Reviewed by Monica Sheffo for TeensReadToo.com
At Geek High, being extraordinary is ordinary.
For Miranda Bloom, junior year hasn't quite started off on the right foot. Her boyfriend, Dex McConnell, is off at a Maine boarding school, and her best friends seem too preoccupied to care.
When she meets new girl Nora Lee, Miranda thinks she's finally found a friend who really understands her. That is, until Nora begins to imitate everything Miranda does, from her outfits to her love of writing. And when this begins to effect her relationships, Miranda realizes she needs to end their toxic friendship - and fast.
Miranda, Charlie, and Finn are back and better than ever in this latest addition to the GEEK HIGH series. Piper Banks once again brings readers a story about a geeky girl working through changing friendships and dealing with revenge. The author's multi-dimensional characters play off of one another with a sense of realism that hits close to home for any high schooler.
REVENGE OF THE GEEK is the perfect read for the nerd in all of us!
At Geek High, being extraordinary is ordinary.
For Miranda Bloom, junior year hasn't quite started off on the right foot. Her boyfriend, Dex McConnell, is off at a Maine boarding school, and her best friends seem too preoccupied to care.
When she meets new girl Nora Lee, Miranda thinks she's finally found a friend who really understands her. That is, until Nora begins to imitate everything Miranda does, from her outfits to her love of writing. And when this begins to effect her relationships, Miranda realizes she needs to end their toxic friendship - and fast.
Miranda, Charlie, and Finn are back and better than ever in this latest addition to the GEEK HIGH series. Piper Banks once again brings readers a story about a geeky girl working through changing friendships and dealing with revenge. The author's multi-dimensional characters play off of one another with a sense of realism that hits close to home for any high schooler.
REVENGE OF THE GEEK is the perfect read for the nerd in all of us!
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Benny made it back from the Rot & Ruin only to start training with his brother, Tom, to leave again. After seeing the airplane fly over, Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Tom have been anxious to find out where it was going. Could there be civilization beyond the Rot & Ruin?
Every day, Tom trains Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong. He prepares them to fight the Zoms they are sure to encounter on their long trek across the dangerous country.
Everyone has different feelings about leaving home. Benny isn't sure he wants to leave FOREVER, but is willing to in order to be with Nix. Nix, who has nothing left, is desperate to leave behind all the bad memories. Lilah just wants to feel freedom and live outside the fences again. Tom decides he has to leave, since his countless pleas to the town leader's to build up defenses have fallen on deaf ears. Chong, without the permission of his parents, will be staying behind.
Tom plans an overnight trip to help the kids practice living beyond the fences. Chong is given permission to accompany his friends for this short adventure, which gives him more time to spend with Lilah.
The overnight outing doesn't go as planned though, and the kids are separated from each other and Tom. Evidence points to the possibility that Gameland is up and running again and, even worse, could Charlie Pink Eye still be alive?
DUST & DECAY is filled with danger and excitement, love and hatred. It keeps the reader engaged from the first show more page to the last. The horrors the characters live through are heartbreaking. This is a zombie book that will bring you to tears. show less
Benny made it back from the Rot & Ruin only to start training with his brother, Tom, to leave again. After seeing the airplane fly over, Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Tom have been anxious to find out where it was going. Could there be civilization beyond the Rot & Ruin?
Every day, Tom trains Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong. He prepares them to fight the Zoms they are sure to encounter on their long trek across the dangerous country.
Everyone has different feelings about leaving home. Benny isn't sure he wants to leave FOREVER, but is willing to in order to be with Nix. Nix, who has nothing left, is desperate to leave behind all the bad memories. Lilah just wants to feel freedom and live outside the fences again. Tom decides he has to leave, since his countless pleas to the town leader's to build up defenses have fallen on deaf ears. Chong, without the permission of his parents, will be staying behind.
Tom plans an overnight trip to help the kids practice living beyond the fences. Chong is given permission to accompany his friends for this short adventure, which gives him more time to spend with Lilah.
The overnight outing doesn't go as planned though, and the kids are separated from each other and Tom. Evidence points to the possibility that Gameland is up and running again and, even worse, could Charlie Pink Eye still be alive?
DUST & DECAY is filled with danger and excitement, love and hatred. It keeps the reader engaged from the first show more page to the last. The horrors the characters live through are heartbreaking. This is a zombie book that will bring you to tears. show less
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Growing up on a Virginia plantation in the mid-1800s, slavery has been part of Emma Simpson's entire life. Now, she and her mother are working tirelessly to keep the place running in the absence of her father, who is somewhere to the south fighting the Yankees.
Emma hears constant reports describing the ignorant Yankees and their disapproval of holding the black people against their will. The slaves she's known on her father's plantation seem happy enough. She watches the women gladly helping her mother in the garden and in the main house. Even the men who work in the fields and drive the wagons appear content, and she knows none of them have been mistreated like some she's heard about.
Sporadic letters from Emma's father promise the South will win the war quickly, but as time passes more of their neighbors and friends are sending men off to fight. When Christmas of 1863 passes without a celebration, Emma realizes hopes of a short war might be wishful thinking. Aunt Caroline, Cousin Rachel, and Baby Elizabeth stay on into the New Year. Their company is welcome, especially when Emma's mother becomes ill.
Emma's diary over the next year describes the rapid and devastating changes as the war drags on. Although their slaves remain loyal, keeping the plantation running becomes more and more difficult, especially as her mother's health deteriorates. Word arrives almost daily of local men and boys losing their lives on show more the battlefield as the Yankees come closer every day.
Emma writes of her mother's death and sickness that threatens neighbors and friends. She describes enemy troops ransacking plantation homes, destroying prized possessions and taking food and livestock with no regard for the remaining women and children. Emma tries to remain hopeful despite the constant worry that her father and the young man she loves might not return alive.
Author Barry Denenberg gives readers a view of the Civil War through the eyes of a young girl from the South. Whatever one believes about the intent and purpose behind this historical time, Denenberg shows the toll it took on the lives of those who struggled to hold on while the war raged around them show less
Growing up on a Virginia plantation in the mid-1800s, slavery has been part of Emma Simpson's entire life. Now, she and her mother are working tirelessly to keep the place running in the absence of her father, who is somewhere to the south fighting the Yankees.
Emma hears constant reports describing the ignorant Yankees and their disapproval of holding the black people against their will. The slaves she's known on her father's plantation seem happy enough. She watches the women gladly helping her mother in the garden and in the main house. Even the men who work in the fields and drive the wagons appear content, and she knows none of them have been mistreated like some she's heard about.
Sporadic letters from Emma's father promise the South will win the war quickly, but as time passes more of their neighbors and friends are sending men off to fight. When Christmas of 1863 passes without a celebration, Emma realizes hopes of a short war might be wishful thinking. Aunt Caroline, Cousin Rachel, and Baby Elizabeth stay on into the New Year. Their company is welcome, especially when Emma's mother becomes ill.
Emma's diary over the next year describes the rapid and devastating changes as the war drags on. Although their slaves remain loyal, keeping the plantation running becomes more and more difficult, especially as her mother's health deteriorates. Word arrives almost daily of local men and boys losing their lives on show more the battlefield as the Yankees come closer every day.
Emma writes of her mother's death and sickness that threatens neighbors and friends. She describes enemy troops ransacking plantation homes, destroying prized possessions and taking food and livestock with no regard for the remaining women and children. Emma tries to remain hopeful despite the constant worry that her father and the young man she loves might not return alive.
Author Barry Denenberg gives readers a view of the Civil War through the eyes of a young girl from the South. Whatever one believes about the intent and purpose behind this historical time, Denenberg shows the toll it took on the lives of those who struggled to hold on while the war raged around them show less
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
GIRL MARY is the re-imagining of the story of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus. It is told through first the eyes of Pontius Pilate and then those of Mary.
Pontius Pilate is ordered by the Emperor of Rome to be a spy in Judah. He is to find a way for Agustus to become a deity. Pilate is fascinated by the Jewish people. He hears their legends, and when he finds that the tribe that is supposed to have the messiah has been banished by King Herod, he finds them and helps them to come back to Nazarath.
Mary is very spiritual. She sees and talks to God. She is also assertive, which is very unusual for a girl in those days. This is a love story between Mary and Joseph, with a little flirtation between Mary and Pilate.
I liked the characterization of Mary speaking with God. She has a very human-like relationship with him. She bargains with him to get her way, but is respectful of the fact that He is God.
But be warned that this isn't the traditional Mary and Joseph story. It is very different. I liked how the author saw Mary and how he saw Joseph. I also learned a lot about the lives of women during those times. In my head I can realize that it was very hard to be a woman in those days, but how hard I don't think I could ever know unless I lived it. This story focused a lot on the life of Jewish and some on the life of Roman women. It will open your eyes about how wretched their lives were.
The details about ordinary life show more throughout GIRL MARY were extraordinary. I could envision how hard people worked and what they felt. I was truly amazed, and I feel you would be too, if you give this book a try. show less
GIRL MARY is the re-imagining of the story of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus. It is told through first the eyes of Pontius Pilate and then those of Mary.
Pontius Pilate is ordered by the Emperor of Rome to be a spy in Judah. He is to find a way for Agustus to become a deity. Pilate is fascinated by the Jewish people. He hears their legends, and when he finds that the tribe that is supposed to have the messiah has been banished by King Herod, he finds them and helps them to come back to Nazarath.
Mary is very spiritual. She sees and talks to God. She is also assertive, which is very unusual for a girl in those days. This is a love story between Mary and Joseph, with a little flirtation between Mary and Pilate.
I liked the characterization of Mary speaking with God. She has a very human-like relationship with him. She bargains with him to get her way, but is respectful of the fact that He is God.
But be warned that this isn't the traditional Mary and Joseph story. It is very different. I liked how the author saw Mary and how he saw Joseph. I also learned a lot about the lives of women during those times. In my head I can realize that it was very hard to be a woman in those days, but how hard I don't think I could ever know unless I lived it. This story focused a lot on the life of Jewish and some on the life of Roman women. It will open your eyes about how wretched their lives were.
The details about ordinary life show more throughout GIRL MARY were extraordinary. I could envision how hard people worked and what they felt. I was truly amazed, and I feel you would be too, if you give this book a try. show less
Reviewed by Monica Sheffo for TeensReadToo.com
Anna is the young daughter of a British warrior governor just growing into her extraordinary powers when a terrible event changed her life forever. With her father dead and her mother under the control of a nefarious ruler, this would-be peaceful Wiccan transformed into a scorned woman, desperate for revenge.
At her mother's urging, Anna flees to Ireland, where she would take a new name, Morgan le Fay. Extreme misfortune follows her, as she becomes a prisoner of war, sold into slavery to an elderly wise woman. As Morgan learned the craft, she managed to escape slavery for refuge in a Christian colony.
But can Morgan master her powers and finally get her revenge?
Alex Epstein gives readers a whole new perspective on one of medieval history's most infamous women. By exploring Morgan le Fay's mysterious childhood years, readers' previous conceptions will be easily swayed. History buffs and paranormal/fantasy fans alike will all find a hidden treasure in THE CIRCLE CAST.
Anna is the young daughter of a British warrior governor just growing into her extraordinary powers when a terrible event changed her life forever. With her father dead and her mother under the control of a nefarious ruler, this would-be peaceful Wiccan transformed into a scorned woman, desperate for revenge.
At her mother's urging, Anna flees to Ireland, where she would take a new name, Morgan le Fay. Extreme misfortune follows her, as she becomes a prisoner of war, sold into slavery to an elderly wise woman. As Morgan learned the craft, she managed to escape slavery for refuge in a Christian colony.
But can Morgan master her powers and finally get her revenge?
Alex Epstein gives readers a whole new perspective on one of medieval history's most infamous women. By exploring Morgan le Fay's mysterious childhood years, readers' previous conceptions will be easily swayed. History buffs and paranormal/fantasy fans alike will all find a hidden treasure in THE CIRCLE CAST.
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
PRISCILLA THE GREAT is filled with enough action to satisfy even a hard-to-please middle grade reader. It's a Fantastic Four-type adventure but with a middle school twist.
Priscilla isn't particularly popular. She is into video games and comic book heroes. Her best friend, Kyle, offers her some competition, but most of the time he is afraid she'll beat him to a pulp. She beats him in video games and basketball, but amazingly he keeps coming back for more.
When Priscilla begins developing some strange abilities, even her extremely intelligent friend, Tai, can't figure out what is going on. The first unusual characteristic Priscilla seems to be exhibiting is the ability to set things on fire. It is an overheated feeling that accelerates to the point that Priscilla's fingertips become like flame throwers. Next, she notices a dramatic increase in her strength. These powers are accompanied by other strange feelings, and keeping them under control is a challenge.
At the same time Priscilla is struggling to understand the odd changes in her body, her father is being his usual over-protective self - requiring her to check in multiple times a day and not allowing any sort of after school activities or social life. Not having a cell phone is bad enough, but not being allowed to join in on the traditional festivities of middle school life is taking its toll.
Priscilla has taken a sudden interest in one particular boy. She show more would love nothing more than to have a woman-to-woman talk with her mother, but that's impossible. Her mom is always away on business. That woman's job is at the top of her priority list, with her family way down on the bottom. There is just something weird about hardly seeing her mom and having her father eyeing her every move and monitoring her every breath. Imagine living in a house your entire life and never being allowed to set foot in the basement! That's what Priscilla faces, and she vows to finally get to the bottom of all the strangeness.
Author Sybil Nelson keeps readers turning the pages with plenty of fast-paced adventure, including superhuman powers, mysterious corporations, and shady scientific experiments. Her endearing characters will capture readers and have them believing every wild and impossible situation that unfolds. show less
PRISCILLA THE GREAT is filled with enough action to satisfy even a hard-to-please middle grade reader. It's a Fantastic Four-type adventure but with a middle school twist.
Priscilla isn't particularly popular. She is into video games and comic book heroes. Her best friend, Kyle, offers her some competition, but most of the time he is afraid she'll beat him to a pulp. She beats him in video games and basketball, but amazingly he keeps coming back for more.
When Priscilla begins developing some strange abilities, even her extremely intelligent friend, Tai, can't figure out what is going on. The first unusual characteristic Priscilla seems to be exhibiting is the ability to set things on fire. It is an overheated feeling that accelerates to the point that Priscilla's fingertips become like flame throwers. Next, she notices a dramatic increase in her strength. These powers are accompanied by other strange feelings, and keeping them under control is a challenge.
At the same time Priscilla is struggling to understand the odd changes in her body, her father is being his usual over-protective self - requiring her to check in multiple times a day and not allowing any sort of after school activities or social life. Not having a cell phone is bad enough, but not being allowed to join in on the traditional festivities of middle school life is taking its toll.
Priscilla has taken a sudden interest in one particular boy. She show more would love nothing more than to have a woman-to-woman talk with her mother, but that's impossible. Her mom is always away on business. That woman's job is at the top of her priority list, with her family way down on the bottom. There is just something weird about hardly seeing her mom and having her father eyeing her every move and monitoring her every breath. Imagine living in a house your entire life and never being allowed to set foot in the basement! That's what Priscilla faces, and she vows to finally get to the bottom of all the strangeness.
Author Sybil Nelson keeps readers turning the pages with plenty of fast-paced adventure, including superhuman powers, mysterious corporations, and shady scientific experiments. Her endearing characters will capture readers and have them believing every wild and impossible situation that unfolds. show less
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Jane goes to a party on the Jersey Shore expecting to have fun with her friends and a romantic night with her boyfriend. Instead, she is run down by a car and left for dead - tangled in a rosebush on the side of the road.
Waking up in the hospital, Jane realizes she has no memory of what happened at the party, and that she is also paralyzed. With snatches of memory coming back at random moments and accounts from her friends, Jane attempts to piece together what really happened that night and who wants her dead - because the killer isn't finished with her.
Jane receives mysterious gifts and phone calls from the person responsible for her accident. The problem is, no one believes she is in danger. They blame the paranoia on all the drugs she is taking for the pain. Will she be able to figure out who is after her before it is too late?
Michele Jaffe has crafted a great mystery. She is able to make the reader continually change their minds about what happened by presenting us with several feasible suspects. So, you might ask why I didn't give it 5 stars. Honestly, I didn't find the final culprit to be believable. Other suspects had better reasons for wanting Jane out of the way than the actual person who harmed her. Also, I liked Jane, but she was too easily swayed by boys. Every time she met a new one she seemed to like him immediately. But, even with these two things, the book was great. I totally couldn't put it down.
Jane goes to a party on the Jersey Shore expecting to have fun with her friends and a romantic night with her boyfriend. Instead, she is run down by a car and left for dead - tangled in a rosebush on the side of the road.
Waking up in the hospital, Jane realizes she has no memory of what happened at the party, and that she is also paralyzed. With snatches of memory coming back at random moments and accounts from her friends, Jane attempts to piece together what really happened that night and who wants her dead - because the killer isn't finished with her.
Jane receives mysterious gifts and phone calls from the person responsible for her accident. The problem is, no one believes she is in danger. They blame the paranoia on all the drugs she is taking for the pain. Will she be able to figure out who is after her before it is too late?
Michele Jaffe has crafted a great mystery. She is able to make the reader continually change their minds about what happened by presenting us with several feasible suspects. So, you might ask why I didn't give it 5 stars. Honestly, I didn't find the final culprit to be believable. Other suspects had better reasons for wanting Jane out of the way than the actual person who harmed her. Also, I liked Jane, but she was too easily swayed by boys. Every time she met a new one she seemed to like him immediately. But, even with these two things, the book was great. I totally couldn't put it down.
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
In light of the truth behind their family history, twins Sunny and Rayne are whisked away from the fae side of the family. They're relocated to the Swiss Alps to a vampire training facility, Riverdale Academy.
Rayne, believing she's the only vampire slayer, receives a rude awakening. She has a run-in with the Alpha slayers - the school's slayers. They're hoping to become recruited into Night School. Rayne has a particularly hard time fitting in, as she's both a vampire and a slayer. Without the synthetic blood, she grows weaker and weaker.
Sunny goes from crying her eyes out because she can't communicate with her soul mate, Magnus, to behaving erratically. Rayne knows that something's going on with her twin. She's determined to save Sunny from becoming a fairy princess instead of the regular life that she longs to live.
Rayne narrates NIGHT SCHOOL, the 5th book in the BLOOD COVEN VAMPIRE series, complete with snarky dialogue, pop culture references, romance, sisterly drama and protection, action, danger, and tons of fun.
In light of the truth behind their family history, twins Sunny and Rayne are whisked away from the fae side of the family. They're relocated to the Swiss Alps to a vampire training facility, Riverdale Academy.
Rayne, believing she's the only vampire slayer, receives a rude awakening. She has a run-in with the Alpha slayers - the school's slayers. They're hoping to become recruited into Night School. Rayne has a particularly hard time fitting in, as she's both a vampire and a slayer. Without the synthetic blood, she grows weaker and weaker.
Sunny goes from crying her eyes out because she can't communicate with her soul mate, Magnus, to behaving erratically. Rayne knows that something's going on with her twin. She's determined to save Sunny from becoming a fairy princess instead of the regular life that she longs to live.
Rayne narrates NIGHT SCHOOL, the 5th book in the BLOOD COVEN VAMPIRE series, complete with snarky dialogue, pop culture references, romance, sisterly drama and protection, action, danger, and tons of fun.
Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com
Eddie Reeves is devastated when her photographer father commits suicide. She is consumed by the question of "why?" He left a note, but there were no answers. She meets Culler Evans, her father's one and only student, and he is consumed by the same questions she is.
Culler is mysterious, and seems to know more about her father than she does. Culler shows Eddie his discovery, at the place where her father committed suicide, and from there, they go on a search to find answers.
FALL FOR ANYTHING actually had a pretty slow start, unlike Summers' other novels. I was a little disappointed, because it wasn't like her other ones. It was still good, though. I felt a genuine concern for Eddie's character, because of her hurt and depression from her father's suicide. I was worried about her, and I don't often feel that kind of connection with characters.
Overall, this was a fairly good story, with a huge twist at the end which I definitely didn't see coming. If you enjoyed Ms. Summers' other novels, check this one out, too!
Eddie Reeves is devastated when her photographer father commits suicide. She is consumed by the question of "why?" He left a note, but there were no answers. She meets Culler Evans, her father's one and only student, and he is consumed by the same questions she is.
Culler is mysterious, and seems to know more about her father than she does. Culler shows Eddie his discovery, at the place where her father committed suicide, and from there, they go on a search to find answers.
FALL FOR ANYTHING actually had a pretty slow start, unlike Summers' other novels. I was a little disappointed, because it wasn't like her other ones. It was still good, though. I felt a genuine concern for Eddie's character, because of her hurt and depression from her father's suicide. I was worried about her, and I don't often feel that kind of connection with characters.
Overall, this was a fairly good story, with a huge twist at the end which I definitely didn't see coming. If you enjoyed Ms. Summers' other novels, check this one out, too!
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Neva lives with her mother and father under the Protectosphere - an electronically-charged dome that covers and protects the population. The Homeland tells the people that there is nothing beyond the Protectosphere except an unlivable wasteland.
Young people are encouraged to get married and have children in order to increase the dwindling population. Neva and her friends don't like being forced and manipulated to have children, and make a pact among themselves to abstain from sex.
Neva keeps track of people who have disappeared over the years. At the top of the list is her Grandmother. She doesn't believe what the government told her family about her Grandmother dying, and always holds on to the hope that she'll see her again someday.
When Neva and her friends can't stand by and watch what's going on anymore, they attempt to start an underground rebellion. They knew it would be dangerous, but they never realized just how much the government was keeping secret. Neva and her friends might be the next ones to go missing if they don't stay one step ahead of the Homeland.
DARK PARTIES is an interesting dystopian novel. It includes friendship, survival, betrayal, and suspense. The story will definitely keep you turning pages until you get to the exciting conclusion.
Neva lives with her mother and father under the Protectosphere - an electronically-charged dome that covers and protects the population. The Homeland tells the people that there is nothing beyond the Protectosphere except an unlivable wasteland.
Young people are encouraged to get married and have children in order to increase the dwindling population. Neva and her friends don't like being forced and manipulated to have children, and make a pact among themselves to abstain from sex.
Neva keeps track of people who have disappeared over the years. At the top of the list is her Grandmother. She doesn't believe what the government told her family about her Grandmother dying, and always holds on to the hope that she'll see her again someday.
When Neva and her friends can't stand by and watch what's going on anymore, they attempt to start an underground rebellion. They knew it would be dangerous, but they never realized just how much the government was keeping secret. Neva and her friends might be the next ones to go missing if they don't stay one step ahead of the Homeland.
DARK PARTIES is an interesting dystopian novel. It includes friendship, survival, betrayal, and suspense. The story will definitely keep you turning pages until you get to the exciting conclusion.
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
About three years ago, Mia and Adam went their separate ways - Mia off to Julliard and Adam off to live the life of a rock star.
Adam is about to start a European tour with Shooting Star. Since heading off on his own, he has attempted to push aside the emotions he still feels for Mia. Doing so has created a whole new set of problems. Adam is becoming cut off from his fellow band members, and the resulting pressure is becoming more than he can take. His days are filled with annoying interviews, meetings, and rehearsals that he only manages to get through with the help of prescription drugs and cigarettes. His equally famous girlfriend constantly berates him about living with a ghost from his past.
In New York City for a brief interview before leaving for the tour, Adam has an angry outburst due to questions from a nosy interviewer. Knowing he won't be popular, he takes off, avoiding his flight and, hopefully, the anger of his manager. His thoughts are filled with Mia, and when he stumbles across her name on the marquee for a Youth Concert series, he asks if any tickets remain. Fate intervenes and he finds himself sitting in the concert hall watching her perform.
After the concert he plans to slink back to his hotel and attempt to make up for his earlier bad behavior by contacting his manager. But on his way out of the concert hall, Adam is approached by an usher, asking him to follow him to Mia's dressing show more room.
What follows is a twenty-four-hour period of emotional ups and downs as both Adam and Mia confront the demons surrounding their complicated relationship. Adam relives the terrible months of watching Mia struggle to recover from the accident that killed her parents and her little brother. He knows he is the reason why Mia left. He had prayed for her recovery and promised he would let her go if that was what she wanted. For three lonely years, he has lived with the fact that that must have been her desire.
Can Adam and Mia forgive each other and themselves before each must leave to fulfill separate responsibilities on opposite sides of the world?
Author Gayle Forman takes readers back into the lives of Mia and Adam in her sequel to IF I STAY. With the focus more on Adam and his heartbreak both during and after Mia's family tragedy, Forman broadens the heartbreaking story in an emotional yet realistic direction. She explores the impact of death and separation as two people strive to overcome pain and connect with futures that satisfy them both. show less
About three years ago, Mia and Adam went their separate ways - Mia off to Julliard and Adam off to live the life of a rock star.
Adam is about to start a European tour with Shooting Star. Since heading off on his own, he has attempted to push aside the emotions he still feels for Mia. Doing so has created a whole new set of problems. Adam is becoming cut off from his fellow band members, and the resulting pressure is becoming more than he can take. His days are filled with annoying interviews, meetings, and rehearsals that he only manages to get through with the help of prescription drugs and cigarettes. His equally famous girlfriend constantly berates him about living with a ghost from his past.
In New York City for a brief interview before leaving for the tour, Adam has an angry outburst due to questions from a nosy interviewer. Knowing he won't be popular, he takes off, avoiding his flight and, hopefully, the anger of his manager. His thoughts are filled with Mia, and when he stumbles across her name on the marquee for a Youth Concert series, he asks if any tickets remain. Fate intervenes and he finds himself sitting in the concert hall watching her perform.
After the concert he plans to slink back to his hotel and attempt to make up for his earlier bad behavior by contacting his manager. But on his way out of the concert hall, Adam is approached by an usher, asking him to follow him to Mia's dressing show more room.
What follows is a twenty-four-hour period of emotional ups and downs as both Adam and Mia confront the demons surrounding their complicated relationship. Adam relives the terrible months of watching Mia struggle to recover from the accident that killed her parents and her little brother. He knows he is the reason why Mia left. He had prayed for her recovery and promised he would let her go if that was what she wanted. For three lonely years, he has lived with the fact that that must have been her desire.
Can Adam and Mia forgive each other and themselves before each must leave to fulfill separate responsibilities on opposite sides of the world?
Author Gayle Forman takes readers back into the lives of Mia and Adam in her sequel to IF I STAY. With the focus more on Adam and his heartbreak both during and after Mia's family tragedy, Forman broadens the heartbreaking story in an emotional yet realistic direction. She explores the impact of death and separation as two people strive to overcome pain and connect with futures that satisfy them both. show less
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
At last, we are treated to Ash’s story. Ash has been kicked out of the winter court, and he is also unable to be by Meghan’s side. Meghan Chase is now the Queen of the Iron Fey, and like all other Fey, Ash cannot exist around iron. So, Ash makes a vow to Meghan and himself - he will find a way back to her if it’s the last thing he does. After all, he has vowed to be her knight.
This is a novel of constant action. There is almost never a moment where the reader can just sit back and go “whew." In THE IRON KNIGHT, Ash, with no doing of his own, assembles a band of the most unlikely companions. His bitter enemy, Puck, won’t leave his side, no matter how fiercely Ash taunts him. The fickle cait sith, Grimalkin, ever complaining, joins in on the quest. Ash’s mother sends surprise help, and a girl, long thought dead, assists as well.
Ash realizes that the only way he can survive in the iron realm is to be mortal. With this group in tow, Ash seeks a rumored place where he will face perilous trials in an attempt to become mortal. He must give up everything he knows in order to honor his vow to Meghan.
The trials that Ash faces are far too interesting to give away in a review. The tests he face make him seriously ponder his decision and decide once and for all whether being Fey or being with Meghan is more important.
I’ve always been a fan of Ash, so I was extremely excited to see a novel devoted entirely to him. Of course, the show more bickering with Puck is here in full force, but there is much more to Ash than the cold, brooding nature that has been seen in the rest of the series. Ash is a strong, noble Fey bound and determined to keep a promise he made. I devoured the novel while at the beach and hope that this isn’t the last of THE IRON FEY series. After all, there’s still Puck to discover! show less
At last, we are treated to Ash’s story. Ash has been kicked out of the winter court, and he is also unable to be by Meghan’s side. Meghan Chase is now the Queen of the Iron Fey, and like all other Fey, Ash cannot exist around iron. So, Ash makes a vow to Meghan and himself - he will find a way back to her if it’s the last thing he does. After all, he has vowed to be her knight.
This is a novel of constant action. There is almost never a moment where the reader can just sit back and go “whew." In THE IRON KNIGHT, Ash, with no doing of his own, assembles a band of the most unlikely companions. His bitter enemy, Puck, won’t leave his side, no matter how fiercely Ash taunts him. The fickle cait sith, Grimalkin, ever complaining, joins in on the quest. Ash’s mother sends surprise help, and a girl, long thought dead, assists as well.
Ash realizes that the only way he can survive in the iron realm is to be mortal. With this group in tow, Ash seeks a rumored place where he will face perilous trials in an attempt to become mortal. He must give up everything he knows in order to honor his vow to Meghan.
The trials that Ash faces are far too interesting to give away in a review. The tests he face make him seriously ponder his decision and decide once and for all whether being Fey or being with Meghan is more important.
I’ve always been a fan of Ash, so I was extremely excited to see a novel devoted entirely to him. Of course, the show more bickering with Puck is here in full force, but there is much more to Ash than the cold, brooding nature that has been seen in the rest of the series. Ash is a strong, noble Fey bound and determined to keep a promise he made. I devoured the novel while at the beach and hope that this isn’t the last of THE IRON FEY series. After all, there’s still Puck to discover! show less
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Picture a world where a virus has rendered everyone over the age of 18 infertile. What are married couples supposed to do if they want children? That's right! Hire a surrogate.
In this world there are Professional Surrogates who enter into strict contracts with couples to provide them a baby. These surrogates are required to Bump in order to get pregnant - it's strictly business. The boy and girl will probably be total strangers and most likely never see each other again after the pregnancy test shows a positive result. These surrogates are chosen strictly for their genetic and physical traits.
Some girls are Amateur Surrogates - not quite good enough to make it Pro. They Bump with anyone they want and then hope to find a couple willing to purchase the offspring.
Melody and Harmony are identical twins who were separated at birth. At 16, they were able to look into their birth records and found each other.
Melody, a Pro Surrogate, was less than thrilled to find there was someone in the world exactly like her. It hurts her chances in business. Now, she can't be promoted by her agent as unique.
Harmony couldn't be happier to have found Melody. As someone who is neither Amateur nor Pro, she looks forward to preaching to Melody about God and hopefully prevent her from living a life of a sinning surrogate.
Megan McCafferty does an excellent job building this futuristic dystopian world. The word play alone is enjoyable. The media show more bombards these young tweens and teens with advertisements, clothing, and music encouraging drug use in order to help them relax. Condoms have been outlawed, and the term "baby" is considered a nasty word because it encourages affection for the Bump.
Harmony and Melody's lives are turned upside-down after a case of mistaken identity leads them both down paths they never imagined.
When you get to the last page of BUMPED, you'll definitely ask yourself, "How long do I have to wait for the sequel?" show less
Picture a world where a virus has rendered everyone over the age of 18 infertile. What are married couples supposed to do if they want children? That's right! Hire a surrogate.
In this world there are Professional Surrogates who enter into strict contracts with couples to provide them a baby. These surrogates are required to Bump in order to get pregnant - it's strictly business. The boy and girl will probably be total strangers and most likely never see each other again after the pregnancy test shows a positive result. These surrogates are chosen strictly for their genetic and physical traits.
Some girls are Amateur Surrogates - not quite good enough to make it Pro. They Bump with anyone they want and then hope to find a couple willing to purchase the offspring.
Melody and Harmony are identical twins who were separated at birth. At 16, they were able to look into their birth records and found each other.
Melody, a Pro Surrogate, was less than thrilled to find there was someone in the world exactly like her. It hurts her chances in business. Now, she can't be promoted by her agent as unique.
Harmony couldn't be happier to have found Melody. As someone who is neither Amateur nor Pro, she looks forward to preaching to Melody about God and hopefully prevent her from living a life of a sinning surrogate.
Megan McCafferty does an excellent job building this futuristic dystopian world. The word play alone is enjoyable. The media show more bombards these young tweens and teens with advertisements, clothing, and music encouraging drug use in order to help them relax. Condoms have been outlawed, and the term "baby" is considered a nasty word because it encourages affection for the Bump.
Harmony and Melody's lives are turned upside-down after a case of mistaken identity leads them both down paths they never imagined.
When you get to the last page of BUMPED, you'll definitely ask yourself, "How long do I have to wait for the sequel?" show less
Reviewed by Lauren Ashley for TeensReadToo.com
While it's not certain if Garret is gay or straight - or even bi - Kyle is out and pretty much proud of who he is. He's never dated anyone, but had some experience with guys, and his best friend happens to be gay, as well. Kyle is pretty amusing, as he's a huge exaggerator and yet he finds himself starting to become more and more interested in Garret, who swears that he's a vampire. Well, one of their fellow classmates seems to believe it, and he'll do just about anything he can to rid their school of evil...even if that means ridding them of Garret altogether.
As for Judy, whenever she finds she likes a guy, she starts to become "interested" in whatever they like - and her recent conquest is all about the Bible. But when Judy realizes that Kyle is starting to like Garret, she can't let her brother win, can she?
GEMINI BITES is told in alternating chapters, first Judy, then Kyle, and so on. I seemed to enjoy Kyle's storyline a little more, but then again, I did first pick up this book for the LGBT content and that would be Kyle. He's also a funny character and you really do start to care for him and the way he's treated by Judy. This is especially poignant since the twins come from a big family and it's hard to find time with their parents.
Judy is a good character too, though. She really goes through her own progressions and you'll find yourself shaking your head, yet letting laughter slip out, at some of her more mean show more statements.
In all, both teens are well-rounded and I felt like you got to see a big picture of who they were and what they were interested in. Kyle wasn't just the horny teen guy obsessing over boys, and Judy wasn't just a mean "actress" trying to get a boyfriend. You even see an interesting side of her, good and bad, when it comes to her best friend, Sasha. This girl was an amusing character, but you do feel for her, too. And it reminded me a lot of Brittany on Glee. She's a bit ditsy and clueless and yet can see things that other people overlook sometimes. You just have to love her!
As for their family, they were a lot of fun. The three younger siblings were a bit hard to keep straight sometimes, but the eldest, Tommy and Dexter, seemed to be their own people in the little time they had to "shine." Their parents were also very sweet and you could tell they cared and wanted to be there for their kids as much as they could- even though it's hard with a house full of them.
I'm really thankful I was given the chance to read GEMINI BITES. I would definitely recommend it! show less
While it's not certain if Garret is gay or straight - or even bi - Kyle is out and pretty much proud of who he is. He's never dated anyone, but had some experience with guys, and his best friend happens to be gay, as well. Kyle is pretty amusing, as he's a huge exaggerator and yet he finds himself starting to become more and more interested in Garret, who swears that he's a vampire. Well, one of their fellow classmates seems to believe it, and he'll do just about anything he can to rid their school of evil...even if that means ridding them of Garret altogether.
As for Judy, whenever she finds she likes a guy, she starts to become "interested" in whatever they like - and her recent conquest is all about the Bible. But when Judy realizes that Kyle is starting to like Garret, she can't let her brother win, can she?
GEMINI BITES is told in alternating chapters, first Judy, then Kyle, and so on. I seemed to enjoy Kyle's storyline a little more, but then again, I did first pick up this book for the LGBT content and that would be Kyle. He's also a funny character and you really do start to care for him and the way he's treated by Judy. This is especially poignant since the twins come from a big family and it's hard to find time with their parents.
Judy is a good character too, though. She really goes through her own progressions and you'll find yourself shaking your head, yet letting laughter slip out, at some of her more mean show more statements.
In all, both teens are well-rounded and I felt like you got to see a big picture of who they were and what they were interested in. Kyle wasn't just the horny teen guy obsessing over boys, and Judy wasn't just a mean "actress" trying to get a boyfriend. You even see an interesting side of her, good and bad, when it comes to her best friend, Sasha. This girl was an amusing character, but you do feel for her, too. And it reminded me a lot of Brittany on Glee. She's a bit ditsy and clueless and yet can see things that other people overlook sometimes. You just have to love her!
As for their family, they were a lot of fun. The three younger siblings were a bit hard to keep straight sometimes, but the eldest, Tommy and Dexter, seemed to be their own people in the little time they had to "shine." Their parents were also very sweet and you could tell they cared and wanted to be there for their kids as much as they could- even though it's hard with a house full of them.
I'm really thankful I was given the chance to read GEMINI BITES. I would definitely recommend it! show less
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
NOTE: You need to read the first two books in this series, SHIVER and LINGER, before you read FOREVER, in order to understand the story.
The tables have turned. Now, Sam is the one waiting. Even though waiting for Grace to return to human form is torture, it is nothing compared to the agony he feels when he thinks about the danger she is in while running loose in the woods. Mr. Culpeper has wanted the wolves in Mercy Falls dead ever since his son was killed by them. After a girl is found torn apart in the woods, Culpeper has just the ammunition he needs to get his wish.
While Grace is Sam's priority, he also has the added responsibility of saving Beck and all of the other wolves. Sam and Grace attempt to come up with a plan, while Cole St. Clair, ex-lead singer of NARKOTIKA and newest pack member, takes dangerous measures to find a cure for the disease infecting his pseudo-family. With the help of Isabel Culpeper and a very unlikely ally, the wolves finally have some hope.
FOREVER has it all - heartwarming romance, angry teen rebellion, and dry, witty humor. It made me laugh, cry, and stress in all the right amounts. FOREVER is the final book in the WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS trilogy. It provides the reader a satisfying ending, while still leaving enough room for us to wonder about the future of the pack.
Maggie Stiefvater has given readers a wonderful story in this trilogy. If you haven't read them yet, run, run, run to the store show more and get them today. show less
NOTE: You need to read the first two books in this series, SHIVER and LINGER, before you read FOREVER, in order to understand the story.
The tables have turned. Now, Sam is the one waiting. Even though waiting for Grace to return to human form is torture, it is nothing compared to the agony he feels when he thinks about the danger she is in while running loose in the woods. Mr. Culpeper has wanted the wolves in Mercy Falls dead ever since his son was killed by them. After a girl is found torn apart in the woods, Culpeper has just the ammunition he needs to get his wish.
While Grace is Sam's priority, he also has the added responsibility of saving Beck and all of the other wolves. Sam and Grace attempt to come up with a plan, while Cole St. Clair, ex-lead singer of NARKOTIKA and newest pack member, takes dangerous measures to find a cure for the disease infecting his pseudo-family. With the help of Isabel Culpeper and a very unlikely ally, the wolves finally have some hope.
FOREVER has it all - heartwarming romance, angry teen rebellion, and dry, witty humor. It made me laugh, cry, and stress in all the right amounts. FOREVER is the final book in the WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS trilogy. It provides the reader a satisfying ending, while still leaving enough room for us to wonder about the future of the pack.
Maggie Stiefvater has given readers a wonderful story in this trilogy. If you haven't read them yet, run, run, run to the store show more and get them today. show less
Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com
The small town of Cryer's Cross, Montana, has had a rough year. A sophomore girl from the lone school has disappeared, and no one knows what happened. And then, another student goes missing.
Kendall loves her home; however, she can't help but want more. The second person to disappear is her best friend and boyfriend, Nico. Kendall is desperate to find out what happened. She notices new graffiti on the desk that Nico sat in at school, and where the sophomore girl sat, as well. Determined to find her boyfriend, she comes across a history that is disturbing.
Kendall must put all of the pieces together to solve the mystery.
CRYER'S CROSS started off pretty slow, with not much happening. It actually slowed me down on the reading for quite a while. But once the middle of the story hit, things really started picking up speed, and there was just this intense storyline coming out. It was fantastic. I couldn't put the book down - I had to know what was going to happen. I didn't expect the twist that showed up, so I was very surprised. It was a pretty great story, and I loved the ending. I definitely think others will enjoy this.
The small town of Cryer's Cross, Montana, has had a rough year. A sophomore girl from the lone school has disappeared, and no one knows what happened. And then, another student goes missing.
Kendall loves her home; however, she can't help but want more. The second person to disappear is her best friend and boyfriend, Nico. Kendall is desperate to find out what happened. She notices new graffiti on the desk that Nico sat in at school, and where the sophomore girl sat, as well. Determined to find her boyfriend, she comes across a history that is disturbing.
Kendall must put all of the pieces together to solve the mystery.
CRYER'S CROSS started off pretty slow, with not much happening. It actually slowed me down on the reading for quite a while. But once the middle of the story hit, things really started picking up speed, and there was just this intense storyline coming out. It was fantastic. I couldn't put the book down - I had to know what was going to happen. I didn't expect the twist that showed up, so I was very surprised. It was a pretty great story, and I loved the ending. I definitely think others will enjoy this.
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Adonis is a popular football player with an attractive girlfriend. That's what he considers normal - until he meets Alan. Alan is the new kid, and it is obvious from the start that he is different.
It turns out that Alan is popular with the girls but in a different way. He has a keen interest in fashion and all things feminine. When Adonis's sister and all of her friends create an official high school Fashion Club, Alan becomes a loyal member. The girls accept him with open arms, and with their encouragement, Alan feels comfortable enough to reveal his true self.
Alan has been the victim of taunts and teasing since the day he arrived, but the harassment escalates when he shows up one morning wearing bright, red lipstick. Adonis is shocked and confused that Alan would be so bold. He observes from a distance as his fellow football players make life miserable for Alan. Life becomes a delicate balancing act for Adonis as he tries to let his guy friends think he despises Alan as much as they do, while at the same time attempting to please his girlfriend and his sister, who are staunch defenders of Alan's right to display his transgender lifestyle.
The day Alan appears at school wearing a dress, the administration makes contact with his father. Finding no support at home, Alan moves out and the girls step up to offer him a place to stay along with their continued support. Although Adonis tries to remain on neutral show more ground about the whole situation, he finds his feelings changing. When he learns about a plan to humiliate Alan, Adonis fears he will need to take a stand on one side or the other.
Paul Volponi's novels are always a success with my students, and CROSSING LINES is sure to be popular, too. Bullying, especially when it involves gay and transgender topics, is an increasing problem with teens today. CROSSING LINES will help those struggling with their own sexual identity and how it frequently changes relationships. The story will also help teens struggling with how to interact with fellow students whose lifestyles differ from their own. I'm very excited to have this one in my classroom collection. show less
Adonis is a popular football player with an attractive girlfriend. That's what he considers normal - until he meets Alan. Alan is the new kid, and it is obvious from the start that he is different.
It turns out that Alan is popular with the girls but in a different way. He has a keen interest in fashion and all things feminine. When Adonis's sister and all of her friends create an official high school Fashion Club, Alan becomes a loyal member. The girls accept him with open arms, and with their encouragement, Alan feels comfortable enough to reveal his true self.
Alan has been the victim of taunts and teasing since the day he arrived, but the harassment escalates when he shows up one morning wearing bright, red lipstick. Adonis is shocked and confused that Alan would be so bold. He observes from a distance as his fellow football players make life miserable for Alan. Life becomes a delicate balancing act for Adonis as he tries to let his guy friends think he despises Alan as much as they do, while at the same time attempting to please his girlfriend and his sister, who are staunch defenders of Alan's right to display his transgender lifestyle.
The day Alan appears at school wearing a dress, the administration makes contact with his father. Finding no support at home, Alan moves out and the girls step up to offer him a place to stay along with their continued support. Although Adonis tries to remain on neutral show more ground about the whole situation, he finds his feelings changing. When he learns about a plan to humiliate Alan, Adonis fears he will need to take a stand on one side or the other.
Paul Volponi's novels are always a success with my students, and CROSSING LINES is sure to be popular, too. Bullying, especially when it involves gay and transgender topics, is an increasing problem with teens today. CROSSING LINES will help those struggling with their own sexual identity and how it frequently changes relationships. The story will also help teens struggling with how to interact with fellow students whose lifestyles differ from their own. I'm very excited to have this one in my classroom collection. show less
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Eating for comfort is just the tip of the iceberg for this group of obese teens. They've each qualified for a weight loss trial surgery - the Land-Band procedure is currently available only for adults. With this trial, the teens are required to keep a journal, write down a truthful account of their food intake, and attend weekly group therapy sessions, as the surgery is only a tool and not a solution.
Told in alternative perspectives, Marcie, East, and Bobby share their ups and downs in the aftermath of the surgery. The group comes together to form Teenage Waistland, a support group. They share more than just their favorite foods. Friendships are made and broken. Romantic relationships begin. Family drama ensues. Secrets are revealed.
While dealing with a serious matter, including different points of view makes this book enjoyable to read. The teens' lives deal with significant issues which all changed their eating habits. They dig down to the deeper roots of their issues and, in some cases, begin the healing process.
TEENAGE WAISTLAND is a satisfying, emotional read that will linger with you after the last page has turned.
Eating for comfort is just the tip of the iceberg for this group of obese teens. They've each qualified for a weight loss trial surgery - the Land-Band procedure is currently available only for adults. With this trial, the teens are required to keep a journal, write down a truthful account of their food intake, and attend weekly group therapy sessions, as the surgery is only a tool and not a solution.
Told in alternative perspectives, Marcie, East, and Bobby share their ups and downs in the aftermath of the surgery. The group comes together to form Teenage Waistland, a support group. They share more than just their favorite foods. Friendships are made and broken. Romantic relationships begin. Family drama ensues. Secrets are revealed.
While dealing with a serious matter, including different points of view makes this book enjoyable to read. The teens' lives deal with significant issues which all changed their eating habits. They dig down to the deeper roots of their issues and, in some cases, begin the healing process.
TEENAGE WAISTLAND is a satisfying, emotional read that will linger with you after the last page has turned.
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Alex feels lost. She has ever since her mother drove off, leaving the family behind, and dying in a terrible car accident on her way to Colorado. Alex has always wondered what Colorado meant to her mother. Why was going there more important than her family? In order to help her get over losing her mom, her two best friends, Bethany and Zack, start making plans to take a road trip to Colorado after high school graduation.
During Senior year, a new boy moves to town and catches Alex's eye. Cole is attentive, athletic, and attractive. Soon, Cole begins to monopolize all of Alex's time. He shows signs of jealousy about her relationship with Zack, shows up where she works and hangs out until she gets off, and starts having violent mood swings.
Alex finds herself in a difficult position. She knows Cole's behavior is wrong and she shouldn't put up with it, but at the same time, she doesn't want to be the "girl who is being abused." She's the poster child for domestic abuse.
Will Alex find the strength to make the right decision? Will she be able to salvage her relationships with Bethany and Zack? Will she ever find out why her mother needed to get to Colorado so badly?
BITTER END is a wonderfully-crafted story. The friendship between Bethany, Zack, and Alex is great and made me want to have friends just like them. Jennifer Brown did a lot of research in the area of domestic violence and it really shows. Everything rings true in this novel.
Alex feels lost. She has ever since her mother drove off, leaving the family behind, and dying in a terrible car accident on her way to Colorado. Alex has always wondered what Colorado meant to her mother. Why was going there more important than her family? In order to help her get over losing her mom, her two best friends, Bethany and Zack, start making plans to take a road trip to Colorado after high school graduation.
During Senior year, a new boy moves to town and catches Alex's eye. Cole is attentive, athletic, and attractive. Soon, Cole begins to monopolize all of Alex's time. He shows signs of jealousy about her relationship with Zack, shows up where she works and hangs out until she gets off, and starts having violent mood swings.
Alex finds herself in a difficult position. She knows Cole's behavior is wrong and she shouldn't put up with it, but at the same time, she doesn't want to be the "girl who is being abused." She's the poster child for domestic abuse.
Will Alex find the strength to make the right decision? Will she be able to salvage her relationships with Bethany and Zack? Will she ever find out why her mother needed to get to Colorado so badly?
BITTER END is a wonderfully-crafted story. The friendship between Bethany, Zack, and Alex is great and made me want to have friends just like them. Jennifer Brown did a lot of research in the area of domestic violence and it really shows. Everything rings true in this novel.
Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com
Nalia is living the life of a princess, heir to the throne of Thorvaldor. Just after she turns sixteen, though, everything changes.
She learns that she is not Nalia. Her name is Sinda, and she was a stand-in for the real princess. A prophecy stated that the princess was in danger, and therefore was sent away, a false princess to reside in her place.
Sinda must now leave behind the only home she has ever known. She is sent to live with her only relative, a cranky aunt, in a small village. Soon, she notices changes in herself - she has magic. Magic that needs to be controlled, for it has been pushed down deeply inside of her.
She returns to her home city of Vivaskari and becomes a wizard's scribe. Her employer also becomes her tutor. And upon her return, she uncovers a secret that could change Thorvaldor forever.
THE FALSE PRINCESS was directed more towards the younger crowd, I think. It reminded me a lot of stories written by Shannon Hale, and the storyline had a great plot. It kept me wanting to read more. There were so many twists and turns, as well. I definitely would suggest this both to fans of Shannon Hale and just novels on princesses in general!
Nalia is living the life of a princess, heir to the throne of Thorvaldor. Just after she turns sixteen, though, everything changes.
She learns that she is not Nalia. Her name is Sinda, and she was a stand-in for the real princess. A prophecy stated that the princess was in danger, and therefore was sent away, a false princess to reside in her place.
Sinda must now leave behind the only home she has ever known. She is sent to live with her only relative, a cranky aunt, in a small village. Soon, she notices changes in herself - she has magic. Magic that needs to be controlled, for it has been pushed down deeply inside of her.
She returns to her home city of Vivaskari and becomes a wizard's scribe. Her employer also becomes her tutor. And upon her return, she uncovers a secret that could change Thorvaldor forever.
THE FALSE PRINCESS was directed more towards the younger crowd, I think. It reminded me a lot of stories written by Shannon Hale, and the storyline had a great plot. It kept me wanting to read more. There were so many twists and turns, as well. I definitely would suggest this both to fans of Shannon Hale and just novels on princesses in general!
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
With ENTICE we come to the third novel in Carrie Jones' NEED series. Zara is determined to find her boyfriend, Nick. In CAPTIVATE, Nick was taken away by a warrior to Valhalla. With the help of Astley and her friends, Zara begins her quest to find a way to Valhalla.
Zara is really stuck between two decisions. She finds herself drawn to Astley throughout ENTICE, but yet she is single-mindedly determined to bring Nick back. Zara is unsure how Nick will react when she gets him back, because since his "death," she has been Pixie kissed and been turned into not just a Pixie, but Astley's Pixie queen. It doesn't get more complicated than that.
Though Zara wants to solely focus on finding the path to Valhalla, Bedford is besieged by evil Pixies and Zara and her friends must defeat them to protect the town. It's all so complicated for a high school girl who just wants to be normal again after her step-father's death.
There were some plot twists in ENTICE that I totally didn't anticipate. I won't give anything away, but her father makes an unexpected appearance and there's an interesting character named BiForst. The story moves quickly and will satisfy fans of the series.
ENTICE reminded me a bit of P.C & Kristin Cast's BURNED. The story mostly revolves around Zara's journey. There are background stories going on, but overall, the content is the quest. I thought this was to be a trilogy, but after checking out the author's website I found that show more the 4th book in the series is due out in 2012. So I for one will be eagerly waiting for more of Zara's (and Nick's and Astley's) story! show less
With ENTICE we come to the third novel in Carrie Jones' NEED series. Zara is determined to find her boyfriend, Nick. In CAPTIVATE, Nick was taken away by a warrior to Valhalla. With the help of Astley and her friends, Zara begins her quest to find a way to Valhalla.
Zara is really stuck between two decisions. She finds herself drawn to Astley throughout ENTICE, but yet she is single-mindedly determined to bring Nick back. Zara is unsure how Nick will react when she gets him back, because since his "death," she has been Pixie kissed and been turned into not just a Pixie, but Astley's Pixie queen. It doesn't get more complicated than that.
Though Zara wants to solely focus on finding the path to Valhalla, Bedford is besieged by evil Pixies and Zara and her friends must defeat them to protect the town. It's all so complicated for a high school girl who just wants to be normal again after her step-father's death.
There were some plot twists in ENTICE that I totally didn't anticipate. I won't give anything away, but her father makes an unexpected appearance and there's an interesting character named BiForst. The story moves quickly and will satisfy fans of the series.
ENTICE reminded me a bit of P.C & Kristin Cast's BURNED. The story mostly revolves around Zara's journey. There are background stories going on, but overall, the content is the quest. I thought this was to be a trilogy, but after checking out the author's website I found that show more the 4th book in the series is due out in 2012. So I for one will be eagerly waiting for more of Zara's (and Nick's and Astley's) story! show less
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Three best friends come together to change one life and make fashion history.
Nonie loves fashion, but lacks the talent for design.
Jenny just wrapped up a Hollywood movie. She's hitting the red carpets, where she's forced to wear hideous dresses. The fashion world is ripping her to shreds.
Eddie wants to save the world. She writes a blog and posts fashion news about Jenny to gain more followers. She's also tutoring a young girl from Uganda. Crow loves fashion and sketches designs all over her papers. Eddie uses fashion to help with her reading - as Crow will read if she's interested in the subject.
When Nonie meets Crow, she's determined to help her achieve her dreams. She'd never expect that helping Crow would make fashion history. Crow's uber-talented, and soon begins selling her clothes at a stall. Before long, she has a waiting list for her items. Suddenly, great fashion opportunities loom in front of her.
Can the three friends help solidify Crow's fashion career?
I'll admit, it took me most of the book to care about the characters. In the beginning I couldn't connect with anyone, but then things changed. I began to like the girls and thus the story. I enjoyed learning more about Crow and her life in Uganda. I loved the fashion show and how it all came together, and am glad SEQUINS, SECRETS, AND SILVER LININGS is the start of a trilogy.
Three best friends come together to change one life and make fashion history.
Nonie loves fashion, but lacks the talent for design.
Jenny just wrapped up a Hollywood movie. She's hitting the red carpets, where she's forced to wear hideous dresses. The fashion world is ripping her to shreds.
Eddie wants to save the world. She writes a blog and posts fashion news about Jenny to gain more followers. She's also tutoring a young girl from Uganda. Crow loves fashion and sketches designs all over her papers. Eddie uses fashion to help with her reading - as Crow will read if she's interested in the subject.
When Nonie meets Crow, she's determined to help her achieve her dreams. She'd never expect that helping Crow would make fashion history. Crow's uber-talented, and soon begins selling her clothes at a stall. Before long, she has a waiting list for her items. Suddenly, great fashion opportunities loom in front of her.
Can the three friends help solidify Crow's fashion career?
I'll admit, it took me most of the book to care about the characters. In the beginning I couldn't connect with anyone, but then things changed. I began to like the girls and thus the story. I enjoyed learning more about Crow and her life in Uganda. I loved the fashion show and how it all came together, and am glad SEQUINS, SECRETS, AND SILVER LININGS is the start of a trilogy.
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
In SISTERS RED, Jackson Pearce put a new twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. This time, she is taking on Hansel and Gretel. I was extremely excited when I saw this ARC at a booth at the NCTE Conference and quickly grabbed it up when I got the chance. Now, I will start out by saying that SISTERS RED was my favorite book from 2010, so SWEETLY had a lot to live up to.
Gretchen and Ansel are on their own. Being kicked out of their house by their stepmother after the death of their father has left them homeless, alone, and penniless. They travel as far as they can until their car breaks down in a small town called Live Oak in South Carolina.
With no way to pay for the repairs to their car, they are left with little choice but to take what work they can find. Ansel finds work as a handyman for the local chocolatier, a girl named Sophia. They soon find out that people don't like Sophia and consider her to be a danger to the community.
Every year, Sophia has a Chocolate Festival. Young girls in the community hope for an invitation, but only the "right" girls get one. The community suspects Sophia of evil doings, because every year after the festival a couple of girls disappear - never to be heard from again. As Gretchen gets to know Sophia while she helps her make candy, she learns some things that make her wonder what is really going on in Sophia's life and with the missing girls.
When Gretchen meets Samuel, things start to show more fall into place. She begins to take action and gain control of her life. Will she be able to save herself and the girls of Live Oak from the monsters in the woods?
Unfortunately, SWEETLY didn't grab me like SISTERS RED did. While set in the same world as the first book, this one didn't feel as intense. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters like I did with Scarlet, Rosie, and Silas. However, I'll still eagerly read the next one Pearce writes. show less
In SISTERS RED, Jackson Pearce put a new twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. This time, she is taking on Hansel and Gretel. I was extremely excited when I saw this ARC at a booth at the NCTE Conference and quickly grabbed it up when I got the chance. Now, I will start out by saying that SISTERS RED was my favorite book from 2010, so SWEETLY had a lot to live up to.
Gretchen and Ansel are on their own. Being kicked out of their house by their stepmother after the death of their father has left them homeless, alone, and penniless. They travel as far as they can until their car breaks down in a small town called Live Oak in South Carolina.
With no way to pay for the repairs to their car, they are left with little choice but to take what work they can find. Ansel finds work as a handyman for the local chocolatier, a girl named Sophia. They soon find out that people don't like Sophia and consider her to be a danger to the community.
Every year, Sophia has a Chocolate Festival. Young girls in the community hope for an invitation, but only the "right" girls get one. The community suspects Sophia of evil doings, because every year after the festival a couple of girls disappear - never to be heard from again. As Gretchen gets to know Sophia while she helps her make candy, she learns some things that make her wonder what is really going on in Sophia's life and with the missing girls.
When Gretchen meets Samuel, things start to show more fall into place. She begins to take action and gain control of her life. Will she be able to save herself and the girls of Live Oak from the monsters in the woods?
Unfortunately, SWEETLY didn't grab me like SISTERS RED did. While set in the same world as the first book, this one didn't feel as intense. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters like I did with Scarlet, Rosie, and Silas. However, I'll still eagerly read the next one Pearce writes. show less
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
WHERE THE TRUTH LIES - now that is the ultimate question that Emily Meckler will have to face by the end of the novel.
From everyone else's perspective, Emily has the perfect life. She attends Stonybrook Academy, a prep school where her father is the headmaster. Unlike the other kids at the school, Emily has her parents right there when she needs them. Mandatory Sunday night dinners with her parents, but otherwise, the rest of the time she can be in her dorm with her friends. Emily shares the quad with her three best friends. They share two connected bedrooms.
Life goes on as always until she meets the new boy, Del Sugar. It's unheard of for a new student to start mid term, but Del does. She learns from her father that he allowed Del in as a favor to an old friend. Almost immediately, Del starts to seek Emily out. The two become inseparable - and that's when life really becomes interesting for Emily.
Emily's dad forbids her to see him anymore, alerting her that Del has issues of his own. But that is a sure-fire way to ensure that Emily sneaks around anyway. Soon, Emily finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, and Del gone.
From this point in the novel, secrets and mysteries start to be revealed to the reader. The novel is divided into three distinct parts. It's not until the third part that the intensity really kicks in. Sadly, Emily's reactions and subsequent decisions surrounding her pregnancy almost play out as a side note to the story. I show more don't want to spoil anything, so I apologize for being vague. It isn't until Emily returns after a summer break that she starts to seriously delve into the truths that she's trying to uncover.
Everything Emily has built her life around may be a lie. Only she can determine if it's something she can overcome, or has Del planted seeds of doubt that will destroy everything she knows and loves?
This is the second novel I've read by Ms. Warman now, and it surely won't be the last. Her writing style is fluid and captivating from the very first page. show less
WHERE THE TRUTH LIES - now that is the ultimate question that Emily Meckler will have to face by the end of the novel.
From everyone else's perspective, Emily has the perfect life. She attends Stonybrook Academy, a prep school where her father is the headmaster. Unlike the other kids at the school, Emily has her parents right there when she needs them. Mandatory Sunday night dinners with her parents, but otherwise, the rest of the time she can be in her dorm with her friends. Emily shares the quad with her three best friends. They share two connected bedrooms.
Life goes on as always until she meets the new boy, Del Sugar. It's unheard of for a new student to start mid term, but Del does. She learns from her father that he allowed Del in as a favor to an old friend. Almost immediately, Del starts to seek Emily out. The two become inseparable - and that's when life really becomes interesting for Emily.
Emily's dad forbids her to see him anymore, alerting her that Del has issues of his own. But that is a sure-fire way to ensure that Emily sneaks around anyway. Soon, Emily finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, and Del gone.
From this point in the novel, secrets and mysteries start to be revealed to the reader. The novel is divided into three distinct parts. It's not until the third part that the intensity really kicks in. Sadly, Emily's reactions and subsequent decisions surrounding her pregnancy almost play out as a side note to the story. I show more don't want to spoil anything, so I apologize for being vague. It isn't until Emily returns after a summer break that she starts to seriously delve into the truths that she's trying to uncover.
Everything Emily has built her life around may be a lie. Only she can determine if it's something she can overcome, or has Del planted seeds of doubt that will destroy everything she knows and loves?
This is the second novel I've read by Ms. Warman now, and it surely won't be the last. Her writing style is fluid and captivating from the very first page. show less
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Ben, a young boy, feels lost and alone ever since the death of his mother. Even though he lives with his aunt and uncle, he doesn't feel like he belongs. When loneliness get too much, Ben sneaks next door to the house he lived in with his mother and begins to look for something, anything to make him feel better.
When he finds a mysterious note that could possibly lead him to the father he's never known, he has to make the decision whether to follow his heart or stay where he is.
Rose, a young girl, feels lost and alone in a house with her stern father. With her mother out of the picture and her older brother living in New York, she is completely cut off from everyone. After one too many disagreements with her father, Rose decides to strike out on her own to New York City to find some peace of mind.
Both Ben and Rose find themselves at the American Museum of Natural History - only 50 years apart. Ben's story takes place in 1977 and Rose's story takes place in 1927. Ben's story is told in words, while Rose's story is told in pictures.
Brian Selznick does a masterful job combining two journeys to create one amazing story. A winner!
Ben, a young boy, feels lost and alone ever since the death of his mother. Even though he lives with his aunt and uncle, he doesn't feel like he belongs. When loneliness get too much, Ben sneaks next door to the house he lived in with his mother and begins to look for something, anything to make him feel better.
When he finds a mysterious note that could possibly lead him to the father he's never known, he has to make the decision whether to follow his heart or stay where he is.
Rose, a young girl, feels lost and alone in a house with her stern father. With her mother out of the picture and her older brother living in New York, she is completely cut off from everyone. After one too many disagreements with her father, Rose decides to strike out on her own to New York City to find some peace of mind.
Both Ben and Rose find themselves at the American Museum of Natural History - only 50 years apart. Ben's story takes place in 1977 and Rose's story takes place in 1927. Ben's story is told in words, while Rose's story is told in pictures.
Brian Selznick does a masterful job combining two journeys to create one amazing story. A winner!
Reviewed by Lauren Ashley for TeensReadToo.com
Lillian tried to help Penny, but she didn't think she'd actually fake her own kidnapping. When she does, Lil has to deal with all sorts of people trying to find information...Penny's parents, the police, even the FBI.
Now, Lil is on a road trip with her best friend, Josh, to try and find Penny. She believes she's in Oregon...but they have to get there first.
DON'T STOP NOW had an interesting premise. How bad can a person have it to fake their own kidnapping? I liked that you got a look inside Penny's head at the end of some of the chapters. These are thoughts from previous moments, though. You don't know what's happening in her present life until Lil and Josh find her. And then what happens? I do like the idea of road trip books. I learned about some different landmarks in the various states the duo traveled in.
One of the things that felt a bit overdone was the relationship between Lil and Josh. Lil loves Josh, but he just wants to be BFFs. However, I liked that Halpern made Josh real. He wasn't all suave and perfect. He had bad habits, immature ideas, and he wasn't always the "catch" you would think Lil would want. But he was her friend and he was there for her.
Although this wasn't my absolute favorite read of the year, it's still a pretty good contemporary YA read.
Lillian tried to help Penny, but she didn't think she'd actually fake her own kidnapping. When she does, Lil has to deal with all sorts of people trying to find information...Penny's parents, the police, even the FBI.
Now, Lil is on a road trip with her best friend, Josh, to try and find Penny. She believes she's in Oregon...but they have to get there first.
DON'T STOP NOW had an interesting premise. How bad can a person have it to fake their own kidnapping? I liked that you got a look inside Penny's head at the end of some of the chapters. These are thoughts from previous moments, though. You don't know what's happening in her present life until Lil and Josh find her. And then what happens? I do like the idea of road trip books. I learned about some different landmarks in the various states the duo traveled in.
One of the things that felt a bit overdone was the relationship between Lil and Josh. Lil loves Josh, but he just wants to be BFFs. However, I liked that Halpern made Josh real. He wasn't all suave and perfect. He had bad habits, immature ideas, and he wasn't always the "catch" you would think Lil would want. But he was her friend and he was there for her.
Although this wasn't my absolute favorite read of the year, it's still a pretty good contemporary YA read.
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
Cassidy Jones is a typical, awkward 14-year-old. She lives in Seattle with her twin brother, Nate; her little brother, Chazz, who is in love with superheroes; her father, the handsome news reporter; and her mother. She hates any kind of sport (my kind of girl) and has a major crush on a boy.
One night, her father takes her along with him on an interview with a famous geneticist. While there, Cassidy falls and breathes in some chemicals. The next day, she discovers that she has super powers! But before she has time to decide what to do with these newfound abilities, she finds out that the geneticist has been kidnapped and that her son is now going to be living with them.
Emery, the geneticist's son, is a very brilliant and mysterious boy. He and Cassidy form first a friendship and then a team to solve the mystery of where his mother is and how to get her back. They have to deal with her control of her powers, some crooked policemen, middle school drama, and the realization that they are only 14 and 15 years old.
I truly enjoyed this book. I could identify with Cassidy from the time I met her - during gym class - to the time she lets her powers fly to get back at some of the elite at her school. She is very likable and a well-rounded character. Emery is not as easy to relate to as Cassidy but is definitely likable. You definitely want to root for them to succeed.
Cassidy becomes a scary ninja and it is fun to see how she is able to show more get out of dangerous situations. I was even impressed with the villain. He was comical but evil. I wouldn't want to meet up with him in a dark alley! I so hope that this will become a series. I was a Nancy Drew fan when I was in school, and Cassidy Jones is the 2011 version. So do yourself a favor and get a copy of this hot new book! show less
Cassidy Jones is a typical, awkward 14-year-old. She lives in Seattle with her twin brother, Nate; her little brother, Chazz, who is in love with superheroes; her father, the handsome news reporter; and her mother. She hates any kind of sport (my kind of girl) and has a major crush on a boy.
One night, her father takes her along with him on an interview with a famous geneticist. While there, Cassidy falls and breathes in some chemicals. The next day, she discovers that she has super powers! But before she has time to decide what to do with these newfound abilities, she finds out that the geneticist has been kidnapped and that her son is now going to be living with them.
Emery, the geneticist's son, is a very brilliant and mysterious boy. He and Cassidy form first a friendship and then a team to solve the mystery of where his mother is and how to get her back. They have to deal with her control of her powers, some crooked policemen, middle school drama, and the realization that they are only 14 and 15 years old.
I truly enjoyed this book. I could identify with Cassidy from the time I met her - during gym class - to the time she lets her powers fly to get back at some of the elite at her school. She is very likable and a well-rounded character. Emery is not as easy to relate to as Cassidy but is definitely likable. You definitely want to root for them to succeed.
Cassidy becomes a scary ninja and it is fun to see how she is able to show more get out of dangerous situations. I was even impressed with the villain. He was comical but evil. I wouldn't want to meet up with him in a dark alley! I so hope that this will become a series. I was a Nancy Drew fan when I was in school, and Cassidy Jones is the 2011 version. So do yourself a favor and get a copy of this hot new book! show less
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Alex, a typical teenage boy, is left alone for the weekend because he refused to go away with his parents to his Uncle's farm. He quickly regrets his decision after the unthinkable happens. A volcano in Yellowstone National Park erupts, sending ash across the entire country. Forced to leave after the destruction of his home, Alex decides to try and make it to his family the only way he can - on foot. Taking only what he can carry, he sets out on a dangerous journey, hoping for the best.
Alex encounters many obstacles along the way - many extremely dangerous. When he can't go any further he is lucky enough to come across a farmhouse with people willing to help. Darla, a girl a couple of years older than he is, and her mother seem to be making it so far. Darla's mechanical abilities have allowed her to rig things up to help them stay fed.
But, after disaster strikes, Darla is left with no choice but to leave with Alex as he continues his journey toward his family. Will their food and water last? Can they stay away from the desperate people willing to do anything to survive? Will his family even be there when he gets to the farm?
ASHFALL is a true page-turner. The fact that a scenario like this could really happen makes you stop and think. How long could you make it on the food and water you have at home? Could you protect yourself from people willing to do anything to take what you have? Author Mike Mullin does a great job show more putting Alex in situations that I feel would be very likely to happen. He doesn't allow Alex to get through the story unscathed and I appreciated it. Realistically, what teen could make it hundreds of miles on foot through dangerous conditions without running into some MAJOR trouble?
I also enjoyed how the author handled the relationship between Alex and Darla. He created two intelligent, responsible characters, and it was a pleasure to take this journey with them. Something else I liked is that Darla is a strong and smart girl and Alex isn't intimidated by that at all. He realizes she is smarter than he is in many aspects of survival and allows her to lead the way when it is necessary.
I really can't wait for the sequel, ASHEN WINTER, which is set to come out in October 2012. show less
Alex, a typical teenage boy, is left alone for the weekend because he refused to go away with his parents to his Uncle's farm. He quickly regrets his decision after the unthinkable happens. A volcano in Yellowstone National Park erupts, sending ash across the entire country. Forced to leave after the destruction of his home, Alex decides to try and make it to his family the only way he can - on foot. Taking only what he can carry, he sets out on a dangerous journey, hoping for the best.
Alex encounters many obstacles along the way - many extremely dangerous. When he can't go any further he is lucky enough to come across a farmhouse with people willing to help. Darla, a girl a couple of years older than he is, and her mother seem to be making it so far. Darla's mechanical abilities have allowed her to rig things up to help them stay fed.
But, after disaster strikes, Darla is left with no choice but to leave with Alex as he continues his journey toward his family. Will their food and water last? Can they stay away from the desperate people willing to do anything to survive? Will his family even be there when he gets to the farm?
ASHFALL is a true page-turner. The fact that a scenario like this could really happen makes you stop and think. How long could you make it on the food and water you have at home? Could you protect yourself from people willing to do anything to take what you have? Author Mike Mullin does a great job show more putting Alex in situations that I feel would be very likely to happen. He doesn't allow Alex to get through the story unscathed and I appreciated it. Realistically, what teen could make it hundreds of miles on foot through dangerous conditions without running into some MAJOR trouble?
I also enjoyed how the author handled the relationship between Alex and Darla. He created two intelligent, responsible characters, and it was a pleasure to take this journey with them. Something else I liked is that Darla is a strong and smart girl and Alex isn't intimidated by that at all. He realizes she is smarter than he is in many aspects of survival and allows her to lead the way when it is necessary.
I really can't wait for the sequel, ASHEN WINTER, which is set to come out in October 2012. show less
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Zoe's been told of her future, according to the legend of her people. She is a Wyvern - a shapeshifter who can see into the past and present via dreams. There's only one Wyvern born to a generation of the Pyr. Zoe is the one for her generation.
However, she can't use her powers to perform any of the Wyvern's duties. Since the past Wyvern is dead, there's no one to train her. She's also not very forthcoming about not understanding her powers or even her failed attempts to use them.
When an incident occurs at her school, she's packed up and sent to boot camp. Boot camp is where the other Pyr boys her age use their powers to train. They work together to make themselves stronger and to enhance their abilities.
Once at camp, Zoe's dreams go up in smoke. Nothing turns out the way she imagines: not the boy she's dreamed about for the past few years, not the camaraderie with the other Pyr, and certainly not the introduction of a new girl. Zoe doesn't know what's happening, but something feels very strange.
Can she figure out what's bothering her while at the same time kicking her training into overdrive?
Lots of action and danger help create a fast-paced plot for the first book in this new series about dragons. Friendship drama and romance add to the fires, making FLYING BLIND an emotional story. The action and the emotions combine for an amazing first read in THE DRAGON DIARIES series.
Zoe's been told of her future, according to the legend of her people. She is a Wyvern - a shapeshifter who can see into the past and present via dreams. There's only one Wyvern born to a generation of the Pyr. Zoe is the one for her generation.
However, she can't use her powers to perform any of the Wyvern's duties. Since the past Wyvern is dead, there's no one to train her. She's also not very forthcoming about not understanding her powers or even her failed attempts to use them.
When an incident occurs at her school, she's packed up and sent to boot camp. Boot camp is where the other Pyr boys her age use their powers to train. They work together to make themselves stronger and to enhance their abilities.
Once at camp, Zoe's dreams go up in smoke. Nothing turns out the way she imagines: not the boy she's dreamed about for the past few years, not the camaraderie with the other Pyr, and certainly not the introduction of a new girl. Zoe doesn't know what's happening, but something feels very strange.
Can she figure out what's bothering her while at the same time kicking her training into overdrive?
Lots of action and danger help create a fast-paced plot for the first book in this new series about dragons. Friendship drama and romance add to the fires, making FLYING BLIND an emotional story. The action and the emotions combine for an amazing first read in THE DRAGON DIARIES series.
Reviewed by Kelsey Jones for TeensReadToo.com
SO MUCH CLOSER was an entertaining and heartbreaking read that proved love can be found in the most unlikely of places. Susane Colasanti is an author I can always count on for writing a solid, realistic YA novel, and while SO MUCH CLOSER didn't make my list of favorites, this was still a novel I will recommend to fans of contemporary YA.
Brooke has had a crush on Scott for a long time, but has never been able to confess her feelings to him. So when Scott moves to NYC, Brooke follows him there. Since Brooke's father already lived in NYC, it was relatively easy for her to leave New Jersey and move to the Big Apple. Starting at a new school and leaving her old life behind, Brooke doesn't know what to expect. All she cares about is Scott. Unfortunately, Brooke soon learns that Scott already has a girlfriend and she is losing touch with her old friends. But things in NYC are never as they seem, and soon Brooke is learning more about herself and the new people she has met. Brooke is about to have the experience of a lifetime.
The setting was my favorite aspect of SO MUCH CLOSER. Susane Colasanti is obviously a New Yorker, and all of the scenery and places that Brooke visits were described in flawless detail. I love New York, and seeing it through Brooke's eyes was a new experience. She visited so many fantastic places and learned so much about the city from the new friends she made. Every day she spent in the city, Brooke discovered show more something new and exciting.
At first, I wasn't sure what I thought of Brooke. She followed a boy she barely new to an entirely new place, leaving behind her friends and family, all because she felt she loved him. As the novel progressed, Brooke learned a lot about herself and those around her, and I liked seeing who she became by the end of SO MUCH CLOSER. Each of the characters introduced in the book had an important role, although some were less developed than I would have liked, but my favorite had to be John. John was such a well-done character and I only wish he had more page time. John opened Brooke's eyes to the true NYC and he was such a unique and realistic character.
There were many folds to this story and I liked the different twists in the plot. Brooke was an intriguing character and her experiences truly shaped her in so many ways. I wish there was a bit more character development, and at times the story felt a little unrealistic but, all in all, I enjoyed SO MUCH CLOSER and am looking forward to reading more stories by Susane Colasanti. For anyone looking for an original, contemporary read, I do recommend checking this out. The ending was sweet and just what I had hoped for and, as I've said many times before, the setting was presented perfectly. show less
SO MUCH CLOSER was an entertaining and heartbreaking read that proved love can be found in the most unlikely of places. Susane Colasanti is an author I can always count on for writing a solid, realistic YA novel, and while SO MUCH CLOSER didn't make my list of favorites, this was still a novel I will recommend to fans of contemporary YA.
Brooke has had a crush on Scott for a long time, but has never been able to confess her feelings to him. So when Scott moves to NYC, Brooke follows him there. Since Brooke's father already lived in NYC, it was relatively easy for her to leave New Jersey and move to the Big Apple. Starting at a new school and leaving her old life behind, Brooke doesn't know what to expect. All she cares about is Scott. Unfortunately, Brooke soon learns that Scott already has a girlfriend and she is losing touch with her old friends. But things in NYC are never as they seem, and soon Brooke is learning more about herself and the new people she has met. Brooke is about to have the experience of a lifetime.
The setting was my favorite aspect of SO MUCH CLOSER. Susane Colasanti is obviously a New Yorker, and all of the scenery and places that Brooke visits were described in flawless detail. I love New York, and seeing it through Brooke's eyes was a new experience. She visited so many fantastic places and learned so much about the city from the new friends she made. Every day she spent in the city, Brooke discovered show more something new and exciting.
At first, I wasn't sure what I thought of Brooke. She followed a boy she barely new to an entirely new place, leaving behind her friends and family, all because she felt she loved him. As the novel progressed, Brooke learned a lot about herself and those around her, and I liked seeing who she became by the end of SO MUCH CLOSER. Each of the characters introduced in the book had an important role, although some were less developed than I would have liked, but my favorite had to be John. John was such a well-done character and I only wish he had more page time. John opened Brooke's eyes to the true NYC and he was such a unique and realistic character.
There were many folds to this story and I liked the different twists in the plot. Brooke was an intriguing character and her experiences truly shaped her in so many ways. I wish there was a bit more character development, and at times the story felt a little unrealistic but, all in all, I enjoyed SO MUCH CLOSER and am looking forward to reading more stories by Susane Colasanti. For anyone looking for an original, contemporary read, I do recommend checking this out. The ending was sweet and just what I had hoped for and, as I've said many times before, the setting was presented perfectly. show less