Review by Alex- Little Black Lies

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen
Sara Black is tiptoeing across a fraying tightrope.

As the new eleventh grader at Anton High – the most elite public school in the country – she sticks out like an old VW bus in a parking lot full of shiny BMWs. But being the new kid also brings a certain advantageous anonymity.

In Anton High’s world of privilege, intelligence, and wealth, Sara can escape her family’s tarnished past and become whomever she wants.

And what’s the harm in telling a few little black lies when it can lead to popularity? That is, until another it girl at Anton becomes jealous of Sara’s social climbing.
With her balance evaporating, one small push could bring Sara crashing down.

First Impressions: Reading that synopsis, Little Black Lies sounds pretty average. The description on the back is a bit better, but I couldn't find it online.

But while it seems a little mediocre at first, it isn't. Not even close. The characters are really unique and interesting. There's tons of quirks that make each one special. For instance, Sara's dad has OCD that acts up unexpectedly and her mom, a chef, is MIA in Sara's life.

Another thing that set Little Black Lies from other novels, is the setting. Yes, it's an elite school. But it's a completely nerdy elite school. Emphasis is on marks, averages, brains, not anything else. One of the most "popular" kids, the ones who can get away with saying anything to others, is a perverted little boy, but who has a genius brain. It might be because my school is like that, to a lesser degree, so I could relate, but the fact that the school is so mark-driven and different from other schools, is what makes the book shine.

The actual plot, Sara going to Boston, entering a new school, pretending her dad isn't a janitor, being befriended by the popular, smart girls, lying about her past and herself, falling for the most powerful girl's boyfriend, etc. etc. It's dramatic and quite Gossip Girl-esque, so it's not usually my type of plotline. It is the average part of the book. But it's made up with the previously mentioned pluses of the novel.

I do wish some of the minor characters were developed more, along with the romantic relationship. The reader learns about some of the them, but some of the others girls are just briefly described, even though they play a pretty important role in the novel. The romance feels a little forced and is only brought up now and then, but that's forgettable.

The humor and and actions are spot on. It's easy to relate with Sara, and to understand why she would lie, even though that doesn't make it pardonable. Thankfully, Sara doesn't get off scotch free, after all her lies, and everything is not tied up with a pink bows with unicrons prancing around. So add realistic as another plus.

Final Impressions: Overall, Little Black Lies takes the usual new girl lying plot and twists it to make a fun and quirky novel to read. The characters and setting are on the unusal side which makes the novel stand out dramatically. Definitely a must-read for a cross between The It Girl-like books and John Green-weird like details.

Add to Shelf: Go for it! An excellent book- and paperback! :D

Note This! The school's name is Anton, and thus, the students are "Ants". This makes for adorable titles and sayings, which actually had me giggling aloud at times.

Review by Alex- Dull Boy

Oh dear. It's terrible. Not a post in two weeks. >.< I'm afraid school's just taken over my life as I try to do well and bring up my average. But I'll try to post at least a little more frequently than it has been recently. For now, here's a review:

Dull Boy by Sarah Cross
What do you do if you can deadlift a car, and you spend your nights flying to get away from it all? If you’re fifteen-year-old Avery Pirzwick, you keep that information to yourself. When you’re a former jock turned freak, you can’t afford to let the secret slip.

But then Avery makes some friends who are as extraordinary as he is. He realizes they’re more than just freaks—together, maybe they have a chance to be heroes. First, though, they have to decide whether to trust the mysterious Cherchette, a powerful wouldbe mentor whose remarkable generosity may come at a terrible price.

First Impressions: I love anything to do with teenage superheroes, and superheroes in general, so it should come as no surprise that I was super excited to read Dull Boy.

For the most part, Dull Boy takes fun tone to the whole superhero idea. Avery loves his powers sometimes- he can fly and he's super strong. But with all that, it's hard to control himself. He wants to become a hero, not just a boy with powers. Hence, him being relegated to a school for dangerous kids after trying to stop a bank robbery and failing.

At the school, and at a coffeehouse he frequents, he meets new friends. His old friends abandoned him for the most part, as Avery was constantly trying to find someone to help. (Think Incredidles.) With his new friends, they form a team of superheroes, trying to fight crime together. They laugh, they have fun, they fight and have the usual teen angst... and they beat baddies. Awesome right?

A lot of the book is made up of amusing ideas for the team to be heroes. There's also that Cherchette who's trying to recruit some of them... But there's also some real life issues: friendship, helping others, and believing in yourself to be good.

The climax is this huge action explosion that had me reading until late at night. The Cherchette plotline gets huge and there's lots of really interesting revelations. The ending is very open, and makes me wonder if there will be a sequel... one can only hope.

Final Impressions: Superhero fans rejoice. Sarah Cross delivers an excellent novel of teenagers just trying to fit in and be friends, but while saving to save others and each other. It's not uber-epic bad, where the kids are saving the world, but a lighter and sweeter tone. Just my cuppa tea.

Add to Shelf: I think I may have to. Superheroes!

Note This! I love this. Catherine, one of Avery's friends, and a member of the team, has super balance and claws. I laughed when I made the connection with her name. Catherine... Wolverine... XD

In My Mailbox (22)

A pretty slow week, but they're some of the books I've been eager to read.

From the library:

Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri- very interested in this one, though I've never read the original Faust story.

Immortal by Gillian Shields- still debating on reading this one. It's gotten some bad reviews, and I'm pretty tired of sub-par paranormal books that ressemble one another. Got it from the library anyway...

Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters- Got this one without knowing much about it. It's LGBT though, so that's great.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier- Liar sounds really good and twisted!

And that's it for me this week. Nothing bought or received, but I did get some goods ones from the library. Oh libraries, what would I do without you?

IMM hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

- Alex

Review by Alex- Two-Way Street

There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

First Impressions: Two-Way Street sounded like a perfect light rom-com with a lot of wit and fun. It's nice and short so it would be a wonderful weekend read.

And I finished it in a day.

Two-Way Street takes a look at two of the most ultimate teenage experiences: finding and losing a significant other. Courtney and Jordan are complete opposites. She's the anal girl who's a bit tight strung but smart and organised. Jordan's the player, the kind of guy who listens to rap music and thinks of getting girls as a game. Somehow though, they get together- mostly because they will be attending the same college come next year.

The novel starts after Courtney and Jordan get together and break up. However, time often switches back so we get to read how the two meet and what happens to make it all go wrong. You would think this 4 way perspective would get complicated and confusing, but it isn't. Each chapter is directly labeled so the reader knows who's speaking, and if this is the past or present.

I love the voices. Courtney and Jordan both have very unique and distinct voices that are completely different. There are some books where the multiple voices are the same, which bugs me, but thankfully that's not the case for Courtney and Jordan. Their voices go with their personalities, and it's awesome. They both sound like realistic teenagers, and I could honestly imagine their thoughts and dialogue coming to life.

The plot's interesting, though I find a bit a little spotty. The premise of having to go on a roadtrip with an ex is great, but the reason why Jordan broke up with Courtney is a tad wimpy. It's just... typical, I guess.

Both Jordan and Courtney are fully realised, and are nicely foiled by their two best friends, who are also in a relationship, however screwball it is. The two relationships are completely different and that's what makes is wonderfully humorous.

The ending's predictable, but it's cute and satisfying nonetheless.

Final Impressions: Pretty much what I figured it would be, but I didn't expect to enjoy Two-Way Street quite as much as I did. It's a very well done rom-com that balances humor, romance, depth, and pretty much everything else perfectly.

Add to Shelf: I think it's worth it. But it's the type of book I'm not sure if I'd re-read...

Note This! I mentioned the two best friends, didn't I? Well they actually play a pretty crucial role in the novel and reveal juicy details. Jordan relays info to his friend via cellphone, Courtney does the same. So it's really funny to read about the spread of communication and knowledge, if that makes any sense. xD

Review by Alex- Blue Moon

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must chose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...


First Impressions: Read Evermore back in July. (Review here.) I wasn't super excited to read Blue Moon, but I did read it because I was interested in finding out more. Evermore ended well, so I was hoping that would continue over to Blue Moon.



Sadly, to me anyway, Blue Moon's a lot like Evermore. The beginning is slow without much interest, and it isn't until the last third of the book that it really picks up. If you, like me, feel your attention to the book waning, I encourage you to read on, because it does get better.


However, Damen and Ever's dependance on each other grated on me pretty much the whole time. It seemed they couldn't go an hour without each other and sucking face. I'm not too sure how the other characters handled them all the while fairly amused and tolerant (I say fairly- they joke and complain, but they don't go around slapping Damen and Ever like I would have done). Their constant PDA creeped me out. Other than that, the relationship between the two was... well no. I still don't like their relationship. I guess their lack of independance shows how much they love each other?


In Blue Moon, a new character is introduce: Roman. Typical good looking charmer who seems to have everyone wrapped around his finger. But Ever doesn't like him- not one bit. Meanwhile, Damen's power is waning, and he seems to be constantly ill and chugging the immortal juice. Oh my.


For the plot, I really do like it. Mostly the second half, where things finally start to get exciting. There's quite a bit going on, but it works nicely. Also, we finally get to learn Ever's and Damen's histories.


The whole world Noel has created, that mix of alchemy, magic, zen stuff etc. is different and interesting. Summerland is a place I'd love to really learn more about, although we do happily get to know more about it in Blue Moon, as Ever's travelling there quite often.


What brings the book down, is as I said before, the characters. Ever's this completely oblivious girl who fails to see some of the most obvious things. At some parts, I could sympathise. And then all my sympathies would be blown away when Ever makes another silly decision. Damen was interesting, although for the most part he wasn't present enough. Haven, Ever's friend, is ridiculously annoying and I have no idea why Ever is friends with her, excluding being desperate.

The writing's still nice and smooth. It's super easy to read without many glitches. It gets descriptive, but some of it's actually nice- especially the depiction of Summerland.


Final Impressions: It's on the same level as Evermore. The ending's wonderfully exciting with some twists but the beginning's blah. The world's nicely created, but the characters are too annoying for my tastes. I probably will read the third book in the series, but I'm not in a rush.


Add to Shelf: Not for me. The Immortals series is mostly a one read for me, and that's enough. But I'm sure others will suck this series up.


Note This! I didn't mention before, but we also get two new characters: Romy and Rayne, twins who help Ever in Summerland. But who are they? And are they really helping Ever? Duh duh duuuh.

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Publishing date: November 3, 2009 (soon!)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Goodreads ][ Amazon
Description:
Her friends once thought she was perfect. Now she must face the mirror--and herself--to discover what true beauty is.

Since childhood, seventeen-year-old Ellie Summerfield has fought to overcome her grandfather's painful words that push her to be driven, determined, and successful to the detriment of those around her. Ellie has everything a girl could want--she's beautiful, she's Senior Class President, has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities. In short, she's perfect, according to most of the students at West Redding High School. But something is bothering Ellie, like a loose string on a dress she can feel but can't see. Does she really love her boyfriend, Ryan? Who are her true friends? And is she really happy in her picture-perfect life?

Then in the course of a few minutes, the loose string in Ellie's life completely unravels. Forever changed, she must face herself as she discovers what it really means to be beautiful.

Doesn't that sound GOOD? I always love stories of the seemingly perfect girl falling back to earth aka normality and off that pedestal. Plus, that loose string? And true beauty's always so interesting and insightful to read about. :D

What's your pick of the week? WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Review by Alex- As You Wish

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

First Impressions: I'd read so many good reviews that I was really excited to read As You Wish. So much so, that pretty much as soon as I got a copy from the library and finished my other book, I started reading.

As You Wish has the light and funny tone and fast pacing as expected. It's incredibly sweet and had me giggling at many parts. The topics of independance and popularity/invisibility are well approached with a mix of serious and lightheartedness.

What I didn't like as much as I thought I would was the main female character, Viola. For some reason... she grated on me. She is a really kind girl, but she's low on self-esteem and doesn't believe in herself. She wishes to be popular, to be loved how others are loved, to have talent, but she doesn't actually want to use a genie's wish to make that happen. Her heart is in the right place, most definitely. But she lashes out at others, and mopes a lot. It's a little aggravating, because that's pretty much all she ever thinks of.

Minus my issues with Viola, the other characters are very interesting. Jinn, the other narrator, has been a genie for a while now, granting humans' wishes. He's tired of it and wants to go back to his home, where nobody ages and everything is perfect. He thinks Viola will just be another trivial human and nothing else. But he's in for a surprise...

The relationship between Jinn and Viola is quite darling, although everything happens very quickly. In a span of less than a week, it seems that the two fall in love. Jinn, being close to Viola, who's confusing and emotional. Viola, because Jinn truly understands her (although I think it's mostly because he's a genie and can sense wants and desires).

I really do love the fact that Viola grew up with a childhood friend, dated said friend at the beginning of high school for more than a year, but then he realised he was gay and told the truth to Viola and broke up with her. This happened before the start of the novel, but it really caused Viola's fragility and need to be someone's One.

The writing's smooth and flows very quickly. This might have something to do with the fact that the lines are 1.5 or double spaced, so the novel isn't very long at all. It's really easy to speed along and finish As You Wish in less than a day.

The whole magic aspect was well thought and and intergrated in the novel. The genies' powers to meld wishes are described nicely, as is Caliban, the world where all the genies live while not on duty. Then there's the efrits, genies who have trained to push a human to make a wish when needed- and often violence is needed.

The ending was a bit of a surprise for me, actually. The general idea of what happens is pretty obvious, but the how was a pleasant shocker.

Final Impressions: All in all, great premise, magical creatures, nice writing, and well-dimensioned characters, though I sadly couldn't sympathise with Viola. As You Wish is definitely a must-read for fans of Coffeehouse Angel or just sweet, fairy-tale like novels.

Add to Shelf: Maybe if I can find it on sale... Or perhaps in paperback. But I didn't like it enough to buy it in hardcover.

Note This: Viola's actually an artist, which I always love to read about. She feels she doesn't have enough natural talent though. So art plays a huge part in the novel in ways to express oneself. :)