Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Fablehaven Series, by Brandon Mull


I know what you might be thinking... that this is a 'kids' book. And, well, it kind of IS.

BUT!!!!!!, I have read books 1-5 and am completely in love with each and every one.

Here is the official synopsis:

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.


Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

This is a book that's in league with Percy Jackson & the Olympians, it's whimsical, and interesting, and full of surprises.






Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Once A Witch, by Carolyn MacCullough

Tamsin Greene has grown up in a family of witches, magic is commonplace in her life. Need a love potion? Just ask her mother. Is someone making your life miserable? One of her crazy extended family members can just send a well-placed hex their way.
But Tamsin? She can't do a thing, she's an outsider. Talentless. The one who was supposed to be the most powerful in the family never manifested, she doesn't have a drop of magic to call her own.
So, when a mysterious stranger mistakes her for her talented older sister, asking for her help to track down an old family heirloom Tasmin can't help but play along and enjoy feeling special for once. But this stranger isn't who she thinks he is, and the heirloom she helps him find is one that will unlock her powers and cause destruction for everyone she loves.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Beastly, by Alex Flinn

 I read this book when it was just a cover, a twist on an old fairytale story.
Now, it's going to be a major motion picture.

It's about a beast, and this is his story......

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster. You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell. Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

Kyle Kingsbury is everything you ever wished you could be: Handome, Insanely Wealthy, Popular, Smart, Confident.... he's the whole arrogant package. Set in New York City, Kyle is cursed, turned into a modern beast - not a prowling animal - but a human, one who is deformed, laughed at, one who is ugly. With a father who shuns him because of his curse Kyle is on his own. And, as the old fairytale goes, he must find someone to love him for who he is- someone who can look past his hideous disfigurement, his awful attitude, and see the person behind the enchantment. 

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

This is a story told from Death's point of view, a fresh take on Nazi Germany with just a touch of a love story.
Liesel Meminger is a young girl, growing up in Nazi Germany. Liesel is also a book thief.
Narrating from his point of view, Death talks about the first time he met Liesel, how her brother died, and how she stole her very first book "The Gravediggers Handbook", and her love of not only books - but stealing books, became greater - one of her fiercest desires and something that helped her carry on through the extremely hard times she would soon face. From hiding Jews in her basement, stealing so she wouldn't starve, and being completely and utterly afraid of falling in love - her books helped her with all of this and more.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Beauty, A Retelling of the story of Beauty & The Beast, by Robin McKinley

I read this story for the first time in second grade. But, trust me, it's a book that is amazing no matter what age you read it. This is a retelling like you've never read before.
This is the story of Beauty, a girl who grows up by the sea, lives with her wealthy family, and has two beautiful and kind older sisters. But, Beauty is anything but beatiful, she is awkward, sallow faced, with big hands and feet.
Her fathers shipping business goes bankrupt and their family is forced to travel to the forest to live.
The story takes a twist when her father returns home from a trip with tales of a wild beast, living in a castle in the forest beyond their home, and, in order for the fathers' life to be spared, one of his daughters must go, willingly to live with the beast. Forever.
But nothing is as it seems...

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations is the story of Pip, his childhood and growth into an adult. As a poor child, growing up was rough, he never had the best of things, was in love with a girl in a station much higher than his own, and had a longing for things that always seemed out of reach. When he is a bit older, he receives and unexpected windfall of money. He moves to the city, pursues what he thought he always wanted only to find that he was too materialistic and what he had originally wanted isn't worth having anymore and the things that he truly does want don't want him back.
Most people have already read this story, and so I'll say -- the ending of this book was tragic, but it was also the only way this book could have ended, so fitting.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

This story begins and ends with the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a young girl who vanished over 40 years ago. This story follows the Vanger family, a reporter, and a girl named Lisbeth Salander.
I find myself at a loss for words over this story. It was slow paced, confusing, and a hodgepodge of information that upon the final result of the book you find was mostly useless. But a great way to make what could have been a 100 page book into 400 pages.

It was interesting. But in a tiring, and drawn out way.

I can't imagine myself reading the sequel.

We'll see.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Firelight, by Sophie Jordan


Jacinda is a fiery redhead - no simple teenage girl. Jacinda is a decendant of the dragon, her race is known as Draki. An elite race that can transform from her natural Draki form to an almost average looking human.

Destined to be 'mated' with a Draki prince because of her special abilities, Jacinda and her family are forced to leave their mountain boundaries and venture into the mortal world.

The dry air and dusty desert wreak havoc on her inner Draki, until it begins to wither and die. Until she meets Will. A human. A hunter of Draki. And the only thing that can keep her true self alive. Does she get close to him or fight her inner battle alone? Can she risk it either way?

This is a fresh take on a paranormal story, and a dragon story. Completely original and captivating. My only qualm was the storyline moved too fast. I wish I had a bit longer to explore the characters, the nuances of their personalities, and the development of their relationship together. HOWEVER, it did not detract from the amazing and well plotted story line. I just HATE that I have to wait for the sequel.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Echoes, by Melinda Metz


Rae hears voices. In her head.

Rae, formerly known as Rachel, is the most popular girl in school, she's dating the all-star jock, has the best friends, and is wealthy. What more could a girl ask for?
Then, she starts hearing voices in her head that aren't her own thoughts and ends up in a mental institution for the summer.
Rae gets out by telling people what they want to hear - that the voices are gone.
But, as Rae goes back to school, and her regular life, she's still hearing the voices, all around her. Some are faded, some are loud, but one voice screams louder than all the others, and that's the voice that says "RAE MUST DIE".

Incredible story and amazing characters. I fell in love with every single one of them except one. I think that person is suspicious.... and I am SO hoping the next book is released soon so I can see if my suspicions prove correct.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Summoning, by Kelley Armstrong

Her name is Chloe Saunders, she appears to be your average teenage girl. Concerned about boys, her hair color, and making friends. And then, she appears to be quite possibly, insane.

Because, Chloe….? She sees ghosts.

And the ghosts? They see her too. 

Chloe ends up locked away in Lyle House, a home for troubled teens and Chloe is so obviously troubled… right? But, Lyle House isn’t all that it appears to be either, the other teens at the house are… different. And some of them are disappearing. 

This supernatural story is a gripping read, completely suspenseful. With mixture or realism and fantasy this series is a definite MUST.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater


It needs to be said again, I absolutely HATE spoilers. I once quadruple bagged the sequel of a book before giving it to my sister since I KNEW she hadn’t finished the first one. Did I mention that I also duct taped the bags, then bagged it again, followed by more duct tape? I really hate spoilers. So, if you haven’t already read SHIVER - Please do not read this until you do.

For those of you who have…. You’ll remember….The longing. The loss. The linger. Grace thought her world was perfect, wrapped up in a package and tied with a tidy little bow, now that Sam was back with her. As a human. But right as things start to seem simple, they aren’t. There are new wolves, new humans, new friendships, new enemies. And the rope that once tied Grace and Sam together is just a thread – fragile, pulled tight, and ready to snap. This book chronicles the end. And, the beginning. Making me wonder what the next book in this series holds for its remaining characters.  

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Eragon, by Christopher Paolini


I am so suprised I haven't already written about this book. I have been a major fan for years. I am DYING while I wait for the final book to come out. If anyone knows the date -- fill me in!
So. This book. Is amazing.

It is about a boy, named Eragon, who finds a beautiful, polished, blue stone in the forest near his home. He takes it with him, hoping it will fetch his family food or supplies for the cold winter months ahead. What Eragon didn’t know is that this is no ordinary stone. This stone… is an egg. With a dragon hatchling inside.


This dragon brings danger, death, and all manner of destruction on Eragon’s town, family, and life. But, it also brings a destiny filled with magic, and power that will change his life forever.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Poison Study, by Maria V. Snyder

On the day Yelena is to be executed for murder she is offered a choice – continue with the hanging, or, become a food taster. Seems harmless right? Or not. She becomes the food taster, a.k.a. poison tester for all the drinks and meals for the Commander of Ixia.


As she becomes more comfortable in her role at the palace she begins to formulate her escape plan. But with internal plots, strange magical powers, and enemies out to get her…she might not ever be free again. Such an amazing (seriously, insanly amazing) book. I won't update the remainder of the trilogy *no spoilers here!* but suffice it to say - this is a MUST READ.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Skin Hunger, by Kathleen Duey


Magic has been banned in the world where Sadima lives. With her family's valuables stolen and her mother left to die on the day of her birth Sadima's life starts out rough. Her solace in life is the gift she has with animals. It comes from the magic hidden within her. The only magic left in the world is hidden, in fables, old songs, and in the select few people, like Sadima. But, when someone discovers her secret, Sadima begins a journey that will take her to places she never imagined and to discovers secrets she will wish she never had.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Thirst, by Christopher Pike


Alisa is the ultimate vampire, completely in control of her urges, feeding but not killing, living her opulent life in secret – no friends, no enemies, no one who knows she exists. But, someone knows she is alive, and is hunting her. The ultimate question of this book is – does she find out who it is? And, can she kill them, before they kill her?


This book has a love triangle in it (which I love), which seems to be the popular layout of books recently, but Pike writes in a way that is believable and completely original. Alisa is like no character I’ve ever met. She is heartless, cold, unforgiving. I found myself shocked at her lack of mercy and compassion. Shocked. But I was pleased that she stayed true to form throughout the book, definitely a strong character, and a strong story line.

Monday, August 2, 2010

The Owl Keeper, by Christine Brodien-Jones

Maxwell Unger has heard stories from his Gran about his world before the Destruction. A world where freedom, happiness, and books abound. That was when there were still Silver Owls in the world. Now that his Gran has passed away, it’s the stories that he remembers, especially his favorite, the one about the Owl Keeper. And Gran had told him the time of the Owl Keeper was coming, and that the Owl Keeper would be the person to save everyone from the evil lurking in the forest- to make everything right again.
This was a lower level read. Still good, but it was a book I could put down to eat dinner or watch a show, not 100% riveting, but still something I would recommend for a good read.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Inside Out, by Maria V. Snyder


This book was insanity. It leaves you wondering until the last page. LITERALLY. I had no idea how it was going to end. So intense. This book is about a girl named Trella. She lives on the lower levels, and her job title is Scrub. Cleaning and keeping the ducts and air shafts clean. No one is allowed into the Uppers. But, Trella uses her ducts and shafts to travel to the Uppers, and what she finds out changes everything. Making her the leader of a rebellion more than a thousand people strong. Changing everyones lives forever.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

It all starts with a small package left on Clay's front porch before he gets home from school. In that box are tapes. 13 tapes, recorded by Hannah Baker - Clay's classmate and crush - who killed herself 2 weeks earlier. There are 13 reasons why Hannah committed suicide. And Clay is one of them.
Clay now has a choice. To listen to the 13 reasons, and pass along the tapes to the next person in line, or, never find out.
This was a gripping read, I was hooked to the very end. This was one of the most real books I have ever had the opportunity to read. Sad and amazing all at the same time. And it makes you realize just how much you can impact another person's life.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Captivate, by Carrie Jones

















Please do not read this post until you have read THIS ONE first otherwise the first book will be spoiled!
In the first book, Need, it ends with Zara semi-solving her pixie problem. But the choice she makes is haunting her, what she made was a cage, a prison, which goes against the fundamental beliefs she fights for. Torn by her decision, Zara alters her plan, and makes a mistake. This mistake not only costs Zara, but her friends and family as well. Because, while Zara tries to right a wrong, someone else is plotting against her. In the end, there are friends lost, enemies gained, and Zara is changed forever.
Sidenote: if anyone knows when the trilogy will be released, let me know!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Recent Readings



Since I last posted, I have read at least 17 books (pictured above), and those are just the ones I had in my nightstand that I hadn't already taken upstairs. So, to save time, I'll give you titles of books I absolutely recommend from my recent readings.

The Summoning
The Awakening
The Reconing
Poison Study
Magic Study
Fire Study
Keys to the Demon Prison
The Prize
The Iron King
Once a Witch
Beastly
The Masquerade
Ballad
Walden (Life in the Woods)
Great Expectations
Thirst
Captivate

There are more, I just can't remember titles. Each of these books were incredible in one way or another. However, Great Expectations, followed the trend of books written in that era and I found myself at a loss over the ending. It was the perfect ending for that book, but I disliked it.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Incarceron, by Catherine Fisher


There is no possible description I can give better than the one on the cover of this book- so here it is.
Incarceron is a prison unlike any other: Its inmates live not only in cells, but also in metal forests, dilapidated cities, and unbounded wilderness. The prison has been sealed for centuries, and only one man, legend says, has ever escaped.
Finn, a seventeen-year-old prisoner, can’t remember his childhood and believes he came from Outside Incarceron. He’s going to escape, even though most inmates don’t believe that Outside even exists. And then Finn finds a crystal key and through it, a girl named Claudia. Claudia claims to live Outside—her father is the Warden of Incarceron and she’s doomed to an arranged marriage. If she helps Finn escape, she will need his help in return. But they don’t realize that there is more to Incarceron than meets the eye. Escape will take their greatest courage and cost far more than they know.
Because Incarceron is alive.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare


The first book in The Immortal Instruments trilogy begins with the story of Clary. An ordinary teenager living with her mother. Ordinary until she discovers she can see supernatural beings that no one else can. She meets a Shadowhunter named Jace who kills demons, monsters, and anything else that goes bump in the night. Suddenly Clary is pulled into this magical world and realizes life isn't as simple as she thought, she doesn't really know the person she has called 'mom', and that Jace is more dangerous than he appears. Thrilling good read.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima


Han McAllister is a reformed thief, trying to make a living and support his mother and young sister. For as long as Hans can remember, his wrists have been encased in thick silver cuffs, engraved with runes. He has never been able to get them off, and they grow as he grows, fitting him perfectly.
After Han becomes the new owner of an ancient talisman, one that once belonged to The Demon King, he begins to be hunted by strange beings and frightening wizards.
Upon his escape from town Han has a run-in with Princess Raisa. Now they must band together in order to survive and bring to pass the closure of the Demon Kings reign.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Dragon Heir, by Cinda Williams Chima


** Spoiler Alert!*** Do not read this post until you've read the first two books, listed below. You've been warned!
Jason Haley, friend of Seph McCauley, wizard.
Jason helped Seph before his escape from The Havens. A rebel with no family or friends, he sets out to find the Dragon. Leader of the renegade wizards trying to overthrow the Red and White Roses. As Jason travels to Cumbria to seek his revenge his stumbles, quite literally, into an ancient cavern. One that holds the Dragon Heart, a stone, more powerful than any wizard could have possibly imagined.
As he fights to learn his true calling in life, he struggles with the need to feel wanted and important. As he slowly slips away from the only friends he knows, the Dragon Heart still calls to him.
Madison Moss can also feel the call of the stone. But she's no wizard. Torn between love and the siren's call of the Dragon Heart, it's anyone's guess what will happen.
The ending of this book shocked me, pleased me, and broke my heart just a little. An unexpected ending to an incredible series.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

The Wizard Heir, by Cinda Williams Chima


Seph McCauley is 16, a trouble-maker, and can have any girl twisted tight with his little finger. A heartbreaker with serious issues.
Seph (LOVE his name!) has been kicked out of every exclusive school he has attended. When a fire breaks out at a party, Seph is sent to a boarding school on the east coast called The Havens.
With his magical powers spinning wildly out of control Havens seems like the perfect solution. A headmaster to teach him how to control himself, friends with the same powers. It seems too good to be true.... and that's because it is. With hidden agendas, evil sacrifices, and cameras that watch his every move, Seph must escape this prison called The Havens.
Armed with new knowledge Seph is on his way to becoming one of the most powerful wizards of all time. An excellent sequel that leaves you wanting more.

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Warrior Heir, by Cinda Williams Chima


Jack grew up in a small town called Trinity, Ohio. A miracle to his mother, having survived heart surgery when he was only an infant. He has to take medicine every day for his heart.
One day, he skips it. Little did he know, the medicine was a power suppressant, a magical power suppressant. Jack is a wizard, a warrior heir. Heir in a magical community where stones hold power and words can bring about destruction.
Now wizards are showing up, trying to teach him, steal him, trade him. He is the last Warrior known to the wizard community, and everyone wants a piece of him. Having to choose sides in a bloody wizard's war, Jack must decide who to trust and how to survive in this cutthroat world of magic and mystery.
It appears this is the debut novel of Chima, the start of this book is a little rocky and full of cliches. BUT, keep reading. Trust me. It not only gets better, it gets really really good.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

House of Night Series, by PC + Kristin Cast


Enter the dark, magical world of The House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change--and not all of those who are Marked do.
This isn't just a vampyre book. The Four Elements are incorporated in this book. Special vampyres are given an affinity with one of the elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, or Water. So amid the darkness of the vampyre story, there is magic, spell casting, and a variety of odd legend mixed in.
The one downside to this book/series was that it was a little graphic, there were mild scenes of sexuality- which weren't necessary. Other than that small part, this is an amazing series, book 7 comes out in April.

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold


This is the story of Susie Salmon, like the fish - as Susie would say. She was murdered at the age of 14, by a neighbor. Susie tells this story, following her family and her killer from her own kind of heaven. Susie tells us about her family, their grief, and how everything falls apart in the days, weeks, and years after her death.
The title "The Lovely Bones" actually means something, and it's meaning is what Susie discovers in the years after her death.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks



Anything with Channing Tatum will automatically get an A++ from me. I saw the previews and didn't want to wait until the release date to find out what this story was all about.

"Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever.

This book is an incredible journey of love and of heartbreak. A heartbreak you could never possibly imagine. If you want to laugh, cry, or just feel, I reccommend this book.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Fallen, by Lauren Kate


There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
This book is full of intrigue, friendships, and a little romance. Each character is incredible and believable. This is part of a series, can't wait for Torment, Fall 2010.

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Maze Runner, James Dashner


Kudos to Mr. Dashner for writing the start of a compelling series.
He arrives in The Glade, his only memory of himself and his past is that his name is Thomas. And he isn't the only one, the other boys in the Glade arrived the same way he did, in a metal lift, with their memories wiped clean.
The Glade is the center of a massive maze, 2 years have passed since the arrival of the first Glader, and no one has been able to find an exit, boys are being killed by monsters in the maze, and it seems hopeless to figure out the maze and get back to what they hope is their happily ever after.
Thomas is about to change all that...

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Splendor, by Anna Godbersen


Final book in The Luxe Series, I was on tenterhooks the entire time, waiting for the end, hoping for what it should be.
This was, hands-down, the most disappointing end to a series/book I have ever read. The book ends and it leaves you empty, wishing the author would have thought through her characters more, I don't feel like the ending was something (had they been real people) would have ever, ever in a million years, ever let happen.
I will be extremely hesitant to purchase another book from this author again.