a flight of minds

Fear not, it's not too late!

2010-09-19T09:35:00.001-07:00

You can still enter our giveaway to win:

Wondrous Strange & Darklight by Lesley Livingston
The Forest of Hands and Teeth & Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
After by Amy Efaw
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

And to sweeten things even more, we're adding more books into the pot! Say hello to the chance to also win:

Beautiful Creatures by Magi Garcia & Margaret Stohl (HC)
If I Stay by Gayle Forman (PB)
The Iron King by Julia Kagawa (PB)

Three winners, three books each! How awesome, right? To enter, just FILL OUT THIS FORM.

Unfortunately, this is a US/Canada only contest. And it is due to end September 21, so enter away!

Book mix: Grace & Elegance

2010-09-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here compiled are 13 recent YA novels that I feel can be described as graceful or elegant, from the characters, setting, writing, cover, etc.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
What can be more graceful than magic? Plus capes & weaving? Grace in motion.
Jellicoe Road- Melina Marchetta
The writing is beautiful and the story is gracefully executed.

Fire- Kristin Cashore
Everything screams gracefullness, from the setting, the writing, to the characters and the weapons. I mean, archery?

Ash- Malinda Lo
A fairy tale retelling is bound to be full of elegance and grace and Ash exemplifies it.

The Book Thief- Markus Zusak
Being so unique and beautiful, The Book Thief just needs to be included.

Ice- Sarah Beth Durst
Another retelling, Ice takes place in the freezing cold and involves souls. Something about a combination of those two screams elegance.

Prophecy of the Sisters- Michelle Zink
A gothic setting and graceful prose combine and I’m assuming, continue in Guardian of the Gate.

If I Stay- Gayle Forman
The hardcover is simply lovely as is the whole story.

Shiver- Maggie Stiefvater
Not only is the main character’s name Grace but the writing is elegant. Double reasons.

Silver Pheonix- Cindy Pon
The original cover with the asian girl is full of beauty and grace and the whole journey of magic is amazing.

Grace- Elizabeth Scott
Having not actually read it, I can’t say much about it but the title is Grace. And Elizabeth Scott is known for her elegant writing.

The Demon’s Covenant- Sarah Rees Brennan
Even though it takes place in a contemporary world, the dancing and the swords & bows are totally elegant.

Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
The cover is haunting, but the motion of a swing is always so graceful. The writing and inclusion of casette tapes make 13 Reasons Why all the more elegant.

Review by Alex- Passing Strange

2010-09-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Passing Strange by Daniel Waters

Karen DeSonne always passed as a normal (if pale) teenager; with her friends, with her family, and at school. Passing cost her the love of her life. And now that Karen’s dead, she’s still passing—this time, as alive. Karen DeSonne just happens to be an extremely human-like zombie. Meanwhile, Karen’s dead friends have been fingered in a high-profile murder, causing a new round of antizombie regulations that have forced them into hiding. Karen soon learns that the “murder” that destroyed their non-life was a hoax, staged by Pete Martinsburg and his bioist zealots. Obtaining enough evidence to expose the fraud and prove her friends’ innocence means doing the unthinkable: becoming Pete’s girlfriend. Karen’s only hope is that the enemy never realizes who she really is—because the consequences would be worse than death.

First Impresssions: Having read the previous two in the Generation Dead series, I knew pretty much what to expect. They tend to be a little slow, but interesting with the dynamics that the addition of teenage zombies. Worthwhile reads for sure.

Passing Strange is mislabeled, if you ask me. It says it's "High school zombies for Twilight fans" but I find Passing Strange more introspective than Twilight, with less fluff and intense romance, and more zombie rights and how the sudden appearance of teenage zombies can stir up the world.

While Generation Dead and Kiss of Life focused on Phoebe, Adam, and Tommy, Passing Strange has Karen and Pete at centre stage. The love triangle characters are still there - though Tommy just in reference - but they are a part of it. Karen's an interesting character, as we get to look into a zombie mind. She's got a past- she did commit suicide after all and came back as a zombie because of it. Her remorse and need to redeem herself is a huge part of the novel and it influences much of her actions. Pete, who seemed like a cold, crazy killer in the first books, is characterized more in Passing Strange, where he almost seems normal at times. He's got twisted views for sure, and takes many turns in character so the reader never really knows who he is, well, human. Just a twisted one. And a good actor.

While the plot slows down at times, Karen's secret mission carries the story along, along with the mystery of her backstory (though it's slightly obvious) and Pete's strange motives. There's also the rest of the zombies who have gone into hiding who make appearances. I'm starting to really like Tak, who gets more story time and gets his past and self shared.

Generation Dead and Kiss of Life set up the story and reflected on the mistreatment of zombies (and therefore any racism in present real life), but Passing Strange took a slightly different approach. With Karen as the only one who narrates in first person (there are also third person narrations centering on Pete and Tak), Karen's thoughts bring a different type of voice. It's more reflective on individuals being zombies, instead of how zombies affect the whole population. It's how being a zombie affects you kind of thing. There's also a bit more of a spy/stealthiness feel to Passing Strange.

Final Impressions: Overall, I really enjoyed reading Passing Strange, even if it did take a considerable amount of time to read due to a sometimes uneventful story. All the characters are realized and strongly done and the book is often witty. Though my favourite part of the novel is by far the impact zombies can have on society and what coming back as a zombie would feel like.

4.5 shelves.

Review by Lauren - Orange is the New Black

2010-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman

When FBI agents knocked on her door to investigate a ten-year-old crime, Piper Kerman barely resembled the reckless young woman she was shortly after graduating Smith College. Happily ensconced in a New York City apartment, with a promising career and an attentive boyfriend, she was suddenly forced to reckon with the consequences of her very brief, very careless dalliance in the world of drug trafficking a decade earlier.

Following a plea deal, she spent 15 months at “Club Fed,” the infamous women’s correctional facility in Danbury, CT, where she not only gained a unique perspective on the criminal justice system, but also met a surprising and varied community of women living under exceptional circumstances.
In Orange Is the New Black, Piper Kerman tells the dramatic story of those long months under lockdown, in a place with its own codes of behavior and arbitrary hierarchies, where a practical joke is as common as an unprovoked fistfight, and where the uneasy relationship between prisoner and jailer is constantly and unpredictably recalibrated.

Revealing, moving, and enraging, Orange Is the New Black is a bold and wholly original entry in the canon of prison literature.

First Impressions: I was really interested in having some insight into what prison is really like, so along with the high praise the book has received, it seemed like an interesting choice.

I read Orange is the New Black almost consistantly within a 12 hour span (I had to sleep at some point). All I can say is that it was so interesting. I don't read very many non-fiction, but I can definitely see the appeal in reading something you know is true. Piper's story is an incredible journey that completely changed her life. It wasn't a story about convicts and how terrifying the prison system was (although it did have its moments), but about the people you meet and the social customs that are so different from the outside world.

Final Impressions: Really interesting and well written novel. I definitely enjoyed it.

Review by Lauren - East

2010-09-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

East by Edith Pattou

In the rural villages of Norway, there is an ancient belief that children inherit the qualities of the direction in which they are born. Nymah Rose, the last daughter of eight siblings born to a poor mapmaker and his superstitious wife, was a North-born baby. It is said that North-born babies are wild, unpredictable, intelligent, and destined to break their mothers' hearts because they all leave hearth and home to travel to the far ends of the earth.

To keep her close, Rose’s mother lied and told her she had been born of the obedient and pliable East. But destiny cannot be denied. One day, a great white bear comes to the mapmaker’s door to claim Rose’s birthright. Everything that comes after, as richly imagined by author Edith Pattou, is the basis for one of the most epic romantic fantasies ever told.

East is a deftly woven tapestry that melds traditional fairy tale motifs of both Beauty and the Beast and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, with the haunting icy lore of medieval northern lands. Told in a changing chorus of voices, including that of Rose, her hopeful brother Neddy, her regretful father, the charmed white bear, and the Troll Queen whose selfish wish is the catalyst that seals Rose’s fate, East will enchant any and all who venture within its pages.

First Impression: I did a lot of looking around online before deciding to buy East - I was in a book buying mood but tend to be picky. It got great reviews and sounded interesting.

East is the retelling of the classic Nowegian fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon - very similar to Beauty and the Beast with a little more adventure to it along with some references to Norse mythology. I love fairy tales and right from the start, I was hooked. I loved it.

The beginning of the book was great. Interesting, intriguing, and I could not wait to finish, but then it kindof dropped off. There was a good chunk in the middle that I could barely focus on. The story had just sortof died off for me. It was a great retelling of the story though, great writing for the most part, and I did enjoy it overall.

Final Impressions: Great retelling of a classic with a little bump in the middle. Beginning and end were great though.

Review by Lauren - Clockwork Angel

2010-09-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

First Impression: I really enjoyed the Mortal Instruments trilogy that Cassandra Clare had written, so I was excited to read this one - I'm not in love with the series though, so I wasn't expecting miracles. The cover, though, is gorgeous which did increase my desire to read the book...

Clockwork Angel it set at the end of the Victorian Era in London where orphaned Tessa Gray has gone to find her brother. It carries many elements of the Mortal Instruments trilogy - another Pandemonium Club, Magnus Bane, and even the Lightwoods make an appearance - but it isn't necessary to read the first series. There are shadowhunters, downworlders, and the same brutal love interest. As awful as Will was in the books, I can't help but still love him deep down.

I loved Clockwork Angel. It had all the elements of the first series that I loved, but with that historical aspect to it that made it all 10 times better for me. There were little bits of Victorian poetry at the beginnings of every chapter, which I usually don't care for because they never seem to make any sense to me, but these poems actually interested me and drew me in. Tessa's love for literature was also great and I loved the references to Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters and Dickens.

Final Impressions: I loved it and I will definitely buy it once it comes out in paperback (because I've had to cut back on my book buying...). It was thrilling, mysterious, and just as intriguing as Clare's other series. I cannot wait for the next one to come out, and I am pleased to be able to give it a rating of 6/6 shelves :)

"It could be worse" giveaway!

2010-08-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ah yes! The giveaway we promised months ago. As school quickly comes upon us students, we all groan and wish for summer. And for all those past school- lament the departure of hot summer days by the pool and whatnot. But fear not, we're here to try to brighten the coming fall with, of course, a giveaway!

To win:

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (HC)
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (HC)
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston (PB)
Darklight by Lesley Livingston (PB)
After by Amy Efaw (HC)
The Absolutely True diary of a Part-Time Indian (PB)

2 winners. Each person gets to pick either zombies or faeries, and then a contemporary one too. Gotta get a bit of a mix, right?

This contest is US & CANADA ONLY. Sorry, we're just students. (Ignore what the form says. It's a mistake. Though if anyone knows how to edit the form and is willing to tell us how, we'd be super grateful!)

Simple enough, just fill out THIS FORM. We tried to make it as simple as possible.

Good luck! If this goes well, we may add more books & winners. Giveway ends September 21st!

Mini Reviews: Part Two

2010-08-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

So I didn't feel like writing full reviews for all of these. Instead, it's return of the mini-reviews!

After by Amy Efaw
In short: Devon's life changes drastically when a baby is found in the trash and all signs point to her as the mother. The big question though, is why. Why would someone like Devon, who's a star soccer player, a good student, etc. throw her baby away? After follows Devon as she goes from court to jail to court and what goes on through her mind, slowly revealing her reasons.

My thoughts: To be honest, at first After did not do anything for me. It's written in third person, present tense, and that threw me off and didn't work for me.

For a large portion of the book, I couldn't understand how Devon could do something like that, and I didn't like her as a character, nor anyone else, for that matter. The part that saved After though, is the last quarter, where Devon goes to court on whether or not she should be tried as an adult or a child, being 15 going on 16. After actually made law seem interesting to me, which is something that my dad has never been able to do- and he's a lawyer. So kudos to Amy Efaw.

The conclusion: Brings a new perspective to law and Dumpster babies, and the desperation and seeming insanity one will go to. But also a little dull and annoying at times. 3.5/6.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
from Goodreads: Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

My thoughts: The Chosen One is haunting for its topic. To have it viewed through the eyes of a mere 13 year old girl makes the brutality of her world significantly worse. It's a well written novel that goes by really quickly, partly because of the short length and partly because it's written not in chapters but as snippets and blocks with no chapters to divide it.

It's short, but powerful for the view of a polygamous community that The Chosen One gives us. It's certainly unusual for a YA novel and shows a completely different world that most readers have. I don't know what else to say but that the relationships are all deftly done and the characters, especially Kyra, are particularily heartbreakingly beautiful.

The conclusion: Surely a must-read for those wanting to get a glimpse of what it would be like to live a polygamous lifestyle, and a wake up call to many others. Certainly it was to me. 5/6 stars.

Feed by M.T. Anderson
From Goodreads: Identity crises, consumerism, and star-crossed teenage love in a futuristic society where people connect to the Internet via feeds implanted in their brains.

For Titus and his friends, it started out like any ordinary trip to the moon - a chance to party during spring break and play with some stupid low-grav at the Ricochet Lounge. But that was before the crazy hacker caused all their feeds to malfunction, sending them to the hospital to lie around with nothing inside their heads for days. And it was before Titus met Violet, a beautiful, brainy teenage girl who has decided to fight the feed and its omnipresent ability to categorize human thoughts and desires.

My thoughts: Feed is more of a commentary on consumerism and the way of life than anything else. As far as plot goes, there isn't much to it, which made it a little harder to get into. It's mostly about Titus and his friends and then meeting a girl who challenges the world they live in and changing his views. Toss in some love and tragedy and you've got Feed. That's not to say it's not good, because obviously it is - I mean, it did get an award - but Feed isn't a fast paced Hunger Games. So I shouldn't have expected it to be, but I did.

Regardless of my expectations, Feed makes an interesting satire. The way it's written mocks the way teenagers speak - which is to say, it's really annoying. And that's the point. But the writing isn't that hard to get used to. (Which is slightly depressing to me. If it's so easy to fall into reading it, what does that say about me?) As far as characters go, Titus seemed quite... useless, and Violet could be desperate and clingy, but that's would happen to most in a setting like they live in.

The conclusion: A good read for what is is, but my expectations for something exciting fell exceedingly short. 4/6.

Review by Alex- Brightly Woven

2010-08-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

First Impressions: I had read some reviews praising Brightly Woven when it first came out, and so I was excited to finally read it. I love fantasy! And that cover? So pretty. Brightly Woven resembled a lot like the Immortal series by Tamora Pierce, which pretty much decided that I would read this book.

Brightly Woven was all that I thought it would be. It's a light fantasy - and not paranormal fantasy, thank god - and a romance. The fantastical elements are really interesting, because well, I do love me some magic. I thought it was really unique that Wayland used magic through his capes- and that Syd could weave those capes. It's an exciting world, but we unfortunately only seemed to get a snippet of it. I'm sure there's a lot more to it. (Companion novel coming up?)

The characters were all quite fun, and Syd and Wayland North are adorable together. Syd's wary of North at the beginning, but through their travels they grow on each other and protect each other. Cue the "aaaw"s. The other characters could have used more time, but it is a rather short novel at 368 pages (for a fantasy, where many new things of the new world have to be explained) so it can be understandable. The problems and revelations both Syd and North face are fascinating.

The writing is easy and smooth and Brightly Woven is a book to finish in a night. Which is what I did. Actually, I stayed up late into the night, so that's telling you something. While some parts of the story didn't always mesh well together, the overall plot is quite addicting, and the ending goes at a brisk pace.

Final Impressions: A fantasy that's full of fun, romance, and of course magic, Brightly Woven lives up to its expectations. It's a lighter version of novels by Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce, so fantasy fans, line up.

Oh! And Lauren and I are planning on having a big giveaway at the end of the summer, but it would be even better if we could also celebrate 200 followers at the same time! We only have 9 more to go... We could toss in an extra book or something if it happens.

Review by Lauren - Guardian of the Gate

2010-08-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for ...more The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

First Impressions: Not so pumped since the first one disappointed me - you can read my review here and Alex's here.

So I decided I would switch back to a bit of teen literature, and this one seemed like a good place to start. If you haven't read the first book, Prophecy of the Sisters, you pretty much have to read it first. I spent the first couple chapters completely bewildered because I just couldn't remember all the crazy information from the first book. There is a lot of background to these books, so you really can't just jump in somewhere.

I liked Guardian of the Gate more than Prophecy of the Sisters for a couple reasons. First, more happened in this book. The first one had a lot of carousing around and information, setting up for the next two books. So I was hoping this one would have some big moments. I will admit it definitely had more to it than the first one, but it was still a big set-up for the next book. That's pretty much the only issue I had with it, but it wasn't enough for me to put the book down or anything - I read it in a night.

The second reasons I enjoyed Guardian of the Gate more than Prophecy of the Sisters was the romance. Yes, yes, that's all I live for in a book, but despite Lia's adorable relationship with James in the first book, I still found myself wishing for more. Guardian of the Gate definitely has more. I won't reveal too much, but it was plenty for me.

Final Impressions: Better than the first one for sure, but still not up there in my favorites. Keeps that haunting atmosphere but not quite as dark as the first one.

Review by Alex- Jellicoe Road

2010-08-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

"What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.

Abandoned by her mother on Jellic...more "What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future.

First Impressions: Well, this is a reread, so I already knew I loved Jellicoe Road and Melina Marchetta. All of her books have impressed me and left a mark, Jellicoe Road especially. So when I happened to make a trip and spot Jellicoe Road, well I just had to pick it up.

Jellicoe Road has everything. No, it IS everything. If there was ever to be a book with a soul, this would be it. It has a raw power to it. It makes me smile, it makes me cry - a lot - but most of all, it makes me believe in something beautiful. I really do believe that it's one of those rare and special books.

It's one of those that are better as a reread than the first time reading, if possible. The clues fit in better. At my library, it's labelled as a mystery, but it's so much more. It's a love story, a coming of age. Two stories of growing up and making lasting friendships. It's filled with passion and confusion and glorious fun and hope.

Now, it is confusing at first. Two very different stories are related, and it's hard to tell what's going on. You're kind of dropped into a story of a war- a war over territory, between 3 sides, and it's hard to tell what exactly is happening. But it's worth sticking with because all is understood after a couple chapters, about the current situation. But that doesn't mean other secrets are revealed- some wait until the very end, and you have to race to get there, because it's impossible not to.

Jellicoe Road is complicated and heartbreaking. It's filled with little beautiful things, like times when Taylor has fun with her House. Huge beautiful things like the relationship between Taylor and a boy. And that secretive past- the story of 5 teenagers who are all connected to each other, whether through tragic accident, coincidence, or luck.

Everything from the intertwining stories, to the characters thrown together who, at first are enemies but grow into something much, more more, to the histories and pasts of the characters, to the characters themselves who are alive and passionate and for the most part, filled with life- they're all so gorgeously drawn. So well done, so amazing.

Final Impressions: No words can do justice for Jellicoe Road. It was completely different from anything I'd ever read last year, the first time I read it, and it's still completely different. It's astonishing, and breathtaking, and tearjerking, and gloriously beautiful. Jellicoe Road is really something you have to read to fully understand the amazing wonderfullness of it all. Melina Marchetta may very well be my idol.

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

2010-08-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's been a while, hasn't it? Since I've done a WoW, that is.

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Release Date: September 28, 2010

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Goodreads

Description:

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

This companion novel to Warman's critically acclaimed Breathless proves that sometimes the biggest lies are told to the people you love the most.

I'm not too sure if this is paranormal. I haven't read Breathless but as far as I know, it isn't. The description sounds like Where the Truth Lies could be paranormal, but I don't think so. Which would make it all the better- suspense and mystery without anything normal seems like a breathe of fresh air to me.

And I love the title. Where the Truth Lies. It does sound very similar to Wherever Nina Lies and And then I Found Out the Truth, but it's a similarity I really, really like. Titles that are phrases are so... [insert perfect adjective here]. Love.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

What are you all waiting for?

Review by Alex- Vampire Academy series

2010-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Vampire Academy / Frostbite / Shadow Kiss / Blood Promise / Spirit Bound

I don't know if words can express how much I love the Vampire Academy series. Hands down, my favourite vampire books and one of my top urban fantasies too.

As this was actually a reread of the first four in the series, since I finally bought them all for cheap (!), and I don't want to spoil Spirit Bound, I figured I would just review the series as a whole.

You'd have to living under a rock to not have heard of the Vampire Academy series and you'd have to be annoyingly stubborn to refuse to read them. coughLaurencough. Think you're over the huge vampire trend? Please don't be. Give VA a chance and you won't regret it.

Vampire Academy starts out fast and continues to be a speedy read- partly because the writing is smooth and easy to read, partly because you just want to keep reading to get to the end to know what's going to happen. The plots of each novel are extremely strong, with lots of action and excitement. There are some periods of downtime, like the first half of Blood Promise, but that time only promises better battles.

The characters are dynamic and fun. Rose is incredibly tough and kickass. She's got a snarky comment for everything which makes for laugh-out-loud dialogue. And she's loyal. Best friend material? Oh yeah. Lucky for Lissa, the only one in the royal Dragomir line, that the two have been best friends for years. Lissa as a character becomes stronger and more likeable over the course of the series. At first, she doesn't really hold much of a candle next to Rose, but Lissa's her own person and is brave in a different way.

And then there are the guys. Of course. There's Dimitri, Rose's hot older Russian tutor. And there's Adrian, party boy and constantly drunk - but there's a reason - who's confident and a royal vampire. Both vying for Rose. That ever present and so very addicting love triangle. (I'm turning into an Adrian fan. I did not like Dimitri at all in Spirit Bound. What a wuss.)

Final Impressions: Oh dear. I seriously cannot do the Vampire Academy series justice. It deserves all the praise it gets and more. Awesome characters? Check. Addicting romance? Check. Powerful plot? Check. What more can you ask for? For all those who haven't read this series yet: Really, please, don't hesitate to read them. For all those who have: Want to fangirl squeal with me over this series? There are few series I'd fawn over, but Vampire Academy is one of them. This may not be stuffy literature to last the ages and to be read in schools time and time again, but for what it is, Vampire Academy is the finest.

Review by Alex- Sorta Like a Rock Star

2010-07-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom’s boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). But Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. Instead, she focuses on bettering the lives of her alcoholic mother and her quirky circle of friends: a glass-ceiling-breaking single mother raising a son diagnosed with autism; Father Chee and The Korean Divas for Christ (soul-singing ESL students); a nihilist octogenarian; a video-game-playing gang of outcasts; and a haiku-writing war vet. But then a fatal tragedy threatens Amber’s optimism—and her way of life. Can Amber continue to be the princess of hope?

With his zany cast of characters and a heartwarming, inspiring story, debut YA author Matthew Quick builds a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope. This world is Amber’s stage, and Amber is, well…she’s sorta like a rock star.

First Impressions: Bought on a whim when I went to Chapters one day. I went in not knowing anything about it besides the description and that there were blurbs by some great authors praising Sorta Like a Rock Star.

And I have to say, Sorta Like a Rock Star is such a hidden gem. True. As Amber would say. Amber,the narrator, has an honest and powerful voice. Though at first it's extremely annoying with the "trues" as I've showcased a few sentences back, after a while, you get used to it and the unique voice only adds to the novel.

Amber is one helluva heroine. She's got more problems than the average girl, but she's able to bear it well and still remain seemingly eternally optimistic. She goes through ups and downs and changes throughout the novel- but she still retains that beautiful Amber-ness. I'm not doing a very good job of describing Amber, because she's just one of those undescribably good characters.

Supporting Amber is a crazy and motley cast. Amber seems to be able to make friends with anyone and everyone if she wants to. She smiles and says hello to scary homeless people as she bikes by. She has four male best friends who all aren't, well, average. She's a befriender and an action-taker. This review focuses on Amber because the novel is about Amber. The rest of the characters are well-done and fun, but Amber is without a doubt the showstopper.

Final Impressions: This book made me laugh. It made me cry. End of story. So really, go pick up this book now. It's heartfelt and sweet, and almost perfect in a fragile sort of way.

A musing on the (un)diversity of tastes

2010-07-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Tastes. Genres. Favourites.

For some reason, my tastes in movies and tv, and even music, are quite eclectic, but for books, I'm almost always reading teen. (Or I would have said that a month ago at least.) I've watched movies from Funny People, to 27 Dresses, to Star Trek, and liked all of them. I've followed tv series like Glee, Lost, Modern Family, 24. Music, while mostly alt and indie, can be diverse.

But... books? Almost strictly teen. And when I realized that- I started to try to branch out. (Hellooo classics and adult.) I didn't like the idea of being so one-streamed, especially with books, which are hands down my favourite out of books, movies, tv, and music. That said, of course I still love teen. And the teen genre really is diverse.

However, my point of this post is to ruminate on why. My taste in everything else is varied. But I've been reading teen and pretty much only teen for... more than five years now.

I think - though this is only for me personally - the main reason is time. A movie is done by 2 hours, though lately many pass that in length. But in give or take a couple hours, a movie is over. A tv series has weekly installements, an hour a week max. is nothing. Music is just minutes. There is time to not be picky. Because it's so little time. What's an hour or two of your life? A horrible movie would be something you just laugh at for watching and then forget about. You can waste an hour watching a show and then just not watch it anymore.

But a book takes time to read, plus energy on your part to actually read it. Some books - example: Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers - may go as fast as 2 hours but most don't. Most surpass that time it takes to watch a movie. Novels can be 300 pages to much, much more. Even the best thick reads - HP much? - that go quickly take time. There's no going around that. (Well, speed-reading and skipping parts, but that's never been my way.) And so instead of branching out and trying something new, it's a lot easier to just stick with what you're used to reading, because you pretty much know you'll like it and it won't be a waste of time.

On top of time, there's also that reading is done alone. You can watch a movie or show with friends, and laugh and talk about it at the same time. Have you tried reading with someone else before? I have. It's annoying and strange, especially if the other person isn't at the same reading speed as you. Reading is inheritantly individualistic. And so your own tastes are really the only ones that matter. A friend can coerce you to watch a movie with them; a friend lending you a book and telling you to read it is a lot different than you actually picking up that book and reading it.

Add the fact that you have to concentrate to read - a tv isn't doing the work for you - and you have another reason. Teen is usually easier to read than adult. Not always, but that's what I've found from what I've read of adult and certainly of the classics. Teen novels have a way of writing that's aimed for teens. Many teens are reluctant readers- they're not going to want to wade through complex sentences and imagery and whatnot.

All this to conclude that while all forms have advantages and disadvantages, that really shouldn't stop me, and those of you, from limiting myself to one genre in whatever form. Just because I've always read teen doesn't mean I should constantly only read teen. Diversity is my new goal.

And so I've challenged myself to actually read some of the classics. I'm about a 1/4 of the way through Wuthering Heights now. I'm off to discover why everyone is obsessed with this Heathcliff.

So what do you all think? Diversify? And what books would you recommend that aren't teen?

- Alex

Review by Lauren - The Secret Daughter

2010-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

On the eve of the monsoons, in a remote Indian village, Kavita gives birth to a baby girl. But in a culture that favors sons, the only way for Kavita to save her newborn daughter's life is to give her away. It is a decision that will haunt her and her husband for the rest of their lives, even after the arrival of their cherished son.

Halfway around the globe, Somer, an American doctor, decides to adopt a child after making the wrenching discovery that she will never have one of her own. When she and her husband, Krishnan, see a photo of the baby with the gold-flecked eyes from a Mumbai orphanage, they are overwhelmed with emotion. Somer knows life will change with the adoption but is convinced that the love they already feel will overcome all obstacles.

Interweaving the stories of Kavita, Somer, and the child that binds both of their destinies, Secret Daughter poignantly explores the emotional terrain of motherhood, loss, identity, and love, as witnessed through the lives of two families—one Indian, one American—and the child that indelibly connects them.

First Impressions: I picked The Secret Daughter up on a recommendation by another staff member who had just started it, but had been really enjoying it.

Asha is adopted at the age of one after her family could not afford to keep a daughter in their household. She is raised by two american doctors, her father Indian and her mother Caucasian. The Secret Daughter takes place both in India and America, with a variety of different perspectives throughout the story.

I read The Secret Daughter very quickly. It's not a perticularly small book, but I was interested in the story for the most part. The beginning and middle were great, but I found that the second half of it started to slow down a bit and I kept waiting for something monumental to happen. Other than that, I definitely enjoyed the characters, the plot, and also the indian culture shown in the novel.

Final Impressions: A great, interesting story highlighting the values we place on family and identity.

Review by Lauren - The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

2010-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

From Dagger Award–winning and internationally bestselling author Alan Bradley comes this utterly beguiling mystery starring one of fiction’s most remarkable sleuths: Flavia de Luce, a dangerously brilliant eleven-year-old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders. This time, Flavia finds herself untangling two deaths—separated by time but linked by the unlikeliest of threads.

Flavia thinks that her days of crime-solving in the bucolic English hamlet of Bishop’s Lacy are over—and then Rupert Porson has an unfortunate rendezvous with electricity. The beloved puppeteer has had his own strings sizzled, but who’d do such a thing and why? For Flavia, the questions are intriguing enough to make her put aside her chemistry experiments and schemes of vengeance against her insufferable big sisters. Astride Gladys, her trusty bicycle, Flavia sets out from the de Luces’ crumbling family mansion in search of Bishop’s Lacey’s deadliest secrets.

Does the madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood know more than she’s letting on? What of the vicar’s odd ministrations to the catatonic woman in the dovecote? Then there’s a German pilot obsessed with the Brontë sisters, a reproachful spinster aunt, and even a box of poisoned chocolates. Most troubling of all is Porson’s assistant, the charming but erratic Nialla. All clues point toward a suspicious death years earlier and a case the local constables can’t solve—without Flavia’s help. But in getting so close to who’s secretly pulling the strings of this dance of death, has our precocious heroine finally gotten in way over her head?

First Impressions: Alright so The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, or The Weed for short, is the second book in the Flavia de Luce series, the first being The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. (My review for that one can be found here.) I really enjoyed the first one, so I was very excited to start!

The Weed takes up not too long after the end of Sweetness, although it is not necessary to read the books in order. Flavia is back as her usual, hilarious self, once again tormenting her older sisters and snooping into things way out of her league. The novel is just as fast-paced and entertaining as the last with a couple laugh-out-loud moments, but I just didn't quite enjoy it as much as the first. I think it's probably just the sequel factor, because I can't quite pinpoint what it was.

Final Impressions: Just as fun, quirky, and entertaining as the first novel, and I cannot wait until the next one comes out!

Memorable Quotes:

- "While you've been gadding about the countryside, we've held a meeting, and we've all of us decided that you must go.'
In short, we've voted you out of the family,' Daffy said. 'It was unanimous."

- "If you remember nothing else, remember this: Inspiration from outside one's self is like the heat in an oven. It makes passable Bath buns. But inspiration from within is like a volcano: It changes the face of the world."

- "You are unreliable, Flavia," he said. "Utterly unreliable."
Of course I was! It was one of the things I loved most about myself.
Eleven-year-olds are supposed to be unreliable."

Review by Alex- Perchance to Dream

2010-07-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
The stuff that dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.
Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.
When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

First Impressions: Having just reread Eyes Like Stars before delving into Perchance to Dream, I thought I was prepped for Bertie's world. A world full of magic and love and craziness.

Unfortunately... maybe I wasn't. I still did really like Perchance to Dream. It has all of Eyes Like Stars' imagination and creativity and full-on fun. This time, the story takes place not inside the theater, but outside as Bertie tries to get Nate back from Sedna and meets a whole new cast of characters. Each character brings something new.

The whole plot is wild and strange- in a good way. But it was nonetheless a way that I couldn't fully understand. It breaks my heart to say it- but maybe I just wasn't imaginative enough to read Perchance to Dream. I was constantly wondering how in the world all of this was happening until I just had to shut my brain off and stop my wondering. (Which is really, really hard.) However, after doing so, Perchance to Dream became a lot more enjoyable. Yeah, it's crazy, but it's a type of crazy one falls in love with, as many bloggers and readers can attest.

I do love the magical elements of the story. That Bertie is the Mistress of Revels and has the power over words is amazing. The idea that one can have power over words is doubly so.

And then of course we have our love triangle. To be honest, for the most part, Bertie's lack of doing anything to decide between her two men for the better part of the novel annoyed me. But then... I'm firmly on Ariel's side and really don't see why there should be a love triangle.

Final Impressions: I wish Perchance to Dream would have been something I could be fully wrapped into, but it took a while for me to realize that unless I stopped thinking of the whats, hows, and whys of the novel, I'd never get anywhere. But I'm sure others will easily devour Perchance to Dream with all of its beauty and wonder.

4.5 shelves.

Oh, and want another point of view? Lauren's review.

Blog News/Update

2010-07-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! So, in case you hadn't noticed, the blog's been having a bit of a mid-life crisis this past week. Lots of different colours, backgrounds, text - basically a lot of changes.

The first reason behind all this, as Alex mentioned in our last layout post, is to celebrate summer, aka our return to blogging. This past year was tough for our little blog, and we apologize a million times to you guys who have stuck by us through our months without posts!

The second reason is that we're changing our content slightly, mostly due to myself. I've realised recently that my desire to read YA has greatly diminished, and the number of regular fiction books I've enjoyed recently has risen greatly.

This fact had originally brought me to the conclusion that I was no longer going to be able to blog regularily, but of course Alex would have none of that. So A Flight of Minds will now include regular fiction reviews, written mostly by me (and possibly Alex on the rare occasion). A teen's view on the genre :)

So basically, we're expanding :) For the better :)

Review by Lauren - The Graveyard Book

2010-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

First Impressions: I was very excited to read The Graveyard Book, mostly because of the high praise it has received. I didn't really have any idea what the book was going to be about, but I went in with high expectations.

Bod (short for Nobody) has spent almost his entire life in a graveyard, raised by ghosts instead of parents, and given all the same priviledges as the dead around him. He is kept hidden from the outside world to protect him from the people who want to hurt him, and spends his time learning to use his ghostly powers.

Because I read The Graveyard Book with such high expectations, it took me a while before I began to really enjoy it. You have to keep in mind that it is a children's book, with mature themes, but the story is still meant for younger children.

In the end, I did enjoy the book. It was endearing and imaginative, and I loved the illustrations that were included in every chapter such as the one off to the left. Every character was special, each ghost unique and entertaining. I loved how Neil Gaiman included each ghost's epitaph after their introduction, and how almost every chapter seemed to be a little story of its own.

Final Impressions: A great (mature) children's book about the joys of truling living. Oh, and can you see the face on the cover? :p Took me a couple days to figure that one out...

Memorable Quotes:

- "Name the different kinds of people,’ said Miss Lupescu. ‘Now.’

Bod thought for a moment. ‘The living,’ he said. ‘Er. The dead.’ He stopped. Then, ‘...Cats?’ he offered, uncertainly."

-"Bod quite liked crows. He thought they were funny and he liked the way they helped to keep the graveyard tidy."

- "Suppose we pick a name for him, eh?"
Caius Pompeius stepped over and eyed the child. "He looks a little like my proconsul, Marcus. We could call him Marcus."
Josiah Worthington said, "He looks more like my head gardener, Stebbins. Not that I'm suggesting Stebbins as a name. The man drank like a fish."
"He looks like my nephew Harry," said Mother Slaughter...
"He looks like nobody but himself," said Mrs.Owens, firmly. "He looks like nobody."
"Then Nobody it is," said Silas. "Nobody Owens."

Review by Alex- Prophecy of the Sisters

2010-07-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her.

Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions. Prophecy of the Sisters is the first of three books.

First Impressions: I bought Prophecy of the Sisters ages ago, with high hopes and expectations after reading many praising reviews for it. And then... it just sat on my shelf for ages. (Actually, I lent it to Lauren, who read it and returned it. Then it sat on my shelf.) So when summer came, I finally pulled it back out.

Honestly not too sure why I left it unread for so long, but perhaps it's a good thing I did. Because there is nothing better than reading Prophecy of the Sisters while lying on a hammock in the shade, next to the beach. Prophecy of the Sisters has this dark atmosphere and is the perfect book to read all on your own, without distractions, in my opinion. Its writing is a little denser than other YA novels' writing, but much richer and poetic. Really beautiful, in other words. The fact that it's so different sets it apart from contemporary novels, or novels with settings in our time. Instead, the writing brings us to the past.

And what a past it is. Reminding me of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy (which is high praise- I adore that series, as Lauren and my youtube video should attest) Prophecy of the Sisters has girls with mysterious special powers, a strong and compelling plot, secrets that are to be uncovered, and friendships and love. What's not to find interesting in the novel?

That said, some of it is a little confusing, and a lot of it did seem like set-up. But this is the first novel in a trilogy, so that's to be unexpected and not much can be done about it.

Final Impressions: Prophecy of the Sisters is a great start that has a beautifully haunting atmosphere and tone and well done characters and relationships. Though I'm itching for more romance! All I can say, is I'm glad that I waited so long to read Prophecy of the Sisters so I don't have to wait long for Guardian of the Gates, book 2, coming out August 1, this year.

Lauren reviewed this one a while back, like when it actually came out, here, if you all want a second opinion, which of course, you do, right?

Layout change!

2010-07-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

If anyone was up from 11 pm - 1 am today, you may have noticed some strange changes going around our blog. Meaning the layout may have been really bad while you were looking. I was attempting to change up the layout. A revamp, if you will.

Why? Well, Lauren and I decided (a while ago actually) that the blog needed a makeover. We were on a hiatus for most of the past school year, and now that summer has come, we thought a new layout was due. Summer = free time = time to read and review. Hopefully.

Well I've rambled enough I guess. What do you think of the layout? The pink colour too much? It'll probably be going through some more changes for the next little while, so I'll thank you in advance for putting up with it!

As usual, comments and construction critism are welcome. How does the background fit on all of your screens? I have a really wide screen, so what I see tends to be a lot different from most.

Review by Alex- Rules of Attraction

2010-07-16T06:12:00.001-07:00

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path—just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.

When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.

As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?

First Impressions: Having read Perfect Chemistry (actually, it was one of the first books I bought because of a blog’s review and I gave it as a present to Lauren) I knew what to expect from Rules of Attraction. It seemed like perfect car trip material, which is where I read a good portion of it.

While Rules of Attraction is pure cheesiness, it’s a cheese that’s done extremely well. It’s addicting and absorbing. A guilty read that’s utterly fantastic for what it is.

Kiera and Carlos’ relationship is interesting to see unfold and, while it’s ending is certainly not unexpected, it retains that perfect quality throughout. It’s never dull. It’s rocky at best at first, and goes through its ups and downs, at one point sweet, another hot, another in confusion. Their relationship is the base of the novel and makes Rules of Attraction what it is.

Kiera and Carlos tell the story in alternating perspectives, as like Perfect Chemistry. This lets us have two perspectives, which I love, and to get to know both personalities really well. Carlos is similar enough to Alex that readers get what they expected from the sequel to Perfect Chemistry, and Kiera is strong enough and well rounded to make an interesting female character.

Final Impressions: Much like Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction is a quick read that feels a little guilty, but extremely pleasurable. Time well spent.

Review by Lauren - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

2010-07-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Sweetness at he Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

In his wickedly brilliant first novel, Debut Dagger Award winner Alan Bradley introduces one of the most singular and engaging heroines in recent fiction: eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison.

It is the summer of 1950—and a series of inexplicable events has struck Buckshaw, the decaying English mansion that Flavia’s family calls home. A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath.

For Flavia, who is both appalled and delighted, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw.

“I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.”

First Impressions: Initially, I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to read Sweetness, but after reading a little bit more about it, and hearing some great reviews from a couple people, my opinion completely changed.

Sweetness is the story of 11-year-old Flavia de Luce, a quirky girl who loves chemistry - and most of all poison. She is constantly tormented by her two older sisters - but with good reason. Incredibly witty and comical, Flavia is a wonderful storyteller, and creates a very entertaining narration for the story.

The book is a mystery, but it wasn't overdone. Sweetness was a light, fun read that made me smile, and that I was able to read fairly quickly. It was like a breath of fresh air, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the characters had funny little quirks, and each one comical in their own way.

Final Impression: A fun, entertaining read that will put a smile on your face!

Review by Lauren - Linger

2010-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being.

For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past...and figuring out a way to survive into the future.

Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves...and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love--the light and the dark, the warm and the cold--in a way you will never forget

First Impressions: I was beyond excited. I love Maggie Stiefvater's novels, and have been waiting for Linger since Shiver first came out.

In Linger, Grace and Sam's roles seem to switch places. Grace grows continuously sicker as Sam tries to find her a cure while at the same time trying to take care of the new wolves that phase back into humans as the weather grows warmer. Two new perspectives are added to the mix; Isabel, who plays a bigger role in Linger than in Shiver, and Cole, one of the new wolves with a troubled past he's trying to escape in his wolf form.

As much as I enjoyed Linger, it doesn't quite have the same effect on me as Shiver did. I read some things about people getting confused over the added narratives by Isabel and Cole, but I actually really enjoyed their perspectives, especially Cole's. It helped me understand them a lot better as characters in a way that wouldn't have been possible had they only been seen through Grace and Sam's perspectives. Cole was probably my favorite in this story, and I loved his inner dilemna and personality.

One thing I really missed in Linger - and it is kindof embarrassing and I hate to admit it - were all the... uh... intimate moments between Sam and Grace. There were, of course, plenty of adorable moments between the two of them, but I still was looking for a bit more. There was intensity, but a slight lack in passion... Grace and Sam's relationship was still great in this book, and I still love how cute they are together, but I wanted a little bit of heat :p

Final Impressions: Linger was adorable, but it felt more like a filler novel to me with quite a few unresolved issues at the end of it. It wasn't too much of a disappointment for me though, seeing as it is a trilogy (right?) and the second book usually has that kind of format to it. Great writing once again by Maggie, who remains probably my favorite author at the moment, and I cannot wait for the final book!

Summertime Means Summer Challenges!

2010-06-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! So, as of yesterday, I am officially finished my exams (although Alex still has at least one to go :D). I started to think about what I wanted to do with my summer, blog-wise and reading-wise, and I decided that instead of reading my way through the teen section of the book store, I'm going to give myself a bit more of a challenge.

So my real inspiration for my Summer Challenges came about a couple weeks ago at work - I work in a bookstore - when I pulled Gone With the Wind off the shelving cart. It is a ginormous book. 1500 pages. But I had an immediate desire to read it, so I looked up some reviews (amazing), and was sold.

Along with reading this monstrous book, my first challenge is going to include watching the entire movie, start to finish. This is something I have failed to do on multiple occasions, and I am super excited to have the whole experience of reading the book first. It's such a classic, timeless movie that is such a part of our culture that I feel like it's about time I just sit myself down and watch the whole thing. Same goes for Casablanca.

So I've got a couple other ideas up my sleeve for the summer, including, of course, a Harry Potter marathon, so I'm definitely back, and hopefully I don't bore all of you to death with these crazy challenges. Just be grateful I gave up on Anna Karenina when I did :) So I'll be putting up a little section in the sidebar where you can follow my progress, if you're into that...

Oh! And look forward to some vlogs in the near future, along with some geocaching, seeing as I'm no longer juggling 10 different activites at once. The lack of stress is amazing.

Review by Alex- The Mysterious Benedict Society series

2010-06-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

For the first, The Mysterious Benedict Society:
Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

First Impressions: Funny enough, I learned of this book through my brother. And I say funny enough because, well, usually I'm the one to tell him about books. But he learned of The Mysterious Benedict Society through my mom who had read about it through a knitting blog. Go figure. I didn't know much about the novel really, besides that it had a sequel and that my younger brother enjoyed it. The blurbs did say it was like Lemony Snicket and Roald Dalh, so I was intruiged.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and its sequel, in one word, are fun. But they're also quite detailed and well planned - the second in the series more so than the first - with young characters that continue to learn and to grow.

There are our four protagonists: Reynie, a particulary cunning and clever 11 year old (who is 12 in the sequel I suppose) who is extremely adept at riddles and reading people (how I'd love to have his skills!); George "Sticky" Washington, the same age as Reynie, who has an incredibly strong memory and extensive knowledge on everything but who is also a bit of a nervous fellow; Kate, a girl a year older than the two boys and who is extraordinarily talented athletically wise; and Constance, a girl who's extremely contrary (and in fact, her last name is Contraire).

What makes the novels so fun and delightful to read are not just the characters, but the plot, the riddles, and especially the witty humor that often pokes fun at everyday norms and roles of society. The humor is spot on- perfect for children, but also perfect for teens and adults alike.

I thought that in terms of planning, plot, and overall development, the second in the series was much better than the first. But the first was already very good to begin with. There's currently another in the series out, with a fourth to be released, I'm pretty sure.

Final Impressions: The Mysterious Benedict Society is an incredibly fun read that's not only entertaining and humoristic, but is also able to put some reflections and connections to everyday life. Really, a must read. Children's books are no longer for kids, just as YA books are not only for teens.

Review by Alex- Heist Society

2010-06-06T20:08:00.001-07:00

Heist Society by Ally Carter

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

First Impressions: Having been interested in Heist Society, and having been finally lent a copy from a friend (who, for once, was not Lauren), I was excited to read it.

And I had good reason to be excited and interested. Heist Society does not disappoint. It's extremely fun and fast paced, with hardly a dull moment. The book opens up with a heist, and it ends with a heist. All in good fun.

I'd been in a bit of a reading slump before Heist Society, but zoomed through Heist Society quickly. It's not a hard read; it's easy, but the writing is smooth and flows nicely. The plot is, hands down, the best part of the novel, with all the tricks and turns, heists and hazards. The characters, if not fully developed, were all interesting and exciting, being crooks and all.

Definitely a must read for fans of Ally Carter's previous series, or anyone interested in themes of stealing, romance, heists, rollicking good fun, or all of the above (and more).

Final Impressions: Extremely entertaining, Heist Society has all the elements needed to entertain and imagine for an afternoon, or however long you read it for. I really enjoyed it, that's for sure.

Note This! I don't know if I'm incredibly blind or what, but for all the times I looked at the cover of Heist Society online, I never noticed the images in the sunglasses. And the cover looks a lot better in person.

Review by Lauren - Perchance to Dream

2010-05-30T08:34:00.001-07:00

First Impressions: With a storyline as creative as Eyes Like Stars, I was really excited to find out where Bertie's story was going to go.

What I really liked about Perchance to Dream - along with Eyes Like Stars - is the creativity behind the storyline. Almost all the characters come from famous plays. The story is full of theatre references. I'm not ridiculously in love with the book, but it was so much fun with the fairies, the adventure, and the tormenting love triangle. Oh my goodness Nate or Ariel? I was so torn for most of the book and it absolutely tore me apart, although deep down, I think I'm on Ariel's side. Perchance to Dream definitely showed a completely different side of him than Eyes Like Stars.

Final Impressions: Lots of fun, great story, and I can't wait for the third book :)

Waiting On Wednesday (27)

2010-05-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev

Release Date: May 25, 2010
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Goodreads
Description:
The stuff that dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.

Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.

When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Once again, LISA MANTCHEV has spun a tale like no other—full of romance, magic, adventure, and fairies, too—that readers won’t want to put down, even after the curtain has closed.

I can't believe this is the first time for me learning of Perchance to Dream, the sequel to Eyes Like Stars! There isn't really much that needs to be said about Perchance to Dream. It's the sequel to Eyes Like Stars.

However, I'm a little torn on the cover. Do I like it? Yes. Though I like the cover of Eyes Like Stars more. This one seems so... New Moon poster-esque. But the artwork is beautiful. It's just the poses... And it comes out so soon! :D

So what are you all waiting on this Wednesday?

- Alex

Review by Lauren: The Uninvited

2010-05-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones

Mimi Shapiro had a disturbing freshman year at NYU, thanks to a foolish affair with a professor who still haunts her caller ID. So when her artist father, Marc, offers the use of his remote Canadian cottage, she’s glad to hop in her Mini Cooper and drive up north.

The house is fairy-tale quaint, and the key is hidden right where her dad said it would be, so she’s shocked to fi nd someone already living there — Jay, a young musician, who is equally startled to meet Mimi and immediately accuses her of leaving strange and threatening tokens inside: a dead bird, a snakeskin, a cricket sound track embedded in his latest composition.

But Mimi has just arrived, so who is responsible? And more alarmingly, what does the intruder want?

Part gripping thriller, part family drama, this fast-paced novel plays out in alternating viewpoints, in a pastoral setting that is evocative and eerie — a mysterious character in its own right.

First Impressions: Not too thrilled, to be honest. I bought it on a whim after seeing a "Staff Picks" sticker on it at the book store, and it's been sitting in my closet since November.

The Uninvited definitely exceeded my expectations :) I wouldn't exactly refer to it as a thriller, but it did have a lot of different components -mystery, action, a somewhat romance, drama. I read it in a day, completely unable to put it down, and although I did find the writing to be a little awkward at first, I quickly bypassed it and just let myself get into the story.

I really liked the characters and how Tim Wynne-Jones managed to connect you to even the creepiest of them... I found myself shipping characters I definitely should not have been shipping... But no matter what I tried to tell myself, I still saw the humanity and reasoning in every one of them, and couldn't help siding with the bad guys :p The book switches between 3 different perspectives, which I also liked because I got a little extra insight into everything. Two sides (or three I guess at some points) to the story.

Final Impressions: Great book, interesting, well written, and, as a little side note, it's a canadian read, taking place about an hour from where I live :)

Check out Alex's review of The Uninvited here.

This is also our 100th review! :D :D

Review by Lauren: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

2010-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.

First Impressions: Alright. So I was looking forward to reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson (let's just call it WG, WG because let's face it, that's a long title), but I'm going to be honest here, neither John Green nor David Levithan have blown me away in the past. Alex is a huge fan of John Green, but I've never really gotten hooked on any of his stuff. As for David Levithan, I definitely enjoyed Nick & Nora and Naomi & Eli but once again, never a huge fan. So yes, I was looking forward to reading WG, WG, but I haven't been counting down the days to it's release.

I left WG, WG with the same outlook on it as I had going in. No, it did not blow my socks off, but I think I did enjoy it more than prior novels. The book definitely started out on a bit of an uncertain note, but things all seemed to click about fifty pages in and everything took off from there. It's a feel-good novel, great for contemporary, with characters that face some really difficult issues. One thing I really did like was how average a lot of the characters were, and I think that's something John Green does really well in his novels - so kudos for that :)

The multiple characters were definitely a plus for the novel (which is something David Levithan seems to do really well) and each Will Grayson brought a completely different outlook to the story. Having one gay character and one straight was also really interesting, and honestly, I didn't really have any issues with the story - it just didn't blow me away is all.

Final Impressions: Like I mentioned, if you are a fan of either of these authors, you'll love WG, WG, but I'm not going to fawn over it, because it's just not something that I really connect with on a different level and love to death.

Review by Alex- Numbers

2010-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Numbers By Rachel Ward
Numbers that pop into her head when she looks into someone's eyes. They're dates, the numbers. Dates predicting with brute accuracy each person's death.

Burdened by such grim knowledge, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. Maybe they can find happiness together, if only in the brief time that remains before his expiration date.

But on a trip to London, Jem foresees a chilling chain of events:
The city's a target.
The clock's running out.
The countdown is on to a blowup.

First Impression: Really intruiging concept, interesting cover. I'd heard about it a little bit beforehand, but really didn't know the plot of the novel. I went in hoping for something good, but without any expectations.

The first chapter, originally meant as a short story, started off well, but I thought the middle dragged, not picking up until around the second half. There are sadly some loose ends- such as that terrorist attack they're running away from. As Jem foresees the deaths of people all in one place, she and Spider run out of the building, only to have the building blow up moments later and their escape caught on camera. They're wanted now by the police, and so their adventure starts with them running away.

The problem for me... was that it took forever to read. Granted, I've been crazy busy, but for a book to take me weeks to finish means that it's not exciting enough for me to not put down. However the end really did pick up, and so once you get into Numbers, it does go quickly.

I found the characters were interesting, and I really liked that they're unusual. Jem's not the typical spoiled girl, having grown up in foster homes all her life after her mom's OD and Spider's not the likely hero/love interest. However, they're not really relatable at times. They were just characters in a novel, one who could see death dates, one who was really awkwardly built and full of energy, but... not a whole lot more. Jem and Spider were fine, but at the same time, not spectacular. The relationship between the two of them would twist, quickly going from nothing to being each other's everything.

Something about the writing is also different. It can be choppy at times, and I don't know if it's the difference between North American and English writing, but it was certainly unusual at first. It's easy to adjust to it though, and soon the writing flows nicely and is easy to read, with only the occasional hiccup.

The plot of the novel is, of course, really interesting, though some parts are a little strange. I found the ending to be quite trite, but it was also fitting. The plot would go in leaps and bounds, sometimes an intense chase scene, sometimes a labourous hike, sometimes strange peaceful intervals.

Since Numbers has main characters who haven't grown up in a spoiled environment, and of course the plot has them on the run, the novel itself is very brutal and harsh at times. But it's also honest and true. It's not extremely uplifting, to say the least. But it can be inspiring.

Final Impressions: I did like it. I thought it was mostly good, though at times it lagged and didn't spark my interest until towards the end. Overall though, an interesting novel that readers who enjoy darker contemporary novels with a twist would enjoy.

Note this! It's set in England, so references like the London Eye and specific places come up, which makes it hard for me, as a Canadian, to follow, but also adds a lot to the setting.

Favourite Character: Probably Spider's grandma. She's quite the old lady.

Add to Shelf: That's up to you. If this sounds like your sort of novel that you'd reread over and over, I would say yes. But otherwise... perhaps not.

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

2010-05-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
Release date: March 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Description:
It's hard to find beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming. Fourteen-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances and pickup trucks adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild girl Mandarin Ramey: seventeen, shameless and utterly carefree.

Grace would give ANYTHING to be like Mandarin.

When the two misfits are united for a project, they embark on an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and constantly searching for someplace magic. Grace even plays along when Mandarin suggests they make a pact to run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds that plague their badlands town.

But all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, even the best friendships can't withstand betrayal.

Sadly, the release date is a long way's away, but still. I love small town settings, misfit characters, and themes that revolve around beauty, pain, and friendships. So doesn't Like Mandarin sound perfect? Except maybe for the name Mandarin... I haven't warmed up to the name yet.

What are you waiting on this week?

(meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.)

Books Can Inspire

2010-05-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ignore the title. It's crap and I know it.

So, onto the point of this impromptu post: I find myself constantly inspired by YA novels- not only the writing aspect of it, and how it makes you want to write your own novel or steal any of those ideas (which of course, great YA novels inevitably do)- but just general things in the novel. I'm not explaining this very well, so I'll give some examples to attempt to make my point make sense.

Into The Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern:
It's inspired me to want to sew my own skirts. This hasn't actually happened yet, but it will. One day. How awesome would it be to sew all these skirts out of different fabrics and wear them every day? Also- audiobooks. Jessie listens to many contemporary audio books, like Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zavin, and it has inspired me to listen to audio books. (Currently Harry Potter et la Coupe de Feu, in preparation for an AP french exam.) Audiobooks, as I've discovered, are wonderful things.

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley:
Geocaching. 'Nuff said. Lauren and I have been wanting to do this for AGES, ever since reading this book... way back when we first started this blog! I think we missed our first blogoversary... Whoops. Geocaching will happen. We're signing up for coordinates as we speak. So stay tuned for some potential videos of us attempting to geocache.

Those are examples are of novels that inspire to start something new. Those examples are all basic activities- fun things to do. YA novels have diverse characters with diverse interests, and so there's so much potential to be inspired to get a new hobby. Character quirks can become our own quirks.

Then, if you want to get cheesy and mushy, there's also the whole characters-are strong-and-follow-their-dreams, which can very well inspire you to take action of your own life. And I mean this in the very best way possible, because of course that's an amazing thing. Books that can actually inspire positive change are probably one of the greatest things possible.

So really, what I'm saying, if I haven't quite explained myself, is that there are so many diverse ideas in novels, specifically YA novels for the purpose of this post, that there are endless possibilites to be inspired. I don't know if I have met a book that didn't inspire me in some way, whatever that way is. Often it's just a small creative element, like the protagonist sews her own clothes. Or it's something huge and impactful, like a girl finally speaking up and identifying the boy who abused her.

Book inspire. Books provoke change.

What books have inspired you?

with a touch of Lauren

Review by Lauren: Rules of Attraction

2010-05-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path—just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.

When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.

As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?

First Impressions: Rules of Attraction is the second book in the Perfect Chemistry Trilogy, following the second Fuentes brother, Carlos. I adored Perfect Chemistry, so I was definitely super excited to finally get my hands on Rules of Attraction.

Simone Elkeles is an amazing writer for what she writes - cheesy. And as cheesy as these novels are, I love them. Rules of Attraction definitely does not disappoint :) It follows a very similar structure to Perfect Chemistry, but it didn't take away from the novel at all. I found the plot slightly more plausible than Perfect Chemistry... not that either novel would actually happen - Carlos just seems a little more real than Alex was, and I liked Kiera slightly more than Brittany. Her and Carlos' relationship developed at a really nice pace, great ending with another super cheesy epilogue :)

Anyhow, although Rules of Attraction is part of the Trilogy, you don't have to read Perfect Chemistry first. It will give you insight into Alex and Brittany's relationship in the novel, but they're secondary characters and aren't incredibly crucial to the plot.

Final Impressions: I would call Rules of Attraction a refined guilty pleasure read. Loved it.

Oh, and the book trailer is really, really well done :)

Vlog 2: Our Favourite sci-fi/dystopian novels

2010-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

So... you may have wondered where the posts have gone, this past week or so. Good question. We don't know. But to make it up to you... we give you: vlog!

Mentioned:
The Hunger Games & Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games Review and CF review 1, CF review 2)
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
The Giver by Lois Lowry
1984, Brave New World, The Handmaid's Tale
Candor by Pam Bachorz (Review 1 and review 2)

Hope you enjoy! :D Also, if you have any suggestions for upcoming vlogs, please do comment! We'd love to hear from you.

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

2010-04-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Date of release: June 8th 2010
Publisher: Egmont USA

Description:
PACK LIFE IS ABOUT ORDER, BUT BRYN IS ABOUT TO PUSH ALL THE LIMITS, WITH HAIR-RAISING RESULTS.

At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been raised as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.

But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

An exciting new paranormal adventure, with a heroine who rivals Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Raised By Wolves will leave you howling for more.

I've read Tattoo and Fate, both by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and really liked both of them. And Raised By Wolves sounds so interesting! Yes, it's another paranormal novel-wolves- but it has a unique sounding premise and the potential to be really great. Bryn seems like she is a strong heroine, which is right up my league, along with many others, I'm sure. Growing up human with a pack of werewolves sounds like it could really make you tough.

- Alex

Tech Tuesday - Leviathan

2010-04-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, this is your lame edition of Tech Tuesday!

I have nooo time right now - I have to leave in five minutes for work so I can't exactly pull something miraculous out for you guys, but I've got (another) book trailer. I'm reading Leviathan right now by Scott Westerfield, so here's a trailer for it - it's pretty good so far.

Let me know what you thought of the book if you've read it, or just what your thoughts in general are! Until next week :)

Vlog: Our Favorite Fantasy Novels

2010-04-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! With the creation of our brand new YouTube account, aflightofminds, Alex & I have decided to start an installment of vlogs in which we discuss some of our favorite novels from variety of genres, starting with our all-time favorite - fantasy.

Mentioned:
Fire (review 1 and review 2) by Kristin Cashore
Finnikin of the Rock (review 1 and review 2) by Melina Marchetta
The Hunger Games (review) by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire (review 1 and review 2) by Suzanne Collins
Tamora Pierce's novels
Eragon series by Christopher Paolini

Let us know what you think of the fantasy genre! What are your favorite fantasy novels?

Also, how do you pronounce all these names?

&

Next installment? A vlog on the sci-fi genre. (Us, nerds? What are you talking about...)

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

2010-04-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

Date of release: May 25, 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Goodreads Amazon
Description:
The engrossing companion novel to Princess of the Midnight Ball, with a wicked twist on Cinderella.

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other’s countries in the name of better political alliances—and potential marriages. It’s got the makings of a fairy tale—until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

Most of you probably don't remember, but I did a post on Princess at the Midnight Ball a while back (here), and this is the companion novel to it. I really enjoyed Princess at the Midnight Ball, mostly because I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so I'm really looking forward to Princess of Glass! I think Poppy may have been the second eldest sister of the 12 princesses in the first book, so that's where the companionship comes in. Cinderella is a fairy tale that's been done, and redone, over and over again, but I think Princess of Glass sounds really promising to be different.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the cover, but the description sounds cute enough that I want to read it. And it comes out soon too!

- Alex

Tech Tuesday - Maggie Stiefvater Edition

2010-04-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Today's Tech Tuesday is going to be featuring one of my favorite authors, Maggie Stiefvater. She's the author of Shiver, Ballad, Lament and the upcoming Linger. What I love about her trailers & videos is that she does it all herself! All the music, artistic stuff etc, and I love that she's such a diverse author with not just one focus :)

So here are a couple of her book trailers along with another really cute promo thing for Shiver using Play-Doh.

I'm going to be honest here - the song she wrote for her Ballad trailer is actual the most played song on my ipod right now :p Oh! That's right - she has all of her written music up for free downloading on her site, which you can find right here. Yeah, I really like Irish music... :)

See you guys next week!

Oh, and I'm super sorry if the reviews slow down in the near future - I've started reading Anna Karenina as a little personal challenge, and it's taking a while :p

Review by Alex- The Dead Tossed Waves

2010-04-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living.

She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse.

But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead.

Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry.

And suddenly, everything is changing.

One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

First Impression: The Forest of Hands and Teeth didn't really impress me, but I figured I'd try The Dead-Tossed Waves since I'd heard from Lauren it was better, and I needed something to read.

The Dead-Tossed Waves was quite a bit better than The Forest of Hands and Teeth, but it still wasn't really for me. The writing's a lot better in this one. It's quite lyrical and descriptive- but it's also not all that captivating.

I did like the characters from this novel a lot better than it's companion. Gabry is quite likeable, as confused and scared as she is. Elias and Catcher are good as the two main love potentials, though perhaps both of them could have used a little more background information. But the interactions between all the characters was a lot more enjoyable in The Dead-Tossed Waves in general.

A high point in the novel is the plot. It's hard to make zombies dull. There are some good plot twists and details, along with exciting moments and a climax that is interesting, even if some parts fall short.

Final Impressions: Overall, The Dead-Tossed Waves is pretty good. But it's not really for me- it didn't keep my interest very well, and so that's why it took longer to read; because I could easily put it down and not think about it for a while. It's interesting, but it's not entrancing and impressionable.

Review by Lauren - Classy

2010-04-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Classy by Derek Blasberg

If you’ve ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest “Worst Dressed List”)—Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class.

This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you’ve got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp!

First Impressions: Well the very first thing I noticed was the clour of the cover - none of the images I've found online seemt o do it justice. This book is bright, bright aquamarine. It's gorgeous. As I flipped through a couple pages, I knew I had to buy it.

Classy, if you hadn't realised, is a guide to class. Basically, it takes you through almost every make-or-break situation and shows you the do's and dont's. How to not make a fool of yourself, how to gain respect, and most of all, how to not look like a tramp. There are hilarious diagrams including Lady vs. Tramp at the Airport, it's a great little guide to society. I found it really helpful and it really did point out things that we do that sometimes we don't realise are trashy.

The book in no way discourages individuality nor does it promote conforming in any way, it's just a bit of an eye-opener on how the world is going to perceive you and the kind of message your appearance can give off. It also includes dinner party etiquette, how to host a party and dealing with internet... issues... So if you're interested, I definitely recommend checking it out - even if you just flip through a couple pages at the book store.

Final Impressions: Great light reading, humourous and entertaining. I feel classier already :)

Review by Lauren - Genesis

2010-04-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

‘Explain to us why you wish to enter The Academy.’ Anaximander, a young Academy candidate, is put through a gruelling exam. Her special subject: the life of Adam Forde, her long-dead hero.

It’s late in the 21st century and the island Republic has emerged from a ruined, plague-ridden world, its citizens safe, but not free, and living in complete isolation from outside contact. Approaching planes are gunned down, refugees shot on sight. Until a man named Adam Forde rescued a girl from the sea.

“Anaximander, we have asked you to consider why it is you would like to join the Academy. Is your answer ready?” To answer that question, Anaximander must struggle with everything she has ever known about herself and her beloved Republic’s history, the nature of being human, of being conscious, and even what it means to have a soul. And when everything has been laid bare, she must confront the Republic’s last great secret, her own surprising link to Adam Forde, and the horrifying truth about her world.

First Impressions: Both my boss and Alex (whose review from our first blogging days can be found here) recommended this book to me. Its pretty small in size - only 185 pages - and I knew it was dystopian so it seemed like a pretty good read.

I finished Genesis about an hour ago and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. There is so much compacted into those 185 pages, it's ridiculous. As short as the book was, I would not say it's a light read... There are two plots to the story - Anax's four hour retelling of Adam Forde's story - and the information is really the main focus of the novel. It's a pretty philosophical book, full of messages and rethinking what makes us human basically. Really interesting, and definitely not overdone - the length was perfect.

So don't expect to fall in love with these characters - there are basically 3 in the entire novel - but there is definitely an experience to be had while reading Genesis. It was incredibly powerful and gripping with a couple unexpected twists to it.

Final Impressions: It's a fast read, but not a light one. I definitely feel like I've achieved a new outlook on things after finishing it, but I wouldn't actually buy the book. It's more of a one-time read.

Tech Tuesday - Twilight Edition

2010-04-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Since there appears to be no WoW today (which is Alex's department considering the only thing I can come up with when asked what I'm waiting for is the next Harry Potter movie and Mockingjay), I am bringing you a video... only it's a day late. Yeah, remember back when there used to be Tech Tuesdays? No? Me neither.

The other day, one of my friends sent me this:

Now admittedly, as much as I hate the Twilight franchise, I can't help but secretly love it. I used to love those books! But this made me laugh so much. Out of context, Twilight is pretty ridiculous sounding... especially when you try to explain the plot of Breaking Dawn to someone. So I hope you guys get a bit of a giggle, if not just for the accent!

Review by Lauren - Finnikin of the Rock

2010-04-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Finnikin of the Rock - Melina Marchetta

At the age on nine, Finnkin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh to save his kingdom. He stands on the the rock of the three wonders with his friend Prince Balthazar and Balthazar's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood to safeguard Lumatere.

But all safety is shattered uring the five days of the unspeakable, when the kings and queen an their children are brutally murdered in the palace. An impostor seizes the throne, a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere's walls, and those who escape are left to roam the land as exiles, dying by the thousands in fever camps.

Ten years later, Finnikin is summoned to another rock - to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, heir to the throne of Lumatere, is alive. This arrogant young woman claims she'll lead Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, to the prince. Instead, her leadership points them perilously toward home. Does Finnikin dare believe that Lumatere might one day rise united? Evanjalin is not what she seems, and the startling truth will test Finnikin's faith not only in her but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

First Impressions: As some of you may be aware, Alex did post a review of this book 2 days ago and I swear I haven't read it - all I did was look at the rating. Hopefully this will give you two completely objective perspectives on the book. But yes, the fact that she gave it 6/6 shelves was enough to send me right off the buy the book. I loved Jellicoe Road and the fact that this was fantasy was even more exciting. I was a little apprehensive, I will admit, considering Marchetta hadn't written a fantasy novel before.

Finnikin has everything you could want from a fantasy novel - and if you've been avoiding fantasy all this time, I strongly suggest you take a stab at it because honestly, there is nothing I love more than fantasy novels. There is something incredible about an entire world and culture being created by someone's creativity. And after only a couple pages, my apprehensiveness disappeared. I loved this book. So much. There is so much passion and dimension to it - you feel such a connection to the characters and the world. It takes you on a journey and I am ridiculously sad to be finished - I want it to go on :(

Similar Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore, Melina Marchetta has also incorporated a strong female character into her story. Although a secondary character, Evanjalin never falls behind Finnikin for a moment. She amazed me throughout the novel - of course Finnikin is amazing too, but that's a guarantee :p

Final Impressions: Oh my goodness this book is just too good not to be read. Go pick it up, whether you enjoy fantasy or not. Melina Marchetta is a genius.

Add to Shelf? I've already bought it :) And I definitely do not regret the decision.

Review by Alex- Finnikin of the Rock

2010-04-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

At the age of nine, Finnikin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh in order to save the royal house of his homeland, Lumatere.

And so he stands on the rock of three wonders with his childhood friend Prince Balthazar and the prince's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood. And Lumatere is safe.

Until the 'five days of the unspeakable', when the King and Queen and their children are slaughtered in the palace. And an imposter king takes the throne.
And a curse is put on Lumatere, which traps those caught inside and forces thousands of others to roam the land as exiles, dying of fever and persecution in foreign camps.

But ten years later Finnikin is led to another rock to meet the young novice, Evanjalin. A girl plagued by dark dreams, who holds the key to their return to the Land of light.

First Impressions: Having read Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, I knew I was in for a treat with Finnikin of the Rock. I'm quite the fan of epic fantasies set in a political world, and Finnikin of the Rock fits that bill perfectly, promising quite a bit.

Finnikin's world is set in a wonderful fantasy place, where swords are the mode of fighting, and political feuds and unbalance abound. You know, typical fantasy world, but entrancing nonetheless. 10 years after Finnikin's homeland was taken by an imposter king, when many of his people died, many others trapped by a curse inside a broken Lumatere, Finnikin is still trying to help his country and people by going to other lands with him mentor, trying to find a place for his people to live on, instead of in desperate camps where people die, or even worse, lose their Lumatere selves.

Finnikin is incredibly strong, for losing so much and he's highly intelligent, cocky enough to be swoon-worthy, and reckless enough to be cool. Evangalin is well matched in that way; she does what she thinks she should. Her past is a dark thing, as we lean as the story unfolds. All the characters of Finnikin of the Rock are incredibly likeable and dynamic, though I do wish some of the secondary characters would have more of their history explained.

The writing's beautiful and fitting for this type of novel, and the plot is never slow, though sometimes it's a little thick to get through. But I was never bored, and honestly never wanted to put the book down.

Final Impressions: Melina Marchetta is a genius. (I also read Saving Francesca soon after Finnikin, and woah. Different genre, but Melina Marchetta cements herself as one of my favourite authors) Finnikin of the Rock has it all, and for fans of Tamora Pierce, Kristin Cashore, or Cinda Williams Chima, this novel is the next must-read.

Favourite Character: Finnikin. I mean, come on, his name alone is awesome! Finnikin! Which reminds me of Finnick from Catching Fire, actually.

Review by Lauren - Guardian of the Dead

2010-04-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Guardian of the Dead - Karen Healey

"You're Ellie Spencer."

I opened my mouth, just as he added, "And your eyes are opening."

Seventeen-year-old Ellie Spencer is just like any other teenager at her boarding school. She hangs out with her best friend Kevin, she obsesses over Mark, a cute and mysterious bad boy, and her biggest worry is her paper deadline.

But then everything changes. The news headlines are all abuzz about a local string of serial killings that all share the same morbid trademark: the victims were discovered with their eyes missing. Then a beautiful yet eerie woman enters Ellie's circle of friends and develops an unhealthy fascination with Kevin, and a crazed old man grabs Ellie in a public square and shoves a tattered Bible into her hands, exclaiming, "You need it. It will save your soul." Soon, Ellie finds herself plunged into a haunting world of vengeful fairies, Maori mythology, romance, betrayal, and an epic battle for immortality.

First Impressions: Alright. I'm going to be honest here. I picked the book up because it reminded me so much of V for Vendetta and Phantom of the Opera. To my disappontment, the book had no connections to either of the two beyond the fact that there is a mask involved...

Guardian of the Dead started off a little slow for me, but was all around an enjoyable book. It took me several nights to figure out just where the book was going, but I definitely enjoyed the second half. I found Ellie to be a great character and not at all annoying. It's probably one of my biggest peeves to have frustrating main characters, one's that you can't relate to. Besides Ellie, I really did like the other characters. Overall, pretty multi-dimensional :)

Another thing I really like about Guardian of the Dead was the tie-in to all the local mythology and folklore of New Zealand. It's not something you hear too much of in our culture, and the book had a really good combination of supernatural and regular plot. Karen Healey really managed to mix the two together in a credible manner.

Final Impressions: I'm not in love with this book, but I definitely enjoyed it! Great writing style, interesting characters and plot - I have no complaints, but I'm not raving either. So 5/6 shelves :)

Review by Alex- Before I Fall

2010-04-02T21:13:00.001-07:00

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live?
What would you do?
Who would you kiss?
And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

First Impressions: When I first heard of Before I Fall, oh ages ago, back in 2009, I was really intruiged. Fantastic sounding premise, beautiful cover... what more could you ask for?

Before I Fall starts with Sam dying, and is just a rollercoaster from that very moment. The story never gets dull, despite the fact that it's the same day seven times. But Sam's actions change, her opinions, her emotions, and that's what makes the story. She grows, and evolves, and transitions through high and lows, until the very end.

The main characters are fleshed out well, Sam and Lindsay especially. Lindsay, Sam's wild and crazy friend, the leader of the group, is quite the fascinating girl. Since we go through the same day seven times, the pieces start to click with Lindsay and why she is who she is. It's beautifully done. It's too bad that some of the secondary characters weren't as involved and described as much, like the love interest either.

My minimal problem with the novel, would probably be that I didn't really like the characters too much. Or, maybe not didn't like them, but didn't like them as much as one would think I would. Before I Fall's a novel to get invested in, to tear apart in one go, and for me, it wasn't quite like that. It took a little bit of warming up, because I didn't like Sam or Lindsay at first. Warmed up to Sam quickly enough, but Lindsay I still didn't feel much sympathy for at the end. But fret not, because I'm sure others will.

The novel's a bit of an enigma, and some things are not fully explained, which only leaves the mind to try to guess and fill in the gaps, which is both beautiful and aggravating. Before I Fall has pretty much everything one would want in a novel- fully realised characters with depth, redemption, love, a touch of magic, a high school setting, and an honest voice.

It's heartbreaking at times, funny at others, but true and poignant all throughout.

Final Impressions: Before I Fall is definitely one of the best teen novels I've read in a while, and is surely worthy of being on your to-read list, if it isn't already. (But I'm sure almost everyone has heard the praise for Before I Fall.)

Favourite Character: Probably Sam, because one of ones we get to know best, being the main character. Or Juliet, maybe?

Add to shelf: For sure. I bought it, and that's saying quite a bit. It's worth it to buy as a hardcover and keep on your shelf.

Review by Lauren - The Dead-Tossed Waves

2010-03-24T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living.

She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse.

But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead.

Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry.

And suddenly, everything is changing.

One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

First Impression: After reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I was excited for the sequel but this wasn't a 6 month waiting affair. I wasn't too crazy about the first book so my expectations weren't incredibly high.

The Dead-Tossed Waves starts years after The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Mary, the main character from before is actually Gabry's mother (which I'm sure people figured out so I'm sorry if you're disappointed but really?). So basically, if you didn't read the first book, you don't have to. You will manage just fine, and honestly, this one was better so unless you feel deprived at the end, you can skip The Forest. The connections between both books are there, but don't take away from the story.

I was really depressed after reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth but not this time. I felt more connected to these characters and was a lot less annoyed by the whole situation. There's a lot more hope this time and I felt like I could breathe? Did anyone else feel that way?

I actually really enjoyed The Dead-Tossed Waves. It's the first book I've read in a while (awful bloggers, we know we are), and I was admittedly impressed with the writing especially after all the crap I've tried to read lately. Gave me this newfound appreciation or something? Anyhow guys, Alex and I are kindof back. Kindof? Short review but it's better than the past 2 months without a post :)

4.5/6 shelves!

oh and here's a trailer if you're interested :)

Waiting on Wednesday... (23)

2010-03-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I did have to check what number we were up to. :/

Right, right, I know, you all must be so amazed to see a new post. It really has been way too long, and for that we apologize. Sadly, I can't say anything's going uphill from here- I really just wanted to do this becaue I just realized there was a sequel to the book I finished reading, and I didn't want to forget. And also to share an amazing book with all of you!

So without further ado... OH wait! Spoiler alert. This is a sequel actually. So read the description with warning.

Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson
Sequel to: The Explosionist (goodreads)
goodreads author's blog publisher website
release date: November 23, 2010
description:

Sixteen-year-old Sophie knows there is more to the story of her parents’ death. And she's on a mission to find the truth.

Sophie has enlisted her best friend, Mikael, whose friendship has turned into something more, and before long the two are thrust into a mystery that dates back decades. It’s soon clear that Sophie’s future is very much wrapped up in the details of her family’s past, and the key lies with information that only one elusive man can provide.

The more Sophie learns, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—in her life is what it seems. But coming to terms with the dark secrets she uncovers means imagining a truth that she never dreamed possible. Full of gorgeous settings, thrilling adventure, and romance, Invisible Things is a novel that dares to ask, what if?

So if you didn't read that because you didn't want to ruin anything- though it doesn't spoil too much of The Explosionist- you should definitely click the link above, the one that says goodreads by The Explosionist, to learn more about this series. :D

Review by Alex- Some Girls Are

2010-01-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.

Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.

First Impressions: This is Courtney Summers, author of the fantastic Cracked Up To Be. 'Nuff said.

Some Girls Are is a blistering novel about the ruthlessness of girls, and how messed up our world can become. People are cruel. They'll make you cry. They'll punch you when you're at your worst. They won't believe you when you tell the truth.

But they'll also fall in love. They'll do the right thing because it's the right thing. They can remind you about what's good in life.

Some Girls Are is not a light novel, and whoever thinks high school is a light and trivial topic is dead wrong. High school is instrumental in our lives to creating who we are. The novel proves this point beautifully.

Regina is just... almost beyond words. She can be pathetic and weak, then big hearted and hopeful, then malicious and cruel, all in the span of a mere 250 some pages. And she goes through those phases many, many times. I've no clue how Courtney Summers does it, but Regina is one heck of a messed up character.

Which means I, and no doubt countless others, love her all the more for it.

I wish I could give justice to this mind-blowing novel, but it's impossible. The plot flows at a quick pace, with it starting with the incident that freezes out Regina, and therefore jumping the gun without really delving into an initial situation. That's fine- it's not needed. I was instantly hooked by page one. Every single way to get back at Regina is done, and the acts start getting worse and worse and worse, even going so far to target the one person that Regina likes: Michael.

Getting onto the topic of Michael: it's hard not to feel for the guy. He transferred to the high school and was suddenly hated by Anna, hateful Queen Bee, and therefore her gang, which at the time, included Regina. The girls did everything they could to make him miserable, and then his mom dies, and he obviously is not a happy-go-lucky guy. Yet he still manages to feel for Regina, and lend out a hand to her when she needs it.

With a bevy of characters you can hate but sympathize with at the same time, a whole lot of back stapping and viciously cruel acts, Some Girls Are kept me enthralled (which is not exactly good as I should be studying for exams). I'd consider it impossible to put down this novel without finishing it. Put down this novel, yes, because it is sheer horribleness acts of bullying, but then pick it right back up.

I love Courtney Summers' blunt prose with it's no nonsense attitude that dives right into the thick of the problem. Avoiding nothing, not abuse, not drugs, not swearing, she writes about what happens to teenagers when they go terribly, terribly wrong. Some Girls Are is what happens when girls are cruel to others to raise their own self esteems, when kids don't trust each other and in fact hate each others guts, when parents neglected their children so much they're ignorant to huge events happening.

Some Girls Are is heart-wrenching and just all around fantasticawesomemustreadworthy stuff. If this review is scrambled and makes no sense, it is because Some Girls Are has blown my mind away, and I am writing on pure, raw emotions. Because that's what the novel is about (in my opinion). Basic human instinct- self preservation and a dogged sense of stubbornness to never give in- flies until fights ensue in the novel, and tears and laughter are provoked from the reader.

Just- just read the novel. Mind you, it's not for the faint of heart, nor for the young of mind, because it does deal with weighty topics. But if you like those utterly depressing and impossibly heart-carving novels that still somehow remain hopeful and attracting throughout, you'll devour Some Girls Are.

Final Impressions: Pretty sure you can tell by my less than coherent review, but I was blown away. I knew Some Girls Are would be fantastic- but I didn't know it would be so to such a high degree.

Favourite Character: Regina, for being so complex I guess. But Michael is so lovable, so he's a very close second.

Review by Alex- Beautiful Creatures

2010-01-20T11:48:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

First Impressions: With a slew of praises from many prominent YA authors and reviewers, Beautiful Creatures seemed like a good book to read. However, following Lauren's review, I decided to proceed cautiously and not get my hopes up.

Perhaps it was good that I didn't.

While Beautiful Creatures is no where near a terrible book - it's actually reallyreally good- I'm a little undecided on how much praise it can receive from me. Yes, I did like it a lot. It's interesting, and a nice break from vampires. A teen witch is nothing new, but this clan is different and diverse, strange but likeable.

One of the downfalls for me, are the main characters. Lena seems like a fascinating character on the outside, and she is, but her constant confusion and the way she expressed it- staying away from Ethan- was awfully annoying at times. Ethan, while not a bad guy, isn't that exciting. And he throws away his whole life for Lena. I like my relationships with a little less obsessiveness, a little more independance. Not quiting the basketball team, where he could be great, not skipping school constantly, not caring about anyone else. This may be my own personal quarrel though, and getting over that, it could be considered sweet, how attached the young lovers are.

Not coming from the south, or even from the US, I have almost no back history on the South or the Civil war, so that atmosphere of the novel didn't have as much of an impact on me that it might have on others. It was interesting, yes, but I don't care for reinactments enough, or know much about them, to appreciate it. I did like how the “popular” girls are the ones who wear big old-fashioned poofy dresses that I imagine as a cross between a peach and Bo Peep. The town itself, Gatlin, is beautifully created though, to make it so that the setting comes alive.

It has a great plot. While not super original, it flows well and packs quite an amount of suspense. The point of view from Ethan's perspective, the male and the outsider, is wonderfully different, though a switch at the end throws the pace off.

Final Impressions: Though maybe not worthy enough in my mind, Beautiful Creatures is nonetheless an excellent supernatural novel that has all the elements to please YA fans.

Favourite character: Going with Lauren and saying Uncle Macon. I do like Sarafine and some of the bad guys too though. I'm hoping they'll get a little more attention and personality in the next novel.

Add to Shelf: Well, I did. It's a nice big book too, so if you like this sort of book, definitely worth the buck, even though it's a hardcover.

4.5/6

Review by Alex: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landeau-Banks

2010-01-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landeau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 14:
Debate Club.Her father’s “bunny rabbit.”
A mildly geeky girl attending a highly competitive boarding school.

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 15:
A knockout figure.
A sharp tongue.
A chip on her shoulder.
And a gorgeous new senior boyfriend: the supremely goofy, word-obsessed Matthew Livingston.

Frankie Laundau-Banks.
No longer the kind of girl to take “no” for an answer.

Especially when “no” means she’s excluded from her boyfriend’s all-male secret society.
Not when her ex boyfriend shows up in the strangest of places.
Not when she knows she’s smarter than any of them.
When she knows Matthew’s lying to her.
And when there are so many, many pranks to be done.

Frankie Landau-Banks, at age 16:
Possibly a criminal mastermind.

This is the story of how she got that way.

First Impression: Having read this gem a couple years ago (or was it last year? Whenever the book first came out), I felt like rereading it when I found it in a library. :) So naturally I took the novel and devoured it, falling in love once again.

Frankie is a fantastically strange and intelligent girl, tired of being Bunny Rabbit, the cute arm candy to her boyfriend Matthew, the innocent child to her family. And so she plots... she plots crazy schemes to turn her boarding school upside down, all the while no one knowing her identity.

All the characters are wonderfully unique and different. Frankie, mentioned above. Matthew, her silly boyfriend, who comes from a prominent family, who is obsessed with words (like he actually cares about the difference between "I could care less" and "I couldn't care less". He automatically gets the Alex Stamp of Approval.), who loves Frankie, but doesn't think of her as the intelligently superior girl that she is. Alpha, Matthew's best friend, who doesn't come from a prominent family, being illegimate, who is a natural born leader, who pretends to be a bravadous boy but is really more ordinary than he seems, who, as it turns out, is the boy everyone thinks is pulling all these pranks. But he's not.

The genius behind this book is not just the characters, but the ideas too. Panopticon, for example, is brilliantly used. Wiki it if you must. Neglected positives, words like "turbed", from "disturbed", are words Frankie spouts constantly. Love.

Final Impressions: The humor is spot on, the ideas are magnificient, the characters are never dull- in fact, some are magnificiently silly, as Frankie puts it.

Favourite Character: Frankie. But Matthew and Alpha pull some close seconds.

Note this! Fun tidbit: I gave Lauren 3 clues: "My new goal is to become magnificiently silly", "I have also decided to use neglected positives" and, "and mastermind boarding pranks". She got it after the third. :P

Mini Reviews by Alex

2010-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Gosh, it's been ages. But I read quite a bit over the holidays, so here are a few mini reviews on some of the books I did read. :) Hopefully I'll post some actual longer reviews of other books soon.

Every Crooked Pot by Renee Rosen
I read this one ages ago, and decided to reread it again, since it's been on my mind for a while now. It doesn't seem like many people know of it, but it's actually really good. About a girl who grows up in the 70s, with a "larger than life" father, and a huge birthmark over her eye that disfigures her, Every Crooked Pot is written simply by the girl from age 7 to 20 or so. It strikes a cord deep down, with lots of realisations; it's essentially a beautiful coming of age novel, that's highly unforgettable. 5/6

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
With several author recommendations and a description that is both confusing and enticing, When You Reach Me is a book a really looked forward to reading. It does not disappoint. Many things don't make sense at all at first, but as the pages keep turning (and they will, I assure you; the novel's addicting) the pieces come together to craft a story that's intelligent and unique, despite referencing frequently to another novel. This story's definitely not just for kids. 5/6

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
While I wasn't as enamored with Hush Hush like many others, it's surely one of the best paranormal romances out at the moment. Nora's an interesting protagonist: she has a brain, for one, though I sometimes question her judgement. Patch has the whole bad boy image going for him, in all his pool playing, black clad, dirty joking glory. Anticipation for the sequel, Crescendo, is high, with secrets and mysteries still left to unfold. 4.5/6

The Blonde of the Joke by Bennett Madison
It has an intriguing description, and quite a few big authors praising it, but I honestly did not get The Blonde of the Joke. It's like one long joke, and I missed the punch line. I do think that it's wonderful that a usually ordinary place like a mall can be transformed into a magical and exciting place. But it seems like there wasn't much of a plot of the novel- or perhaps it's missing a point. Though it could just be me missing the point. (All you who have read it, what's the deal with the Sign and her brother?) 3/6

Review by Lauren - Beautiful Creatures

2010-01-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.

We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.

At least, that's what I thought.

Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

There was a curse.

There was a girl.

And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

First Impression: The amount of hype this book has gotten was really astounding - Amazon Top Teen Pick of 2009, CEO of Chapter's & Indigo Book Stores Pick etc. - and it was actually the only book I asked for for Christmas. It seemed amazing.

Beautiful Creatures is a haunting supernatural mystery filled with magic, love and plenty of other stuff, but I would not say it was amazing. The insane amount of praise lead me to have high expectations and it really ruined my enjoyment of the book - I kept waiting for that moment where I just couldn't put it down and thought "Jeez this book is so insanely good, I just want to read it over and over again." With amazing books, I often spend multiple days just skimming through it, rereading parts, but with this one, I just don't feel the need to.

That's not to say Beautiful Creatures was a bad book - the plot is amazing. I loved the story, loved the characters - all the crazy family members - and the mystery. I enjoyed it, but I did not love it. I would definitely recommend it, I just feel that there was a little too much hype surrounding it, so don't get your hopes up. If you love it, great - but I'm just saying that it didn't blow me away.

Favorite Character(s): Oh by far Lena's Uncle Macon. Great character.

Final Impression: As I said before, a good book with a little too much hype. Liked but not loved.

5/6 shelves.

Hopefully you see a little more of Alex & myself in the New Year! Happy 2010 everyone! And we are continuing our 100 Books in a Year Challenge :)

Alex's Top 20 Books of 2009

2009-12-29T20:25:00.001-08:00

I'll jump on the bandwagon and do it too. :) Sounds fun, but such a daunting task. Narrow my 150 books down to 20?

20. The Way He Lived- Emily Wing Smith
I read this one at the beginning of the year, but something about it still remains. It's written in 6 perspectives, all about how the death of one boy affected these 6 people. Very different and interesting.

19. The Demon's Lexicon- Sarah Rees Brennan
I love me some fantasy, and the mixture of bad boys and plot twists kept the novel exciting. Review here.

18. Dream Factory- Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler
I've read a couple other novels by the duo, and Dream Factory is my favourite. It's incredibly quirky and sweet, with little insightful quotes and fun characters.

17. Good Enough- Paula Yoo
About an Korean girl and her life, really, trying to please her Korean and hardworking parents, while learning on her own and making tough decisions. It just really resonated to me, and it's also insanely funny.

16. When You Reach Me- Rebecca Stead
My most recent read on the list. It's a little like Jellicoe Road, with the structure and confusion it induces, and how it all ties up in the end. I really liked it, but I think it needs a reread for me to get everything, and to love it.

15. All We Know of Heaven- Jaquelyn Mitchard
I've read this a couple times now... and each time I cry and love the novel. I've tried to read The Midnight Twins by the same author, and didn't enjoy it at all, but AWEoH, I love.

14. My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and Fenway Park- Steve Kluger
Lots and lots of fun to read, with multiple plot lines and several voices, it reads quickly but leaves you wishing for high school to be like that. It isn't (at least not for me).

13. Hate List- Jennifer Brown
A review by me, here. Really poweful novel.

12. Audrey, Wait!- Robin Benway
Crazy fun, with the lovable Audrey and a voice that draws you in. It really is hysterically funny.

11. Wintergirls/ Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson
Review of Wintergirls here. Second ever on this blog, actually. :) Both are written magnificently, with girls with different and enormously relative topics.

10. Cracked Up To Be- Courtney Summers
Parker, the main character, is the kind of girl I love to read about. Confused, with lots of attitude, some dark secrets, and completely enthralling. Small novel packs a real punch.

9. The Miles Between/ The Adoration of Jenna Fox- Mary E. Pearson
I couldn't pick between them, because they're both great for totally different reasons, and are completely different books. Neither has a review, but I suggest reading them if you haven't already. TAoJF recently came out in paperback, and the cover is GORGEOUS. Another book I want to own.

8. City of Glass- Cassandra Clare
One of my favourite fantasy series, (being topped by a couple like HP, which isn't on the list because I sadly haven't read Harry in ages... it's on my list of rereads), and the last is probably my favourite. Though all three are fantastic.

7. Jellicoe Road- Melina Marchetta
It's a strange book, but it's so, so good. Actually, I should reread it. Or own it. (Hey Lauren...)

6. 13 Reasons Why- Jay Asher
I love the uniqueness and power of 13 Reasons Why. I was so hooked, I read in class. In front of the teacher. Usually I'm a little more discreet.

5. Looking for Alaska- John Green
Read before we started the blog, but John Green is one of my idols. Lovelovelove. I've recently become addicted to his youtube channel. :)

4. Catching Fire/The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
Since it's a series, I stuck them together. Reviews by Alex and Lauren. We may also have a Hunger Games review hidden.... but I don't really feel like finding it. This series doesn't really need an explanation.

3. Dairy Queen- Catherine Murdock
Never reviewed the series here, but it's one of my all time favourites. Lauren doesn't understand why, but I LOVE the series, and D.J. I just read Front and Center, which, while I didn't like quite as much as the first, is still awesome.

2. Fire- Kristin Cashore
This should actually include Graceling, because I'm trying to fit as many different books in this list as I can. Reviews here and here. Kristin Cashore is such a wonderful author, and I know I'm not the only one to be eagerly awaiting her third book.

1. Ballads of Suburbia- Stephanie Kuehnert
The winner! (Which I reviewed here.) I found it just all around amazing and powerful. :)

But I did it! But man, it was tough. And I'm still wavering on the order of the list... but this is mostly how it is. I just don't have my preferences very defined, so this was really hard. Y'all better appreciate it.

Hopefully next year will be even bigger and better, and more posts on this blog will actually come. My reading slowed down like crazy in November and December, until my break started, and I read a book a day for a bit.

Lauren's Top 20 Books of 2009

2009-12-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Hope the holidays are going well :) So hopefully both Alex and I will both end up doing this - I can't get a hold of her since she left for the West coast so we'll see... but after (thankfully) completing my goal of 100 books in a year, I figured why not highlight my favorites? So here they are, pretty much in order I'd say, with a link to a review if one was written :)

20. The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan

Really interesting, creepy book with an unexpected ending :(

19. Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson

review by Alex

18. North of Beautiful - Justina Chen Headley

joint review here

17. Wondrous Strange - Lesley Livingston

Over the course of the year, my faerie love grew :) This is just one of those books and it's got an adorable story to it.

16. Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt

After loving The Glass Castle, I decided to try this one. Enjoyable - it's my dad's favorite book.

15. Jellicoe Road - Melina Mancetta

Crazy book. I was so confused at first but there's something about it that just draws you in. By the end, I was in love.

14. I Am the Messenger - Marcus Zusak

The Book Thief still remains as my favorite book of all time, but I Am the Messenger was also a great read. Really interesting plot concept :)

13. Love You, Hate You, Miss You - Elizabeth Scott

review by Alex, Lauren

12. Lament - Maggie Stiefvater

This was my year of Maggie Stiefvater. Probably my favorite author at the moment - her books just have a great combination of stuff that I love :)

11. Skunk Girl - Sheba Karim

review by Lauren

10. Eyes Like Stars - Lisa Mantchev

review by Alex, Lauren

9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling

Yes. The Harry Potter love never dies. That's all I can say.

8. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

review by Lauren

7. The Treasure Map of Boys - E. Lockhart

review by Lauren

6. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

review by Alex, Lauren

5. This Book Isnt' Fat, It's Fabulous - Nina Beck

review by Lauren

4. Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

review by Lauren

3. Graceling - Kristin Cashore

My big fantasy fix. Love her writing and creativity :)

2. Ballad - Maggie Stiefvater

The irishness and faeries of this book made me so happy :) And her characters are adorable

1. Fire - Kristin Cashore

review by Alex, Lauren

Have a happy new year everyone & I'll see you in 2010 - 100 books? We'll see...

Random News

2009-11-25T14:38:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, I've resurfaced :) Momentarily... to bring you a couple things!

First off, I would like to announce that both Alex & I have now completed our 100 Books in a Year challenge for 2009 - Alex finished ages ago but that's not important.

Secondly, I am very sorry that the blog has pretty much died :( We've both been so busy lately now that grades have started counting plus both of us are working now.

Hopefully this will make you feel better/I know it's beyond random but where else can you share this? So a couple weeks ago, Alex celebrated her birthday with a super awesome cake :) (excuse the size but it's from my cellphone :/)

and just in case you were wondering, it is our blog banner. On a cake!

Review by Alex- Little Black Lies

2009-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-11-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-10-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

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. :)

Monthly Mix - October 2009

2009-10-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I'm on hiatus. But I had this done up anyhow & I figured I'd spread it around. My life is just crazy right now - I'm working 2 jobs ~~and blablabla grade 11 is tough.~~

So here's my favorite songs from this month - hope you enjoy them! :) Not book related, I know, but it's just a little present for you wonderful followers ^_^

monthly mix:
october 2009

1. It's My Life/Confessions Pt. II - Glee Cast

We all love Glee :)

2. When I Go - Slow Club

If I get to sixty will you let me slip away
Into an armchair for the rest of my days
Cos you've got your family and I've got mine
The love that we share is for another time

3. Life Less Ordinary - Carbon Leaf

The night you came into my life
Well it took the bones of me, took the bones of me
You blew away my storm and strife
And shook the bones of me, shook the bones of me

4. Three Wishes - The Pierces

And you want three wishes:
One to fly the heavens
One to swim like fishes
And then one you're saving for a rainy day
If your lover ever takes her love away

5. Welcome Home, Son - Radical Face

Ships are launching from my chest
Some have names but most do not
If you find one, please let me know what piece I've lost

6. Protons, Neutrons, Electrons - Cat Empire

We're just flesh with socks and locks and frocks
And I am here to say to you
On the day that I die I’ll just give a smile and fly into the blue

7. Meet Me On The Equinox - Death Cab For Cutie

Meet me on the Equinox
Meet me half way
When the sun is perched at it's highest peek
In the middle of the day

8. Sweet Caroline - Glee Cast

Was in the Spring
And Spring became the Summer
Whod've believed you'd come along?

9. I Swear This Time I Mean It - Mayday Parade

So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right
Could get it right

10. Thief In The Sky - Carina Round

Spanish bar on american street
Your'e the one i like the mostest
Holding hands by the sea
Like holding on to a ghost

11. Be OK - Ingrid Michaelson

Open me up and you will see
I'm a gallery of broken hearts
I'm beyond repair, let me be
And give me back my broken parts

also over at my livejournal

~~entire zip~~ - coming soon (comment if you'd like it)

image credit

In My Mailbox (21)

2009-10-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

Bought:

Paper Towns by John Green (Collecting all of John Green of course. Love him.)
Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers (Finally bought after wanting to own for ages. :D)

Borrowed:
Riding the Universe by Gaby Triana (It's about motorcycles... which is different. I know nothing about them, but the novel sounds good despite that.)

Received:
All from Steph Su. Thank you so much! :D

Ash by Malinda Lo (It looks really good and has been getting a lot of praise. Plus I love fairy tale retellings.)
The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (Read a while ago and adored.)
The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander (This sounds SO adorable. And it reminds me just the slightest bit of Dairy Queen, which I love so...)
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Read a while ago, but it's so good, you want to own it.)
Fire by Kristin Cashore (Between Lauren and me, this is our third copy, so we'll be giving this one to a friend most likely. Spreading the Cashore love! :D)

And that's what I got this week. :) Pretty good I'd say, with lots of goods books I've been wanting to read/own. How did you all fare?

IMM hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, but idea thought up by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

- Alex

Review by Alex- Academy 7

2009-10-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin—son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance— consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship—and romance—begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

First Impressions: I saw this book first on someone's blog (can't remember exactly who's now :/) and have been excited ever since. Sci-fi + romance = :D.

I'm not too sure why, but Academy 7 wasn't what I expected. Some good surprises, some bad. Academy 7 is a light science fiction, which you don't really get from the summary or the cover. But opening up the book, it becomes obvious from the first page.

Aerin and Dane both have a tangled past. Aerin is a fugitive, picked up by the Alliance, the ruling government of much of the universe, and deemed bright enough to attend the highest school possible, Academy 7. Dane is a rich and prominent boy in society- his dad, is after all, a general of some sort for the Alliance. He's grown up with wealth, luxury, and a gaping hole in his heart. They meet at Academy 7- the top school for training kids. Aerin hates Dane almost at first glance, Dane is astounded by the strange Aerin who knows so much and so little at the same time.

The romance is predictable, but very cute. The relationship between Dane and Aerin is very delicate and tender, as they both have dark secrets. It's a bit of give and take, but they quickly start spending all their time together. Both characters are well fleshed out and interesting, their actions explained well by their pasts.

The writing however, threw me off completely at first. When I think science fiction, I think dystopian. Dystopian with clipped, utilitarian prose. Academy 7 has anything but that. The writing is very flowery. It seems like the author took her lessons to heart and put in as many adjectives, strong verbs, and adverbs as possible. It's a little much in the beginning, but the prose soon smooths out, as the plot thickens and the excitement builds.

Academy 7, while science fiction, doesn't delve much into how their present happens. I don't believe time is ever mentioned, but there are suddenly many, many planets, some hugely amazing technology, and hovercrafts that don't exist now. How those all came to be, is not explained. Instead, all the new inventions and planets serve as background, and while important, they play second to Aerin and Dane's discovery of themselves and each other. Values are pushed, stretched, and defined, as Aerin and Dane connect their pasts together.

Final Impressions: Academy 7 doesn't exactly pack the punch I was expecting, but it's a great novel nonetheless. At turns exciting, at turns sweet and endearing, it's sure to put a smile on your face in the end.

Add to Shelf: Maybe... I took this one out from the library, and think that's enough for me. But it's a paperback, so it isn't too expensive. :)

Note This: Aerin and Dane are often defined by their parents. Aerin's mysterious and dead dad and unknown mom. Dane's deceased mother and overpowering father. It's very enjoyable and heartwarming for the two to break out of their parents holds and to learn more about their parents connections to each other.

Life's hard

2009-10-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

/life sucks.

Lauren's on an indefinite hiatus. (Insert boos here.)

School is getting killer.

And does anyone know much about programming? Because if so, yours truly desperately needs help.

To make this post not quite as lame:

How do you all balance life and blogging? Or just life and computer time?

Because I'm now having trouble. And could really use some tips. I've tried scheduling some posts in advance, and that helps. But I feel as if I'm unable to post more than 2 or 3 posts ahead of time, which is not enough to get me through the week. Also, reading has dried up, and so that means less reviews. :/Sigh. I'm really missing those lazy summer days. I can't be the only one, can I?

If you comment and/or have helpful tips, I'd be eternally grateful.

-Alex

EDIT: I mean to say programming for C++. Computer programming. Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and help! :D

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

2009-10-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Happyface by Stephen Emond
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publishing date: March 1st 2010
Goodreads ][ Amazon

Enter Happyface's journal and get a peek into the life of a shy, artistic boy who decides to reinvent himself as a happy-go-lucky guy after he moves to a new town. See the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his past, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile. With a fresh and funny combination of text and fully integrated art, Happyface is an original storytelling experience.

Hailed to be like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but for teens, Happy Face sounds like a fun loving, finding oneself contemporary read. I haven't read much of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, besides a couple pages, but I can see why it's so appealing to young ones. Happy Face sounds like the kind of novel that will get teens to read, but also interest those who read a lot. Like me!

Plus who can resist a cover that's bright yellow with a bold smiley face?

- Alex

Review by Alex- Goddess Boot Camp

2009-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Goddess Boot Camp by Tara Lynn Childs
*spoilers for Oh. My. Gods. most likely in abundance.*
Phoebe, who recently discovered she’s a descendant of Nike (the goddess, not the shoe), is finding that supernatural powers come with a crazy learning curve. Her stepfather, headmaster of the Academy for descendants of the Greek gods, has enrolled her at Dynamotheos Development Camp—aka Goddess Boot Camp—with a bunch of ten-year-olds for the summer. Embarrassing as that is, hopefully it’ll help her gain control over her powers in time to pass the test of the gods, continue training hard enough to qualify for the Pythian Games, and enjoy her godly boyfriend, Griffin, all while avoiding the ultimate mistake of accidentally misusing powers.

It’s another fast-paced myth-inspired heroine’s quest that’s sure to bring out the goddess in anyone.

First Impressions: Having just finished Oh. My. Gods. I was happy to start up Goddess Boot Camp. I expected it to be the same sort of light greek mythology tale, and it doesn't disappoint.

Following the trails of Oh. My. Gods., Goddess Boot Camp returns to Phoebe and her path to control her powers. Sadly, Phoebe isn't getting far along that path. Her stepfather's solution: Boot camp. For 2 weeks, Phoebe's stuck with annoyingly young girls and her stepsister and enemy as counsellors.

The actual powers of the different descendants of gods are more delved into in the sequel, luckily. At the beginning of each chapter, we have a little info box stating a power of each of the gods. For example, descendants of Poseidon have the ability to move liquids. Each power has a special name that's long and of which I forget. But it's fun to learn about.

Another plus- the characters get more background. Adara, Griffin's ex-girlfriend and Phoebe's enemy, reveals a bit of herself, and turns out -gasp- maybe not to be some souless, conniving, pancake of a character. Phoebe's stepsister, Stella, also gets more time in the novel and the relationship between her and Phoebe evolves.

While Goddess Boot Camp has many good qualities, I found it slightly lacking compared to Oh. My. Gods. Perhaps the novelty of greek gods wore off on me. I just found the plot to be a little less enticing. It has a little more seriousness than Oh. My. Gods., that while good, was slightly off putting to me. A tad less humourous parts, a lot less Griffin, except when Phoebe trains.

Final Impressions: Although falling just a little short of Oh. My. Gods., Goddess Boot Camp is a wonderful addition to my woefully lacking reading of greek mythology. And most likely, it'll please many who love mythology and humour.

Add to Shelf: Same with Oh. My. Gods. Maybe, but still on the fence.

Note This! A lot of the plot involves around the mystery that is Phoebe's dad. In the last novel, Phoebe learns that her dad was smoted for flaunting his powers in the nothos (human) world. But now Phoebe has the chance to figure out exactly what happened to him, and how he chose it so. And some mysterious figure is taunting her with that info...

Review by Alex- Oh. My. Gods.

2009-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and plans to move to an island in the Aegean Sea, Phoebe’s well-plotted senior year becomes ancient history. Now, instead of enjoying a triumphant track season and planning for college with her best friends, Phoebe is trying to keep her head above water at the überexclusive Academy. If it isn’t hard enough being the new kid in school, Phoebe’s classmates are all descendents of the Greek gods! When you’re running against teammates with superpowers, dealing with a stepsister from Hades, and nursing a crush on a boy who is quite literally a god, the drama takes on mythic proportions!

First Impressions: I'd heard some good things about Oh. My. Gods., so I requested it from the library. Didn't get to reading it for a long while, but I was excited for it.

Oh. My. Gods. is a blend of contemporary, romance, believing in yourself, sports, and oh yeah, greek gods. Or really, the descendants of greek gods. Think Hercules and all the other demi-gods. These descendants, from Aphrodite to Zeus, have powers- which puts Phoebe in a difficult situation, her not having powers.

Childs takes the lot of cliches and spins them so they become new and fresh. Phoebe, the bratty teen, is forced to move to another continent because her mother decides to marry a man she's known for a week. In Greece, Phoebe has to deal with a terrible step-sister, and all the cliques etc. at school. But add in special powers and greek gods, and then you've got a barrel of fun.

Phoebe's a great character. She takes the typical angsty and pouting teen and makes it hysterical. She's easy to relate to and has many of those common problems. She also runs cross country. Amazingly. Which, as I run, is majorly inspiring. (Though Phoebe's in a league of her own compared to me.) The running and sports aspect is a definite plus in the novel.

While Phoebe's done well, I found the other characters aren't as fleshed out as I'd like them to be. Griffin, the love interest, acts a little disjointed and strange. Phoebe's old friends are present mostly during emails and IMs, and it's hard to really understand their characters besides the basics. But well, since lots of the characters have superpowers, it makes up for some of the lackings.

Even though the gritty details about the minor characters aren't divulged, the characters do add a lot of humor. That's what Oh. My. Gods. has. That smile-inducing charm that's impossible to resist.

Final Impressions: Super cute and funny novel, lighthearted and quick. It's perfect for an afternoon of reading. If you like greek mythology, you're in for a treat.

Add to Shelf: I'm torn at this one- it's a wonderful read, but to buy... probably in softcover.

Note This: I mentioned this, but Phoebe runs. She hopes to get a scholarship and so therefore, is amazing at it. She's dedicated and hard working. The cross country team is also how she gets to know Griffin. Through running, Phoebe's personality really shines.

In My Mailbox (20)

2009-10-18T02:09:00.000-07:00

IMM by The Story Siren and Pop Culture Junkie.

Borrowed:

Viola In Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani
Shipped off to boarding school in South Bend, Indiana, city girl and aspiring filmmaker Viola Chesterton feels out of place with her three new roommates. Missing her life back home, Viola is tempted to hide behind her video camera all year. But first impressions are often wrong, and soon Viola realizes she’s in for the most incredible year of her life—if only she can put the camera down and let the world in.

I've heard some mixed reviews for this one, but since it sounds like a book I would like, I'm interested in it!

Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

Emerson Price cannot remember a time when life was ordinary. She was four-years-old when she and her mom were diagnosed as HIV-positive – infected with the virus that causes AIDS, and eight when her parents divorced. Now she is thirteen and her mother is dead. Emmy moves in with her father and stepmother, but she feels completely alone. Even though everyone has always accepted her, no one – not her father, or stepmother, or even her best friend – understands what it’s like to have to take medicine every single day, to be so afraid of getting sick, and to miss her mom more than she ever thought she would.

When Emmy’s dad and stepmother send her to Camp Positive, a camp for HIV-positive girls, Emmy is certain she is going to hate it. But soon she realizes that she is not so alone after all – and that sometimes letting other people in can make all the difference in the world.

Such an interesting and tough topic, one I've never read about at all.

Received:

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.

Received from the publisher. :) I love private school books!

So yeah, not a huge week in books for me. I'm excited for the three I did get this week though. And I'm hoping to buy some books tomorrow too... :D But those will be on next week's IMM.

What did you all get this week?

- Alex

So I was researching...

2009-10-17T19:54:00.001-07:00

... for a school project of mine, and discovered that in Canada, almost half of the people are semi-illiterate, with some not being able to read at all, and will never have the chance to. They have no means of getting the teaching they need to learn. And that's in Canada! One of the developped countries- third world countries have far worse percentage rates. (Or is it not third world anymore? I don't know the politically correct term of the moment.)

It makes me thankful I'm so priviledged as to be raised in a family where education is a priority. I learned to read early on, and obviously, I've enjoyed it immensely. Reading has surpassed everything pretty much to me (besides family, friends, etc., but you know what I mean). Without being able to read... wow. Where would I be?

Where would YOU be? Since all of you must be able to read since you're reading my post, what would life be to you without being able to read? Nevermind the books we wouldn't be able to read (though important as they are). Imagine not being able to read bills so you can pay, not being able to read signs at the supermarket, not being able to read a label on a can. Without being able to read, there are so many hazards in life that you're oblivious to.

Take some time to think. Maybe donate a little money even. I'm hoping to convince my class to hold an event at the school to raise awareness.

- Alex

Review by Alex- Suspicion: A Private Novel

2009-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of solid posts lately. Hopefully things will get a bit better...

Suspicion: A Private Novel by Kate Brian

*the whole description and review may be spoilers for any previous books*
Forbidden fruit...

Reed, Noelle, and former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor have been living it up on St. Barths over winter break. The tropical sun has melted away all the tensions of last semester, and for the first time in months, Reed is happy. She's got her best friends by her side, she has a palatial suite with an ocean view, and she's landed Upton, the most sought-after guy on the island.

Reed is falling in love.

But dating Upton makes Reed St. Barths' highest-profile guest -- and not in a good way. Upton has a dark past, and he's broken a lot of hearts. One of his exes still wants him. And she'll do whatever it takes to get Reed out of the picture.

First Impressions: I'm an avid Private reader. I'm addicted to this series, no doubt. Even did a WoW post on Suspicion. So yeah, when I saw it in Coles, I had to snatch up a copy.

The Private series is like a drug, point blank. It's absorbing and short, cutting off and making you want more. Those months waiting for the next book can be torture. And I love every minute of it.

Private's almost like a serial. (Yeah, just studying Dickens serials in English class. :P) Each installment is a continuation, each book short and leaving you aching for the next.

Brian certainly knows how to ramp up the intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Each Private novel has you sitting on the edge of your seat, or lying on the edge of your bed, as my case was, and Suspicion is no exception. The previous novel ended with a major cliffie, perhaps the biggest to date, and I started Suspicion dying to know what happened. And when you figure out who it was in the end... hoo boy.

Final Impressions: It's hard to think of each Private novel individually, because I really do think of them as a serial type. If you like the Private series, you'll surely love Suspicion. It has just as much angst, confusion, romance, and deadliness to keep you going. It does get awfully crazy and far-fetched at some parts, but that just adds to the fun.

Add to Shelf: Big yes from me! I collect all of them religiously. They're all really thin, but only paperback so pretty worthwhile.

Note This: Honestly drawing a blank. There are scandals galore, set on the ritzy backdrop of a beautiful beach. And deserted island... ;)

Contest round-up anyone?

2009-10-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Win a signed copy of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side here at Page Turners. - Ends Oct. 27

Win a choice of 4 books from this huge pile here! Ends Nov. 15
The Mark by Jen Nadol(ARC)
The Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes(PB)
Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger (PB)
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis(HB)
Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater(HB)
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater(PB)
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick(HB)
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe(HB)
The Hollow by Jessica Verday(HB)
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters(PB)
Never Slow Dance with a Zombie by E Van Lowe (PB)
You are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay(ARC)
Intertwined By Gena Showalter(HB)
Devoured by Amanda Marrone(PB)
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink(HB)
Reign or Shine (Demon Princess, #1) by Michelle Rowen(PB)

Win a Sarah Dessen or Laurie Halse Anderson book of your choice here. Ends Nov. 13.

Win a signed paperback by one of the many authors attending the Austin Teen Book Festival here. Ends Oct. 22.

Win a signed copy of Give Up The Ghost here. Ends Oct. 18.

Win four books out of a choice of six (Catching Fire, Van Alen Legacy, Blood Promise, Shiver, Meridan & Hush, Hush) here. Ends Nov. 20.

Win a Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side t-shirt along with signed swag from Beth Fantaskey here. Ends Oct. 30.

Win a copy of Goth Girl Rising here. Ends Oct. 31.

Win A signed, harcover copy of Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink, a rose pin, and two stickers that deal with something in the book here. Ends Oct. 17.

Win signed copies of the first four novels in The Blue Blood series here! Ends Oct. 23.

Win a copy of Eyes Like Stars and a signed bookplate and bracelet here. Ends Nov. 6.

Win a signed book by Laurie Faria Stolarz here. Ends Oct. 31.

Win 1 of 5 copies of Beautiful here. Ends Oct. 26.

Win one of out 5 books related to Alice in Wonderland here. Ends Oct. 31.

(1 copy of The Looking Glass Wars, 3 copies of Seeing Redd, 1 copy of ArchEnemy)

Win a paranormal/fantasy book of your choice, a giftcard, a movie, and some other goodies here. Ends Oct. 31.

Win The Cupcake Queen here. Ends Oct. 30.

Win an ARC of Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials here. Ends Oct. 30.

Win a signed ARC of Beautiful Creatures along with a huge pile of swag here. Ends Oct. 20.

Win a signed HC of Intertwined and bookmarks here. Ends Oct. 30.

Win Zombie Queen of Newberry High here. Ends Oct. 31.

Music Mix by Lauren - Feel This Distance

2009-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

First off, new layout! (made by yours truly) *pats self on the back* Likes? Dislikes? Let me know!

So yesterday, Alex posting the book portion of our new mix: Feel This Distance. Today, I bring you the music! Hoorah! Here are some songs about distances between people, and a little bonus one to cheer you up :)

Legally, you should delete these songs after 24 hours and purchase the actual song. This is not my responsability :) Enjoy!

Feel This Distance

♥ are for favorites

1. Boston - Augustana
You don't know me, you don't even care
oh yeah, she said
you don't know me and you don't wear my chains
oh yeah...

2. You Don't Know Me (ft. Regina Spektor) - Ben Folds ♥
So, sure, I could just close my eyes.
Yeah, sure, trace and memorize,
But can you go back once you know

You don't know me,
You don't know me at all.

3. Volcano - Damian Rice
What I am to you is not real
What I am to you you do not need
What I am to you is not what you mean to me
You give me miles and miles of mountains
And I'll ask for the sea

4. The First Single - The Format
You know me,
Oh you think you do you, you just dont seem to see
I've been waiting all this time to be
Something I can't define

5. When Did You Heart Go Missing? - Rooney
Things were so good
We had a little dream
A little dream together
Buy a house, settle down, do our thing
But you disappeared on me
And your heart, your heart went missin'
I don't know how to find it
I don't know where it is
I don't know where your heart went
It was here just the other day
Now it's gone
I'm gonna call the police
Call the investigator, the heart investigator
6. Loneliest Girl In The Word - The Cary Brothers
It's in the wall you fall down to bed
It's in the way you cry when he's not looking

7. Foundations - Kate Nash ♥
My fingertips are holding onto the cracks in our foundation
And I know that I should let go but I can't
And every time we fight I know it's not right
Every time that you're upset and I smile
I know I should forget but I can't

8. Lonely People - Augustana
sweet, sweet and cold, clean up the mess and sleep the day away,
when you call, I might be here, I might be gone...
but here at the sound of the bells you cry, you've lost your mind

9. I Don't Know What To Do - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johanssen
I don't want you coming here
No way, no way
I can't have you staying here
No way, no way
Every time I am reminded
Of the good thing that we used to know
And I know you're not expecting
To go on second guessing
But I think it's for the best

10. Where We Went Wrong - The Hush Sound ♥
We set the wrong course
And headed due North
That's where we went wrong
We were young and learning
Steady hearts hate turning
That's where we went wrong

and for the bonus, one song that's quite the opposite:

11. Not Alone - McFly ♥
Life is getting harder day by day
And i don't know what to do or what to say
And my mind is growing weak every step i take
Its uncontrollable now they think i'm fake yeah

Cause I'm not alone
I'm not alone
I'm not alone

zip file

previous mixes

image

(also posted over at my livejournal)

Book mix- Feel this Distance

2009-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

And today, I present you, a book mix!

What's that you say? A book mix? That doesn't exist! Ah, but my fine friends, it does indeed now. A book mix is a list of books pertaining to a certain subject, meaning it's pretty much a list of books but with a cooler name. :P

Our first topic and title:

Feel This Distance

(image credit)

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
a distance between the children and parents, distance from each other
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
can't get much further than the dead
Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
a distance between Nick and his mum, the actual distances the family travels
Candor by Pam Bachorz
a distance from your own thoughts and feelings, along with each other
Fire by Kristin Cashore
who keeps a distance from others
Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
a distance between her and her parents
Gone by Michael Grant
a distance between the FAYZ and the outside world
Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
a physical distance between two sisters
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
a distance between the old and new Frankies, a distance between Anna and Frankie
Genesis by Bernard Beckett
a distance from what we believe, a distance from our present time
This Is What I Want To Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone
a gaping distance between the characters
Stravaganza series by Mary Hoffman
the characters travel through time and space- need I say more?
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
a distance purposely placed between Melinda and everyone else
Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers
a distance that Parker suddenly sets around herself
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
a physical distance of where they live, how they're brought up

So what do you think of this new idea? Fun? Stupid? Incredibly unproductive and a waste of time?

A music mix will be brought to you tomorrow by Lauren! So make sure you keep your eyes out.

EDIT: The music is HERE!

- Alex