Scarlet

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Series: Scarlet #1

Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Released: February 14, 2012

Pages: 292

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.
Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.
It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

For Fans Of: The Wicked and the Just, Guilt, A Breath of Eyre, Finnikin of the Rock

My Review: I absolutely loved this book. I love the Robin Hood retelling and this was one of the best. I'm a huge fan of the BBC's version of Robin Hood, (which everyone should go and watch) which focuses on heroines rather than just the heroes. So that is why I really loved Scarlet; it focuses on Will Scarlet who is a girl posing as a boy and her dealings with Robin Hood and his band of thieves, Little John, Much and Friar Tuck. Through out the whole story, we are left wondering about Scarlet's elusive past, which comes back to haunt her when Guy of Gisbourne suddenly enters her life...again.
I liked this book because it focuses on Scarlet and she is a strong, kick ass heroine who doesn't need men to take care of her. She knows how to fight with knives and is quite skilled with a bow (but not as skilled as Robin) fast and quick on her feet. She is stealthy, has ears for useful information and is the best thief in the county. Besides being a strong heroine, I like that she stays true with her feminine side. Rather than cutting her hair to take on the whole persona of a boy, she keeps her hair long and dresses as a girl to go to church in secret.

One thing I didn't like was the love triangle among Robin, John and Scarlet. I wouldn't call it a love triangle; however, it was just awkward and I felt like it got in the way of the story. I felt like there should have been either romance between Scarlet and one of the lads or no romance at all. I highly recommend this book and I am currently reading the sequel Lady Thief. 

 

Flashback Friday: The Face on the Milk Carton

Weekends are hard, we understand.  So every weekend we're going to review a book we re-read recently, but first read in the past (basically a book that is more 'young' than 'adult' - something we loved in middle school/junior high - grades 6-10) Who doesn't love a little reminiscing?  First Up: The Face on the Milk Carton

*         *         *

 Author: Caroline B. Cooney

Series: Janie Johnson # 1

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade

Publisher: Random House Children’s Books

Released: 13 April 1996

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com No one ever really paid close attention to the faces of the missing children on the milk cartons. But as Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl with her hair in tight pigtails, wearing a dress with a narrow white collar--a three-year-old who had been kidnapped twelve years before from a shopping mall in New Jersey--she felt overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl--it was she. How could it possibly be true?
Janie can't believe that her loving parents kidnapped her, but as she begins to piece things together, nothing makes sense. Something is terribly wrong. Are Mr. and Mrs. Johnson really Janie's parents? And if not, who is Janie Johnson, and what really happened?

For Fans Of: Stranger With My Face, Running Out of Time, The Terrorist, and Tune in Anytime

My Review: Where do I even begin?  I remember when I was TA (so long ago!) for the librarian and I stumbled upon this, my first every Caroline B. Cooney book (or as I, in all of my librarian 7^th grade glory referred to her as: Carrie B. As in: “hey, have you read this Carrie B. book yet?  Best book ever!” – I was a big ole’ nerd, don’t judge ;) I remember sneaking The Face on the Milk Carton into a school-wide assembly and reading it instead of paying attention.  Have I always been this big of a nerd, well yeah.  You could probably say that.  The Face on the Milk Carton was the game changer for me though.  It was the first book that I remember reading that was distinctly not what I had deemed a “little kid book.”  Books that I loved like Bloomability, and The Music of Dolphins, and From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, this was not.  This girl had a boyfriend.  This girl kissed that boyfriend.  Holy crap, my seventh grader heart skipped a beat!  I would have killed to have Reeve be by boyfriend (never mind that Reeve was, like, six years older than I was – he drove a Jeep and lived next door dang it!)  But that wasn’t the only thing that made me love this book, when you’re in junior high you have a tendency to think that everything in your life is awful, so finding your face on a milk carton wouldn’t be so bad. Now, this isn’t where I’m going to rant and rave about the plot and pacing, honestly, this book will probably take you an hour to read, but I will say this.  As far as things go, this is a really fun read for girls at the age (around 13-14) the girls that are at the very beginning of jumping into the YA genre.  It doesn’t have a lot of depth, and it’s straightforward.  The mystery aspect is definitely the strongest plot line, and Carrie B.’s writing style is one that I really love because it reads fast (even in junior high, it read fast – like two days).  But I will say this: I loved that Janie was pretty normal, she went to school, ate lunch with her friends, ditched class sometimes, and is legitimately freaked when she finds her face on a milk carton.  She knows her next door neighbors, she goes to football games, she worries about getting her driver’s license.  She isn’t making out with vampires, being alienated from a crowd for no discernible reason, etc.  Janie was literally the every girl.  Not the every girl who dated a vampire, or werewolf, she was legitimately normal.  Falling in love with people that she had known forever, being friends and eating cafeteria food.  I think sometimes we get away from this, don’t get me wrong, I love paranormal romance novels, but for middle school and junior high school kids I think that Carrie B (and a slew of other authors) are often overlooked by educators.  For instance: I volunteer at an elementary school (this is true, I’m not making it up for a review – I hang out with sixth graders during the school year) and they have a designated time for reading.  Nearly every girl was reading one of the four Twilight books.  They’re in sixth grade!  That means they’re turning 12!  A little young for Twilight, in my opinion (and yes, some were reading Breaking Dawn).  Which is why I usually pick up one of these whenever I’m shopping on Amazon, because when I’ve got kids that are that age, I want them to gain what I did from books like this one, and others:  That being normal is okay.  That wanting that normality, like Janie does, is okay.  Sure, Carrie B. writes a lot of different kinds of books, but I have to say, add her name to the E.L. Konisburg, Sharon Creech, Avi, Ann Rinaldi, etc. etc. etc. fan group, because her books are pretty great, they deal with real issues without being too old for their specified age group.  The Face on the Milk Carton will forever be one of my favorites, if you haven’t read it yet, I promise it will probably only take you a few hours. And sure, it’s not dense in any way, but it’s fun.  Oh, and don't forget to check out the movie on youtube! Hahaha, you can start watching part one by clicking here.

Eden

Author: Jamie McGuire

Series: Providence # 3

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: CreateSpace

Released: 3 April 2012

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com She had seen the unspeakable.
She would learn the unknowable.
Now, she would fight the invincible.
In the third and final installment of the Providence series, Nina Grey will marry the wrong man, carry the child that was never supposed to be born, and fight a war she can't win.
Faced with the impossible task of protecting his new wife and unborn child against the throes of Hell, Jared Ryel is allowed no mistakes. Pressured to return the Naissance de Demoniac to Jerusalem, he revisits St. Ann's to learn the answers were in front of him all along.
Together, they must survive long enough to let their child save them - and the world

For Fans Of: Providence, Requiem, and Breaking Dawn

My Review: Wow!  Eden perfectly wrapped up this series for me!  Such a lovely end to a fun and eventful series!  The two minuscule problems I had with Requiem were perfectly accounted for and settled in this one.  (Thank heavens for Claire! She and Ryan are perfection.)  This series was so much fun to read, and though Jared got progressively over-protective I still felt like it came from a good place, and he didn’t stop Nina from doing what she wanted altogether.  The only thing I did have a hard time with was towards the end when Nina has a panic attack.  You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there.  It just seemed kind of out of character for her.  After everything that happens to her throughout the series, for her to panic and freak out like she does seemed strange.  However, she IS pregnant which probably contributes to the strange behavior, and I was kind of waiting for her to crack after everything that had happened to her over the last three years.  All in all, this was a great series for summer, fun, fast reads, and I really enjoy McGuire’s writing style, her dialogue and banter is very well thought out and witty, especially the swoon-worthy things that Jared says (cue: the vows holyfreakingcrap) If you liked books that were in the same vein as Twilight and Hush, Hush you will definitely love this series, I know I did.

Finnikin of the Rock

Author: Melina Marchetta

Series: Lumatere Chronicles #1

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Young Adult/Adult-ish

Publisher: Viking Australia

Released: September 29, 2008

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com At the age of nine, Finnikin is warned by the gods that he must sacrifice a pound of flesh to save his kingdom. He stands on the rock of the three wonders with his friend Prince Balthazar and Balthazar's cousin, Lucian, and together they mix their blood to safeguard Lumatere.

But all safety is shattered during the five days of the unspeakable, when the king and queen and their children are brutally murdered in the palace. An impostor seizes the throne, a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere's walls, and those who escape are left to roam the land as exiles, dying by the thousands in fever camps.

Ten years later, Finnikin is summoned to another rock—to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, heir to the throne of Lumatere, is alive. This arrogant young woman claims she'll lead Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, to the prince. Instead, her leadership points them perilously toward home. Does Finnikin dare believe that Lumatere might one day rise united? Evanjalin is not what she seems, and the startling truth will test Finnikin's faith not only in her but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

In a bold departure from her acclaimed contemporary novels, Printz Medalist Melina Marchetta has crafted an epic fantasy of ancient magic, feudal intrigue, romance, and bloodshed that will rivet you from the first page.

For Fans Of: Eragon, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and Harry Potter Series.

My Review: I absolutely love fantasy and adventure books. So I was thrilled with Finnikin of the Rock. It has everything a fantasy and adventure novel should; action, sword fighting, archery, romance, regaining the kingdom, fighting and conquering the enemy, and secrets kept and secrets come to light.

I loved Finnikin as the hero. He wasn’t cocky like some heroes you read about and yet he wasn’t this humble, follow the rules kind of guy either. He knew what he had to do and he did it. He reminded me of knights of old with chivalry, honor and getting the job done to save the kingdom and the people. He was grounded and had brains. I liked him best of all because he wasn’t self-sacrificing for the better cause like most heroes are.

Evanjalin (love that name) is one tough cookie. I almost didn’t like her at first because of how demanding and unlady like she was. After reading her story, you do find out why she is the way she is and I began to really like her in the end. However, she still had this air about her that she knew best, which got annoying after a while, but the ending sheds light on why.

Reading this book made me want to go out and travel and have adventures. (I was reminded a lot of my World of Warcraft days, since that is what this book really reminded me of. A computer game, not a book. Nerd.) I really enjoyed the mystery of why Lumatere was cursed, why Evanjalin walked the sleep of others, and how it all tied in together. It was a very well written book, full of lovely and not so lovely descriptions. It is a world I would love to visit. Melina Marchetta has a talent for capturing her audiences and leaves them wanting more. I enjoyed her writing style very much.

Now I only have one bone to pick with this book. Well it’s more of the people who categorize books into their respective genres that I have a bone to pick with. I am not at all ashamed to read ‘blush worthy’ books. I mean if they get too ‘blush worthy’ I won’t read them, but this book had quite a few sexual innuendos. If I was young and naive, I wouldn’t have picked up on them, but since I’m not, I understood them all and thought that this wasn’t appropriate for young adults. That is my personal feeling. It wasn’t as ‘boom laid out in front of you’ like some scenes from A Discovery of Witches were, but if felt that it was too suggestive for a younger audience. That was my only problem with this was finding Finnikin on the young adult shelf at my library and then reading things in there that were found in the adult books I’ve read from the library. I’d gear this to more of an ‘early twenties on’ kind of novel.

Given that was the only problem I found, I enjoyed every bit of this book and will be reading the rest of the series (with hopes they are this good). 

Enchanted

Author: Alethea Kontis

Series: Stand Alone (for now)

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fairytale

Publisher: Harcourt Children’s

Released: 8 May 2012

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.
When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.
The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

For Fans Of: Ella Enchanted, Just Ella, and The Princess and the Frog (and anything else totally awesome.)

My Review: Enchanted was, quite honestly the book I’ve been searching for.  Lately my reading life has been a little bit “blah” as in no book sounds remotely good.  Because of this I’ve been a little weary to pick anything new up, and have instead reverted back to oldie but goodie books that I can read over and over again.  Luckily I stumbled upon Enchanted.

Enchanted is fairy-tale at its finest.  Honestly, this would definitely have done any one of those Grimm Brother’s proud.  The story is not only beautiful, lyrical, and incredibly sweet it is one that I could read over and over again.  Sunday’s family is so incredible and amazing, as well as the wonderful supporting cast of Rumbold’s friends (Team Erik and Saturday!)  The story was so well told and wove together such familiar stories making them at once beautiful and new.

Kontis’ world is so…magical…(sigh) I guess that’s really the only word for it.  I know that it’s supposed to be magical, but somehow she has captured that truly timeless and eternal quality of magic that is hard to find in most – if not all – books that are similar to fairytales.  It is truly one of the sweetest and best reads that I have had the joy of coming across and I am so glad that I did!

I honestly did NOT want Enchanted to end.  I could stay in that world all day every day for the rest of my life.  It was so beautiful and at times so mysterious.  I haven’t felt this way about a book in a really really long time.

Enchanted is the book that you’re going to buy all of your friends for their birthdays or just because you’re a really awesome friend who feels that your friends deserve to be awesome too.  Seriously, I just bought five copies of this and have them on stand by for the next birthday party I go to, and/or sudden urge I feel to spread the awesome.  So my advice: go out and get Enchanted.  (both literally and figuratively)

A Discovery of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Series: All Souls Book #1

Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance.

Publisher: Viking Adult

Released: February 8, 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

For Fans Of: The Witches Daughter, Pale Demon, The Restorer, Shadowfever, and Second Grave on the Left.

My Review: I picked this book up at the library thinking this was a non-fiction book about Witches. I was definitely not disappointed.

This was the book I have been waiting for! It had everything I could ever hope in a book. It was the next best thing after Harry Potter.

I admit it was a slow read and it took me a bit to get the hang of all the historical mumbo jumbo.

I’m easily satisfied with anything fantasy/paranormal and this book was perfect. I can’t pinpoint reasons why I love this book like I can in other books. Let’s just say I loved it all! However this book is definitely geared to the Adults. It does have a huge blush-worthy scene in it.

And I cannot wait til July when the second one comes out!

Graveminder

Author: Melissa Marr

Series: Stand Alone (so far)

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy, Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins

Released: 9 May 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Rebekkah Barrow never forgot the tender attention her grandmother, Maylene, bestowed upon the dead of Claysville. While growing up, Rebekkah watched as Maylene performed the same unusual ritual at every funeral: three sips from a small silver flask followed by the words, "Sleep well, and stay where I put you."
Now Maylene is gone and Bek must return to the hometown—and the man—she abandoned a decade ago, only to discover that Maylene's death was not natural . . . and there was good reason for her odd traditions. In Claysville, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected—and beneath the town lies a shadowy, lawless land ruled by the enigmatic Charles, aka Mr. D. From this dark place the deceased will return if their graves are not properly minded. And only the Graveminder, a Barrow woman, and the current Undertaker, Byron, can set things to right once the dead begin to walk.

For Fans Of: Witches of East End, You are So Undead to Me, and A Discovery of Witches

My Review:  Let me start off by saying that I enjoy Melissa Marr’s writing voice.  And I was glad that her voice in her first adult novel hasn’t changed from that in the Wicked Lovely series.  That said, I thoroughly enjoyed Graveminder.

It felt like a great movie.  The town of Claysville is so mysterious and Rebekkah and Byron are such a wonderful team.  Although the mystery rather unfolded rather slowly to in my opinion, the stuff going on relationally between Byron and Rebekkah makes up for the slow moving mystery seem faster.

Graveminder however, is more about a town and the people in it, and like other of Marr’s stories there are a lot of points of view which at times can make it a little bit hard to follow.

However, I have to say I really love how modern Marr’s relationships are.  She doesn’t let her characters get too enamored with each other, but she does let you see the hurt and heartache they feel while trying to move on.  Although she definitely has the idea of soul mates concerning Rebekkah and Byron, she also shows that they can handle themselves, or at least attempt to handle themselves on their own, and they both realize how much stronger they are together, which is something that I think makes every great relationship work.

Plot wise things were really tight, so many things can go wrong in paranormal novels, but with this one everything really comes together quite nicely.  Marr is able to fit in the story as well as the town that is crucial to the construction of the novel.  That Marr is able to do this seemingly effortlessly shows how remarkable of a writer she is.

I enjoyed Rebekkah’s inner monologue during the chapters that were from her point of view, as well as the fact that Marr has managed to encompass an entire town.  She tells Graveminder like an incredibly interesting history.  Definitely one to read around Halloween time that will give you some chills and leave you wanting to have the lights on.  I’m excited to see what she has coming in the future as far as her novels for an older set go.

Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal(ish)

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Released: 7 June 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.
When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting—before it destroys her future.

For Fans Of: If I Stay, Hunting Lila, Between, and Flawless

My Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was quick, and it was something new and never done before.

I liked how she lost her memory of that day and had to write down the day’s events so that she would remember.

Her relationship with her boy was very cute. He was so patient with her when she would forget things and he’d have to remind her.

I loved how she began to get her memories back when the stories from her past were shared.

Just a cute feel good book! I just really really liked it. That’s my reason.

The Dark Divine

Author: Bree Despain

Series: The Dark Divine Book #1

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult.

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Released: December 22, 2009

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

For Fans Of: The Body Finder, 13 to Life, Shade, Raised by Wolves, Shiver, and Nevermore.

My Review: My Bff recommended this book. Might I say I was blown away! I couldn’t read it fast enough. (You know the days you wish you had another set of eyes so you could read faster).

I liked the headings at each interval that told us where they were. Like example: “The way home” and then the dialogue begins. Rather than saying, “on the way home, we were talking, yada yada.” I don’t know, it was just different and I liked it.

I enjoyed the myth of the Urbat or the Hounds of Heaven. Rather than having a demon hunter or fallen angel fight the bad things that go bump in the night, they’ve got werewolves.

The way the werewolves are made was interesting; the curse is genetic but can also be given by a bite.

Love the romance between Grace and Daniel. It’s a trending theme in Young Adult novels to fall for the ‘forbidden’ boy. But for being forbidden, he’s awfully good and wonderful!

Something different was Grace was the daughter of a pastor. She was always trying to good and live up to her beliefs and not disappoint her father. I haven’t read any YA novels that have brought the religious lifestyle into the plot. It was very refreshing and new. I liked that.

Highly recommend this book to those who like werewolves and the many variations of the myth. Very good read.

Born at Midnight

Author: C.C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls Book #1

Genres: Supernatural, Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Released: March 29, 2011

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

For Fans Of: Darkness Becomes Her, Forsaken, Half-Blood, Falling Under and Haven.

My Review: I pulled this off the shelf at the library because of the cover. The synopsis seemed alright and I needed something to read that wasn’t Harry Potter. Boy was I blown away! This book was so much better than I had predicted. So good in fact I had to go back to the library that night and get the second one.

First off, I was intrigued by the idea of a summer school camp for ‘freaks’. I was having a panic attack along with Kylie as her mom was shipping her off on a bus to this special school. I knew the school was for paranormals and I just knew that Kylie wasn’t paranormal. I was in for a shock. Kylie finds out she can communicate with the dead along with some other talents. The camp counselors have no idea what she is, but Kylie is determined to find out. I liked this because Kylie has no idea what she is, the reader has no idea what she is and no one seems to know, so it’s like we’re all on this adventure to solve the mystery of what ‘species’ Kylie is.

Love triangles get really monotonous, but this love triangle is actually quite interesting. Both boys seem very good and I think Kylie should enimeniminemo between the two.

This is more of a humorous book. It definitely has the dark, intense moments that make this a good paranormal book, but I spent most of my reading time laughing pretty hard. C.C. Hunter has wit and she knows how to make a book intense and funny all at once. Rather than seeming like a serious paranormal book, this one is light hearted like a contemporary young adult novel. It’s one you can’t take to serious, but have fun reading it and wishing you could have summer camp as fun as this summer camp!

Lament: The Fairy Queen's Deception

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: Books of Faerie Book #1

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Publisher: Flux

Released: October 8, 2008

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

Lament is a dark faerie fantasy that features authentic Celtic faerie lore, plus cover art and interior illustrations by acclaimed faerie artist Julia Jeffrey.

For Fans Of: Wings, Shiver, and Paranormalcy

My Review: This has got to be the best faerie book I’ve ever read. It holds true to the myth of the Fae. Beautiful, lyrical, loves music and are very sly. I tend to like the mythological creatures that stay true to the main myth.

I also enjoyed the ‘forbidden’ love between Deirdre and Luke. I always love the forbidden love- can’t ya tell? He was so good to her trying to protect her from the faeries and the Queen. It was also heartbreaking to find out Luke’s past story of why he is what he is.

And of course the love triangle. Hate ‘em but can’t live without ‘em. This one was good because it ended how I wanted it to end. Those are the best love triangles; when they go your way.

I love, love music, so this book really spoke to me whenever they would talk about music.

It was a magical read. Definitely everything I like in a fantasy book; romance, action, adventure, and music!

Body and Soul

Author: Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth # 3

Genres: Paranormal, Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Hyperion

Released: 1 May 2012

Summary:courtesy of goodreads.com The Ghost
I’ve been trapped in the body of Lily “Ally” Turner for a month now. Talk about a fashion crisis on an epic scale. What worries me more, though, is sometimes I catch Will looking at me like he thinks I’m Lily...or that he wishes I were. Without the good looks of my former self, I don’t know who I am, or if who that is is good enough. I need out of this mess. Now. Will and I have been looking for a solution, one that would separate me from Lily without killing her. But it’s not going well. Then, when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, we run into Misty, my former best friend and boyfriend-stealer extraordinaire, who claims she’s being haunted...by me. Seriously?I’m determined to get to the bottom of who’s pretending to be the spirit of Alona Dare (while I’m pretending to be someone else) and then get the heck out of this body. Or die trying...
The Goth
I’ll admit it. It’s really weird to look at Alona but see Lily. I do know the difference, though, contrary to what Alona might be saying. And Alona is more than a pretty face to me, not that she would believe that. Our one lead for some help in this messed up situation might be a page torn from the yellow pages-—the “Psychics” section-—I found in my dad’s stuff. One of the “fakes” seems a bit more real-—and odd-—than the others. Before I can investigate further, though, Alona is off and chasing a ghost that’s probably nothing more than a figment of Misty’s guilty imagination. Now Lily’s family is freaking out because she didn’t come home, my mom is ordering me to stay out of it, and something is definitely wrong with the person formerly known as Lily “Ally” Turner...

For Fans Of: The Ghost and the Goth, Queen of the Dead, Hereafter, and Arise

My Review:  I thoroughly enjoyed Body and Soul.  As the final novel in The Ghost and the Goth trilogy I feel like it definitely lives up to it’s predecessors.  The reason I liked this one the most is that I feel like Alona and Will finally begin to figure stuff out.  We’ve been waiting peeps, and the day has finally come!

No more beating around the bush, no more “let’s be nice all the time” Alona and Will are finally becoming adults, and acting like they are in an adult relationship!  Go Alona and Will!  I don’t want to give anything away, and Body and Soul has the potential to be very spoiler-ridden (review wise) so let me just say this:  If you liked the first two, Body and Soul is a worthy finale.  I’ve loved going on this book journey with Alona and Will. Alona is still her same old smart aleck self, and Will has the patience of a god.  But that is why the these two work.  It was so much fun to see them enter this new phase of their relationship and try to re-figure each other out.  There were still plenty of laughs, and in true Stacey Kade fashion I was holding my breath towards the end.  You’ve got your villain, you’ve got your love interest, now go curl up on the couch and read about them like your back in high school ;)

The Ghost and The Goth

Author: Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth # 1

Genres: Paranormal, Contemporary, Young Adult, Supernatural

Publisher: Hyperion

Released: 29 June 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.
I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?
Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.
I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?

For Fans Of: You are So Undead to Me, Hereafter, and Give Up the Ghost

My Review:  The Ghost and the Goth was one of very few books that made me laugh out loud, told in alternating points of view Stacey Kade gives the reader the opportunity to see the story unfold from two very opposing sides.  The relationship between Alona and Will is incredibly funny and Kade does such a great job at running parallel plot lines, first with the Alona/Will relationship and then with the mysterious black entity that is basically a force of darkness and is hurting Will.

I loved the banter back and forth, Kade really gets the popular girl speak and isn’t afraid to make Alona seem at times shallow, vapid, and annoying and then suddenly give her great depth.  Kade explains why Alona is the way that she is, and I really appreciated that. Although on the surface The Ghost and the Goth is a really light and fun read, it also delves into some pretty heady subjects.

Kade’s characters are all justly motivated, although at times incredibly selfish they both stuck with their original characterizations.  Both Alona and Will go through a type of growth in the novel which I enjoyed.  Also, the paranormal aspect was quickly explained without having to go to all the trouble of “discovering” something about Will.  Will is a guy who knows exactly what is going on and has no problem ignoring it.

For a ghost story with heart and love and growth of characters that you can read quickly over the summer, I definitely recommend this one.

Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush Book #2

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Released: October 19, 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn’t been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

For Fans Of: Torment, The Lost Saint, Desires of the Dead, Beautiful Darkness.

My Review: You know that girl in high school that you always wanted to hit really hard and damage her face? Well that’s Marci Millar, Nora’s archenemy. I was so, SO terribly mad at Patch, and at Nora. Nora, because she told Patch to go away and never come back. So obviously he can’t be her guardian angel anymore. But why, out of all the people in the world did he have to go ‘glorify’ Marci? Ugh! So when Vee and Nora sneak into Marci’s room to steal her diary, I was rooting for them to destroy her!! Ok, I was just upset at Patch for taking Nora seriously. I love this series and pretty much why is because the characters are so real. Real to the point that I was pointing at my book and yelling at Patch and Nora for being down right dumb! Nora needed to be nicer, Patch needed to say no once in a while. And Vee..well she’s the cool awesome, annoying best friend who rocks!

Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush Book #1

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Released: October 19, 2009

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com 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...until Patch comes 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 whom 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 far 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.

For Fans Of: Halo, The Dark Divine, The Iron Daughter, Unearthly, and Fallen.

My Review: I love coming across a series that I devour in a weekend. My bff couldn’t get the books to me fast enough. My first thought while reading this book was, oh no not another Twilight themed book. I mean it almost was; with the biology scene, the mysterious, drop dead gorgeous student that sits right by you, and the fact that he has a secret that he can’t tell you, but it involves you. Totally Twilight, but what made me keep reading on was the idea of Fallen Angels. This was my first book regarding the fallen. I’m proud to say that I am a fan!

Nora reminded me of myself and that’s why I liked her. Her best friend Vee reminded me of my bff in high school. So far I was enjoying this. Enter Patch. Hot, sexy, mysterious and all things vavavoom! I was instantly in love, even though he seemed very sketchy (I am drawn to these types of guys, even in books). For some reason, it intrigued me that Patch was trying to kill Nora, but somehow along the way, he fell for her and her for him. It’s like forbidden love. I was reading a review on this book from a goodread’s user and they said something to the effect of Patch being who Edward wanted to be, but couldn’t. Totally true. But Patch isn’t Edward. Thank goodness for that!

I liked how throughout the book, I never could figure out if Patch was the good guy or the bad guy in disguise. I mean you definitely find out which one he is in the end and it’s pretty cool! I just don’t know what more to say about why I love this book so much. It’s one of those books that I read when I want to smile. So I get this book out quite often (often enough that my cat has chewed on it.).

Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls Book #1

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance.

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Released: August 1, 2009

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon. A stirring supernatural teen romance.

For Fans Of: Lament, The Dark Divine, Nightshade, Raised by Wolves, Beautiful Creatures and Paranormalcy.

My Review: OMG! So glad that Hopeless Wanderer recommended this to me. I was team Jacob when Twilight was huge because Werewolves are so much better than Vampires. This is everything werewolf. That is why it is so freaking good! Reasons why:

1. Wolves are awesome. Especially when you have a wolf protecting you from its hungry pack.

2. What’s better than finding out that your protector wolf is actually a really cute guy?

3. I loved how each chapter was from either Sam or Grace’s point of view. I honestly love books when the author does this. I feel that it makes the story more whole.

4. Maggie Stiefvater is such an excellent author. I’m drawn right into her books and she doesn’t leave me disappointed.

5. Her version of Werewolves was new and refreshing. Even heartbreaking.

6. One of my favorite all time books!

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Travel, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing

Released: 4 May 2010

Summary: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

For Fans Of: Saving June, Fixing Delilah, and Take Me There

My Review:  I adored this book.  I loved Amy, I loved Roger, I loved the layout.  I felt like this book was written by my best friend.  Honestly, I adored all of the pictures, I loved that Matson gives us an ending in the form of receipt, I loved that these character's weren't perfect.  This book made me want to get in a Cherokee and drive across the country, I wanted to see The Loneliest Highway in America and Graceland.  The perfect summer read.  Honest and alive.  To say that I loved Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour is a serious understatement, as a lover of the road and all things involving road-tripping Amy and Roger felt like my own personal travel companion.  Of course all of the relationships are incredible, and solid.  The story makes you feel like your sitting listening to old friends talk about how great their past vacations were.  But the truly wonderful part of this book is the layout.

Matson does an incredible job and literally writes a love letter to America.  That is how I saw Amy and Roger.  With photos, receipts, state mottos, and pages from a travel journal littering this book that held things like playlists, and hand draw pictures this book was practically a picture book for young adults.

I loved reading about how Amy and Roger come together on the road, and how it’s the nature of the road trip that brings them together.  They are both such wonderful characters who seem to understand each other from the beginning.  This is one of few stand alone’s where at the end I was wishing and hoping for a sequel.  I want Amy and Roger to show up happy and healthy in another one of Matson’s books! 

In all honestly, Amy and Roger was the book that I wish I could have written.  It is quintessentially perfection.  Simple and lovely.  It hasn’t left my nightstand since I bought it last summer, and I’m not sure that it ever will.  My copy is dog-eared and well loved.  I hope that if you decide to pick it up you’ll love it as much as I did.

Fire

Author: Kristin Cashore

Series: The Graceling Realm # 2
Genres: Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Young Adult
Publisher: Penguin Group
Released: October 5, 2009
Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com She is the last of her kind...
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don’t need to have read Graceling to love Fire. But if you haven’t, you’ll be dying to read it next.
For Fans Of: Magic Study, Sacred Scars, and The Exiled Queen.
My Review: This book is by far my all time favorite!! The best thing about this book is that it is different from Graceling. Don’t get me wrong I love Graceling also, but after I read this, it took my heart away. Forever. I’ve read it at least four or five times. It has every thing I love in a book. Strong female character, hard to get handsome guy, and of course action! Gotta have that action and romance together. Sure, Graceling has action and romance, but it’s not the same as Fire. Fire (the main characters name) and Briggan’s relationship doesn’t start off that well, because of Fire being a “monster”, Briggan doesn’t trust her until, she shows that she is different then the usual monster. In Graceling however, Katsa and Po meeting each other at the beginning and start to grow closer together early in the story. Not leaving much of a chance to grow attached to the growing relationship. I love this book, and I love the connection it has with Graceling. I recommend it to anyone who loves hard to get handsome guys!

Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Series: Graceling Realm # 1

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Released: October 1, 2008

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more

For Fans Of: Fire, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Lord of the Rings, and Magic Study.

My Review: I fell in love with this book instantly. Here are my reasons:
1. It takes place in another ‘world’. Think Middle Earth.

2. Only a few are gifted/cursed with a Grace. The Graced are different from everyone else physically by the different color of one eye. How freaking cool is that? I wanted to go out and get colored contacts to get this effect.

3. The Graces are varied. I mean who wouldn’t want to be a killer cook? Or a killer killer? Or be able to hear what others are thinking about you? (boy that would be nice back in high school during the gossip circle.).

4. Katsa is the heroine every book needs. As you can tell from previous reviews; I don’t like wimpy girls. I like girls who can hold their own and Katsa definitely does this.

5. Po is hot.

6. This is like a really, really good wanna-get-my-horse-and-sword-and-go-kick-some-bad-guy-butt adventure book!

Flecks of Gold

Author: Alicia Buck

Series: Stand Alone

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Released: 8 May 2010

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Mary Margaret is not the type of girl to fall in love, especially after seeing what a string of bad relationships has done to her mother. That's why it's so weird when Mary finds herself strangely attracted to Kelson, a guy at her new school. It's almost . . . unnatural. What she doesn't know is that she's been put under a spell. And when Kelson kidnaps Mary's mother and takes her to his home world, Mary will have to rescue her by relying on something she never knew existed, magic. Flecks of Gold is an enchanting blend of fantasy, action, and even a little romance. Get lost in this world where magic is commonplace and danger lurks where you least suspect it.

For Fans Of: Queen in Exile, The Mark, and Over the Moon

My Review: When I started this book it took me a while to get into it. I would read a couple of pages and then do something else for the next few days, and then start it up again. Mary and her mother's relationship went kind of slow. I really wasn't hooked on it until the action started in the other world. The other world that I'm talking about is amazing. Absolutely amazing. On her travels Mary meets a guy named Breeohan, whom she has incredibly adventures with. The story has a lot of events that happen to Mary and Breeohan that make it so much more fun and enjoyable to read, especially as you learn more about the character's personalities. This also allows the plot to come along nicely. Throughout the book, Mary and Breeohan are forced to defend themselves, creating some epic fight scenes. Definitely one of my favorites! Can't imagine what I would to without it!