I typically don't like the last book in a series, but this one is certainly an exception. DHP is a fast-paced, emotionally charged book that explores I typically don't like the last book in a series, but this one is certainly an exception. DHP is a fast-paced, emotionally charged book that explores what it means to be alive. I think a lot of teens (and adults who are honest enough to admit it) will connect with Annah, a girl who believes herself ugly and unlovable, nearly crushed beneath the guilt left from past choices. As always, Ryan's writing is almost lyrical, drawing even the most reluctant zombie reader into her world of the Mundo and Unconsecrated....more
You know how when you watch a Tim Burton movie you think to yourself, "That man sees the world differently than the rest of us, and he may be a bit onYou know how when you watch a Tim Burton movie you think to yourself, "That man sees the world differently than the rest of us, and he may be a bit on the crazy side?" I've had the same experience reading the two most recent Libba Bray books - Pritz Medal winner Going Bovine and May 2011's Beauty Queens. (Of course, I know Libba isn't a man, so it's more of "That woman," but you get the idea.)
There were moments towards the beginning of Beauty Queens where I thought that things were a bit too over-the-top (New Mexico's head accessory, anyone?). I worried the book was nothing other than 300+ pages of the author showing off how clever and witty she is. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that now. I should have more faith in a woman who is, hands down, one of the best writers in YA literature.
Because it's still a long way until May, I'm not going to reveal any plot details. Just know that this is one of those books you shouldn't read in public. People generally don't react well to lone strangers laughing uncontrollably. Also, if you don't feel like your own preconceived notions about people were challenged just a bit, you need to go back and read it again....more
As the second trilogy about supernatural teens being subjected to experiments, you might expect The Darkness Rising series to be aRelease: April, 2011
As the second trilogy about supernatural teens being subjected to experiments, you might expect The Darkness Rising series to be a replay of The Darkest Powers. But then you would be forgetting that Kelley Armstrong is a world-building genius. Once again she manages to expand her universe with great characters and cool, new supernatural beings while remaining true to the original Otherworld books....more
Sometimes when there is a ton of buzz about a book, it's hard to decide how you really feel about it. Especially if it's not exactl3.5 stars. I think.
Sometimes when there is a ton of buzz about a book, it's hard to decide how you really feel about it. Especially if it's not exactly what you were expecting. Such is the case with me and The DUFF. Honestly, I was expecting our heroine to actually be... Well, fat. And ugly. Not just self-perceived as such. It took me a couple of chapters to get over the disappointment. Once I did, however, I found myself being completely pulled in by the characters. Keplinger has a great writing style, and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future....more
There are lots of things I liked about BANISHED. I liked the unique mythology and the fact that the powers came with some consequences. I liked the maThere are lots of things I liked about BANISHED. I liked the unique mythology and the fact that the powers came with some consequences. I liked the main character and her decidedly lack of Mary Sue qualities. Mostly, I liked the way that Littlefield captured the rural Missouri setting. She captured a gritty, non-urban setting that occurs often in this world, but rarely in YA literature.
Really, the only problem I had was that it took a really long time to get rolling. I felt like the the book was over the moment things finally started getting good. It's obvious this is the first in an anticipated series, and I'm looking forward to getting into more action in the next book....more
This is a definite Do Not Miss book, especially for Hunger Games fans.
Cassia lives in a world where life is determined by numbers and probability. PolThis is a definite Do Not Miss book, especially for Hunger Games fans.
Cassia lives in a world where life is determined by numbers and probability. Pollution and poverty are things of the past, and people live long, healthy lives thanks to the Society. Meals are prepared and delivered with individual caloric and nutritional needs provided. Careers are chosen based on an individual's abilities and skill. And, when the time comes, you are Matched to the individual with whom you will be the most compatible.
Society knows best. Or does it?
I've been hearing buzz about this book since BEA, and can't believe I was so lucky as to get to borrow an ARC. (Thanks, Aly!) It really is worth all the hype. I can't wait to put this book in the hands of my YAs come November!...more
Fans of SHIVER will be happy to reunite with soulful werewolf-turned-real-boy Sam and the love of his life, Grace. LINGER adds a few more POVs into thFans of SHIVER will be happy to reunite with soulful werewolf-turned-real-boy Sam and the love of his life, Grace. LINGER adds a few more POVs into the mix this go-round, letting us see things from the eyes of Isabel (whose brother died while trying to cure himself in the last book) and new werewolf Cole. And, let me tell you, I really enjoyed meeting Cole. Stiefvater writes sexy bad boy so well you can almost feel his energy coming off the page.
Since I read this so far in advance, I'm not going to say much about the plot to prevent spoiling anything for other readers. I will say, though, that all is not well in Mercy Falls and the ending had me so stressed out that I bit a hole in my lip. ...more
When I heard that there was going to be a follow-up to PERFECT CHEMISTRY I was a little weary. I mean, what else could be said about Alex and BrittanyWhen I heard that there was going to be a follow-up to PERFECT CHEMISTRY I was a little weary. I mean, what else could be said about Alex and Brittany? I like the way their story ended and couldn't see how Elkeles could keep the magic alive in the second book. Honestly, I was worried that she would ruin everything.
Thank Shiny I was wrong.
RULES OF ATTRACTION is the follow-up to PERFECT CHEMISTRY, but not in a sequel kind of way. Sure Alex and Brittany are still there, but just in the background. This is the story of Carlos, Alex's equally-hot little brother. Carlos is none too happy about moving from Mexico to Colorado to be under the watchful eye of his big brother. And he's really not happy about all the white kids he forced to endure, especially his peer guide, Kiara.
In truth, I think I loved RULES OF ATTRACTION more than PERFECT CHEMISTRY. I found it much easier to relate to tomboy Kiara than too-perfect Brittany. Carlos is just as angsty and sexy as his brother, which will be a relief to all the female readers. I found myself once again wrapped up in Elkeles writing style, reading "just one more" short chapter until I have devoured the whole thing in one sitting. I can only hope that Elkeles has come to the same realization that I have - there is a third Fuentes brother out there needing to fall in love....more
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