tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34252076885265108262024-03-13T06:32:40.512-07:00One Librarian's Book ReviewsTessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comBlogger1001125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-91049872134009698772012-04-17T09:56:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.470-07:00Book Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061659274/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061659274"><em>Darkest Mercy</em></a> by Melissa Marr<br />Publisher: HarperCollins<br />Publication date: February 2011<br />Pages: 336<br />Source: e-book from Library<br />For: Fun<br />Series: <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/wicked%20lovely">Wicked Lovely</a>, Book 5<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061659274/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061659274"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0061659274&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061659274" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><em>*Spoilers for the first four books in the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/wicked%20lovely">Wicked Lovely series</a> are inevitable*</em><br />With Keenan missing, Aislinn is struggling to run the summer court by herself, all while longing for Seth. Donia is working to strengthen her already strong winter court, against the coming war with Bananach. With the dark court in turmoil and no one quite sure what is coming next, will Bananach defeat all and turn the world to chaos?<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I can't seem to get away from this series. I usually have mixed feelings about them, but I can't seem to give them up. I'm glad I got to the last in this series, because the ending was surprising and satisfying. Marr has a skill with words and descriptions that can paint an entire world so vividly. I loved how things progressed to the point that we wonder how she will extricate her characters, and then she does it in surprising ways. It is a smart, beautiful, complicated series. <br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />I don't care much for several of the main characters, notably Keenan and Aislinn. I was more interested in what happened to some of the minor characters. Still, I found it satisfying, if not mind-blowing and amazing. A really good faery series that has an interesting and unique faery world.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />The <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/iron%20fey">Iron Fey series</a> by Julie Kagawa<br /><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-review-lament-faerie-queens.html"><i>Lament</i></a> and <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-ballad-by-maggie-stiefvater.html">Ballad</a></em> by Maggie Stiefvater <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@# </b></span><br />plenty, some f-words<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: XX </b></span><br />mostly sensuality and off-page action<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->-> </b></span><br />quite a bit of gory fighting<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: *** </b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What books can't you stay away from?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-71817646289896487132012-04-16T11:39:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.488-07:00Book Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061996181/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061996181"><em>Hallowed</em></a> by Cynthia Hand<br />Publisher: HarperTeen<br />Publication date: January 2012<br />Pages: 416<br />Source: Review copy from publisher<br />For: Review<br />Series: <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/unearthly" target="_blank">Unearthly Series</a>, Book 2<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061996181/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061996181"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0061996181&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061996181" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><em>*Spoilers for <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-unearthly-by-cynthia-hand.html" target="_blank">Unearthly</a> are inevitable*</em><br />After failing at her purpose, Clara is unsure what to do with her life. Her whole life seemed to lead up to that event, but now she's left without any, well, purpose. Her boyfriend, Tucker, is confused as ever and her mom is just as enigmatic about what she should do now. But when Clara starts seeing another vision, she is about to discover just what is most important in life.<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I enjoyed the emphasis this book placed on Clara's relationship with her family - her mom and her brother especially. It was nice to see the focus where it should be during difficult times. Clara's conflict between the two guys vying for her was pretty well portrayed - it was hard for her and she didn't want to make any quick and thoughtless decisions or be cruel to them (though, whether she succeeded in that is another story). I was impressed with how Hand ended the book, doing what I thought was pretty gutsy, though it wasn't exactly what I wanted for Clara.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />Honestly, I got bored with the book. Nothing much seems to happen, though there are some interesting twists that surprised me near the end. Most of the book goes on and on about Clara struggling with feelings and Clara wanting to do things, but not doing them. It was just so slow moving. And it never really picked up momentum, despite having some surprises and a little action. I was also disappointed in the direction the love triangle went, mostly because she ends up with the boy I like least, so it might be a personal preference. Basically, I think this book just disappointed me, because I wanted so much more from it. I guess I'll be interested in reading the next book, but not anxiously awaiting it.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Start with <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-unearthly-by-cynthia-hand.html" target="_blank">Unearthly</a></em> by Cynthia Hand<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062027891/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062027891"><em>Forbidden</em></a> by Syrie James and Ryan James<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310728185/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310728185"><em>Halflings</em></a> by Heather Burch<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: ! </b></span><br />maybe one or two<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />a bit of heavy kissing<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: none</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ***</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>When you're disappointed by a sequel, do you still tend to read the next book anyway?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-12621175081438040062012-04-13T10:42:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.506-07:00Book Review: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142414727/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142414727"><em>Lock and Key</em></a> by Sarah Dessen<br />Publisher: Penguin Audio<br />Publication date: April 2008<br />Length: 11 hrs, 14 min<br />Source: Audiobook from Library<br />For: Fun<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142414727/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142414727"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0142414727&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142414727" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>Ruby is used to her mom disappearing for a while. It's just been her and her mom ever since her older sister Cora left and never looked back. But when her mom disappears permanently, Ruby finds herself sent to live with Cora and her husband. She isn't sure what to do with this new life; she's ready to leave it all behind, until she begins to understand just what she wants and what she might be able to do for the people around her.<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I liked the story. I like how Ruby just acts a certain way and believes certain things because of her past and how things have been in her life. She doesn't trust people and she doesn't plan to stick around. But as the book progresses, she learns and meets people and discovers there are things she wants to change, only she isn't sure how. But she does change. I think Dessen does this well, describing the way a person can change both their circumstances and the way they act. The story has heart and you feel it plucking at your strings and you want to hug the characters and make it all better. It's real and it's good. And now I know why people like Sarah Dessen. I listened to this one on my interminable commute and the narrator, Rebecca Soler, did a spanking good job portraying the so-don't-care teen voice - she was spot-on for Ruby.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />It moved rather slowly at times, so much that I almost gave up. I wondered where it was heading, after she kind of gets in a new rut in her new life. It seemed like there wasn't anywhere else for her to go. But then it picked up again and I enjoyed it. I'm sure I'll pick up another Dessen, though I'm generally not a fan of this kind of book.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Um, pretty much all <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=Sarah%20Dessen&tag=rambofalibr-20&field-contributor_id=B001H6NDXC&linkCode=ur2&qid=1334338589&camp=1789&sr=1-2-ent&creative=390957&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3ASarah%20Dessen" target="_blank">Sarah Dessen books</a>, from what I understand<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@#$ </b></span><br />plenty, though no f-bombs<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: XX</b></span><br />a few incidents, nothing too descriptive<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: none</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ****</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Is there a Sarah Dessen book I simply <em>must</em> read?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-36482932416498761182012-04-12T12:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.529-07:00Prom and Other Terrors - A Giveaway!Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, I've got a fun spring giveaway for you. April brings to mind flowers and showers and best of all - prom! That crazy, fun, romantic, scary, depressing, you-name-it-emotion high school rite of passage. I remember worrying so much every year about whether I'd go to prom. It's amazing the feelings that still come when someone says the word "prom." The anticipation, the worry that you won't get asked, the worry over dresses and boys and whether or not you'll get kissed (what can I say, prom for me was pretty innocent). <br /><br />And to celebrate this experience, HMH has four prom books to give away to one lucky reader! You can find HMH on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HMHTeen" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/hmhkids" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - go check them out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547626142/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547626142"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0547626142&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547626142" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547577389/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547577389"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0547577389&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547577389" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547259409/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547259409"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0547259409&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547259409" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547553951/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547553951"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0547553951&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547553951" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547626142/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547626142"><em>Illuminate</em></a> by Aimee Agresti<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547577389/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547577389"><em>Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick</em></a> by Joe Schreiber<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547259409/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547259409"><em>Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side</em></a> by Beth Fantaskey<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547553951/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547553951"><em>The Fashion Coloring Book</em></a> by Carol Chu and Lulu Chang<br /><br />The contest will end on April 22 and I'll announce a winner on the 23rd. HMH will send the prize directly to the winner. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me one good or bad thing about your own prom experience (or lack of experience, as the case may be). Then just fill out the form below. US addresses only and you must be 13 or older to enter. And if you're very lucky, I'll post a nice photo of my friends and myself dressed up with our "dates" (that ought to keep you intrigued for a few minutes anyway). Good luck!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>So, tell us your prom experiences! The good, the bad, the ugly.</strong> </div><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="649" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dDBSblRQV0pjWm1pUUpxYlQyYW9NN3c6MQ" width="760"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-77167575961339406792012-04-12T09:12:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.552-07:00Celebrating Libraries and Reading!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ-Sfs0oFB0/T4NtduOL1QI/AAAAAAAAEYM/2J-S7PJtOOE/s1600/2012_Natl_Library_Wk_website216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ-Sfs0oFB0/T4NtduOL1QI/AAAAAAAAEYM/2J-S7PJtOOE/s1600/2012_Natl_Library_Wk_website216.jpg" /></a></div>It's <a href="http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek" target="_blank">National Library Week</a>...and I've got no planned celebrations. Boo. But, I thought I'd tell everyone to head out to a library this week. Appreciate the services offered by them (and, you know, the librarians, cause they are awesome too :).<br /><br />If you're looking to find out what great libraries are near you, check out these links from <a href="http://www.findthedata.org/" target="_blank">Find the Data</a> to find and compare local <a href="http://library.findthedata.org/" target="_blank">public</a> or <a href="http://academic-libraries.findthedata.org/" target="_blank">academic libraries</a>. It's kind of fun to look at stats of the libraries nearest you.<br /><br />Anywho, get out and celebrate libraries and reading, because it's <a href="http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Support_Teen_Literature_Day" target="_blank">Support Teen Literature Day</a> today! So if you want to <a href="http://readergirlz.com/tbd.html" target="_blank">Rock the Drop</a> (ie leave a book lying around for someone else to enjoy) please do! I think I'll take a few ARCs and leave them around my town for someone to discover. Lots of great things to celebrate this week! (And I have a giveaway coming up later today - be sure to come by later to find out more.) <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What do you plan to do to celebrate National Library Week or Teen Literature Day?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-50213170240017861092012-04-11T11:03:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.573-07:00Book Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802723462/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802723462"><em>Scarlet</em></a> by A.C. Gaughen<br />Publisher: Bloomsbury USA<br />Publication date: February 2012<br />Pages: 304<br />Source: e-book from NetGalley<br />For: Fun (and review...and <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/most-wonderful-time-of-year-for.html" target="_blank">Debut Author Challenge</a>)!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802723462/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0802723462"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0802723462&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0802723462" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br />Will Scarlet is a member of Robin Hood's secret band of thieves, though most people don't know he's actually a girl. Scarlet is a tough girl hiding from a secret past that might just catch up to her when someone from the past shows up in Nottingham - looking to take down the Hood and his band.<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I am in love with great <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/historical%20fiction" target="_blank">historical fiction</a>. I know it doesn't seem like it, when I review so much fantasy, dystopian, and paranormal, but a really well-written, well-researched HF hits just the spot in my reading itch. I loved the details and the language and Scarlet most of all. She felt real, she was not glorified or perfect or even nice most of the time. I honestly started saying "I were" and "it were" sometimes because I was so immersed in the story and the way it was written. I'm also a big fan of the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/06/listless-monday-girls-in-disguise.html" target="_blank">girl disguised as a boy</a> thing, but I think this one did it better than many. Not only was she not fooling those closest to her, she wasn't trying to. I think it's much easier to fool the masses and people you don't interact with regularly and nearly impossible with those you live with every day. And it doesn't hurt that it had a fabulous Robin Hood that I fell in love with. There's something so fascinating about his stories and his legend. Makes me want to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698119592/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698119592"><em>The Outlaws of Sherwood</em></a> by Robin McKinley that <a href="http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-outlaws-of-sherwood-by-robin.html" target="_blank">Suey</a> and <a href="http://www.angie-ville.com/2009/08/retro-friday-review-outlaws-of-sherwood.html" target="_blank">Angie</a> have raved about. Great stuff!<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />The only thing I want is another story, a sequel (I know, great stand alones should be left that way). Truly, though, I liked how it ended and things weren't instantly fixed. But I want to know when and how they do get fixed. I think people might not enjoy the story if they are annoyed by (intentially) poor grammar or if they don't like historical fiction in general. <br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698119592/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0698119592"><em>The Outlaws of Sherwood</em></a> by Robin McKinley<br />A bit like <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-starcrossed-by-elizabeth-c.html" target="_blank">StarCrossed</a></em> by Elizabeth C. Bunce<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@ </b></span><br />most of it was religious exclamations<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />implied, but nothing described<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->-> </b></span><br />some action fighting and rather horrific stuff, but not truly gory<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ***** </b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Who's your favorite swashbuckling hero/heroine?</strong><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-10020786187346122892012-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.591-07:00Top Ten Tuesday: Unexpected Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG9yc7HHr1o/ToswKTQTYCI/AAAAAAAAEAg/nrQHfP46EOU/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG9yc7HHr1o/ToswKTQTYCI/AAAAAAAAEAg/nrQHfP46EOU/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div>This week's is <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/top%20ten%20tuesday">Top Ten Tuesday</a>, hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a>, is the Top Ten Books that Deceived me, or I've interpreted it as books that were Unexpected, either good or bad when I expected the opposite. I would like to note that often, this expectation was an incorrect assumption on my part, not necessarily the book's fault. But that happens too. Here are a smattering of those books:<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-drought-by-pam-bachorz.html" target="_blank">Drought</a></em> by Pam Bachorz <br />This is one that I expected to be a sort of dystopian society that was dealing with a scarcity of water, but turned into a kind of paranormal something. A case of me expecting it to be one thing and it being another.<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-review-reckless-by-cornelia-funke.html" target="_blank">Reckless</a></em> by Cornelia Funke <br />I was pretty disappointed by this one, simply because the premise sounded like a fun middle grade fairy tale kind of book. Turned out to be about an adult and not so fun in the fairy tale department. A little misleading in its labeling, I think.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547235585/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547235585"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0547235585&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547235585" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-review-it-started-with-dare-by.html" target="_blank">It Started with a Dare</a></em> by Lindsay Faith Rech<br />This one actually was deceptive in its cover, which gives off a happy fun vibe. The story is actually really kind of dark and twisted. Definitely not what I expected, but then again they say not to judge a book by its cover :)<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-academy-7-by-anne-osterlund.html" target="_blank">Academy 7</a></em> by Anne Osterlund<br />I was really excited to read a sci-fi story about this intergalactic society and an elite school for geniuses. Definitely didn't deliver on that, since there was ridiculously little mention of anything space-like or sci-fi.<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-review-mockingjay-by-suzanne.html" target="_blank">Mockingjay</a></em> by Suzanne Collins<br />I think this book came with so many expectations that it was inevitably doomed to not deliver on them all. Also, the soft blue of the cover and the free bird seemed to imply a lighter sort of story than it gave. <br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/book-review-sleepless-by-cyn-balog.html" target="_blank">Sleepless</a></em> by Cyn Balog<br />This book just didn't deliver on an interesting premise. I thought it would be so cool to read about sandmen and the afterlife. Instead, it was weird and had not enough detail to make it stand up.<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-unearthly-by-cynthia-hand.html" target="_blank">Unearthly</a></em> by Cynthia Hand<br />This was surprised me with how good it was. I expected to have the typical paranormal romance that was ridiculously overdone in the genre. Much to my surprise, the heroine made interesting choices and I was happy to enjoy it.<br /><br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-review-al-capone-does-my-shirts-by.html" target="_blank">Al Capone Does My Shirts</a></em> by Gennifer Choldenko<br />Just reading that title, doesn't that give you certain ideas about this book? It's a mobster book, right? So. Much. More. Loved it from beginning to end, even if it was totally not what I expected.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062015052/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062015052"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062015052&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062015052" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-breadcrumbs-by-anne-ursu.html" target="_blank">Breadcrumbs</a></em> by Anne Ursu<br />This book was also not what I expected from the description and cover. I thought that it would be a fairy tale through and through. I mean, it's a fairy tale retelling, right? So when the first half of the book discussed realistic problems in a real world, I found myself a little let down. Still a fabulous book, though.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545166640/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545166640"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0545166640&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545166640" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/book-review-plain-kate-by-erin-bow.html" target="_blank">Plain Kate</a></em> by Erin Bow<br />This is another that I had an impression of based on the cover and maybe even the description. It looked kind of like a light-hearted fairy-tale-esque story, featuring a cat. It had most of those things, but turned out to have a depth and sincerity to it that made me fall madly in love with it. So happy to report it exceeded my expectations.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What books were unexpected for you?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-51679504402835943752012-04-09T11:55:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.692-07:00Listless Monday: Framed Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xclXQIHziwQ/TTumjFXuOaI/AAAAAAAAD20/Qp-9LL8fPAc/s320/listless+monday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xclXQIHziwQ/TTumjFXuOaI/AAAAAAAAD20/Qp-9LL8fPAc/s320/listless+monday2.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/listless%20monday"><em>Listless Monday</em></a><em> was inspired by both Amanda at </em><a href="http://bookshelfmonstrosity.blogspot.com/"><em>A Bookshelf Monstrosity</em></a><em>'s feature </em><a href="http://bookshelfmonstrosity.blogspot.com/search/label/books%20by%20theme"><em>Books by Theme</em></a><em> and Court at </em><a href="http://books.moonsoar.com/"><em>Once Upon a Bookshelf</em></a><em>'s </em><a href="http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/category/listed/"><em>Listed</em></a> <i>feature.</i><i> Be sure to check out their lists!</i> <br /><br />I wanted to do a <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/name%20that%20book" target="_blank">Name That Book</a>, but I haven't got the time or energy right now for it. If you are wanting more puzzles like <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/name%20that%20book" target="_blank">Name That Book</a>, might I suggest you check out <a href="http://kidblog.org/MrsStakeysClass/" target="_blank">Mrs. Stakey's 6th grade class blog</a>. They decided to do some <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/name%20that%20book" target="_blank">Name That Book</a> puzzles and they are so awesome! I love seeing other people's puzzles, so if you decide to do one, let me know and I'll link to yours (do link back to me, please). <br /><br />So, I simply decided on a whim today to do a <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/listless%20monday" target="_blank">Listless Monday</a> featuring books with frames on the cover. It's not really a common thing, but one that is unique and can make an interesting display. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Framed Books</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061724521/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061724521"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0061724521&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061724521" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312622848/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312622848"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0312622848&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312622848" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402260520/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402260520"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1402260520&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1402260520" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142420905/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142420905"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0142420905&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142420905" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142418722/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142418722"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0142418722&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142418722" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C4SW0O/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000C4SW0O"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000C4SW0O&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000C4SW0O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I'm completely open for suggestions!</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-60404109911757372662012-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.719-07:00Tales of an Eighth SiblingIf y'all are interested to know a little about the younger me growing up in a big family, I guest posted today at my sister-in-law's blog, <a href="http://www.penelopespad.com/2012/04/guest-post-scaring-off-suitors.html" target="_blank">Penelope's Pad</a>. It's a pretty funny story, if I do say so myself. Stop by and leave a comment, if you want. :) And to convince you it's awesome, here's a photo preview: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.penelopespad.com/2012/April/guestpost/melissa8kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://images.penelopespad.com/2012/April/guestpost/melissa8kids.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Enjoy!</b></div><br />Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-34560241225862121282012-04-05T09:18:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.825-07:00Book Review: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442413336/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442413336"><em>Where Things Come Back</em></a> by John Corey Whaley<br />Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers<br />Publication date: May 2011<br />Pages: 240<br />Source: Library<br />For: <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-printz.html">Printz Project</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442413336/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442413336"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1442413336&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442413336" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div>Cullen Witter has a lot on his mind - it's almost senior year and he's about to get the girl of his dreams, when his life is shattered by tragedy - his younger brother disappears. He must spend this summer trying to understand this new and different life, especially with the mania his small town experiences over a possibly extinct bird's reappearance. <br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />Ok, that was probably the worst summary I've ever done, but this book is hard to explain. I'll talk about this more below, but I had a hard time getting into the book. What I did enjoy was when I hit a point (probably around halfway) when the seemingly completely random and disparate story lines started to come together. I was impressed with how Whaley brought them together and how they eventually made sense, especially because I was doubting it would at that point. I loved the deep and complicated ideas the book discusses and the realistically portrayed teenage boy struggling to understand why his brother disappeared. I think this one has a lot of merit and is skillfully woven. I can see what elements drew the Printz committee (and Morris committee) to choose this one.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />As I said, I really struggled for the first half of the book. I thought the completely different viewpoints and stories were too confusing, too random to interest me. I only really cared about Cullen's story, so when the others would suddenly appear, I wanted to put the book down. Initially, I really disliked the book, but I think it grew on me. I especially hated the third-person weird zombie dreams Cullen had - totally distracting and confusing! I'm not seeing this one having wide appeal and definitely it won't draw in reluctant readers with its slow and erractic beginning, but it does have a quiet power hidden in its depths. And just the right touch of humor to balance it. I guess it just didn't speak to me personally.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />No idea. Maybe a little like <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-review-sky-is-everywhere-by-jandy.html">The Sky is Everywhere</a></em> by Jandy Nelson<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@# </b></span><br />regularly throughout, one f-bomb<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />mostly off page things, but it's implied<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: -> </b></span><br />some zombie dream stuff and maybe a few other darker issues, nothing graphic<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: *** </b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I'm really hit and miss with the Printz winners - doesn't it seem like they sometimes pick really odd books?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-21150418820528868972012-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.848-07:00Does Book Advertising Sway Your Reading Choices?<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Broadway; font-size: 30pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-color-alt: black; text-effect: emboss;">MOST EAGERLY ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!</span></b></div>I've been wondering lately about book advertising. I don't know if it's just that I'm more aware or if it's been increasing more, but what is with all the crazy and sometimes overwhelming advertising surrounding new books? I've started to be annoyed with some of the campaigns; they just seem a bit over the top. I think maybe it's a sign I'm getting old and grumpy or something. :)<br /><br />There are so many superlatives (most, best) and adverbs (eagerly, highly) thrown out there describing new releases that they begin to lose meaning. Does using these words/phrases actually make people want to read them? Does this convince us as readers to seek out these books, describe <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/i%20actually%20need%20it">our NEED for them</a>, and otherwise blog about them well in advance of their release date? I know I'm often convinced by the big campaigns, the flashy ads, and the "highly anticipated" description of a book. But sometimes, most often lately, when I see those ads telling me a book is the "most eagerly awaited," I want to avoid it. I almost wanted to avoid seeing the Hunger Games movie because the obnoxious Capitol products and advertising kind of annoyed me. (I saw it, of course. And it was good, of course.)<br /><br />And what about those author blurbs? If "NY Times Bestselling Author" said this book "made them stay up all night to read" or "made them green with envy over the writing" or was just "plain good," do you care? Do you make you want to read it more or less? What <em>does </em>make us want to get our hands on a book months before it will ever hit shelves? <br /><br />I admit, I've been swayed by all of those things. Favorite Author said it was "Awesome?" Bring it on. Publicity is saying this is the Next Big [fill in the blank]? I might be a bit more leary, but will keep my eye on it still. Do you find yourself skeptical or eager when you see things like this?<br /><br />I've discovered books on my TBR, added for whatever reason, that I honestly can't remember why I would have put it there. It might have been some advertising/blogging/blurbing/something that caught my eye. But, what makes a book go from TBR to <em>actually read</em>? What moves things up on that list? For me, I think it is a combination of things - plot, bloggers, and hype. Yes, even the hype. I am, unfortunately, not one of those cool enough to say "I won't read this book, because everyone says it's amazing and I want to swim against the current." <br /><br />Usually, I'll take the blog raves with a grain of salt, depending on the blogger raving. There are bloggers who I know don't rave unless they find it absolutely necessary, and there are those who will rave about anything and everything, so long as it's popular and in their hands (I'd like to note that I think I'm somewhere in between these two). Also, summaries, even though I don't usually religiously read them, will often be what attracts me. I like a smart concept, sometimes even just a snippet like "future world where chocolate and coffee are banned" and that can move a book right to the top of Mount TBR. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">But enough yapping, I want to hear <em>your</em> opinions. What you think of ads touting the "best/most eagerly/exciting/acclaimed/award-winning" book of the year, blogger buzz, author blurbs, summaries, and anything else about books that make you want to pick them up (or throw them across the room)?</span> </strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-26361993818725054302012-04-03T15:23:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.865-07:00Classic Double Challenge: April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oOKyRrjOIc/TsnCr-ck5TI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/GL6YcJq5kJc/s1600/classic+double+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oOKyRrjOIc/TsnCr-ck5TI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/GL6YcJq5kJc/s320/classic+double+medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sorry I'm late posting this month! Hopefully some of you are making better progress on this challenge than I am, since I've finished one complete book, one unintentionally abridged book, and written no reviews. If you'd like to sign up for the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/classic%20double%20challenge">Classic Double Challenge</a>, you still can. Check out all the information at the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/sign-up-for-classic-double-challenge.html">Classic Double Challenge sign-up post</a>.<br /><br />I did pick a winner for last month's challenge, so I've sent an email to:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://alternatereadality.blogspot.com/">Jenny!</a></span></strong></div><br />I'll hopefully get your package mailed out in the not-too-distant future (though, with my move, I'll have to find my books first :)<br /><br />I've got a new link for those of you who read and review books for the challenge this month! Remeber you get extra entries into the monthly drawing when you add a link.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=142224&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And for your thought question this month, tell me what your favorite thing about retellings/sequels is - seeing your favorite characters in a new light, setting, etc.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-52303524708019204372012-04-03T10:29:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:00.960-07:00Book Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062060759/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062060759"><em>Incarnate</em></a> by Jodi Meadows<br />Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books<br />Publication date: January 2012<br />Pages: 384<br />Source: ARC provided by publisher<br />For: Review (and the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/most-wonderful-time-of-year-for.html">Debut Author Challenge</a>)<br />Series: Newsoul, Book 1<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062060759/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062060759"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062060759&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062060759" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>Ana is unusual, a newsoul, one who has not been reincarnated for thousands of years; she's living her first life. Even worse, when she was born another old soul disappeared and everyone blames her for it. Rejected by her mother, left by her father, she has had a cold childhood. But now she's determined to find out about herself and why she might be here. Traveling to the city of Heart, she encounters hostility nearly everywhere, except from Sam and a few of his friends. In Sam, Ana finds someone who might be able to care about her, despite being a newsoul. But will their kindling relationship have time to smoulder or will it be destroyed by the many forces in place driving them apart?<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I think what makes this book stand out in my mind is the unique world and details. I have read a few reincarnation books, though they were more focused on a couple being reincarnated, finding one another, and then being unable to spend even one complete lifetime together. This is different and in a much better way. I like Ana; she's a unique, new soul, one who is clearly at a disadvantage when compared with everyone else, but who doesn't dwell much on it. As the book progresses, she learns new things, develops her own talents and ideas, and becomes even more unique. I thought the relationship between her and Sam was well done as well, providing sparks and interest and even some doubt. Admittedly, I got mad at Sam and Ana a few times, but that is inevitable in a realistic relationship. Interesting concepts, unique book.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />I was a bit disappointed at the end. I felt like none of the ideas and mysteries Ana was trying to solve were explained. It just kind of ended with no resolution, or at least not enough to leave me satisified. I'll be interested to read the next one, but I wish there had been a little more meat to this one. There were quite a few incidents that happened in the last couple of chapters that were strange, different, and nearly left unexplained. <br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Maybe a little like <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-name-is-memory-by-ann-brashares-and.html">The Eternal Ones</a></em> by Kirsten Miller<br />It also reminded me, for some odd reason, of <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-pegasus-by-robin-mckinley.html">Pegasus </a></em>by Robin McKinley<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: ! </b></span><br />some, not a lot<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />it felt sensual, but nothing actually happens<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->-> </b></span><br />there is some fighting action<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: **** </b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What intrigues you about this book?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-50873949578094825932012-04-02T10:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.068-07:00Bloggiesta...A Bit Like Foggiesta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/blogiesta.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/blogiesta.gif" /></a></div>Thanks to everyone for your encouragement this weekend, even though my participation in <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/bloggiesta">Bloggiesta</a> was...spotty to say the least. It felt like I was moving in a fog, hence the weird title :) I am very hopeful that next time I'll have lots more time to improve and participate. <br /><br />First, HUGE thanks to our two fabulous first-time hosts: Suey at <a href="http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/search/label/bloggiesta">It's All About Books</a> and Danielle at <a href="http://www.theresabook.com/tag/bloggiesta/"><span style="color: #324b54;">There's a Book</span></a>. You guys did great and things ran very smoothly, like you've done this for years!<br /><br />-I was able to accomplish one complete task: updating my <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews-alphabetical-by-title.html">Reviews by Title</a> and <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews-alphabetical-by-authors.html">Reviews by Author</a> pages. <br />-I also started on getting internal links for those pages - you can see them on the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews-alphabetical-by-title.html">Reviews by Title</a> page - those links at the top that take you to the corresponding letter, so you don't have to scroll through the entire list. <br />-In addition, I posted a short (and possibly confusing) <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-format-your-images-into-rows-my.html">tip on aligning your images in rows</a>.<br />-Oh, and I'm working on getting some social media icons. I'm kind of making my own, which might be a disaster. <br />-And I also managed to move all our stuff from our apartment to our new house, clean said apartment, and start the daunting task of settling into the house. You know, in my spare time. :)<br /><br />I am planning to spend the next weeks (months?) looking over those <a href="http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/bloggiesta-master-list-of-new-mini.html">mini-challenges</a> and learning new stuff, since I really didn't do any of them. Maybe next time I'll do a little mini-challenge like my photos in a row one. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What did you get done for Bloggiesta?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-32039166604891013662012-04-01T15:25:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.167-07:00How to Format Your Images Into Rows - My Bloggiesta TipI've actually had a few people ask me about formatting photos, which is totally surprising, considering I'm not exactly the most savvy of bloggers. So, I thought I'd tell you a little about how I do it (obviously in blogger). Plus, <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/bloggiesta">bloggiesta</a> is the perfect time for that, even if I'm not really participating due to moving this weekend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Want your images to line up like this?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152061541/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152061541"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0152061541&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152061541" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399214577/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399214577"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0399214577&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399214577" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545136083/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545136083"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0545136083&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545136083" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>First, nearly all of my book cover photos come from Amazon affiliates pages, so that's what I'll show first. To get them all lined up in the middle, here's what I do:<br /><br />I can usually only fit about three across (of the large sized covers) on my blog format, so that's what I stick to. You can play around with yours to see how many fit on your blog. I copy and paste the html from the amazon links (um, in html mode, obviously). They generally come without any alignment formatting (ie not automatically centered), but with loads of weird extra code, so both good and bad. I usually will paste the three photos all in a row, putting one space between their codes. <br /><br />Then, when I have all three together, I will center them, by putting the html text in instead of using blogger's centering feature (ie: <div style="text-align: center;">). I've had issues with blogger's centering option when I try to get all three centered together, so typing the code myself is generally the easiest. This puts the three images all in the same <div> and centers them all together in a row. To do multiple rows, I generally do one hard return between each set (<br/> in html), but more space can easily be added either in html mode or compose mode. Then I start a new <div style="text-align: center;"> for the next set of three and so on. Here's what the code looks like (in html mode, of course):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: red;"><img 1 code></span> <span style="color: blue;"><img 2 code></span> <span style="color: #38761d;"><img 3 code></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: red;"><img 1 code></span> <span style="color: blue;"><img 2 code></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> <img 3 code></span><br /></div><br /><br />Now, for images that you add using blogger's insert image button, these will come automatically formatted, which can be good or bad. They generally don't let you line up images neatly together, but put only one per row. This is what the code looks like when an image is uploaded:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="IMG LINK" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="192" src="<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxMgD6tsSvc/T3SVigZhZQI/AAAAAAAAEX8/geiCxadnbMc/s320/New+Picture+(8).png">I</a>MG LINK" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Some of that extra stuff just gets in the way of what I want, so here's my method of fixing that:<br />Essentially, I will put the three images (or however many you want per row) all in one <div> - and I usually replace the <div class> code above with the shorter and simpler one from above, <div style="text-align: center;"> Putting multiple uploaded images in the same <div> will require you to delete the <div> code from the other uploaded images, since they all come with it attached (both the opening tag <div class, etc> and the closing tag </div>). I also usually change the "margin-left" and "margin-right" to "0em", since I find it adds a little buffer around the edges of images that interferes with my alignment. So here is what three uploaded images' code would look like:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /><span style="color: red;"><a href="IMG LINK 1" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="192" src="IMG LINK 1" width="320" /></a></span> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="IMG LINK 2" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="192" src="IMG LINK 2" width="320" /></a></span> <span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="IMG LINK 3" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="192" src="IMG LINK 3" width="320" /></a></span><br /></div><br /><br />And that's it! There is obviously other code there I could likely get rid of, but since I'm not sure what it all does, I figure it doesn't hurt to leave it :) You can also change the size of the images from the code as well, but be warned it doesn't keep the height/width ratio the same, so they could look stretched. You can also put the images all together on the right or left by changing "center" in the <div> code to "right" or "left."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anyway, hope this helps some of you align your images into rows! Let me know if this was totally confusing or if you have any other questions. </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-74783951478691131872012-03-30T07:20:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.269-07:00Let the Bloggiesta Begin (Maybe?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/blogiesta.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/blogiesta.gif" /></a></div>Turns out, we're moving this weekend, so <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/bloggiesta">Bloggiesta</a> might be a total flop for me this time. Still, there are a few things I'd like to get done this weekend - here's to hoping I can squeeze in some time this weekend that doesn't involve hauling boxes, cleaning house(s), and putting stuff away. I could definitely use some chips and salsa in there somewhere to give me energy, anyway. To sign up or learn more, visit Suey at <a href="http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/search/label/bloggiesta">It's All About Books</a> or Danielle at <a href="http://www.theresabook.com/tag/bloggiesta/">There's a Book</a>. Check back on this post to see if I've done anything. :) I may even manage to squeeze in a mini-challenge (I've got some things I need help with and I'm betting they will help).<br /><br /><strong>Bloggiesta To-Do:</strong><br /><s>Update my <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews-alphabetical-by-title.html">Title</a> and <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews-alphabetical-by-authors.html">Author</a> pages</s><br />(I'd really like to add internal links at the top so you can skip to a letter and not have to scroll down)<br />Update goodreads<br />Update my header (<em>so </em>need something new up there - it's making me bored just looking at it)<br />Write some posts for rainy days (ok, this is definitely too ambitious for this weekend, but still)<br />Get a local events page started (!)<br />Figure out something for the button bar (I seriously need help here - I've got a need for more buttons, but they all just bunch up instead of making a new row!)<br />Post about formatting photos on the blog (this might actually happen, but it might also be painfully confusing)<br /><br />And that's about as ridiculously ambitious as possible. I hope I at least get one or two things done...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are you working on for Bloggiesta? Any tips for me on those issues up there?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-42900619352526635722012-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.373-07:00Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608196259/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608196259"><em>Midnight in Austenland</em></a> by Shannon Hale<br />Publisher: Bloomsbury USA<br />Publication date: January 2012<br />Pages: 288<br />Source: e-book from <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a><br />For: Review<br />Series: Companion novel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596912863/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596912863"><em>Austenland</em></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608196259/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608196259"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1608196259&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1608196259" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div>When Charlotte Kinder finds herself divorced and uncertain what do to next, she decides to take a vacation to Austenland - a place where she can become someone else and live in the world of Jane Austen. But when a mystery crops up during her time there, she is not sure all of it is pretend. Can she figure out the real from the fake before it is too late?<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />I am simply in love with Shannon Hale's writing. She could make something beautiful or interesting or funny out of the most drab or boring topic (not that this book is drab or boring in plot). I'd read a book on any topic written by her. So, since I'm obviously a fan, I have to admit I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, particularly Charlotte as a woman trying to figure out her place in a world thrown upside down and backwards. She was vulnerable, but strong and the parts where she starts to fight back were my favorites. The mystery was fairly interesting and kept me wondering (though mystery fans probably had it figured out right away) and the whole Gothic feel and nod to Northanger Abbey made it so fun. I laughed and shivered and then laughed again all the way through. Delightful!<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />I think it will be enjoyed more by people who may be experiencing some of the same issues that Charlotte and even Miss Charming did - a messy divorce or just feeling undesirable. But it can be enjoyed by many other kinds of folks too, since I certainly did. And the mystery wasn't exactly thrilling, but more just there to allow awesome character interactions. Definitely not my favorite Shannon Hale book, but still pretty fun to read.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Can be enjoyed on its own, but don't skip the delight that is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596912863/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596912863"><em>Austenland</em></a><em> </em><br />I don't know, I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries or chick lit or even Austen-inspired stuff<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: ! </b></span><br />a few here and there<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />implied, not on page<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: -> </b></span><br />a little bit, nothing gory<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ****</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What's your favorite Shannon Hale? Or your go-to-for-the-writing author?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-65382122278026454882012-03-28T07:56:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.475-07:00Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210361/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373210361"><em>The Iron Knight</em></a> by Julie Kagawa<br />Publisher: Harlequin Teen<br />Publication date: October 2011<br />Pages: 400<br />Source: e-book from <a href="http://www.netgalley.com/">NetGalley</a><br />For: Fun<br />Series: <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/iron%20fey">Iron Fey</a>, Book 4<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373210361/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373210361"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0373210361&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0373210361" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br /><em>*Spoilers for the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/iron%20fey">first three books</a> are inevitable*</em><br />Ash, banished from his home in the Winter Court, unable to be with Meghan in the Iron Court, is determined to find a way to stay with her. With the help of Puck and a few other friends, he embarks on a dangerous journey, one that will lead to death or to a life with his true love. <br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />Kagawa can write a killer good faery story. I love the complex world she's created and especially the many unique characters that inhabit Faery. There are so many aspects of the Nevernever that make this story interesting and add depth. I also love a good story and this one definitely has a good story. Action and adventure, sacrifice, love, understanding, and a touch of humor. Something for everyone in this one. Though I saw the ending coming a mile away (I mean, who didn't?) I still enjoyed the journey. I'll be interested to see where Kagawa goes next.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />I actually had a really hard time getting into the book. I've never been that much of a fan of Ash, to be honest, so that probably was part of it. The story was pretty slow moving too, despite having some awesome action sequences. I just really struggled through about the first half of the book. After that, I got into it enough. It was pretty predictable in the story arc, and a little bit sappy sweet, but I think Kagawa strikes a pretty good balance too. But man, I really liked Puck more.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Read the first three books in the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/iron%20fey">Iron Fey series</a> first<br /><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/wicked%20lovely">Wicked Lovely series</a> by Melissa Marr<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: ! </b></span><br />a few here and there<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />implied, off-page stuff<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->-> </b></span><br />they have to battle creatures and beasties quite often<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ***</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I think this series has been raved about by nearly everyone. Am I just missing something?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-227998988330191282012-03-27T10:22:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.576-07:00Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Play Hooky With<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG9yc7HHr1o/ToswKTQTYCI/AAAAAAAAEAg/nrQHfP46EOU/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG9yc7HHr1o/ToswKTQTYCI/AAAAAAAAEAg/nrQHfP46EOU/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div>This week's <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/top%20ten%20tuesday">Top Ten Tuesday</a>, hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/">The Broke and the Bookish</a>, is Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With. I've decided to interpret this as books I'd like to put my life on hold to read. Here they are, ones I've been meaning to get to or dying to get to.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062071041/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062071041"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062071041&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062071041" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062071041/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062071041">Partials</a></em> by Dan Wells<br />This one I'm still waiting for from the library, but I've been aching to get my hands on it and start reading!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380730405/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0380730405"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0380730405&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0380730405" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380730405/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0380730405"><em>Rebecca</em></a> by Daphne du Maurier<br />For my <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/sign-up-for-classic-double-challenge.html">Classic Double Challenge</a>, I've actually been listening to the audio, but it turns out it's abridged and I'd really like to read the whole thing again. Can't everything just be on hold for a while?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763653160/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763653160"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0763653160&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763653160" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763653160/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763653160"><em>The Agency 3: The Traitor in the Tunnel</em></a> by Y.S. Lee<br />I've got this one on my kindle, waiting so patiently for me to devour it. I'm pretty sure I'll finally get to it this week! I could use something a little different from my usual, like the previous <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Agency">Agency books</a> have been.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006197806X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=006197806X"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=006197806X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=006197806X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062112430/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062112430">Pandemonium</a></em> by Lauren Oliver<br />Still waiting for this one from the library too! I can't wait to see where <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/uglies-by-scott-westerfeld-and-delirium.html">Lena goes next</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374379939/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0374379939"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0374379939&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0374379939" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374379939/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0374379939"><em>Dead End in Norvelt</em></a> by Jack Gantos<br />This one has been so patient, since I checked it out weeks ago to see why it won the Newbery over my beloved <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-okay-for-now-by-gary.html">Okay For Now</a></em>. It's still waiting...for me to have the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056243/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316056243"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0316056243&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056243" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056243/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316056243"><em>The Drowned Cities</em></a> by Paolo Bacigalupi<br />I got an ARC of this and I was so excited, since I loved <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-ship-breaker-by-paolo.html">Ship Breaker</a></em>. I can't believe I haven't just dropped everything and picked it up yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416997946/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416997946"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1416997946&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416997946" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416997946/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416997946"><em>Seeds of Rebellion</em></a> by Brandon Mull<br />Another library waiting. I like this interesting <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-beyonders-world-without.html">new series by Mull</a> and I want to see what happens next. If only I had this one waiting in my reading pile already.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062006142/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062006142"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062006142&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062006142" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062006142/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062006142"><em>For Darkness Shows the Stars</em></a> by Diana Peterfreund<br />I'm pretty sure that when I finally get my hands on this, it will jump to the top of the TBR mountain. Haven't I already expressed <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-actually-need-it-13.html">my desire to read it</a>? If you haven't found your desire, check out <a href="http://www.angie-ville.com/2012/03/for-darkness-shows-stars-by-diana.html">Angie's review</a> and you will want it immediately.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742371/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385742371"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0385742371&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0385742371" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742371/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385742371"><em>Starters</em></a> by Lissa Price <br />Another patiently waiting kindle book. I just love the concept, so I'd really like to get started on it soon!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316182885/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316182885"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0316182885&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316182885" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316182885/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316182885"><em>172 Hours on the Moon</em></a> by Johan Harstad<br />This is another ARC waiting for me and I love the cover as well as the concept. Seriously, I need more reading hours in the day. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What books do you wish you could drop everything to read?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-47579243185479551512012-03-26T09:16:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.716-07:00Listless Monday: Moon Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xclXQIHziwQ/TTumjFXuOaI/AAAAAAAAD20/Qp-9LL8fPAc/s320/listless+monday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xclXQIHziwQ/TTumjFXuOaI/AAAAAAAAD20/Qp-9LL8fPAc/s320/listless+monday2.jpg" /></a></div><i><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/listless%20monday">Listless Monday</a> was inspired by both Amanda at <a href="http://bookshelfmonstrosity.blogspot.com/">A Bookshelf Monstrosity</a>'s feature <a href="http://bookshelfmonstrosity.blogspot.com/search/label/books%20by%20theme">Books by Theme</a> and Court at <a href="http://books.moonsoar.com/">Once Upon a Bookshelf</a>'s <a href="http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/category/listed/">Listed</a></i> <i>feature.</i><i> Be sure to check out their lists!</i> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152061541/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152061541"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0152061541&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152061541" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399214577/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399214577"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0399214577&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399214577" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545136083/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545136083"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0545136083&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545136083" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>In celebration of the upcoming Easter holiday, I decided to do a list of books involving the moon. How, you ask, is that a celebration of Easter? Ah, because the date for Easter is decided by picking the first Sunday after the first full moon, after the Spring Equinox. Follow me? Either way, it's as good a time as any to pull out a moony list. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399252509/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399252509"><em>Beneath a Meth Moon</em></a> by Jacqueline Woodson<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312532768/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312532768"><em>Blue Moon</em></a> by Alyson Noel<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442407662/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442407662"><em>Claire de Lune</em></a> by Christine Johnson <br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/emily-of-new-moon-by-lm-montgomery.html">Emily of New Moon</a></em> by L.M. Montgomery<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375869530/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375869530"><em>Graffiti Moon</em></a> by Cath Crowley <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142401765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142401765"><em>Keeping the Moon</em></a> by Sarah Dessen <br /><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/last%20survivors">The Last Survivors series</a> by Susan Beth Pfeffer<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545136083/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545136083"><em>Liar's Moon</em></a> by Elizabeth C. Bunce <br /><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/lunar%20chronicles">The Lunar Chronicles series</a> by Marissa Meyer<br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-review-moon-over-manifest-by-clare.html">Moon Over Manifest</a></em> by Clare Vanderpool<br /><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-moon-shot-by-alan-shepard.html" target="_blank"><em>Moon Shot</em></a> by Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton, and Jay Barbree<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/161382145X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=161382145X"><em>The Moonstone</em></a> by Wilkie Collins <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316075655/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316075655"><em>New Moon</em></a> by Stephenie Meyer <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399214577/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399214577"><em>Owl Moon</em></a> by Jane Yolen<br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/01/sun-and-moon-ice-and-snow-by-jessica.html">Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow</a></em> by Jessica Day George <br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-review-timekeepers-moon-by-joni.html">The Timekeeper's Moon</a></em> by Joni Sensel<br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-trouble-with-half-moon-by.html">The Trouble with Half a Moon</a></em> by Danette Vigilante<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060560134/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060560134"><em>Walk Two Moons</em></a> by Sharon Creech<br /><em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/book-review-where-mountain-meets-moon.html">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</a></em> by Grace Lin<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Notably, I didn't delve into the werewolf genre, because every one has a different take on whether the moon is important or not. Any suggestions?</strong> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-31186852655865373362012-03-23T10:09:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.821-07:00Retro Friday Review: Ender's Game By Orson Scott Card<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/Retro-Friday-Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/melissa1lbr/Retro-Friday-Button.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/retro%20friday"><em>Retro Friday</em></a><em> is a meme hosted by Angie of </em><a href="http://angieville.blogspot.com/search/label/retro%20fridays"><em>Angieville</em></a><em> and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc." </em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812550706/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812550706"><em>Ender's Game</em></a> by Orson Scott Card<br />Publisher: Tor Books<br />Publication date: 1985 (originally published as a short story in 1977)<br />Pages: 352<br />Source: Audiobook from Library<br />For: Fun<br />Series: Ender series, Book 1<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812550706/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812550706"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0812550706&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0812550706" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>Ender is a third child, a rarity in his world where population is strictly monitered. He has been chosen by the military to go to battle school at six years old, after his two older siblings were rejected. Little does he expect to encounter there brutality, cruelty, and no sympathy from adults. Working his way up by skill, strategy, and wits, Ender is being groomed to play a vital part in the war for the planet - one that will decide the fate of all humans.<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />This truly is a clever, original story. I was completely impressed with how real it felt. I love the complex plot, the real and completely horrifying world of the battle school, how Card doesn't hold back on what happens to his characters. Ender feels like a real kid and we feel the horror of the situations he is put into, the reality that there are no adults to look out for him. It progresses completely to the ending that is ridiculously surprising, yet afterward seems inevitable. It's smart and good sci-fi and will keep you invested in knowing what Ender will do next, or rather what will be done to Ender next. He has a lot of internal conflict and I think that is realistically portrayed. Just plain good storytelling.<br /><br /><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />It can be very depressing at times, not that this is something inherantly bad about the book. It's just hard to see Ender deal with all the crap thrown at him. I listened to the audio version this time and I liked having different voices for different characters, but Ender's voice was pretty annoying. Valentine's was belivable and felt young enough, but Ender's voice was less so - an older man with a rather gruff voice (Stefan Rudnicki). This was ok at times, but other times it grated on me to have such a young kid read by a person with such an old voice. Still, it didn't detract much from the really good story.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Honestly, I don't know. I guess I don't read enough <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/sci-fi">sci-fi</a>.<br />For other books with great plot twists, check out my <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/04/listless-monday-twisted-tales-edition.html">Twisted Tales book list</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@ </b></span><br />scattered throughout<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: none </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->->-> </b></span><br />some of it is pretty horrifying, but not overly detailed<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: ***** </b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Have you read it? What did you think?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-91209776105255854102012-03-22T08:39:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.923-07:00In Preparation for Hunger Games, Get Yourself a Hunger Name<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZh8foJjywY/T2tHE6OwWdI/AAAAAAAAEX0/KI698-Leo9A/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZh8foJjywY/T2tHE6OwWdI/AAAAAAAAEX0/KI698-Leo9A/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>For all of you midnight showing folks (unfortunately, not me), make sure you stop by this fun site - <a href="http://hungernames.com/">Hunger Names</a> - before you go. That way you'll have your name and how you were killed (or if you survived) in your own <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/hunger%20games">Hunger Games</a>. Here are a few I picked up:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545265355/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545265355"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0545265355&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545265355" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />Your name is <strong>Finnick Hodgepodge</strong> <br />Congratulations! You had the honor of being a District 8 tribute in the 2nd Hunger Games! <br />You were killed by natural causes.<br /><br />Your name is<strong> Westych Rabbledeen</strong><br />Congratulations! You had the honor of being a District 8 tribute in the 15th Hunger Games! <br />You were killed by the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.<br /><br />Your name is <strong>Dabble Dondlebree</strong><br />Congratulations! You had the honor of being a District 12 tribute in the 46th Hunger Games! <br />You were killed by a thousand paper cuts. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>I'm particularly partial to the paper cut death - that sounds about right for a librarian. Stop by and then come back to let me know your name (and death)!</strong> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-77449744547234907522012-03-22T08:15:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:01.943-07:00Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525478817/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525478817"><em>The Fault in Our Stars</em></a> by John Green<br />Publisher: Dutton Juvenile<br />Publication date: January 2012<br />Pages: 336<br />Source: Library<br />For: Fun<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525478817/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525478817"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0525478817&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0525478817" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br />Hazel was not expected to live as long as she has - her cancer has been terminal from the start. But when a new boy comes to cancer support group, she finds that she hasn't truly been living. Augustus brings a new meaning and spark to her life - even if it is at the end.<br /><br /><b>Things I Liked:</b> <br />What a heart-breaking book! Knowing in advance that the story is about teens with cancer, you know the book will break your heart. But still, the journey was worth it. I really loved this book, though I am not a professed John Green fan (having only read <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-review-abundance-of-katherines-by.html">An Abundance of Katherines</a></em>). The teens felt very real (well, most of the time - see below) and the story was never sappy or melodramatic. It was realistic, painful, and beautifully written. The development of Augustus and Hazel's relationship was slow and imperfect and therefore I appreciated it more. And oh, the humor! This is what keeps the book from falling into a deep pit of despairing sorrow. The characters, while not being the stereotypical happy-in-the-face-of-tragedy teens, manage to find humor and fun in the different and difficult lives they lead. Not much I can add to the many accolades and ravings of other readers. Consider me a John Green convert. Favorites:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"The whole thing where a boy who is not unattractive or unintelligent or seemingly in any way unacceptable stares at me and points out incorrect uses of literality and compares me to actresses and asks me to watch a move at his house. But of course there is always a <em>hamartia</em> and yours is that oh, my God, even though you HAD FREAKING CANCER you give money to a company in exchange for the chance to acquire YET MORE CANCER." p 19-20</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Sometimes you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are books like <em>An Imperial Affliction</em>, which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and <em>yours</em> that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal. p 33</blockquote><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> <br />Ok, I'll just say this at the risk of sounding lame: sometimes the characters did not sound like teenagers. Yes, they were very smart, very well-read, pretty advanced teens, but even so they waxed philosophical a bit too often. And they used a lot of intellectual words. I'm not saying these kinds of teens don't exist, I'm just saying sometimes it didn't feel quite as real. But, considering all that praise above, you can bet it didn't bug me too much.<br /><br /><b>Read-alikes:</b> <br />Reminded me of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drums-Girls-Dangerous-Jordan-Sonnenblick/dp/0439755204?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie</a></em> by Jordan Sonnenblick<br />Reads like other John Green books - such as <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-review-abundance-of-katherines-by.html">An Abundance of Katherines</a></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BOOK CONTENT R</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ATINGS:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>s-factor: !@# </b></span><br />regularly occuring, though only 1 f-bomb<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: X </b></span><br />it happens off page mostly, but it happens<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: none </b></span><br />though none of the effects of cancer and treatment is glossed over<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: *****</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Anybody out there not fall in love with this book?</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-84033793728738639392012-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:02.044-07:00Book Review: The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Posted as part of </span><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/tween%20tuesday"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tween Tuesday</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com/search/label/Tween%20Tuesday%20"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GreenBeanTeenQueen</span></a>.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423140567/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423140567"><em>The Throne of Fire</em></a> by Rick Riordan<br />Publisher: Hyperion Book CH<br />Publication date: May 2011<br />Pages: 464<br />Source: Audiobook from Library<br />For: Fun!<br />Series: <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/kane%20chronicles">Kane Chronicles</a>, Book 2</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423140567/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1423140567"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1423140567&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1423140567" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br /><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Spoilers for </span></em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-review-red-pyramid-by-rick-riordan.html"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Red Pyramid</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are inevitable*</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carter and Sadie Kane may have temporarily defeated Apophis, but he's bound to return if they don't find the legendary Book of Ra and use it to help defeat him. With the help of some old friends and new ones as well, the Kanes are determined to keep chaos at bay until Apophis can be contained completely.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Things I Liked:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always love Riordan's series. He combines perfectly smart stories, real kid characters, and a level of humor that can entertain kids and adults alike. I love how easily he's taken history and mythology and made it fun, interesting, and readable. The books are so clever too - phrasing and humor and everything done so well. Sadie and Carter are so real, particularly the way their narrations seem almost like a sibling fight. Reminds me of myself and my older brother sometimes. I've really been enjoying the audio versions, because the two narrators are so good - they sound just right for the ages and they make great sarcastic inflections too. And Bes! Oh, how I loved Bes. There are many wonderful things that make these series a blast to read or listen to.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Things I Didn't Like:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always think the stories last just a little too long. I think if they were a bit shorter and maybe cut out one or two side stories/adventures, they would be better. I also thought it was a bit odd that during the exciting ending Carter seemed to do practically nothing and Sadie did everything important. Just some little qualms, though, because they really are so fun - kids will devour them!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Read-alikes:</b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-review-red-pyramid-by-rick-riordan.html">The Red Pyramid</a></em> first</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's like the </span><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/percy%20jackson"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Percy Jackson series</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, of course</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:<br />s-factor: !</span></strong><br />maybe one or two </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>mrg-factor: none</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>v-factor: ->-></b></span><br />some action, not descriptive or graphic<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Overall rating: **** </b></span> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>What do you think of the surge in mythological-based books?</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3425207688526510826.post-44302653825068173892012-03-19T13:56:00.000-07:002012-04-18T03:15:02.149-07:00I Actually Need It 13<a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/i%20actually%20need%20it">I Actually NEED It</a> is an extremely irregular feature where I express my desire, or rather <b>need</b>, for certain books that haven't come out or aren't available at my library yet. To learn about the reason behind the name, check out my inaugural <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-actually-need-it.html">I Actually NEED It post</a>.<br /><br />I can't believe I'm already posting about fall books! Still, here is a selection of books I currently actually NEED to have:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152061886/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152061886"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0152061886&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0152061886" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152061886/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152061886"><em>The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary, Queen of Scots</em></a> by Carolyn Meyer <br />What this has going for it: it's about Mary, Queen of Scots and it's by a favorite historical fiction author! Looking forward to June 2012.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062006142/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062006142"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062006142&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062006142" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062006142/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062006142"><em>For Darkness Shows the Stars</em></a> by Diana Peterfreund<br />I've been dying to get my hands on this since I heard that it was a Persuasion retelling - my favorite Jane Austen story. It doesn't hurt that the cover has a gorgeous starry sky and that it's dystopian/futuristic either. Sounds like the perfect book for me! Can't wait for June 2012.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312656742/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312656742"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0312656742&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312656742" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312656742/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312656742"><em>This Is Not a Test</em></a> by Courtney Summers <br />Not only is the cover unnervingly creepy, the premise sounds equally disturbing - someone who doesn't want to survive the apocalypse? Plus, I can't stay away from those end of the world books. Coming June 2012.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twMJWbY5-a4/T2eSpVRi5fI/AAAAAAAAEV0/0A5ZvsSIUkQ/s1600/9064899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twMJWbY5-a4/T2eSpVRi5fI/AAAAAAAAEV0/0A5ZvsSIUkQ/s200/9064899.jpg" width="105" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061985880/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061985880"><em>Endlessly</em></a> by Kiersten White<br />Ok, admittedly, I haven't yet read Supernaturally. I know, shoot me now. But since I really loved the paranormal with a bit of tongue-in-cheek from Paranormalcy, I think it's safe to say, this will be on my reading list come July 2012.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062092995/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062092995"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0062092995&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062092995" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062092995/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062092995"><em>Insignia</em></a> by S.J. Kincaid<br />I can't stay away from the smart, complex dystopian fare being churned out. Plus, this sounds a bit like Ender's Game, so I think I'll plan to read it as soon as possible. Coming July 2012.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742886/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385742886"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0385742886&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0385742886" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742886/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385742886"><em>The Kill Order</em></a> by James Dashner<br />I enjoyed the <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/maze%20runner">Maze Runner series</a>, though the ending wasn't my favorite. Still, I'll be interested to see what this prequel will tell us about Thomas' past. All will be revealed coming August 2012.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIbnhk0jt_w/T2eTLBqqGDI/AAAAAAAAEV8/z7-ZBIliI_Y/s1600/10816908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIbnhk0jt_w/T2eTLBqqGDI/AAAAAAAAEV8/z7-ZBIliI_Y/s200/10816908.jpg" width="105" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062026518/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062026518"><em>The Crown of Embers</em></a><em> </em>by Rae Carson<br />A sequel for one of my favorite fantasy books of last year, <em><a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/book-review-girl-of-fire-and-thorns-by.html">The Girl of Fire and Thorns</a></em>? Please, give me more Elisa and her world. Can't wait for September 2012!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9VPhrSLbnU/T2eVyi4hnkI/AAAAAAAAEWE/zjzIyKTP15A/s1600/10866624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9VPhrSLbnU/T2eVyi4hnkI/AAAAAAAAEWE/zjzIyKTP15A/s200/10866624.jpg" width="105" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375870415/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375870415"><em>Unspoken: The Lynburn Legacy</em></a> by Sarah Rees Brennan <br />I need look no further than <a href="http://librariansbookreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/demon%27s%20lexicon">the author</a> for a reason to pick this new series up. But, since the premise involves being in love with an imaginary friend? I say, bring on September 2012!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442423765/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442423765"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1442423765&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=rambofalibr-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rambofalibr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442423765" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442423765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rambofalibr-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442423765"><em>Vessel</em></a> by Sarah Beth Durst<br />Aside from the gorgeous cover, which you know I admire, the fantasy setting for this book sounds like something I will adore. I mean, flying glass serpents? Yes, please. Coming September 2012.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What books are you actually NEEDing?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage</span></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054534869032108782noreply@blogger.com