Review: The Espressologist by Kristina Springer

Title: The Espressologist
Author: Kristina Springer
Publisher: Farrar, Strous, & Giroux
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Love, Matchmaking, Friendship
Pages: 184
Plot (from book jacket):
"What's your drink of choice?
Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you're lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You must prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it's a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie.
Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it's not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their drink orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane's Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She's the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?"

The Espressologist was light and fun read that left me with a taste for a latte... and love.

When I first read the premise of The Espressologist, I was intrigued. Not only was it a creative and fun idea for a novel, it sounded like their was cute love story interwoven. Kristina Springer did a great job developing the idea Espressology. Now every time I go to a cafe I'm going to be wondering how well my drink of choice matches up to my boyfriend's! :)

Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of Jane. I'm not sure if it just her personality, or if it was the development of the story that really turned me off. She was just a bit too annoying for my tastes. She acted like a wimp when it came to the girls who teased her in high school, but then the next minute she was a confident know-it-all. She just didn't make a lot of sense to me.

Jane and Cam's love story was cute, but a bit lacking. Jane's ignorance didn't make me feel for her, it just made me frustrated. Their romance didn't really work for me because I was never really given a reason as to why Cam would even like Jane. She was a bit preoccupied my herself for my tastes... I thought Cam deserved better.

I also felt like the reader was given too much extra information that wasn't needed. Like information about Jane's parents and her school habits. I'd rather have seen Jane's relationship with Cam more fully developed in the extra pages that would have been freed up with that extra information deleted.

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 7
Writing: 9
Romance: 6
Originality: 9
Total: 39/50 (C+)

The Espressologist really was a fun read and I'll definitely check out Springer's next novel, but it isn't a book I'd buy or read again. It was good for an afternoon read, but didn't really grab me like some other chick lit has.

Reviewed for Other Shelf Tours

Review: Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

Title: Demon Princess: Reign or Shine
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Walker and Company
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Demons, Supernatural, Love, Family
Pages: 284
Plot (from book jacket):
"For Nikki Donovan, being a teenager can be hell. Literally.
Nikki didn't think her life could get any more complicated after she moved to the dreary town of Erin Heights - fitting in at a new school while navigating the social scene was stressful enough. But when her sixteenth birthday rolls around, she's visited by a mysterious stranger, Michael, who tells her that her long-lost father is actually the demon king of the Shadowlands - the dimension that protects our world from the Underworld and Hell.
Maybe it's because she in shock, or maybe it's because Michael is seriously cute, but Nikki follows him into the Shadowlands. There she learns about her half-demon powers, about the potential war between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, and that her father wants her to assume the throne - forever. Not to mention that her growing crush on Michael is completely forbidden...
Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew - what's a teenage demon princess to do?"

I had high expectations when I started DEMON PRINCESS. All I'd heard was good things about the novel and most of my GoodReads friends had given it 4 and 5-star reviews. Unfortunately, Demon Princess just proves that even the best books aren't loved by everyone.

I think my main problem with Demon Princess was the fact that it was so predictable and nothing about it really wowed me. To me, it was more of a middle grade novel, rather than a YA. The plot seemed to move too slowly, it was just plodding along, and I didn't find the romance all that enticing.

There aren't really any elements of this novel that I can point out as the cause of my dissatisfaction; it was simply the fact that I was bored by the novel. I knew who the villain was from the start and the ending of the novel wasn't hard to guess. It kind of defeated the purpose of the rest of the novel.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 6
Romance: 5
Originality: 7
Total: 28/50 (F)

Demon Princess is not a book I'll recommend, though I don't think it is a book to be avoided. I just don't have anything nice to say about it. So I won't say anything at all. :) I'll probably be skipping the next novel: Demon Princess: Reign Check.

EDIT: I thought of one good thing to say! I love the cover model's hair! :)

Review: Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

Title: Taken by Storm
Author: Angela Morrison
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Grief, Religion (Mormon), Customs, Love, Deep diving
Pages: 291
Plot (from book jacket):
"Sometimes only love can save you...
Seventeen-year-old Leesie Hunt has rules: no making out. No sex. And definitely no falling for a non-Mormon. She pours all of her passion into poetry, thoughts of escaping her tiny town and getting into her dream school, BYU.
The Michael Walden arrives in Tekoa and everything changes. He is a free diver, which means he can hold his breath for minutes at a time. This is how he survived the storm that took his parents' lives, and the world as he knew it.
Leesie and Michael couldn't be more different: his dreams are tied to the depths of the ocean and hers to salvation above: Yet they are drawn to each other, even when jealousy, unbearable rules, and haunting memories threaten to tear them apart.
Every time Michael goes diving, Leesie is afraid he'll never come back up. He is drowning in tragedy and she knows it's up to her to save him. Somehow.
But when temptation becomes too strong to resist, who is going to save her?"

I can honestly say that I didn't expect to love Taken by Storm as much as I did, which is why I read it so long after it was released. I had heard mixed reviews and never found time to read it. When I saw that Morrison had a new book, Sing Me to Sleep, scheduled to be released in 2010 that I thought looked interesting, I remembered her 2009 debut. When I was lucky enough to get a chance to read Sing Me to Sleep and ended up really enjoying it, I ran out to get Taken by Storm! It took me forever to finally read it, but I am SO glad I did because it is an amazing novel!

One of the reason that I was hesitant to read Taken by Storm was the fact that one of the main characters, Leesie, is Mormon and a main focus is a romance between Leesie and the other main character, Michael. I wasn't really sure that I would like that combination... it isn't that I didn't think it would be "hot" enough or that their romance wouldn't be engaging necessarily, I just wasn't sure how in depth the religious aspect of the book would be and if I would find that to be a distraction. These factors all came together though to make great story with interesting and original details. The Mormon faith played in intersting role in Leesie's actions and motivations, without being overwhelming or overbearing. It helped that Michael was not at all chaste or religious: it created an interesting dynamic between the couple.

I'm a fan of tension between characters who are romantically involved and Morrison definitely delivers! I think that the romance between Leesie and Michael was way sexier than in novels that contain actual sex scenes. Morrison definitely delivered when it came to the romantic plot line of Taken by Storm!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10!!
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

Taken by Storm was an amazing novel from an extremely talented YA author! Having read both Taken by Storm and Morrison upcoming novel, Sing Me to Sleep, I feel confident when I say that Morrison is an author to watch. For those of you intersting in Taken by Storm or who have read the book, I've been told that there will be another novel continuing Leesie and Michael's story!! I was super excited to hear this! :)

Check out my interview with the author, Angela Morrison, here!
Enter to win a copy of TAKEN BY STORM, here!

Review: Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart

Title: Nothing but Ghosts
Author: Beth Kephart
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Grief, Loss, Family, Love, Mystery
Pages: 278
Plot (from book cover):
"Ever since her mother passed away, Katie's been alone in her too-big house with her genius dad, who restores old paintings for a living. Katie takes a summer job at a garden estate, where, with the help of two brothers and a glamorous librarian, she soon becomes embroiled in decoding a mystery. There are secrets and shadows at the heart of NOTHING BUT GHOSTS: symbols hidden in a time-darkened painting, ans surprises behind a locked bedroom door. But most of all, this is love story - the story of a girl who learns about love while also learning to live with her own ghosts."

Nothing But Ghosts was absolutely beautiful. There was something so calming about this novel - I can't say that it was exciting necessarily; it is better described as engrossing.

The story unfolds so perfectly; I found the story to be compelling and engaging. There are two main plot lines in Ghosts: Katie's and that of the mysterious old woman Katie works for. Beth Kephart wove the two stories together perfectly to create just the right balance of past, present, and future.

I have never lost a parent, thank goodness, but I know many people my age that have. The closest experience that I can relate to losing a parent is losing my grandparents. Still, I could empathize with Katie's grief and confusion over the death of her mother; the disbelief that someone can be vibrant and full of life and then be gone forever. Even though my grandfather passed away a few months ago, I still forget that he is gone sometimes and when I remember and it hits me, I feel the pain of his loss all over again. I can only imagine that Katie, living in the house that she once shared with her mother, surrounded by her things, her room untouched, exactly the same as it was when she was living, and feeling distanced from her father, must feel. Kephart wrote this aspect of the novel particularly well.

I loved the mystery in this novel! Katie's quest to uncover the truth about the old woman who was a socialite in her youth, but has grown to be a recluse, was one of my favorite aspects of Nothing but Ghosts. I was amazed by the Kephart's skill as all the pieces of the puzzle slowly came together. I loved that I didn't figure out the secret until near the end of the novel, it is a bit anticlimatic when it is too easy to figure out the mystery. I love the fact that the mystery brings so many of the minor characters out of the background as well.

There is also a love story within Nothing but Ghosts. This aspect of the novel isn't really a main plot line, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. When I started the novel, I wasn't really sure that there would be a romantic plot line, so I was pleasantly surprised when one developed.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

Nothing but Ghosts is an amazing novel and I will definitely be reading Kephart's other novels! Ghosts is a novel that I need  to have a copy of on my bookshelf!

Check out my interview with the author, Beth Kephart, here!
Go here to win your own copy of NOTHING BUT GHOSTS!

Interview: Megan Crewe (Author of Give Up the Ghost!)

I loved GIVE UP THE GHOST and am thrilled to welcome Megan Crewe to The Hiding Spot!

A Brief Biography
Like many fiction authors, Megan Crewe finds writing about herself much more difficult than making things up. A few definite facts: She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and two cats (and does on occasion say "eh"), she tutors children and teens with special needs, and she has yet to make friends with a ghost, though she welcomes the opportunity. Give Up the Ghost is her first novel.

The Interview
What inspired you to write GIVE UP THE GHOST?

The image of a girl talking to her sister—who happened to be a ghost—popped into my head, and I wanted to figure out why she was so comfortable hanging out with the dead. As I determined more and more of her backstory, and thought of what might happen to her, I knew it was a book I had to write.

How did you choose the title of the book; what is the background story?
Well, the original title of the book was IN MEMORY OF (as in the common inscription on gravestones: “In loving memory of…”), but my agent and I decided that was too vague. So I went through a list of death euphemisms looking for inspiration, and GIVE UP THE GHOST seemed to fit perfectly.

Are you anything like your main character, Cass?
We have similar senses of humor—we’re both prone to sarcasm. And in some ways she’s like me only an extreme version. I’m shy, she’s totally cut herself off from other people. I’m cautious, she’s very distrustful. I’d imagine once she’s continued to open up more we’d be a lot alike.

Do you personally believe in ghosts or spirits? Did this factor into your portrayal of ghosts in GHOST?
I’m on the fence when it comes to ghosts. I think it’s possible they exist, but I haven’t seen any clear evidence myself, so I don’t feel I can say for certain one way or the other. But I definitely considered what I’d expect actual ghosts to be like, if they do exist, when I was creating the rules for the ghosts in the book.

Did you do any research while writing GHOST? If yes, please explain.
Yes! I found the book ODD GIRL OUT by Rachel Simmons particularly helpful in understanding the sorts of social bullying that go on and that formed a large part of Cass’ history. I wanted to make sure that her story rang true and wasn’t exaggerated or unrealistic.

What was the most difficult aspect of writing GHOST?
I’d say the most difficult aspect was staying true to Cass’ prickly personality while still letting readers see enough of her vulnerabilities underneath that they would sympathize with her. Since the story is told from her point of view, that required a delicate balancing act.

Did you always want to be a novelist?
I always loved writing stories. I’ve been doing it since I learned how to print. But it wasn’t until I was around 10 years old that I started thinking I might be able to do it as a career. It just hadn’t occurred to me before then! I knew from the start I’d want to be writing novels—I’ve always found fiction more fun to play with than nonfiction.

What jobs did you have on your way to being a writer? Did they help you in any way as a writer?
Most of my jobs have involved working with kids. I started out babysitting and working for a rec center, and for the last nine years I’ve been tutoring kids with special needs. I’ve learned a lot about psychology, which I think helps in developing my characters. I’ve also gotten to see first hand the sort of stories that will hold the attention of a hesitant reader, and the sort that won’t.

When and where do you usually write?
I prefer to write in the morning and early afternoon, which works out well because I usually go to my day job in the late afternoon and evening. One third of my bedroom is my “office” area, with my desk, bookshelves for research, kids/YA, and genre books, and my special writing chair. Pretty much all of my novel drafting happens in that chair, on my laptop, which has no internet access to limit distractions.

Is there something that is a must have for you to be able to write?
Silence or white noise. I can’t write if there’s a loud conversation or a jarring noise going on nearby. It makes it nearly impossible for me to focus. Thankfully that’s not usually a problem writing at home!

What author or book most influenced you as a writer or in general?
I would say as a writer I was probably most influenced by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. She writes a lot of books that have an element that feels magical, but often is just the magic of everyday life, not something supernatural. I’ve always tried to ground the fantastical elements of my stories in real life as much as possible because I think there’s something exciting about the sense that “magic” of a sort could be just around the corner, even if its subtle.

Can you tell us anything about your next YA novel?
Not very much, but I can say it will almost certainly involve ghosts, though not in the same way as GIVE UP THE GHOST.

The Hiding Spot is dedicated to my personal hiding spot, books. Is there a place, activity, or person that is your hiding spot?
Hmmm. I guess the closest thing I have is traveling. I love visiting another country and having an adventure that’s separate from my regular life, away from the usual responsibilities and concerns.

Anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m going to be doing an event in New York City with some of the 2009 Debs in early December—keep an eye on the blog (http://community.livejournal.com/debut2009 ) for details!

Thank you, Megan, for taking the time to answer some questions!

Check out my review of GIVE UP THE GHOST, here!

Review: Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Title: Devil's Kiss

Author: Sarwat Chadda
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Knights Templar, Friendship, Good vs. Evil, Faith, Love, Family
Pages: 327
Plot (from book jacket):
"As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilqis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a warrior in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy.
Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to slide back into Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Mike, who seems to understand her like no one else and effortlessly stakes a claim on her heart.
But the Templars are called to battle before Billi can enjoy the thrilling new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have guarded for almost a thousand years - King Soloman's cursed mirror, a source of unimaginable power. To save the lives of millions, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than she could have imagined."

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Devil's Kiss. I'd heard widely varied reviews, but I was intrigued nonetheless. I've always loved fantastical stories that are rooted in truth and I was even more intrigued by the fact that the main character was female.

Devil's Kiss pulled me in right from the beginning. While I had a pretty good idea of who the villain would be, it wasn't definite, the story could have progressed in a couple different ways. I liked that it wasn't completely obvious.

I really enjoyed Billi as a protagonist. I could understand how she felt pulled towards being a participant in this epic battle between good and evil and, at the same time, her deep resentment toward the life she had been raised to lead. I felt that her relationship with her father was written particularly well. As the reasons behind her father's actions and demeanor were further explored, I really grew to like him - which I didn't think would happen when first intruduced to his character.

Devil's Kiss moved at a quick pace and I was interested throughout. I felt like, at some points, the plot could have slowed down a bit and Chadda could have added a bit more detail. Especially when it came to historical information about the Knights Templar and monsters they battle.

Always a romantic, I loved the relationship between Billi and Kay. I'm a fan of plot lines where friends turn to into more and I felt that Chadda wrote that aspect of the novel well.

My one complaint was the ending of the novel. I can't say more than that it left me disappointed without spoilers. I could see the ending like that of Devil's Kiss as necessary in some novels, but I didn't feel that it was for this particular novel. I kept hoping for some type of loop hole, but none appeared. I'm hopeful that the next book will bring some type of twist to change the ending in some way or another.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 9
Total: 47/50 (A-)

I'd definnitely recommend Devil's Kiss. I feel that it would appeal to readers who liked Rampant, as I felt that Devil's Kiss had a similar tone and feel. I can't wait to see what happens next to Billi... and I'm hoping for that twist!

Review: Zombies for Zombies by David P. Murphy

Title: Zombies for Zombies: Advice and Etiquette for The Living Dead
Author: David P. Murphy
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: Humor, Parody
Main Themes: Zombies, Etiquette
Pages: 239
Plot/Description (from back cover):

So, you've been bitten by a zombie? Bummer.

But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage.

Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to - if you follow the great advice inside, including:

• 
  
  How to dress for you new lifestyle
  
  
  
• 
  
  Handy recipes for brains
  
  
  
• 
  
  Fitness ideas for keeping you somewhat energetic
  
  
  
• 
  
  New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome"
  
  
  
• 
  
  How to overcoeme that darned zombie social stigma
  
  
  
• 
  
  Dance steps for the motor-impaired
  
  
  

Zombies for Zombies is absolutely hilarious! It isn't one of those books that I could sit down and read for hours, but it was nice to pick up and read a bit here and there, just for laughs.

David P. Murphy may be a genius - or simply has a lot of time on his hands. Some of the suggestions and ideas presented in this book had me laughing out loud. I read this book around the time that I watched the movie Zombieland in theaters, Halloween, and the local Zombie Crawl - so I certainly had zombies and the zombie apocalypse on my mind!

I really enjoyed the format of Z4Z. It was easy to flip around in and the pictures were really funny. It was also interactive, with quizzes and games. I loved that in the zombie dance steps sections there were easy to follow diagrams!

I love that zombies are making the trasition for horror to humor - this book is perfect for those who agree! I also recommend this book for a conversation starter! I could definitely see it in a college dorm room or in one of my friends' apartments! I have to mention though that this book does include some content that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, like a spoof on the kuma sutra (koma sutra).

Check out this video about the book! Funny! :)

Review: Possessions by Nancy Holder

Title: Possessions
Author: Nancy Holder
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Spirits, Popularity, Hauntings, Possessions, Friendship, Love
Pages: 295
Plot (from back cover):

possessions: me

one standard-issue map of the creepy Marlwood campus

one army jacket that screams "I so don't belong here."

a ton of Qs - like what's up with Mandy and her twisted pranks?

possessions: them

everything (personal chauffeurs, ponies, Greek Island villas, the list goes on)

Troy. the guy who saved us at the Operating Theater the other night. gorgeous. untouchable. He belongs to Mandy

countless stories about some ghost in the lake. haha, guys. very funny.

New girl Lindsay can't figure out what's oing on with popular Mandy and her followers. And what Lindsay doesn't know can hurt her. Long ago, someone at Marlwood made a grave mistake - and girls died because of it. Now spirits who were silent for two hundred years have waken up. These spirits need to take possession. And they must have their revenge.

Possessions was a quick, creepy read that I liked overall, but I felt lacked depth in some aspects.

I thought that Nancy Holder did a great job of building tension and mystery around the evil elements of the plot line. Lindsay's past mixed with the boarding schools mysterious and deadly history mixed well. I liked not knowing if something sinister was really happening or if Lindsay was imagining everything. I really didn't know what the truth would be until I finished the book.

My one major complaint is about the characters and their friendships. Lindsay names her roommate as her best friend, but I didn't feel that the relationship was very believeable. After all, these two girls had just met and really didn't seem to have much in common. I could see Lindsay being protective, as she is older, but the sudden closeness wasn't believable.

I also didn't really think it was necessary to paint the popular girls as rich. The back cover notes this fact, but it was kind of irrelevant information. The girls were creepy and controlling - their socioeconomic status wasn't really that important. It wasn't something that really mattered in the grand scheme of things, I just felt like that could have been edited out.

I did like the romance, even though it was only a minor part of the plot line. Holder didn't focus on Lindsay's romantic interest all that much, but I thought it was a cute side story.

Ratings (out of 10):

Plot: 9

Characters: 8

Writing: 10

Romance: 10

Originality: 9

Total: 46/50 (A-)

I'll definitely read more of Nancy Holder's books. I'm not sure if there is a sequel to Possessions, but I would love to see what happens to Lindsay next.

Review: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Title: Blood Promise
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Vampires, Dhampir, Supernatural, Love, Family, Friendship
Pages: 502
Plot (from book jacket):

"Bound by love, but sworn to kill...

The world thought Dimitri was dead. And to a certain extent, he was. But I hadn't been able to forget about a conversation he and I had once had. We'd both agreed that we'd rather be dead - truly dead - than walk the world as a Strigoi. It was time to honor our words.

Guardian Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same. The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by the Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck; a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count

But only one victim matters... Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa - her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess - or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake - and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend - can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?"

Blood Promise left me wanting, needing, more! Some people are over vampires, but I still absolutely love Richelle Mead's books! Blood Promise was an amazing continuation of the Vampire Academy books!

I always find it difficult to write reviews for books that are part of a series because I have a hard time writing around spoilers. That said, you can't fully appreciate Blood Promise unless you've read the first three Vampire Academy books. For that reason, this won't really be a review, but more of a recommendation to read the VA books!

I read the Vampire Academy last year shortly before the third book was released. I absolutely devoured it and rushed out to immediately buy the next two books (thankfully the third one was out at that point). I really hadn't expected to love these books as much as I do, but Richelle Mead's take on vampires is so refreshing and wonderfully imagined. The most notable aspect of these novels is that the main character isn't a vampire, she is dhampir, or a vampire guardian. I liked all the history that is involved in VA and how all the different characters and pieces of the story fit together.

My favorite part of the novels is the romance. I am a romance junkie and Vampire Academy is jam packed with sexual tension and tender moments. In many ways, I'd say that the VA books are more romance novels than vampire novels.

 I love those strong male leads and bad boys, but Rose, even though she falls head-over-feet, still holds her own: she doesn't need a guy to define her!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50

The Vampire Academy novels are not to be missed! If you've read the first three novels and haven't gotten to Blood Promise yet, move it up on your to-be-read pile! I can't wait for the next novel, Spirit Bound, which will be out next year!

Interview: Lise Haines (author of Girl in the Arena!)

Lise Haines was kind enough to answer a few questions about her novel and writing!

A Brief Introduction:

LISE HAINES is the author of three novels, Girl in the Arena, published in the US and the UK (Bloomsbury) and in Turkey (Alfa-Artemis Yayınevi); Small Acts of Sex and Electricity (Unbridled Books), a Book Sense Pick in 2006 and one of ten “Best Book Picks for 2006” by the NPR station in San Diego ; and In My Sister’s Country, (Penguin/Putnam), a finalist for the 2003 Paterson Fiction Prize. Her short stories and essays have appeared in a number of literary journals and she was a finalist for the PEN Nelson Algren Award.

Haines is Writer in Residence at Emerson College. She has been Briggs-Copeland Lecturer at Harvard, and her other teaching credits include UCLA, UCSB, and Stonecoast at the University of Southern Maine. She grew up in Chicago, lived in Southern California for many years, and now resides in the Boston area. She holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars.

The Interview:
First off, tell us a little bit about your novel, GIRL IN THE ARENA.
Lyn, my narrator, is 18 years old and lives in Cambridge, Mass. Her world is more or less as we know it except that our society now has gladiator competitions where combatants live and die in the arena. Lyn’s mother has married one neo-gladiator after another, and as a Glad daughter, Lyn is expected to follow a set of tyrannical rules. When she loses her seventh father in the arena, she finds herself having to make some really tough choices.

What inspired you to write GIRL IN THE ARENA?
In part, I was reflecting on the level of violence that young women experience in our world, and how little we talk about that. But when you write a book, so many things are streaming through your mind. I was fascinated by my daughter’s avatars, and that type of virtual reality warrior. And then…I just wanted to tell an engaging story, and immerse myself in Lyn’s world.


Are you anything like your main character?
Wow, I’ve never been asked this question. My immediate answer is: not really. But I can relate to her desire to do things on her own terms, and how arbitrary or unfair rules just drive me crazy. She also has a fighting spirit and any single mom, as I am, has to have a fighting spirit if she and her kids are going to make it in this world. You know, JK Rowling has that spirit, Toni Morrison…

Did you do any research while writing GIRL IN THE ARENA? If yes, please explain.
I had a teaching post at Harvard one year and that made it possible for me to get to Rome. There are quite a number of parallels to Ancient Roman culture and the neo-gladiator society of Girl in the Arena. And I was surprised to learn that there were female gladiators in Ancient Rome. I have other interesting facts on my website: http://www.lisehaines.com/cool-stuff/female-gladiators-in-ancient-rome/

What was the most difficult aspect of writing this novel?
Finding time is the tough part. I teach full time and I have a teenage daughter. To make it all work means cutting down on sleep. The writing itself was a dream. I love writing. It’s hard to describe the pleasure I have when I drop into another world that way.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes, always. There were moments when I considered other things to support myself. To be a good writer, I think you have to have an understanding of human psychology. So I might have made a good therapist or maybe a photographer—I’m a very visual writer. My mother and father were journalists, so I was always around writers. In high school, I used to stay up half the night writing.

What jobs did you have on your way to being a writer? Did they help you in any way as a writer?
Oh, I had some funny jobs like motel maid, waitress for a day, inventory controller, bank teller, administrative assistant, bookkeeper. Most of those jobs were pretty mind-numbing and paid poorly. Many of my female college students don’t like the term feminist (an often confusing and mixed up term), but women really got the raw end of the career stick—and even now we make less on the dollar. You try and get a short story or two out of those lousy jobs and you hope you move on quickly.

When and where do you usually write?
I’m so bad, I write a lot in bed. My desk is often crowded with papers. Sometimes I work at a large table or go out to a coffee shop.

Is there something that is a must have for you to be able to write?
I don’t think of myself as fussy in that way. But loud drilling, jack hammers, wood chipping machines…they make it tough.

What author or book most influenced you as a writer or in general?
I love so many books it’s hard to narrow the list down. I recall reading Once and Future King by T.H. White, about King Arthur, and going crazy for the particular way he depicted fantasy. Alice in Wonderland always rocked my world—still does.

What are currently reading?
Mostly I’m reading nonfiction books, reflecting on the next novel I’m writing.

What book are you anxiously awaiting?
What I’m looking forward to is time to really dive into the stack by my bed. I’ll probably read Lorrie Moore’s new novel next. And Leviathan looks good.

Can you tell us anything about your next YA novel?
I’m working on something but I’m in that superstitious stage where I have to hold off talking about it for a while. If Girl in the Arena really takes off, I’m thinking about writing a sequel.

The Hiding Spot is dedicated to my personal hiding spot, books. Is there a place, activity, or person that is your hiding spot?
I guess that would be writing. And putting my feet up and watching a movie with my daughter. Any chance to get out in nature is something I relish as well.

Anything else you would like to share with us?
I have this whacky book trailer I hope everyone checks out: http://www.lisehaines.com/. I crack up each time I see it.

Thanks so much for all of your good energy around GIRL IN THE ARENA!!

Thank you, Lise, for taking the time to answer these questions!
To read my review of GIRL IN THE ARENA, go here!

Review: Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue

Title: Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue

Author: Hugh Howey

Publisher: NorLights Press

Pub. Date: September 2009

Genre: YA

Main Themes: Space travel, Romance, Family, Mystery, Action, Futuristic

Plot (from back of ARC):

"When Molly gets kicked out of the Naval Academy, she loses more than just another home, she loses the two things that truly matter: flying in space and her training partner, Cole. A dull future seems to await, until a marvelous discovery changes everything.

Her father's old starship, missing for a decade, turns up halfway across the galaxy. Its retrieval launches Molly and Cole on an adventure of a lifetime, one that will have lasting consequences for themselves and billion of others.

What starts off as a simple quest to reconnect with her past, ends up forging a new future.And the forgotten family she hoped to uncover becomes one she never foresaw: a band of alien misfits and runaways - the crew of the starship Parsona."

Unfortuntately, I don't think Molly Fyde is a book that I would have picked up on my own. When I was contacted about reviewing this book, I debated whether or not to say yes. After all, I hadn't heard of the title, the author, or the publisher. In the end, I decided to accept because I love YA and science fiction and this book did have a plot that sounded interesting. I am so ridiculously glad that I did: Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue is most definitely one of the best YA science fiction novels that I've read the entire year.

I am always wary when picking up a new science fiction novel. Some scifi books focus too much on the technical (science) side of the plot, which I sometimes find boring or too complex. I read the first chapter of the novel and was starting to see these tendencies, but that really only lasted throughout the first chapter and their was a good reason for it. Once I got through that beginning chapter, I was hooked!

I was thrilled to discover that there was a love story within Molly Fyde, which will appeal to many YA readers. Cole, Molly's romantic interest, was a great match for her and I loved their dialogue. This aspect of the plot was wonderful.

This novel takes place many years in the future, when space travel is common and there are many planets with life, both alien and human. It was so interesting to read about the different planets Howey has imagined and sent Molly and Cole to. Along the way, Cole and Molly are met not only with adventure and clues to unraveling the mystery of Molly's past, but with new ideas and cultures.

Ratings (Out of 10):

Plot: 10

Characters: 10

Writing: 10

Romance: 10

Originality: 10

Total: 50/50 (A!)

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait until the next installment, Molly Fyde and the Land of Light, is released. The story leaves readers with a cliffhanger that left me anxious for more! Don't let this novel pass you by! Whether you are a scifi fan or simply a fan of adventure and love stories, this novel shouldn't be missed!

Review: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Title: Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia
Author: Cindy Pon
Publisher: GreenWillow Books (HarperCollins)
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Supernatural, Family, Romance, Travels, China
Pages: 338
Plot (from book jacket):
"No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved - despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family - to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.
But now, something is after her. Something terrifying - a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.
Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard... she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.
It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help... and perhaps more."

I picked up Cindy Pon's debut having no idea what to expect, but I'd heard great things about it and the summary sounded promising. I am so glad that I did: Silver Phoenix had a stunning blend of magic, romance, humor, and action!

At first I had a bit of trouble keeping all the characters straight. I'm one of those readers that, until I really get to "know" a character, doesn't really pay all that much attention to names. For example, at the beginning of the book I will not know the main character' name unless it is a name that I come across a lot in everyday life, etc... so Ai Ling wasn't really a name that stuck in my head well. Then add to the mix that all of the characters had traditional Chinese names: I was confused every time I tried to pick out a character by name. It wasn't until I really started to get sense of each character's personality and goals that the names really stuck.

The magical and mythological themes in the novel were really interesting. It seemed like many of the myths and creatures were or easily could be rooted in real Chinese mythology. I really liked how the monsters not only provided a source of action, but also revealed traits and truths about the characters as they battled.

I was pleasantly surprised by the messages of girl power I found in this book. Ai Ling was a strong female lead who, against a myriad of pressures, sets out to save her father. The fact that she wants to marry for love and has her parents as a model couple to look to for inspiration and strength was refreshing. I loved that her parents had a healthy relationship. I definitely don't have a problem with stories that feature single parents, etc, but it was nice to see happy family in novel.

The romantic element of Silver Phoenix was well balanced with the rest of the novel. I liked that it wasn't really a main focus, but it was mixed into to various scenes. I have to say, the note that the story ended on romantically leaves me anxious for the next book!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 9
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total:49/50

I highly recommend Silver Phoenix! It was a great book and the ending leaves you wanting more! Read it soon so you're ready for the next one!

Review: Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Title: Rampant
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Warrior Maidens/Virgins, Unicorns, Love, Family, Supernatural
Pages: 402
Plot (from book jacket):
"Forget everything you thought you knew about unicorns...

Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns.

Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years.

OR NOT.

Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend - thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom - Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.

However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to - perhaps most dangerously of all - her growing attraction to a handsome art student... an attraction that could jeopardize everything."

When I was little, every night I'd go outside with my dad and little sister to wish on a star. Every night my sister wished for a horse. Every night I wished for... a unicorn. Back then, I couldn't think of anything I wanted or needed more than a unicorn. Granted, I'd never met Diana Peterfreund's unicorns. If I had though, I'm almost positive I would've just wished for a horse.

Rampant was an amazing story, complete with bloodthirsty unicorns, a kickass heroine, and a touch of romance. I was completely enthralled with the plot of this novel: maiden warriors who hunt carnivorous unicorns. Honestly, who wouldn't be at least a little curious?

I found the pace of the story a bit slow at times, but, overall, I was kept interested throughout the story. Even if action was lacking, the history and romantic plot line kept me coming back for more! I have never heard of unicorns being portrayed as anything other than gentle, magical creatures, but Peterfreund made it easy to believe that just maybe, we had the story all wrong. The background story was also well written and meshed perfectly with Astrid's story.

I liked most of the characters in Rampant. I thought Astrid and the other hunters were well rounded and each had a distinct personality. I really liked Giovanni as a love interest - I was surprised to find that Astrid falls for an American guy, not an European guy - even if he did have a very Italian name! I thought that was a cute twist!

I did, however, have a major problem with Astrid's mother. She was absolutely horrible. I don't mean horribly written necessarily, she was just a horrible mother. I found that really frustrating. I felt that not only did she try to live her dreams through Astrid, she also didn't really seem to have much common sense. Then, she changes completely later in the book, seemingly due to traumatic events, though they were not only caused by her, but also acknowleged and accepted. Gah! She annoyed me to no end!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 8
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 48/50 (A)

Other than my intense dislike of Astrid's mother, I really enjoyed Rampant. It was a completely new take on unicorns and I flew through the 400 pages! I look forward to Diana Peterfreund's next novel, which I certainly hope with have another fantasy/supernatural element!

Mini Giveaway CLOSED:

I will be giving away five (5) signed Rampant bookmarks! For a chance to win, leave a comment below! It would be nice if the comment had something to do with Rampant, unicorns, or my review! :)

+2 for linking (tweet, sidebar, blog, etc) (up to +4)
+1 for following (new or old)

Open internationally.
Ends: October 30th! I will announce the 5 winners on the 1st of November!

Review: As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Title: As You Wish

Author: Jackson Pearce

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pub. Date: 2009

Genre: YA

Main Themes: Popularity, Self-esteem, Genies, Wishes, Love, Homosexuality, Friendship

Pages: 298

Plot (from book jacket):

"Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent days silently wishing - to have someone love her again, and more importantly, to belong again - until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well... and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life - and her world - forever."

I picked up As You Wish on a day when I just wanted a quick, feel-good read: I definitely made the right choice! Jackson Pearce's debut novel had just the perfect amount of romance and humor for a lazy Sunday afternoon read.

I loved that As You Wish from told from Viola and Jinn's alternate point-of-views. I think that writing the story in this format not only made Jinn and Viola's romance more vivid, but it also made it easier, as a reader, to connect with Jinn. For me, there is often only a true connect with the narrator and the reader only really gets to see one character fall in love, but Pearce enables the reader to fully understand both characters' motivations and watch both characters fall in for one another.

I thought that Viola acted just as one would expect a teenage girl with three wishes to act. Though, to her credit, she did try to make "smart" wishes. When she does make an impulsive and cliche wish, her actions had a truthful ring to them. While her behavior was annoying at some points, I appreciated the fact that Viola wasn't perfect - she struggled to accept herself without defining herself through others.

Genies/Jinn are not usually portrayed the way they are in this novel - it was completely original. I really enjoyed the background on Jinn and their seperate world. I think that this apect of the novel really added added an interesting twist.

Ratings (Out of 10):

Plot: 10

Characters: 10

Writing: 10

Romance: 10

Originality: 10

Total: 50/50 (A)

As You Wish was a wonderful debut from Jackson Pearce and I can't wait read her next novel, Sisters Red (2011)!

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Supernatural, Good vs. Evil, Sisters, Love, Prophecies
Pages: 343
Plot (from book jacket):

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters -

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' death, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

Prophecy of the Sisters was a book that I expected to fall in love with, but only ended up in like. I really started to get into it towards the end though, so I'm really excited for the next installment, but it moved a bit slow for me throughout most of the book.

I really appreciated the plot of the novel. Pitting the twin sisters against one another, good vs. evil, a mysterious prophecy - that was all wonderful! I think I expected a bit more action though, which is why I think I'll like the next book more - the scene is already set, the reader can dive right into the action.

I was a bit confused about where Lia and Alice stood... Alice didn't seem as evil as I would have liked her to be. And the book jacket said that they couldn't trust one another, but at some points Lia still trusted Alice. I just thought that not all of Alice's actions were consistent.

I was also thought that there was going to be more romance than there actually was. When a love story or boy is mentioned  on the book jacket, I generally think that it will be a main theme. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Again, I think that will improve for the next novel as well... the note that the romantic aspect of the story was left on was promising!

Ratings (Out of 10):

Plot: 9

Characters: 9

Writing: 10

Romance: 7

Originality: 10

Total: 45/50 (A-)

Prophecy of the Sisters wasn't my favorite book, but I still enjoyed it. I recommend checking it out from the library and reading it before deciding whether or not to buy it.

 

Review: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Title: Eyes Like Stars
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Magic, Theatre, Orphans, Love, Friendship, Family
Pages: 356
Plot (from book jacket):
"All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater...
She's not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Enter Stage Right

NATE: Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie (as she's known at the theater).

COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARDSEED and PEASEBLOSSOM: Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. Bertie's sidekicks.

ARIEL: Seductive air spirit and Bertie's weakness. The symbol of impending doom.

BERTIE: Our heroine.

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

I was first drawn to Eyes Like Stars because of the cover. My first glimpse was quite some time before the book was released, and without even reading the summary blurb, I was intrigued by the character on the front cover. Blue hair, smoky eye makeup, awesome dress: how could I not think she was awesome. Once I had read the blurb I knew I would read this book, but I didn't know just how much I would love it.

Eyes Like Stars has a magical and wholly original premise. I loved seeing the characters that I loved from plays, like Ophelia from Hamlet! I have a bit of a fascination with her character, so seeing this interesting take on her personality, etc. was so fun. Also, Bertie's quest to save the theater and to find out the truth about how she came to live at the theater kept me furiously turning pages.

Bertie was an amazing character. Not only is she totally unique, stylish, and smart - she's hilarious. She is definitely in  my Top 10 for favorite heroines. Sometimes I like characters, but only love them as part of a couple, but I loved Bertie simply for being Bertie.

But wait - I loved her as part of a couple too! Yes, this book has a love plot line too! Yup, it seems to have everything... There is actually a bit of love triangle. Can you guess from the character descriptions above which characters are involved? :) I don't want to say too much, but I'm totally Team Nate; I need a Team Nate button to go along with my Team Peeta button!

All of the characters were vividly imagined, I really did fall for all of them, even the villainous ones!

I can't write a review for ELS without mentioning the fairies! They are so much fun and so cute...well mostly.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!!)

READ THIS BOOK. I had a copy from the library, but I'm definitely getting one to keep at home. Even though I just finished it and have tons of books to read right now, I kind of just want to reread ELS... :)

Also, I want to mention this awesome Custome Contest that Lisa Mantchev is currently hosting for Halloween! Not only is it a fun idea, there are also chances to win prizes! I'm totally going to participate, so look for my pictures dressed up as my favorite character! Well, as long as I can find the perfect pieces for my outfit... After all, it will be my favorite character, so it can't be taken lightly... :)

Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic

Pub. Date: 2009

Genre: YA

Main Themes: Love, Friendship, Shapeshifting

Pages: 390

Plot (from book jacket):

"the cold.

Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.

Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of a girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace... until now.

the shiver.

For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human - and Grace must fight to keep him - even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future."

Shiver is an absolutely gorgeous novel. I could go on and on about how wonderful it is, but I think it is better to keep it simple. I really enjoyed Stiefvater's first novel, Lament. I seriously didn't really think I would like Shiver better, but I have a whole different kind of respect for Stiefvater after reading this novel.  I fell in love with this book.

I generally don't reread books, but Shiver is a book that I will definitely read again. The story is so beautifully told that I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading it.

I suppose this is a human/werewolf love story, but it is so much more. I don't really feel comfortable classifying it this way because Shiver is so far from the stereotypical werewolf stories.

Grace and Sam are an amazing leading duo. They complement each other perfectly; the reader can see why they fall in love with one another. I feel like it is hard to find that in character couples lately. I also love the fact that Sam is sensitive and not a bad boy. I generally am a sucker for the dark, brooding characters with hidden marshmallow centers, but Sam is such an obvious marshmallow and he's proud of it. I love that fact that he has a dark past, but he isn't dark... that is so rare to see!

And the ending... loved it.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50

If you haven't read Shiver yet, don't wait any longer! It is an amazing story, plus, you need to be caught up for when the next book, Linger, comes out in 2010!

Review: Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Title: Never Cry Werewolf
Author: Heather Davis
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: September 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Summer camp, Werewolves, Love, Family
Pages: 216
Plot (from back of ARC):"When Shelby is packed off to "brat camp" as punishment for one too many broken curfews, things start looking up when she meets fellow camper (and son of rock star!) Austin Bridges III. But soon Shelby realizes there's more to Austin than crush material - he wants her help guarding a dark family secret. Shelby knows that bad boys get her into trouble... but who is she to turn on a guy in need, especially such a good looking one?"

I'm going to come right out and say that I didn't like this book very much. I simply couldn't take it very seriously and I found it a bit slow. Don't stop now though! Read on to find out why - because I've read reviews by readers that liked this book!

I thought the plot sounded cute when I read the back cover, but it did seem a little bit predictable and possibly shallow. I didn't want to be dissuaded by the back cover though, so I tried to keep an open mind.

Throughout the book I didn't really feel that any of the characters really popped. I did like Austin, but Shelby was just a little too flat. I felt that, as the main character, Shelby should have had a little more "sparkle" - for lack of a better word.

I didn't really buy Shelby and Austin's romance. It was just too easy - I would have enjoyed a little more of a chase and a little more mystery. Some type of unexpected twist would have been welcome!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 6
Characters: 5
Writing Style: 8
Romance: 5
Originality: 6

Total: 30/50 (D)

I hate to write a review that reflects badly on a book, but Never Cry Werewolf fell short for me. It was just a little too immature and predictable. I feel that there are other YA werewolf books that I would recommend before this one. But look around before completely passing on Never Cry Werewolf - not everyone shares my opinion!

Review: Swoon by Nina Malkin

Title: Swoon
Author: Nina Malkin
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main themes: Possession, Death, Spirits/Ghosts, Golem, Love, Lust, Sins
Pages: 421
Plot (from book jacket):
"SIN IS COMING... PREPARE TO SWOON.
Torn from her native New York City and dumped in a land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut... until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensly drawn to him - but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking.

Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent - and irresistible - adversary before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him.

What do you do when the boy of your dreams is too bad to be true?"

I'll start out by saying that Swoon was not at all what I expected. However, I still ended up loving it in the end - once I gave up the idea of what I thought it was going to be.

If you like "bad boys" - real bad boys - then you'll love Sin. His name really says it all. I alternated between hating and loving him, but in the end I pretty much settled on love, despite some of the absolutely horrible things he did throughout the book. I think I loved him for Dice more than anything.

I really liked the symbolism and meaning found by reading between the lines of Swoon. It was a good novel at face value, but it was even better if look a little deeper.

There is a lot of sex in this book - and plenty of drug use as well. I didn't think that this content took away from the plot, rather they added the edge and "sin" that was integral to the plot.


Ratings (out of 10):
Characters: 10
Plot: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10

Total: 50/50 (A!)

Basically, I hope my review made you wonder - I didn't want to say too much or give anything away. Swoon is really one of those books that you just have to read for yourself - and I highly recommend that you do. It seems to me that it is one of those love it or hate it books, but I personally loved it!

Review: Meridian by Amber Kizer

Title: Meridian
Author: Amber Kizer
Publisher: Delacorte
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Angels, Death, Love, Family, Supernatural
Pages: 305
Plot (from book jacket):"Half human, half angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility.
Meridian has always been an outcast. It seems that wherever she goes, death and grief follow. On her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her home - and though she's untouched, Meridian's body explodes in pain.
Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she's in danger to her family and is hustled off to her great-aunt's house in Revelation, Colorado. There she learns the secret her parents have been hiding for her entire life: Meridian is a Fenestra, the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead.
It's crucial that Meridian learn how to transition human souls to the afterlife - how to help people die. Only then can she help preserve the balance between good and evil on earth. But before she can do that, Meridian must come to terms with her ability, outsmart the charismatic preacher who's taken over Revelation, and maybe - if she can accept her sworn protector, Tens for who he is - fall in love. Meridian and Tens face grave danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos. But together, they have the power to outsmart evil."

Meridian was a an interesting take on death and the after life, with a well written love story interwoven.

When I first saw the cover art for Meridian a few months before it was released, I was immediately drawn to the book. I loved the dark color scheme and the fact that it was quite clearly had some type of supernatural element.

When I was younger I was deathly (no pun intended) afraid of dying. I would lay awake at freaking out about what it would be like to lose a family member or pet. I think that having read Meridian back then might have helped assauge some of those fears. The ideas about death and the after life presented in this book make death seem not quite as scary or final.

I really enjoyed the romance and relationship that developed between Meridian and Tens. I'm a sucker for the protective guys, like Tens, but he was refreshing in that he still let Meridian learn for herself and believed she was a strong individual. He loved and cared for her, but gave her room to grow and learn as well. I really appreciated the fact that Tens and Meridian didn't immediately fall for one another, they actually disliked each other quite strongly at the beginning of the novel. I liked the chase and tension before they admitted their feelings to one another.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10

Total: 50/50 (A!)

I definitely recommend Meridian - it was a great supernatural debut for Amber Kizer, author of One Butt Cheek at a Time. I look forward to (hopefully) reading more about the world of Meridian!