Jess N

After a very long week, I was in need of something fun and flirty to read. High Heeled Wonder fit the bill perfectly! A strong, sarcastic fashionista. A PI whose abs should be considered a deadly weapon. A mystery seeded deeply into the inner workings of the fashion industry. What's not love? I placed myself squarely into Sylvie Bissette's heels, and set off on what I hoped would be one smoldering adventure.

This was a quick read. Avery Flynn wastes no time pulling the reader into the tension filled world of fashion. I was introduced to key players, seduced with talk of perfectly tailored suits and designer clothes, then charmed with Sylvie's razor sharp wit. In fact, Sylvie's character was actually a huge surprise for me. Despite being part of the “gliteratti”, she was so down to earth. Sylvie is strong, funny, and not afraid to go for what she wants. Points to Avery Flynn! This is a girl I can get behind.

Speaking of getting behind someone, I can't deny I fell head over heels for Tony Falcon. Please ignore his rather cliche name, because this man is perfection. Tony was instantly likeable. He's sweet, fiercely loyal, and just all around adorable. I loved the banter between Tony and Sylvie. These two had sparks flying between them the entire book, and I loved every minute of their chemistry.

I do have to say that I felt a little shortchanged on the overall romance though. High Heeled Wonder walks the line between romance and mystery. However I feel like, because of that, each aspect wasn't as fully realized as it could have been. I was able to figure out the mystery pretty early on. Then I was even further disappointed by the big reveal at the end. It felt so cliche. Most frustrating of all, that build up took away from “between the sheets” time. Come on, we all know we read these books for those scenes.

Anyway, therein lies the reason I gave High Heeled Wonder a three star rating rather than a four. I loved the premise, and the characters, but wasn't perfectly satisfied with the execution. Still, if you're looking for a fun and flirty read? One with a delicious male lead? High Heeled Wonderis a good one to get lost in.

In a world that is completely filled with books, piled up in multiple warehouses and waiting for a home, it is difficult for an author like Irene Ziegler to shine. As I am sure you all know by now, I am a huge fan of uncovering those hidden shining gems and sharing them with you! Ashes to Water is without a doubt my favorite hidden gem this year. If the following review happens to make no sense and ends up entirely filled with ramblings, it is only because I still cannot seem to wrap my mind around how much I fell in love with this book. Let us begin shall we?

One of my absolute favorite parts about reading adult literature is being able to connect with the characters on a much deeper level. As much as I adore Young Adult books, I am past the point in which I resonate with those characters in my current life. They can remind me of what I once was, but only adult characters can actually show me who I may or may not want to be. Does that make sense? I hope so.

That being said, Annie is such a fantastic protagonist in this story. Her life as a whole is laid out in this story, and Irene has no qualms with sharing the less than favorable parts about who Annie is. As a character with understandable flaws, she was so easy for me to connect with and I fell in love with her instantly. From the first page I was completely invested in who she was and what she wanted to be. Sweet Annie, a photographer who loves her mother and cannot seem to let her go. Flawed Annie, who needs love and reassurance and is not always sure where to go to find it. I adored her! She made the book for me, and sticks with me even after finishing it. If she were a real person, I do believe she and I would get along quite well.

On the flip side we have Annie's sister Leigh. The yin to Annie's yang, Leigh projects herself as a self assured and confident female figure. Only when you read on do you begin to see the cracks in her shiny exterior, and as the story progresses they just grow more and more defined. Leigh definitely makes her fair share of bad decisions throughout the story. However she is written so that it is hard not to feel for her as a person. She knows the decisions that she makes aren't always the most intelligent, but she only stops to ponder them after they have been made. Leigh knows she needs help. That alone makes her favorable in my eyes.

Lest I make this book sound like some self help book, I must add that on top of all of the inner dialogue is a beautiful and well paced story line. Irene shines in her ability to write a story that will keep you guessing! There is both an arsonist and a murderer on the loose, and it has turned Annie's small hometown completely upside down. People begin to suspect one another, and no one is sure that they actually “know” one another anymore. One part mystery, one part introspective story, this is an exquisite book that will stay with me for a long time. Page turner is an understatement.

If you haven't decided that you must read it by now, I will leave you with this. There is a twist. Yes, a delicious twist at the end that will make your mouth gape open and possibly leave you wanting to applaud. I need a copy of both this book and the prequel. Stat.

That high pitched squeal you may be able to hear over the computer is me absolutely in love The No-Girlfriend Rule. Upon finishing my friend made the mistake of asking me what I thought and I literally just yelled “cute cute cuuuuuuute” at her. So, there you have it. This review is going to full of gushing and you have been warned in advance.

First off, as a person who adores all things gaming, I can 100% tell you that the gaming space in general is not always a very welcoming or inclusive space. It absolutely can be, and I feel like things are slowly getting better. But I felt Hollis' disappointment in my soul when she went to her first S&S game and was completely turned off by the way people acted. In fact, that's what drew me to this book in the first place. Hollis' boyfriend Chris and his “boy's only” club of gamers is something I am intimately familiar with. As is wanting to somehow find a way to “fit in” to gain entry.

Randall handles all of that beautifully. What follows is a story about Hollis not only finding a new group of amazing friends to play with, but also a story about her finding herself in the process. She realizes that she's been shrinking herself down, into smaller and smaller spaces, in order to fit in. Hollis is able to see what being with right group of people who support you, cheer you on, and of course make you feel good can really do for a person. Watching her grow, watching her emerge from the shell that had been holding her back, man it felt good. I may have even shed a few tears.

I also just really felt like the story did such justice to discussions of mental health, the stigma around taking medication regularly, the perils of being “odd” in high school, and so so so much more. Everything about this story felt inclusive, and not in a fake or trying too hard way. Hollis' band of friends were just a happy little found family navigating their different but still similar lives, partially in a fantasy world. And see, as a gamer that's what I love about role playing games. They can be made as a safe space to explore the parts of you that you aren't sure about tackling in the real world. They're a place to grow also, especially when you've got the right group surrounding you.

Argh, okay enough gushing because otherwise I'll go on for ages. I adored this book. I took but a single star off, only because I expected this to be a bit more romance than it was. If I did half stars though this would get a solid 4.5 from me. It's cute, it's funny, and it's filled with the types of healthy friendships that I really wish I had when I was Hollis' age. You might want to kick her obnoxious boyfriend and co. at the beginning, but trust me it gets better. Happy reading!

I personally couldn't finish this book and that is the only reason I'm rating it 1 star. I'm sure it appeals to others, it just wasn't for me.

A note to authors out there: If you ever want me to read your Fantasy book, compare it to The Chronicles of Narnia. Seriously. When I saw that G.A. Morgan's new book was billed as “the next Narnia”, I had to read it! Those books fueled my childhood imagination, and I've re-read them many times since then. I was excited to see where The Fog of Forgetting would fall for me in comparison, and anxious to be introduced to a new world.

That being said, there were plenty of things about this debut novel that I really did like. Starting with the setting. I can think of no better place to hide a new Fantasy world than off the banks of a summer lakehouse. I loved the fact that the characters had such an attachment to this seasonal destination. That there were memories, both good and bad, wrapped up in this place made it feel that much more real. It was a place of magic, and I completely believed that a new world could be hiding just beyond the horizon.

I also liked the characters, although they took me a while to warm up to. Chase, Knox and Teddy were a little much to handle at first. Well, in all fairness, they are three young boys. I suppose they'd be a lot to handle in real life! However it took me a while to see past their childishness. It wasn't until they actually arrived in the land of Ayda that I started to enjoy following them. Each boy soon came into his own, and they did grow a lot during their adventures. I have to admit that I still never really felt connected to them entirely though. I just never felt like I knew them well enough to be invested in their journey.

In terms of the world-building, Ayda wasn't quite what I expected. I loved the idea of a world surrounded by fog. Of a place where magic is commonplace. I was never able to actually place myself there, unfortunately. The concept of calling the magic that flowed through people “daylights” bothered me, especially since it was never explained. The other main problem was that most of the actual world descriptions are done through info-dumps. Even though they were masked as stories told by characters to our protagonists, they lost their magic. I never felt like I was in Ayda. Only that I was reading about it.

Still, I did enjoy the good majority of this read. The ending left me wanting a bit, but I'd be willing to continue on to see what happens next. This bookworm gives The Fog of Forgetting three stars. It wasn't quite Narnia, but I see potential in G.A. Morgan's new world.

Move over Indiana Jones, here comes Amber and her pals. Part mystery, all suspense, The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter is a rollicking adventure story that is sure to be literally devoured by even the most stubborn readers. I was immersed enough in these characters and their struggles that I read straight through the book in a hour. Yes, it's really that good.

A solid plot line is built around Amber's relationship with her archeology teacher, Ms. Holcomb, or Dorothy as she prefers to be called. It was a little off putting to me at first how close these kids were with their teacher. I don't want to spoil anything, but their relationship was one that I have honestly never seen before. However in the true spirit of adventure, I chalked it up to a great story line and read on. This story is equal parts action and explanation. There are portions that are quick and focused on tense (and potentially violent) situations, and then just as quickly the book will move into an explanation on the origin of a word, or back story on a particular culture. I was impressed at how well Frank L. Cole tied together both of these worlds!

In terms of the characters, Amber and her small group of adventurers are rather easy to relate to. They share a love of archeology and puzzle solving, but at a deeper level each of them is different. They each bring something to the group that makes it complete. My favorite character by far, even though he could be a bit obnoxious at times, was Trendon. As the computer nerd of the group, he was indispensable when it came to information gathering via the Internet. I giggled a few times at how perfectly he fit the mold of the typical “computer geek”. Add in a twist in the middle where one of them turns on the others, and well sir and madam, you have me hooked.

My one question about this story really lies in how easy of a read it will be for the age group it is aimed at. Truth be told this is most definitely an action packed and stunning read. However there is a lot of information presented, as well as some situations that might be uncomfortable for readers who are on the younger side of the YA reading group. I think that The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter is a great fit for advanced readers, or maybe older readers. For that matter it would be a great story to share between a parent and a younger reader. It has a little bit of something for everyone!

To wrap things up, I very much enjoyed this as a read and happily recommend it to you, my dear readers! If you are an action junkie, a lover of a good fictional story that has historical references, or just a reader who wants something different, this is a book for you.

Do you ever read a book, and end up feeling slightly jealous at how much smarter the characters are than you? Well, prepare to feel that way when you pick up Kubrick's Game. Derek Taylor Kent has woven a story that is full to the brim with puzzles. Shawn and his friends are lead through twists, and turns, all tying into this insane game that focuses solely around Stanley Kubrick's movies. If you're a fan of books that make you ponder, then this one is definitely for you.

First off, I need to point out the fact that Kent obviously knows a lot about Kubrick and his cinematic legacy. Each and every part of this story is like a love letter to that creator, and his works. As Shawn delves deeper into the mystery surrounding this game, more and more love is given to the puzzle itself. There are so many clues, expertly created to lead right into the next. My head was spinning after the first few had been uncovered. As a person who has definitely seen Kubrick's movies, but isn't a raving fan, I can say that this book definitely prompted me to want to watch them again. I keep wondering if I can pinpoint all the clues myself.

Which of course, means that this book picks up speed and then won't let you slow down. Shawn was put in some fairly terrifying situations, all in the name of solving the mystery. I'll be honest, I didn't like him much at first. His blunt personality, and inability to understand relationships annoyed me a bit. Following him through this puzzle though soon made me appreciate his particular brand of focus. He was able to pull himself away from situations, and really see into what he needed to do next.

The absolute only reason that I rated this four stars, rather than five, was the fact that the ending felt rushed to me. After so much build up, so many puzzles cracked, and so much time with Shawn, I couldn't help but feel like the ending came and went without a big finish. There are strong ties to all manner of conspiracy theories here, and I would have loved to see some more of those really coming life. The villains here just felt flat, and I wanted more.

Overall though? This book was fairly fantastic. As I said, it's a testament to how well written this puzzle is that I was always five steps behind Shawn. He is a brilliant mind. I'll just step away, and let him do his thing.

Going into Fractured Light, I really expected to be reading fantasy. I'm not sure if that was my own fault, or the synopsis, but the Aurans peaked my interest. I looked at this as something new and different in the fantasy realm. On the bright side, it was indeed something new. On the down side, this reads much more like a paranormal romance novel than anything else. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm just warning those of you who might be mistaken like I was. I'll save you the wondering.

At the beginning I'll admit that Fractured Light was a little tough for me to get into. Llona starts out as a tough character to enjoy. She's distant, coarse, and at times whiny. I understood why. Rachael McClellan builds up a good back story for her protagonist, and it's easy to see why Llona chooses to keep to herself. It doesn't make it any easier to like though. Add in the fact that the first few chapters felt shaky and kind of off, and I almost put this book down.

I'm happy to say I didn't though, because things really do improve about a third of the way through. Llona's attitude changes, the book picks up pace, and we meet more of the characters who are going to be a part of Llona's journey. At this point I honestly felt like I was reading a whole different book. Whereas the first few chapters were shaky and oddly paced at times, at this point in the book things really evened out. I found myself fully immersed for the first time, and I fell in love with Llona and her struggle to just exist.

Although some parts of the plot felt a little forced into place, I ultimately ended up liking Fractured Light. The climax of the book is just perfect, and the ending is wonderfully done. It leaves the book open for a next in the series and, in all honesty, now that I've read the whole book I'm ready for the next one. If you are a reader who enjoys a good mystery, this is a book that will peak your interest.

Hazel Hutchins presents an adorable look into the day of a cat in Up Cat. This mischievous little cat performs all sorts of actions that center around the word “UP”. Since this was a vocabulary word that my kindergartners were focusing on, I thought that this would be a great addition to their week. They were enamored by the bright colors, the sweet illustrations, and the easy to read words on every page. In kid terms, this was a favorite!

From a teacher aspect, I loved the addition of some tougher words into the book. Teaching words like “snarled” is much easier when there are bright and fun illustrations that accompany them. If I had one wish, it would be that this book was a few pages longer. Still, as an easy reader, this book is fantastic! The repetition makes it easy for students to learn to read it on their own very quickly.

Pure pandemonium. That's how I'd describe Death's Academy. Of course, I mean this in a completely positive way. This book falls way outside a lot of Middle Grade fiction I've read lately, and I loved it for that. It's funny, it's random, and it has a whole bunch of heart. If you're looking for a book that will make your young reader laugh out loud? You've found it. Bast's story plays to all the things young readers love, and it's a pretty fun romp for us adult readers too!

Midnight Smith, or Night as he prefers to be called, is a protagonist that is easy to identify with. Just like normal “shorty” kids, he has nagging parents, a difficult time staying out of trouble, and an awesome best friend. The difference between Night and other kids out there? He's a reaper in training. A “hoodie”, if you will. When you live in a world where everyone wants nothing more than to get into Death's Academy, there's a lot to prove. Especially when you have a father that's pegged as the worst reaper ever. Yup, Night has it tough straight from the beginning.

I eagerly followed along as Michael Bast built a world of reapers that we “shorties” never see. A world where Hellhounds are disguised as Chihuahuas, hearses look like beat up vans or police cars, and all manner of other amazing things hide in plain sight. In fact, I was wholly impressed with how effortlessly Bast explains everything in Death's Academy. Each time I even had an inkling of a question, the next paragraph or two would explain it. If only every book out there had that much foresight, I'd be a happy reader.

The one downside to this is that the story takes a little while to get going. There is so much to explain, that the first half of the book is pretty much an introduction to the world. It's definitely helpful to feeling immersed in the story, but it does read a little slowly too. Things don't pick up until about half way through, but they do pick up! Once they do? Hang on tight. It's a crazy, wild ride until the ending.

As an adult reader, I'm happy to give Death's Academy a solid three star rating. It was fun, out of the box, and it definitely made me giggle more than once. If I were in the age group that this book is aimed at, I'll be honest and say that I'd probably give it four stars. While dog farts and evil unicorns don't have the same effect on me they did when I was 12, I still got a kick out of them! If I did? I know plenty of young readers who definitely will too.

Fun, cute and scary (but not too scary). Perfect for the MG audience!

What an absolutely adorable story this was! Apparently this is the second in a set, with the first book revolving around Ava Wren, and her sister Pip. Which I didn't find out until after I'd finish this particular story. I can assure you, Ava and Taco Cat reads perfectly fine as a standalone. If anything, it actually made me want to seek out the other book as soon as possible. Ava and Pip are simply the sweetest, and the perfect example of what sisterhood really looks like.

Truth be told, Ava herself is exactly what an eleven year old girl would be like. Carol Weston easily brings the reader into Ava's mind, a place that swirls with questions of what she wants to do when she gets older, thoughts on whether her best friend is trying to leave her, and the passionate desire for a pet cat. I was extremely impressed with Weston's ability to nail down an eleven year old personality. Sometimes reading MG that is first person narrative can be a little daunting. Characters have the opportunity to feel too old for their supposed age. Not Ava. This darling girl was simply eleven, going on twelve, and full of all the emotions that I'd expect her to have at that age.

There are so many things that I could gush about! The fact that Weston expertly weaves in a discussion on friendship, and the ability to move beyond having a best friend into having many good friends. The idea that when new people move into your life, it isn't always easy to trust them at first. Best of all, the way that a pet can become part of the family without anyone even noticing. I adored every minute of it. I can't quite say too much, for fear of spoiling the last few chapters, but trust me when I say that this book is quite unexpectedly heartfelt. I teared up, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

If you have a young reader, especially one who is passionate about writing, I'd put this straight into their hands. There is so much in this story that will resonate with them, and this is coming from a reader who is well beyond the intended audience. Ava is adorable, and I see many readers falling in love with her.

Oh, where to start with this book? Well, first off this took me much longer to read than I anticipated, but please don't take that as negative mark against this book. Wrath falls into the category of stories that really make you ponder. I kept having to take breaks to digest both the moral imperatives that this book presented to the reader. Forefront, the fact that animals deserve to be “elevated” right alongside their human counterparts. Phew. That was a lot to digest. I'm not generally a book highlighter, but I wrote down a ton of passages from this book. It has a lot to say.

Now that being said, I should also point out to my more squeamish readers that this book walks that very thin line between science fiction and horror, where bad things happen right on the page. This book is pretty damn violent. However, and I think this is a super important item to consider, this story would feel wrong if this book wasn't as violent as it is. Here we have a story about humans once again assuming that we are the top of the food chain. A story where we make decisions for beings who can't tell us whether or not they'd approve of those decisions. A story based partly in a need to see growth, but also very heavily in greed. Often stories like that end up with casualties, and we all know this. I just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

That being said, this book does an excellent job of putting the horrors of the choices our characters make into context. It isn't just the people who should be punished that are, showing that the choices of the few can absolutely affect the many. The book is also quite fairly paced. It picks up speed slowly, but once it reaches the mid-point? This story is full on running to the finish line. I'll be completely honest and tell you it took me a good three days of separated listening to finish the last few chapters. Some heavy stuff there.

So why the three star rating? Well, partially because this book does take a bit to get started. Also partially because once Sammy was able to actually start iterating his thoughts, I had such a hard time with this book. It would be too hard to explain in a short review, but as his brain grew so did his human thoughts and that just struck a chord with me. Lastly, the ending honestly felt a little rushed. I know, I was just complaining about how hard it was to read. But it did kind of feel like the end of a movie where the plot isn't quite wrapped up and there is only twenty minutes left. If nothing else, I would have liked to see a shred of character redemption for anyone. Then again, I guess that's just life. Right?

As you can tell, this book had me all over the place. However I did actually enjoy it overall, and so I can absolutely recommend it. Just be sure to expect violence, and obviously testing on animals. If you're okay with the darker, grittier parts of humanity, you might like this story.

Chilling. That's the first word that pops into my head when I think about my reading of Envy. Even before I realized that this was based on a true crime, my heart beat faster just reliving the events of this book. Imagine a book that mixes a bit of horror with the paranormal we all know and love. Are you imagining? Good. That? That's this book. It's pretty amazing.

I fell in love with Hayley and Taylor instantly. Twins, sisters, confidants, and sharing one of the biggest secrets that they've ever had. I really wanted to get to know Hayley and Taylor as I followed them. Witty and intelligent, these girls are definitely spitfires! Determined to find out who killed their friend, the girls end up learning more about themselves than they every really though possible. I loved uncovering the mystery of their childhoods, and learning more about the Ryan family overall. It's not everyday you see such a tight knit family, and it makes for great atmosphere.

When I said that this book was chilling, I wasn't kidding. Gregg Olsen leads the twins on quite a chase as they struggle to uncover what truly happened to Katelyn. The mystery here is scrumptious. It's the type that will draw you in, have you probing for answers, and then throw a slap in the face at the last minute, just as you think you might have finally figured out what's going on. Oh yes. There's some twists and turns along the way. Let's just say it makes this a read while worth diving into. I can promise you that you'll be flipping pages faster than you can read.

Long story short, this is a wonderfully written mystery that is just creepy enough to make you want to keep reading. I devoured Envy and then was still hungrily looking for more to read. If you are a fan of mysteries, or of true crime novels, this is the best of both worlds. Pick up a copy of Envy and get reading.

Skyfall is the first book in the new Troll Hunters series. The story opens with a meteor shower that has the town enraptured. However it isn't just the meteor shower that is happening this night. Four children soon discover that something much more sinister is going on, and that stopping it is the only way to save the whole entire planet. Talk about a big burden to put on their shoulders!

I loved how this story is the perfect combination of creepy and fascinating. It isn't so scary that a younger reader wouldn't be able to enjoy it, but it has that edge that keeps you guessing. I think it will be a great fit for readers who want more adventure in their reader, but aren't quite ready for older books. Michael Dahl writes simply, but his characters and plot are still perfectly engaging. I'm an older reader and I still loved this book.

So yes, Skyfall is a very well written fantasy story. The characters are will be easy for younger readers to connect with, and the quick moving story line is sure to draw them in! It always makes me happy to find a fantasy story that is appropriate for the younger audience. There simply isn't enough of it out there.

The one thing that killed me was the ending. Skyfall's ending is more like the end of a chapter than the end of the book. If you do happen to get these for a young reader in your life, you might want to wait until they are all out. If they are like me, they'll be clamoring for the next book to find out what happens next!

Oh, Kat Stephenson! To say this girl is incorrigible is spot on and, quite honestly, the reason I fell in love with her character the first time around. She's back in a big way in Renegade Magic. Kat's sister is finally marrying the man she loves and Kat herself finally has a slight hold over her powers. What could possibly go wrong?

Once again I was drawn in by the setting Stephanie Burgis places young Kat in. She is a young girl surrounded by lectures on propriety and manners. Constantly told to squash her willful ways. For any other character it might be too much, but for Kat it's just the way things are. Her intelligence and her stubborn nature shine in front of this backdrop. It's so easy to fall in love with the way she is simply herself in a sea full of people trying to be someone else.

All of my favorite characters were back, and this time around I had a better glimpse into Lady Graves and Lord Ravenscroft. I thought Burgis did a wonderful job of weaving together the story of a wedding gone awry, and the sinister things these two characters were up to. Better still, the main setting for this book is in Bath. It sets up a perfect place for magic to mix with history, all culminating in an adventure that Kat and her family will never forget. This book moves quickly, and I couldn't get enough of it.

I don't think I'll ever tire of Ms. Kat Stephenson. There's something to be said about the fierce loyalty and love that she has for her family, even when they drive her crazy. Even if you don't generally read Middle Grade books, I can guarantee you'll fall in love with this series. Stephanie Burgis has expertly crafted a way to mesh magic and mayhem into something you won't be able to put down. Get started! Kat and her family are waiting.

This is going to be a hard one to review, mainly because the entire plot revolves around a huge plot twist that I refuse to spoil for you. So, yes, this will be a vague review. It doesn't help that I'm entirely on the fence about my feelings anyway. One Step Too Far started out wonderfully. I was intrigued by Emily and her backstory, wondering what on Earth would cause her to walk away from her seemingly perfect life. Then, things took a turn that I wasn't expecting. Normally I would have loved that. In this case though, it felt rushed. I'll expand below.

Points go to Tina Seskis for crafting characters who are like night and day. Emily and her twin sister Caroline couldn't be more different if they tried. The fact that their childhood was laid bare, that we were able to see where the rift between them stemmed from, made Emily more real for me. I had no love for Caroline, no pity for her, and I'm not sure that I was meant to either. Emily shone through as a character who was lost, hurting, and broken. I didn't always agree with her choices, but I liked her well enough. That's the main reason why I made it to the end of this book. Although Emily's new life was sudden, and tough, I wanted her to succeed. I really did.

Which is why I was so frustrated at the ending to this book. The plot twist that I mentioned above didn't make me feel surprised in a positive way. It actually made me angry. I felt like I had been knowingly misdirected. That I had spent the entire story feeling sorry for Emily, feeling proud of her for fighting so hard for a new life. When I finally figured out why she left in the first place, I was angry. It's probably just me, and that's perfectly fine. It's the truth though.

The first three-quarters of this book were great. Full of a great feeling of tension and mystery. Full of interesting characters and all matter of problems for Emily to face. If only the ending had been more satisfying, this would have made a four star read for me.

Samantha Durante's novel moved to the top of my reading list as soon as I read the synopsis. Stitch sounded like a great combination of genres. Something fresh and new! For those of you out there who are constantly reading like I am, you know the lure of anything that sounds unique. I was eager to see where Alessa's story would take me.

Let's start with what I liked about Stitch. First off, I really did love the story line. Well thought out, Alessa's story is definitely different than any that I've read before. I'm not entirely sure how to praise it without giving too much away. What I can say is that the statement that it bridges paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi is spot on. Alessa's life isn't what it seems. No matter how flawed she might feel her existence is, nothing can prepare her for what she discovers about her past.

The other thing that I enjoyed were the way that flashbacks were incorporated into the story. As Alessa's story progresses, and she uncovers more about herself, the reader gets to see into the memories that were suppressed These flashbacks were my favorite part of Stitch. The first half of the story moves fairly slowly as the reader is introduced to the important parts of Alessa's current life. It isn't until her flashbacks start occurring that things get really interesting. This is where the dystopian element comes through, and it is fascinating.

Sadly, although I did finish the book, I also did a lot of skimming while reading. Written in third person, Alessa's story felt detached to me. I really wanted to see inside her head, rather than just hearing what she was doing. There was ample telling, but not as much showing. As a result, I never really got to know Alessa, Janie or any of the other characters as well as I would have liked. I couldn't connect with them. Mid-way through the book things really picked up, but by that point I still wasn't invested in Alessa's struggle.

I definitely loved the premise of Stitch and, even if I didn't fall completely in love, I also think that it is a very unique story. Readers who are looking for something different, something fresh, will find a lot to love in this book. I am happy to say that I read the sneak peek to the next book in this series and it looks great! Despite any qualms I may have had, I know that I'll be back for more of Alessa's story. With the ending such as it is, I have a definite need to know what happens next.

Books that deal with younger characters have always had a draw for me. Especially when they deal with the subjects that most parents don't seem to want to broach with their children. It always seemed to me that kids will find the information that they are looking for one way or another, so wouldn't you rather it be accurate? At least if a book properly and effectively deals with a touchy subject, a younger person can get the information that they are seeking. Books like this have power.

The Absolute Value of -1 does deal with some difficult subject matter. I find it only fair that I warn you that pot smoking, shop lifting and mild violence lie within the pages. Buried in there is also teenage feelings and confusion over love and lust. However as an educator I know that these big ticket items are, in fact, a part of most younger lives at some point. As much as we would all like to pretend that teenage lives are sugar and spice, that simply isn't true. As Simon, Noah and Lily each show respectively, your home doesn't have to be a specific way for you to begin to follow a certain path. Instead it is the individual experiences in a person's life that lead them to down one road or another.

Told in sections from each character's point of view, this book shows us how the same set of moments can be experienced three different ways. It was fascinating to have that depth into each character's memories. Simon, Noah and Lily are each so different, and yet when you see the same story through each of their eyes you find that they have common links. Watching them grow, watching them make mistakes, it was as if there were real people right there in front of me. I think this is book perfectly embodies the concept of a “coming of age” story.

What I loved about The Absolute Value of -1 was that it was raw. This was a look at the inner workings of these children, and their thoughts. I especially felt invested in Simon, and struggled when he struggled. I saw myself in him as he fought to break away from that was defining him. I'll admit that Steve Brezenoff knows how to weave a story that draws you in and pulls emotions forth that aren't always easy to deal with. There were many moments where I found myself teary eyed, and others where I found myself so angry. This book touched me in a way that I can't quite put into words.

Plain and simple, this story is beautiful. However if you're picturing lyrical writing and sweeping scenes, you're missing the point of this book. Truth is, The Absolute Value of -1 is a gritty, realistic read and that is what I adored about it. Steve Brezenoff has no qualms with diving into the darker parts of his characters' lives, and I think that is really important. Although this was a difficult read, I feel I came away from it a better person somehow. Recommended 100%.

What first drew me in to Shadow Walkers was the idea of astral projection. I would love nothing more than to be able to leave my physical body behind and just travel! Brent Hartinger hits the nail on the head with his explanation in this book. By the time I had finished reading, I'd say I had a pretty good handle on the concept. If you have ever wondered about astral projection, you'll find it simply fascinating.

Truthfully though, other than the astral projection aspect, this book had a difficult time holding my attention. The characters are sweet enough. Zach has a good head on his shoulders, although he feels trapped on his island home. Emory is sincere and definitely meshes with Zach. However it was Gilbert that stole the show, let me tell you. This fireball of a little brother was so adorable! When he goes missing I seriously had a moment of panic. Such a cute little kid!

The romance aspect of the book was also a nice addition. I thought it was fabulous that Brent Hartinger included a homosexual romance that wasn't angst driven or a social issue. It did fall a little flat for me though, mostly in the believability department. Although I enjoyed the fact that the boys were able to connect on such an otherworldly level, their relationship moved like lightning. I've heard of stress bringing people together, but even with my paranormal blinders on I had a hard time accepting that they would be so into one another in such a short time.

Added on is a bit of a side story about an astral creature that tries to devour the souls floating in the astral realm. I liked this addition, but I so wished it was a little more drawn out and explained. It was genuinely interesting! It just happened to be overshadowed by everything else going on. I'd honestly have to say that my favorite part of the whole book was the mystery surrounding Gilbert's disappearance. I had no idea where that part of the story was going, and as Zach searched I genuinely worried. When your favorite character ends up missing, well that's just something that you end up worrying about.

My final verdict on this book is that it is a sweet, short and unique read. Although it didn't sate my whole literary appetite, there was definitely enough there to keep me coming back! If Zach, Emory and Gilbert come back in a second book I'll be there to follow them on their adventures.

Girl Parts was definitely a book that I had to take a step back from in order to form a fair opinion of it. Truly, it isn't like anything else that I've read lately! That of course if a good thing in some respects, unfortunately it also doesn't give you anything to compare it to. So, after finishing I took a few days to step back and think about my initial reaction after finishing.

Let me say this first. The synopsis to this book cleverly leaves out a lot of what the reader will actually find in the book. When I read “...a stunning and hilarious debut...” I really expected something that would have me laughing out loud! I cracked open the book, dove in, and, well I was a little confused to say the least. Girl Parts was definitely nothing like I expected it to be.

Now that I've explained my initial reaction, let me say that honestly I really did enjoy this book. David and Charlie are wonderful characters, each completely different and yet linked by their “dissociative disorder”. I really enjoyed reading about each boy, and finding out what their motives were for being with Rose. As for Rose herself, she was fascinating. There is no other word to describe her! Rose makes the book what it is, and I was enamored with her the entire time I was reading.

There really isn't much more that I can say without ruining the story line. John Cusick crafts a solid book, and I was happy with it. As I said there is a lot that you will find in the book that isn't present in the synopsis. Just know this, if you are going into this book expecting a laugh, you may or may not find it there. I suppose it all depends on your sense of humor. I'm left feeling a little wanting, but hoping that the next book (yes there is a rumor for a second book) will answer all the of questions I have buzzing in my brain.

Pieces of Us was one of the toughest reads that I've ever had. I ultimately finished the book, but it was more out of morbid fascination than anything else. The characters here are so broken, so lost, so disturbed, that I wasn't sure if there was any saving grace to them. By the time I finished reading my only thought was, “So what does this teach me?” I'm not even sure if this rambling paragraph makes any sense.

What I can say about this book is that it is very realistic. Despite the fact that I didn't always love the characters (and in fact I hated a few of them with a white hot rage) they could very well exist in this world. I think what threw me off most is that the characters in this book are so young and yet so far off the beaten path. I know there are people like this out there, but it really terrifies me to acknowledge that.

At the end of the day, I just feel torn about this book. It gutted me and left me feeling empty. There are good points in it. There is hope at the end, but the majority of it is just depressing and dark. This is about the longest review that I can write because, even weeks later, I'm still not sure how to express how I feel.

In Trafficked, Purcell leads the reader on a no holds barred look into sixteen-year-old Hannah's life. Instead of the comfortable and easy job she was promised, her reality is sixteen hour work days and back breaking housework. Lillian, the mother of the home, turns out to be uncompromising, selfish and verbally (sometimes even physically) abusive. Sergey, the father of the home, is secretive and Hannah is leery about what his intentions with her really are. Trapped in the house, without pay, not allowed to speak English or interact with any other people, Hannah is an island. Who can she turn to for help?

I'm going to admit that there are some very uncomfortable scenes in this book. As I said, Purcell really does show the harsh reality of Hannah's predicament. This is a story that will gut you and might even make you psychically ill at times. The sexual and violent nature of parts of this book, while completely necessary, definitely makes it a difficult read. Hannah's life isn't the easy one she hoped for. She is constantly struggling to just keep her mind and her body intact. The small victories she has in the story, a little sarcastic comment here, a long awaited bus trip there, are a reminder of how isolated and mistreated she really is. Hannah is broken, and this book isn't afraid to show that.

What really impressed me were the layers in Trafficked. Although Hannah is the main focus, there are other characters who are simultaneously fighting their own battles. Maggie and Michael, the two children, are suffering from neglect. Their mother is constantly studying, and it's almost as though her children are an afterthought. A nuisance. They actually end up being the one thing Hannah cares for, despite her situation. Then there is Colin, the boy next door, who is fighting his own battle with his weight, his future and his divorced parents. I thought he was so important because his struggle is put into perspective when compared with Hannah's. My hope is that this will open some teen eyes and help them see that their family lives might not be as bad as they think they are.

Trafficked deals with issues that are well worth knowing about, and it does it in a gritty and realistic way. I'll fully admit that I powered through this book, mostly because I just had to know what happened to Hannah next. Call it rubber-necking if you will. Hannah definitely suffers some atrocities. Still, the way that Purcell expertly weaves so much truth into Hannah's fictional life is amazing. By the time I finished reading I was equal parts angry and saddened. If you are a reader who is okay with a gritty and realistic read, Trafficked is one that is well worth your time.

There are still shivers running down my spine, and I can place the blame squarely on Night Chill. The book starts strong, drawing you in with a glimpse into the madness to come. A sinister man. A kidnapped girl. Mind reading powers? Paranormal and horror elements blend together to make Night Chill something to be reckoned with. With its well-written, lightning fast plot it's hard not to be sucked in.

Jack is just an average guy. He loves his wife and his daughters. Like any great father, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. But how do you fight against what you can't understand? I was rooting for Jack with each page that I read. Despite the guilt hanging over his head, he was such a good guy. He's one of those characters that you can't help but want to succeed, even when he isn't sure he will.

In fact, what I really liked about this book was that it showed the way humanity reacts to events they can't explain. Shrugging off odd occurrences, jumping on any explanation that comes their way, and unintentionally skewing events to suit their needs. It was so heartbreaking to see a family slowly understand that something more was at stake. Jack's story wasn't only terrifying because of the paranormal aspect, but because it dealt with a real life family.

I actually can't even pinpoint what made this a four star read for me instead of a five. It's quite possible that I have standards that are entirely too high right now, because honestly? This book is pretty fabulous. If you're a fan of Horror novels, of the kinds of books that keep you up at night, this is a read you'll love. I'll leave you with that.

We meet Olivia as she is moving to the country. Her father, a writer, is looking for quiet place to write and a big, old Victorian house is just the ticket! What will Olivia discover in her new home? Will she be happy? She's not sure, but one thing she definitely didn't expect to find was a monster...

Alberto Corral does a very nice job of creating a young girl character who children will fall in love with. She's sweet, kind, giving, and makes some amazing cookies! Best of all, she's the bravest little girl I've ever known. When she hears noises coming from upstairs does she run away? Oh no, not Olivia! Instead she sets a trap, and the magic begins.

Alessandra Sorrentino draws the pictures in My Monster Burrufu and the illustrations are just gorgeous. Olivia is so tiny compared to her big, fuzzy friend. The pictures with the two of them were my absolute favorite! I see many a child listening with wide eyes to the story that Alberto Corral so expertly weaves, and giggling out loud at the pictures that accompany it. Let me tell you, adult or not, I loved the balance between the story and illustrations! I was smitten.

This story is adorable, heartfelt, and teaches a very important lesson. Olivia and Burrufu show that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, you can be a very special person! The two of them teach children how to respect others differences and love them for who they are. Too cute! Seriously. If you are looking for a fun read to share with your little one, especially at bedtime, pick this book up. It's sure to steal you heart!