A Splatter of Ink

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

2012-02-17T20:04:00.003-07:00

Release Date: May 8th, 2001 (Paperback)

Publisher: Amistad Press

Pages: 281

Age Group: 14+

Genre: Crime/Realistic Fiction

Cover Love: 5/5

Rating: 3/5 Stars

______

Disappointment is a crushing feeling, and it felt like Monster had forced me to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. It wasn't that it was bad, but, unfortunately, it wasn't the greatest either.

It just looked so GOOD. Why wasn't it better?
PRO'S:

Walter Dean Myers had a perfect set up for a story. There was crime, there was mystery, there was diversity (our literacy unit), and, most of all, it was in a movie script. (AWESOME!) There's even illustrations, and notes. If you haven't read Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise, you should. (Totally different topic, but same idea with the mixing media.) The first few pages were pretty good, if you weren't reading it as if you were playing staccato. (My reference to how slow our class was reading our books.) But from there, it goes downhill.
CON'S:

It's just so BORING. I mean, you already know that someone killed someone (though there is some controversy whether Steve helped or not.) And come on, it was only a matter of time before they gave that person a verdict of guilty. It was also really really really confusing. When I realized the character Briggs was a man, I freaked out. He was seriously sounding woman-ish before Walter Dean Myers used the words 'he.'

The ending WAS THE WORST PART. You expect some dramatic soap opera thingy (like Steve getting a sentence of guilty) but that never happens. NEVER.

Uh. The weight is getting heavier.

So, if you were looking for some inspirational heavy stuff, don't go for Monster. It's good, but not that good.

Maybe we could classify it as dark, heavy fluff. Yes. So if you need some of that, go for it.

Excited!

2012-02-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

For anyone that still goes to school:
Are you guys ready for the three weekend? I'm super excited! We have been swamped with homework because of all of the big tests coming up. I hope that you guys have a great weekend, may God be with you!

Zombies Vs. Unicorns: Edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

2012-02-04T12:33:00.002-07:00

Release Date: September 21st, 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 415

Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Recommended for: Anybody who enjoys zombies, unicorns, or these authors: Holly Black, Justine Larbalestier, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan, Scott Westerfeld, Meg Cabot, Garth Nix, Kathleen Duey, Margo Lanagan, Naomi Novik, Diana Peterfreund, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare

Cover Love: 5/5

	Okay, okay, I have to admit my own secret, guilty pleasure: reading zombie books. They are just so good! But, I always have to stay true to my team, even if they don't have a lot of members sticking around: unicorns. And, sure, they may fart rainbows and smell like lavender, as depicted in Meg Cabot's short story, but that doesn't make them any less likeable. Right. Right? Whatever. Zombies vs. Unicorns was a-mazing. Some stories were better than others, but that's expected. And, yes, the zombie stories were better than the unicorn stories. That's okay. I also loved how it was organized-little unicorn icons and little zombie icons for those of you who couldn't tell which story was which. But my absolute favorite part was the commentary. Two authors arguing about mythical creatures is very funny. The last thing I have to say about Zombies vs. Unicorns is the wide range of topics all the stories cover. The most peculiar one was One Thousand Flowers. That made me think-a lot. Read it. See what you think.

Okay, okay, I have to admit my own secret, guilty pleasure: reading zombie books. They are just so good! But, I always have to stay true to my team, even if they don't have a lot of members sticking around: unicorns. And, sure, they may fart rainbows and smell like lavender, as depicted in Meg Cabot's short story, but that doesn't make them any less likeable. Right. Right?

Whatever.

Zombies vs. Unicorns was a-mazing. Some stories were better than others, but that's expected. And, yes, the zombie stories were better than the unicorn stories. That's okay. I also loved how it was organized-little unicorn icons and little zombie icons for those of you who couldn't tell which story was which.

But my absolute favorite part was the commentary. Two authors arguing about mythical creatures is very funny.

The last thing I have to say about Zombies vs. Unicorns is the wide range of topics all the stories cover. The most peculiar one was One Thousand Flowers. That made me think-a lot. Read it. See what you think.

In My Mailbox (10)

2012-01-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (July 10th, 2012/ Random House Books for Young Readers)

Brave New Love: 15 Tales of Dystopian Desire, edited by Paula Guran (February 14th, 2012/Running Press Kids)

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan (May 8th, 2012/Thomas Nelson)

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (May 1st, 2012/Dial)

Thanks for stopping by my IMM today! What did you get in your mailbox? Leave your comment below!

The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

2012-01-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Release Date: January 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 375
Age Group: 13-15
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate or Sharon Creech.
____

Alecia Whitaker's 'The Queen of Kentucky' is sweet like the quenching splash of lemonade on a hot summer day. But for Ricky Jo (or Erika, if you must) summer is dry and gone and the school year is here for her to repaint herself as popular, likeable, and looked up to. Ricky Jo, country and devout Catholic girl, is gone: here comes Erika, beautiful, smart, and stylish.

Who was gonna tell her that molding herself into a different person was going to be so dang hard???

I LOVE Ricky Jo. Sure, she can be mean sometimes, insenstive, and absolutely horrid, but I love seeing characters stumble into mistake. That just makes me feel so, well, 'I told you so' inside. It is a wonderful feeling, something that makes me like the characters even more, which is the weirdest thing.

The plot, of course, wasn't the most original. But for me, this kind of thing can be reused over and over again without me getting bored. But I can't say the same for some other people.

The cover. Oh, the lovely cover. Recently, you see these raunchy covers with half naked people on them or just plain faces with scary looking eyes. But nope-The Queen of Kentucky takes art and turns it into a yellow, vintage style piece of work that portrays the novel so well.

Hey, country stories might not be your thing-but if you haven't read The Queen of Kentucky, I recommend it...NOW. Like, right this second. Because you are missing out on some good, cute fluff.

Poems

2012-01-20T16:20:00.001-07:00

God the King

Crystalized by a sea of blue stood a magical kingdom of lies and truth, beyond the mountains on a bed of grass play God's followers on shiny brass…..

Across the seas lies a bottle of truth, the kingdom will be saved, bearing the fruit,

For God the mighty has come to be king, and happiness he shall bring.

Most of this has more meaning to me and I don't know if it exactly works with out knowing me, I hope that you can make your own meaning in this poem though. Have a great day!

Hunger Games Movie Writing Contest

2012-01-19T21:03:00.001-07:00

Just recently, Scholastic announced a writing contest for readers of their TAB/TRC order form readers (Grades 6-12) The prompt is to create your own horrible, futuristic, world, and the winner will receive tickets to the Hunger Games Movie Premiere in California! If you are eligible for the reaping, here are the rules:

What's your version of a world gone horribly wrong? Write a dystopian story that depicts a terrifying future, and you could win a trip to attend The Hunger Games movie premiere!

Entries must not exceed four (4) pages on paper no larger than 9" x 12" and include the following information: student's name, age, and grade; teacher's name; and school name, address, and phone number. Winners will be selected based on creativity, execution, and clarity of thought. Winners will be notified on or about March 5, 2012.

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip for two to a location to be determined, to attend the March 2012 premiere of "The Hunger Games." Trip includes round-trip coach airfare for the winner and the winner's parent or legal guardian from the major commercial airport closest to winner's residence (winner and guest must travel together on same itinerary) and one (1) night hotel accommodations; ground transportation while in the city to be determined, and $400.00 spending money.

Grade(s): 6–12

Deadline: February 10, 2012

Send entries to:
TAB/TRC Dystopian Writing Contest
P.O. Box 714
New York, NY, 10013-0714.

For complete rules, click here.

May the odds be ever in your favor!!

Announcing some big changes and a happy Martin Luther king jr day!!

2012-01-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

So, I am announcing some big big changes today. A splatter of ink is officially a reading and writing blog! Don't worry, we'll still be regularly doing reviews and our weekly memes, but between all of that, we'll have writing samples, some weekly features, and hopefully, contests for you guys to enter!!!

I hope you guys like the idea, and for all you authors out there, let us know what would make a splatter of ink a great bog experience for you. (

13 Little Blue Envelopes (13 Little Blue Envelopes #1)

2012-01-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Release Date: October 1st, 2006
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 319
Age Group: 13+
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Other Books in this Series: The Last Little Blue Envelope
Recommended for: People who enjoyed The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau
Cover Love: 2/5
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.-GOODREADS

When you combine Maureen Johnson's simplistic, breath-taking style of writing with a trip around Europe and thirteen letters from a dead aunt, the result is chemistry in the making.

Seriously. I could feel the atoms bouncing around in my eyes as I flipped each page.

Ginny's journey throughout Europe is different from anything I've ever read or seen. Sure, there was Cars 2, and there were those Rick Steve shows when I was bored. But do we ever get to see Norway? No. Do we ever learn about hostels? Nope. Were there any cute guys I kept imagining as Rupert Grint appearing on next to every page? Definitely not.

The thing is, in 13 Little Blue Envelopes, you don't feel like a tourist at all. You're just... Ginny.

This book could be a tentative choice for some readers. Her style is simplistic and sometimes bouncy, but it creates a wholesome effect that makes you believe in all the little things that the world offers. The romance is basic and spontaneous, the writing funny and sharp, and the art pretty visible for a book made of words.

Sure, I was skeptical, especially since Alloy Entertainment published Pretty Little Liars as well. (No offense, but... eh.)

But 13 Little Blue Envelopes is so different, because it reminds me of what it's like for a book to spark, the words to fall off the page, and the world to become so much more magical-er because of it.

If you haven't read 13 Little Blue Envelopes, READ IT. I mean it. I mean it as much as I want to read the sequel(s)? which is a lot.
As big as the world.

In My Mailbox (9)

2012-01-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Hello fellow book bloggers! These are the books I got in my mailbox this week-what about you? Any interesting titles?

Oh, and I forgot to mention (I feel so dumb) Inheritance by Christopher Paolini! I've been wanting to read this one for AGES! Thank you, Santa!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

2012-01-14T18:34:00.002-07:00

RELEASE DATE: September 29th, 2011
PUBLISHER: Dutton
PAGES: 338
AGE GROUP: 15+
GENRE: Romance
RECOMMENDED FOR: People who enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Stay by Deb Caletti, and Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
SEQUEL TO: Anna and the French Kiss
RATING: 4 Stars out of 5 Stars

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.-GOODREADS

Cricket Bell. Forget Etienne; this guy is my type. Smart, funny, nerdy, shy. European guys are so out of style now. The ones you really want are the boys at home, especially the ones right next door.

Lola and the Boy Next Door is its own exuberant costume-panniers, stays, wigs, and all. It's unexpected, sweet, and a charming story set in the lovely background of San Francisco, California. The romance is to die for, and references to Anna and the French Kiss made me want to squeal.

My favorite part of this story was Lola. What kind of girl was she? Blind, maybe. Brunette, so so. But Lola? All the way; especially when she wants to wear something like a Mary Antoinette costume with a wig and combat boots to her Winter Formal. At first, she wants to go with her boyfriend Max, five years her senior to her young age of seventeen, when the family next door-the Bells-move back in, and she has to search deep within herself to reconcile the feelings she's had with Cricket Bell.

Especially if that means awesome fashion (oops, I meant costume.) I know SO many people who would love this book just for the fabulous clothing.

The only thing I really have to complain about Lola was the voice. Stephanie Perkins was so good at Anna-sarcastic, funny, and breathtakingly captain obvious. But Lola? Her voice never really breaks out in a true, unique way, and I like the difference between her and Anna, but I needed some laughs.

And-okay, maybe there's one other thing-the romance. Just so... so.... so.... well, I don't know. That's the thing. The romance was already there, but someone needed to act on it, whereas in Anna and the French Kiss, the romance built and was created. You don't see a lot of that development here. And in Anna, Perkins managed to be romantic without getting chaste, but here, there's a lot of mention of those kinds of scenes, if you know what I mean.

Nonetheless, Lola and the Boy Next Door makes me want to dress up in a renaissance dress and march to my school dance. And maybe meet a boy named Cricket on the way. (Grasshopper will do too. Praying Mantis? Maybe.) Whatever happens, I want the next book of these companion novels to come out, and I WILL read it, no matter what.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

2012-01-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Release Date: May 1st, 2007
Publisher: Miramax
Age Group: 15+
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Recommended for: People who enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
RATING: 5 STARS
____
Ned Vizzini, the talented young author of Be More Chill (the first YA novel selected as a Today show book club pick), crafts another superb study of angst-ridden adolescence in this story of teen depression. Craig Gilner is a gifted 15-year-old boy who works hard to get into a fiercely competitive high school, then crumbles under the intense academic pressure. Blindsided by his inability to excel and terrified by thoughts of suicide, Craig checks into a psychiatric hospital where he finally gets the help he needs. Vizzini, who himself spent a brief time in psychiatric "stir," invests his novel with great emotional honesty. A graceful, skillful, and witty handling of a sensitive issue, this is an important book we heartily recommend for older teens. -GOODREADS
____
Funny. Angst. Teenage depression/drugs/therapy.

You think It's Kind of A Funny Story is that kind of book? Nope, you're wrong-it's that times two, and funny times two again. Or one hundred.

It's Kind of A Funny Story is raw, red emotion, right out there in the open. And it's absolutely delightful. I can totally relate to what the main character, Craig, is going through. First he gets accepted into a prestigious school. Then prestigious school gets really hard. Then he starts The Cycling, which is where he lies in bed for hours just thinking about his homework, and how not doing his homework will lead him to not going to a Good College, and after that, a Good Job. After, he stops eating. He stops living. And the worst thing is-he has to rely on peeing to get him through the day. (Okay, maybe it's not the worst thing-but peeing, really? Cracked me up.) Everything but stopping eating and after are things I've experienced. Check, check, and check. School is just so HARD sometimes. But reading this book cheered me up. A lot.

Craig is a kind of character I've never met before. He's uncommonly irreverent, nerdy but 'chill' and definitely has a lot of voice for a guy. You get to explore the teenage world with him, and every page I'm like-that''s what happens when you're fifteen??????!!!!!#@!

This book moved fast, split into parts and chapters. There are so many elements to the story-Craig's brain maps, the shrinks, two potential girlfriends, a crazy guy who calls himself President Armelio, a suicidal attempt, and a psychiatric ward, (oh, excuse me, hospital.) This book has everything in it, but most importantly, it has great pacing and excellent storytelling, and overall, it's helped me learn more about the effects of depression and what it really is.

Except for the peeing thing.

I still don't get that.

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

2012-01-11T20:29:00.001-07:00

RELEASE DATE: November 21st, 2011
PUBLISHER: Razorbill
PAGES: 356
AGE GROUP: 12 and older

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present. -GOODREADS

Tragedy. Romance. A pillow full of tears. These are all the things you expect to have when you hear the words Jay Asher and sci-fi in the same sentence.
But hold your breath people: because I disliked this book with a passion.

All right, so maybe it wasn't all that bad. It was a good romance (even though it was obvious,) nice setup (though you never found out how it all worked) and likeable characters (yeah, right-like, too likeable.)

I've never read Carolyn Mackler's work, and I have to say that for me, she's so so. But Jay Asher! You let me down so much (don't worry, I'm still one of your biggest fans), but golly, I was so excited for this one!

The only really great thing I can say about this book is the idea and the pacing. I read this thing through in one night, which is great for me recently. (I feel way too old for my age-it's like college has hit me already. Or that could just be the procrastination.)

So, if you're looking for the same great stuff you find in Thirteen Reasons Why, you might not like The Future of Us that well. But who knows-no two people read the same book. I guess you'll just have to find out.

Follow Friday (2)

2011-12-30T15:41:00.001-07:00

Q: The New Year is here-and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp, and redo for 2012 on your blog?

1. Consistency. Blog post here, there, anywhere is okay for me, but I also want my blog to be great for my readers.

2. Design. Yes, the design of my blog is okay, but I want to make it better. I'm thinking of looking into more custom design and seeing the new possibilities I can discover.

3. Networking and Reaching Out. More readers is always good, and I'm looking forward to meeting all the people in and out of the book blogosphere.

4. Organization. I'm always changing how I'm doing my reviews, and I'm getting lazy on adding links and giving more information. So I'm going to try to just look harder to make sure my reviews and memes look nicer for the readers.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

2011-12-28T08:56:00.001-07:00

Release Date: December 2nd, 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 372
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed (onceuponawanderer.blogspot.com)
Format: Hardcover (signed!)

Mon oh gawd. (That's French for, oh my gawd, but Google Translate is never one to trust.) Where has this romance book been all my life? It's the bestest blend of breakfast crepes, romance, the eiffel tower, romance, vintage theaters, romance, and did I mention, PARIS! Yep, if you didn't get this from the title, Anna just HAS to move to Paris to go to a boarding school where she meets the handsome-est person in the world: Etienne St. Clair, who was born in America, raised in London, and has a French name. But here's the catch-he already has a girlfriend. And thus begins a journey of humor, hair-raising heights, the occasional sleepover, and the best part is the eccentric romantic duo that Anna and Etienne create in Anna and the French Kiss.
Stephanie Perkins is so good at breaking the stereotypical 'muscular, tall, six-pack dude'; St. Clair is a guy that Anna describes as short, sometimes pasty, and always funny. Scratch that. Not always. Nope, in this book, there's actually some bickering scenes, and they make you boo at Anna and St. Clair with an intensity that you've probably been holding up from all those other 'eternal love we'll never fight paranormal fantasies."

And she knows so much about Paris! Before, I was like, Italy for vacation of course after I graduate, but now I'm like: if I meet a guy named Etienne St. Claire on the way, I might just stay in France. Hee hee!

And Anna-I LOVE Anna. The author has created such an amazing voice for her that I wanted to laugh at every page turn. Usually when I'm immersed in a book, I truly am deep under-I never laugh out loud, I never cry, and I don't stand up for hours straight. But here, I was chuckling, like, at every word.

I can't believe I was so late to the Anna and the French Kiss faze. But I promise you, it hasn't died out yet, and it probably won't for years to come.

(P.S Have you noticed how many series there are these days? I am so glad to have a book like Anna and the French Kiss where you can just kick back and not worry about getting the next or the next or the next book in the series. But I am excited to read Lola and the Boy Next Door. Are you?)

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

2011-12-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

So what books are we waiting on this last week of the year?

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?-Goodreads

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite. - Goodreads

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. - Goodreads

___________

So, what books are you guys all excited for? We can't wait 'till 2012 when so many good books are coming. Hope you guys have a Happy New Year!

Thanks to the people at breakinghtespine.blogspot.com for creating and hosting this wonderful meme!

Reviews?

2011-12-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

First up Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone is going to have a wonderful Christmas and Happy Holidays. Now, straight to business, a few weeks ago I said that I would be doing a quick overview about the books that I've read; with Christmas around the corner the teachers piled us with homework and I only got the chance to read one book. Fortunately, the book that I chose to read was AMAZING! Michael Vey and the Prisoner of Cell #25 was the kind of book that I stayed up late to read and COULD NOT (!) put down. There are supposed to be 8 or 9 books in the series and I cannot wait for the second to come out. Michael Vey is a teenage boy that lives in Idaho with his Mom. When he is about to get 'pansted' by Jack and his group of bullies he can't help but shock them. Never before has he shocked someone let alone some people, but after being bullied all school year it just happened. Across the school courtyard stands bystander Taylor, the most popular, nicest, and prettiest, cheerleader in the entire school. The beginning of the Electroclan forms shortly afterwards and they are ready to take on the unenviable. Like I said this was an AMAZING book and I give it 4.75 stars out of 5 stars. Have Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas,

Top Ten Tuesday (2)

2011-12-20T00:00:00.007-07:00

Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings

Dear Santa,

1. I want Inheritance by Christopher Paolini because Jade (onceuponawanderer.blogspot.com) refuses to lend her hardcovers.

2. The time to read the Uglies Series by Scott Westerfield because everybody says its good but its one of those 'eh' books that I need more weekends to read.

3. I want Insurgent by Veronica Roth (I know that it's technically not out, but I still want to read it.)

4. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

5. A signed copy of Bitter Melon.

6. A Winnie the Pooh book to read on winter nights.

7. And The Mark of Athena before it comes out.

8.The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

9. The Secret Life of Princesses by I don't know who because it has beautiful, darling illustrations.

10. And the whole Harry Potter series, but only because I want my sister to catch on to the phase. :)
Please, please, please, Santa-I will be a good girl all next year if you give me these presents! And if I sounded snobby during my letter, please forgive me-it's a medical condition. :)

Thanks guys for looking at my Top Ten Tuesday post! Hope everyone has a Happy Holidays-and let's dream that our family will buy us books for our empty bookshelves! :)

The Ivy (The Ivy #1) by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur

2011-12-19T16:06:00.001-07:00

Release Date: August 31st, 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 320
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

For any Harvard hopeful who thinks they know what The Ivy is about (or at least what they want it to be about), be blown away but its fun, flirty, and absolutely gossip-y world of intrigue college style (for those of you who thought it was going to be a guide for getting into Ivy League schools, think again!)

So, I'll admit, I sounded a bit enthusiastic about the book back there, but I didn't believe it was THAT great. Just a good fluff book that you have to read once in a while because there's just too much vampire and zombie and eternal life/angel stuff out there.

I actually almost dropped this book for a while there. One problem was because it was just kind of repetitive. Another was because it was too much like Pretty Little Liars and The Luxe, except in college. Which just meant there were a lot more bad things that could happen legally.

Callie was a good character, overall. I mean, she seemed to change too suddenly, if you know what I mean, like all the characters kind of did. But throughout the whole book, she was okay. Like really, okay. I wouldn't really want to be her friend in real life.

So you should read The Ivy if you need a little fluff. But if you want some serious cotton candy, you might want to skip on it...unless you're a Harvard college hopeful. This might give you some HUGE survival tips.

In My Mailbox (8)

2011-12-18T00:00:00.002-07:00

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Hello, fellow bookaholics! I've gotten GREAT books this week, but unfortunately they are all from the library or borrowed (ehem, Ashes and Anna and the French Kiss). I'm super excited to read Carrier of the Mark, because I'm a member of InkPop and have been waiting a long time to read Leigh Fallon's work. Hope you had guys had a great book week and leave your IMM links below!

____

Compliments to The Story Siren

Ashes (Ashes Trilogy #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

2011-12-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Release Date: September 6th, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 480

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: ARC

Source: Book Club/Publisher

Cover Love: 3/5 I don't particularly hate it, but I don't love it either. The symbolism of the rays look good, but I just don't think it's as artistic as the ARC cover.

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I have never read a zombie book.

Yeah. I know. I really need to catch up.

But I thought Ashes was a good start to the zombie world. Well, not only good, but GREAT-there is something about Ilsa J. Bick's writing that intrigued me from the start, and let me say, it captivated me 'till the end.

Alex is a teenage girl who has a brain tumor, and the doctors tell her it won't be long before she's, well, dead. Hoping to find herself, she backpacks across the Michigan wilderness, hoping to scatter her parent's ashes in Lake Superior, as was her parent's wishes before they died in a helicopter crash. On the way, she meets up with Ellie and Jack, a cynical, eight year old girl and her grandfather. After spending a few minutes with Jack, Alex suddenly finds him choking, blood coming out of his throat and her own head pounding up a storm. Moments later, she realizes that Jack is dead, and that her own sense of smell has come back (the tumor took it away) with heightened properties.

What Alex finds is that a very powerful electromagnetic pulse has swept through the sky, and it has killed others and than Changed some. These Changed are zombie-like creatures who want nothing but human flesh. As she struggles to survive in the post-apocalyptic North America, she teams up with Ellie and a young veteran named Tom, and learns that the Changed are not the only things that plague the ruins of the world.

Ashes is a morbid, thoroughly disgusting, gross, and EPIC tale. Not only is it a modern day survival story like that of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, but it is also a gruesome novel that will make you shiver like The Hunger Games. Alex's experiences are nothing that I would want to go alone, and her own wicked and somber story has a horrific twist to it. And the romance. Don't get me talking about the romance, because I will rant on and on and on for hours. You know those books that have the love triangles that annoy the heck out of you because you're just like: "He's your soulmate. Duh."? Well, in here, you're like (or at least I was like) "Fall in love with both of them!" Even thought that would make Alex a polyandrist.

And the realism behind everything-I could totally tell that the author knew most of (if not everything,) she was talking about. She's a child psychiatrist, a wanna be surgeon, and a former Air Force Major. I really want to meet this lady.

Reading this chilled me to the bone, and made me shed a few tears, which I usually don't do. Just don't read this at night, or you'll be waiting for the Changed to peek around your bedroom door....

Waiting On Wednesday (1)

2011-12-07T17:13:00.001-07:00

Welcome to A Splatter of Ink's first Waiting on Wednesday post!

So what book are we eagerly waiting for?

Bitterblue is a companion book to both Graceling and Fire and takes place in the seven kingdoms eight years after Graceling. This third book will tie all three books together in some way. Bitterblue is the eighteen-year-old protagonist, and Katsa, Po, Giddon, Helda, and other characters from Graceling will be part of the fabric of the book.

I am so excited for this one! Please leave your Waiting on Wednesday posts on the comments section, and I hope everybody has a great rest of your Wednesday!

Compliments to Breaking the Spine book blog!

Legacy (Legacy #1) by Cayla Kluver

2011-12-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

Release Date: June 21st, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 496
Format: Paperback (signed)
Source: Giveaway
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In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

n this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.
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It's really hard to determine the real weight of the book, especially if you've talked to the author. But Legacy, I admit, was in the middle of that range of, oh, I absolutely love it, and oh, I absolutely hate it. Here's why:

So, from the beginning, I was a little bit skeptical. After all, the cover looked kind of weird-a girl learning on a man's leg? What? And then there was the really vague description on the back, and the way I couldn't determine if it was fantasy or historical fiction (turns out it's fantasy historical fiction.) But as I started reading the Prologue, things started to get better-after all, I love my creepy, mysteriuos prologues.

But then I started really getting into it. It wasn't that it wasn't good-I mean, it was really good as it closed up onto the end-but it wasn't that great either. My biggest problem was with the nuance and flow of Alera's voice-I loved how Kluver toned it so that Alera had a rich, honey-butter Jane Austen feel, but a lot of it was just fluff that I didn't need to know, and her dialect kept switching from regal to teenagers of today.

My next biggest problem was Alera's reactions to all the problems she was facing. It was like she didn't have a set personality; sometimes she was brave and even cruel, while others she was as meek as a mouse. And that wouldn't have been as big of an issue, except for the fact that it wasn't transitioned neatly enough for me to get that she was a human being, if you know what I mean. And another part of that is that I felt the secondary characters were more well-developed than Alera herself, because I could imagine the strong and silent London and Narian and the charismatic but stuffy Steldor much better than Alera.

And, let's just get it out-the romance. For some reason in my head, I'm rooting for Steldor. I don't know why, and don't ask me why, because even I don't know why. Even though Kluver kind of fluctuates in some other things of her writing, her romances are really strong and beautiful, and though Narian makes me sigh, Steldor is kind of the character who's come a long way in his personality, and that I, for one, find kind of mysterious.

Last but not least-the plot. I thought that was the best part of this piece. Even though it could be slow at times (especially at the beginning) Kluver excels at wanting us to read more and more and more. I stayed up all night until I could finish this book-so many new things were happening at each turn of the page, and the story just accelerated as it kept going.

So I'll just have to say that Legacy didn't give me that mind-blowing realization of "here's a good book, but rather one of, "I'll have to read the next one to really determine where this is heading." Lucky for me, I do have Allegiance in my hands-and while I catch up on my reading, you'll have to decide whether Legacy is a good next read for you.

In My Mailbox (7)

2011-12-04T15:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the Story Siren!

Hope everybody had a great book week!!

(Sorry about the formatting-will get that fixed!)

Follow Friday (1)

2011-12-02T17:25:00.001-07:00

Hello, this is KAJA at a Splatter of Ink with a new meme-Follow Friday. As well as getting some publicity (We're kind of straggling in that subject), Follow Friday has a lot of fun questions and answers. Today, the question is:

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books?

Well, hee hee- I could answer with a lot of totally different things. One of them would be people dog-earing pages. I really really really can't stand that. But my biggest one is probably fluffy and poofy romances. They drive me on the edge, especially when you know love at first sight is not the most realistic thing in the world-and that there's nothing more entertaining than fights and realization.

Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison from Alison Can Read for this meme. Please call on me if I don't show up as a follower-I might've clicked the wrong button. :)

Reviews?

2011-12-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have guessed I personally am not very good at writing reviews about books, that's Anqi's thing. Maybe I will start again but not now. What I am going to do though is give you a short and condensed what I think of the book with a little information. So, lets begin:

Seeing Things by Patti Hill
What is it about? This book is about an old lady that has an eye disorder and sees things. She tripped and broke her ankle while seeing a boulder in front of her on the stairs, and now that she is in Denver living with her son and his family she is having conversations with Huckleberry Finn.
My Rating: I give this book a 4.7 out of 5 stars. First I must say that this is not a paranormal read. This is a light 336 page book filled with laughter and tears. I would say this is a MOST READ for anyone that's peeking around for some humor. I wasn't so sure about reading it at first but now I am thankful that I did. During this book I experienced what it is like to be a 72 year-old grandmother and some things I never would have guessed. Everyone needs a little Birdie Wainwright (the main character) at sometimes so dig in!

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1) by Anna Godbersen

2011-11-30T21:16:00.001-07:00

Release Date: October 12th, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 389
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Local Library
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The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star…

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart. From the New York Times Bestselling author of The Luxe comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age-Goodreads
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Anna Godbersen is great at writing historical fiction in the 1900's; so how well did she do in the Jazz Age? It would be an understatement if I said if it was just good. It was GREAT. Like this very social and upbeat time era in America, Godbersen writes with style and prose and the distinction of her voice is just awesome and unique. If I could make someone like me like historical fiction, I would probably do nothing but write.
In this new series, Godbersen follows the stories of three young girls who are all looking for their share of fame and fortune. In a world where everything is shady and slinky, those three are surprisingly like us; big dreams, big hearts, and a whole lot of trouble. Sometimes their unlikeable, sometimes their just stupid, and other times, they kind of break your heart.

Like in the Luxe series, Anna Godbersen takes the first chapter and kind of tweaks your mind; you go "Really? Is this what's going to happen?" Something else that's very similar is the format; every chapter alternates voices/perspectives. It's what kind of makes a novel of hers; it was one of the many things that kept me racing to finish a chapter, because I wanted to know what happened to another character. Sometimes, it was a little bit slow, but it quickly made up for its fast-paced plots in other areas.

I can't wait 'till Beautiful Days, which is currently sitting on my 'to-read' shelf until I have enough time to read it. Entertaining and absolutely a novel you can take in one bite, Bright Young Things is sure to cure us of the huge huge HUGE ending that the author gave us in Splendour. This definitely lives up to the standards of The Luxe.

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

2011-11-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Release Date: September 12th, 2011

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Age Group: Middle Grade/Young Adult

Format: ARC

Source: Book Club/Publisher

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Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure far beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true life secret from his family.

Fortitude, an orphaned maid, longs only for Tips.

These three passionate souls might just attain their dreams while preserving Montagne from certain destruction, if only they can tolerate each other long enough to come up with a plan. Tough to save the world when you can't even be in the same room together.

Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious, extraordinary tale by the author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben. An incredibly creative tale told with diaries, memoirs, encyclopedia entries, letters, biographies, even a stage play, all woven together into a grand adventure.

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Oh Tips-how you tease us so!

Wisdom's Kiss is a funny and whimsical novel that takes its hilarity off and on the page. (The front ARC cover has little quotes from the characters in the book praising the book. I know. That was confusing.) The most unique part of this original piece of work is the format of which it is written it; eight different perspectives, however each is told in a different medium (letter, story, diary, etc.) I've read a few books before that have had this similar concept: Trial by Journal and Regarding the Fountain are some favorites of mine that handle this situation fairly well, which is a bit lacking in Wisdom's Kiss. The switching, however, though not as smooth as I would've enjoyed it, is distinct and visible and each character shines through in their storytelling.

Another thing that kind of bugged me was the word choice. This is really just a matter of opinion-the old words just kind of tugged on my vocabulary. That's all I have to say on that.

The only thing that really really really annoyed me about this book was the ending. Oh, just remembering the ending makes me want to curl up and cry and listen to Adele. Because I have never really read a really good book with a love triangle and seen the character get the wrong person (well, in my opinion, at least.) How could Catherine Gilbert Murdock torture me so?

If you have not read Princess Ben (which is kind of like an indirect prequel to Wisdom's Kiss), don't hesitate to delve right in to this one. It is definitely stand alone-you don't really have to know anything about the previous book to read this one (I didn't,) though one perspective is from the now grandmotherly Princess Ben.

I think I'll go drink some hot chocolate now. This review brings back too many painful bibliophile related rants. But still-please read it!

In My Mailbox (6)

2011-11-27T17:18:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry for everyone who's been looking for my In My Mailbox posts. Unfortunately, I had none-not only were my supply of books dry but my time low as well. :) Hope everybody has a good Sunday!

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

2011-11-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 346
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Book Club/Publisher
Format: ARC
Cover Love: / 5 (Like the glass and the slash through 'Shatter Me' but I think the dress and Juliette I suppose, are okay, and the color choices don't exactly match.)
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Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting asThe Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices,Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

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Shatter Me is one of the best dystopian novels I've read after The Hunger Games. Instead of swaying toward ideal societies like that in Matched, Shatter Me brings out the nitty-gritty in life after an apocalypse. I love that there are so many things that drew me into our world, but throw me back into that world as well (like the mention of a microwave-like machine called the Automat which literally blows up food into bigger pieces.)

But, like all government takeovers after the world almost ends, Shatter Me isn't perfect. My biggest problem with this book is the hurried, spontaneous romance between the main character, Juliette, and a boy from her school days. Sure, maybe it was something cosmic that brought them together, but the way they bonded seemed more fantasy than reality. There's one point in the book where Juliette feels betrayed, but that moment is completely swept over by that emotion in your gut that tells you "They're going to end up together. No matter what." This doesn't give a lot of room for a weepfest.

My next biggest problem is the pacing. Overall, I thought it was pretty good; it didn't keep me racing into the night but I didn't completely drop it. But it was very choppy, and for some reason, I kept getting different moods for different parts of the story, like part a and part b and part c didn't sound like one novel-it sounded like it was supposed to be split up into different books. This might be good or bad depending on your viewpoint, and I suppose its a pretty interesting method; but I would've liked it better a little bit more, well, smooth.

My absolutely favorite part is the character portrayed in Juliette. She's got a lot of dimensions; kind, shy, bold, rash. Sometimes, she is a bit too sweet or a bit too whiney, but its a dash of pepper and salt here and there for any character. I love her voice-its an interesting way of writing a human being's feelings, with lots of repeating repeating repeating and ~~crossed~~ out words. She also has a delicate prose that I continually mistook for poetry-it was that beautiful and unique.

Though with a few flaws, Shatter Me had a lot of great material that I'm looking forward to in the next book (because of course, there has to be one), and even though it may not be a page-turner, Shatter Me is a lot of great dystopian entertainment in three hundred pages.
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And to make this post even longer, check out some interesting links about Shatter Me:

http://youtu.be/pT1KL-wmNyU (The Book Trailer)
http://www.stiryourtea.blogspot.com/ (Tahereh Mafi's Blog)
http://taherehmafi.tumblr.com/post/5223879481/okay-guys-i-have-recorded-my-voice-in-an (A Link for People who Can't Pronounce Tahereh Mafi's Name; I Couldn't. :D)

Hunger Games: Official Trailer

2011-11-15T21:13:00.002-07:00

The official trailer of the Hunger Games has come!

No more teasers! No more snippets! Here is a full length trailer to satisfy us until March 23rd.

What did you think of it? I think the quality is good, however, I would have a different choice of actors.

Thanks to Gothical at gothicalsbookreviews.blogspot.com for providing the news of the trailer! :)

Perfect (Impulse #2) by Ellen Hopkins

2011-10-31T20:18:00.001-06:00

Release Date: September 13th, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 622
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Local Library

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Okay, so you're just going to have to assume that I'm going to give every Ellen Hopkins book five stars. I know that's a bit prejudiced of me, but that's just how great of an author she is.

Seriously. If you haven't read her yet, I'm going to throw you out of the window.

Perfect is kind of an indirect sequel to Impulse. In Impulse, we follow the lives of Vanessa, Toby, and Connor as they try to survive a mental institution called Aspen Springs all for trying to do one thing: suicide. Perfect is the story that takes place back at the lives they left (especially Connor's) in the duration of Impulse. In this book, we are introduced to four characters: Cara, Connor's twin, the 'perfect' one that wants (and needs) to follow in her mother's and father's footsteps; Sean, a baseball player who, with the help of steroids, is the star athlete of his team; Andre, a person who is wanted to live up to his family's heritage and ancestry but wants to pursue his dreams in another direction; and Kendra, who will do anything to perfect the imperfections in her mirror image.

This book has all the things you know about in a Hopkins book; beautiful poetry, amazing characters, romance, steroids/plastic surgery/anorexia/orientation and basically all the things that completes the life (unfortunately) of teens today. Not only is she an extraordinary writer, but her books deal with real-life issues in a way that is not only entertaining, but a message you can take with a grain of salt.

Looking for perfection can sometimes be a curse. I hope that in the future, we'll all be able to strive for what we want; and be happy for what we get. :)

FAVORITE BOOKS!

2011-10-28T21:24:00.000-06:00

Bible
Katie Weldon Series
Christy Miller Series
City of Bones
Harry Potter
Hunger Games
Twilight

I have always tried very hard to write a top ten favorite book list. Writing this many books is hard enough. There are so many books but after these marvelous, magnificent, ravishing, excellent, amazing, spectacular, fantabulous, addictive, just over all Godly books, they are all tied. I don't know if Anqi agrees with me but I can't help but love them!

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

2011-10-28T19:53:00.000-06:00

RELEASE DATE: October 18th, 2011

PUBLISHER: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

AGE GROUP: Young Adult

PAGES: 341

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I've never read a Sara Zarr novel, but I'm glad this one got me started. Zarr writes with the same detail grabbing and lyrical imagery that writers like Sarah Ockler, Deb Caletti, and Sarah Dessen, but her story is touched by adventure and romance with an extra twist of 'real life.'
How to Save a Life is told by the alternate voices Jill MacSweeney and Mandy Kalinowski who both are teenagers getting ready for life in adulthood. Jill has recently lost her dad; and she can't help thinking that her mother is trying to replace one family member with another when she decides to participate in an open adoption and bring another baby into the MacSweeney household. Mandy Kalinowski is pregnant, and running away from her abusive and negligent household in Omaha, she travels to Denver to stay with the MacSweeneys until her baby is born. But she can't help thinking; does she really want to give away her baby? And what if Mandy is actually the one who needs a mother?

In storytelling that rings with clarity, Jill and Mandy bring together a story of heartwarming and scope and allow us to see what family really is. They are not your typical heroines-Jill is a girl who might have once been good and great, but has dipped into the dark side, bringing with her a collection of piercings and dyed hair, and Mandy isn't the smartest person in the world, nor does she tell the truth. But together, they learn how to change their worlds and their lives, and ultimately Save a Life.

The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus, #2)

2011-10-16T19:10:00.000-06:00

Release Date: October 4th, 2011
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 513
Age Group: Middle Grade
Source: Bought at Target
Summary:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes od Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

__________________

I am OBSESSED with this series.

As in the Lost Hero, Rick Riordan leaves me with ANOTHER cliffhanger, and this one even more tempting than the last. Why does he DO this? It almost makes me want to tear out my hair. (Almost.)

This book continues a few months after The Lost Hero ends, and it is revealed that Percy Jackson is barely alive (being chased by hideous sisters of Medusa really runs some people down) and that he has no idea who he is. A few other characters are revealed in this sequel-Frank Zhang, a Chinese Canadian who's good with a bow but feels awkward in his body and Hazel Levesque, who has a few dirty secrets in her very distant past.

I must admit I don't like this series as much as the Percy Jackson series. Maybe because its not told in Percy's point of view anymore-but maybe not. Maybe its because I'm getting older and Percy Jackson really isn't. Either way, I still enjoy the continuation of the plot-it's entertaining, to say the least- but just not as much.

The thing that really gets me is the mesh of all the story lines. I love it when that happens-don't you? While reading the Throne of Fire, I was so frustrated that he wouldn't introduce the darn Olympian gods already into the book! He makes me want to scream the same way with The Son of Neptune-the meeting of the Greek and Romans is just making me ecstatic.

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE SEQUEL!!!!! Please, Rick Riordan, write fast. Write really fast!!

In My Mailbox (5)

2011-09-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to In My Mailbox! This weekly meme was originally started by Kristi at The Story Siren. You can find out more at her blog at thestorysiren.com

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This week in my mailbox, I got:

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Tithe (A Modern Faerie Tale) by Holly Black

Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

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So, what books did you get in your mailbox? Leave a comment and your link below!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2011-09-23T20:47:00.001-06:00

Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 450
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Book Club/ Publisher
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Mara Dyer is unraveling. Ever since her two best friends and her boyfriend died in a horrible building collapse a few months ago, Mara has been seeing hallucinations, hearing voices, and having strange things happen to her whenever she is unaware. After moving to a town in Florida, Mara expects that the new atmosphere will let her live a normal life after their deaths, but things get even weirder. She believes there is much more to what happened to her friends than she knows, and discovers more mysteries along her way then she could have ever imagined. But more than anything, she didn't think that she could fall in love...but she can.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was the best suspense novel I have ever read. It read like a thriller, each page leading you to the next. Paranormal romance blends with horror in this chillingly fast read. Michelle Hodkin's beautiful imagery makes for the perfect story set-I could just walls falling and voices slipping in behind me that weren't really there like it was a movie.

Mara was a beautifully developed character, capable but troubled, which made her all the more interesting and realistic. The romance had a lot of chemistry and was a continual gathering of energy that was electrifying and sweet all at once.

The book gathers speed through every page, and still doesn't end when it reaches the last. I am soo excited to read Hodkin's next book; every quality in this book leaves me practically begging for more. For readers who especially enjoyed Nova Ren Suma's Imaginary Girls, or any other paranormal/horror/suspense movie and book, you will love The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer-I mean it!

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Check out this cool countdown widget: only 3 days 'till the release!

Top Ten Tuesday (1)

2011-09-20T20:11:00.000-06:00

Hi guys! So today, I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by the Broke and the Bookish where you create a list of the topic of that week. So here we go!

Top Ten Books I Feel As Though

Everyone Has Read But Me

1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Why why why haven't I read this book? I mean, well, I suppose you could say I read part of it-but then, I just really gave it up. And then suddenly my friends come up to me saying how great of a book it was and how I should pick it up again. After looking at all the amazing reviews on Goodreads, I'm starting to wonder why I EVER dropped it. Time to pick it up again!

2. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

This book isn't technically YA, but I would still love to read it. It sounds very scary and ethereal, and after the movie came out, I still don't know why I'm waiting.

3. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

The reason I haven't picked up this book yet is because I tried to read Leviathan (it's by the same author) as well, and let's just say that it didn't go well. I don't think Uglies is nearing the top of my list too soon.

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

The vampire fad is kind of being taken over by angels and zombies. But I'm still curious as to what these are about-maybe sometime soon?

5. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer

I never really loved Twilight, but I didn't hate it either. I guess I'm just not Twi-hard enough to read this one, I think.

6. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

I would love to read this one-Anderson's Chains was excellent, but Speak was okay. I wonder what she has to say on the topic of anorexia.

7. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I NEED to read this one!!!

8. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Yep, still haven't read this one. Are you shocked?

9. Wake by Lisa McMann

Someone talked about this at my book club. So little time and too many books!

10. The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

People have been oozing out there love for this book all around me! How come I can't appreciate it? Well, first of all, I don't particularly enjoy demon/angel books-but I might give this one a try. :)

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What's on your top ten list this week? Post your link with your comment below!

In My Mailbox (4)

2011-09-18T19:53:00.002-06:00

Hi guys! This is In My Mailbox, a weekly meme started by Kristi @ thestorysiren.com that talks about books we got this week. If you want to know more about this great meme, go to her website above. Thanks!

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Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Forge (Chains #2) by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wicked by Gregory Macguire

A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Forbidden By Tabitha Sazuma

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So, that's my In My Mailbox this week, folks! What's in yours? Leave a comment below!

Hunger Games Trailer

2011-09-18T17:06:00.000-06:00

Hello, readers and followers of A Splatter of Ink!

Have any of you guys seen the new trailer of the Hunger Games? (We've posted this a little bit late, but better late than never!) I must say it was a bit of a bummer-but don't worry, more previews will come... hopefully. Anyways, here's our first taste of what the movie will be like. What do you think of it?

And the official countdown widget is on the sidebar. Who's gonna watch it?

Thanks! See you guys next time!

Incarceron (Incarceron #1) by Catherine Fisher

2011-09-17T16:18:00.000-06:00

Release Date: May 3rd, 2007
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 458
Source: Library
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Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

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I didn't love Incarceron-but that doesn't mean I hated it. Throughout the whole book, I thought there was something... missing, I guess, from the story (Real specific, I know.) I was first compelled by the interesting and original plot line-a living, breathing prison? Count me in! However, as I got deeper into the story, I found the characters and writing unable to support this amazing story line.

First, the characters: I thought both Claudia and Finn were somewhat, well, iffy. Sometimes they annoyed me, sometimes I loved them, and sometimes I wanted to snap my fingers in front of their faces and say "Duh!" Usually, this is what I think of as a good character-someone who has flaws but overall is interesting and captivating. However, that's not what I found with Claudia and Finn. They were too one-dimensional for my mind to wrap around and connect to.

The writing was okay. I could see patches and spots of beautiful literature, but otherwise it was mundane. I would've liked a lot more description-most of the time I couldn't follow the plot because there were gaps here and there. Speaking of the plot, you don't need much brain-power to know what's coming next. This is a book where the author underestimates what the reader understands, and I didn't enjoy it, but it only took a little bit from the story.

Overall, I would say this book was okay. I would love to see what Catherine Fisher does with Sapphique, though. I hope this is one series that improves with age.

Back to School Fun!

2011-09-12T20:08:00.000-06:00

You guys are probably like, where have you been! Well, to answer your question, the location we've been at these days is school-and though I would love to spend more time on the blog, education calls! However, I am back! As the weeks roll back into the school year, we're starting to get used to the ideas of homework after the long summer.

To kick off our first (I mean, second post!) in a while, I would like to introduce you to one of our book blogger friends... Laura @ turningpagesbylaura.blogspot.com! She is an amazing British teen who loves to read YA. So check out that great blog and follow! We would both appreciate it!

Thanks so much, and enjoy our new book reviews coming later in the future! :)

?? ?? ??Question of the Week ?? ?? ??

2011-09-11T15:43:00.002-06:00

How many animal species approximately can you think of with out looking any up? Send the number of animals you think that there are in the world and we will announce the closest, therefore the winner next Sunday! : )
Send to: ink.kaja@gmail.com
By the way, this does not include insects or types of algae, crustaceans etc.

In My Mailbox (3)

2011-08-28T12:17:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi The Story Siren. Learn more at thestorysiren.com!

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This Girl is Different by J.J. Johnson (So good!)

Pearl by Jo Knowles (LOVE this soap opera of a book...)

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

And...

Both are ARC's from Book Club-thanks to the publishers!

Sorry for the In My Mailbox holdup-I haven't done this in a lot of weeks due to the coming of school-but now it's here! What's in your mailbox this week?

The Gray Wolf Throne (A Seven Realms Novel #3) by Cinda Williams Chima

2011-08-27T21:54:00.000-06:00

Release Date: August 30th, 2011
Publisher: Hyperion Books CH
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 528
Format: ARC
Source: Book Club/Publisher
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Set in a medieval world with wizards and queens, Cinda William Chima brings back to us the epic world of Hans Alister and Raisa 'ana Marianna in the third installment of the Seven Realms novels. As Raisa tries to ascend the throne after escaping from near death at her academy, more attempts on her life are made. With each near assassination, Raisa wonders who she can trust, none more so than Hans Alister, who is meanwhile dealing with his feelings for Raisia and his chosen path by the clans of the Fells.
With more magic, political tension, and romance more than ever, The Gray Wolf Throne is an intense read from beginning to finish. Raisia is a confident female protagonist that thrives in the epic world of Chima's making, and Hans Alister is the hero we'll all be cheering for at the end of every novel. The romance is sweet and satisfying, and Chima's excellent story-telling leaves us feeling defeated, happy, confused, and downright mad with every turn of the page. I'm very excited for the next book to come out, and be prepared for the Seven Realms series to reach a climax that is intense and exhilirating.

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

2011-08-20T20:14:00.000-06:00

Release Date: August 23rd, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 352

Format: ARC

Source: Book Club/Publisher

The cliche science fiction found in I Am Number Four is gone from Pittacus Lore's next book, The Power of Six. The series returns to John Smith, the fourth Garde that arrived on Earth from his original planet Lorien, and with it comes a new cast of characters (including Number Seven, who is introduced in the first chapter and narrates her own passages). The plot is charged with alien action and new discoveries that are exciting and fills you with adrenaline. The romance is the only thing holding this back from being truly amazing; Pittacus Lore is good at fighting scenes, but romance?... Not so much. The characters are still likeable, witty, and funny, and each member of the Garde that is introduced are individuals and unique.

I'm very excited for the next book in the Lorien Legacies what with the huge cliffhanger that the author has left for us in The Power of Six. Readers will fall in love with the twist in this new installment, and will be hungering for more, just as I will be.

Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

2011-08-18T12:47:00.000-06:00

Release Date: August 1st, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
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Abby is starting high school. So why shouldn't she be excited? After three years of bullying from the Clique Queens at Abby's middle school, she sees no point in making an effort for the first day of school if there are going to be even more 'Clique Queens' on the rage. So when she starts talking to Luke online, she loves the escape-from school, from her parents, from even her friends-and she feels there is no one else who understands her better than Luke. When Luke suggests they meet, Abby readily agrees. But when Abby goes missing, its left to her closest ones to figure out the truth...or she will be gone forever.
I LOVED this novel. Sarah Darer Littman takes a real-life, gritty, and what we think of as almost a technical situation and turns it into a full length book that dissects it bit by bit to reveal the human nature underneath, much like what I thought Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why did. Though it is albeit predictable (even from the summary, you probably know what happens) it doesn't give away the completely poignant way this book is written, the way it tugs at your heartstrings and almost makes you cry. That's what definitely happened to me. It had my heart racing as I turned page after page after page to see the outcome, and when I finished a few hours later, I couldn't shake the nightmarish images out of my head.
Take heed of the words in this book-though it is mostly a dark journey, rays of hope shine through to let you believe that some good things come after the bad.

This Girl is Different by J.J. Johnson

2011-08-18T09:37:00.000-06:00

Release Date: April 1st, 2011

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 320

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Evensong Sparkling Morningdew (she prefers to be called Evie, if you know what I mean,) has been homeschooled her whole life, and with senior year coming around the corner, she decides to spend her last year at high school, where she'll do a little bit of pop culture research (and maybe experience some "normal girl" tendencies, like attendance and mean girls and falling in love.) The thing is, when Evie gets there, things aren't as great as they're cracked up to be, but who,if not an eccentric homeschooler, can turn its system around and bring justice if not Evie? All goes well until the revolution starts to kick back, and Evie has to confront her worst fear-is this girl really different? I LOVED this book! Evie is the most sassy and loveable character I have ever seen come to life in a book's pages, and her spunk and butt-kicking abilities, as well as her love for literature and philosophical quotes, makes you want to cheer for her through the good and the bad. She may make mistakes, but boy, does she figure out good ways to battle them! The romance was subtle, but very cute and very funny-who knew that Evie had a match out there? It all came down to the page-turning plot; it was hours before I realized I had been sitting in the same place as when I had started, but Johnson's action driven plot wanted me to read more! I can't wait to see other work by the author of This Girl is Different, and let me say this: everyone will delight in J.J. Johnson's debut novel, and I guarrentee that Evie's journey is a fun, but different one.

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer

2011-08-08T10:20:00.001-06:00

Release Date: July 26th, 2011

Publisher: Penguin Young Reader's Group

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 390

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I was delightfully surprised after finishing Andrea Cremer's new novel. After reading Nightshade, I decided the only reason I would ever read Wolfsbane would be to figure out what happened after the cliffhanger left in the prequel. (I can never leave cliffhangers just hanging there.) But as I turned the last page of this new addition in the Nightshade series, I couldn't help feeling that I needed to read the next book, and not because it didn't have a big ending (because it did) but it turns out that Wolfsbane is infinitely better than Nightshade.

First things first, there were tons of secrets that were revealed in this one. I was gasping at every page because the enormity of each were just so big and monumental to the story. It was a big step up from Nightshade-for some reason, I could almost see what was happening next in her previous book, which really irked me. A warning though; You should definitely read Nightshade before reading Wolfsbane, even if you're not sure you would like it. I read it, and I still got confused with all the terms and action they were throwing around. That's the other thing-this book reads fast. The plot twists and turns with fighting, romance, and gore, and I found myself at the last hundred pages when I was least expecting it.

The romance is the only thing that's holding me back from giving it a full five stars. The chemistry between Shay and Calla and Ren and Calla never exactly felt...well, real. I couldn't find myself really detesting or liking either Shay or Ren, which I didn't enjoy. I also thought that Calla's character could be developed more-sometimes she seemed so selfish, while others she seemed like the perfect heroine in every way. Maybe that's the key to a good character-she/he needs to have an equal balance of good or bad-but I still thought she could've been more well-rounded.
So, yes... please do read Wolfsbane! It is amazing! I will be eagerly waiting for the next in the series, as I'm sure that other readers will be!

Katie Weldon Series #2 On a Whim by Robin Jones Gunn

2011-08-04T13:37:00.002-06:00

Ages: 13-58
Pages: 295
Buy: robingunn.com

What happens during part of Katie's senior year of college? Katie's beloved yellow car, baby hummer gives it's last wheeze, an unexpected girl's night turns into an unexpected bill, her relationship with her boyfriend Rick becomes difficult when a new job opportunity in Arizona presents itself, and when will Rick finally kiss her? Going to a meteor shower with Rick's roommate Eli and one of Eli's friends stirs up even more problems. How will Katie stay happy and calm with all that is going on?
This inspirational second book in the Katie Weldon series changed my view of life and made me want to make a difference. During this book when she is in charge of a clean water fundraiser in Africa I realized what sorts of horrible things are going on in the world and what I can do to change something. She learns that she needs to trust God and that everything will go just fine if she does. I again recommend this book along with all of the other wonderful, terrific and altogether awesome Robin Gunn books to anybody.
Warning: This book should only be read by women that are ready to be terrific in many ways. : )

Trailer Thursday (1) (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children)

2011-08-03T20:53:00.001-06:00

Okay, so today while looking through Beth Revis' blog-(Author of Across the Universe, no less..) I found this:

which turns out to be one of my favorite book trailers ever! Now I am definitely wanting to read this book!

And check it out! The author actually found these creepy peculiar photos before he wrote his novel!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/05/miss-peregrines-home-for-peculiar-children-ransom-riggs.html

And if you want more videos, including his other book trailers and a look at how he made them, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/ransriggs

Thanks to Beth Revis for finding these links!

(Now, I know it's not Thursday, but who's going to complain for doing it early?)

Fury (Fury #1) by Elizabeth Miles

2011-08-01T20:33:00.002-06:00

Release Date: August 30th, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 352 Pages

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Everything should be perfect in Ascension, Maine, the little town that Emily Winters and Chase Singer live in. The snow is falling, the holiday settling in, and everything is as it should be. Except for the fact that Emily's best friend's boyfriend seems to be falling for her, and Chase's old best friend performed suicide, life is continuing on its bumpy road. When three beautiful girls come to Ascension, however, their lives are turned upside down. They've chosen people to pay.
And Emily and Chase are chosen.

Fury was a pretty ordinary book in all of its aspects-the characters were bland, the setting quaint but without depth, and the plot predictable and slow. I found myself a couple of hundred pages in and Miles still did not reveal who these 'three beautiful girls' were, but I had my guesses.

The characters: Emily was a bit too selfish for my taste. So was Chase. When something bad happened to either of them, I had a twinge of guilt, because I kind of thought they deserved it-which is not what you're supposed to feel when something bad happens to one of the characters. And when something good happened to them, I had a feeling like disgust, like why should they deserve this?

The magic (well, the 'lack of magic') I should say, was a bit disappointing for me. I love fantasy, so in Fury, I was expecting something Greek mythology themed, which did show up, but very briefly. Mostly it was a blend of paranormal that wasn't exactly to my taste. It was probably more my opinions and biases that made this a not-so-favorite book, so you might still enjoy it even though I didn't like it.

The romance was cute, but too happily-ever-after. It was like Emily knew in a split second who her soul mate was, which wasn't very realistic.

I still see the potential in a book like Fury. That's why I'll be watching out for the sequel and waiting expectantly for it. I hope its better than Fury, which was a debut, to let you know, and it will hopefully satisfy the curiosty that was left with this first novel.

Katie Weldon Series by Robin Jones Gunn

2011-07-28T11:56:00.003-06:00

Age Group: 13-52

Pages: 281

Buy: robingunn.com, bn.com, amazon.com

What happens after Christy Miller is wedded? Katie Weldon her best friend is here to tell you. At first I didn't know how great Katie's series was going to

be. I was disappointed and still am that the wonderful Christy Miller Series is over with. I really wanted to find out what happened after Christy's wedding so decided to give this a shot. I learned that Robin Jones Gunn has lots of talent in this book as well. The Christy Miller Series was better then any other book on Earth but it was still really good. It's hard to explain the magic that Robin produces when she writes. Months after reading her book there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of them. They changed me and I can't get over it. It's mind-blowing that I hadn't ever heard of her or her books until my Aunt gave me one for my birthday. She has won tons of awards and is a fun spirited bubbly person. Everyone should visit Robin's website http://robingunn.com/ and enjoy the warmth and love she radiates. I think that everyone on Earth should be required to at least read one of Robin's books. I promise you will be captivated!
By the way, I know that this isn't the longest post on the face of the world but I couldn't talk about it anymore because I would be spoiling the rest of the books. : )

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

2011-07-25T20:34:00.000-06:00

Release Date: June 1st, 2009
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 290
Buy This Book: Amazon
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In Sarah Ockler's debut novel, she explores the roiling waves of death and grief while finding new light in a life still living. Anna is on vacation with her best friend Frankie in California, and when Frankie suggests project Twenty Boy Summer(twenty guys in twenty days) Anna reluctantly agrees. The thing is, she's not ready for a summer fling. Especially since just a year ago, Anna fell in love with Frankie's brother Matt and he died in a car crash. Now, she must bury the secret deep in her heart, or else risk the shattering of her seemingly normal life-and the guilt of betraying her first love.
Sarah Ockler writes with grace and beauty, able to make you feel in simple phrases with the ocean always ebbing and flowing behind you. Though not as good as Sarah Ockler's Fixing Delilah, she still manages to create a perfect character in Anna; pretty, but not too pretty, smart, and confident, but not too confident. The relationship between Anna and her best friend Frankie is complicated and tangled, but Ockler manages it with realistic emotions and plot twists. Anna's romance is also sweet and satisfying, leaving you guessing at the end. Having been to the San Francisco area myself, I feel Sarah Ockler describing it perfectly, especially in the ocean scenes. The grief Anna and Frankie have for Matt will be forever undying, and perfectly executed by Ockler's pen.

This is definitely a recommended read for Sarah Dessen and Deb Calletti fans, and Sarah Ockler has already joined their ranks as a fantastic writer of contemporary fiction for YA readers.

In My Mailbox (2)

2011-07-23T16:07:00.000-06:00

Welcome to In My Mailbox! This weekly meme was originally started by Kristi at The Story Siren. You can find out more at her blog at thestorysiren.com

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Posting In My Mailbox on Saturday because I'm going on a trip tomorrow, but still went to book club again and came back with some awesome books! Check it out!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Need I say more?

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

A story about internet security...sounds interesting....

Faerie Winter by Janni Lee Simner

Read the prequel a long time ago, very excited for this one...

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Previous book wasn't that great, but hoping it'll turn it out okay in this one...

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Really excited for this one!

My Name is Mina by David Almond

To Timbuktu by Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg

Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

Finished this one already, review to come!

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Excuse the side-wayness!

Amen, L.A. by Cherie Bennett and Jeff Gottesfeld

I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

Thanks for checking out this week's IMM. What's in your mailbox?

Reader's Readery!

2011-07-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! On a previous post, titled Yeah! we introduced a new feature called 'The Reader's Readery." It's a weekly meme (still haven't figured out which day of the week we'll have it on yet) that will combine works from us, the bloggers, and you, the readers. You can send in reviews about books that you just love or extremely hate, ask us to recommend a book for you, answer trivia/fun questions, and just get together with other people to talk about your favorite subject-literature. So invite others to check out the Reader's Readery! Go to the feature's page to grab the button and spread the word!

Thanks a lot!

Amen, L.A. by Cherie Bennett & Jeff Gottesfeld

2011-07-22T12:56:00.002-06:00

Publisher: Ember
Pages: 261
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
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Amen, L.A. is about a girl, Natalie, of about 16 who moves to L.A. with her brother, sister, mom, and dad. Her mom gets a promotion of being a minister at the Beverly Hills Church and after a family meeting followed by a vote decided to go ahead and take the offer. Natalie isn't so thrilled about the moving because the night before she oh-so-accidentally gave her virginity to her boyfriend on the ugliest rug known to man. She learns who you have to be to fit in but then questions whether she likes that person. Having her long-distance boyfriend back home in Minnesota was definitely challenging with all the hot boys in LA consuming a lot of her attention. Friends also involved lots of temptation and choosing the right friends out of so may options showed to be a real problem. At the end of the book Natalie has to make a life-changing decision that could change their families life forever. ( I know that sounds a notch dramatic but that is how it turned out). I would rate this book a 6.5/7 out of 10 The authors' style was unique but not exactly the technique that I appreciate in books. It was good and maybe informational about life would be like there, but I just didn't like it all that much.

Christy and Todd College Years by Robin Jones Gunn

2011-07-21T09:48:00.001-06:00

Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 660
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy this book: Robingunn.com, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon

Robin Jones Gunn does it again! In this book Christy, Katie, and Todd, are traveling to Europe for a nice vacation before school starts up again they meet new friends and come to realize what God is trying to do in their lives. I can't believe how absolutely amazing Robin Gunn is. She is definitely one of my favorite authors, (right up there with J.K. Rowling) her ability to make such a moving book is mind-blowing. After I finished this book I couldn't get Christy and Todd out of my mind! This was such an amazing book I give it a 10 out of 10 best book I have ever read. I again encourage and recommend everybody to read these books (starting with Christy Miller Collection Volume 1) and I promise they will change you! ( In a fantastic way!) Yesterday when I visited the library I went straight to Robin Gunn and picked up one of her other series, the Katie Weldon series. You do have to read the Christy books before this for it to make more chronologically correct. I would definitely say that these books are for a mature audience. This book is probably directed more for females (F.Y.I.). So go and read these books as soon as possible and tell us how you like them!

Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

2011-07-20T10:23:00.004-06:00

Courtesy of Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

Release Date: November 14th, 2011
Publisher: Clarion Books
Pages: 144
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy This Book: Amazon

Also known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher was an amazing, unique book. This book was about a boy named Bobby Steele who lives with his Dad and little 5-year-old brother; when him and some friends meet at their usual hang out, The International House of Pancakes, a.k.a IHOP, they decide to make up a guy and send in an application for one of the best schools in his state, Whitestone. Surprisingly he gets accepted and while Marcus and Bid Poobs go on like nothing happened, Bobby has other ideas.
A year ago when Bobby's mom left him she started a landslide of good things going down hill. His Dad and him losing a close relationship, money, girls, and most importantly his cruddy high school. Why shouldn't Bobby accept the application and pretend like he is the made-up Rowan Pohi to start anew? This book was a good easy read and had light humor. I would say that this book was a 9 out of 10.

In My Mailbox (1)

2011-07-17T15:09:00.000-06:00

Welcome to In My Mailbox! This weekly meme was originally started by Kristi at The Story Siren. You can find out more at her blog at thestorysiren.com

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Hi guys! Today has been a busy book week! For the first time this summer, I went to our local book club, and came back with a bunch of new ARC's!

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

The sequel to I Am Number Four-what else can I say?

Return to Exile by (The Hunter Chronicles #1) E.J. Patten

An interesting middle grade fantasy-my kind of book!

Threads and Flames by Esther Friesner

Historical fiction, picked up at local library; looks interesting...

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Another novel by the author of The Luxe series-so excited!

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Loved Dragon Slippers, probably will love this one as well!

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Her latest book was awesome! Can't wait to read this one!

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3) by Cinda Williams Chima

This one was as great as the previous two-review to come!

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

A prodigious violin player who must find the difference between need and desire-sounds like a good book for a violinist like me!

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Thanks to my book club again for providing these books! And of course, my awesome library!

What's in your mailbox?

(Don't worry, everybody else will post their In My Mailbox's next week.)

Yeah!

2011-07-14T16:50:00.001-06:00

Dear readers,

Sorry that we haven't had a new post recently! We are working on several right now but are still finishing them up. One of the members has the worse case of writers block imaginable. Thank you for patiently waiting and our other posts should be out by Saturday at the latest! I know we sound kind of robotic and cliche right now but it happens to be the truth! Another interesting thing we are starting today is the "Readers Readery"! Yes, I know it is a play on words and not correct but.... Anyways, what this is, is you will be able to send in titles of books and ask us to review them to see if you would sound interested in them. This is also a place where you can ask us about books, and you can send in your own reviews on books that we can post on the blog. This new addition will probably also be added this weekend! Thank you so much and enjoy our our coming soon "Readers Readery"!!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2011-07-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

Release Date: October 18th, 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 288

Buy This Book: Amazon

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All Clay Jensen is is an average guy who's never done anything wrong in his life. So when on one ordinary day he finds a package sitting on his doorstep, he doesn't expect a set of thirteen tapes detailing the death of Hannah Baker: a girl who had performed suicide just a few† weeks before. With Hannah herself as the narrator, she tells the story of her life, and the thirteen people who led the chain of events that eventually destroyed it. What Clay is about to discover is something monumentally haunting....and something that will change his life forever, no matter the cost.
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Wow. That was all I said, as I lay near my San Franciscan hotel room ceiling-to-floor window, and stared down into the buzz below. Hundreds of people seemed to pass the streets that day, and the rain drizzled down in gray flecks that dotted their umbrellas and souls. Who was the next person that would fall into a fate like Hannah's? Out of all those ordinary looking people down there, who had a secret burning a hole right through their hearts, spinning wildly out of control?

That's what I felt like when I finished the last word of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why. It felt like my life had suddenly been thrown onto a different course and left for something I'd never intentioned. When I first saw this book at a nearby Borders, I was like, meh. Seriously, I said that (at least in my head). It was the paperback version, and though I still had doubts, the gray coloring drew me more than the sunlight shining on the girl swinging, staring off into the distance. This one seemed more...ominous, like secrets danced just under the surface that were waiting to be found out.

And found out they were. I still don't understand this book completely-the plot tossed you around like a small boat in the ocean, and all I could was grasp to the side and hang on for dear life. I've read about death before. But this one was more intense, real, and raw than any other death I have even read about before. When I finished, I cried, knowing that Hannah was gone forever. I never, ever cry-at least, I try not to-but this one was the first book where I wasn't ever going to hold them in.

I feel heavy, weighed with knowledge like never before. Thirteen Reasons Why will stay with me for the rest of my life, and it has inspired me to try to be something good and kind-something that would've saved Hannah Baker's life, in time.

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

2011-07-02T23:15:00.001-06:00

Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 487
Buy This Book: Amazon
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Set in a dystopian Chicago, Beatrice acts and talks like an Abnegation, one of the five factions that split up the one glorious city. Each faction represents one value that that faction admires and honors. Abnegation is for selflessness, Dauntless for bravery, Erudite for smartness, Candor for honesty, and Amity for peacefulness. But Beatrice isn't satisfied with staying an Abnegation forever. Selflessness comes with its own price-plain food, gray clothes, and the inability to express oneself are some of the things Abnegation requires for their members so that they never think of themselves, but of others. But a chance does come for Beatrice on her sixteenth birthday, when all sixteen year olds gather together to choose their new factions, either to stay in their old faction or go on, and pass initiation to become a part of that new faction. But what Beatrice is about to learn is that each choice has crucial consequences-and this one choice might be the most important of all in this seemingly perfect society that might not be what they all think it is.
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First of all, I loved the world of Divergent. Though the premise seems similar to other dystopian novels, like Matched or Delirium, or even the older novel of The Giver, the people in this world don't walk around like their zombies, being controlled by other people telling them what to say and do. In fact, every faction is fleshed out, the characters and culture fresh and original. I also very much enjoyed the voice of Beatrice, later renamed Tris, who comes with her own spunk and isn't monotonous like some futuristic heroines. She is also indeed a very realistic character, and though most of the time she is a very normal teenager, some situations allow her to conform into a different person, which adds even more texture to her personality.

The romance was fun as well, though the similar set-up compared to many other novels I've read was bearable but equally frustrating at points.

The thing that really set this book apart for me was the balanced action scenes; they not only gave me space to think but they weren't all just kicking and fighting, as Tris seems to develop a lot of her character during these sequences. Though this might sound tranquil, it was also very violent; if you fans of the Hunger Games thought that that book was brutal, be prepared for Divergent, because Veronica Roth is not afraid to describe blood and guts here.

Overall, I would suggest you buckle in your seatbelts for Divergent, because you will be forced to jump down not a couple of high buildings. Roth's storytelling is definitely a recent winner of young adult crowds, and the amazing debut author should be ready for an onslaught of fans (me!) when the next installment of the Divergent trilogy is released.

Lost Voices (Lost Voices #1) by Sarah Porter

2011-07-02T20:34:00.002-06:00

Release Date: July 4th, 2011

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Age Group: Middle Grade (12-14)

Pages: 304

Series: Lost Voices #1

The first in a trilogy, Sarah Porter ventures into the darkest part of mermaid lore, twisting the threads of myth into a beautiful novel that resounds with originality.

Luce is a lonely fourteen year old girl who lives in the small town of Pittley, Alaska. When her father drowned while out at sea, Luce was sent to the custody of her father's brother, Peter. In Pittley, Luce is so traumatized by the beatings she has to put up with everyday by her uncle that she doesn't have any friends, and is tormented when she has to speak. One stormy night, when her uncle crosses an unspeakable line and leaves her stranded on the edge of a cliff, Luce falls off the cliff. She knows she should be dashed by the jagged rocks and stones, but instead she changes into a sleek creature with a human's torso and a fish's tail- a mermaid.

Luce is soon welcomed into a tribe of mermaids who transformed just like her, all of them having been abused or neglected. Luce is happy to suddenly feel like she belongs, but then she discovers the dark nature of these young, innocent beauties-they enjoy murdering the humans who linger on the ships close to their territory. They use their amazing and awe-inspiring singing talent to coax the ships to sink and the people to drown. But Luce still wants to retain her humanity, and in a world where humans are despised and murdered, Luce is afraid to exploit her affinity. How will she show these new desperate and abused friends that revenge is not the only way?

Sarah Porter writes with a simplistic yet descriptive and beautiful style, though sometimes it seems as if the writing is meant for younger readers unsuited for the theme. Her plot is original and haunting, with a very loose feel of the original Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. All her characters had a lot of depth and dimensions, mottled with good and evil like real humans. The story was gripping, making me want to read through the night until I found the fate of Luce. I will be waiting eagerly for the second book in the trilogy, and until then I will be sincerely intrigued by the gigantic cliffhanger Sarah Porter left for us.

Christy Miller Collection Volume 4

2011-07-01T10:13:00.002-06:00

The Christy Miller Series by Robin Gunn has been such an amazing, inspiring, and over all awesome series. With so much anticipation and me getting mad at the mail man for not being here with my books fast enough has left me a lot of time to think and get closer to God. Before I read this series I think I was just the average, yeah I am a Christian, I go to church because my parents tell me to, and I know that God exists; but now thanks to the Christy Miller Collection I have a personal relationship with God and have overcome many insecurities and fears. I am so thrilled that I have the experience and chance to share God's glory. Christy Miller goes through many daily challenges such as peer pressure, romance, negativity, and altogether growing up. During this last book she goes to Europe on a missions trip and learns who she really is. Friendships are questioned, some more then friendships are created, and Robin Gunn keeps this series going with out dragging on and on, and with out making me bored. This is a book that I would recommend to everybody!

I give this series a 5 out of 5!

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

2011-06-21T15:38:00.001-06:00

Release Date: January 1st, 2010
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 360
Buy This Book: Amazon
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Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes could hardly be more different. Brittany is the popular girl, the perfect one who's never seen without makeup and her reputation. Alex is a Mexican gang-member, forced to enter the shady world of illicit dealings to protect his family. So when they are suddenly joined together to conduct a chemistry project, everybody expects the result to be explosive-but no one, especially Brittany and Alex, expect the reaction to be love, and the consequences are different than they had ever imagined before.

Simone Elkeles tells a story of star-crossed lovers who must break away from their stereotypes and embrace the person they are within to find love and faith in each other. Through dangerous and often adrenaline filled adventure, Brittany and Alex learn more about each other than there is to the eye. Expert writing, pop-culture connections, and realistic romance ties together to make a one-of-a-kind piece of work that will keep you reading into the night.

Blood Read Road (Dustlands #1) by Moira Young

2011-06-20T15:33:00.001-06:00

Release Date: June 7th, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 459

Buy This Book: Amazon

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Saba has always felt her brother Lugh's presence at her side, and she loves him more than anyone else in the world. Her mother being dead, her sister so needy and scrawny and her father blank and unseeing, there is no one else she can count on besides him, and they have been just like that, ever since the day they were both born, eighteen years ago on midwinter's day.

So when riders approach their desolate home in the middle of a deserted country called Silverlake and takes Lugh with them, Saba begins an epic journey to search for him, fighting haunting memories of the past while pushing forward, forever looking for the one thing that she knows is there for her, as she is for him.

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Everything about Blood Red Road is truly epic. I can't say how many times the perilous fight scenes have left me breathless, or the romance bubbling and budding between Saba and her interest, Jack, left me shouting in frustration. At first glance, Blood Red Road could be perceived as an action-packed fantasy; but as you look closer, you see hints at a past civilization not unlike ours. That's what I enjoyed most about this novel. Not only has Moira Young taken the dystopian genre and put a good character to it, but she picked the most awesome plot and world as well. Instead of being a pristine, seemingly perfect society-like civilization, the land that we explore in this book is gritty and lawless, along with being almost completely devoid of technology. To me, it seemed like the perfect mix of the Graceling series and the Hunger Games. Saba, being fiery and a natural surviver, but being set in a world similar to Graceling's appealed to me a lot. I also enjoyed the author's use of style-in Blood Red Road, dialect is used to emphasize Saba's culture and the place from which her world had risen from. I could also find poetic musings scattered among the novel-though Young's work is never really based on sensory detail (instead, it is her character's which are really fleshed through and developed) you can still feel beauty in her simple phrases and vocabulary.

As I mentioned before, the romance was a great addition to Blood Red Road. It certainly added some interest to a plot that might have otherwise been boring without it. Jack and Saba's relationship was a lot more realistic and true-to-life than a lot of other romances I have happened to pass by in my reading discoveries. It was also fun to read because it seemed to integrate into the story rather than encompass the whole thing, which I rarely find in other novels. All in all, it was an amazing love story that had a lot of bumps along the road like real relationships often do.

I LOVED the hints of magic in this one. Though futuristic, it strayed away from sci-fi, and was more fantasy than anything. Right at the beginning, Saba mentions how her father seems to know things when he reads the stars, and how he often does magic 'circles' to bring rain. Saba also receives a necklace early on in the book, called a 'heartstone' which warms up whenever you are near to your heart's desire. Though you never really are sure if they are mere tricks, you can be sure that something supernatural is going on, and that just amps up the suspense that is already present in this book.

I just can't say how awesome this book truly is. Though I'm not sure if there will be a sequel to Blood Red Road, I can say it was a very intense stand-alone book, and that I'm not going to find anything like it soon. I'm just glad I'm a patient person, or else I couldn't stand to wait for another book by the author of this shining debut.

Stay by Deb Caletti

2011-06-19T07:45:00.001-06:00

Release Date: April 5th, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 313

Buy This Book: Amazon

In a new novel by award-winning author of Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, Deb Caletti presents to us a story about starting over and hope in dark times. The story starts as Clara, our narrator and voice, sets the background when she introduces Christian, her future boyfriend, when they meet at a basketball game. From there the plot issues in a whirlwind of events, presenting Clara as she flashbacks from the past to the present. At first, Christian seems to be the perfect boyfriend, kind and devoting. But when Clara starts noticing the obsessive behavior that surrounds her seemingly flawless 'other half', doubt is quickly planted in her mind. Her past story deftly told in chapters between the present, she now finds herself in a little town to escape Christian, and to start anew.

Through happy and bright moments, Stay is a book that I loved to read. Being new to Deb Caletti's style, I enjoyed the footnotes which added detail while never really taking away from the story. The author's moral is clear, and the development of Clara's character is a proof of that. By the end, I was shaking with relief, (and a little bit of creepiness) but I found myself satisfied with the whole of the novel, and would love to read Deb Caletti's past young adult realistic fiction.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

2011-06-12T12:17:00.018-06:00

Release Date: June 14th, 2011

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 352

Buy This Book: Amazon

In this subtle little horrifying nightmare of a book, Nova Ren Suma explores the relationship between sisters while gradually entering the world of horror and paranormal. This novel starts as our narrator, Chloe, is asked by her older sister, Ruby, to swim across a resevoir to prove her unique water abilities. Ruby and Chloe share the tightest bond-through all their lives, they have lived and survived together, never counting on their always drunk mother to depend on. Not only that, but they admire each other, and Chloe to Ruby especially. Everybody admires Ruby-they will do whatever she asks them to do, and boys and girls flock to do her every bidding. So it doesn't come as a surprise when Chloe accepts, and starts swimming across the Resevoir, even though her sister tells tales of a town called Olive that resides deep in its watery depths, wanting revenge because of their people's watery death...

And then Chloe sees a dead body in the water, and she realizes its London, her old classmate, and that night, everything changes...

Chloe is sent to live with her father, while Ruby remains in their little town. After two years of complete isolation, however, Chloe runs away back to her sister, and it is there she discovers that all might not be right with their 'little town' after all-and Chloe suspects it has to do with Ruby and the night she discovered London, the memory still haunting both of their consciences.

Though eerie and grim, Imaginary Girls is a one of a kind book that you will never forget. It lays in your heart, no matter when you put it down, and it stays, much like the people of Olive stayed in the Resevoir of Chloe and Ruby's little town. And you will always remember the story of their sisterhood, their undenying love to each ther-you will always remember the beauty of family.

Christy Miller Collection (Volume #1) by Robin Gunn

2011-06-02T12:55:00.003-06:00

In this Christian realistic fiction series by Robin Gunn, a girl by the name of Christina Miller, who goes by Christy, finds out what the challenges of peer pressure, grief, and being yourself mean and are. She makes some wonderful friends during her summer vacation on the glamorous beaches of California. As she visits her Aunt Marti and Uncle Bob she discovers all of her different personalities. Does she really like shopping? Is her friend with Paula really true? Is Todd loyal and what is up with his whoop lashing? This adventurous book gets you all the more closer with the Lord God and answers many curious questions you may have about life. From the very first page you are hooked and I encourage everybody to give this book a chance even if you aren't a Christian.

Ruby Red (Edelstein-Trilogie #1) by Kerstin Gier

2011-05-28T20:18:00.004-06:00

Release Date: May 10th, 2011

(First published January 2009)

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 324

Source: Publishers/Book Club

Buy This Book: Amazon

Ruby Red is a thrilling and humor-filled tale that includes time-traveling, romance, and a sassy protagonist in Gwen, a high-school girl who can see ghosts and suddenly is popping back in time-the gift her cousin, Caroline, was supposed to have. Gwen, totally unprepared for this legendary legacy, is suddenly thrown into a world that includes mystery, action, and poofy dresses from the past. There's a big problem to it all, however-she has to deal with Gideon, the only other time-traveler alive, and he's a big jerk, along with being the best looking guy she has 'ever seen in any century'.
An absolutely delightful novel, Kerstin Gier, along with the fabulous translator, Anthea Bell, has brought Ruby Red to America. Not only is it good, but its one of my favorites. The suspense and romance kept me flipping through it into the night, and I wasn't ever satisfied until I realized I was at the end, and even then, I was eager for the second. A good and fast read for reader's who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and action-it is absolutely a story that can be enjoyed by many teens.

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

2011-05-20T13:52:00.001-06:00

Release Date: April 5th, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 424

Series: The Mortal Instruments #4

Buy This Book: Amazon

This book was full of adventure and captured me from the beginning. At first I was scared to read it feeling that Cassandra Clare was just dragging on with the story... Well, I guess there were unsolved secrets that I came to forget about. As Clary, Simon, and Jace, complete one mysterious adventure another seems to follow. As some know this is the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series. I have to say that this was not my favorite book in the series but if you are a Mortal instruments addict like me you HAVE to read this. Now all I am unfortunately waiting for the 5th book in series. I say unfortunately because the book was going perfectly well until the author, Cassandra Clare decided to add a misfortune that ruined the ending. I still consider reading this book just skip the last three pages but besides that, it was great!

Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1) by Beth Revis

2011-05-17T20:31:00.001-06:00

Release Date: January 11th, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 399

Series: Across the Universe #1

Amy is being cryogenically frozen so that 300 years later, she'll wake up on a new planet called Centauri Earth, where Sol Earth (or our Earth) has discovered evidence that might suggest a habitable world. She's labeled as unnecessary cargo, boarding the spaceship called Godspeed only because her mother is an expert in biology and her father an officer for the military. But something goes wrong, and she finds herself waking up fifty years before Godspeed is supposed to land.

While Amy was sleeping in her cryo chamber, however, people thrived outside. Generation after generation were born on the ship, serving for Godspeed until the one day it would land among the terrain of Centuari Earth. But something horrible, called the Plague, caused hundreds of these people to die, and a new system of leadership sprang up. Now, the ship is controlled by an Eldest, from which an apprentice called an Elder will take over when he dies, and so on and so forth. When Amy wakes up, she finds that everything is different-the people on this ship have rewritten history, have manipulated the very DNA of every human on Godspeed, hoping for unlimited control. And when she meets Elder, the expecting Eldest, she's not expecting a boy her own age, a boy she's finding herself attracted to...

Across the Universe was okay in every aspect. The characters were not flat but not dynamic either, and the writing had neither beautiful prose nor was too childish. The plot was very slow in some parts and was a bit predictable. Everything to be revealed probably occured in the last few pages of Across the Universe, which was too long a wait for me, and by the end, I was getting truly tired. The thing that really irritated me was that they never actually reached the planet, which I was really hoping for. After watching Avatar recently after finishing Across the Universe, I realized the two had similar set-ups, though they had totally different ways of going at it, and I imagined that their must've been tons of material really close to Across the Universe out there in plot.

The way Across the Universe ends doesn't really call for a sequel. Everything is kind of concluded and tied up, but I wouldn't be surprised if there will be one. Either way, I'd be excited to learn more about Amy and Elder after the aftermath in Across the Universe.

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

2011-05-15T10:42:00.004-06:00

Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400
Buy This Book: Amazon

I'll Be There is as simple as it is inspiring, and gentle with the feeling of deep, roiling waters of philosophy. Remarkable for a debut, Holly Goldberg Sloan weaves a tale of love and beauty while exploring the depths of the relationship of one human being to another. She starts the tale by introducing one of our main characters, Emily Bell. She's an average person, but that doesn't make her mold into the background-likewise, being average has made her a personality collector, a human being who loves the stories of others. When her father, a professional musician, offers her the chance to sing in the church choir, Emily reluctantly says yes. Everybody knows that she is the most horrible singer in the world, but her father won't pass up the chance to change Emily into a musical prodigy.

When Sunday comes, and Emily is suddenly singing the lyrics to the Jackson Five's I'll Be There, a boy comes in and sits in the last row. As Emily feels more and more nauseous listening to herself sing, she decides she's going to sing this song to this boy, and she's going to sing her heart out and ignore everybody else, because that's the only thing that would allow her to survive for the rest of the song. And she does. But by the end, she's she sick and embarrassed that she goes outside to throw up; and there's the boy, holding her hair as her breakfast boils into a disgusting heap in the parking lot.

But then he disappears, and nobody knows who he is.

As Emily Bell, the personality collector who craves for the life story of this one boy who she has never known, and never met, lives entwine with her own to create a beautiful story that resonates with hope and endurance, that tells us all we ever need is love and trust to be anything we ever wanted.

Then (Once #2) by Morris Gleitzman

2011-05-14T15:09:00.003-06:00

Release Date: May 10, 2011

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 208

Buy This Book: Amazon

This is the sequel to Once. Felix and Zelda have jumped off a train. Then they run into a farmer and almost get kidnapped. They run and find a nice woman. This women lets them stay at her house. Will the Nazi find them? I think this book was a fast read but it had really good writing it made me feel like I was there.

Once (Once #1) by Morris Gleitzman

2011-05-14T15:05:00.001-06:00

Release Date: March 30th, 2010

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 176

Buy the Book: Amazon

Once is a book about a boy who lived during World War 2. His name is Felix and he is a Jew. Felix is sent away to an orphanage to protect him but of course he tries to find his parents. This leads him to Zelda who he thinks is a Jew. Zelda's parents have been killed so he takes her with him. Will he and Zelda be able to survive World War 2?

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

2011-05-08T21:13:00.005-06:00

Delirium is a fantastic, futuristic (though not exactly apocalyptic) novel that is set at a time where the world is changing drastically. The title of the book is derived from the book's main focus, a disease titled amor deliria nervosa which people once thought was love, but now is widely agreed as one of the most dangerous illnesses on the planet. Upon reaching eighteen, every citizen is required to receive the cure, a surgery involving the brain that will eradicate the deliria and will furthermore cause the patient to live a healthy, worry-free life.

Lena, a teenager verging on her eighteenth birthday, is excited to receive the cure. She is a good girl who has always followed her Aunt Carol's rules and has always taken care of her two younger cousins, Jenny and Gracie. But despite her calm appearance, Lena, also known as Magdelena Haloway, is troubled by dark secrets, the most horrifying one being her mother's suicide. Whispered by the members of her community, in the futuristic world of Portland, Oregon, Lena is also ridiculed upon by her strange past, and always receives a moderate greeting as she is one who isn't thin or fat, pretty or ugly. All this changes, however, when on the day of her evaluation (a test taken to determine future options, such as a person's occupation and his or her spouse,) Lena catches a glimpse of a handsome boy with amber hair and eyes. From this day on, everything Lena knows about her society changes.

In deft but lyrical wording, Lauren Oliver succesfully describes Lena's hardships in this world not unlike Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games series, while still giving us a relationship that is real and satisfying. Both characters were well developed, and I especially enjoyed the fact that Lena wasn't one of those 'perfect' main characters, and instead was one who was shy, protective, and meek all at once, but still always likeable. The thing that I liked best about Delirium was the fascinating setting that her characters were set in. The futuristic society is fully described and is further enriched by the excerpts from fictional books she gives at the beginnings of each chapter. Society itself seemed similar to Jonah's in the Newberry Honor book The Giver, where the people (and the adults inDelirium's case) were strangely detached and experienced no feeling, good or bad.

This was an amazing novel, one of the best I've read so far in the 2011 year. The subtle cliffhanger left me waiting for more, while satisfying me for a few months to come. The serious, almost chilling mood let me experience the world full on. Told simply, I can't wait until the sequel of Delirium is out!