Rose Under Fire

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that's in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
In what appears to be a common sentiment, I was both excited and nervous to read this book.  I absolutely adored Code Name Verity and have since made it one of my top books to recommend to both lovers and naysayers of YA.  I was worried that this follow-up would be disappointing and leave me wanting.  Although not as good as its predecessor, I wasn't left wanting.  It takes a bit to get to the main action of the plot, with the beginning acting as an introduction telling of Rose's life pre-capture.  There's then a brief interlude where we hear of Rose's disappearance from other characters via letters and notes.  The plot itself doesn't move aggressively forward, but instead meanders while detailing various episodes from the camp.  As with any well-written Holocaust book, your heart will break in a million different ways during reading.  The book feels like a memoir rather than a novel, which gives even more of an emotional impact.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the poetry that Rose writes that peppers the novel.  Although I'm not a huge poetry fan, I liked how it added another layer to the story.

Rose is a well drawn character and I enjoyed seeing the world though her eyes.  Hearing about the struggles of those in the camps and getting glimpses into the heartbreak of those they left behind was really powerful.  The Rabbits were something that it's shocking to know was true and it's appalling to consider what happened to real people in the name of "science."  All of the girls/women were different and brought their own stories to the overarching structure of the novel.  Roza in particular, with her specific brand of fiery resistance, provided a great deal of emotional impact.  Her life in the camp defined her entire existence and her courage in the face of absolute evil creates a fascinating character.  I particularly love how the book placed good in the most dire of places and unexpected of characters.

Overall, this is a wonderful companion to Code Name Verity.  When taken on its own it becomes even better, with a complex cast of characters that will pull on your heartstrings.  For a different view on the horrors of concentration camps, pick up both this book and a box of tissues.
book from library

Uncommon Criminals

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. 

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
I picked up the first book in this series last summer because it was on sale and sounded fun.  I consider that a very good decision, because thus far the books have been an absolute blast to read.  I like to think of the series as Ocean's Eleven with the pop culture sensibilities of shows like Gilmore Girls or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  There's all of the heist action, but constantly peppered with witty banter and one-liners.  The process of planning and going through the mental lists of different cons and tricks took up most of the book, with the actual action limited to a few scenes.  Luckily, the planning is as delightful as the various robberies.  There were a couple of plot twists, one of which was a bit more obvious because of the action that had occurred and the length of the book.  The ending worked wonderfully and had me giving a little satisfied fist pump at the book.

Kat's dealing with rather a lot from all directions.  She starts out the book having decided to lone wolf things for various re-acquisitions.  I'm not saying thefts because she's only stealing already stolen items and returning them to their rightful owners.  Using her skills for good!  However, the crew that was assembled in Heist Society is concerned that she's taking too many risks.  We get Hale and Gabriella being their generally awesome selves starting from almost the beginning of the book.  It takes a bit for the rest to join in, but it's worth the wait.  I love the relationship between Kat and Hale.  Yes, there's the romantic tension, but their priority is making sure that they can still be friends and get the job done.  Granted, that does come with lots of wonderfully quick banter.  The characters do develop some, but the main draw here is the brilliant heist and the rest of the breakneck plot.  Don't look too deeply; let yourself enjoy the ride.

This is a delightful entry in a series I'm thoroughly enjoying.  I definitely want to get my hands on the next book, which I'm sure I'll devour as rapidly as this one.  If you're into globe-trotting adventures with wit and serious capers then go out and buy these books immediately.
ebook from library

The Shadow in the North

When one of Sally’s clients loses a large sum of money in the unexpected collapse of a British shipping firm, Sally sets out to investigate. But as she delves deeper into the identity of a wealthy and elusive industrialist, she uncovers a plot so diabolical, it could subvert the entire civilized world.
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
I've been a fan of Philip Pullman since I read the astounding His Dark Materials trilogy.  I picked up the first of the Sally Lockhart mysteries years ago and just never got any farther.  That's my mistake because I inadvertently missed this delightful little book.  Pullman is a master of connecting complex plot threads without dropping any of them.  There are two mysteries that at first appear only tangentially related, but that intertwine in unexpected ways revealed throughout the book.  The story weaves in and out of performance halls, back alleys, and estates without losing its flow.  I got so excited because this book (finally) has excellent pacing when it comes to the central mystery!  The language is designed to take you back in time which might be a distraction to some readers.  It occasionally feels stilted, but is rather brilliant in general.

Sally is flat out awesome.  I like my heroines fierce and feisty and she fits the bill.  However, what's so admirable is her struggle for independence on her own terms in a society that thinks her sex renders her useless.  Running a financial consulting agency might not sound thrilling, but juxtaposing it with the action of detective work adds depth to the book.  She also knows her limits and will admit when she needs help or isn't good at something rather than forcing her way through.  Fred and Jim are delightful as male leads.  The tension between Fred and Sally brings forth a nice little spark that ensures the relationships aren't overly light.  The characters behave like real people and all have some lovely three-dimensonality.  I do have to warn about the end because I didn't expect it at all and then some serious feelings happened.

If you have a historical mystery itch, then this will scratch it perfectly.  I would recommend reading the first book before picking this one up, but it isn't a necessity.  For some adventure and mystery with a dash of romance befriend Sally Lockhart and go back in time.  You won't regret it.
book from library

The Night Itself

When fifteen year old Mio Yamato furtively sneaks the katana - an ancestral Japanese sword - out of its hiding place in her parent's attic to help liven up her Christmas party costume, she has no idea of the darkness she is about to unleash on modern day London, or the family secrets that she is going to uncover.

The paralysing paranoia that descends on her before she gets to her friend's party is her first clue. The vivid and terrifying visions that nearly get her killed are a pretty good warning too.

The giant nine-tailed cat demon that comes after the sword and tries to rip her throat out? Overkill.

Seconds away from becoming kitty-food, Mio is saved by Shinobu, a mysterious warrior boy. But it's already too late. Mio has ruptured the veil between the mortal realm and the Underworld, and now the gods and monsters of ancient Japan stalk the streets of London, searching for her and the sword.

With the help of her best friend Jack, a fox spirit named Hikaru - and the devoted protection of the betwitchingly familiar Shinobu - Mio attempts to discover the true nature of the sword and its connection to the Yamato family. Because if she doesn't learn how to control the katana's incredible powers, she's in danger of being overwhelmed by them. And if she can't keep the sword safe from the terrible creatures who want it for their own, she'll lose not only her own life... but the love of a lifetime.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
I've been a fan of Zoë Marriott for a while and was super excited to find her new book while perusing the shelves of the library.  I didn't even bother to check the description before grabbing it!  Marriott's previous work has been high fantasy, so the urban setting took me aback at first.  I got over my surprise quickly enough to enjoy it!  The plot moves really rapidly once the initial set up is over.  The combination of Japanese mythology overlaying modern London was a delight to read.  I should also admit that I find reading about various mythology I don't know much about fascinating.  I actually learned while reading!  I must admit that I love the whole magic sword bit (one of my all time favorite books is The Blue Sword), especially when said sword isn't exactly easy to deal with.  Throw in various animal spirits, good, evil, and indifferent, and I'm hooked.  The actual plot isn't that original (read: heroine must defeat evil monster by discovering new magical powers), but is executed in a wonderful way.  Marriott juxtaposes ancient and unfamiliar traditions atop of the expected and familiar.  It doesn't hurt that her writing is just wonderful and expressive, drawing you in with every new word.

I loved the characters ever so much.  There's so much sass that happens and it makes my little heart smile.  Mio has her moments of doing stupid things, but then who doesn't at 15?  Granted, most of those mistakes don't release evil ancient spirits, but welcome to literature. Mio manages to remain strong and resilient while freaking out like a normal human being.  Although I'm not a huge fan of the immediate relationship between Mio and Shinobu, Marriott posted some tidbits about their future on Goodreads and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.  Shinobu is the least compelling and realistic character in the book.  He doesn't have a strong individual personality and I want to see it develop.  I think my favorite character might have to be Jack, though.  Sassy and fiercely loyal, she's a perfect counterpoint to Mio.  Plus, a constant stream of witty remarks always makes me a happier girl.  Her ability to believe in the seemingly impossible is an added bonus when dealing with legendary creatures.  I want to see where some of her relationships (not spoiling the fun!) head as well.

I'm still a huge fan of whatever Marriott does.  Although this represents a change for her, it worked out well.  I'd recommend this for people who enjoy urban fantasy, but are tired of reading about the same vampires/werewolves/faeries over and over.  I can't wait to see where the series is going next and will certainly pick up the next book when I get a chance!
book from library

Panic

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
I didn't actually know what this book was about when I borrowed it, but figured that the new Lauren Oliver would have to be pretty good.  It was so far from my expectations since it contained no overt supernatural elements.  However, I found the novel compulsively readable.  I just couldn't put it down and kept finding excuses to read a couple more pages.  Objectively, the book isn't that fantastic and has some obvious issues.  The plot moves really fast making it a serious page-turner, but there are some major holes.  There's no way that something like Panic could actually exist in real life; someone would put a stop to it.  However, Oliver writes the atmosphere of a dead-end small town perfectly.  Having grown up in the middle of nowhere, I completely understand the cycle that keeps people locked into a place like that.  Many of the descriptions were spot on and really drew me in.

The characters felt like real people and behaved like teens stuck in a small town with nothing to do.  Heather and Dodge both were interesting, but didn't grow terribly much over the course of the novel.  I'm actually okay with that because the focus was primarily on the plot rather than internal character conflict.  Although there certainly were places for growth, Oliver didn't take advantage of them.  The secondary characters were quite nice and had unexpected subtleties.  I did like the alternating focus of the chapters that gave glimpses into the lives of both Dodge and Heather.

This book is perfect for a late night binge-reading session.  It's one that I loved unreasonably and thought was a ton of fun.  Grab this if you're waiting for summer, feeling the small town blues, or just want a book that explores fear without being too deep.
book from library

Stolen Songbird

Publication April 1, 2014

 



For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
First of all, I absolutely love this cover.  It's all manner of pretty and has a slightly odd, but appealing, Emerald City vibe.  Although I understand where the title comes from, I think there might have been something better (I don't quite know what, though).  Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel.  I'm a sucker for some epic political intrigue and Stolen Songbird had it in abundance.  It takes a while to get into the main action, so don't be discouraged by the first few chapters!  Most of the characters have hidden motives and all sorts of secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book.  Once things got going I couldn't put the book down.  It turned into one of those nights where I played the "just one more chapter game" until I finished the novel.  I'm super excited this is a series because so much more can be done.  For instance, the world-building outside of Trollus is basically non-existent.  Since a majority of the book is confined to the troll world is isn't too big of an issue, but it leaves opportunity for expansion.  Plus, I have questions about the human society that I want answered!

Cécile is a decent heroine.  She's a mix of cautious and impulsive, sometimes making rash decisions with unfortunate consequences, but at others is quite rational.  What I did really like was that she grew during the story.  As her knowledge of her role in Trollus increases, so do her informed actions.  I definitely liked the trolls much more.  The complex web of court relations delighted me.  Figuring out who each character was loyal to provided tons of interest.  Not only that, but all of the characters had to be multi-layered because surface actions and motivations were constantly suspect.  Trolls aren't a particularly common topic in YA right now and I enjoyed reading something a bit different!  These trolls can be best described as a mixture of court Fae and the typical troll legends.  I appreciated the intelligence of the trolls because it made everything so much more interesting.

This is a wonderful start to a new series.  I can't wait to see what Jensen does next with this world and these characters.  There's so much more to explore and I'm excited!

The Dark and Hollow Places

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.
Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.
Except, Catcher has his own secrets—dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah—can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?
From carrieryan.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars…

I love this series. I remember when I somewhat skeptically grabbed the first novel, only to get swept up in the story and world. What I really enjoy is how this series keeps it fresh by changing the central character. It shows different facets of how the crisis affected the world. Instead of just seeing one person’s journey you get glimpses inside the lives of several people who have all seem different sides of the catastrophe. The plot in this one didn’t center on any sort of epic journey, differing from the previous two novels in that respect. I feel that the lack of movement made the story even more intense. Instead of giving the release of constant motion to the readers, the lack of forward progression kept me on the edge of my seat. I also found it interesting to finally get a look at the mythical city, which of course had more than a few issues. It somehow managed to not be as bright and shiny as initially thought in previous books.

The one problem I had with the book was how long it took me to connect with Annah. I didn’t find her very likeable in the beginning, and had issues with the barriers she placed around her emotions. However, she opened up after a bit and that allowed me to connect with her. Her emotional problems became fascinating and my respect for her grew as she worked through her issues. You really can take part in her inner journey, which in a way takes the place of a physical trek. I also thought it was great that we could still see what happened to some of the characters we’ve grown to know and love. It allowed for a more satisfying end to their stories. I found the relationships between all of the characters complex, but the one between Annah and Gabry fascinated me the most. As an only child, the interactions between twins are incredibly foreign and interesting.

This series manages to constantly subvert expectations. It’s not just about zombies; it really focuses on what happens when the known world crumbles. The strength and struggles of the remaining humans take center stage, set against the backdrop of a world in chaos. This isn’t really like anything else on the shelves and something you should be reading. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series grab this book and if you haven’t read any of the novels, pick them up. They’re worth it.

Enchanted Ivy

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.
from goodreads.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars…

I’ve enjoyed all of Sarah Beth Durst’s books, so I had high hopes for this novel. Thankfully, it delivered most of what I wanted. I loved the concept and thought it was well executed. I certainly can’t say that this novel is a derivative of another; it comes on its own term and with its own ideas. Parallel worlds are nothing new, but the delightful little twists put on it made it just different enough. As a student who actually looked at Princeton not too long ago, I could picture some of what she wrote about. The plot itself wasn’t actually that mind-blowingly original, but for some reason it felt fresh. Perhaps it’s because this book is distinctly not a paranormal romance, but it absolutely hit the spot for me. The evil-doer took me slightly by surprise, although I think that some people will catch on much faster than I did. I will say that the world was built very well and the concepts explained readily enough. Having Lily as both ignorant of the reality she was stepping into, but smart enough to figure it out worked well. Thus, readers could attempt to determine what was happening, but then not feel foolish if they couldn’t. Durst’s writing remains as delightful as ever and always manages to pull me in immediately. I find her style similar to a warm blanket and fire on a cold day; nothing fancy, but completely comforting and slightly magical.

Lily delighted me. I really felt connected to her, probably due in part to the fact that we have some very similar personality traits. I enjoyed reading a representation of a focused teenager who put academics high on her list. I will say that she didn’t particularly grow throughout the novel in any way other than increasing her awareness of the reality of the world(s) and her role in it. She didn’t have a huge moral change, or become a stronger and more confident person. She actually started out the book as a reasonably well-adjusted and competent teenager, and didn’t need a dramatic change. I would say that some sort of development would have been nice from any of the characters, but alas, none existed. The “love triangle” was just pathetic. There was never any real conflict with Lily, and honestly the romance wasn’t the driving force behind the novel. Tye amused me greatly and didn’t quite fit the stereotypes of tall, dark, and broody – I’m slightly partial to the snarky rebel, the role he did fall into.

This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s super cute – nice and light for the summer. This could be fun on the beach or in the car during a college search road trip. This falls in line with Durst’s other novels, and is for fans of the rest of her work. I’d recommend this for some nice fluff that’s well written and won’t make you feel dirty after reading it.
Book from Library

Never Sit Down in a Hoopskirt and Other Things I Learned in Southern Belle Hell

Expelled from thirteen boarding schools in the past five years, seventeen-year-old Jane Fontaine Ventouras is returning to her Southern roots, and the small town of Bienville, Alabama, where ladies always wear pearls, nothing says hospitality like sweet tea
and pimento cheese sandwiches, and competing in the annual Magnolia Maid Pageant is every girl’s dream.

But Jane is what you might call an anti-belle—more fishnets and tattoos than sugar and spice. The last thing on her mind is joining the Magnolia Maid brigade and parading around town in
a dress so big she can’t even fi t through doors. So when she finds herself up to her ears in ruffl es and etiquette lessons, she’s got one mission: Escape.

What’s a hipster to do? Will Jane survive Bienville boot camp intact or will they—gasp!—make a Southern belle out of her yet?
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars…

With a title like this one (although the cover is less than amazing), you know the book’s going to be hilarious. That’s actually what drew me to the book, and I must say that it didn’t disappoint. As a Southern girl myself I can relate to some of the scenarios in the book. There’s a whole little section where Jane rants about the use of the phrase “Be sweet,” which is something I’ve heard more times than I can count. There were many more instances of similar hilarity throughout the novel, and the little sayings got me every time. I did find the plot a bit convoluted; at times I couldn’t understand in what direction things were headed. However, although it did get confusing it was still insanely funny. It took me a while to get my bearings because I thought the book would center on the preparations for a beauty pageant, which put me more than a bit off base. I really loved Rumley’s characterization of the South – it was just accurate enough and didn’t attempt to be perfect. The costume descriptions were super vivid and absolutely fantastic. Some of the mental images given to me by the dresses kept me entertained for longer than I should admit.

Jane was so much fun. Although she had some very stereotypical bad girl traits, you still could see the goodness and caring beneath her tough exterior because of her status as main character. The amount of sarcasm that came from her warmed my heart and made me chuckle. I loved how she didn’t just sit down and take things and that her fights managed to lead to odd, yet entertaining consequences. The rest of the characters were equally as much fun to get to know. The radically different personalities that all of the “Maids” had melded into a quirky whole that allowed for lots of non-serious spats.

The only real way to describe this book is sheer Southern hilarity. I was in stitches the whole time while reading it! This is a perfect light beach read. Just be warned that you will laugh (probably rather loudly) when reading this novel, so consider your surroundings before opening the book.
Book from Publisher

The False Princess

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This book was absolutely adorable. I needed a fix of a delightful princesses story filled with independent women which this filled nicely. The plot wasn't too complicated to where it became confusing but managed to remain unexpected. Just when I thought that I had everything figured out I managed to miss the mark completely as the plot turned in a different direction. Of course there were some predictable aspects, but they honestly were more minor things instead of gigantic portions of the plot. One of the only real problems with the book was that it had the tendency to jump from one thing to another. Although the action needed that to move forward, it did interrupt the flow. I read the book in one sitting and didn't want to pull myself away from it. O'Neal's writing was easy to read and created a lovely world, made more impressive by the fact this is her debut novel.

Sinda was just what I wanted in a heroine. She definitely had her flaws, particularly when her situation changed in the beginning. However, instead of spending half of the book brooding and feeling sorry for herself, she adjusted to whatever happened within a reasonable amount of time. Her strength and intelligence weren't too much and made sense in context. Keirnan was just tons of fun as a character. He made a nice counter to the seriousness that almost overwhelmed Sinda at times. They also had some delightful chemistry in more ways than just one. The supporting cast was just as interesting, although I would have liked to see a little more of them. Honestly, that's not an uncommon problem, particularly in debuts.

This is for fans of books like Princess Ben and those of Shannon Hale. A nice change from the flood of paranormal romances, I can't think of a better word to describe this novel than fun. With enough heart and brain to make it engrossing this book hit the spot for me. It's a perfect girly fantasy, and look at that cover... so lovely. This is a good kick off for the 2011 debut authors!
Book from Publisher

Beautiful Darkness

Together Ethan and Lena can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.
from http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/somelovesarecursed/book_info.html

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

Finally a sequel does what it's supposed to! This novel built upon everything established in the first book while revealing even more information. The plot moved along nicely and took some unexpected turns. I thought the new spin to the visions kept reasonably withing the established framework, but provided a good change of pace. I had no real idea as to the importance of the visions until the authors decided to reveal it. I also enjoyed how much they elaborated on the Caster lore and filled in some of the gaps. It was fun to see how even more of the characters were brought into the supposedly secret world, which appears to actually not be terribly secret. It also leaves the story at the perfect place for the next book, and, as much as I hate cliffhangers, this one was very well done. Not too much, but more than enough to make me want to come back for more.

Speaking of characters, they remained delightful. I'm still amazed at how well done Ethan's voice is written since both of the authors are women. Lena became more complex as Ethan started to look at her more realistically because of her behavior. At times what she did made no sense to me at the time, but by the end of the novel it fit together seamlessly. The additional characters enhanced the story, but didn't take away from the development of the old ones. I don't want to say that much, because quite a few little things I'd like to mention are rather spoiler-ish.

This is one of the better sequels I've read in a while. It kept the intensity of the first novel without becoming over the top and therefore laughable. The lush and dark world of a rural southern town with some interesting history. This is a great series for lovers of paranormal romance who want some brain and independent characters. If you loved the first book then grab this one!
Book from Library

Linger

This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one.

Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend.

But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin.
from maggiestiefvater.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This wasn't quite as good as Shiver, however, it was still quite enjoyable. Again, I LOVE the design of the book. Come on, the text is color coordinated with the book (this time it's green!!). The book lacked a true air of mystery, despite attempting to project one. I could see almost all of the end coming from the very beginning. If it hadn't attempted to feel mysterious it would have worked better. The plot was well done, although there were a few moments that left me scratching my head. There was, however, a lack of urgency which made it really lovely. Things just flowed from one to the next without any feeling of being forced. It was also relatively well paced, without any dramatic changes in action speed. Stiefvater also pulls off writing from multiple perspectives effortlessly. It is helpful that the chapters are labeled (not going to lie here), but the characters have such unique voices that it's impossible to mistake one for another.

Speaking of the characters, Cole was a delightful addition. His issues and backstory make for fascinating reading, plus he's a perfect foil for Sam. Grace and Isabel compliment each other, and I appreciate the direction in which their friendship is moving. However, the most important relationship is Grace and Sam's, which shows no sign of becoming boring or weakening. It changed in this book, though, to be one almost like an older married couple. It had that feel of sweetness and understanding to it instead of just puppy eyes and hormones.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. There's no point in reading it without having read Shiver because it won't make any sense at all. If you liked the first one then you'll enjoy this. It elaborates on the werewolves and raises some unexpected questions about their existence. It's a relatively quick read, and thoroughly enjoyable. It's a paranormal romance that won't have you throwing a feminist ideals induced fit (well, not a bad one anyway). If you're looking for a bit of fantasy and romance without the insipid heroine this series might be for you.

Bloodthirsty

Some vampires are good. Some are evil. Some are faking it to get girls.

Awkward and allergic to the sun, sixteen-year-old Finbar Frame never gets the girl. But when he notices that all the female students at his school are obsessed with a vampire romance novel called Bloodthirsty, Finbar decides to boldly go where no sane guy has gone before-he becomes a vampire, minus the whole blood sucking part.

With his brooding nature and weirdly pale skin, it's surprisingly easy for Finbar to pretend to be paranormal. But, when he meets the one girl who just might like him for who he really is, he discovers that his life as a pseudo-vampire is more complicated than he expected.

Beth says 4.5 Stars...
After all of the build up, the review is finally here! This book was just hilarious. The plot was so entertaining; I mean seriously. The main character pretends that he's a vampire in order to get a date. It has some delicious satire of the vampire crazy. Let's be honest people; it's gotten way out of control. The plot and writing kept me in stitches constantly. Finbar (an excellent name) gets into some ridiculous situations, and I loved it. The pacing was well done overall, despite the fact that the book took a smidge to get going. The writing was almost creepily spot on for the voice of a 16 year old guy. It has all the things in it that I thought a guy would think, if that makes any sense.

Finbar was just what I wanted. He's the sensitive guy who should, if the movies were right, get the girl, but never does. His "transformation" is too funny. His obsessive pursuit of vampiric knowledge to his attempts to attain the proper vampire attitude had me giggling constantly. His family and the rest of the characters were perfectly adequate, but none gave me quite the level of delight that he did. The fangirls were probably second on the list of most entertaining; they reminded me a bit too much of people I've seen.

Overall the book was really good and one of the best debuts of the year. It did get a bit preachy, which I found a bit irritating; that's why I knocked it down some. However, this is a perfect read for those who love to hate the vampire craze, or just think that it's kinda funny. This is a refreshing bit of satire in a world saturated with vampire novels.
Book from Publisher

Darklight

Faerie can't lie . . . or can they?

Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was a Faerie princess, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved the mortal realm from the ravages of the Wild Hunt. Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the remaining Hunters and Queen Mabh herself.

When a terrifying encounter sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful but destined to be cut short. An ancient, hidden magick is stirring, and a dangerous new enemy is willing to risk everything to claim that power. Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart.

With breathtakingly high stakes, the talented Lesley Livingston delivers soaring romance and vividly magical characters in darklight, the second novel in the trilogy that began with wondrous strange.
from harperteen.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This was very good, but didn't have quite the same magic as the first novel. I think that what was missing was the theater aspect. In Wondrous Strange the stage melded seamlessly with the rest of the action whereas here it just didn't work. It just felt excessive, and while I saw a few points where it made sense overall the Romeo and Juliet sideline was less than stellar. Other than that, the plot was really lovely. It was great to be able to delve more deeply into the mythology of Livingston's world and to visit Faerie for the first time. Her descriptions became even more vivid, and I loved that her version was slightly different from what I'd read before. I guess because I had just finished with Marr's Radiant Shadows the differences were magnified and came to my attention.

The characters just kept getting better. There were more of them, and the old ones changed in ways both positive and negative. Some of the revelations at the end were very unexpected, and that I loved. As far as development of the characters this definitely felt like a middle book. They progressed and changed, particularly Kelley who was forced to grow into her powers much more, but only to a certain point. There's still a good ways to go for all of them, but they have another book in which to make it happen.

The book ends poised for the final chapter in this lovely trilogy. I can't wait for the third book because this one did it's job perfectly; it moved things forward without overdoing them. This is a great faerie series for those who want some romance without all the darkness.
Book Bought

Love Is the Higher Law

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This is still a touchy subject. I think that everyone can still remember exactly what they were doing when they heard the news of the attacks on 9/11. This is and isn't about what happened. Yes, there are the physical details about New York City, but again this is a book by David Levithan. The main focus is on the characters, of course. The plot isn't really that solid; there's no major action. Instead it's about how these people deal with what's happened in their lives. They all end up intersecting in interesting ways and coming together because of this tragedy that has impacted all of them.

As in the rest of his books, Levithan absolutely creates unforgettable characters. They all just meld so well together, but also have distinct issues and problems. I thought that it could have been crass and awful by using 9/11 as a plot device, but it didn't. It was a very organic reaction to what happened and wasn't contrived. I was really able to feel the pain and healing of the characters, and also the city itself. The setting was almost like another character as well. This was a lovely book which really gives everything to the reader. It's impossible to not feel the pain and beauty of this story.

Dirty Little Secrets

Everyone has a secret. But Lucy’s is bigger and dirtier than most. It’s one she’s been hiding for years—that her mom’s out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She’s managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they’d be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable—and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This was unexpectedly good. It took me into a world that I never even thought about or really known existed. It's impossible to imagine what would make someone hoard, but even more so how you would be able to live with a hoarder while not one yourself. This is what Lucy has to deal with every day. Counting down the days until she can leave the mess and secrets behind we get a glimpse at her world at a pivotal moment. When her mother dies you get to see her thought process about how to make sure that her secret stays safe. The plot was different because there wasn't the normal epic journey forward. Instead, it was reactionary growth and introspection which really deepened my connection with and understanding of Lucy.

Lucy is an interesting character who is acutely aware of people's perceptions. It's interesting to see the world from inside her mind. She goes about normal human interactions in a completely different manner in order to keep her secret hidden. I was absolutely immersed in her perspective and began to see the world through her eyes. The only issue I had was that the supporting characters were underdeveloped. All the focus was on Lucy, and how she viewed everything and everyone, and that detracted from the rest of the characters. I really would have liked to see more of her siblings in order to further my understanding of the family dynamics and how their mother's condition affected them all. I did enjoy the use of flashbacks, because that was the only was that we got to know Lucy's mother.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It's definitely a quick read, but I wouldn't say it's a fun one. The novel is an intense look into a secret world that exists right beside our own. It should make you think about yourself and also people you know, and wonder what type of secrets they're keeping.
Book from Library

Lord Sunday

Seven days. Seven keys. Seven virtues. Seven sins.

In this thrilling conclusion to Garth Nix's Keys to the Kingdom series, Arthur Penhaligon must complete his quest to save the Kingdom he is heir to...and Arthur's world.
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

So another series comes to a close. Garth Nix (who's one of my favorite authors) has taken us on a ride through the House that controls the universe and all of the worlds that compose it. As a closer this book was good. It did get choppy at times, but that was really because it attempted to tie up all of the loose plot ends. I felt that particular goal was accomplished rather successfully. He doesn't leave everything hanging, and the few lingering questions are just the normal ones for a series ender. The only other thing that I had an issue with was the pacing. It got really slow in the middle, and then ended with a final chunk so fast it almost gave me whiplash, but I enjoyed the ride. I was not expecting the ending, which was refreshing. Nix wrapped up everything in a way that proved why he's a great talent in fantasy.

Arthur grew yet again in this book, and what's more, this book belonged to him. I don't think that he's ever remained stagnant, which is remarkable. This time he became even more Denizen than anything else, and felt that weight. He was more aloof and quick to anger, but a major part of the book is Arthur's struggle to retain his humanity and identity. There were, of course, other characters, but they all paled in comparison and importance to Arthur. I love the fact that Nix isn't afraid to place that sort of content in a book meant for middle schoolers. Nothing is dumbed down for the sake of an age group that supposedly can't comprehend complex issues. The high point of this philosophical and intense musing is in the final chapters, which bring the series to a beautiful close. They send a message that validates the books without getting too heady or preaching.

This was a lovely closer. The main issue that I had was that it got rather slow in the middle. The grand scope of this series wasn't lost in attempting to wrap everything up in a tidy little package. Instead, although it created some struggles, Nix pulled the threads together and wove them into a workable ending. The gaps are slight, proving that this is a fantastic, and epic, series.

The Musician's Daughter

Amid the glitter and glamour of musical and court life in 18th century Vienna, fifteen-year-old Theresa Maria Shurman is trying to solve a brutal mystery. Who killed her father, an acclaimed violinist, and stole his valuable Amati violin? When Haydn himself offers her a position as his assistant, it gives Theresa access to life in the palace–and to a world of deceit. Theresa uncovers blackmail and extortion even as she discovers courage and honor in unexpected places: from a Gypsy camp on the banks of the Danube, to the rarefied life of the imperial family. And she feels the stirrings of a first, tentative love for someone who is as deeply involved in the mystery as she is.
from bn.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This book was lovely. I might be a little prejudiced because I'm a band/music geek, but it just warms my heart when music plays a prominent role in a story. The setting was so perfectly done that I was transported to Vienna, and upon recalling my trip there everything was described exactly right. Often historical fiction feels contrived and stale. Dunlap deftly avoided this problem and created relatable characters despite the differences in periods. One thing that I do love about historical fiction is when it blends reality with fantasy (not the magic kind, although that's awesome as well) as was done in this novel. The main characters were complete fabrications, but others, including Haydn, were based off of real people. The partially real characters were well written in that they became individuals in their own rights. The music played such an integral role in the story, but it didn't make it unintelligible for someone with no knowledge of music. They would still be able to enjoy the story. The issue I had was that sometimes the plot became a little much. The mystery got out of hand and didn't flow as smoothly as it could have. There were a few too many threads for Dunlap to control, but I feel like some of that will come with time and experience. The characters were great, especially the gypsies. They brought a delightful vibrancy to the story that lept off of the page. Theresa performed her role adequately but wasn't the greatest heroine ever. The thing was, she didn't need to be. The strength of the book was in Dunlap's world building talent. This is for someone who either loves music, or wishes to jump back in time to the world of the Hapsburgs.

Ice

When Cassie was a little girl, her grandmother told her a fairy tale about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth. Now that Cassie is older, she knows the story was a nice way of saying her mother had died. Cassie lives with her father at an Arctic research station, is determined to become a scientist, and has no time for make-believe.

Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Cassie comes face-to-face with a polar bear who speaks to her. He tells her that her mother is alive, imprisoned at the ends of the earth. And he can bring her back -- if Cassie will agree to be his bride.

That is the beginning of Cassie's own real-life fairy tale, one that sends her on an unbelievable journey across the brutal Arctic, through the Canadian boreal forest, and on the back of the North Wind to the land east of the sun and west of the moon. Before it is over, the world she knows will be swept away, and everything she holds dear will be taken from her -- until she discovers the true meaning of love and family in the magical realm of Ice.
from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

This book was very good, but not the best retelling of this tale that I've read. Everything shall always be compared to Jessica Day George's magnificent Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow. What I loved about this interpretation was that it was just that; it took the basic plot points that make the story what it is, and then changed everything else about it. The concept of the munaqsri was very original and not what I expected. The book was fairly well paced, but ever so often it lagged. I also felt confused once in a while when the dropping of information was improperly times. There were a few things that needed to be explained earlier then they were. These were just minor issues, as neither of them were present often.

I initially really liked Cassie. I felt a camaraderie with her in how rational and scientific she was. As a scientist I understood how and why she was thinking and saying the things she did. During the middle of the book, she began to annoy me with her angst. It was irritating when she whined and complained, not knowing what she wanted. Luckily, that didn't last terribly long. Bear was lots of fun, and the relationship, though more than a little strange, developed nicely. There weren't too many major supporting characters, which I think worked in the book's favor. It made the sparse Arctic landscape more believable, and carried that atmosphere into the rest of the novel.

This is a very good book. It's a good rendition, and the ending is a lovely combination of ordinary and unexpected. If you want a little Arctic chill to help temper the sweltering summer heat, this is for you.

Boy Meets Boy

This is the story of Paul, a sophomore at a high school like no other: The cheerleaders ride Harleys, the homecoming queen used to be a guy named Daryl (she now prefers Infinite Darlene and is also the star quarterback), and the gay-straight alliance was formed to help the straight kids learn how to dance.
When Paul meets Noah, he thinks he?s found the one his heart is made for. Until he blows it. The school bookie says the odds are 12-to-1 against him getting Noah back, but Paul?s not giving up without playing his love really loud. His best friend Joni might be drifting away, his other best friend Tony might be dealing with ultra-religious parents, and his ex-boyfriend Kyle might not be going away anytime soon, but sometimes everything needs to fall apart before it can really fit together right.
This is a happy-meaningful romantic comedy about finding love, losing love, and doing what it takes to get love back in a crazy-wonderful world.

from davidlevithan.com

Beth says 4.5 Stars...

I want to live in Paul's hometown. David Levithan is absolutely a master storyteller. He has the ability to create a vibrant and lively world that really jumps off of the page. It's reality, but then at the same time it isn't. The setting was so fun and unbelievable that it actually confused me for a bit. It took me a little while to realize that as a reader I was supposed to take everything that Paul said as the truth, and that this was really the way it was. Perhaps I'm just a little thick, but this town is very different than any that I've ever heard of. Besides the arresting setting there was the plot, well I think there was a bit of one. Honestly, the plot wasn't really important. Things happened and the book moved forward, but the focus of the book was the characters. They really took the story forward, and that was the important thing.

Speaking of the characters, I cannot sum them up in words, so here's all I can do: :). Everything just balanced beautifully. The Infinite Darlene was my favorite character because she just cracked me up the entire time. Paul was very layered and a good main character for a novel that didn't rely on plot and instead used the characters. All of the secondary characters were used just the right amount; not to much or too little. The characters were almost perfect.

This book was so much fun. It was so character driven and simply lovely. I can't wait to read the rest of David Levithan's books. Everything I have read has been fantastic and constantly proves that he has a remarkable talent for showing the truth in off kilter ways that make it easier to take. Overall, a delightful book which manages to send a message without ever feeling preachy. All I can say is that once you get into this book it just works.

Book from Library