Suzanne Tripp Jurmain takes a different approach to her picture book about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams than Barbara Kerley does in THOSE REBELS, J...moreSuzanne Tripp Jurmain takes a different approach to her picture book about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams than Barbara Kerley does in THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM. Jurmain briefly covers the facts about their involvement in the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War and, instead, spends time on their lives after these volatile times in U.S. History.
Around 1790 is when Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had their major disagreement that led to their feud. They couldn't agree on the way the government should be ran. John Adams felt the President should be the most powerful person in the United States, but Thomas Jefferson didn't think so. He felt that if one person had all the power he might start thinking of himself as a King - and we all know how that turned out. Things really came to a head in 1800 when the two ran against each other for President.
It wasn't until 1812 that John Adams picked up a pen to write Jefferson a letter - not knowing if he'd write back or not.
Even though the entire book focuses on a feud it still ends on a happy and hopeful note. It almost brought a tear to my eye.(less)
There once was a hunter filled with jealousy. Putt craved power and wanted to be the leader his tribe. He went to see the local wise man and convinced...moreThere once was a hunter filled with jealousy. Putt craved power and wanted to be the leader his tribe. He went to see the local wise man and convinced him to create a talisman to harden his heart so he could rule with an iron fist without any feelings of guilt. The Flint Heart is created and soon, Putt is the leader and the tribe is scared and bullied and live in fear of him. When Putt dies Fum, the wise man, buries the Flint Heart so it won’t cause havoc anymore.
Years later, a loving family man stumbles across the Flint Heart while out working. As soon as the Flint Heart gets in the man’s hand the magic begins to work. A once kind man becomes harsh and mean – one who yells and strikes his children. Charles and his young sister Unity know something is wrong and set out to help their dad get better.
Charles and Unity are thrust in a world of fairies and adventure. Fairies, humans, animals, and even a water bottle work together to save the world from the evil magic of the Flint Heart.
Katherine and John Paterson collaborated to rewrite the original 1910 version of this story in order to make it more accessible for today’s readers. The writing, combined with the beautiful illustrations of John Rocco make this a delight to read. THE FLINT HEART is a must read.(less)
Gabi and Lia Betarrini are spending the summer in Italy with their mother on an archeological dig. They have spent every summer on various digs with t...moreGabi and Lia Betarrini are spending the summer in Italy with their mother on an archeological dig. They have spent every summer on various digs with their parents for as long as they can remember and instead of enjoying the beautiful sights, they are bored out of their minds.
While sneaking into an ancient tomb, Gabi and Lia find prints on the wall eerily simliar to their hands. When they place their hands on the imprints everything spins out of control. When Gabi finally pulls her hand away from the wall, everything is dark and she is alone.
Gabi landed in fourteenth-century Italy in the middle of a battle between two opposing armies. She hopes the side that rescues her, led by Marcello, is the right one. She knows from all her years listening to her parents talk about life in ancient Italy of the intricacies of medieval politics. She’ll have to be on top of her game if she wants to blend in with the people around her. She gets by on the story that she has been separated from her mother and sister and is welcomed to the castle and offered safety.
Gabi spends as much time as she can looking for any sign of Lia. While working on that she works her way into the daily lives of Marcello, his army, and his family. Even though Marcello is betrothed to someone else, she can’t help the feelings she has for him and sometimes, it seems he feels the same. As much as she wants her family back, Gabi continues to get involved in fourteenth-century life.
Gabi’s life, in many ways, is much fuller in medieval Italy even though she doesn’t have access to modern conveniences. WATERFALL is only the beginning of her adventures, which continues with increasingly higher stakes in CASCADE and TORRENT.
I read all three of these books back to back. I fell in love with Marcello, Greco and Luca. They have to be the sexiest fictional men in print!
If you want to read something simliar to this and don’t mind SUPER LONG books (and adult) then try The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve listened to the first five books in the series and find it just as compelling as The River of Time series. It also involves time travel, romance, and battles. The difference is in the location (Scottish Highlands) and time period (eighteenth century).
After you read WATERFALL, CASCADE, and TORRENT you’ll want to go find BOURNE (releasing late February 2012). It is an e-novella that follows the books and will hopefully hold us over until TRIBUTARY comes out. (less)
I love Daniel Waters and I fell in love with the Generation Dead series in 2007 when I got my hands on an ARC of GENERATION DEAD (the first in the ser...moreI love Daniel Waters and I fell in love with the Generation Dead series in 2007 when I got my hands on an ARC of GENERATION DEAD (the first in the series) at an English teachers conference. I've reviewed all of the book and posted a Q & A with him over the years.
I was very excited when I saw the news about this ebook of short stories set in the Generation Dead world. I read through it in one night and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of the minor characters from the series.
STITCHES contains four short stories - each following a different character.
HOW’S LIFE
This story gives us a look at Margi and Colette's friendship. This is nice because in the other books we only see a glimpse of this complex relationship.
DOLL PARTS
This was my favorite story of the collection. It focuses on Sylvia and her time inside the Hunter Foundation. This one is a bit on the creepy side. So cool!
MY DEAD HEART
This one gets us inside Tommy's head. This is great since he didn't play a big role in books two and three. It was nice to read about his feelings about Phoebe and Adam and the goings on back home while he was out of the road fighting for the rights of the Differently Biotic.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
This is probably the most disturbing of all the stories. It follows Popeye and his experiences at school. You really get a sense of his anger in the story.
I loved this collection and I'm not usually a fan of short stories. If you like the GENERATION DEAD series you definitely need to get STITCHES. Right now it is only $2.69 at Amazon and $3.35 at Barnes and Noble. What are you waiting for? Go go go!! Order it.(less)
Being in charge isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what Lisa is – IN CHARGE.
After all the adults die from a virus, Lisa is left to protect her brother an...moreBeing in charge isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what Lisa is – IN CHARGE.
After all the adults die from a virus, Lisa is left to protect her brother and make sure they both survive in a world gone crazy. Using her parents’ car, she explores for food and other supplies. At first, she tries to keep everything a secret so she doesn’t have to share, but when she sees how terrible the other children in her neighborhood looks, she decides she needs to do something to help them.
In addition to struggling for food and shelter, the kids have to fight off the attacks of a local gang that bully everyone to take what they need.
Lisa comes up with a plan to keep her group safe, but will she be able to keep control or will the bully gang ruin everything?
This is a graphic adaptation of O.T. Nelson’s novel of the same name. I haven’t read it, but the graphic novel definitely made me what to. I’ve added it to my To-Read list, that’s for sure. The artwork is great. It is colorful and compliments the text perfectly. The only thing stopping me from giving it a 5 Glasses rating is the character development. We didn’t get to see many emotions – even though the story starts only a couple of weeks after their parents die. This didn’t stop me from enjoying it though. For fans of post-apocalyptic stories, this is a sure bet.(less)
When Neal’s best friend, Danny, is caught reading the latest release in The Adventures of Apathea Ravenchilde series he is sent to military school (th...moreWhen Neal’s best friend, Danny, is caught reading the latest release in The Adventures of Apathea Ravenchilde series he is sent to military school (the announcement at dinner that he is gay probably adds to that decision, too). His mother doesn’t think that is enough though and decides to try and save all the people in Americus, Oklahoma from the “smut” being housed in the public library.
Neal gets a good look at both sides of the censorship issue when he becomes a page at the local library. There is gets to spend time doing what he loves – talking about books. Normally a very quiet guy, Neal is forced to take a stand in order to save the town from the overexcited censors.
I really wanted to like this book. Censorship is very close to my heart seeing as I lived through a similar experience in 2009 with Ellen Hopkins. I don’t like how the graphic novel portrayed Oklahomans being as I am one myself. The mother leading the challenge and a lot of her underlings were totally over the top. I’m sure the author did that to get the point across, but it just seemed too much. Also, in a heated debate over the book at the very beginning of the story, Danny admits to his mother he is gay. This turns out to be a unnecessary plot element because we never hear of it again. In fact, in the way the argument was written he could have just said that to get his mother even more riled up. Who knows.
This is a simplistic view of a book challenge, but might shed some light on the process for people who don’t know what goes on when someone disagrees with materials in a library collection. I, personally, would have liked to see the challenge set in a school library instead of the public sector.(less)
If you are looking for a light read, this isn’t it. We meet Jenna after a terrible accident when she is being questioned by the police. She is sixteen...moreIf you are looking for a light read, this isn’t it. We meet Jenna after a terrible accident when she is being questioned by the police. She is sixteen-years-old and this isn’t even the first time she has been involved with the police. Years ago she almost died in a fire. The same policeman is with her in the hospital now, but can’t get her to talk. Instead of pushing, he gives her a tape recorder and tells her to explain everything at her own pace.
Jenna begins to tell her story. The story of her alcoholic mother and her psycho father. She used to be able to depend on her older brother, but he was shipped to Iraq. Now she only has his emails to keep her company.
Moving to a new school was supposed to be good for her. This school knows how to deal with troubled kids. She tries her best to keep things under control. She knows she shouldn’t cut, but sometimes that is the only thing that makes it better.
At school she meets Mitch Anderson. He is super nice and totally hot, but he is also a teacher at school. Mr. Anderson takes an interest in Jenna – seeing she needs some TLC. Soon they find they have a common interest in running and begin training together. She even agrees to join the Track team at school. Jenna’s feelings for Mitch intensify as they spend more time together and the fact that he’s a teacher isn’t the only thing causing problems. He’s also married, but it doesn’t stop their attraction from building.
Ilsa Bick weaves together a complex story of love and loss. There are many threads that all come together at the end. Bick gives the reader plenty of room to piece together what is going to happen. She makes you work for it and the reveal at the end is amazing and totally worth it. The only reason this book didn’t get 5 Glasses is because I thought the ending was a little abrupt.
I loved ASHES and as soon as I saw that Ilsa Bick wrote this one I immediately requested it from Netgalley. If you are a fan of edgy young adult literature then this is one you will definitely enjoy. If a story about a student-teacher relationship offends you – skip it!(less)
Kevin Johnson got himself into trouble. He was caught in the middle of the night in a stolen car with a girl that had clearly been crying. When asked...moreKevin Johnson got himself into trouble. He was caught in the middle of the night in a stolen car with a girl that had clearly been crying. When asked over and over what he was doing and why he stole the car and tried to kidnap the girl he can only shrug. Kevin doesn’t feel like he can explain – it isn’t his secret to tell.
Sergeant Brown is involved in the case when a thoughtful judge thinks there might be more to the story than meets the eye. In an attempt to stop Kevin from messing up his life any more, Sergeant Brown is asked to mentor him and guide Kevin and his family through the particulars of the case.
At the same time, Kevin’s soccer team is headed into the most important soccer games of the season; the games that will hopefully lead them to the state championship.
In alternating points of view, a story of friendship and self awareness unfolds. Kevin changes quite a bit through the story and gains some maturity that will definitely help him become a good student, friend, and maybe even policeman (someday in the future).
I have a few issues with the story. Kevin seems like a GREAT kid and evidence in the book supports that, but he is constantly portrayed as being one step away from a major life of crime. Also, the final story of why he and his friend were in the stolen car is not nearly as bad as it should be. There really isn’t any reason Kevin shouldn’t have just told the truth right away. The trouble the girl was in just wasn’t bad enough to warrant the brouhaha that followed. Finally, I have to say that soccer was too much a part of this story. It was more soccer than anything else. Apparently Kevin had a bad temper and it got him in trouble on the soccer field sometimes. It seemed like the authors were trying to make it sound like his temper got him in trouble off of the field too, but there wasn’t any evidence of that in the story. NOW, if his temper would have led him to the crimes he was being charged with and he had to overcome his feelings of rage on the soccer field in order to learn how to handle them in real life, it would have made a more believable story and one more expected from Walter Dean Myers.
The origin of this story is amazing. Ross Workman emailed a fan letter to Walter Dean Myers explaining why he liked his books. Walter Dean Myers responded to the email with a proposal. He asked Ross to co-author a book with him. They would write the story in alternating chapters – Myers starting out with the first 10 pages and then Workman supplying the next 10 pages. Workman was 13-years-old when he started KICK with Myers. WOW! So cool!(less)
I was immediately drawn to this story when I read the synopsis, but it took me sitting down with it in my hands to figure out why. THE DESERTER is the...moreI was immediately drawn to this story when I read the synopsis, but it took me sitting down with it in my hands to figure out why. THE DESERTER is the sequel to THE INFERIOR, which I reviewed on the blog in 2009. Apparently the series is called The Bone World Trilogy. Unfortunately, it is necessary for you to read THE INFERIOR before this one in order to understand what is going on in the story. There is hardly any backstory explained. This jumps right in where the last one left off (just a few months have passed).
Stopmouth, the Chief of a ragtag group of “hunters” are struggling to survive on what they can hunt. So far, they have been able to kill enough of the other creatures on the Surface and they haven’t had to ask for a Volunteer from the Tribe in a while. His new tribe (a group exiled to the Surface from the Roof) still have a hard time eating the meat of animals, much less their own tribe members. Stopmouth is doing everything he can to make sure his tribe has enough to eat – even going so far as establishing an alliance with one of the other species.
There are two things wrong in Stopmouth’s life. First, his wife, Indrani, has returned to the Roof where she lived before crashing to the Surface. She returned with the promise of bringing back the tools needed to kill the most feared of the species on the Surface. His other problem are the Diggers, the species Stopmouth and his tribe need help destroying. With reports that the Diggers have made it over the mountain, Stopmouth doesn’t have any choice but to go to the Roof and find Indrani himself. The lives of his tribe members depend on him bringing help back from the Roof.
Stopmouth finds a world in chaos when he arrives on the Roof. In his attempt to find Indrani, he learns that she is on the run from her own people because of something she has stored in her memory. He goes to great lengths to reach her and feels nothing but relief when he finally has her in his arms again. Until…..
Stopmouth must come to terms with a lot in this story. Survival is difficult. Stopmouth and Indrani constantly have to be on the look out for the dangers that surround them at every turn. He doesn’t even know if he’ll be able to save himself, much less his tribe on the Surface.
THE DESERTER is filled with secrets, betrayals, and heart-pounding action. This is the perfect follow-up novel because we get to see the Roof this time where we only saw the Surface in THE INFERIOR.
I love Stopmouth and Indrani just as much as I did in the first novel. Now, since I know this is called The Bone World Trilogy I know we’ll get a third book. I can’t wait.(less)
This graphic novel was a long time coming. When I read TANTALIZE in 2007, my first blog post on Karin’s Book Nook, I wished there had been more about...moreThis graphic novel was a long time coming. When I read TANTALIZE in 2007, my first blog post on Karin’s Book Nook, I wished there had been more about Kieren. Now, finally, we get to see his point of view.
Kieren is in love with his best friend, Quincie. Their relationship should be no problem because he knows she feels the same way about him, but Kieren is a hybrid werewolf and will need to leave to join the pack soon. He knows it will break her heart when he leaves and if they are romantically involved it will make it even harder for Quincie. Keeping his distance from her is difficult, but for the best. He manages just fine until Quincie’s parents are killed in a car accident. Kieren can’t help but be there to support her.
His concern for Quincie grows when she starts spending more time with the new chef at her parent’s restaurant. Her uncle convinced her to change the theme to attract the wannabe vampire crowd. The transformation takes a lot of work – decisions about the new decor and new menu seem to take all of her time. Kieren doesn’t trust Brad, the new chef. Something doesn’t seem right about him and when people start disappearing from the community, Kieren gets even more concerned.
Watching the mystery unfold through Kieren’s eyes is just as exciting as reading TANTALIZE from Quincie’s point of view. The only thing that prevents this from being a great graphic novel is the art. The illustrations are too rough. All the people look old because of the hard lines used to draw them. Even Kieren’s 4-yr-old sister looks too old. Color would have made it better too. The cover illustration is beautiful, it’s a shame the same artist didn’t do the inside panels.
The art work aside, this is a must read for lover’s of the world created for TANTALIZE, ETERNAL, and BLESSED.(less)
Sherlock Holmes wasn’t always the great detective we know him as today. Once, he was a young teenage boy just learning the ways of the world. DEATH CL...moreSherlock Holmes wasn’t always the great detective we know him as today. Once, he was a young teenage boy just learning the ways of the world. DEATH CLOUD is the first in a series of Young Sherlock Holmes stories.
On a holiday from school, Sherlock is devastated to find out he is going to have to stay with an aunt and uncle he has never met. His father has been called to war, his older brother is too busy in London, and his mother isn’t well. Sherlock doesn’t hold out much hope for the holiday break.
In addition to being stuck in a house full of strangers, he finds out that his uncle has arranged for a tutor to see him every day. He is upset about being expected to work during his vacation until he meets Amyus Crowe. Crowe is an unusual man. He is from America, doesn’t teach like any teacher Sherlock has ever met, and has a pretty daughter named Virginia. It turns out Sherlock doesn’t mind having a tutor after all.
When two men turn up dead in the small town where he is staying, whispers of the plague start spreading and cause people to panic. Sherlock has a feeling it isn’t the plague, but doesn’t know how to figure out what is really happening. With the help of Crowe, a homeless boy named Matty, and the brave American girl, Virginia, Sherlock works his way through his first case.
DEATH CLOUD has a nice mixture of mystery, suspense, and humor. There were several times I chuckled out loud. His sidekick Matty was a hoot.
I listened to DEATH CLOUD on audio book and it was great. First of all, the English accent makes it fun to listen to, but that isn’t all. The narrator does a wonderful job changing his voice for the different characters. His “Virginia” isn’t even that bad. You can definitely tell it is supposed to be a girl talking. He had to really work when he did Mr. Crow’s voice since he is from Texas.
REBEL FIRE is the second book in this series. I’d like to read it, but have others begging to be picked up first. I hope I get to it eventually.(less)
The plague wiped out most of the Earth’s population. The world is a dangerous place for those outside the safety of the City of Sand. Luckily girls ha...moreThe plague wiped out most of the Earth’s population. The world is a dangerous place for those outside the safety of the City of Sand. Luckily girls have the opportunity to live at School where they are educated to be the world’s next artists and teachers.
Eve has lived safely inside the walls of School ever since she was 4-yrs-old. The memories of her mother sending her on the government truck to safety still haunt her. Her days are spent attending classes like Dangers of Men and Boys. She has worked hard at School hoping for a chance at a great future in the City of Sand. As her time at School comes to an end, Eve finds out she is the valedictorian of her class. She has nothing but hope for her future.
Until……she witnesses her nemesis, Arden, escaping School the day before graduation. What Arden says sends Eve exploring and what she finds destroys her world.
Eve finds herself alone in the world outside of School’s boundaries and she doesn’t know the first thing about survival. How is she going to make it to Califia, the safe haven for runaway orphans? Does it even exist?
EVE is the first book in a trilogy and the world Anna Carey creates is fascinating.
I would have liked to give this book 5 Glasses, but I couldn’t. I felt Eve’s transformation from naive schoolgirl to brave heroine was a little too easy. While I liked the characters, I didn’t have a lot invested in them. Also, some of the obstacles Eve encounters on her journey were very predictable. It was kind of like watching a horror movie and screaming at the character to tell her to NOT walk inside the dark, creepy room – you know what is going to happen!
All in all, EVE is a nice addition to the list of dystopian books flooding the young adult market today.
Check out The EVE Trilogy website for more information.(less)
Do you have something you’d like to forget? A memory too difficult to recall? Have no fear, TFC can take care of your problem.
Nora is about to experi...moreDo you have something you’d like to forget? A memory too difficult to recall? Have no fear, TFC can take care of your problem.
Nora is about to experience her first visit to TFC (Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic). Her parents are insisting she go after witnessing a horrible terrorist attack. Nora can’t seem to get the pictures of the dead out of her head. The only solution is to wash them from her head so she can get on with her life.
In a world where terrorist attacks are commonplace, TFC is making a killing. Not everyone trusts them though. When Nora meets Micah and Winter, she is thrust into a world of mystery and rebellion. Soon, the graphic novel, Memento, based on their sad and frightening memories becomes a hit. Copies are spread well beyond their school and into different cities. Will they be able to keep their identities a secret? Will they be able to stay ahead of the people in the black vans? Will they be able to keep their memories?
MEMENTO NORA is an addictive story. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. The world Angie Smibert created is fascinating. The technological advances are interesting and probably not far from what will be possible in our near future. At 184 pages, this is a quick read with short chapters. Told from multiple points of view, it is a great choice for reluctant readers.(less)
The second installment finds Babymouse struggling with her normal, boring life. Once again she misses the bus, once again her locker gives her trouble...moreThe second installment finds Babymouse struggling with her normal, boring life. Once again she misses the bus, once again her locker gives her trouble, and once again her best friend, Wilson, is the only light in her otherwise dark day.
Even though Felicia Furrypaws is still the biggest bully at school, she isn’t Babymouse’s problem this time. This time it’s DODGEBALL. When the gym teacher informs the class that everyone has to play dodgeball because it will be for a grade and go in their permanent record, Babymouse panics! She is scared of dodgeball. How will she ever overcome her fear?
Babymouse’s wild and crazy imagination takes us on a hot and dusty wagon train, a dark and lonely prison, a horror movie starring Babymousezilla, a World Dodgeball Federation match, and a hero’s parade. As always, her imagination gives us a great insight to her feelings. You can’t help falling in love with Babymouse.(less)
Babymouse has such a boring life. The same thing happens every day. She gets up, fusses with her curly whiskers, fights with her locker that always st...moreBabymouse has such a boring life. The same thing happens every day. She gets up, fusses with her curly whiskers, fights with her locker that always sticks, and wishes she could be Felicia Furrypaws' friend. Felicia is the most popular girl at school and she won't give Babymouse the time of day.
When Felicia starts handing out invitations to a slumber party, Babymouse is determined to do whatever it takes to get one. She knows a sleepover at Felicia's house is going to be the most exciting thing she has ever done in her life. How could it not be? Felicia is SO cool!!!
How far will Babymouse go to get an invitation? I wonder if she'll regret her decisions?
I loved that Babymouse is a big reader. It really is evident in her wild imagination. Interspersed throughout the story are elaborate "dream sequences" where Babymouse pictures herself in an imaginary world doing exciting things related to what is going on in her life at the time. Babymouse is a delightful little girl.(less)
Conor is plagued by a recurring nightmare. One he vows never to tell anyone – not his friends at school, not his Grandmother, and definitely not his m...moreConor is plagued by a recurring nightmare. One he vows never to tell anyone – not his friends at school, not his Grandmother, and definitely not his mother. He fears the worst when he begins to hear his name whispered on the wind in middle of the night; he fears his nightmare has come to life. Instead, he finds another monster at his bedroom window. The old yew tree from the cemetery transformed into a huge Monster and demands Conor talk to him. He demands truth from Conor, but Conor isn’t ready to give it.
A MONSTER CALLS is heart-wrenching. It is a story that shows just how much guilt can weigh on a person – how it can manifest into so many other problems. Patrick Ness tells a wonderful story about a difficult subject. He masterfully weaves the traditional stages of grief into the narrative. While Conor is the main character of the story, the Monster plays a huge role as well. While much of the time the Monster is demanding of Conor, there are times when he reveals a dark sense of humor. Even more important, the Monster gives Conor support and comfort when needed.
You will need a box of kleenex handy while you read A MONSTER CALLS. I was warned before I started, but I had to idea it would get to me like it did. It was so worth it though!
A MONSTER CALLS was an original idea by the author Siobhan Dowd. Unfortunately, she died of cancer at the age of 47 before she could write the story. I think we are lucky that Patrick Ness, the author of the Chaos Walking trilogy, picked up the torch and brought the story to life.(less)
NOTE: You should read the first book in this series, DARK LIFE, before you read this one. RIP TIDE is not a stand alone novel.
While stashing the famil...moreNOTE: You should read the first book in this series, DARK LIFE, before you read this one. RIP TIDE is not a stand alone novel.
While stashing the family's latest seaweed harvest, Ty and Gemma come across a sunken township - a giant water craft where people live and make a living. While investigating, Ty realizes there are people inside - but quickly sees they are dead. Close inspection of the outside of the township reveals that all the hatches have been chained and locked from the outside. Who would sink a township and kill all those people?
When Ty's parents are kidnapped during a crop sale, he and Gemma learn more than they ever wanted to know about the problems on the townships. Ty doesn't feel the Sea Guard is providing enough support to search for his parents so he and Gemma go about following clues on their own. Their search takes them to some of the most dangerous places on the ocean.
Ty and Gemma are determined to find his parents and are willing to do whatever it takes. Ty will have to survive several brushes with death and Gemma will have to overcome her fear of the water - all this while deception awaits around every corner. It's pretty bad when your best option is to team up with an outlaw gang.
RIP TIDE isn't as good as the first book in this series, but it is still worth reading. Kat Falls continues to reveal more and more about life after The Rise. The amazing underwater world is still fascinating. I'd love to live there myself as long as I could stay away from deadly monsters and dangerous outlaws.(less)
Reychel has always lived in the castle as the king’s slave, but even among all the other slaves she is treated differently. She is the only one grante...moreReychel has always lived in the castle as the king’s slave, but even among all the other slaves she is treated differently. She is the only one granted brief audiences with the king and while others may whisper of the inappropriateness of the king meeting alone with a slave, it is really quite innocent. The only thing he ever asks Reychel to do is to tell him stories. Reychel is always glad to oblige since it is the only time she is allowed to see outside. Any other time she is forbidden to go outside or even look outside. Everyone in the castle knows not to have windows or curtains open when she is around. Reychel has no idea why this strange rule applies to her.
On the eve of her fifteenth birthday, when the king is going to mark her as his property by burning his mark on the back of her neck, Ivy, her best friend, is kidnapped. Now, forced to face her branding alone, Reychel accepts her fate and realizes she’ll be stuck in her lonely life forever.
The day of her branding proves to be life changing. Is Reychel up to the challenges she is going to face? Can she really save her people and the other slaves? What is so special about her?
ANATHEMA is a the first book in the Cloud Prophet trilogy. The story idea is great and exactly the kind of thing I love the read. There were a few problems though. At times the dialogue didn’t ring true and between historical type speaking to current day speaking. Also, the romantic aspects of this story didn’t pull me in. I didn’t feel it was authentic. Those troubles aside, it is still worth the $2.99 Kindle price.(less)
Things are out of control at Hamilton High. A rivalry that started over ten years ago is escalating. What may have started as name calling and tauntin...moreThings are out of control at Hamilton High. A rivalry that started over ten years ago is escalating. What may have started as name calling and taunting has turned into something is getting people hurt.
Lissa is sick of it and she is going to do something about it.
For too long the football and soccer teams have been fighting. The girlfriends of the players are the ones paying the price. They are the ones getting stood up because of a their boyfriends getting hurt during a fight; they are the ones being left alone in the car at “make out hill” when their boyfriends run off to chase someone who egged their car; they are the ones with the plan.
Lissa proposes a sex strike and slowly, but surely the other girls agree. One by one they place their hands on a recent issue of Cosmo and take the pledge.
"I hearby swear to abstain from all forms of sexual activity. This includes but is not limited to anything involving body parts below the belt. That’s either party’s belt. Oh, and second case is outlawed, too. Nothing, um, under the shirt…I’ll stand my ground, even in the toughest of times, and will resist temptation until the rivalry is put to an end."
The girls are sure it will be a quick victory, but as the weeks drag by and the boys don’t give in, tension run high.
Are the boys going to learn anything by being subjected to this punishment? Even a better question might be, what are the girls going to learn from dishing the punishment out?
SHUT OUT is another great look into the mind of a mostly typical teenage girl. While not as endearing as Bianca from THE DUFF, Lissa does pull at your heart strings. Keplinger has a knack for painting realistic pictures of high school and the many characters that walk the halls of the thousands of buildings across the U.S. I can’t wait to see what she come up with next.(less)
Juliette has been locked in a small cell completely alone for almost a year. Isolation is all she knows. For 264 days she has been silent. For 264 day...moreJuliette has been locked in a small cell completely alone for almost a year. Isolation is all she knows. For 264 days she has been silent. For 264 days she hasn’t touched anyone. 264 days without information. 264 days without knowing what is going to happen. 264 days of wishing she was dead.
Without warning a boy is shoved in her cell and panic floods her body. The closeness of his body is too much to handle after so much aloneness. It doesn’t take long for her to realize who he is. Is it a trick? Why would Adam be in the asylum?
It turns out Adam has a very specific reason for being in the cell with Juliette. Someone wants her as a weapon to wage war on those rebelling against the Reestablishment. What is it that Juliette can do? Her abilities are revealed to the reader slowly through periodic flashbacks. Juliette doesn’t have anyone she can trust. No one who wants what is best for her – or does she?
It is easy to see why SHATTERED is being compared to X-men. In the second half of the book the reader is introduced to a paranormal world bent on putting a stop to the controlling power of the Reestablishment. What is amazing about this book is the writing. Tahereh Mafi is a master of metaphors. I wanted to constantly jot down my favorite lines from the story. I really wished for the ability to share the lines instantly over Twitter or Facebook so everyone could see how beautiful the writing is. For those of you out there that need help with metaphors, pick up the book, open to a random page, and I bet there will be one there.
In addition to the wonderful language in the book, the author has written one heck of a romance. Juliette and Adam’s scenes are HOT. My goodness! Everyone is going to wish they had an Adam after they finish SHATTER ME.
There will definitely be a sequel. I mean there is NO WAY there can’t be. Juliette has a lot to learn and a lot to do. (less)
The year is 2083 and chocolate and coffee are illegal. The Balanchine family is one of the five leading chocolate families and produces some of the be...moreThe year is 2083 and chocolate and coffee are illegal. The Balanchine family is one of the five leading chocolate families and produces some of the best quality chocolate in the world. Chocolate and coffee are two of the most sought after items on the black market and where the black market runs rampant – organized crime is usually present as well. The Balanchines control the OC in this future New York City.
Anya Balanchine is the daughter of the city’s most notorious crime boss. Since his death, when she was 9-years-old, Anya has had more responsibility than she should have. She has to assist in the care of her dying grandmother, her little sister, and her mentally challenged older brother. Her main goal is to keep what is left of her family safe and the only way she can think to do that is to keep clear of the family business.
This becomes the most difficult thing ever when her ex-boyfriend is poisoned by some Balanchine chocolate that she gave him from her family’s secret stash. In addition to the stress from the unwanted publicity from the tainted chocolate, Anya also has to deal with her growing feelings for the son of the new assistant district attorney – a difficult relationship since their families are on the separate sides of the law. Anya has a lot on her plate and it is hard for her to always do the right thing – especially if she is trying to be a “good Catholic girl.”
ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE is a fascinating look at an alternate reality. What if chocolate and coffee were illegal and alcohol were available to all ages? What if paper were in such short supply that “real” books are very rare and you can’t have any unless you have a permit. Water is in such short supply that taking a shower of more than a few seconds is almost too expensive and, really strange, cells phone with cameras are illegal.
I listened to ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE on audio and thought it was a wonderful option for this book. The narrator does an excellent job portraying the different characters and accents needed for the story. The only problem in the audio was the fact that the narrator pronounced the assistant district attorney’s last name (Delacroix) one way through the first half of the book and then changed her pronunciation the second part of the book. It isn’t a big deal, but it did distract me sometimes.
MacMillan audio will be giving away a copy of the audio to one of my blog readers. Be looking for the Giveaway post tomorrow.(less)
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