Vanished by Sheela Chari

Vanished by Sheela Chari
Disney-Hyperion, 2011
336 pages
Book Source: This copy was an e-book ARC from NetGalley.com. The release date is set for August 9, 2011.

Eleven-year-old Neela dreams of being a famous musician, performing for admiring crowds on her traditional Indian stringed instrument. Her particular instrument used to be her grandmother’s—made of warm, rich wood, and intricately carved with a mysterious-looking dragon. When this special family heirloom vanishes from a local church, Neela is devastated. As she searches for it, strange clues surface: a teakettle ornamented with a familiar-looking dragon, a threatening note, a connection to a famous dead musician, and even a legendary curse. The clues point all the way to India, where it seems that Neela's intrument has a long history of vanishing and reappearing. If she is able to track it down, will she be able to stop it from disappearing again?
-- Summary from GoodReads.com

Judging by the cover...: There is something about this type of cover that calls me. It looks just like the covers from The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Mary Wood. The drawings say to me, "Read me, I'll be extremely fascinating." And if you think that's crazy, then you should know that the voice is usually right.

Favorite Elements:

• Musicians - Neela is dedicated to learning how to play the veena, even when she doesn't feel confident in her ability. Musicians have a type of passion that radiates from them, calling attention to their ability and love.
  
• Crazy Instruments - Take it from the girl who played the bassoon, crazy instruments are AWESOME. People might not have heard of the veena, but they will know what it is after you show just how cool it is.
• Blending In/Standing Out - Neela's parents bring something different to the table in this book. We are constantly shown families who have moved from one culture to another and refuse to give up the old ways, making their children choose between offending their parents and fitting in, or being an outcast for life. The Krishnans have chosen to encourage their children to embrace both Indian and American cultures, taking the good parts of both, and in doing so, have well-adjusted kids. Neela feels sorry for her friend, Pavi, who is sheltered by her Indian parents, making her wear a bindi and staying away from boys completely.

Overall: A-
I don't remember what I expected this book to be before I read it, but it turned out to be completely different in reality. And I was quite pleasantly surprised. Neela is such a strong character, and I'd give anything to be her friend (well, back when I was in 6th grade, anyway). I was a tad bit nervous about the Indian culture aspect of the plot, not knowing a lot about it. I shouldn't have had any worries, though, because Chari explains everything we need to know without making us feel ignorant. The mystery of what happened to Neela's veena is non-stop action, and kept this reader on the edge of her seat.

Recommendation: This middle grade read, rich in culture and with a dash of romance, is perfect for girls ages 10 to 12, but boys will be drawn in by the mystery.

Similar Books: The Ring of Rocamador and The Vanishing Violin by Michael Beil (both in the Red Blazer Girls series).

Guest Reviewer: Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

This week's guest post is brought to you by Mr. Frank, the resident high fantasy expert.

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms series #3) by Cinda Williams Chima Disney/Hyperion, 2011

528 pages
Book Source: This copy was an e-book ARC downloaded from NetGalley.com. The release date is set for September 20, 2011.

Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

-- Summary from Goodreads.com

What I like about this series is that though the intended audience is young adults, Chima doesn't let that influence her writing. She doesn't dumb down the story for her younger audience, like many children and young adult fantasy writers do. They tend to use this as an excuse to not write a complicated story, making the story too general, never giving the plot enough depth to fulfill all of the reader's questions. I was, however, expecting this book to be the last in the series and felt at the end that she could have included more in the climax to wrap up the story. This downside is hardly worth mentioning when considering the intricate world Chima has created. An enjoyable read and I am really looking forward to the next one.

Similar Book: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Little, Brown and Company, 2010

332 pages

Book Source: Public Library

Alex, a gifted music student, has had an incredibly horrible experience just a few days after returning to the campus of her progressive private school. While attending a concert off campus, her and some friends play a drinking game, and the next thing she knows, she's naked in the bed of a strange boy. What happened that night?

The school administration believes that its students can do no wrong, and Alex immediately knows that they will not help her. She turns to a group of students known as The Mockingbirds, a secret society dedicated to keeping the peace among the students. This story is Alex's account of what happened before, during, and after her fight for justice.

Judging by the cover...: A quick glance at the cover would have you believe that this is a quiet, calm book. Until you read the tag line at the top, that is. "Hush little students, don't say a word..." The understated cover serves its purpose perfectly, lulling the reader into a false sense of security and then slamming them over the head with a disturbing crime.

Favorite elements:

• Secret Society - Ever since reading The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart, these clandestine groups of students have fascinated me. The Mockingbirds are there to police the student body, which makes them even cooler. Does anyone want to start one with me?
• Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird - My family has a strong attachment to this book (my mom even named her dog Scout), and I was thrilled to see that it influenced The Mockingbirds. From Boo Radley to Atticus Finch, The Mockingbirds mete out justice in a way that would make Lee proud.
• A Nod to the Queen City - As a Buffalo girl, I would have to be comatose to not be proud that my beloved Buffalo Sabres made an appearance. The friendliest city in the country needs more shout outs like that. (And now I'm craving chicken wings, darn it!)

Overall (out of 5): 3.75

Alex deserves a medal for being such a strong girl in the face of an evil frat boy wannabe and his friends. All I wanted to do while reading the book was to give her a hug, but I'm sure that she would think I was pitying her. One day she'll come to terms with what happened, but in the meantime, she has some kickbutt friends and an awesome sister to help her get there. 

For the story to progress the way it does, however, the adults in the story were painted as ignorant buffoons. For any girl reading the story who had experienced the same events as Alex, it might convince her to not seek help from an adult. At least Whitney gave us one redeeming teacher, Ms. Damata, but her appearance and help comes too late for it to do any good. It's almost as if Whitney added her at the last minute.

Recommendation: This book is not for pleasure reading. But if you're willing to help Alex walk down her road, I encourage you to pick it up. I would not recommend this to someone who had just recently been through the same experience, but it would be a good story to spread date rape awareness and spark a debate about what constitutes consent.

Similar Books: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

A Surprise from Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson, author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes and The Last Little Blue Envelope (to be released April 26th) has announced that she will offer a FREE download of 13 Little Blue Envelopes from April 12 to April 25. Here's the link to her blog for more information.

Here's your chance to get in on the fun! For free!

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Simon & Schuster, 2010
343 pages
Book Source: Public Library

Since the death of Amy's father, her family has gone their separate ways, literally. Her mother has started a new job in Connecticut and her twin brother is in rehab in North Carolina, leaving Amy to finish her junior year of high school in California. At the end of the school year, Amy's mother hires Roger to drive Amy from CA to CT in four days and provides them with an itinerary to follow. When the new duo decide to deviate from the route, Amy's summer finally looks like it will be interesting.

Judging by the cover...: I like that there are no faces shown, but I'm not so keen on the hand holding. When I first glanced at it, I thought this story would be all about the romance. Luckily, the cover lies.

Favorite Elements:

• Road Trip! - I'm all about traveling in books, especially if the characters are going to real places. I've never been any farther West than the DFW area, so to hear about California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado was very interesting.
• Journals - Amy's mother sends her a road trip journal before the journey begins, and Amy is faithful about filling it out. The journal includes pictures, receipts, and information about each state, and a copy of Roger's carefully picked out soundtracks for each state. I felt at times that I was right there with Amy experiencing the road trip with her and even hummed some of the songs in the soundtrack while reading.
  
• Food - For someone who's constantly hungry, all of the talk about delicious food was almost torture! At each stop, Amy and Roger make sure to taste the local fare. In and Out Burger, Chick-fil-a, and Sonic make appearances, along with loose meat hamburgers from Kansas and Derby Pie from Kentucky.

Overall (out of 5): 3.75
Amy and Roger both take multiple journeys during the book, becoming more at peace with themselves as well as others, allowing themselves to change before the reader's eyes. This change, however is so gradual that it's almost the end before you realize what has hit you. After going through this cross country journey with Amy and Roger, I almost feel as if we're best friends. We went experienced the highs and suffered the lows together and made it out in one piece, each of us growing with the experience. Matson has a style of writing that draws the reader in, making them forget that they are actually at home reading instead of in a car for hours at a time. If I hadn't just been on an exhausting road trip myself last year I might consider going on one after this story.

Recommendation: This is a great book for those who want to travel the country without really making the epic journey that it is. Those readers who would like a little romance, but not so powerful that it smacks you in the heart will find a fulfilling story here, too.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Simon & Schuster, 2011
368 pages 
Note: This was an advanced reader's copy.

In the not too distant future, humans attempted to genetically alter their children to be a race of super-humans. Something went wrong in the procedure, however, and now men only live to the age of 25, women to the age of 20, everyone dying from the same horrible disease. Orphans have overrun the streets and ne'er-do-wells earn a living snatching young women off the streets to be sold into polygamous marriages (or worse).
Rhine finds herself Gathered and sold to Linden Ashby, a rich 21-year-old man with a sinister father intent on finding a cure for the disease, or so he says. She is now held captive in the mansion, with only her two sister wives and a forbidden friendship with a servant to keep her company. Her only goal is to escape by any means necessary and find her way back to her twin brother.

Judging by the cover...: OMG Mandy Moore is on the cover! Okay, not really, but that's seriously what I thought when I first saw the cover up close. Aside from Mandy's cameo, this cover is gorgeous and packs quite a bit of meaning in its simple scene. 
 
Favorite Elements: 

• Cinna-style - Remember Cinna from The Hunger Games? If you don't, you probably haven't read the book. I'll wait while you go read it... Welcome back. So remember Cinna? I know! How could anyone not love him? He obviously imparted some wisdom on the wives' personal servants at the Ashby mansion. The wedding gowns sounded down right heavenly and though would not be enough to convince me to marry the man who kidnapped me and two other girls, it would certainly be tempting.
• Rhine's Sister Wives - I often imagine wives in polygamous marriages to be catty and ruthless concerning each other, similar to living in an all girls' dorm in college (and I did that for three years!). But Jenna and Cecily aren't half bad, considering the circumstances.
• Fancy Dress Parties - Sigh, what I wouldn't give for a chance to show off my Cinna-inspired gown complete with dancing flames and butterflies (a girl can dream, can't she?) at an upscale ball with free-flowing Champagne amid endless holograms and television cameras. 

Overall (out of 5): 4.5
I almost did not read this book, and if I hadn't, I would have missed out on DeStefano's crazy, creepy, fantastically rich world. Thankfully, an ARC copy landed in my hands, and from the moment I saw that beautiful cover up close I was hooked. Rhine's life is filled with such ups and downs, you'd think you were on a roller coaster. Just when I felt like all was wrong wrong wrong, Rhine would describe an invention so awe-inspiring, I'd instantly be filled with jealousy, such as the swimming pool with underwater holograms to make it feel as though you were swimming on the ocean floor. Rhine herself doesn't want to get too comfortable, and that feeling extends to the reader with the anachronistic feel to the story. The words and mannerisms often felt as if Rhine was living in the 19th century, but then she'd slip on a pair of jeans and sneakers and join her sister wives for a game of putt-putt. When I finished, I found myself hopelessly daydreaming about the day the sequel comes out.
  
Recommendations: Readers who were looking for more depth in Bumped by Megan McCafferty will enjoy submersing themselves in Rhine's world, and readers who enjoy asking themselves, "What would I do if I were that character?" will find that they can not stop reading until its finished.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Balzer + Bray, 2011
336 pages
Note: This was an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley.com. The release date is April 26, 2011.

Let's imagine for a second that a terrible virus has rendered all adults over the age of 20 infertile, and the only demographic that can reproduce is teenagers. Scary? You bet. But for Melody and her recently discovered identical twin sister, Harmony, it's reality. In their world, condoms are illegal, preteen girls wear t-shirts with provocative sayings and fake baby bumps underneath, and prospective parents hire genetically pleasing teens to mate and sell their babies.

Melody is one of the only girls in her school to have no births to her name. Her agent continues to assure her that he's just waiting for the right guy to match her with, but life becomes almost unbearable as her classmates ridicule her. Harmony has just shown up on Melody's doorstep after running away from her sheltered life on a conservative Christian enclave. Add in Zen, Melody's long time guy friend, who is making the celibacy clause in her contract extremely difficult to uphold, and Harmony's shocking secret, and things start to get a little crazy.

Judging by the cover...: I'm not crazy about it, but I will admit that it's simplicity is appealing. That there's no model on the cover is nice, too, as I never like having my visions of characters influenced.

Favorite Elements:

• MiNets - Each author of a sci-fi novel envisions technology that we'll have in the future. They might have the same concept as one another, but individual elements differ. The member's of Melody's society relies on MiNets to keep them updated on the world around them and talk to each other by video chat. There are school enforced blinds that ensure students pay attention in classes (wouldn't it be great it schools had that now?) and varying degrees of privacy. They bear enough of a resemblance to smart phones to be a believable step in the future, and I'd be totally cool with that development.
• Avatarcades - 4D videogaming exists in the future! This is a RPG player's dream! They sound an awful lot like Second Life on a grander scale, but that's okay. If I can walk around and actually BE whoever I want, bring on the future.
• Zen - I couldn't have imagined a more sensitive, selfless, and handsome boy if I tried. Too bad guys like that didn't exist when I was in high school! It would have made for a much more pleasant experience.

Overall (out of 5): 2.5
I don't want to give this the score I did. I wanted this to be the most awesome book I read all year. The truth is, I just couldn't get into it. I found myself skimming Harmony's parts (there's only so much "Oh my grace!" I can take, and spending slightly longer periods of time on Melody's. She's much easier to relate to, and by the end I might have even been honored to call her my friend. The superficial air and relentless sexual humor can be overwhelmingly nauseating, and I was disappointed that the novel did not have same snappy cleverness as McCafferty's Jessica Darling series (which is a must read for every woman who grew up in the 1990s).

However. And this is a big one. McCafferty answers her question with an alarmingly possible theory. I can absolutely see this happening in our society should the human race be struck with the same infertility virus. With MTV's reality show about teen moms and Bristol Palin getting so much attention, it feels like we're halfway there. This all too real possibility is what kept me reading.

Recommendation: Bumped's satire is not for everyone. Though it may not have resonated with me, anyone who fits the unique reader requirements and/or enjoys delving into future possibilities will find it fascinating.