Otis Dooda: Strange but True by Ellen Potter

Otis Dooda: Strange but True

Ellen Potter

Illustrated by David Heatley

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication: June 2013 from Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 240
Format: ARC
Acquisition: I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my review

Synopsis:

HARDY-HAR-HAR!

Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that’s his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He’s heard it all before. He’s been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That’s right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We’ll wait.

All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.

(from Goodreads)

I love illustrated chapter books! I really wish there were more books like Otis Dooda when I was a kid. Now, I can't wait to share this one with my daughter.

Otis is a pretty typical kid - or a "sort of" kid in his own words. Sort of short, short of good at some things, sort of bad at others. He was a very believable and like able character.

Otis and his family, made even more 'sort of'' normal by the inclusion of an older bully brother, have just moved to New York City. Living on the 35th floor of a huge apartment building he soon makes friends. I love that Otis's family is a little odd but that the friends he makes are also a little odd. Everyone fit together really well.

Lots of laughs - lots of fart jokes - which even I found funny so you can imagine how kids will react :) Lots of love too in this one - Otis understanding his brother a bit better, learning not to judge people because they're a little weird, making new friends, working together to solve problems - there is a lot to like in this book!

If you have a young reader in your life, I highly recommend picking them up a copy of Otis Dooda Strange But True!

AND I just saw that there is going to be a book 2 - I can totally see this becoming a best selling series!

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

I've also read The Humming Room by Ellen Potter and loved it!

The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die by April Henry

The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die

April Henry

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: June 2013 from Henry Holt
Pages: 224
Format: ARC
Acquisition: I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my review

Synopsis:

“Take her out back and finish her off.”

She doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know where she is, or why. All she knows when she comes to in a ransacked cabin is that there are two men arguing over whether or not to kill her.

And that she must run.

In her riveting style, April Henry crafts a nail-biting thriller involving murder, identity theft, and biological warfare. Follow Cady and Ty (her accidental savior turned companion), as they race against the clock to stay alive.

(from Goodreads)

There was so much about this book that I really loved but unfortunately, the implausibility of it all was just too much.

The premise is great - what would you do if you woke up with no memory with the voice of your potential killer ringing in you ears? I for one, would hope I would be as brave and insightful as Cady was. She might have lost her memory but she never loses herself. She's a strong character and despite what she is going through she doesn't waiver.

Cody's strengths however, for me, turned into her faults. She finds a way through everything - too easily. The good guy who shows up at the perfect moment and who instantly wants to risk his life for her - the bad guy who gives her all the details of everything before messing up and allowing her to escape (this actually happens several times) -- it's all just too much. Cady is strong because its easy to be. Her situations are so over the top, she almost could have done nothing and it felt like everything would still work out for her in the end.

While I initially felt very connected to Cady, as the book wore on, this connection grew weaker and weaker. By the time her story came to a close, I wasn't much interested.

And that ending? Not enjoyable. Will she make it? Oh no, the bad guy found her! Poof! The End with a cherry on top. It made very little sense.

Now, do I think others will enjoy The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die more then I did? Absolutely. I'm a pretty tough critic when it comes to thrillers and I know a lot of what I didn't like about this book are totally my personal 'issues'. So, yes, I do think others would very much connect with Cady more then I did.

A quick YA read with only a slight romantic twinge, this one could be a light thriller I think a lot of different readers would enjoy. I encourage you to not take only my word on this one - go seek it out for yourselves!

Rating

3 / 5 Stars

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard

*2013 Debut Author*

Splintered (Splintered #1)

A.G. Howard

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: January 2013 from Amulet Books
Pages: 371
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: received for review from the publisher via NetGalley

Synopsis:

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
When I read, I form a picture in my head - like a little movie. Sometimes it's boring, sometimes the narrative skips too much and I can't quite see the picture clearly. And sometimes I am completely and fantastically overwhelmed with images, feelings and experiences.

Fantastically overwhelmed in this case is a very very wonderful thing. If you've read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, you know how Lewis Carroll created a rich tapestry of characters and impossible situations. Expanding on this universe would be tricky at best. Improving it? Impossible!

Not so, because Howard has done just that.

Imagine Wonderland as a real place and imagine it skewed through the experiences of a very young girl. Imagine all those strange creatures Alice encountered. What were they really like? What rules governed this land?

Howard asked these questions and many more and the world she created is beyond belief - spectacularly so!

I pretty much loved Splintered with one small exception. For me, the romance didn't quite jive. Jeb is a great character. A great friend, a great 'boy' and someone I really enjoyed getting to know. But with so much already going on in the story and in Alyssa's life, I felt like the addition of a romance was just a little too much. The story would have done fine on it's own. I understand why Alyssa needed Jeb but overall I didn't feel like the story itself needed him - if that makes any sense.

Even so! Lots and lots of love for Splintered over here! So much in fact that even though I read an e-galley I plan on buying a print copy. Splintered is a book I couldn't imagine NOT being on my shelves.

Will I continue the series?
YES! I CAN NOT wait for book 2! Not loving the cover but seriously, it could be the most obnoxious book cover ever created and I'd still welcome it into my home.

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

The Splintered Series
#1 Splintered
#2 Unhinged (2014)

Book Review: The Memory Of After aka Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

*2013 Debut Author*

The Memory of After (The Memory Chronicles #1)

Lemore Appelhans

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: January 2013 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Format: online
Acquisition: PulseIt.com

Synopsis:

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.

Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Although it was rather compelling, unfortunately I can't say that I enjoyed this book very much. I read it all in one day as I just couldn't seem to put it down. Wanting to know what exactly was happening to Felicia and what had happened to her pushed me forward. However, once I did find out I was very underwhelmed.

Felicia is dead but she 'lives' in this sort of hive where she does nothing but access memories, hers and other dead people like her. At first, nothing is really explained - the few 'rules' to her world we are given don't make a lot of sense and as time passes, things just get more muddled. Also, the memories we do see her access are perfect for moving the story forward and giving us insight BUT they don't always fit into Felicia's story. We see what we need to see in order to understand but there isn't always a good reason for Felicia to be reliving these memories so in the end, everything feels very contrived.

I really did love the premise and I loved Neil as a character. The other aspects of Felicia's romantic encounters were...lacking to say the least. I never actually warmed up to Felicia and overall, the plot felt weak and a little boring at times. The climax was downright disappointing as everything is summed up nice and neat, no satisfying details to speak of and then proof, all done!

I know that others have really enjoyed The Memory of After so I'm going to put this in my 'not for me but maybe for you' category. I would recommend it to those who like stories with different takes on death and the afterlife.

Will I continue the series?
At this point, I can't see myself reading book 2. With everything ending so perfectly I'm not at all excited to find out what more happens to Felicia and her friends. You however, may feel otherwise.

Rating

3 / 5 Stars

The Memory Chronicles
#1 The Memory of After
#2 Chasing Before (2014)

***Published in hardcover in January 2013 as Level 2 - title changed to The Memory of After for paperback release in September 2013***

Book Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)

Julie Kagawa

**might contain spoilers
if you haven't read book 1**

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: April 2013 from Harlequin Teen
Pages: 446
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: NetGalley

Synopsis:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Picking up soon after The Immortal Rules ends, we find Allie right back in the think of it all. She's left behind Eden and more importantly, Zeke. She's more alone then she has ever been and she's determined to find her sire, Kanin. She knows she might have to fight her way to him but she's not going to let anything stop her.

Extremely awesome.

I honestly didn't know what to expect from The Eternity Cure. I absolutely fell in love with the vampiric dystopian world Julie had created and I was dying to know what Allie would do after she left Zeke. Everything that made The Immortal Rules fantastic was back plus I got the added bonus of some serious kick a** vampire (and human) fighting.

Overall, The Eternity Cure is a lot bloodier and violent then The Immortal Rules. A lot more politics going on as well as we get more of inside look into how vampire society operates. We meet a lot of new characters - some only briefly and there are A LOT of characters that meet a brutal end before get to learn anything about them. By the time I was halfway through reading I was actually a little desensitized to it all.

I would have to say I liked The Immortal Rules a little bit more then The Eternity Cure. There were a few too many 'shocking' moments early on for Allie. Also, some things felt a little repetitive. She's on this quest - finds something she wasn't expecting - continues on the quest - resolves it (sort of) and starts again (sort of). I guess I was hoping for more of her world and less of her inner and personal struggles. BUT that's not to say the story wasn't fantastic.

It really is Allie that makes this book pop. If you feel in love with her in The Immortal Rules, you'll love her just the same in The Eternity Cure. She only annoyed me once or twice but that was more Zeke's fault and honestly, I never really warmed up to him. I can see why Allie loves him though.

More vampire then dsytopian in this one. More backstory and resolving of unfinished business then new happenings. Overall, a very satisfying 'book 2' - with enough of the story left untold that book 3 looks very promising (and way to far away!!)

Will I continue the series?
Yes! Allie, Kanin and company still have unfinished business to attend to. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Rating

4.5 / 5 Stars

PB book 1, HC book 2

The Blood of Eden Series
#0.5 Dawn of Eden (short story found in 'Til The World Ends)
#1.0 The Immortal Rules
#2.0 The Eternity Cure
#3.0 ?

Book Review: Broken by A. E. Rought

2013 Debut Author

Broken

A.E. Rought

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: January 2013 from Strange Chemistry
Pages: 346
Format: ARC
Acquisition: received from the publisher for review

Synopsis:

Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.

A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his spectre in the moonlight and the fog.

When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He's an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely... familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel's.

The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The relationship between Emma and Alex is so much more then insta love. Unfortunately more didn't really work for me as even before I fully understood their connection I was totally turned off by their interactions. Since the entire book is a play by play of everything Emma does or thinks and she does almost nothing but obsess over Alex there was very little left for me enjoy.

The strange paranormal / sci-fi elements to the story would have been better suited to a thriller. In my opinion these elements just did not work in this quasi romantic teen angst filled story. Once I fully understood what was going on I wasn't shocked or surprised. I honestly thought it was all pretty gross when set against the backdrop of Emma's heartache and Alex's ridiculous perfect hotness.

I was really waiting for some type of twist to the story. Alex is possessive and controlling and not a boy any girl should ever be attracted to. Emma's mother was ridiculous, so very many practical things just didn't add up and the ending wasn't a surprise at all.

While Broken is a book I do think others would enjoy it isn't one I would easily recommend. For me, The unhealthily relationship between Emma and Alex combined with the implausible details of the story overshadowed the potential cool factor of the paranormal elements.

I know Broken is a retelling of sorts of Dr. Frankenstein  but for me at least, the mad scientists / monster in the basement pared with modern day teen love didn't sit well. I was looking for more of a thrill and the 'romance' was too over the top for my liking, however, you might feel differently!

Rating

2.5 / 5 Stars

Book Review: The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova

The Vicious Deep (The Vicious Deep #1)

Zoraida Cordova

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: May 2012 from Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 372
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: Received via NetGalley for review

Synopsis:

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he's heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he's suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea...and now it wants him back.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Wow! I devoured this book! Stories about merpeople have been more miss then hit for me lately but fortunately The Vicious Deep was a huge hit! I really loved the male protagonist POV and his family and friends. I really loved the world the merpeople live in. I really loved the myth behind the story. I really loved...the entire book!

Seriously though, there is little I can say I don't love about The Vicious Deep. Maybe the ending...or the lack of an ending really. It wasn't so much a cliff hanger as just a hanger, if that makes any sense. The story was going along just fine and then the book was over. Which means - A LOT more story to tell in book 2! Sometimes it upsets me when this happens but it actually kind of worked this time.

I think my favorite thing about The Vicious Deep is it's male protagonist. Maybe I've just been burned by too many week females but there is something about an imperfect male lead that gets me every time! Another thing that really got me was the romance - or rather, the subtle hint at a possible romance. Too many YA books throw love around like it happens in a instant and it's usually a turn off for me. Two characters that start off as friends and work their way up to love? Much more believable and enjoyable to read.

Will I continue the series?
Yes! Book 2 will release next month and I can't wait to add it to my shelves.

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

The Vicious Deep Series
#1 The Vicious Deep
#2 The Savage Blue

Book Review: Blood Moon by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Moon (Drake Chronicles #5)

Alyxandra Harvey

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: June 2012 from Walker Childrens
Pages: 320
Format: paperback
Acquisition: bought

Synopsis:

When the vampire tribes convene for the rare Blood Moon ceremonies, Solange Drake is plunged into a battle with her feral nature. The Drake brothers have been raised knowing they had to protect their younger sister at all cost. But forbidden magic and a mysterious stranger have put all of them in terrible danger.

Nicholas is going to have to make a difficult choice: between his girlfriend, Lucy, and his little sister, Solange - blood or love?

Goodreads

My Thoughts
With only 1 more book in the series to go, Alyxandra didn't pull any punches with Blood Moon!

The Drake Chronicles have always been a character driven series and book 5 is no exception. Unlike previous books in this series, Blood Moon isn't focused on a new set of potential romantic partners within the Drake family. Instead we get the point of view of 3 central characters - Lucy, Nicholas and Solange. Since these 3 have always been my favorite, I was very happy :)

If you know this series you know that the Drake's are always getting themselves in trouble one way or another. Although this is central theme to each book, it doesn't get old. The Drake's and their world are both a uniquely wonderful and grounded in enough traditional vampire lore to make for a hell of a story line - no matter what the specific focus is.

Without giving too much away -- if you're gotten this far with the series book 5 is a must read! (after the mini cliff hanger of book 4). The last tale in the chronicles is already on shelves and I recommend gobbling up books 5 and 6 in quick succession!

Will I continue the series?
Yes! With only 1 more book to go I'm really curious how things turn out for the Drakes.

Rating

4 / 5 Stars

The Drake Chronicles
#0.1 Corsets and Crossbows
#0.5 Lost Girls
#1.0 Hearts at Stake
#2.0 Blood Feud
#3.0 Out For Blood
#3.5 A Killer First Date
#4.0 Bleeding Hearts
#4.5 A Field Guide To Vampires
#5.0 Blood Moon
#6.0 Blood Prophecy

Book Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)

Julie Kagawa

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: April 2012 from Harlequin Teen
Pages: 485
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: received for review via NetGalley

Synopsis:

To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Julie Kagawa is a magician. Really.

Now, I'm a fan of vampires, I really really am. But over the last couple of years, I've been burned pretty bad. A lot of the same old thing, a lot of Twilight copy cats, a lot of stories that try really hard to be different but always fall short for me -- with some exceptions, this has been my experience with young adult vampire books.

So, was I disappointed with The Immortal Rules? OMG no! I loved this book!

Julie's vampires aren't like others and at the same time, they retain the essence of what a true vampire should be - in my opinion. They are killers, they are monsters but some of them remember what being human was. They live in a world where they are at the top of the food chain, but staying there takes a lot of work.

What makes The Immortal Rules a unique read is the way Julie pairs these vampires with a very human dystopian world. Vampires are arrogant and quick to violence and it makes sense that the human world they now have to live in falls to decay. Before reading The Immortal Rules I never would have thought to combine vampires and dystopia but, really - they work together so well!

Allie as a character was someone I fell for pretty fast. She's strong and self reliant and a fabulous companion through this terrifying world Julie has created. She's also loyal to a fault - which I have a feeling might get her in even more trouble in book 2.

Will I continue the series?
YES without a doubt. A lot of doors have been closed on Allie's past but she still has some unfinished business to attend to. I'm also looking forward to seeing her more comfortable in her vampire skin. And what happens to the humans Allie has met!? What happens to the vampires!?

A fantastic start to an awesome series.

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

Bk 1 Paperback, Bk 2 Hardcover

The Blood of Eden Series
#1 The Immortal Rules
#2 The Eternity Cure (April 2013)

Book Review: The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Legends 
(The Iron Fey #1.5, 3.5, 4.5)

Julie Kagawa

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: August 2012 from Harlequin Teen
Pages: 304
Format: paperback
Acquisition: bought

Synopsis:

Enter the world of the internationally bestselling Iron Fey series. Dangerous faeries. Heartbreaking romance. Thrilling action and limitless adventure. The world of the fey has never been so powerful. This collection includes three novellas set in the world of the Iron Fey plus the Guide to the Iron Fey with exclusive information about Julie Kagawa's unforgettable world of Faery.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I love short stories and I LOVE when they get all bound up in a nice package :)

I've read a few of these Iron Fey gems but a few others were new to me - especially the last one.

There is a lot to this book so I thought it best to break it up into parts.

Winter's Passage (#1.5)
Very much Ash and Meghan being...well...themselves. I'm not a huge fan of Meghan so this story was a little annoying - although, I can totally see what she sees in Ash ;)

Summer's Crossing (#3.5)
This one's all about Puck and I love him to pieces! Meghan annoyed me some more (I have such a love hate relationship with her!), Ash was very Ash-like - all hot and whatnot but I would still pick Puck over him any day!
All first person Puck which is both awesome and heartbreaking.

Iron's Prophecy (#4.5)
This is the new one - sort of a bridge story between the first set of books and the next set which feature Meghan's brother. A pretty weird turn of events and I'm curious to see how the new series starts without giving readers the details revealed in this story.

Next up in the book is the Guide To The Iron Fey -- very much a don’t read this section unless you're read ALL of books 1-4. It includes:

*The Original Survival Guide to the Nevernever -- written as if you were a foreign traveler preparing for a journey.

*Character Biographies and Useful Information -- pretty much what it says it is. I can see this section being useful while reading The Lost Prince.

*Glossary -- another useful section. I love the terms and elements Julie has chosen for this series!

*Realms of the Nevernever (and Beyond) -- A reminder of the complex words in which the Fey operate.

*The Iron Quotes -- A quiz (with answers). I don't think I got a single one right but it was still fun to play.

*Q and A with Julie Kagawa -- Love this! It always feels like a treat having a little bit of inside knowledge into why an author writes what they do.

Will I continue the series?
The next book is The Lost Prince which is both a book 5 for the Iron Fey series and a book 1 in the new Call of the Forgotten series. The focus is on Meghan's brother Ethan but after reading Iron Prophecy I can imagine that Meghan and Ash will be big players in the story as well.

Long story short? Yes - I do plan on continuing!

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

The Iron Fey Series 

#1.0 The Iron King

#1.5 Winter's Passage

#2.0 The Iron Daughter

#3.0 The Iron Queen

#3.5 Summer's Crossing

#4.0 The Iron Knight

#4.5 Iron's Prophecy

The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten Series
#1.0 The Lost Prince
#2.0 The Iron Traitor (September 2013)

Book Review: The Future We Left Behind by Mike A. Lancaster

The Future We Left Behind (Point 4 #2)

Mike A. Lancaster

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: November 2012 from Egmont USA
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Acquisition: BEA 2012

Synopsis:

Thousands of years in the future the divide between humanity and technology has become nearly unrecognizable. Each thought, each action is logged, coded, backed up. Data is as easily exchanged through the fiber-optic-like cables that extend from fingertips as it might be through ordinary conversation. It's a brave new world: A world that the Straker Tapes say is a result of many human "upgrades." But no one is sure whether the Straker Tapes are a work of fiction or an eerie peek into an unimaginable past.

Nearly sixteen-year-old Peter Vincent has been raised to believe that everything that the backward Strakerites cling to is insane--an utter waste of time and potential. Since his father is David Vincent, genius inventor of the artificial bees that saved the world's crops and prevented massive famine, how could Peter believe anything else?

But when Peter meets Alpha, a Strakerite his own age, suddenly the theories about society-upgrades don't sound quite so crazy, especially when she shows him evidence that another upgrade is imminent. And worse, there may be a conspiracy by the leaders of the establishment to cover it up. A conspiracy spearheaded by Peter's own father.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
OMG I have so much love for this book!

The Future We Left Behind is one of the best science fiction books and quite possibility the best YA sci-fi I have ever read.

A very pleasant surprise as more often then not diary entry style writing doesn't appeal to me. In the case of The Future We Left Behind, knowing future (and past) events in no way detract from the suspense of the story. In fact, knowing what was to come, and what had already happened added to the thrill of the story.

Human .4 was phenomenal read for me and I had high hopes for book 2. Not only was I not disappointed, I was utterly blow away by the power of this book. Science fiction at it's best!

Peter was a fantastic character. He isn't bold and he in no way thinks of himself as a hero. Even though he lives in a wholly foreign world he was very easy to relate to. I love the way he interacts with Alpha and I love how they work together.

Does Peter live in a world humanity could find itself in one day? Knowing the how of it all...I would hope not but Lancaster does such a fantastic job telling this story I find it hard to completely rule out the possibility.

I would (and do!) recommend this series to any science fiction fan.

Will I continue the series?
As far as I can tell, there isn't another book in the series set to release. BUT if there were? Yes oh yes I would read it!

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

The Point 4 Series
#1 Human .4 (UK title: 0.4)
#2 The Future We Left Behind (UK title: 1.4)

Book Review: Professor Gargoyle by Charles Gilman

Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1)

Charles Gilman

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication: September 2012 from Quirk Books
Pages: 168
Format: hardcover
Acquisition: publisher sent for review

Synopsis:

In Professor Gargoyle, we’re introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It’s a brand-new state-of-the-art facility—so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from? 

As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Carina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Professor Gargoyle is an awesome start to what I hope is a long lived middle grade series. With it's male protagonist and paranormal elements I can see young readers really eating this one up!

Every kid has had a teacher they couldn't stand - someone who really got under their skin. For Robert, unfortunately, he has more to worry about besides passing science. As he soon discovers, there is A LOT more to Lovecraft school then meets the eye and he'll be lucky to survive his first week with all his limbs attached, never mind as passing grade.

Robert very much takes thing in stride - which I really liked about him. He kind of has to after finding out the secrets of Lovecraft. And his new friends? A ghost, a bully and a 2 headed mouse? Not exactly what he signed up for but without their help he never would have made it. I really love how these unexpected friends found each other.

A quick read for us older folks, and a thrill ride of a story for the younger crowd. This is definitely a book to introduce to reluctant readers - especially boys, who sometimes benefit from reading about a character they could relate to. Robert is a very relate-able character. He has faults, he doesn't always know what he is doing but he's true to his friends and true to his word.

Will I continue the series?
Yes! In face, I've already read book 2 and it was just a fabulous and Professor Gargoyle. I can't wait for my little one to be old enough to read these herself.

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

Tales from Lovecraft Middle School
#1 Professor Gargoyle
#2 The Slither Sisters
#3 Teacher's Pest (May 2013)

Book Review: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

Emblaze (Embrace #3)

Jessica Shirvington

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: March 19, 2013
Pages: 464
Format: ARC
Acquisition: received from the publisher

Synopsis:

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Good and evil, heaven and hell, right and wrong - which side would you choose? For Violet this question is at the very center of her life. Everything revolves around what is right and good - what she must do and what is evil (or forbidden). She is one of the strongest female characters I have come across in a while in YA lit and I absolutely love her!

The tensions that started in Embrace and continued in Entice have built up to a breaking point. Violet and her friends are giving everything they have - and it might not be enough.

Fantasy and reality collide. Angels are real. Evil is real and Violet just might hold the key to it all.

A fantastic story!

Emblaze picks up pretty much were Entice left off and I'm chalking it up to Shirvington's phenomenal writing because unlike what happens most of the time for me when I pick up a book 3, I hadn't forgotten ANYTHING about Violet's world. Only a few pages into Emblaze and every detail from the previous 2 books were fresh in my mind. This is rare and it was awesome!

With slews of paranormal creatures to choose from in YA readings, I feel that angels can be overlooked. Shirvington has filled a void, for me at least. I love the world she has created and her characters feel like old friends.

This is truly one of my favorite series and it's one I can't recommend enough! If you like angels - you must read these books. If you're on the fence - pick up book 1 today and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Will I continue the series?
Yes oh yes! No word on when the US edition of book 4 will be out but it's already been released in the UK (title: Endless).

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

The Embrace Series
#1 Embrace
#2 Entice
#3 Emblaze
#4 Endless (UK release 2012)
#5 Untitled (?)

Book Review: And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

"Very much a not for me but maybe for you book"

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: July 2011
Pages: 254
Series: standalone
Format: ARC
Acquisition: borrowed

Synopsis:

Keek’s life was totally perfect….Keek and her boyfriend just had their Worst Fight Ever; her best friend heinously betrayed her; her parents are divorcing; and her mom’s across the country caring for her newborn cousin, who may or may not make it home from the hospital. To top it all off, Keek’s got the plague. (Well, the chicken pox.) Now she’s holed up at her grandmother’s technologically barren house until further notice. Not quite the summer vacation Keek had in mind.

With only an old typewriter and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar for solace and guidance, Keek’s alone with her swirling thoughts. But one thing’s clear through her feverish haze—she’s got to figure out why things went wrong so she can make them right.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Meh…

My Thoughts:
One thing that really made it hard for me to love this book was the fact that I really really didn't like Keek (short for Karina…?). Granted, she is having a pretty terrible summer but compared to some people in her immediate circle? Her problems aren't all that bad. The 'fights' she is having with her BFF and BF respectfully don't seem to add up to much. She's really sick but her grandmother is doing a fabulous job taking care of her and her parents? She does nothing to hold them accountable for their actions - she rather just whine about it all.

Another aspect of the story that didn't jive with me was Keek's obsession with The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I've never read this book, never wanted to and after reading And Then Things Fall Apart I really didn't want to. Keek quotes a ginormous amount of the book in her daily typewriter ramblings. Page after page of The Bell Jar this and The Bell Jar that and this reminds me of that time in the The Bell Jar.

I will own up to the fact that this connection Arlaina makes with Plath might be totally lost on me from a literary perspective. Keek's musings are obnoxious but they are also deep insights straight into the heart of who she is, much like Plath's are.

A final last point that I just flat out didn’t like was the sexual aspects of the book. I have no problem with sex in YA but I just didn't like Keek's sexuality. I know that's a strange thing to say but I don't know how else to explain it. I mean, she's only 15 and if her words are to be believed, she thinks about sex like 100% more then I ever did at that age. It was off putting at times.

And Then Things Fall Apart is very much written in diary type entries and narratives such as these aren't usually my favorite. I think in the end this it what really did it for me.

Very much a not for me but maybe for you book!

Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

Book Review: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

"The combination of sci-fi, fantasy and fairy tale retelling that made Cinder such a great read is no less fantastic in Scarlet. "

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2013
Pages: 464
Series: #2
Format: ARC
Acquisition: received for review from the publisher

Synopsis:

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Intense and overwhelming LOVE!

My Thoughts:
OMG this was a good book!

The combination of sci-fi, fantasy and fairy tale retelling that made Cinder such a great read is no less fantastic in Scarlet.

After leaving Cinder in a less then desirable situation at the end of book 1, I was really curious as to where she would find herself next. And I really wanted to know what was up with those Lunars!

I love the relationships in this book - and not just the romantic kind. All the characters in this world are so varied and different and the connections are just as different and complex.

With the introduction of a new set a characters and the fabulous way Meyer meshed them together with my old favorites, Scarlet was a fantastic read for me.

I could go on and on with reasons why I loved this book but I don't want to give too much away.

If you read Cinder, Scarlet is a must read. And if you haven't started this series I highly recommend you do! Don't let the premise crazy you off. Marissa has weaved a magical world full of cyborgs, androids and fairy tales that does not disappoint!

Will I continue the series?: YES!

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

The Lunar Chronicles:
#0.5 Glitches
#1 Cinder
#1.5 The Queen's Army
#2 Scarlet
#3 Cress (2014)
#4 Winter (2015)

Book Review: Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane

"...the perfect blend of paranormal elements combined with true to life emotions."

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: December 2012
Pages: 304
Series: #1
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: received for review via NetGalley

Synopsis:

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.

A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Loved it!

My Thoughts:
For me, Indigo Awakening was the perfect blend of paranormal elements combined with true to life emotions. Loosely based on the phenomenon of actual Indigo and Crystal children (seriously, look it up!), this story took me on a fast based emotional roller coaster of a ride with an ending I never could have imagined.

Along with thrills and conspiracies there is also a healthy dose of romance that I felt really drawn to.

I'm actually a little surprised at myself on this one. I absolutely loved how Gabe and Rayne interacted but I really shouldn't have seeing as their relationship was full on insta love! Seriously though - I couldn't get enough of the two of them. I never questioned their motivations and their interactions felt genuine.

This book moves along fast but at no time did I feel like I was missing something. Jordan does a fantastic job with character development. Even though I only spend a short amount of time with Gabe, Rayne , Lucas and the fascinating cast of supporting characters I felt like I really got to know them.

Will I continue the series?:
I love Jordan's writing so I'm eager to see where she takes her Indigo Awakening characters. With that said, I feel that this story also works well as a stand alone. There is a lot more story that can be told but no cliff hangers and no loose ends that need immediate attention. With that said - yes, absolutely I will be continuing the series.

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

The Hunted Series:
#1 Indigo Awakening
#2 Crystal Fire (2013)

Book Review: Wander Dust by Michelle Warren

"loved [the time travel] aspect of the book."

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: November 2011
Pages: 374
Series: 1st in a series
Format: e-book
Acquisition: Free download

Synopsis:

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions… catapult her to other cities.

The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her.

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most.

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Happy with a little bit of wonder thrown in.

My Thoughts:
Going into Wander Dust, I really didn’t know what to expect. My sister, who is 16 absolutely loves this book and she desperately wanted me to read it. She also told me she didn't think I would love it as much as her - she knows me so well :)

Did I enjoy Wander Dust? Absolutely! Did I love it to pieces? Not really but I can see why my sister does.

There is a very light hearted feel to this story. Not a lot of over burdening explanations for actions and events. Things kind of move along at their own pace and seem to happen naturally. Which, the more I think about it, shouldn't really work considering the main story is about time travel!

And yeah? Time travel? Awesome subject and one that you don't see all that often. I loved this aspect of the book.

Then there is Seraphina who I have to say I really liked. She didn't wine or complain when life flipped itself over her head (literally) and she doesn't doubt herself. She is a character I can really see young girls looking up to and that can sometime be a rare trait in YA heroines these days!

Will I continue the series?:
Yes! My sister has already read book 2 and she said it was even more fabulous then the first.

Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

The Seraphina Parrish Trilogy:
#1 Wander Dust
#2 Protecting Truth
#3 Untitled (2013?)

Book Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

"Tumbling down a deep rabbit hole - fast and uncontrollable - that's how I felt reading The Darkest Mind."

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: December 2012
Pages: 496
Series: #1
Format: ARC
Acquisition: received at BEA 2012

Synopsis:

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
A little underwhelmed by the details but very satisfied with the results.

My Thoughts:
Something is happening to the world's children. Something that causes the adult population to react in pretty terrifying ways. It was this dramatic and extreme reaction that I had a problem with at first. Without having a firm background on what exactly was happening, it seemed really out of place.

The world in which Ruby finds herself in is in chaos and if I understand things correctly, it all has to do with the breakdown of our government due to a lack of funding. So, in 5 or 6 years time, almost all of America's children are either dead, in camps, or roaming the decaying urban landscape of what was once a fully functioning society. This dystopian aspect didn't quite fit together as neatly as I would have liked with what I knew about Ruby and her background.

Tumbling down a deep rabbit hole - fast and uncontrollable - that's how I felt reading The Darkest Mind. It was hard telling which way was up and there was nothing to hold on to. Everything in this world is unpredictable. It's a harsh and crewel and Ruby is right in the middle of it all.

Have to say though, I found myself routing for Ruby from the very start. The world she lives in, I did have a few issues with, but I was on her side 100%. Wanting to know what happened to her was a strong driving force that very much helped move the story along.

Will I continue the series?:
Yes! There is too much left unanswered and I really want to know what happens to Ruby.

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

The Darkest Minds Series:
#1 The Darkest Minds
#2 Untitled (2013)
#3 Untitled (2014)

Book Review: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

"A somewhat unbelievable tale but heartwarming nonetheless."

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: June 2011
Pages: 307
Series: standalone
Format: paperback
Acquisition: bought

Synopsis:

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

Told in verse and brimming with raw emotion and pure romance, this is a gracefully woven tale of life-changing secrets and unexpected friendship.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
Heartbreak full of hope.

My Thoughts:
A somewhat unbelievable tale but heartwarming nonetheless. Told in verse, Amber shares the story of her day alone. Her life is about to change in a huge way and she needs to be alone for one last day. Her story was moving, as was the story of the mysterious boy she meets at the beach, but overall, a little too far fetched.

That's not to say I didn't really enjoy this book, because I did. Verse books are usually quick reads and a story that only encompasses 1 day in the life of 2 people, in my opinion, should not take all that long to read. For this reason, the verse prose was perfect.

Amber is facing a situation that really, very few (if any) people have faced before. She feels alone and betrayed and even though her family is expecting her to be in her bed that morning, she can't help but escape away. As a reader, we get small glimpses into her life - leading up to the 'big reveal' and the real reason she feels the need to run away.

On this solely remarkable day, Amber meets Cade who in fact is having a terrible day of his own. The two become friends in an instant, spend the day together and eventually share their stories.

In the end, the fact that Amber and Cade's stories were a little too much to believe was overshadowed by the raw emotion behind what was happening to them. Their struggles and the connection they manage to make in one day really made The Day Before a powerful read for me.

I'm really draw to book in verse and Lisa's are always fantastic. I would love to add all of hers to my collection.

Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Picture Book Review: Oh So Tiny Bunny written and illustrated by David Kirk

Reading Level: Picture Book

Publication Date: February 5th 2013

Format: ARC

Acquisition: Received for review

Summary:

During the day, Oh So Tiny Bunny is very, very small. But at night, he dreams of being big—as big as a dragon, or even a mountain! At first, that's fine, but then he feels lonely. There’s no one to share it with. Are there no other bunnies so big as him?

Every small child dreams of the day they will grow up to be big, but in this book David Kirk reminds us that sometimes . . . it’s not so bad being small.

(from Goodreads)

Overall Feelings:
One of the most adorable picture books I've ever read.

My Thoughts:
Guys? The bunny's name is Oh So! The cuteness scale on this one is off the charts!

My daughter ate this book up - we had to read it through about 4 times before she got tired of saying 'awwwww!' every time Oh So did something ridiculously adorable.

And Oh So? He's a friend I'd love to have. He has a dream about what it would be like to be big but in the end he realizes that being tiny isn't oh so very bad after all.

A great addition to any child's picture book collection. My 6 year old was able to read it herself but she much preferred having it read to her.

Excellent all around. I have a list of little ones I can't wait to buy this book for!

Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

David Kirk is the author / illustrator behind The Miss Spider series
My daughter loves the TV show based on this series so it's no wonder she also loved Oh So. David is a fantastic story teller and artist!