In My Mailbox 6 December 5th- December 12th

Compliments to The Story Siren

Virals by Kathy Reichs

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefaver

The Future of Us by Jay Asher

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riorden

Strange Angels by Lilith Saintcrow

Paranormalcy by Kieresten White

Paranormalcy

Author: Kiersten White

Pages: 335 Pages

Publisher: Harper Teen

Released: August 31st 2010

Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Book Source: Library

Evie is a monster hunter. She is employed by the International Paranormal Containment Agency.  She has a gift- that is also a curse. She can see through the glamours that paranormal-s put on- to hid themselves from humans and the Agency. Evie is the agency's secret weapon. With a power only she herself has- it is unlike anything the agency has ever contained. this life- is normal for Evie. She has a mermaid best friend, a faerie ex-boyfriend/stalker and now paranormal-s are dying.

Not only dying- being killed, in mass amounts.  Evie's head is filled with mysterious murmurings of  destruction and the promise of death to all paranormal creatures. Evie is soon to realize that not only is her power a mystery. to her dismay she is finding more and more evidence to the fact that she is connected to an ancient faerie prophecy and the deaths of many paranormal beings that are stacking up. Its up to Evie to put a stop to everything- but how can she fix everything when she has no idea what she is up against?

Evie. One and only Evie. Her personality is just the perfect dose of innocence and cleverness, with just a hint of mischief- shes a great character. So unique and fiery! Her comedic acts in this book was great when living through the plot. She is always criticizing things in her own sense of humor that entertained me throughout the book.Oh and don't forget her hot pink zebra boots!

The plot of this book was clever and mysterious. The writing with the dialogue and way that Evie's thoughts were put together was leaning more toward Middle Grade rather than Young Adult literature. This kind of annoyed me at times like-"c'mon just get to the point already" but the plot was intriguing enough to keep me snared through this book in one evening of reading.

Kiersten White is a very nice author and never confuses you. I really mean that- never once was I confused. But that also means the writing was rather simple- but sometimes with the perfect plot- that is completely okay! Whatever creative process she went through to think of this paranormal world- sign me up! I would never  be creative enough to think of something as unique as this world of paranormal creatures.

The romance throughout the novel was appropriate and sweet. Evie with  her boy always made me smile. Simple romances are always so rinky-dinky cute.

It may have had simple writing- but I loved it! I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of  this paranormal trilogy, I plan to stick with it and keep on reading.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor 

Pages: 418

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Release: September 27th 2011

Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Book Source: Insider @ Library

        In a  Karou's world where winged creatures roam the sky and a chimaera named Brimstone collects all sorts of teeth for his mysterious necklaces. And his teeth are soon to run out.

      Karou is the 'errand' runner for Brimstone; she does anything he needs. Why? Because he is a monster that is all she has known for family since a young age. He is her family.

       Who is she? She doesn't know. Her hair grows blue- naturally from the roots.She speaks many languages- languages of humans, and monsters alike. She fills sketchbooks with dramatic drawings of monsters that are real- but a secret for her to keep. She is a mystery- to herself and everyone else. But that is the question she keeps getting asked. Who is she?  What is she?

      But when black fiery hand prints are appearing on doors all over the world- on portals catastrophe is soon to strike. And Karou doesn't know what it is and how to stop it. When a wonderful stranger Akiva finds Karou- she haunts him. Her face- a face of beauty. Together they find hidden secrets, dangerous love and most of all- they discover who she is. Whether Karou likes who she is or not; together Akiva and herself are going to find out.

First of all- I would like to thank my schools wonderful librarian- Mrs. Johnson. She let me borrow the schools copy of this book before it was processed- because she knew how much I wanted to read it. Also because it takes forever to process. So I appreciate her kindness and hope she will do the same in the future!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone has been on my to-read list for quite some time. I had hoped it would fulfill my great expectations of this new series. And indeed it did! And more! This new fantastical world of mythological creatures twisted my mind and gave me joy. This book was beyond wonderful.

I loved the voice that Laini Taylor incorporated into this book. Her writing was great- her style told the story and just sucked me in and I could not put it down. This mystery is one of the best books I have read ever. I cannot wait for the sequel!

Karou is definitely going on my list of book character that I would want for a a best friend- right next to Katniss from The Hunger Games and Mara Dyer from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Karou was unlike any character I have ever 'met'. Her stubbornness and capability was so endearing and awesome to watch  unravel throughout the book. Karou definitely grew as a character throughout the book and made her even more enticing at the end.

The thing I enjoyed the very most was the unpredictability of this entire story.  Just as soon as you started thinking you knew what came next- Laini Taylor just flipped you around and you landed on your head. Sometimes unpredictability in a book can be annoying and just irritate me but this did the opposite- it encouraged me to continue reading.

Laini Taylor did a fantastic job of snagging the read right away and left you wanting more at the end of the book. Definitely a book you NEED to read! I can't wait for the sequel. Some writers just cannot write fast enough!

Imaginary Girls

Imaginary Girls

Author: Nova Ren Suma

Pages: 344

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Paranormal

Release: June 4th 2011

Age: Young Adult (12-18)
Book Source: Library

     Chloe's older sister, Ruby, always gets what she wants. One night two summers ago- Chloe, at only 14, was dared to swim across the reservoir- quite dire and dangerous task. But she never does it. Soon after beginning to swim she discovers a boat- with the body of a classmate. Dead.

      Soon after Chloe moves to live with her dad- to live a normal life and escape the past that has been haunting her ever since the night she stumbled upon the boat. Two years later- Ruby wants Chloe back. She wants everything normal and as if it was those two summers ago.

      When Chloe returns to their quaint little town everything is the same- the exact same. Or is it?

     Ruby as older sister of Chloe shall always protect Chloe- its her duty as a sister. But when deadly secrets threaten to expose the truth to Chloe of that night out at the reservoir. But for Chloe deadly secrets can have deadly consequences- and it may mean life or death.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Suma Ren was quite a feat that left me guessing through out the entire novel. I suppose you could classify this book as a thriller but the plot went along quite slow and was rather dragging throughout the first third of the book. But soon after the ball begins rolling I just couldn't put it down and read the rest in one seating. 

The characters were rather confusing- as in Ruby's strange personality. She is the kind of girl no one can ever figure out- and that no one knows better than Chloe.

The sisterhood exemplified in this novel was rather sweet and endearing. But when Chloe is always following ruby it feels rather forced like. Why cannot Chloe have her own personality? But the true sisterly love does appear. Throughout the book Chloe always thought her feelings but never communicated them to other characters which I had found rather annoying (SPIT IT OUT ALREADY). 

Nova Ren Suma's writing was very much her own. I haven't read a book with writing quite like that- ever. It had just enough creative writing and descriptive writing to keep me hooked throughout the novel. The mystery portrayed through her words was intriguing and exciting to follow.

Imaginary Girls may be a paranormal thriller- do not confuse it with a book such as White Cat by Holly Black. This book is very unique with it's plot and characters and that was one of the things I enjoyed most. Though it got confusing at times- it was a satisfying read that left me wanting more. I look forward to reading future novels by Nova Ren Suma..

Hey Book Wanderer's

Hoooo--leee-SHMOKES

In the past two days I've had the most traffic that I have ever had! It's quite thrilling really.

 And I most definitely appreciate every single comment! Keep it coming!

I have recently finished about ten books that will be review soon. School has been indeed cray-zay because winter break is only a few weeks away. Only a few weeks left. Oh the final projects that are 80% of our grade. Curse them!

The Books I  recently finished are:

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

 (which I loved to death!)

Forever by Maggie Stiefaver 

Bruiser by Neil Shusterman

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Break by Hannah Moskowitz

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 

Paper Towns by John Green

White Cat by Holly Black

(I enjoyed this also!)

Thanks guys for tuning in and check it out soon because new book reviews will be here!

Thanks for the support

:)

xo

Jade

In My Mailbox 5 November 27th- December 4th 2011

Compliments to The Story Siren

Tithe by Holly Black

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

In My Mailbox 4 November 19th- November 26th

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
My Fathers Son by Terri Fields
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
Bruiser by Neil Shusterman

Willow by Julia Hoban

Willow

Author: Julia Hoban

Pages: 329

Publisher: Dial

Release: April 2nd 2009

Book Source: Barnes and Nobles
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Award(s): Florida Teens Read Nominee (2010)

     Willow Randall feels immensely guilty for killing her parents. In her mind- she did kill them; but not directly. One night seven months ago on a dark, stormy night at a family dinner Willow's parents drank too much. they request for willow to drive them home so they don't jeopardize her safety, and so she can get some more practice at the art of driving.

     They never went home. On that rainy night Willow, as an inexperienced driver she lost control of the car and both of her parents were killed. She killed them.

    Everyday she blames herself for her death.  She punishes herself. She attempts to survive. The only way she knows how to do it; by secretly cutting herself.  Seven months later she meets Guy. Sweet and sensitive; he is just what she needs to emerge from her shell- back into the world.

     The only problem is that he's onto Willow secret. A secret like that could destroy someone with the guilt of knowing someone that is secretly falling apart. Guy wants into Willow's life; but can she break down the barriers that took months build- to change her self-destructive path?

This  novel is a painful story of lust, love, secrets and a tortured girl. Tortured with heavy with the guilt of her parents death. I enjoyed how stubborn Willow was. About everything. She wasn't exactly directly stubborn- but the subtleness of stubborn in her personality.

Although she didn't actually kill her parents- she feels guilty and like burden. So she cuts herself. I have always wondered how cutters come to that conclusion. How it gets just that bad that you have no other choice. This novel does give you a peek into that secret world we wouldn't understand at all otherwise.

Two of the words I hate most are Emo and Fag. Why you ask?

Those are gruesome. Painful words. It is not their fault that "emo people" do not know how to handle their emotion any other way... There is a reason and you people who call them that DO NOT KNOW THEIR WHOLE STORY. YOU NEVER WOULD. EVEN IF YOU TRIED. The only thing you can do is try to help. Help. No call them emo and Snicker. Snicker. Seriously- what is wrong with you people. I believe when you read books you get a deeper understanding of people. And I believe that you should NEVER treat someone like that. Ever. No buts. I don't care what your opinion is- you are wrong. "emo people", yeah, they are people too. Just. Like. You.

I have had friends who struggled with this issue- and it hurts. It hurts that I cannot help and that I cannot fix everything. It is a hard situation to be in but never just go and tell. Snitch. That could make it 100% worse. Always talk to them first- Always first.

  Julia Hoban created such a clear vision of a cutters real life- and has opened my eyes, and hopefully others, to the pain and guilt they face, every day.

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Glimpse 

Author: Carol Lynch Williams

Pages:496

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Release: June 22nd 2010
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Book Source: Library

Awards: YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011)

     Hope and Lizzie Chapman. They're sisters for life, sharing everything together- problems. At only a year apart they were as close as any sisters could be. But they don't share everything together. Sisters have secrets too. Big secrets. who knew sisters this close could have lives separate from each-others.
     But when little sister Hope catches Lizzie with a shot-gun attempting suicide. From there everything moves fast, Lizzie in rehab, their mother in denial; Hope feels condemned. It's now her mission to discoverer the truth; before its too late to save Lizzie- from herself.


     To start; I thought this book was a well written free verse poetry-novel. Even though it was poetry all of the describing detail that made you really feel and experience the emotion that Hope was being tormented through. It was roughly realistic and painful to read. When Hope was full hopelessness- you were hopeless. It was such a roller coaster of emotion it was almost ridiculous. 


This book showed the loss of Hope's innocence.  Innocence is a precious thing but having a vicious mother it is difficult to preserve. But Hope's sister, Lizzie did just that. Preserved Hope's innocence until she lost the will to live from her mothers terrible decisions. 


Throughout this novel my mind often strayed to the book: 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. In this case it wasn't her peers fault she pondered suicide- it was her mothers. That gruesome fact left me wondering- how would it feel to feel such immense love to sacrifice your own innocence for anothers- sacrificing it to your very own mother? 


The realness of this novel is... Painful. Gruesome. This is an extremely powerful book- with an extreme message. I would definitely recommend this free verse poetry novel to those who love thrilling stories.

Flawless by Lara Chapman

Flawless 

 Author: Lara Chapman

  Pages: 255

  Publisher: Bloomsbury

  Release: May 10th 2011

  Book Source: Library 
  Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

      Sarah Burke. She's best friend with Kristen Gallagher; the queen bee of the school. They've known each other since the kinder years and Sarah's always known her place. Kristen is always better than her; Why? Because of her nose. Her huge monster of a nose. The nose that has locked her doors from everything unplanned, unexpected and exciting. But that all changes when she discovers Rock.

     Rock Conway. He is the guy of her dreams; smart, funny and extremely handsome. Sarah knows deep down that she loves Rock and there is nothing she can do about it. Why? Because Kristen wants Rock; and Kristen always gets what she wants.

       Considering the fact that Rock is a literacy buff and Kristen doesn't have any idea who wrote Romeo and Juliet she's in quite a dilemma. So she begs for Sarah to impersonate her online and smarten up some of her ditzy words.

     Sarah know that there is no way Rock could ever love her and her Mt Everest of a nose, but what Kristen's asking for... is a LOT. Sarah doesn't know if she can be loyal to her friend, when they are both having major crushes on the same person.

I thought this novel was a well written- yet predictable teenage romance.  Best friends both fall in love with the new guy- the prettiest one snags him and the other lives in shame. Yada, yada, yada. 


This novel sums up the way every teenage girl has felt about a guy and how they made up this fantasy for him to sweep them off their feet.  The main character Sarah was very gullible, capable person. She had a great loyalty to her friend not to expose her own feelings even though she lusted after new yummy guy rock. 


I thought the book was rather cute but was... repetitive and the main character puts herself down so much you just want to scream... GET OVER IT. IT IS YOUR PERSONALITY THAT COUNTS; NOT YOUR NOSE. Ugh. Loyal girls are always so self conscious. This chica's best friend may be popular but like that matter this lady has the BRI-AIINS. Brains are success. Dumb people are a mess. I mean c'mon, this girl could have given herself some credit and sent a positive message to young women that you don't have to be perfect to be loved; or at least she doesn't say that for a while.


Lara Chapman did a decent job writing the ideal, realistic teeny-bopper, puppy love novel.  I really enjoyed her writing but the plot was week. More middle grade- and in the end it did send a positive message to women- hopefully it was received! No girl should suppress her TRUE feelings for someone else. She should at least communicate. 


I guess the reason this book annoyed me so much because I have been in the same situation and I did the same thing! I felt like it was mocking me and only me. But I enjoyed the ending of this book. Unfortunately our endings were far from the same. At least maybe it will teach girls like me to go after what we want and take it... because we can!

In My Mailbox 3 November 4th- November 11th

 
Compliments to The Story Siren

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

An Abundance of Katherines

 Author: John Green
 Pages: 277
 Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
 Release: September 21st 2006
 Book Source: Library
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Colin Singleton is a child prodigy. All he remembers ever doing is reading, memorizing facts and learning at his own intent. Being a self-declared nerd, his social life is rather dire. But he is okay with that. But he is no genius; he is only a prodigy. There is just one thing he just cannot figure out- love. Love and relationships.

Colin has had many relationships in his life. All of which the girls involved are Katherines. Blonde, Brunette, Ginger; it didn’t matter to Colin. He wasn’t searching for Katherine’s he was searching for relationships. He found them, with 19 Katherine’s.        

After recently suffering a bitter breakup with the 19^th Katherine Colin’s best friend Arab Hassan decides the only cure for Colin’s break-up blues is a road trip.  Colin and Hassan hop on the endless road to destinations unknown, adventures unseen and friendships to be made.

This book was rather intriguing with the footnotes and flipped perspective. I hardly ever read books as insanely smart as Colin was.  Although for all of the math-y parts of the book I just skimmed and scanned. I just couldn't bring myself to go any deeper than that. After all- math is meant for school- NOT books. Or for me anyway.

John Greene did rather well crafting a genius’s perspective, although I found it rather dry at times with all of the facts. And by dry I mean boring. Coming back to the math and such- I am not a math-y person in case you hadn't realized.

The writing was well written but there was not much excitement. The plot was very realistic without much conflict or paranormal jazz. 

An Abundance of Katherines was extremely realistic. I enjoyed a lot of the realistic witty humor incorporated throughout the novel. If you enjoyed Paper Towns by John Green you will enjoy this book.

I have only read Paper Towns and this novel and I found that I really do not enjoy John Green's writing. I am not sure what it was I disliked so much- maybe it was the fact there we no monsters. Or Werewolves. Or Vampires. Sigh

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched 

    Author: Ally Condie

    Pages: 366

    Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

    Release: November 30th 2010

    Book Source: Bought
    Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

      In a futuristic world where freedom is non-existent, the Government known as the  Society controls every variable in the Citizens everyday lives. Cassia Reyes has listened all her life to the Society. Why? Because no one questions the decisions the city officials make.

     Its Cassia's 17th birthday and it is time for her to finally be Matched. The process that everyone goes through- the Society determines your partner based on age, health and compatibly. Cassia Reyes gets Matched wither her best friend since childhood; Xander. This is an uncommon occurrence among this Society. When Matched at the Match banquet you receive a card with the information about your one and only new Match.

     After the banquet when Cassia attempts to view Xander on the card her match, his face isn't the only one she sees. She sees another face; another childhood friend. Ky. Ky the dark mysterious loner; whose father is an Anomaly. An anomaly is an outcast in this futuristic world- an anomaly has committed an unforgivable crime. That crime labels them as an Anomaly for the rest of the life. Now Cassia has a choice. Xander, safe and reliable. Ky, dark and alluring. She has a choice that no one has ever had. Can will her heart choose safe Xander or surrender to the magnetic pull of Ky?

I really enjoyed this novel because the creativity, and how Ally Condie created such an unfamiliar believable world. She crafted the most bittersweet love triangle that left your readers guessing. 

Cassia was a relate-able yet capable character. It made me feel so frustrated about how trapped she was, in this choice-less place. The writing had extremely descriptive scenes that created a film in my mind and helped me try to embrace this new kind of world. 

BUT.

That is the good stuff. You see I thought the writing was okay but not directly aimed for YA readers it felt more, per say... Middle Grade. The farther I got into the book the more I was dragging my feet. And creating excuses not to read it. 

Although the characters were well thought out, the plot amazing- the only problem was the writing was mediocre. I just wasn't thrilled with it. 

If you read Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #3) - I felt the same way about that conclusion to the trilogy, I just wasn't ecstatic about the writing. But it might just be me! I am very picky about my books- the writing and topics. You may pick it up and just love it- so it is definitely worth a try.