Dark Souls by Paula Morris

To read my review of the first book in this series, please click here: Ruined.



Title: Dark Souls (Ruined #2)
Author: Paula Morris
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Fiction/Ghost Story
Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: Some descriptive images associated with ghosts
Premise: " Sixteen-year-old Miranda Tennant arrives in York, England, with her parents and brother, trying to recover from the terrible accident that killed her best friend, and while in the haunted city she falls in love for the first time as two boys, one also suffering from a great loss and the other a ghost, fight for her attentions" (King County Library System).
Opinions: As a twist, this second book in a series does not contain the same characters as the first.  I was slightly disappointed in this because I so desperately wanted to read more about what happened next after the first book. The surprise is, that even though this book takes place in a different setting, with a whole new set of characters, I loved it even MORE than the first book in the series. I was entranced getting to experience York, England through the eyes of the author, to learn its history, and so much more. I enjoy the various ghosts Miranda meets and the things that she learns about herself along the way as she strives to overcome a devastating past.  Along with her I wondered who was real and who was supernatural. I love the interplay between Miranda and her parents, as well as her brother Rob.  And Nick was an incredibly complex and intriguing character, but you'll have to pick up the book to find out why.  As I said in my previous post, I normally do not read ghost stories, but I must say. . .I am TOTALLY hooked on this series.

Ruined by Paula Morris

Title: Ruined (Ruined #1)
Author: Paula Morris
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA/Teen Fiction (depending on the library)
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Some scary images related to ghosts.
Premise: "A gripping supernatural mystery and romance set in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans. She's staying in a creepy house with her aunt, who reads tarot cards. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey gives Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda.
Then one night, among the oak trees in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to show Rebecca the nooks and crannies of New Orleans. There's just one catch.

Lisette is a ghost" (Publisher Summary).
Opinions: This is a fascinating story that takes place in location loaded with history. I was so spell-bound by the interesting facts/tidbits interspersed through the story about New Orleans and the various societies and backgrounds. I was intrigued that it takes place post Hurricane Katrina and talks about the effects the storm had on the people and how it's still striving to be rebuilt.  I was compelled by the characters and their depth and mystery and eager to find out more about them.  When I finished the book just now all I could think was "Holy Cow!" Maybe not the most reverent response to reading something, but I was flabbergasted. I always struggle at the end of any book wondering what the characters would do the next day in their lives just passed the words The End and most definitely do I find myself saying ". . .but what about this? and what about that? but but but but."  I am most relieved to have found out that this is only the first book in a series.  Book two is called Dark Souls and book three is Unbroken and I will most definitely be looking up my library to see if they carry them.  I want to know more. More about New Orleans, its history, its people, and the fascinating characters in this modern day ghost story.

Variant by Robison Wells

Title: Variant (Variant Series #1)
Author: Robison Wells
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Teen/YA Fiction Dystopian
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate Violence (some hinted at and others openly shown)
Premise: "After years in foster homes, seventeen-year-old Benson Fisher applies to New Mexico's Maxfield Academy in hopes of securing a brighter future, but instead he finds that the school is a prison and no one is what he or she seems" (King County Library System).
Opinions: This was an intriguing book to read.  I was completely fascinated by the plot about a teen from the foster care system who gets into a private school only to find out there are no adults anywhere.  Talk about cool.  Then the twists kept coming.  Oh my goodness!  (Can't give away too much.) I kept trying to figure Benson out and what was really going on.  Trust me...I had no clue and my jaw dropped when I found out.  Even the end of book made me sit up and say, "NO FREAKING WAY!!!!"  This book is a psychological thriller.

I did wonder about Benson as he appeared callus toward things that some of the students said that had happened at Maxfield Acadamy before his arrival.  But, then again I wondered if I were coming from a life of abandonment would I act the same, and I honestly might have.  I think the main reason I didn't give this book a fabulous rating is because I spent the whole time reading the book trying to ascertain who was really in control and at the end I still have no clue.  But, hey, that just makes me want to read book two - Feedback - which came out this last week.  Well played Robison Wells.

The Empress's Tomb by Kirsten Miller

To read my review of the first book in this series click here: Inside the Shadow City.

 

Title: The Empress's Tomb (Kiki Strike #2)
Author: Kirsten Miller
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YAMystery
Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Fourteen-year-olds Ananka Fishbein, Kiki Strike, and the other Irregulars encounter a Chinese mummy, a ghost, trained squirrels, and old enemies as they try to stop an art forgery ring and safeguard the secret streets hidden beneath New York City" (King County Library System).
Opinions:  The group of Irregulars, who were founded in book one (Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City), continue to be a fantastic mix of personalities and talents.  The Empress's Tomb is a perfect sequel in that it retained several aspects of the first book that I adored, but still increased the level of intrigue dramatically.  I still LOVE Ananka.  I loved seeing her delve into issues of faith in others.  I loved wondering if the Irregulars would stand through amazing trials as true friends, or be torn apart by mistrust. I love the diversity in characters.  I also enjoyed seeing the interactions between several of the girls and their "parents".  This series is a brilliant one for focusing on the inner strength and self-worth of teen girls. The plot is intriguing and the twists engaging.  I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a great adventure.

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Title: Teen Idol
Author: Meg Cabot
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: High school junior Jenny Greenley is so good at keeping secrets that she's the school newspaper's anonymous advice columnist. She's so good at it that, when hotter-than-hot Hollywood star Luke Striker comes to her small town to research a role, Jenny is the one in charge of keeping his identity under wraps. But Luke doesn't make it easy, and soon everyone—the town, the paparazzi, and the tabloids alike—know his secret...and Jenny is caught right in the middle of all the chaos. (goodreads.com)

Opinions: Okay, I know. Teen Idol? Stephanie, are you kidding me? But hear me out.

This is a fun book. It is almost every girl's dream that her movie crush will come to her high school. But Jenny isn't like all the other girls. So when Luke Striker comes to Jenny's high school she is given the responsibility to show him around and keep his secret. Hilarious chaos insues. Especially when Jenny realizes that she is not Mayo but Special Sauce. And seriously the part with the red sequeined lightning bolt dress had me laughing out loud. (Best part: that was based on Meg Cabot's show choir dress in high school. LOVE IT!)

Teen Idol is my go to book when I just need a happy, fun book that I know is clean and will keep me laughing and entertained for a couple of hours. It's super fun. Don't knock it till you try it, deal? Deal.

You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

Title: You Wish
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: Kayla McHenry's sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla's secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin' do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year's supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla's wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend.

Opinions: This book is laugh out loud funny. I loved the premise. It made me think. What did I wish for on my birthdays past and would I really want them to come true even 24 hours after I wished them? It is really funny to read about how she has a life size My Little Pony following her around and the other wishes are just as hysterical. It is just a fun and funny book about growing up and finding the person you are, as well as your inner child.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

We are almost a week into our Month of 99 Reviews. Are you enjoying it? I hope so! More reviews are coming soon. Let us know what you think.

Title: The Cinderella Society
Author: Kay Cassidy
Reviewer: Stephanie

Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of. (goodreads.com)

Opinions: This is a fun and thought provoking book. Okay, I know what your thinking. "Thought provoking? Please." But it's TRUE!! Okay, it's probably not going to change the world and it's not "Grapes of Wrath" (Thank heavens!). But it made me think about how I treat people. Whether or not I would stand up or stand by when someone was being bullied. Also how do I perceive myself and how can I be my best me.

I liked that Jess was definately a relateable character. She made stupid mistakes and she was so very human. I love that she was conflicted in her choices. If she had been too perfect I would have found her very annoying. But as it was I enjoyed this book and am excited to read its sequel.

Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Blue Noon (Book 3 - Midnighters Series)
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Fiction/ Science Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Mild Language and fantastical violence
Premise: "The five midnighters from Bixby discover that the secret hour is starting to invade the daylight world, and if they cannot stop it, the darklings will soon be free to hunt again." (King County Library System)
Opinions: The final book in the midnighter's series is my favorite of the trilogy. In this book the ground work laid in the first two books finally comes to fruition and the issues they deal with no longer just affect each other, but could affect the world. I love getting to see the midnighters tenuous relationship put to the test and their sense of what they know to be true questioned. I love seeing Jessica's sister Beth take more of an active roll trying to figure out what is truly going on. I must say that the ending surprised me and the first time that I read it several years ago I was upset by it. Now that I've had the chance to read it again, I see that it fits very well (Though it still seems an unusual end, I liked it this time.) Overall I felt that this book helped the midnighters take on more responsibility and make tough decisions that lead them into early adulthood. On a side note - Dess is now tied with Jonathan for my favorite character of the series. Once again I must say (in case you didn't see it before) if you like Twilight, then please give this series a try. Granted personally I'm still not an overall fan of Rex.

Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Touching Darkness (Book 2 - Midnighters Series)
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Some language, some violence relating to battling evil
Premise: "As they continue to battle evil creatures living in an hour hidden at midnight, Jessica and her new friends learn about Bixby, Oklahoma's shadowy past and uncover a deadly conspiracy that reaches beyond the secret hour." (King County Library System)
Opinions: This book picks up a few days/weeks after the conclusion of book one. I liked getting to know the characters at a more complex level in this book, though Rex and Melissa tend to annoy me (however, I think that was the author's intent). I still worry about kids getting the wrong idea about sneaking out when they think their parents are asleep. However, I really loved learning more of the history of the Midnighters in Bixby and to find out that now they have to be aware both night and day of what or who may be coming after them. Once again I think that if you enjoyed reading the Twilight series that you would enjoy reading this series as well (even though it isn't about Vampires).

The Blade of Shattered Hope by James Dashner

As this book review is for the 3rd book in the series, please click on the following links to read my previous reviews for book one and two of the series: The Journal of Curious Letters and The Hunt for Dark Infinity.

Title: The Blade of Shattered Hope (Book 3 of The 13th Reality Series)
Author: James Dashner
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: MidGrade/Teen Sci-fi
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Tense scenes and violence
Premise: Mistress Jane has tapped into the universe's darkest secret to create the Blade of Shattered Hope, and in her quest to attain a Utopian reality for the future of mankind she is ready to risk billions of lives to set her plan in motion. (King County Library System)
Opinions: This book received mixed reviews on GoodReads.com. However, personally, this is my FAVORITE book of the series so far. The author's writing continues to approve and the storyline remains very compelling. As the characters have been established in previous books the author is able to play more with how situations effect everyone on a more internal level. Mistress Jane reeks solidly of evil though it is clear that she feels her logic regarding her actions are just. I also loved getting to know Mothballs family.


I do admit that some scenes were graphically violent, but if you consider the situation and what you might have done in the same situation then the action makes sense (though personally I wouldn't have described it in the same amount of detail). This book is great in that it makes the reader ask how far he/she would go if everything and everyone they loved were threatened. I would recommend this series as a great read for teens and adults alike, but would also highly recommend that families read it together so they can have discussions about what happens.

Being Sixteen by Allyson B. Condie

Title: Being Sixteen
Author: Allison B. Condie
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: Juliet Kendall has been looking forward to her sixteenth birthday for what feels like forever. At first, it seems like being sixteen will be as perfect as she dreamed-she has great friends, a cute almost-boyfriend, a spot on the varsity girls- basketball team, and even a car of her own. But, as the year goes on, she discovers that her sister Carly is hiding a secret and realizes that, in fact, being sixteen may be her hardest year yet. (Amazon Product Description)
Opinions: This is book takes a hard look at how difficult it is to be a teenager in this day and age, especially when having to fight against what society considers a good personal image. The characters are deeply realistic and deal with the very real issue of eating disorders. I love how Allyson Condie shows the impacts of one sister's eating disorders impacts her family, her friends, and her view of religion. I found Juliet to be an incredibly in depth character and I found myself drawn into her story as her world goes from fabulous to disastrous. This is a definite must read for teens and adults alike.

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Title: The Cardturner
Author: Louis Sachar
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: When his wealthy uncle, a champion bridge player who has lost his vision, asks seventeen-year-old Alton to be a cardturner for him, Alton has no idea how much he will ultimately learn from his eccentric relative. Includes appendix by Syd Fox with information about bridge. (King County Library System)
Opinions: Louis Sachar is a Fabulous author. I have been a fan of his since I was in third grade. So when I saw his latest book, I was so excited. I didn't know anything about it when I started reading it. So as I read I learned about Alton and his uncle, Trapps, and Alton's money obsessed parents and some family friends that are a little "crazy". The characters in this book like Sachars other books are quite unique and fun to read about. They aren't so off that you don't think that they are unrealistic. They are people I can see meeting in real life.

I thought that fact that Alton is his uncles' cardturner was an interesting aspect of the story. Alton doesn't know anything about bridge and as he watches his uncle play he learns about the game and is itching to try it out. I love the straight forward story and the backstory and how they weave together. Plus the ending is completely satisfying. This is a fun book and VERY clean. I really liked it. And now I have an urge to learn how to play bridge.

My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Title: My Double Life
Author: Janette Rallison
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: LOVE LOVE LOVE
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: When eighteen-year-old Lexi of Morgantown, West Virginia, becomes the body double of a famous pop star, she discovers that the girl she is replacing is actually her half-sister, and that their father is a famous rock star. (King County Library System)
Opinions: I LOVE Janette Rallison! Not only that, but this is one of the best books she has ever written. Lexi is a likeable interesting character. She has grown up poor and not knowing who her father is. But when she is asked to become the body double for famous pop star Kari Kingsley, she puts two and two together and realizes her father is Alex Kingsley famous lead singer of The Journey Men. In the book you see Lexi learning who she is and who she wants to be and whether or not she needs a father to be all she wants to be. This is a FABULOUS book, that I couldn't put down.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Title: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
Author: Ally Carter
Reviewer: Stephanie
Genre: Teen Fiction
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school...that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, Gallagher Academy might posit itself as a school for geniuses but what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name? Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her school (it's really not a last resort place for snooty heiresses with nowhere else to go), her family (her mother is a retired spy and headmistress of the school for goodness sake) or her life (daughter of spy royalty and destined for great things)? (King County Library System)

Opinions: I randomly picked up an ARC of this book when I was working for a book distributer with dozens (okay- hundreds) of other books. Slowly, I worked my way through the pile, (okay- still working on it). I decided to read this one on a trip I was taking with my husband. I was sitting on the plane reading it and burst out laughing. Not once or twice, but many times. It was hysterical to me. It is funny and quirky and totally fun. Cammie and her friends attend an all girl school for spies in training and yet they don't understand boys. Liz, Bex and Macey all try to help Cammie figure it out by using their tried and true spy skills, which leads to an unforgettable climax. Ally Carter is a great writer and this is totally a FabulousRead.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings:
Premise: Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape. (King County Library System)
Opinions: Every month for two years the "Glade" has received a new teenage boy. Every time a new boy arrives, they arrive with their mind completely wiped clean of the past. All they know is that, like everyone else in the glade, they must work together to survive and to find a way out of the maze that they live in. Whether coincidence or not, once Thomas arrives things go all askew and a difficult life becomes even more dangerous. The very next day everyone is surprised that another visitor arrives...this time a girl. Before she passes out she brings one message to all in the glade - Everything is about to change.

The more of James Dashner's books that I read, I can definitely see his progression as a writer. His plot is intriguing, the characters interesting, and yet he still retains that one something in all his books that makes it hard to put the book down until you have read the very last word on the last page. I am definitely looking forward to where this series is headed and can't wait for the next installment.

The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner

The James Dashner book giveaway continues. Don't forget to check out the rules here. The contest will run until the end of the month and the winner will receive a signed copy of The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters. Please spread the word to your friends and family.





Title: The Hunt for Dark Infinity (Book 2 of the The 13th Reality Series)
Author: James Dashner
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Genre: Mid-Grade/Teen Sci-Fi
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Some Tense Scenes
Premise: After being kidnapped by Mr. Chu, Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom and his friends Paul and Sofia must survive a series of tests in several different Realities. (King County Library System)
Opinions: I was lucky enough to win this book as an advance reader copy (ARC) through a contest that James held on his blog. I was so in love with all of James' other books that I couldn't wait for the actual release to start reading. Though I have to admit that the book starts at a slow pace, I love the fact that it starts with Sophia and Paul are visiting with Tick and his family. I also really love getting to know Sato and his story better. Things quickly picked up and I soon discovered that I couldn't put the book down. The author has the great ability of throwing in twist and turns that cause you to do a double take, but then fully explains them in a satisfying manner. I really loved Tick's family in the first book and wished to see them a lot more in this one. Though I was disappointed that they weren't in there as much as I hoped I was so ecstatic by a wonderful twist concerning Tick's mom that you will have to find out for yourself at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fantastic read, that I highly recommend to all - young and old.

Airhead

Title: Airhead

Author: Meg Cabot

Reviewer: Stephanie

Genre: Teen Fiction

Rating: Love

Alerts/Warnings: some very mild sexual referrences

Premise: Sixteen-year-old Emerson Watts, an advanced placement student with a disdain for fashion, is the recipient of a "whole body transplant" and finds herself transformed into one of the world's most famous teen supermodels.(King County Library System)

Opinions: I thought that this book was compelling and thought provoking. Not only was it fun to read but it made me think about ethical dilemas and problems. I loved the ideas behind becoming a new person, literally. The characters were likeable with very real emotions. I thought that Meg Cabot did a wonderful job at making her characters come to life. There was some mild sexual referrences and I would definately say it was a teen book. I loved it and am excited that there is a sequel coming out later this year. (I think this summer.)