Leviathan

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

from amazon.com

Beth says 4 Stars...

I thought that I would like this book more than I did. I thought that it would rock my world, and it didn't. It was really good, and I enjoyed it, but that was it. The plot was really fun and different, which I found thoroughly delightful. I really loved how Westerfield wove mechanical possibilities with advanced genetic engineering in a believable (ish) version of the past. I was particularly intrigued by the Darwinist because I'm a huge science person. The problem that I had was with the main characters. I couldn't connect with them very well at all. It wasn't that they were annoying, or had some other blatantly obvious flaw. The issue resided not with the writing either, for Westerfield was on point with the prose. There was just some disconnect somewhere that left me feeling a little cold. I had begun to warm by the very end of the book to both of them, I think in part due to their relationship with one another. Together they were much more compelling than they were separately. Overall this was a fun start to an interesting new series. It wasn't quite as amazing as I had expected, but it wasn't bad. This might also resonate better with younger teen boys, as it has lots of action without lots of romance.

Going Bovine

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Nathan says 5 stars...
I literally just finished this book. As in I turned the final page about 3 minutes ago. I'm still in a state of shock. That's how good this book is. Note the lack of compound sentences. I'm incapable of complex thought. My processes are being dedicated to figuring out/savoring/loving Going Bovine. I knew that I would probably like this book, I mean, it's Libba Bray. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy is Victorian candy, and her blog is a must read if you like writing, laughing, or living. What I didn't know about this book is that it would, make me invested, make me think, make me laugh, make me distraught, and make me want to live my life to its fullest. Every moment was spectacular and beautiful. It felt organic. The writing was bold, fresh, and perfect. The dialouge felt both surreal and real showcasing Bray's skill. The most stunning thing about Going Bovine has to be her cast of characters. I loved every single character. They all made sense. They all helped the story. The protaginist Cameron is an appropriate semi-blank canvas on which Bray later paints life and love. Gonzo is the unexpected best friend who is dealing with his own identity issues. Balder is the indestructable Norse God yard gnome who brings an old world sensibility and new world kick-buttery to the table. Dulcie is a punk rock angel who tries to guide Cameron and crew through a road trip filled chock full of epicness. This mix of original characters sucks the reader in with a shocking immediacy into an impeccably crafted story. If you like life, laughter, and butt-kicking gnomes Going Bovine is absolutely necessary to life...whatever that is.

Midnighters: The Secret Hour

Nobody is safe in the secret hour.

Strange things happen at midnight in the town of Bixby, Oklahoma.

Time freezes.

Nobody moves.

For one secret hour each night, the town belongs to the dark creatures that haunt the shadows. Only a small group of people know about the secret hour -- only they are free to move about the midnight time.

These people call themselves Midnighters. Each one has a different power that is strongest at midnight: Seer, Mindcaster, Acrobat, Polymath. For years the Midnighters and the dark creatures have shared the secret hour, uneasily avoiding one another. All that changes when the new girl with an unmistakable midnight aura appears at Bixby High School.

Jessica Day is not an outsider like the other Midnighters. She acts perfectly normal in every way. But it soon becomes clear that the dark creatures sense a hidden power in Jessica . . . and they're determined to stop her before she can use it.

from amazon.com

Nathan says 5 stars...

Scott Westerfield has a knack for the original. The world of the Midnighters is highly unique, and yet totally believable. I'm sure most of us have occasionally wished for another hour during the day-well now we learn what would happen if we did. In Bixby a world full of dark creatures and strange powers opens itself to those few born at the stroke of midnight. This is the world that Jessica comes into from the realms of the normal. Then she discovers the Secret Hour, and her life is changed forever. She now must face the dark creatures, and find her place within this enchanted and dangerous hour. My favorite part of this book is definitely the originality of the characters. They are interesting and fresh, without feeling forced. The characters fit perfectly into Westerfield's engaging story seamlessly. Overall, The Secret Hour is a work of realistic fantasy that should be read by everyone.

P.S.-Hey everyone! Beth and I are pretty well-settled at this point, and we're going to get back into some posting schedule. If you'll bear with us, we'd so appreciated us. Thanks for being awesome!

A Curse Dark as Gold

A spellbinding fairy tale, spun with mystery and shot through with romance

The gold thread shimmers in the fading light . . .

It promises Charlotte Miller a way out of debt, a chance to save her family's beloved woolen mill. It promises a future for her sister, livelihood for her townsfolk, security against her sinuous and grasping uncle. It might even promise what she didn't know she needed: lasting hope and true love.

But at what cost?

To get the thread, Charlotte must strike a bargain with its maker, the mysterious Jack Spinner. But the gleam of gold conjures a shadowy past -- secrets and bonds ensnaring generations of Millers. And Charlotte's mill, her family, her friends, her love . . . What do those matter to a powerful stranger who can spin straw into gold?

from arthuralevinebooks.com

Beth says 5 Stars...
This book was incredibly striking. I loved the re-imagining of the classic tale. Bunce brought new life to Rumpelstiltskin without destroying the original. However, Bunce's tale was so spellbinding that I found myself forgetting the original story; it's that captivating. The setting at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution was absolutely perfect; the collisions between progress and tradition mirror and heighten the tension of the story. Charlotte was a perfect heroine because she was both strong and compassionate, but flawed like a real person. I adored the way that the magical elements wove their way into the seemingly ordinary life of the mill and it's workers. It was phenomenal. Nothing in the story seemed out of place. I also loved the way that Bunce wrote the relationships. Everything wasn't always rainbows and sprinkles. This novel was amazing and I was trapped in it's spell. The intricate layers and beautiful writing made this book a joy to read and I reccommend this to everyone.

Shine, Coconut Moon

Samar (aka Sam) considers herself just a regular teenage girl, even though she is Indian American. Her mother has kept her away from her old-fashioned, very strict family, and she never has identified with her Indian heritage. None of this has ever bothered her, aside from the fact that she longs for a large family like her best friend’s instead of just herself and her mom. One day, shortly after 9/11, a man wearing a turban shows up on her doorstep. He is her estranged uncle, and through him, Sam begins to realize how important being Indian American is to her identity.

from amazon.com

Beth says 5 stars...
As some may have noticed, I tend to like fantasy and don't often read as much realistic fiction as I probably should. If all realistic fiction novels were this good, I would read it all the time. This book was stunning! As a general rule identity crisis/coming-of-age novels can get irritating, or at least I find them that way. This book managed to escape that and be original and powerful. The setting is right after 9/11, and it served to increase the incredible potency. Sam struggles with her culture, especially with what she doesn't know about it. Despite being told that she isn't different, she is. Sam has to deal with her own conflicts about who she is and what family should be, I loved that for the most part. Sam faced her problems instead of just sulking and becoming too agstly. The way the book addressed steoerotypes and prejudices that Sam and her family faced. This novel was beautiful in its realsim and once more opened my eyest to the intolerance of many Americans. This is a book that should be read.

Goose Girl

She can whisper to horses and communicate with birds, but the crown princess Ani has a difficult time finding her place in the royal family and measuring up to her imperial mother. When she is shipped off to a neighboring kingdom as a bride, her scheming entourage mounts a bloody mutiny to replace her with a jealous lady-in-waiting, Selia, and to allow an inner circle of guards more power in the new land. Barely escaping with her life, Ani disguises herself as a goose girl and wanders on the royal estate. Does she have the pluck to reclaim her rightful place? Get ready for a fine adventure tale full of danger, suspense, surprising twists, and a satisfying conclusion.

from amazon.com

Beth says 5 stars...
I love fairy tales. I've loved princesses since I was a young girl watching Disney movies. However, the princesses that I like now are a bit different. They're strong, independent, and don't let their heritage define them. This book was about one of those princesses. I though Ani was fantastic. She was very easy to connect with and brought the story to life. I also loved all of the other characters. Enna was so amazing and the geese made we smile. What I really felt made the books so great was the writing. Every word jumped off of the page and wrapped me in a new world. The plot was original with many unexpected twists and turns. Fortunately, these didn't take anything away from the flow and beauty of the story. Everything just made this book better; nothing was out of place. I can't wait to read the rest of this series! This is a book that everyone should read.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

It all comes down to this - a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do you listen to your instincts, or your friends?

Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he's trying to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end?

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
So I was standing there at midnight...a massive cheer goes up...a press of bodies...a blur of geektastic people...and then...it was in my hand. I couldn't believe it. The final Harry Potter novel was clutched in my greedy hands. Sitting with friends at 12:25 AM, July 26, 2007, I sat in the grassy median of a Barnes & Noble, and started reading the beginning of the end. I eventually left that grassy patch and continued home and in the next 18 hours finished the most anticipated novel in history. I've experienced Deathly Hallows a few times since, and some thoughts stick with me each time I read it. The first thought is how incredibly dark the book is, I mean lots of death. As Beth put it, it's a bloodbath. Many beloved characters make an appearance, and they are as engaging and original as ever. The story is up to Rowling's high standards; however, it does hit a lull towards the middle. Looking for excitement? The final battle for Hogwarts is one of the most epic things to ever take place in the fictional world. My biggest issue with the book is the fact that a certain someone doesn't um...ieday (pig Latin to avoid spoilers). That ending would have fit with the tone of the book, but I suppose I shouldn't complain. Anyway you look at it, it's a must read.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox awakens after more than a year in a coma to find herself in a life—and a body—that she doesn't quite recognize. Her parents tell her that she's been in an accident, but much of her past identity and current situation remain a mystery to her: Why has her family abruptly moved from Boston to California, leaving all of her personal belongings behind? Why does her grandmother react to her with such antipathy? Why have her parents instructed her to make sure not to tell anyone about the circumstances of their move? And why can Jenna recite whole passages of Thoreau's Walden, but remember next to nothing of her own past? As she watches family videos of her childhood, strange memories begin to surface, and she slowly realizes that a terrible secret is being kept from her.

from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 stars...
This book confused me at the beginning. I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but then neither was Jenna, the main character. This book definitely made me think. It wasn't afraid to ask what makes us human. It also questions the future of medicine and the extent we play God. It thoughtfully posed these questions through the story of Jenna. Jenna was very well developed and had many layers. Her journey, though a bid discombobulated, was striking. The plot moved along beautifully and remained interesting. I was pulled into the book and couldn't get out. The relationships and emotions were well done, but a bit extreme. The exremity was warranted occasionally, but it still made the book feel a bit less realistic. This book made me think, and brought issues to the front of my mind. Overall, beautifully written, and something everyone should read.

Something, Maybe

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar . . . and that's just how she likes it.
Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants - only what she wants may not be what she needs. . . .
Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you'll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

from bn.com

Beth says 4 stars...
Sometimes I think that I have the most embarrassing parents in the world. Then I read a book like this and count my blessings. This books was so funny and fresh. The characters were fantastic. I'm not sure who I liked more; the Hugh Hefner-oid father or the Internet-stripper mother. These character were also more than just caricatures, they had surprising depth to them. Watching Hannah try to be normal was so interesting. I found her to be fairly easy to relate to, bust she didn't completely leap of the page and become very real. The plot was just okay. At points it just felt like it was aimlessly wandering. It felt slow, and I really wanted it to just get going. The thing about it was that the characters were so fantastic that they made up for all of the shortcomings of the plot. This is a fresh and laugh-out-loud look at life that will make teens appreciate the parents they have.

Hary Potter and the Half-Blood Prince + Movie Comments

Before we begin, we have a few housekeeping matters to attend to. Beth left Wednesday to visit her family in Finland. She's going to be gone for three weeks, but she has left plenty of reviews for me (Nathan) to post. Some of you may have noticed the random garble of letters and symbols posted on Tuesday. That was supposed to be a mobile post of this review and some things we wanted to see in the film adaptation. It obviously didn't work. I apologize profusely. Unfortunately Beth is the punctual member of the team, so anyone that reads this blog please hold me accountable for lateness! I do promise to try my best. That's quite enough of my ramblings-onto the fun stuff!

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet...

As in all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate -- and lose a few eyebrows in the process. The Weasley twins expand their business. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...

After the angst-fest that is Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince is so refreshing. This was the first point that I truly realized that Harry's story (at least in print) was almost done. The end seemed nigh, and in accordance with the series, everything deepened and darkened. Well, that's not totally true- much of this book focuses on dating and relationships, which is a happier turn for Harry and cohorts. The core of the story lies really with Dumbeldore and Harry's lessons, in which the Headmaster hopes to reveal clues to Voldemort's past so that Harry can understand what he faces. It's another fantastic addition to this amazing series. Check below for movie comments.

As most Harry Potter readers (really readers in general) will tell you, the book is always better than the movie. A few things really bothered me, and a few things impressed me.

The addition of scenes was incredibly frustrating. It wastes time that could otherwise be used for subplots that are actually in the book. In the same vein, the deletion of an awesome scene towards the end ruins all climactic feeling.

This film moved fast-really fast. If you haven't read the series, many things will not be explained in full. It's all pretty easy to figure out, but your hand will not be held.

There is even more stylized cinematography in this one. The almost black and white footage in the cave was so impressive and appropriate.

The highlight of the film by far...Helena Bonham Carter. Her interpretation of Bellatrix is genius and her crazy laugh is spine-tingling. I'm seriously considering getting a shirt that says "I <3 Bella(trix)!"

Everyone go watch for yourself and post your opinions. Happy reading!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toadlike and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, as well. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested.

from amazon.com

Nathan says 4 stars...
In my opinion, we have arrived at the only non-five star book in the Harry Potter series. After seeing Voldemort's return, one may ask what Harry should do. His answer-mope. I realize that a certain degree of petulance is necessary in a good coming-of-age tale, but I seriously wanted to use an Unforgivable Curse on Harry myself by the middle of the book. The rest of the series is so excellently crafted, and seems to flow so effortlessly; somehow Order of the Phoenix got past Rowling's writing skills and into print. When reading this one I have to wipe my hand every few minutes because the angst is just dripping off the page. I think everyone understands at this point that Harry's combination of attitude and inaction drive me insane. However, the supporting cast is still good and most of the writing is nice. The plot is sort of thin, which is unfortunate for the longest book in the series. I do love the finale of the book, without that redeeming feature it would almost be a total bomb. So, I'm getting very excited for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film which come out...tomorrow! I'm going to review the book and include a list of things we'd like to see in the movie. I'm getting pretty pumped!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal - even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
It's books like these that remind me why I love reading so much. Goblet of Fire may very well be my favorite Harry Potter novel: it's just that good. The Tri-Wizard tournament has been reinstated, and Hogwarts is playing host. Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are pouring in, and suddenly, the Wizarding World seems even larger. The school is in a jovial mood, until Harry is inexplicably chosen as the fourth champion in the tournament, even though he never entered. Now Harry must deal with public dissaproval and the ardous tasks of the Tri-Wizard tournament, which obviously makes for a great plot. I do have one quibble with the book- Harry and Ron's feud stretches seemingly stretches for ages. I really hated it, but the rest of the book is perfect. Its tone, character development, and plot are genius. I also particularly enjoyed the Rita Skeeter subplot, her vicious (and vile) writing are pretty entertaining. All-in-all, another must read for J.K. Rowling.

(Note: I'm aware that these reviews are getting rather boring, but tonight I'll be posting the review for Order of the Phoenix, which should have a significant bit of snark. Stay tuned.)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter returns for his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after surviving a dreadful summer with his muggle/human relatives the Dursleys. Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, confronts another mystery involving an evil force emanating from a chamber of secrets below the school. Clues include a flying car, a book written in invisible ink that takes Harry into the past, and a ghost in a bathroom. To solve the mystery and save the school from closure and Hagrid from jail, Harry must confront his long feared nemesis Voldemort.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...

My countdown until the movie continues with a look at the second book in the awe-inspiring Harry Potter series. By now, Rowling has given us (and Harry) an introduction to the world of wizardry. We have a basic understanding, and now, well, Rowling has decided to push us further into Hogwarts and its history. When I first read this book, I'm going to be totally honest, this book terrified me. I was so scared of the creepy voice-I mean, deeply, deeply frightened. The characters were still engaging and wonderful. Harry and crew were still out there solving magical mysteries, while remaining their lovely selves. The plot is fresh and fast, and has twists that are very satisfying. In Chamber of Secrets there is a distinct darkening of tone when compared to the first book, which is continued throughout the entire series. In the end, it's another fantastic addition to the world of Harry Potter.

Eyes Like Stars

All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She's not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Theatre Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Theatre by The Book--an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family--and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Beth says 5 Stars...
I'm going to try to keep the gushing to a minimum, or at least make it sound intelligent. This book is absolutely amazing. I loved every minute of reading it, and wish that it had taken me longer. Bloggers often throw around the words unique and unusual, but this book absolutely deserves them. I've never read anything like it, and am so glad that I finally have. The plot was so fresh that it immediately captured my attention, and so interesting that it held it. Manchev's writing was absolutely magical; it captured the vibrancy of the theatre honestly, and blended it seamlessly with fantasy elements. Bertie was strong, interesting, and simply jumped off of the page. I want to sit and have coffee with her. All of the other characters also felt deep and realistic in their personalities. I loved how many familiar characters from Shakespeare were given new lives and personalities. I particularly enjoyed the antics of the fairies. They cracked me up constantly. Something else that I found interesting was that there are quite a few lines that the characters say that are from Shakespeare, either the same or slight variations. It was fun to try to find them and figure out what shows they were from. This book is perfect for anyone, but especially those who love theatre and/or Shakespeare. This is the best debut novel I've read in a long time, and can't wait for the rest of the trilogy. This is one that you should just go out and buy as soon as you can because not only is it amazing, but the cover is stunning. A fantastic first novel from an extraordinarily talented and imaginative author.

Nathan says 5 stars...
For me, books need interesting characters, original plots, and great writing to be considered a work of art. Eyes Like Stars needs to be in the Louvre (and not just because of the awe-inspiring cover). We've been anxiously waiting to post this review until closer to the release date, and now I just have a lot of bottled-up love trying to escape. The book absolutely sucked me into the Theatre, and refused to set me down until the final curtain call; however, I can't say that I minded. Original, fresh, and unique don't even begin to cover the world Mantchev has so lovingly and skillfully created. I'm so excited to see what the rest of the series will reveal after such an explosive and charismatic debut.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
So, Beth and I are embarking on a journey to reread and review the Harry Potter novels before the premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in July. I realize I'm reviewing something that is viewed as sacred in many people's eyes, which is a little scary. Here I go though. Everyone knows about Harry, so I find it too obvious to elaborate on how lovable and wonderful the central characters in the novel are. Rowling does such a great job making her audience feel for her characters, and we certainly do hold a pity/hope for Harry. As we all know, Harry makes it to Hogwarts where we meet the rest of the crew whose stories we will learn over the next six volumes of an absolutely revolutionary series. The story in Sorcerer's Stone is fast-paced, but as a whole the book functions as an introduction to the rest of the series. It serves as a crash course in the world of wizardry, and it does very admirably. The book has a good plot, though not one that is revolutionary. Enjoyment is the aim here, and it works. This book burns through the reader's veins, leaving them gasping for more. There isn't much to say beyond the fact that this book started a movement in children's and YA literature. It made reading cool and accessible. This is the ember that lit millions of fires-fires that burn with a passion for reading. All I can really say is - get lit.

Twenty Boy Summer

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"
"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"
According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

from amazon.com

Beth says 4.5 stars...
This is a perfect summer read. There's enough fun and lightness in it to make it enjoyable, but there's more to the story. It could have been about two friends trying to have the perfect summer romance, but it wasn't just that. This was a story of people trying to deal with tremendous grief in different ways. There was so much heart. With the title and cover (there's no magic involved) I wouldn't have picked it up on my own, but I'm glad I read it. The relationships between the characters were all very murky, and I enjoyed it. Everyone is in a place of confusion, and it affects all aspects of their lives. The characters were all well done, but at times felt a bit blah. I could predict some of the things that they did when I wasn't supposed to. The plot flowed well and remained interesting throughout the novel. I loved the layering of emotions in the book. This is a lovely debut from a talented author. Everyone should grab this book and some tissues on the way to the beach, especially if it's a girls weekend!

Nathan says 4.5 stars...
I want to tell everyone out there that this is not a girls-only book. Sure, maybe it's more aimed at a female audience, but I really enjoyed this one. It perfectly captured the darkness and confusion of loss and what it takes to move forward. The characters are identifiable, but the details make them fresh. The story isn't the most original, but it's life and quality give it substance. 20 Boy Summer is almost a reinvention of the typical summer novel. It's airy and bright, but with a point. Ockler's writing is fantastic here. It's the perfect amount of description mixed with excellently used undercurrent and tone. Her writing is poignant, clever, and really pretty heart-wrenching. My favorite part of this book was the last few chapters. It's an explosion of emotion, which ends with the perfect message- that there's always hope. This debut novel is definitely worth checking out, particularly if it can get this fantasy lover to give it a glowing review.

P.S. - Stay tuned-we're hosting a clue in Sarah's 20 Things Scavenger Hunt. You can win all sorts of cool stuff from the amazing Sarah Ockler. Aren't you excited? We are!

Tears of a Tiger

Tigers don't cry, or do they? After the death of his longtime friend and fellow Hazelwood Tiger, Andy, the driver of the car, blames himself and cannot get past his guilt and pain. While his other friends have managed to work through their grief and move on, Andy allows death to become the focus of his life. In the months that follow the accident, the lives of Andy and his friends are traced through a series of letters, articles, homework assignments, and dialogues, and it becomes clear that Tigers do indeed need to cry.

from sharondraper.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
Sharon Draper wouldn't seem like an obvious choice for one of my favorite authors, but her combination of riveting story, intense writing, and non-stop action definitely put her in the list. I love her, so so much. If you cry easily, bring tissues whenever you read Tears of a Tiger. Tears of a Tiger is a vacuum of emotion, and the reader feels it deeply. The book is a quick read that is fully satisfying. This one is part of a trilogy, so reading them in order is advised. The characters are a bit stock, but Draper does a good job of rounding them into real people, but their classically defined edges are occasionally visible. Action deals more with the internal than the external, which I personally like. Writing is purposely a little disjointed and staccato, and it works very well for this novel. (Breaking the fourth wall, I'm aware that this review is also disjointed and staccato, and I apologize. Their has been a drought of reviews because Beth and I have been dealing with multiple graduations and technical difficulties. We promise to be better.) If you like realistic fiction, drama, or romance this book is definitely for you. Even if none of those genres is your niche, I urge you to give it a try. I'm a fantasy-centric, and I love this book deeply. I'm just saying-you may be surprised.

Waiting on Wednesday

When the uptight Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands is sent to marry the 'uncouth' Ramil ac Burinholt, heir to the throne of Gerfal, they are both horrified. The princess is used to a life of discipline, ritual and splendour, Ramil to a life spent hunting and carousing. But the countries of both are under threat from the fearsome warlord Fergox Spearthrower and the only chance of peace is for them to form an alliance. So when Ramil and Tashi - as he insists on calling the princess to her annoyance - are kidnapped, things look disastrous. But the kidnap is the start of an exhilarating journey involving circus troupes, bloody battles, unarmed combat, daring escape and breakneck chases. Along the way, Ramil and Tashi learn much about themselves and one another, and through the cast of characters they encounter - a circus strongman, dashing rebels, brave slaves and many ordinary people - they begin to see a way to bring the mighty Fergox Spearthrower low, and save their beautiful lands from devastation and war.

from amazon.com

Wow, this one looks good. Let's look at this, exotic fantasy locations, mismatched love, and war are all great for books-this book combines all three. We really like how original, yet familiar this one seems. It has the elements of classic YA fantasy, but with a fresh twist. The US release date appears to be October aka too long. We'll just suffer until then.

Once Dead, Twice Shy

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away. Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her. Well, if she believed in that stuff.

from harpercollins.com

Beth says 4 stars...

This book was really cute. The concept was interesting, once I finally was able to figure it out. That was my issue with the book. Things didn't really move along very fast. It took too long to figure out what was going on, and why things were the way they were. Also, some of the characters didn't really get developed. They remained rather flat. Despite these failings, the book managed to be tons of fun to read. I loved the originality of the ideas; I hadn't ever read anything that felt the same. Although I love faerie and vampire books, this was a very nice change of pace. This book is fairly short, and I finished it in a couple of hours. This is a great little paranormal read for the summer. Although it deals with some weighty matters, don't really expect a great deal of philosophical thought. The book leaves at a good place for a sequel to pick up, but who knows. Perhaps that would solve the problem of the underdeveloped characters.

Nathan says 4 stars...

I really liked this one. It was original and pretty fascinating. I found it to be pretty quickly paced, but it did have some awkward lulls. The writing is very nice. Nice vocabulary and good structure, make it easy, but interesting to read. I do have to say that I was really disappointed with some of character development, or lack thereof. I occasionally wanted to throttle Madison, but I generally forgave her. I like the supporting cast, particularly Grace-hilarious. It is pretty light, but watch out for sudden moral heaviness near the end. I mean stuff philosophers have dealt with since there was philosophy;however, the audience making a choice isn't requirement, so it can remain airy. I would like to say that the cover of this book is much "girlier" than its actual contents, so guys, don't be frightened of the fuchsia. Overall, it's a nice preternatural summer read.

Pendragon-The Soldiers of Halla

It has all been leading to this. Every victory. Every loss. All the thrills and sadness; the hope and despair. Bobby Pendragon's heart-pounding journey through time and space has brought him to this epic moment. He and his fellow Travelers must join forces for one last desperate battle against Saint Dane. At stake is not only the tenth and final territory, but all that ever was or will be. Everywhere.This is the war for Halla.Every question is answered. Every truth is revealed.The final battle has begun.

from amazon.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
Once I read the preface of this book, I knew that D.J. MacHale had kicked it into overdrive. The Pendragon series has built its success on the ability to keep readers guessing and completely unsatisfied with the answers provided. MacHale lets you know from the preface onward that this book is all about answers. If you have made it this far in the Pendragon series, you probably know the merits (and downfalls) of the books. The characters are interesting, the plot is blazingly fast, and the writing is very nice. Occasionally, subplots are left untouched for entirely too long to seem relevant once they are continued, but as a reader, I always forgave these slips easily because I still loved the books. MacHale always employed the ominous "all will be revealed" approach, which lead to what seemed like frayed endings to a larger story. In this finale, the reader is able to step back to see exactly how each of this seemingly frayed pieces fits into the larger tapestry of Halla and the Pendragon series. This is absolutely on of the most satisfying conclusions I've ever read. The denouement is one amazing-I won't reveal why though, it really does need to be experienced. Soldiers of Halla is truly on a completely different level than its predecessors. This book is an epic and satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series.