Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie

Pages:384

Genre: YA/ Teen Dystopian

Source:  Penguin Group

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion. [via GoodReads]

I must confess that the first 100 or so pages of this novel were really slow moving for me. I understand that Ms. Condie was explaining the dystopian world Cassia lives in.  A world where everyone is content.  Where your life is basically pre-determined. Food, shelter, clothes and even your partner are all chosen for you. Where the Society controls everything and its Officials are always watching.  Cassia has always followed their strict guidelines. But when a glitch in the system leads Cassia to question the Society, then the story really starts to pick up speed.  

First I must commend Ms. Condie for her world-building.  I found this dystopian world to be unique and I really enjoyed discovering it by slow increments.  Secondly, the love story.  Or let me rephrase that, the love triangle.  I was fond of the main characters in this book.  Cassia and Xander have been best friends since youth and it was just perfect that they would be matched.  But Ky.... Ky was secretive, brooding, hurt, broken, distrusting... I have a thing for characters that need rescuing - and Ky is definitely that.  The love that grows between Cassia and Ky (very PG) was so sweet it hurt.   I found myself aching over their predicament.  From their first secret encounter till their last you can't help but root for them to somehow break free of the Society's hold. 

In the end, I found Matched to be utterly exquisite albeit a bit slow paced at times.  It definitely makes for interesting reading.  The combination of a controlling society, psychology and its heart-wrenching love story felt chillingly realistic.   It's characters were fleshed out and in the end I felt a pang at the fact that my time with them was coming to a close.  I must also warn that there were a few loose strings so I'm hoping (keeping fingers crossed) that there will be a sequel - maybe even a trilogy.  Latest news is that Disney bought the film rights - so get your hands on this gem before it hits theaters, you won't be disappointed.

My Rating:

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Title: Shadow Hills

Author: Anastasia Hopcus

Pages:400

Genre: YA/ Teen

Source:  Purchased 

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life. [via GoodReads]

I absolutely loved the premise of this book! And I have to say that the fact that there are no vampires, werewolves or other popular creatures of the night in it, was a rare treat.  

Ms. Hopcus gives us a mystery set in a boarding school (my favorite!), where normal looking teens are far from normal.  With all sorts of normal teen shenanigans going on (partying in a remote field, smoking, drinking, making out with your boyfriend in your dorm room), I felt that her characters (although magically enhanced) were realistically portrayed.  The romance between Phe and Zach was sweet - I think I might have fallen in love with Zach myself (ahem).  The backdrops - like the spooky cemetery out in the woods, a mental health hospital, and even the empty halls of the school - give it an ambiance which ranged anywhere from gothic, creepy, to downright goosebump inducing.

The story is riddled with symbolism both subtle and dark. Every time I thought I had finally unlocked the mystery, I was taken on a new unexpected turn.  The story started a bit slow for me but that was okay because it slowly built up to this fantastically riveting story - and the best part of it all is that it looks like it is the first in the series.  Kudos to Ms. Hopcus for a phenomenal debut!  I truly can't wait to see what happens next!

My Rating:

Seven Tears Into the Sea by Terri Farley

Title: Seven Tears Into the Sea

Author: Terri Farley

Pages: 279

Genre: YA/Teen

Source: Win via Tales of Whimsy

Beckon the sea,

I'll come to thee....

Shed seven tears,

perchance seven years....

At the age of ten, Gwen Cooke had a strange encounter with a boy with dark, slightly tilted eyes. He came to her on the beach, whispered strange words in her ear, and then disappeared. Shortly thereafter, her family moved away from their seaside home and Gwen never saw the boy again.

Now seventeen, Gwen is returning to her childhood home. Her nana asked her to come. But Gwen knows it's time to go back for another reason: She yearns for the sea. Perhaps the sea itself is calling to her. Perhaps the memory of the boy and his haunting words are drawing her back to the place they met. Perhaps it's time for her to face her destiny. [via GoodReads]

This is the first time I ever hear of selkies. As per Wikipedia - Selkies (also known as silkies or selchies) are mythological creatures that are found in Faroese, Icelandic, Irish, and Scottish folklore. Selkies are able to become human by taking off their seal skins, and can return to seal form by putting it back on.

In Seven Tears Into the Sea, Ms. Farley tells the tale of a selkie boy and his lady love.  What I most enjoyed about this story was the writing - it flows with a lyrical quality making the story sometimes feel sad and other worldly, yet there were times that were light and funny.  Her characters are realistically portrayed although there is a paranormal element.  The descriptions of the beach, the town, and the bed and breakfast  where Gwen is helping out at during the summer, really give it a relaxed feel but at the same time there are so many moments where it feels whimsical - almost like a modern day fairytale.

The story is told through Gwen's perspective so you only get to see and feel what she does.  I wish we would have learned a little bit more of Jesse - this would be my only complaint.  But I was still pleased with the story as told through Gwen's eyes. The relationship that forms between them is sigh worthy and even tear inducing (on my part). 

All in all, this was a lovely story.  Ms. Farley masterfully uses the selkie myths and interweaves them into this story - making it a poignant yet mesmerizing read.  I found it to be a very refreshing, unique and the perfect summer read.  

My Rating:

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Crank

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Pages: 537

Genre: YA/Teen

Source: Library

Kristina is a good girl.  She's intelligent, has a bright future ahead of her... so why is there a Bree?  Bree is Kristina's alter-ego - she has been lying dormant for years.  But things are about to change - Bree wants out.  

On a trip to visit her estranged father, Kristina or should I say Bree, meets Adam.  He's someone Kristina would never think of dating, but Bree sees Adam and knows he must be hers. When Adam introduces her to Crank, Kristina knows he is no good for her, but instead Bree finds freedom and bliss.   Kristina never would have made the choices Bree made. But who cares about Kristina... Bree is in control now. 

Ms. Hopkins does an excellent job of making you, the reader, feel as if you are falling headlong into the deep, dark hole that Kristina finds herself in once she encounters Crank, or as she calls it, the monster.  Told in verse, this story, although heartbreaking and even depressing, is masterfully told.  Ms. Hopkins' words are sparse but they carry quite the punch.  As someone who was recently introduced to a story told in verse, I can honestly say, that I found Ms. Hopkins storytelling enthralling.  I was captured from her introductory paragraph before I had even started the story.  I was not aware that this story was inspired by events that occurred with her own daughter - making it an even more powerful and emotional read. 

I really felt that the use of verse was particularly effective in this novel. Even the formatting of the paragraphs is significant - taking all sorts of shapes, changing of fonts, etc., used to depict how Kristina/Bree is feeling (whether it be the high from drugs, a music rhythm, her lack of sleep, or even her need for booze or cigarettes).  

All in all, Crank was a riveting read.  It's obviously not something for everyone - but I believe it realistically captures a teens struggles with drugs, sex, alcohol and addiction.  When I first heard of Crank I was a bit intimidated by it.  The subject matter is not one to take lightly and have you seen the size of this thing - at 500+ pages, I was a bit worried that I would feel overwhelmed by it.  I have to say that this was not the case.  Instead I devoured this very quickly.  As a mother, I feel that Crank is a learning experience.   I would recommend for parents to read and then pass on to their teens.  It is a great book than can lead to some very important discussions.

My Rating:

Soulstice by Simon Holt

It has been six months since the events that transpired in The Devouring took place. For the past six months Reggie Halloway has seen nor heard anything from the Vours.

Although they are survivors, Reggie, her brother Henry and her best friend Aaron, are all still affected by their ordeal from six months prior. Reggie has nightmares and cannot put aside her terrible memories. Henry not only has war wounds but he has become a quiet boy who continues to suffer from nightmares and violent episodes. Aaron seems to be the one least affected, but he is worried for his friend and continues to worry about the investigation taking place regarding the disappearance of town golden boy Quinn Waters - which we all know he is now swimming with the fishes after his Vour possession.

And then everything goes to hell in a hand basket - the Vours make their move against Aaron and Quinn Waters somehow survived his drowning in freezing water and is back looking to pair up with Reggie - since his Vour brethren have turned against him. As Reggie continues to learn more and more about the Vours - she begins to realize that there are more townfolk possessed then she anticipated. She does not know who to believe, who to trust - for the one least expected might just turn out to be a Vour.

Let me start by saying that I found The Devouring to be very scary - well I found that Soulstice upped the scariness stakes. The Devouring was more about developing the atmosphere, getting a feel for the Vours and what they stand for. In Soulstice, Mr. Holt focuses more on fear. The scenes are tense, terrifying and I could not help but be fascinated by them. I also found it to be more fast-paced, picking you up right from the start and not letting you take a breather until you were done with it (at least that is the way it was with me).

I really like Reggie - she is a smart, strong heroine - at times she even has this Buffy-esque type feel to her. The Vours and their madness and the twists and turns along the story will have you at the edge of your seat. Mr. Holt's writing is intense and graphic when it comes to bringing any child's (including my own) fear to light. The fearscape he creates (although shorter than in The Devouring) was even more creepy then the first. And can we talk about the nasty cliffhanger at the end - I was like Oh, hell naw!!! I can't believe it ended that abruptly... very evil, very, very evil Mr. Holt!

All in all, a deliciously creepy series. One that I think that will cater to not only teens looking for a scary book but one that will also seduce lovers of horror. This is definitely not one you want to read before bedtime as I guarantee you will have a hard time falling to sleep. I personally cannot wait to see what will happen next - I look forward to the next installment, Fearscape, scheduled to release Fall 2010. Yikes!

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four chronicles the story of Number Four a/k/a John Smith. He is one of the nine children that were smuggled out of planet Lorien amid a devastating war with the Mogadorians. As their planet and everything and everyone on it was killed, nine children along with their nine guardians were sent to planet Earth. Their mission is to blend in with the inhabitants of the planet until they grow up and stay alive long enough (since they are still being hunted by their enemies), until their legacies (special powers) come into effect - which normally takes place around age 16.

John has been on the run with his guardian, Henri, as long as he can remember. They change towns, names and lives as if they were a change of clothes. They are experts at remaining safe, unknown and undetected. They don't make any friends and try not to draw attention to themselves and, if for instance, someone notices something unnatural in John, they quickly pack up and move on. When Number Three is killed, John knows he is next, leaving once again to a new location with new identities. This time to the remote town of Paradise, Ohio.

But in Paradise, John finds more than he expected. For instance, he makes his first friend , meets a girl that he falls head over heels for and he even finds a dog that he brings home. His legacies have begun to manifest and he is training in order to strengthen them, but as their enemies get closer it becomes increasingly hard for him to conceal what he is.

This was a fast-paced, adventure-full, journey. I absolutely loved it. You can't help but feel sympathy for John. He might seem like any normal 16 year old teen, he goes through the same emotions, feelings and angst expected from any boy his age, yet he has all this power and energy inside. He finally feels that he can fit in - where his friend (Sam) and new girlfriend (Sara) can accept and love him. But their are cracks in the security he finds and he knows that he and Henri will have to flee yet again. John was a great character - very realistic and somewhat relateable (sans the alien powers, of course). Henri, his guardian is a hero - he gives up so much of himself in order to ensure John's safety. Sara was a very lovable girl, you want her and John together from the moment she comes into the picture, and Sam, his friend, has so much character growth throughout the story that you feel very close to him by the end. Another favorite character of mine, and one who is more of the silent type, Bernie Kozar, John's dog. But I won't tell you more about him and will let you guys read more about his awesomeness for yourself.

This book is the first in what is rumored to be a 6-part series. I absolutely loved it - I keep saying that don't I? This first book had a lot of background information as to planet Lorien, its inhabitants and John's family life before the war. I loved the flashbacks where John travels back to his time on Lorien. Through these flashbacks you get a detailed description of what life on Lorien was like and you can't help but hope that one day it will once again prosper - as bleak as that hope might be.

This was a very imaginative and exciting read. The action sequences towards the end of the book had me at the edge of my seat and biting my nails with worry. And yes, there is a serious cliffhanger - but one that I can't really complain about because it just leaves you that much more excited for the next book. The movie is scheduled to release early next year and the second book in the series, titled The Power of Six, releases Spring 2011. I can't recommend this enough - for fans of fantasy and sci-fi. I'll say it again, I loved it, and I found it gripping and engaging and just downright fun. READ IT!

For those of you wondering about the author: Pittacus Lore is the leading elder of Lorien whose whereabouts are unknown. Pittacus Lore is also the pseudonym for the writing team of James Frey and Jobie Hughes.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Lenah Beaudonte is a 500+ year old... teenager. She was turned by her maker when she was a mere 16 years old. She has ruled as vampire queen for centuries and time has made her into a monster. She kills for sport, has no feelings, no emotions. She has longed to be human, if for nothing else then to save herself and any who might cross her path, and with the help of her maker and former lover, Rhode, she has accomplished just that. She is human! Enrolled in the private and secluded Wickham Boarding School she must now pass for an average 16 year old. But her deserted coven will not stand for Lenah's abandonment and she knows she is on borrowed time. This is Lenah's quest to not only be a human teenager, but to stay a human teenager.

Wow, wow, wow!!! I loved this book.

Ms. Maizel has created a wonderful leading lady in Lenah. What a unique character - one of the most creative I've read in a while. I loved that she was a terrible, horror-invoking, menace when she was a vampire. She's a mean girl - gone good. The flashbacks throughout her life, giving you glimpses into her long existence were so bleak and blood-filled, you could not help but hope that her plans of being human work out.

Another thing that I found very interesting were her love interests. Rhode, her vampire sire, lover and the one that I ultimately went TEAM RHODE! over, then there was Vicken, the man she turned vamp in order to replace her loneliness when Rhode was away and, now, Justin, all-around human teen heartthrob. Her chemistry with all three of her beaus ranged from heart-stopping, sigh-worthy, to just plain, give me a minute while I swoon over here. I also really liked some of the supporting characters, but my favorite was Tony, who quickly jumps in as BFF and sidekick to Lenah.

Aside from the characters and their interactions, I really felt that this story worked well. I loved the alternating between the present and the future. Which was pretty neat since Lenah is so, well... human, in the present and such an evil b*tch in her past. I found myself caught up with Lenah learning to be human again after being a vampire for so long, the ever lurking danger of her past and the joys of finding love when least expected.

I have to say that this character-driven novel is one that I truly enjoyed. Its premise was engaging, the writing and content is mature, the characters are flawed, intense, dark and edgy. An overall perfect package... oh, and did I mention the ending? I definitely didn't see that one coming and there was a wicked cliffhanger too. I can't wait to see what happens next.

This book was provided for review by St. Martin's Griffin.

GIVEAWAY: And because I ♥ this so much - I will gladly give away my gently read ARC copy - to spread the love. Just leave a comment and make sure to leave an email address. Open internationally. Winner will be chosen 8/29/10.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. 

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. [via GoodReads]

This book was so much better than I thought. For some reason I thought this was going to be a little cheesy, foppish tale about a young witch, I think my worries had to do with the cover - since I find it rather childish, but I was so mistaken. It was oh-so-good!

Sophie is a great heroine. I loved her attitude - she was snarky, funny, sarcastic, but caring, thoughtful and a great friend. I have a thing for witches and this one did not disappoint. There were the mean witches, the good witches, warlocks, and then all other sorts of paranormal creatures roaming the halls of Hex Hall. I also really liked her camaraderie with Jenna - her roommate and sole vampire in the school. Archer - teen heartthrob and warlock to pine for was also a great character. He had so many layers and I really liked how Sophie took her time in finding out he truly was.

Although I thought this would be a light, fun read (and yes, it was), it was also dark and edgy. There was a great mystery to be solved and every time I thought I had it figured out, Ms. Hawkins would throw me in for another loop. I just have two slight complaints... and they are small since this is a 5-star read. 1- There were so many type-o's in this book. I have a pet peeve with type-o's and, they are expected in ARC's, but this is my hardcover book that I paid $16.99 for. I find that unacceptable. When I'm reading a book I get totally engrossed by it and a type-o just jars me back to reality - it stands out and just plain annoys me. 2- The ending. Although yes, it was good because I did not see it coming, it also just ended... rather abruptly. It almost felt like a chapter or a few pages were missing. Then again it left me that much more anticipating the next in the series.

All in all, I must admit that I loved this book. I highly recommend to fans of paranormal and YA genres.

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Riley Bloom has left her sister Ever (Evermore) in the world of the living and has finally crossed the bridge into a place that she calls the Here and Now. She doesn't really know where she is, thus she calls it Here and if she is to ask the date, time, etc., she is told it is Now. The Here and Now is everything she wants it to be. Her parents, grandparents and even her dog Buttercup are there. She lives in the same house, the same neighborhood (minus the neighbors, they're still living), even sleeps in her same bed. She is just beginning to settle into a nice, relaxed death when she is called before The Council. After seeing most of her life flash before her, she is told that she, along with everyone else in the afterlife, has a purpose and hers is to become a Soul Catcher. They pair her up with a guide/leader Bodhi and is told that she must return to the land of the living where she can help restless spirits cross over that bridge - better said then done.

With Bodhi and her dog Buttercup, she is given her assignment the Radiant Boy - who has been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many have tried before her but have failed... will Riley have the courage to help the Radiant Boy or will she also fail?

I loved this book! For those of you who have not read any of Ms. Noel's The Immortals series, Riley is Ever's (the main character from The Immoratals) sister. She died in the accident that killed Ever's parents. This is the spin-off series. Geared more towards 9-12 year old tweens. But oh so fun for adults like me. You also don't need to read any of The Immortals books to truly grasp this new series - although you should because that series is oh so good too. :)


Riley was so much fun in Evermore and I can honestly say that she continues being funny, witty, clever and a very endearing heroine. I love the push and pull between her and Bodhi. She sees him as an ever-nagging, nerdy, fashion senseless boy. Their chemistry was great. He wants to teach her a lesson in respect and thus The Radiant Boy comes into play... no one has ever succeeded in crossing him over, so he gives her the toughest job he can. 


Ms. Noel's writing is fluid and flawless. She truly captures the thoughts of a 12 year old girl - I loved her inner monologues - they brought a smile to my face more than once.


This series is going to be a treat not only for the new fans I'm sure Ms. Noel will acquire in young tweens, but I can guarantee it will be an instant hit with her YA and adult fan base. Loved it.

This book was provided for review by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely folks over at Macmillan.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents. Winners will be drawn Sunday, August 22.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction. [via GoodReads]

This was such a great book. Told in two parts the "Before" and the "After". Throughout its pages we meet Miles "Pudge" Halter. He's recently left home and is now enrolled at Culver Creek a boarding school - seeking his "Great Perhaps." Looking for Alaska chronicles his ordinary life - leaving behind his former Florida high school and moving out to Alabama. There he finally feels that he fits in. He makes friends with the Colonel, his roommate, Lara Buterskaya, Takumi, and last but definitely not least, Alaska, the girl he immediately falls for.

Mr. Green does a superb job in really capturing the lives of these teens. Their feelings, emotions, actions were all relateable, realistic, we have all been there, we have all done these same things. I really commend him for not only introducing us to these characters but, if you're anything like me, you'll feel like you not only got to know them by the end of the book, but that they're also your friends. Pudge, the Colonel, Alaska, Lara and Takumi are just living their lives - but doing whatever possible to amuse themselves along the way. Even if it means irritating their teachers, playing pranks on the Weekday Warriors and all without getting caught by "The Eagle", the dean. They learn about alcohol and just how good it can make them feel, and then exactly how bad it can also make them feel, they learn to smoke cigarettes and experience sex for the first time.

This is their story of growing up, of loving and losing, of dealing and eventually just living life to the fullest. Mr. Green's writing is witty, entertaining, thought-provoking. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And I guarantee it will stay with you long after you are done with it. A great story and one that I think should be required reading for teens.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Some summers are just destined to be pretty Some summers are just destined to be pretty.

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. [via Goodreads]

From reading the synopsis to this book you can't help but think that this is a fluff read - but that was not the case.


Belly looks forward to her summers. Ever since she can remember her summers are full of her favorite things. The beachhouse, her almost-aunt, Susannah, her mother and brother, the beach, the boardwalk and Susannah's boys - Jeremiah and Conrad. Summers mean they all get together and spend three glorious months together. 


And Belly is looking forward to her summer... not just because duh... it's summer, but also because she gets to see Jeremiah and Conrad... especially Conrad. Although they've grown up together, almost considered cousins, she shares a grand friendship with Jeremiah, but Conrad she has always loved. She can't help but want to see them, be with them... but something has changed this summer. Jeremiah continues to be the free spirit he has always been - always making jokes, cracking a smile and just having a fun time. But Conrad has changed since last summer. He quit the football team, he acts irritable, he smokes and just wants to be left alone in his room. This is the summer that, notwithstanding the changes, everything finally comes into place.


Belly, although she comes off (for most of the story) as a shallow, self-centered and most often immature, young lady, really does a lot of personal growth and maturing throughout. Her struggles felt real and I think Ms. Han did a good job of capturing the emotions of a teen girl accurately. The writing was simple but it was precise and clear which I really like - nothing too convoluted to where I got lost. I did have some issues with the jumping in the chapters from past summers to the present summer, but it wasn't to hard to catch up. 


The Summer I Turned Pretty is carefree, romantic, and in the end, I found the story and its characters endearing. Plus, I love books where the story takes place at the beach, at a beach house, pier or boardwalk. Although the book's ending is a bit vague, it can be a stand-alone, but it has come to my attention that it is part of a trilogy - so I'm sure we'll be hearing more of Belly, Conrad and possibly another summer or two.

This is the perfect book to read for the summer, but I would recommend you read it no matter what time of the year.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Wow! What a hot mess this book was... and I mean that in a good way. Catherine Fisher has quite an imagination on her. This is the story of Claudia and Finn and how their worlds collide.

Incarceron - a prison created to house outcasts, thieves, lowlifes, scum, in other words, the undersirables. It was a means to an end - they needed a place to house the overpopulation from their prisons and they came up with Incarceron. A prison that could not only house their criminals - with no entrance nor a way to escape, its location is unknown - but it is said to be a perfect world. Talk about a bad idea... It's been centuries since the prison's doors were sealed and with the prison having a mind of its own, it has become vengeful, jaded and torments its inhabitants with its ever-seeing, all-knowing eyes. The prisoners are not living together in perfect harmony - their lives are horrible and gruesome. The things they must do to survive alone are unimagineable. Those who live in the prison dream of the world Outside - although they really don't know if there is an "outside". All they know is that Sapphique - one of the prisoner's escaped and with this tale of Sapphique's perilous journey, they find hope. Finn is one of these prisoners. 


Imagine a futuristic world run by computers and technology but whose residents live their lives as if it were the 17th century. Yep. This "protocol" is overlooked by certain peers of the higher society, but most of the people live under these guidelines. Claudia - the warden of Incarceron's daughter - lives under such protocol. Although she is free and on the "outside" she feels that she is prisoner to her father's whims. At seventeen, she is the perfect age to wed her betrothed, the annoying, immature and utterly spoiled, Prince Caspar. And although she is dreading the day of her nuptials, the warden and the Queen, have both moved up the date and she has no choice but to go along with their plans.

When both Finn and Claudia come across a glass key, whose powers can be nothing less than magical, they find a window into each other's world and are soon caught up in something much more dangerous then either imagined.

This was one of the better fantasy/sci fi books I have recently read. I'm not sure if I would classify it fantasy/sci fi as much as I would say steampunk. I have to say it did start a bit bumpy for me. The first hundred or so pages were sort of slow moving - although I must say that I did enjoy how we first meet Finn. With alternating chapters between both main characters, we get Claudia's chapters which are deliciously full of political intrigue and all sorts of conniving and backstabbing going on; to Finn's chapters which are full of all the adventure, challenges, and monsters you could want. 
 

Although very engrossing, I found this novel to be extremely complex with multiple storylines occurring simultaneously. I enjoyed the basic plot, the world-building was amazing (although I wasn't able to visualize it at all times) and although it had a rough start (for me), it did pick up and it never lost track again jumping from one adventure to the next. I think this would make a great movie and one I would love to see if nothing else than to visualize some of the landscapes described while in Incarceron. I also really became fond of not just the two main characters, but Attia, Keiro, Jared, the warden and even the infamous Sapphique.


I will say there are a lot of questions that were left unanswered but hopefully nothing that won't be answered in the sequel aptly titled, Sapphique. All in all, this was an excellent story - one that lovers of the genre will not only devour but will be left pining for more.

The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha

Irene Stanley and her family's lives are torn upside down when her 15 year old son, Shep, is murdered during a home invasion. Irene and Nate, Shep's parents, and Bliss, Shep's sister are devastated by the loss of their young son/brother. This is their story as they all deal with his loss and how their grief affects their lives.

Shep's murderer, Daniel, is captured and awaits his death sentence in a Oregon State penitentiary’s death row. Although the family is now able to sigh a breath of relief knowing that the killer is behind bars and awaits execution, Irene is struggling with depression. Her life is spiraling out of control - she spends her days moping around like a zombie. She does not cook, clean, and does nothing for her teen daughter Bliss. Nate had the opposite attitude. He quickly returns to work and his mentality is more along the lines of what happened happened and we must now continue to live our lives and move on. On what would have been Shep's 25th birthday, Irene decides to write a letter to Daniel in death row. They secretly write to each other for years until the date is finally scheduled for Daniel's execution.

Although the main theme in this story is forgiveness, there were so many other underlying factors that also made an impact on it - capital punishment, religion, family ties, secrets and the complexities of life. The story alternates back and forth from the year of the crime to the present - decades later when appeals have been made and run their course and now the execution is to take place.

I thought Ms. Rakha does a great job in fleshing out her characters - and there are many of them. She not only brings you into her story but she makes you go through all the ups and downs with Irene and deal with the conflicting thoughts going through Tab's mind about the upcoming execution.

All in all, this was a gripping story, it will not only make you ache for its characters but, it will keep you on your toes guessing as to its unexpected secrets and leave you feeling surprised as to its conclusion. I will forewarn that there is not a lot of joy to be found in its pages but it is one that I would hope you don't miss out on.

To learn more about author, Naseem Rakha, check out her site here. You can also view the book trailer here.

This book was provided for review Terra Communications.

GIVEAWAY: I have 1 paperback copy up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Sarah at Terra Communications. Plus I have one extra copy that I will giveaway personally.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents, but I will open internationally for one of the copies. Just make sure to say whether or not you are out of the country so that I don't pick two international winners. Winners will be drawn Sunday, August 15.

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug. [via GoodReads]

As a big fan of Going Too Far, you must know how anxiously I was waiting for the release of Forget You. I had my doubts it would be as good, but I was still being optimistic, and let me tell you, my positive thinking was on the money. This book not only met my expectations but it surpassed them ... Hooray!

Although Forget You is totally different from what I expected - I was expecting something more along the lines of a light teen romance possibly even a beach read. Instead I found a book with many layers - touching on some dark topics.

The story mostly revolves around Zoey Commander. Zoey is dealing with some heavy issues - after her mother's attempt at suicide she ends up living with her father and his 24 year old girlfriend whom he recently knocked up. Her life is upside down and no matter how hard she tries to keep it right side up - it just seems like she's drowning. She makes some very rash decisions throughout the novel. I cringed every time she brought up her relationship with Brandon and how he was her boyfriend.

After her accident and the ensuing amnesia, the story really picked up. First there's Doug... le sigh. (I must admit, Ms. Echols has a way of making you fall for her leading men. She sure did that for Doug.) Zoey thinking she'd find support in her "boyfriend" Brandon was surprised to see he just wasn't coming around but everywhere she turned Doug was there. She knows something happened the night leading to her accident she just can't remember anything of it. She spends most of the story acting as if she knows what happened in order to figure out what really happened... and the best part of it all is that you, as the reader, are just as clueless as she is. So obviously the pages are flying by as we uncover the truth of that night which slowly unravels throughout the story.

I loved all the characters! Zoey was young and dealing with a lot, I can't say that I agreed with some of her actions, but in the end I did understand why she acted the way she did. Doug was the sweetest thing. He looked out for Zoey and any man that can keep a secret because a girl asks him to is okay in my book. Zoey's parents - Mr. Commander is an a-hole. I despised this man yet I also felt sorry for him. I think if the story had an epilogue taking place about 10 years down the line (maybe not even that long) we'd hear that Ashley (the knocked-up girlfriend) left him for a younger man and took half his assets with her. Mrs. Commander was a woman scorned. Yes, she did try to commit suicide, but she was stressed and had too much going on and she acted without thinking.... nothing a good therapist can't resolve. Brandon was clueless. He really had no bad feelings, he was a boy who loved girls. Zoey knows, you know this, I'm not sure how we got off track with him. The other characters, although minor, were also fleshed out and really gave the story more depth.

The romance aspect of the story was intense. The push and pull between Zoey and Doug felt real. You can feel the sexual tension building between them. Their more intimate moments were very well done, they were sweet and full of passion and tension. I think these moments were what really completed the whole package for me. (these moments might not be suitable for younger teens)

All in all, I found Forget You to be an emotional, intense and expressive read. Ms. Echols has a way with words - her writing, her characters and her setting (in this case a northern Florida beach) really played a lot into making this book so very enjoyable. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next! I am now convinced of her awesomeness and she has now been upgraded to auto-buy, so I know I won't be missing out on it - I hope you won't either.

This book was provided for review by Simon and Schuster.


GIVEAWAY: 2 copies are up for grabs.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, All About {n} button, Facebook, etc.) Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be drawn Sunday, August 8.

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life. 

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera - ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, beg Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars. 

Carter Maquire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends - and business partners - Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories. [via GoodReads]

First things first, I have a confession... this is my first Nora Roberts book. I know, I know, and no, I have not been living under a rock. I've always stayed away from her books because I am not much of a contemporary romance reader, and also because I have always felt that she writes for an older crowd. Don't ask me why I've been under that impression.

With that said, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this first book in the quartet. Not only did I find the writing hip and young, but the characters are all around my age (early 30's) so I really felt that I could relate.

This book really is the ultimate girly book - for no other reason then the fact that it revolves around weddings. I don't know about you guys, but I love weddings - not only being in one, but also attending them. I loved being a bride, I still do not regret the amounts of money we spent on our wedding, the pictures, the cake, the gifts... and this book really helps you reminisce and capture that joy once again.

Apart from the beautiful weddings, I think Ms. Roberts does a phenomenal job of capturing the friendships the four girls have. I truly loved their dynamics. They each have their own job/duties in running the premier wedding service that "Vows" provides. Piper - the wedding coordinator; Mackenzie - the photographer; Emmaline - florist extraordinaire and Laurel - the wedding cake designer. They all live right on the estate and are at the beck and call of each other. I absolutely adored this set-up. They were so tight, and deep and just had each others backs.

As for the romance, it was definitely sigh worthy. In comes Carter - literally - since he comes into Mac's house when she's shirtless - and out goes Carter - like literally - since he bangs his head so hard on her door that he almost passes out. I really liked the way their relationship unfolds... slowly and by these sweet increments, it really gave it a realistic aspect. It wasn't something where they meet, they fall madly in love, they jump in bed and they're married. No, this was a slow progression, that I think really worked. Mac has many issues, but I think Carter handled everything quite nicely, nothing some gentle persuasion couldn't accomplish.

I have always enjoyed a good story about relationships whether it's about romance, friendship or family - and in this book you will find all three. As with any romance, there is always a happy ending (at least in the one's I like to read), but I truly enjoy when a girl has to work for her happy ever after - and you definitely get that here.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think it's a nice start to what I hope will be a very special series.

My Rating:

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

As a big fan of Shiver, I was highly anticipating this next book in the triology. I can't help but always doubt how good a sequel is going to be - for some reason they never capture the awesomeness that you find in the first book of a series... but that is not the case here. Ms. Steifvater's Linger met my expectations, in fact, I think it is just as good, if not better than Shiver.

Winter is almost through and Sam is still just a boy. Although he spends must of his time worrying about whether he'll change or not, he finds joy in writing his songs but, most of all, he finds happiness with Grace.

Grace is just happy to have Sam in her life. Their risky experiment at the start of winter worked and she is no longer worried about Sam going wolfy. But her health is unexpectedly deteriorating and her notoriously absentee parents are none-too-happy with how fast her relationship with Sam is going and will stop at nothing to keep them apart. Grace is trying to keep her illness from Sam but she knows that whatever she's suffering from is very serious and if Sam is to find out she knows it will devastate him.

Along with Sam and Grace's perspectives we also get Isabel (met previously in Shiver) and we are introduced to Cole. I absolutely loved Isabel. I looked forward to reading her POV chapters/sections. She's so sarcastic and snarky and painfully honest with her feelings. Then there was Cole - who was such a deep character. He's one of Beck's "new wolves". He chose to become a wolf because he could not fathom living his life anymore. There were so many layers to him and his pain is so honest and raw. I really liked their additional perspectives. Now I know to some thinking of reading four POV's, might sound a little disconcerting, but do not fret. Ms. Steifvater really outdid herself in giving you a different angle to every scenario in the book. I really enjoyed reading the story this way.

Like Shiver, this book also has an emo-ish feel to it. There is not much action or adventure, but you are definitely on a roller coaster when it comes to your feelings. You are happy when reading of Sam and Grace's relationship, bitter when it comes to Isabel and Cole's lives, and mad, even bordering on hatred, when it came to Grace's parents and their constant interfering. Oh, and did I mention, Isabel's gun-crazy father, trying to shoot anything that remotely looks like a wolf.... yea, plus there's this impending sense of doom that has you on edge the whole time.

All in all, I was enraptured by LINGER, and am positively anxious with excitement for Forever -the final installment in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy - scheduled to release July 2011.

*If you are considering reading Linger, I do recommend that you read Shiver first as it is the first in the trilogy. Otherwise you would not grasp the whole story and, of course, you'd be missing out on an amazing book.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a package with his name on it lying on his porch. Happily he tears into the package only to find that inside are cassette tapes and a letter from Hannah Baker. The girl who he's crushed on since her arrival at his school. The same girl who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On these seven tapes, Hannah explains are the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life and Clay is one of them. He has to promise to pass the tapes on to the next person in the list but before that he'll have to listen in order to find out how he made the list and just how responsible he was for a girl to feel that she had nowhere left to turn.

Please don't ask me why I've waited to so long to read this book. I think it might have been that I was avoiding the dark subject matter. I'm not entirely sure, but I can tell you that I have had it sitting in my shelves since I purchased it when it first came out.

From the moment that I cracked this book open I could not put it down. I immediately became captivated by the dual narrative of Clay and Hannah. Mr. Asher's storytelling was done in a way where I could easily switch over from Clay's thoughts to Hannah's voice, which you could almost hear - it was that clear, precise, young, sad. I'm not sure if everyone's book came in the same packaging as mine did, but I was able to pull the jacket off my hardcover and by flipping it over I had a copy of the map that Clay was using during the narrative.

I literally became obsessed with this book. I had to know what would cause a young woman to take her life. How a boy like Clay was somehow connected and even one of the reasons that caused the "snowball effect" that led her to end her life so abruptly. I was on an emotional roller coaster - I was going through the up's and down's of Hannah's life, through Clay's anger, frustration, doubt. I found myself wondering at how we can take people for granted, sometimes act or speak without thinking and how these same thoughtless actions can affect another person. It was very thought-provoking, to say the least. Mr. Asher did a phenomenal job of capturing the pressures, challenges and pitfalls today's kids face.

There is no humor in these pages. It is sad and heartbreaking but one that will stay with me for a long time. There aren't words to describe how I feel for this book. All I can say is, if you own it, read it, if you don't, buy it or check out from your library, you will not be disappointed.

Included in:

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Although Aden might seem crazy to some - talking to thin air, acting peculiar around cemeteries, etc. - he is far from it. The voices inside Aden Stone's head are real. He has four human souls living inside him - Eve can time-travel, Julian can raise the dead, Elijah can tell the future and Caleb can possess another human. He has spent his life from one institution to the next, being prescribed all sorts of pills and at the mercy of his doctors and caretakers.

Now, living on the outskirts of a new town with a couple who has taken him (and other troubled boys like him) in, he plans on a fresh start. But that all changes when he catches a glimpse of a girl who not only quiets the voices in his head, but basically knocks him on his butt at first glance. He knows he must find out who she is and how she can do what no one has done before.

Riddled with all sorts of supernatural beings (i.e. vampires, werewolves, fairies, goblins, demons and witches) you are taken on a journey with Aden and Mary Ann - who not only form an inexplicable bond of friendship but whose limits will be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann and a vampire princess that has been the star of many of Aden's dreams. Together the four face intrigue and danger, doomed romances and the possibility that not all may come out alive.

As a big fan of Gena's adult novels, I was excited to read this first installment of her YA series and, I must say, I was not disappointed. I loved how so many elements of paranormal fantasy were thrown in here and jumbled all together - giving it a fresh and original idea. The chapters are told through either Aden or Mary Ann perspectives. So you get to not only hear what Aden is thinking but you also get to see it through Mary Ann.

The characterization was great. Even the voices in Aden's head were well-developed. It got to the point where I knew which had spoken by just the way they said things. Very engaging and imaginative. As for the romances, I have to admit that although I did enjoy reading about Aden and Victoria, my fave couple was Mary Ann and Riley. I found myself looking forward to their moments together. But overall, I think it was well done.

This was such a fun book and although many of its problems were resolved by its end, there were also many questions left unanswered and, one of those pesky cliffhangers. All in all, a fantastic start to what I can tell will be a very enjoyable series. Book #2 - Unraveled, releases September 2010... I'll be anxiously awaiting it.

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

Told in diary entries by an unnamed girl (which for purposes of this review we shall call "Alice"), it chronicles her life and her struggle with her addiction to drugs.

Now I'm obviously reading this many years after its original publication of 1971. And from what I've read, it seems that originally it was thought to be a real-life diary. Beatrice Sparks who was originally editor, eventually stated that this was one of her patient's diary and she used several of the passages in it to create the book. But it seems that since then much of that has also been questioned and they are now selling it with an inscription in the first pages stating that this is a complete work of fiction and not to be thought otherwise.

With that said, whether you believe Go Ask Alice is non-fiction or fiction, or even anti-drug propaganda, it should not make a difference on whether or not you read this book. It is, what it is - a story about a young girl living in the mid to late 60's who gets seduced into the world of drugs. Her diary entries detail her first encounter at a party, becoming an addict, selling drugs at school , running away, rape, more drugs and eventually using sex to acquire even more drugs. So what if it's not a true story. I'm sure this can easily be someone's "true" story.

My only concern is that it feels outdated. I think as a whole parents today have learned from "our" parents' mistakes. I think we know the signs of drug use and what changes to look for in our children. I also don't really know overly much about drugs - so I can't say for sure that Alice's addiction and the speed in which it all transpires is credible.

I'm not sure if it's still banned in schools, but I know at one point the book was pulled off the shelves and, in the cases where it wasn't, they removed some of the more graphic parts in the book. After reading Go Ask Alice, I can say that I would definitely let my kids (obviously when they are tweens, since they are both toddlers at the moment) read this. If for no other reason than to have them open up and talk about drugs. I know and am hopeful that by reading something like this they might remember that while at a party they should never drink from a cup they themselves didn't pour or even that "I'll just try it once" can be life altering.

All in all, I found it to be an interesting book, even if it is untrue.

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Title:  Numbers 

Author:  Rachel Ward

Pages: 352

Genre: YA / Teen
Source: Library

Jem has a secret no one knows. A secret she knows must not be shared. See, if Jem stares into a persons eye she sees a set of numbers. These numbers are the date of the person's death... an expiration date, if you must. She's had a rough life. And at 15, she's orphaned, never knowing her daddy and her mum having overdosed when she was still a child, she's been bounced around from foster home to foster home and although now she is stable living in yet another foster home, she lives behind a hard shell that allows her to not get too close to anyone.

Until she meets Spider. Spider an outcast just like her, but also so different. Spider is full of life, he's bursting at the seams with energy and for some reason he keeps finding ways to follow and hang around Jem. She eventually relents and they form a distant and grudging sort of friendship. One day while in line at London Eye, Jem begins to see that everyone around her has the same numbers and quickly makes up her mind that something terrible is bound to happen. She grabs Spider and makes a run for it. When a devastating act kills those at the "Eye" that day, they both become the main suspects and end up on the run.

What a very interesting premise. Imagine to know the date of everyone's death. That concept alone was very thought-provoking for me. I really found Ms. Ward to have created a very credible character in Jem. The way that her unique ability basically forces her to act, always wearing hoody's, with her hair in her face, never really wanting to look into someone's eyes, not wanting to force bonds - familial or friendship, all these traits were very realistic to me. Her relationship with Spider (which is really the main focus in the book) and how said relationship changes Jem and her views was very enjoyable to read.

My only complaints would be that the whole "numbers" thing was not the main focus on the story - halfway through the story the numbers just dwindled. The story changed and it became more of a love story - I found that unexpected. I also really hate (and this is just something personal on my behalf) when there is a lot of description as to body odors... you know, bad breath, oily hair, BO in general. If an author mentions it once or twice I can overlook it, but if it's the main focus every time a new character is introduced I start getting turned off to it - this was really a factor with me in this book. 

All in all, this story really had a lot of potential. It was like a roller coaster ride for me - it was very fast-paced in the beginning then it slowed for a while towards the middle and then picked up speed again at end. It's not one that I loved, but I definitely enjoyed it. The last sentence in the story really surprised me so I most definitely will be picking up the sequel (The Chaos) upon its US release sometime in early 2011. 

One last thing I also want to mention, although it is advertised as a young adult book, I do recommend it more for older teens as there is drug use, theft, sex and death.

My Rating: