Beka Cooper by Tamora Pierce

Book Blurb
Tamora Pierce begins a new Tortall trilogy introducing Beka Cooper, an amazing young woman who lived 200 years before Pierce's popular Alanna character. For the first time, Pierce employs first-person narration in a novel, bringing readers even closer to a character that they will love for her unusual talents and tough personality.

Beka Cooper is a rookie with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard, and she's been assigned to the Lower City. It's a tough beat that's about to get tougher, as Beka's limited ability to communicate with the dead clues her in to an underworld conspiracy. Someone close to Beka is using dark magic to profit from the Lower City's criminal enterprises--and the result is a crime wave the likes of which the Provost's Guard has never seen before.

My Review

O.K. So I love Tamora Pierce's book- they are very near and dear to my heart because they remind me of my childhood.  When I saw this on a book shelf, I was so psyched (I also wondered what rock I'd been living under, since apparently this book has been out for a few years).  I also enjoyed this a lot because I had a physical copy of the book- not a Kindle edition.  This is the first non-Kindle book I've read in a year!  I did notice that I read it much slower than I would read a Kindle book, but nothing really beats a brand new book!

Characters

The characters are at the heart of what Tamora Pierce does.  I loved Beka.  She is so authentic.  Her voice is what really made the book special for me.  With many contemporary or paranormal novels, I often find the heroine to be whiny, or narcissistic, or just incredibly contrived.  The combination of fantasy + Beka just really made this perfect for me.

Plot

The story is told a bit differently than the other Tortall series.  It's told through journal entries (95% of them are Beka's).  Many of the developments are subtle, and it moves forward slowly- definitely a book for more sophisticated young readers.  There are many layers to the story that are woven together.  I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Relationships

This is what makes these books so good.  There doesn't have to be an angsty relationship, or a love triangle to hook you!  That being said, the groundwork is laid for a future relationship that I am really excited about.  I can't wait to see how Beka grows up and into romance.

Overall

I really loved it.  Again- I'm very biased by my love of the whole world of Tortall.  The best thing about living under a rock is not having to wait to read Book #2!  Woo hoo. 5 Stars.

Enchanted Ivy

 
Product Description
What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.
When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.


My Review
This book actually surprised me.  About 50 pages I was wondering where it was going- the story I was expecting was playing out way too quickly.  And- I was pleasantly surprised.  I thought I had the book pegged in the beginning, but it wasn't what I expected.


Characters
There is not a lot of upfront characterization in this book.  I had no idea what Lily looked like (unless I read it and instantly forgot the physical description).  She is on Princeton's campus for a an alumni weekend with her grandfather, and almost no attention is paid to what her life is like before.  At times, it almost felt like she didn't exist before the story started.  There were a few hints about Lily's life before the story starting, but nothing that I could put together in a comprehensive picture of her.  As for characterization that happens as the story is unfolding- I don't know!  She seemed very perfect at parts.  I didn't always understand her feelings or reactions.  I'm still a little confused on Lily as a character.


Plot
I really enjoyed the story.  I was actually surprised at different points- this does not happen often!  Various elements of the story were woven together- it seemed very well-planned.  There was a lot of action.  There were many more conflicts than the Book Blurb lets on.  The themes were conveyed brilliantly.  Moral ambiguity abounded.  I was expecting a one-dimensional story- and it wasn't at all!


Relationship
Again, my feelings towards Lily might cloud this one.  I never really could figure out how she felt about Tye, or some of the other potential love interests.  The whole relationship was a bit anticlimatic.  I don't think this is a series, so it did feel unfinished to me, despite an epilogue-ish chapter at the end of the book that gives the reader an idea how things turned out for everyone.


Overall
I'm torn between 3 stars and 4 stars on this one.  I definitely enjoyed it, but did have a couple of qualms with Lily.  

The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot

Book Blurb

To: You (you)
From: Human Resources (human.resources@thenyjournal.com)
Subject: This Book
Dear Reader,
This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City’s leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to our records you have not yet read this book. What exactly are you waiting for? This book has it all:
-Humor
-Romance
-Cooking tips
-Great Danes
-Heroine in peril
-Dolphin-shaped driftwood sculptures


If you wish to read about any of the above, please do not hesitate to head to the checkout counter, where you will be paired with a sales associate who will work to help you buy this book.
We here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and lose as one as well. Don’t you want to be on the winning team?
Sincerely,
Human Resources Division
New York Journal
Please note that failure to read this book may result in suspension or dismissal from this store.
*********This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.*********


My Review
This book was recommended to me by my sister Clare.  It was so cute!  It was fun and light-hearted.   I was entertained from start to finish, and really enjoyed how Cabot told the story through e-mails from character to character.


Characters
The characters are all cute- that's the best word I can think of to describe them.  It doesn't deviate too far from what you'd expect from a romantic girl-meets-boy story in terms of characterization.  Mel is sweet, kind-hearted, and funny.  John is family-oriented, loyal, and charming. I rooted for both of them as I read. All of the minor characters are equally likeable.


Plot
Again, I thought the way the story was told through e-mails was clever and enjoyable.  It gave the book a different feel, even though the story falls into a typical romantic novel schema.  I enjoyed the fact that there was no over-written sex scenes- it was light and fun all the way through.  


Relationship
I loved Mel and John, and it was so fun to hear about their developing feelings through emails to family and friends.  They had the normal miscues of a new relationship, and one extremely not-normal identity issue that served as the conflict for the story.


Overall
It was a fun read, easily read in one sitting.  It wouldn't be a book I would ever pick up to re-read, but it was good the first time around.  As I look over the review, the words "light", "cute", and "fun" keep showing up.  So- overall it was light, cute, and fun, and I give it 4 stars! 


  

XVI by Julie Karr

Book Blurb

Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world - even the most predatory of men - that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past - one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.

My Review

So this is Book #2 for me in the Debut Author Challenge- Yay!  I really enjoyed this one.  I was worried when I started that dystopia would forever be ruined for me by my love of The Hunger Games- what could possibly compare to that?!?!  While this book isn't as haunting as The Hunger Games, it was solidly written and very enjoyable.

Characters

The main character is Nina Oberon, a 15-year old girl coming to age in a society ruled with an iron fist by the government and the media.  Nina is brave, independent-minded, and artistic.  She is thrust into not only caring for her younger sister Dee, but also protecting her.  The story is narrated first-person in her voice.  Nina was likeable- a tad bit bland, but solid.  She made me crazy at a couple points, taking forever to connect the dots.  But, she definitely had the voice of a teenager- loyal to her friends, insecure, expressive, loving.  Our supporting characters were also very solid.  I loved some of Nina's friends, and I really liked her family as well.  

Plot

I really liked the premise of the story and how everything played out.  Sometimes it seemed a bit slow- with lots of attention paid to Nina's coming to terms with the events that occurred, and then at the same time, something major would happen and Nina's reaction would seem underwhelmed to me.  It's hard to put my finger on it, but in all it was a very minor issue.  My only other minor complaint was the ending- it felt a bit anticlimatic to me.  I am assuming this is a part of a series- there is a lot that still needs to be tied up. I can imagine this book being enjoyed by older, reluctant readers.  

I also loved the message and themes of the book.  There were quite a few- gender politics, media influence, government intrusion on freedom of expression, exploitation of youth, abuse, etc.  There was a lot going on, which made Nina's world seem multidimensional and real.  

Relationship

I liked this part a lot.  It doesn't really mention Nina's love interest on the cover, and since this is such a new release I suppose I shouldn't mention names.  But let's just say that He seems to be like a great guy with a lot going on under the surface.  I think the author did a great job exploring Nina's conflict over her sexuality with Him, and with the society in which she lives.  For a book that speaks out against the exploitation of young women, the author handled the romantic relationship perfectly.

Overall

I thought it was a great book, and I hope that there is more to come from Julie Karr in the future.  I'm so glad I decided to purchase this. 4 stars!

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Book Blurb
Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.
Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces
 . . . or else.
With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

My Review
I read this one on the cruise one night last week, when I couldn't sleep and my cabinmates were passed out.  It was a very quick read- I read the Kindle version, but I can't imagine the book being too thick.  It pretty much hit the spot of what I was looking for- fun, easy, light book to pass the time.
Characters


Sam is our hero.  As I read it, I realized I don't often read books with a male-as-main-character.  Not sure why, but in any event, I did like Sam.  He was funny, loyal, and snarky.  His point-of-view was my favorite to read in the alternating narrative style of the book.  I thought he was the most developed and credible of all of the characters in the book.

The minor characters are unfortunately, quite flat.  I think Brid is supposed to be the heroine of the book, but I really couldn't get a sense of her as I read.  She doesn't seem to have any flaws, and her narrated chapters were so few I don't really know what purpose they served.  The other minor characters were likeable, but again, not very developed.

Plot
The pacing was pretty quick, but there was a lull in the middle where it seemed like nothing seemed to happen to the hero and heroine, and gave some background information from the minor characters' perspectives.  One thing that was missing was an element of world-building about the mythology of the characters- I'm not sure how all the supernaturals are structured, or how they coexist yet.  Of course, it's the opening book in a series so I'm sure that will come out as Sam learns more about his supernatural world.  Oh, and another thing I liked about the story was that it was funny- I love humor in books.

Relationship
The romantic relationship was a dud for me.  I didn't really get a sense of a strong connection between the characters.  It was very light on romance- definitely not an epic love story.

Overall
I liked it- fun book and a series I will try to keep up with.  I'm interested to see where the story goes.  4 Stars :)

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Book Blurb
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.


My Review
I absolutely adored this book- it was so hard to put it down.  It is by far the best angel Y.A. book I have read yet!


Characters
The characters were so well-done.  NONE of the characters seemed flat to me- and I'm picky about characterization.  I really enjoyed putting together bits and pieces along with Clara to learn about her friends, love interests, and "purpose".  Clara was an extremely likeable, and still realistic, teenager.  I loved the friends that she made in Wyoming, and that the author took the time to build each character so that they felt real.  


Plot
It's hard to talk about the plot with out spoiling, but I'll just say I don't think the book blurb/product description gives it credit- because it makes it sounds so generically paranormal YA.  I'll just say it was tight plotting, and that I can't wait for the next one to see where the story goes- I feel like there is a lot more left to come.  


Relationship
Wow. Wow. Wow.  I loved how Clara's relationship with Tucker developed.  I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen between them.  Lots of spark, major connection, and perfect pacing.  


Overall
I really loved this one. It's definitely my favorite book so far of 2011.  5 stars

Hexbound by Chloe Neill

BOOK BLURB

Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia's School for Girls, but she's already learned that magic can be your best friend-or your worst enemy. That's why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities while fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago's nastiest nightlife-including the tainted magic users known as Reapers...

My Review

The entire time I read this, I kept checking my Wishlist on Amazon.com, trying to pick out what I wanted to read next.  I don't think that was a good sign.  I also found myself making excuses for putting the book down (I don't usually volunteer to do dishes or take out the trash).  Here goes...

Characters

I don't want to be too harsh, but none of the characters were developed from the last novel, and they have nondescript personalities.  The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic.  OK, that was harsh, but honest.  What teenage boy calls the girl he likes "kid" or "kiddo"?  I think the author was going for Buffy-esque quipping during tense, dangerous moments, but it just did not translate.

Plot

I think part of the problem is that I lost interest in the series since it has been about a year since I read the first one.  But, yeah, I totally missed the climax- it was very noneventful from start to finish.  Nothing really seemed to happen.  I am also a bit confused on the Adepts' purpose- they don't really seem to do anything but walk around and hope to thwart an evil plan.  I'm sure it will be developed in the future books- there was a bit of foreshadowing about smaller plot lines, but nothing ever really happened.

Relationship

No fireworks.  It's like Jason and Lily immediately became an old, married couple.  I predict that the relationship will be over in book 3.  

Overall

Just about the only good thing I have to say is that I love the cover and look of the book.  However, I doubt I'll continue on in the series.  Two Stars :(

Awakened by P.C. Cast

Book Blurb

“My love, speak to me.  Tell me everything.”  Neferet went to Kalona, kneeling before him, stroking the soft, dark wings that unfurled loosely around the immortal.
“What would you have me say?”  He didn’t meet her eyes. 
 “Zoey lives.” Neferet’s voice was flat, cold, lifeless.
“She does.”
“Then you owe me the subservience of your immortal soul.”  She started to walk away from him.
“Where are you going?  What will happen next?”
 “It is quite simple.  I will ensure Zoey is drawn back to Oklahoma.  There, on my own terms, I will complete the task you failed.”
Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey.  Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z.  But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there.  Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it?  Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…
And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim?  The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship?  Does he betray his father or his heart?
In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?


My Review
I just love this series.  I read each new installment praying that it won't disappoint (it seems inevitable in a series that one of the books doesn't resonate with you).  This book I really enjoyed.


Characters
This book gives you a taste of most of the characters we have grown to love, with alternating narratives.  I wouldn't say any of the characters make any giant leaps in their development, except possibly Stevie Rae.  I missed some of the characters in this book- I don't want to spoil, so I'll just say some are in the background of the action instead of the forefront like I had hoped. Also, our villain Neferet continues to be pretty flat in terms of being evil incarnate- I wish we could see a more human side of her.


Plot
I continue to be surprised in this series.   I had a vague recollection of the series when I started the book, but within the first few chapters I felt caught up.  I really liked that the female characters made less ridiculous slurs against women (i.e. calling other characters "hoes")- that was one part of the series that never sat well with me.  There is one plot line that I was confused about as it played out- I had no idea where it was going, but then it was dropped in the second half of the book.  I guess we'll see if it gets picked up in the next installment. The book ends on a cliffhanger (of course!), and I am very intrigued to see how it plays out.  


Overall
Even if in my heart I know these aren't the most sophisticated books, I still really enjoy them.  4 Stars, and I'll be waiting for the next one.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book Blurb

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

My Review

This book made me cry, at the airport, in front of complete strangers.  I had it on my Kindle for awhile, but when I went to read it, I couldn't remember what it was about, so it was a blind read.  For some reason, I thought it was about faeries, but not so much in reality.

Characters

Wow.  The characters in this book felt so real to me.  Tons of character development weaved in throughout the story.  Every character, major and minor, had a story and was unique.  The characters are what made this book great.  Only minor complaint is that sometimes they felt really perfect- not as many obvious character flaws which help lend credibility to the characters.  

Plot

The story is told as Mia recalls memories of her family when she is in an "in between state" of life and death.  Beautiful narratives of her family, friends, and boyfriend.  That's the main plot of the story.  

Relationship

Mia and Adam had a solid relationship.  They weren't the perfect couple, and Mia had some insecurities, but Adam was a good guy throughout the story that she depended on.  It was clear that the two had a love that is rare in high school relationships, but it wasn't over exaggerated to be an EPIC ROMANCE.  It felt very real.

Overall

I enjoyed this book- definitely worth 4 stars.  I'm embarrassed by my public weeping, but it's cathartic.  I looked up the next book in Mia's story, Where She Went, and I can not wait to read it (it comes out April 5th). It'll be told from Adam's perspective, 3 years later.  

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

Book Blurb
The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program was designed to bring together the "lowlife Brooker kids" (as they're known to the Ashburyites) and the "rich Ashbury snobs" (as they're called by the Brookfielders) in a spirit of harmony and the Joy of the Envelope. But things don't go quite as planned. Lydia and Sebastian trade challenges, like setting off the fire alarm at Brookfield. Emily tutors Charlie in How to Go On a Date with a Girl. But it's Cassie and Matthew who both reveal and conceal the most about themselves -- and it's their secrets and lies that set off a war between the two schools.


My Review
I read this a couple months ago, so some of the details are a bit fuzzy.  But what I do recall is absolutely adoring this book.  I loved the characters, the humor, the writing style, all of it!  In fact, I just "lent" this Kindle book out to my little sister.  She has 14 days to read it, and if she wastes my one lend-out, I'm going to be mad!


Characters
I loved all three of the girls, Emily, Lydia, and Cassie.  They are funny, loyal to each other, and completely lovable.  The author did a great job of narrating each character- sometimes characters can blend together in books with multiple narrators.  These girls had distinct personalities and idiosyncrasies.  The boys were also funny and amusing, but I'd say the three most dynamic characters for me were the girls.


Plot
Great pacing for this one- I was never bored and it wasn't totally predictable.  Towards the end the plot gets a bit outrageous and incredible, but at that point I was so hooked on it that I didn't mind.


Relationships
The girls are great friends to each other.  The romantic relationships keep you guessing and on your toes.  Not at all steamy romances, but so sweet and fun.


Overall
I have nothing bad to say about this book!  I pretty much loved it from start to finish!  4 Stars :)

Kiss It by Erin Downing

Book Blurb

A girl’s gotta do who a girl’s gotta do.Chastity Bryan has never been shy about going after what she wants. And when sexy, mysterious, so-not-from-this-town Sebastian walks into Chaz’s life, she knows in an instant that what she wants next is him. Chaz has no intention of playing for keeps—but she most definitely has intentions. Who needs true love when you’ve got true lust?
Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for—but maybe neither does Chaz….


My Review
So, I read some other reviews about this book before posting my own, because I really didn't know what to say.  Other people seemed to enjoy it a lot more than I did, so bear that in mind as you read this.


Characters
I didn't like Chaz!  She is confident, loyal, and preoccupied with boys- not bad ingredients for a teen romance book.  I actually should have identified with her more- smart, from a small town, eager to get out.  I think my problem is that she reacted to things in ways I never would, and so even though she is a likeable character, I just couldn't really connect.  I could never get a grasp on her feelings towards anyone in her life- she seemed ambivalent a lot of the time and didn't act in accordance with her feelings.  Something just seemed a bit off about her.  The rest of the characters were pretty flat.  Intriguing, mysterious love interest.  Best friend who is a complete opposite and foil to main character.  Intrusive mother. Etc.


Plot
Light on action, heavy on Chaz's inner turmoil and musings.  Not a lot happened from start to finish, which is realistic for a small town I guess.  There were events that happened to each of the minor characters in the book which Chaz reacted to.  Not my favorite.


Relationship
I liked Sebastian and Chaz.  They are the one part of the book that redeemed itself for me.  The attraction was there, the tension was there, and the mysterious reason for not being able to be together for 90% of the book was there.  I liked wondering who Sebastian was, and watching Chaz figure it out.  


Overall
Unfortunately, it was an "ehhh" book for me.  Nothing is inherently wrong with it, it's just not my thing.  I'd have to give it 2 stars based on my own enjoyment.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Book Blurb
Tough guy Alex is primarily known by his classmates as a dangerous member of the Latino Bloods gang. He’s not exactly thrilled when Brittany Ellis, the school’s seemingly perfect beauty queen, is assigned as his lab partner—and the feeling is more than mutual. But Alex’s bravado works against him when he impulsively accepts a bet that he can get Brittany in the sack. The romance that follows will not surprise any reader, yet Elkeles gives it heart by constantly switching point of view from Alex to Brittany to provide dual running commentaries on their minute-by-minute insecurities and urges. Brittany’s controlling parents and sister with cerebral palsy are well drawn, but it is Elkeles’ rendition of Alex and his life that is particularly vivid. Sprinkling his speech with Spanish, his gruff but tender interactions with his family and friends feel completely genuine. An idealized epilogue drains away some of the book’s realism, but if the “romance” angle isn’t pushed too hard, this is a novel that could be embraced by male and female readers in equal measure. Grades 9-12. --Daniel Kraus


My Review
Perfect Chemistry is the first in a series about the Fuentes brothers.  It's a typical high school romance, where the cheerleader falls for the bad boy.  It was well written, with amazing characterization.    


Characters
I loved the characters in this book, and especially loved Alex.  I think the author did an amazing job with these characters.  I don't have a ton to say that isn't complete gushing.  


Plot
I think that the way the story was paced was perfect.  I love that the characters didn't fall in love immediately.  It took time, with both of them getting to know the other's way of life.  My only complaint was that it was predictable at many points, but hey, it's a high school romance.  


Relationship
Brittany and Alex hated each other at first, and slowly started to respect and trust each other.  I rooted for them from the beginning.  It was a great romance story.  


Overall
Loved it!  It was a great book.  4 Stars 

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Book Blurb

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and
friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

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.

Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods.



My Review


I am very partial to Rick Riordan's books, since I teach Ancient Greece in my Social Studies class.  I think that these are great books for reluctant readers.  They are full of action and build tons of background knowledge!  But that's the teacher in me... Here's what I think as a reader.


Characters
The main character, Jason, finds himself plopped on a school bus, with no memory of who he is or where he is.  The story is about him figuring out who he is.  I liked Jason, Piper, and Leo.  They were fun, loyal, with enough flaws and conflict to truly make it interesting.


Plot
The story is in the same vein as the Percy Jackson series.  Tons of action and adventure, which I liked.  I was surprised at a lot of the twists, which was fun because a lot of times it's easy to figure out middle grades/young adult books.    


Relationship
The main romantic relationship occurs when Jason can't remember Piper, who was his girlfriend. They both struggle and have appropriate confusion and conflict over their feelings for each other. If this series follows the same path as Percy Jackson, it will take several books to really get into this relationship.


Overall
A really fun read that I enjoyed.  4 Stars.  

All Things YA

There is a new community for other Young Adult Lit. Lovers over at Facebook.  Check it out.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Things-YA/

I'm really excited about being a part of this :)  What's better than talking about books with other book lovers?

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Book Blurb


WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . .  AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?  There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.  But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug. 


My Review

I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down!


Characters
The characters pulled at my heartstrings.  Zooey was too dense for me at moments- I figured things out wayyyyyy before she put the pieces together.  Regardless, it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of the book.  I loved Doug.  He has the bad boy rep, but doesn't feed into the "dark, mysterious, dangerous boy that all good girls pine after" stereotype that I hate.


Plot
I loved it, despite the pacing getting dragged down by Zooey taking awhile to figure things out.   But hey, the girl has amensia.  I guess she deserves a break.   


Relationship
I loved Zooey and Doug.  They had all the tension I was looking for.  Both characters are likeable, and I loved their attraction and relationship, and how it developed.  

Overall
I give this 4 Stars.  I thought it was a great book.  

Wake by Lisa McMann

Book Blurb

Not all dreams are sweet.  For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody- notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....


My Review

Wake is about Janie, a girl who can't help the fact that anytime anyone falls asleep near her, she gets pulled into their dream.  The style of writing is a bit jerky.  Here's a sample from the text:

"Captain comes in.

Closes the door.

Sits behind her desk and takes a sip of coffee.  Crosses her legs.  Leans back in her chair and looks at the two teenagers."

I found the writing off-putting, but it might just be not my cup of tea.  


Characters and Relationship
I liked the characters, Janie and Cabel, and I liked the way their relationship unfolded.  However, this book just raised a bunch of questions.  Why isn't an 18 year old more curious about her unique ability? Why can she do this?  What is she going to do with this?  I have way more questions than impressions of either character.    


Plot
I thought this was a very cool idea for a book.  I love supernatural elements, and I find dreams fascinating. As intrigued as I was in Janie's ability, I was frustrated by the many plotlines that were just left hanging.  I hate finishing a book and feeling like there was no resolution, and I definitely got that feeling with this one.


Overall
I know the author left the book in a way that will inspire readers to buy book #2 in the series.  I'm not going to rush to do it.  I think that the series could get a lot better from here, but for this one, I give it 2 stars.  

The Oracle Rebounds by Allison van Diepen

BOOK BLURB
As the "oracle of dating," Kayla is supposed to have all the answers about love and relationships. She's supposed to have the perfect relationship. But now that Jared is "taking a step back," Kayla feels like a total fraud.


So the expert on dating starts taking her own rebound advice—and some from her friends—and stops moping around. Yeah, there are other possibilities out there—including the beyond-cute French foreign exchange student she's showing around town.


But when controversy erupts about the Oracle's advice, Kayla is sent reeling once again. Will anything work out for her this year? Yet when her friends start seriously needing the Oracle, Kayla begins to focus on what really matters: Viv, Sharese, Amy and Ryan, her true-blue buds. And suddenly, everything starts making sense again….
(from Amazon.com)


Leena's Review
Woo Hoo!  It's January 2nd and I have started and finished my first book of 2011!  The Oracle Rebounds is the sequel to The Oracle of Dating.  I read The Oracle of Dating a few months ago, and found it to be a quick and fun read.  The Oracle Rebounds was just as enjoyable.


Characters
Kayla is a likeable character.  She is smart, and extremely mature for her age.  She is loyal to her friends, kind to other students, and won't speak bad about anyone, even the boy who dumped her.  The only thing that bothered me about her is that it's hard for me to imagine a teenager with that level of maturity and resiliency.  But, that doesn't mean I can't love her!


Plot
I loved the main storyline of Kayla rebounding and moving on from her breakup with Jared.  I thought that the pacing was great- she didn't wallow in misery, as many main characters do when the relationship falls apart in the sequel.  There were a lot of smaller story lines, mostly about her friends' relationships.  Some of these stories were better that others, and a couple of them felt very unfinished to me.  But, that's what you get in a series.  We'll see where the 3rd book picks up.  


Relationship
I liked Jared a lot in The Oracle of Dating.  His character is not really developed in this one as much, which I missed.  Because Kayla spends most of the book single, it's a bit difficult to comment on the relationship, except to say I loved the tension between Jared and Kayla post-break-up.


Overall
I really liked this book.  It's fun, cute, and easy to read through in a sitting.  I give it 3 Stars.  I can't wait for the next one. 

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I'm so excited to take on the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, as I start to blog about books.  I learned about this from one of my favorite book bloggers, www.thestorysiren.com.

The goal is to read at least 12 Young Adult or Middle Grade authors by a debut author in 2011.  Kristi at The Story Siren has compiled a list of books that qualify- I'm looking forward to going through those and picking 12 :)

My First Challenge...

If you would like to participate with me, sign up at the host's website, http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/12/100-reading-challenge.html.