Jess N

To be honest, I found Said the Spider a little difficult to get into at first. It jumps around from past events to present day quite often and I was rather confused in the beginning. However I soon realized that it was being used as a way to introduce all the key players in the mystery. Once I figured that out, it was easier for me to go with the flow and appreciate the different points of view that appeared in each chapter.

As mystery/suspense books go, this story definitely has a great pace to it. The author continuously reveals just enough information to keep you intrigued, and then leads you on to the next big event. I'd liken it to being lead along on a string. Each new piece of information keeps you moving in a straight line to the inevitable uncovering of what is amiss. Still I was a little disappointed about half way through because I figured out what was going on early on. The rest of the story just wasn't as interesting once I discovered the vile plot and realized who would ultimately be taken in.

What definitely saved this book in my eyes in its main character, Dan Jamieson. He is a family man who has fallen so deeply into this work as a private detective that it all but consumes him. A fabulous PI, Dan takes his work very seriously and always works hard to get his man. Rising above the greed and temptation that the people he hunts down, Dan shows us how strong a person he can be. Add in the witty banter between him and his partner, and you have my attention. Those two characters were definitely my favorite part of the book!

Overall I'd say that Said the Spider was a good mystery/suspense read. For those of you out there who choose this genre as your main one, I'm sure you'll find a lot to love. I think that because this isn't my usual genre I wasn't as invested as I would be normally. I did enjoy the story though, and I definitely recommend you give it a read!

My first thought when I started reading The Lucky Kind was that Nick, the main character, was someone that I would love to hang out with. He's sweet, slightly awkward, has a wit to be contended with, and really seems to think things through. Add in his sarcastic and amazing friend (essentially brother) Stevie, and the focus of his admiration, Eden, and you have a group of characters that will steal your heart. Despite anything else I have may thought while reading this book, these characters never stopped making me love them.

At the heart of this book is a story of an adolescent boy who is growing up. Nick knows he's smitten with Eden, but he doesn't know how to talk to her. Stevie is like the ying to Nick's yang. He is the one who is smooth with the girls, witty when it's called for, and never seems to be awkward in situations. Then Nick finds out some information that turns his life upside down, and suddenly he's the strong one. He finds the confidence to talk to Eden, he finds the ability to question his parents when he feels they aren't being truthful. Unfortunately with this new found freedom comes the need to question himself as well.

The chemistry in this book between all the characters is pure perfection. As a girl who grew up with a “Norman Rockwell” family, only later to discover that the older you get the less perfect they seem, I felt Nick's emotions perfectly. His disbelief over the news he is given, his inability to cope with it the way everyone thinks he should, right down to the way that he projects those feelings into other areas of his life. Nick is just a boy who is trying to grow up “right”, and now has been given something huge to overcome in this already difficult time in his life. I felt for him, and I loved it.

His relationship with his parents is one that I think a lot of teenagers will appreciate. Too often out there the parents are hidden in the background, not caring what their children do or say. Or they are too weak to stand up for themselves if their children make bad decisions. Nick's parents aren't perfect, but really what is perfect? No, his parents are the type that are there for him, but let him have space. They banter with him, and talk to him like an adult when he needs it. Nick's parents reminded me a lot of my parents, which is probably another reason why I so connected with this book.

As you can tell from reading my ramblings above, I really connected with Nick and his struggles. The Lucky Kind is a book that tells a story that really could belong to anyone. However Alyssa Sheinmel has created, I think, the perfect character to live this story in Nick. Sweet, touching, and more than a little emotional, this is a book that I think readers will really enjoy. I highly recommend you get your hands on a copy as soon as you can.

My copy of The Last Unicorn was so dog eared and well loved when I was younger that it fell apart a little bit after my twelfth birthday. We won't even go in to how worn out the tape in my VHS was. This story...is beautiful. If you haven't read the original work, it's a masterpiece. A story of bravery, of love lost, of friendship and hardship. This isn't your average fairy tale and I love it so much for that.

Of course when I found out that there was to be a graphic novel I was overjoyed! A little wary as well, since I wasn't sure if the beauty of my favorite story would stay intact. I'm here to say, as a lover of Peter S. Beagle, there isn't a single element missing in this graphic novel. In fact, I daresay it gives it a whole new life. I am so glad that this epic story will be spread to a new group of readers!

The illustrations in this book are utterly, mouth dropping to the floor, gorgeous. They are vivid and fanciful, while still keeping one foot firmly planted in reality (albeit an alternate one). What I loved most was the use of light and dark. When things are going well the illustrations are bright and colorful. As soon as things start to go poorly, the pages become dark and dangerous. In all honesty even if you weren't able to read, the illustrations tell the story all on their own.

However obviously if you are already a lover of The Last Unicorn then you'll want to read the story. The beauty of this graphic novel is that, although the story has been shortened for this purpose, it remains beautifully intact just the same. The words still flow off the page, and mesh into the illustrations. All my favorite parts were still there to make my eyes tear up and take me back. In fact, I think these new illustrations may be my favorite part. It's like a new take on something that is so comfortable, and they did it right.

I'm rambling now I know. Suffice it to say that this graphic novel is fantastic. If you are a long time fan of this story, you'll fall in love all over again. If this is the first time you're coming in, I promise you'll be enamored. Hopefully you'll join the ranks of fangirls and fanboys who are utterly enthralled by this story. I know this just further reminded me why I fell in love in the first place.

How to describe this book accurately without giving anything away? Oh dear. Well the first word that pops into my head is definitely one that is popular around the movie scene. That, my dears, would be twist! Tighter will take your brain, twist it until you're not sure what way is up, and then put you back down to try to navigate the world normally again. It's eerie, well-written and just all around fantastic!

With references to the classic novel The Turn of the Screw, this story at first follows the original very tightly, and then branches off into its own unique and amazing storyline. Jamie arrives in Little Bly after the reader finds out that she has a dark secret she is taking with her. In fact, her family is prompting her to go in an effort to pull her out of a sort of depression that surrounds her. As I got to know Jamie, I found myself understanding her more and more until all of the sudden, remember that word above, TWIST! Oh, this book is fantastic.

The characters in this book are so vividly written. From Jamie, our main character, right down to her young charge, each of them has their own unique personality and quirks. I did not necessarily like Jamie's character, but I did understand her. In terms of plot, the story moves along at a quick pace, always giving you just enough to keep you reading. By the time I got to the end of Tighter I was reading at a lightning quick speed just to see what happened! The ending did not disappoint.

I apologize for being so vague, but let me tell you that anything else I say will be a spoiler. Trust me when I say that the less you know when you go into this book, the more you will appreciate the overall story with its twists and turns! If you are a fan of The Turn of the Screw, or even if you are not, you will find this a fascinating new story. Plus, well, it's by Adele Griffin, and so you know it will have great voice.

Let me begin by saying that this is not a “happy” book. Beautifully written yes. Deep and moving yes. Happy? Not so much. If you are looking for a light and airy read, this book is not what you are looking for. Howver if you are ready to dive into a story filled with prose and a character driven plot, you are in for a treat.

From the very beginning of the story our main character Ruby is dealing with a lot. As I mentioned above, it seems as though she is barely hanging on to what she has left. The story begins with Ruby obsessing over her friend Alex who attempted suicide by jumping off a roof. Ruby feels responsible because she made a backhanded comment at him that she thinks pushed him off the edge. That alone is a lot for to deal with, but poor Ruby has so much more hidden away.

In fact, Ruby's whole world in this book is built around guilt and isolation. Her sisters are there, but not, and Jinn, her oldest sister, is the one thread she has left to hang on to. Jinn has become the stand in mother for Ruby, and when she starts to drift away Ruby feels like she is loosing everything she has left. Watching these two characters interact is truly what immersed me in the book. As Jinn floats farther away from Ruby, you can see Ruby's attitude change. Her outlook on life becomes more dire, and it is heart wrenching to watch.

Wovens seamlessly into Ruby's story is a story of a mass murderer and his 5 victims. All of them so far have been prostitutes, or so the murderer believes. At first I wondered what significance this inner story had to Ruby's life. However as I read on, Gillian Phillip made the purpose of it blindingly clear and I was in shock. The Opposite of Amber is a book that I fell so in love with that I'm still thinking about it, even though I sent it on to the next reader over three weeks ago. That's how invested I was in this book.

I suppose what I'm going on about is simply this: The Opposite of Amber is a simply stunning book. This is well worth your time to pick up when it releases. It might take a little bit for you to adapt to the colloquial language, but once you do you'll find yourself immersed in the lives of the characters instantly. I cannot wait to get a finished copy of this book. It gets the highest recommendation I can give.

I. Loved. This. LOVED IT!

First off, the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. They're simple, yet vibrant, and they pull you into the story easily. Zita is so darn cute! In fact every character depicted in these pages has their own little flair. I love when the illustrations create voices in my head for each character. These did just that! It makes following along with this rag-tag group of adventurers that much more fun. I couldn't get enough!

Oh, and what a story. Zita is brave, and kind. She shows readers that doing the right thing isn't always easy. That friendship is important, and can be found in the unlikeliest of places.That being brave doesn't mean you're not scared, but that you persevere even though you are. I ate it up. Every panel, every piece of this story. It was all so perfect. I'd put this into the hands of a young reader in a heartbeat.

For certain people out there, who know who they are, there are robots in this one! So very much love for this first installment of Zita! I need the rest as soon as humanly possible, and you can bet your behind that I'll be buying these. If you haven't already read this, add it to your list. It's worth it!

If I had to choose just a quick phrase to describe Ruby Red, I'd definitely go with utterly enchanting. Even if I hadn't received this book for review I would have likely bought it just based on the cover. (I admit it, yes.) The deep red, the gorgeously raised silver accents, it is too beautiful for words. Then I flipped the book over and read the synopsis that cemented my attachment to this book. I cannot express enough how much I was in love with this book before I even opened it to the first page.

Of course, then I did open it, at which point I was swept away into a brand new world. Gwyneth Shepard is an amazing character. I loved her tenacity and her quick wit. The banter between her and the infuriating (albeit rather handsome) Gideon de Villiers is fantastic. I appreciated the fact that Kerstin Geir allowed her character to be so human and flawed. Gwyneth wasn't raised to be a time traveler, she isn't the “pretty” sister, and people are doubting her at every turn based on a past she can't remember. At the heart of it all, she's just a normal girl who can do extraordinary things. Coping with that isn't easy for her but, despite some slight negativity, she vows to do the best that she knows how. I loved her for that.

If the characters themselves weren't enough though, the expertly woven story really brought it home for me. The time periods that Gwyneth and Gideon travel to are richly detailed, and accurate. The story behind the beginnings of these time travelers is well fleshed out, and it leaves just enough to the imagination to keep you wanting to read on to the next in the series. It was nice that, despite the numerous characters across time periods, there was always something to help me realign myself with the overall story. Add in a bit of intrigue, deception, and an ending that had my mouth hanging open, and you have a book that I fell so deeply in love with that I'm likely going to read it again. 2012 cannot come soon enough I tell you. I need to know what happens next!

So yes, I loved this book with all my heart. Ruby Red is a beautifully executed mix of historical fiction and science fiction that is sure to delight. To all my readers who enjoy books of this nature, you need to pick this up. The story that Kerstin Gier has woven for us is not to be missed!

I'll admit that Angelology took me about a hundred pages to really get into. I'd liken the writing style to reading a classic, since there is ample use of descriptive language and the plot is slightly slow. It does build up however, and by the time I reached the middle of the book I was pretty well invested in the characters. This is a book that you really have to devote some time to, but in the end it is definitely worth it.

Danielle Trussoni has presented a beautiful book for readers that, as I said before, I would like to a modern classic.. The plot is clever, and the writing is well executed. The prose that exists on these pages is flowing, and descriptive. Trussoni knows how to weave an entire picture out of nothing but words. While I was reading I felt as though I could close my eyes and be directly transported into the story. The descriptions of the heavenly bodies themselves made me slightly shiver in anticipation of maybe someday seeing one. Angelology tackles some heavy themes and does so with grace and style.

The one problem with all this descriptive language is that it does become rather heavy after a while. The reader is presented with so many details at times that it is sensory overload and there were portions of the book that, to me, felt a bit unnecessary to the overall plot. The story would be moving along at a slow but manageable pace, when all of the sudden a chapter wrought with action would be thrown in. Of course these chapters were my favorite. Who doesn't want to see the battle of good vs. evil? However right when I was invested in the battle, the plot line would go back to being slow. I suppose I kind of felt the whole time like I was a yo-yo. Angelology does have its fantastic parts, but the overall story might be a little slow for people who need to feel immersed in what they read.

One thing I can definitely say is that those of you who are character driven readers will rejoice in Trussoni's style of writing. Her characters are extremely well fleshed out and I honestly came to understand, love, and obviously sometimes despise, each of them in their own way. The benefit of this book being so detail heavy is that you really do get a full picture of those who you are reading about. I was honestly heartbroken when my favorite character was killed.

I think Angelology is one of those books that you need to go into with an open mind. It isn't like anything else that is out there right now, but that is honestly a good thing in my opinion. If you're expecting an action filled read, you might be slightly disappointed. However if you go in looking for a well written storyline, fantastic character development and a peek into the battle of good vs. evil, you're in for a treat.

Where to begin? Firstly, I'll disclose that I nearly left this book to languish in the depths of my TBR. When it first came out, I was charmed by the idea of an adult fiction book that housed witches, vampires and demons within its pages. As my TBR grew though, and the trilogy came to an end, I felt less and less inclined to pick this up right away. Then, during summer break, my cousin read this. I always pay special attention to the books she likes, as we have extremely similar tastes, and she adored A Discovery of Witches. So, back to the top of my reading list it went and, as soon as I had an available credit on Audible, I snatched it up. I'm so very glad that I did!

Deborah Harkness has captured my imagination. I fell into a world where paranormal creatures exist in plain sight, and yet manage to fly under the radar. Her characters quickly stole my heart, and I honestly couldn't have been more pleased with what a cultured bunch they were. My mind whirled as I was spirited from Oxford, to France, and back again. I was giddy at the prospect of real magic being done, and nervous over what Diana's background would bring. In short, this book made me feel. I love being wrapped in the lives of the characters I'm following, and that's exactly what happened here.

My only gripe, and it's one that I'm sure will be resolved in the next installment of this trilogy, is that there were a lot of very dense portions of this book. In order to build her world of cultured creatures, Harkness included a lot of explanations of alchemy, DNA, and many more heavy topics. While this didn't completely take me out of the story, it did make things drag on a bit in between the portions where new information about Diana and Matthew was brought to light. I'm well aware that this was a necessary addition. Knowing the history behind the very complicated circumstances surrounding Diana's life was invaluable. I just wish I was able to actually absorb more of it.

To touch on the audio book version of this, please know that I highly recommend it! Jennifer Ikeda does an excellent job of bringing each character to life, and her accents blew me away. By the time I reached the ending, I couldn't have pictured these characters any other way. This will definitely be a series that I finish solely in audio book format. I'm thrilled about that!

So, to sum up this rather rambling review, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this first book in the All Souls Trilogy! I'll be pushing the next two of these to the top of my reading list, and I'm excited to see where Deborah Harkness takes me next.

I'm still slightly reeling from the bevy of emotions that this book made me go through. I only hope that this review turns out to be coherent enough for you to read. If for some reason it's not, let me start out with saying this: Bridget is NOT easy to love. Let's put it this way...Bridget is....well I'd love to use a choice expletive here, but I have young readers so, yeah. Bridget is a witch. Let's just start out with that.

When I first opened the pages of Here Lies Bridget I couldn't get over how perfectly Paige Harbison has crafted the ultimate “mean girl”. See Bridget isn't just mean, she isn't just conniving, she's the popular girl who needs to be popular no matter what the consequences for others. I don't use this word often, but I literally hated her from page one. The things that she does and says in this story are just so downright evil that I wondered how one person could have so much anger pent up inside of them. Then, I read on.

As I read I saw a whole other side of this character. Although a mean girl on the surface, and trust me she's good at it, there is a lot beneath that as well. Paige Harbison has created a character that has so much depth, it's hard to explain. Without giving anything away I can tell you that Bridget's past has some skeletons in the closet, and that her father just doesn't know how to have a girl. Her stepmother does her best, but really who can replace a girl's real mother? Especially when there are such fond memories at the surface of her mind?

Here Lies Bridget is the perfect example of the “bad girl” who doesn't finish first. If you're wondering what I mean, you'll have to read the book. This plot is so perfectly written that it will suck you in and not let go. First you will despise Bridget, then you learn about her life and her insecurities, and then....oh and then....the ending. The ending took my breath away. I haven't sobbed this hard during the ending of a book in a long time. It fits the story fantastically, and I couldn't stop thinking about this book even after I put it down to move on to something else.

I'd love to say more. I'd love to tell you about sweet Liam, awkward Michelle and all the other characters, but I really think this is a book you need to go into without any spoilers. Truth be told I didn't even read the synopsis before I opened this book and I'm glad I didn't. The less you know before you start Bridget's journey with her, the more you'll really feel every aspect of it. Please don't be put off by her attitude, I promise you that Paige Harbison is only crafting that mean girl to show you how much people can learn about themselves. You'll fall in love.

Now that I've read this book the cover makes so much more sense! Wow. I'm pretty sure that about sums up how I feel about Awaken, unless you'll permit me to say FREAKIN' WOW! Yup. That's more accurate.

I think what most drew me in about the world that Katie Kacvinsky builds is how close to home it hits. In Maddie's world, everyone is trapped behind computer screens. Constantly plugged in, because that is the best way to stay “safe”. For a long time Maddie has seen this as the norm, and a happy existence. Then Justin enters her life and everything is thrown upside down. Don't think that the irony is lost on me that I'm sitting at a computer screen typing this review. Watching Maddie's life change, and her story unfold hit really close to home. It made me think about how much time I spend behind these devices. If she wasn't living, am I? Thank you Katie Kacvinsky for making me think about that.

Maddie is a character I fell into step with instantly. Her questioning attitude, her need to please her parents despite how she feels, her inability to voice her own opinion, it's all woven into a girl who has been trapped for too long. I felt for her. Then sweet, reserved, and life changing Justin comes onto the scene. The Maddie that exists after this happens is entirely different, and yet the same person at the same time. It's a metamorphosis of the best kind. I promise that if you fall in love with her in the beginning, you'll love her even more as you watch her be born all over again.

It also needs to be said that this is one of the sweetest and most frustrating romances I've read. Justin keeps to himself because that's how he has always been. Maddie used to, but Justin breaks her out of that and now the one person she wants she can't seem to have. Frustrating right? However lest you think that this is another book with a girl pining hopelessly after a boy, Maddie is different. It made my heart soar when one of the characters in the book explained to her that pining never did anyone an ounce of good (not her exact words but I'm paraphrasing here). She tells Maddie that we must learn to love ourselves and feel whole alone, before we can truly be invested in someone else. Are you floored? I was! Thank you to an author for finally saying that! Thank you for showing us a girl who knows she needs to learn to be alone! I'll end my slightly feminist rant here, but that made me fall in love with Awaken even more than I already had.

Point being, if you couldn't tell from my incoherent thoughts above, I completely adored this book. The message is clear, and I fully agree. Maddie and Justin teach us how important it is to get out there and really live, and to do it for yourself and no one else. Awaken crawled into my mind and made me think, and if a book can do that then I'm sold. Pure and honest love is all I have for this book.

To say that this book is rather unlike anything I've ever read before seems a bit of an understatement. I mean where else in YA fiction have you ever found a main character that smells dead people? See them, yup. Sense them, definitely. Smell them? Yuki is absolutely one of a kind in that respect. It was this little fact that first drew me to the book, and then had me hooked by the middle of the first chapter.

Yuki, also known as Vanessa Stennings, isn't your typical teenage, gothic girl. Her angst filled teenage years are further complicated by her ability to smell dead people. Now before you run away at the thought of rotting corpses, let me assure you that Yuki's ability is much more interesting than that. Her curse is to smell people in a symbolic sense. The scents give her a clue and then she uses these clues to figure out who deceased is, as well as what unfinished business they have left on this Earth. Pretty amazing right?

What I loved about this story was the originality, both in concept and in characters. Yuki, Emma and Calvin each had their own unique personalities (Bee oppression anyone?) and yet they mesh together perfectly! It was a whole lot of fun following them on their crazy excursions. I was also quite appreciative of the narrative style that E.J. Stevens writes in. We see the world from Yuki's point of view, even becoming a part of her inside jokes. Although I'll admit that Yuki's copious usage of “son of a dung beetle” had me a bit on edge at times, she was likable to the core! I truly fell in love with these characters.

My one gripe about this story, and it's a small one at that, is just that it is over so quickly! By the time that I was invested and excited about the outcome, it was done. The one thing that keeps me holding on is that I know there will be a second book out soon! I was hoping that She Smells the Dead would have made it to the climax I was expecting, however if the second book deals with that epic night then I am all for waiting. Truth be told I'll be a little impatient, but I'll wait!

Final thoughts? Original, fantastic and fun!

I hang my head as I tell you this my friends, but my childhood love of James Bond has been thwarted. Yes, from the moment that Lawson stepped into my life I was smitten and there was no turning back. New favorite action hero, thy name is Lawson!

When I first opened the pages of The Kensei I really wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard rave reviews about Lawson's escapades, but would I really fall in love with the martial arts action that was said to lie within the pages? As a girl who grew up surrounded by action/espionage novels, I've had my fair share of disappointments with this genre. Honestly, I don't know why I worried. By page 20 I was completely in love with Lawson and his story! He is one of those characters who oozes charisma (generally by being a total smart-ass) while at the same time having that depth and vulnerability to him that makes him real. The part of this book that really hit home for me is that it isn't bogged down by the concept of vampires. Sure Lawson has to heed his baser instincts, but it isn't the focus of the storyline. Instead the reader is treated to a roller coaster ride of a plot, complete with twists, turns and one very chilling villain.

Japan is the perfect backdrop for this story, and Merz weaves it into the action seamlessly without ever letting it be overpowering. I was taken on a journey through parts of the world that I've never seen, and yet now I feel like I've been there. Don't mistake me though. The writing in this book is not at all flowery in its descriptions. No, instead Merz seems to create an omnipresent Japan that flows with you as you read. People and cities seamlessly waver in and out of focus without ever really taking away from the action. I honestly can't seem to figure out how so much detail was present without it seeming to overshadow the rest of the story, but it's there. Also woven into the story is ample history about martial arts and the different branches therein. I found it completely fascinating and a wonderful way to further immerse the reader in the story.

Afraid that this book will simply be too much testosterone fueled action for you? I know that sometimes we waver on reading books like this simply because we tire of the mano a mano action scene. Enter Talya. She is Lawson's lady love, but Talya is definitely no shrinking violet. More than capable of handling her own, I loved Talya with every ounce of my female heart. She is strong willed, completely matches Lawson's own wit, and yet once again there is a sweetness and a vulnerability to her that really brings her character home. It's always nice to see a female character who can hold her own next to our male action hero! The amount of times she pulls Lawson's butt out of the fire are numerous, but she takes it all in stride. After all, someone has to save the man she loves. Right?

I could write pages about how much this story impressed me, but I'll wrap it up here. Intense action, martial arts scenes, veins of sweet romance, and chilling villains are just a small part of what you will find in Jon F. Merz's The Kensei. I really can't recommend this book enough, especially to those of you out there who are wanting to break into more action fueled books, but are worried you won't mesh. Never fear, Lawson is here to take you away (and personally I'd let him).

If you've seen Hitchcock's “Rear Window” and appreciated his stunning work, you'll love The Girl in the Green Raincoat. Similar to the movie, this book deals with a woman who must be content spending her time watching other people through a window. Tess watches the mundane events that occurs outside, until one day something changes. When she thinks that something is amiss, she does everything in her power to solve the mystery from behind closed doors. Little does she know what she is in store for!

At a little under 200 pages, I was a little concerned when this book first arrived. I was wondering how Laura Lippman could fit an intriguing mystery in such a small amount of pages. Let's just say, I shouldn't have worried! It is a quick read for sure, but in the best way possible. The pages just flew by as I devoured Tess' character, her worries, her investigation, and everything else that was wrapped up in this wonderfully written mystery. The prose in this story is also fantastically witty. There were times I laughed out loud at her inner musings. By the time I got to the ending, which was perfection, I was sad that the book was over. Now that I know this is part of a series I'm going to have to go and find the others!

The characters are wonderfully developed, from the main character to the most supporting character. Tess, our protagonist, is a an independent woman that has to come to terms with allowing others to do things for her. She is used to holding her own as a detective and is suddenly having to depend on others to do the legwork for her, which maddens her. I loved her tenacity, and even though she has worries about her boyfriend Crow she is always looking at things from a logical point of view. Tess is a woman's woman if I do say so myself!

This is the first time I've ever read one of Laura Lippman's books, despite her NYT Bestsellers fame. I'm glad that this book was offered to me and put this fantastic series on my radar! Overall, The Girl in the Green Raincoat is a superbly written novel with witty dialogue, well written characters, and a thrilling plot that doesn't disappoint. All you mystery fans out there need to go pick up a copy as soon as possible!

First off a praise. Megan Crewe has created a virus that is unlike any I have ever read about before, and therefore a hundred times more terrifying. Thinking back, every virus I've ever read about has done ungodly things to people. Skin falling off, limbs atrophying, things that make people run away from you. Crewe's disease? It causes people to be...friendly, albeit overly so. I thought this was brilliant. What better way to spread a virus than through friendly human contact? For that matter, what scarier way?

Also brilliant in the Way We Fall is the way that the story is told, or so I thought. We see the outbreak through the eyes of Kaelyn, a young girl who lives on the island. However instead of her speaking to us as a reader, she is writing a journal to her friend who left the island to go to school. For me, this was a perfect way to see into the world that Kaelyn was living in. All her fears, all her worries, are penned into that journal beautifully. After all, who better to share the deepest parts of yourself with than a friend?

This book dives into the darkest part of human kind, and what happens when we have to fight to survive. Kaelyn learns early on that there are two types of people when the world fires back at you. There are those who band together, and those who take for themselves. Those who create, and those who destroy. Crewe offers us a look at what happens to a community when disaster hits and, while beautifully executed in the story line, it definitely isn't always an easy read.

Although The Way We Fall didn't grab my attention at page one, it was one of those books that was a slow burn for me. By the time that I was a few chapters in, I was scrambling to read more. What Megan Crewe has created here is a new type of dystopian terror. Isolation, greed, survival. It is all played out here in gritty harmony, and it makes The Way We Fall an overall fantastic read. In the world of dystopian fiction, this is something new. I honestly have to say that I loved it.

Like Mandarin was one of those books that I literally devoured from start to finish. It drew me in literally from the first page with Grace's description of her hometown and her life growing up. This book is everything that a normal teenage girl faces in her lifetime. From jealousy, to regret, right down to that awkward feeling you get when you just don't seem to understand the relationship between you and your mother anymore. Grace's life is so real, so palpable, that it's hard not to get wrapped up in who she is. There are so many different types of relationships explored in this book that it becomes a whirlwind read and before you know it, it's over, leaving you wanting more.

In terms of characters, this book is a veritable playground of different personality types. Those of you who love character driven books will melt into this book! Grace is nothing at all like a lot of the YA female protagonists out there. She is her own person, and you won't find one bit of whiny or vapid person in her. Grace is just...Grace. A girl who is a little lost, extremely intelligent, and just lonely overall. Enter Mandarin. To say that Mandarin pops off the page is a complete understatement. Where Grace is like a softly blowing wind, Mandarin is like a tornado. At 17 years old, she is promiscuous, openly defiant against all adults, and really doesn't seem to give a damn who sees it.

Grace sees it, and she wants it. She follows Mandarin's every move, watching the way she holds herself and the way she reacts to things. Grace becomes entangled in pleasing Mandarin and trying to continue to be interesting to her so that their “friendship” won't fall apart. If you're starting to think that this sounds like a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, you're kind of right. However it goes so far beyond that. Grace doesn't just want to be with Mandarin, she wants to be Mandarin. She craves that free spirit and the ability to let go of what everyone else thinks. Unfortunately people like Mandarin are often lost and lonely themselves, and Grace ends up in a very manipulative relationship.Truthfully the tension and chemistry between these two characters is beautifully written. If they don't draw you in, I don't know what will.

I'm rambling now so I'll wrap up here. Like Mandarin is a story about relationships of all kinds. Those between mothers and daughters, those between “friends”, and even the relationship you have to learn to have with yourself. Kirsten Hubbard's writing shines of the pages in this book, and her characters are sure to grab you and draw you in. I cannot recommend you reading this book enough! Beg or borrow a copy, whatever you have to do. Grace and Mandarin are well worth your time, and I can't wait to get my own copy and read it again.

If I had to sum up this book in one word, that word would definitely be...ADORABLE! Petunia and her dilemmas were a joy to read about, and Petunia herself was easy to fall in love with. From her smile, right down to her fabulous little shoes, she was a character that I know for a fact the girls in my class would fall in love with. I was smitten with her perseverance in the book, never giving up no matter what stood in her way. I think that is a great message for kids!

My favorite part of this book by far was the illustrations. They are bright, spunky and fun. Petunia and her family exude cuteness, and I liked how all the characters were outlined to look almost like stickers stuck into a book. Each and every page is exciting to look at. I can definitely see a group of children giggling out loud as Petunia runs into the hot dog cart, sending forth a cloud of flying hot dogs and mustard.

This is also a fabulous way to teach alliteration! The title itself, Petunia Pepper's Picture Day, is a great start, but there are so many “p” words present in the book that it would be extremely easy to design a lesson around this concept. In the same respect, this book would be great for a Summer Bible Camp or Sunday School. At the end of the book is also a letter to the children about how God loves us all the way we are, and how everyday is a picture day! A great beginning reader, I highly recommend this book.

Here I am at the fifth book in the Kate Daniels series. I've ravenously read this series until they are no more (published) books to read, and I'm so hooked I can't even explain it to you anymore. Magic Slays is amazing. It seems with every book I just grow closer and closer to the characters who inhabit Kate Daniels' little corner of the world. For me to still be hooked after this many books? You know it's a good series.

Magic Slays is the book where we finally get to see Kate and Curran as a couple. A COUPLE. Up until now they've fought, loved, and bantered, but at the beginning of this installment these two are officially hitched. I was a little worried. Would the Kate Daniels I know and love go soft on me? Would she stop being as kick-ass and amazing as before? I don't even know why I worried. She's still the same Kate Daniels! With the addition of being a little more grounded, and allowing Ilona Andrews the chance to give us a peek into the adoration between these two. swoon I ate it up.

In fact, this book heavily plays on Kate's new relationship and how it is going to affect her life from here on. There are new pieces of her past uncovered, and little tidbits of learning how to now be part of a twosome, rather than a lone wolf. As Consort, Kate has to learn how to balance her responsibilities to the Pack with the ones she has to herself. Trust me, this is a novel where she grows! So many crazy emotions flitted through me as I read. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more.

So many things happen in Magic Slays that drive the story forward, and I'd be a total liar if I said I didn't almost sob when I got to the ending. Kate Daniels is my favorite character. Hands down. Her kindness, her loyalty, her ability to be so selfless, I just can't express to you how much I adore the whole package that Andrews puts forth in her main character. Trust me, you need to start this series if you haven't already. In the meantime I'll be barely containing my impatience as I salivate over the next installment.

Let me start out by saying that I was completely excited at the prospect of reading this book. I fully believe that Alex Sanchez's message is something that needs to be out there. He not only addresses the concepts of homosexual and straight, but also tackles the much debated idea of being bi-sexual. As a person who works with children, I know that there are a lot of young people out there sitting on the same fence that Allie and Sergio are in this book. Not quite sure what side they fall on, they are trapped somewhere in between and ridiculed for it. That being said, I really wanted to love this book. Sadly, it missed that mark for me.

The first thing that struck me when I opened Boyfriends with Girlfriends was the writing style. Written almost entirely in dialogue, the story skips between the viewpoints of the four characters in an almost manic way sometimes. In fact, certain conversations took place in just one paragraph. It was a little disconcerting to say the least, but the saving grace was definitely in the actual dialogue itself. Sanchez paints the reader some extremely accurate personality types for each of his characters, and that is what I fell in love with.

From the heart pattering gorgeousness of Sergio through Lance's eyes, right on down to the questioning thoughts of Allie, the dialogue really brings these characters to life. I was incredibly impressed with the depth and complexity that each character possessed. Kimiko, for example, isn't just a cultural stereotype of a Japanese girl. Instead she is her own shining personality, from her boyish clothes to her love of sweet adolescent poetry. I won't lie when I say she was my favorite character in the book. Each character however had their own charm, and I kind of transported back to high school as I followed them. These could be kids that I actually knew.

Sadly, my love for these characters couldn't overshadow the simple fact that the message Sanchez was trying to convey was being beat to death. Although I really enjoyed the snippy and witty dialogue, it seemed like all the characters ever did was discuss their sexuality and their relationships. I liked that I got to see a little further into each of them through that, but I would really have liked to know more about where they came from. It was hard for me to believe that four friends would just sit around all day and discuss nothing but relationships.

I'll be completely honest when I say that I nearly didn't make it through Boyfriends with Girlfriends. It wasn't at all the subject matter that pushed me away from the book, but rather the way that it was delivered. What it really reminded me of was an after school special. You know, the ones where the topic is attacked mercilessly until something happens and everything ends up just as it should be? Yes, sadly that is this book. I can't imagine that teenagers are going to appreciate such heavy-handedness in a book. Really I worry that this fact is going to keep such an important message, such great characters, from reaching the audience who truly needs them. Teenagers aren't always as forgiving with “in your face” tactics as adults. I only hope they'll finish the book and see the merit in it like I did.

Going into The Sevenfold Spell I had certain expectations, since it was a retelling of a fairy tale. As a reader who has fallen in love with these types of stories, I am always excited to see how the author takes the characters and puts them in new situations. My high expectations for this story may have been why I was a little taken aback when I first began reading. Part of me knew that this book was more about other characters, and less about the main characters, but I was still a little disappointed.

What I liked about Tia Nevitt's retelling was that it dealt with those characters that usually get ignored. Rarely ever in fairy tales do you learn about what happens to the “little people” as the story progresses. Of course the townspeople would have their livelihood affected by a ban on spinning wheels! It was interesting to see how they coped and worked together to make it by. I was also intrigued by how the original characters were slowly brought into the story, one a time, and sometimes in a way I completely wasn't expecting.

On the flip side, what I disliked about this story were the flat characters. Talia was a sweet girl, and I didn't even fault her for the decisions that she had to make to stay alive. Instead I was a bit upset that we never got to see farther into what she was thinking, or how her mother was affected. If you check the page count, this book is very short. It's a mere 97 pages where other books are much longer. I think that if the author had spent a few more pages on character development, I would have loved the book that much more.

Overall I can say that I did enjoy reading The Sevenfold Spell! It was a quick and interesting read for me. Give it a try if you're into fairy tales and their retellings!

Ashlyn's life is one that most people dream of. Rich, lavish and completely perfect. Or is it? Unfortunately for Ashyln she was kidnapped at a very young age, and now her father is extremely protective of her. Trapped inside her beautiful fortress of a house, forced to have a bodyguard follow her around all the time, that's what Ashlyn's life has now become. How can anything at all, even love, possibly happen to her while she is trapped here?

Overprotected was a perfectly written story that had me reading it straight through. Ashlyn's character is one that I hadn't met before, and I really liked following her thought process. Her complete anger towards her father for keeping her locked up, her disdain for the way her mother behaves, and the longing she has to just be free and on her own, are all present in full force as the story progresses. By page 20 I was already invested in poor Ashlyn's life. How would it feel to be so overprotected?

Then Colin comes on the scene. Oh Colin! I'd swoon if it didn't mean I'd accidentally knock over my computer. Once her childhood tormentor, Colin has grown up into quite a gentleman. He's sweet, polite, and honestly allows Ashlyn more freedom than any other bodyguard ever has. It made perfect sense to me that they'd start to develop feelings. After all, who spends more time with her than than he does? The buildup of their relationship was perfection. Wrought with discoveries, betrayal and honest feelings, I was totally immersed in their story.

I'm honestly not usually big on romances in books, but the undercurrent of twists, mystery and suspense is really what kept me reading. Jennifer Laurens executes a beautiful marrying of the mystery aspect and the romance aspect. One really doesn't outweigh the other. The ending is so amazing! I won't spoil it, but I thought it fit the book so well. If you are a fan of sweet romances, and clean reads, this is a book that you are sure to enjoy!

Mmmm... I drank this book down like a big ole' glass of Southern Sweet Tea. Just like the cover that houses it, this story is positively saccharine. I like to call these books my “book candy”. A little fluffy around the edges, but with definite potential to keep me reading on.

Harper Price is a one of a kind narrator. The epitome of a Southern Belle, this girl admittedly grated on my nerves at first. With her perfect shoes, her pristine dresses, and her inability to use “impolite language”, I wasn't sure I would be sold on her. Let me tell you, Harper kicked my behind for that thought. I soon fell in love with her sass, and her ability to think on her feet. I loved the way that she always had a one-liner to throw back at her attackers. Who needs to cuss when you have a sharp wit? Not Miss Harper Jane Price.

Add in the fact that this book is all about Paladins, Mages and Oracles in the modern day South? You have my attention. I giggled along as Harper first came into her powers. Felt for her as she tried her best to keep everything as shiny and perfect as before, even when things around her were falling down. By the ending, you couldn't have pried me away from this book. The story line might have been a little padded with fluff, the secondary characters a little less than fleshed out, but I was willing to overlook all that. Especially once I discovered that this is the first in the series. More please? Now.

If I had to choose one thing to nitpick about, and thus the reason this didn't get a full five stars, it's the love triangle. Honestly though? Even that wasn't terrible. I've suffered through worse. I am pleased to say that I actually liked both Ryan and David, each for their own reasons. I'd love to complain more, but I actually saw why Harper liked both of them. I'd have a hard time choosing too. Especially when you're someone who was raised to be perfect in every way imaginable. I've got your back girl!

So yes, I admit I wavered back and forth on this a bit while listening to the audio book. In the end though, it was totally worth it. I've fallen in love with the Southern charm, and Harper's personality, and everything that has yet to come. This bookworm is on board for whatever comes next!

For the past 20 minutes I've been sitting here typing and erasing, over and over. I'm still at odds with myself exactly how to express my feelings about this book. Fallen Angel was one of the 2011 books that I was really looking forward to when it first appeared on my radar. The cover was stunning, the synopsis sounded more than promising, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy to read. I was really hoping that this would the be the book about angels that changed my mind about reading about them. I'm sad to report that it just didn't happen the way I'd hoped.

Let me start with the fact that Fallen Angel does bring some new angel lore to the table. Heather Terrell manages to take a storyline that has been done, and done again, and twist it into something fresh. While I was reading I was definitely intrigued by the way that she incorporated everything that I had already learned from other books, but then added new information. I can't share much without giving away an essential part of the story, but I will say that it was really interesting! As I neared the end of the book I actually found myself intrigued at what was going to ultimately happen with the characters.

Unfortunately it took me a long time to even feel like I was partially invested in the characters. I've learned over the past few months that not all characters are easy to get to know at first, and so I always take the time to read on. A lot of times they will get more depth to them as the story progresses. However, Ellie and Michael just never seemed to be that fleshed out to me. Ellie was a typical teenage girl with supernatural powers, nothing more and nothing less. I didn't feel any uniqueness in her or any real personality that made me want to bond with her. Michael was the same way. A beautiful and mysterious boy who pops into our main characters life and becomes essential. I would have so loved to know more about the two of them.

My other big issue was that their romance was so rushed. I don't mean that they moved quickly, but rather that the book was a little too short to allow them to fully develop feelings for one another. Weeks would pass by in a matter of sentences, and I wasn't sure why Ellie was really so attracted to Michael. Was it simply their destiny? Was he an amazingly sweet guy who showered her with attention? It might seem a small quibble, but honestly that sort of thing really does matter to me. I like to know why the characters I'm following feel the way they do. Emotion is an important part of feeling invested for me.

Really, overall, I liked Fallen Angel enough to finish it and feel good about the ending. The second half of the book picks up rather nicely, and a lot more action is thrown the reader's way. If only the pacing had been a little more even I think I might have liked it even more. I'd definitely give this book a solid library recommendation. Check it out and see what you think for yourself. After all, as I always say, I am not the ultimate opinion on any book. You might fall in love with Ellie and Michael, and I'm okay with that.

Just as amazing as the first! Jerry Spinelli is truly a master.

I throughly enjoyed the new cast of characters that found their way into Stargirl's life in this book! From tiny Dootsie to the infamous Perry, I loved them all. It was refreshing to read things from Stargirl's point of view for a change, to see how she was affected by Leo.

Once again what I love most about this book is just how true Stargirl is to herself. Yes, she goes through moments where she questions who she is, but she always finds her way back to her true self. Not afraid to be odd, not afraid to be different, not even afraid to be unpopular. Her attitude and passion shine off of the pages.

I recommended the first of these books to everyone I knew, and they will hear about this one as well! Leo and Stargirl forever!

Oh, those incorrigible children! In case you missed my raving review of the first book, let me assure you that this series is well worth your time. If you love Middle Grade books, especially ones full of charming characters and witty banter, then this is definitely for you. I fell head over heels for Miss Penelope Lumley and her three wolfish charges from the moment I met them. It's pretty much impossible not to. Perhaps it's “optoomuchistic” of me, but I do believe you'll adore this second book in the series!

Before I do my gushing about the story itself, please allow me to once again praise Katherine Kellgren for her gorgeous narration of this story. Her accents are spot on, her voices for the children too sweet for words, and she just has a way of making the whole story come to life. From her plucky portrayal of Miss Penelope Lumley, to her all but ear-splitting rendition of Lady Ashton's voice, each character is brilliantly done! I will listen to all of these on audio if I can help it. They are absolutely wonderful!

On to the story, shall we? In The Hidden Gallery, Miss Lumley and her spirited young charges are off to London! A new place to explore was thrilling enough, but what shot this into the five star category for me was the fact that this wasn't simply a jaunt into the big city. Adventures aplenty, and the revealing of some new clues about the origin of our the three wolfish children, made for a very fun read. I'm not certain whether my thoughts on how this will all work out are correct, but I'll say that I'm intrigued! Is there a possibility that our four main characters are linked? Perhaps, my friends. Perhaps.

I know I'm being vague, but trust me when I say that it's necessary. There is so much to love about this story, but all of it is much better appreciated if you're experiencing it first hand. Suffice it to say that the word I use entirely too much while chatting up these books to others is charming. They truly are. These are the novels I wish were around when I was a Middle Grade reader. Although that won't stop me from reading them now, that's for sure. On to the next!