Dead To You Review

Author: Lisa McMann
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Most appropriate for ages: 14+
How I got it: Received for review through Around The World Tours 

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

McMann's books are like chocolate in that I love chocolate and I love her books. (I suck at metaphors, ok.) Her most recent novel, The Unwanteds, was my least favorite of hers so far, but she really pulled it out with Dead To You.

Ethan's voice is so sad and authentically male that you can't help but want to hug him...but not too tight cause you know that guy would think about the way your boobs feel against him as you hug him, and that would just be tres awkward. Honestly, though, I really loved his character and sympathized with him. I also loved the way McMann built relationships between Ethan and others, like Gracie (oh man, that little girl was too freaking cute),  Cami, and the rest of his newfound family.

 But Dead To You was not perfect.

My main complaint would be THAT IS NOT AN ENDING. I am all for standalone books but not in this case because IT DID NOT END. IT JUST SAID THE WORDS THAT MCMANN KNEW WOULD RIP MY HEART OUT. It just ended really quickly and abruptly. And I saw the ending coming a little and I think it did help the book pack an even bigger emotional punch but I didn't want it to happen but I CAN'T EVEN. AND YOU'RE TELLING ME THIS IS A STANDALONE?

*composes self* Anyways.

I liked this book enough that I was willing to overlook my big problem with it and I know that I'll still shove it into the hands of my friends and family and tell them, "IT WILL TEAR YOU APART AND IT'S AWESOME."

McMann has again proved herself to me. She always manages to write fast, dark books that leave a lasting impression on you. I admire her skill and can't wait to see what she does next.

...But seriously where's my sequel?

Plot: Fast yet dark and unique.

Characters: Ethan was just...perfect. I even liked that little turd Blake.

Writing: I feel like it wasn't particularly remarkable, but I enjoyed the storytelling and Ethan's voice.

Ending? See the above gif.

Kid friendly? There (obviously) was talk of child abduction. There was also swearing, and some just overall dark subject matter, especially in those last two pages.

Overall:

Zelah Green Review

Author: Vanessa Curtis
Release Date: October 1, 2011 (In US.)
Pages: 250 (Paperback)
Publisher: Egmont
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from publicist

My Name is Zelah Green and I'm a cleanaholic.

I spend most of my life running away from germs. And dirt. And people. And I'm just about doing okay and then my stepmother packs me off to some kind of hospital to live with a bunch of strangers. It's stuck in the middle of nowhere. Great.

There's Alice who's anorexic. Caro who cuts herself. Silent Sol who has the cutest smile. And then there's me.

I was so excited to read Zelah Green when I read that description. I mean, who wouldn't be? But when I saw it's size (HUGE font, small pages) I became nervous. How could the author possibly develop the story and unique characters in that short amount of time? Luckily, I shouldn't have worried.

So I have a fascination with mental institutions, which is actually what drew me to this novel in the first place. The people you could meet and the entire experience just sounds like it would make a great book to me. ...Yeah, I know it's still weird. But Zelah Green definitely satisfied my craving for this type of book. Without spoiling the novel for you too much, let me just say that the institution is a different type of one than I'd imagined, and I loved it.

Zelah has severe OCD, which I know very little about besides what I've seen on Monk. But Zelah Green manages to keep the wit and humor that a wonderful protagonist has even though she's sick and going through some other stuff on top of it. Experiencing the story through her eyes is fantastic. Her voice manages to keep this story mildly light-hearted and fun, despite the side character's dark pasts that are revealed to us at different times throughout the book. Because of this, things are not usually spelled out for us, and I actually would've liked them once or twice.

Zelah Green was unique, grabbing, and fast. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.

Plot: Grabbing and different.

Characters: Exciting and different.

Writing: Very good, Zelah's voice really shines.

Ending: I'm interested to see what will happen in the sequel...

Kind Friendly? There was a bit of swearing, and mentions to abuse, death, anorexia, cutting, and (I'm pretty sure) rape.

Should I read it? Contemporary fans cannot go wrong with this one.

Overall:

Side-note: Why is the UK so much more environmentally and ethically responsible than the US? EgmontUK put a page in the back of Zelah Green, saying how their press was dedicated to providing fair conditions for the workers that helped make the paper and other products needed to make the book, as well as being as sustainable as possible. US publishers: take note, cause this NEEDS to be a thing here.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging Review

Author: Louise Rennison
Release Date: April 13, 2000
Pages: 247 (Paperback)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: Bought

"There are six things very wrong with my life:

1. I have one of those under-the-skin spots that will never come to a head but lurk in a red way for the next two years.

2. It is on my nose

3. I have a three-year-old sister who may have peed somewhere in my room.

4. In fourteen days the summer hols will be over and then it will be back to Stalag 14 and Oberfuhrer Frau Simpson and her bunch of sadistic teachers.

5. I am very ugly and need to go into an ugly home.

6. I went to a party dressed as a stuffed olive."

OK so this book was absolutely HILARIOUS. And not in the "Oh, haha, chucklechuckle" way. In the "OMG THERE ARE TEARS STREAMING DOWN MY FACE MY SHOULDERS ARE SHAKING WITH THE LAUGHTER" way.

While Georgia could be pretty bratty at times (especially to her poor Vati!), but her amazingly funny narration and antics and just the hilarity that was her and her life more than made up for some bratiness.(Humor fixes all things with me.)

There wasn't a lot of substance in this novel, truth be told. It was definitely a chick-lit novel, through and through; girl has friend drama, girl gets the super-hot guy of her teeny dreams, etc. ...But I was having far too much fun to care.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging was such a light, funny, awesome book. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Georgia Nicholson series, cause I have a feeling this is one of those series that will just get better and better.

Book Report:

Plot: Well-paced and fun.

Characters: Kind of annoying, but funny.

Writing: Easy to read.

Ending: Cheesy and perfect.

Kid friendly? Pretty. There's lots of making out, as well as mentions of sex, very mild swearing.

Should I read it? Yes! Even days after reading it, you'll think back on it and laugh.

Overall:

Chasing Brooklyn Review

Author: Lisa Schroeder
Release Date: January 5, 2010
Pages: 412 (HC)
Publisher: SimonPulse
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: Bought

Restless souls and empty hearts...

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.
Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

That's it. I'm calling it: Lisa Schroeder is officially The Goddess of Verse. Don't get me wrong, Ellen Hopkins is a brilliant verse writer as well, but from what I've read of both authors I just enjoy Lisa's work a tad more. Each of her books have resonated with me in different ways, and Chasing Brooklyn--as I expected--was no different.

It's been one year after Lucca's death, and Brooklyn is still heavily grieving to the point where she's not really living. Enter Lucca's brother, Nico, who's not exactly doing so great either, despite what he tells himself. The two come together (due to some rather creepy paranormal circumstances) and help each other through their tough time. Brooklyn's and Nico's healing had such an organic and beautiful feel to it and I couldn't stop reading about it. It also helps that both characters are very likable.

I would've liked to know more about the side characters, and more about the main character's past (though part of the novel's message was leaving the past in the past, so I get that), but by no means did that want get in the way of me enjoying this amazing book. Geez Schroeder, how much more awesome can you get?!

Book Report:

Plot: Well-paced, and both dark and full of hope. (Which is a weird combo...)

Characters: Really well written!

Writing: Brilliant.

Ending: Perfect.

Kid friendly? Pretty. There's mild swearing and mentions of teen drinking.

Should I read it? Yes!

Overall:

Anna Dressed In Blood Review

Author: Kendare Blake
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Pages: 316 (ARC)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from publisher

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

I love horror movies, and horror movies about supernatural creatures seem to be even better (see: Paranormal Activity), as do movies with gore (see: every horror movie ever). So, naturally, I was really excited to read Anna Dressed in Blood, and it's awesome characters made it even better than I'd hoped for.

I love Cas. I hadn't realized how much I'd been craving an awesome teen guy point-of-view until I had one. He was sarcastic and realistic and just genuinely awesome. Each of the side characters were fun too, and I especially loved that Carmel was popular but also gave the finger to the popular-girl stereotype. But let us not forget Anna. An interesting ghost with a good backstory? Seriously, how often do you find that?

The plot was brilliant. Even though I've read a couple ghost stories already, it was fresh and new, and there was never a dull moment. Whether it was a fight scene (which maybe seemed a little rushed at times to me at times) or just reading the character's banter, I was always entertained.

Anna Dressed In Blood is reminiscent of a not-overly-scary movie and some shows like Buffy and Supernatural, but with a cast of fantastic characters and a unique ghost, really it's all it's own. This was a deliciously twisted and exciting debut from Kendare Blake, and I can't wait for her next book.

Book Report:

Plot: Fresh and fast-paced.

Characters: Brilliant.

Writing: Good, very authentic teen voice.

Ending: Sequel please?

Kid friendly? There's some swearing, as well as gore.

Should I read it? If it sounds like it's for you, then don't hesitate.

Overall:

Glass Houses Review

Author: Rachel Caine
Release Date: October 3, 2006
Pages: 248 (PB)
Publisher: NAL Jam
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: Bought

From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

Glass Houses was one of the best, most fun paranormal books I've read in a long time.

Lately with paranormal YA, the characters are annoying and two dimensional. And while the characters in Glass Houses aren't as developed as well as, say, a John Green character, they're still a step above some books I've read. Shane was such a swoonworthy love interest, Michael and Eve were great and devoted friends, and Claire was a unique and cool main character.

This was a well-paced novel, but I would've liked a bit more action. Luckily, the cliffhanger ending suggests that there will definitely be more action in the sequel, Dead Girl's Dance.

I don't have to much to say about this one. It was just fast and exciting and good. Overall, I really enjoyed Glass Houses, and I cannot wait to head back into Morganville. Especially since I've heard this series just gets better and better.

Book Report:

Plot: Fast and easy to follow.

Characters: Very fun and likable!

Writing: Not bad. The setting was really well described.

Ending: Why would you end it THERE?

Kid friendly? Pretty. There's a make out scene, brief mentions of sex, and some swearing.

Should I read it? Yes, fans of the genre can't go wrong with this one!

Overall:

 

Ten Things We Did Review

Author: Sarah Mlynowski
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Pages: 352 (Hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review through Teen Book Scene

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

This is the first book I've read by Mlynowski, but believe me when I say that it won't be my last.

From page one I knew I was going to like Ten Things We Did, because I was already chuckling. And as the novel went on, I discovered that it was more than just a funny book. Ten Things We Did tackles a variety of issues, such as teen sex, STDs, and family issues in a way that isn't preachy or boring, but always honest, light, and enjoyable.

April is an easy to like main character, with her own sad past and issues to work out. In fact, each character had their distinct own personality. Whether it was the controlling roomate Vi, or the super-sweet Hudson, or the slightly creepy Lucy, I had no trouble connecting to any of the characters. Each even had their own storyline, with their own problems to work out, making the book that much more readable.

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) is fun and fast without being fluffy or forced. It's an awesome summer read that I'd quickly recommend to teens--and their parents--everywhere.

Plot: Unrealistic and incredibly entertaining.

Characters: They were all great. Except--no, won't say anything

Writing: Fast and easy to read. Lots of (great) dialogue.

Ending: Kinda predictable, but still how it should've ended.

Kid friendly? Sex is a big part of this one. There's also language, and teen drinking.
Should I read it? Yes, you really should!

Overall:

I've got a giveaway for this one going on now. Go check it out!

The Day Before Review

Author: Lisa Schroeder
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Pages: 320 (e-galley)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from Galley Grab

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. 

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

Last year, I read Lisa's debut novel, I Heart You, You Haunt Me. I thought it was addicting, and ended up on my "Best of 2010" list. Well, The Day Before was even more addicting and will more than likely be nabbing a spot on my "Best of 2011" list.

This is the first book that I've ever read it one sitting. Because TDB is written in verse, it is such a fast read. Combined with the mystery of what Cade's up to and Amber's voice, this one was extremely un-put-down-able. I would've liked some more flashbacks from Amber's past, but really I think that's my only complaint about the book.

What I thought would be a sad story, ended up leaving me with feelings of hope. The Day Before is a powerful, fast read about the impact one day can make. I have a feeling this is one I'll be cracking open again.

(I know this review is short, but I really don't want to spoil the book for anyone. I had no idea why Amber and Cade are at the beach, and it was that much better because of that.)

Plot: Unique and well-paced.

Characters: Easy to love.

Writing: Awesome.

Ending: Would've liked some more closure.

Kind Friendly? There was some swearing.

Overall:

Clarity Review

Author: Kim Harrington
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Pages: 242 (HC)
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: From library
Challenge: Debut Author 2011

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Clarity was a fast-paced, fun read that I really liked.

Despite the fact that the plot of Clarity revolves around a serial killer, Kim Harrington still somehow makes this a fun read. I'm not quite sure how she does it. I bet it helped that Clare (who's real name is "Clarity" thanks to her hippie psychic mother) had a fantastic voice. She was likable, witty, and level-headed.

This book was very Veronica Mars-esque, but it didn't feel like it was trying to be. I think the supernatural element in the story gave it some distance between Mars. But Clare's voice reminded me of Veronica, her ex Justin reminded me of Duncan, the new bad boy in town reminded me of Logan, the family dynamic reminded me of Veronica and her dad, etc. I could go on. And I don't mean to call the book out for this, cause I liked the similarities. I'm just saying fans of Veronica Mars will probably like this book.

Clarity's a breath of fresh air for those who like supernatural stories but are sick of all the cliches and stale plots. The characters were likable, the writing was good, and the mystery kept me guessing. Why wouldn't you read it?

Plot: Action-packed and kept me guessing.

Characters: Really likable.

Writing: Pretty good.

Ending: Wrapped everything up really well.

Kid friendly? Kinda. There's death, some mild swearing, and mentions of sex.

Overall:

Glass Review

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Pages: 681 (Harcover)
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderberry
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: Bought
Other titles in series: Crank

Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal. Whatever you call it, it's all the same: a monster. And once it's got hold of you, this monster will never let you go.

Kristina thinks she can control it. Now with a baby to care for, she's determined to be the one deciding when and how much, the one calling the shots. But the monster is too strong, and before she knows it, Kristina is back in its grips. She needs the monster to keep going, to face the pressures of day-to-day life. She needs it to feel alive.

Once again the monster takes over Kristina's life and she will do anything for it, including giving up the one person who gives her the unconditional love she craves -- her baby.

Glass was just as intense--if not more intense--than it's prequel, Crank.

This novel focuses on returning to addiction, and how it can completely and totally rule your life. Once again, Hopkin's delivers a frighteningly realistic portrayal of addiction. At times, though, the story got repetitive. This might've been intentional, but even if it was I still got kind of bored at parts because it felt like I'd already read it in Crank. But after some of that, the story becomes new and darker.

Even though Hopkin's writes in verse, I still get a great feel for the characters, which is a huge accomplishment, since this isn't usually the case for me. And I definitely got enough of a feel for the characters to know that I HATE TRENT AND I WANT CHASE BACK. *clears throat* Sorry...

I have Fallout on my shelf, and while I'm excited to read it, I can't just yet. Not because it will be sad to see the series end, but because these novels and so dark that now I need something lighter and easier.

Glass was rough. Drugs are rough. Glass was addicting. Drugs are addicting. Glass was good. Drugs are not.

Book Report:

Plot: Grabbing.

Characters: Stupid and stupider but somehow you still care for them. It's strange.

Writing: So good! I think I might have to go back through this one to find some of my favorite quotes...

Ending: Just kinda...ended!

Kid friendly? There's a lot of drugs, and a lot of sex, and some swearing.

Should I read it? After you've read Crank. You're not gonna want to miss a minute of this screwed up story.

Overall:

Tour: Angelfire Review

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Release Date: Feb 15, 2011
Pages: 454 (ARC)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from Teen Book Scene

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

This was such an awesome, action-packed novel. And now they expect me to wait for the next one?! Grrrrr.

This was gory. There was beheading, and slicing and dicing and I LOVED IT. ...Not to say that I'm some creepy blood-lover. I just loved that Courtney Allison Moulten didn't hold back on the fighting and blood,  because I felt it gave the story a really nice edge that will help it stand out in my mind.

Speaking of bloody stuff, Ellie could kill me in her sleep. That girl can kick some butt like nobody's business, man. I love to see that! While she still relied on Will a decent amount, since this whole thing is completely new to her, she's still a great heroine and protagonist. And Will? Will was awesome. I haven't been loving guy love interests in paranormals as much lately, but I found Will to be a unique, layered love-interest and really liked his character. Although, Ellie's best friend did annoy me a little.

OK, I do have one complaint: It was painfully obvious to me that someone was an enemy, but nobody realized this at any point in the book. It made my beloved characters seem very dense. I imagine it will be explored further in the next book, but it still irked me a little bit.

I'm not sure what more there is to say. I really enjoyed this one! Full of fascinating mythology, edge-of-your-seat tension, awesome characters, and fast-paced action, paranormal fans do NOT wanna miss Angelfire.

Book Report:

Plot: Fast and original. (Makes me think even reluctant readers would like it.)

Characters: Very likable.

Writing: Impressive.

Ending: I AM THE PRELIATOR!...Sorry. Couldn't resist. Very good ending.

Kid friendly? There's gore, teen drinking, and some mild swearing too, I believe.

Should I read it? Definitely.

Overall:

Wither Review

Author: Lauren Destefano
Release Date: March 3, 2011
Pages: 358 (ARC)
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from ATWT
Challenges: 2011 Debut Author Challenge
What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Gah, what to say about Wither?

I don't think I've ever read a book that was as beautiful and horrifying as Wither. I mean, the world that Destefano has created is beyond horrifying, but her writing, characters, and plotting are all beyond beautiful as well.

Looking back on Wither, I remember often feeling like I almost was our determined heroine Rhine. You feel as confused about she does about her new life, and what would really be best for her and her sister wives. (Speaking of which, one is only 13. *shudder*) This is how much you will connect to wonderful Rhine. She's strong, smart, and driven to get what she wants. Every single character in this book is well-developed, from the love interest to the bad guy to the husband.

The plot, man...so good. So hauntingly good. The world-building, the pacing, the climax...all of it. Even if I didn't like the characters, which I did, I'd probably still enjoy the book because of the fantastic story alone.

Lauren Destefano is one watch. Wither is a breathtaking debut novel, and you'd be a fool to miss it.

Book Report:

Plot: So awesome.

Characters: Each one is fascinating.

Writing: Preeeeeeeetty.

Ending: Satisfying, but I still can't wait for the sequel.

Kid friendly? Another thing I loved about Wither was how honest and raw it was. Prostitution, teen pregnancy, teen drinking, sex in general, and death are not brushed over.

Should I read it? Yes. Even if you don't like dystopia, read Wither.

Overall:

Struts & Frets Review

Author: Jon Skovron
Release Date: November, 2009

Pages: 304 (Hardcover)

Publisher:Amulet Books

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: Library

Told in a voice that’s honest, urgent, and hilarious, Struts & Frets will resonate not only with teenage musicians but with anyone who ever sat up all night listening to a favorite album, wondering if they’d ever find their place in the world.

Music is in Sammy’s blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy’s indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don’t self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band’s compromises and reassure Sammy that his life’s dream could become a reality. But practices are hard to schedule when Sammy’s grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend.

When everything in Sammy’s life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together?

This isn't my normal type of book, and I hadn't heard much about it. I just randomly saw it at the bookstore, and decided that I needed to read it. Maybe I had some kind of contemporary craving, I don't know. But it must have been just what I needed, because I really enjoyed it.

I know I've mentioned this once or twice (or twenty times...), but I love music. So when my love of music and books combines, it usually agrees with me. I like indie rock, but I don't know that many bands, so Struts & Frets gave me a few to look up, which is always really nice. But band references aren't the only reason I love books about music, it's the passion behind the music. The descriptions of how it makes you feel, think, react. This book was dead-on in that area, for sure.

And while we're talking about things about this book that were dead-on, let us move on to the characters. Each one was full of their own unique life and quirks, and I want to hang out with them forever and ever. Sammy's passion and confusion really resonated with me, as it should with teens everywhere. He really found himself throughout the novel, and not just him. I think just about every side character did as well, at least a little, which I found extremely cool to witness.

Struts & Frets even proved to have a quality that I, personally, find usually difficult to find in contemporary: it was addictive, and hard to put down. In a nutshell, I was pretty darn impressed by this one. Jon Skovron really knows how to make a story come to life, and I'll definitely be reading whatever he puts out next.

Book Report:

Plot: Really well paced and realistic.

Characters: Awesome with a side of awesome.

Writing: Really clever and easy to read.

Ending: Wraps things up nicely.

Kid friendly? Hmmm...well, there's teen drinking as well as sex, swearing, and smoking.

Should I read it? Yeah, I think you should.

Overall:

Cryer's Cross Review and Giveaway

Author: Lisa McMann
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Pages: 240 (ARC)
Publisher: SimonPulse
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from Around The World Tours

The small town of Cryer’s Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn’t that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.

When a second student goes missing—someone close to Kendall’s heart—the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall’s not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she’s losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school—messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there—Kendall decides that crazy or not, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions.

Something’s not right in Cryer’s Cross—and Kendall’s about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

I fell in love with Lisa McMann's stories and writing with her Dreamcatcher Trilogy, and Cryer's Cross definitely didn't disappoint me one bit.

Cryer's Cross was, what I like to call, deliciously creepy. I didn't exactly know how much this book would freak me out...and I have to admit, it did it's job pretty well in certain places. But that wasn't all Cryer's Cross had to offer, it also had a pretty awesome romance with two characters that I was easily able to sympathize with and enjoy reading about.

I feel the need to point out how I found it kind of interesting that Kendall, the main character, had OCD. I've never read a book about a character with OCD, and exactly how much it affects people who have it. For some reason, this made Cryer's Cross stand out a little more in my mind.

In fact, I enjoyed the entire cast of characters. It was nice to see a functioning family instead of a miserable broken one, as well as some good friends and neighbors.

And, OK, in case you're wondering: I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I did the Dreamcatcher Trilogy. I can't quite put my finger on why though. But I did really enjoy this one.

Book Report:

Plot: Creepy, mysterious, and grabbing.

Characters: Unique and easy to connect to.

Writing: Lisa McMann. So, yeah, awesome.

Ending: Wraps things up very nicely.

How kid friendly is it? Pretty. While there was swearing, there wasn't any drinking, drugs, or sex.

Should I read it? Yeah, you really should.

Overall: 

So, thanks to the awesomeness of the people at Simon and Schuster, I have one ARC of Cryer's Cross to give to one lucky winner! Due to me (extreme) lack of money, this contest is only open to people living in the US and Canada. Contest ends December 16 at midnight. Fill out THIS FORM to enter! Good luck.

Crank Review

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Release Date: October 5, 2004
Pages: 536 (Paperback)

Publisher: SimonPulse

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review from publisher


Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.
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Crank was dark, poetic, and completely grabbing. If you haven't read it yet, you should fix that.

First let me just start out saying that I seriously don't understand why this book has been one of the many to be (or attempted to be) banned. This book is a rough, realistic portrayal of a girl fighting for her life from drugs. It isn't glamorous; it's effing terrifying. I had never even considered doing drugs, but this book made me never ever want to think about thinking about looking the wrong way at drugs. This book should be on shelves. Teens should be reading it nationwide. Issues like this shouldn't be swept under the rug in reading material.

OK, had to get that out. Anyways....

I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy Crank, but I really did. The story completely sucks you in until the very last page...I feel weird saying that. That I enjoyed watching Kristina crumble from a good and normal and drug-free girl into Bree, who is everything but. I guess it was like a car crash you watched through your fingers. A really good car crash.

And could somebody PLEASE tell me why I waited so long to read one of Ellen Hopkin's books? The girl can write. I've read a verse novel before, so the format didn't bother me at all. Although at the very beginning the way she wrote, the long sentences and description, did take a little while to get used to. But once I did, it was just amazing.

I want to revisit this story very soon, which I will be doing with Glass, the sequel. Check this one out if you've had enough fluff for a little while. You won't be disappointed.

Book Report:

Plot: Well-paced, terrified, and grabbing.

Characters: When Chase cleans up, can I marry him?

Writing: OH YEAH.

Ending: Satisfying.

How kid friendly is it? Kids? Not really friendly for kids, as there is a lot of drug use (duh), sex, rape, drinking, blood-sucking...yeah. (But see the second paragraph.)

Should I read it? Totally.

 Overall:

Paranormalcy Review

Author: Kiersten White
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Pages: 335 (ARC)

Publisher: Harperteen

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from publisher

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.
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Paranormalcy was refreshing, addictive, and a lot of fun.

Paranormalcy combines both dark and light to create a unique read. It's fast pace makes it really difficult to put down. The plot was rather dark, but with Evie's fun voice and narrative it never gets too serious.

I was kind of worried that Evie would annoy me, since from the first chapter you can tell that she's really girly (I mean, she's got a pink sparkled taser--Tasey--for crying out loud) and I am...well, not. But I found her to be a great, hilarious character and can't wait to read more about her. The description makes it sound like there was some love triangle, and while Reth, her faerie ex-boyfriend, definitely is still interested in Evie, she never reciprocated those feelings. She was much more interested in the shape-shifter, Lend, who I loved! And I loved their cute relationship too, which was developed really nicely. (No "love at first sight"! That definitely got Paranormalcy and Kiersten White brownie points from me.) I also really liked Lish, Evie's best friend because I don't think I've ever read a book with a mermaid secretary.

Kiersten White is a great new voice in YA. She's got humor, good storytelling and writing...I think we can expect really good things from her!

The ending was great. Although it wasn't a cliff-hanger, it wasn't needed to leave me wanting the sequel, Supernaturally. I enjoyed every second of this bleeping great book. I'd definitely recommend it!

How kid friendly is it? Extremely! There's absolutely no swearing or gore, and although sex is very briefly mentioned (and not even by name), it never happens. I'd even give this one to my 10 year old cousin. (Not to say that older teens wouldn't enjoy, because I think they would.

Sleepless Review

Author: Cyn Balog
Release Date: July 13, 2010

Pages: 215 (ARC)

Publisher: Random House

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from ATWT

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.   But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .  
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I was a big fan of Cyn Balog's debut novel, Fairy Tale, and I really enjoyed Sleepless too.

The plot moved a little slow for me, Eron and Julia didn't get introduced until halfway through the (short) book. But, with some witty humor and character development, it still manages to grab you enough to get to the conflict. I'd never heard too much about Sandmen, so it was definitely original, and Cyn Balog created an interesting world.

I must say that I LOVED Eron. He was quirky, gentlemanyly, and he wore a top hat! In a sea of gorgeous, smooth guy in YA books, Eron gets easily nervous around girls, which made him stand out a lot in my mind. Julia was a good character, and easy to relate to. I loved their chemistry together.

Cyn Balog has definitely found her voice, and I like it! She's a great writer and storyteller, and I'm eager to get her next book.

The ending was fantastic, definitely how I wanted it to end. Overall, an interesting, sweet new paranormal novel that I'd recommend. Cyn Balog has made a fan out of me.