Book Review: The Vault of Dreamers by Caragh M. O'Brien

Book #1 of The Vault of Dreamers series
Genre: YA Futuristic Sci-fi Mystery
Publication: September 2014 by Roaring Brook Press
Acquisition: received a free ARC for review

Synopsis:

The Forge School is the most prestigious arts school in the country. The secret to its success: every moment of the students' lives is televised as part of the insanely popular Forge Show, and the students' schedule includes twelve hours of induced sleep meant to enhance creativity. But when first year student Rosie Sinclair skips her sleeping pill, she discovers there is something off about Forge. In fact, she suspects that there are sinister things going on deep below the reaches of the cameras in the school. What's worse is, she starts to notice that the edges of her consciousness do not feel quite right. And soon, she unearths the ghastly secret that the Forge School is hiding—and what it truly means to dream there.

(from Goodreads)

3.5 / 5 Stars

This one was an okay read for me. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it.

Actually, that's wrong - I did love it at first. I flew through the first 2/3 of the book.

But then.

I don't know - the ending really really really didn't work for me.

I was able to make a pretty instant connection to the MC Rosie. She's easy to relate to. Unsure of herself, yet determined to reach her goals. Realistic but hopeful. I really liked her. The Forge School is a place I can see actually existing in a futuristic / post dystopian world.

So, realistic and likable and happy good things.

And then! Bad stuff happens!!

Well of course it does, you knew that going in. And it seemed really really bad. And I'm all like:

"Go Rosie go!"
"Fight The Man"
"Save the day!"
"You can do it!"

And now we're at the big climatic ending and everything is revealed and it's all so....not horrible.

Ok - maybe a lot of it is...but not all of it...and you know, I kind of understood what this 'villain' was trying to accomplish. And yes, it wasn't done in the best way but still...now I'm all like:

"Rosie why are you still freaking out?"
"I think you're just making things worse."
"Maybe you should calm down a little?"
"Ok, you're not calming down...and...oh, there it is..."

NOW everything is horrible. Like, creepy and weird and I had to read that last chapter or so a few times to make sure I actually understood what was happening and oh no!

Did the ending feel rushed? A little out of left field? Maybe I wasn't paying attention as much as I thought I was?

Probably all of this and more.

But - have to say - I've added book 2 to my wishlist.

Because Rosie - oh Rosie -- I NEED to know what happens to her and I think if you read The Vault of Dreamers you would feel the same way.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2) by Michelle Hodkin

** SPOILER FREE ** ** SPOILER FREE ** ** SPOILER FREE **

"Where Mara Dyer is concerned, NEEDING to know how everything ends amounts to a type of obsession. "

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: October 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 544
Series: 2nd in the Mara Dyer series
Acquisition: I won an ARC from the publisher

Summary:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next? (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:
Wow. Ok. This is a hard one.

So...um...yeah…

VERY hard to review this one without giving away anything and believe, me you do not want this one spoiled for you. No worries though - I'm giving nothing away!

After the dramatic, traumatic, manic, panic, heart in your throat roller coast ride that was Mara Dyer book 1 you would expect nothing less from book 2 - correct? I know I didn't. While by the end I was (mostly) satisfied it wasn't all butterflies and rainbows for me while reading. In fact, I was pretty pissed off for large chunks of this book.

I had TONS of theories as to what exactly was going on with Mara. Some, I'm happy to say, I was right about. Others I was completely wrong about. AND THEN! Hodkin's threw in some total what-the-f-ery. Starting with chapter 16. OMG chapter 16 almost brought about a cold freeze -- literally, as books that piss me off tend to end up in my freezer (don't ask...really...just don't).

So, I was confused, I was upset, I was mad but what's really important is that at no point did I ever consider giving up on Mara because again - OMG WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE!?

Did I like the turn(s) of events? I think so….

Do I agree with the things that happen(ed) and why? Not sure…

Did The Evolution of Mara Dyer make me feel all the feelings? Most defiantly.

FINAL VERDICT:
Despite some pissiness caused by the story line, my exclamations of "OMG that doesn’t make a lick of sense! ...ok...so maybe a little… *grumble* *grumble* ok, I get it now" and some cringe worthy scenes (romantic? disgusting? Way too unbelievable? --- not telling!) -- all in all I would have to say that I very much enjoyed this book.

If anything though, I almost feel like too much was revealed. Book 1 had so many possibilities floating around and book 2 kind of throws them all in your face at once. Some might say that there is still a lot left to discover and a lot left to flesh out both character and plot wise and while this is true, I also feel like some of the mystery is gone.

BUT! On the flip side of this, if NOTHING was revealed I don't know that I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

WILL I CONTINUE WITH THIS SERIES?: Um - YES! Even if I hated this book (which I very much didn't) I would have to read book 3.

Where Mara Dyer is concerned, NEEDING to know how everything ends amounts to a type of obsession.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Books in the Mara Dyer Series:
#1 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
#2 The Evolution of Mara Dyer
#3 The Retribution of Mara Dyer (2013)

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: False Memory by Dan Krokos

***2012 Debut Author*** "we are privy to seemingly whole chunks of information, only to realize later that they were really just crumbs"

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: August 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 327
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: I received a free ARC for review from at BEA 2012

Summary:

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn't at all surprised by Miranda's shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn't easy--especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can't remember loving. Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn't seem to matter...when there may not be a future.

Dan Krokos' debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Freaken awesome. False Memory is a truly unique story with a very full cast of characters that will leave you with more questions then answers. Reading this book was a full on adventure the likes of which I haven't come across in a very long time.

Nothing is as it seems. Everything is in question and Miranda has only her instinct and gut reactions to lead her through. With so many layers of mystery and deceit I was worried, at times, that the intricate storyline would confuse more then entertain. However, I had no reason to worry.

Krokos knows how to tell a story.

The driving force behind False Memory is it's characters. They live in our world but their lives are nothing like our own. Without a past, Miranda could be anyone. She's determined to find out what is happening to her but at the same time she knows that there is no going back. She has to move forward, making new memories and new decisions along the way.

Final verdict:
An absofreakenlutly fantastic story. I really loved how, as a reader, we are privy to seemingly whole chunks of information, only to realize later that they were really just crumbs.

The ending of this one is intense. There is still a lot Miranda doesn't know and there is a lot of story left to be told. At the same time, the ending was satisfying. While I'm extremely happy there will be a book 2, if there wasn't I wouldn’t be upset.

Having read an ARC, I'm looking forward to buying a finished copy for my shelves. As a debut, False Memory has left a mark and to say Krokos has left an impression on me would be an understatement.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
#1 False Memory
#2 [Untitled] August 2013

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

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Book Review: Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman

"A perfect ally executed thriller that messed with my mind in all the right ways "

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: August 2012
Publisher: Walker Children's
Pages: 422
Series: no
Acquisition: I received an ARC free for review from the publisher

Summary:

Rachel and Alice are an extremely rare kind of identical twins-so identical that even their aunt and uncle, whom they've lived with since their parents passed away, can't tell them apart. But the sisters are connected in a way that goes well beyond their surfaces: when one experiences pain, the other exhibits the exact same signs of distress. So when one twin mysteriously disappears, the other immediately knows something is wrong-especially when she starts experiencing serious physical traumas, despite the fact that nobody has touched her. As the search commences to find her sister, the twin left behind must rely on their intense bond to uncover the truth. But is there anyone around her she can trust, when everyone could be a suspect? And ultimately, can she even trust herself? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
There is really a lot I want so say about this book but it all really boils down to - holy mind f-ery Batman!

Beautiful Lies is a psychological thriller at it's best, made all the more poignant by it's first person narrative.

Twins Alice and Rachel share everything, including each other's pain. When one goes missing, the other knows something horrible has happened but no one will believe her. The reasons no one believes her were a total plot twist - and this is only in the first couple of chapters. With such a big 'secret' revealed so early on I was preparing myself for a disappointing climax. I really had no reason to worry however.

Beautiful Lies ends just as powerfully as it begins. Some serious edge of my seat reading was happening by those last couple of chapters! Even if I could have plotted out what I thought was going to happen I wouldn't have been prepared for the emotion behind it all.

Final verdict:
This book is amazing - Warman as done it again!

I really had no idea how things were going to play out until it was all over - and even then I was still left with a few questions. A perfect ally executed thriller that messed with my mind in all the right ways.

If you're looking for a neat and tidy happily ever after, Beautiful Lies might not be for you. BUT If you're looking for a healthy dose of actually being scared out of your mind then you need to get this book now!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells

"... to say that I'm eager to see what else lies beneath would be an understatement..."

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 373
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: I received a free ARC for review at BEA 2011

Summary:
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape--his only real hope for survival--may be impossible. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I was a little worried that the unbelievable nature of the story would be too much. A bunch of kids trapped in a school where no one questions what's going on or why? I didn't think it could amount to much. I mean, either the truth is lame and the story gets old or everything is such a secret and there isn't really a story to tell - right?

I was so wrong! The truth, or at least as much of the truth as Benson can find out, is not lame at all. I was truly shocked - it's rare that a book can catch me off guard - and I loved it. And the secrets? There are still TONS more to be revealed and a lot more story that needs telling.

Variant is only the first layer of Benson's story and to say that I'm eager to see what else lies beneath would be an understatement. Really, a true thriller. Lots of twists and turns to the plot but the story never seemed to get off track. It was so easy to get caught up in Benson's story.

Final verdict:
I loved the discovery aspect to this mystery. As a reader, I knew what Benson knew and I found myself asking the same questions he asks and coming to the same conclusions. I felt connected to him as a character and invested in what happens to him. And what will happen? I have no idea! There are so many possibilities and I love when stories play out this way.

With it's male protagonist and action packed storyline, I really think Variant will appeal to reluctant male readers. Really though, anyone who enjoys thrillers with fantastic twists will love this book.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
#1 Variant
#2 Feedback (October 2012)

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Variant Trailer #1 Variant Trailer #2 Variant Trailer #3

Book Review: Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Pages: 288
Series: 2nd and final in a series
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I loved book 1, Clarity so I had high hopes for Perception. Overall, I wasn't disappointed. With Clare and her family, I felt like I was coming home.

Now, the love triangle - not as bad as it could have been but I still didn't enjoy it. I'm not a fan though so, I wasn't expecting to like Clare's indecision over which guy was right for her. On the plus side, both guys are from book 1. So there wasn't that new hot mystery guy out if no where that love triangles seem to be plagued with. I can honestly say that I liked both guys. I liked one way more then the other though....and I'm happy to report that my guy 'won' - hehe.

Final verdict:
If I had to sum up Perception in one word it would be mystery. As in a true mystery story. Unknowns that need to be found out, sleuthing that needs to be done, villains who need to be good at what they do - this book had it all.

Also? I thought I had everything figured out and I was wrong! This lack of predictability was a pleasant surprise.

So far there are only 2 books in this series but I'm really hoping Kim will write more. It was so easy to get caught up with Care and her family and crazy town that I wouldn't mind going back for another visit or two.

Overall Rating:

4.5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Clarity Series:
#1 Clarity (my review)
#2 Perception

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt
Pages: 240
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

Gabie drives a Mini Cooper. She also works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla—another delivery girl—goes missing. To her horror, Gabie learns that the supposed kidnapper had asked if the girl in the Mini Cooper was working that night. Gabie can’t move beyond the fact that Kayla’s fate was really meant for her, and she becomes obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I read The Night She Disappeared in one sitting. I just could not put it down. It's very much a stay awake till all hours of the night because you need to know what happens next, type of book. Short chapters from different characters POVs along with one page facts and clues about the mystery drove the story forward in a really compelling way.

A great mystery that kept me on edge. I couldn't help but be reminded of thrillers I've read in the past. Christopher Pike, Lael Littke, Richie Cusick - these were the stories that kept me up at night as a teen. The Night She Disappeared had that same feel. The thrill and the mystery, combined with a tangible threat and a lot of unknowns - love it! I also loved that as a reader I knew more then the characters did .

Final verdict:
A great thriller that will give you the creeps combined with believable characters and believable settings made for a great read.

The Night She Disappeared is my first April Henry book but I'm sure it won't be my last.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: Floors by Patrick Carman

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 261
Series: 1st of a trilogy
Acquisition: BEA 2011

Summary:

Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them - he is the maintenance man's son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo's own future! (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I feel the need to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Patrick Carman's. I pretty much knew I would love this book before I started reading it. There is good reason for this as my expectations of Patrick's books have always been very high and to date, I have never once been disappointed!

What a wonderful and wacky place The Whippet Hotel is! I wish with all my heart that it was an actual place, full of actual people and run by a man that anyone would be proud to call friend. Merganzer Whippet is such an awesome character and I absolutely love the way he is portrayed.

In true Patrick Carman fashion, we are slowly given pieces of a puzzle. Or more actually, pieces that eventually make up bigger pieces that eventually show us a puzzle that may or may not be complete. Every little detail is important and everything is connected and when it falls together in the end, it's magical.

Final verdict:
The power of family and the power of friendships is very strong in this book, with plenty of twists and turns to keep young and old readers entertained. After traveling with Leo through Merganzer Whippet's crazy world, I was left with a s huge smile and a warm heart. Another Patrick Carman win!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
#1 Floors #1
#2 Floors #2: 3 Below


Linkage Love:
Author's website
Book website
Goodreads
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Book Review: The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: April 2012
Publisher: Random House / Knopf Books
Pages: 352
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

It was like a nightmare, but there was no waking up. When the night began, Nora had two best friends and an embarrassingly storybook one true love. When it ended, she had nothing but blood on her hands and an echoing scream that stopped only when the tranquilizers pierced her veins and left her in the merciful dark. But the next morning, it was all still true: Chris was dead. His girlfriend Adriane, Nora's best friend, was catatonic. And Max, Nora's sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, was gone. He was also—according to the police, according to her parents, according to everyone—a murderer. Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora follows the trail of blood, no matter where it leads. It ultimately brings her to the ancient streets of Prague, where she is drawn into a dark web of secret societies and shadowy conspirators, all driven by a mad desire to possess something that might not even exist. For buried in a centuries-old manuscript is the secret to ultimate knowledge and communion with the divine; it is said that he who controls the Lumen Dei controls the world. Unbeknownst to her, Nora now holds the crucial key to unlocking its secrets. Her night of blood is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
There is a lot going on in this book. Intrigue and secrets and hidden secrets and lies - friendships and broken promises and in the end, a whole lot of mystery and suspense that adds up to a really fantastic read. I was really impressed with this book's complicated and engaging storyline.

I couldn't help but be reminded of Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series while reading The Book of Blood and Shadow. It has that same feel to me. Of ancient secrets of God and the unknown; secret societies and hidden clues. It was very easy to get wrapped up in it's world and taken in by it's mysteries.

What I really loved about this book was how different it is. It's a fantastic tale but it's not really paranormal. It's contemporary but at the same time, it's too far fetched to be real. It's a mystery but there are so many layers to it that you really need to pay attention to catch it all. It's also a book that really could fit any age range. The characters could just as easily have been in their 30s or 40s then their teens. The setting is modern day Prague, which was perfect for the story. While the scenarios the characters find themselves in aren't very believable, their reactions are. Especially Nora. I love Nora! By far, one of my favorite YA female characters.

Final verdict:
I highly recommend this book to mystery fans. If YA isn't your thing, pretend you didn't know this book was written for a younger audience because it really doesn't make a difference. The story is one that will appeal to all types of readers, not just young adult ones. The mysteries will drag you in and you will find yourself unable to put this book down until you unlock every one.

As an added bonus, The Voynick Manuscript? The book that leads Nora and her friends on this crazy and dangerous journey? It's real! How fantastic is that?

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J Bick

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2012
Publisher: Lerner Publishing / Carolrhoda Books
Pages: 352
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

There are stories where the girl gets her prince, and they live happily ever after. (This is not one of those stories.)

Jenna Lord's first sixteen years were not exactly a fairytale. Her father is a controlling psycho and her mother is a drunk. She used to count on her older brother—until he shipped off to Afghanistan. And then, of course, there was the time she almost died in a fire.

There are stories where the monster gets the girl, and we all shed tears for his innocent victim. (This is not one of those stories either.)

Mitch Anderson is many things: A dedicated teacher and coach. A caring husband. A man with a certain...magnetism.

And there are stories where it's hard to be sure who's a prince and who's a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after. (These are the most interesting stories of all.)

Drowning Instinct is a novel of pain, deception, desperation, and love against the odds—and the rules. (from Goodreads)

I was: draw into the telling of a relationship that needed to be told. Taboo or not, Drowning Instinct will leave you breathless.

My thoughts:
My heart is in my throat! I just finished this book and I can't believe what I read. God it was so good! And that ending! I cannot find the words to describe how I feel right now. Holy crap! There is no way my words could do this book justice. Truly a fantastic read for me. Extremely hard to put down!

I love the way in which this story is told. Our MC Jenna is sitting in a hospital room talking into a digital recorder that her friendly neighborhood police detective just handed her. She proceeds to tell Officer Bob her story. She tells US her story and wow - it really feels like she is talking right to you as you read.

And her story? It's not for the faint of heart. Her actions are questionable. The people she is suppose to trust aren't the best role models. The things she does in for the people she cares about don't really show her at her best. And, these people? Not the best types to have in your life.

Jenna sounds like a mess, doesn't she? Well, she is. But she's also very real. Do I agree with what she did? Maybe not, but I understand how it could happen. I understand that people are capable of so many different things and even when you think you have it all figured out, one act, one word and your world can fall apart.

Final verdict:
To say that I loved this book would be an understatement. Drowning Instinct will get under your skin and it won't leave you alone. You'll carry around these characters with you for a very long time.

My first Ilsa Bick book and surely not my last!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

***2012 Debut Author***
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 336
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

Penelope (Lo) Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. Her dad's consulting job means she's grown up moving from one rundown city to the next, and she's learned to cope by collecting (sometimes even stealing) quirky trinkets and souvenirs in each new place--possessions that allow her to feel at least some semblance of home.

But in the year since her brother Oren's death, Lo's hoarding has blossomed into a full-blown, potentially dangerous obsession. She discovers a beautiful, antique butterfly pendant during a routine scour at a weekend flea market, and recognizes it as having been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as "Sapphire"--a girl just a few years older than Lo. As usual when Lo begins to obsess over something, she can't get the murder out of her mind.

As she attempts to piece together the mysterious "butterfly clues," with the unlikely help of a street artist named Flynt, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld much closer to home than she ever imagined--a world, she'll ultimately discover, that could hold the key to her brother's tragic death. (from Goodreads)

I was: blown away by the power behind Lo's story.

My thoughts:
The Butterfly Clues is a book that I will always remember for one important reason as Lo is unlike any heroine I have ever read. Although it's never identified with any definite terms, it's pretty obvious that she suffers from an extreme case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is almost crippled by it. She taps her legs, her shoulder, her shoes, the floor in groupings of numbers that make sense to her. 4s are bad, 3s are good, 9s are even better. Even raw fear can't stop her from her compulsions. These things that she needs to do, including hoarding and arranging groupings of objects, consume her life.

An entire book could easily be written about Lo alone. Her compulsions, her needs, her struggles. However, The Butterfly Clues is much more then a book about a girl in need of help. Maybe because of her OCD, maybe it would have happened anyway but Lo finds herself in a world where the rules don't apply. A world where she makes a connection to a murdered girl and finds a friend she never thought she could have. Her family is draw into the drama and her life can never be the same afterwards.

The Butterfly Clues was a powerful read for me. I so very much wanted Lo to find herself. To find her answers and to finally realize that she wasn't a freak. She's a character that I dare you not to fall for - not to root for.

Final verdict:
The overpowering mystery of this book still haunts me a little. The things Lo does to seek the truth. The lengths that people will go to hide the things they have done. It's all so raw and real and a little disturbing and I loved every word of it.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: Alison Wonderland by Helen Smith

Reading Level: Adult
Publication Date: August 2011 (reprint)
Pages: 176
Series: no
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

Having given up a boring nine-to-five job to become a private detective, Alison finds that most of her working life is spent spying on unfaithful husbands. In offices. From nine to five.

Until Project Brown Dog.

From somewhere on the coast of England rumours arise of the sinister genetic crossbreeding of unsuspecting animal species. Alison is assigned to investigate the truth. With her friend Taron - a woman with a hundred-candle smile and a unique, if ambitious, mission to improve the world - she travels from London to Weymouth and back, rocked by a shocking discovery. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
As I read primarily young adult books, I don't usually accept adult novels for review. At first I thought Alison Wonderland might have some YA cross over appeal so I decided to give it a try. After reading a few chapters, it was obvious, to me, that this was going to be more of an 'adult' book and in my opinion, not suitable for the under 18ish crowd.

It was an enjoyable read though. Nothing really stands out about Alison Wonderland but overall, the story kind of resonates with a type of implausibility and bizarre sense of reality that was entertaining. The synopsis of the book doesn't do a very good job describing what actually happens however. I thought I was going to read a modern sleuth mystery with perhaps some feminist overtones. What I got was a strange drug and sex filled story about a woman who perhaps solved a mystery no one really knew or cared about. A little weird but like I said, pretty enjoyable.

I don't usually give warnings about the content of books as I prefer readers to make up their own minds but I do feel the need to point out a particular part in Alison Wonderland that might not be for every reader. It involved a genetically engineered animal and a man having sex. It kind of fit with the storyline but still it seemed unnecessary and gross to me. Unfortunately, it also brought my rating down a bit.

Alison Wonderland was originally published in the UK in 1999 and the book is very much a British novel. The setting and the slang was all British. I had a few problems following along because I couldn’t quite figure out what a character was saying or thinking but it wasn't a huge problem. It would probably be very enjoyable to a reader from the UK or a reader to enjoys British colloquialisms and customs.

A middle of the road type of book for me that I wished was a bit more pulled together. I liked the randomness of the characters and what happens to them but I would have enjoyed this story more if the characters felt more connected to each other.

Overall Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Amazon Encore
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Warrior Sheep Go West by Christine and Christopher Russell

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: August 2011
Pages: 224
Series: yes
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

In this follow-up book to the successful The Quest of the Warrior Sheep, the herd hoofs it to Las Vegas in another epic adventure. Last time they saved the Sheep God. This time they have to save all of sheepdom. A strange monster called Red Tongue has threatened all Rams, Ewes, and Lambs, and the Warrior Sheep know it's up to them to stop him. But they have a crazy scientist following them, and Tod and Gran have been thrown in jail by an over-zealous sheriff. Can the Warriors stop the mysterious monster? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
What a fun book to read! Technically the second book in a series but not having read book 1, I wasn't at all confused or out of the loop having only read book 2. We are first introduced to these wacky sheep in Quest of the Warrior Sheep but in the beginning of The Warrior Sheep go West, we are quickly filled in on the personality traits and little quirks that make Jaycey, Sal, Links, Wills and Oxo so entertaining to read.

What I really liked about this book was how through a series of seemingly unrelated events these loveable sheep and their clueless human owners, travel thousands of miles together, thwart the evil plans of a mad scientist (or two) save the day and wind up back in the comfort of their English countryside - all without even realizing they were working together the whole time.

A quick read that I really think young readers would enjoy. Fun and lighthearted with a bit of mystery and suspense, The Warrior Sheep Go West is a book I would not hesitate to recommend to middle grade readers.

Although I didn't need to have read book 1 in order to read book 2, I think I'll buy myself a copy anyway to add to my home library. I can really see my daughter enjoying these stories in years to come.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
Quest of the Warrior Sheep
The Warrior Sheep Go West

Linkage Love:
Jabberwocky / Sourcebooks
Goodreads

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Pages: 352
Series: ? (I hope so!)
Acquisition: received a copy for review

Summary:

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
First off, you need to hold this book in your hands. I know it must sound strange but this book has a particular feel to it. It's heavy and it's sleek and it just begs to be opened and read. And once you do? You won't be disappointed.  The picture on the cover is only the beginning. Inside there is so much visually to take in that I was never left wanting.

I have a lot of love for this book. I loved the characters, I loved the mystery, I loved the pictures and I loved the….now wait...don't want to give that little tidbit away.  Let's just say that there aren't too many authors, in my opinion, that can pull off the supernatural elements that Ransom Riggs did and still keep the story real and believable. Did I mention how much I loved this book!?

The story itself is unique and boarders on the fantastical. Even before we are given a firm grasp on who and what exactly Miss Peregrine's children are there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that we, as readers, need to put in their places. But that's the fun of it. I loved collecting all these pieces and I couldn't wait to see how they all fit together.

And that's another reason why I loved this book - all the pieces do fit together. They work with the story and I wasn't left hanging. There is more to this story to tell - I don't think we could ever know absolutely everything there is to know about these children and the world they live in. But, as a reader, I'm looking forward to more story instead of dreading it.

I'm still not sure if Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will be a series but if there is a book 2 it will be because there needs to be a book 2. So many YA books these days are series books because series books sell. That may be the case but if Ransom writes books 2, I'm pretty sure it's going to be because he doesn't have a choice. These peculiar children will not be silenced.

Unlike any other YA paranormal / fantasy / fiction book out there. Hard to put down and visually stunning - you will not be disappointed with this book! So far, my favorite read of 2011.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Quirk Books
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Ransom Riggs says "All the pictures in this book are authentic, vintage found photographs, and with the exception of a few that have undergone minimal postrocessing, they are all unaltered." When you see the photos for yourself, you will realize how amazing this is!

*I'm normally not a big fan of book trailers but this one captures the book perfectly!