Jess N
Imagine a world where your every move is watched. Every decision you make, no matter how small it might seem to you, dictates how “fit” you are for society. College, a good job, a family, that all revolves around your score. You are scored on who you spend time with, how healthy you are, what you read, pretty much every aspect of your life. Welcome to Imani's world. For her and all the other teenagers in her society, this is reality.
In ScoredMcLaughlin weaves a story that is centered in a society so similar to our own that it is just eerie. Sure, we don't have cameras following us everyday. Or do we? I reveled in the fact that the author relates a lot of what is happening in Imani's world to our current world, which is the past world in the book. It adds an element of terror to the book, as the reader realizes that Imani's world actually does have a chance to become reality.
Imani starts out the story with a score in the 90s. Her life is set. For Imani, Score Corp isn't big brother. They are a benevolent company who gives people like her a way for her to transcend above the life she was handed. I liked Imani for the most part. Her strength was admirable, and her interactions with others brought her character to life. There were portions of the book where her criticism of others bordered on overbearing, but I reminded myself that she was born into a brainwashed society.
What really kept me from falling completely into Scored was that it revolved so heavily around Imani and Deigo's story. Almost the entire story they are working on a paper for a scholarship, and at the same time discovering the dark secrets that Score Corp is hiding. However at the end none of that really makes much of a difference. In fact, the climax that I was eagerly awaiting never really came at all. It was wholly disappointing.
Overall I'd say that Scored was a quick and entertaing read. Despite my disappointment at the ending, I feel like the book as a whole is rather solid. I'm not sure if there is another book in the works. If there is, I'd welcome some more of Imani's story.
I am still reeling from just finishing this novella, and let me tell you it's going to stick with me for a while. In the Storm is a book like no others. The 88 pages flew by and I'm left with a feeling somewhere between exasperation at the fact that there is no more left for me to read, and total awe at the whole concept behind the story. This was definitely one of a kind.
Although this is a shorter novella, the characters really come to life. The sheer fact that Karen Metcalf was able to fit so much character development into these pages is what really blew my mind. In a matter of pages I was one with Carly and the immense anger that bubbled underneath her surface. Anger at her life, anger at the circumstances surrounding her, anger at the fact that she couldn't seem to control anything. Carly is definitely not a happy girl, and it shows both in her actions and her words. However despite her deep anger, you can see that there is a wounded Carly there who just wants to reach out to someone. She craves someone in her life to hold onto. Despite my short stint of reading her, I'm happy to say that I really did feel for Carly.
I don't want to give anything away, but the plot of this story is truly what blew me away. In beautiful dialogue between Carly and the mysterious Morgan, Karen Metcalf weaves a story that made me stop and think. Hard. Fate is focused upon heavily in this story, as Carly navigates the reality of the dream world she has so recently found. There were portions of the story that I found myself re-reading and blinking at in amazement. Somehow despite my confusion initially it all clicked into place. Now I can't keep myself from mulling over what my eyes have been opened to. Fiction or not, the way fate is discussed in this book is definitely something to think about.
My one qualm? I want more. I want to know more about why Carly was so important, why her dream world was so vividly created, and why Morgan was so essential to her. Truth be told if the book had been 400 pages I would have read ravenously. The questions that hang in the air at the ending are deliciously maddening.
Long story short, I truly loved this novella. I give it the highest recommendation I can and urge you to pick it up! Perhaps it might have been one that you would glance over normally in favor of books with more buzz, but let me tell you In the Storm is one that you don't want to miss.
Aurora Undefined was a sweet read, although it took me a few chapters to really get into. Aurora's whole existence is uncertain as the new school year approaches, because her best friend has left her for the popular crowd. It's almost as though the last three years of friendship between them never existed. In this respect, I was a little peeved with Aurora because she was such a smart girl! However I stepped back, remembered that this book is meant for younger readers than I, and thought about how I would feel if my best friend suddenly vanished from my life in my Senior year of high school. Yup, I'd probably be just like Aurora.
I really fell in love with her character though as soon as things started to progress. As she grew, and learned, and came into her own. I don't want to ruin anything for people who are interested in this book, but there is a huge event that happens in Aurora's life. Something so big, that she doesn't deal with it very well. It is this event that teaches her what it really means to be a friend, and also what it really means to know what you want. The message here was great. Being popular may sound good, but it is such a fleeting thing. Aurora learns to focus more on herself and move everyone else along with her.
The romance aspect in Aurora Undefined is minimal but really cute. I loved Hudson with all my heart. He's the type of best guy friend that we all wish we had. Funny, sweet, and downright stern when it's necessary for him to be. He was always setting Aurora on the right path again, and just being there for her when she needed it. The chemistry and easy banter between the two of them was adorable, and it added a nice extra layer to Aurora's personality.
I'm not sure what else I can say without giving anything away! I can say that this is a sweet read that is definitely worth your time. My suggestion would be to grab a copy of Aurora Undefined and take it to the beach with you, or even perhaps to your vacation destination! It's available on the Kindle, so it's easy to transport to. Win/win my friends. Enjoy!
An ADORABLE counting book, complete with flaps to pull up and down. The kids had a blast reading this one!
Some of the words are a bit tough, so this is definitely one to share between a parent and child. Still, Dagmar is utterly adorable. I can't say enough how much fun this was to read.
Although I haven't had a chance to review it yet, I just finished Elizabeth Kolodziej's first book Vampyre Kisses. I fell in love with the characters in that book, and I was looking forward to diving into this one! I know these reviews are a bit backwards, but I'll do my best to make sure that I explain a little bit about the overall story and what I liked. That way you won't feel lost, my lovely readers.
Number one thing I love about this series in general is the copious amount of paranormal lore that is packed in. From vampires, to witches, to werewolves, there are more paranormal entities than it seems possible to fit into one story line. However Elizabeth does it seamlessly. Older vampire lore is mixed in with new and interesting abilities. What comes out of it is Werewolf Descent, a fabulously entertaining book that will keep you reading on.
If I had to choose one thing that put this book at 4 stars rather than 5, since I did thoroughly enjoy the read, it would be the way the chapters are broken up. Each chapter is from a different character point of view, and there were times where I would be a bit confused as to who was speaking. Especially since Trent and Faith are so used to one another, so comfortable, that sometimes they say what the other is thinking. It was definitely an interesting way to tell the story, since it was from multiple eyes. However it was definitely a confusing read as well.
The tie in of Greek Mythos made things interesting as well. I'm not entirely sure how much it spoke out in the overall story of Werewolf Descent specifically, but it was a nice undertone. The plot is fast moving, the characters are well written, and if you've read the first book you won't have a single problem picking up where you left off. I've heard people say that you can read this as a standalone. Personally I wouldn't recommend it. I started to read this first, but then quickly realized that I was missing a lot of rich back story. Spend the extra time and read both, you won't regret that you did.
All these words basically equal out to one thing. This book was a great read. I'm a fan of vampires, a fan of werewolves and, thanks to Werewolf Descent, I think I've just added witches to my list as well. If you are a lover of paranormal fantasy, this is a series to look out for. I thank Elizabeth Kolodziej for allowing me the opportunity to review her books! I can't wait for the next in the series.
Stewart Felkel has written a novella that has an interesting enough premise. Tommy McCain is a former FBI agent who is settling down for retirement in a small town. He chose Louisiana, because one of his friends has said how much he loved it there. In fact, his friend even moved there himself and was living there happily. That is, until he disappeared. Twist?
Tommy's character was likable enough, although I felt like the short length of the story didn't do him justice. It's evident that Tommy has a lot of history behind him. There are moments where it's all just too much for him and he feels it crashing down. Despite the length, I would have liked to get to know him a little better. Even the mythology that is presented is rushed over. It was this mythology that really drew me in, but as soon as I had my interest peaked it was over.
What I did appreciate was the vivid characters that populated the town. Stewart Felkel has a knack for writing uniquely vibrant characters. I mentioned above that Tommy was a great character. I just would have liked to see him pop off the pages as vividly as the characters around him. His quiet nature sometimes made him blend into the background, even though he was the main character.
The other issue I had was that I felt as though the length of the novella wasn't utilized as well as it could have been. There's a lot of day to day happenings that fill the pages. Tommy waking up, putting on his clothes, making coffee. I can understand trying to humanize him and make him real. However I think a bit of that probably could have been cut in favor of some more buildup to the finale of the story.
There were also quite a few typos in the copy I read. That wasn't enough to push me away from finishing Offerings but I could see this being much better with a little polishing.
I understand this is a novella, and I thought this was a quick, and interesting enough read. I honestly think that with a little more length and some editorial work, it has the potential to be something amazing.
Silver Knight is a fast-paced and amazing romp through a set of past lives. It's the type of book that draws you in, and even though a few different genres are mixed it works well! Caron Rider has managed to mix together modern high school life, with a girl who has shades of her past lives peppered in. What you'll find in this book is nothing short of fantastic! I honestly read through each page breathlessly to the end.
Our first-person narrator Diana is quite a girl. She is very much an old soul, which I totally related to her. What's nice about that is the book never really has too deep of a sense of a teenager persona. Of course Diana is actually one, but the breadth of what she has experienced really comes through in her character. The best part about her is that she is so vivid in her descriptions of things. When Diana is in a room she doesn't just see it, she experiences it. Caron Rider did an excellent job with this, and it is so easy to simply place yourself in the story. It makes it very immersive.
As I mentioned above, the story line is quick moving and well-written. I liked how well the two parts blended together. The one thing that made me a little sad was the lack of depth in certain aspects of the story. What I mean is, there are a lot of times where something is mentioned, or touched on, but never fully explored. My hope is that, because this is a series, there is a lot more to come! I will give the story this much, because of what was missing I'm eager to dive into the next installment! I want my questions answered.
I'd recommend this book to older young adult readers, mostly because of Diana's overall voice. She is a very pleasant narrator to follow (and she loves books so that is a huge plus!) but sometimes her lack of teen vibe makes her feel a little older. I for one loved it, but it might turn some younger readers off. Overall, I thought that Silver Knight was extremely well done! Kudos to Caron Rider. I'm in for the long haul!
When I first read the synopsis for Running from Secrets, I was intrigued. A world within a world? How could you not love something so deep. I wanted to see where Bethany would go, what she would dream up, and how she would get herself into trouble. It seemed like a fantastic premise for a fantasy book, and I was an eager reader when I opened up to the first page.
From there, things became a little rocky for me. There were elements of the story that I really loved, and then there were parts that didn't feel as though they fit at all. Bethany has created the world of New Velerethland in her mind, along with a heroine named Chime. At first Bethany thinks it's all just a story. She soon comes to find out that these people really do, in fact, exist and she gets wrapped up in their adventures. This I liked. The fantasy/adventure aspect was really great. Chime and Bethany were great compliments to one another, and their adventures were interesting and fantastical.
In terms of characterization, as a main character I really felt like Bethany's story was really glanced over. The reader finds out a little bit about her at the beginning, that she's been transplanted to a brand new home after a terrible accident, but then we loose her in Chime's world. I felt like Bethany's character never really grew into her own, or was fully fleshed out. There were times I felt she was older than she was supposed to be, and times when I felt she was much younger. It was rather confusing. Chime also doesn't get much background, but as she is a product of Bethany's imagination, I understood why. Still, I would have liked to get to know them a little better.
Stephanie Void has written a very good fantasy story here, but as I mentioned there are parts that just didn't seem to fit. There is a secret that Bethany is hiding, and when she hints at it (extremely briefly) it doesn't really fit into the overall story. I found myself rereading that passage a few times to make sure I read it correctly. It was a huge thing for a girl her age to be carrying around, but I wasn't sure how it melded with her fantasy world. Except perhaps that she was hiding from it there. There are also portions of the book that are very dialogue heavy. It made reading slow going at times. I would have liked to see a little more action.
If I'm being honest, Running from Secrets was both a hit and a miss for me at the same time. There were parts of the story that flowed, and then there were things that would pull me out of the world I was reading about. By no means am I saying that I didn't like the book. What I am saying is that it wasn't the easiest read for me. I'd recommend you give it a read if you're a lover of fantasy. Bethany's world is well worth a visit.
Kylie Jean: Dancing Queen is part of a larger series, all focusing on Kylie Jean's character. By my count there are now 8 books in the series, and they all look adorable! Based on this particular book, I can definitely say that this is a series that young girls will just eat up. Kylie Jean is spunky, she's sweet, and about as honest as a kid can get. Add in her insatiable need for learning new things, and you've got a little girl that other little girls will love.
In this story Kylie Jean wants the main role in the ballet version of Swan Lake. The story follows her as she practices her heart out and then nervously tries out. Even when she doesn't get the part she was pining for, she shows young readers how to be proud of what you've accomplished anyway. She's a great role model. There are a lot of good lessons in the story, including how to be kind to others. I definitely think this would a great addition to any little ballerina's book shelf.
As I mentioned above, this book hits the mark right before Middle Grade. It's a chapter book, but the chapters are short, the words are moderately easy, and the illustrations help keep readers immersed. This would be prefect for 7-8 year olds who are ready for a chapter book!
This review was tough to write for me. As a reader at my age, I would have rated this a 3. However I realize that these are meant for younger readers, girls who need someone to connect with, and so I tried to read and review using that thought process. I hope I did this book justice, since it wasn't necessarily written for me.
That being said, I have to applaud G.S. Wolff for writing such varied and unique characters. Each of the five girls in the book is completely different from the one before her. They live everywhere from New York to San Francisco, have hobbies that are different, have family backgrounds that are greatly different, and their personalities are each sparkling in their own ways. I also appreciated that, for the most part, there are no stereotypes present in this book. These girls are who they are, and they aren't ashamed of it at all.
Tweens will find a lot to love in the characters between the pages of this book. As a first installment in the series, The Girlz of Galstanberry is mainly meant to be back story. Aundrea's early life is explained, as well as how the Academy came into existence. I have to say I loved Aundrea's story, especially regarding her father's feelings towards her. I won't spoil, but it's great. The girls are each introduced in their own chapters, and we get to see into their lives at home. How did they each end up being admitted to Galstanberry Academy? You'll find out!
What I liked most was that, despite the fact that each girl is of a specific ethnicity, they are malleable enough that readers can find bits and pieces of themselves in each one. Perhaps the reader is African American, but comes from a wealthy family and enjoys dancing. They'll find a bit of themselves in multiple characters as they read through. I also appreciated that G.S. Wolff allowed her girls to have their own quirks and flaws. These aren't perfect characters, but much closer to normal people. They have worries, fears, and things that make it difficult for them to move on to a new place.
This series has a lot of potential to please young readers and empower them, and for that I applaud it. The next installment in the series dives a bit more into the interactions between the girls, and I'm curious to see how it works when they all come together under one roof. I'll let you know!
For me, Pretty Bones was a bit tough to get through. On the one hand you have a character who gives the reader a glimpse into the mind of a normal girl who is battling anorexia. Raine is a person who has a fairly great life. She has a family who cares, she does well in school, and she has a support group of friends. In fact, Raine has it more together than most of the other characters I've read about lately. However, despite everything, Raine still feels out of control. So she turns to the one thing she can control, the numbers on the scale.
I know what I'm doing to myself. But I'm fine. I could stop if I wanted to. I just don't want to. Not yet. - pg. 22
At only 160 pages, Pretty Bones doesn't really allow the reader to probe that deeply into Raine's motivations. I felt like I was missing the reason as to why she chose this lifestyle. It made me feel like she just didn't care about anyone but herself, and that selfishness drove me completely crazy while I was reading. I'll admit that there were small mentions of things going on in her family life, but none of those seemed to me like enough reason to turn to anorexia. Perhaps it's just me, but did take away from my enjoyment of this book.
The one character that I really did fall in love with was Dylan. I won't spoil, but he was a character who made me smile. The message that comes through, under everything Raine related, is that it only takes a few people who really care to make a difference. Pretty Bones also shows the reader that giving up is not an option. It was this part of the story line that was a saving grace for me. All of the side characters actually made more of an impact on me than Raine did.
Overall Pretty Bones wasn't my favorite read of the year so far, but it does have its good points. If you are looking for a fairly quick read with tougher subject matter, this is one for you.
The thing that stood out to me the most in this book? Summer. Her life is unlike anything I've read before. Here is a girl who was taken from her only family member at an extremely young age. She was tortured, abused, raised to be a mute and compliant little slave. To say that Summer's experiences hurt me is an understatement. I'm glad that Laura Kreitzer tackled the way that young slaves are treated in the slave trade, that exists even now. Still it is quite tough to read. Just a warning there for younger or more squeamish readers. Summer's life was fascinating for me from the very beginning, because she was so strong despite everything else.
Romance also makes a debut here, and I actually really adored the way that Kreitzer fleshed it out. Summer is a girl who hasn't been able to trust anyone else since she was taken. Now there is a special person in her life who makes her feel whole again. I won't spoil, but it's really sweet. Sure there were times when it seemed a bit overboard, but again, this is in the mind of a girl who just wants someone to treat her right. Gage is all sorts of adorable! I can't wait to see where these two go next.
What lost me a bit was the very intense story line that takes place towards the middle of this story. Phantom Universe isn't just about a girl who is a young slave. It has modern day pirate ships (complete with 21st century heists), the concept of time travel, and even a future society that is dead set on annihilating its refugees. Think concentration camps for people from the past. In all honesty by the time I was nearing the end of Part II, I was slightly confused.
There is a lot going on in this first book, and I'm sure that it is all important to the second one. It seemed really mashed into itself in an effort to fit it all in. I would have liked to know more about the Secret Clock Society. I also was really intrigued by the set of people that Gage was running from, and the “Exodus” that caused them to exist in the first place. I felt unfulfilled at a lot of the unanswered questions. I'm hoping most of this will be resolved in the second book.
To wrap up this rather rambling review, Phantom Universe ultimately turned out to be a book that I really did enjoy. There were a few hiccups here and there, but I'm genuinely excited to get to dive into the next in the series. If nothing else, I believe that Summer will steal your heart. Her story is heart wrenching, but so amazing at the same time. Give this one a shot, I think you'll enjoy it.
Laugh out loud funny. That's what Effie at the Wedding truly is! Effie is the younger sister. She's sure she's not as pretty, she may be a little overweight, and she has no idea why her sister would want to get married to a doctor. Doesn't she know that doctors don't have time for their wives? GOSH! What Effie does know is that she absolutely cannot be a part of this wedding. Especially in her Pepto Bismo pink wedding dress.
Tracy Marchini has created the perfect voice for Effie. She rings true as a young girl who is slightly self-centered (okay maybe sometimes a lot) and doesn't want to loose her sister to someone new. Effie's snark is hilarious, and the way she shares her reasons for things with the reader is in the form of lists. It is truly these lists that make this book. Effie's lists range from things dealing with herself, to dealing with other people, and each of them is giggle worthy. Her reactions to things and people are hilarious as well. While Effie may be a young girl, looking at things through her eyes is brutally honest in the best way possible.
This is a short story, but Marchini manages to bring a character and her surroundings to life almost instantly. It needs to be said, that as far as short stories go, this is a gem! Tracy Marchini has created a character who is lovable, adorable, and downright hilarious. I'm not going to lie, I got to the end of this wishing that there was more Effie and more wedding. Too cute! If you're in need of a quick read, and a lot of giggles, give this story a try. You'll definitely get both.
It was really the premise of Spontaneous that first prompted me to review this. Spontaneous Human Combustion is something that we really don't stop to think about. I was intrigued to see what path author Joe Harris would take. So with an open mind, I dove right in.
The story flies by as the pages tell Melvin's story. The problem with this brevity is that there is really no time to develop the characters. Melvin is a tormented soul, and that's him through the whole book. Emily is that no-holds-barred reporter who is dead set on getting her story, and again she doesn't change. In fact most of the secondary characters don't even get enough face time for the reader to fully even notice them. I liked that the book moved so quickly, but I would have read for longer if it meant more time to spend with the characters.
What's good about the way that this story is written is that there isn't any down time at all. From page one the reader is drawn into the mystery of the people who are suffering from this odd fate. Melvin's story blossoms beautifully, slowly letting the reader see just enough to keep them intrigued. I think this is where Emily's character truly shined. As you are doing your best to figure out what Melvin is going to do next, Emily is uncovering the story behind it all. At the end I honestly did a double take. It was that interesting.
In terms of illustrations, Spontaneous is a lot different than other books I've seen. The art style is a mixture of hard, bold lines with soft watercolor providing some warmth. The people in the story look more like sketches than anything else. More like caricatures than actual people. It works for the story though, and I'm honestly impressed by Brett Weldele's talent. His illustrations allow the story to shine through, without taking over.
Final verdict? Spontaneous is definitely something to check out if you are a fan of graphic novels. The story is unique and quick moving, and I'm certain that you'll fall in love with the illustrations.
When I was first asked to review The Dreamspeaker, I will honestly admit that I was drawn in by the cover. It has an amazing manga look to it, and I'm a huge fan of epic fantasy stories! Then when I read the synopsis and heard about stolen artifacts and arcanists, I was in for the long haul. Fantasy has, and always will be, my favorite genre! I can never pass up a chance to find my way into a new world.
That being said I had high hopes for the first book in the Lady Star series, and I wasn't disappointed! From the very beginning I fell in love with the girls and their very different personalities. From Jessica, who is the soft spoken and kind hearted one, right down to adorable Cici, who is young and full of wonder, each one of these characters brought something wonderful to the story. As a group, they meshed so well with one another. By the time that they were surrounded by peril and working together to fight the darkness, I had no doubt in my mind that they could do whatever they put their minds to. Teenagers or not, W. Scott has given these girls just as much, if not more, butt-kicking power than any adult character.
In terms of plot, the story flows nicely. There are portions that are a little jumpy, as the story circulates between multiple points of view. However once you get to know the girls you can actually start to pick up on who is speaking even before you see their name. The all important balance between good and evil is here, along with a bit of a coming of age storyline, since the characters are on the younger side. Honestly what I loved most about the plot line was how the author throws you in a bit quickly, and then slowly takes the reader back to see where things are headed. The beginning of the story starts out with a bang, and I loved it for that!
If I had one complaint, and this is a mild one since I know this is a series, I would really love much more world building. The lands that Jessica and her companions are traipsing through sound gorgeous and epic from what I can tell. However their beauty is kind of skimmed over in an effort to get each girl to her full potential. I understand this, since like I said this is the first book, however I can't wait to see what W. Scott does with the next installment. I want to feel myself immersed in their world, so I can appreciate the story even more.
Solid, unique, and tons of fun, The Dreamspeaker is an extremely promising beginning to this series. I love the characters, I love the plot line, and I'm smitten with the fact that there are more to come. This is one I'd keep my eyes on friends! Especially if you are a lover of fantasy like I am.
How to Make a Golem and Terrify People made me smile a lot. That's saying something, since right before reading this I was in a bit of a reading slump. I just don't know how you can feel down when adorable Scottish children are romping about on the pages of a book, getting into all sorts of mischief and mayhem. Add in a little bit of alchemy and a few life lessons, and you have a story that is a great read.
Edda was such a sweet young protagonist. Although her character wasn't quite as vivid as I would have liked her to be, she definitely held her own. For Edda life is about familiarity. She's comfortable with her warm, loving home and her best friend. Then, on her twelfth birthday, Edda's life is turned upside down when a her home is burgled. It was easy for me to see how violated and scared she felt. From this point on the reader is treated to a view of Edda's transformation from “mouse” to “Edda the Brave”.
The story line is simple enough in this middle grade adventure. All that Edda wants is to be braver. What she soon learns is that being braver simply means learning to believe in yourself. With the help of her friends, one old and one new, she faces her fears and learns to tame them. My one gripe was simply that, as adorable as they were, the characters weren't as fleshed out as they could have been. I had to remind myself multiple times that this is a middle grade book, and it's all about the journey. Honestly I anticipate young readers delightedly accompanying Edda on her spooky (but not too spooky) golem related adventures.
My final verdict on How to Make a Golem and Terrify People is that it is good, clean and fun reading! By the end I was wishing there was more, but then again I'm a sucker for cute protagonists. If you have a younger reader at home who enjoys an adventure, this is for them! A little bit of alchemy and a lot of friendship come together in perfect harmony to create a story that is a sweet and enjoyable read.
I'm going to be honest. There is absolutely no way for me to review this book if I don't give you a little bit of spoilers. Apologies in advance guys! I'll keep them a minimum, and make sure to leave plenty for you to uncover when you dive into this book.
The Dragonfly Prophecy is an interesting book hybrid. On the one hand, it's a contemporary story about Lexis' life and the struggles that she faces as a teen. On the other hand, Lexi isn't your normal teenager at all. She has powers. Interesting and potentially deadly powers if used incorrectly. While reading I was drawn in by the balance between these two parts of her existence. Lexi isn't just a girl, she isn't just a possible hero, she's a little bit of both. She has romantic feelings, exudes sadness at times, and even doubts herself. At her core she just a girl. On the surface, she is so much more. So yes, I did enjoy Lexi's character. She also happens to be pretty sarcastic at times, which I loved.
Unfortunately the confusion I had in the first part of the book really made this a tough read for me. Again, it's tough to explain without spoiling. Let's just say that Lexi doesn't just have one reality. Jacquelyn Castle worked very hard to make the two halves of Lexi's life work well together. Still, it made for some confusing transitions at times. The first 40 or so pages were confusing enough that I had to re-read them just to make sure that I wasn't missing anything important. Once things even out, and you find out why the beginning is written like that, things get much better. So a word to the wise, don't put this down. Keep reading. It gets better!
Indeed, it was the second half of the book that really did it for me, and why I had to read straight through to the end. Lexi's story picks up pace, we meet the rest of the characters who will be a part of her story, and we find out why she is so special. If this part of the book is indicative of Castle's writing, then I see huge potential in the second book! I was so enamored with Lexi and her interactions with others, that I was actually sad when the book ended.
I know this review is rambling. Like I said, it's extremely tough to review something that you don't want to give away! My hope is that you'll have your interest peaked and head off to get your own copy of The Dragonfly Prophecy.
The Chosen of Gaia is a perfect example of fantasy blended with mystery. Which, as this bookworm happily found quite quickly, make for a very quick and enjoyable read. M. Mariz presents a whole new world in this book. Literally. Imagine a perfect society. One with technology far beyond our wildest dreams, and an extremely low mortality rate. Sound too good to be true? You might just be right.
Albert and his family were wonderful to follow in this story. It's not hard to choose favorites since Albert and Ruth, the two children in the family, were so vivid and unique. Albert is a boy who is used to keeping out of the spotlight. The politics of school have taught him that hiding is better than being bullied. Ruth, on the other hand,fits in wonderfully. She has friends, and popularity. However once they arrive on Gaia everything changes. I loved watching them blossom, learn to trust themselves, and one another. M. Mariz does a great job of showing how much this family truly loves one another, and it is heartwarming.
In case you're worried that this book is all sunshine and roses though, let me set you straight. Albert and his family definitely run into their fair share of problems. When something happens that rocks the small planet of Gaia, it just so happens that they are all in the middle of it. It was nice to see that this family banded together when it was necessary. It's never easy to be the new people in town, and it definitely gets even harder when you find out that people already dislike you before they even know you. Nope, no spoilers here! You'll have to read.
Although The Chosen of Gaia isn't the most complicated, or masterfully plotted book that I've read lately it was a nice change of pace. The story pretty much flies by, allowing you to get to see a new world that might just take your breath away. Overall I was fairly impressed by M. Mariz's story! I can't wait to see if there is more coming around the bend.
For Greg Hart, fantasies are a part of life. His journal is a place to share the person that he wishes he was. A hero. A strong, quick and brave character who slays vicious baddies with one hand tied behind his back (and of course always gets the girl in the end). Little does poor Greg know that he is destined to set off on a actual dangerous quest! In this story Greg really is the hero, and one false move will land him on the dragon's lunch menu.
I honestly loved Greg as a character, and I know that the reading group this book is aimed at will as well. He is funny, honest, and downright noble at times. Beneath the scrawny boy that everyone sees on the outside beats the heart of a hero. Greg has a quick wit that made me laugh out loud more than once. I adored how the author allowed his character to have doubts and fears. Greg isn't certain the prophecy is about him, and he's willing to (loudly) voice that to anyone who will listen. Still, he knows that a princess' life is at stake. Despite his fears, off he goes on an epic adventure.
Bill Allen weaves a story that will have you glued to your seat, with your eyes in the book, from page one. Trolls, dragons, witches, you name it and you'll probably find it in this fast moving story. The trials that Greg faces are too much fun! (Well maybe not for him, but definitely for the reader.) You get to follow him as he grows and changes, and by the time the end of the story comes it is almost heartbreaking. I know I'm definitely looking forward to more of Greg's adventures.
The last thing I want to mention, because it amused me so greatly, is the word play that is present in this book! How to Slay a Dragon is peppered with puns, jokes, and just plain silliness. I am not afraid to admit that I giggled. A lot. There are some parts of this story that are just so absurd that you have to! Fans of fantasy stories will love this. I'd absolutely recommend this to upper middle grade readers as well. They might not get all the puns, but I guarantee they'll fall in love with Greg.
Long story short? Get a copy. How to Slay a Dragon is a great addition to any adventure lover's shelf.
What first attracted my attention about The Magic Warble was the mention of dwarfs, gnomes, and all other manner of fantasy creatures. Ever since I was a young reader these beings were the stuff of magic for me. I was anxious to see where Victoria Simcox would take us. What next drew me in was of course the cover. Hand drawn covers are few and far between now, so it was a breath of fresh air for me.
From page one I fell in love with Kristina, our main character. Very much the underdog in this story, I see a lot of younger readers identifying with her. She is a bit quiet, smart, but doesn't seem to have many friends. Lucky for Kristina she has an amazing teacher that she looks up to, as well as a tried and true pal in her friend Raymond, who also happens to be a rat! Kristina is feisty, but still believable as a twelve year old girl. There are moments of bravery, and moments of weakness, just like any human character. However she still shines through as a hero, and that's what is important.
Now comes the part where I was a little bit torn. Besides Kristina, all the other characters seemed to be a little bit flat to me. Almost as if Kristina was the only character who really mattered when, in actuality, many of them are very important to the story. I admit that I am an older reader who is very motivated by character development, so this was a big deal to me. However, after I took a step back, I saw that perhaps a younger reader wouldn't really see what I saw. Kristina is, after all, the hero. If she takes the spotlight then I suppose that's what the hero is supposed to do. It slightly hampered my own reading of the book but then again I'm not the target audience.
The other element that really made it difficult for me to fall in love with The Magic Warble was the writing. It is very simplistic, which would likely be fantastic for young readers but was difficult for me. There were multiple times in a paragraph that a sentence would start with the same word, which created a very repetitive read. Also, the dialogue between the characters felt very one dimensional to me, and devoid of any emotion. You know the inner voice that we readers have? The one that dictates how we would read the book out loud? It was rather monotone, and that saddened me. I would have loved to see feisty Kristina come alive on the page as she fought to save the day.
In terms of setting, however, the world of Bernovem is rich, vivid, and really the key factor in my rating for this book. When I read a fantasy book I want to be whisked away into another place. I love to see somewhere new and exciting bleed off the pages and into my imagination. I truly believe that Simcox accomplished this beautifully. Bernovem is populated with all types of fantasy creatures, and readers will love learning about the land as they follow Kristina on her adventures. The black and white illustrations that pepper the book really help bring it all to life.
Overall, what I'm trying to say in this very rambling review is that I did enjoy The Magic Warble as a whole. I read a lot of middle grade fiction, and I can honestly say that this would make a happy home in any child's library. The crossover appeal may not be there entirely, but I would say that a book like this would be perfect for a family to read together. Just enough adventure, the right amount of bravery, and a little bit of love. That is the recipe for The Magic Warble, and I thank Victoria Simcox for giving me the opportunity to find that out.
Melanie Dugan's Dead Beautiful is a fresh take on a Greek myth that we all know and love. Mythology tells us that Persephone was conned into spending half the year with Hades, and thus the seasons were born. What if that wasn't the case though? What if, instead, Persephone went willingly to her new part-time home. Dugan's book explores the possibility that perhaps, rather than stealing her soul, Hades actually stole Persephone's heart.
Dead Beautiful is unique in that it is told in very short bursts. Each chapter is essentially a miniature interview with a different god or goddess who is related somehow to Persephone. Dugan' sets up a world where the gods are the head honchos. They are responsible to keep the earth running smoothly and, wouldn't you know it, some of them are just overworked. Who has time to pay attention to flighty teenagers (18 millennia is rather young) when you've got a whole world to run? This is the perfect set up for Persephone and Hades to build their story, and it works really well as a whole.
The one downside to telling the story this way is that it is all dialogue. Settings, events, and everything in between are built entirely through the words of the different entities being interviewed. In some cases, like for Persphone and Hades, this works great! These two have very distinct voices. Especially Persephone, as she's portrayed as the petulant teen most of the time. For others though, it gets really difficult to figure out who is speaking. If you're not a fan of reading the title of each chapter to know who is going to be telling the story, this might drive you crazy. Fair warning! What I loved most of all though was the new take on the relationship between Persephone and Hades. Who knew that Hades was actually such a sweet guy? Dead Beautiful shows that sometimes things are misconstrued.
As a whole this book is definitely a different, but intriguing, way of reworking mythology that has been around for centuries. Let's be honest, readers who are purists are most likely not going to like what Dugan has done with the myth. However if you're willing to go in as a blank slate, I think you'll find something to enjoy in Dead Beautiful. From Persephone's ranting, to Hades' scheming, there truly is a brand new story here to fall for.
I hereby profess my love for Maddie, the lovable protagonist of Practice Cake. See Maddie isn't sure where her life is taking her, but she does know that for now baking is something she really enjoys doing. Being around all those gorgeous cakes and pastries is pure heaven. Of course, it doesn't hurt that her coworker is rather yummy himself! Never mind the fact that her current boyfriend thinks it's a waste of time. What does he know? Maddie is a teenage girl at her best and worst, all at the same time. She's perfectly flawed, hilariously honest, and I loved every minute of reading about her struggle to just figure herself out.
The people who drift in and out of her life really craft the person Maddie is, and I can't explain enough how fantastic it all is. You'll just have to read for yourself. Maddie and her friends are constantly bickering and joking. Their personalities shine off the page. There isn't a single character in Practice Cake who isn't given the same love and attention as Maddie herself. They are all well formed and wonderfully flawed themselves. Jealousy, pettiness, it's all there in black and white.
My favorite part overall though? The humor! Let me share with you one of my favorite quotes from the book. Jaslene and Maddie have some great conversations, but this one made me giggle out loud.
Jaslene was already twirling one of her long, dark ringlets and reading an article titled, Ten Things Your Guy Really Wants.
I pointed to the magazine, and said to Jaslene, “The answer is nine dumb girls and a double-bacon cheeseburger.”
It's really the honesty in this book that allowed me to be so immersed in it. As I mentioned above, Dalya Moon gives her all her characters flaws. It makes them so much more realistic. Whether it's a hot boy, a best friend, or a popular girl turned mother, each character has their personality that shines off the page. I fell in love with each an every one of them, even as they drove me crazy with their decisions. Maddie learns a lot in this book, and it's all thanks to the author who allowed her to be so honest with the reader. Thanks for that Dalya!
So as you can plainly tell, I adored this book! One of my favorite things about discovering a particularly delicious self-published book, is that I get to scream it's praises to you, my dear followers. Practice Cake and Dalya Moon definitely fall into this category. I ate this book up. Great characters, fantastic story line, ample humor, it's all there! If you are looking for something light, sweet, but with a purpose, welcome to your next read.
Let me start out with a simple statement. I liked Arson, but I loved Ashes. Loved it so much that I devoured it from cover to cover in a matter of hours. To those of you who might have started on Arson Gable's journey, but haven't yet had a chance to dive into this book, hurry up and snag a copy! Once again the driving force of this book is the darkness that is inside people. Arson and Emery each battle the internal voices that are driving them mad. Bad. Good. The lines are so blurred now it's all in question. Estevan Vega has created a world that is equal parts inside these character's head, and inside the penitentiary like asylum that contains them. Ashes is a much darker read, and it delves much further into who these characters actually are.
Arson and Emery are of course back in this sequel, but new characters make a debut too. There's Adam, a fellow prisoner and confidant. Then of course there are the captors, whose story is sinister to say the least. Finally, we get to see further into the enigma that is Emery's parents. Their story blends seamlessly in, as they hunt down the people who took their daughter. It also gives the reader a fabulous look at the guilt, the raw humanity, that is inside Emery's father. I think their story added a nice layer right on top of everything else. The POV changes multiple times in the story, to allow the reader to see through many eyes. Not to worry though. The changes are seamless and I thought that every character had a unique enough voice to make them easy to distinguish from one another.
Pieces of the puzzle that make up Arson and Emery's story are slowly revealed, and there is just enough reference to the last book to keep a reader quickly refreshed and ready to dive back in. There is so much action in Ashes, but it is evenly paced so that you always get just enough to keep you reading until the next piece of the puzzle falls into place. Is Arson something more than he once thought? Does he have the power to be more than just a freak who makes fire? What is it about his past that he just can't seem to remember? You'll find out my friends. You'll find out.
In a cruel twist, which I'm sure was entirely intentional, once again the story is open just enough at the end to allow Arson's story to continue on. In all honesty, I can't wait. Ashes is the perfect blend of all of my favorite things. Darkness, power, morality, love, and so much more. Trust me, if you haven't picked up this series yet and you have been debating it, do it now. Estevan Vega weaves a story that is well worth your time.
At first glance So L.A. might draw you in with its gorgeous cover. It might entice you with its chick-lit feel. However I can promise you that what is in these pages is so much more than that. A mixture of dry satirical humor, and a no-holds-barred look at the culture that is L.A., this is a story that is hard to define. What I can say, is that it is brilliant.
I think it's fitting that I read this book while sitting in a 60 story sky rise in Downtown L.A. Overlooking the hub of the busiest parts of Wilshire Boulevard. This is the setting that Hoida chooses for her book, and it works wonders with Magdalena's story. From small town girl, to big city business owner, Magdalena's point of view is a fresh and honest take of the high society that is Beverly Hills. Her life is by no means perfect. Sure, she has the perfect shoes, the perfect house and even the perfect nose. She soon finds though, that all those things don't add up to a happy life.
It's honestly hard to like Magdalena because of how exasperating she can be sometimes. She is definitely a character that you want to save and slap in equal measures. Trying, and failing, to cope with the death of her brother is all that Magdalena does the majority of the book. However, it's definitely true to life. She tries to fill the gap with things, with fake people, with fake smiles. All the time falling deeper and deeper into the craziness that her life has become.
In the end So L.A. is about hiding from oneself. About changing what is on the outside to try to compensate for what's on the inside. I won't say that Magdalena's story is happy. It does show how easy it is to fall into a life that isn't your own. About how easy it is to feel lost, but hide it from the outside world. Briget Hoida's book may look like chick-lit at first glance, but it's infinitely more than that. I loved it, and I think you will too.
