Review (77): Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

Stitching Snow 

by R.C. Lewis

 

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Pages: 336

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Author Website 

My Thoughts: 

Stitching Snow is a unique and futuristic retelling of the widely popular German fairy tale, "Snow White". Although loosely based, there are still many key identifying features that recall the beloved classic. Essie has been living alone in the barren tundra of Thanda for the past several years. She keeps to herself and spends her days tinkering, coding and repairing the 7 loyal drones that help run the local mines. Her solitude is disrupted when a boy her age crash-lands near her home. Begrudgingly she agrees to help Dane repair his ship and gets caught up in a war that she had risked her life so many years ago to escape.

Fairytale retellings are my jam and this was no exception. Essie is a truly fantastic and complex heroine. She is badass, brave and smart, but also very cautious. I was truly impressed with how she handles life on Thanda—especially since it is a planet populated mostly by brute men. (What sixteen year old girl willing participates in cage fights for cash and street cred? lol) 

I also really like how intricately detailed all the planets are and how each has a unique climate, population and their own set of problems. Despite all the added elements, I didn’t find it confusing in the least trying to keep track of when, where and what everything was happening. 

Another thing I want to mention is the simple yet beautiful cover. Snow White’s poisonous apple with the almost machinery-like designs are perfect representations of the story in my opinion. 

This reminded me of The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer just because of how the universes are set up and because of the sci-fi elements added to the retellings. I really like both and if you're already a fan of TLC, then I think you'll enjoy this one as well. However, that being said, don’t lump these two together because Stitching Snow deserves its own recognition. (I might prefer Essie over Cinder though if I’m being completely honest…) I’m not sure if Spinning Starlight is the next book in the series (or if this is even a series at all?), but I’m for sure excited to read that one as well!

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Review (73): Finding Perfect by Kendra C. Highley

Finding Perfect

by Kendra C. Highley

Other Entangled Reviews: 

Daisy and the Front Man, 

Anya and the Shy Guy

Release Date: September 14, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Teen: Crush

Pages: 199

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

“Perfect Paige” has her life all planned out; graduate high school as one of the top 5 in her class, attend Stanford University, and go on to medical school so she can take over the family practice. However, after getting a D on her latest calculus test she has to figure out how to pass this ridiculous class or risk the chance of her plans—and her parents’ expectations—going up in flames. Enter Ben Franklin: the sweet, smart boy from the wrong side of town. He agrees to tutor Paige if only she helps turn him into the kind of guy her best friend, and most popular girl in school, will consider dating. Paige hesitates, but can’t argue that this is the perfect plan…until she realizes that she wishes Ben was working this hard for her attention instead of Zoey’s. 

First of all, how freakin’ adorable is that cover? I mean seriously so cute. Just like this story. I thought it was going to be the typical cliche love triangle, but it turned out to be so much more--honestly the perfect contemporary romance. Ben has had a crush on Zoey for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately for him--and every other guy at their high school--he just isn't someone she'd ever notice on her own which is why he enlists Paige's help. As expected the two fall for each other the more time they spend together because they just make so much more sense. 

The twist though came with Zoey. She turned out to be a lot less like your typical self-absorbed queen bee than I had initially expected. Her and Paige could not have been more different; Zoey is completely laid back while Paige is anything but. Yet their differences work well together and Zoey is actually an amazing friend to Paige. Paige is a bit too nice—she can’t seem to say no to anyone—but she grows so, so much throughout the story. Ben is ridiculously hardworking and so incredibly sweet. He pushes Paige to finally be honest about all the pressure she's been feeling towards her future and gives her the strength to come clean to her parents--especially her dad. He helps her discover that perfection is overrated and that nothing but her happiness is important at the end of the day. I usually have a favorite character but I genuinely liked all of them which made this that much more of an enjoyable read.

The ending left room for a sequel and I really hope that is the case because I am definitely going to be reading anything else written by Highley if she continues writing such great characters and I'm definitely interested in seeing how Zoey's story continues!

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Review (71): The Ugly Stepsister by Aya Ling

The Ugly Stepsister

by Aya Ling

Release Date: June 10, 2015

Pages: 452

Format: eBook

Source: Author

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

When Kat accidentally transports herself into one of her old fairytale books as Cinderella’s ugly step-sister, she finds herself in quite the predicament. The only way to get home is ensure that the story ends as it should—with a happily ever after. Unfortunately for her, the rest of the characters don’t seem to be playing along; she has no idea where the fairy godmother is hiding, the handsome prince seems to hate all the attention that comes with his status, her beautiful sister is dead set on becoming queen, and if all of that weren’t enough, Cinderella has her eyes set on someone else. How is Kat supposed to make sure the story runs smoothly and still learn how to navigate the social season as a highborn lady?

I am not a huge fan of retellings because I feel like they all end up being the same so I almost didn’t bother reading this. And omg, how horrible would that have been? Because I honestly loved everything about this! I think that just the small change of making this from the ugly stepsisters perspective added so much to the story. But that isn’t even the best part. The characters were so well-written and amazing. I loved every single one of them—even the actual evil, stepsister. 

Kat predictably started off as shy and clumsy but quickly turned into the brave heroine. It was great seeing her grow and become assertive and bold. She challenges various issues in the fairy tale world including child labor and sexism. I thought it was funny how everyone is either impressed or scandalized by her behavior and was happy that she felt the need to do something about these injustices despite knowing she wouldn’t be in Athelia long. Prince Edward is very down-to-earth and passionate about his position, despite the fact that he doesn’t like all the attention that comes along with being the crown prince. He was so cute and sweet and understanding—I just loved him. 

Another thing I really liked was the distinction between Kat’s voice and that of all the other fairy tale characters. They really sounded like they came straight out of a fairy tale while she had a modern vocabulary—it was very comical at times. Eventually she kind of starts to sound like them, but there was always that modern slang that confused the hell out of everyone else. 

This is by far one of my favorites and I hope Aya continues to write such amazing and strong female characters! The only thing I would change about this is the cover. The current one does not do this justice and I think this is definitely deserving of a prettier and more magical one. 

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Review (70): One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

One Night That Changes Everything

by Lauren Barnholdt

Release Date: July 6, 2010

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 242

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

When her father gets offered a job in a brand new city, Eliza’s twelve year old self decides this will be the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself. With her allowance, she buys a purple notebook and begins making a sort-of bucket list of all the things she wants to do but has always been afraid of. Except the move never happens. Now 5 years older, the list has grown and includes much more personal items—things she doesn’t want anyone to read because some aren’t just about herself. And so, when it is stolen by the 318s (a secret society made up of the popular boys of her high school, including her ex-boyfriend Cooper), she has no choice but to do what they say or they’ve threatened to post her notebook online for everyone to see. Except this isn’t going to be easy because the tasks they’ve chosen for her are the things she wrote…all the things she’s never had the guts to do.

This was a very quick read (I’m sure I would have finished in a day had I not had a paper to write the same weekend I started this) that sucked me in from the beginning. It takes place in the span of just one night, but oh so much happens in those 12 short hours. The 318s basically have Eliza and her two best friends, Marissa and Clarice, on a wild goose chase all over Boston and the surrounding cities. She is forced to do 4 tasks throughout the night that she does, in my opinion, like a champ. They honestly weren’t that bad—except for one—but I can understand why she would have added them to her notebook of things she’s not brave enough to do. 

Eliza is sarcastic, spunky, and, at times, kind of crabby. I wanted to tell her to just shut up and listen to what people—particularly Cooper—were trying to tell her, but she definitely had me laughing out loud because of some of her comebacks. She has no choice but to do what the 318s tell her to, but she does most of the tasks defiantly and only as a way to buy her time so she can come up with a better way to get her notebook back. I think Clarice and Marissa are great secondary characters. They balance each other out because they are polar opposites—although both are pretty naive when it comes to aspects of love. Despite the length of the storyline and how fast everything seems to happen, it is obvious that all three of them takeaway something positive from what they experience that night. 

This is a story of friendship, second chances, and conquering your fears—even if you are literally blackmailed into doing so. I’ve read a few of Barnholdt’s books and have enjoyed all of them so far. I highly recommend this as a fun and quick read!

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Review (67): Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay

Everything That Makes You

by Moriah McStay

Series: None

Other Reviewed Titles: None
Release Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books (HarperCollins)

Pages: 352

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

Fiona/Fi are the exact same person living completely different lives because of a decision made when she was just five years old on that fateful trip to the zoo; whether to get a bag of popcorn or visit the panda exhibit. One lead to a tragic accident that, twelve years later, she is still trying to come to terms with. The other left her with little more than a stuffed panda and some great memories. But despite being on separate paths, their two lives are connected and intersect in odd and amazing ways. 

Sometimes when making decisions I wonder what could have happened if I had taken the other option; choosing one class over another, leaving earlier to not miss the bus, etc. Sometimes even just one second of delay can end up saving someones life… I thought this was a great concept and an interesting book to read. I’m a believer in fate and this definitely has a lot of it interwoven in the plot. 

Despite the two girls being in alternate universes, there are some similarities and coincidences that prove that even though their two lives could not be more different, they are still meant to end up where they do and to meet the important people in their lives that influence them. McStay does a great job of connecting all the characters and their stories in both versions of Fiona’s life. A lot of relationships stay constant between both, but others are completely different from one version to the other, yet they work very naturally and are easy to believe and follow along with.

Initially you think that Fi’s life—the version where she is not badly burned and scarred—is the perfect one, but she isn’t happy either and suffers quite a bit as well. She becomes lost after losing both of the things she loves the most and spends a whole year trying to get out of this funk and get her life back on track. Fiona—who has had to deal with angry scars covering the entire right side of her face basically her entire life—is actually the one I found more inspiring. She is very self-conscious, as I image anyone would be in her situation, and unfortunately she lets this stop her from doing what she truly loves. Eventually she realizes that everything happens for a reason and what you do with your situation is what ultimately defines who you are, so why worry about something you have no control over?

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Review (65): Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything 

by Nicola Yoon

Series: N/A

Other Reviewed Titles: N/A
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Publisher: Random House Kids/Delacorte

Pages: 320

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

Everything, Everything tells the story of Madeleine, an eighteen year old with SCID (severe combined immune deficiency). She is allergic to the outside world and, therefore, has not stepped through her front door in seventeen years. Her house has been turned into a safe, sealed environment that allows her to continue her studies online and live as normal a life as possible. Her only friends have been her overprotective mother and her kindhearted nurse until the new neighbors move in next door. She’s always been fine with her sheltered, monotonous life, but the second her eyes meet Olly's, everything changes.

Maddy is a great character. She has a really likable and noteworthy voice. I expected her to be a bit immature because of her upbringing (she has been sheltered from virtually everything her entire life), but she really wasn’t and I quite admired her—I know for a fact that if I was in her position I would not have been as strong, optimistic and accepting. Olly was a nice, quirky addition. Their friendship started off a bit unconventional. They had to come up with interesting ways to get to know each other at first since she isn’t allowed to leave the house and isn’t allowed visitors. As their relationship grows, it is obvious how much he cares for her by how much he is willing to sacrifice. 

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but there is a pretty major plot bomb towards the end. I had my suspicions, but was still genuinely surprised when everything unfolded. 

By far my favorite thing about this was the little extras that are sprinkled throughout the book. There are emails, journal entries, IMs, drawings, web pages, and diagrams. For some reason I always like it when stuff like this is included, I feel like it adds a little bit of fun to the book, especially to one that has some serious and emotional subject matter like this one.

This is a fantastic debut! Fans of The Fault in our Stars will definitely appreciate this (not that the two books are very similar). Can’t wait to see what else Nicola Yoon has in store for us!

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Review (59): They Call Me Alexandra Gastone by T.A. MacLagan

They Call Me Alexandra Gastone

by T.A. MacLagan

Series: N/A

Other Reviewed Titles: N/A
Release Date: May 20, 2015

Publisher: Full Fathom Five Digital

Pages: 226

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Author Website

My Thoughts: 

Alexandra Gastone is not who she claims to be. At the age of 7, Milena Rokva was dropped off at the secret headquarters of  Perun, a clandestine organization of her homeland, Olissa. There she trained to be a spy and learns everything she needs to know in order to become Alexandra and to infiltrate the life of Albert Gastone, a prominent CIA analyst—the real Alexandra and her parents are killed in a car crash in order for Milena to take her place. The original plan is to have Alexandra finish high school, attend Princeton, and eventually join the CIA in order to help the Olissan government, but when an opportunity presents itself, Perun activates Alexandra earlier than she is ready.

I actually loved this more than I was expecting to. The plot has the perfect amount of action, romance, and suspense. The whole storyline is very well-planned and complex; Perun, the politics and unrest between the two countries, and the other spy agents were all completely believable. The beginning is a bit slow because we are introduced to the characters and their backgrounds, but once the spy stuff actually kicked in, I couldn’t put it down. There were quite a few surprises and plot twists along the way that I honestly never saw coming; the author really throws curveballs that keep you fully immersed in the story. It ends in a cliffhanger and I am hoping there is a sequel because I NEED to know what happens next.

The characters are also really likable and real. Lex is strong and brave but I also felt that she was a bit lost—imagine being abandoned by your father and forced to become a spy before even starting middle school. I admired her resistance of Perun in the beginning, but I can also see why she gave in to the organization and believed in it as much as she did. She uncovers some secrets that really make her question her loyalty and everything she’s been made to believe about her mission; it all kind of tears her up inside and it was interesting to see what she ultimately decides to do. I just thought she was an overall well-rounded character and found it a little funny how bad at being a spy she was sometimes. 

Albert, her grandfather, is the nicest and sweetest person ever. There was a point in the story where I was sure he would turn into the villain, but I’m glad this was not the case. As for Grant, he seemed nice enough, but there was something about him that I didn’t particularly like? He was a little too needy for my tastes, but for good reason I guess since she does lie to him quite a bit.

This is a fantastic debut novel and, as I mentioned before, I hope there is a sequel to this story or at least another book by T.A. MacLagan in the near future because I will be picking up whatever she publishes next!

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* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Review (56): Don't Ever Change by M. Beth Bloom

Don’t Ever Change

M. Beth Bloom

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 368

Format: eARC 

Source: Edelweiss

Author Facebook

My Thoughts: 

Eva has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. So when she hands in her last writing assignment of her high school career and her writing teacher tells her she should focus on writing “what she knows”, she is a little distressed and realizes she doesn’t actually know all that much. She decides to take advantage of her last summer before college to gain new experiences and finally live a life worth writing about. That’s how she ends up as a camp counselor even though she is wholly unqualified, how she finds herself falling for the last person she ever thought possible, and how she almost loses her two best friends. 

Eva is a judge-y, know-it-all who has this irritating need to be different than everyone around her. But despite all of this, I found myself liking her. She knows how problematic she is (because she is told by pretty much everyone she talks to) and she genuinely seems like she wants to change her negative attitude. She realizes that she hasn’t lived any life changing moments thus far because she hasn't really let herself; she’s been more preoccupied trying to be different and unique that she has shunned people and passed up opportunities. She kind of reminds me of my high school self in this regard, unfortunately.

Her sister, Courtney, is also a great character. She is 21 and, although she is more confident and in control than Eva, she is also a little lost and trying to find herself. She is going to community college and doesn’t sound like she fully knows what she wants to do with her life—except maybe travel. I really liked her and Eva’s relationship. She is always there whenever Eva needs her and is actually great at giving her advice and making her realize when she’s being difficult or ridiculous. 

The plot isn’t particularly exciting or action-packed, but it is real. The book takes place the summer after Eva’s senior year and is spent just like any new graduate probably would; with a summer job, spending as much time with friends as possible, and coming to terms with the fact that going to college means leaving the only home you’ve ever known. What I also really liked about this is that Eva doesn’t go through a magical transformation and doesn’t turn into a completely different person by the end of the story. She learns a lot about herself during those few weeks but she herself recognizes that this is just the beginning and that she has a long way to go. And I think that’s perfect.

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Click HERE to read an excerpt!

* Thank you to the author and publisher for an eARC in return for my honest review *

Review (52): Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross

Whatever Life Throws at You

by Julie Cross

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 373

Format: Paperback

Source: Library

Author Website 

My Thoughts: 

Annie Lucas’ father has just been offered an amazing opportunity as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals which is how she ends up in Missouri at an all girls private school. There she focuses on track: winning meets, breaking records, and getting noticed by college scouts. Jason Brody, the new Royals’ rookie pitcher, somewhat blindsides her when she realizes that she has actual feelings for him. But he has a sketchy past, a playboy image, and is obviously off limits—because he’s a major league baseball player and all. As their friendship turns into something more, the two of them try to find a way to make things work despite all that keeps getting in their way. 

I honestly finished this in about two days. I loved so many things about this book: the plot, the characters, the writing. Just everything! The relationship that Annie has with her father is something I’ve always craved with my own. They are just so sweet, caring and protective of each other. Annie’s relationship with Brody is also well written. Their relationship slowly progressives from a very close friendship which I liked. It was a gradual shift and there were a lot of scenes where they take the time to actually get to know each other; they share secrets and pretty much talk about anything and everything. I hate when romance is one of the biggest aspects of the plot yet it is rushed and ends up being lackluster. Luckily this was not the case because their love seems very genuine.

I loved Annie and Brody together, but individually they are also great characters. Annie is driven and sassy. I felt that she was pretty mature despite that being one of her biggest insecurities. And despite his sordid past, Brody is hardworking, patient, and loving. He has completely changed his life around in such a short amount of time which is admirable. I felt sorry for him at times because of how young and alone he seems; he just wants someone to acknowledge that he isn’t a terrible person and be accepted by his teammates. 

There is a bit of sexual content, so be aware if that is something you are not comfortable with.  (I would definitely categorize this as more NA than YA.) I found it particularly refreshing because it was not super graphic, but it added to their relationship and made it that much more real. Those scenes honestly made me love Brody that much more. 

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Review (43): Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe

by Beth Revis

Series: Across the Universe, #1

Other Reviewed Titles: None
Release Date: January 11, 2011

Publisher: Razor Bill

Pages: 398

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Challenge: None

Author Website

Book Website

My Thoughts: 
When both of her parents are chosen to be two of the people who will help colonize a brand new planet, Amy decides to go with them even though it means leaving the only life she’s ever known behind. Because landing is predicted for 300 years in the future, all three are frozen and put aboard the vast spaceship known as Godspeed. But Amy is unexpectedly woken up 50 years before schedule. She wakes to an entirely different world, confined inside a massive hunk of metal floating among the stars. What she discovers is that she was not unfrozen by accident and that she isn’t the only victim. If she doesn’t find out who is unfreezing people and leaving them to drown, her parents might be next. With the help of Elder, the future leader of the ship, she uncovers dangerous secrets that Godspeed and it’s leaders have been keeping for decades.

The world created by Beth Revis is incredibly detailed and amazing...but it is also kind of terrifying. Could you imagine being frozen and then suddenly waking up hundreds of years later in space surrounded by a community of empty, brainless people blindly following the command of a tyrant leader? Yeah, me neither. Luckily, we can read about it without experiencing it! I thought the plot was great. The beginning of the book was a bit slow but only because we are being introduced to the characters and Godspeed. Once Amy is woken up the action picks up and the story really gets started. From then on I couldn’t put the book down because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next!

Besides the fantastic plot, there were two other things I loved about this book; the dual perspective and the new slang that people aboard the ship use. It seems like more and more books are taking the 2+ person perspective which I adore. Being able to see into both heads gives the reader a much better understanding of what is going on and what the characters are feeling. As for the slang, it was hilarious. I chuckled every time someone said ‘frex,’ ‘loons,’ ‘chutz,’ ‘stars,’ etc. Out of context they don’t make much sense, but it is easy to figure out what they all mean while reading.

This is a must-read even if you don't typically for go science fiction.

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Review (32): Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire

Don’t You Wish

by Roxanne St. Claire

Series: None

Other Reviewed Titles: None
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 368

Source: NetGalley

Challenge: None

Author Website

Book Website

Review: 
This book is the epitome of “Be careful what you wish for”. Annie Nutter discovers that her mom almost married a different man, one who could have made her the wife of a multi-millionaire. Annie could have been gorgeous and popular and living in a house worthy of being in magazines, all of which she’s always wanted. She is pretty much invisible at her high school, she lives with a hoarder for a father, and her family has always struggled financially, so she secretly thinks “what if”. What if her mom had married Jim Monroe instead of Mel Nutter? What would her life have been like then? Then during a lightning storm the impossible happens and Annie Nutter wakes up as Ayla Monroe and she learns that money and popularity really aren’t the key to a happy and satisfying life.

I absolutely love this book and have never read anything like it. I didn’t even really know what it was about when I requested it on NetGalley, but I’m so glad I was able to read it. I thought it would just be one of those stories about learning a lesson and then getting transported back to your life a new and changed person, and although that is basically what happens, there was so much science behind it that made it much more interesting to read.

I liked Annie at the end of the book better than I did at the beginning. At first she wasn’t really my favorite because she was a little too obsessed with anything popular and she basically cowered in their shadows. By the end, though, she becomes confident and, most importantly, happy. A lot of this change has to do with the things she faces in the alternate universe, things she never would have worried about in her “old” life. Along with dealing with her parents impending divorce, she loses not only her super hot boyfriend, but her “A-list” friends aswell. As her status disintegrates, she realizes that being popular isn’t everything if you don’t even have friends you can trust and talk to. Thankfully she befriends Charlie, the school outcast who is charming, sweet, funny, smart, and very, very kind. He helps her figure out how to get back to where she now knows she belongs.

And last but not least, I feel that the cover is a little too plain. I think they could have made a much cooler looking one with an alternate universe theme, but it’s still cute. It probably still would have grabbed my attention had I seen it in stores. 

Rating: * * * * *

Click here to read an excerpt!

Review (27): There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

There You’ll Find Me

by Jenny B. Jones

Series: None

Other Reviewed Titles: None

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 314

Source: NetGalley ARC

Challenge: None

Author Website

My review:

I’m not a particularly religious person nor did I even know that this was a Christian novel until after I finished reading, but I was hooked from the very first page and could not seem to put it down! The book follows the life of Finley Sinclair, a now high school senior who is still struggling with the death of her brother two years before. Along with that, an upcoming audition for a school in NYC and being the new exchange student in Ireland, Finley has to deal with anxiety that only seems to get worse as her audition nears. This was definitely not a light and fluffy read nor was it extremely depressing. It was a book about loss, crisis of faith, and friendship that had me in tears just as often as it had me laughing my head off. 

I absolutely loved every character in this book, even grumpy Cathleen Sweeney. Both Finley and Beckett were great characters alone, but even better together because they seemed to strengthen each other. Their romance was sweet and fun to read about, especially since both were so adamant about not liking each other even though it was obvious from the beginning that they would be perfect together. The fact that Beckett constantly “forgot” her name and their witty banter had me laughing most of the time. Both deal with issues throughout the book that are relatable which just makes it even easier to fall in love with them.

The cover is strong, simple and gorgeous! The couple holding hands shows strength which is just what Beckett and Finley’s relationship is all about.

The only thing I disliked about this book is that it intensified my already very intense desire to visit Ireland. This was my first time reading one of Jenny’s book, but it will definitely not be my last!

Rating: * * * * * 

Click here to read chapter 1!

Review (10): Babe in Boyland

Babe in Boyland

by Jody Gehrman

Series: None

Other Reviewed Titles: None

Release Date: February 17, 2011

Publisher: The Penguin Group

Pages: 292

Source: Library

Challenge: None

Book Website: None

Author Website: http://www.jodygehrman.com/

When high school junior Natalie--or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper--is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. 

But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected--especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?

_____________________________________________________________________

Why I Read This: It looked like a fun, cute read.

Plot: This story reminded me a lot of She’s the Man with Amanda Bynes which is not a bad thing because I absolutely loved that movie and recently found out it was based on one of Shakespeare’s plays. The plot was a little predictable, but there were parts that were still unique to the story. I loved the theater components of and how they were incorporated perfectly into the story. What I had a hard time believing was how it was so easy for her to be enrolled into the school without any problems or people asking too many questions. That would not have happened in real life, but obviously the same rules don’t apply to books which is why they’re so amazing. 

Characters: Natalie was hilarious, witty and sarcastic. She was very relatable and I loved her. I also really liked her two best friends, Chloe and Darcy. They couldn’t have been more different from each other, but that seemed to make their friendship even more believable and realistic. Emilio was super adorable and I loved that he was shy around other people, but very comfortable when he was with Nat (aka Natalie). I really liked them all, especially the three friends Natalie makes at the all-boys school she attends for a week. 

Cover: The cover is super cute and is what first drew me to the book. The girl is gorgeous and has the biggest and prettiest eyes ever! 

Overall Impression: Hilarious! I found myself literally LOLing various times throughout the book. I had fun reading it which is what I was hoping for. I will definitely pick up other books by Jody Gehrman now that I know how great this one was. 

Rating: * * * * *

Review (9): Warped by Maurissa Guibord

Warped

by Maurissa Guibord

Series: None

Other Reviewed Titles: None

Release Date: January 11, 2011

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 352

Source: Library

Challenge: 2011 DAC

Book Website: None

Author Website: www.maurissaguibord.com

Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

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Why I Read This: I read this for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge.

Plot: At the beginning of the novel, we are given two definitions of the word ‘warped’ which is the title of the book. One of the definitions had to do with weaving, the other was about traveling through time. I loved the fact that she took both meanings of the word and incorporated them into the story. This novel was a combination of action, danger, suspense, romance, fantasy and a bunch of other stuff all mixed in. Now on to what actually happened in the story! The beginning was slightly slow and the action didn’t start until Will showed up, but as soon as he got there, everything picked up. There are constant flashbacks that help explain why and how Will got stuck inside of a tapestry. They are really helpful in the overall understanding of the story and give us clues to what will happen next. 

Characters: There were only a few characters in the novel, but that was enough to make the story great. I really liked Tessa and her best friend, Opal, but what I liked most about the two of them was their friendship. They are both very different; Opal is quirky while Tessa is the more rational of the two. When things in Tessa’s life start to get a little crazy and strange, Opal never doubts her and agrees to help right away. Basically, Opal is just awesome and a great friend that anyone would be lucky to have. I quickly became a fan of Will and was even happier with him and Tessa together. Tessa had a tendency of making fun of him which, at times was funny, but just make him feel even more out of place. He wasn’t used to anything from her world considering he was born 400+ years in the past and she should have been a little more understanding. However, my favorite part about Tessa was that she was just as sarcastic as I am. Oh, and did I mention that her dad owns a book store and they live directly above it?! 

Cover: The cover is gorgeous and I love it almost as much as I love the story. It sort of reminds me of the Uglies by Scott Westerfeld cover which I also like.

Overall Impression: I loved this book! If there is a sequel, I will definitely pick it up. Actually, I’ll probably read any book by Maurissa Guibord. 

Rating: * * * * *

Review (7): The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen

by Julie Kagawa

Series: Iron Fey (Book 3)

Other Reviewed Titles: The Iron King (Book 1), The Iron Daughter (Book 2)

Release Date: January 25, 2011

Publisher: HarlequinTEEN

Pages: 358
Source: NetGalley ARC

Challenge: 2011 OTS

Book Website: 

www.enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/

Author Website: www.juliekagawa.com

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

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Why I Read This: I got an ARC from NetGalley. Plus, I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. 

Plot: The world created by Kagawa is amazing and magical. The detail that she gives about this imaginary world really helps the reader understand and even care about where her characters are from. Iron Fey are completely unique to this series and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about or like them before. The plot is filled with action, romance and suspense. There is never a dull moment and our heroic trio is always on the move. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the story and even some unexpected endings. I can’t really say much more about it without giving away important details and events, so you’re just going to have to read and find out.

Characters: It amazed me how much the characters grew from the beginning of the series. Meghan, once an an insecure 15 year old, turns into a strong, confident young adult. She is ready to take on anything that is thrown her way and is not afraid to sacrifice herself for the ones she loves. She has quickly become one of my favorite heroines. Ash and Puck are also back for this book; it wouldn’t be the same without them. The two boys realize that they need to put their differences aside in order to help the girl they both love. Along with all the returning characters we also get to meet some new ones: Glitch, Razor, and the Clockmaker.

Cover: Once again, I loved the cover. So far they have all been similar, yet different and I love it when books in a series have a certain theme to them. 

Overall Impression: AMAZING! Great ending to an even greater series. I am dying to read Ash’s story, The Iron Knight, which comes out later this year.

Rating: * * * * * 

Review (6): The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter 

by Julie Kagawa

Series: Iron Fey (#2)

Other Reviewed Titles: The Iron King (#1)

Release Date: August 1, 2010

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Pages: 359

Source: Library

Challenge: None

Website: www.enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/

Author Website: www.juliekagawa.com

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey -- ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. 

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart. 

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Why I Read This: I got a NetGalley ARC for The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #3), so I decided to start from the very beginning.

Plot: The Iron Daughter starts off right where The Iron King left off so this review might be a little spoiler-y if you have not read the first book. That being said, I definitely enjoyed this one better. And not just because they go to Silicon Valley which is what I like to call home. Lol But seriously, I think this one was a lot more action packed. Many new characters are introduced including Ash's brothers, Rowan and Sage, and we get to see some old characters from the first book including Virus and good ol' Ironhorse. We also learn a lot about Meghan and the things she can do.  I can't really say that much more about it because it would give too much away, but let me just say that the ending was AMAZING and unexpected. 

Characters: I was very disappointed in Meghan at the beginning of this book. She was totally awesome and cool in the first, but at the beginning of this one all she did was mope and whine and do nothing. Then 60 or so pages in its like she randomly woke up and was the Meghan we all know and love. She took charge, made a plan and set out to save the world. All of the other characters from the first book are back as well including some new ones. Puck is hilarious and finally reveals his true feelings, Ash is still the same brooding Ice Prince (I started liking him a lot more towards the end), and Grimalkin is as useful as ever (I don't know how he does it, but he always manages to pop up when they most need him). Ironhorse was a great new addition and will be missed. 

Cover: Like the first, this cover is gorgeous. I like it even better because its purple, my favorite color. I like the swirls/vines that encircle the cover, they give it a nice faery feeling. 

Overall Impression: This series just keeps getting better and better!

Rating: * * * * *