Review of My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, and Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: October 14th 2014 
Pages: 320

Short Sweet Synopsis: Twelve holiday love stories by twelve spectacular young adult authors.

My True Love Gave to Me is filled with enchanting holiday stories that I couldn't put down. It is a mix of genres, so if you aren't a fan of fantasy or paranormal then you probably will not like all the stories; same goes if you don't like realistic fiction. Luckily for me I'm an eclectic reader and My True Love Gave to Me featured many of my favorite authors. As the title indicates, these are all love stories; if you aren't looking for cozy holiday romance stories then this is not the book for you. Not all of the stories are light, some of them are pretty dark featuring some big issues, but all of the stories leave you with that warm holiday feeling. Yes, that sounds like complete Cheez Whiz, but it is the best way I know how to describe how I felt after reading My True Love Gave to Me.

I started My True Love Gave to Me because I wanted more Rainbow Rowell, she is my new favorite author, and kept reading because each story hooked me immediately. That is what blew me away most about this collection, I have a hard time picking a favorite story. Instead of there being only a few standout stories, every mini world felt special. I fell in love with all of them and was sad to move on so soon.

My True Love Gave to Me is a must listen for audiobook fans as it is performed by some of my favorite narrators. The audiobook had a particularly special meaning for me because reading holiday stories out loud used to be a family tradition. 

My True Love Gave to Me was one of my favorite books I read in 2014. I was going to post a different review today, but I wanted to make sure I shared this book that is so special to me. I loved this book so much that I purchased it for my permanent collection. I can't wait to read My True Love Game to Me again next year!

Review of "The One" by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: May 6th 2014
Pages: 323

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  In the third book of "The Selection" series, we finally find out if Maxon will choose America to be his queen!!!  There are also rebels trying to kill people all the time and the small problem of Aspen, America's first love, being a guard in the castle.  Oh the DRAMA!!!

I loved this book so much that I read it in one night! I got into bed expecting to read a few pages and ended up finishing the book.  This was such a great series and I'm happy that it held up from start to finish.

Even though I new how it would end, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.  I just loved the characters and enjoyed seeing what antics they would be up to next.   Whether it was sneaking around the castle, wearing another ridiculous gown, or openly defying royalty;  I just couldn't get enough!

If you are a fan of romance, humor, big dresses, and dystopia;  then this is the perfect series for you!  It doesn't sound like it would be a recipe for a great book, but it's kind of like ketchup and eggs.  Sounds disgusting and an affront to breakfast,  but you eventually try it and find you can't have eggs without ketchup.

I just realized that the series is over and I feel sad.  What will I do without America and Maxon banter?!?!  As I say this, I wonder if it is really over... YA authors are tricky with their series.  There could be more!!!  Maybe I don't have reason to fret!  For the time being, does anyone know of another amazingly hilarious YA couple?  I think I'm going through withdrawal already...

Review of "Reality Boy" by A.S. King

Reality Boy by A.S. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: October 22, 2013
Pages: 368

Short Sweet Synopsis: As a child, Gerald was on a reality TV show where he was named "The Crapper" for pooping all over the place.  Gerald is now a teen with anger issues just trying to survive a life where everyone knows your family issues, or at least they think they do.

"Reality Boy" by A.S. King is an amazing book.  I hate to admit this, but I am a sucker for reality tv.  I like watching shows about people in situations very different than my own.  Many of them I find inspiring or just plain intriguing.  While I know a lot of it is staged and altered, I can get sucked into the stories so easily.  "Reality Boy" describes how damaging these shows can be, especially to children who find themselves being taped 24/7.  I don't watch reality shows that feature children, but this book is definitely going to be in the back of my mind while watching them in the future.

Gerald is a great character with a heartbreaking childhood.  There is much more going on in his life than just being upset about his childhood "stardom" as "The Crapper".  Parts of the book were difficult to read, not just because of what Gerald had to go through, but more so because of the lack of support from his family.

"Reality Boy" is gritty realistic fiction.  I've only read one other book by A.S. King, "Dust of 1000 Dogs", and I HATED it.  I honestly didn't think I would ever pic up a book by her, but after hearing rave reviews of her other books, I finally decided to give her another shot.  I'm so glad I did!  I now see why everyone raves about King and I look forward to reading other books by her.  "Reality Boy" makes it on the list of my favorite books released in 2013, and will be one of my favorite books read in 2014.

Part of the reason I loved "Reality Boy" so much was because it was just the right book for me to read at the time.  Some of the characters reminded me of loved ones, and not all in a good way.

Review of The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners by Libba Bray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: September 18, 2012
Pages: 592

Short Sweet Synopsis:  Evie, a spunky teenage girl, is exiled from her boring hometown to the bustle streets of New York City where she becomes friends with a Ziegfield girl and meets a rakish pickpocket.  She lives with her uncle in a museum of the occult and uses her secret gift to help investigate a slew of gruesome murders.

I have a new favorite Libba Bray book and it is "The Diviners"!  Speakeasies, flappers, prohibition, anti-immigration, the KKK, eugenics, spunky female characters, and the Occult!!!  What is there not to love about this book?  Some of you may say the length, but as a slow reader and someone who can't stand books that make me feel like I'm watching paint dry, "The Diviners" kept my attention from start to finish.  Usually I am antsy to finish a book so I can start a new one, but this didn't happen with "The Diviners".

I listened to the audio book and the narration was fantastic.  I don't usually listen to audio books from start to finish (I switch between the book and the audio), but I sat for hours staring at the wall engrossed in the audio book.  I did read some of the book; however, I found myself missing the narrator and usually switched back after 20 minutes.

I didn't realize when I started the book that it was part of a series, but realized it towards the end of the book that there was no way Libba Bray would be able to explain all the mysteries and questions I had.  Usually I cringe when I realize a book is part of a series; this was not the case with "The Diveiners", I can't WAIT to get my hands on the next book!  If Libba Bray tried to wrap up "The Diviners" in one book, it would have been TERRIBLE.  The plot and characters are just too rich; the book would have just fallen flat.

You know a book is fantastic when you have a pile of books on your "to-read list", but none of them sound intriguing anymore.

Review: Unwind Neal Shusterman

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Pub. Date: November 6, 2007
Pages: 335
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short and Sweet Synopsis: Parents can now decide that between the ages of 13-18 teens can be unwound, a process that takes the child's organs and transplants them into other people.  Three teens with different backgrounds, whether by their choice or their parents, are going through the unwinding procedure- this is their story.  

"Unwind" is amazing. I read this book a month or so ago and I still can't stop thinking about it! You may have seen me around the library having conversations about this book with staff. I have read a lot of dystopian, but I found myself completely unsettled by this book. There was a part that was making me sick to my stomach because it was so horrifying- it may be the most terrifying part of any book I have ever read.

While this is a teen book, I think any book group could read this book and have a lively discussion for hours. It touches upon some very interesting issues that politicians have been arguing about for decades (if not longer).

Review: "Every Day" by David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan
Pub. Date: August 28th 2012
Pages: 336
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  The story of a 16 who wakes up in a different body of a random 16 year old everyday.

I just finished "Every Day" and LOVED IT! I'm sure there are other people at my library who can attest to the fact I hunted them down and went a little fan girl trying to express their need to read the book immediately. While "Every Day" didn't take me long to read, I found myself thinking about some of the situations that the main character was put in.

"Every Day" is hard to describe, but I think realistic fantasy sums it up. While it has fantastical elements, the main character waking up in a new body every morning, the story still deals with real issues. It felt like the characters were regular people in our world dealing with both normal and paranormal issues.

"Every Day" has a unique plot and great characters that will keep readers of all ages up all night frantically reading to find out what will happen next!

Review of "Shadow and Bone"

"Shadow and Bone"

by Leigh Bardugo

My Rating:

Pub. Date: June 05, 2012

Pages: 368

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Free from Publisher

Edition: ARC

Short and Sweet Synopsis: The only thing that Alina likes about her life is the time spent with her best friend, but all this changes when their regiment is attacked.  Alina discovers a hidden power that not only save them, but may also be the key to saving her country.


I just finished "Shadow and Bone" and I can't believe how wonderful it was!  If the rest of the books in this trilogy were out, I would be devouring them right now!  I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book.  The characters, plot, setting, pace, writing, and cover are all AWESOME!  There was a bit of romance, but it didn't overtake the story. 

I loved all the characters both good and bad.  I loved how the characters developed throughout "Shadow and Bone".  No one was 100% good, they were just handling situations the best they could as things came at them.  There were definitely evil characters in the book and they earned it.  There were also some "villains" that I definitely felt for by the end of the book.


Usually I don't talk about setting, but how can you not love a book where part of the land is filled in completely darkness?!  That is so terrifying!  Plus, there are evil monsters that will massacre anything that enter these dark lands.  There is also a beautiful palace filled with dark secrets.  There is an interesting play between good vs. evil and beauty vs. ugliness.  Just like nothing is 100% good or evil, nothing is 100% beautiful or ugly.  Some things that may be seen as ugly had redeeming qualities where some things beautiful also had terrible qualities.  Evil sometimes hides in beauty just like good can be found in ugliness.  I'm not going to explain anymore because I will totally give something away.


Whether you are looking for a great fantasy book or just want to read an amazing book,  "Shadow and Bone" will satisfy both cravings.  It is truly a wonderful book that is worth buying in Hardcover.  I am definitely going to be recommending this book to everyone who reads teen books.  It just blew my mind!  It has been hours since I finished the book and I am still acting like a fangirl.  I not only have a crush on a couple of the characters, but the book as well!

Review of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”

by Ransom Riggs

My Rating:

Pub. Date: June 7the 2011

Publisher: Quirk Publishing

Source: Gift

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis:  A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is a book that I will keep for the rest of my life.  I love everything about this book- the story, to the characters, and the marvelously selected photos.  I will admit that I did not find this to be a quick read, but I enjoyed every moment I spent on this book.  I did not mind taking my time because I wanted to absorb every detail.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is hard to describe.  It is paranormal, but it felt base in reality more than most paranormal books.  Jacob’s difficulties with him grandfather and the journey for the truth about his past were both thing many people struggle with.  They may not get the opportunity to go to English to discover more about a family member as fascinating as Jacob’s grandfather, but wouldn’t you given the chance?  I know I would have rushed a plane given the opportunity.   It had some terrifying moments with monsters that would have haunted my nightmares if I weren’t such a fan of horror movies.  “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is just such a breath of fresh air; I can’t say that I’ve read anything like it.  If you want to get a taste for the book, you could always just skim the pages and check out some of the pictures.  I’m not sure if that would spoil the plot, but at least it will give you a sense of what you are in for.  If the pictures don’t lure you into reading the book then you just completely lack curiosity.

I’m not really sure what else there is to say without giving away the plot.  “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is something best read without much knowledge, but with an open mind.  The book is peculiar, but I found it absolutely charming.  This isn’t a book for everyone, but I hope everyone at least gives it a shot.  I know this is a super short review; I just don’t want to spoil the delightfulness of this gem by ruining the plot.

Review of "Fault In Our Stars"

"The Fault In Our Stars"

by John Green

My Rating:

 Pub. Date: January 10, 2012

Pages: 318

Publisher: Penguin Group

Source: Bought

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

"The Fault in Our Stars" is my favorite book by John Green.  I had serious issues putting it down.  I stayed up WAY too late two nights in a row reading it.  If I didn't have a job, I would have read it in one sitting.  I don't think I've had a crush on a book this hard since "The Hunger Games".  


Why is this book so swoon worthy?  The character are AWESOME.  Hazel and Augustus are characters with depth and personality.  They may not have talked like your average teenager, but they've been through more in a few years than most people go through in an entire lifetime- makes sense to me.  This is especially true in Hazel's case- she is way beyond the intellectual level of most high school students and John Green shows this through her dialog.  Isaac is another great character that I kind of wish had more face time.  


Of course the book had more than just great characters.  "The Fault In Our Stars" was beautifully written with a fantastic plot.  I have to admit I had no idea what the book was about before I bought it.  I just knew that John Green had a new book and I HAD to read it.  The book is about teenagers battling cancer so it does tear at the heartstrings, but is also hilarious.  John Green is one of the masters of mixing devastating issues with humorous dialog and hi jinks.


This is a must read book!  I am just going to wrap up my review now because you just have to go out and read it.  This is a book that will permanently live on my bookcase and I will lightly nudge my future children to read.  I say nudge but I'll probably end up being like "OMG YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK OR I'LL GROUND YOU FOR LIFE!!!". Just kidding, I would probably just use reverse psychology and tell them they aren't allowed to read it.  I think this review just got weird... In short, the book is LEGENDARY.

Review of "Daughter of Smoke and Bone"

 "Daughter of Smoke and Bone"

by Laini Taylor

My Rating:

 Pub. Date: September 27, 2011

Pages: 432

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Source: Borrowed From Library

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

In case you didn't see all the hearts, I LOVED "Daughter of Smoke and Bone".  Laini Taylor is a beautiful storyteller; she was able to combine the beauty of Prague with paranormal romance to create an epic fantasy novel.

The characters are one of a kind.  Brimstone is a monster that sells wishes for teeth.  Yes, you read it correctly, TEETH!  At the same time, he is part of the only family that Karou has ever known.  Karou herself is wonderfully mysterious.  She has tattoos and "naturally" blue hair, is extremely artistic, runs dangerous errands, was raised by monsters, and has no idea who she is.  Karou is a strong female character searching for her identity, but nothing can prepare her for the truth.

The way Laini Taylor described Prague transported me back to this beautiful, historic city.  Prague is a fantastic city and is the perfect setting for this book.  It is so romantic with great old-world charm that I could totally picture there being secret doors that lead beyond our world.

On top of characters, plot, and beautiful storytelling, there is this huge war that has taken over two civilizations for hundreds of years and Karou is getting sucked in.  I know this probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but you will just have to read the book to find out how all these pieces fit together.

"Daughter of Smoke and Bone" is filled with so many mysteries that it hooks you from the first page until the last.  And let me just say that the last page will blow your mind hole!  How can Karou be family with monsters?  Why does Brimstone collect Teeth?  Who is Karou?  Honestly, just go buy "The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.  It is awesome and one of the best books that was released in 2011.

Review of "Going Bovine"

"Going Bovine"
Libba Bray

6


Pub. Date: September 22, 2009
Pages: 480
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers


Synopsis:  All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

I was very skeptical of "Going Bovine", even after hearing rave reviews and it winning the Printz Award.  I read "A Great and Terrible Beauty" and it was good, but didn't live up to the hype.  I am happy to report that "Going Bovine" was AWESOME!  At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the book- the characters treated Carter like crap and it was driving me nuts- but then the book switched gears completely and Carter started his quest to save the world and himself.  This book reminded me of the first time I watched "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", at first I wasn't sure how I felt about the movie, it was kind of strange, but by the time the Time Warp scene was over I was hooked! 

Why is this book awesome?  It has EVERYTHING.  There are memorable characters that include punk angel, a garden gnome who may or may not be a Viking god, and a dwarf who is afraid of life.  The book is hilarious, ridiculous, touching, and shows the difference between being alive and living.  I also thought the uses of "Don Quixote" and Wile E. Coyote vs. Road Runner were really cool (this is one of those statements that you won't understand until you read the book and if I go into details I will spoil part of the book).

This book straddles the line between being completely bizarre and genius, it is brilliant but at the same time doesn't take itself too seriously.  I would highly recommend "Going Bovine", but this book isn't for everyone, it deals with mature situations, including drug use, sex, and coping with a terminal illness.  This is a book I can see becoming a classic for teens with some parents pushing for banning, but isn't that the way great books should be.  "Going Bovine" truly deserves the Printz Award and I hope it continues to be a must have in any library.  I will definitely be reading "Beauty Queens" VERY soon!

Review of "Delirium"

"Delirium"
Lauren Oliver
 

6

Pub. Date: February 1, 2011
Pages: 448
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Inc

Synopsis: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

I am so glad I bought this book because it was AWESOME!  I have been reading a fair amount of dystopian fiction in the last year, but I loved the original plot behind "Delirium".  I didn't think this book could be as good as it sounded, but it totally was.  I finished reading it only a couple of days ago and I still feel like gushing!  I wasn't sure how Oliver would be able to make me believe in a society where love was thought to be a deadly disease, but she pulled it off.  Characters' thoughts and actions consistent with what would happen in a society where love was thought to be something that must be cured to avoid death.  Oliver added quotes and children's rhymes that showed how the fear of love was spread from a young age to ensure that everyone looked forward to the day they were lode enough to undergo high-risk procedure.  I thought this was a nice way to show some of the regulations and lies the government disseminated.

I really liked the characters in the book.  Even though Lena seemed week and uptight at the beginning of the book, it was interesting to see how she developed as she unraveled some of the truth behind the lies she grew up believing.  I wasn't sure how I felt about her best friend Hana, part of me wanted her to stop being so reckless and to be a better friend to Lena, but that completely changed by the end of the book.  Alex stole my heart from the moment he was introduced, he is definitely a crush worthy character!  The best aspect of the characters is that they surprised me until the very end of the book.  This is one of those books where the last 75 pages fly by and characters just blow your mind.

If nothing I have said above convinces you to read "Delirium" then maybe the fact it has mystery, love, and danger all rolled into one package.  It really was a FANTASTIC book; I can't wait to see what Lauren Oliver has planned for the next book.  I didn't think "Delirium" could be as good as "Before I Fall", but I actually enjoyed it more; although, I have a feeling that preference will depend on what genre you enjoy more.


Buy from BN.com Buy from Amazon.com

Review of "Thirteen Reasons Why"

"Thirteen Reasons Why"
Jay Asher

6

Pub. Date: October 18th, 2007
Pages: 288
Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis:  Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Even though I have always heard fantastic things about this book, I never expected it to live up to the hype, but it definitely does.  "Thirteen Reasons Why" is a book that anyone would be able to appreciate, whether you are a teen, a parent, a male, or a female.  I listened to this book on audio and it was fantastic.  I left for work early just so I could sit in my car and listen to as many CDs as possible.  I rarely bring my clunky CD player to the gym, but I did with this book.  

The whole concept of a suicide box set of cassettes is pretty creepy, but the fact that Hannah sent them to 13 people brings it to a whole other level.  This book can be pretty haunting at times, but Jay Asher writes Hannah in a way that keeps the tone lighter than one would expect.  Even though I don't agree with Hannah's suicide, Asher constructed the story in a way that allows the reader to completely understand and can see why she killed herself.  I think many teens will relate to Hannah and see parts of themselves in her.  I know I had similar experiences with rumor mills and being put on a list that gave people a green light to say inappropriate comments.

Clay is technically the main character in this book, but I must stress that this is truly Hannah's story.  Clay does have a role to play and the reader learns the reasons for Hannah's suicide with Clay, but he doesn't detract from the story.  The fact that Clay cannot fathom why he is even on the tapes and thinks the whole thing is a mistake left me dying to know what he did wrong.  Everyone else was such a jerk, but Clay seems so nice... I just HAD to know his dirty little secret!  I wasn't sure how hearing Hannah's story with commentary from another character would work with the plot, but it just gives it so much depth.  You see that Hannah is not being paranoid about the rumors.  Clay believed them and even allowed them to rule over his actions.  You get the story from two different points of view delving deeper into Hannah's life and brining insight that Hannah herself couldn't provide.

This is a book about suicide, but it is also about friendship, first love, rumors, high school, and so much more.  I seriously think I could write a novel about how amazing "Thirteen Reasons Why" is and why everyone must read it, but I think I have gushed enough... but seriously this was definitely one of the best YA books I have ever read.

Buy From BN.com Buy From Amazon.com

Review of "Matched" by Ally Condie

"Matched"
Ally Condie


6

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pub. Date: November 30th, 2011
Pages: 366

Synopsis: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Another amazing book released in 2010! I absolutely LOVED "Matched", it was one of my favorite books released last year. I got almost halfway through the book and stayed up to read the remaining 200 pages because it was so awesome. I love books about dystopian societies and the struggles that characters face as they learn the secrets that their governments try to hide. I like how in "Matched" it is the matching procedures that lead to Cassia's questioning of the rules of the society she lives in. It kind of reminds me of prom, getting all glammed up and eating a nice dinner, hyped up as the biggest event in your teenage life, but for Cassia it leads to huge changes in the way she views her world. There were other events that lead to further questioning, but it definitely became the trigger.

Sometimes in books I feel there is an obvious choice when there are two love interests, but I thought both Xander and Ky were wonderful characters. They are really nice guys and were willing to sacrefice for their relationship with Cassia. It was obvious that both of them truly cared for her and were willing to break rules for her. According to the rules of the society, Cassia is not allowed to be with Ky for reasons that neither character can control, but Xander is officially Cassia's match- the man she is supposed to marry, have kids, and spend the rest of her life with. The choice may seem easy, matched couples are always happy, but Cassia can't help but question her feelings.

I love how Condie gave reasonable explanations for all the questionable acts of The Society. There is a limit on technology because of the disasterous consequences that older generations experienced. Knowledge is limitted because it is less stressful for people to only have to know about the specifics of their field. It makes more sense to have a focused knowledge about a specific field of study than to have to try to know about every subject. The pills that everyone had to carry on them at all times were a great touch, I was DYING to know the function of the red pill.

This book definitely reminded me of "The Giver" and there are a lot of reviews saying that "Matched" is a blatant knock off of it; I can't agree or disagree with this because it has been at least 10 years since I have read "The Giver" and my memory is pretty terrible. What I can say is that even though I remember some of the similarities, I still really enjoyed this book. It felt fast paced and I liked the romance aspect. I didn't really expect it to be super original because the ways that Utopian societies are run generally use the same methods and guidelines to ensure the control through the compliance of the people. Spartan society is a great example of this; the government decided where people lived, what thier jobs could be, and what they ate (thank you boyfriend for being wise and for taking some time away from Call of Duty: Black Ops to discuss Utopian societies with me). I understand why this would bother readers and I can see why there are such mixed reviews of this book. I think it comes down to personal preference. I loved this book so it is hard for me to imagine someone disliking it, but the people who dislike it probably think I am crazy for loving it so much. I think a lot of time the appreciation for a book comes down to what the person needed from the book while reading it. "Matched" gave me exactly what I needed and wanted making it a winner for me.

This was a fantastic beginning to the series. "Crossed", the second bok, is due to come out at the begining of November. It will definitely be hard to wait for the second book in the trilogy, but I'm sure it will be worth it! I think Condie added a lot of great details to her book that can be flushed out more in the next two books. Disney has the movie writes to the series, so it will be intersting to see what comes out of that.

P.S. I loved the use of green throughout the book. I just thought it was a nice touch.

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Review of "Nightshade"

"Nightshade"
Andrea Cremer


6

Pub. Date: October 19, 2010
Pages: 453

Synopsis: Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything-- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I absolutely loved "Nightshade", it was definitely one of the best books I have read all year. Calla is such a strong character, I couldn't help but admire her. Even though Ren was kind of a womanizer, but he also had a lot more to him than his sex appeal. He was just so charming, but then again so was Shay. Calla's brother and best friend were also fantastic characters... to be honest all the characters were pretty great. Even if I didn't like their personalities, I felt like they added a lot to the book.

I also loved the mythology Cremer created in her story. It was interesting to me that there was this whole other social structure functioning in a world and humans were completely unaware. I also liked the spin on classic werewolves; it seemed to combine them with shape shifters. I hate to say it, but it kind of reminded me of the werewolves in the "Twilight" series. Although there are a lot more politics involved with the packs in Cremer's world.

My favorite part of the book had to be Calla's struggle with personal freedom. I like how this paranormal romance went to another level through the conflicts of civil rights. A lot of the characters were being oppressed, but many of them didn't seem to mind. They may not have even thought about it, or may not have wanted to.

All these elements that Cremer has woven into "Nightshade" make for an amazing series. I can't wait to read "Wolfsbane", the next book in the trilogy. I am glad I won't have to wait a full year for more in the "Nightshade" series. I read on Cremer's website that she is working on a steampunk book that explores what would have happened in the American Revolution never took place... I am pretty psyched about this! If it is anything like "Nightshade" it will be FANTASTIC! Click here for more about "Nightshade" and an excerpt from the book.

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Review of "Clockwork Angel"

"Clockwork Angel"
by Cassandra Clare


6

Pub. Date: August 31st, 2010
Pages: 479

Synopsis: Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Another hit for Cassandra Clare! I could not wait until this book came out; I LOVED "The Mortal Instruments Series". I was not disappointed and am glad I spent long nights reading this book. If not for the fact that I apparently need at least 7 hours of sleep every night, I would have read this book in 1 day if I could have! I had serious problems putting this book down and I hated going to work because I couldn't read it. Okay... that is probably enough gushing.

I really loved that this book was set in the past because I for some reason find it interesting reading about women struggling to find their role in a society where they are thought to be lesser beings. Women during this time period were just supposed to look pretty, be good wives, and bare children, but of course the women in "Clockwork Angel" did not follow society’s strict structure. I love how Charlotte was in charge of the institute and her husband Henry spent his time coming up with inventions. Even Tessa strayed from society's expectations by spending time in the company of men and risking her life to save her brother. How can you not fall for these strong female characters?

Oh yeah... the whole demon fighting and romance was pretty fantastic as well. This book had a lot of action and danger seemed everywhere. It was really interesting to see demon fighting back in the Victorian Age. This book fits nicely into the Steampunk genre through the robots that terrorize the characters (if you haven't read any Steampunk and you like historical and sci-fi then you MUST get into the Steampunk genre). There is also the whole mystery of what Tessa really is: human, demon, or warlock?! The end had a great twist that I did not see coming, in multiple layers too!

One thing that was killing me throughout "Clockwork Angel" was Will's attitude. Even after finishing the book I am on pins and needles for the next book because I want to know what his story is. I guess I am just a sucker for mysterious guys, but I can't help it and Clare does a fantastic job at creating these mysterious characters. At the same time, I think Jem is absolutely adorable and am curious about him as well. I like how he is a bit bashful and has honorable intentions. He and Will seem like such polar opposites, but they are able to be best friends. I can't help but wonder if they're friendship will stay as strong throughout the rest of the book.

I don't think I can say it enough; "Clockwork Angel" was amazing! I can't wait to see what the rest of the books in "The Infernal Devices" series have in store. Sorry if this review was a little all over the place and maybe a bit fan girlish, but the book was really that wonderful. Fans of paranormal, fantasy, action, and romance will love this series. I know the books are long, but they really worth it.

Review of "Mockingjay"

"Mockingjay"
Suzanne Collins



6

Pub. Date: August 24th, 2010
Pages: 400


Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

After reading "Mockingjay", "The Hunger Games" series is definitely my favorite teen series and is at the top of my All-Time Favorites list. Like the first two books, I could not put "Mockingjay" down. The only time I stopped reading it was when I fell asleep. I woke up extra early because I just HAD to finish the book before going to work. This is the only series where each book has captivated me equally throughout. There is plenty of action in the book, but it also gets you thinking about the society that Katniss is a pawn in. I feel like this series does a great job commenting on some of the dangers of living in a society where politics rule everything. It gets you thinking about human nature, and I almost feel like the series is a warming of where our society could go if governments become too strong.

I have to admit that I was expecting more Peeta and Katniss romance than was actually in the book, but this didn't disappoint me at all. I think Collins made the right choice by focusing the story on the revolution that was happening, it made the book much more powerful. I honestly don't have a single criticism for this book. The characters were fantastic, and I love how characters that we thought we knew had a different side to them in this final book. I don't think I could have thought of a better ending for the book. Even though it was tragic for numerous reasons, I felt like it fit perfectly with the other two books in the series. There were surprises, but they were calculated and felt organic.

I guess my only complaint is that I can't believe there will be no more books in this series. I love Katniss and Peeta; I guess I'll just have to find new characters to fall in low with. I probably could go on for pages about how amazing this book is, but I will let you discover the rest of the book’s awesomeness for yourself.

Review of "Marcelo in the Real World"

"Marcelo in the Real World"
by Francisco X. Stork


6

Pub. Date: March 3rd, 2009
Pages: 320

Synopsis: Marcelo Sandoval hears music no one else can hear--part of the autism-like impairment no doctor has been able to identify--and he's always attended a special school where his differences have been protected. But the summer after his junior year, his father demands that Marcelo work in his law firm's mailroom in order to experience "the real world." There Marcelo meets Jasmine, his beautiful and surprising coworker, and Wendell, the son of another partner in the firm.

He learns about competition and jealousy, anger and desire. But it's a picture he finds in a file -- a picture of a girl with half a face -- that truly connects him with the real world: its suffering, its injustice, and what he can do to fight.

Reminiscent of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" in the intensity and purity of its voice, this extraordinary novel is a love story, a legal drama, and a celebration of the music each of us hears inside.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Stork is a writer who knows how to tell a story. Not only was the plot interesting, but also beautifully written. Marcelo is a wonderful character and I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes. I loved watching him mature as the summer unfolded. I understood why Marcelo's father wanted him to look at the law firm, but part of me was disappointed that Marcelo couldn't work with the pony's like he had been planning. Even though this happened at the beginning of the book, I truly felt how upsetting this change was to Marcelo. It surprised me how much I cared for him as a character so early on in the book. Some of the challenges that Marcelo faced were things I expected, but Stork surprised me with the ethical and moral decisions that Marcelo was forced to confront.

Another thing that really surprised me about the book was how honest the characters were. None of the characters were perfect, they all had flaws that were flushed out. This made them all feel more realistic, which made me fall in love with them all the more. Arturo, Marcelo's dad, is a character that I struggled with throughout the book. I agreed with Marcelo’s mother that he was just trying to do the best for him, but at the same time it seemed like he was concerned about what society thought about his family. My feelings about him got even more complicated by the end of the book (I would explain but I would be giving away too much), but sometimes family relationships are the most complicated ones that we have.

I wasn't sure where working at the law firm would take him, but the end of the book pleasantly surprised me. "Marcelo in the Real World" has mature language and deals with topics such as sexual exploitation; I would recommend this book to most readers, but I felt you should be aware of some of this content. Even though this is a beautiful story, it is also very realistic and doesn't sugarcoat life. There is a lot of religious discussion in the book, but it does not focus on one religion. I was not raised as a religious person, so I wasn't sure if this aspect of the book would bother me; however, Stork was able to bring it into a book in a way that doesn't feel preachy or exclusive. I truly feel that this is one of those rare books able to combine all my favorite elements that leaving me awed and content.

Review of "Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld

"Leviathan"

by Scott Westerfeld

6

Pub. Date: October 6, 2009

Pages: 448

Summary: It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It had action, suspense, beautiful illustrations, a fantastic plot, and wonderful characters. Scott Westerfeld created a fantastical world based off the real events of WWI by adding futuristic machines and genetically engineered animals into the conflict. Even though the book isn't completely historically accurate, it does cover some of the political issues going on during and prior to the war. I loved that Westerfeld added an afterword that goes over what is fact and what he fictionalized. Westerfeld made this book appealing to both girls and boys through the fast paced story that followed two main characters of the opposite sex.

As mentioned earlier, Westerfeld has added beautiful illustrations that help the reader to better understand some of the scenes that Westerfeld is trying to portray. I feel like the illustrations really brought the characters and machines to life. The world created is so intricate that it helped having the visuals so I wasn't bogged down by descriptions. I was a bit worried that it might slow down the pace of the book, but I didn't find it to be a problem. It was actually really cool to have a visual of some of the action scenes.

Between "Leviathan" and "Incarceron" I am hooked on steampunk and cannot wait to read more of the sub-genre. If you want to learn more about "Leviathan" just check out Scott Westerfeld's blog. The first chapter and the afterword are available if you are interested, but the afterword does have some spoilers. You can check out the blog here. I highly recommend that people who are fans of fantasy or sci-fi check out this book.