Fairest of Them All

Fairest of Them All

Jan Blazanin

Simon and Schuster

$11.00 U.S.

FTC: I am not being compensated for promoting this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

If life were a fairy tale, Oribella Bettencourt would have a "happily ever after" kind of future ahead of her. A Hollywood producer has come to Des Moines in search of a perfectly modern Princess Rapunzel, and Ori — a model, dancer, and star of the beauty pageant circuit — lands the part. And why shouldn't she? With her hardworking, self-sacrifi cing mother guiding her career, Ori is stunning, dedicated, poised...and then there's her hair. Breathtakingly lustrous blond hair that sets her apart from all the other girls at school. So what if she doesn't have any friends her age, or anyone to talk to other than her mother? She's on the verge of having everything she's ever dreamed of.

But in this fairy tale, the beautiful princess wakes up to her worst nightmare — when almost overnight, Ori begins to lose her hair....

Why:

I think this looks like a fun modern take on the typical Cinderella/Rapunzel story. I like that the problem described in the synopsis is not a boy but her hair. I think this may provide a much needed break from the typical princess waiting for a prince to save her. I like the idea that there are other issues being addressed.

Hourglass

Hourglass

Claudia Gray

HarperTeen

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: March 9th

FTC: I received this book from the author. I agree to provide an honest review and am not receiving compensation.

Synopsis from the back of the book:

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar-- Bianca and Lucas are forced on the run again.

My Thoughts:

Perfection! I did not think Claudia Gray could come up with new adventures after her amazing sequel Stargazer, I was wrong. While I will admit the ending did not turn out the way I personally wanted it to, I was engrossed in the book from page 1. I loved the blossoming of Lucas and Bianca's relationship. There was already a passion present that could only be compared to that of Romeo and Juliet, but it grew even more in this book. I loved that th characters grew in this book. Lucas and Bianca were forced to become more like adults and to take responsibility of their own lives. They became mini adults in this book. I also loved the few characters from Evernight that were reincorporated into this book. This book stood apart from the previous two. The setting has changed from the dark walls of Evernight academy and Bianca was thrust into the real world, as well as the world of Black Cross. There were many surprises in this book, and I could not believe how it ended. I am now eagerly awaiting the final chapter of the Evernight series.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loves Bianca and Lucas.

Age: 15 and up

Grade: A

Quote: "'We are homeless,' Lucas pointed out."

Number 3

3.Drive to the East Coast. In simpler terms Road Trip!

Strange Angels

Strange Angels

Lili St. Crow

RazorBill

$9.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Back Cover:

The real world is a frightening place. Just ask sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys. She's armed, dangerous, and ready to kill first and ask questions later. So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust . . .

Dru Anderson has been "strange" for as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town with her father to hunt the things that go bump in the night. It's a weird life, but a good one--until it all explodes in an icy, broken-down Dakota town, when a hungry zombie busts through her kitchen door. Alone, terrified, and trapped, Dru's going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. The monsters have decided to hunt back--and this time, Dru's on their menu. Chances of survival? Slim to none.

If she can't last until sunup, it's game over. . .

My Thoughts:

Oh goodness where to start... I had mixed feelings for most of this book. While I absolutely loved the plot I often found myself frustrated with the writing style the author used. There were some passages that jumped around so much I had to read it multiple times to get the message. Dru is an amazing character. She is such a tomboy and not someone you would want to meet in the street at night. I loved how strong she was, even when her world was falling around her. Her budding relationship with Graves and Christophe kept me intrigued throughout the story. The clarity became better near the end of the book and I was able to get into it more. I also had a couple issues with comments the author made in the book. There were a few instances where comments were made towards one of the characters that appeared racist. I do not believe the St. Crow inteded this, especially she has named him as her favorite charcter, but it did not read well. She also talked about Dru throwing up a little to much for my liking. The book was action packed, and as I said earlier only go better as it went along.

Recommendation: Anyone seeking out some crazy action.

Grade: B -

Age: 14 and up

Black Magic Sanction

I know this is not a young adult book, but I have read the first in this series and plan on reading the rest. I know a lot of my friends read it too!

Black Magic Sanction

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$25.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Release Date: Today!

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

I am not providing the synopsis for this ook, because I have been told I am not allowed to read the back covers in advance or I will ruin the books for myself.

Why: Rachel Morgan is the heroine of this series. This is the 8th book. I love the books because she is such a strong character. She can deal with paranormal better than anyone else. The hollows where she dwells is an immaculate setting and provides lots of entertainment for the reader. I need to hurry up so I can read this new book.

Betrayed

Betrayed

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

St. Martin's Griffin

$8.95 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book myself

From the back of the book:

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night finishing school. She finally feels like she belongs, even gets chosen as the Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all she actually has a boyfriend . . . or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey's old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the vourage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

My Thoughts:

And the plot thickens..... Immediately as I began reading this book I got sucked in. The plot got messy right away and I had to keep reading just to keep up with the characters. The Cast duo is able to compose a novel that is full of everything from romance to suspense, and murder to deception. The emotions run the gamut in the book. I absolutely love how Zoey has grown from the first book, but we still see her struggle. She is finally gaining an understanding of her abilities, but now she is having trouble in the boy department. I am not going to lie there are times when Zoey deides to get hot and heavy in the book, but it fits in well and shows the reader more of her character. I cannot wait to read the next book, the ending of Betrayed was so intense. he title fit perfectly and near the end all the pieces began falling together and I was able to guess what was happening. This book held my attention from start to end, and I loved it.

Recommendations:

Anyone wanting to know what being betrayed feels like.

Grade: A

Age: 16 and up

Quote: "It still seemed wrong to me, but maybe that was because I was only a month into the Change and still more used to being humanthan vamp, or even fledgling." ~Zoey

Marked

Marked

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

St. Martin's Griffin

$8.95 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book

From the back of the book:

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change -- and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average flegling. She has been chosen as a special vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within hersel for the courage to embrace her destiny -- with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It was a much different spin on the vampires that are overruning our society. The "y" in vampyre is just one example. Zoe was ana amazing female lead. While she made mistakes and sometimes gave in to her indulgences, she was strong-willed and very self-sufficient. She provided the perfect independent role model for the book. I really enjoyed how the Cast Duo incorporated Nyx the vanpyre Goddess into these books. This was an added element that made the book become much more than it could have been. The plot was amazing. I would begin to think that I knew what was going on then a new piece would enter the puzzle. I was hooked from the beginning!

Recommendations: Anyone looking for an intense read.

Grade: A

Age: 16 and up, this book was much more sexual than most out there.

Quote: "I tried not to scribble things like me gusta Erik . . . and no me gusta el hag-o Aprodite." -Zoe

Number 2

Due to a crazy a schedule I missed an entire week of posting :( but not to worry I am back.


Now for number two on my list of things to do before I die....

2. Climb to the top of a mountain

New Idea!

After trying out comparing books and movies for a couple weeks I give up. While it sounded fun it was not something that I enjoyed. So I have found new inspiration! After watching the show the Buried Life on MTV I have decided that I also should make a list of 100 things to do before I die. I saw previews for the show and thought it might be entertaining but it is much more than that. They always end the show, with random people saying what they would want to do before they die, and sadly I found this inspiring. So I am proposing a list of 100 things that I want to do before I die. I am currently trying to think of a unique name to call my list, but am currently not getting any, so I am open to suggestions. But, on Thursdays I will now be giving you nothing more than an item for my list. I will create it week by week, so it will take alittle less than two years to create. Life is to short to sit around and do nothing so hopefully this will inspire me as well as others.

1. Dance in the Rain

Dancing In My Nuddy-Pants

Dancing In My Nuddy-Pants

Louise Rennison

HarperTeens

$8.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis from the back of the book:

Georgia thought she had put her "red-bottomosity" to rest when she finally chose Robbie the Sex God over Dave the Laugh. Anyway, Dave the Laugh is now dating her friend Ellen (which didn't stop Georgia from snogging him at a party. . .).

But when Dave breaks up with Ellen and the Sex God is never around, Georgia doesn't know what to do! As always, in Georgia's life, nothing ever turns out as planned.

My Thoughts:

Oh Georgia. She is up to it again. Shennanigans are never far when she is around. I absolutely am in love with these books. They are so muh fun, and Louise Rennison's sense of humor makes me want to die sometimes. In this book we delve deeper into Georgia's relationship with Robbie and her desire for Dave. We also witness the birth of Angus's babies. Mischief is always around the corner for these two and that is no different in this story. I liked that Rosie became a bigger part in this story. Jas was starting to get annoying, and she is just not a good friend.Rosie and SVen bring more drama and laughs to the book.

Recommendations: Anyone wanting a good laugh

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Quotes: "'Non . . . I am DANCING IN MY NUDDY-PANTS!!!'" And we both laughed like loons on loon tablets. ~Georgia

Gone

Gone

Lisa McMann

Simon and Schuster

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for promoting this book.

Synopsis:

Things should be great for Janie -- she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she's totally in love with. But deep down she's panicking about how she's going to survive her future when getting sucked into othger people's dreams is really starting to take its toll. Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time -- and he's in a coma. As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice thought she had has more dire consequences than she ever imagined.

Why:

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. They were quite different and Janie is a strong female character. She sticks up for herself and nows how to take of herself. I am very excited to see how this series ends, and also see how Janie works with her gift. Will it kill her in the end or rob her of something dear. I cannot wait to read this.

I Like It Like That

I Like It Like That

Ceily von Ziegesar

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

$8.99 U.S.

FTC: I purchased this book.

Synopsis from the back of the book:

Spring Break is here and it's time for S & B to jet out to Sun Valley for plenty of apres-ski hot tub fun. Too bad for those unfortunate few who have to stay in New York and intern amonh the city's most fabulous glitterati. Back on the slopes, when the ski house is this big, whoc can keep track of N, and who's sleeping where? So get out your cashmere-lined boots and meet me by the fire.

My Thoughts:

Oh Gossip girl. I love spending a day living vicariously through New York's elite. I liked that Nate was a main focus in this book. I absolutely love him, and the way his character grew in this book was fun to read. I loved the winter scene and I could almost feel myself up on the mountain while reading this book. I also really liked Blair's character in this story. She finally decided to take what she wanted, and that made me proud. But then she changed her mind and realized what she really wanted. I cannot wait to see where life takes B and N in the next book.

Recommendations: Anyne wanting a good winter read

Age: 16 and up

Grade: A

Quote: "And it was kind of . . . yummy."

Evil Genius

Evil Genius

Catherine Jinks

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

$7.95 U.S.

FTC: I am not receiving compensation for this book.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

An entertaining romp through sinister evil...

My Thoughts:

While the synopsis is lacking the book itself does look intriguing. A salesperson at Borders recommended it to me at one time. Evil Genius takes a dive into the world of kids at a Genius School learning to become nothing more than Evil Geniuses. I think that this book sounds fun as well as very different than anything out there. It is not your typical fantasy novel or your typical teen has a problem with their boyfriend book. I think Evil Genius is the book you read when you need a change!

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle

The Struggle

L.J. Smith

HarperTeen

$9.99 U.S. (Comes in a volume with book # 1)

FTC: I purchased this book

Since I reviewed the first onbe a couple days ago I will skip the synopsis and just provide my review.

My Thoughts:

This book was even more suspensful than the first!!!!Now that I knew what Damon was up I could barely contain all my emotions throughout the book. I like the way L.J Smith chooses to tell her stories, they have a way that flows well, and is very entrancing. I absolutely love all the characters in this series. They are all very personable and even when you hate them you are able to relate with them. L.J. SMith loves Cliff Hanger's and at the end of this book I could barely contain myself. She is able to add a lot of detail to only a few pages, and it does not seem overdone. I cannot wait to start Volume 2! I think the main reason I love this series is ebcause while it does contain a steamy romance it also has action and suspense.

Recommendation:

Anyone wanting to read about a steamy love traingle!

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

Quote: "And what was Stefan up yo? She needed him right now, more than anything. Where was he?"

The Naughty List

The Naughty List

Suanne Young

Razorbill

$9.99 U.S.

Release Date: TODAY February 4th

FTC: I am not receiving any compensation for promoting this book.

Since I reveiwed this book a few days ago I am not adding a synopsis but am instead encouraging you all to go out and buy this. It was ana amazing read, and super fun. The main character is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, you cannot help but smile when you read it. I can sense Suzanne Young and her bright bubbly personality as I read it!

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

The Awakening

L.J. Smith

HarperTeen

$9.99 U.S. (Comes in a volume with book # 2)

FTC: I purchased this book

Words from the back of the book:

Elena: the goldne girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysyterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from horrors that haunt his past.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her.

My thoughts:

I was urged by my friend to try this series, so I did. I am very glad she urged me! Many people compare the Vampire Diaries to Twilight, but many people do not now that The Vampire Diaries was published in 1991. I absolutely loved the story of Elena and Stefan. I think L.J. Smith wrote an amazing Vampire novel years before Vampires would become popular again. The plot of this book was phenomenal. I found myself on the edge of my seat, wanting more with each chapter. I think L.J. Smith did a good job of providing mystery in her book. There was never a dull moment and I was always eager to continue reading and see what would happen next, and if Damon was truly as bad as he seemed. I think her characters were very well formed and interacted in unique ways with eachother. They compliment eachother well.

Recommendation: Anyone wanting a good vampire read after Twilight and a steamy love Triangle.

Age: 14 and up

Grade: A

Quote: "Elena revolved slowly before the full-length mirror in Aunt Judith's bedroom."

Sweet Little Lies

Sweet Little Lies

Lauren Conrad

HarperCollins

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

FTC: I am not receiving any compensation for promoting this book.

I did not see a synopsis for this book. But it is the sequel to Lauren Conrad's acclaimed novel L.A. Candy. It follows Scarlett and Jane as they live their lives in Los Angeles and become the new hit sensations on a reality show.

Why: I was reallty surprised when I read L.A. Candy, because I absolutely loved it. I was so impressed by Lauren Conrad's writing ability and knack for creating a story. I quickly read the first book a few weeks ago so I could be ready for the release of Sweet Little Lies. The ending left me wanting more, I could barely contain myself. I will be purchasing this book today as soon as I can and it will jump to the top of my list for books to read!!! I am so excited and I think the fact that it is coming out around Valentines day makes it a little bit more fun!