Jess N

Where to begin? There's a lot to say about The Light Fantastic, not the least of which is the fact that Sarah Combs has fairly perfectly captured the voice of a generation in this book. It's important that there are books like this out there. It's tragic that school shootings, and mass bombings, are becoming a more normalized part of our society. What's even more tragic though, are the kids who are caught up in that. The ones who are absorbing it throughout their formative years. We're taught to believe that these tragedies are caused by the “bad people” out there. What happens when they're not though? What happens when the person you least expect, is the one that has the biggest secrets?

First off, much love to Sarah Combs for so excellently outlining many different teenage personalities. One of my biggest issues with stories told from multiple points of view, is that it's normally hard to tell who is speaking at any given time. This isn't a problem at all in The Light Fantastic. Each character has their own brilliant personality. Combs even goes so far as to have one character who, to the dismay of many readers I'm sure, speaks using hashtags. I admit, I found it completely amusing. Since I know people in my life who do the same thing, I couldn't fault him for it. The bright side was that you always knew when it was a Gavin chapter!

What's even more impressive though, is how quickly Combs builds up these characters into whole, and realistic human beings. April's consistent inner tension, Phoebe's need for something to cling to, even Gavin's coping mechanism of making light of things, were all given their own chance to shine. Which meant, of course, that I was entirely too invested in these characters. I knew that this book was going somewhere dark, and that I probably shouldn't get too attached, but it was difficult not to care. These are teens. They are living, breathing people with secrets that they are afraid to share. It's both beautiful, and absolutely tragic to see so deeply into their lives. It makes this book all the more poignant.

Truth be told, this book was actually much less violent than I expected it to be. When you're dealing with school violence on a mass level, it's hard not to anticipate cringing a bit. What Sarah Combs chooses to focus on though, isn't the violence. It's the people behind it. The faces of the lost, blending into the background but are secretly begging for someone to notice them. The faces of those who actually notice the lost ones, and try to reach out them. Even when they don't understand exactly why. By the time this story reached its climax, I was breathless. The tension here isn't built by the violence, but by the events leading up to it and the people who wish to create it. It's such an effective way to tackle this subject.

At the end of the day, this was a near perfect book. Despite any small issues that I had, I was so amazed at how deftly this story was woven together. I'd highly recommend this to all the teenagers out there, but also to their parents. The Light Fantastic is the type of book that merits sharing, to discussion, and hopefully learning as well.

So it should be no surprise that Merrow caught my eye. Just look at that lovely cover. I dare anyone to pass up a book that clearly shows that mermaids will be involved. I'm a lover of all things fantastical, but mermaids have a very big piece of my heart. Alas, imagine my disappointment when I found out that, in fact, there may or may not actually be any mermaids hiding in Merrow. If you're looking for a very literary book, with a lot of descriptive writing, this is it. If you're looking for a book that focuses on mermaids, you may want to look elsewhere.

Let's start with the good. First off, Neen Marrey was a character that I could absolutely get behind. She was strong, hardworking, kind, and honest to a fault. I loved that she felt realistic and, most of all, that her relationship with her Aunt was always perfect. Watching the two of them go through ups and downs, while still remembering to support one another despite what was thrown in their path, made me smile. Families, whatever their makeup, aren't always perfect, and I appreciated Braxton-Smith for highlighting that. I also very much enjoyed the story telling in this book. Neen's family history is passed down orally, which was quite a treat.

Now, as far as what bothered me, you'll actually find that my issue with this book is the same with the last review I wrote on this blog. If there is one thing I can't abide, it's books that rely solely on lyrical writing and purple prose, ignoring the actual world that they are building. Merrow reads beautifully. It's lilting, and moves like the ocean waves. What it doesn't do, is ever really pick up speed. This is a slow read and, truth be told, one that is very easy to skim. Neen's ultimate hunt for the fate of her mother was an interesting plot point but, since there didn't seem to be any actual mermaids here, one that I quickly lost track of. I still loved the family dynamic, and Neen's growth, but that initial reason I started reading this had gone out the window and so had the majority of my attention span.

As I said above, if you're looking for a book that is lyrical and reads like a folktale, then Merrow is absolutely for you. If, like I was, you're looking for a fantastical tale of mermaids? Well, you'd be better off looking elsewhere. I can see the draw to this book, and I know that many will love it from beginning to end. I just wasn't able to count myself among that number.

Let it be known that I have a weakness for books like Seed. Any time a book is placed in front of me that revolves around a cult, and the life of its inhabitants, I have to read to it. Absolutely must. There's something about these stories that both terrifies and intrigues me. That one person can have that much power, that one single human being can manipulate others into worshiping them, it's something I am fascinated by. So it's no surprise that the moment this book was offered to me I snatched it up. I knew Seed would be something I'd want to experience.

In my past experiences with books like this, the one thing that stands out is how well an author deals with all the tough aspects of the society in question. We all know that things go on in cult societies that aren't exactly easy to stomach. That, quite often, there are children at the center of these stories who are put in very uncomfortable situations. In that vein, I have to applaud Lisa Heathfield for expertly navigating this territory. While all of the items I was expecting were definitely present, they were handled with care. I was still able to see into Pearl's world, still privy to her questions and issues, but I never felt that it was over the top. I think that's important for a young adult book.

Speaking of Pearl, it was the characters that really made this book shine for me. Although I couldn't agree with Pearl's outlook on her situation, I understood. Lisa Heathfield brought to life a girl whose whole life was Seed. A girl who knew only the boundaries of what to her was a safe and happy home. A naive girl maybe, but one who had no reason to be otherwise. I felt for Pearl, and for the rest of the characters. Each one of them was real to me. It made this a much tougher read, to be sure, but one that also felt much more fulfilling. I've never wanted to have the power to yell at characters more than I did while reading this book.

Long story short? This was a very well written and, surprisingly (considering the content), easy story to sink into. Had I not needed to sleep in order to function at work the next day, I would have read this through in one sitting, no problem. I can't say that Seed is a happy story. Don't go into it expecting that. I can say that it's an important one though, and that I am glad that I experienced it.

I started out this book a little shaky, since I don't generally read a lot of Historical Fiction. However Agnes soon became a likable enough character that I was engaged. Although this isn't the quickest moving story, and perhaps it has more featured characters than necessary, I still found myself connected enough to Agnes that I wanted to finish this story. Her backstory unfolded a bit at a time and, even though I was fairly sure I knew where things were going, I wanted to see if I was right. I'll give Salley Vickers credit in that she created a very relatable and human character in Agnes. Her mistakes and successes were a beautiful thing.

What kept me from fully falling in love with this book though was how much it hopped back and forth in time, with little to no notice. I listened to the audio version of this, and so it made it even more difficult to get my footing every time we were thrown back to the days of young Agnes. On top of that, as the book neared its end, I felt myself becoming less and less interested in where things were headed. Agnes felt like she stalled in her growth as a person, and then the ending itself was far less than satisfactory. In fact, and this is coming from a reader who is very open minded, the ending left me with some really uncomfortable moral quandaries. I'm still not sure how I feel.

So, for a plot that kept my attention for the most part, a character whom I did enjoy, and a narrator who did a fairly good job, I'll give this two stars. I finished this book, and it was interesting journey. I just wouldn't read it again.

There's a little piece of myself that this book took, that I don't think I'll ever get back. I'm not sure I want it back. The Secret Side of Empty struck that perfect spot, right in the deepest parts of my heart, that made me feel the tiniest bit empty myself. M.T.'s story is one that I've seen firsthand. I've seen families broken by the system, unable to do anything but survive. I knew this book dealt with illegal immigration. I knew I'd be meeting a girl who was living it. I just didn't know that it would hit me this hard.

What is so interesting about The Secret Side of Empty is that M.T.'s life is set against the backdrop of wealth. The school she attends is filled with the privileged masses. Her best friend Chelsea is an amazing person, but her life seems so perfect compared to M.T.'s own. It's a heartbreaking premise. I sat, and watched, as M.T. slowly lost more and more of herself. When you're a Senior in high school, you're supposed to be looking forward to the future. What do you do when there doesn't seem to be a future? When you feel trapped in the life that has been built for you?

That's the thing that struck me most of all. The unfairness of it all. Maria E. Andreu builds an protagonist who deserves the world. She is brilliant, caring, and filled with a zeal to learn. Here is a girl who reads for pleasure, and actually enjoys tests. A girl who wants nothing more than to have a future. To watch this sucked away by people who didn't understand what they were doing ate at me. Her father, who hated what she had become and was abusive. Her school, who couldn't see past what M.T. couldn't say. And even her poor mother, who felt helpless and could only watch.

I can't really explain to you the levels that this book explores. There's so much about finding yourself, about struggle, about friendship. The Secret Side of Empty may have had its moments that I didn't connect with, but overall this book took my breath away. There are books I read that I enjoy, and then there are books I read that make my heart hurt a bit but make me feel fulfilled. This is one of those books, and I'm so glad it was placed in my hands.

Chalk it up to my love of horror novels if you must, but Creed just didn't deliver on the creep factor that it promised. I've seen so many rave reviews of this book. Reviews that praised the tension that was built, the gore factor, and even the writing. Now that I've finished reading, I can honestly say that I don't agree with any of them. This was like watching a B-horror movie unfold, except without any of the redeeming qualities that make them fun.

I felt nothing for these three characters. No terror, no remorse, not even the tiniest inkling of emotion. What I did feel, in spades, was frustration. Dee, Luke and Mike were cardboard cutouts of what teens should be. Their flat personalities never allowed me to get close to them at all. Even Dee, who had a horrible childhood and should have felt like a stronger female character to me, felt fake. I kept waiting for her to lash out. To take all her frustration and do something big. It never came to that.

A story like this has so much potential. A city that looks abandoned but holds so many secrets. A fanatical villain who will stop at nothing to keep those secrets. Plus, three teens who have no idea what they're walking into. In a perfect world, I'd eat this story up in a heartbeat. The way it was executed in Creed just left a lot wanting for me. Nothing about this book caught me up. I wasn't connected to it at all. Even the gory parts, the parts that should have made me feel disturbed or sad, they elicited nothing from me.

Now, again, I do read a lot of horror novels. It's distinctly possible that I've reached a point where I am no longer the audience for this book. However, keep in mind that I also wasn't a fan of the writing or the characters either. I'll leave the decision up to you, as to whether Creed takes a spot on your reading list or not. It definitely wasn't for me.

I can already tell you right now that this review is going to be a jumble of thoughts. I finished reading Hidden just a few moments ago and I'm not even sure how to explain what is going on in my head right now. It's a blur of emotions really. Hatred. Disgust. Pure and utter sympathy. Understanding. This is one of those books that I can't even classify as a tough read. No, it's more like a necessary read that tears your heart out, gives you tons of new information you never knew you needed to know, then puts you back together into a much more whole person. Does that make any sense at all?

Although the synopsis shows the story focusing around Ahmed, and it does, there are so many more vivid characters that are presented to the reader. Ahmed, or Ben as he is known throughout most of the book, is wrenched out of his “normal” existence and placed into a treatment center for queer teens. His parents have one thought. To get him out of their lives until a “cure” for what he is can be found. When he finally finds the means of escape, he is thrown into an underground world full of people who understand him, even if they don't quite understand themselves. These characters, and their dark pasts, become a sense of introspection for Ben as he navigates his way through his new found “freedom”.

Yes, this book is gritty. It's realistic. Reading it was like watching a documentary unfold. I began to believe in the characters between the pages. I rooted for them. I felt for them and wanted to understand them. I wish I could say more, but honestly Hidden is such a complex and masterful piece of work that nothing I say can truly do it justice. To say that this book touched me is an understatement of the deepest kind. I'd say instead that this book shoved my head into the reality that actual teens like Ben go through. How would I have ever known that there are safe houses set up for these teens? Or the atrocities that they are made to suffer at the hands of those that would “cure” them? I feel like my eyes are so opened now to this that it is my duty to place this books in the hands of others and have their eyes opened as well.

I cannot recommend this book enough to you, my dear readers. Be warned, the vocabulary within can be considered offensive if you're not prepared for it. This is definitely a read for the older reader, or at least one to be shared between a teen and their parents. However I can promise you that if you can get past the vocabulary, and see it as just another piece of the truth that these characters really live, you will come away feeling much like I did. I feel like I should go give Tomas Mournian a hug and thank him so much for writing this book and sharing a piece of himself. Truly.

I'm sad to say that I really didn't connect with this book as much as I would have liked to. There were things about Trickster's Girl that I really liked, and then other things that took away from the reading experience for me. By the time that I reached the ending, I had to war with myself over how I truly felt. What it came down to is simply that I liked this book. Liked it enough to finish it. Liked it yes. Loved it? No.

I have to give credit to Hilari Bell for choosing such a fabulous backdrop for her story. As Kelsa travels with Raven as her companion, they drive through some stunning scenery. I really enjoyed how a lot of monuments and state parks are mentioned. Anyone who has ever visited these will automatically be able to transport themselves into that part of the story with Kelsa. Also, there is an underlying current here about taking care of our environment. Kelsa's mission is to repair something that we, as humans, have torn asunder with our careless nature. The entire book discusses the natural beauty of the planet, while at the same time showing how we need to preserve it.

The one downside to providing so many beauteous scenes in this story is that Kelsa and Raven spend much of the book traveling. Therefore the book unfortunately moves rather slowly, especially at the beginning. Towards the middle there are chase scenes and things pick up a bit, but I was never really invested in the movement of the story. I liked Kelsa, and I thought Raven was funny, but their journey just didn't stick with me. I wanted to believe in them, I wanted to root for them to succeed, but it seemed like I just couldn't get a foothold into their world. As soon as my interest was peaked, they'd be off traveling again and the book would slow down.

Despite the plot movement though, I would like to praise Hilari Bell for her seamless incorporation of a mix of magic, nature and Native American mythology. There was always just enough magic to make things interesting, but also a focus on the nature that surrounded that magic. A lot of what Raven mentions in the book ties into the beliefs that Native Americans held about the world around them. That nature itself is magic, we only have to look closely and learn to tap into it. I was quite happy with how that was shown to the reader.

Overall, as I mentioned above, I did like this book. I'm just sad that I didn't connect with it as much as I would have liked to. There are some very impressive elements wound up into Trickster's Girl however, and I do suggest that you give it a read. Pick it up from your local library, borrow a friend's copy, and take yourself on a journey.

Oh, this book. Let me tell you that as soon as I finished reading this in ebook format, I called my local Indie bookstore to buy a physical copy. The Question of Miracles is the exact kind of Middle Grade book I adore. The kind that isn't afraid to deal with tough issues. The kind that treats young readers as the strong, compassionate, curious human beings that they are. Best of all, this is a book that will resonate with all readers. No matter what your age group, you'll be touched. You may even cry.

Iris Abernathy's life has been forever altered. She's lost a best friend, been uprooted to a new state, and feels like nothing is fitting together the way it should. I must admit, Iris was a perfect main character to me. I truly believe there's nothing more difficult than channeling what a middle grader would do, and say, accurately. Iris felt real. I felt her frustration, I understood her sadness, and I loved her little quirks. As the story progressed, and she blossomed, I couldn't look away. This book came alive because Iris was alive.

Now add in a beautifully bittersweet story line, and there was no turning back for this reader. I've said it before, and I'll say it as many times as it takes, young readers deserve books like these. They need books that deal with tough concepts. Concepts like the death of a best friend. Elana K. Arnold's expert handling of this subject was impressive. I felt myself looking through the eyes of Iris. Stumbled along as she kept trying to deal with the loss of someone who was such a large part of her life and, worst of all, so close in age to her. Everything about this story pulled at my emotions in all the right places, but what I appreciated most of all was that it was so honest. Truly, wonderfully, honest.

I wish I could say more. If you'd allow me, I'd gush over how perfectly the idea of miracles are woven into this story. I'd praise Boris as a character, and how he was the perfect match for Iris. I'd smile proudly and admit that I adored the fact that the card game of Magic makes such a big debut in this book. Truthfully, you wouldn't be able to shut me up. So, instead, I'll just tell you that you definitely need to read this book. The Question of Miracles is absolutely gorgeous, and it deserves a place on your reading list.

Overall I thought this was a very well-written and interesting story! Elsie was spunky, and I was extremely proud of her for figuring out how trapped she was under her husband's thumb. The whole relationship between them was very believable, especially because she was so much younger than he was.

Can I please say, thank goodness the more intimate scenes between Robert and Elsie were low key. It's not that I have anything against their relationship, but I was kind of wary about reading about their intimate moments. I fairly despised Robert from the moment that book began. I am so glad Elsie wizened up during the book.

I also very much liked Dion, and I loved that he was so good for Elsie. Unfortunately I had a hard time believing the chemistry between them. Yes, I realize this is an Erotic Novel and therefore chemistry has to be built in somewhere throughout the story, but really? How many times does someone fall so quickly for another person? Still, I was smitten with how much they clearly loved one another above and beyond the physical attraction.

Since this was my first novel of this kind, I don't have much to base it on. However I do know that I was very impressed with the coherent storyline and the multi-dimensional characters. I would have loved this story even without the erotic elements thrown in!

While I did finish The Grand Dark in its entirety, I have to first and foremost agree with all the other reviews out there that say this book is a bit of mess. It felt like Richard Kadrey wanted so badly to fit so many things into this story, that it became tangled. Post-war hedonism, class systems, pervasive drug use, secret government plots, and vivid violence are only a few of the things that are wrapped up in this book. It took me a lot longer than I expected to make it through, because this all makes this a very plodding read.

Now, on to the parts that I did enjoy. First off, I loved the idea of The Grand Dark. Remy's world of puppets and plays, of violence and vice, was a fascinating place to be lost in. Even before Largo's messenger adventures began, I was completely in love with the idea that he and Remy were together. There's something painfully stunning about a couple that holds one another together. These two were both so broken. Their relationship was one that bordered on explosive. Yet, there was something beautiful about the way that they found even a minute amount of happiness in a world that was torn to ribbons by war.

I also appreciated the fact that Kadrey doesn't shy away from the realities of that post-war world. From the Iron Dandies, who are casualties of that war, to the copious drug use that fills the lower class, he shines a light on the gritty parts of Largo's world. As a bike messenger, Largo sees both halves of that post-war haze. The elite, who lost essentially nothing and are untouched. The lower class, who are broken, battered, and addicted. I thought it was a great way to show that duality, because Largo had to be the one to bridge the gap. The whole idea of being a pawn for the government was only the icing on the cake.

So why the lower rating? Mainly the plodding pace, but also that the ending of this book didn't feel at all complete. For how long it took for that ending to finally arrive, I felt so unsatisfied with the way that things wrapped up. Pity, really, but I'm still in the Kadrey fan camp and will await the next book.

How to describe my feelings for this book without spoiling it? For me, the highest compliment I can give Crave is that it kept me reading until the last page. Which is good. However by the time I got there I wondered how I really felt about the book overall. It didn't wow me. I didn't dislike it. My feelings for this book fall somewhere smack dab in the middle. Crave was interesting in some aspects, but let's just say that there's really nothing new being brought to the party here.

I liked Savannah okay, but I honestly didn't connect with her as much as I would have liked to. The book kind of rambles on about her day to day life, and there wasn't much to help me link to her as an actual person. Tristan also was just so for me, although I liked him a little more since he actually had quite a sense of humor. In fact, my favorite person in the book was the best friend. Anne. She really didn't even play that big of a role, but she had the most vivid personality to me, and therefore I liked her the best.

If I'm telling the truth, it was just the very cookie cutter way that this story was set up that made me so on the fence about it. I'd liken it to going into any animated Disney movie. You know the characters will be different, and there might be a slight twist or two, but overall the story will generally follow the same outline. That's Crave in a nutshell. Girl meets boy, girl is not supposed to be with boy, girl tries to stay away, boy and girl end up together, bad things ensue, crazy cliffhanger ending. Cut and dry. Crave isn't badly written, it isn't slow, it's just something I've already seen multiple times.

I think what kept me reading above all else is the way that Melissa Darnell weaves older paranormal lore into her story, but gives it a twist now and then. It was those small twists that gave me hope. I found myself more interested in the background of the people that lived in the city than in the actual main characters and their story. My hope for the next book, because yes this is a series, is that I might get to see a little bit more into the history surrounding these people and their talents. Also since we've been introduced to everyone, perhaps there will be a little more action.

So yes, although this book didn't wow me like I wish it did, I'll keep reading on. The ending definitely leaves room open for the next installment, and I'll be excited to see where Darnell takes things next. If you enjoy books that center around paranormal aspects, and have a romance for the ages, this is something that you'll enjoy.

You all know me, if a book is hugely polarized in the blogger world I have to read it. When there's so much hate spewed against it on one side, and so much love on the other side, I must figure out which side I fall on. I had absolutely no expectations one way or the other when I picked up Elusion from the library. I just wanted to give this book a shot and, you know what? I actually really liked this.

Regan lives in a world that is a shattered version of our own. Acid rain falls from the sky, black poisonous clouds hover overhead, and an O2 shield is pretty much necessary most days if you don't want to choke to death on the chemicals floating in the atmosphere. Nature as we know it is gone. So how do people get away from their problems? An Escape. An Elusion. Before he mysteriously died, Regan's father invented this amazing way to take a “trip” to somewhere new. Sounds amazing, right? Or is it?

I have to say, I was impressed with the world that was built around Regan. Although it wasn't flat out explained, it was immersive enough that I didn't even question it. I was lost in the desolation around these people, and the fact that they just ignored it all. I'm a sucker for new technology, and Elusion was amazing to me. Imagine a way to travel to somewhere new, to somewhere that hasn't existed in years, in complete safety. Of course that kind of technology always comes with its fair share of flaws. This one was no exception.

There was nothing I could do but hold on as Regan flew through one part of the mystery after another, uncovering all the dirty laundry that her father's company was trying to hide. Once again I'll admit, it wasn't exactly a perfectly plausible story line. Still, this was a new world. It was a vividly built world, and I was willing to forgive a lot simply because I couldn't help but feel caught up in it all. I wanted to know what Orexis was hiding, and you couldn't have stopped me if you tried.

The absolute only thing that slightly irked me was the quasi-romance that Elusion brings to the table. Regan was such a strong character. She fought for what she believed in, and never gave up no matter how many people tried to break her down. Seeing her loose it over a guy she just met, no matter how handsome he was, bothered me. I can't deny it. It also made for an ending that, although the cliffhanger is killer, was rushed as well. Still, I know I'll be back for more. This series has hooked me. You can mark me solidly on the “I liked this” side of the Elusion camp, and I'm proud of it.

Lovestruck Summer is one of the sweetest and most fun reads I've opened in a long time! From the moment I met the main character, Priscilla (better known as Quinn), I knew this was a book I was going to love. Quinn is witty, she is stubborn, and she loves the Indie Rock scene. My kind of girl! Each time someone called her Priscilla and she bristled at the name, I knew we were destined to enjoy one another's company.

If you are an Indie Rock fan, or for that matter if you are looking to branch out to new music, you will love this book! All the pop culture references in it, all the band shout outs, all the place shout outs, keep you involved. It was refreshing to take a break from fantasy. I needed to step into a story where what was taking place could really happen, and this made my heart sing!

My absolute favorite part about this story was the characters, without a doubt. Each one of them is so different, but they play on one another's strengths and weaknesses perfectly. Quinn is young, slightly naive, and stubborn. Russ (the cowboy) is strong and emotional at the same time. Penny and her sorority counterparts are just big balls of crazy energy. I LOVED each character in their own right, and that made this book extremely enjoyable.

Although this book is a sweet and funny romance, it's also all about stereotypes and breaking those down. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you start to read at the message underneath. I knew there was a romance novel out there I'd enjoy. I knew it! I found it. Thank you Melissa Walker, you have opened my eyes.

When the prospect of a Middle Grade post-apocalyptic book was presented to me, I was over the moon. I'm a huge fan of MG fiction, but it seems like there's not a lot of it out there that stems into areas like this. Maybe it's because post-apocalyptic worlds aren't exactly happy places, but that just made me more excited to see how Peggy Eddleman would handle this in her debut novel.

What first struck me as odd was the fact that the science aspect of this book really doesn't make a lot of sense. I'm all for suspending disbelief to enjoy a book. If people can fly, and you explain to me why that's true, I'll happily follow along. In this case, Sky Jumpers tried its best to make sense of a world where very few people remain, and invention is the only thing that matters besides survival. I was tossed into a world where only primitive technology remains, and people put a heavy-handed emphasis on invention. If you don't invent, or you can't invent, you're an outcast. Or, you're our main character. Somehow she seems to be the only one who falls into this category.

That being said, I could have let most of that go, except that the questions that I had kept compounding. Characters in MG novels do all manner of amazing things. They set off on epic quests, save villages, and most of the time all by themselves. Nonetheless, my mind simply wouldn't wrap itself around the fact that Hope was in this role. Setting off into a blizzard with your very injured best friend and his five year old sister just doesn't make sense. Add in the fact that “Bomb's Breath”, the very thing that kills people who try to enter the valley and is their only protection from outside, can be walked through by simply holding your breath? I'm so very confused.

Truthfully, this was a quick enough read. Hope and her friends were well written, and I could actually see the twelve year old persona in their thoughts and actions. That's where my enjoyment of this story hit a wall though. There was too much that just didn't mesh. I think if this were a Fantasy story, something where we're encouraged to let go of anything true (like scientific fact), I would have liked this more.

Listen #2 to this audio book and it's still as wonderful as before. Neil Gaiman is a master. That's all there is to say.

Okay, before this review even begins, please let me warn you that I am completely on the fence about this book. Big Girl Panties was a read that I powered through, and both loved and seethed at in equal measures. I'm certain that alone makes it worth your time. Still, if I ramble, you've been warned.

Holly Brennan is a fabulous female lead! I absolutely have to start with that because I haven't met a woman like her in a long time. She's vibrant, witty and, even when the way others see her gets to her, strong as all get out. There was nothing I didn't love about this woman. As I dove deeper into her past, and saw her grow into a new person, I couldn't help but laugh and cry. Holy Brennan is amazing, that's the long and short of it.

Which is why I could not, no matter how hard I tried, like Logan Montgomery. Described as an “Adonis” Logan is a personal trainer to the stars. He's a psuedo-celebrity and acts like one. Filling his social calendar, attending benefits, and dating busty and blonde waifs. When his interest in Holly started to peak, I wanted to scream at her that she could do better. Despite Ms. Evanovich's attempts to make him seem caring, all I saw was a shallow man.

See, Logan is all about his image. He knows it, we know it, and yet somehow Holly takes forever to see it. Even when she's in shape, and feeling better about herself, he uses words like “pudgy”and “soft” to describe her. I'm sorry, and maybe it's just me, but being a single digit size doesn't make a woman beautiful. Holly works her butt off in this book, and everyone can see her beauty but him. No spoilers, I promise. Let me just say that I never liked Logan. Not even after the book had ended.

Still, the story between them is fun, fresh and a quick read! I mentioned above that I powered through this book, and I truly did. Holly's story is so inspirational. She overcomes a lot, and has the perfect attitude about changing her life. I couldn't get enough of her witty personality, and honestly I rooted for her the entire way through. Holly is what made this book for me, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

So, if you are a fan of witty heroines and life changing stories, this is one for you! Pick up a copy of Big Girl Panties and meet Holly Brennan. You won't be sorry.

When I was first asked to review Other Sides, I had to do a double take. I honestly had never heard of Webfiction before. Of course that made me all the more determined that I would read it. You know me.

Now? Now I'm a proud member of the Webfiction society. There isn't enough to say about how amazingly written these stories are, and how easy they are to become obsessed with. You meet the characters in a small installment and suddenly there is a burning need to find out more about them! Webfiction is, hands down, fantastic.

To get back to the actual anthology, Other Sides is an extremely engrossing read. There are stories from all across the Speculative Fiction universe, including my favorite: snarky alien races. The authors chosen for this anthology are some of the best out there. The writing is perfection, and the length of the stories is just enough to get you hooked before they leave you wanting more! Multiple cliffhangers anyone? My favorite story by far was that by MCM (who coincidentally will be interviewed on my blog tomorrow) titled “The Little Problem”. I don't want to spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that I was literally laughing out loud as I read this one. Also, I now want a garden gnome.

There are 12 stories to sate your palette, and even if you are a bit skeptical I can assure you that this is worth your time. Other Sides is a brilliant anthology, and it is sure to bring new fans to the genre of Speculative Fiction and Webfiction! That being said, if you are already a fan of Speculative Fiction you need to give this anthology a read. I promise you'll fall in love and bookmark all the websites to read more.

Zan-Gah is a new taste for my literary palette, and I admit that when I first finished reading it I wasn't sure exactly what I thought. My head was still reeling from all the action that I had just encountered with Zan and his counterparts, but as I didn't have anything else to compare this book to I wasn't sure how it rated in my mind. Finally, I decided that this book is just in its own realm. A new and amazing type of fiction that cannot be compared to anything else because it is so unique. Truthfully, I loved this book!

The story opens with action right away, throwing the reader straight into a lion hunt with Zan and his clan members. A lion has killed a child, and now sadly must be killed. I was impressed that Zan was so stoic and rigid under the threat of attacking such a fast and fearsome creature. It was from this point that I knew he would be a character I would enjoy following through the story. Intelligent, strong, and a leader. Zan is a character who you can watch grow and feel invested in.

Allan writes with a depth that is truly intense. Each and every scene in the book is written in such vivid detail, that those of you with good imaginations will find yourselves walking the same paths as Zan does. There were times when I was so involved in this book that I didn't hear my phone ring. That's pretty amazing! The one thing I felt was lacking in this department was more description of the other characters. I learned so much about Zan and enjoyed his company, but I felt like the other characters were hidden behind his epic character.

Zan-Gah is a perfectly paced book for young adults, always giving enough action to keep the reader going but never pushing too much. What caught my attention most while reading this book however, is how much you will find yourself learning while you read. It's not often that a book can teach and entertain at the same time, and as an educator that is something that I strongly look for. Allan Richard Shickman has woven a beautiful and unique tale with Zan-Gah. I see this not only as a young adult story, but as a story that people of all ages would in fact enjoy.

Whose Hat Is This? was a really adorable look at community workers and the hats that they wear. The book is interactive too! Each job has a page with the hat in bright colors, and then the page following has the worker and the name of the job that they do. The kids had a blast trying to guess the hats before the page was turned. I have older children, and they still considered it completely worth the challenge!

I was especially enamored with the fact that there are both men and women in each job. The girls were very happy about the police woman because apparently some of them know women in the police department! It was definitely a nice touch. After reading through this book, I also understand why it is rated from ages 4-8. Although the pages themselves have very simple wording, underneath each job is a longer and more in-depth description of that job.

I would recommend this book to any teacher for use with their Kindergarten, First or even Second Grade classes! I'll also say that this is an exceptional book for the boys, they were entertained the entire way through.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I admire writers that aim their books at Middle Grade children. Writing for this age is difficult because it is crucial that the book resonates with them. It needs to be interesting, it needs to be funny, and most of all it needs to be challenging enough to make them feel like they are growing as readers! Then , when you add in the hardest market to target, which is the boys at this age, that's on a whole other level. When I find books that perfectly fit all of these things I fall instantly in love.

Therefore it is fair to say that I am officially in love with Pirate Treasure! Benjamin Flinders has created a book series that perfectly matches the Middle Grade age groups, and is just pure pleasure to read. There are silly jokes, there are fun characters, and the illustrations just bring it all together into one delicious book package! The two main characters, Dillon and Ethan, are so sweet and imaginative. I was enamored with the book from the beginning, simply because these two boys were so enjoyable to read about. Yes, I'll admit that I found myself chuckling at this book. If I laughed, doesn't that mean kids will? This book screams FUN, and I know kids will answer.

As I said before, the hardest readers to target are those young boys. I've worked with kids for over 10 years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult it is to find books that boys will enjoy. Pirate Treasure ties up a great story, fabulous illustrations, and kid sized jokes all into one package. These are books that I know for a fact the boys in my class would enjoy, if for no other reason than that they can connect with the two male protagonists. With pirate names like Darren Deeds and Tough Cooky, how could you go wrong? I recommend this book to all parents out there with young kids, all lovers of pirates, and all of you who are young at heart!

Lou Bertignac comes up with a project on homelessness simply to appease her teacher. She doesn't want to do a presentation. In fact she hates being in front of a group. Who was she to know that this decision would affect the entire rest of her life?

Lou meets No at a train station and they begin a very tentative relationship with one another. No is 18 years old, five years older than Lou, and is a part of the homeless community. As their relationship progresses into more of a friendship, each girl is given a glimpse at the other's life through what they share with one another.

What I really enjoyed about this story was Lou, the main character. Lou was a sweet, intelligent and socially awkward girl when the story began and it kind of reminded me of myself at her age. Shying away from the boys, keeping to herself, making sure she stayed off the radar to keep others from talking about her. I really loved Lou's character. As Lou progresses through the book, her eyes are opened by No's predicament. No becomes less of a project to Lou, and more of a mission. It is endearing to see the need that buds between these two. They become part of one another.

Unfortunately I can't elaborate too much more without spoiling the story, but I will say that this book is worth a read. If you are worried that you might not enjoy this book, I can say that is a fairly short read. Give it a try, you might love it!

Red in the Flower Bed is a beautifully imagined story about interracial adoption. It's sweet and lilting prose captures a child's attention, while the stunning illustrations capture their imagination. Honestly, I do believe that this book would be perfect for any child who has gone through an adoption. Especially if they question why they may not look like their other family members.

The simple analogy of a child to a seed is fantastic. Just as the seed needs to move on to another patch of ground to fully grow, Andrea Nepa shows that sometimes a child must move on to a new family to fully grow. Red in the Flower Bed is an age-appropriate look at a tough topic for children, and is sure to open the floor for more discussion. I believe every child could benefit from this book even, since at the soul of it is the message of acceptance. Andrea Nepa shows children that everyone is beautiful, and fits in just where they are.

With beautiful illustrations and a sweet storyline, I'd definitely recommend Red in the Flower Bed to all families out there. Share it with your children and discuss.

As the synopsis mentions, the Covert Youth Agency (or CYA) are a group of students who would probably be considered to be the “underdogs” in most situations. Pi and his friends are the nerds at school, but they use their immense brain power for good rather than evil. Good thing too, considering the fact that they know how to hack into the school files and so much more. This “untraceable geek squad”, as Jason Ancona puts it, is not to be reckoned with!

Our narrator is mainly Pi in this story, although Vera's thoughts occasionally make an appearance. Pi is a great kid, a loyal friend and a top notch student. He flies under the radar with the greatest of ease. The one chink in his armor? Vera. She's the high school band's lead violinist and the absolute object of Pi's affection. Before we are introduced to Vera, we see that Pi uses the CYA to help the other “underdogs” of the school. Any students who can't seem to get themselves out of sticky situations (especially bullying) are steered towards the CYA and their intelligent tactics. Once Vera steps into the picture though, Pi falls head over heels and hilarity ensues.

Overall I really enjoyed this story. Despite the spots where the plot dragged a bit, the story was well written and full of fun plot twists. The banter between Pi, Lightman and Tollhouse was definitely my favorite part. These three are perfect examples of how really good friends interact. There were portions of this book where I couldn't stop myself from giggling at the way they picked on one another. I love when that happens! What was most difficult for me were the heavy narrative portions of the book. This is what tended to slow the pacing down in the book. Still, I realize that for the voice of this book it was a necessary tool. The bright side is that the reader gets to know Pi and his friends very well, and it makes the characters much more believable and relatable.

Filled with mystery, hilarity and of course some tangled love, this book did end up quite an enjoyable read. It also happens to be a rather short read, which makes it perfect lazy weekend reading material! I'm extremely pleased that this book was put on my radar. I look forward to seeing what Pi and his friends get into in the future. I'd recommend this book to nerds, lovers of nerds, and anyone who doesn't mind giggling like mad while reading.

Adorable. Pure and simple, that's what this book was. It's a quick read at only 192 pages, and the premise is something that anyone of any age can relate to. Remember that girl in school who was too cool for anyone else? What would happen if that girl used to be your best friend before the summer break? That's what happens to Tori, and she has no idea how to react!

Tori was so sweet and endearing as a main character. I thought it was amazing how well she knew Sienna, and how willing she was to accommodate to her at first. In terms of good friendships I would definitely have to say Tori is at least an 8. Her willingness to be a great friend despite the circumstances really made me smile. I don't want to spoil, but there were a few times where I giggled out loud at the lengths she went to for Sienna's well being!

Sienna is also a very believable character. Even growing up in a smaller town, I saw the girls who suddenly morphed over breaks. The girls who tried to fit into the popular crowd so that the would feel more accepted. It never occurred to them who they were leaving behind. What really touched me was how true to life Sienna's feeling and need for acceptance really were. It resonated with me in a way that made me love this book that much more.

Long story short? This is a very sweet, very fun read! If you are looking for something light to read over the summer, this is definitely a book for you. Endearing characters, true to life circumstances, Kristina Springer has built an extremely adorable novel for the YA crowd!