Review: The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1)

The Kiss of Deception
by Mary E. Pearson

Synopsis

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

The Kiss of Deception is the first book in Mary E. Pearson's Remnant Chronicles.

Review

I started this book awhile ago and only just finished it yesterday. Why did it take me so long? I don't know! I really don't. I enjoyed the story and the same thing is happening to me with The Shining, which I'm also enjoying. I don't know what happens to me - I get 3/4s of the way through and then I just get distracted by all the other books and I start another one. 

Anyway, as I said - I really enjoyed this book! It was a mix of fantasy, romance and adventure. I was quite happy that the romance didn't overshadow everything else in the book. Also - it was really interesting how we read more than just Lia's point of view. We have chapters on Rafe, Kaden and even Pauline, Lia's friend. What I loved the most was not knowing who the prince and assassin were (you have to try and guess between Rafe and Kaden). I wanted so badly for a certain someone to be the prince (I'm not telling you who!) and I won't be telling you if I was right or not. 

BUT I was left wanting so much more :( I can't believe I have to wait for the second book - the end of this one left me completely NEEDING the next book. That's all I'm going to say. 

Verdict

Read it. If you're anything like me, however, you will get frustrated lol

Review: Art Schooled

Art Schooled
by Jamie Coe

Synopsis

Daniel Stope is a small-town guy with dreams of becoming an artist. His enrollment at art school and subsequent move to the city opens up a world of possibilities. Unsurprisingly, Daniel struggles with his newfound independence—the difficulties of big city dating and making new friends. Jamie Coe's tale is a visually powerful graphic novel that covers familiar ground with an enthralling approach.

Review

To say that I loved Jamie Coe's Art Schooled would be an understatement. This book was fantastic from start to finish and I found myself enjoying it on many different levels. The story itself was great because it is a kind of "coming of age" story told about someone who is moving to college. The newness and weirdness that is college - actually, with weirdness amplified because it is about going to art school! That was another aspect of the book I enjoyed because I had a minor in Drawing when I was doing my Psychology degree. Being a part of that culture, even for just a little while, is quite a trip. I found myself reminiscing about those days as I read Art Schooled. As much as we don't want to admit it, stereotypes do and will exist and Art Schooled showcases the most popular ones in the art school world. 

The other aspect I enjoyed was the art style itself. I am a big fan of R. Crumb and the work in the Harvey Pekar books, so I found myself really enjoying this style of illustration. Daniel is a likable character because he could be any of us - trying to figure it out with this new independent life. 

Verdict

Read it because it's awesome! There is some "nudity" in the book - but trust me when I say, this book describes the truth that is art school. It's a fantastic work and I look forward to seeing more of Coe's work. 

About the Author

Jamie Coe is a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins, London. He has worked on commissions for Foyles, illustrated political cartoons for the Gateway, and is the author of the short comic House of Freaks. He lives in London, England.

Video Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Review: The Summer I Gave Up Boys

The Summer I Gave Up Boys
by Kassandra Kush

Synopsis

A summer love novella 

Kaliyah Simon just broke up with her cheating boyfriend, and now that summer break is here, all she wants is a quiet, boy-free summer. To focus on work, reading, and her tan. But then she meets up with her old high school nemesis, Isaiah Winters, on the way home, and he seems more interested in being friends than enemies. Can Kaliyah lower her walls and get over seven years of pushing Isaiah away and find out what it would be like to actually be with him? 

With her best friend going boy-crazy, a twenty-first birthday looming on the horizon, Isaiah continually showing up on her doorstep, and an ex that seems to want her back, Kaliyah’s summer promises to be anything but quiet.

Review

Such a great read for summer, but oh so short :( I really liked Kaliyah as a protagonist because she was different. It was really great to read a story about a headstrong girl who doesn't let herself be pulled apart by a guy. Also, she's a book blogger and bibliophile - without any stereotype attached to the "label." I wish I could have read more about her and Isaiah.

Verdict

Perfect introduction to by-the-poolside summer reading!

Review: Better off Friends

Better off Friends
by Elizabeth Eulberg

Synopsis

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

Review

This book pretty much had me at "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...for teens". I LOVE When Harry Met Sally. Love Love Love. And this book??? I loved it! It has two very believable characters with a believable love story. And the writing style! I loved how each chapter was written by either Macallan or Levi and in between they had their little banter in short dialogue (You'll get it when you read it because you WILL read it). 

Macallan is a strong leading female, which is my weakness! She's strong but emotional and not cold. Levi is misguided but lovable. Together they have the perfect friendship. And by perfect I also mean imperfect (because nothing is perfect people). This book definitely reminded me of when Harry Met Sally due to the intelligent banter of it's characters. There was a lot of love between friends and family and it spanned years...YEARS of the two leading characters' lives. That's right people - this isn't a love that happens after the next big dance or whatever. The duo basically meet in middle school and their friendship, with it's love and hardships, spans until Senior year in high school. 

I got this book from the library, but once it's in paperback, I'm so going to get it and re read it. 

Verdict

I loved it. If you love contemporary love stories with lovable characters who have their flaws but aren't annoying - this book is for you. 

Review: Fangirl

Fangirl
by Ken Baker

Synopsis

While staring you straight in the eye, far above the tips of her Toms, Josie Brant would swear that she does not like Peter Maxx, the teen sensation who causes every girl within a 100-foot radius to scream at ear-shattering decibels. Even if Josie may completely, totally, and unequivocally be his biggest fan.

So when Josie finds out her best friend has won a contest to meet Peter by stealing one of Josie’s songs, Josie is overwhelmingly shocked and upset—some of which flies out the window when Ashley introduces Josie to Peter as well. And suddenly, in a whirlwind of Tweets, IMs, texts, and phone calls, Josie finds herself in the middle of a flirtatious friendship that has the potential for complete harmony. But just when everything seems pitch-perfect, the paparazzi flashbulbs explode, along with any notion of a fairy-tale romance.

Author Ken Baker, E! Channel’s Chief News Correspondent, uses his inside knowledge to craft a novel authentic to the teen pop idol experience with sincere heart and humor.

Review

Okay - let's get it out of the way. The cover is horrible. It just is. My husband told me so. What can I say, this was a total impulse buy. My book buys usually work totally in my favor. I do a good job of choosing books, even ones I've never heard of, that I come to enjoy. 

That was not the case in this situation. 

Fangirl had a good premise. Fantastical as it was, I was looking forward to reading any fangirl's dream come true - meeting your star crush and *gasp* they happen to like you too! That is, in fact, what happens in the case with Josie crushing on Peter and Peter realizing, hey, this fangirl is not so bad! However, that's where my interest pretty much dropped off in this story. All the characters are oh so shallow in their character development. There was potential for a deeper story (yes, there was), but characters were just sort of...plopped on the page. I didn't come to care for anyone of them. I think I might have cared more for D, who was a supporting character. In fact, she had more character development in one paragraph than any of the main characters in the whole book. 

Verdict

You can skip this book and live your life comfortably. It was like a piece of Halloween candy - it was kinda sweet, but gone in a fast second. And it kinda gave you a tummy ache. 

Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
by Abby McDonald

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). 

For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! 

A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Review

I was in the mood for some light-hearted contemporary. Most of the time, when I read YA contemporary, it gives me a feeling much like the one I get when I'm eating popcorn (i.e. it's gone so fast!). This book was as yummy as popcorn, but I also found that it stuck with me. There's nothing really profound about it, but it has a really great message. Namely - your life does not need to revolve around a guy. Also - it's important for you, whether you are male or female, to have your own identity that is not fully defined by another person. 

Sadie is a very likable character who portrays weakness as well as strength in her character. I feel that in most YA books, we get the idea that the lead girl either always needs to be "saved" or is so strong she doesn't need anyone. Sadie, thankfully, gives us a balanced look at a real girl who is both weak and strong. Very realistic, in my opinion. 

Verdict

Read it if you're going through a breakup or have gone through one. Reading one while you're feeling it will help you feel less alone and sad. Reading it when you've already gone through it will make you wish you had this book when you were experiencing that heartbreak. I know I did. 

Review: The Infinite Moment of Us

The Infinite Moment of Us
by Lauren Myracle

Synopsis

For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now . . . not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are?
Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them . . .
Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.

Review

I'm so horribly confused.

Is this a young adult book? Like, really? I don't mean to make that sound like an insult. Maybe it's the fact that I'm older - maybe it's a bunch of other things, but this book did not read like a young adult book. It had an angst romance, but I felt that too many things were happening at too fast a pace. 

Let's go back.

Charlie has admired Wren (I love her name) from afar for awhile. Once Wren notices Charlie, she begins to gain an interest in him too. This is where it's all nice and sweet because it's the blossoming of first love for both of them. They each have their struggles, but hey, they have each other. I really was drawn into the story at this point because I like to read about two people who care about each other finally getting together. 

But then it just got weird in my opinion. And these are the reasons why. 

*SPOILERS. I NEVER PUT THEM SO THIS SHOULD BE YOUR WARNING*

It got weird with all the sex. I was shocked to read so much sex in a young adult book. I'm going to be honest and tell you that sex in YA doesn't bother me. Not at all. Teenagers have sex and it should be included in some books. However, I also think that the way it's expressed can have a lot to do with how it is received from the reader. The problem, for me, with the sex scenes in this book have mostly to do with the fact that I think it ruined the flow of the story. It suddenly all became about sex. Hey, I know that some relationships are like that - but Wren and Charlie actually had a very sweet thing going and the sex just took over EVERYTHING. Like, the WHOLE STORY. 

Another thing - Tessa and Wren's parents. Tessa is supposed to be this great friend to Wren and I really liked her character - but we hardly see her! It was as if Wren had NO friends and was having a dangerous co-dependent relationship with Charlie. Actually, that's exactly what it was. We don't even get to read any other experiences about Wren's job or even any excitement for Project Unity - something SHE wanted to go to! As for Wren's parents, I totally liked the whole struggle with living up to their expectations. But in the end? It was just too easy. The dad just realizes he should apologize? What? *sigh*

As for Charlie - he was just as co-dependent as Wren. I like that he had his own background, his own story - but well, both Wren and Charlie got a bit too creepy with each other for my liking. Creepy = REALLY CODEPENDENT 

Also? Starrla's character was so annoying. Just - too much. And was not important to the story at all. 

I know that as humans we feel intensely. Maybe I just didn't like young adult pretending to be adult? Take that any which way you want, reader. 

The end was tied up too cleanly. Sure, a lot was left to the reader's imagination, but I don't think this story deserved that. The reader basically goes on this roller coaster of a relationship (which doesn't feel like a relationship) to be given nothing at the end. 

As you can see, I am pretty passionate about this review. I even included spoilers!

Verdict

Proceed with caution. There's a lot of sex. A lot of "ass" "baby" etc. etc. Language that doesn't offend me and it normally wouldn't sway me from reading a story, but I think those words were unnecessary. It was used to no effect on this reader. 

Extra

If you're wondering about a book I thought included teenagers, sex and was written extremely well in a somewhat believable way - pick up The DUFF by Kody Keplinger.

Review: Heavy Hangs the Head

Heavy Hangs the Head
by Taryn Hipp

Synopsis

Heavy Hangs the Head is a memoir novella about a woman with an addiction, a mental illness, and a feminist identity. It is the story of one woman's journey from anxiety-ridden child to delinquent teenager to divorced alcoholic. This is the story of how she turned all those years of experiences into a beautiful existence.

Review

I've read this book twice, which should tell you something. I don't often re-read anything since I'd rather read something new each time. Hipp's book is about the journey she took from an emotionally unstable childhood to a self-destructive adulthood until finally arriving at a time in her life where she could accept and love herself. The author doesn't leave any stone unturned and is able to express in the easiest and most delicate way her struggle at learning how to live. 

I very much enjoyed reading this book and believe anyone could benefit from Hipp's story. Although her story revolves around gaining sobriety, it doesn't mean the story won't appeal to the "average" reader. If anything, it inspired me. It taught me that it doesn't matter how old someone is, or even what has happened in their past, but rather what they do with what they have now. It's a powerful message and one that Hipp expresses so well in her book. 

Verdict

I'll give my common warning: there's sex, drinking, etc. etc. Honestly? What the reader gets from the story is so much more than these "labels" we put in warnings. I loved this book and I believe readers of all ages will get something from it. It doesn't glorify drinking or anything like that, it tells the reader the truth - something so rare and highly appreciated. 

Top Shelf Short Stories: Revenant's Anonymous

Revenant's Anonymous
by Francesca Lia Block

I have had a life-long love affair with Block's writing. I remember bidding on her book Dangerous Angels (a compilation of all her books in the Weetzie Bat series at the time). I don't remember where I heard or read her name. I don't know what possessed me to bid on her book. I just can't remember, but I'm so glad that I did because her books are full of magical realism. There is family and love and pain and it just all fits together and makes sense. 

It has been a long time since I've read a Block book. I lost touch with her writing simply because I got too busy in my real life to read anything that wasn't printed in some scholarly journal. 

So, how thrilled was I last night when I read that Block was making her collection of short stories, Lay Me Out Softly, in ebook free for today??? (It's also still available as I write this, click here) I made sure to remember, quite a feat for me, and here I am about to review the first one I read :)

So, I read "Revenant's Anonymous". I did not know what a revenant was before I started reading this story. I thought, hey, I learned how to use context clues, I'll just do that to figure it out. Ha! I was so confused by the second paragraph! Just so we're clear, a revenant is like a zombie.

With that said, this is a unique story about a group of revenants that meet for their Revenant's Anonymous every so often to talk about their experience and basically what they are now that they are dead. The story is specifically about Casey and Ed. Both are dead and both, through talking to each other, begin to remember what it was like to be alive. The reader basically joins Casey as she comes alive with Ed as she's falling for him. She begins to notice the "little" things, like a ghostly pulse under her skin when he touches her, the blush that doesn't stay on her cheeks and the nervousness at being around Ed. Through getting to know each other, Ed and Casey learn how it is to live with a soul, even if it is a ghostly one. 

Truly a beautiful story that made me think about what a soul is and how falling in love or just crushing on someone...feeling a touch, even, can make someone feel alive. This story made me fall in love with Block's writing all over again and I can't wait to read more from this collection. 

Verdict

Read it if you love zombies and/or love stories. It is unlike other zombie stories (even Warm Bodies) and other love stories. I hope it gets the reader interested in reading some more from Francesca Lia Block.

Also, zombie sex. 

Top Shelf Short Stories: His Delivery Chick

No, this is not the cover of the story.
This is lovely Pusheen.

His Delivery Chick
by Entice_

Okay so I had this brilliant idea earlier - if I'm reading short stories, why not also read some from independent authors (i.e. not yet published/internet peeps). I actually think I want to read an indie story a day for next month. But I digress.

I thought, why not read at least one for this short story month? So I chose a cute one because my day has not been very cute.

I chose "His Delivery Chick" located at  Entice_'s Wattpad. It's a really cute story! I think young adults would like this best, but I thought it was a good pick me up for a not so good day. It's basically about Maxine, a girl who delivers pizza, and Nick, a well-off guy who orders and seemingly eats pizzas. Maxine and Nick have a run in one day when Maxine delivers a pizza to Nick's house. Some misunderstandings later and you have the budding love story. 

I have to be honest - when I started reading the story, I thought it was finished. I don't think it is. I'm going to go with my gut and say it isn't. So, you may ask, why am I writing about it - well, one because I totally thought it was finished and two, because even if it's not, it's a cute story and the author would benefit from feedback so she can mold her story. Every story worth telling evolves, so hopefully this helps her. 

Now, we're talking about a work that probably doesn't go through as many edits as your average published work. So, there are typos and some sentences that need to be looked at. It needs to be polished and have some details added here and there. That is coming from a reader and former writing tutor. No one's writing is perfect, that is why we re-write re-write re-write. 

Verdict

I am enjoying the story and plan to stay tuned for any future added chapters. It's definitely worth taking a look!

Zine Review: Echo! Echo! #10

Echo! Echo! #10
by Keet Geniza

First of all, can we talk about this cover? The awesomeness of this cover? I may be biased (let's create a drinking game where you, reader, take a drink of any beverage of your choice whenever you read "I may be biased..." on my blog), but I love the blending of red and orange. It just pops out and looks fantastic.

Okay, now that the geeky artsy part of me has  had its fun, let's get to the actual zine. This zine has a great mix of everything. It has a fantastic quote (Margaret Atwood, 'nut said), comics, personal entries and a little something else. Geniza talks about thrifting with her father, writing/discovering zines and even a bit about trying to be a loyal anime fan. 

"For the rest of the year, zines became my only obsession. I walked around giddy and wakeful and excited about the possibilities."

I found all of the zine, whether Geniza was talking about her dad, anime fandom or telling a story, truly inspiring. Something that really helped along with that was the fantastic illustrations that accompanied the work. Whether it was the comic strip or the additions to the entries - they added a level to the work that just...works.

Anyway, don't take my word for it, go check it out. If you like personal zines with a lil of everything, you'll love this. 

Check out this zine and many other's at my friend Sage's Sweet Candy Distro.

Top Shelf Short Stories: The Search Engine

Ten Little Indians
by Sherman Alexie

Book Synopsis

Sherman Alexie is one of our most acclaimed and popular writers today. With Ten Little Indians, he offers nine poignant and emotionally resonant new stories about Native Americans who, like all Americans, find themselves at personal and cultural crossroads, faced with heartrending, tragic, sometimes wondrous moments of being that test their loyalties, their capacities, and their notions of who they are and who they love. 

In Alexie’s first story, “The Search Engine,” Corliss is a rugged and resourceful student who finds in books the magic she was denied while growing up poor. In “The Life and Times of Estelle Walks Above,” an intellectual feminist Spokane Indian woman saves the lives of dozens of white women all around her to the bewilderment of her only child. “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” starts off with a homeless man recognizing in a pawn shop window the fancy-dance regalia that was stolen fifty years earlier from his late grandmother. 

 Even as they often make us laugh, Alexie’s stories are driven by a haunting lyricism and naked candor that cut to the heart of the human experience, shedding brilliant light on what happens when we grow into and out of each other.

"The Search Engine" Review

I am going to sound completely biased in this review of this short story because I am in love with Alexie's writing. I have been ever since I read the short story, "This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona." And the love affair kept on when I read Reservation Blues and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. This man - I can't even. 

I'm always hesitant to read something from Alexie. Did that just shock you after I told you how much I love his writing? Well, it shouldn't. I hesitate to read (hesitate - but I read anyway) because I worry that my love affair will just be a fluke. I mean, what if this story is the one I don't like? What will happen then?

And of course, the answer is nothing. Nothing will happen because, regardless, Alexie is my writer. But I digress.

"The Search Engine" hit me right in the heart, dear reader. It's about a young college sophomore, Corliss, who loves books. Books to Corliss are basically the air she breathes. She relates to books because they have given her the freedom beyond what her family, her past and culture have been able to give her. Alexie spends the first section of the story relating who Corliss is to the reader - and basically having this reader (yup, me) fall in love with the character. 

Corliss finds a poetry book at her library written by a Spokane Indian (like her!) which has never been checked out. After a FANTASTIC moment of questioning the destiny of books that never get checked out, she reads the poetry. Although most of the poetry turns out to be kinda bad, some of it speaks to her. What speaks to her most, however, is the fact that another Spokane Indian was able to get their words out into the world. This is what ultimately starts Corliss on her journey to finding Harlan Atwater, her fellow Spokane Indian. 

What follows is what the reader will almost always find in Alexie's work. Humor, heartbreak, cleverness and the search for what it means to be a Indian in the modern world

*Note: Usually, I write "Native American," but to stay true to Alexie's work, I will follow suit and say "Indian."

Verdict

READ HIM. READ HIM NOW. EVEN IF YOU'VE ALREADY READ EVERYTHING HE'S WRITTEN GO BACK AND FIND SOMETHING YOU HAVEN'T READ OR READ WHAT YOU'VE ALREADY READ. DO IT NOW. 

About the Author

Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the PEN/Malamud Award for Short Fiction, a PEN/Hemingway Citation for Best First Fiction, and the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Sherman Alexie is a poet, short story writer, novelist, and performer.

He has published 24 books including What I've Stolen, What I've Earned, poetry, from Hanging Loose Press; Blasphemy: New and Selected Stories, from Grove Press; and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, a novel from Little, Brown Books for Children.

He has also recently published the 20th Anniversary edition of his classic book of stories, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.

Smoke Signals, the movie he wrote and co-produced, won the Audience Award and Filmmakers Trophy at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.

A Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian, Alexie grew up in Wellpinit, Washington, on the Spokane Indian Reservation. 

Alexie has been an urban Indian since 1994 and lives in Seattle with his family.

Go find out more at: http://fallsapart.com/

Happy New Year!

I hope my readers are having a great start to their new year!

I, however, am home sick with bronchitis. *sigh* I seem to be getting better, but I do not enjoy missing work like this - even if I do have a doctor's note. See kids? Doesn't matter how old you are - if you're neurotic, you'll be worried about missing work just like you were worried about missing a school day.

But I digress.

Last year, I failed my book challenge of the year (50 books) miserably. I wasn't too bad, but it wasn't good. 

So, for this year, I am going to challenge myself even more! lol I just don't learn. 

I am going to do three challenges - but they cross with each other. One, my Goodreads challenge will be 50 books. Two, I will be trying to complete NPR's 100 Best Ever Teen Novels which I'll be keeping track of on the List Challenges website (it's an awesome website for lists!). And three, I'll be also trying to finish NPR's Top 100 Science-Fiction & Fantasy Books. There are books that are on both lists and I've already read some - so I'm giving myself some leeway. 

I'm excited! What challenges are my readers working on?

Review: Love and Other Perishable Items

Love and Other Perishable Items
by Laura Buzo

Synopsis

From the moment Amelia sets eyes on Chris, she is a goner. Lost. Sunk. Head over heels infatuated with him. It's problematic, since Chris, 21, is a sophisticated university student, while Amelia, 15, is 15.

Amelia isn't stupid. She knows it's not gonna happen. So she plays it cool around Chris—at least, as cool as she can. Working checkout together at the local supermarket, they strike up a friendship: swapping life stories, bantering about everything from classic books to B movies, and cataloging the many injustices of growing up. As time goes on, Amelia's crush doesn't seem so one-sided anymore. But if Chris likes her back, what then? Can two people in such different places in life really be together?

Through a year of befuddling firsts—first love, first job, first party, and first hangover—debut author Laura Buzo shows how the things that break your heart can still crack you up.

Review

I've read many young adult books and, yes, quite a bit of them follow the same cookie-cutter storyline. Unlike others, however, I don't mind so much. If it's a good story - if it manages to grab my attention - I surely do not mind reading it. 

With that said, Love and Other Perishable Items was a nice surprise! I do not consider the book cookie-cutter at all. Amelia is an average teenager dealing with life's many firsts: first job, first major fight with a best friend, first time having her sister living away from home, first time realizing her home situation - and first love.

What makes Amelia's situation different is the fact that her first love happens to be with Chris, a university student in his early twenties. With Amelia only being 15 years old - it sure throws a wrench into the equation. 

Amelia is a very likable character, mostly because of how very real her personality and behavior comes off to the reader. The story is not a perfect fairy tale - not even close, but that is the charm of the story. 

Verdict

I recommend this story to anyone willing and wanting to read a realistic story about your average, but wonderful, teenage girl. 

Review: Invoking Nonna

Invoking Nonna
by Sage Adderley

Series: Triple Goddess Series (Book 1) Paperback: 186 pages 
Publisher: Sweet Candy Press; 1ST edition (December 20, 2013) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0989709825 
ISBN-13: 978-0989709828 

Book Synopsis

Maggie Sloan is a free-spirited teenager growing up in rural Georgia. Unlike her peers, Maggie is a witch and so is her mother. In addition to normal teenager rites of passage, she must learn about her family lineage and witchcraft. Her mother, Laura, keeps a tight lid on their family secrets - like the mysterious life and death of her grandmother who passed away before Maggie was born. 

Practicing the craft will test solid friendships and introduce Maggie to new realms. While seeking the truth about herself and her family, Maggie is faced with danger from churchgoing classmates who will stop at nothing to make sure she is found out. Laura and Maggie strengthen their bond through witchcraft and work together to overcome their enemies. Are their magical gifts enough to keep them safe? 

Invoking Nonna is the first book in the Triple Goddess series.

Review

Okay - I'm going to just be honest with you dear reader - I'm biased when it comes to this book. Why, do you ask? Well, for one, the author (the lovely Ms Sage) is a dear friend of mine and two, I helped edit this book. See? Aren't you happy how honest I am?

With that said, I'm also honest. If I DIDN'T like this book, I would be very vague so as not to hurt my dear friend's feelings. HOWEVER, that is not the case because I loved this book!

Maggie is an honest, true-to-herself young woman who has come to identify as a witch, just as her mother does. This would be great, except that Maggie's mother is extremely private - often keeping Maggie more than an arms length away. This makes it difficult for Maggie to understand where she comes from, but it doesn't dissuade her from knowing who she wants to become. 

Maggie is a wonderful character - one that can be looked up to. I quite enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Maggie and her mother the most :)

Mix the need of self-discovery with learning about the tolerance (or lack thereof) of others and you, reader, have a wonderful book to get yourself lost in. The best part? It's only the beginning of Maggie's story (it's only the first in a series!). 

Verdict

Read it, of course. This book is great for anyone, but I would especially recommend it to pre-teens and teens who are in the process of self-discovery themselves. 

Read about it here: http://sageadderley.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-wrote-book.html
Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Invoking-Nonna-Sage-Adderley/dp/0989709825/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388211259&sr=8-1&keywords=invoking+nonna
And here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/173445970/invoking-nonna-ya-paranormal-book?ref=shop_home_active

Review: Tiy and the Prince of Egypt

Tiy and the Prince of Egypt
by Debbie Dee

Synopsis 

Tiy is different than the other Egyptian girls--she has pale hair and more freckles than she wants to count. With her mother consumed by the need to keep up appearances, and her father too busy to care, Tiy just wants to disappear into the background. But her hope for a quiet life is shattered when she rescues Prince Amenhotep from a sandstorm and is rewarded with an invitation to attend the royal school in Egypt’s capital—-a place where girls like her will never fit in.

Amenhotep welcomes her into his close circle of friends and their friendship strengthens into a bond neither is willing to lose. But when Amenhotep becomes Pharaoh and is pressured by the priests to marry, the strength of their friendship is threatened. Will Tiy find enough courage to accept Amenhotep’s hand when he wants her to become the next Queen of Egypt, especially when her feelings run no deeper than friendship? And how can she protect him from the Nubian rebels who are determined to take control of Egypt?

Review

Tiy and the Prince of Egypt is a middle grade historical fiction work that completely grabbed my attention from the get-go! For one, Tiy was quite a likable character because of the strength she held onto above the obstacles. I found that Tiy grew throughout the book - something very refreshing. Readers of all ages need more honest and strong female characters who do not become "stuck".

It was my first time reading a historical fiction piece and I really enjoyed the amount of detail involved in describing everything that takes the reader to the time of ancient Egypt. Maybe I'm biased since I love anything having to do with Egypt...but that's beside the point. Dee's writing has made all the difference in this work. It was also awesome to realize that Dee based characters on actual people. 

Verdict

If you've enjoyed the Dee's other books, you will more than love this one. Trust me! It's only great because Egypt rocks, but because it's testament how being different can be beautiful :)

About the Author

Debbie Dee recently moved to southern Idaho with her husband and three children where she is learning how to be a country girl in her favorite pair of blue heels. She adores fairy tales and happy endings, but secretly crushes on the bad guy now and then.  

As a dedicated musician who practices way too much, she never expected writing would sweep her off her feet until she jotted down a scene from a daydream, which turned into two scenes, which turned into a messy house and her first novel. Since then she hasn’t been able to let a day go by without writing.  

In addition to writing, she plays the piano, harp, violin, and gets in frequent fights with her cello. She loves to read and play board games - when she is winning.  

Debbie is also the author of young adult novels, The Last Witch and The Underground Witch.  

 Author Links: 

 • website: http://www.debbiedee.com/ 
 • facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiedeeauthor 
 • twitter: https://twitter.com/_DebbieDee 
 • goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535967.Debbie_Dee 
 • amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-Dee/e/B009AH8UJ2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1378230666&sr=8-1

Review: Dreams of the Dead

Dreams of the Dead
by Thomas Randall

Synopsis

Kara Foster thinks the hardest thing about moving to Japan will be fitting in as an outsider. But dark secrets are stirring at her new school. When Kara befriends Sakura, a fellow outsider whose rebellious nature sets her apart from the crowd, she learns that Sakura's sister was the victim of an unsolved murder on school grounds. And before long, terrible things begin to happen.

It starts with nightmares - strange, otherworldly dreams that wake Kara in terror every night. Then more students start turning up dead, with strange marks on their bodies. Is Sakura getting revenge on those she suspects are responsible for her sister's death? Or has her dead sister come back to take revenge for herself?


Review

I think I should start off with telling you, dear reader, how I very much love horror stories, be it in books, tv or movies. I should also add that my favorite kind of horror stories are Asian ones. So, I might be biased in reviewing my latest read.

This story begins with Kara and her father moving to Japan after the death of Kara's mother. With the worries of attending a new school in a new country comes the eerie feeling of something not being quite right. The sudden unsolved murder/death of a student a few months before has some people on edge. Little does Kara know that the school she's attending and the people within have many secrets to hide.

I haven't read many reviews about this book because I figured someone would ruin it for me. In my opinion, I think that many people do not understand or enjoy Asian horror stories. Maybe they find it too fantasy-like or gruesome, but I love the darkness of the stories. Many of them are about revenge and I think that's a topic we tend to gloss over in our fiction. Dreams of the Dead is a quiet book and that helps the tone for suspense concerning the plot. When I say quiet, by the way, I mean that it's slow and steady in parts which helps build the thrill. I can see how some who are used to action-filled horror stories or movies might be turned off by this, but the Japanese books I've read so far do a really good job at letting the suspense build slowly. I quite enjoy it.

I wish parts of the book had been a bit more detailed and the book longer, in general. Regardless, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to any horror/suspense fan.

Extra

The book is a part of a trilogy called The Waking. Both other books are already out, but I have only been able to find the third in ebook form...which makes me very sad. If anyone knows where I can get an actual copy (if it exists) please let me know!

For fans of:

Ryu Murakami
The Ring
The Grudge
Asian horror

Rating

Review: The Underground Witch

The Underground Witch (Incenaga #2)
by Debbie Dee


Book Synopsis

As the last of the Incenaga Witches, Emmeline has been tortured and forced to use her power to kill. But unlike the Incenagas before her, she has survived. With her freedom restored, she should feel safe, invincible even. After all, she has the protection of Prince Erick’s army and a power strong enough to obliterate any enemy. Yet Emmeline lives in fear for the next person who will try to control her, and no one can seem to find the tyrant threatening to claim her. 

Until it’s too late. 

With everything on the line, and the enemy at her throat, will Emmeline be able to use her power like never before? Even if it kills her? 


In The Underground Witch, the second novel of the Incenaga Trilogy, Debbie Dee delivers enough adventure, heartbreak, and suspense to captivate readers at every turn.

Review

This book is the sequel to Dee's first in the trilogy, The Last Witch. And talk about a whirlwind of a story! I'm not going to give away anything because, spoilers? Don't like them. Anyway, this is another wonderfully executed story from Debbie Dee and, boy, it's intricate. Emmeline finds out more about her lineage and is faced to build up her strength again and even more than before. What I enjoy the most from this series is that Emmeline makes a wonderful heroine. It is certainly something that I love in the books I read. 

I enjoyed the new characters in the second part of this series, especially O'fin! There are also some characters that are definitely going to make it to the third book, but that's all I'm saying! All in all, a great book that I enjoyed at a different level than the first one (not better, just different!). Some people may not enjoy the lovey dovey stuff at the beginning, but I'm a sucker for that stuff hahaha. Still, it wouldn't be a good book if it did not have some conflict. If you enjoyed the first book, you're definitely going to want to read this one! Props to Debbie Dee for a great book!

Can't wait for the next one!!!

Author

Debbie Dee recently moved to southern Idaho with her husband and three children where she is learning how to be a country girl in her favorite pair of blue heels. She adores fairy tales and happy endings, but secretly crushes on the bad guy now and then. As a dedicated musician who practices way too much, she never expected writing would sweep her off her feet until she jotted down a scene from a daydream, which turned into two scenes, which turned into a messy house and her first novel. Since then she hasn’t been able to let a day go by without writing. Her website is www.debbiedee.com.

Website – http://www.debbiedee.com/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535967.Debbie_Dee
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debbiedeeauthor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/_DebbieDee