Review: The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Title: The Looking Glass Wars
Author: Frank Beddor
Publisher: Dial Books
Date Published: 2006
Genre: YA
Main themes: love, friendship, orphans, fantasy worlds, murder, imagination
Pages: 358
Plot (from book jacket):
"Alyss of Wonderland?
When Alyss Heart, heir to the Wonderland throne, must flee through the Pool of Tears to escape her murderous aunt Redd, she find herself lost and alone in Victorian London. Befriended by an aspiring author named Lewis Carroll, Alyss tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Alyss trusts this author to tell the truth so that someone, somewhere will find her and bring her home. But he gets teh story all wrong. He even spells her name incorrectly!
Fortunately, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan knows all too well the awful truth of Alyss' story and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return het to Wonderland so she may eventually battle Redd for her rightful place as Queen of Hearts."

Why did I wait so long to read this book!? I haven't read a YA fantasy novel that was this amazing in FOREVER! Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my absolute favorite stories and Frank Beddor's version is no exception! I loved the original Alice in Wonderland, but, gosh, this version is totally fighting for favorite.

The world of Wonderland and its inhabitants were so wonderfully imagined. Hatter Madigan was one of my favorite characters - he was just so intriguing and interesting. I was amazed by the characters and landscapes of Beddor's Wonderland.

Alyss was an awesome main character. I found myself rooting for her and the Alyssians in their fight against her crazy Aunt Redd and the bullying people from the other side of the Pool of Tears.

And, oh my goodness, Dodge! I seriously loved childhood friend turned jaded man. I can't wait to find out more about him and his and Alyss' relationship in the next novel, Seeing Redd (which is totally on the table right now begging me to open it and dive in!).

I can't say enough good things about The Looking Glass Wars! My dreams would come true if Beddor decided to rewrite Peter Pan as well - eeek!

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

Read it! I'm totally in shock of its awesomeness right now!

Gigantic Contest @ Princess Bookie

Princess Bookie is making some room on her bookshelf and giving many, many books to one lucky winner. I not kidding when I say lucky - I might actually sneak ninja style into her house and raid the bookshelf before this contest concludes!

Check it out here!

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

This week's WoW isn't released until July 1st! How will I ever wait that terribly long???

Other by Karen Kincy
(No cover image yet...)
Summary from Karen's website:
"I can’t last much longer. It’s been one week, three days, and I forget how many hours.

My belly cramps, and I curl on my bed, staring out at the stars. A delicious breeze glides through my window and cools my sweaty forehead. The air smells of summer–mowed grass, recent rain, lingering barbecue–and tempts me more than I want to admit. Shards of moonlight and shadow shift on the wall. I clench my teeth and toes and try to ride out the pain. My bedroom drifts counterclockwise, and I shut my eyes.

It can’t be good for me, not shapeshifting.


Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.

When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive."

This book sounds so, so amazing! It has romance, werewolves, a sexy Japanese fox spirit. Can a reader really ask for more?? I didn't think so!

Winner of Twenty Boy Summer Contest

Denise of DeniseMadness is the winner of the Twenty Boy Summer contest! I've emailed you, so reply within 48 hours to claim your copy of the book! :) Congrats!

Contest: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick!

Now that the Twenty Boy Summer contest has concluded (winners posted soon!), I have another contest for a book that I LOVED! Hush, Hush lived up to all of my very high expectations... I was lucky enough to get a copy before it came out - and now I'm passing my luck on to one lucky reader out there! :)



For those of you who live in a cave and don't know what Hush, Hush is about, here is a summary:
"For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life."

This contest is only open to followers of The Hiding Spot. So if you want a shot at winning, head over to my sidebar and click the follow button! If you are already a follower, you're set!

For your entry to count, you MUST answer this question:

Patch, one of the main characters of Hush, Hush, is definitely swoonworthy. Who is your current character crush? (Don't forget to mention what book he/she is from and why you like that particular character!)

For extra entries:

+1 for already being a follower previous to this contest
+2 for commenting on my review (Just tell me if you were one of the commenters previous to the contest!)
+3 for following me on Twitter (@thehidingspot)
+2 for linking/blogging/tweeting this contest (up to three times for a total of 6 entries)

This contest is open to everyone! Even people outside of the US this time! :)

CONTEST IS CLOSED! THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

Good luck!

In My Mailbox (4)

IMM is hosted by Kristi, a.k.a. The Story Siren!
This week was pretty great for books... and I think I read less this week than I have in previous weeks. Work is seriously crazy right now... :( But I will stocked up for awhile on books... Which will be handy when I move for school in a couple of weeks. This week I just took a picture of the bunch because it takes so long to load each one seperately.

Switch by Carol Snow (out now from HarperTeen)
"Claire Martin has some major body issues.
Not much happens in Claire Martin's sleeply little beach town, but that's okay. Let her hang out with her best friend, dream about her favorite lifeguard, and swim on the high school team, and she'll be happy.
Only one small problem: Whenever Claire gets too close to lightning, her spirit shoots into the body of the nearest girl born under the same moon. Usually she's back to her old self in no time - but suddenly she's stuck as someone else: a breathtaking summer visitor who has caught her crush's eye. Will Claire figure out how to get back to her old life? And, more important, will she want to?"
I'm looking forward to reading Carol Snow's debut novel... there will be an interview and contest with Carol on The Hiding Spot later this month when I review her upcoming release Snap. Speaking of Snap...

Snap by Carol Snow(August 25, 2009 from HarperTeen)
"Madison though she knew who she was. Then everything changed in a flash.
Stuck in a strange, sleep beach town, Madison throws herself into her one passion: photography. But when bizarre figures start appearing in her pictures, people who weren't there to begin with - and are later reported dead - Madison begins to question everything about who she is... and who she wishes she could be."
Keep an eye out for my upcoming review, interview, and contest! :) (Thank you Carol and HarperTeen for the ARC, etc!)

The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard (out now from Razorbill)
"Each twin has visions - but is that a blessing Meredith and Mallory Brynn awaken in the hospital with terrifying new powers. Merry can see into the past. Mally can see into the future.
But their new gifts come with a heavy price: the mystical bond the twins have shared their entire lives is damaged.
And now their sall town is threatened by a looming danger only the twins can stop. That is, if they can harness their power before it destroys them both."
I've heard lots of good things about this trilogy, but haven't gotten a chance to check it out until now. I really like the cover though...

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis (out now from HarperTeen)
"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 a 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 her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one."
This book was a totally surprise! Thank you so much HarperTeen for sendind it! I've heard mixed reviews, but am glad for the chance to read it myself.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (March 19, 2010 from HarperTeen)
"A serial killer on the loose. A girl with a morbid ability. And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.
Violet Ambrose can find the dead. Or at least, those who have been murdered. She can sense the echoes they leave behind... and the imprints they leave on their killers. As it that weren't enough to deal with during her junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.
Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town... and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him."
I am so, so excited to read this book! I've heard lots of great stuff about this book and the summary sounds amazing. I love the show Criminal Minds and this book remind me of the show because of the serial killer aspect. Thanks Kimberly and HarperTeen!!

How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford(10/1/09 Scholastic)
"Icelandic hairdressers are the happiest people in the world.
Bea is not an icelandic hairdresser.
Neither is Noah.
But together, they might find something approaching happiness.
New to town, Bea is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. You know the type: very cheery, very friendly, very average. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet observer who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. He's not a big gan of people in general.. but he's willing to make an exception for her. Maybe.
Bea and Jonah are not going to have friendship like other people have a friendship, where it's all based on gossip and parties and what everyone else thinks. Instead, their friendship comes from truth-bound conversations, shared secrets, daring stunts, and late-night phone calls to the same old-timer radio show. They help each other and hurt each other, push away and hold close. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. And it means more to them than either one can ever really know..."
There are not words to express how excited I am about this book! When it came in the mail I couldn't stop smiling. I want to read it right now... Thank you so much Natalie and Scholastic for sending it!

Candor by Pam Bachorz (September 09 from Egmont)
"Stepford makes the perfect wife, but Candor teens are changed for life.
Everything is perfect in the town of Candor, Florida. Teens respect their elders, do their chores, and enjoy homework... because they're controlled by subliminal messages. Only Oscar, the son of the town's founder, knows how to get kids out - for a price. But when Nia moves into town, Oscar is smitten. He can't stand to see her changed. Now he must to decide to help Nia escape Cando and lose her forever, or keep her close and risk exposure..."
This book sounds so crazy/creepy. I can't wait to read it... Thank you Sharon for holding the contest... and thank you Pam for the signed sticker and Candor cards!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (12/22/09 from Egmont)
"A prodigal son. A dangerous love. A deadly secret.
Grace Divine - daughter of the local pastor - always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.
Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.
As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes the most: her soul."
I am seriously in love with the cover of this book! Purple is my favorite cover so that drew me to the book right away. What happened that night? I must know...! Thanks Egmont!

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern (October 09 from Feiwel and Friends)
"It's Jessie's sophmore year of high school. A self-professed "mathelete," she isn't sure where she belongs. Her two best friends have transformed themselves into punks and one of them is going after her longtime crush. Her beloved older brother will soon leave for college (and in the meantime has shaved his mohawk and started dating ... the Prom Princess!)...
Things are changing fast. Jessie needs new friends. And her quest is a hilarious tour through high school clique-dom, with a surprising stop along the way - the Dungeons and Dragons crowd, who out-nerd everyone. Will hanging out with the make her a nerd, too? And could she really be crushing on a guy with too-short pants and too-white gym shoes?
If you go into the wild nerd yonder, can you ever come back?"
How freaking awesome does this book sound? I was in love at the first mention of Dungeons and Dragons! Thank you Feiwel and Friends!

The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander (September 09 from Feiwel and Friends)
"Almost-15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing on the curb and watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she'll ride on the hood of a shiny pickup truck in the annual parade, waving to the crown and finally showing the town bully that she's got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.
But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participating in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin will do almost anything to become Sweetheart, and has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including the reigning Sweetheart, and a quiet, cute cowboy), an evangelical Elvis impersonator, a mysterious Cajun outcast, and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her, and start letting Austin liver her own life. But Austin can't ove on until Momma moves on, too - and lets the grief of losing Austin's daddy several years before out into the open."
I'm really excited about this one - I felt like I know Austin in ways already... I'm surprised we don't have a Sweetheart competition in my home town. Thanks again, Feiwel and Friends!

From Bookmooch:
Getting the Boot (S.A.S.S.) by Peggy Guthart Strauss
Very cute books!

From Library:
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
I've heard mixed reviews, but I wanted to a least start it and see if I like it...

Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Title: Paper Towns
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books
Date Published: 2008
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Friendship, Runaways, Mystery/Clues, Love
Pages: 305
Plot (from book jacket): "Quentin Jacobson has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Speigelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summons him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery, but Q soon learns that there are clues - and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew."

Paper Towns was my first John Green novel, but it definitely won't be my last. It was so seriously amazing... there aren't words to describe my reading experience.

I'm usually not into reading books from the male perspective, but I recently read Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks (which is narrated by a male protagonist) and loved it - and am now working on not being so narrow-minded about my main characters. Q was one of my favorite main characters, so I'm glad I gave Paper Towns a chance.

I think the aspect of this book that really made it amazing was the author, John Green. I'd heard that he was a really amazing, funny guy... something about Nerd Fighters?... but he has some serious writing talent. All the little details, the plot, the dialogue - it was so great... I could not put this book down.

I loved the clues. Margo leaves clues for Quentin to find her and I was trying right along with him to figure them out. I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened.

This book was also so freaking funny. I was laughing out loud at 1 am, especially at the end of the book. There is some seriously hilarious dialogue during a road trip... the road trip alone is reason to read this book! :)

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

There are so many reasons to read this book! Its just one of those books that you have to read...

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

WoW is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!

I'm really excited about Jackie Dolamore's debut offering: Magic Under Glass! Jackie was awesome enough to send me a summary that was a little more descriptive than the ones I was finding! :) Thanks, Jackie!!


"Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry’s involvement in a group of corrupt sorcerers for whom the rules of the living and dead are meant to be broken for greater power. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing fairy gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world."


Ghosts? A madwoman? Corrupt socerers? Dashing fairy gentleman? Star-crossed lovers? The fate of the entire magical world!?! Yes, I definitely want this book! I love this kind of historical fantasy young adult blend... I have high, high hopes that it will be AMAZING! Plus, the cover is seriously awesome...

Review: How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt

Title: How to Build a House
Author: Dana Reinhardt
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Pub. Date: 2008
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Love, Family, Divorce, Tornadoes, Rebuilding, Volunteering
Pages: 227
Plot (from book jacket):

"Building a house takes time and hard work. But a home can be destoyed in one terrible moment - as Harper discovers when her dad and beloved stepmother get a divorce. Even worse, the divorce seperates Harper from her stepsister, Tess.

It's time to escape. Harper joins a volunteer program to build a house for a family in Tennesse who have lost their home in a tornado - not that she knows the first thing about doing construction. Soon Harper is living in a funky motel and working long days with kids from all over the country. She works alongside Teddy, the son of the family for whom the house is being built. Their partnership promises to turn into a summer romance, complete with power tools. For Harper, learning to trust and love Teddy isn't easy, but it could be the first step toward finding her way back home."

How to Build a House was a wonderful read, full of symbolism, life lessons, and happy endings. It honestly, despite some heavy issues, was a feel good book. The main character, Harper, is going through some pretty serious things at home (a divorce, loss of her stepsister/best friend, boy confusion), but after a summer of volunteer work far from home - she learns what a home - and what a house - really mean.

One of my favorite parts of this novel was that the story alternated between "home" and "here". I loved reading the "home" parts when the reader got to see what made Harper into the person she currently is and why she is halfway across the country volunteering. I felt like I really got to know Harper in a relatively short time (as the book was only a little over 200 pages long).

I really liked the characters in How to Build a House. They were very realistic in their dialogue and interactions - Reinhardt didn't gloss over the unpleasant side of life.

Sometimes I got a bit annoyed with Harper. She has some quirks that would have driven me completely insane if she were a real person, like her obsession with correct grammar and rules. In ways though, this was acceptable because it made Harper more realistic, even though she was annoying.

The romance between Harper and Teddy was well written. I really liked how Teddy allowed Harper to grow and heal - and in ways Harper did the same for him.

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

I definitely recommend this book! It is a great story with great characters. Not necessarily the best book I've ever read, but definitely worth recommending to a friend!

Must Have Monday!

Okay, Waiting on Wednesday just isn't cutting it for me! I have way too many books to mention, so I'm doing a Must Have Monday and a Waiting on Wednesday... so my posts aren't super long... because my Wishlist is absolutely bursting!! Since WoW only showcases upcoming books, Must Have Monday will have books that are already out too, not only upcoming. Since I have NO MONEY and sometimes the library takes ages to get new books... I am behind on newly released hardcover novels. I can only occasionally buy new softcovers... and I feel guilty about even spending that. The economy combined with being a college student is really taking a toll on my reading! :S Now, on to the books!!


Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen (Sept. 13th 2009 from Egmont)
"Sara and her father are moving to Boston from small-town Lundun, Massachusetts. She is going to attend the very elite Anton High School-- crowned "North America's Most Elite and Most Bizarre" by Time magazine, harder to get into than Harvard. As the new girl, Sara doesn't know anyone--better yet, no one knows her. And that means she can escape her family's checkered past and her father can be a surgeon instead of "Crazy Charlie" the school janitor.
What's the harm of a few little black lies? Especially if it transforms Sara into Anton's newest popular girl. But then one of the It girls at school starts looking into Sara's past, and her father's obsessive compulsive disorder takes a turn for the worse. Soon, the whole charade just might come crashing down... "
I'm really looking forward to Tish Cohen's upcoming release... I think the cover is cute and the plot summary interesting. It has been described as a mix of Mean Girls and Gossip Girl... drama here I come!


The Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
"Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her. Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions."
I work at a Subway that is in a Walmart. Every night when I get out of work I go to the book section (because I am obsessive and have a problem...). In said book section, there is a pretty little stack of The Prophecy of the Sisters. Every night, I leave Walmart sadly without the book. The library needs to get this book soon or you will find me sitting on the floor in the book section of my local Walmart reading this book! Is it too early for an early birthday present if my bday is in December?? I wonder...


Undead Much? by Stacey Jay
"Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...
A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.
Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…
Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie apocolypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.
I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted."
I loved You Are So Undead to Me and can't wait to read Undead Much?. January is so dreadfully far away!


Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."
Reviews for Shiver are popping up all over the YA blogosphere and I to review it too! I'm usually not a werewolf fan, but Maggie Stiefvater has me at Lament! :)


Ballad: The Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater (October 1st from Flux)
"In this sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, faeries follow James and Dee to Thornking-Ash Conservatory, where James struggles with his feelings for Dee and with the dangerous faerie muse, Nuala. When Halloween plunges both Dee and Nuala into danger, James finds he can only choose one."
Speaking of Lament, Ballad is coming out soon (but, alas, not soon enough!). I can't wait to see what happens next...!! Isn't the cover seriously amazing?


Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead (out now)
"Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.
Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren t making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature..."
This one came on in July and is the second in Richelle Mead's Dark Swan books, which isn't YA, but I felt fit in at The Hiding Spot because Richelle is a YA author as well. I am a big Richelle Mead fan (love Vampire Academy, etc)... I am actually going to her signing in Detroit at the end of August - I need to read this one before the 4th Vampire Academy book comes out!

What are your must haves???

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pub. Date: October 13, 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Angels, Love, Murder, Friendship
Pages: 355
Plot (from GoodReads):
"For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life."

I was so, so excited when I won this book from a contest over at Confessions of a Wandering Heart! I about had a heart attack when I saw that I won the contest. After all, I'd been thinking about how I would survive the wait until October - I'd been lusting after Hush, Hush since I had first seen the amazing cover art and read the plot summary. I'd decided right away that I would read this book whether it got good reviews or not - no one was going to rain on my parade. In the end, it didn't matter - this book has impressed! All I've read are rave reviews. Now I will proceed to give my rave review... :)

I read the first couple chapters of this book and didn't want to put it down It really did have me hooked that quickly. Becca Fitzpatrick has proven herself as an amazing storyteller - she is sure to be one of my all-time favorite authors. Hush, Hush is her debut novel and I don't see her skills lessening!

I loved that Becca Fitzpatrick wrote about fallen angels... It was a genius idea. Vampires are so last year (Just kidding, I still love vamps)! Honestly though, it was a really new and original idea. I was intrigued as I read about what happened to Patch and what his motives were.

My favorite aspect of Hush, Hush? Definitely Patch! I am a big fan of the bad guy who is actually a marshmallow on the inside - I think Patch is leaning pretty heavily towards being that kind of guy! Yes, he is definitely dangerous - but he is way more than he seems at first glance. Love has made him a bit fluffy on the inside. I'm really hoping the next novel will show more of that soft side, as we readers only see glimpses in Hush, Hush!

I really enjoyed the main character, Nora as well. She was smart, confident, and independent. I loathe when female leads are totally dependent on their love interests - Nora was a breath of fresh air! While she leaned on Patch at times and definitely swooned at times - she was still Nora. She and Patch did not, at any time, become a Bennifer or any other creepy one name combo.

Which brings me to Patch and Nora... as a leading duo. I love that there is a chase! Nora does not see Patch, fall madly in love, and swear her undying devotion for all of time. Neither does Patch. Their relationship is not without obstacles or issues... The reader prays to the Book Gods for Patch and Nora to find their way to one another! To me, that's exactly the way it should be!

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

My one complaint... I want to know what happens next! I can't wait until the next book, Crescendo, is released in 2010!

I have an extra copy of Hush, Hush! If you are simply too impatient to wait until October 13th to read Hush, Hush make sure you keep an eye on The Hiding Spot for a chance to win a signed ARC...!(Thank you Simon & Schuster for the unexpected second copy!)

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi, a.k.a. The Story Siren!

I got some great books this week! :) They came from various places: authors, publishers, Bookmooch, and my local library's book sale!


Pardon My French by Kathy Hapka
I've read a couple S.A.S.S. novels and they were cute, so I mooched this one!


Fire by Kristin Cashore
I am forever grateful for Cindy for sending Fire to me! :) I loved it!
You can read my review of Fire here!


The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter
Thank you Holly for having HarperCollins send me a copy! I will be interviewing Holly and holding a contest for The Snowball Effect, but that will be sometime closer to 2010... still, it is something to look forward to!
You can read my review for The Snowball Effect here!


Stargazer by Claudia Gray
I picked up this one at the library... I hope I remember everything that happending in Evernight - I read it so long ago!


She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
I found this at the library book sale and have always wanted to read it.


The Night I Disappeared by Reece Deaver
I've never heard anything about this book, but it sounded interesting.


Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson
I've been meaning to read this forever and I found it at the book sale.


Rhymes With Witches by Lauren Myracle
From book sale... I don't know anything about it. :S


The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I've heard lots about this book and I love the simple cover! I picked it up at the book sale.


Flipped by Wenelin Van Draanen
Another book sale find.


Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
This is my second copy of Hush, Hush! I wasn't expecting it at all! So keep your eyes open for a contest soon!

Monthly Totals (July 2009)

It is August! Wooohooo! I can't believe it - I am moving at the end of this month. It felt like moving month was lightyears away and now suddenly everything is happening so fast! Crazy, crazy...

Here are my month totals for July:


Pages read: 5,704
Books read: 19
If I Stay
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Blue Moon
Unwind
The September Sisters
The Daughter of the Flames
Wings
Broken Soup
Blood Roses
The Devouring
Looking for JJ
Old Magic
The Debs
Princess of the Midnight Ball
I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Twenty Boy Summer
Black Rabbit Summer
Fire
The Snowball Effect

My favs: If I Stay, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Broken Soup, Twenty Boy Summer, Black Rabbit Summer, Fire, The Snowball Effect

Least favs: Old Magic, Blue Moon

Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Title: Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Katie Alender
Publisher: Hyperion
Date Published: 2009
Genre: Young Adult
Main Themes: Family, Love, Hauntings, Spirits, Possession, Friendship
Pages: 346
Plot (from inside book jacket):
"Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence: dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy, thirteen-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own antisocial, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family argument results in tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunctional to dangerous. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green; she uses odd, old-fashioned language - and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her weird behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on the unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough for the girls to see their breath.

Alexis wants to believe it's all i her head, until these seeingly harmless occurences become life-threatening - to her, to her family, and to her budding relationship with the student council vice president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey; but what if taht green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?"

Bad Girls Don't Die was a great debut novel from Katie Alender! I really enjoyed the dialogue and characters. I think I liked the first half of the book better than the end though, as I felt that the end of the book was a bit rushed... At the beginning Alexis has a bit of a smart mouth and I found her conversations with Carter, the student council VP, to be amusing.

I also really enjoyed the haunting and possession aspects of this book, as I'm a big Supernatual (the CW show) fan! There were parts of this book that had me a little creeped out - like in the first chapter when Alexis is taking pictures. I used to be really into photography, so the idea of capturing a ghost on film is really spooky to me.

My one complaint about Bad Girls Don't Die is the fact that the last few chapters of the book seemed to be really rushed. I felt like there were many things that were glossed over or simply forgotten - like Alexis' parents relationship. I felt like that kind of detracted from the effect of the novel because I was left with a number of unanswered questions.

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10

Total: 48/50 (A)

Overall, I felt like this was a really enjoyable novel and a very strong debut from Alender. I'm excited to see what she comes up with next. I wouldn't recommend buying this one though - it is kind of a one read kind of book, in my opinion.

Review: The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter

Title: The Snowball Effect
Author: Holly Nicole Hoxter
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Published: March 23, 2010
Genre: Young Adult
Main Themes: Death, Family, Love, Emotional Problems
Pages: 356
Plot (from back cover of ARC):
"Lainey Pike can tell you everything you need to now about the people in her lfamily just by letting you know how they died. Her reckless stepfather drove his motorcycle off the highway and caused the biggest traffic jam in years. Her long-suffering grandmother lived through cancer and a heart attack before finally succumbing to a stroke. And Lainey's mother - well, Lainey's mother hanged herself in the basement just days after Lainey's high school graduation.

Now Lainey's five-year-old brother is an orphan, and her estranged older sister is moving back home to be his guardian. Meanwhile, Lainey's boyfriend is thinking about having a family of their own, and her best friends are always asking the wrong sorts of questions and giving advice Lainey doesn't want to hear. As she tries to pull away from everything familiar, Lainey meets an intriguing new guy who, through a series of Slurpees, burgers, and snowballs, helps her make peace with a parent she never understood."

The Snowball Effect was seriously amazing! I don't even know where to start...

When I first started reading I wasn't sure if I was going to love it... it wasn't until I was up to about page 100 that I really started to fall in love with The Snowball Effect.

I really understood and related to the main character, Lainey. She was just such a realistic and believeable character that even though many aspects of her life differed from mine, I could totally put myself in her shoes.

I loved the fact that Lainey was flawed. Sometimes she was a great sister, sometimes she was absolutely horrid. She loves her boyfriend, yet she can't stop thinking about an intriguing stranger.

Don't get me wrong, there were times when I wanted to jump right into the book and shake Lainey because she was being so ridiculous, but then I would stop and think - holy crap - I am Lainey. Holly Nicole Hoxter has gone and created a character that, in my opinion, every girl, and possibly even some guys, can relate to in some way or another. I give her major props for that... it takes some serious talent.

One of the most amazing things about The Snowball Effect was that, despite its seriousness, I was laughing aloud at parts. It has such a perfect combination emotions! There were definitely some really funny quotes in it that I'm sure my sisters and I will refer to and use later!

And The Snowball Effect... you may be wondering what that means exactly. Well, sorry, but I can't tell you. That would be a spoiler after all... but trust me, you want to know...! (And now you must read the book - or you will go crazy!)

The Snowball Effect is full of quirky characters and fun, but it has a depth that I really appreciated. I learned some lessons from Lainey that I won't soon forget!

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

If this book is not on your most anticipated novels of 2010, you better add it now! If it already is, you will not be disappointed. I really, really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for Holly Nicole Hoxter's next book! It really is painful to think about how long I'm going to have to wait for that one... Write like the wind Holly! :)

Oh My Gosh!

Okay, so...

I got out of work tonight at 11pm and then had to drive out to my boyfriend's house, which is about 11 miles from my house.
It is dark and rainy.
First, I came close to hitting a deer. Luckily I saw it in time to slow down.
Keep in mind that there are open fields on each side of the highway. So random animals pop out all the time.
Then, as I'm going through some curves, a raccoon runs out. And stops. Directly in front of my car.
Seriously! Why do animals chose to cross the road when a car is coming. There was no one out on the roads tonight except me - and right then the stupid raccoon choses to cross the road. Ahhh!
Luckily my beloved car is fine - not even a scratch (that I could see...)! But I feel bad for the raccoon, even though it wasn't really my fault.
So yeah, that was the first animal I've hit with my car. Not a fun experience!
Well, now that you all know... :)

Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Title: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Dial Books
Date Published: October 5th, 2009
Genre: Young Adult
Main Themes: Monsters, Family/Friendship, Powers/Magic, Love
Pages: 461
Plot (from back of ARC): "It is not a peaceful time in the Dells.
Young King Nash clings to the throne, while rebel lords, in he north and south, build armies to unseat him. War is coming. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves.
This is where Fire lives, a girl whose startling appearance is impossibly irrisistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.
Everyone... except Prince Brigan."

Where to even start?! First off, I can tell you that Graceling was not a fluke. Kristin Cashore really is a remarkable writer - I have every confidence that I will enjoy every book she writes, if not love.

Fire was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fire, the main character, is just as well written and engaging as Graceling's Katsa. Although, I will admit that I may be liked Katsa a bit more... Fire was still an amazing character though - I definitely felt that she was a strong heroine.

I loved that Fire was set in the Dells. It is such a magical and intriguing land and I felt that there was so much left to explore at the end of the novel. I hope that Kristin Cashore takes us back to the Dells in a future novel - perhaps during Katsa's time, as Fire takes place before the events in Graceling.

The romance between Fire and Brigan was well written. I am a fan of love stories that where the two characters overcome some obstacles before falling into one another's arms, and I think that Cashore does a wonderful job at writing this type of romance. I felt like there was bit more sex in Fire than in Graceling, but it was tastefully done and necessary to the plot. Everytime another illegitimate child was discovered it was a bit of a shock though, this novel was full of them!

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

I'd like to mention that it is not necessary to read Graceling before Fire - in fact, I think it would be interesting to read Fire first.

Now that I've read Fire I'll have to go dream about reading the next novel from Cashore, Bitterblue. I love Kristin Cashore's novels - they're just a bit painful to wait for! At least she doesn't leave us with a gigantic cliff-hanger...!

At the Movies: The Ugly Truth (3)

"A romantically challenged morning show producer (Katherine Heigl) is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her male chauvinist correspondent (Gerard Butler) to prove his theories on relationships and allow her to find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to the totally unexpected result—she finds love at the same time that he falls in love with her." (From Wikipedia)

I've been waiting for a couple of months for this movie to finally come out!! It wasn't exactly what I expected, but I loved it anyway!

At first I thought it was going to be kind of crude, but, even though there was lots of crude language, it fit in with the plot and tone of the movie. I laughed at many parts and I didn't blush once.

The Ugly Truth will be on my dvd shelf when it is released - Catherine Heigl and Gerard Butler were amazing together! :) Overall it was a really fun movie with a typical romantic comedy ending, but I was okay with that. In fact, I prefer it!!

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

I am so excited about Gail Carriger's upcoming novel, Soulless! It is the first in the Parasol Protectorate series! Changeless, the second book in the series, is due out in April 2010!



Summary from Gail's website:

"Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible.

Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?"

Isn't it obvious why I am pumped about this book?!? I have daydreams about it... :)

Review: Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks

Title: Black Rabbit Summer
Author: Kevin Brooks
Publisher: Chicken House (Scholastic)
Date Published: 2008
Genre: Young Adult
Main Themes: Missing persons, Friendship, Growing up, Drugs and Alcohol
Pages: 488
Plot (from book jacket):
"As kids they were tight. Now they've grown up - and apart. Before going their separate ways for good, they decide to get together one last time.
Just like old times.
Just the five of them.
Saturday night.
Nicole asked. How could Pete say no?
But the past hurts, personal histories, soon surface, and the party's over. The group splinters off into the darkness. Into the noise and heat and chaos of the summer carnival.
Days later, a girl goes missing. And each of them is a suspect in her disappearance. Pete doesn't know what to believe. Could one of their own, one of the old gang, be a killer?"

I want to start out by mentioning that I usually don't read books narrated by guys. I don't really know why, but usually I just don't feel as connected to the novel. That said, Black Rabbit Summer might be one of my favorite books. It was absolutely stunning! There was just something so ridiculously deep about it. It might have been the narrator or Brooks himself, but this book simply shines.

It wasn't what I expected really, it was much more than the jacket description lets on. I related to the characters in this book so well. I could see each and every character as someone from my life - someone I went to school with.

The plot involves a bit of a mystery and I honestly had no clue how it would be resovled. There were clues at first, but I had no clue how it would all end up fitting together.

Here is a quote that I read, then went back and reread because I loved it so much (Page 404):
"As I stepped over to the den and crept through the door, I wondered if that's what it was all about. Friends. People you know. People you used to know. People you think you once knew, but you probably never did. You probably knew just part of them, the part of them that was your friend. And the rest, the parts of them that you didn't know - the twisted parts, the untrue parts, the parts you are seeing now - well, back then you just ignored them. But now you can't. Because now you can see it all, and now you know that "back then" wasn't all wonderful and innocent. It was just a time and a place, just like every other time and place. The only difference now is that the things - the people - that belonged to the old time and place aren't here anymore, and things that aren't here anymore don't hurt anymore. The only things that hurt are the things that hurt right now."

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A)

I loved this book - READ IT! It was darkly beautiful. I will definitely be looking into Kevin Brooks' previous books (Lucas, Candy, Being, The Road of the Dead, and more)! I've heard that Lucas is really amazing as well...