Readers of Juvenile and Young Adult Fiction, with a smattering of Picture Books, Adult Fiction, and Non-Fiction.
Disclaimer: All books were received as gifts, purchased, or checked out from the library. As of now, no publishing company pays us or gives us books to review.
Sticky Notes
Books and Bikinis Reading Challenge - read 10 books about mermaids, the sea, the beach...by the end of the summer! hopefully soon! (7 out of 10 read)
Please be patient with the fewer and far-between posts....we have a new 'half' born in April and things are slow as we adjust and try desperately for more sleep. (It's a girl!)
Just an FYI - I've decided to stop 'numbering' my posts, whether they be Friday Finds or Book to Movies...etc. You can click on the appropriate label at the bottom of the blog to see more of the same.
I returned only this past Monday from visiting family. While it was both fun and exhausting, I did one of my favorite things while I was there. I browsed a local favorite bookstore of mine for new or rereleased titles in the young adult and juvenile sections. All of these are published already, so I hope that makes it easier to find them to read!
The Magician of Hoad, by Margaret Mahy
Hazel, by Julie Hearn
(she also wrote The Minister's Daughter and Ivy.)
Magic Below Stairs, by Caroline Stevermer
(Coauthored Sorcery and Cecilia with Patricia Wrede. She's a bit of a mixed bag, but you can always count on her for good plot ideas.)
Every once in awhile I reread a book that I've enjoyed. I don't usually review them, my justification being I already know I like them. Then I realized that of course I should be reviewing them, because who doesn't want a good book recommendation? I find I typically read books over again that got at least a B or higher. You can click on those labels at the bottom of the blog.
The Swan Kingdom, by Zoe Marriott Young Adult, 2007
from the publisher: Shadows fall across the beautiful, lush kingdom after the queen is attacked by an unnatural beast, and the healing skills of her daughter, Alexandra, cannot save her. Too soon the widowed king is spellbound by a frightening stranger, a woman whose eyes reflect no light. In a terrifying moment, all Alexandra knows disappears, including her beloved brothers, leaving her banished to a barren land. But Alexandra has more gifts than she realizes as she confronts magic, murder, and the strongest of evil forces, and is unflinchingly brave as she struggles to reclaim what is rightfully hers.
This is a fractured fairy-tale, of course, of the Seven Swans - you know, the time honored classic where the brothers are turned into swans by an evil witch who married their father. The sister has to knit shirts out of nettle in complete silence. It's a beautiful story, if done correctly. I've always been a big fan of Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest (I love her poetic writing.), and read it shortly before my first reading of this version.
In this retelling, I completely adore the quiet romance that sidelines. It doesn't crowd out the main plot, but sweetens it instead. I love that there are only 3 brothers - heaven knows 7 can be hard to keep track of. It makes them more individual. Also, the witch step-mother is perfectly horrendous, someone you can truly hate. I could go on, but the fact is that Marriott is great at characterization, playing each as she would a game of chess, with the ending a satisfying checkmate.
Vivian Vande Velde (whose name I'm entirely jealous of) is one of those authors that you sit up and pay attention to. Her books have plots that are slightly atypical with an ending more ironic than expected, but frequently satisfying. When I come across a book of hers I haven't read (in this case, one that my library doesn't have, but my mother's did - hurray!), I always give it a chance. Oh sure, she's a bit of a mixed bag, but her books seem to stick with you - you never forget a Vande Velde book.
Witch Dreams, by Vivian Vande Velde YA, 2005
from Booklist: Ever since her parents were brutally murdered, 16-year-old Nyssa has searched for a way to confirm her suspicions about the killer, perhaps using her extrasensory ability to share in others' dreams--a dangerous gift that smacks of witchcraft. After one such "bespelling" reveals a flaw in her assumptions, Nyssa's investigations, combining supernatural elements and traditional gumshoe methods, end with a revelation about the facts as well as a thrilling psychological twist.
I must confess this was to date my least favorite of VVV's books. I was completely thrown off by her brother's....ah...situation as discovered at the end. I also thought that while the ending completely worked, it was a bit rushed. The whole story has hints of Nyssa being a bit mad - something you brush off as people not understanding her abilities. And yet...somehow you close the book wondering if she is truly a bit off. Or more than a bit. This made it harder to like Nyssa, and I like to enjoy my heroines. But then, this wouldn't be a VVV book without a little oddity mixed in, yes?
Graded a B-.
Cover note: Eh. Not a huge fan. I probably wouldn't have picked it up had it not been a VVV book.
from Booklist: Overshadowed by perfect siblings and saddled with a reputation as a slow, stubborn, late bloomer, 14-year-old Esther expects the summer of 1963 to be life-changing. Her hopes are fulfilled when her parents offer a room in their Westchester, New York, mansion to an African American refugee from southern racial violence, whom some call a murderer, others a "victim of prejudice and circumstance." Recently introduced to the militant teachings of Malcolm X, 18-year-old King-Ray Johnson chafes at fraternizing with "white devils," but Esther's dogged overtures eventually result in a tentative, turbulent bond.
I enjoyed this sweet simple story, and was pleased to see Nolan's perspective on Malcolm X's ideas - ideas that rarely come out in a juvenile or young adult setting. I enjoyed watching myself both come to love and hate King-Roy. One of the final scenes is almost earth-shattering in its moment of truth, and I love that Esther 'comes into her own'. While the civil rights movements can bring a variety of emotions to surface, I appreciated that this was simpler, easier to understand. Nolan brings out the intensity of the situation without overwhelming you.
As a teenager I almost wouldn't read anything but classics. Yes, I mean big thick doorstops like Oliver Twist, Les Mis, Anna Karenina, Count of Monte Cristo...I was, of course, not stupid enough to tell friends at school that's all that I read. I remember running out of books to read, and perusing my parent's bookshelves for something - anything - to read before bed. My dad had a stack of Louis L'Amours and I grabbed one. And then proceeded to read the rest of them as fast as possible. While westerns are just action/adventure books, with the plot remaining roughly the same, there was something inherently romantic about a cowboy's tale to a 14 year old. For years, Louis L'Amour has regaled us with tales of the Old West of America. Cowboys, gunslingers, ranch hands, treasure hunting, Indians, wars, you name it, if it was there, it got talked about. These stories sum up to about 89 books, not counting poems, non-fiction, plays...
My favorite, however, is a bit of a departure for L'Amour. Last of the Breed is the more modern tale of Joe Mack, a U.S. Air Force Major whose aircraft is forced down in Russia. When he escapes a Soviet prison camp, he is forced to trek across the bitterly cold Russian land during winter, with only his Sioux instincts for a guide. Meanwhile, a Yakut native, Alekhin is tracking him to his death.
Ok, ok, it's a bit manly sounding. But the plot is intense enough to keep your focus and there is a bit of a romance. (I know, of all the places, the bitter snow-buried backwoods of Russia?!) Think the Bourne Identity without the gadgets. Graded a B.
Not interested in westerns? Even this post couldn't get you hyped up? Then let me point you towards a few that might change your mind: (All by the same Louis L'Amour) Passin' Through Hondo Son of a Wanted Man Mustang Man The Iron Marshall Jubal Sackett
I can't tell you how often I get asked this question. Usually it's by friends and family who are trying to understand how I juggle momhood with any kind of hobby at all. And while there are definitely times where packing in some reading time is hard...for the most part I don't have a hard time finding the time to read. Let's put it this way. We all have hobbies, yes? And we all have a certain number of things that have to get done in a day, yes? And we all have just the 24 hours in a day...so the question is, what is it you do with those 24 hours to fit in reading? (Much less keeping up a current book blog!)
I find that when my child naps is a good time to get some rest myself. If I'm not tired, that means snuggling up to a good book. Other times I read in the evening for a few minutes before bed, something my husband does also. Beyond that are times we travel or go places where I can read - I always make sure I have a book at the ready. I'm also a big fan of enclosed playgrounds where I can let my little one run wild while I get a chance to read (unless, of course, I'm telling him not to eat rocks).
I know one woman who reads at red lights. She says she has it down to a science, and rarely gets honked at for missing the light change. Think that's desperate? I have resorted to reading while walking and pushing a stroller at the same time. It's a feat of multi-tasking for sure, not something I think most men could handle!
So how do you do it? When do you read and blog and read some more?!
If you haven't noticed my penchant for the 1800s...well, you don't read this blog enough then. I almost always pick up a cover with a girl in a fabulous period-piece dress, and if it has the barest semblance of an interesting plot then I check it out. I don't always strike gold, of course. But frequently....yes.
The Education of Bet, by Lauren Baratz-Logsted YA, 2010
Elizabeth (Bet), is an intelligent girl in Victorian England, but without any chance of a real education. Her best friend Will has grown up by her side, wishing to go into the military instead of the schools their uncle sends them to. Bet comes up with a plan to switch places, she posing as a boy in school while he goes off to the glories of the military. At first it seems a crazy idea, but it works. And before she knows it, Bet is getting everything she dreamed of - with allies in unexpected places.
I loved the cover, which very nicely suggested anonymity for a 19th-century girl in a tricky situation. I was surprised by how thin it was, but dug in right away. I enjoyed Bet's character for starters. While she seemed a little understated at times, I realized that was because of her situation in life and that time period when women were not allowed to go to school or really do much outside of the home. I also was worried about the switch, but Baratz-Logsted pulled it off well. It didn't seem too unrealistic, but still made you stress out about anyone discovering the ploy. Overall, it was a sweet cute story, that made me laugh in a plenty of places. I wished for things to be fleshed out a bit - Will's story in the military, her studies and experiences in the classroom, etc. I also felt the ending was unrealistic in regards to the love interest. On one hand, it's believable, and of course you want people to end up with each other in the end, but it just seemed so....pat. Despite little things like that, I recommend this for some light reading, perhaps at the beach this summer? Graded a B-.
The Oracle of Dating, by Allison Van Diepen Young Adult, 2010
from the publisher: For five bucks, the Oracle of Dating will tell you: * How to flirt * If that cute guy you're crushing on likes you, too * Whether your new romance will last through lunch period * And much more What she won't tell you? Who she is.
I think this was such a fabulous idea....I mean, I read the flap and thought 'hey, I want that job'. And her articles she writes for her blog are right on key - and sometimes hilarious to boot. While that part of the plot kept me going, the rest seemed to fall a little flat. In the end I enjoyed it, but not enough to pick it up and read it again. However, I am now officially a convert of the oracle of dating blog.... Graded a C+.
I'm pretty careful about what I watch, sifting out anything with the F-word or sex scenes, etc. But one weekend in college I was alone, and the movie Sleeping With The Enemy came on. The title sounded pretty risque, but I noticed Julia Roberts was in it, and since it was on TV it was edited down to a PG version. I intended to give it 5 minutes, but was hooked immediately, jaw on the floor the whole time. Now, years later, I decided to read the book:
Sara Gray fell in love with Martin Burney in what seemed like a fairy-tale romance. He was charming, knew all the right things to say, and everything seemed perfect. But on her honeymoon he hit her, and before she knew it, it had become a cycle. After each 'episode', he gives her a gift, and apologizes profusely...but she knows it'll just happen again. Carefully she plans an escape in faking her own death, knowing it's her one shot. Carefully, she changes her name, only takes jobs where she gets cash, and wears a wig. But she can't relax yet - somehow, Martin will find out. And when he does, he'll come and kill her.
After a summary like that, I'm sure you're wondering why I even read it. I have a relative who has been in a very similar relationship with an-ex husband, making it seem so very real. It was a bit much - the movie is over in an hour and half, but the book continues on for quite a bit longer than that. But Nancy Price has a way with words, and as she writes about the emotional turmoil in each of the character's minds, it's as if she's been through it all herself. While the story was incredibly stressful to read, it hit the nail on the head with all aspects of an abusive man and his constant desire to control and manipulate. If you know someone who always dates these kind of men, this may be the perfect book for them to read, and perhaps Price's complete understanding of the situation will help them leave before it's too late. It had plenty of swearing, sexual tension, and she comments frequently on her sex life with Martin prior to his hitting her - how it was different. A very adult book, please be cautious in recommending it, particularly to women who may have been abused and are trying to heal. While the writing was excellent, an A- for the most part, I'm going to grade the book overall as a B-.
Sleeping With The Enemy, 1991 starring Julia Roberts
The plot is nearly dead-on with the book, with only a few minor changes. I liked the movie better, hands down. While the book was well written, the movie made the plot simpler and easier, without too many details that weren't important. I also liked the ending better, it seemed slightly more hopeful in a release-your-breath-you've-been-holding way. Graded a B.
Model Spy (The Specialists, book 1), by Shannon Greenland Young Adult, 2007
from the publisher: Teen genius Kelly James is in a lot of hot water. A whiz with computers, she agreed to help her college RA, David, uncover some top-secret information. After all, she doesn't have many friends and David has always been nice to her. All she has to do is hack into the government's main computer system. But a few hours later, her whole life changes. She is caught and taken in for questioning, only this isn't your run-of-the-mill arrest. Rather than serve a juvenile detention sentence, she accepts the option to change her name and enlist in a secret government spy agency that trains teen agents to go undercover. As if that wasn't overwhelming enough, she discovers that David works for this agency as well!
Teen agents is one of those ideas that's interesting when done well. I liked it, but wanted more meat, if that makes sense. Kelly is supposed to have a 191 IQ. You just assume it while seeing very few examples of her prowess. However, it was an engaging plot, with a fun idea. The rest of the series focuses on the other recruits. I might get to them one day, but I'm not dying to read them right this second. Graded a B-.
The Wide-Awake Princess, by E. D. Baker Juvenile, 2010
from the publisher: Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie - blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic - can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake. Joined by one of her father's guards, Liam, who happened to be out of the castle when the sleeping spell struck, Annie travels through a fairy tale land populated with characters both familiar and new as she tries to fix her sister and her family . . . and perhaps even find a true love of her own.
E. D. Baker (also known for The Frog Princess), has a knack for re-writing fairy-tales with her own unique voice. While The Frog Princess didn't wow me, this one completely delighted me. It was cute, it was sweet, and even funny. And more importantly, it was perfect for the age it was written for. This fun new version of The Sleeping Beauty is just the book to recommend for ages 10 - 13, particularly girls. Graded a B.
The premise for this book sounded so intriguing - a group of girls mete out justice in the name of karma - that I picked it up from the library as soon as I could. I was surprised to see that it was by Jessica Brody. She's the author of The Fidelity Files, which I had previously tried since I believe it's being made into a prime time TV show. Unfortunately it was rampant with F-words, so I immediately put it down. I was delighted to see, however, that her imaginative plots ranged to the young adult section.
The Karma Club, by Jessica Brody Young Adult, 2010
Madison is plodding along through high-school, one step at a time, until one day she catches her boyfriend Mason two-timing her. Furious that karma hasn't stepped in yet, she forms The Karma Club, recruiting her friends who have been waiting themselves for karma to hit their exes upside the head. But just when Madison has everything figured out, she realizes she just might need to rethink her priorities if karma really is going to be balanced.
It's a fabulous plot idea - even one with a good moral. You wait and eventually people will get what's coming to them, so hang on.
My biggest pet peeve lately in young adult literature, however, is this tendency to make 16-year-olds act 21. I mean, her friends sneak her into a bar for her 16th birthday for crying out loud. The fact of the matter is that 16-year-olds are just that. 16. And they just haven't had the time/life-span yet to understand a few things. However much current television dramas encourage them otherwise, the fact is that being 16 is still young, life isn't perfect, you don't have all the answers or perfect comebacks, and high school boys are really NOT going to be the loves of your life. So, the fact that I read this book cover to cover without throwing it across the room for driving me nuts, is a testament to the enjoyable plot idea.
The characters are cute, the guy is too perfect, of course, but the ex-boyfriend is what's perfect. Seriously? He's exACTly what high school boys are like. I like that Madison learns a valuable lesson, fixes it, and moves on with her life. And I loved the pranks. LOVED the pranks. I laughed and laughed at those - I mean, who hasn't wanted to take the standard gorgeous girl down a notch?
Today I have the opportunity to interview the lovely L. M. Preston:
The ideas for your books are so fun – particularly for The Pack? Where did you get them and what motivates you to get them on paper.
I wanted to write about missing kids escaping from captivity. Every day at my job, I passed a board of missing children. My heart went out to them, and I always hurt for their loss. Once a former colleague who’d been a police officer told me of a horrible case where he had located missing kids that were captured and being used in despicable ways by their captors who had enslaved them for years before disposing of them. These sad facts were the makings of The Pack.
How do you write? When?
I have a writing process that have gone through several changes and now I have found the best routine that fits me perfectly. I write the premise of the story, then do a character bio, collage of the world I’m building and create a chapter outline. Then I make myself take one month before I write. Believe me, that’s the hardest part. I usually take that time and play the story over and over in my head until most of the characters and plot is flushed out. Then I sit down to write. I usually write for 1 hour in the morning before I go to work and for 1 hour in the evening. On weekends I write for about 4 hours, but because I’m full of energy I write in 30 min sessions and take 10 minutes in between. I also love noise while writing so I tend to write on my porch while the kids are playing or I have to have a movie on.
How do you name your characters?
That’s a big secret that no one has caught onto yet. All of my main character’s names coincide with a unique purpose and trait of their characters.
SHAMIRA: Means, Guardian, defender
VALENS: means Healthy, strong and is of Latin origins. ( I actually wanted this name to be similar to my dad’s middle name – Valentino, since my husband wouldn’t let me use this name for my son.)
I noticed you lived in the Washington, DC area. What are your favorite spots?
I love the Washington Zoo, the Air and Space Museum, Georgetown, Rock Creek Park and Han’s point. Those were my favorite places to go when I was broke and wanted free entertainment. Not to mention the tons of free festivals given throughout the summer months on the Mall downtown.
What is your dream vacation? Where would you take your kids?
Well we love going to Hawaii. I even based the world I created for my upcoming book Bandits on the Hawaiian Islands. I would also love to take the family to Greece. That’s my dream, dream vacation and I promise myself that one day I will go there and take the kids with me. When they travel places I love to see their innocence and appreciation for new adventures. This year we drove to the Florida Keys and are going to Niagra Falls then to Ontario Canada. We can’t wait.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Once you start writing, create a platform and grow your network as you write. Join writer’s forums, start a blog where you review books. Learn the publishing business and remember at the end of the day you never give up. Map out your plan A, B and C. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box in relation to your success and define what success is to you. At the end of this journey, your happiness is what matters.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope that anyone that reads my books grab and absorb the underlying message in all of them. That no matter what you’ve been through, where you are at, you have the power to change and control your destiny.
If you could mirror the career of any other author, who would it be and why?
I would love to be like James Patterson. He has tentacles reaching in all genres and also co-authors with others while realizing that publishing is a business. He is always trying new ways to market his stuff. He’s a writer and a marketer. In addition to marketing his work well, his stories are fast-paced, interesting and enjoyable.
What has made you the person you are today?
I love this question. I’ve become the person I am today because of all the hurdles, trials, mistakes and tenacious spirit of hope that I have. These lessons I weave into my writing for young people, because my readers value being portrayed as smart, resourceful and fearless – which are the traits that most teens have.
What is the most interesting thing about you?
That I’m not what I seem. Most of my peers in the engineering world were shocked that I had a creative side. Most engineers are considered nerdy. Also, the fact that I’m an African American woman that loves to write science fiction. Even my friends were shocked with that. I believe that most people have varied sides to themselves that they have yet to explore. In addition to all of the above, I accomplish tons of stuff at one time. The reason…I just can’t help myself. It’s the way I’m wired. I write, work a full-time job, volunteer with MWA (Maryland Writer’s Association), teach college courses part-time and am a wife whose husband indulges her in the many vacations needed to keep my creative juices running. I kick out about 4 books a year simply because I love the writing process. I never complain about how busy I am, because for some reason I have this need to reach all of my dreams before I leave this place, and my goodness I’m gonna try.
What is the worst book you’ve ever read? Why?
Uh-oh, I hate this question because as an author I realize that my opinion is strictly that, my opinion. Let’s just say that the worst book I’ve read is a highly popular book that bored me to death and made me want to reach within the novel and choke the main character that was weak and suffered from co-dependency to the point where the secondary character was way more interesting. Now with that said, the premise of the book kept me reading in hopes that the main character would change. Only problem was it took 2 additional books within the series for it to happen.
What are you working on now?
Bandits, the first in a two book series, is about a teenage boy who was raised as a thief and mercenary by his renowned father. His relationship with his father was strained due to his father’s refusal to continue his role as a leader of the Zukar. With his father’s murder, he discovers that his father snatched then hid a treasure that is not only worth killing for – but holds a power beyond mortal control. He sets out with his brother and friends to find the treasure before his father’s murderer does. His time is running out as the killer closes in, and the price to stop the inevitable destruction of his world becomes higher than he could ever pay.
Explorer X – Beta is the second book in the Explorer X series and will be full of surprises. The world I created for this book has me excited. This will ultimately be a four book series that will come to a climatic end that is so unpredictable yet powerful. I can’t wait. I’ve outlined the entire series and am finishing up the first draft of Explorer X-Beta, which is scheduled to come out Fall of 2011. In Explorer X-Beta, Aadi realizes that it’s okay to make mistakes, that leaning on your friends make you stronger, and that people are not always what they seem. I’ll give you a hint, he’s on his way to save Dakota and Carter, but in doing so, unveils something about the species in which he and the others were created from. The depth of the deception of TECRC becomes more obvious, and the burgeoning power of each character comes to the surface.
The Pack – Retribution, brings Shamira back where she struggles with being a leader and burying herself back within. Her trust and friendships are further tested. This is due out in Spring, 2012.
I am typically NOT a fan of Neil Gaiman. I know I've just shocked a few people, but he's just too much for me on so many levels....I mean, come on. Mirrormask? Really? I couldn't even figure what it was about. But the one book I tried of his that I enjoyed (please note the grade given...) was Stardust.
Stardust, by Neil Gaiman Adult, 1997
Tristram journeys over The Wall to find a star that fell for his true love. But the faerie land will provide a series of adventures that forever changes who he is and what he will become.
I snatched this one on a whim many years ago, wasn't a huge fan, and forgot about it until the movie came out. Because the book hadn't been that memorable in a good way, I didn't bother watching the movie. But my husband and I sat down on a reliable source's recommendation and enjoyed the adaptation - enough for me to re-check out this book that I'd forgotten all about.
I have to say this - Gaiman can write. The guy's just got skills. I can't find fault with that at all. However, I was puzzled why a delightful idea for a new fairy tale had to include a couple of sex scenes. Both are limited to one short page, and both are easily skippable, but it bothered me quite a bit. Otherwise it's a very cute story. It's a bit out there, of course - I mean, I did warn you that Gaiman is...well, the writer-version of Tim Burton in a way. And that can mean his stuff is just plain odd. However, it is delightfully imaginative and completely unique for once (instead of a fractured fairy tale which lately has been just overkilled.). I have to grade a few things separately: Writing gets an A-. Plot gets a B-, and if I was being mean about the sex scenes it would be a C+.
And can I just say that since it's been made into a movie does not entitle it to be shelved in the teen section? I know teens might be looking for it, but to me it clearly felt like an adult book...
The plot line was changed a little - minor details that might drive the more purist Gaiman fans nuts, but made it all the better for me. The movie is PG-13, but was quite clean. I also loved the ending better - it seemed to work better with a fairy-tale story. The acting was fun - no one was horrid, and the dead ghost princes made for a bit of comic relief, which was hilarious. Claire Danes was far superior to her counter-part, but it's overlookable when so much is happening, you don't have time to analyze little moments.
I saw this on a couple of TBR lists out there and was intrigued by the summary. However, I immediately hit a dead-end when I tried to find it. Looking it up on Amazon, I discovered only used copies were available since it has so far only been published in the UK. This is the same for her other works. I purchased what promised to be a ratty beat-up copy of the book, and settled down with pages falling out of it yesterday. I finished it in an inordinate amount of time, holding up my hand to stall any nosy questions in the middle of my adventures with Eleanor (the heroine).
The Lady in the Tower, by Marie-Louise Jensen Young Adult, 2009
from the publisher: Spring 1540 I am afraid. You are in grave danger. Mother, will you run away with me if I can free you? The servants call it the Lady Tower: the isolated part of the castle where Eleanor's mother is imprisoned after a terrible accusation. For four years Eleanor's only comfort has been their secret notes to one another. A chance discovery reveals a plot to murder her mother. Now Eleanor must free her before it is too late. But with danger and betrayal at every turn, she can trust no one. Especially not her father. Eleanor must use all her cunning to survive. For she soon realises that it is not just her mother she needs to save ...but also herself. While things initially got off to a slow start, it didn't take long for things to pick up. I was thoroughly entranced with the main character, Eleanor, who Jensen had the sense to write as the age she is - 15. And the history was absolutely fascinating. I'm incredibly picky with historical fiction, and usually won't read it (although Mary Hooper is an obvious exception). However, in this case Jensen was accurate, thorough, and completely enjoyable. I particularly loved the jousting tournament - I was literally on the edge of my seat. The ending was a bit too good to be true, but really, I wouldn't want it any other way. There are some very adult themes in this book, which is why it's young adult. Also, the beheadings that Henry the VIII was so famous for are described here - not as gruesomely as they could be, but nevertheless something to be wary of if recommending to younger readers. Graded an A-.
The cover makes this book look like chick-lit with a capital C. However, if you take a chance and read the back, it turns out it's a mystery?! A fan of solving the unsolvable, I checked it out, intrigued.
Lucy Valentine comes from a long line of matchmakers. Professionally they have a 98% success rate, baffling competition, but their secret is the ability to see auras, matching them up without even bothering to look at their questionnaires. Lucy is the only one of her family without the gift - instead she seems to have the rather silly gift of being able to find objects. When her father needs her to take over the business for a few weeks, she balks. But rent is due, and really...it's in her blood, right? As Lucy tries to match up clients, she begins to see things they've lost. Until she shakes one man's hand and sees a dead body.
The premise is intriguing, and really, overall the mystery is a lot of fun. I didn't like her parents - the whole 'pretending' to be married bit really bothered me. But the PI who helps her out, her quirky chauffeur...there are some lovable characters here. The ending was a little too much of a surprise, but along the way it was quite difficult to guess who-dun-it, which was good enough for me. I liked her new-found confidence and how she used her ability to do worthwhile things, although some of the characters believing she had this ability so quickly was a bit hard to swallow. This is an adult book, so plenty of sexual tension, but no sex scenes and no one does anything of the kind. Light swearing as well. Graded a B-, and I'll probably pick up the sequels to read as they come out.
I picked up this book because of it's perfect fairy-tale cover. It reminds me of The Little Mermaid, but for an older generation. I was also pleased to see that there's water in it - so it's perfect for the Books and Bikini's Summer Reading Challenge!
Camille Rowan sales aboard her father's ship in 1855. Engaged to a man who will solve all their financial problems, this is her last opportunity to spend time with her father and enjoy her freedom. But when the ship goes down in a storm, taking her father with her, Camille sets out on a voyage of her own. Her long-lost mother, a map, a cursed stone, and a sailor that is stirring her heart into something more than friendship make it the adventure of a lifetime.
I love stories set in the 1800s - however realistically boring it probably was to live at that time, I find myself easily carried away by those gorgeous dresses, and the dramatic adventures the heroines seem to live. This book was no exception. Camille is for once a girl that acts her age - 17. She has her shallow moments with regards to the handsome ship boy Oscar, and she makes irrational and irresponsible choices that even a well-mannered intelligent teenager can make. I thoroughly enjoyed the card-shark-turned friend who helps them along the danger-fraught mission, and Oscar was entirely loveable, although a little too patient with regards to Camille figuring things out. The story itself was a bit out there, almost Lloyd Alexanderish in its oddness, but despite that and the bits that were of course unrealistic, it was an engaging story. There's a scene of some strong sexual tension, but no one does anything naughty. There is light-swearing from sailors and the like. Graded a B-.
Publisher's Description: Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts to 'breathers.' Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable. They know the dirt on everybody . . . and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of all of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her help to contact his recently deceased mother, but Cass is less than enthusiastic. Kicking and screaming, Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life. And she's more surprised than anyone when she realizes that maybe some living people aren't so bad if she'd only give them a chance.
Raspberry: I was delighted to come across an ARC of this at a thrift store. I read it almost immediately, and was sucked in within the first few pages. Cass is right - who doesn't love dirt on other people? After awhile, though, I found her gossip and desire to shun everyone around her annoying. It makes sense considering her situation, but I breathed a sigh of relief when she finally started to make friends with Tim. I was also pretty exasperated by how deep the ending was supposed to be in regards to Tim. The guy turns out to be pretty messed up emotionally, making the light-hearted growing up story finish a bit depressing. Graded a B-.
Spoiler Discussion! I can't talk about this in the review in case others haven't read it, but this has been driving me nuts. Stuff like this happens in other books too, so expect these as a regular part of my reviews from now on. :) So Tim. I don't want to try and lessen the loss of a parent any, but I think suicide (or in this case attempting it) is a bit drastic of a consequence. I haven't personally lost a parent, but I have lost grandparents, friends, and other relatives. Perhaps it's because he didn't have much of a support system and his grief needed an outlet - that I can see. But in the real world, I think a lot more adults would have been on top of it making sure he was alright. What do you guys think?
Publisher's Description: Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She's not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own. That is, until now. Welcome to the Theatre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Theatre by The Book - an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family - and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Trackgeek: While the fantasy elements of the book are a bit quirky (the theatre contains the characters to all of the plays ever written), as long as they stay confined to the theatre itself the premise seems to work. The only frustrating part is still feeling like you are left in the dark with a resolution that in my mind could have taken about another half a page. I would have been pretty happy without a sequel.
The Magician of Hoad, by Margaret Mahy
Hazel, by Julie Hearn
Magic Below Stairs, by Caroline Stevermer
Alphabet of Dreams, by Susan Fletcher
Crossing Stones, by Helen Frost
