Review-Catching Jordan

I bought this book when it first hit shelves, because, I mean, Simone Elkeles blurbed it and I loved her books, also, how awesome does this book sound?  Unfortunately I had so many other things I had to do and so many other books I had to read it got pushed aside, but I finished The Disenchantments and was under the impression my next book wouldn't be here for a few more days (I was wrong) so I started into this one with the advice of Trish (again).  I ended up reading this book in two days (for two reasons) and I just loved it.  The first reason, my next book got here early and I can't wait to jump in on it.  The second reason?  It was a really good book!  If you've ever met me you'll know that I'm the kind of person who is a lot like Jordan in this book, and no, I don't mean that in a way that I am a football star, but because I'm such a tomboy.  Miranda has written such a great story with a really strong female character who still has her flaws and all of us tomboys can relate to in the best possible way.  There was also football in it (duh), quite a lot, and even though I'not a football fan, I was able to keep up with the plays and players and such.  This book touches on so many things, first love, friendship, a woman's role in the sports world, how we're seen when we try to break through stereotypes, and the average high school male.  It's also just such a fun, quick book that won't take you long to read!  I think the only thing that could have made this book better was if it was from two points of view, like Simone's books are.  If you enjoy contemporary books, authors such as Simone Elkeles or Stephanie Perkins, or football I think you'll really enjoy this book.  And what's even better, it came out in paperback originally, so there's no need to worry about cover changes or waiting to buy it until it's cheaper!  I look forward to Miranda's second book (a companion to this one) because it's about baseball (and I do baseball) and Miranda is such a good writer!

5/5 dust sprites

Review-The Disenchantments

I picked this book up because it had a blurb by Nova Ren Suma on it, and I just loved her book Imaginary Girls and because it was half off (it had been slightly used, but you couldn't really tell).  I finally picked it up because of two things, one: Trish Doller said it was amazing, and I loved Trish's book and I now look for her to contemporary book knowledge, and two: Nina is coming to Seattle this month for a tour with Gayle Foreman and Stephanie Perkins!  It really reminded me of a modern The Perks of Being a Wallflower which I enjoyed.  This book has so many great lines in it, and when I say this next part I really mean it.  This book is life.  No, I don't mean that it's my life or that it's the best thing I've ever read, I mean that it's one of those books that captures what it's like to be a teenager perfectly.  There were so many parts that just really struck me as being right just like when it came to Perks.  Nina's book is just beautiful, and what makes it even better is that it's from a boy's point of view, which you never really see, especially when it comes to contemporary novels.  The blend of music and love and life in the novel is just right, I don't know what else I can say to make you want to pick it up.  It's a coming of age book that I think everyone should read because it makes you think about your life, but it also lets you know that it's okay if you don't have it all figured out right now.  It touches on friendship and love, sex and music, it's also a great road trip story.  It's a fun, quick read that will make you laugh and make you nod your head in agreement because Nina knows what she's talking about and writes it so real it's almost scary.  I'm so glad I decided to read this book before I meet Nina and I'll be looking into her other book as well as any further books she publishes.  To say this book is a masterpiece is just about right and if you liked Perks or contemporary books in general you should pick this one up.

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Spell Bound

I read Hex Hall when it first came out and I was so excited to read this book, as well as sad.  Excited because, another book with Archer, and sad because, well, it's the last book in the series and that's always sad.  A few people were disappointed with this book, but I wasn't one of them.  I've always seem this series as just a fun, quick read with witty characters, some good romance, and the occasional spell or two, so I wasn't expecting anything epic and life altering.  Personally I was very pleased with how the series ended, and with the series as a whole.  This one was a little darker then the first two, or at least it seemed to be, but since I read the second one when it first came out last year, and the first one the year before that I can't be positive.  Ending with a bang I'm really glad that Sophie's story was told, and I'm really glad that Rachel was the one telling it, because even though the book is for teens it's just so much fun to read, something that I think some people forget.  I read for fun and pleasure, but when a book is written for teens but has the lightness of a middle grade/children's book, that's really great in my mind.  Yes, I was a little confused to start with, but I just kept reading and it all came back tome.  Rachel kept up with her usual banter between characters and her fun style of writing that almost made her book seem like it was for a younger audience.  It's been said that Rachel is going to write a spin-off book based on the series and I'm not sure who the main character is going to be, but I can tell that whoever it is I will be picking up the book.  If you haven't read Hex Hall I suggest it for a fun, light read that has some twists and turns that even I didn't see coming, and if you've read the first two books you should check out the third one, because I think it wraps it up nicely.  Bravo Rachel on finishing up your debut series and, I think, keeping it true to the first book.  Also, can I have an Archer?  Or even a Cal, I'll take either, I'm not picky!

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Unraveling

I've heard great things about this book, and just look at the cover, how cool is it, right?  When I finally got around to reading it, because Liz is my debut author for April, I was so pleased with it.  I'm a nerd/geek, whatever you want to call it, and Liz has added such a great spice of nerd into her book.  From chapter one the book starts off with a bang and it just goes on from there.  I was so pleased when there were references to Ebola made, as well as references to Firefly and the like.  This book even made me start watching The X Files.  The romance in this book was hot, the danger in this book was great, and the plot even caught me off guard once or twice.  The whole book was just so amazing.  It took me a while to read the whole book, yes, but that doesn't mean that it was a bad book at all.  On the contrary, it was an amazing book that's a very different then anything out there.  It was also such a great book for me to read because I connected with it.  No, I didn't die and then get brought back to life by some cute loner (but if it were this loner I wouldn't really mind), but Janelle was a junior, I'm a junior.  Liz used to be an English teacher, so she definitely knew all about the curriculum, which made the book even creepier.  Janelle was talking about The Great Gatsby, I was reading The Great Gatsby, and it was crazy how these things just matched up while I was reading them.  Alex was such a great character too.  He's the best friend that we all want, that we all need, and that you would think you would end up with, but that's always the case.   I really related to Janelle as well, she and I are, I would like to think, a lot alike when it comes to the way we think, the way we act, ect.  The other great thing about this book is the fact that you see the world end.  Most books show the world before or after it ends, but few show it as it's falling apart, and even fewer give the characters a chance to save it while it's falling apart.  That line from The X Flies "I want to believe", this book makes you want to believe.  I can't wait to see what happens next, because gosh, I'm not sure how Liz can make a sequel any better then this book already was.  If you're a fan of apocalyptic novels, action novels, those books where a girl saves the world with just a little help, this is a book you should check out.

Released April 24, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-The Last Echo

First let me tell you that even though the title of this book has the word "last" in it, it is not the last book in the series.  There will be at least one more book, for which I am thrilled.  Now, onto the review.  I read Kim's first novel, The Body Finder, back when it was out in hardback and Borders was still alive.  I picked it up because of the title and ended up reading and loving it.  When it comes to my subjects of interest serial killers are actually high up there, with crazy diseases that kill people in strange ways, and cannibals (I can't be the only one who finds them fascinating), but unfortunately all of those things are rather...sparse in YA fiction.  Derting, to my great pleasure, doesn't shy away from the first (and maybe in the future the last) and that's what I love about her novels.  That and the fact you get to see into the killers mind.  Her books are like a written version of the show Criminal Minds (on CBS) more geared towards teenagers, with a touch of Medium (that's just an assumption, I've never actually seen that show).  Sometimes when authors write more them one book about something that doesn't exactly have a series feel to it it can seem like they're just trying to make money (can anyone say House M.D.?) but Kim is not one of people.  Yes all these books are about a girl who can find dead people, and yeah, poor Violet usually ends up in some sort of trouble, but it's not boring!  That's the thing that makes those other books bad, is that they're boring because everything happens the same exact way, but when you're an author coming up with ways that people can die the great part is there is no limit to the imagination (well...Final Destination my have gone a LITTLE too far, but as far as killers go there's always another crazy out there that wants to be noticed).  Kim's third Body Finder novel is still as fresh as the first one was (and there's kissing, YAY!) and the way it ends leaves you with a tingly feeling (if you've read the book you'll get the joke) and makes sure there is no doubt about another book on the way.  With heart stopping action, some good kissy scenes, and a few parts that make your heart race The Last Echo is everything I hoped it would be and more.  I'm very excited for the next book, I really loved this book, and if you like creepy things give this series a chance.  I'm almost tempted to re-read the series because I love it so much, but unfortunately I have other books I need to read.  When book four comes out I'll be pining for it just like I was with this one, and pretty much the only thing that could make it better would be cannibals.  Got that Kim, add people eating other people and we're good. 

Out April 17, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Cinder

I bought this book when it came out because Marissa is a local author and she was doing a signing here, but until last week I hadn't picked it up.  There were so many people talking about this book and how amazing it is, but I had other books I needed to read.  Now I'm very glad I picked it up.  It's such a magical book.  I'm sure you're all going "it's just a retelling of Cinderella, how great can it be?" But let me tell you, this is not your ordinary Cinderella story.  First, Cinderella (although her name is just Cinder, hence the title) is a cyborg.  The other thing I'm sure you're all thinking is "if it's about Cinderella how come there are going to be four books?  Cinderella's story can not possibly take that long."  But Marissa has put such a lovely spin on it (that I guessed all the way through, mind you) that it WILL last that long, and it will be even better then the Cinderella story you know and love from Disney.  I was so enchanted by every part of this story.  The way that it slips into the future, and not the past, the way that Marissa designed the story, all of the twists and turns that make it a surprise, and the fact that she didn't really stick to the original story at all.  Cinder was so much more fierce then Cinderella ever was, and the cast of characters? Move over mice we have a robot thank you very much.  Iko was one of my favorite characters in the book because she was such a funny little robot.  I keep imagining her to look like Eve from Wall-E but that's not actually what she's supposed to look like, if you read the description given of her.  There was so much emotion in this book, so much mystery, and even a plague!  And yes, there was kissing, gosh, you think I would forget the kissing?  There was even a wicked queen, an evil step mother (well...an evil guardian), people on the moon, and one or two pretty ball gowns.  If you have this book pick it up now, if you don't have this book go buy it ASAP, and once you finish it I dare you not to be mesmerized.  I can't wait for Scarlet, 2013 seems like such a long ways away.  Basically what I'm saying is this book is amazing and the world better not end in 2012 because I need to know what happens to Cinder and all of her friends.  Bravo Marissa, you have crafted a truly magical story that will stay with me for quite a long time and I can't wait to see what happens next.

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Pandemonium

If you've been with me since the beginning you'll know how much I enjoyed Delirium, so when I got an ARC of this book I was very happy.  Delirium was so amazing, whenever I describe it to someone I call it "lyrical" and that's really what it was, and as excited as I was to get the sequel I was a little afraid to read it.  Because the first one was so good I was afraid this one would let me down, but it definitely did not.  Yes, it was different from the first one, and it wasn't exactly lyrical it was still such a good book.  The formatting was also different, switching between present time and right after Delirium ended, and you think that would be a confusing but I actually liked it.  Oliver uses such grace and has so much skill it doesn't seem like there's a difference, and it really doesn't matter which time you're in the story is gripping either way.  There was also some worries about having a new boy in the series, but I like the new boy as well.  As a sequel this book really doesn't disappoint in any way.  The new Lena is even better then the old one, and the new characters are perfect for the setting.  The lies run even deeper, and the stakes are even higher as things spiral out of control for Lena again.  There was more adventure in this whole book, it really starts out from the beginning, then there was in Delirium but given the circumstances and where she is I think that this was the perfect thing to do.  The ending will leave you screaming for more, just like the first one did.  I can't wait to see how Lauren will end the series, but this is a worthy sequel if I've ever read one.  If you've read Delirium you should pick this book out when it comes out, and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend it. 

Out March 28, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Born Wicked

I was rather reluctant about this book at first because of the fact that it was set in the past.  Yes, it was an alternate past, but I am generally not a fan of novels set in the past because they don't hold my interest.  This one was very different though, I was highly intrigued, even with all of the fancy dresses and the frippery.  I'm not a fancy person nor am I one for fancy things but Jessica manages to make even fancy things fascinating to someone like me.  The story was so original, especially in the setting. I was intrigued by how she managed to craft such a great world that was so real and as well as being different from what really happened.  The characters were really great.  Three head-strong sisters who are hiding a secret that could get them killed.  Two guys, one of whom is hotter then the other.  Jessica has managed to craft a magical novel with a plot that will have you riveted until the last minute even if you don't like period novels.  It was elegantly written and reminded me of Cassie Clare's Infernal Devices Trilogy.  There were twists and turns (I saw most of them coming) and very steamy kisses that would not have been acceptable had anyone found out about them.  The spells really reminded me of those in Harry Potter because the names seemed magical but easy enough to remember that anyone could hold onto it.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes period novels, enjoys books with magic, and really likes the kissy scenes.  I know I really like the kissy scenes and the ones in this book were great.  This whole book was just fantastic, I can't wait to see what happens next in the series (and I really hope there will be more kissing in books two and three!).  Jessica is a debut author to look out for, and she really shows that women can get things done!

Released February 7, 2012

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Bloodrose

I'm always sad to see a series end, it marks the end of a great adventure and the story of characters I've grown to know and love, but I'm also glad when they end right.  Bloodrose was one of those books that ended right, and not because it was all happy squishy endings but because there was pain.  Calla is such a strong heroine and I think that Andrea wrapped up her whole story perfectly.  I must give her a huge round of applause for crafting such a great trilogy with such steamy romance and nail-biting action scenes.  Her idea was fresh and new, taking a whole new level to the idea of werewolves.  I have to say, I think this was my favorite book because this is where it all ends, and even though endings make me sad Andrea did so well at ending it I couldn't help but love it.  All of my favorite characters were back and Calla was even more powerful then she had been in the past two novels.  I love a good female lead and Calla fit that bill to a T.  I can't imagine putting myself in her shoes and having to do everything that she did, she is a true heroine as well.  The other thing I loved was how fast paced the story was, while at the same time it didn't seem too rushed so as the book was a jumble of action that made no sense at all.  It took me a long time to read the book, but not because it was bad, but because I had so many other things to do.  If you've read the first two books you should pick this one up right away.  It may break a few hearts but I think the end has to be told, and if you don't read it you will be forever left wondering.  If you haven't started the series I suggest you do that because this is not a series to be missed. You know that old saying "not with a bang, but with a whimper"? Bloodrose ends with a bang, and it's a big one.

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Clockwork Prince

First off, I love Cassie's books. She's one of my favorite authors and there is not a book she has written that I don't like.  People have said many things about this book, that it left them heart-broken, it made them cry, it was the best book she's ever written, and while these all may be true to some people only one of them is true for me.  This is, by far, the best book Cassie has ever written.  I can see how some people might cry and how some people might be left heart-broken, because Cassie writes in such a way that plays with your emotions, like a roller coaster of feelings shoved at you in such a way you just have to hold on to them for the time being.  People are also steadily on a side, Team Jem or Team Will, and to begin with I was Team Will, but now I'm Team "Cassie Break My Heart and You Will Die".  I think there's a good way to end the series, a reasonable way to end the series, and a way that will leave half of us broken for the rest of our lives, and based on this book I'm guessing it will be the last one that ends up being written.  The book only takes place between a two week period but I feel that so much is squished into that two weeks, so much happens, we learn so much, and it's just so magical.  Dare I say that this series is shaping up to be BETTER then the Mortal Instruments (although I am still rather partial to Jace).  I wish I could say that the reason I took so long to read this book was because I was savoring every moment of it, but I was sick, and didn't want to read when I was sick, but once I got better it was SO good.  Somehow I just seemed to find myself in Tessa's London, and I was worried for all of the character's safety, even the main ones, because we all know Cassie isn't afraid to kill of a main character.  If you haven't read the first book in this series I highly recommend you pick it up, then grab this one.  If you haven't read anything by Cassie at least pick up ONE of her books, either of her series will do, but this one really does stand out against other books in the genre at this time.  Bravo Cassie, Bravo.

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Legend

With dystopian novels becoming the new trend in YA there are bound to be some flops out there, but Legend is not one of them.  As a debut novel Lu knocks the socks off my feet, and I'm so glad that she is a new edition to the YA world.  Her characters are fierce and her plot is nothing short of awesome.  The world she created is completely new, but I could see it happening one day.  The images in her books are so startling, and the interaction between characters is so perfect that it makes you not want to put the book down when you pick it up.  With some of these books everything is packed into the very end, and while it's true the end is a good punch to the gut there are also some good jabs in the middle and the very beginning.  And there's a plague in the book, which, if I would have known sooner I would have been ALL OVER it the moment I got it in the mail.  If dystopian is the new vampire I can't say I'm upset with the trend.  Legend is fast paced and well written, and the fact that Day's chapters are in gold print makes it that much cooler.  Day is also now one of my favorite dystopian boys because, I mean, who doesn't want a boyfriend who would do anything for his family, is really smart, incredibly agile, and the corrupt government's number one enemy?  And I secretly wish I could be June sometimes too, because even though she's been through so much she's still so strong, and even though she could easily become a bad guy, she has the courage to do what's right in the end, even though it costs her so much.  If you are a fan of any dystopian novel out there, or if you just want a change you should definitely pick up this debut. I'm sure that by the time you finish you'll want the second one just like me.  And just so you know, I want the second one now. ;)

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Beautiful Chaos

It took me almost three weeks to read this book, which is pathetic, but I have good reasons.  I was busy watching TV and doing homework.  Okay, those are terrible reasons, but those are the reasons, not because the book was bad.  No, the book was good. I was pleased with where it went, even though I saw exactly where it was going from about half way through.  There were some things I didn't see coming, but the overall big ending was no shock to me.  I did end up crying even though I knew what was coming, which makes me say "bravo Kami and Margie, you truly are masters of your trade".  The ending did leave a huge cliffhanger though, so I can't wait to read the last book in the series.  Even through all of the awful things that happen during the book the tone is light overall, and all the characters we love (and the ones we love to hate) are back.  We dive deeper into the reason for Sarafine's madness, find some new powers we didn't know existed, and find more of those lovely songs I just can't get enough of.  I admit I was a little confused to begin with because it had been so long ago that I read the second book, but slowly it all began to come back to me, and what didn't come back to me was woven into the story just right so it wasn't repetitive and helped refresh my memory in just the right places.  Beautifully written with just the right pulls at the heart there were some parts that just hit me in all the best spots.  If you read and enjoyed the first two books I recommend you pick up this one, but don't read the end in a public place.  Also, be prepared for a cliff hanger, because that's what you're gonna get.  And no, don't read the end first, I know there are those of you who do it, but don't, cause it will ruin everything.  I'm watching you!

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Shatter Me

Here's another book that people have been talking about recently, saying it's really good, they can't wait to read it, etc.  Believe all of these things because they are all true.  The pitch of this book is "The Hunger Games meets X-Men" and I think that's really what you get.  I will say there are going to be some people that won't love this book.  I'm sure there are going to be some people who hate it because of the way it's written, but in my mind the way it was written only made it better.  It was almost lyrical in a way, kind of like a poem but at the same time a novel as well.  A very unique style of writing that I personally just loved.  Tahereh was descriptive and somehow even made the ugliest things sound enticing.  Just the idea of this book was new and fresh, and the story really doesn't disappoint either.  Juliette is such a great character and I think she's someone that ALL girls can relate to.  No not on every level, because obviously no one has the problem of hurting people with a touch, but I feel that there's so much more to her story then just that.  With Juliette I also saw something deeper, a self loathing and a wanting to be different and normal.  She was SUCH a great character because of her imperfections, and because she refused to give into the immense pressure she was put through, which is more then I can say for some characters.  The romance is so sweet and there are passages in it that take your breath away.  I have no doubt that if you are a fan of books in verse and dystopian novels you will just eat this book up.  And all the twists and turns, it's like a WELL WRITTEN action movie, when they make this movie they better do it justice or I will hurt them all.  I can't WAIT for the next one to come out but in the mean time I will most likely feel the need to re-read this book, which is something I don't say very often.

Released November 15, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

*Note; when you read the book make sure you read the parts that are crossed out or you may miss something.

Review-Daughter of Smoke and Bone

This book, THIS BOOK!!!  People have been raving about this book and NOW I see why.  Laini crafts an AMAZING story that's just so...so...there are really no words to describe this book, but I'll try my best.  Let's start with the beginnings of each section, goodness I could read those over and over again, so beautiful.  The characters? Exotic. No really, their names, I think I pronounced almost all of them wrong, but do I care, NO! Although I will be asking Laini how to ACTUALLY pronounce them, then I'll let you guys know.  Karou, oh Karou, she's amazing.  I mean, there are some great female characters out there, but Karou is right up there with Clary from The Mortal Instruments series.  And THE WRITING!? *dies*. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I LOVE this book.  Did you get that, I LOVE it.  It almost seems lyrical in a way, beautiful and harsh at the same time.  Somehow it just hits you right in the middle of the chest and leaves you speechless.  You think you know how it's gonna end? Yeah, no, think again.  Taylor has crafted such a beautiful world it's almost ugly...I SAID ALMOST!  Think The Mortal Instruments meets Hush, Hush meets The Sky is Everywhere and then you'll have a small idea of what this book is going to be like.  Take my word for it this book is DEFINITELY gonna be the next big thing.  Yes, there are going to be a FEW of you who don't like it, and in my head I'll just be going "yup, can't talk to them anymore, they're crazy." (only not really, don't worry, I'll still talk to you even if I think you're nuts) but I'm pretty sure 99% of you who read this book are gonna look like this at the end O.O .  Personally I can't WAIT for the second one, which Laini said she's working on RIGHT NOW because I'm sure it's gonna be EVEN BETTER, if that's even possible.  Now excuse me while I go out and find Laini's other books, because I must read them ASAP because, well, I mean, they're her books, and she wrote THIS BOOK so they MUST be AMAZING too.  Go read this book!  That is all.

Released September 27, 2011

I need more dust spirits for this book, but I only have five so 5/5

*Please excuse my insanely long rant about how amazing this book was but if you go out and buy it and read it, I think you will see why I sound so crazy.  Now go read!

Review-After Obsession~Blog Tour

I loved Carrie's Need series and I was so thrilled when I got an email asking if I wanted to participate in the blog tour for her new book After Obsession there was really only one answer I could give; YES!  Both Carrie and Steven craft a great YA novel that, in reality, is very different then anything out on the market at this time.  Yes, there is a girl on the cover, but that doesn't mean that this book only appeals to the female gender.  In my opinion both genders will find this book interesting.  For the girls there's some romance (and kissing, yay for kissing), but there's also demons and a boy's point of view.  This book was a lot of fun, but it was also somewhat creepy and had a great creep factor to it.  The lines were witty and it really does keep you hooked until the last page.  I loved the fact that Steven included parts of Native American folklore.  In some instances this could detract from the story but in this instance that is not the case and it really helps move the story along and makes it more...real.  If you're a fan of the TV show Supernatural I think that you'll really enjoy this book.  I have to say that this is my favorite book that Carrie has written and hopefully she and Steven will write something in the future just like this.  The thing I enjoyed the most was that Aimee was independant and she was part of the solution as well.  That and the fact that the villian wasn't really something you could touch, because how do you stop something you can't touch?  My hope is that Steven branches out into the YA genre as well and writes his own novel, because based on this book it will be very enjoyable.  If you like Carrie's novels you should definetly pick this book up.

Released September 13, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Shut Out

I read Kody's first book and I just fell in love with it.  It was straightforward and thought provoking, a really great addition to the YA genre and a kick-a** debut.  There are quite a few authors who write contemporary novels and then their second book falls short, but that isn't the case with Kody's second novel.  It's funny, brash, and tests social norms in all the way that Kody's first novel did.  This one is based off of a Greek play, which I think is always interesting because I 1) really despise the classics and such that I have to read in school, and 2) I enjoy seeing how different people put twists on classic stories.  Lissa was such a great character because she had flaws, and although I've never participated in a sex strike I felt like I had so much in common with her.  The main reason I think that this book is important for most girls to read today is the topic it discusses.  This book is, in essence, all about sex, and at it's core, what it's like to be a female and the roll sex plays in our lives.  Kody makes some very important points about how we as a society view sex when it comes to the female gender.  This book is such a great help for all girls who wonder what "normal sex" is.  There is also that very important component that involves cute boys, sassy girls, and of course just the right amount of sexual humor and tension that makes these books all so relateable.  Kody is such an outstanding author and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, but whatever it is I'm sure it will be just amazing.  I think that even if you aren't a teenage girl you should read this book (yes that means you too guys) because there are some great points in this book.  If only the original plays and such these books were based off of were more like this I would not hesitate to read them in class when they were assigned.  Although I'm sure that there would be some people who would, but what can you do?

Released on September 6, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

Review-Epic Fail

First off I feel the need to point out how amazing this title is, I mean really, it's just...it's amazing.  Now, Claire has written other books, but this is her first YA book, and let me tell you it was just so much fun!  I asked for this ARC a long time ago and I got it around the same time, but I held off because I always had something else to read, and once I read it was inspired by Pride and Prejudice I was a little weary, because, for those of you who don't know, I'm not a fan of the classics.  I am really glad I did decide to read this book because it was really great.  Elise (which also happens to be the name of one of my good friends) is such a great character because she's not like every other female main character out there, which means she doesn't always conform to the social norms, she isn't immediately attracted to the hot movie star son, and when she makes mistakes she admits them and doesn't dwell and go "poor me".  The thing I liked best about Elise is the fact that I feel she's so much like me, which I'm sure sounds dorky, but I connected with her so much on so many levels it was really great.  The story was cute and quirky, and the characters were really well developed.  Yeah, this book may be like almost every other love story in the world and if it were made into a movie it would be what you would call cliché but Claire crafts the story so well you don't want to put it down and you'll easily forget you might have read books with a similar plot.  I applaud Claire's YA debut and i will definitely be looking forward to more book by her in this genre, and if you read adult fiction too you should read some of her other books as well, because I'm sure she writes with just as much charm there as she does in this book.

Out Now!

5/5

Review-Beyond the Grave

I'm really bummed that this series isn't more readily available to the public, but sometimes that's what happens, the good series are harder to find, and maybe it's because of that it makes them harder to find...or maybe I'm just crazy.  This series has really been fun to read because it starts off with a great first book that really breaks the norm in a paranormal YA book.  The most amazing thing, THE GIRL DOESN'T FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SPIRIT!!!  Now, I'm all for a great paranormal romance with sexy ghosts, but it might be overdone, so when the ghosts aren't hot, it's interesting.  Mara is such a great writer and I'm really sad to see that this whole series is over.  Charlotte was such a great character and I could really connect with her.  No, my mom isn't in a coma due to a crazy dark spirit and no, my boyfriend isn't seemingly being possessed by said spirit either (and I know you're all going, WHAT BOYFRIEND, YOU HAVE NONE!), but she's such a down to earth character.  This book really seems to wrap everything up and even though it's a paranormal book I think it has a really great message to everyone out there, and that is that you CAN face your problems and win.  I do have to say it's darker than the first two books, especially at the end, but with all the "dark stuff" that's supposedly in YA it's not that bad at all, just some minor bone breaks and a few concussions.  I do think that Mara has the potential to continue this series and I think it could be really great, but I don't think she will.  I will definitely be on the lookout for her next book series (or maybe another book in the Past Midnight series *hint hint hint*) because although she's less known that doesn't mean her books are inferior to other big names in any way.

Released August 23, 2011

5/5 dust spirits

Thanks Mara for the copy to review!!!

Review-The Dead-Tossed Waves

I was really pleased with this companion novel to Carrie's The Forest of Hands and Teeth because we saw some old characters, met some new ones, and we really got to see past the Forest and some of the reasons for the Return.  I think that when we leave a book we all want to know what happens next but sometimes a sequel isn't always the best way to do that.  A companion novel can be great as long as it's set up right, and this one was set up very well.  Returning to the same world was really great because you leared about the world before, and now you're building on what you already know.  Gabry was a really great character because I think she's what most people in zombie, excuse me Mudo/Unconsecrated books (and movies) aren't; afraid.  In all of the movies and books you have a head-strong hero/heroin who seems to not be afraid of anything, but I think that honestly in that situation most of us would be scared sh*tless, and I think that sometimes writers/authors forget that fact because they feel that it's unapealing in a character.  Carrie is such a great writer and I think that she really hit her calling when she started writing YA zombie suspense novels.  The thing is, she's not afraid to kill characters, which I think is something a lot of YA writers are afraid to do because they feel it will be too dark.  Honestly I did like this book more than the first in the series, maybe it was the characters, maybe it was the setting, maybe it was the romance that seemed to blossom, and maybe it was because I could see myself as Gabry but she was so much stronger than I think I would be in her situation, which is why I really admire her.  It was a riveting sequel and I can't wait to see if we see more of Gabry in the last companion novel, The Dark and Hollow Places.

5.5 dust spirits

(Technically it's more like 4.75/5 dust spirits, but since it would be weird to cut a dust spirit into 3/4 and then everything would ger REALLY complicated we'll just round up to 5)

Review-Thirteen Reasons Why

Asher's debut novel is an amazing show of literary genius and I don't think I've ever been as awestruck by a first novel as I was by this one.  It was shocking and unforgettable and if you haven't read it I highly recommend you go pick it up now.  There are no words to explain how amazing this novel is, but if I had to choose some they would be "beautiful", "lyrical", and "haunting" and with this novel Jay really made a splash.  The feature on the back of the dust jacket was an added bonus, being able to see the map that Hannah referred to all throughout the book was really great and I found myself looking at it right along with the main character as I read the words that were being spoken through the tapes on the pages.  When I finished this book I found myself in awe of the writing and astounded by the story that Asher had woven in such a short novel.  Fans of Ellen Hopkins and the novel Cut will love this book and eat it up.  I'm sure that it has been ban in a few schools around the country but I think it's really important that every child (or even adult) read this book at one point in their life because the impact it has is huge.  Even the reluctant reader will find themselves glued to the pages as the story unfolds and you read on to see the reason a teenage girl decided to end her own life.  The whole idea of this book, that just one person could have changed the outcome of a situation and saved her life, really hits you hard and makes you think about all of those times you've insulted someone, and all the poor things that you've done to others will come back into your mind.  This novel has a great air of mystery about it as well and I think that's the other thing that fascinated me, you needed to know what happened to Hannah and why she took her own life.  The question is, if you were the reason someone killed themselves would you have the courage to find out why, and what would you do to change yourself once you knew why?

5/5 Dust spirits

*Note, this review has been redone from the original because it was short and I didn't feel it did the book justice.  Some of my older reviews will be redone but I'll let you know the ones I do change.