Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins, Scholastic, 391 pages

Could this series get any better? Of course I know it can.

Catching Fire was just as good as The Hunger Games, if not better. The only thing I had a problem with was the lack of Peeta. Don’t get me wrong, he’s there, but for me it just wasn’t the same. And I really enjoyed him in HG. He was pretty awesome here too, but I am kind of tired of him being the “weak” one. Meaning he gets electrocuted and then with the apes/monkeys.

This book was clever, and intriguing and I couldn’t put it down. The Quarter Quell was such a good idea, and the addition of President Snow (I know he was in HG, just not as vocal) and his blood and roses smell. It was just all so...GOOD...

There were so many emotions in this book, I felt despair and anger and humor and love, etc.

I am so anticipating book 3, I cannot wait for August! And yet I’m a little sad as well because then it will be over.

Of course if you haven’t noticed I am Team Peeta, not that I don’t like Gale cause I do, but Peeta just seems right.

I hope he has a bigger role in the next book, as well as Gale.

Go buy it and devour it if you haven’t already.

and now for the quotes.

“Maybe if the whole country puts its mind to it, we can get you married before you’re thirty.”

“You’ll probably have to pass a new law,” I say with a giggle.

“If that’s what it takes,” says the president with conspiratorial good humor.

Oh, the fun we two have together.

“They’re playing with you because you’re so...you know.”

“No, I don’t know,” I say. And I really have no idea what he’s talking about.

“It’s like when you wouldn’t look at me naked in the arena even though I was half dead. You’re so...pure,” he says finally.

“I am not!” I say. “I’ve been practically ripping your clothes off every time there’s been a camera for the last year!”

“Yeah, but...I mean, for the Capitol, you’re pure,” he says, clearly trying to mollify me. “For me, you’re perfect. They’re just teasing you.”

Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can’t help enjoying his distress.

“Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven’t looked pretty?” I say.

“It must be. The sensation’s completely new. How have you managed it all these years?” he asks.

“Just avoid mirrors. You’ll forget about it,” I say.

“Not if I keep looking at you,” he says.

Ex-Mas, Kate Brian, Simon and Schuster, 216 pages

If you know anything about me, from my posts, you should have come across me saying multiple times that a book was too short for me.

Typically if it's under 300 pages I feel like I've been left out, only given half the story, or rushed. And I hate that, the feeling of being rushed through a story.

This book was completely unlike that.

I loved the story. I loved the idea, I loved the Christmas theme.

The blurb on the cover says "A love/hate story" and that's exactly what it was for me, because I hated Lila up until the impromptu wedding singer scene. Seriously. I kept asking myself why I bought the book because I disliked her that much. But I kept reading with the hopes that it would get better. I figured 216 pages, surely it'd get better soon.

Once I reached the wedding singer moment, everything fell into place for me.

I really enjoyed being around Beau and Lila, I related to the little sibling part of the story, having put up with my two younger sisters.

From that moment on it was awesome. Such a joy to read. There were so many different scenes through the book that just made me fall in love with it.

Of course at the end when we had to do the conflict before the resolution that I knew deep down would come, I was still annoyed that she went back, (I'm trying to be cryptic here) but ultimately I was very happy (sappy, happy) with the ending and the book.

Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, Little Brown, 563 pages

I have heard nothing but amazing things, lots of hype and anticipation in regards to this debut novel. And for 98% of it I agree.
The story was amazingly well written, chock full of information. I read a review (can't remember who's, sorry) where she said every page, every paragraph had information you needed (paraphrasing), and I also agree with that.
Reading this story if felt like I had to keep turning the pages because the previous page had so much in it that I needed to know what was coming next.
The characters were well-written, I felt a connection to most of them. I loved the Sisters, Link was pretty fun, Uncle Macon in his own way, and of course Amma. I thought it was awesome how much family involvement there was. Especially in YA "fantasy" there usually isn't much so that was a nice change.
And although I felt like the two main characters were relatable enough, there just seemed to be something missing. I think maybe it had to do with the amount of information we had thrown at us, with all of that something had to be lacking a little.
The history that was woven into the story was deep, it was all so intricate. I was so sucked in and enjoyed it so much until...dun, dun, dun...pages 510 to 563, so basically the very end. To me it just seemed rushed. It seemed lacking in some way, and it seemed to me, a little confusing. There are questions that I have that I can't mention or it would give too much away and I don't think they have anything to do with a second book, if there is one. Which I am unsure of.
Over all an amazing first novel. Amazing.

Becca Fitzpatrick Interview...

Amazing debut author Becca Fitzpatrick, “Hush, Hush”, was nice enough to agree to be my very first Author Interview.

It was nice getting to talk to her a bit about Crescendo, and also try to get some of my questions from “Hush, Hush” answered. I hope you enjoy.

We know, from reading other interviews, how you came up with the fallen angel bit, but did you do any research on fallen angels or was it just a wonderful moment of creativity for you?

B:Once I knew I was dealing with fallen angels, I starting researching by reading passages in the Bible, and by hooking up with my old friend, Google. The mythology in HUSH, HUSH is Judeo-Christian, but I added a few twists to make the story my own.

I am curious how Patch came to be painted on the ride at the amusement park. Will we find that out? Is there a story behind it?

B:There is a story behind Patch – and I'm really hoping I'm able to tell it in future books. So that's all I'm going to say for now! How's that for being obscure?

Very good. :)

Did you always know Patch's real name? Which came first for you, real one or nickname?

B:His nickname came first. The day he showed up on the scene, it was the name that stuck. Coming up with his real name was much harder. It needed to be so many different things: strong, sexy, uncommon – but not too uncommon.

That sounds like when we were looking for names for our daughter, well except the sexy part, something uncommon but not weird.

Is there anything about Hush, Hush you wish you could change?

B:Haha! Definitely. I think most authors have a hard time releasing their novels – especially their first – out to the public. Truth be told, I haven't read the finished version of HUSH, HUSH yet. I'm not sure I want to. I'm afraid I'd find all kinds of mistakes, none of which I can change at this point. That said, I have to have faith in the fact that I put my best effort into it. At the time, I gave it everything I had.

Not that I am the be all, end all, but I enjoyed the story you told very much and am anticipating Crescendo.

(I know, I know...but...)If they made a movie of Hush, Hush who do you see playing the main roles?

B:Drew Doyon would make a fantastic Patch. As it happens, he's also the model on the book's cover. As for Nora, I don't know. It's hard to say. Maybe a mix between (a younger) Wynona Rider, Leighton Meester and Emmy Rossum.

What songs would you pick?

B:As the theme song for the movie? Trouble is a Friend by Lenka.

Other than Crescendo do you have any other projects in the works?

B:No. I guess I won't win the Prolific Writer of the Year Award, ha! Seriously, though, I like to concentrate on one project at a time. I have friends who love working on multiple projects, or at least two, but my brain doesn't work that way. I can only divide my concentration so many ways...basically, one :)

Other than what we've heard about Crescendo (Nora's back, Marcie's back, more Patch, what happened to Nora's dad) how is the story coming? Are you happy with what you have so far? Any new juicy tidbits?

B:The story is coming really well. Almost too well. It makes me nervous. If I feel this good about it, clearly something must be wrong. It's also scary to think I had five years to write HUSH, HUSH, and only one to write CRESCENDO. But my editor and agent, who've both read CRESCENDO, are incredibly enthusiastic about it, so for the time being, I'm going to trust their excitement. As for juicy tidbits, I will also say that Detective Basso is back...

Mmmmmmm, interesting.

Do you have any ideas what the cover of Crescendo will look like?

B:I've seen CRESCENDO's cover! It's not final – there are a few more changes to be made – but the basic concept is there. It's chilling and moody and broils with sexual tension. I find myself staring at it embarrassingly often. I'm excited to see how fans and readers react to it.

I like the fact that you stare at it often, are embarrassed by the fact, and yet okay enough with it that you share it with us. I am excited to see it, and if it’s anything like Hush, Hush, I’m sure it will be well received.

What book do you wish you'd written?

B:OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. I'm in love with the book!

Never read it, I’ll have to put it on my “to be read” list.

If you could live in the world of a book or movie which would it be and why?

B:OUTLANDER. Of course, I'd want to replace the character of Claire Randall with...say...Becca Fitzpatrick.

Do you still keep in touch with the people who made up your writer's group? How important do you think it is to have a writing group?

B:Yes! I haven't met several of them in person (we're scattered from Utah to Vermont to North Carolina) but that's why the Internet is so awesome! I wouldn't have been able to publish HUSH, HUSH without these guys. They're a fantastic group of writers and feedback-givers. I can't wait until their own novels are published, and I can promote them like crazy! Whenever people ask me for writing tips, I always recommend joining a writers group. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right group, but they're a writer's lifeline.

The best compliment anyone could ever give you would be...?

B:I can't think of anything better than being described as charitable. I have a long road ahead of me...

Because, in reality, none of this probably would have happened without the nudge from your hubby, what did you do for him once you knew about the book? Presents? Dinner? Etc.

B:My husband isn't big on gifts (something that still baffles me) so I let him take me out to dinner. I know. That makes me sound even more selfish than I already am! My husband is one of those guys who enjoys nothing more than making me happy. I'm a lucky girl!

I understand completely, my husband says it is satisfying for him when he does something to make me happy. That’s when he is happy. So I get it. You are lucky.

Is there a question you are never (or rarely) asked that you'd like to answer?

B:I'm drawing a blank! Actually, I think I've been asked just about every question under the sun...

And lastly, being a fan of ice cream myself, what is your favourite flavour?

B:Oh man, it's hard to pin down a favorite! Here's how it works with me and ice cream. Every week, I pick out a new flavor at the grocery store. I love trying new things, and ice cream is no exception. My favorite flavor is usually whatever happens to be in my freezer on any particular day. But flavors that stick out in my mind are Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Heath Bar, Coldstone Creamery's The Pie Who Loved Me and St. Clair's Banana Nut.

Mmmmm, they sound yummy. Dove has one that’s called Give in to Mint (I’m pretty sure) that’s delicious, and Baskin Robbins has one called World Class Chocolate, and even though it’s just milk chocolate with white chocolate, it’s so creamy and good. I’m a fan of ColdStone Creamery’s Cake Batter, since I lick the bowl if I’m making cake.

City of Bones, Cassandra Clare, Simon Pulse, 485 pages

(Dec. 4) So when I first read this book back in 2007, I thought it was good but because of the twist between the two main characters I put it back. I mean, ugh, and how could I continue with the series? It was just too upsetting. I like a good love story, I like happy endings.

And so for the next two years I ignored the really amazing covers of the next two books. Kept telling myself to stay away.

Then Kristi, The Story Siren, convinced me to pick them up again.

And boy did I ever.

I couldn’t put them down. Seriously. I’ve finished all three books in like a week. And now I can’t wait for the “prequel” series, The Infernal Devices, to start coming out. Or the fourth “surprise” book in The Mortal Instruments series, City of Fallen Angels.

City of Bones has so much going for it, intrigue, monsters, warriors, normal people, the warriors call Mundanes. And of course that bit of romance I was talking about earlier, plus unsettling twists, adventure, and magic.

The main character of Clary, pulls you in and makes you feel like you are apart of the story. Each and every character is well fleshed out, relateable, and even funny in their own ways. That’s something I actually really enjoyed about the characters, the main ones and even a few of the secondary ones, they each had their moments of humour. Most of the time that’s focused in on one character. You know, he’s the funny one, usually the best friend of the girl (mc) and while Simon did have quite a few funnies, so did Clary, Jace, Alec, Magnus, Luke, and even Isabelle.

In fact, for my quotes section, it was so hard to leave some of them out, but for the sake of time and space I did.

So here they are, and if you haven’t read the series, I suggest you do so.

Right now.

Why are you still here?

Oh yea, the quotes. That’s why...

"How did you know I had Shadowhunter blood? Was there some way you could tell?"

"It seemed the most likely explanation."

"You guessed? You must have been pretty sure, considering you could have killed me."

"I was ninety percent sure."

"I see," Clary said. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels.

He put his hand to his cheek, more in surprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?"

"The other ten percent," she said. -Clary and Jace pg. 84-85

"You hate the Silent Brothers," protested Isabelle.

"I don't hate them," said Jace candidly. "I'm afraid of them. It's not the same thing."

"I thought you said they were librarians,"said Clary.

"They are librarians."

Simon whistled. "Those must be some killer late fees." -Isabelle, Jace, Clary and Simon pg. 158

Jace's grin was a white flash in the darkness. "It means 'Shadowhunters: Looking Better in Black Than the Widows of our Enemies since 1234.'"

"Jace--"

It means, said Brother Jeremiah, The descent into Hell is easy. Jace, Clary, and Brother Jeremiah pg. 179

"The other ten percent," she said. -Clary and Jace pg. 84-85

Betrayals, Lili St. Crow, RazorBill, 296 pages

(Dec. 2) I do so enjoy this series and where Betrayals was a little slower in moving forward I felt like it was worth it.

Dru is now stuck in a school, out in the middle of nowhere, full of vampire and werewolf boys.

This book is pretty much all about Dru trying to come to grips with how her life has changed since Strange Angels, why she is where she is, and why, despite what Christophe told her when he sent her to the school, no one at the school is trying to help train her.

She distances herself from everyone, not really wanting to be there. Even a little from her best friend Graves, because he seems to be fitting in better.

Dru did bug me a little bit with her moping.

She wasn’t as talkative to Graves as she usually is and he had to drag a lot out of her. Do I understand why? Sure. But it still bugged me to read it chapter after chapter.

The ending of the story, say the last 10-12 chapters were pretty action packed and ended the story well.

I thought the twist in there about Ash and the Broken was intriguing.

And am curious when we will learn Graves’ first name. Does it matter? Not really, just curious. (I tweeted Ms. St. Crow and she said we find out in book 3!)

Also, just so you know, in case you are wanting to purchase this book for someone younger, or if you are a parent, there was more cussing in this book than the last. And not just hell’s and damn’s. I personally didn’t think a lot of it was necessary to further the story or show how “bad*ss” a person was supposed to be.

Mind you, this was set in a school for the “delinquents” so some of it did lend to the overall feel of the story.

I will absolutely be waiting for Jealousy, in June of 2010.

Now for some quotes

“You wanted to be a physics professor.” My throat closed up; I could only whisper.

“Yeah, well, things change. Now I want to be here.” Another long, seconds-ticking pause. Dust danced in one fading gleam of gold coming through a low window, following long lazy swirls down to the ground. “With you.”

“Doesn’t it bother you? That I...well, that I wanted to...suck his blood?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. The silver earring winked mischievously at me, catching a stray gleam of sun. “Nah. You wouldn’t, you’d have stopped yourself.”- “Besides,” he said, flipping open the first huge leather-bound book with a thump, “it’s kind of hot.” A smile hovered around the corners of his mouth, fighting to stay hidden.

Impossible, Nancy Werlin, Dial Books, 366 pages

(Nov. 29) Okay guys, sorry for the hiatus but I have been sick. And over Thanksgiving. Let’s just say we didn’t do anything. No turkey, no family, nothing. It was nice. :)

That being said I’m gonna try and get a few reviews up. Starting with this one.

I read this book right after it came out so it’s been a while but I loved it. It was one of the first (I bought it along with Graceling) that got me started reading YA again.

So thank you Nancy.

Lucy Scarborough is trying to lead a typical teenage life despite the fact that she lives with foster parents, her mom is insane, and pops in and out of her life singing the same song she always has, and that she’s in love with the boy she grew up with.

I’m trying not to give away too much so let’s just say she becomes pregnant under unusual circumstances and that’s when things start falling into place.

She finds a letter and journal from when her mom was pregnant with her and it starts to explain what’s really happened and what will happen if she doesn’t figure out the answers to the riddle her mom has been singing to her her whole life.

With the help of her foster parents and Zach (the boy) she sets out to unravel the three impossible tasks that have been placed upon her before her daughter is born or else she will go insane just like her mom.

Such a good book. I love the use of the folk song as a foundation for the plot. The story was enthralling, it sucks you in. The characters, especially Lucy, feels like a true friend. You want to help her, you want to be there for her.

The story was clever and the riddle and answers even more so.

Highly, highly recommend this book.

and I know I’ve been slacking...

Zach grinned. And even though Lucy was not looking at him, she knew, because when somebody grins and your cheek is pressed against their chest, you can feel the smile right there in their body. Right in the muscle movement.

Lucy turned away abruptly. But not before she was suddenly aware that Zach was looking at her, too.

Candor, Pam Bachorz, Egmont, 249 pages

(Nov. 21) It’s hard to describe how I felt about this book.

I liked it. Couldn’t put it down, pages kept drawing me in. But by the middle when everything started to fall apart for Oscar I couldn’t help but feel a loss.

A loss of hope.

And that hope never returned.

I still have it with me. It hurts my heart a little.

It was a great story. Well done.

The characters were pretty believable, even in their Stepford Wives way.

Oscar was cool, smart, strong.

Nia was a little dark and artsy and an individual.

What happened to them was heartbreaking.

Like I said I couldn’t put it down.

A Curse as Dark as Gold, Elizabeth Bunce, Arthur A. Levine Books, 392 pages

(Nov. 20) I was amazed. Despite being a smidge bored at some parts.

Elizabeth Bunce is incredible at storytelling. If you can’t guess or haven’t heard this is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. And quite a believeable one at that.

I loved the characters, some a little more than others but they were all extremely well written. The main character, Charlotte, was strong, yet unsure. Rosie, her sister, was sassy and didn’t hold back. I loved the romance between Charlotte and Randall, of course cause I’m a sap. And the slowly budding relationship between Rosie and Harte. The villains were, well, villains. :)

I felt like I was there, like I was transported to this quaint little country village. I thought the descriptions of mill life were intricate and well researched.

Great story. Really.

The suspense just kept building and I didn’t want to put it down.

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

Read this book.

Girl in the Arena, Lise Haines, Bloomsbury, 324 pages

(Nov. 19)I so very much wanted to love this book.

Really I did.

And it’s not that I didn’t like it.

It’s that I didn’t love it.

It was kind of lackluster for me.

There was sooooo much explaining. I mean the main character, Lyn, did so much explaining, about who people were, what the Gladiator Association was and who started it and how it evolved.

For me none of the characters stood out. I didn’t feel a deep connection with any of them. It seemed too fast paced in relation to the characters. Like I caught snippets of them but they were always out of my reach. Two dimensional.

I loved the fact that Ms. Haines introduced a special needs character (being that I worked with kids like this for four wonderful, rewarding, hard years ) and had him as such an integral part of the story and also a pretty cool one. I loved his Oracle-ness. Thought it was a nice touch.

The other character that I liked most was Uber. The Neo-gladiator hero that Lyn is supposed to marry.

I loved his clumsy-ness around her, I loved his openness, I loved his thick glasses. I don’t know, it’s like he was a dork but everyone adored him and wanted him.

Overall it was a good story, just not enough dialogue for me, not enough character building. Not sure if there’s going to be another in this series, but if so, we have the foundation laid out for us nicely.

If I did this I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Crazy Beautiful, Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Houghton Mifflin, 193 pages

(Nov. 15)What to say.

I liked it.

But it wasn’t spectacular for me.

I swear it’s got to be the shorter books that I never feel satisfied with.

I think my overall feeling is one of being let down. It was a really great premise. Really. I mean a boy with hooks for arms and a girl that falls in love with him. Great potential and I think Lauren did a good job with the first 166 pages.

It’s from 167 till the end that just seemed rushed. And frankly, for me, unbelievable.

Seriously I’m just sick to death of characters that don’t try to talk to each other when things start unraveling. Just try!

So, that’s it.

I really did like it and I’m sure there are other blogs out there that give glowing reviews.

I just couldn’t.

If I rated books, which I may start doing I’d give it a three out of five. So not bad, but not great.

In My Mailbox 3

(Nov. 15)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi, The Story Siren

So not much to write about since I just got back from vacation but my lovely library did come through and I purchased two.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner, I’m super excited to read this one

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines, yay! Finally got it.

A Curse as Dark as Gold by Elizabeth Bunce, I have been waiting for you for so long.

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

That’s it for me. But don’t they sound great?

Meridian, Amber Kizer, Delacorte Press, 305 pages

(Nov. 6) I really enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that it was based in religion, that the scripture was used so well. That it showed how things can be turned around. Well done, Ms. Kizer, very well done.

The story was interesting from word go, and kept my attention the whole way through.

I enjoyed the main characters, being Meridian, Auntie, Tens and even the wolf Custos.

The only thing that bugged me about it, and it’s small, and really it’s just me, is that a 16 year old girl and a 16 year old boy (I think he’s 16) called this woman Auntie. Who says Auntie? What 16 year old says Auntie!?

Wait! I found one more thing. How quickly the love story moved. I understand the idea of fate and part of my life and everything. But seriously the book covers like two weeks and to go from I don’t know you to Why do you hate me? to You’re alright to I think I love you, to I love you forever in two weeks was a little far-fetched for me.

And for someone that met, dated, got engaged and married my husband all in under a year that’s saying a lot, don’t cha think?

Good book, can’t wait for the second.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan, Delacorte Press, 310 pages

(Nov. 4)I am unsure how I felt about this book. Some moments I liked it others I hated. I didn’t hate the story, I thought it was clever. I guess I should say some moments I liked Mary but most moments I hated her. Though hate seems such a harsh word, I despised her, wanted to smack her. Thought she was really really selfish. It was heartwrenching watching her life play out, almost from word go.

And I did cry. Real tears. More than once. So in that aspect I think Carrie did an amazing job in making me apart of the story. Drawing me in.

But in the end I still had too many unanswered’s.

I figure they will be answered in the companion novel titled, The Dead-Tossed Waves. It sounds really good, but I’m hoping for more than just Mary to be a character we see again. Meaning I hope some of the others from TFHT aren’t gone. Did that give away too much? I don’t think so.

I was so taken with the world that Mary and the others were a part of. There was so much heart-ache, I just had this ache the whole time I read the book. Some of you may wonder, if it’s that painful, why, why would you put yourself through it. Because it makes you feel.

You know how there are some moments when you want to watch a movie you know will make you cry?

Kind of like that.

Intertwined, Gena Showalter, HarlequinTeen, 440 pages

(Nov. 2) For me this book was a little difficult to get in to. It took me longer than most. Not because it opened up boring. I’m not sure why actually. I put it down and picked up another book, but once I picked it up again, and got a little further in, I had to finish it.

I needed to know what the connection really was between Aden and Mary Ann. Honestly I thought maybe they were twins seperated at birth even though they looked nothing alike. I thought maybe Mary Ann looked like her mom and Aden like Morris Gray, Mary Ann’s dad. Because it mentions Aden has blond roots and Mr. Gray was blond, etc.

There were a few twists I didn’t see coming so that was nice. The storyline was very intricate and executed well.

I did feel a connection with these characters, even the body-less ones.

I’m not sure I liked how it ended, and have looked around but not found any info on if there is going to be a sequel. Does anyone know?

Update-Unraveled will be coming out Sept. 2010!! I will be buying this one.

Never Cry Werewolf, Heather Davis, Harper Collins, 224 pages

(Nov. 2)This book was just okay for me. I enjoyed it but no matter how hard I tried I never did feel a connection to any of the characters and I felt the relationship between Austin and Shelby was rushed and a little unbelievable.

Also, there were a few questions that never got answered, a few things about secondary characters that never had resolution. One example was Ariel’s home life and why things were bad. I felt like that would have been something shared between Shelby and Ariel at some point.

I think that the premise was good and honestly I think I would have liked it better if the story wasn’t rushed. At 224 pages I just felt let down. Like I got most of the story but not all of it.

Again, I liked it, just don’t think I’d pick it up again unless I’d forgotten a book at home and was in line or at the doctor’s office and it was there. I’d probably pick it up then.

It was a good first attempt and I will read Heather’s next book.

I’d recommend it if you want something lighter, something that didn’t require much on your part in the way of emotions or mystery.

In My Mailbox 2

(Originally posted Nov. 1)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi, The Story Siren

Hello all, good November to you. I have not purchased any books this week so all of the ones you will see here are from my wonderful local library.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Meridian by Amber Kizer

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Slept Away by Julie Kraut

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

and that is it.

Fire, Kristin Cashore, Dial Books, 461 pages

(Oct. 29)Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

Not many storytellers can transport you to a new world, yet Kristin Cashore has succeeded in doing just that...again.

The story was lyrical and filled with wonderful imagery.

The characters were all well-written I felt, except maybe Immiker/King Leck, I don’t know why but he just didn’t seem as terrifying as I imagined him to be. Maybe it’s because he’s around 11, but no, he has this quiet terror about him. I don’t know. He just didn’t do it for me.

There were quite a few bits of the story that I figured out before they were really touched upon by the author, and then there were a few that I didn’t see coming at all.

I can say that I did feel invested in these characters and what was happening to and with them. That never changed, but there were a few nit-picky things on my part that I just can’t not mention...

If, when Bitterblue wants to chop off her hair or not marry and have children I will scream and THROW THE BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM. I will then pick it back up and continue to devour it, but seriuosly. Why can’t you love having long hair and fall in love and desire children and want to be married? Is there an agenda? A point to get across? We got it. Also, the fact that there was so much sharing of people. Really?

That being said, it is such a good story and I am always impressed with her ability to grab you and not let go until the last page is turned.

Really great job, again Ms. Cashore. I will run out and purchase anything you write. You have a lifelong reader in me.

Ballad, Maggie Stiefvater, Flux, 352 pages

(Oct. 27)So it seems that Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favourite authors...ever...to date.

I’m amazed at how much of a 180 Maggie did for me in regards to these two characters. In Lament, I enjoyed Dee and really wanted her to somehow get with Luke (I’m a sap, I know) and I liked James just fine. In Ballad, Dee just annoyed the snot out of me, every time she turned up I just wanted her gone and she really irked me with how she interacted with James. Speaking of James, I fell in love with him even more.

He is such a sarcastic, witty character, smart, funny, doesn’t seem to take crap from anyone and it was fun seeing his interaction with his mom.

The story was intriguing and well written, just like her other two books. She seems to be getting better and better with each book and that just doesn’t sound right because each book has been amazing.

Stiefvater breaks your heart, (there was an actual moment of teary eyes) without getting histerical. It’s this deep ache, I remember it when I finished Lament, and it’s back in full force with Ballad. My heart hurt, literally, throughout the book. It hurt for Dee (despite what I said earlier) it hurt for Nuala at different times despite the fact that she probably would have punched me in the face for it, it hurt for James especially after the incident with Dee (you’ll know).

The secondary characters were awesome as well. A lot of times they just kind of fall by the wayside but James’ roommate Paul was pretty great, and Mr. Sullivan was the kind of teacher I wished I’d had more of (thanks Mrs. Cawvey).

Now for my favourite part...the thing is is that I can literally open the book to any page and find a passage I’d like to share with you. There were so many good moments throughout this book. I will try to keep it short...sigh...

“James?”

My face was nicely smashed into my pillow. Without moving, I pressed my phone against my ear. “Mmmm. Yeah. What”

“James, is that you?”

I rolled onto my back and stared at the pale morning light that striped across the ceiling. I readjusted the phone so that I didn’t accidentally hang up. “Mom, why is it that every time you call my cell phone, you ask if it’s really me? Are there hundreds of other misplaced calls that you’re not telling me about, where you almost dial my number but it’s not quite right and you get guys who are almost me but not quite right?”

“Your voice never sounds the same on the phone,” Mom said. “It souds mushy or something. Are you hungover?”

I felt like throwing up.

I was only spared from hurling by Paul, making his way toward us.

“Dude,” he said. “What the hell.”

I clapped my hand on his shoulder. “That phrase applies to so many things at the moment that I’m not sure which you’re referring to in particular.”

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Beth Fantaskey, Harcourt, 351 pages

(Oct. 27)This book was nothing like I expected. I’m not sure why I thought it was going to be more of a slap-stick comedy. (Really, no clue) but it was actually deep, and there was so much that was dark about it.

Don’t get me wrong there were some fun bits but it was mostly a really well developed story. I finished it in a day, it was that good. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and was really agitated when I had to lay it down for a bit.

The story is written in Jessica’s voice but every so often we get to hear Lucius through his letters to his Uncle. Lucius is acting as a foreign exchange student from Romania (which I am, Romanian, not an exchange student) just so he can get close to her.

The premise was an excellent one, and although there were a handful of secondary characters they all stood out from each other. I thought Jess’s best friend Mindy was funny with her magazine reading and continuous calling out of Jessica’s feelings towards Lucius. I was actually saddened when they had a bit of a falling out.

It seems the saying, “don’t know what you got till it’s gone” kind of applies to this situation, and I do believe I got teary eyed during some parts of the book when Faith Crosse became more involved in the story line.

Lucius was mysterious and yet I felt connected to his character. I was sad when he was, snarky when he was. I really felt a pull towards him.

And Jessica, I loved watching her grow, grow into the person she was all along but didn’t know it. I think that’s how so many of us feel in life, not just when we are teens. We all grow and evolve and it was beautiful to see that happen with her.

I highly recommend this book, I think you will gobble it up pretty quickly as well. I’m anticipating what will come next from this author.

Lucius snorted again. “Is that what you want out of life? Nice? Must everything be nice?”

“Nice is...nice,” I protested.

Lucius shook his head. “Oh, Antanasia. I could show you things so far beyond nice, they’d spin your lovely head.”

When I hesitated, a look of annoyance crossed his aristocratic face, and he shook the pen at me. “You do recognize a pen, right? This is a familiar tool, yes?”

In My Mailbox 1

(Originally posted Oct. 24)

Because this is my first IMM I’m going to mention a few books that I have read in the past couple of months that you should be seeing reviews about, plus books from my library, and a few that I have purchased.

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi, The Story Siren.

Books I have read...

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Tithe by Holly Black

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Need by Carrie Jones

The Hollow People by Brian Keaney

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Books from Library

Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Books I have purchased

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

Prophecy of the Sister by Michelle Zink

Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz