in order, though why you wouldn't want to read all of them is beyond me. 

And so, without further ado, I present my review of Flavia's latest detective endeavors.

I am Half-Sick of Shadows by C. Alan Bradley

Flavia de Luce series, book 4

Delacorte Press, November 1, 2011

293 pages

Book Source: Public Library

It’s Christmastime, and the precocious Flavia de Luce—an eleven-year-old sleuth with a passion for chemistry and a penchant for crime-solving—is tucked away in her laboratory, whipping up a concoction to ensnare Saint Nick. But she is soon distracted when a film crew arrives at Buckshaw, the de Luces’ decaying English estate, to shoot a movie starring the famed Phyllis Wyvern. Amid a raging blizzard, the entire village of Bishop’s Lacey gathers at Buckshaw to watch Wyvern perform, yet nobody is prepared for the evening’s shocking conclusion: a body found, past midnight, strangled to death with a length of film. But who among the assembled guests would stage such a chilling scene? As the storm worsens and the list of suspects grows, Flavia must use every ounce of sly wit at her disposal to ferret out a killer hidden in plain sight.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: Another timeless cover, one that will surely win you smart points from those who see you reading it. I'm always impressed with the covers of Flavia's books. Just like Flavia, the covers seem innocent, but always hide a brilliant scientific mind underneath.

Favorite Elements:

• Small Town England - I'd be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I could see myself living in a close knit enclave such as Bishop's Lacey. Everyone knows each other, for good or bad, and the town always seems to rally together when needed.
• A Secret Laboratory - A calculating mind such as Flavia's needs a well stocked lair in which to concoct her prize poisons and explosives.
• Dogger - If every child had a man such as Dogger at their disposal, then everyone would have had an extremely interesting childhood. Strong, silent, and a jack-of-all-trades, if I needed someone in my corner, it would definitely be him.

Overall: A
The story begins with an incredible example of just how charming Flavia de Luce, an eleven year old girl, can be. Her ever-scheming mind is relishing her latest plan, one that involves confirming or denying the legend of Father Christmas. Her idea, though complicated in execution, has a childish need behind it. It is proof that even though she's a genius in the making, she still operates the way girls her age should. She has no patience for understanding what an affair is, can't fathom why anyone would want to fall in love, and is quite reluctant to give up the notion that a mythical man climbs down the chimney and brings her the Erlenmeyer flasks she desperately wants for Christmas.

Enter murder, and Flavia's mind immediately goes to work unraveling the murderer's scheme, foiling the inspector's attempts to keep her out of it, and trying to understand why adults do what they do. Though the ending is a tad predictable, this book isn't just about the whodunnit. It's also about the fascinating thought processes of our heroine.

What I love most about this series is that even though it's marketed as adult, anyone age ten and up could read it and enjoy every minute. They're relatively short (an average of 350 pages), they're fast-paced, and the stories never feel the need to be vulgar or violent.

Recommendation:
Start with the first, though reading any will send you scrambling for the others. Make sure that you are able to get your hands on the other three as soon as you finish! 

Similar Reads:
Anything by the great Agatha Christie, the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood, the Amelia Peabody Emerson series by Elizabeth Peters, and Alexander McCall Smith's Sunday Philosophy Club series, to name a few.

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

Gone With the Respiration series, book 1

Random House, October 18, 2011

480 pages

ARC copy provided by NetGalley.com

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

--Summary provided by Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: Though it's incredibly, over-the-top emo (as Mr. Frank so delightfully pointed out), I find it a perfect fit, especially the pale red on black. It positively screams young adult, but what's wrong with that?

Favorite Elements:

• Good Zombies - Apparently they DO exist! I knew my dreams of meeting a zombie that wouldn't eat my face could come true.
• New Victorian Era - The Victorian ages are back, this time with much less suck. Unfortunately, you'll still have to put up with the excessive etiquette of the times.
• Steamy Steampunk - Don't let yourself get burned by the blend of supertech and steam-powered machinery!
• Home Girl - When I first read the synopsis, I knew I'd like this book. Then I read her author profile on Goodreads which states she's from Western New York. As a WNY-er myself, I had to know, and a little digging on her website revealed that we're both from Jamestown, a small city in the southwestern tier of the state. I knew then that not only would I read this book and love it, but that I would be compelled to brag that Habel and I were most likely born in the same hospital (it's a small city).

Overall: A-

Allow me to spell out this book using a mathematical equation: catastrophic world events - Europe + massive migration to South America + unhealthy fascination with preserving Victorian times + a disease that brings the dead back to life = perfect gentlemen who will say please before they devour your flesh. Or undress you with smoldering yet cloudy eyes.

Much to my surprise, I've become quite attached to paranormal fantasy. This offering was one of the more enjoyable rides I've taken on an airship in a long time. Witty and smart, with kickbutt heroines, yet steamy and innocent at the same time. Rarely do we get the chance to cheer for the zombie boy to get the girl.

Recommendation: Do you love zombies? Do you love steampunk? Do you love weird yet sexy supernatural beings falling in love with mere humans? Yes, yes, and yes? Then do it!

Similar Reads: For the paranormal romance lovers (and those of you who also like red/black Gothic covers), check out Die For Me by Amy Plum. For those of you who yearn to cheer on more zombies, grab a copy of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Hyperion, August 2011
288 pages

Book Source: This copy was an e-book ARC from NetGalley.com. The release date is set for August 3, 2011.

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

-- Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: The ethereal cover calls to mind a fairy tale, and that's exactly what we have here, folks, but I'm not quite sure it fits the story. Lexi is a tomboy, not the heroine typical of young adult literature these days, though the cover wants you to think that. But if we're describing Lexi's best friend, then we might have a match.

Favorite Elements:

• Creep Factor - It seems like every area has at least one story that plays off of the characteristics of the land and convinces people to think twice about wandering alone. When I reached the end of this story, there was a terrific thunderstorm outside with tremendous winds, and even though the Near Witch is a story for the moors, I was convinced she was outside.
• Fearless Female - Lexi has my vote for awesome chick. She is strong-willed and won't take no from the piggish males in her village. Her father taught her his trade, despite disapproval from his brother, and she isn't going to let anyone tell her that she can't practice it.
• Witches - Magda and Dreska have been a part of the village since before the village elders were born. To put it lightly, they're old. And even though they've seen some tough times and become outcasts, they're always willing to help.

Overall: B/C+

Schwab's writing and her ability to weave a spooky story is amazing. All through the book I could not stop feeling like there was something lurking outside my window, waiting to steal me from my bed with its beautiful song. The haunted atmosphere of the moors mixed with the fairy tale feel of the village brings the story to life, willing it into existence. If I was lured to a witch's lair, I'd want Lexi as my sister, giving her all to find me, and willing to risk everything to do it. Her dangerous attachment to the new arrival in town heats things up; Cole is the epitome of the mysterious loner boy stereotype.

I really did want to grade this book higher, considering all of the things I know about it after reading it, but personally I just can't get over a few issues. I'm all for keeping things mysterious, but there are a few ends that should have been wrapped up and weren't, questions that the author is content to leave unanswered. Now that I know this is the first book in a series, I'm willing to let a few of those bits unresolved, and I thank Victoria Schwab for personally offering her rationale behind the ending to me. For those of you who are comfortable with not knowing, I doubt you'll even notice that something is amiss, as there are no serious plot holes.

Recommendation: Your typical witch story this is not, and I suggest that if you like your books to have a certain amount of supernatural atmosphere plus mysterious (and mysteriously romantic) boys, then you must pick this up. You won't regret it.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier, translated from German by Anthea Bell

Henry Holt and Company, May 2011

324 pages

Book Source: Public Library

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I must get my hands on it. I wanted it so badly, that I completely forgot to even look at what it was about. Though when I look at it, I avoid looking at the girl on the cover, since she creeps me out like there's no tomorrow.

Favorite Elements:

• Comeuppance Received - Charlotte, I'm so glad that you turned out to be such a snob and so easy to hate. That awful ego of yours needed to be taken down a peg or three.
• History Plus a Bit of Steam Punk - The Chronograph is a crazy awesome device that can take you back to any time period within the last 500 years. So who's ready to do some traveling?
• The Cover - The picture above can hardly do it justice; it's shiny, too!
• England - Any book set in the UK is high on my list of To Reads, and Gwen's descriptions of her house, school, and family are a glimpse into what life is like for the (semi) normal British teenager. 
• BFF - Leslie is the coolest friend that anyone could have, considering she believes Gwen's story of her time traveling family. It doesn't hurt that she's on track to being a fantastic librarian with those researching skills.

Overall: A-
Though I violated the cardinal rule of Never Judge a Book by the Cover, I do not at all regret it. Ruby Red was such a pleasant surprise! Often teenagers portrayed in books seem older than they really are, but Gwen's actions were closer what an actual 16 year-old would do. It was refreshing to read a story that involved a relaxed main character who was best friends with a total control freak, not the other way around.

And Gideon. Oh Gideon. Do you remember that stuck up boy in high school who wouldn't even look at you let alone speak to you, but you had the biggest crush on him anyway? Or maybe that was just me... But that high school crush he is, which makes him so easy love and hate at the same time.

Gier's excels at writing the time travel plot. She keeps the story moving forward, though Gwen is constantly moving backwards and forwards through history. I will be eagerly awaiting Sapphire Blue, the next book, due out in the U.S. next year, thought it's already out in Gier's native Germany. This wait makes me wish my German was much better.

Recommendation: Absolutely yes. GO NOW and read. Middle Grade readers will love the PG romance and teens of all ages will be entranced by the task set before Gideon and Gwen. 

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver
St. Martin's Griffin, February 2011
340 pages
Book Source: Public Library

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

-- Summary from Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: Not totally in love with it, but the red  (can you guess it's my favorite color?) makes it stand out. I approve of the globe visual; good to have a size reference. 

Favorite Elements:

• Demons - I love a good demon hunting party as much as the next girl. It's always interesting to see how an author will treat the spawns of Satan, and Oliver does a good job of giving them new life in her series.
• Starbucks - The ever-present chain of coffee peddlers will never die. Even their buildings live on after the apocalypse as make-shift schools.
• Necromancers - What book about demons would be complete without worshipers of the dead? In this story they're hella creepy and not dudes you want to mess around with, or you might find yourself in their service after your life has been cut short.

Overall: B
Every now and then I find a heroine like Riley and say to myself, "Dang, I wish I was more like her." She is fiercely independent, smart, and apparently gorgeous, and has the eye of the hottest demon trapper around. She knows what she wants in life, and even though not everyone has that same drive, we know the feeling. She might be a teenager, but that girl is going places.

The tale Oliver has woven is brilliant. She has developed a world with demons so close to our own, and it's eerie. Even without the demons, Riley's story had me believing that we're only one fuel crisis away from her world, a reality that's not so distant. Unfortunately for me (many of you may disagree) the story had to involve angels, but I can look past that, since they play such an important role.

I waited on pins and needles for this book to come out, then agonized over how long the libraries near me were taking to get it. I was just about to give up when a nearby system added it to their collection. The wait was well worth it, though, and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. In the meantime, I'll have to content with Oliver's novella, Retro Demonology, which takes place shortly before The Demon Trapper's Daughter.

Recommendation: If you're like me and appreciate a good demon out of hell story, you'll love this book. It even gets a "Mr. Frank Seal of Approval". Oliver's writing will appeal to both teens and adults.

Similar Reads: The Bartimaeus series by Jonathan Stroud. It's a series about demons that doesn't involve angels. Yes, it can be done!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Read by Jenna Lamia and David LeDoux

Scholastic Audio, August 2009

9 discs, 10 hours and 43 minutes

Book Source: Public Library

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com 

Judging by the cover...: Just so we're clear here, my entire reason for reading this book is the cover. Werewolves? Ugh. Cheesy romance? Meh. But the cover... I'm just so drawn to it... Simple, but oh so beautiful. Too bad the disc case didn't have the same artwork on it, just a plain picture of a wolf.

Favorite Elements:

• No Supernatural Factor - "But," you say, "It's about werewolves!" I know that, silly, but the explanations are all very scientific. And there are certainly no vampires to muck up the story, either.
• Sappy Love Story - Alright, I guess every once in a while a cry-your-heart-out love story is necessary. Just don't expect this very often from me.
• The Cover - See above.
• Temperature - Sam's fight to stay human is dependent on the temperature outside, and so Stiefvater has included the temperature at the beginning of each chapter. I could actually feel the cold seeping into my bones, even though it is 100F in Dallas now.

Overall: B+

Let me get it out there that Shiver is not just Twilight with wolves. But it doesn't escape completely from the stigma of its predecessor. There is quite enough of teen drama to go around. The plot is saved by Sam's struggle to stay human while nature and his past keep trying to reclaim him. This sad, sweet story is worth every minute of listening. 

Audio Notes: Jenna Lamia, who voices Grace's parts, is an excellent reader who was perfect for the role. David LeDoux (Sam), is equally as good at reading, but I don't think that his voice fit the role. His has a rougher edge more suited to reading murder mysteries or really anything that doesn't involve romance, and his voices for female characters was a little disturbing. 

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, and somehow I feel like I wouldn't have enjoyed the story as much if I had read it. It felt more like watching a movie instead of an actual book. 

Recommendation: Everyone needs a swoony story now and then, but if you can't stomach the constant lovey-doveyness, don't do it. Those readers who adore supernatural/paranormal romances will eat this story up and be eagerly waiting for the next book. 

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Atheneum, May 2011

320 pages

Book Source: Public Library

Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history. 

Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes.

-- Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: Though not the best drawing I've ever seen on a cover, it's certainly not the worst, and the mummy is pretty creepy. It gets a seal of approval, but not by much.

Favorite Elements:

• ANCIENT EGYPT - That's right, it's so awesome it gets all caps.
• The British Museum - When the Pandorica was found at Stone Henge, it was taken to the most fabulous place in all of Great Britain. Or maybe that was an episode of Doctor Who. Regardless, everything cool is housed in the British Museum, and one day I will go there and marvel at all of the historical greatness housed in its four walls.
• Jane Austen - I'll admit that I've never ever read any of Austen's books. But, the discussion about A. Lady confused me, and thus prompted me to do some research on the famous Jane. What a fantastic woman!

Overall: C+

Wrapped had so much promise, and the summary had me thinking, "I must read this tonight." Sadly, the predictability of the plot and the forced natures of every character (they all fit in to a stereotype), turned the book into a train wreck of a mystery. I had every thing figured out within the first few chapters and was not at all surprised by any of the revelations at the end. This might be because I have read entirely too many mysteries, but I highly doubt it.

It was, however, very refreshing to find that Agnes reflected what a lot of women feel: the need to dress up and look gorgeous AND to be fiercely independent and adventurous. Too often the heroine of the story just wants to either be invisible or the wildest child on the block, neither embracing the more reasonable of society's standards.

Recommendation: Those readers who are looking for a fast read with plots typical of romance and mystery novels will enjoy this book. Reluctant readers will appreciate the quick pace, and can use the book as a jumping off point for more sophisticated mysteries. It's also very appropriate for those readers looking to bridge the gap between juvenile and young adult books.

Similar Reads: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl for lovers of historical mysteries (see my review here), the Amelia Peabody Emerson series by Elizabeth Peters for historical mystery and Ancient Egypt lovers, or the Jade del Cameron series by Suzanne Arruda for historical mysteries about a fiercely independent woman.

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

Bloomsbury USA, March 2011

288 pages

Book Source: Public Library

According to her guidance counselor, fifteen-year-old Payton Gritas needs a focus object-an item to concentrate her emotions on. It's supposed to be something inanimate, but Payton decides to use the thing she stares at during class: Sean Griswold's head. They've been linked since third grade (Griswold-Gritas-it's an alphabetical order thing), but she's never really known him.

The focus object is intended to help Payton deal with her father's newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. And it's working. With the help of her boy-crazy best friend Jac, Payton starts stalking-er, focusing on-Sean Griswold . . . all of him! He's cute, he shares her Seinfeld obsession (nobody else gets it!) and he may have a secret or two of his own.

In this sweet story of first love, Lindsey Leavitt seamlessly balances heartfelt family moments, spot-on sarcastic humor, and a budding young romance.

--Summary from Goodreads.com

Judging by the cover...: The cover is what I feel Payton's epiphany about Sean's head was like. Staring off into the abyss of boredom in the classroom, glancing at the board, and then all of a sudden WHAM there it is: Sean Griswold's Head.

Favorite Elements:

• We are Family - Payton's family has a wonderful dynamic. Sure her dad is sick, but everyone has pulled together to show how much they care. Well, everyone but Payton, but that's the kind of thing that family overlooks, right?
• Valley Forge - Having a bad day? Just imagine those poor soldiers marching through Valley Forge in the winter with no shoes. Up hill both ways. Sort of makes your life feel like a rock star's.
• Girl Power - Speaking of rock stars, Payton totally rocks her epic rebound. By the end, I wanted to stand up and cheer loudly (though the other customers in the restaurant did not agree).
• BFF - I seriously LOVED Jac. I almost wish the book had been about her and not Payton. But then we wouldn't have the opportunity to delve into Sean and his big headness.

Overall: B-

This book was sweet, cute, and filled with a whole lot of Sean, but there comes a point in every adult's life when they say to themselves, "Boy, teens sure do whine a lot." I reached a point in Payton's kvetching about her parents' lie when I just couldn't take it anymore. I felt like there were whole chapters of pushing her angsty agenda that just weren't necessary, and her "OMG my parents don't treat me like an adult so I'm going to be a total brat" attitude was too over the top for me. The ending almost makes up for all of the obnoxiousness in the middle. I guess.

Leavitt's writing, however, is completely and embarrassingly authentic. Though Payton's pout routine was enough to make my eyes roll, it did conjure up feelings of when I was a teen. I remember (shamefully) pulling that same act on my parents, thinking the things they did were the utmost in insane parenting. 

Recommendation: Sean Griswold is great for younger teens, mainly girls. They'll be able to sympathize with Payton's situation a bit more than boys or any adult ever would. As an adult, I can tell you that unless you want to scream at Payton for a few hours, this book just isn't for you.

 

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me by Amy Plum

HarperTeen, May 2011

341 pages

Book Source: Public Library

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel.

-- Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: I'm not the lying sort, so I'll put it right out there: I read this book solely because of the cover. While reading, I couldn't help but frequently stop and just gaze at the beauty of it; the black vines, the model's dress, the cityscape, and most importantly, the beautifully rich scarlett tones used. I'm in lust with this cover.

Favorite Elements:

• Paris - If you don't want to visit the most romantic city in the world, you have no soul. Well, okay, maybe that was a bit harsh, but come on! Every place Vincent took Kate was another reason to go weak in the knees for him all over again (at least for me). It sounds so beautiful, so magical, that it was tempting to not jump on the first plane headed to France.
• Non-Brain Eating Zombies - A hot undead boyfriend who won't try to ingest my grey matter? Sign me up!
• French - This might seem like a repeat of my first fav, but really, it isn't. I've always been jealous of those who can speak the language. Though I fared better at it than Spanish, my grasp of it never became like that of German. Seriously, try being romantic while speaking THAT!
• The Cover - You mean I've harped on that too much already? Oh, fine!

Overall: C+

While not the most stellar of paranormal romances, I can't say it was the worst, either. Kate's adventures with Vincent were fun, and while I'd probably run like hell if a boyfriend of mine were to tell me that he was immortal, I do admire her willingness to put up with him and his "family". The Revenants are an interesting idea, much different than vampires or werewolves, and I really liked the direction the story was taking. Everything wrapped up neat, and I'll most definitely be checking out the next book in the series.

My one "but" for this book isn't really something I can fault the author with, since it is my personal preference. I would much rather read a story where the characters draw out their realization that they love each other, instead of meeting and falling in love with each other on the first page. In those sort of books, it always seems as if the heroine spends most of her time wallowing in her inability to be glued to the hero's side 24/7. If you're the sort who likes that kind of thing, then you'll be a big fan.

Recommendation: For those of you who love paranormal romances, you're in luck. Whether you borrow it, buy it, or steal it*, if you can't get to it today, it's okay. But definitely put it in your TBR pile. And make sure you frame that gorgeous cover!

*Um, yeah. About that. Don't really do that.

I Love New York

After days of waiting for New York to finally decide on the same sex marriage bill (and enduring the announcement of the official state vegetable: corn), The Empire State has demonstrated tonight that this country is changing for the better.

Congratulations to all of you out there who FINALLY get what should have been yours all along. You deserve it! So proud of my home state tonight, and wish I could be there partying with everyone.

Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jen Violi

Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jen Violi

Disney Hyperion, May 2011

336 pages

Book Source: This was an ARC copy provided free by and downloaded from NetGalley.com.

In the spring of her senior year, Donna Parisi finds new life in an unexpected place: a coffin.

Since her father’s death four years ago, Donna has gone through the motions of living: her friendships are empty, she’s clueless about what to do after high school graduation, and her grief keeps her isolated, cut off even from the one parent she has left. That is until she’s standing in front of the dead body of a classmate at Brighton Brothers’ Funeral Home. At that moment, Donna realizes what might just give her life purpose is comforting others in death. That maybe who she really wants to be is a mortician.

This discovery sets in motion a life Donna never imagined was possible. She befriends a charismatic new student, Liz, notices a boy, Charlie, and realizes that maybe he's been noticing her, too, and finds herself trying things she hadn’t dreamed of trying before. By taking risks, Donna comes into her own, diving into her mortuary studies with a passion and skill she didn’t know she had in her. And she finally understands that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting someone you love.

Jen Violi’s heartfelt and funny debut novel is a story of transformation—how one girl learns to grieve and say goodbye, turn loss into a gift, and let herself be exceptional...at loving, applying lipstick to corpses, and finding life in the wake of death. 

--Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: Upside down dead chick? Alright, you got me there. I may not be 100% in love with it, but it brings out the goth girl I hide deep down. It has a certain Six Feet Under appeal, except with no Michael C. Hall.

Favorite Elements:

• Serious Creep Factor - We're not talking the kind of creepiness involving supernatural monsters, but about the monsters within us all. Ooooh, very philosophical! Death, the fate that no one escapes from, brings out the weirdness in all of us. 
• Big Family - It's not often that main characters have a big family. They always seem to be the only-child, almost-orphan type of families where day-to-day events escape the present-in-body parent's attention. It's nice to see a character interact with her siblings and ca-razy extended relatives.
• Patty - Don't hate. I secretly think she's awesome, thought I can't put my finger on it. She's got attitude, she's abrasive, and she isn't afraid to let her opinion be known (even if it is mean). We all deserve to be loved, don't we?

Overall: B-

Donna has some serious issues since her dad died. Who wouldn't? Everyone in her family is dealing with it in a different way, and it's easy to see how she got left behind. Lucky for her, she found something to throw herself into - dead people. The book could have gone in so many directions, and I was expecting it to be slightly flippant, but was relieved when I realized just how deep and introspective Donna becomes. Congratulations to Violi for tackling the hard issues without the preaching that could have resulted. Donna's voice comes across as authentic as any girl in her position would, and the decisions she makes are natural and almost (but not quite) adult.

My one issue with the plot was that certain elements seemed too convenient. Befriending Liz, encountering J.B., the decision to go to mortuary school. These events happened fast, almost too fast, but each has an important impact on the story.

Recommendation: Yes! Read it! Even if you only read it for the creepy-but-not funeral home scenes (I swear I'm not usually this obsessed), it's still a beautiful coming of age story. Older teens, girls mostly, will enjoy reading about Donna, and not-quite-young adults will root for Donna and her mom.