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Points definitely go to The Undying for originality. From the moment I saw the line “They Came From The Stars”, I was sold. Anything that is a zombie apocalypse novel, but also decidedly not, stirs this little part of me that thrives off of the unknown. As apocalyptic happenings go, it's a fairly terrifying prospect. Being hunted down by the very people who were once running for their lives, just like you were. Yup, it gets me. I hoped Ethan Reid would take me on one hell of an adventure.

I wavered on my rating of this for a bit. See, I think the biggest flaw in this story is that the prologue starts the book off at the end. Rather than being thrown straight into the madness that is Paris in flames, we know Jeanie is alive because she's sharing with us her flashbacks of what happened. That, right away, threw me off a bit. Knowing that your main character will absolutely live and that she managed to do the one thing you didn't think she could? Well, it takes away from the rest of the story.

Which is a shame, because honestly The Undying is very well written. I absolutely loved the fact that Ethan Reid didn't try to push this story to a global scale. That he, rather expertly in my opinion, kept the action right in the heart of things. When something big happens, people speculate like mad about what is going on in other parts of the world. That's what Jeanie and her group did. They speculated. I was never sure what was truth, who was sane, or what would happen next. That, I liked. I was also rather impressed at how well paced the story was. I never loved the characters, persay, but I did feel connected to them in a way. I knew bad things were coming, but I couldn't look away.

Jeanie's obsession with protecting the baby kind drove me crazy, to no end. It's just my opinion, and I completely understand that it was being used to “keep hope alive”. I felt like it kept Jeanie's character from growing at all though. She never let go of her guilt, and that's one of the reasons she and I never meshed. The thing that clinched my three-star rating of this though, was that Reid shows the truth of human nature. I won't spoil, but trust me when I say that you'll feel frustrated and yet be nodding along. I kept reminding myself that I have no idea how I'd fare in an apocalypse. Happily there's a sequel to this! I'm thinking it's going to be even better.

For many years, Alice Hoffman's books have been sitting on my reading list. When I first wanted to immerse myself in Magical Realism, it was her books that most of my trusted fellow bookworms pointed to. Sadly, I still haven't gotten to any of them. Which is why, when I saw that Nightbird was not only a new story by Alice Hoffman, but an MG book as well, I was instantly sold.

There are a lot little pieces to completely fall in love with in this story, not the least of which are the characters. Each one is completely original, and has a sense of whimsy about them that just adds to the magic of this story. Twig was absolutely wonderful as a main character. Sweet and honest. Brave and true. Her story of sweets and secrets swept me up, and carried me along. I only wished that there had been a bit more depth to all the amazing people who populated this story. While the writing is gorgeous, the characters felt lacking to me. I loved of a small town full of quirky people, and I would have liked to learn more.

In fact, despite my fervent ardor for the story at the heart of this book, I felt like much of it wasn't fully explored. I'm very much in favor of MG stories that don't underestimate their audiences. Young readers deserve complex plots, exciting twists, and honest depictions of emotions just as much as any other age group. Which is why I had to knock my star rating down a bit for Nightbird. As I mentioned above, the writing is lovely and matches the magical nature of this book perfectly. If only the characters had been stronger, and the climactic points a bit sharper, this would have been a perfect read for me.

As it stands, Alice Hoffman has still proven she is a strong MG writer. My glimpse into her first book for younger readers has further strengthened by want to read her adult books as well. I'd recommend this story to young readers who love magical realism. Readers who look at the world, and see not only what is, but what could be as well.

This book broke me. I started The Life Intended fully planning to finish it in one sitting. That didn't happen. Not because the book wasn't well written. It absolutely is. Not even because I couldn't love the characters or the story. Both of those items were instantly checked off my list after I'd finished the first chapter. No, this book took a long time for me to read because I couldn't stop crying. Every time I picked it up, and started to read, I'd start sobbing. I'm not talking teary-eyed, or even a few tears, I'm talking full out sobbing. Whew, kudos to Kristin Harmel.

For me, any book that deals with the death of a loved one is tricky terrain. It has to be done with a certain finesse, and feel realistic at the same time. With Kate, Harmel brought to life a character that I could understand and easily follow. A woman who had found the most perfectly imperfect man. Who truly believed that she'd grow old with that man, and that they had all the time in the world together. Except, they didn't. Watching Kate try to deal with her loss, watching her realize all the times that she took for granted, it hit hard right at the center of my being. This book didn't just pull at my heartstrings. It all out gutted me.

There are some beautiful messages in The Life Intended. Thoughts on living life, pursuing passions, and opening up your heart to the possibilities around you. Unlike most of the other “sliding doors” books that I've read, this one felt plausible. It felt like a story that I could get behind. Maybe it's just my sappy nature. Maybe it's because I know I've found my own perfectly imperfect man, and I'm realizing just how terrifying it would be to loose him, but I loved this.

All I know is, I'm going to do my best not to let the little moments escape. Thanks for that Kristin Harmel :). I don't even mind that I needed a box of tissues to finish this book. It was worth it.

Angels. When you hear word spoken a certain image comes to mind, does it not? White robes, flowing hair, glowing auras. All of these things are what I used to think of as well. Now? Well after reading Branded my image of angels is much different. Vengeful, cold and calculated angels pop into my head now. Ones with eyes like deep wells and fury in their hearts. Thank you Keary Taylor! Thank you. This is how I want my angels. It's refreshing to see that they are not as perfect as they seem to be.

To say that I loved Jessica as a character is a huge understatement. I didn't just love her, I felt like I was a part of her. It went far beyond our similar first names. No, what I loved about Jessica was much deeper than that. She was so strong-willed, so brave. Despite the nightmares that plague her restless sleep, Jessica was able to lead a mainly normal life. She even went so far as to shut herself off from the world. It was her ability to be so stoic that truly impressed me and drew me in.

As for the story itself, well it is of course amazing! The two men that enter Jessica's life are wholly different from one another and mirror the emotions warring within her. In an effort not to spoil this book for all of you, since I know I will convince you to go and read it, I won't go to far into Jessica's relationships. Suffice it to say that both men are completely delicious, and both have their strong points. The ending? Absolutely stunning. Again, I won't ruin it, but if you don't like the ending I'm not sure we can be friends.

I'm kidding. Mostly.

Final thoughts? Branded is a one of a kind novel that I will never forget reading! I recommend it to all those out there who might be a little skeptical of angels as characters. This will put a whole new spin on your image of them. A solid novel, Branded is sure to become one of your new favorites this year.

This is the third book I've read off of my “Genre Novels That Should Be Classics” reading list in a quest to expand my book choices beyond my normal comfort zone. I'm not a big historical fiction reader. Sometimes it makes appearances in my Fantasy or Science Fiction picks, but I never avidly seek it out. That's why I chose to listen to the audio of Pure. Jonathan Aris came highly recommended as a narrator, and I hoped he'd help me immerse myself in Paris circa 1785.

Jean-Baptiste Baratte was an intriguing character. A young man, an engineer, with visions of grand projects flitting across his mind. Imagine his surprise when the first job that he is tasked with, is the destruction of Les Innocents cemetary and its church. I was pulled in by this thought. If this is the only job offered, and you need the work, does it matter that you'll be destroying a piece of history? Unearthing the loved ones of others? Watching Jean-Baptiste struggle with this, following along as he fought his own inner demons, fascinated me.

What was tough for me, were the layers this book contains. Pure is packed to the brim with metaphor and symbolism. It may have been easier for me to soak that all in if I had been reading printed words. Perhaps. Despite Jonathan Aris' excellent narration, I still lost myself at certain points. Jean-Baptiste's thoughts would reach a point where they were so dense, so scattered, that I'd find myself struggling to pay attention. There were high points, and low points, but the ending threw me completely off. I listened to it again, just to make sure I didn't miss something important. I'm still confused.

For a very vividly written Paris backdrop, and a character that I enjoyed, I'll give this a two-star rating. The extra star is for Jonathan Aris' wonderful narration. If you have the opportunity to listen to this on audio, I'd say go for it! My quest continues on!

Beautiful. Just beautiful! If I overuse any adjective in this review, I can guarantee you it will be “beautiful”. Though you can trust me when I say that it's totally warranted. I loved this book. The kind of love that makes you swoon over and over the further on you read. Okay, okay. I'll stop gushing so blatantly. I really think you need to read this one though. I really do.

Morgan Stockhour is growing up on a floating island in the clouds. Intrigued? I was. I adored was the idea of the unknown world below. Imagine floating above the clouds. Unable to leave the small world you've come to know. I fell in love with the image that floated into my head while reading. Morgan's curiosity felt on point with what I'd feel. She wasn't unhappy in her life. Not entirely. Simply filled with wonder at what could be just beyond the barrier. Add in a King who isn't exactly benevolent and a violent murder, and you have a gorgeous mystery that is just waiting to unfold.

I read Perfect Ruin cover to cover in a few days. I was lost in the beauty of Internment, and the grittiness that was lurking just beneath the surface. It's been a while since a book has so wholly immersed me that I didn't want to set it down. There was something about Morgan's innocence, about the way her eyes were slowly opened to the truth, that wouldn't let me go. I know I'm being vague, but trust me when I say that it's necessary. I don't want to spoil a single minute of this for you. Suffice it to say that Lauren DeStefano has built a world that is well worth your time.

Oh, and the ending! Cliffhanger doesn't even begin to describe it, so don't say I didn't warn you. However, if you love Perfect Ruin as much as I do, you'll be chomping at the bit for more. Perfectly paced, hauntingly written, and utterly perfect. Thank you Lauren DeStefano for giving me a new place to visit in my head. This book is beautiful, and I am so ready for more.

Oh, how do I describe my love for this book? I'll do my absolute best to touch on all the parts that really made me fall in love, but I can promise you now you'll need to go and pick up a copy of Nerd Camp. The dialogue and adventures are laugh out loud funny, and it's just such a fun read! Where else are you going to find a karaoke battle featuring the countries of the world in alphabetical order? Did I peak your interest? Good, read on!

As young characters go, Gabe and his posse of camp buddies are hilariously believable. Weissman gives the readers a camp full of unique and fun personalities. Gabe Gabe loves to make lists. They are a way for him to figure out problems that are bugging him. In fact, he ends up making a list during the book to help with his Zack problem. He lists out “Reasons I Am a Nerd” and “Reasons I Am Not a Nerd” at the beginning of every chapter. What's hilarious, and evident to an older reader, is that every single thing he does during his time at camp falls under both categories! Is there a lesson to be learned here? I think so! Wesley can solve all sorts of problems in his sleep, if you're awake long enough to hear him talk about them. Nikhil was my favorite because he was the character of the bunch who was afraid of everything. Germs, consequences, he reminded me so much of me when I was little!

Lest you think that the reader will be bogged down with lesson though, let me tell you that they are blended seamlessly into this overall story. The humor takes the edge off of Gabe's learning, but he really does figure out a lot. As Gabe goes through his summer time fun, he learns a lot about himself and those around him. He learns to fit in, he learns that he can be pretty “cool” in his own way, and most of all he learns that sometimes those kids out there who think they are cool are really just insecure. Yup. Deep right? Look at all the lessons you can get from one fun and extremely well written book! Did I mention every kid should read this?

Where was this book when I was an elementary aged kid? Really, Nerd Camp is a book that every young kid should give a read. If they happen to be in Gabe's situation, on the line between “cool” and being themselves, they will connect with the book. Yet if they are in Zack's situation, which I can't describe too much without giving away the story, they'll understand that there are varying shades of “cool” out there. Perfect book for any kid! The message is clear, be yourself. If you are a lover of MG writing, or even if you're just looking for something that will make you giggle, give this one a try! The antics of Gabe, Wesley, and Nikhil are something you won't regret taking part in.

Every now and then I stumble across a book that I'm completely conflicted about. After finishing Girl Wonder I'm still sitting here trying to rein my thoughts in enough to write a coherent review. See, Charlotte's story makes a lot of sense. I've been the girl in her shoes for a lot of situations, and even if I haven't experienced them all myself, I know that they exist. At the same time it seemed like Charlotte's life caused her to go through every single trial that can happen to a young person. I'll explain more about what I mean below, but it was kind of disorienting.

First off, let me say that the prose with which Alexa Martin writes is stunning! Every page in Girl Wonder comes to life with descriptions, and a lot of times I was able to place myself right beside Charlotte. As a reader who loves to be a part of the story, this really kept me engaged while I was reading. Similarly, the characters are extremely well written and vivid. Each one of them had a personality that shines off the page, and I could feel myself going through the range of emotions that come along with this book. You can trust me when I say that this book will make you feel. It might not always be good, but it will definitely be there.

Now on to Charlotte's story. My main problem with Charlotte specifically was her inability to pull herself out to the “black hole” into which she was falling. Don't misunderstand me. I knew she was hurting, I saw that she was lost, but the simple fact that she wouldn't grab on to any of the lifelines that were being thrown to her was so frustrating to me. I honestly disliked her so much in the middle of the book that I thought about putting it down. I ended up reading on because I hoped, that like most coming of age books, things would start to get better for her. I kept wishing she'd look at the good things she was being given, instead of always being so negative all the time.

I understood that Charlotte was dealing with a lot. She has a learning disability, she isn't in the GATE program like she was supposed to be, she has to move her Senior year, her parents are fighting, the boy she loves is giving her mixed signals, and her so called friend is manipulative. Are you exhausted yet? I was. This only skims the surface of what is going on in Charlotte's life. I'm not denying that there are teens out there who have all this hit them in their teenage years. However this all happens to her in a matter of just one year. My conflicting emotions made me want to hug Charlotte sometimes, and slap her at others for not seeing things that were clearly there. It made this otherwise beautiful book a very tough read for me. It was almost like there was a checklist of things that happen to teens, and Charlotte had to fulfill them all.

I don't mean to imply that this book isn't a great read. It honestly is. As I mentioned above, it does make you feel and the way that Alexa Martin deals with the stigma of learning disabilities is brilliant. I was also very much drawn in by her exploration of what “love” really is. It isn't only Charlotte who is trying to figure that out in this book, and it's beautiful to watch these characters grow and learn. Honestly if it hadn't been for poor Charlotte's insane year of life, I think I would have been a lot more in love with this book. I wanted to yell, “Give the girl a break already!”

I'll end with the simple fact that this is a book about growing up and I understand that. Girl Wonder is an exploration of what it means to be an older teenager who still hasn't figured everything out yet. It is a beautifully written example of the utter hopelessness that comes along with being in this situation. For that I applaud Alexa Martin. Although there were some rough spots for me, I do see the beauty in this book. I believe that if you can in with an open heart and mind, you will too.

These are the things Willow knows:

* Her older sister is a perfectly prissy pain in her hindquarters.
A dog would be a perfect companion for her.Ten (or the big ONE-OH) is the most important birthday ever.
* Having a best best friend would be the greatest birthday present in the world!

Those are the thoughts jumbled around in Willow Doyle's head as we follow her through the story. If you're thinking that this sounds like an adorable story, you would be correct!

Young readers will find a lot to love in Fourth Grade Fairy. Although Willow faces the additional challenge of growing into some pretty big fairy god-mothering shoes, she still has the same issues as all girls this age. She explores the issue of friendship, namely how to find a real friend. She is also trying to figure out how she fits into her family. See Willow's older sister Lucinda is perfect and of course her parents adore her. Where does that leave a girl who seems to always be a step behind? Willow's inner monologue is simply fantastic. I could definitely believe that she was a nine (almost ten) year old just trying to find her way in life. Add in her silly sense of humor and you have one fantastic read!

The supporting characters in Willow's life are perfectly written as well, and fit in just where they need to. From her supportive grandmother, to the friends of the popular girl in school, they are all there in vivid color. Each character is so realistic that it's like stepping back into elementary school. So many memories came flooding back for me. Even the cast of animal characters is adorably believable. I'm not saying that I think animals can talk (or am I?) but I am saying that they are part of Willow's support group. An adorable part at that! Truth be told, they kind of steal the show.

I think young readers will have a simply delightful time reading this book, and older readers will see the deeper meaning in Willow's story. Colorful writing and a sweet story blend together to create one very enjoyable read for young and old readers alike! A great reminder of the lessons we all learn as children, Eileen Cook has written a gem in Fourth Grade Fairy! I cannot wait for the next installment and see what other kinds of trouble Willow can get herself into!

Beautiful. Absolutely and utterly beautiful. This book made my heart sing! It isn't often I stumble upon a book that deals with such a serious concept, and yet come away feeling light and airy once I've completed it. I fell in love with Freefall from the first few pages. It is a book that I know will stay in my heart for a very long time.

I need to profess my adoration with Seth right off the bat. He was a character that I felt I could rally behind, and that allowed me to love the book so much more. Coming from an underprivileged family, working while going to school, dealing with the death of his best friend, and yet through it all still doing his absolute best to lead the best kind of life he knows how. Seth is a true hero in my eyes. The fact that he chose to stay sober in the face of so much suffering and peer pressure really made me proud of his character. He was portrayed as such a sympathetic, kind, and loving person. Trust me, it's hard not to feel strong emotions towards him as you read.

The chemistry between Seth and Rosetta also resonated strongly with me. Although Rosetta was from the “other side of the tracks” so to speak, she gave Seth a chance and saw him for what he really was. I liked that their relationship moved at a slower pace, allowing them time to get to know one another and understand one another. When it came to the point where they needed one another for support, I found myself tearing up more than once. Don't we all look for that one person we can rely on in tough times? The person who will support and love us no matter what? Seth and Rosetta had that, and I appreciated it so very much.

Mindi Scott uses Freefall to tell a story that is riddled with angst, guilt and ultimately the trek towards redemption and healing. It is the type of book that will have you both tearing up and smiling happily. The type of book that makes you feel introspective. Freefall is such a gorgeously written and touching book, that I eagerly await the release date so that I can buy a copy for my very own. Amazing debut Mindi Scott. Amazing!

It's true that I'm generally drawn to books that deal with cults. There's something haunting to me about the “hive mind” mentality. Something sinister about the fact that a single person can possess the minds of so many others. It might be a macabre fascination, but I won't turn down a book like this. That's why I was so intrigued by Escape From Eden. What would I discover in the world of Edenton?

Mia is our main character and she's a brilliant one at that. Feisty, smart, and the one person in her compound who remembers life on the outside. Following this story from Mia's point of view made it all the more intriguing. Imagine growing up in a world that you hate, but can't escape. From the moment I arrived in Edenton with Mia, I knew there was something dark under the peaceful facade. As the cracks began to widen, and I discovered what was there, I couldn't look away.

The synopsis focuses on the romance between Mia and Gabriel, but that isn't what drives the book. I'll admit that their relationship did add another layer. Gabriel is the perfect companion for Mia, especially as they struggle to flee from the madness. What really pushes the book forward though is the slow decline of the “Eden” that these characters are trying to escape from. If you're looking for a book with a sweet romance, or a boy-meets-girl story, you might want to look elsewhere. This one is much deeper than that.

Truth be told, the ending was the only thing that wasn't spot on for me. The rest of Escape From Eden flies by, and I happily devoured it. Much love goes out to Elisa Nader for crafting such an intelligent, and fierce book! I don't see any mention of a sequel, but I'd welcome one. Keep Elisa Nader on your watch-list. Her writing is well worth your attention.

Okay first off, I'll be honest when I say that this book is fascinatingly odd. I mean this in the best way possible. If you are tired of the reading the same story, give The Final Alice a try! I can tell you that you won't be disappointed in the uniqueness of it at all.

That being said, let me share a bit about what this book is actually about, since I couldn't find an actual description for it. Despite its relation to the Alice stories of old, this isn't your same old Alice story my friends. This one is dark, bloody, and full of creatures that will scare the living daylights out of you. See Alice is actually the great, great, great (I can't remember how many greats), granddaughter of the original Alice. Each new Alice in the family is blessed with their own special ability during their lifetime, and eventually is taken away to Wonderland. Until the newest Alice that is. She feels as though life is passing her by and that she isn't special at all. Alice has been a misfit since birth, and she's not sure that she'll ever measure up to her predecessors.

Enter the Red King. This bloodthirsty tyrant is trying to come over from the other side of the looking glass. He wants to turn the human world in his own image, and it isn't a pretty one. Lucky for Alice, she's surrounded by one heck of a posse. Complete with a talking deer, a dog that can grow to the size of a horse, and a talking mailbox, this is quite the trip down the rabbit hole. As her powers grow, she begins to take on some of the evil that the Red King is bringing into the world. Let me tell you, this evil is EVIL. I'll give one tiny thing away, since this will judge whether this book is for you. Are you okay with various body parts being strewn about? If you are at all squeamish when it comes to blood and gore, you might want to stay away from this one.

This book is tough to describe, it really and truly is. What I can say is that it is unique. I can also say that it is violent. If you are okay with a healthy dose of darkness in your stories, you might enjoy The Final Alice. Although this story was definitely over the top, I did enjoy reading it. I'm not sure I'd ever read it again, as there is just to much outright violence even for me. However I am glad that I gave it a chance. Alycia Ripley has definitely opened up a new Wonderland for a whole different audience.

Unlike any of the other middle grade novels that I have ever read, The Summer of May is not a “sunshine and rainbows” kind of book. Quite the opposite really. This is a tough read, filled with real life emotion that cuts down into your heart as you read. I'll be honest when I say that I literally cried while I read this.

May is a 13-year-old girl who wants nothing more than to feel whole again. Navigating the trials of middle school, she tends to use anger as her defense mechanism against anything (or anyone) who she doesn't agree with. She doesn't enjoy the feelings that bubble up inside her and burst to the surface, but it is the one way that she knows how to deal. Angry words help to mask the hurt that she feels inside. This story is a look at how these feelings affect a person, as well as the people around them.

May isn't the only character in this book who is learning something either. Amidst her tumultuous inner battle, Galante sets up other characters who are fighting the same sort of battle. Although they are much older than her, these characters show May that she isn't the only one who doesn't know quite how to deal with how she feels. Each character chooses their own defense mechanism, but they all have the anger and hurt beneath their surface. It isn't until May starts to spend more time with Mrs. Movado that she starts to make progress towards understanding what is inside her.

At the heart of this book is really a message of forgiveness, and of making amends. This is a topic that is so rarely dealt with in tween/teen books, but I wish it was out there more often. As summer wanes on, May learns to look into herself through the use of writing and poetry. She learns to find the things that are buried deep inside her and come to terms with them. Most importantly of all she learns to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness, in an effort to heal herself from the inside out. If you're thinking that this sounds like a topic from a much older story, I would have agreed at one point. However now that I've finished reading this book I'm not sure I can look at middle grade literature the same again.

Excellently written and brimming with honest emotions, The Summer of May is one of the most surprising and heartfelt books that I have read this year. I applaud Cecilia Galante for so carefully and sincerely dealing with such a tough topic. This is a book that I will recommend to tweens, teens and even adults a hundred times over. Dealing with the importance of family, the power of words, and the idea of forgiveness, I don't think it matters who is reading this book. Everyone can benefit from the messages between these pages.

What is my favorite mythical creature, you ask? The answer would definitely have to be dragons. I love everything about them, from their scaly hides to their impressive wingspan. Maybe it's because of my addiction to Fantasy, but I'm a dragon fan! Needless to say, I was extremely excited to read Scorched. I already love Mari Mancusi's writing, but then adding in dragons? That's a win in my book!

The first third of the book knocked my socks off. I adored Trinity from the start, and I loved that she was so close with her grandfather. Mancusi slowly built up a story where a boy from the future, and a girl from the present were intertwined in an amazing way. Connor has been sent back to get rid of the threat that will lead to the apocalypse in his time, but once he meets Trinity he just can't shake his feelings for her. Sound slightly sweet? I'd agree! I loved Trinity and Connor during this part of the book, and the added action kept me reading on.

Then Caleb came into the picture and things changed. I can't really explain too much without spoiling things for potential readers, but the twin aspect is a little weird. Caleb is supposed to be the exact opposite of Connor but, in all honesty, they are pretty similar. I was introduced to the Draken, to the Nether, and to the way dragons were born. So much squished into one part of the book made the ending feel more than a little rushed. If only the ending had been as well done as the beginning, I would have given this a much higher rating. I enjoyed the world building, liked the characters, and of course loved the dragons. It was really the pacing that was off.

I'm willing to forgive a lot, since this is the first book in the series. Truth be told, I know for a fact I'll be back to read more of Trinity's story. I can't wait to see what happens to her, to Connor (who is my favorite by the way) and to the dragons. A bit of a slow start, but I know things will pick up. Bring on more dragons!

Oh, my poor broken heart. The Wednesday Group is Sylvia True's debut novel, but I can promise you right now that it doesn't read like one. It's stunning, and heartbreaking. I came into a story about women whose problems were far removed from my own life. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to connect enough to really enjoy this story. Trust me, I shouldn't have had any doubts. True's characters came to life. They embraced me as part of their group, and I watched as they laid their hearts and their souls on the table for me to pick apart. Be warned, this isn't the happiest of stories. It is beautiful though, and so very important.

Gail, Hannah, Bridget, Lizzie and Flavia couldn't be more different from one another when the book begins. Learning each of their unique personalities was actually one of my favorites parts of this story. My heart was pulled in all directions while I slowly fell into each one of their lives. Some meek, some angry, but all stronger women then they could ever know. That is, until they came together as a group. I was so impressed at how bluntly, and yet at the same time sensitively, True tackled the concept of men with sex addiction, and how it affects their wives and families. I adored that she didn't lump all of these characters into one coping mechanism. She allowed them their own flaws, and poor decisions, which ultimately made this a much more satisfying story.

What's even more brilliant about this story is the simple fact that it's all forward movement. There's very little fluff, or filler. It's all decisions, consequences, and tons of human growth. Of course, while this was utterly satisfying to read, it also meant that it was emotionally draining as well. I ran the full gambit of emotions while I followed these women on their journey. I felt rage, despair, hope, and so much sadness that it almost overwhelmed me. If I can give credit where credit is due, Sylvia True definitely has mastered the art of pacing. It was perfection.

I can't state enough how impressed I was with The Wednesday Group. Where I started out wary that I wasn't going to feel involved enough, I ended up completely enmeshed in these women's lives. I can't recommend this enough.

So, a book with a very pretty cover showed up at my door unannounced. It shouted A Girl Undone at me from that cover, and enticed me to read it. Alas, what this book didn't tell me was that it was a sequel in disguise. So, of course, I dutifully went to the library and checked out the first book in this series, A Girl Called Fearless. I was intrigued. The story promised me a dystopian world rife with male power. A world where women were objects, instead of people. The feminist in me was overjoyed. The reader who has been burned by many a dystopia lately, was not. Now that I've actually finished this book, I'm sad to say that I'm still a fence-sitter. While this definitely wasn't exactly what I was hoping for it to be, it wasn't too bad of a story either. Settle in, and I'll explain.

I think the number one thing that first threw me off, was Avie. Our main character, Avie is a very privileged and sheltered young woman. This means, of course, that she truly believes that her life is the absolute worst, and that the world is hell bent on making her miserable. To be honest, I wasn't all that happy with her at the beginning of this story. I felt for her, to be sure. No woman wants to be owned, and especially by someone as cold and menacing as the man who wants her. However, the more that Avie prolonged her decision, the more that she whined and didn't act, the more I wanted to throw something at her. I just wanted her to choose. Good or bad, I just wanted her to choose.

Luckily, as the story went on, Avie and I understood one another more. The more of the outside world she was exposed to, the more her eyes were opened to the lives of others. When she finally started to realize how selfish she was being, and quit being so whiny, we got along loads better. If only, and you probably all knew this was coming, there hadn't been that pesky romance to get in the way of her growth.

See, A Girl Called Fearless pulls very heavily from the whole Romeo and Juliet trope. Two people who fate tries to keep apart, struggling mightily to be together. I'm not against romance. I welcome it, if it feeds the story line. In this case, Yates and Avie never felt real to me. Yates felt like an easy way to show that Avie had to give up so much to finally do something about her life. I'm sure she loved him, but it didn't show in the writing. Instead, it just fed the concept of her being selfish. So many times she made decisions that benefited her, and put others at risk. It drove me mad.

So what kept me reading on? Mainly, the fact that there is so much action pushing this book forward. The world itself really intrigued me as well. Catherine Linka leaves things on the precipice. Avie's who universe is on the brink of collapse. Who wouldn't want to know what happens next? Yes, I will be reading the next book. I only hope our lovely heroine maintains her character development, and gets to kicking some ass.

So, I have a soft spot in my heart for Middle Grade books. I also have a probably not so secret crush on Wonder Woman. Which means, that when you mash those two things together I get very, very excited about it! I'm thrilled that female superheroes are finally getting a chance to be in the spotlight, and that millions of young readers everywhere will have strong female characters to look up to. Wonder Woman at Super Hero High was adorable and, in my opinion, a very much needed book in today's world.

Although this is aimed at the MG crowd, and very well written for that group I might add, there's a lot that older readers will love about Wonder Woman's high school experience. She's an instantly likable character. Plus, she faces a lot of the same trials that all of us did when we were in high school. Mean girls, popularity contests, and trying to find your niche in such a big place all are tackled in this book. If I had to make a comparison, this is kind of a Sweet Valley High meets DC mash up. A little bit of tension, a lot of lessons, and plenty of adorable moments as well.

What I liked most about this book though, and I hope continues throughout the series, is that there is no strong delineation between villains and superheroes yet. Since these characters are still young, and coming into their own, Yee has chosen not to put them into a box yet. I loved that! Harley Quinn, for instance, is a budding reporter who is actually really sweet. As Wonder Woman's roommate, she's actually a fairly big part of this story. As a reader of the DC universe, I kept trying to pin her down as the villain in my mind. Yee kept me from doing that, in the best way possible. Maybe Harley will turn later, maybe not! For now, she's a great example of someone who is still growing.

If I had one complaint, it was that I felt at times that this book put a little too much emphasis on the “cute” factor. Oh sure, I loved the funny classes that our characters had to take, and their general high school banter. What I wasn't a fan of, was that it cut somewhat into the strong nature of Wonder Woman as a character. She was a little air-headed at times, and I'm not going to deny that any time someone called her “Wondy” it made me cringe. I'm an adult, who has read Wonder Woman in many a comic. So I know I'm a little biased in that respect. I just really want young readers to look at these characters and see how amazingly strong they are as women. That's the important part.

That being said, this series has made an very solid start. I see a lot of potential and a lot of love coming from readers of all ages! Anything that puts these super women in the spotlight deserves all the love that it can get. If this creates some new ravenous comic book readers? Well, that's just a bonus.

Pretty Dark Nothing had me under its spell from the moment I set eyes on the cover. The synopsis made Quinn's story sound so deliciously dark, and it definitely started out that way! We meet Quinn as she struggles against sleep, wanting to stay out of the darkness as long as possible. I'd want to stay awake too if, each time I closed my eyes, I was plagued with demonic nightmares. Everything was on track for a quick-moving, spine-tingling read and I was so excited. Sadly, it just wasn't meant to be.

Quinn's true persona soon came through and, sadly, it wasn't one I enjoyed at all. Here we have a girl who thinks she might be insane. She can't sleep, she can barely function, and yet somehow she has energy to pine away for an ex who, in this humble bookworm's opinion, really isn't worth her time. What I hoped would be a quick-moving story soon turned into a high school drama. I can't really say I liked Quinn very much once she started debating between feelings for Aaron and her ex. It drove me crazy.

I wasn't really able to connect with any of the characters, in fact. They all ended up very one-dimensional and even Aaron, who I really wanted to like, left me with little to hold on to. Since this is a story told in dual point of view, I hoped for some good insight into what was going on. Instead, I was able to see Quinn pine for her ex, and Aaron pine for Quinn. At least I was also able to see Aaron use his physic abilities a few times. That honestly did keep me reading.

Towards the end, the plot finally started to pick up. I was more intrigued, wondering what was coming next, and WHAM...the ending. I was left with a ton of questions, and more than a little upset by how many random elements were thrown in at the last minute. I realize this is setting things up for the next book. I'm just not sure I'll be there to read it. Pretty Dark Nothing didn't follow through on the synopsis I fell in love with, and left this bookworm feeling rather slighted.

Jazz In Love was one of the first books I read this year, and honestly set the tone for me for the rest of my reads. It is a light, fun read that really opens your eyes into the Indian culture. Honestly, to dive into a culturally driven book that wasn't about an immigrant or about fighting blatant racism was really refreshing. It's not that I dislike books like that, not at all really. It's just nice to have a light and fun read about a girl who comes from another background. I fell in love with Jazz, and the rest was history.

Jazz, or Jasbir, is one of those characters that is so easy to relate to. Growing up in a very strict Punjabi family means Jazz isn't allowed to hug a boy in public, much less actually be attracted to one. Her future husband, because that's what she should be looking for, needs to meet all the requirements that her mom sets forth in the “Guided Dating Plan”. After all, Jazz needs to have the structured life that her family sets forth. Right? Not according to Jazz. With heaping helping of wise-cracking and lots of sneaking around, Jazz is determined to live her own life. When Jazz sets her sights on the very UNsuitable hottie, I think that was my favorite part! Watching her grow and change was fabulous.

There are a lot of underlying messages in this story. Of course on the surface we watch Jazz as she learns to deal with (and bend) her parents very strict rules. She tackles figuring out what parts of what they say she should follow, and which parts she needs to forge her own opinion on. However there is also commentary on friendship here, as well as that battle that all adolescents fight: what is love? Jazz goes through what every teen girl or boy has at some point. An endless crush that seems like the real thing, but is it?

Honestly I loved every single part of Jazz In Love! I wish I could share more, but I failed to write my review right after I read the book and that book is on a tour. Yes my friends, I'm going off of pure memory right here. I can tell you that watching Jazz navigate her love life, her home life, and just the pitfalls of being a teenager was so much fun! I found myself completely in love with all the characters and their lives. This is one of those books that is so much fun to read that you'll breeze right through it! Quick, refreshingly sweet and amazing. Enjoy!

So I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I wasn't sure how I'd feel about earlier Daredevil stories, since I'm so used to seeing Matt inked/colored in newer styles. To be honest though, this was pretty amazing.

Frank Miller's talent for penciling is evident, from the first issue contained in this volume. He brings this gritty noir style to the story that I really ended up liking. I think my favorite part is the way that he drew Natasha, or Black Widow as you might know her. She has this distinctly curvy body, and I loved that she wasn't this stick figure of a character. Too often now that's more the style, and so I was completely enamored with her womanly physique. Plus, well, Natasha is a bad-ass.

Story wise, this was pretty solid too. The dialogue absolutely screams “Early 80's comic!” but it's pretty easy to sink into. It was cool to be able to see where Daredevil's roots came from, and by the time that Elektra came on the scene, I was sold.

This is pretty amazing! I haven't read a lot of older comics, so I'm greatly enjoying this journey.

To say that this book was a difficult read would be a complete lie. Although the content of Dina Kucera's book can sometimes be a bit rough, it is written so perfectly that I honestly couldn't put it down. She has found the perfect recipe for this memoir. A healthy dose of hope, a pinch of religion, and a heaping helping of humor. Combined, these create an unforgettable journey for the reader.

What struck me most about Everything I Never Wanted to Be was the brutal honesty that is within these pages. Kucera pours her memories onto the page, bearing her soul for the reader. I'll admit that at times it was a bit overwhelming and I was in tears. I kept wondering how one person could go through so much pain and anger in their lifetime. However the one message that kept shining through was hope. No matter what else happens, you have to have that hope or you'll drown under the sadness. I think even those of us who aren't going through supporting an ailing loved one can appreciate this message.

It was the humor in this book that really helped me make it through though. Despite everything that she had been through, Kucera always seemed to find some sort of humor in the smaller things to help her get by. My favorite part was at the very beginning, when she describes a normal day out with her three daughters. As they each bicker and moan in their own illness motivated ways, I had to laugh. It wasn't that it was funny that they were arguing, but more that we all know that happens in life. You just have to appreciate the time together and move on. It was a wake up call to me, reminding me that you can choose to take the good or the bad away with you from any situation. Dina Kucera asks us, why not make an effort to choose the good?

This story is about the wisdom that comes through hardship, about beating the odds when it seems impossible. It is the type of story that has the opportunity to change lives. I can't even put into words what reading this book meant to me. I only hope more people out there, parents especially, take the time to read it.

Keeper of the Black Stones Meet Jason Evans. A sweet, slightly awkward and wonderfully quirky main character. He's certain that something odd is going on with his grandfather, but he can't quite put his finger on what. Until, that is, some really insane things start happening and he finds out that time travel is actually possible. Sound like a recipe for an amazing read? You would be right my friends, you would be right.
 
I can't deny that it was Jason's personality that really sold me on this book. The beginning drew me in with its mystery, but it was Jason himself that kept me reading. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the way the author builds a normal boy who just so happens to be a time traveler. Even better, McHugh pairs our hero with quite the set of companions! Ranging from witty, to sassy, to downright kick-ass, this is an entourage that I would absolutely want to travel with.
 
Better still was the writing style of the book. I'm not generally a huge fan of meshing history and science fiction. Most authors have the habit of just spouting facts at the reader. After reading Keeper of the Black Stones though, my opinion has changed. P.T. McHugh balances the historical side of Jason's story with the perfect amount of action and intrigue. I knew I was watching history unfold, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the words on the page. I was so immersed, so involved with the characters, that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
 
This book is so much fun to read. That's really the long and short of this whole review. No matter what else I say, it boils down to the fact that I utterly enjoyed each and every page. The characters are fresh, the writing is wonderful, and there isn't a dull moment. Keeper of the Black Stones is pure fun and I can't wait for more.

The Body in the Woods has been on my reading list since it published in mid 2014. I've heard some good things about April Henry's writing, from some trusted book friends. Plus, I can't deny that I enjoy a well written mystery! Especially if it's a well written YA mystery. If an author can keep me guessing, and avoid the ever present love triangle? My name is written all over that book. So yes, I had some pretty high hopes for this book. It's been a while since a mystery book has found its way into my currently reading list.

Anyway, and apologies for the rambling, I can definitely say that April Henry gave this mystery a massive effort. She crafted three very different characters to tell the story from their own points of view, and I very much appreciated their various personalities. There's Ruby, the girl obsessed with facts, organization and true crime. Alexis, a girl whose home life doesn't match at all the facade she puts on every day. Finally, there's Nick. Our lone male protagonist, he has a hero mentality. All Nick wants, more than anything, is to save a life. It might seem like these three wouldn't mesh, but they do! Having all of their viewpoints didn't always feel necessary, but at times it was nice.

I'll fully admit that this book is addictive once you start to really get into it. Even though I figured out the killer towards the middle, the story was well written enough that it kept me reading. The pace was good, and the plot was too (even if it was a slight bit predictable). The real problem with The Body in the Woods is that it fairly forgettable. It follows the rails that you'd anticipate a book like this would, even though I desperately hoped for a twist. This is the first book in a series though, so I'd be willing to give the next a shot!

So, I actually went into The Betrayed knowing that this is a well established series, and that I'd be coming in on the most recent book. There are 13 books in the Krewe of Hunters series that come before this one, but I was told that I'd have no problem reading it as a standalone. I have to say, that was accurate! I may have been missing a bit of the history of the Krewe, but these characters and their story line stood firmly on their own. If you're thinking of picking this up, and worried that you might be lost, never fear. It truly can be read separate from the rest.

On to the review, shall we? In all fairness, I don't read a lot of romantic suspense. However Heather Graham has been hailed as a master of the genre, so I wasn't afraid to pick up one of her books. I've been told that Graham loves her settings, and I now know that to be the truth. This particular book is set in Sleepy Hollow and the surrounding area. Places rich with history and old tales. I was completely impressed at how vivid everything about this setting was. The places become characters in their own right, adding just the right amount of tension to the story. I've never been to these places, but after reading this book I might just have to make a trip and soak up the atmosphere.

The problem was that, although the setting was beautifully done, the characters just didn't catch my attention. I didn't mind Mo or Aiden. They weren't obnoxious, or over the top. Unfortunately, that was exactly what I couldn't latch onto. These characters felt flat. Like paper cutouts of human beings. There wasn't anything wrong with them at all but, because of that, there was nothing attractive about them urging me to care to them. Adding to this, was the fact that the dialogue between all the characters in this book felt very awkward and disjointed. Their interactions were just so uncomfortable for me to read. It made getting through this book take a lot longer than I expected.

At the end of the story, I just felt unfulfilled. As I said, the setting of this book is gorgeous. Perfectly rendered, and definitely with a charm all its own. The mystery aspect isn't half bad either. I liked the twists, and turns. If it weren't for the wooden characters, and disjointed dialogue, I really think I would have enjoyed this story immensely. I've been assured by other readers of this series that the books prior to this are much better. So this might just be a case of a rocky book in the mix. I liked what I read enough to be interested in continuing, at least.

I find it only fair to let you know that I'm the type of reader who is fairly desensitized to horror novels at this point. I read a lot of them and, since I found this genre early on when YA horror wasn't a big thing, most of them are targeted to adults. So take my review with a grain of salt, my friends. I expect a lot from books that market themselves as horror. I love to feel the tension, hate/love the characters, and be completely blindsided at every turn. Basically, The Last Harvest had a lot to live up to. It nearly made it there too.

First off, credit where credit is due, Kim Liggett does an excellent job of setting the stage for Clay's possible descent into madness. The little town of Midland, Oklahoma is brought to life almost immediately. You can feel the breeze on a humid summer night, see the sunset over the corn fields, and relish in the small town feel of the characters and their day to day lives. I love books with settings like these. They settle you firmly into a sense of nostalgia, in my case for a place I've never been. This is my favorite kind of story, and that's one of the reasons I loved it so much.

Liggett also shines with her creation of the characters in this book as well. Clay, the golden boy quarterback turned outcast, is easy to fall in love with. As I met the rest of this not quite friends, I saw how easily each of them fit into the setting that was so expertly built. These are kids who raised in a town that sees them as the budding next generation. They are the future of Midland and, as such, can do no wrong. Although there wasn't as much time to get to know them as I would have liked, I at least appreciated the fact that they felt like real people, with real issues.

What took the star rating down for me in this book, and again I remind you that I'm pretty picky about books in this genre, is a mixture of how slow it was to build and how unsurprising the majority of the story was. Don't get me wrong, YA horror has it rough. There's a line that you can't cross in terms of the actual horror/gore aspects and I really feel like it hampered this story. What should have been shocking events in Clay's story, felt more like small breaks from the lull of this book. Although I liked most of the characters well enough, their fates never really resonated with me. As I mentioned before, my favorite part of this genre is the attachment and tension that I usually feel. I didn't feel much of that here at all.

I can say that this book is very easy to read through though, despite anything else. I powered through the story in roughly two hours, and didn't feel like I wasn't going to finish. There was enough to keep me invested in what the ending would actually be, even though I thought I had figured it out, and so I appreciated that. I just wish there had been more to make me feel really invested. I'll give this three stars, and highly recommend it to anyone starting out in the horror genre! It's well written, and not too terribly terrifying. An excellent place for a beginning.