Book Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: February 2011
Pages: 336
Source: e-book from Library
For: Fun
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book 5

*Spoilers for the first four books in the Wicked Lovely series are inevitable*
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?

Things I Liked:
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. 

Things I Didn't Like:
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.

Read-alikes:
The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@# 
plenty, some f-words

mrg-factor: XX 
mostly sensuality and off-page action

v-factor: ->-> 
quite a bit of gory fighting

Overall rating: *** 

What books can't you stay away from?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: February 2012
Pages: 304
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Fun (and review...and Debut Author Challenge)!

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.

Things I Liked:
I am in love with great historical fiction.  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 girl disguised as a boy 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 The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley that Suey and Angie have raved about.  Great stuff!

Things I Didn't Like:
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. 

Read-alikes:
The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
A bit like StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@ 
most of it was religious exclamations

mrg-factor: X 
implied, but nothing described

v-factor: ->-> 
some action fighting and rather horrific stuff, but not truly gory

Overall rating: ***** 

Who's your favorite swashbuckling hero/heroine?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 400
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Fun
Series: Iron Fey, Book 4

*Spoilers for the first three books are inevitable*
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.

Things I Liked:
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.

Things I Didn't Like:
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.

Read-alikes:
Read the first three books in the Iron Fey series first
Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
a few here and there

mrg-factor: X 
implied, off-page stuff

v-factor: ->->
they have to battle creatures and beasties quite often

Overall rating: ***

I think this series has been raved about by nearly everyone.  Am I just missing something?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd)
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 224
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review (and Cybils)

When Conor wakes up one night with a monster outside his window, he isn't afraid.  He expected a monster, ever since his mom started her cancer treatments.  But this monster is different, and he wants something painful from Conor.  Will Conor be able to face this monster that pushes his understanding of himself and his mother beyond what he is comfortable with?

Things I Liked:
This is a thoughtful and tough little book.  I liked the combination of realistic situations and real tragedy as well as a sort of fantasy element.  I think this book is one that I'd definitely label magical realism.  I was interested in the monster - what it was, what it represented, why it was there, what it was doing, etc.  I think the idea of it and the things we slowly understand about it make the book compelling.  But really, it is the ideas and the hard look at what life is like when you have a terminally ill family member that make this unforgettable.  I liked how it wasn't glossed over, how Conor made mistakes and the struggles he has fitting his home life and his school life together.  The issues he faces and the personal demons are so realistic they will make you cry.  A lot.  Beautiful story, beautifully told.  I first read the book on my kindle (thank you NetGalley), but hated the format for the illustrations (which was more like a non-format).  I did finally check it out from the library and got to appreciate fully the beauty of those illustrations.

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, I found some of the details of the monster's story a bit distracting from Conor's story.  There were some really complex and abstract concepts thrown around in relation to Conor and I am quite sure I didn't fully grasp them.  I kind of wanted something I could nail down and understand.  And I really questioned the kid-appeal of this one for the Cybils.  I just couldn't see a general interest in such a dark and sometimes quite depressing book.  Something that I can't quite put my finger on is holding me back from giving this one five stars.  But I absolutely recommend it.

Read-alikes:
This one is pretty unique, maybe a little like Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
one or two

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
not so much violent as raw and a bit scary in places

Overall rating: **** 

What did you love about this book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 5: (Mostly) Audio Fun

Here we are again! I'm starting to love these minis. They are lots of fun to write and I feel less pressure when I do write them. Three of the five were audiobooks, so I figured the title was (mostly) accurate. Enjoy!


In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Various
Publication date: 1990
Pages: 256
Source: Audiobook from Library
For: Fun
Series: Song of the Lioness, Book 2

Alanna's further adventures, as squire to Prince Jonathan, become even more dangerous as she continues to masquerade as a boy.  A dangerous and powerful magician is out to get not only her but those she cares about.

My thoughts: I loved watching Alanna grow into herself, accept herself as a woman, and learn to love.  She is still the same person, which I think is fabulous, but she has new parts to herself and has grown even more.  I thought it covered a lot of time in a very short book.  Which isn't bad, but it just seems like a lot happens and happens quickly.  I was also rather surprised at the direction it took. I figured the stuff that happened at the end would only come at the end of the entire series.  I'm happy to be wrong and look forward to seeing where the next books take me!  This was another audiobook and I still love the narrator.  She portrays Alanna so well and does a few accents to help me keep the characters separate.  I love the characters and the setting and just everything about this series.  This is my kind of story.  
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The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley, adapted by Yuri Rasovsky
Publisher: Zorro Productions and Blackstone Audio
Publication date: April 2011
Source: Audiobook won from Devourer of Books
For: Fun
Series: There are lots of Zorro books

Don Diego, a foolish and weak but rich young man, is being forced into taking a wife by his father.  He attempts to woo the smart and independent Lolita Pulido.  But her heart belongs to the dashing, daring, brave Zorro, a masked menace to the corrupt officials in the town. 

My thoughts: This was a good old fashioned, swashbuckling story.  I love Zorro stories (though I've never read one, so I'm basing it on the movie), but this one was just perfect, complete with do-gooder outlaw, beautiful lady, and corrupt leaders.  While the story is a bit simplistic, black and white, and just plain obvious, I think it is meant to be that way.  And it still is charming.  I really liked the full cast narration (Val Kilmer was not hard to listen to).  The accents and the voices and the sound effects made the story truly come to life. 
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Publisher: Various
Publication date: 1962
Pages: 280
Source: audiobook from the library
For: Reread (for 50th Anniversary post)
Series: A Wrinkle in Time Quartet, Book 1

Meg does not fit in anywhere in her life, at school and even at home.  She's always fighting people and in trouble.  But when she gets a chance to find her father who's disappeared and to travel with some unusual new friends, she jumps at the chance.  And life will never be the same for her and her family.

My thoughts: I've already talked about much that I liked in my post about sharing this book.  But, I love the characters and the epic journey feel of the story.  I loved how broad and how huge its scope is - travel in space and how time and science play a huge part of it.  But I also love the religious aspects.  I know many people don't, but I am a religious person and found those parts added a layer and meaning to the book that resonated with me.  And yet, the book is still very strange, odd, and confusing even.  I wish I'd read it as a child.  My biggest complaint on this reread (er, relisten?) was that it was read by the author.  While this added another aspect of passion and meaning, I found her voice very annoying.  And I absolutely loathed Mrs. Which's voice, which had a strange echoing effect that bothered me to no end.  Definitely listen to one not narrated by the author.  She wrote interesting books, but she was not a good narrator.
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Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 272
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review

Izzie is content with her life, she has a sweet boyfriend and a great best friend.  But life gets turned upside down when an interesting new guy, Tristan, shows up and a mix up in magical potions leaves her feeling confused.  Even more distressing is the strange creatures that begin stalking Izzie.  Will she figure out her feelings for Mark and Tris or will she be destroyed by monsters before she gets the chance?

My thoughts:
To be honest, I've seen nothing but loathing surrounding this book. Perhaps it was best that I had low expectations.  I liked how Izzie fought the idea of being attracted to someone based only on some stupid potion.  She didn't want to have that choice taken from her, but she was also a huge jerk both to Mark and Tristan.  Izzie had some interesting things about her, but much of her was just annoying.  I was glad that she changed and grew in many ways over the course of the book, but I just didn't enjoy reading it.  None of the parts seemed to mix together well.  It felt disjointed like its parts didn't quite fit together.  And I was disappointed that it seemed to lack Harrison's unique style and writing.  I couldn't bring myself to care about the characters.  Tris and Mark were just not interesting.  The quick exchanging of affections that occurs is unreal (though possibly intentional).  The whole thing felt like it was unpolished (mind you, it was an ARC, but even for an ARC, it felt that way).  The bones of the original story were there and fairly interesting, but it just didn't play out well.
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Frost by Marianna Baer
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series:

When Leena finds out she has a new roommate foisted on her during senior year, she is anything but happy.  But when it turns out to be Celeste, she is livid.  Celeste is eccentric, loud, complaining.  And Leena was sure this year would be perfect, since she and her friends are staying in Frost House, an adorable little house set off by itself in the woods.  But when strange unnerving things begin to happen to Celeste, Leena may discover there is more going on at Frost House than she could have imagined.  Or did she imagine it?

My thoughts: This book was very, very creepy.  The atmosphere, the small details all building on one another, all these elements made the whole thing completely horrifying (as it was supposed to).  I also really liked the teenage-ness of the characters, especially, the slow building picture of what Leena really is like, what she does.  She isn't even sure who she is herself.  There is also a Gothic undertone to the whole story that made it even more spooky and thrilling.  I was sufficiently terrified into avoiding my closet for a time.  And I have to admit, it is definitely not my kind of book.  I don't like being freaked out, and I don't like disturbing stories.  It was just not the kind of book I usually enjoy and not one I recommend, unless this is your kind of story.  But, it's a great psychological thriller for those aching to be terrorized by the mind.

Any thoughts on these books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Birthmarked trilogy, Book 2

*Spoilers for Birthmarked very likely*
Set to wandering in a wasteland with few supplies and her infant sister, Gaia's plight seems hopeless. Until she is picked up by an outrider and taken to Sylum, a very different kind of society from the one she left behind. Women are outnumbered two to one and hold all the power too. But in order to see her sister, Gaia must obey the strict society rules and change the way she thinks of the world. Will she be able to give up all she believes and wants or will she find a way to reconcile the two worlds?

Things I Liked:
I was really surprised with the direction this book went.  This is definitely not a sequel that just rehashes the first book, or bridges to another book.  This is almost a stand alone story.  I really enjoyed how it was completely its own book, didn't depend (much) on the first book, and was still interesting.  What made the book for me, though, was Gaia.  She was a flawed, realistic, confused, but still strong person - especially in the way she dealt with the Matrarc.  I kept wanting to read so I could figure her out, since she made both mistakes and hard choices.  She was complex and had a lot of emotions and different motivations warring in her.  Her choices eventually led to the (somewhat predictable) ending, but were still hard to make and interesting in the consequences.  A strong book with a compelling main character.

Things I Didn't Like:
It actually kind of dragged for a while.  The middle felt so slow I often set the book aside.  And I wasn't too impressed with the way Sylum was set up, how they were kept there, and what Gaia found out about them.  It felt only quasi-scientific and just didn't really make sense when I sat and thought about it.  And yes, the love square was rather annoying.  But didn't bug me too much, even if she should have figured out what she wanted way before she finally did.  Definitely its the character development that made this one good to me, not so much the world building or romance.

Read-alikes:
Obviously, start with Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
Reminded me a bit of the society in The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (though, obviously without the zombies) and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe a few

mrg-factor: X 
some kissing, mostly it was birthing scenes that might be a bit graphic

v-factor: -> 
again, it was more for the births, though there is some minor fighting

Overall rating: **** 

What stood out to you in this one?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 4: Bring on the Minis!

Another set of minis today! I'm becoming really fond of this way of reviewing - it's so much shorter and easier.  Here's hoping I can say it in fewer words!


The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2010
Pages: 256
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For: Review

When Bethesda Fielding decides to do her secret project on the mysterious life of boring music teacher Ms. Finkleman, she little expects to uncover what she does.  A former punk-rocker and famous mystery woman, their unassuming teacher is plunged back into the spotlight.  But the discovery is not exactly as either Bethesda or Ms. Finkleman thought it would be. 

My thoughts: This is a short, sweet, and fairly funny story about the mysterious lives of teachers - what do they do outside of school?  A story that seems to not have much depth, but pulls a few surprises before it ends.  It's something to give your MG kids who like music and wonder what their teachers do in their spare time.
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Slayers by C.J. Hill
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 384
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

When Tori heads to dragon camp, she does not expect to find out that there are real dragons.  A spoiled daughter of a rich senator, she is discovering the adjustment to her fellow slayers, descendents of knights specially trained to kill dragons, are not very welcoming.  She is thrust into a different world and not quite sure she wants to be there.  After all, not only are dragons real, they are vicious and might just be used to take over the world.

My thoughts:  I liked how it was more than just a dragon story.  There were interesting ethical quanderies and developing relationships and realistic interactions between teens.  It was an interesting mix of contemporary and fantasy.  Explanations of the dragon and slayer histories were somewhat vague and a bit unbelievable for me.  Even though it didn't feel like fantasy most of the time, I'm anxious to see where this newly-fantasy author takes this story. 
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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: The Dystopia 2012 Challenge
Series: Yes, this is Book 1

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in over 200 days.  She's been stuck in a cell, slowly losing her mind, always fearing the power she holds in her hands.  But when the Reestablishment decides it wants to use her as a weapon, Juliette must make a decision - one that will have much more powerful repercussions than she can imagine.

My thoughts: I thought the book had some really interesting and unique aspects to it: a little paranormal, a bit dystopian, mashed together. The main characters were intriguing: Juliette and Warren especially. I was initially (and quite a bit throughout) thrown off by the writing style - the stream-of-consciousness feeling.  The strike-throughs, which bothered some, weren't the most difficult for me to deal with, it was the use of odd metaphors and strange turns of phrase that just struck me as off.  A few times, this took me completely out of the story and I think that's much of what made me not enjoy it.  I was also disappointed in the lack of details on this future world, the Reestablishment, and what was going on.  Still, I became invested in what happened to Juliette and Adam and Warren.  I may still pick up the sequel.  And I have to admit, hearing Tahereh speak at a Dark Days event (recap to come...sometime) I wanted to like it even more.  She was really relatable and funny and genuinely happy to be a YA author.  I'll be interested to read more from her.
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The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: August 2010
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review

Balthazar and Hebe Jones have lived in the London Tower for eight years, Balthazar working as a Beafeater.  But when a small zoo is placed in his care, his rarely simple job gets even more complicated.  Soon, he's juggling exotic animals, Tower secrets, and his own grief over the loss of his small son.  Will he pull through this adventure in one piece?

My thoughts: This is a quirky, charming book filled with odd characters doing even odder things.  It is very British, though I'm obviously not a great judge of something's British-ness.  The story itself was rather fun - Balthazar dealing with all of these exotic animals being installed in various locations in the Tower.  I often got distracted because there was a lot of unrelated historical facts and stories that were inserted at random times.  Some of it was interesting, some of it just felt like a distraction from the story.  In fact, it almost felt at times that the author really wanted to write a book about weird historical facts about the Tower, but wanted to disguise it as a novel.  I think what kept me reading was really the strangeness of the characters - and also to find out about Milo.  Definitely not like anything I've read in a long time.  This is an adult book, so it has adult language (one f-word) and other mature content.  
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Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: July 2011
Pages: 260
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

Lexi has cut herself off from friends and everyone she cares about.  She has a terrible secret, a terrible power.  Drawn to the water and to singing a deadly song, she must avoid killing again.  Because last time, she killed her boyfriend.  But when things suddenly change and her life might just return to normal, will she have the strength to make her most difficult choice yet?

My thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book - a siren who inadvertently kills the guy she likes.  It felt unique and different from most of the paranormal romance books out.  And it did have some original things, I think.  I liked how a lot of the book focused on grief and guilt and its effects on her relationships.  But there were a lot of small things about it that bugged me.  One of those things, the way the moon always seemed to be rising at sunset, is just the astronomy-major in me being bugged by something small.  I was also a bit thrown by learning that Steven and Cole were best friends, but Steven was a senior and Cole a sophomore.  Not that it isn't possible, but it was a bit odd to me.  Where were Cole's parents?  And I could kind of see the twist coming a long way off.  Generally, just not the right book for me.  Still, I think it will hold some appeal for fans of paranormal romance.  A note on content: language (one f-word), mature content: one scene in particular, and violence: a few grisly parts.

It seems despite my attempts to say less, I still manage to say a LOT in these "mini" reviews.  Do you like them more or less than my regular (long-winded) reviews?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Vanish: A Firelight Novel by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 304
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Firelight series, Book 2

*spoilers for the first book quite likely*
When Jacinda and her sister and mom return to the pride, she knows things won't be the same.  But it is worse than she imagined.  Her sister is no longer at home with her and her mother is unable to bear the pride's contempt.  Cassian and his cousin Corbin are both paying too much attention to her.  And most of all, Jacinda misses Will.   Will they ever see one another again?  Has she lost her chance at love forever?

Things I Liked:
I still enjoyed the family dynamics, though they kind of took a back seat in this book.  The plot was pretty interesting too, with enough action to keep me reading and wondering just where she was taking her characters and how they would get there.  I still like the idea of Draki and what they are, what they do, their mythos, etc.  It's an intriguing concept.

Things I Didn't Like:
Really, it just doesn't stand out in a crowd of paranormals, despite its unique type of creature.  I didn't really care what happened to Jacinda and I really wasn't fond of either of her love interests.  The plot was fairly exciting, but I just struggled to get through the book.  It will be enjoyed by those who can't get enough paranormal romance, but it just wasn't the book for me.

Read-alikes:
Read the first book, Firelight
Lots of other paranormal romances: Hush, Hush, Twilight, Mortal Instruments, etc

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none 
mostly it's kissing

v-factor: -> 
a little bit of action, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: ** 

How far into a series you don't enjoy do you go before giving up?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott

He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: June 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-copy of ARC provided by GalleyGrab
For: Review
Series: He's So/She's So, Book 2

Ally's life has certainly gotten a lot more complicated.  After the disaster at Shannen's party where she realized her friends really don't want her, she retreats into a different life.  In order to avoid her almost-boyfriend, Jake, she will do almost anything - including possibly spending the summer on Long Island where all of her former friends will be.  Can things get any more complicated?  Of course they can.

Things I Liked:
I'm kind of hooked on the twisty, soap opera-y life that is displayed here.  The rich, the poor, the envy, the malice, the hate and the hurt - all so engrossing.  It's so horrifying that it's interesting.  I really don't much like Ally in this book.  She acts like a jerk almost through the whole thing, treating her friends and family like dirt and then wondering why they're angry.  The book almost seems like a manual for how to be selfish.  Still, it's like I can't look away from these teens who struggle to figure out themselves while making tons of awful mistakes.  It's definitely got that real feel to it!

Things I Didn't Like:
I really was annoyed with how stupid the characters acted sometimes.  Yes, it is very likely realistic, but it still bugs.  I got very tired of Jake swearing every other word.  Seriously, I get it, he swears, but do I have to keep getting hit in the face with it?  I'm not sure I can handle another book of this, but of course this one ends on a ridiculous cliff-hanger revelation.  We'll see.

Read-alikes:
Read the first book, She's So Dead to Us first
Populazzi by Elise Allen
The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$%
a lot with numerous f-words

mrg-factor: XX
plenty of page time, though not a lot of descriptive material

v-factor: none
but I thought I'd mention lots of underage alcohol consumption here

Overall rating: ***

Not exactly something I'd "recommend," but somehow it's addicting, like bad reality TV.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Moon Shot by Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton, and Jay Barbree

Moon Shot by Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton, and Jay Barbree
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Publication date: (originally published 1994, this edition released March 2011)
ISBN: 9781453211977
Source: Review copy from NetGalley

From the time of the beginnings of NASA's manned space flight to the retirement of the Space Shuttle, Americans have been fascinated wtih space travel.  This book recounts the race against Russia to get man in space and then to the moon, covering the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. 

Things I Liked:
I'm pretty much a fan of space books and will get some enjoyment out of anything written about it.  Though I haven't read much of anything nonfiction for a while, I still get a buzz from reading a flying in space.  This book had a pretty good look at what astronauts experienced - the ups and downs of flying and failing and not making it.  I liked reading about the earlier programs, Mercury and Gemini that don't get a lot of attention.  I thought it was an interesting and even exciting book.

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a few problems with it (not including the kindle formatting issues which finally drove me to reading it on the computer).  First, I got really annoyed at the overuse of cliched phrases and metaphors that almost made it too cheesy to read.  Yes, the time of the space race was exciting and lots of extreme emotions were felt, but I thought it was a little over the top.  [Here's an example:

Deke had wanted to sit back and enjoy the trip into orbit. Instead, he felt as if he were balancing atop a long rubber balloon fighting its way through wild winds, and at its very top, where the three astronauts rode, the motions went from up and down to simultaneous spiraling. A dog shaking water from its body with a twisting, swinging motion while its legs collapsed beneath the hapless animal was Deke’s description of his ride and he could only hold on and lock his spurs into the bottom of his seat. p 349]

Second, while I understand that since Shepard and Slayton are co-authors, their flights will be much more detailed.  But, skipping entirely over some of the flights was ridiculous (Apollos 2-6 get no page time - literally).  It seemed a bit too skewed towards what these two men experienced and not enough about other ones.  Third, the dialog was awkward.  There's no way for many of the conversations recounted in the book to be remembered, so they must have been invented.  I would much rather have a summary of what was said than a created dialog to try and make it more interesting.  It is a fairly good look at these programs, but I think there are better ones out there.

Read-alikes:
Failure Is Not an Option by Gene Kranz
A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
pretty much every page, though no f-bombs

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some frightening instances, nothing truly violent

Overall rating: *** 

Is there a subject that you'll read no matter how it's written?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9781416971771
Source: e-book provided by GalleyGrab

*Possibly spoilers for the first two books - ye be warned*
Alek and Deryn are both far from home on a voyage around the world to stop World War I.  Alek, who feels duty bound to stop the war, places his hopes in a crazy scientist with a big plan.  Deryn's disguise as a boy member of the crew is getting more dangerous by the minute - especially since she's in love with Alek.  With new characters and danger lurking everywhere, the two may not end up quite where they expected.

Things I Liked:
I'm not entirely sure what my favorite thing about these books is.  Honestly, it's just so much fun to read them it's almost like being on an adventure myself.  Deryn is such a prickly, smart, sassy, vulnerable and hilarious girl that you can't help but love her.  I adore her "cussing" and the plain way she talks, especially when others are dancing around a topic.  Alek is interesting in different ways - trying to find his place, wondering if he can make a difference, torn between two worlds.  And, of course, the story is so fascinating, so unexpected, and so unique that you dive in and can't surface until the conclusion is finally reached.  I loved every minute of this book and especially the illustrations, which can make some tricky concepts come to life.  A favorite series and I'm sure it will delight tween boys and girls alike.

Things I Didn't Like:
Not much.  I think a few times I was annoyed by decisions characters made, but that doesn't make the book any less enjoyable.  I honestly can't think of other things I didn't like!

Read-alikes:
Read Leviathan and Behemoth first
Reminded me of Larklight by Philip Reeve
Airborn and sequels by Kenneth Oppel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two, but most "cussing" came in the form of "bum-rag" and such like

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
there is some action, but most of it is quite mild

Overall rating: ***** 

What do you think of steampunk: like it, hate it, don't know it?

Added bonus: Scott Westerfeld is visiting Arizona next week!  Check out the details for Oct 3rd visit at Changing Hands and the Barnes and Noble in Mesa for Oct 5th.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2011
ISBN: 9781442402355
Source: e-copy of ARC provided by GalleyGrab

Benny Imura is no stranger to the violence and danger in the Rot and Ruin.  But since Nix and Tom have become obsessed with permanently leaving their town to face those dangers, he is even more nervous about it.  When they do finally make it out there, nothing goes according to plan, especially when they run into a new menace that looks a lot like an old one.

Things I Liked:
The story was, again, action-packed and thrilling.  Our heroes go from one disaster and death-defying situation to the next.  These books would probably transfer really well to the big screen for an action-horror flick.  Sword fighting and hand to hand combat, not to mention some very big explosions and lots of fire.  I can tell you there is never a dull moment in this book.  But even better is the touch of humor and lightness that Maberry has infused as well.  While the whole story is rather dark and sad, there is still hope and the optimism of the human spirit.  A solid zombie book.

No one is really who people think they are. It's unfair.  when they give us nicknames and create a story for us, everyone expects us to be that person and to live up to that legend ...Tom knows something about that.  Out here, people see him as either a hero or a villain.  Never anything in between, not for Tom.  He hates it too.  Do you know that?  He doesn't want to be anyone's hero any more than he wants to be a villain.  p 385 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like: It seemed to be so focused on the action and adventuring that nothing else managed to take place.  Yes, there was a bit of romance, but it took a back seat to the action.  Teen boys will devour these books.  Be warned, if you are squeamish, stay away - it can get pretty gory.

Read-alikes:
Start with Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
a handful here and there
 
mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->->
not for the faint of heart (very gore-ific)

Overall rating: **** 

Do you like zombie books or do you generally avoid them?  (I usually avoid, but make exception for these and Carrie Ryan's books - they're fantastic!)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9780062026484
Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

 

Elisa has always been told she'll do something remarkable - after all, she was chosen by God to bear the Godstone.  But, as the younger daughter of a distant king and feeling wholly inferior and useless compared with her older sister, Elisa is not sure if she'll ever do anything.  When she's married off to a foreign king, one who only wants her for her Godstone, her life is about to change forever.  Will she be able to discover what her purpose is before her life is ripped away forever?

Things I Liked:
I really liked the world Carson created here.  What I think sort of fed that love, at least initially, is that it felt like The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, a favorite book of mine.  But this book was great on its own.  I loved Elisa.  She was a real person to me, with weaknesses and doubts and I love how she dealt with her body image - most of the time, she didn't care what people thought of her.  It hurt, the things people said, but it didn't consume her.  I liked the original cover they had for the book, but not after I'd read the book.  So glad they got rid of the one with the thin model on it.  The love interest in the book also was unique and didn't feel like the same thing I've been reading - it was so different from what I expected.  This was a really well created and interesting story, not the mention I loved that God and religion were just a part of the world, a part of Elisa.  It was a positive and also balanced portrayal of religious people.  For coherent thoughts on that, check out Kiersten White's post.
 
Things I Didn't Like:
I was a little disappointed at how quickly things were resolved at the end.  It really came down to the wire and I thought maybe it was going to have a sequel to wrap up this story (and thank heavens, if there is a sequel, there wasn't a cliffhanger).  It just seemed a bit rushed at the end.  Still, it was satisfying and not completely perfect, just the way endings should be.

Read-alikes:
The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
I think one or two mild words

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
there is fighting and death, some a bit gruesome

Overall rating: *****

Anybody else read and loved this? Or not loved it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9780547566870
Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

When Princess Wisdom and her grandmother Benevolence make the trip to Froglock for Wisdom to marry, they little expect the adventures and twists of fate that meet them along the way.  Fortitude is a maid at an inn, longing to find her childhood friend and love of her life, Tips.  Tips, on the other hand, is trying to make his way in the world far from the place he grew up.  Both will play a part in Wisdom's story, though not the part either of them expected.

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed this light-hearted fairy tale. It was a lot of fun to read all the different points of view, each with a different taste and feel to it.  I liked the story and the characters. It had plenty of sly humor and a simple, if not straight-forward plot.  Just a fun, silly fairy tale for a light summer read.

Things I Didn't Like:
Because of the seven or eight different points of view or styles (an encyclopedia, letters, a memoir), it was hard to get a grasp on characters and sometimes even plot.  While it was funny and sweet, it lacked the depth of her the companion book, Princess Ben.  Might make a fun read-aloud though.

Read-alikes:
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Gail Carson Levine

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none
some kissing

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***

What's your wish-I-liked-it-more read from this summer?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: August 2011
ISBN: 9781423137870
Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

Lexi has lived in Near all her life, growing up hearing the stories of the Near Witch.  But, when a stranger arrives in Near, she might just learn that the stories aren't just stories.  Children start to disappear from their beds at night and the villagers are terrified and willing to blame anyone, especially a stranger to the village.  Lexi is sure the stranger has nothing to do with it and she's determined to find out who is behind the kidnappings, even at the risk of her own life. 

Things I Liked:
I loved the atmosphere of this fairy-tale story.  From the first page, I was sucked into the gorgeous writing that creates each scene.  Schwab has a real talent when it comes to setting.  I loved the creepy village of Near, its placement right by the windy, mysterious moor playing such a big part in their heritage.  Not only was the setting amazingly done, but the story was intense as well.  I didn't have everything figured out right away, so I was interested in knowing who was behind it all and what would happen next.  A really good debut from an author I'm dying to read more from.  Favorite passages:

A girl a year older than Wren named Cecilia, all edges and elbows in a skirt the color of heather, takes my sister's hand. Cecilia has a scatter of freckles like muddy flecks across her face, vanishing along her cheekbones and into auburn curls. p 15 of ARC

Long, long ago, the Near Witch lived in a small house on the farthest edge of the village. She was very old and very young, depending on which way she turned her head, for no one knows the age of witches. The moor streams were her blood and the moor grass was her skin, and her smile was kind and sharp at once like the moon on the moors in the black, black night. p 90 of ARC

I know my father's story. I know it as well as the ones he told me, but I cannot tell it in the same practiced way. It's written in my blood and bones and memory instead of on pieces of paper. I wish I could tell it as a tale and not his life and my loss. But I don't know how yet. A small broken piece of me hopes I never know how, because my father wasn't just a bedtime story. p 195 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a hard time mostly with the romance and the ending.  She and Cole fell in love very quickly, much too fast for me to believe it was real.  The ending was pretty good, but what I didn't like was after all the build-up and the excellent story telling, it just kind of fell flat for me.  Things happened too quickly and then it was over.  Maybe I was expecting too much of it, but I felt just a tiny bit disappointed.

Read-alikes:
Entwined by Heather Dixon
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few mild ones

mrg-factor: X
some kissing

v-factor: ->->
mostly the creepy stuff, but a bit of violence

Overall rating: ****

I kept trying to think of another moor village story and couldn't (you know, aside from Wuthering Heights). Any ideas?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: August 2011
ISBN: 9781423118251
Source: e-book provided by NetGalley

 

*Spoilers for the first two Seven Realms books are very possible*
Raisa is on her way back home to her mother and sister, but things are not going as planned.  After escaping the grasping Gerard Montaigne, she is chased by rogue members of her guard.  When Han finds her nearly dead from a poison arrow, he makes a choice to do everything in his power to heal her.  He doesn't expect it to take so much out of him, though.  Their two paths will twists and intersect again and again, especially when Raisa decides she must rely on Han to help her make it onto the Gray Wolf Throne.  Can she live long enough against the assassins and ill-will of the Bayars?

Things I Liked:
Chima has a real talent for creating extremely realistic, fully developed, fantastic worlds.  The Seven Realms seem as real to me as our world!  She has such an ability to bring fantasy to life.  I love the characters and their stories and the intricate plots she's woven together, everything leading to one particular path that seems inevitable, but is still surprising.  I really love reading a complex court intrigue and this is one of the best I've come across.  Trust, betrayal, deception, and so many other emotions wind together to make a complicated and fascinating pattern that I won't fully grasp until I get that next book!  Just what a high fantasy should be.

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, it has the usual drawbacks of high fantasy - a huge cast of characters, a vast number of pages, and a super complicated plot that can occasionally become confusing.  Still, that's one of the challenges I love about it.  I thought this was the last book in the series and was confused when it didn't end satisfactorily.  But, I found out there's another book (thank goodness) and I simply can't wait for more.

Read-alikes:
Read The Demon King and The Exiled Queen first
The Heir of Night by Helen Lowe
Crown and Court Duel by Sherwood Smith

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a little

mrg-factor: X
some heavy kissing

v-factor: ->->
there is fighting and death

Overall rating: *****

Any predictions for what will happen in that next book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage