The Hollow

The Hollow

Jessica Verday

Simon and Schuster

U.S. $17.99 (Hardcover)

FTC: This is my firend's book. She did receive it from a publisher with an agreement that an honest review with no compensation would be given.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.
Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

My Thoughts:

This was ana amazing book. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but omnce I did I had a hard time putting it down. Abbey was a strong female character. I could truly relate to her, she spoke her mind as well as stood up for herself. I found the plot of this book to be very engrossing. I felt like a part of the story and felt like I was experiencing what the characters were. Jessica Verday did an amazing job incorporating the old with the new. I loved that she had quotes from Sleepy Hollow before every chapter. I think this added to the book in a major way. I think the setting was amazing. Placing the book in Sleepy Hollow added more depth to the book. I also think that it worked well with the characters and emotions of the book. I found the ending of this book horrible. Everything that could go wrong went wrong, but I know there is another one coming so I can accept the ending and wait.

Recommendation: Anyone and everyone

Grade: Beginning "B", Middle "A+", End "B-"

Age: 15 and up (Some scary scenes, and lots of mature emotional problems)

Quote: "I looked down at the shallow stream below me and felt silly. The horseman couldn't cross water." ~Abbey

Van Alen Legacy

Van Alen Legacy

Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion Books For Children

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I bought this book

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

My Thoughts:

I was sooooo excited for this book to come out. I had been waiting since August. When I started it I could barely put it down, but then found my self threatening to toss it at a wwall in the end when I found out this in fact was not the last book. I was excited because prior to reading the book I was under the impression that this would be the final book in the series, my bad. But when it came to the book itself I was in love. The characters seemed much more developed in this book, and by this point I had my favorties picked out. I think that the story line was interesting in this book, and I found myself competely unaware of what was going to ever happen next.I think Melissa de la Cruz did a good job of keeping readers intrigued with this book, but she is terrible person because it will be close to a year before the next book comes out! All in all I absolutely loved Van Alen Legacy! The ending made me jump for joy I was so excited because the characters I wanted together were finally together.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loves Blue Bloods, but beware that the next one is not coming out for awhile and if you are antsy like me maybe wait a few months.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

On The Bright Side, I am Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God

On The Bright Side, I am Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God

Louise Rennison

HarperCollins

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Disaster strikes again in this fabbity-fab-fab sequel to Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. Georgia's little sister, Libby, has been leaving sticky surprises in her bed. Her faithful Scottish wildcat, Angus, is suddenly spending all his time with a good-looking feline next door. Then there's her nose. Will it ever stop growing?
But there's always a bright side, and this time it's ultra bright since Georgia is dating the Sex God (aka Robbie). Eveything should be just perfect...until her pathetically unhip parents announce that the family is moving to New Zealand. New Zealand? Life is officially over, but Georgia's response to adolescence is so hilarious that readers will be laughing out loud through this uproarious sequel.

My Thoughts:

In the words of Georgia this book was "fabbity-fab-fab"! I am absolutely in love with this series. I constantly fins myself laughing about things that happened in this book. Georgia is a hysterical character, there is no way you cannot love her. This book was light and fun, and I could barely put it down. In her new adventure Georgia finds herself dating the Sex God a.k.a Robbie so life is perfect. But then Vati has to go and ruin everything by deciding to moving the familt to Kiwi a go-go land a.k.a New Zealand. I love these books, because Georgia is such a compelling character. So many things happen to her, but she keeps on going. The books are also catchy, I often find myself speaking in "Georgia" now! This book was amazing!

Recommendation:

Anyway looking for a good read, and a good laugh.

Grade: A

Ages: 14 and up

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,
I am sorry to have neglected you for so long! I am ashamed that you sat here lonely and in need of a post for 26 whole days! Well that is going to change and this time I mean it! I promise you that I will at least post once and week, and I will spend more time reading for fun. I will not let homework completely rule my life (just enough that I still get good grades). Again I apologize for leaving you alone for so long, and after I finish this note I am going to update you with a new review.I hope you can forgive me!

Sincerley,

Sarah

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Oh goodness it has been forever since I posted. College started Monday so I have been super busy. From the look of my classes I will not be able to read as much as I hoped this term :( I am going to try and keep up on posting but I may have to cut back to 2 or 3 a week now. SO with no further ado here is a review. I met Lisa Shroeder last Friday night, and I just had to buy her book. It is an amazing story, and she is an amazing lady and I was glad I took some time out to read this.

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Lisa Schroeder

Simon Pulse Publishing

$7.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Girl meets boy.
Girl loses boy.
Girl gets boy back...
...sort of.
Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear hisvoice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she'scrazy, but she knows he's here.
Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

My Thoughts:

This book was amazing. It was written in verse form which made it very easy to read, but also provided it with a flow that can only be described as elegant. I loved this book. It was a heartfelt story of not only loss, but guilt and in the end moving on. I loved Ava's character. I felt like by the end of the book I truly did know her. I think the way that Lis wrote her was very believable, and she was easy to connect with. I also really enjoyed her friends. They reminded me of my friends, and it was fun seeing how each was difference but how they held eachother together. The ending was amazing. Lisa did an amazing job of creating an ending that left a reader with a sense of relief and closure.

Recommendations:

It is a quick read and I think everyone should read it!!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Coffeehouse Angel

Coffeehouse Angel

Suzanne Selfors

Publisher: Walker and Company

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .

My Thoughts:

This book was beautiful and amazing. I felt a real connection to it from the beginning. Katrina is a character who is relateable and real. I guarantee that everyone has felt how she did before. Suzanne Selfors did an amazing job of telling Katrina's story, as well as creating the perfect Angel. This book is very different than anything else I have read recently. It was very simple but had charm and charisma much like the Coffeehouse in the book. This book is very sweet, and we get to see al the characters grow and learn things abotu themselves. I think Katrina is a great leading female character, she can provide girls with someone to look up to.

Recommendation:

This is a must read!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Signing

Well let me just say I had a fantastic time last night. I met Suzanne Selfors, Suzanne Young, and Lisa Schroeder. Those ladies are amazing! We had a blast talking and laughing. I will post pictures soon! Suzanne Young already has some up!

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

Louise Rennison

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Banres and Noble:

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 nose3. 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.
In this wildly funny journal of a year in the life of Georgia Nicolson, British author Louise Rennison has perfectly captured the soaring joys and bottomless angst of being a teenager. In the spirit of Bridget Jones's Diary, this fresh, irreverent, and simply hilarious book will leave you laughing out loud. As Georgia would say, it's "Fabbity fab fab!"

My Thoughts:

My first thought is lol. This book is truly laugh out loud hysterical. Georgia is the true female character. I love British humor. I think that this book takes you on a journey with Georgia and you truly are able to see what she sees. It is written in the form of a journal, so nothing is censored and no one is spared. I loved everything about this book, I remember reading it about 6 years ago, and dying of laughter then, and I decided to read it again and continue on in the series. This book is a must read, the charactrs are amazing and everyone has a little bit of Georgia in them.

Recommendation:

Anyone wanting a laugh

Grade: A+

Age: 14 and up

Extras:

There are other covers for this book. I chose to use the newer one for my blog because later in the series they will match better. Also this has been made into a movie. It is caleed Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Songging. It has yet to be released in the U.S. but with some skill it can be found and watched. It was an amazing movie. Also the Sex God's band in the book the Stiff Dylans does exist. They formed for the movie, and I have to say they are prely amazing so check them out!

Reincaranation

Reincarnation

Suzanne Weyn

Scholastic Inc.

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

From prehistory to the present, theirs was a love for the ages. It starts with a fight in a cave over an elusive green jewel . . . and then travels over time and lives to include Egyptian slaves, Greek temples, Massachusetts witch trials, Civil War battlefields, Paris on the eve of World War II, America in the 1960s . . . and a pair of modern-day teenagers. For readers who believe that love is stronger than time or death, this is an unforgettable novel from a wonderful storyteller.

My Thoughts:

The story line of Rencarnation was beautiful. This is a true love story, and I did love it. I have read in other reviews that people found the book to be repetitive, but I have to diasgree. While the characters remained the same as the years changed the stories did not. As they progressed in their lives the stories also progressed. I absolutely loved this book. the idea is amazing, it shows that love can truly stand the test of time. The ending was so sweet, I could not have been happier.

Recommendation:

Anyone who wants to read a love story

Grade: A

Ahe: 14 and up

Sea Change

Sea Change

Aimee Friedman

Scholastic Inc.

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

16-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, she's happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.
There, Miranda finds new friends and an island with a mysterious, mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship...and reality.
Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?

My Thoughts:

I was first drawn in by the cover of this book. The guy pictured reminded me of Cedric from Harry Potter. And then after I picked up the book, the rest of my sense were intrigued. I was excited to read a story about mermaids. The idea was very different from the rest of the fantasy books I had been reading. I loved Miranda's character. I could relate to her, and the emotions she felt. Her trip to Selkie was one I felt I traveled with her. She was able to use her smarts, but also learned that friends can come from many different places and when you least expect them. Leo was also an amazing character. He was unlike the typical stuck-up jock boy, and yet he was still gorgeous. This book was amazing, it has a great story, and an ending that leaves you wondering.

Recommnedation:

Anyone looking for a Summer Romance

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Vacations From Hell

Vacations From Hell

Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Mlynowski

HarperCollins Publishers

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?
in this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers—Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)—tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive. . . .
From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!

My Thoughts:

These stories were amazing. All told remarkable tales of what vacation would be like if we added a supernatural twist. I picked up this book as a joke. I was about to endure a 2 day long drive to Arizona to go to my cousin's wedding. I thought of it as my vacation from hell, so I picked up the book to pass the time. It became much more than that. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by this book. All the characters had interesting stories that were very different from what one could ever imagine. I finished this book before we even hit Nevada! I loved the uniqueness of each author's writing, and the fact that each story packed more surprise than the next.

Recommendation:

Any weary travelers looking for a good read.

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

A Great And Terrible Beauty

A Great And Terrible Beauty

Libba Bray

Delacorte Press

$8.95 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?

My Thoughts:

I really really like this book. It was one of the first books that got me into fiction. I decided to read it again so I could finish the series. The characters and setting work wonders together. Gemma has spunk. She is not the type of girl to sit back and let things happen. There is surprise throughout the book, and also mystery. I loved the setting created by Spence Academy. It brings to mind old English society, but adds a darker twist. I think this book had a great flow, and the characters worked well with eachother.

Recommendation:

Anybody looking for a good read!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

For this edition of waiting on wednesday I am going to do a movie... more like the movie!!!!

I know I am not the only one dying to see this!!! I just listened to the audiobook and that has me even more excited! This is going to be amazing no matter what and I cannot believe there is still almost 3 months. I cannot wait!!!! I love New Moon and am super excited to be a nerd and see it at midnight!!!!!

6 Hour Reading Challenge

Hey guys!
I am soooooo sorry I haven't been keeping up on my blogging. I have been so intent on reading that I just could not tear myself away! But I did take part in the challenge today so I have a review for ya! I was able to finally finish the 7th Harry potter book which has been taking up most of my time recently, so here is the review:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

J.K. Rowling

Publisher Scholastic Inc.

$27.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by barnes and Noble:

It all comes down to this - a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do youlisten to your instincts, or your friends?Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he's trying to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end?

My Thoughts:

I am so ashamed of myself for not reading this book sooner. I waited and bought it the day it came out but did not take the time to read it until now. This book was pure amazement. I absolutely loved it. When I finished reading it I was overwhelmed with relief. There was no better way for the book to end. Every loose end was tied up and everything seemed perfect. I was lucky enough not to have had any secrets spilled to me in the two years I postponed reading it, so I was surprised, shocked, and dismayed at many points in the book. Reviewing a book like Harry Potter is very difficult. It is a book that almost everyone has read. We all know and love the characters and tories, so how do I show how I felt about it in a new way. I am not sure how, so I will say I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. I think I actually appreciated it more since I took the time to read it. I don't think I was ready before, so it all felt even more real now. After reading all the books I feel like I know the characters, and many of them grew even closer to my heart in this book. They all grew in ways that I thought unimaginable. I was so proud of them all. The story line was amazing. I believe that J.K. Rowling wrote the best story possible. She knows these chracters inside and it out and was able to form a journey that would try and teach them all. This book was amazing. Perfect ending. Best book I have read in a long time.

Recommendation:

Do I have to make one, everyone should read this.

Grade: A+

Age: A lot of scary things happen in this book but I set the age low knowing that so many kids have read this book, and that Harry Potter is like a right of passage. 12 and up

Ink Exchange

Sorry I haven't been here in awhile guys! I have been busy reading not blogging lol. I will try and keep up but like I said I am busy reading and trying to finish a bunch of books before school starts.

Ink Exchange

Melissa Marr

HarperCollins Publishing

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.
Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.
The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

My Thoughts:

This book was alright. I stuck it out until the end hoping for a happy ending and was given an okay one. While I found Wicked Lovely to be dark, Ink Exchange was even darker. There seemed to be no happiness in this book, and that is what I longed for. I think that I was confused by many elements of this book, and that did not help. The story was told from the perspective of different characters in this sequel, and I think many things were left up for reader discretion. The plot moved well, and I did find myself wanting to know what would happen next, but then was disappointed. I enjoyed the times when Leslie was with Niall, but was throughly depressed when they did not end up together. I think my favorite character in this book was Aislinn even though she was less prevalent in this book. I believe she stepped up and took her responsibility. I enjoyed seeing how she chose to rule her people. My favorite idea of the book was the tattoo. Melissa Marr made the description so vivid I could not help but be intrigued, and the entire idea was very interesting.

Recommendation:

Someone in the mood for a dark fantasy book.

Grade: B-

Age: 15 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Heartless

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publisher

$ 16.99 U.S.

Release Date: January 19, 2010

Why:

After reading Killer I nearly had a heartattack. So much happened within the last few chapters that I couldn't belive I had to wait for more. I am dying for Heartless to come out. There is so much I need to know, and so much I am suspicious about. These girls are in over their pretty little heads. I cannot wait for this book.

Killer

Killer

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publisher

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In picture-perfect Rosewood, Pennsylvania, ash-blond highlights gleam in the winter sun and frozen lakes sparkle like Swarovski crystals. But pictures often lie—and so do Rosewood's four prettiest girls.
Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily have been lying ever since they became friends with beautiful Alison DiLaurentis. Ali made them do terrible things—things they had to keep secret for years. And even though Ali was killed at the end of seventh grade, their bad-girl ways didn't die with her.
Hanna's on a mission to corrupt Rosewood's youth, starting with a very attractive sophomore. Aria's snooping into her boyfriend's past. Spencer's stealing—from her family. And pure little Emily's abstaining from abstinence.
The girls should be careful, though. They thought they were safe when Ali's killer was arrested and A's true identity was finally revealed. But now there's a new A in town turning up the heat. And this time Rosewood is going to burn.

My Thoughts:

The killer was right in front of them the entire time... Oh my goodness this book was intense!!!!! All my suspicions were proved correct. Then there were more problems dumped on me. The most intense event in all the books unfolds at the end of this novel. I am literally dying a little inside each day waiting for the new one. I felt like the girls finally alligned forces in this novel. It was a miracle. New "A" is causing more problems than the first, and the girls begin to get in over their head. They finally work as a team and unearth the biggest secret any of them could ever know. I was enthralled with this book. I sat down and read it in only 2 days. I had to know what would happen next. The plot was intriguing.

Recommendation:

Must I say it...

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Wicked

Wicked

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publisher

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .
Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men. Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching. . . .

My Thoughts:

Something wicked this way comes, and oh look it is our favorite four girls from Rosewood. After book four I thought things were done, the culprit in Ali's murderer is behind bars, and the mystery behind "A" is revealed. But I was wrong. It would be to easy to let the girls think they had won, and that they were free. The drama is back and so is "A" in full force. I loved the plot in this book. Everything was a surprise, I never knew what would happen next and I loved that. I enjoyed how their girls were somehow becoming closer, but then they went and ruined it. Wicked shows a new side to all of the girls. We begin to see their dubious sides, and their "wicked" nature. I think this book was a great continuation in a fabulous series.

Recommendation:

Read It!!!!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Unbelieveable

Unbelieveable

Sarah Shepard

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares.
Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.
If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.

My Thoughts:

Unbelieveable... who thought these four girls could get into any more trouble. Whoever said high school was boring has never met Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily. I loved the girls stories in this book. I think a new side is revealed in each of them. I felt horrible for Emily as she was shipped away to Iowa. I think this is the major turning point for Emily. We finally get to see into her character, and she finally begins to have fun. Hanna, recently maimed, spends her time in the hosital trying to remember what she had just figured out. And it is crucial. Spencer's life seems to be going downhill, and fast. She can barely keep up, and "A" knows it. Finally Aria is having to deal with Ezra's recent departur -- to prison. The girls are in for more than they thought in the fourth book of this series. A big secret is revealed in the end, one that shows a positive outlook for the girls. But we all know that the girls couldn't get off the hook that easy. I read this book thinking it was the last in the series, so boy was I surprised when I found out there were more. The girls are in for more mischief and mayhem than they thought possible.

Recommendation:

Any PLL fan. And if you haven't read PLL read it now!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Perfect

Perfect

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishing

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem.
Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister.
Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or else!

My Thoughts:

These girls are far from perfect... Do I have to say it? This book was like the others in that, it was purely amazing. I loved the dynamics of this book. The characters continue to grow as the series progresses. We begin to see what makes them tick, and we also see more of their separate personalities. The gor;s are growing even if it may not seem like it. As "A" threatens to ruin their lives they fight to keep their secrets, and to smother the past. Aria is on the cover of this book, and I fiound her story the most interesting. Aria seems like a very shy girl, with some interesting quirks. But "A" is always there with slandor and a scandal in Aria's wake. I love that even the best characters can be caught. I love that "A" keeps the girls honest. I enjoy how Sara Shepard is starting to show the girls grow closer. I think it adds another dynamic to the story.

Recommendation:

Any PLL fan.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Flawless

Flawless

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.
And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive.

My Thoughts:

What a sequel... This book brings just as much as the first. I never thought these girls could get into more trouble, but I was wrong. I again found myself engrossed in the worlds of these pretty little liars. The girls have so many secrets that it is hard to keep track of them somtimes. The addition of some new characters adds more drama to the girls lives. Unlike most girly teen novels, this book gives the reader suspense and mystery. You have to stay on the edge of your seat the entire time otherwise you will miss something key to the plot. "A" is back and this time she may just let out more secrets than the girls can handle.

Recommendation:

Anyone who enjoyed the beginning of this series.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Seattle

Hey bloggers,
I am going to Seattle for the weekend so I will be unable to post. I will be back Monday so prepare for a catch up of blogs then.
Have a great weekend.

Sarah

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors spencer, aria, emily, and hanna.
Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.
But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.
How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

My Thoughts:

Mystery, Suspense, Thrill, and Lies all in one book? AMAZING!!!!! I loved this book, it always kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more! The characters are all so different but they are all tied together. I loved getting to know all the girls, and learning their secrets. I also loved A. She is such a ruthless bitch but you have to love her. She keeps the girls honest in the book, while also scares the crap out of them. I loved this book, and am glad the series continures on!

Recommendation:

All girls should read this!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

The Reckoning

Darkest Powers Trilogy Book III

Kelley Armstrong

HarperCollins Publishing

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Why I Pine:

I need this book!!!!!! I am so ready for it to come out. It is the last in the series so I need to know how the story ends. I am dying to know more about Edison Group and whether or not Chloe will choose Simon or Derek! I also wonder if Tori will become nicer? And then I keep wondering if the dad will be found! I have so many questions and cannot wait for this book to come out!

TTYL

TTYL

Lauren Myracle

Amulet Books

$6.95 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

The runaway bestseller now in paperback! An epistolary novel for the 21st century, this sharp, funny, and true-to-life breakout hit about friendship is told entirely in instant messages. And Internet-savvy teens have fallen in love with flirty Angela (SnowAngel), moody Maddie (mad maddie), and good girl Zoe (zoegirl) and their frank perceptions about a tumultuous tenth-grade semester. Now perfectly priced for its audience, the paperback is being released alongside Myracle's brand-new hardcover novel, Rhymes with Witches.
Author Bio: In addition to ttyl, Lauren Myracle is the author of three other novels, including her latest, Rhymes with Witches. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College and lives in Colorado.

My Thoughts:

Enjoyable: This book is light hearted and also serious at the same time. Dive into TTYL and you can see into the lives of 3 teenage girls through their instant messaging. I loved the idea of this book. It is so different than reading a normal novel with all the narration. We only saw the important things, and then we didn' t even see it we just heard it from the girl's point of view. The girls were very honest, and the characters were believeable. It was like I was reading a conversation between my own friends. I loved this book it was a quick fun read!

Recommendation: Everyone who is anyone!

Grade: A

Age 14 and up

The A-List

The A-List

Zoey Dean

Little Brown Books

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Welcome to The A-List, a wickedly funny and risqué paperback original novel that takes readers behind the scenes of the intoxicating world of Hollywood glitterati. Seventeen-year-old Upper East Side blueblood Anna ("pronounced Aaaanah") Percy is on her way to Beverly Hills, California, where she'll live with her estranged dad for the rest of the school year while her mother travels to Europe with a friend. On the plane, Anna drinks too much champagne and gets hit on by record producer Rick Resnick. Luckily Princeton student Ben Birnbaum is there to save her and he invites Anna to famous actor Jackson Sharpe's wedding, where Anna meets the cast of rich and famous characters who are soon to be her classmates at Beverly Hills High.
The fast times of Beverly Hill's most beautiful and glamorous people drive the page-turning action of this juicy new novel.

My Thoughts:

I took a break from my New York drama and came back to the west coast in this book. This was another book that I never planned on reading but I must say I am glad I did. The story has the same sort of a feeling as Gossip girl, but it is completelydifferent and entertaining in it's own way. The story is fun, flirty, and enthralling. I loved the new setting of Beverley Hills. I also enjoyed the characters in this book. Anna was smart, which was an amazing change. She had a good head on her shoulders. I am excited to continue on in this series. I find it entertaining and again am sucked into the lives of these characters!!

Recommendation: Anyone who enjoyed gossip girl!

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Gossip Girl

I have already poste don here about how much I love Gossip girl, but I must again! The books and the show are just so entertaining! I am in the middle of reading the series and am so excited that a new book will be coming out in November. As for the show, I am in the midle of watching Season 2. I have 3 episodes left and cannot wait to see what is going ot happen. It is sad how addicted to gossip girl I am. I cannot wait until September 14th when season 3 airs!

I Will Always Love You, Gossip girl Novel # 12

Cecily von Ziegesar

Little Brown Books

$17.99

Release Date: November 3, 2009

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In this special deluxe hardcover, Serena, Blair, Nate, Chuck, and Dan are all back from the Ivy Leagues and other adventures for a holiday break in the city. Has college changed anyone? What kind of hookups and breakups were going on while our favorite BFFs were apart... and what will happen now that they're together again for the first time since the end of the original series?I Will Always Love You follows Manhattan's most fabulous teens through the four holiday breaks of their college years and into adulthood. Not to fear, Gossip Girl will be there to dish all.

Why I Want This:

I love love love Gossip girl and am so excited for this book to come out! Gossip Girl is an exciting read and I cannot wait for this to come out. The release time is perfect since it comes out around Christmas and is set during the Christmas break! Hooray for Gossip Girl.

Season 3 airs on Monay Spetember 14th at 9 p.m. on the CW. I am so excited to get back into the lives of the characters! This show is amazing and addictive.

Thank you Cecily von Ziegesar for creating this amazing new reality for me to get lost in.

You know you love me.

Prada and Prejudice

Prada and Prejudice

Mandy Hubbard

Penguin Books

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips...conks her head...and wakes up in the year 1815!
There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily's family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily's cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.
But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex's heart, before her time in the past is up?
More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.

My Thoughts:

This book was adorable! I absolutely loved it. It was the erfect combination Jane Austen and the 21st century. I love Callie she was an amazing character. Her spunk was so evident and fun. She had so much life. This was Mandy Hubbard's first novel it holds promise for more great work to come. I loved being able to follow Callie as she grew into herself, and her Prada shoes. The setting was amazing. I loved being taken back into 19th century England. Hubbard did an amazing job of making you feel like you were actually there. I also loved Alex. His charm reminded me of Gavin from The Seasons. I could actually see him, when I read his name. This book was astounding!

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a more modern take on Jane Austen's world.

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Gone

Lisa McMann

Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Release Date: February 9, 2010

I am so excited for this book to come out!!!! It is going to be the last book in the series, so I am very curious as to how it will end. This was Lisa McMann's first series and I would have to say it is amazing. She writes in a way that is simple but also intriguing. I read the other 2 books in a day each. I cannot wait for this book to come out! I want to know how Janie and Cable end!

Fade

Fade

Lisa McMann

Simon & SchusterChildren's Publishing

$15.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open — but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability — and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

My Thoughts:

Amazing.... I was drawn into this book really quickly. I think that the idea of being a dreamcatcher is so different that you cannot help but find it appealing. I had high hopes for this book, and it met all of them. You have to root for Janie. She is a remarkable character. She has so little, but is much stronger than the normal young adult main character. Janie and Cabel both grow in this book. I think this book is a bit more serious than the typical young adult book. I enjoyed the flow of this book. It was a quick easy read, and left me always wanting more.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loved Wake

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Dead Witch Walking

Dead Witch Walking

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$7.99 U.S.

Disclaimer: This is not a young adult novel

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.
Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

My Thoughts:

This book was really good. It was a total fantasy book, there were witches, vampires, demons, pixies and every other fantasy icon you could think of. This book took a bit more to get into, but it was worth it. Like I said in a previous review Kim Harrison worked well with her characters. I felt like I knew every single one, and believe me there were quite a few. This was not a young adult novel, not meaning it was full of graphic things, but it was aimed towards an older crowd. This book had more serious elements to it. I really enjoyed this book something was always going on. And I would often find myself thinking that nothing more could go wrong and then of course something did. Kim Harrison is an amazing author and I loved this book.

Recommendations:

Anyone who loves fantasy.

Grade: A

Age: 16 and up

Extras: This is a series. There are 7 novels out so far and I believe there will be 12 or 13. These books are worth reading!

Once Dead, Twice Shy

I was bad and missed posting yesterday.... so I will throw out 2 reviews for you today!

Once Dead, Twice Shy

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.
Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.
Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.
With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.
Well, if she believed in that stuff.

My Thoughts:

I love love loved this book! This was Kim's first young adult novel and she did a remarkable job! Madison is an amazing character. She is very relatable, and has a fun attitude. I loved the plot of this book. The concept was very different from all the other fantasy books that came out at this time. Kim also did an amazing job in forming all of her other characters. In this book more than any other the characters became real. I felt like I began to knwo them and understand them. This book was amazing! It was fun to read, and I am excited for the next book in the series to come out. The book had substance, and once I started it, it was hard to put down.

Recommendation:

Anyone! READ THIS BOOK!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Extras:

I would advise reading Madison's beginning before you read the book. Kim wrote a short story about her which can be found in the collection called Prom Night's From Hell. This is also going to be a series but there aren't many details out yet.

Awards

I have a couple of awards to give out!

The Lemonade Award Rules:The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows great attitude or gratitude. Here are the rules for accepting this award: -Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post. -Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude. -Link your nominees within your post. -Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog. -Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award. Here is my list of nominees:

The Story Siren

Books Make Great Lovers

The Dreamer Reader

Reality Bites. . . Fiction Does It Better

Lucid Conspiracy

Book Lover

Alexicon

Anotherpageissued. . .

Books By Their Cover

Reading Keeps You Sane

I was given this award by: Book Lover lizdoglover.blogspot.com

This blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to five bloggers who must choose five more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

Book Muncher

Books Make Great Lovers!

The Book Muncher

Reading Keeps You Sane

Book Lover

























Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and befriends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

Books Obsession

Books Make Great Lovers

The Dreamer Reader

So Many Books, So Little Time

The Book Muncher

Reality Bites. . . Fiction Does It Better

Reading Keeps You Sane

Lucid Conspiracy

Never Cry Werewolf

Heather Davis

Harper Collins

$8.99 U.S.

Release Date: September 1, 2009

Synopsis from Heather Davis' Website:

"Moonlight can totally change your life.And it all starts so simply.You. Him. The moon. You’re toast."Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had “borrowed” that Porsche?). But her step-mother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior. Suddenly Shelby’s summer plans are on the shelf, and she’s being packed off to brat camp. It’s good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges, III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn’t be getting tangled up with another bad boy…but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good looking one? One thing’s for sure, that pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

My Thoughts:

I was not the biggest fan of this book. It was written for a younger audience. Even though Shelpby is in High School the book seemed geared towards middle schoolers. While the characters were well developed I was not drawn to them. I kept thinking that Shelby was just generally stupid, and had a hard time with the decisions she made. I also found her relationship with Austin to be forced, it seemed to overdone. The setting of the book did catch me because it was set in Oregon. This book was just not something I found enjoyable. I think the story could have used less small events and focused on one big one. I felt like a lot of details were thrown into a little book.

Recommendation:

A younger reader looking for a fantasy book.

Grade: C

Age: 12 and up

The Reformed Vampire Support Group

The Reformed Vampire Support Group

Catherine Jinks

Harcourt

$17.00 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Think vampires are romantic, sexy, and powerful? Think again. Vampires are dead. And unless they want to end up staked, they have to give up fanging people, admit their addiction, join a support group, and reform themselves.Nina Harrison, fanged at fifteen and still living with her mother, hates the Reformed Vampire Support Group meetings every Tuesday night. Even if she does appreciate Dave, who was in a punk band when he was alive, nothing exciting ever happens. That is, until one of group members is mysteriously destroyed by a silver bullet. With Nina (determined to prove that vamps aren't useless or weak) and Dave (secretly in love with Nina) at the helm, the misfit vampires soon band together to track down the hunter, save a werewolf, and keep the world safe from the likes of themselves.The perfect anecdote to slick vampire novels, this murder-mystery comedy of errors will thrill fans of Evil Genius.

My Thoughts:

I was really excited when I bought this book. I figured it would be another fun, exciting vampire book. I was wrong. This book was not very exciting, I had a hard time keeping focus while reading it. The Vampires in this book were very different than the ones found in Twilight and Evernight. The vampires were sickly and boring. They seemed to constantly have the flu and were only awake during the day. I had a hard time with the characters because there were so many of them it often became hard to keep track of who was who. The plot also left room for the imagination. Not a whole lot went on, because the vampires were only doing things during the evening. I was disappointed by this book. It was not as good as I would have hoped.

Recommendation:

Someone who wants to read about vampires but not the heroic ones.

Grade: C

Age: 13 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Hourglass

Claudia Gray

Release Date: March 9, 2010

Why I Want It:

The Evernight series is amazing! I can't believe I have to wait 7 months for this book to come out. Claudia Gray is an amazing author. I love the cover for this book, the colors contrast really well, and it is different than the previous covers. I cannot wait to see where life takes Bianca, Lucas, and Balthazar next. I ope the release this early!

Nobody's Princess

Nobody's Princess

Esther Friesner

Random House

$7.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favorite goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Not one to count on the gods—or her looks—to take care of her, Helen sets out to get what she wants with steely determination and a sassy attitude. That same attitude makes Helen a few enemies—such as the self-proclaimed "son of Zeus" Theseus—but it also intrigues, charms, and amuses those who become her friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the Oracle of Delphi.In Nobody's Princess, author Esther Friesner deftly weaves together history and myth as she takes a new look at the girl who will become Helen of Troy. The resulting story offers up adventure, humor, and a fresh and engaging heroine you cannot help but root for.

My Thoughts:

This book took me a bit to get into but it was worth the read. This book was interesting. The character of Helen was an inspiration. This is a definite girl empowerment book. Helen is strong and she defies the guidelines that have been set for her. The plot of this book was intriguing, because we were able to follow Helen as she grew, and as she travelled. I found the history in this book to be informative, as well as entertaining. Friesner does a good job of combining old legend with new twist. I hope this is the lif Helen of Troy lived, because that would show just how amazing she was. This book was different from everything else I had been reading at the time but I loved it.

Recommendation:

A little younger audience with a desire to read

Grade: A-

Age: 12 and up

Bonus: Fpollow Helen in the sequel Nobody's Prize