Book Review: Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2011 (Paperback August 2012)
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 336
Series: no
Acquisition: ARC from BEA 2010

Summary:

Being only half-vamp in a high school like Carpathia Night makes you a whole loser. But Danny Gray manages to escape the worst of the specists at his school. Thanks to genetic treatments he had as an infant, most people assume Danny's other half is human. Which is a good thing.

Ever since the development of synthetic blood – SynHeme – vamps have become society’s elite, while wulves like his father work menial jobs and live in bad neighborhoods. Wulves are less than second class citizens; once a month they become inmates, forced to undergo their Change in dangerous government compounds.

For Danny, living with his vamp mother and going to a school with a nearly all-vamp student body, it’s best to pretend his wulf half doesn’t even exist. But lately Danny's been having some weird symptoms fantastic night vision; a keener-than-usual sense of smell; and headaches, right around the full moon.

Even though it's easy to be in denial, it's hard to ignore evidence. There's only a month until the next full moon, and Danny's time is running out.

Peter Moore speaks to adolescents in a voice that will have them laughing, set in a world that will get them thinking. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I had Red Moon Rising for a while before getting the chance to read it and I'm very glad I did. Peter has created a paranormal lover's dream world. It's very much like our own except for a few additions. Namely species H. vampyros and H. lupus. Thanks to a mutation, humans (H. sapiens), share the earth with vampyres and wulves. About 99% identical genetically but worlds apart culturally and socially.

I absolutely love when paranormal elements are integrated so fully into a storyline. I also love when I can connect right away to a character, as I found myself doing with Danny. Before starting high school, Danny has had a pretty easy life, even if he is half-vamp and half-wulf. His mom and step dad are well off, he has good friends and thanks to genetic treatments he doesn't have to worry about Changing ever full moon….or so he thought. When strange things start to happen to Danny, he goes to his father, a full blooded wulf for help.

Final verdict:
Danny's journey through the first half of the book was a little slow moving, or rather predictable but it didn't take away anything from the story for me. Even if I had known every fact of Red Moon Rising before picking it up, I still would have enjoyed it. I never felt like I was racing towards some type of finish, rather like I was engaged in someone's actual life. More like a documentary then a blockbuster thriller.

Fans of vampire and werewolf YA books, you're in for a treat with this one! Highly recommended for those seeking something a little different - something you haven't seen 100x already.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Goodreads / IndieBound

*The cover is shown is from the paperback which comes out on August 7th. I personally like it a lot more then the original hardcover (show to the left).
What do you guys think?

Book Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 2007
Pages: 485
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: bought

Summary:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I might be one the only person who didn't absolutely love this book. It seems like this series is a favorite of a lot of people but while I did really enjoy the story...I can't say that it really captivated me.

I didn't like Clary much and I know that's a big reason this book didn't 'click' with me. She accepts things too easily and she never seems to ask the right questions. And I get it, Jace is sexy and annoying - but always being sexy and annoying got to me rather quickly. I loved Simon but he always got the short end of the stick.

The storyline was a little predictable but I liked the journey. No real strong feelings of love or hate for this one I guess. I did read the synopsis of the next books in the series (something I almost never do!) and I don't know that I like the turn (turns?) the romance took. Can't judge unless I actually read the rest of the series and I'm still on the fence about picking up book 2. If I had read this when it first came out I think I would have been more excited to continue the series.

Overall Rating:

3.5 / 5 Stars

Books in The Mortal Instruments Series:
#1 City of Bones
#2 City of Ashes
#3 City of Glass
#4 City of Fallen Angels
#5 City of Lost Souls (May 2012)
#6 City of Heavenly Fire (Sept 2013)

Linkage Love:
Simon and Schuster / McElderry
Author's Website

Book Review: Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 352
Series: no
Acquisition: BEA10

Summary:

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
A bit more mature than other YA paranormal books out there. The characters were older - college age. I've heard some YA authors say that it's almost impossible to get a book published as YA if the characters aren't in high school or younger. I don't know how true this is but in the case of Hold Me Closer Necromancer, I think the older age of the characters worked to the book's advantage. There was less teenage angst and more real world problem solving which was kind of refreshing

Lots of kick ass paranormal characters - werewolves, necromancers, witches, ghosts, fey -- and NO vampires ;) The human characters were pretty cool too. Sam has some true friends. Friends who would do just about anything for him. They added a level of depth to the story that really appealed to me.

Most of the book is from Sam's first person, point of view. But chapters that he wasn't involved in were in third person. It wasn't as confusing as it may sound. I actually really enjoyed it because I got, not only Sam's perspective, but also those of the supporting cast.

Final verdict:
I'm glad it is a YA book because otherwise I might not have read it. I could also see this book working for an older audience.  There was one sex scene but it wasn't at all graphic or detailed. Some drinking, but nothing over the top. Like I said, it totally worked for me. Might not for others but I really enjoyed it.

A YA paranormal tale with a little something different. I'm a fan!

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Henry Holt
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1 by Stephenie Meyer

Art and Adaptation by: Young Kim
Publication Date: March 2010

Pages: 224
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: trade

Summary:

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret... Beautifully rendered, this first installment of Twilight: The Graphic Novel is a must-have for any collector’s library. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
When this book first came out my first thought was, what's the point? It's not a new story. It's not adding anything to The Saga. Maybe I'm cynical but I saw it purely as a money making endeavor.  It's hardcover first of all, so I guess that's how the $19.99 price tag can be justified. But aside from that - it's not even the entire first book. It's Vol 1 which means we will be getting a Vol 2 and who knows - maybe even a Vol 3? Twilight is, by a small margin, the shortest one in the Saga. If the entire series is to be published as graphic novels we maybe looking at, what, at least 8 books if not more?

I'm sure some of my cynicism comes from the fact that I'm not a huge fan of the Twilight Saga in general. Yes, I did read all the books but I still don't know why they are so popular. The story is ok, the writing is average and the characters are, for me at least, pretty unlikable. BUT millions of people adore Bella and Edward SO this new series of graphic novels, I'm  sure, is a true delight for die hard fans. But $19.99? Really?

Ok - enough about that!

In Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1 we get the same story as in Twilight but with graphics (duh).  Have to say though, I very much enjoyed the graphics. Young Kim did a fabulous job. Rich textures with lots of details. I found myself looking at the graphics more then I was paying attention to the story line and dialog.

For me, reading Twilight as a graphic novel, didn't do anything to improve my opinion of the story. If anything, it made me realize just how ridiculous Bella and Edward's relationship is. Sure they got to know each other as the series progressed and yes, their feelings for each other developed and grew. But in the beginning? Edward loves Bella because she smells good and Bella loves Edward because he's different and pretty. My interpretation only - I know tons of people out there (including you?) would disagree with me using loud voices and possibly rotten fruit.

Final verdict:
So, was it worth my time reading Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1? Considering it only took me about 20 minutes I would have to say yes. The graphics alone are worth it.

If you're a fan of Bella and Edward, this book is for you. It's a beautiful addition to the series. If you're not that big of a fan, like me, but you enjoy graphic novels, I would still recommend picking this one up. I can't stress enough how beautiful Young Kim's illustrations are.

Overall Story Rating:

2.5 / 5 Stars

Overall Graphic Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
Twilight Vol 1
Twilight Vol 2?

Linkage Love:
Yen Press
Author's Website
Goodreads

Spoiler Free Review: The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay

*Spoiler Free reviews are reviews of 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) books in a series  - 

with no fear of spoilers!*

Publication Date: August 2010
Pages: 384

Series: 2nd in a series
Acquisition: received a finished copy for review

Summary:
Goodreads link

My thoughts:
It was pretty easy to fall in love with the dark and chaotic world Kelly created in The Better Part of Darkness - book 1 of the series. It was even more enjoyable to slip back into that world in this second installment.

Charlie is still kicking ass, Hank is just as sexy and frustratingly arrogant and the action is still top notch. Oh man, and sooo many lines are crossed! It was fabulous! And sexy! And heart pounding! And did I mention sexy? Gotta say, there were a few passages I found myself reading over again for the second (and maybe third) time.

A little edgier then book 1 maybe, but it worked for the story. The plot moved a long fast but I didn't feel like I was lost in the action.

Hank really made this book for me. I know he's a siren and we are suppose to fall in love with him but OMG! (do I need to say sexy again?)

Final verdict:
Loved it! Will read it again (and not just those parts).

Have to say it - while I would put book 1 in the PG-13 category, book 2 would have to get an R rating. These are adult books though so any teen (and hopefully any adult caretaker of said teen) who picks this up would know what they might be getting themselves into.

For my adult readers - if you're looking for a break from YA for a while, I highly recommend Kelly Gay's Charlie Madigan series. Fantasy mixed with modern city life - part surreal mystery, part solid crime fighting -- all a perfect blend for me!

While The Darkest Edge of Dawn didn't end on a cliff hanger, per say, there is still a TON of this story yet to be told! More Charlie and more Charbydons and more Elysians and more Hank...yeah...lots more Hank would be nice!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Charlie Madigan Series:
The Better Part of Darkness
The Darkest Edge of Dawn
The Hour of Dust and Ashes -- coming soon!

Linkage Love:
Pocket Press / Simon and Schuster
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Entice by Carrie Jones

**Warning**

This is the 3rd book in a series. The summary below and my review contain spoilers for those folks that haven't read books 1 and 2

Publication Date: Today! December 14, 2010
Pages: 272

Series: 3rd in a series
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. 

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? 

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned. She's Astley's queen. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I was very pleasantly surprised by Entice. Sorry to say, I didn't love the first two books in the series. I have issues with the characters and the setting. I still have those issues but overall, Entice was a much better read for me.

One of the main reasons I'm not a huge fan is Zara. I still haven't warmed up to her. She comes off rather dull and somewhat unintelligent. She's dealing with some pretty huge problems. Problems that force her to turn pixie. Does she face these problems head on? She does. But at the end of the day we get a little too much 'bad Zara - now go to your room young lady' from her mother and grandmother. I didn't feel like Zara was allowed to develop as a character and she defiantly didn't develop her pixie side to it's fullest.

What saved Entice for me was Astley. I'd sign up to be pixie kissed by him any day! The way he cares about his fellow pixies and the way he tries to take care of Zara despite what her friends and family think of him,  really made my heart melt a little. He really cares for her. Very different from Zara's relationship with Nick, which I always felt was a little fake.

So yeah, Nick...Nick I never really liked. He reminds me of Edward from Twilight - which might do it for some but not for me. I didn't mind him so much in Entice because, well, he wasn't really in it :) We do get to see how much his friends really care about him and that I did like. And when he does show up on the scene? A bit predictable but I'm thinking his time away as changed him in ways that will make book 4 really interesting.

Oh, and I'm just assuming there is a book 4. There better be a book 4!

Final verdict:
A must read if you have already read books 1 and 2. If you haven't picked up this series, despite what my review ratings might show, I would actually recommend these books to fantasy YA fans.

I gave Need a 2.5 out of 5 Star rating. Captive got a 3 and Entice is getting a 3.5. Even if Zara still bugs me, I'm warming up to the series as a whole.

Entice has a pretty good ending but there is a lot more of Zara, Nick and Astley's story to be told. I still love the fantasy world Jones has created and I can see this series going far.

Overall Rating:

3.5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Need Series:
Need
Captivate
Entice
Book 4 ?

Linkage Love:
Bloomsbury
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: 13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Age: 14+
Publication Date: June 2010

Pages: 320
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: bought new paperback

Summary:

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…(from Goodreads)

Quick thoughts:
I really liked the story but I'm torn because by the end of the book I had pretty much lost all respect for Jessie.

Likes:
The story - it moved along well and even though it wasn't that long, I felt that each character was given his or her due. I felt a connection to the characters, which doesn't always happen for me.

I really liked Pietr's family. I'm glad this is the first in a series because there is so much going on with them - secrets and mystery - love it!

Dislikes:
Sorry to say, but I didn't like Jessie at all. Her and Pietr have this weird, love at first site, we are meant to be together thing going on - which I never like. But, it's almost like we are suppose to feel sorry for Jessie that she can't be with him. The reason she can't be with him? She's making him date one of her best friends. Ok, so this friend has some issues of her own and some might say that it doesn't matter what happens to her BUT to Jessie, she's a friend. So, Jessie's lying to her friend (in a really bad way), she's not staying away from Pietr like she planned (because when they are alone, apparently it's impossible for them not to touch each other), and she's some sort of martyr for it? I don't think so. I found her actions pretty reprehensible.

Reminded me of:
13 to Life very much reminded me of Twilight and I'm not sure yet if that's a good thing or not. I'm not a Twilight hater but still, even though the paranormal elements were different, the story line, for me, felt very much the same.

Final thoughts:
Not a great read for me but others will enjoy it. Very much felt like a 1st in a series, which I'm happy about because I'm really curious where the story line will go.

Not my favorite, but I would still recommend it.

Overall Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
13 to Life
Secrets and Shadows (February 2011)

Linkage Love:
St. Martin's
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Age: 12+
Publication Date: September 2010

Pages: approx 208
Series: ?
Book Acquisition: received an ARC at BEA

Book Summary:

Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.

She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.

It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents...

But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben? (from Goodreads)

Quick Thoughts:
Not as good as the hype and not what I was expecting but I did enjoy the story.

What I didn't like:
The romance. Too quick, too much 'I saw him and I knew he was the only one for me' type of stuff. It didn't feel natural. Ben is very sweet to Avery and they are pretty cute together, but their relationship seemed a little hollow.

The ending wasn't my favorite either. I won't give anything away but it kind of made me question the premise of the book. It made sense, as book endings go, but, for me, I didn't quite fit.

What I liked:
The story in general was very well told. I really enjoyed the writting style and I felt that I got to know the characters really well. Avery's parents played a big part in the story and even though they are dead, we still get a good background on them. It made the flow of the book work. It made simpathizing with Avery more meaningful because I felt a connection to the parents that she lost.

The emotions in Low Red Moon are pretty raw at times. I couldn't imagine going through what Avery did. Even with the paranormal elements, I felt like this could be a true story.

It's a quick read, but a good one.

Reminded Me Of:
In retropect I would say 13 To Life by Shannon Delany because of the similar elements. While I was reading it though, I couldn't help but think of Need by Carrie Jones. Low Red Moon had that same small town, creepy surroundings, something's out there to get us feeling.

Who Would Enjoy It:
Fans of paranormal young adult books looking for a quick, easy and enjoyable read.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Publisher's website
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Ivy Devlin is the pseudonym of a popular YA author and Low Red Moon is her paranormal fiction debut.
*The finished copy of this book is beautiful! The are red highlights through the pages and the dust jacket is shiny and very pretty :)

Book Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Age: 12+
Publication Date: August 2010

Pages: 353
Series: 1st in a trilogy
Book Acquisition: bought new hardcover

Book Summary:

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal. 

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. (from Goodreads)

Quick Thoughts:
Loved it! Read it in a few hours - I just couldn't put it down!

What I didn't like:
So hard to think of something. Really, the whole book just worked for me. If anything, I would have to say that because the characters were so interesting, I would have liked to have seen more points of view through out the story. Really, I just want more - of everything!

What I liked:
Um...everything?

Seriously though, this book was fantastic. I was hooked from page one. Evie was such an enjoyable character to read. Her life has never been normal. Luring, catching and tagging vampires, werewolves and their like is just another day on the job for her. Through it all though, she's still a teenager. She's still real. I felt like, if she were taken out of this story and dropped into say, a realistic teen fiction sans the paranormal creepy crawlies? I would still love her.

There is some romance, but it's cute and realistic. No - 'I just know we are meant to be together even though we just met and I know nothing about him - seriously, did you see him? He's so perfect and my body makes all these strange noises when he's near, even though I've never had a boy like me before I'm sure he's the only one for me and I cry whenever he walks away, even though I never cry because I'm so different then other girls - it's all him - he does this to me - that has to be love right?'

Sorry, I've had my fill of that type of romance in YA fiction! None of that here!

Reminded Me Of:
Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels series. Young girl, fighting the bad guys that normal society knows nothing about. Living with old secrets and discovering new ones.

Who Would Enjoy It:
Fans of paranormal young adult book (duh :) Also, maybe those who have been reluctant to pick up on the paranormal craze. The story is entertaining and there is lots of action. Also, lots of paranormal elements that work really well together. No wishy washy characters here.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

One of my top reads of 2010

Books in the Series:
1. Paranormalcy
2. Supernaturally (Fall 2011)
3. Book 3 (?)

Linkage Love:
Harper Teen
Author's Website
Author's Blog
Goodreads