2010 2nds Challenge Wrap-Up

I completed the 2nds Challenge hosted by The Royal Reviews.  Here is my final list:

1- The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2- Fade by Lisa McMann

3- Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

4- A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore

5- Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo

6- Over My Dead Body: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise & M. Sarah Klise

7- Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

8- The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch

9- Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

10- Spells by Aprilynne Pike

11- My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

12- Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

As always this challenge was fun and much harder than I always think it will be.  I love a challenging challenge and this is definitely one.

Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Sapphique!!! Oh yes, the follow-up to Incarceron. WARNING: If you have not read Incarceron please do not read the following review as it does contain mild spoilers... just know that it rocked just as much as the first and you should quickly run to your nearest bookseller and get both books stat.

In this sequel to Incarceron, Finn has left the only world that he's ever known he can remember and is now in a new one... the outside. But it definitely is not the paradise that he envisioned. As future king of the Realm, he is under heavy scrutiny as to his whereabouts for the years he was missing. He still does not remember that he was Prince Giles, his seizures and blackouts continue, and to make matters worse, an impostor acting as the "real" Prince Giles has come to challenge Finn's claims.

Claudia believes Finn is the missing prince but there is so much court intrigue, deception and even death threats that she has to constantly be on guard, all while Jared spends his time trying to re-open the portal to Incarceron and, of course, keep himself alive long enough to get it done - since his health is rapidly declining.

Meanwhile, Keiro and Attia are still in Incarceron. It's been months since Finn escaped and they no longer trust nor believe that he will be back for them. They have decided that if they want out, they must do it on their own. Thus, they are on a mission to find Sapphique's Glove - rumored to be an emergency exit out of the prison. But as always, the prison has its own agenda and it wants the glove for itself and will stop at nothing to get it.

What an amazing adventure Sapphique was. I honestly felt much more comfortable reading this second installment. Ms. Fisher's writing felt more fluid, it was more fast-paced, there weren't as many ups and downs as there were in Incarceron, it was more steady when it came to action, adventure and just keeping you at the edge of your seat - it was a definite thrill ride. Once again I really felt connected to these characters. I went through the same emotions they were going through - and let me tell you this was one angst-filled book. I felt my heart at my throat more than once. There were so many things going on that I just was never sure where it was going to go.

All in all, this was a very satisfying sequel. I think I might even like it more than Incarceron. It is full of adventure, danger, excitement, and a few surprises (which I didn't see coming). My only concern is whether or not this is the end of the story...? I mean, it does resolve satisfactorily, and most of my questions were answered, and this seems like the end (and very likely is the end) but I still felt like there should be more. I think (and hope) Ms. Fisher left an opening for a possible third book... that's my opinion. Then again I am biased since I am in love with the world created in these books. I'll just keep my fingers crossed in the hopes that she'll succumb and give me us more. Phenomenal.

This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour through Book it Forward ARC Tours and

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Daniel has what is called "the memory". He has the ability to recall his past lives and can recognize the souls of those he's known. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties he does not forget who he was or whom he loved. For Daniel, throughout all his lives, has always loved Sophia (despite her name changes and altered appearances). Imagine dying and being reborn and still remembering (from a young age) what you did in your previous life, who your family was and whom you loved.... Daniel (and yes, he is always known as Daniel) does not forget.

The same cannot be said for Lucy (present day name for Sophia). She does not remember who Daniel is or their love that has transcended time. And although they have found each other over and over throughout the centuries, she always seems to forget the love that has always, and fatally, ended much too abruptly.

Alternating between the present day lives of Daniel and Lucy and their expansive history beginning in 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, you get a very in depth look at all the many layers of their relationship(s). I especially loved these times. Ms. Brashares did an amazing job in depicting the era, the landscape, the people, it was very detailed making it something I could envision, taste, touch and smell. Now I can't say how accurate these depictions are, but I was nonetheless satisfied with them. Obviously the narrator of these "past" chapters is Daniel and it's through these same chapters that you really get to know him. Daniel's voice is so soothing. He's is thoughtful, self-less, intelligent and his reflections really captivated me. But no matter the year, it's those moments when he finally encounters his Sophia that he truly comes to life for you. His love and his need to convince her that she loves him in return ... basically oozes off these pages. I have to say that I was swept away by the whole of this story. Call me a romantic fool, but I just could not help myself.

I absolutely fell in love with Daniel this book. The characters were incredible, the writing was compelling and the journey was one I would take over and over again. The ending (or lack thereof) left me a little freaked because it is a cliff hanger but, upon further examination, it has come to my understanding that there are two more books to Daniel and Lucy's story. Hooray! I can't praise this one enough. If you're a sucker for love (and who's complaining?), you should get yours hand on My Name is Memory asap.


** And just as a side not, (because I'm pyscho like that) did anyone else catch the similarities in the names (Daniel and Lucy) and even the whole "love that never ends" subplot to Fallen by Lauren Kate? Pretty freaky, yet somewhat interesting, huh? I'm just saying.**

My Review:

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable? [via GoodReads]

I'm saddened to say that I really did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first in the series [Wings]. I really loved Wings. I loved learning about faeries and their unique traits. It was nice to make these discoveries along with Laurel.

Spells did have things that I did like. For instance, I loved learning more about Avalon as well as potion-making, plants, and their magical worth. But there wasn't enough Laurel/Tamani time. (Sorry, I'm a Tamani girl!) I also felt that there wasn't enough action to make it flow for me. It was very slow-paced. In the beginning it was okay, then it really nose-dived for me, then it sorta picked back up towards the latter half, but still it ended and it was just blah. The characters left off back where they were at the end of the first book. There was nothing of significance in this book to really need to read it. Laurel is still a novice at her fairy skills, Tamani and David are still part of the love triangle, and trolls are still out to get her. It felt like a filler book - which mostly consisted of a lot of information about Avalon, the different faeries (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall), etc.

My final say, do you need to read this, no, not really. If you do feel the need to read it, get a copy from the library. Will I be reading the next book in the series? Absolutely. I'm still intrigued. I truly enjoyed Wings and am looking forward to how it all turns out (Enchantments - April 2011). But in the end it just wasn't my cup of tea... sorry.

My Rating:

Far from You by Lisa Schroeder

Alice has felt as if she's been spiraling down the rabbit hole ever since her mother passed away. It's been a few years since her mother's death and she is still suffering from her loss. To make matters worse, her father hasn't been there for her in her time of need. She has had to grieve all on her own, since he has re-married and is a expecting a new baby any minute now.

Alice finds comfort in her boyfriend Blaze, her faith, her guitar, music and her BFF, Claire. But things are about to change, for Claire is fed up with Alice's "depressing" music and a fight between the girls quickly ensues. Then things take a drastic turn when Alice gets caught on the road in a snowstorm with her newborn half-sister Ivy, and her "wicked" stepmother, Vic. It is now up to Alice to deal with the issues that she has long avoided, especially if she wants to get out of this predicament alive.

My first impression of Alice was that she was selfish, ignorant and mean. I got the impression right from the start that she never gave her stepmother a chance - she was too involved in her grief, her boyfriend, her music, etc. But that's what I really like about Lisa's writing. She creates characters that are real, that you can relate to. I loved taking this journey with Alice.

Considering this is such a short book, you quickly become attached to some of these characters. They all bring their own unique quality to the story. You can't help but find yourself biting your nails towards the second half of the book and reading on with tears in your eyes as you see our Alice grow and understand and eventually forgive and heal. 


Far from You is written in verse, and only the second book that I've read in this style, but once again I am in awe by how much feeling and emotion can be contained in so little writing. If you have any doubts about reading one of Lisa's books please put them aside and read just one of her books - I guarantee if you're anything like me, you'll want to read them all!

My Rating:

The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch

Tilly Farmer is living the perfect life.... She's married to her high school sweetheart, Tyler, her best friend is not only her oldest friend but also her co-worker, she lives in the same town that she grew up in with her immediate family living close by and she and Tyler have finally reached an agreement that it is time to make a baby. Life can't get any better.

One afternoon during a school festival Tilly wanders into a booth to find her old middle school friend, Ashley, who is now a fortune teller. After a quick recap from Tilly as to how perfect her life has turned out since they were friends, Ashley tells her that she is going to give her the gift of clarity.

Now by clarity, Tilly never expected that she would start seeing future events. And these events are not what she expected nor does it seem can she do anything to change them. As her perfect world slowly starts to crumble she must find a way of understanding her deeper feelings and can't help but find herself questioning why the foundation to such a perfect life came undone so easily.

Wow! Allison Winn Scotch has yet again made me fall in love with another one of her books. Not only does she create a variety of likeable and relateable characters, but you find yourself caring for them and even holding your breath to see how the turn of events will play out. You not only care for Tilly, but for her sisters Luanne and Darcy, her best friend Susanna and even for her old friend Ashley not to mention some of the residents of the town of Westlake. Women of all ages will be able to relate to one aspect of this novel or another. Although it is considered to be chick-lit, I would not say it is a light read without depth. This will definitely appeal to readers who have questioned the "what if"... what if we had we chosen a different path in life. Tilly is faced with many tough questions regarding her life choices and you will find that you cannot help asking yourself some of those same questions - very thought-provoking.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this and really didn't want it to end. Highly recommended.

This book was provided for review by BookSparks PR

My Rating: 

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Winter's Passage is a 50-something paged novella that takes place after The Iron King but before the Iron Daughter.

Hooray for Julie Kagawa who has packed just as much action, adventure, romance and character/world development into these 50-odd pages as she can in a 300 page book. I am seriously in awe.

For fans of the series, this is a wonderful treat. This is Meghan and Ash's journey through Unseelie territory and landing them right at Mab's doorstep in the Winter Court - leaving us right at the beginning of The Iron Daughter. It was short, it was sweet and it just left me wanting MORE... again.

For some this will be enough to hold you over until August when the highly anticipated The Iron Daughter releases, and for you other, more anxious sort, all I can say is read it and savor it because August is a very long 2 months away. ;)

If this is the first time you hear about the Iron Fey series, I do recommend that you start with The Iron King before you read Winter's Passage. And for those of you who have read The Iron King, you are in luck because if you stop by http://enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/ you can download your FREE copy of Winter's Passage which will be available until July 31, 2010 - so get to it and enjoy.

My Rating:

Over My Dead Body: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise & M. Sarah Klise (illustrator)

The Klise sisters are back with the follow-up to 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You. Here we once again catch up with Ignatius B. Grumply, Seymour Hope and that wonderful ghost, Olive C. Spense, who are now part of their very own publishing group. Olive and Ignatius do the writing, Seymour does the drawing and the readers pay $3 for their stories. It's worked out quite nicely since they have been able to buy the house on Cemetery Road and are all living happily.

But their happiness is soon dampened, when upon investigation by the The International Movement for the Safety & Protection Of Our Kids & Youth (a/k/a IMSPOOKY), it is deemed that Seymour can no longer live at 43 Old Cemetery Road without his parents. No matter how much Ignatius tries to prove that Seymour is not "unsupervised", but instead is loved and living happily with him, Olive and his cat Shadow, Dick Tater, the head of IMSPOOKY, will not relent and splits up the trio. They'll need some clever and quick thinking in order to get their trio together again and provide their readers with the promised chapters in the book by Halloween or else it will be complete and utter mayhem.

Once again, this series is cleverly written in epistolary fashion. Mostly told through letters, e-mails, drawings, newspaper clippings and Dick Tater's television broadcasts. I absolutely fell in love with the first book in the series and I was not disappointed in this sequel. It is a fun, quick read that is geared more for a younger crowd (3rd to 5th graders) but can definitely be enjoyed by adults as well. My favorite part of the series still remains the names of the characters who reside in the town of Ghastly, IL: Shirley U. Jest, Dick Tater, Claire Voyant, Fay Tality, and of course M. Balm, the librarian! Full of great humor and a very sweet little story that you can devour in an hour flat.

My Rating: 

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo

Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister's behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn't looking for Mr. Anyone. She's been dating Neil -- a nice if a bit negligent -- sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice -- in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy -- leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author's own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil's unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire's journey to finding her own romantic lead. [via GoodReads]

Although this story is mostly about Claire's life and her relationships (boyfriend, sister, etc.), I have to confess that what drew me in was the lure of the "lost" manuscript of a first draft of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. To explain a little better, there are basically two story lines in this story - one being Claire's life and second is more of a story within the story - the reading of First Impressions (a/k/a P&P).

There is a lot going on in this book, but I love a book that has various story lines that all combine to give you a sweet, romantic tale. Claire was a great heroine. She was engaging and humorous. I enjoyed reading of her choices when it dealt with her feelings towards her sister (who she raised from a very young age), her sports-addicted boyfriend, Neil, and her confusing, yet budding relationship with James (Mr. Darcy doppelganger).

I especially loved the reading of First Impressions and the surprising twists and plot changes rather then what the finished/published product is. The descriptions of Oxford and the classroom where Claire attends the seminar and even what we read of the seminar where very interesting.

I think Ms. Pattillo does a superb job of making Austen's work come alive for Claire as she uses it to compare the relationships in her own life. I found myself thoroughly entertained. This was a light, fast-paced, and enjoyable read that will definitely seduce lovers of Austen, but can also be enjoyed by those who haven't read her works as well.

This book was provided for review by Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists.

My Rating: 

A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore

We originally meet Garrett in Ms. Haymore's, A Hint of Wicked. There you find him fighting for his wife, Sophie, who after years of believing he is dead, has fallen in love and now married to Tristan, none other than Garrett's best friend. After a couple of scuffles, a very "sexy" fantasy, and a wild chase along the countryside, Sophie makes her choice and Garrett finds himself in the midst of a divorce.

On the search for his enemy (and luckily for him), he somehow finds himself bathing in Kate's "secret" pond. When Kate sees him for the first time she believes he is a God sent from Olympus. She finds herself rushing through her daily chores in order to make it in time to the pond and catch glimpses of him. Once he catches her spying on him, they both find themselves attracted to one another, almost as if their souls were waiting to find each other. But their brief happiness is abruptly put to a halt when Garrett finds out that Kate is her enemy's sister and Kate realizes that Garrett is the Duke of Calton... someone well above her station.

I have been looking forward to this book from the moment that I read the last page of A Hint of Wicked. Garrett was very intriguing and I wanted to read his story and for him to get his "happily-ever-after" soooo bad. So, needless to say, I was stoked when allowed to be part of this blog tour.

Garrett was all that I wanted him to be and more (yes, I admit it, he was all that and a bag of chips!) He was the sort of man who overlooked Kate's disheveled state and looked upon the beauty within.

Kate is everything that I think I would be if I were in Regency England... unladylike, outspoken, honest, trustworthy and completely devoted to her family (even though they treat her so badly). Not to mention, unconventionally beautiful.

There were so many factors that I loved about this story. For starters, there was the whole love at first sight thing (swoons) - love that. Then there were the surprising plot twists, former mistresses, ex-wives and that age-old seducer, forbidden love.

Really, what more could a girl ask for? It was perfect!

I will end this review with just one last word... Auto-buy! (that's one word, right?!) =D

This book was provided for review by Hachette Book Group.

My Rating:

Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

Have a Little Faith is the story of two men. Albert Lewis (Mitch Albom's childhood Rabbi from New Jersey) and Henry Covington (an inner-city priest in Detroit). Two men who really have nothing in common except for their faith and the inspiration they bring to their congregation and those who they are in contact with.

Mitch no longer resides in Jersey and finds it rather odd that he is asked by his Rabbi, Albert Lewis (a/k/a "The Reb"), to write his eulogy. Firstly, it's been years since Mitch has been in contact with him. And secondly, he isn't dying, at least, not anytime soon. So Mitch makes it a point to spend time with The Reb to get to know him, and thus begins an 8-year long friendship.

Henry Covington preaches in a run-down church with a gaping hole in the roof to the poorest and the homeless of Detroit. He's a former drug dealer and spent almost a decade behind bars, but has now turned his life over to God.

This is the story of two men, with different beliefs but who have common goals... their faith, their love of God and their congregations.

As a fan of Mr. Albom's previous works, I was excited when I finally got the my hands on Have a Little Faith. In its pages you will find everything that you would expect from a Mitch Albom book... faith, inspiration, joy, tears. But for some reason, and I'm saddened to say this, it fell a little flat for me. Don't take me wrong, I truly enjoyed reading about The Reb and Henry Covington, their experiences and their anecdotes. All in all, I felt that it was missing something. It didn't grip me in the way some of his previous books have. In the end, I'm not sure exactly how much I got out of this book, but it is a good story. One that I think should be read and I can easily see that many will enjoy.

My Rating:

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie is getting the hang of her ability as a dream catcher. Yep, she still gets sucked into people's dreams, but she now has the ability of controlling for how long she's in there. She can pull out easier and feels more in control of the situation. Although this takes a heavy toll on her body, she enjoys working undercover with Cabel and the police and has found a good use for her gift.

When Captain asks her to go undercover and help in uncovering if certain teachers have been getting a little frisky with the students at Fieldridge High, a definite strain is put on her relationship with Cabe, but she eventually puts her foot down and accepts the challenge. Then there's the box of documents that Captain hands her from the late Martha Stubin, with more information on her dream catching powers and exactly what fate awaits her if she is to use her gift for the good of mankind. And, needless to say, her future is much darker then she expected.

I can't rave enough about this series. I am 100% hooked on Janie and Cabel. I still ache for Janie - her mother continues drinking, has no idea what's going on outside the house, much less cares for what's going on with Janie. Her only source of happiness is Cabel and their sizzling romance.

Ms. McMann definitely delivers with Fade. Fade is suspenseful, thrilling, romantic and dark (because yes, we are dealing with sex, drugs and alcohol). The characters are real, the story is engaging and the anticipation, of whether Janie will crack the case or not, is intense.

Fade is the second in the Dream Catcher series. I do recommend that you read Wake first just because Fade is so fast-paced you might be a little confused as to what is going on. Also note, there are a few cuss words and also take into consideration that this story is about a sexual predator - so definitely recommended more for older teens or, at the very least, parental discretion is advised.

Loved it, highly recommend it! Can't wait to get my little hands on the final installment, GONE.

My Rating:

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. [via GoodReads]

As a big fan of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on The Dead-Tossed Waves. And boy, was I happy to see that not only did Ms. Ryan live up to the awesomeness that was The Forest of Hands and Teeth, but she might have even surpassed it in this one.

This is zombie mayhem at its best - but don't take me wrong, although this is a zombie book, this is also so much more. For one, the characters are all vividly descriptive, three-dimensional and very likeable. Gabry was a wonderful protagonist - she's young, she's scared, she questions herself in almost everything she does... nothing like Mary (TFHT). Where Mary was brave, strong-willed (even to a fault), was in need of something more in life then the relatively safe life she lived in her village in the forest, Gabry was the total opposite. Gabry is quiet, reserved, shy, she thinks before she acts and she enjoys the safety found within the town of Vista with its barricaded walls and constant patrolling of the town. The Mudo (a/k/a the Unconsecrated) are something that is found outside those walls - something that she and her mother might deal with if it washes up in the shores surrounding their lighthouse after a storm, but not something that is a constant or direct danger to her. Yet after a couple of pages that quickly changes.

Within these pages you will read about life in a world where there is life after death... just not the type where you walk into the light. Where once you return you become a soulless being only driven by the scent of blood and the need to infect. But more importantly, this is a story of hope, of love, of loss, of dealing with the lemons life hands you. Ms. Ryan's writing is stellar. She definitely has a way with words. She captured me from the first chapter and spit me out in the end in a heap. Because yes, although many questions are answered throughout the story relating to TFHT, there are still so many left unanswered. And that final moment in the book left me with my mouth open and freaking out because I've searched everywhere and still can't find out if and when there will be another book... yes, there is a cliff-hanger.

All in all, I am once again in awe of the world created by Ms. Ryan. Her story is one that although grimly revolves around pain and death, it also holds you enthralled with its vivid descriptions, relateable characters, and action-packed journey, making it an exciting and enticing read. Although this is considered a companion book to The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I do recommend that you read that one first. Reading The Dead-Tossed Waves first is like eating dessert before your meal. With all that said, I truly cannot tell you how anxious I am to hear of the next in the series... and to be quite honest, I hope it picks up right where this one left off. I highly recommend this.

My Rating:

2010 2nds Challenge

I was a big fan of this challenge this year. When I signed up for it - I thought this will be so easy and let me tell you it wasn't.. Thus, why I'm signing up again next year. I just love a good challenge. J.Kaye has passed the torch this year... so head on over to the new home of the Second Challenge over at The Royal Reviews for more challenge info and sign-up's.

I will go ahead and agree to:
-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.