I Can't Keep My Own Secrets

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets Six-Word Memoirs

Teens Famous and Obscure

Harperteen

$8.99 U.S.

(Release date is in September)

Brief Synopsis by me:

There is not much to describe this book. It lets normal everyday teens tell their life story in six-words. They range from love, loss, and even disease.

My Thoughts:

Super quick read, completely wortyh reading! It is amazing the insight you can receive from someone in only six words. I was impressed by many of these memoirs and even wrote a couple down. It was interesting to hear the stories of normal teenagers and how they would describe themselves.

Recommendation:

Everyone needs to read this book. It only takes about an hour but you will be better for it.

Grade: A

Age: Barnes and Noble said 12 and up, but since this book was made by teens I would say 13 and up

Extras:

Six Words Can Not Define Me!

The Awakening

The Awakening

Kelley Armstrong

Harperteen

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.
Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

My Thoughts:

I think this book picks up perfectly where the other left off. I was again entertained by this book as well as compelled to read it in the span of anout 7 hours. Again this book only spans about a week, but enough action takes place to last the normal individual close to a month. I enjoyed this more than The Summoning becaise the relationships of he characters began to grow and the came to rely on eachother more. Chloe and her friends are on the run from The Edison Group in search of Simon and Derek's dad.ALong with the biys and Tori, Chloe is able to still find trouble. The Awakening allows the reader to step out of their life and see what truly would happen if one day they woke up with powers. This book is a great follow up to The Summoning and made me want more.

Recommendations:

Obviously anyone who read The Summoning will need to read this.

Grade: A

Extras: There is no release date for the third, and if I am correct final, Dasrkest Power book, it is entitled The Reckoning so keep your eyes open.

Age: 13 and up

The Summoning

The Summoning

Kelley Armstrong

Harper Collins Publisher

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home. At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a different twist on the supernatural than we normally read about. The characters are well developed which makes them come to life. Chloe is a natural heroine and you cannot help but love her. And you even begin to feel for the "misunderstood" Derek. The only problem I had with this book was the fact that the entire 390 page plot spans only a week. A lot of things happen in this week, which make it seem slightly unrealistic but it does not cause a major issue. I enjoyed the setting of Lyle house, it is itself a character. The buliding brings it's own mystery to the plot. It is a definite tale of the supernatural so thos fantasy opposed beware. All the characters have secrets that you have to read the book to find out.

Recommendations:

I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys the supernatural, as well as mystery.

Greade: A

Ages: 13 and up

Blue Moon

Blue Moon

Alyson Noel

St. Martin's Griffin

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning.
In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must choose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...

My Thoughts:

I was so excited for his book to come out, especially because it came out a month before I thought it would and about a week after I read Evermore. I sat down and read the entire book the day it came out. Let me just say the book as a whole but the ending was crap. I got so pissed at ever that I began refering her as Ever Stupid. This is besides the point. I truly did enjoy this book we began to learn more about Ever and Damen, but mostly about Ever and her determination. This book was actually sadder than the first because a new character comes along and Damen begins to pull away from Ever. My main problem was with ever in the final chapters and the decisions she made, this however shows how well Alyson Noel writes. I became so invested that when things did not turn out as I expected I got angry. I NEED the next book to come out.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book again to anyone looking for a summer read.

Grade: A- (Only because of Ever's decision in the end)

Age: 14 and up

Extras:

Be on the look out for the next book in the series Shadowland which will be coming out in either January or February 2010

Evermore

Evermore

Alyson Noel

St. Martin's Griffin

$9.95 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

My Thoughts:

Bravo Alyson Noel!!!! This is a book I picked up just because one day when I went to Borders. I am glad I picked it up because this book is amazing. Alyson Noel writes an amazing story of tragedy turned into something else completely. This entire book I kept getting more involved into Ever's life, there were so many unpredictable things that happened. I fell completely in love with Damen. He was an amazing character. There is suspense in this book, and mystery. I spent my time dreaming of when Ever and damen could truly be together. The writing draws you into this book so you feel like you a part of it.

Recommendation:

This is a good summer read!

Grade: A+

Age: 14 and up

Visit ImmortalsSeries.com to find out more about the books and to access some fun extras!

Fairy Tale

Cyn Balog

Random House Children's Books

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

A captivating and witty dark fantasy that will have girls lusting after it.Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.

My Thoughts:

This book was good but far from the best. I think my biggest problem was with the main character Morgan. I wanted her to have more inner strength. I think she relied to much on Cam and later Pip. I think Morgan would have been a better character if she was more self sufficient. I think that the plot was well developed but I knew from the beginning that the ending would not be sweet, and I was right. The end was bittersweet and it was hard for me to decide if I liked what happened or if it would have been better a different way. I did enjoy that the fairy in this book was male. I think it created character for the book. I think I enjoyed Pip and Cam's characters better. I felt that thye were developed in a better way. The book was a quick read, and I enjoyed it but was not over joyed.

Recommendation:

Anyone caught up in the new fairy craze.

Grade: B

Age: 13 and up

The Season

The Season

Sarah MacLean

Orchard Books which is part of Scholastic

$17.99 U.S. (Hard Cover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued -- in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.
When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!

My Thoughts:

As you can tell from my earlier reviews I have currently been reading a lot of fnatasy books, but I took a break to read The Season. I was pleasantly surprised. In this tale of 19th century England we meet a true heroine in Alex. I was amazed by the scenery in the books as well as the characters. from the brilliant dresses to the lavish ball gowns this novel is filled with entertainment as well as mystery. everyone will love Alex because she brings a feistiness that was uncommon at the time, with her sidekicks Ella and Vivi more mischief is created than one could ever imagine. I truly enjoyed this book. It was a great debut for Sarah MacLean. she made her characters so real, and her scenes so vivid I could easily play them out in my head.

Recommendations:

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a break from the real world, and wanting to take a trip back in time.

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Wings

Wings

Aprilynne Pike

Harper Teen

$16.99 U.S. (Hard cover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My Thoughts:

Up until I read Wings I hadn't read many fantasy stories that didn't involve Vampires, so I was skeptical. I was blown away when I read this book. It truly brought me into the world of faeries. Aprilynne Pike is an amazing author as well as an amazing person. I was privileged enough to me here and if anyone should wirte about Faeries it is her. There is a grace to the book, as you follow Laurel through her transformation from starnge vegan home-schooled girl, to one who blossoms (literally) into the role destined to fill. The supporting characters were also key in bringing the book to life. David and Tamani both bring different spins to Laurel's life, and teach her new things about herself. I enjoyed this book, and was sad when it ended. There is a twist in the end, and as a reader I was completely shocked in the end.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to anyone, Aprilynee writes in a way that cannot classify the book as merely fantasy, or young adult.

Grade: A

Age: 12 and up

Extras:

This is the first in a four book series. When I find out about the second book I will let you guys know. Oh and Disney is in the process of buying the rights to this book... and they plan on using Miley cyrus as Laurel (Gag), but the author says to give her a chance.

Stargazer

Stargazer

Claudia Gray

Harper Teen

$16.99 U.S. (Hard cover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

The vampire in me was closer to the surface . . .
Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.
But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.
Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.
Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . . .

My Thoughts:

I am running out of words to describe how fantastic books are, so again I will say Wow! The sequel to Evernight is more than I could have asked for! I was drawn in from the beginning as Bianca faces the new callenges of her life without Lucas and her mew life with Balthazar. The book is full of secret meetings as well as deceit and lies. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat until the end. A new threat arises in this book and it is all Evernight can do to keep it's students as well as it's secrets safe. I loved this book. It took time to explain everything and then to draw yo uin deeper than you thought possible. I cannot wait for the next installment.

Recommendation: Anyone who enjoyed Evernight will want to continue on in this series.

Grade: A+

Age: 14 and up

Extras: The third book in the series Hourglass will be coming out in 2010.

Evernight

Evernight

Claudia Gray

Harper Teen

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

My Thoughts:

Superb! This is a great opener for Claudia Gray's first big series as well as her first big novel. Evernight is a twisted tale of Romeo and Juliet told from the perspective of Bianca. The mystery is that you do not find out what makes Bianca and her love Lucas different until near the end of the novel. The characters are phenomenal. They all have a uniqueness that is radiated throughout the pages, and they pull you in. The Evernight school itself is a character in the book, from it's long corridors, gargoyles, and even the gazebo outside. The book layed all the proper groundwork for the reader, supplying all the knowledge needed to understand Evernight and the people within it. It is an adventure until the end, and once the secret of the school and it's inhabitants are revealed there is no going back. i truly enjoyed this book.

Grade: A+

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little fantasy and mystery in their day!

Age: 14 and up

Extra: Don't miss the thrilling sequel Stargazer

Revelations

Revelations

Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion

$15.99 U.S. (Hard cover)

Synopsis by barnes and Noble:

Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk behind the closed doors of New York City’s wealthiest families? They're powerful, they're famous... they're undead.
Schuyler Van Alen’s blood legacy has just been called into question - is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.
When one of the Gates of Hell is breached by Silver Bloods in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high; the battle is bloody; and through it all, Carnavale rages on. And in the end, one vampire’s secret identity will be exposed in a revelation that shocks everyone

My Thoughts:

WOW! I had a hard time putting this book down! Everytime I thought I knew what was going on the story took a twist and you do not really know what is going on until the end. As you can tell I did truly love this book. Melissa de la Cruz knows how to keep a reader's attention an continues to show that in Revelations. We see a new setting in this book as the crew trecks down to Rio de Janeiro. There is more action in this book, and I enjoyed that. And the key moment comes at the end when the identity of the Silver Blood is announced. The book kept me wanting more and interested throughout the entirity of it. Again it included many aspects of everyday young adult fiction but also incorporated the fantasy world of vampires. In this third installment I became more attached to these characters than before.

Grade: A+

Age: 14 and up

SPOILER ALERT: do not read the following unless you have finished Revelations

Extras: The fourth book in the Blue Bloods series Van Alen Legacy will be hitting the shelves in October 2009! For a sneak peek at the first chapter visit Melissa de la Cruz's website: http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/ There you can also find the break-up scene from Jack's perspective (a necessary read)!

Masquerade

Masquerade

Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by barnes and Noble:

Schuyler Van Alen is starting to get more comfortable with her newfound vampire powers, but she still has many unanswered questions. A trip to Italy in search of her grandfather only serves to make things more confusing. What secrets are the leaders of The Committee hiding? Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the famous Four Hundred Ball. In true Blue Blood fashion, the ball is totally fab, complete with masks-and hidden behind this masquerade is a revelation that will change the course of a young vampire's destiny.The thrilling sequel in Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology has all the glamour, attitude, and vampire lore that made the first book a hit.

My Thoughts:

I was enthralled by this book! Part of that may have been because I was on a vacation with my family, part was definetley because Melissa de la cruz did a fantastic job following up her book Blue Bloods. Masquerade continues on well where Blue Bloods left off. Again the characters in this book were phenomenal, we gain a deeper look into each of them as the book goes on. In this book we begin to learn more about Bliss as well as Schuyler and the growing threat of the Croatan. The book was everything I expected it to be and more. As promised this book did leave me wanting more and luckily the thrill does continue on in Revelations.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Books I plan on reading and reviewing:

Sorry I have been gone for so long but I am back for good now! Here is a list of books I plan on reading in the near future.

The Summoning
The Awakening
The Reformed Vampire Support Group
The entire Pretty Little Liars Series
Fairy tale
Gossip Girl (series)
The A-List (series)
Shiver
Becoming Nikki
Never Cry Werewolf
I can't keep my own secrets
TTYL
This Lullaby
Wicked Lovely
Ink Exchange
Fragile Eternity
Wintergirls
Speak
A Great and Terrible Beauty
Rebel Angels
Sweet Far Thing
Luxe
Rumors
and many more...

Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods

Melissa de la Cruz

Hyperion

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she's starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it.Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read.

My Thoughts:

Melissa de la Cruz puts a new spin on the world of vampires. Her break from popular teen fiction into the world of fantasy was a success! The plot was intense and problems sprang up in every chapter. My main problem was with the way that the point of view was ever changing, you had to always be aware of whose thoughts you were reading. While many people continue to complain about the amount of vampire books coming out, Blue Bloods separates itself by including many of the other aspects of popular teen fiction. The setting of New York is perfect for this book. I LOVED the characters. Schuyler is the unliekely heroine, while even the moody Jack Force steals a place in your heart. I would read this book again.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys young adult fiction as well as anyone who enjoys fantasy.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up